Illumination for the Golden Dolphin of Mistress Ysabeau ferch Gwalchaved

The words are written by Lord Ishmael and read:

Je dirai le lai d’Ysabeau,

L’hermine précieuse: l'histoire, mon cadeau

When stunning feast she richly laid;

Music, games of all sorts were played,

And Ysabeau did make a place

For all in need, and on her face

No hint of feelings deeply troubled,

Or, by a little anger, ruffled,

Though she had much work yet to do.

As the warm festivities grew

They marveled at her, time again,

All who saw her, men and women.

Her hospitality drew cheers

One count for each the many years

Fine Ysabeau had spun fine cloth,

Always clothing someone else, by troth.

Speaking of, had she on the loom

Yet one more brocade yet to bloom.

So, that night, continued harps and song

Were distant as she left the throng,

La baronne went to quiet wood;

For there her loom had often stood.

She doffed her cloak (the better then

Prepared for work) to weave again.

Soon enough, she heard the crowd,

Of beloved neighbors, not loud,

Come gather round with drinks, and sit

For they had quickly noticed it:

Her disappearance, not to bed,

But to work for their good instead.

So Ysabeau worked her brocade,

While friends and neighbors nearby laid

On the green in sweet company:

Jovial friends, students ‘neath the trees.

To love them through her works, and bless

Them--it's who she is, and no less.

In glad support, and good service,

Of Ysabeau, I do know this:

La Dauphine Dorée certaine,

Done by King Eckehard and Queen Jane this 25th day of September, A.S. LVI