' I asked what
ailed him, though indeed I deemed that I knew. He said:
'This aileth me, that though thou art not of the blood wherein I
am bound to wed, I love thee sorely, and would have thee to wife;
and now I deem that thou wilt not love me again.' I said that
he guessed aright, but that if he would do friendly with me,
I would be no less than a friend to him. 'That availeth little,'
quoth he; 'I would have thee be mine of thine own will.'
I said that might not be, that I could love but one man alone.
'Is he alive?' said he. 'Goodsooth, I hope so,' said I,
'but if he be dead, then is desire of men dead within me.'
"So we spake, and he was downcast and heavy of mood;
but thenceforward was he no worse to me than a brother.
And he proffered it to lead me back, if I would, and put
me safely on the way to Whitwall; but, as thou wottest,
I had need to go forward, and no need to go back.
"Thus we entered into the mountains of Goldburg; but one morning,
when he arose, he was heavier of mood than his wont, and was
restless withal, and could be steadfast neither in staying nor going,
nor aught else. So I asked what ailed him, and he said:
'My end draweth nigh; I have seen my fetch, and am fey.
My grave abideth me in these mountains.' 'Thou hast been
dreaming ugly dreams,' said I, 'such things are of no import.'
And I spoke lightly, and strove to comfort him. He changed not
his mood for all that; but said: 'This is ill for thee also;
for thou wilt be worser without me than with me in these lands.
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