chapter 9 || (both endure the same grief)

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K A N E L A N G R E S

(He was learned in many kinds of lore, undaunted in deeds of knighthood, trustworthy and high-minded, wise and prudent in his plans, foresighted and foreseeing, fully accomplished in all skills beyond all other men who lived in that country at that time.  To the fierce he was fierce, and to the merciless he showed no mercy.)

They inclined their hearts and minds toward him, for that is the way of women.  They prefer the fulfillment of their desires rather than moderation, and often what they cannot obtain while they reject and neglect that which is theirs to have and to hold.  Thus misfortune has befallen many who willingly abandoned themselves to such great sorrow.

B L E N S I N B I L

(The sister of the king was so beautiful and becoming, lovely and lovable, gracious and graceful, magnificent and majestic that there has not been a flower like her within the ken of man. There had never been born her equal in wit and wisdom, courteous conduct, liberal and noble character, so that rich and poor, young and old, miserable and wretched loved this lovely maiden with heart and mind.)

Now both of them bore the same grief and endured the same care and concern, abundant affliction and sufficient sorrow because of their great perplexity.  She loved him with the greatest good will, and he loved her with the greatest steadfastness, and yet neither of them knew this of the other.

Thus this courtly couple, with the greatest concord, completely carried out their will,
and each enjoyed the pleasant fellowship of the other without slander or reproach.

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 from The Saga of Tristram and Isönd

chapter 9, both endure the same grief

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