smooth;
wherefore
fear
not
that
I
shall
throw
thee
down
or
drag
thee
along
.
And
tomorrow
thy
shame
shall
be
gone
and
we
shall
see
what
is
to
betide
.
Lo
,
friends
,
this
is
the
last
word
he
spake
ere
he
was
slain
,
and
the
ending
of
my
tale
;
for
we
had
gone
thus
but
a
little
way
ere
ye
brake
out
of
the
wood
upon
us
;
and
then
befell
the
death
of
one
friend
,
and
the
doubt
,
maybe
,
of
the
others
,
and
all
the
grief
and
sorrow
that
I
shall
never
be
quit
of
unless
ye
forgive
me
where
I
have
done
amiss
,
and
help
me
in
the
days
to
come
.
And
she
spread
out
her
hands
before
them
,
and
bowed
her
head
,
and
the
tears
fell
from
her
eyes
on
to
the
floor
.
Viridis
wept
at
Birdalone’s
weeping
,
and
Aurea
for
her
own
sorrow
,
which
this
other
sorrow
stirred
.
Atra
wept
not
,
but
her
face
was
sadder
than
weeping
.
But
Arthur
spake
and
said
:
Herein
hath
been
the
hand
of
Weird
,
and
hath
been
heavy
on
us
;
but
no
blame
have
we
to
lay
on
our
sister
Birdalone
,
nor
hath
she
done
light-mindedly
by
us
;
though
maybe
she
erred
in
not
trusting
to
the
good-hap
of
the
Quest
to
bring
us
back
in
due
time
:
and
all
that
she
saith
do
we
trow
as
if
it
were
written
in
the
Holy
Gospel
.
They
all
yeasaid
this
,
and
called
on
her
to
come
amongst
them
;
but
she
thought
of
little
at
first
save
the
joy
of
hearing
the
sweetness
of
those
words
as
Arthur
spake
them
;
wherefore
she
hung
back
a
little
,
and
thought
shame
of
it
that
she
might
not
give
more
heed
to
the
others
of
them
.
Then
came
Viridis
and
took
her
by
the
hand
and
led
her
to
Sir
Hugh
,
and
Birdalone
knelt
down
before
him
and
took
his
hand
to
kiss
it
,
but
he
put
both
hands
about
her
face
and
kissed
her
kindly
and
merrily
on
the
lips
.
Then
she
knelt
before
Aurea
,
and
was
hapless
before
her
;
but
Aurea
kissed
her
,
and
bade
her
be
of
better
cheer
,
albeit
the
words
came
coldly
from
her
mouth
.
Next
she
came
to
Arthur
,
and
knelt
before
him
and
took
his
hand
and
kissed
it
,
and
thanked
him
kindly
for
his
kind
words
,
looking
into
his
face
meanwhile
;
and
she
saw
that
it
was
pale
and
troubled
now
,
and
she
longed
to
be
alone
with
him
that
she
might
ask
him
wherefore
.
As
for
Atra
,
she
arose
as
Birdalone
came
before
her
,
and
cast
her
arms
about
her
neck
,
and
wept
and
sobbed
upon
her
bosom
,
and
then
went
hurrying
from
out
the
solar
and
into
the
hall
,
and
walked
to
and
fro
there
a
while
until
the
passion
that
tore
her
was
lulled
somewhat
,
and
she
might
show
her
face
to
them
calm
and
friendly
once
more
.
And
as
she
entered
Arthur
was
speaking
,
and
he
said
:
To
you
,
ladies
,
I
tell
what
we
of
the
castle
wot
better
than
well
,
that
our
dear
friend
hath
escaped
so
heavy
a
fate
in
escaping
the
Red
Hold
,
that
it
were
unmeet
for
us
to
murmur
at
our
loss
in
our
fellow
;
for
a
warrior’s
life
,
which
is
ever
in
peril
of
death
,
is
nought
over
heavy
a
ransom
for
such
a
friend
,
and
so
dear
and
lovely
,
from
such
a
long
and
evil
death
.
Whereas
ye
must
wot
that
the
said
Hold
hath
this
long
while
been
a
very
treasure-house
of
woes
and
a
coffer
of
lamentations
;
for
merciless
was
the
tyrant
thereof
,
and
merciless
all
his
folk
.
Now
another
time
,
when
ye
are
stronger
in
heart
than
now
ye
be
,
I
may
tell
you
tales
thereof
closer
and
more
nicely
of
those
who
did
his
will
;
as
of
his
innermost
band
of
men-at-arms
,
called
the
Millers
;
and
of
his
fellow-worker
in
wizardry
and
venoms
,
called
the
Apothecary
;
and
the
three
hags
,
called
the
Furies
;
and
the
three
young
women
,
called
the
Graces
;
and
his
hounds
that
love
man’s
flesh
;
and
the
like
tales
,
as
evil
as
nightmares
turned
into
deeds
of
the
day
.
But
now
and
here
will
I
say
this
,
that
when
we
have
done
the
obsequies
of
our
dear
fellow
,
it
were
good
that
we
follow
up
the
battle
so
valiantly
begun
by
him
.
I
mean
that
the
Quest
of
our
ladies
being
now
accomplished
,
we
should
turn
what
is
left
of
the
fellowship
into
a
war
against
the
Red
Hold
and
its
evil
things
;
and
that
so
soon
as
the
relics
of
Baudoin
are
laid
in
earth
,
we
gather
force
and
go
thither
in
arms
to
live
or
die
in
the
quarrel
,
and
so
sweeten
the
earth
,
as
did
the
men
of
ancient
days
when
they
slew
the
dragons
and
the
giants
,
and
the
children
of
hell
,
and
the
sons
of
Cain
.
His
cheek
flushed
as
he
spoke
,
and
he
looked
around
till
his
eyes
fell
on
Birdalone
,
and
he
saw
that
her
face
also
glowed
and
her
eyes
gleamed
;
but
Viridis
,
her
heart
sank
so
that
she
paled
,
and
her
lips
trembled
.
But
Aurea
spake
and
said
:
I
thank
thee
for
thy
word
,
Black
Squire
,
and
I
know
that
my
man
shall
rejoice
in
Paradise
when
he
knoweth
of
it
,
and
thereof
shall
I
tell
him
tomorrow
when
the
mass
is
said
for
him
.
And
Atra
said
:
Good
is
the
word
,
and
we
look
to
it
that
the
deed
shall
be
better
yet
.
Thus
hath
the
evil
arisen
that
shall
destroy
the
evil
,
as
oft
hath
been
when
the
valiant
have
been
grieved
,
and
the
joy
of
the
true-hearted
hath
been
stolen
from
them
;
then
the
hand
doth
the
doughty
deed
and
the
heart
hath
ease
,
and
solaced
is
sorrow
.
They
looked
on
her
and
wondered
,
for
she
spake
with
her
head
upraised
and
her
eyes
glittering
,
as
she
had
been
one
of
the
wise
women
of
yore
agone
.
And
Birdalone
feared
her
,
though
she
loved
her
.
Lastly
spake
Hugh
,
and
said
:
Brother
,
this
is
well
thought
of
indeed
,
and
I
marvel
that
I
did
not
prevent
thee
;
and
I
am
thine
to
live
and
die
with
thee
.
And
the
adventure
is
nought
unlikely
;
for
if
we
have
lost
a
captain
they
have
lost
their
head
devil
,
and
their
head
little
devil
;
moreover
,
the
good
men
of
Greenford
shall
join
them
to
us
,
and
that
shall
make
us
strong
,
whereas
they
have
men
enough
,
and
those
stout
men-at-arms
;
and
artificers
they
have
to
make
us
engines
,
and
do
other
wisdom
;
and
therewithal
money
to
buy
or
to
wage
what
they
will
.
