lxix    When they approached they knocked upon the gate. The agèd Porter asked, "Who are you two Who dare to call on us. You know it's late." Etain cried out, "We'll sing and play for you." He left, but then the Steward came to view The beggars. "Enter! Since we lost our King And Queen our nights are long and sad. Once you Could hear the castle walls with music ring.    We cherish harpists, minstrels too. Please play and sing."    Within a wood there is a spring. Its taste is bitter, sharp and cold.    It chills my bones, yet each sip brings Before me visions to behold.    Not all are pleasant sights to see.    I taste the Pool of Memory.            ****** Now tip the chalice to your lips.    My love you'll have forever. Like tender kisses are your sips.    Oh, love, let me linger, linger.      False lovers drink of mead and wine To ease their fears, the past forget.    They think their boasts and sobs refined. Their spirits soar beyond regret.    At dawn they wake in misery.    My love, I taste of Memory.           ****** Now tip the chalice to your lips    My love you'll have forever Like tender kisses are your sips.    Oh, love, let me linger, linger.    At first the rippling surface shines Till cloudy shapes below float by.    Beneath the dreamy sky I find The darkened depths where shadows lie.    Up swells the spring to meet the sea!    Love, taste 'The Pool of Memory.'             ****** Now tip the chalice to your lips.    My love you'll have forever. Like tender kisses are your sips.    Oh love, let me linger, linger. lxx    How moved the Steward was when this he heard! "No voice," he whispered, "Have I ever known, Save lost Etain's to sing each note and word So sweetly. Never have strong fingers flown O'er strings so fast; no harp could yield such tone As Orfeo's when to our court he played. Oh, now I know they'll never claim their throne! Your music is much better that they made.    They must be dead. Friend, may I see your harp?" he bade.