"This soothes and yet braces the mind.
And now, my son, let us return to the question of your own private concerns.

First, let me ask--Hugh, dear lad, as friend and counsellor I ask it--are you able now to tell me the name of the woman you desire to wed ?" "Nay, my dear lord," replied the Knight, "that I cannot do.

I guard her name, as I would guard mine honour.

If--as may our Lady be pleased to grant--she consent to fly with me, her name will still be mine to guard; yet then all men may know it, so they speak it with due respect and reverence.

But if--as may our blessed Lady forbid--she withhold herself from me, so that three days hence I ride away alone; then must I ride away leaving no shadow of reproach on her fair fame.