Wherefore
,
to
my
mind
,
we
were
best
to
make
no
tarrying
,
but
send
out
the
messengers
for
the
hosting
straightway
.
Straightway
,
said
the
Black
Squire
;
and
let
us
go
now
and
find
Sir
Aymeris
.
So
they
arose
both
and
went
their
ways
,
and
left
the
women
there
alone
,
and
were
gone
a
good
while
.
Chapter
VIII
~
Atra
and
Birdalone
Talk
Together
While
the
Lords
Sit
at
the
Murder-Council
Meanwhile
of
their
absence
,
Viridis
sat
sad
and
silent
and
downcast
,
though
she
wept
not
,
for
her
gladness
,
which
erst
had
been
so
great
,
seemed
now
reft
from
her
;
and
no
merrier
was
Aurea
,
as
might
have
been
looked
for
.
But
Atra
came
quietly
unto
Birdalone
,
and
said
softly
:
I
have
a
word
for
thee
if
thou
wilt
come
forth
with
me
into
the
hall
.
Birdalone’s
heart
failed
her
somewhat
,
but
she
suffered
Atra
to
take
her
hand
,
and
they
went
into
the
hall
together
,
and
Atra
brought
her
into
a
shot-window
,
and
they
sat
down
together
side
by
side
and
were
silent
awhile
.
Spake
Atra
then
,
trembling
and
reddening
:
Birdalone
,
knowest
thou
what
thought
,
what
hope
,
was
in
my
heart
when
I
spake
so
proudly
and
rashly
e’en
now
?
Birdalone
kept
silence
,
and
trembled
as
the
other
did
.
This
it
was
,
said
Atra
:
he
will
go
to
this
battle
valiantly
,
he
may
fall
there
,
and
that
were
better
;
for
then
is
life
to
begin
anew
:
and
what
is
there
to
do
with
these
dregs
of
life
?
Said
Birdalone
,
with
flushed
face
:
If
he
die
he
shall
die
goodly
,
and
if
he
live
he
shall
live
goodly
.
Yea
,
yea
,
said
Atra
;
forsooth
thou
art
a
happy
woman
!
Dost
thou
hate
me
?
said
Birdalone
.
Said
Atra
:
Proud
is
thy
word
,
but
I
hate
thee
not
.
Nay
,
e’en
now
,
when
I
spake
thus
boastfully
,
I
thought
:
When
he
hath
died
as
a
doughty
knight
should
,
then
,
when
life
begins
again
,
Birdalone
and
I
shall
be
friends
and
sisters
,
and
we
two
will
talk
together
oft
and
call
him
to
mind
,
and
the
kindness
of
him
,
and
how
he
loved
us
.
Woe’s
me
!
that
was
when
he
was
there
sitting
beside
me
and
I
could
see
him
and
his
kindness
;
and
then
it
was
as
if
I
could
give
him
away
;
but
now
he
is
gone
and
I
may
not
see
him
,
it
is
clear
to
me
that
I
have
no
part
or
lot
in
him
,
and
I
call
back
my
thought
and
my
word
,
and
now
it
is
:
O
that
he
may
live
!
O
thou
happy
woman
,
that
shall
be
glad
whether
he
liveth
or
dieth
!
Said
Birdalone
:
And
now
thou
hatest
me
,
dost
thou
not
,
and
we
are
foes
?
Atra
answered
not
,
nor
spake
for
a
while
;
then
she
said
:
Hard
and
bitter
is
it
,
and
I
know
not
what
to
turn
to
.
I
have
seen
once
and
again
,
on
the
wall
of
the
Minorites’
church
at
Greenford
,
a
fair
picture
of
the
Blessed
,
and
they
walking
in
the
meads
of
Paradise
,
clad
in
like
raiment
,
men
and
women
;
their
heads
flower-crowned
,
their
feet
naked
in
the
harmless
blossomed
grass
;
hand
in
hand
they
walk
,
with
all
wrath
passed
for
ever
,
all
desire
changed
into
loving-kindness
,
all
the
anguish
of
forgiveness
forgotten
.
And
underneath
the
picture
is
it
writ
:
Bitter
winter
,
burning
summer
,
never
more
shall
waste
and
wear
;
Blossom
of
the
rose
undying
brings
undying
springtide
there
.
O
for
the
hope
of
it
,
that
I
might
hope
it
!
O
for
the
days
to
be
and
the
assuaging
of
sorrow
:
I
speak
the
word
,
and
the
hope
springeth
;
the
word
is
spoken
,
and
there
abideth
desire
barren
of
hope
!
And
she
bowed
down
her
head
and
wept
bitterly
;
and
Birdalone
called
to
mind
her
kindness
of
the
past
and
wept
for
her
,
she
also
.
After
a
while
Atra
lifted
up
her
head
,
and
thus
she
spake
:
I
hate
thee
not
,
Birdalone
;
nor
doth
one
say
such
things
to
a
foe
.
Yea
,
furthermore
,
I
will
crave
somewhat
of
thee
.
If
ever
there
come
a
time
when
thou
mayst
do
something
for
me
,
thou
wilt
know
it
belike
without
my
telling
thee
.
In
that
day
and
in
that
hour
I
bid
thee
remember
how
we
stood
together
erst
at
the
stair-foot
of
the
Wailing
Tower
in
the
Isle
of
Increase
Unsought
,
and
thou
naked
and
fearful
and
quaking
,
and
what
I
did
to
thee
that
tide
to
comfort
thee
and
help
and
save
thee
.
And
then
when
thou
hast
called
it
to
mind
,
do
thou
for
me
what
thou
canst
do
.
Wilt
thou
promise
this
?
Yea
,
yea
,
said
Birdalone
;
and
with
all
the
better
will
,
that
oft
and
over
again
have
I
called
it
to
mind
.
Wherefore
I
behight
thee
to
let
me
serve
thee
if
I
may
whenso
the
occasion
cometh
,
even
if
it
be
to
my
own
pain
and
grief
;
for
this
I
know
thou
meanest
.
See
thou
to
this
then
,
said
Atra
coldly
;
and
thou
shalt
be
the
better
for
it
in
the
long
run
belike
:
for
thou
art
a
happy
woman
.
She
arose
as
she
spake
,
and
said
:
Hist
!
here
come
the
lords
from
the
murder-council
;
and
lo
,
now
that
he
cometh
,
my
heart
groweth
evil
toward
thee
again
,
and
well-nigh
biddeth
me
wish
that
thou
wert
naked
and
helpless
before
me
again
.
Lo
my
unhap
!
that
he
should
mark
my
face
that
it
shows
as
if
I
were
fain
to
do
thee
a
mischief
.
And
nought
of
that
would
I
do
;
for
how
should
it
avail
me
,
and
thou
my
fellow
and
the
faithful
messenger
of
the
Quest
?
Now
little
of
her
last
words
did
Birdalone
meet
,
as
into
the
hall
came
Hugh
and
Arthur
;
and
though
she
strove
to
sober
her
mind
and
think
of
her
she-friend
and
her
unhappiness
,
yet
she
could
not
choose
but
to
be
full
of
joy
in
her
inmost
heart
now
she
knew
without
doubt
that
she
was
so
well-beloved
of
her
beloved
:
and
she
deemed
that
Atra
was
in
the
right
indeed
to
call
her
a
happy
woman
.
So
now
they
all
went
into
the
solar
together
,
and
sat
them
down
with
the
two
others
;
and
Hugh
did
them
to
wit
,
how
they
had
ordered
all
the
matter
of
the
messengers
who
were
to
summon
the
knights
and
chiefs
of
thereabouts
,
and
the
aldermen
of
Greenford
,
to
meet
at
the
Castle
of
the
Quest
,
that
they
might
set
afoot
the
hosting
to
go
against
the
Red
Hold
.
