Clip it yourself, lady." "No, no--I am--" "Afraid, would you say?
Afraid of the vowed friend and champion of all ladies all round the world?
Nay, nay, come hither." The lady advanced; and soon, overcoming her timidity, her white hand shone like whipped foam amid the matted waves of flaxen hair.
"Ah, this is like clipping tangled tags of gold-lace," cried she; "but see, it is half straw." "But the wearer is no man-of-straw, lady; were I free, and you had ten thousand foes--horse, foot, and dragoons--how like a friend I could fight for you! Come, you have robbed me of my hair; let me rob your dainty hand of its price.

What, afraid again ?" "No, not that; but--" "I see, lady; I may do it, by your leave, but not by your word; the wonted way of ladies.

There, it is done.

Sweeter that kiss, than the bitter heart of a cherry." When at length this lady left, no small talk was had by her with her companions about someway relieving the hard lot of so knightly an unfortunate.

Whereupon a worthy, judicious gentleman, of middle-age, in attendance, suggested a bottle of good wine every day, and clean linen once every week.