More than that, he fetched me dainties to eat, without which I might have starved; for, while the fever lasted, I could not stomach the strong ship's fare.

And I suspected more than once that he had secured my peace from the captain by offering himself to do a good piece of my work as well as his own.
He spoke little enough about the maiden, though I longed to hear of her.
Once, when I asked him, his face grew overcast.
"That maiden," said he, "is never so merry as when the waves are breaking over the deck.

Yet I see her little, for, in sooth, the old nurse has been nearer death than you, and will allow no one to go near her but her young mistress.

Nor dare I offer myself where I am not bidden.

Humphrey," added he, "I prefer to talk of something else." Now, I must tell you that, to my surprise, I found I had another friend in these dark days; I mean the poet.