Eftsoons the priest had made his say,
The courtly knights and ladies gay
Did haste from every side,
With honeyed words, and hackneyed phrase,
And dainty smiles, withal, to praise
Sir Grover’s blushing bride.
Outspake the courtly Sir Lamar,
“Of all fair brides, you, lady, are
The fairest I have seen:
Not only of this castle grand,
But of all hearts throughout the land,
Are you acknowledged queen!”
Whereat the Lady Frances bowed;
And rapturous murmurs in the crowd
Did presently attest,
That, of the chestnuts uttered there,
This chestnut was without compare—
Foredating all the rest.