Chapter
IX
~
Hugh
Tells
the
Story
of
the
Quest’s
Ending
.
When
this
was
said
,
and
there
had
been
silence
a
while
,
Birdalone
took
up
the
word
,
and
spake
meekly
and
sweetly
,
saying
:
Dear
friends
,
how
it
fared
with
you
on
the
isle
from
the
time
of
my
leaving
you
,
and
how
with
you
,
true
knights
,
from
the
time
of
your
departure
,
I
both
were
fain
to
know
for
the
tale’s
sake
,
and
also
I
would
take
the
telling
thereof
as
a
sign
of
your
forgiveness
of
my
transgression
;
so
I
would
crave
the
same
of
you
but
if
it
weary
you
overmuch
.
All
they
yeasaid
her
kindly
,
and
Hugh
spake
and
said
:
By
your
leave
,
fellows
,
I
will
tell
in
few
words
what
betid
us
on
our
way
to
the
Isle
of
Increase
Unsought
,
and
then
shall
Viridis
take
up
the
tale
from
the
time
that
Birdalone
left
the
said
isle
in
the
witch’s
ferry
.
None
said
aught
against
it
,
and
Hugh
went
on
:
Short
is
my
tale
of
the
journey
:
We
came
to
the
Isle
of
Nothing
on
the
morrow’s
morn
of
our
departure
,
and
being
warned
of
thee
,
Birdalone
,
we
abode
there
but
a
little
while
to
rest
us
from
the
boat
,
and
went
nowhither
from
the
strand
,
and
so
went
on
our
way
in
a
three
hours’
space
.
Thence
again
we
took
the
water
,
and
came
to
the
Isle
of
Kings
,
and
that
was
in
the
middle
of
the
night
:
we
beheld
the
dead
long
and
heedfully
when
the
morning
came
,
and
departed
again
before
noon
,
and
came
to
the
Isle
of
Queens
a
little
after
nightfall
.
The
next
morning
we
deemed
we
needs
must
go
see
the
images
of
those
ladies
,
lest
aught
might
have
befell
since
thou
wert
there
which
might
be
of
import
to
the
Quest
,
but
all
was
unchanged
,
and
we
came
away
while
the
day
was
yet
young
.
We
made
the
Isle
of
the
Young
and
the
Old
about
sunset
that
day
,
and
the
boy
and
the
girl
came
down
to
the
strand
to
behold
us
and
wonder
at
us
,
and
we
sported
with
them
merrily
a
while
;
and
then
they
brought
us
to
the
house
of
the
old
man
,
who
received
us
courteously
and
gave
us
to
eat
and
drink
.
Forsooth
,
when
the
night
was
somewhat
spent
,
he
brought
out
strong
drink
to
us
,
and
took
it
somewhat
amiss
that
we
drank
not
overmuch
thereof
,
as
forsooth
he
did
,
and
so
fell
asleep
.
Before
he
was
drunk
we
asked
him
many
questions
about
the
isle
and
its
customs
,
but
he
knew
nought
to
tell
us
of
them
.
Of
thee
also
we
asked
,
sister
,
but
he
had
no
memory
of
thee
.
On
the
morrow
he
fared
down
with
us
to
our
ferry
,
and
made
many
prayers
to
us
to
take
him
along
with
us
;
for
here
,
said
he
,
is
neither
lordship
nor
fair
lady
;
and
if
here
I
abide
,
soon
shall
I
come
to
mine
ending
day
,
and
sore
I
yearn
for
joyance
and
a
long
term
to
my
years
.
Now
we
durst
not
take
him
aboard
lest
we
should
fare
amiss
with
the
wight
of
the
Sending
Boat
;
so
we
naysaid
him
courteously
,
thanked
him
for
his
guesting
,
and
gave
him
gifts
,
to
wit
,
a
finger
gold
ring
and
an
ouch
of
gold
,
so
he
turned
away
from
us
somewhat
downcast
as
we
deemed
;
but
ere
we
had
given
the
word
to
the
Sending
Boat
we
heard
him
singing
merrily
in
a
high
cracked
voice
as
he
went
on
his
way
.
Now
on
this
last
day
betid
somewhat
of
new
tidings
;
for
scarce
was
this
isle
out
of
sight
behind
,
ere
we
saw
a
boat
come
sailing
toward
us
from
the
north-east
,
and
it
came
on
swiftly
with
a
blue
ripple
of
the
lake
behind
it
.
Thereat
we
marvelled
,
and
yet
more
when
we
saw
that
its
sail
was
striped
of
gold
and
green
and
black
;
next
then
were
we
betwixt
fear
and
joy
when
,
as
it
drew
nigher
,
we
saw
three
women
in
the
said
boat
,
clad
in
gold
,
green
,
and
black
;
and
it
came
so
nigh
unto
us
at
last
,
that
we
could
see
their
faces
that
they
were
verily
those
of
our
lovelings
;
and
each
reached
out
her
arms
to
us
and
called
on
us
for
help
,
each
by
our
name
:
and
there
we
were
,
oarless
,
sailless
,
at
the
mercy
of
our
unkenned
ferry
.
Then
would
Baudoin
and
I
have
leapt
overboard
to
swim
to
our
loves
at
all
adventure
;
but
Sir
Arthur
here
stayed
us
,
and
bade
us
think
of
it
,
that
we
were
now
nearing
the
Witch-land
,
and
if
we
might
not
look
to
be
beset
with
guiles
and
gins
to
keep
us
from
winning
to
our
journey’s
end
;
wherefore
we
forbore
,
though
in
all
wretchedness
,
and
the
gay
boat
ran
down
the
wind
away
from
us
,
and
the
breeze
and
the
ripple
passed
away
with
it
,
and
the
lake
lay
under
the
hot
sun
as
smooth
as
glass
;
and
on
we
went
,
weary-hearted
.
Came
again
another
sail
out
of
the
north-east
,
when
the
sun
was
getting
low
,
and
speedily
it
drew
nigh
,
but
this
time
it
was
no
small
boat
or
barge
,
but
a
tall
ship
with
great
sails
,
and
goodly-towered
she
was
and
shield-hung
,
and
the
basnets
gleamed
and
the
spears
glittered
from
her
castle-tops
and
bulwarks
,
and
the
sound
of
her
horns
came
down
the
wind
as
she
neared
us
.
We
two
handled
our
weapons
and
did
on
our
basnets
,
but
Arthur
there
,
he
sat
still
,
and
said
:
Not
over-wise
is
the
witch
,
that
she
lets
loose
on
us
two
sendings
in
one
day
so
like
unto
each
other
.
Hah
,
said
Baudoin
,
be
we
wary
though
;
they
are
going
to
shoot
.
And
sure
enough
we
saw
a
line
of
bowmen
in
all
the
castles
and
even
along
,
and
a
horn
blew
,
and
then
forth
flew
the
shafts
,
but
whither
we
knew
not
,
for
none
came
anywhere
anigh
us
;
and
Arthur
laughed
and
said
:
A
fair
shot
into
the
clouds
;
but
,
by
our
Lady
!
if
none
shot
better
in
our
country
,
I
would
bear
no
armour
for
their
shafts
.
But
we
two
were
confused
and
knew
not
what
to
think
.
The
great
ship
flew
past
us
on
the
wind
as
the
barge
had
done
,
but
when
she
was
about
half
a
mile
aloof
we
saw
her
canvass
fall
to
shivering
and
her
yards
swaying
round
,
and
Arthur
cried
out
:
St.
