Now the Lord spake to him and said: "Well, youngling, thou hast done well,
and better than thy behest: and since ye have been playing at sharps,
I deem thou would'st not do ill in battle, if it came to that.
So now I am like to make something other of thee than I was minded
to at first: for I deem that thou art good enough to be a man.
And if thou wilt now ask a boon of me, if it be not over great,
I will grant it thee."
Ralph put one knee to the ground, and said: "Great Lord,
I thank thee: but whereas I am in an alien land and seeking
great things, I know of no gift which I may take for myself
save leave to depart, which I deem thou wilt not grant me.
Yet one thing thou mayst do for my asking if thou wilt.
If thou be still angry with the carle whom I first unhorsed,
I pray thee pardon him his ill-luck."
"Ill-luck!" said the Lord, "Why, I saw him that he was downright afraid
of thee. And if my men are to grow blenchers and soft-hearts what is
to do then? But tell me, Otter, what is the name of this carle?"
Said Otter, "Redhead he hight, Lord." Said the Lord: "And what
like a man is he in a fray?" "Naught so ill, Lord," said Otter.
"This time, like the rest of us, he knew not this gear.
It were scarce good to miss him at the next pinch.
It were enough if he had the thongs over his back a few dozen times;
it will not be the first day of such cheer to him."
"Ha!" said the Lord, "and what for, Otter, what for?"
"Because he was somewhat rough-handed, Lord," said Otter.
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