Would it not be wiser, then, that I should forbid them to ask this riddle ?" he added as though to himself and fell to thinking while they trembled, seeing that he was minded to refuse their suit.
At length he looked up again and said: "Nay, let it go as God wills Who holds the future in His hand.

Nephews, because you are good knights and true, either of whom would ward her well--and she may need warding--because you are my only brother's sons, whom I have promised him to care for; and most of all because I love you both with an equal love, have your wish, and go try your fortunes at the hands of my daughter Rosamund in the fashion you have agreed.

Godwin, the elder, first, as is his right; then Wulf.

Nay, no thanks; but go swiftly, for I whose hours are short wish to learn the answer to this riddle." So they bowed and went, walking side by side.

At the door of the hall, Wulf stopped and said: "Rosamund is in the church.