Nicholas
!
the
play
beginneth
again
!
she
is
coming
about
!
Even
so
it
was
,
and
presently
she
was
bearing
on
us
,
and
was
ere
long
so
close
aboard
that
we
could
see
her
every
spar
and
rope
,
and
her
folk
all
gathered
to
the
windward
,
knights
,
sergeants
,
archers
,
and
mariners
,
to
gaze
at
us
and
mock
us
;
and
huge
and
devilish
laughter
arose
from
amongst
them
as
she
ploughed
the
water
so
close
beside
us
,
that
one
might
well-nigh
have
cast
a
morsel
of
bread
aboard
her
;
for
clear
it
was
presently
that
she
had
no
mind
to
run
us
down
.
Spake
Arthur
then
:
There
will
be
a
fresh
play
presently
,
my
mates
,
but
ye
sit
fast
,
for
meseemeth
this
show
is
no
more
perilous
than
the
other
,
though
it
be
bigger
.
Scarce
were
the
words
out
of
his
mouth
,
ere
there
was
a
stir
amongst
the
men
gathered
in
the
waist
,
and
lo
,
amidst
a
knot
of
big
and
fierce
mariners
,
three
women
standing
,
pale
,
with
flying
hair
,
and
their
hands
bound
behind
them
,
and
one
was
clad
in
gold
and
another
in
green
and
the
third
in
black
;
and
their
faces
were
as
the
faces
of
Aurea
and
Viridis
and
Atra
.
Then
there
came
forth
from
that
ship
a
huge
cruel
roar
blent
with
mocking
laughter
that
shamed
our
very
hearts
,
and
those
evil
things
in
the
form
of
mariners
took
hold
of
each
one
of
the
ladies
and
cast
them
overboard
into
the
gulf
of
the
waters
,
first
Aurea
,
next
Viridis
,
and
then
Atra
;
and
we
two
stood
up
with
our
useless
swords
brandished
and
would
have
leapt
over
into
the
deep
,
but
that
Arthur
arose
also
and
took
hold
of
an
arm
of
each
of
us
and
stayed
us
,
and
said
:
Nay
,
then
,
if
ye
go
,
take
me
with
you
,
and
let
all
the
Quest
sink
down
into
the
deep
,
and
let
our
lovelings
pine
in
captivity
,
and
Birdalone
lose
all
her
friends
in
one
swoop
,
and
we
be
known
hereafter
as
the
fools
of
lovers
,
the
unstable
.
So
we
sat
us
down
,
but
huge
shrieking
laughter
rose
up
unblended
from
the
keel
of
the
evil
thing
,
and
then
they
let
her
go
down
the
wind
,
and
she
went
her
way
with
flashing
of
arms
,
and
streaming
of
banners
and
pennons
,
and
blowing
of
horns
,
and
the
sun
was
setting
over
the
wide
water
.
But
Arthur
spake
:
Cheer
up
,
brethren
!
see
ye
not
how
this
proud
witch
is
also
but
an
eyeless
fool
to
send
us
such
a
show
,
and
the
second
time
in
one
day
to
show
us
the
images
of
our
dearlings
,
who
hours
ago
flitted
past
us
in
the
stripe-sailed
boat
?
Where
,
then
,
did
they
of
the
ship
meet
with
them
?
Nay
,
lords
,
let
not
the
anguish
of
love
steal
all
your
wits
.
We
saw
we
had
been
fools
to
be
so
overcast
by
guile
,
and
yet
were
we
exceeding
ill
at
ease
,
and
over-long
the
time
seemed
unto
us
until
we
should
be
come
to
the
Isle
of
Increase
Unsought
,
and
find
our
lovelings
there
.
Now
was
the
night
come
,
and
we
fell
asleep
,
but
belike
were
not
often
all
asleep
at
once
;
and
at
last
it
was
,
when
we
felt
the
dawn
drawing
near
,
though
,
the
moon
being
down
,
it
was
the
darkest
of
the
summer
night
,
that
we
were
all
three
awake
,
when
all
of
a
sudden
we
heard
just
astern
the
rushing
of
the
water
,
as
though
some
keel
were
cleaving
it
,
and
dimly
in
the
dark
we
saw
a
sail
as
of
a
boat
overhauling
us
.
Close
at
hand
there
rang
out
a
lamentable
cry
:
O
,
are
ye
there
,
fellows
of
the
Quest
?
O
,
help
me
,
friends
!
save
me
and
deliver
me
,
who
am
snatched
away
to
be
cast
into
the
hands
of
my
mistress
that
was
.
Help
me
,
Baudoin
,
Hugh
,
Arthur
!
Help
!
help
!
Then
all
we
knew
the
voice
of
Birdalone
,
and
Arthur
leapt
up
,
and
would
have
been
overboard
in
a
trice
had
not
we
two
held
him
,
and
he
fought
and
cursed
us
well-favouredly
,
there
is
no
nay
thereto
;
and
meanwhile
the
wailing
voice
of
thee
,
my
sister
,
died
out
in
the
distance
,
and
the
east
grew
grey
,
and
dawn
was
come
.
Then
spake
Baudoin
:
Arthur
,
my
brother
,
dost
thou
not
mark
that
this
also
was
of
the
same
sort
of
show
as
those
two
others
,
and
thou
who
wert
so
wise
before
?
It
is
but
beguilings
to
bring
the
Quest
to
nought
;
wherefore
call
to
mind
thy
manhood
and
thy
much
wisdom
!
And
we
admonished
him
and
rebuked
him
till
he
became
quiet
and
wise
again
,
but
was
sad
and
downcast
and
silent
.
But
the
Sending
Boat
sped
on
through
the
dawning
,
and
when
it
was
light
we
saw
that
we
had
the
Isle
of
Increase
close
aboard
,
and
we
ran
ashore
there
just
as
the
sun
was
rising
.
Fain
were
we
then
to
get
out
of
the
boat
and
feel
earth
under
our
feet
.
We
took
all
our
hards
out
of
the
boat
,
and
hid
away
under
the
roots
of
an
old
thorn
a
little
mail
wherein
was
your
raiment
,
my
ladies
,
which
ye
had
lent
to
Birdalone
;
then
we
did
on
our
armour
,
and
advised
us
of
whereabout
on
the
isle
we
were
,
and
we
saw
the
orchards
and
gardens
before
us
,
and
the
great
fair
house
above
all
,
even
as
ye
told
us
of
them
,
Birdalone
.
Next
,
then
,
without
more
ado
,
we
went
our
ways
up
through
the
orchard
and
the
gardens
,
and
when
we
were
well-nigh
at
the
end
of
them
,
and
in
face
of
those
many
steps
ye
spake
of
,
we
saw
at
the
foot
of
them
a
tall
woman
clad
in
red
scarlet
,
standing
as
if
she
abode
our
coming
.
When
we
drew
nigh
we
saw
that
she
was
strong-looking
,
well-knit
,
white-skinned
,
yellow-haired
,
and
blue-eyed
,
and
might
have
been
called
a
fair
woman
,
as
to
her
shaping
,
save
that
her
face
was
heavy
,
yet
hard-looking
,
with
thin
lips
and
somewhat
flagging
cheeks
,
a
face
stupid
,
but
proud
and
cruel
.
She
hailed
us
as
we
came
up
,
and
said
:
Men-at-arms
,
ye
be
welcome
to
our
house
,
and
I
bid
you
to
eat
and
drink
and
abide
here
.
Then
we
louted
before
her
,
and
bade
her
Hail
;
and
Baudoin
said
:
Lady
,
thy
bidding
will
we
take
;
yet
have
we
an
errand
to
declare
ere
we
break
bread
with
thee
,
lest
when
it
is
told
we
be
not
so
welcome
as
ye
tell
us
now
.
