For, look you, fair lord, ye have asked of my grief, and this it is and nought else; that my very earthly love and speech-friend rode five days ago toward the Burg of the Four Friths all alone through the Wood Perilous, and he has not come back, though we looked to see him in three days' wearing: but his horse has come back, and the reins and the saddle all bloody." And she fell a-weeping with the telling of the tale.

But Ralph said (for he knew not what to say): "Keep a good heart, maiden; maybe he is safe and sound; oft are young men fond to wander wide, even as I myself." She looked at him hard and said: "If thou hast stolen thyself away from them that love thee, thou hast done amiss.

Though thou art a lord, and so fair as I see thee, yet will I tell thee so much." Ralph reddened and answered nought; but deemed the maiden both fair and sweet.

But she said: "Whether thou hast done well or ill, do no worse; but abide till the Chapmen come from Higham, on their way to the Burg of the Four Friths.

Here mayst thou lodge well and safely if thou wilt.