.

OF THE KING'S SON.
As for the King's son, to whom the folk had of late done homage as king, he was at first seen about a corner of the High House with his nurses; and then in a while it was said, and the tale noted, but not much, that he must needs go for his health's sake, and because he was puny, to some stead amongst the fields, and folk heard say that he was gone to the strong house of a knight somewhat stricken in years, who was called Lord Richard the Lean.

The said house was some twelve miles from Oakenham, not far from the northern edge of the wild-wood.

But in a while, scarce more than a year, Lord Richard brake up house at the said castle, and went southward through the forest.

Of this departure was little said, for he was not a man amongst the foremost.