What
is
it
?
said
she
.
Said
Baudoin
:
This
man
here
is
called
the
Green
Knight
,
and
this
the
Black
Squire
,
and
I
am
the
Golden
Knight
;
and
now
will
we
ask
thee
if
this
isle
be
called
the
Isle
of
Increase
Unsought
?
Even
so
have
I
called
it
,
quoth
she
,
wherefore
I
deem
none
other
will
dare
call
it
otherwise
.
It
is
well
,
quoth
Baudoin
;
but
we
have
heard
say
that
hereto
had
strayed
three
dear
friends
of
ours
,
three
maidens
,
who
hight
Viridis
,
the
friend
of
the
Green
Knight
,
and
Atra
,
who
is
the
Black
Squire’s
,
and
Aurea
,
who
is
mine
own
friend
,
so
we
have
come
to
take
them
home
with
us
,
since
they
have
been
so
long
away
from
their
land
and
their
loves
.
Now
if
they
be
thy
friends
thou
wilt
perchance
let
them
go
for
love’s
sake
and
the
eking
of
friendship
;
but
if
they
be
thy
captives
,
then
are
we
well
willing
to
pay
thee
ransom
,
not
according
to
their
worth
,
for
no
treasure
heaped
up
might
come
nigh
it
,
but
according
to
thy
desire
,
lady
.
Laughed
the
proud
lady
scornfully
and
said
:
Big
are
thy
words
,
Sir
Knight
:
if
I
had
these
maidens
in
my
keeping
I
would
give
them
unto
you
for
nothing
,
and
deem
that
I
had
the
best
of
the
bargain
.
But
here
are
they
not
.
True
it
is
that
I
had
here
three
thralls
who
were
hight
as
thou
hast
said
;
but
a
while
ago
,
not
many
days
,
they
transgressed
against
me
till
I
chastised
them
;
and
then
was
I
weary
of
them
and
would
be
quit
of
them
;
for
I
need
no
servants
here
,
whereas
I
myself
am
enough
for
myself
.
Wherefore
I
sent
them
away
across
the
water
to
my
sister
,
who
dwells
in
a
fair
place
hight
the
House
under
the
Wood
;
for
she
needeth
servants
,
because
the
earth
there
yieldeth
nought
save
to
the
tiller
and
the
herdsman
and
the
hunter
,
while
here
all
cometh
unsought
.
With
her
may
ye
deal
,
for
what
I
know
,
and
buy
the
maidens
whom
ye
prize
so
high
;
though
belike
ye
may
have
to
give
her
other
servants
in
their
place
.
For
,
indeed
,
a
while
ago
her
thrall
fled
from
her
and
left
her
half
undone
,
and
it
is
said
that
she
came
hither
in
her
shamelessness
:
but
I
know
not
;
if
she
did
,
she
slipped
through
my
fingers
,
or
else
I
would
have
made
her
rue
her
impudence
.
Now
meseemeth
,
Sir
Knights
,
here
is
enough
of
so
small
and
foolish
a
matter
;
and
again
I
pray
you
to
enter
my
poor
house
,
and
take
meat
and
drink
along
with
me
,
for
ye
be
none
the
less
welcome
because
of
your
errand
,
though
it
be
a
foolish
one
.
Now
would
Sir
Baudoin
have
answered
wrathfully
,
but
Arthur
plucked
at
his
skirt
,
and
he
yeasaid
the
lady’s
bidding
,
though
somewhat
ungraciously
;
but
that
she
heeded
nought
;
she
took
Sir
Baudoin
by
the
hand
and
led
him
up
the
stately
perron
,
and
thence
came
we
into
a
pillared
hall
,
as
fair
as
might
be
.
And
there
on
the
dais
was
a
table
dight
with
dainty
meats
and
drinks
,
and
the
lady
bade
us
thereto
,
and
we
sat
to
it
.
Thereat
was
the
lady
buxom
and
merry
:
Baudoin
scowled
across
the
board
;
I
was
wary
and
silent
;
but
Arthur
was
as
blithe
with
the
lady
as
she
with
him
;
nor
did
I
altogether
marvel
thereat
,
since
I
knew
him
wise
of
wit
.
But
when
we
were
done
with
the
meal
,
the
lady
stood
up
and
said
:
Now
,
Sir
Knights
,
I
will
give
you
leave
;
but
this
house
is
as
your
own
to
roam
through
all
its
chambers
and
pleasure
you
with
its
wonders
and
goodliness
;
and
when
ye
are
weary
of
the
house
,
then
is
the
orchard
and
the
garden
free
to
you
,
and
all
the
isle
wheresoever
ye
will
go
.
And
here
in
this
hall
is
meat
and
drink
for
you
whenso
ye
will
;
but
if
ye
would
see
me
again
today
,
then
shall
ye
meet
me
where
ye
first
happened
on
me
e’en
now
,
at
the
foot
of
the
great
perron
.
Then
she
laid
her
hand
on
Arthur’s
shoulder
,
and
said
:
Thy
big
friend
may
search
out
every
nook
in
this
house
,
and
every
bush
in
the
whole
island
,
and
if
he
find
there
the
maidens
he
spake
of
,
one
or
all
of
them
,
then
are
they
a
gift
from
me
unto
him
.
Therewith
she
turned
,
and
went
out
of
the
hall
by
a
door
in
the
side
thereof
;
and
now
already
meseemed
that
though
the
woman
was
hateful
and
thick-hearted
and
cruel
,
yet
she
was
become
fairer
,
or
seemed
so
,
than
when
we
first
came
on
her
;
and
for
my
part
I
pondered
on
what
it
might
grow
to
,
and
fear
of
her
came
into
my
soul
.
Now
spake
Baudoin
:
Fellows
,
let
us
get
out
into
the
garden
at
least
;
for
this
place
is
evil
,
and
meseems
it
smells
and
tastes
of
tears
and
blood
,
and
that
evil
wights
that
hate
the
life
of
men
are
lurking
in
the
nooks
thereof
.
And
lo
,
our
very
she-friend
that
was
so
kind
and
simple
and
dainty
with
us
,
there
is
,
as
it
were
,
the
image
of
the
dear
maiden
standing
trembling
and
naked
before
the
stupid
malice
of
this
lump
of
flesh
.
So
spake
he
,
Birdalone
.
But
I
said
to
Arthur
in
a
soft
voice
:
And
when
shall
we
slay
her
?
Said
he
:
Not
until
we
have
gotten
from
her
all
that
may
be
gotten
;
and
that
is
the
living
bodies
of
our
friends
.
But
come
we
forth
.
So
did
we
,
and
came
down
to
the
orchard
and
did
off
our
helms
,
and
lay
down
under
a
big
apple-tree
which
was
clear
of
cover
all
round
about
,
and
so
fell
to
our
redes
;
and
I
asked
Arthur
what
he
deemed
of
the
story
of
our
loves
having
been
carried
to
the
House
under
the
Wood
,
and
if
it
might
not
be
tried
seeking
thither
;
but
he
laughed
and
said
:
Never
would
she
have
told
us
thereof
had
it
been
sooth
:
doubtless
our
friends
are
here
on
this
isle
,
but
,
as
I
deem
,
not
in
the
house
,
else
had
not
the
witch
left
all
the
house
free
for
us
to
search
into
.
Yea
,
said
I
,
but
how
if
they
be
in
her
prison
?
Said
he
:
It
is
not
hard
to
find
out
which
is
the
prison
of
so
dainty
a
house
as
is
yonder
;
and
when
we
had
found
it
,
soon
should
we
have
hit
upon
a
way
to
break
it
,
since
we
be
three
,
and
stout
fellows
enough
.
