"
"Nevertheless," said the carle, "we will go thither, for here
is it too open for so small a company as ours, since this
want-way hath an ill name, and I shall lead thee whereas we
shall be somewhat out of the way of murder-carles. So come on,
if thou trusteth in me."
Ralph yeasaid him, and they went together a furlong from
the want-way into a little hollow place wherethrough ran a clear
stream betwixt thick-leaved alders. The carle led Ralph
to the very lip of the water so that the bushes covered them;
there they sat down and drew what they had from their wallets,
and so fell to meat; and amidst of the meat the carle said:
"Fair Knight, as I suppose thou art one, I will ask thee if any need
draweth thee to Hampton?"
Said Ralph: "The need of giving the go-by to the Burg of the Four Friths,
since I hear tell that the folk thereof be robbers and murderers."
"Thou shalt find that out better, lord, by going thither; but I shall
tell thee, that though men may slay and steal there time and time about,
yet in regard to Hampton under Scaur, it is Heaven, wherein men sin not.
And I am one who should know, for I have been long dwelling in Hell,
that is Hampton; and now am I escaped thence, and am minded for the Burg,
if perchance I may be deemed there a man good enough to ride in their host,
whereby I might avenge me somewhat on them that have undone me:
some of whom meseemeth must have put in thy mouth that word against the Burg.
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