They Break Their Fast in the Wildwood Now when it was hard on noon, and they had lain long in that grassy place, Ralph rose up and stood upon his feet, and made as one listening.

But the Lady looked on him and said: "It is naught save a hart and his hind running in the wood; yet mayhappen we were best on the road, for it is yet long." "Yea," said Ralph, "and it may be that my master will gather folk and pursue us." "Nay, nay," she said, "that were to wrong him, to deem that he would gather folk to follow one man; if he come, he will be by himself alone.

When he found us gone he doubtless cast himself on Silverfax, my horse, in trust of the beast following after my feet." "Well," said Ralph, "and if he come alone, there is yet a sword betwixt him and thee." She was standing up by him now with her hand on his shoulder, "Hear now the darling, the champion! how he trusteth well in his heart and his right hand.

But nay, I have cared for thee well.

Hearken, if thou wilt not take it amiss that I tell thee all I do, good or evil.