Nay
,
I
deem
that
the
lovelings
be
stowed
away
in
some
corner
of
the
isle
without
the
house
,
and
that
mayhappen
we
shall
find
them
there
;
and
yet
I
trow
not
before
we
have
made
guile
meet
guile
,
and
overcome
the
sorceress
.
But
come
now
,
let
us
be
doing
,
and
begin
to
quarter
this
little
land
as
the
kestrel
doth
the
water-meadow
;
and
leave
we
our
armour
,
lest
we
weary
us
,
for
we
shall
have
no
need
for
hard
strokes
.
We
hung
up
there
on
the
tree
helm
and
shield
and
hauberk
,
and
all
our
defences
,
and
went
our
ways
quartering
the
isle
;
and
the
work
was
toilsome
,
but
we
rested
not
till
the
time
was
come
to
keep
tryst
with
the
lady
;
and
all
that
while
we
found
no
sign
of
the
darling
ones
:
and
the
isle
was
everywhere
a
meadow
as
fair
as
a
garden
,
with
little
copses
of
sweet-growing
trees
here
and
there
,
and
goodly
brooks
of
water
,
but
no
tillage
anywhere
:
wild
things
,
as
hart
and
buck
and
roe
,
we
came
upon
,
and
smaller
deer
withal
,
but
all
unhurtful
to
man
;
but
of
herding
was
no
token
.
Came
we
then
back
to
that
lordly
perron
,
and
there
,
at
the
foot
thereof
,
stood
the
witch-wife
,
and
received
us
joyously
;
clad
was
she
all
gloriously
in
red
scarlet
broidered
and
begemmed
;
her
arms
bare
and
her
feet
sandalled
,
and
her
yellow
hair
hanging
down
from
under
its
garland
;
and
certainly
it
was
so
that
she
had
grown
fairer
,
and
was
sleek
and
white
and
well-shapen
,
and
well-haired
;
yet
by
all
that
,
the
visage
of
her
was
little
bettered
,
and
unto
me
she
was
loathsome
.
Now
the
feast
went
much
as
the
earlier
meal
had
done
;
and
Baudoin
was
surly
and
Arthur
blithe
and
buxom
;
and
nought
befell
to
tell
of
,
save
that
dishes
and
meats
,
and
flasks
and
cups
,
and
all
things
came
upon
the
board
as
if
they
were
borne
thereon
by
folk
unseen
;
and
thereat
we
wondered
not
much
,
considering
in
what
wonder-house
we
were
.
But
the
lady-witch
looked
on
us
and
smiled
,
and
said
:
Knights
,
ye
marvel
at
the
manner
of
our
service
,
but
call
to
mind
that
we
told
you
this
morning
that
we
were
enough
for
Ourselves
,
and
we
have
so
dight
our
days
here
that
whoso
is
our
friend
on
this
Isle
of
Increase
shall
lack
nothing
.
Fear
not
,
therefore
,
to
see
aught
ugly
in
our
servants
as
now
unseen
,
if
their
shapes
were
made
manifest
unto
you
.
All
things
were
we
heedful
to
note
at
this
banquet
;
but
when
it
was
over
,
then
came
music
into
the
hall
from
folk
unseen
,
but
not
as
if
the
musicians
were
a
many
,
only
belike
some
three
or
four
.
And
thereat
the
lady
spake
,
saying
:
Knights
,
ye
may
deem
our
minstrels
but
few
,
but
such
is
our
mind
that
we
love
not
our
music
overloud
,
and
for
the
most
part
only
three
sing
or
play
unto
us
at
one
time
.
Thereafter
the
lady
brought
us
to
fair
chambers
,
and
we
slept
there
in
all
ease
,
and
we
arose
on
the
morrow
and
found
the
lady
still
blithe
with
us
;
yet
I
noted
this
,
that
she
seemed
to
deal
with
Arthur
as
if
she
saw
him
now
for
the
first
time
,
and
much
he
seemed
to
be
to
her
liking
.
Again
we
fared
forth
,
and
were
no
less
diligent
in
searching
the
isle
than
erst
,
and
found
nought
;
and
all
went
that
day
as
before
.
On
the
morrow
(
that
is
,
the
third
day
)
the
witch
seemed
to
have
somewhat
more
memory
of
Arthur
than
erst
,
and
even
yet
more
liking
of
him
,
so
that
she
reached
out
her
hand
for
him
to
kiss
,
which
needs
must
he
do
,
despite
his
loathing
of
her
.
When
we
had
lain
under
the
apple-tree
a
little
while
,
Baudoin
spake
and
said
:
Yesterday
and
the
day
before
we
searched
the
open
land
and
found
nought
;
now
today
let
us
search
the
house
,
and
if
we
find
nought
,
then
at
least
it
shall
lie
behind
us
.
We
yeasaid
it
,
and
presently
went
back
,
and
from
chamber
to
chamber
,
and
all
was
fair
and
goodly
as
might
be
,
and
we
marvelled
what
would
betide
to
it
when
the
witch
was
undone
and
her
sorcery
come
to
an
end
.
To
the
Wailing
Tower
we
came
,
and
up
the
stairs
,
and
found
the
door
open
of
the
prison-chamber
,
and
all
there
as
thou
hast
told
us
,
Birdalone
;
only
we
opened
the
great
coffer
,
whence
thou
didst
refrain
thee
,
and
found
it
full
of
hideous
gear
truly
,
as
fetters
and
chains
,
and
whips
and
rods
,
and
evil
tools
of
the
tormentors
,
and
cursed
it
all
and
came
away
;
and
Arthur
said
:
Lo
you
,
this
stupid
one
!
How
eager
is
she
to
bid
us
what
to
do
,
and
to
tell
us
that
our
ladies
are
not
in
this
evil
house
,
since
she
leaveth
all
open
to
us
.
Yet
we
went
about
the
house
without
,
and
counted
the
windows
heedfully
to
see
that
we
had
missed
no
chamber
,
and
found
nought
amiss
;
and
then
we
went
in
again
and
sought
as
low
down
as
we
might
,
to
see
if
perchance
some
dungeon
there
were
underground
,
but
found
nought
save
a
very
goodly
undercroft
below
the
great
hall
,
which
was
little
less
fair
than
that
which
was
above
it
.
So
came
the
evening
and
the
banquet
,
and
the
end
of
that
day
;
but
the
witch-wife
led
Arthur
by
the
hand
to
the
board
,
and
afterwards
to
the
chamber
ere
we
slept
.
On
the
fourth
day
and
the
fifth
it
was
no
otherwise
than
erst
;
and
when
I
fared
to
bed
I
felt
confused
in
my
head
and
sick
of
heart
.
The
night
of
the
next
day
(
the
sixth
)
,
as
we
went
to
our
chambers
,
and
the
witch-wife
and
Arthur
hand-inhand
,
she
stayed
him
a
while
,
and
spake
eagerly
to
him
in
a
soft
voice
;
and
as
he
came
up
to
me
afterwards
he
said
:
To-night
I
have
escaped
it
,
but
there
will
not
be
escape
for
long
.
From
what
?
said
I
.
He
said
:
From
bedding
her
;
for
now
it
has
come
to
this
,
that
presently
we
must
slay
her
at
once
and
have
no
knowledge
of
our
sweetlings
,
or
I
must
do
her
will
.
