"
But when the Welshman had sung, he answered:
"Boy, what do you know of the craft of music? If the burgesses of
Lyonesse teach their sons harp--play also, and rotes and viols too,
rise, and take this harp and show your skill."
Then Tristan took the harp and sang so well that the barons softened
as they heard, and King Mark marvelled at the harper from Lyonesse
whither so long ago Rivalen had taken Blanchefleur away.
When the song ended, the King was silent a long space, but he said at
last:
"Son, blessed be the master that taught thee, and blessed be thou of
God: for God loves good singers. Their voices and the voice of the
harp enter the souls of men and wake dear memories and cause them to
forget many a mourning and many a sin. For our joy did you come to
this roof, stay near us a long time, friend."
And Tristan answered:
"Very willingly will I serve you, sire, as your harper, your huntsman
and your liege."
So did he, and for three years a mutual love grew up in their hearts.
By day Tristan followed King Mark at pleas and in saddle; by night he
slept in the royal room with the councillors and the peers, and if the
King was sad he would harp to him to soothe his care. The barons also
cherished him, and (as you shall learn) Dinas of Lidan, the seneschal,
beyond all others.
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