"
"And must they who find the Well at the World's End come by the Dry Tree?"
"Yea, surely," said Clement. Quoth Richard: "And thus have some heard,
who have gone on that quest, and they have heard of the Champions of Hampton,
and have gone thither, being deceived by that name of the Dry Tree, and whiles
have been slain by the champions, whiles have entered their company."
"Yea," said Clement, "so it is that their first error hath ended their quest.
But now, lord Ralph, I will tell thee one thing; to wit, that when I return
hither after eight days wearing, I shall be wending east, as I said e'en now,
and what will that mean save going somewhat nigher to the Wall of the World;
for my way lieth beyond the mountains that ye see from hence, and beyond
the mountains that lie the other side of those; and I bid thee come
with us, and I will be thy warrant that so far thou shalt have no harm:
but when thou hast come so far, and hast seen three very fair cities,
besides towns and castles and thorps and strange men, and fair merchandize,
God forbid that thou shouldest wend further, and so cast away thy young
life for a gay-coloured cloud. Then will be the time to come back with me,
that I may bring thee through the perils of the way to Wulstead, and Upmeads
at the last, and the folk that love thee."
Richard held his peace at this word, but Ralph said:
"I thank thee, Master Clement, for thy love and thy helping hand;
and will promise thee to abide thee here eight days at the least;
and meanwhile I will ponder the matter well.
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