In
such
wise
passed
four
more
days
,
and
it
was
the
twelfth
morning
of
our
sojourn
there
,
and
we
went
forth
on
our
search
of
every
mead
and
every
covert
of
the
isle
,
and
all
day
we
found
nought
to
our
purpose
;
but
as
it
grew
toward
sunset
,
and
there
grew
great
clouds
in
the
eastern
ort
,
piled
up
and
copper-coloured
,
we
came
over
a
bent
on
to
a
little
green
dale
watered
by
a
clear
brook
,
and
as
we
looked
down
into
it
we
saw
something
shine
amongst
its
trees
;
so
we
hastened
toward
that
gleam
,
and
lo
,
amidst
the
dale
,
with
the
brook
running
through
it
,
a
strange
garth
we
saw
.
For
there
was
a
pavilion
done
of
timber
and
board
,
and
gaily
painted
and
gilded
,
and
out
from
that
house
was
,
as
it
were
,
a
great
cage
of
thin
gilded
bars
,
both
walls
and
roof
,
just
so
wide
apart
as
no
one
full-grown
,
carl
or
quean
,
could
thrust
through
.
Thitherward
then
ran
we
,
shouting
,
for
we
saw
at
once
that
in
the
said
cage
were
three
women
whose
aspect
was
that
of
our
sweetlings
,
and
presently
we
were
standing
by
the
said
herse
,
reaching
our
hands
out
to
them
to
come
to
us
and
tell
us
their
tale
,
and
that
we
would
deliver
them
.
But
they
stood
together
in
the
midst
of
the
said
cage
,
and
though
they
gazed
piteously
on
us
thence
,
and
reached
out
their
hands
to
us
,
they
neither
spake
nor
came
to
the
herse
to
us
;
so
we
deemed
that
they
were
bewitched
,
and
our
joy
was
dashed
.
Then
we
went
all
about
the
cage
and
the
pavilion
to
find
ingate
,
and
found
it
not
;
and
then
the
three
of
us
together
strove
with
the
bars
of
the
herse
,
and
shook
and
swayed
them
,
but
it
was
all
to
no
purpose
.
Moreover
,
while
we
were
at
this
work
the
sun
seemed
to
go
out
,
and
there
came
a
heavy
black
mist
rolling
into
the
dale
,
and
wrapped
us
about
so
that
we
saw
not
each
other’s
faces
,
and
the
bars
of
the
herse
were
gone
from
our
hands
as
we
stood
there
.
Then
came
rain
and
thunder
and
lightning
on
to
the
black
night
,
and
by
the
glare
of
the
lightning
we
could
see
the
leaves
and
grass
of
the
dale
,
but
neither
herse
nor
house
nor
woman
.
So
we
abode
there
in
the
dark
night
,
and
the
storm
all
bewildered
us
,
till
the
rain
and
clouds
drew
off
and
it
was
calm
fair
starlight
again
,
but
clean
gone
was
the
golden
cage
and
they
that
stood
therein
;
and
we
turned
sadly
,
and
went
our
ways
toward
the
witch-house
.
On
the
way
said
Arthur
:
Brethren
,
this
meseemeth
is
but
a-going
on
with
the
shows
which
were
played
us
on
the
water
as
we
came
hither
;
but
whether
she
doth
this
but
for
to
mock
and
torment
us
,
or
that
she
would
beguile
us
into
deeming
that
our
friends
are
verily
here
,
I
wot
not
;
but
tomorrow
,
meseemeth
,
I
shall
can
to
tell
you
.
Now
came
we
to
the
perron
of
the
house
,
and
there
stood
the
witch-wife
under
the
stars
to
meet
us
.
And
when
she
saw
us
,
she
took
hold
of
Arthur
by
the
hand
and
the
arm
to
caress
him
,
and
found
that
he
and
we
were
drenched
with
the
rain
and
the
storm
,
as
might
well
be
deemed
;
then
she
bade
us
up
to
our
chambers
to
do
on
raiment
which
she
had
dight
for
us
,
and
we
went
thither
,
and
found
our
garments
rich
and
dainty
indeed
;
but
when
we
came
down
into
the
hall
where
the
witch
abode
us
,
we
saw
that
Arthur’s
raiment
was
far
the
richest
and
daintiest
.
But
the
witch
ran
to
him
and
cast
her
arms
about
him
,
and
clipped
and
kissed
him
before
the
others
,
and
he
suffered
it
.
So
sped
the
feast
again
.
But
when
they
went
to
bed
,
the
said
witch
took
Arthur’s
hand
and
spake
a
word
unto
him
,
and
led
him
away
,
and
he
went
with
her
as
one
nought
loth
;
but
we
twain
were
afraid
lest
she
should
destroy
him
when
she
had
had
her
will
of
him
.
Wherefore
we
waked
through
the
more
part
of
the
night
with
our
swords
ready
to
hand
.
But
when
we
were
clad
in
the
morn
he
came
unto
us
,
he
also
clad
,
and
was
downcast
and
shamefaced
indeed
,
but
safe
and
sound
;
and
he
said
:
Speak
no
word
about
our
matter
till
we
be
out
in
the
open
air
,
for
I
fear
all
things
about
us
.
So
when
we
had
gone
forth
and
were
under
the
apple-tree
once
more
,
spake
Arthur
:
Now
,
lords
,
am
I
shamed
for
ever
,
for
I
have
become
the
leman
of
this
evil
creature
;
but
I
pray
ye
not
to
mock
me
;
and
that
the
more
as
the
same
lot
may
happen
on
you
both
,
or
either
;
for
I
can
see
for
sure
that
the
wretch
will
weary
of
me
and
desire
one
of
you
two
.
Let
it
pass
.
Somewhat
have
I
found
out
from
her
,
but
not
much
;
first
,
that
she
has
forgotten
her
first
lie
,
to
wit
,
how
she
sent
our
ladies
to
the
sister-witch
;
for
I
told
her
of
the
golden
cage
,
and
how
we
had
missed
it
in
the
storm
;
and
she
said
:
Though
I
deem
it
a
folly
that
ye
should
seek
these
thralls
,
yet
would
I
help
you
if
I
might
,
since
ye
are
now
become
my
dear
friends
.
Though
,
forsooth
,
when
ye
meet
them
I
deem
that
ye
will
find
them
sore
changed
to
you
.
For
,
as
I
told
you
,
they
fled
away
from
me
,
after
I
had
chastised
them
for
a
treason
,
into
the
hidden
places
of
the
isle
,
whereas
they
had
no
keel
to
sail
away
hence
.
And
I
cared
not
to
follow
them
,
as
I
myself
am
queen
and
lady
of
all
things
here
,
and
am
enough
for
myself
,
save
when
love
constraineth
me
,
dear
lord
.
Now
,
my
rede
is
that
ye
seek
the
golden
cage
again
and
yet
again
,
because
I
deem
that
these
thralls
have
somehow
learned
some
wisdom
,
and
they
have
enchanted
the
said
cage
for
a
defence
against
me
,
from
whom
they
might
not
hide
as
they
did
from
you
;
for
of
me
have
they
stolen
their
wizardry
,
and
I
am
their
mistress
therein
.
This
,
therefore
,
is
the
new
lie
of
her
,
and
my
rede
is
that
we
heed
it
nought
.
For
my
mind
is
that
she
it
is
that
hath
made
the
appearance
of
the
cage
and
the
women
therein
,
and
that
she
hath
our
poor
friends
somewhere
underneath
her
hand
.
Now
this
we
deemed
most
like
;
yet
whereas
we
had
nought
to
do
with
the
time
,
which
,
now
that
we
had
searched
the
isle
throughly
,
hung
heavy
on
hand
,
we
deemed
it
good
to
go
to
the
dale
of
the
golden
cage
again
,
though
we
looked
not
to
find
the
cage
there
any
more
.
