Here at least
for thee is the bounteous board and the full cup, and the love
of kindred and well-willers, and the fellowship of the folk.
O well is thee, my son, and happy shalt thou be!"
But the young man knit his brows and said no word in answer.
Then came forward those three brethren who were to fare at all adventure,
and they stood before the old man saying nought. Then he laughed and said:
"O ho, my sons! Here in Upmeads have ye all ye need without money,
but when ye fare in the outlands ye need money; is it not a lack of yours
that your pouches be bare? Abide, for I have seen to it."
Therewith he drew out of his pouch three little bags, and said; "Take ye
each one of these; for therein is all that my treasury may shed as now.
In each of these is there coined money, both white and red, and some deal
of gold uncoined, and of rings and brooches a few, and by estimation
there is in each bag the same value reckoned in lawful silver of Upmeads
and the Wolds and the Overhill-Countries. Take up each what there is,
and do the best ye may therewith."
Then each took his bag, and kissed and embraced his father;
and they kissed Ralph and each other, and so got to horse and
departed with their squires, going softly because of the hot sun.
But Nicholas slowly mounted his hackney and led Ralph's war-horse
with him home again to King Peter's House.
CHAPTER 2
Ralph Goeth Back Home to the High House
Ralph and King Peter walked slowly home together, and as they
went King Peter fell to telling of how in his young days he rode
in the Wood Debateable, and was belated there all alone, and happed
upon men who were outlaws and wolfheads, and feared for his life;
but they treated him kindly, and honoured him, and saw him safe
on his way in the morning.
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