Albeit that whosoever would go home peaceably might abide in the city
still and need not fear the king's wrath if he stirred no further:
but that in any case the Sorceress should get her gone from those walls.
"So we rode out of the gates that very day before sunset; for it was now
midsummer again, and it was three hours before noon that I was to have
been burned; and we were a gallant company of men-at-arms and knights;
yet did I be-think me of those who were slain on that other day when we
were taken, and fain had I been that they were riding with us; but at least
that fair young man was in our company, though still weak with his hurts:
for the prison and the process had worn away wellnigh two months.
True it is that I rejoiced to see him, for I had deemed him dead.
"Dear friend, I pray thy pardon if I weary thee with making
so long a tale of my friends of the past days; but needs must I
tell thee somewhat of them, lest thou love that which is not.
Since truly it is myself that I would have thee to love,
and none other.
"Many folk gathered to us as we rode our ways to a town
which was my lord's own, and where all men were his friends,
so that we came there with a great host and sat down
there in no fear of what the king might do against us.
There was I duly wedded to my lord by a Bishop of Holy Church,
and made his Lady and Queen; for even so he would have it.
"And now began the sore troubles of that land, which had been once
so peaceful and happy; the tale whereof I may one day tell thee;
or rather many tales of what befell me therein; but not now;
for the day weareth; and I still have certain things that I must
needs tell thee.
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