But
this
betid
,
that
we
found
the
little
dale
easily
enough
,
and
there
stood
the
cage
as
we
had
seen
it
yesterday
,
but
nought
was
there
within
its
bright
bars
save
the
grass
and
the
flowers
,
and
the
water
of
the
brook
a-running
.
We
loitered
about
that
place
a
while
,
and
went
back
to
the
house
in
due
time
;
and
to
shorten
the
tale
,
I
shall
tell
that
for
many
days
it
betid
that
we
went
every
day
to
seek
the
golden
cage
,
but
after
the
first
three
days
we
saw
it
no
more
.
Now
began
sadness
and
weariness
to
overcome
us
as
the
days
and
weeks
wore
,
and
belike
the
witch-wife
noted
it
that
we
were
worse
company
than
heretofore
.
And
now
on
a
day
Arthur
bade
us
note
that
the
said
witch
was
growing
weary
of
him
,
and
he
bade
me
look
to
it
;
for
,
said
he
,
she
is
turning
her
face
toward
thee
,
brother
.
My
heart
burned
with
rage
at
that
word
;
I
said
nought
,
but
made
up
my
mind
that
I
would
try
to
bring
the
matter
to
an
end
.
That
same
night
befell
what
Arthur
had
threatened
;
for
the
feast
being
done
in
the
evening
,
the
witch
drew
me
aside
while
the
music
was
a-playing
,
and
caressed
my
hand
and
my
shoulder
,
and
said
:
I
am
yet
wondering
at
you
Champions
,
that
ye
must
needs
follow
after
those
three
wretched
thralls
,
whom
never
will
ye
find
,
for
they
.
need
ye
not
,
but
will
flee
from
you
if
ye
have
sight
of
them
,
as
they
did
that
other
day
;
and
therein
they
are
scarce
in
the
wrong
,
whereas
they
may
well
think
that
if
ye
find
them
they
should
fall
into
my
hands
;
for
easily
may
I
take
them
any
day
that
I
will
,
and
then
I
have
a
case
against
them
,
and
may
lawfully
chastise
them
according
to
the
law
that
has
been
given
unto
me
;
and
then
shall
they
be
in
grievous
plight
.
Wherefore
the
rede
We
give
unto
you
three
now
is
the
rede
of
friendliness
that
ye
make
yourselves
happy
in
Our
Island
,
and
then
will
We
do
everything
We
may
for
your
pleasure
and
delight
;
and
if
ye
will
that
We
make
Ourselves
even
fairer
than
now
We
be
,
that
may
be
done
,
and
shall
be
a
reward
unto
you
for
your
yielding
and
obedience
.
And
if
ye
will
women
thralls
for
your
pleasure
,
that
also
may
be
gotten
for
you
;
for
We
be
not
wholly
without
power
in
these
waters
,
though
We
have
no
keel
or
ferry
upon
them
.
And
now
,
thou
fair
lad
,
We
give
thee
this
last
word
:
Ye
Champions
have
been
dwelling
in
Our
house
a
long
while
,
and
that
while
have
ever
striven
to
thwart
Us
.
We
now
counsel
you
to
make
an
end
of
it
,
and
it
shall
be
better
for
you
.
She
seemed
to
my
eyes
prouder
and
stupider
than
ever
erst
,
despite
her
golden
hair
and
white
skin
and
lovely
limbs
;
and
I
said
to
myself
that
now
must
we
destroy
the
evil
of
that
house
even
if
we
died
for
it
,
or
else
we
were
all
undone
;
withal
I
saw
somewhat
of
truth
thrusting
up
through
her
much
lying
,
and
I
deemed
,
even
as
Arthur
did
,
that
she
had
our
friends
under
her
band
somewhere
.
Nought
else
betid
that
night
;
but
on
the
morrow
we
went
forth
and
strayed
on
till
we
were
come
into
the
southernmost
quarter
of
the
isle
,
and
not
very
far
from
the
water
we
came
upon
a
wood
or
big
thicket
which
was
new
to
us
.
So
we
entered
it
,
and
as
we
went
and
noted
the
wild
things
of
the
wood
going
hither
and
thither
,
we
espied
afar
off
the
shape
of
a
man
going
amidst
the
thicket
;
wherefore
we
went
warily
towards
him
,
lest
he
should
see
us
and
flee
from
us
;
and
when
we
drew
a
little
nigher
we
saw
it
was
a
woman
,
though
she
was
clad
as
a
hunter
,
with
legs
naked
to
above
the
knee
.
She
had
a
quiver
at
her
back
and
a
bow
in
her
hand
,
and
her
coat
was
black
of
hue
.
Belike
now
she
heard
our
going
amongst
the
dry
leaves
,
for
she
turned
her
face
to
us
,
and
lo
!
it
was
the
face
of
Atra
.
When
she
saw
us
,
she
gave
a
shrill
cry
,
and
fell
to
running
at
her
swiftest
away
from
us
,
and
we
followed
all
we
might
,
but
we
could
not
over-run
her
,
though
we
kept
her
in
sight
ever
,
till
we
had
run
all
through
the
wood
,
and
before
us
was
the
sheer
side
of
a
rocky
hill
and
the
mouth
of
a
cave
therein
,
and
by
the
said
mouth
who
should
there
be
but
Aurea
and
Viridis
,
as
we
thought
,
clad
in
gold
and
in
green
,
but
the
fashion
of
their
raiment
not
otherwise
than
Atra’s
.
Their
bows
were
bended
and
they
had
shafts
in
their
hands
,
and
as
we
came
out
of
the
thicket
into
the
open
lawn
before
the
cave
,
Viridis
nocked
a
shaft
and
aimed
at
us
and
drew
,
and
the
shaft
flew
over
my
head
;
therewith
mocking
laughter
came
from
them
,
and
they
ran
into
the
cave
.
Speedily
we
ran
up
to
it
,
but
when
we
came
home
thither
,
there
was
the
sheer
hillside
,
but
never
a
cave
nor
an
opening
.
Dismayed
were
we
thereat
;
but
more
dismayed
had
we
been
but
that
we
deemed
that
all
this
was
but
a
cheat
and
a
painted
show
put
upon
us
by
the
witch
to
back
up
her
lying
.
Nevertheless
we
fared
the
next
day
to
seek
the
wood
and
the
cave
in
the
sheer
rock
,
but
nowise
might
we
find
either
wood
or
cave
.
Now
it
was
the
night
of
the
day
hereafter
,
as
we
went
to
our
chambers
,
that
the
witch-wife
took
me
by
the
hand
and
led
me
apart
,
and
said
me
many
soft
things
of
her
accursed
lust
,
whereof
I
will
not
say
one
again
.
But
the
upshot
of
it
all
was
that
she
would
bring
me
to
her
chamber
and
her
bed
.
And
whereas
I
was
determined
what
to
do
,
and
had
my
war-sword
by
my
side
,
I
naysaid
her
not
,
but
made
her
good
countenance
.
And
when
we
came
to
her
chamber
,
which
was
full
gloriously
dight
,
and
fragrant
as
with
the
scent
of
the
roses
and
lilies
of
mid-June
,
she
bade
me
to
lie
in
her
bed
of
gold
and
ivory
and
she
would
be
with
me
anon
.
So
I
unclad
myself
and
laid
me
down
,
but
I
drew
forth
my
sword
,
and
laid
the
ancient
naked
blade
betwixt
my
side
and
her
place
.
Anon
she
cometh
back
again
unclad
,
and
would
step
into
the
bed
;
but
she
saw
the
sword
and
said
:
What
is
this
,
Champion
?
Said
I
:
These
edges
are
the
token
of
sundering
between
us
,
for
there
is
a
spell
on
me
,
that
with
no
woman
may
I
deal
,
save
with
mine
only
love
,
but
I
shall
do
her
mortal
