By then it was nigh evening they had made a very goodly wattled bower,
and roofed it with the skins that were in the cave, and hung it
about with garlands, and strewn flowers on the floor thereof.
And when all was done they went back to the toft before
the rock-chamber, where the elder had opened the loads,
and had taken meal thence, and was making cakes at the fire.
And there was wine there in well-hooped kegs, and wooden cups
fairly carven, and raiment of fine white wool for those twain,
broidered in strange but beauteous fashion with the feathers
of bright-hued birds.
So then were those twain arrayed for the bridal; and the meat
was dight and the cups filled, and they sat down on the grassy
toft a little before sunset, and feasted till the night was come,
and was grown all light with the moon; and then Ralph rose up,
and took Ursula's hand, and they stood before the elder,
and bade him and the young men bear witness that they were wedded:
then those twain kissed the newcomers and departed to their bridal
bower hand in hand through the freshness of the night.
CHAPTER 15
They Come to the Land of the Innocent Folk
When it was morning they speedily gat them ready for the road,
whereas they had little to take with them; so they departed joyously,
howbeit both Ralph and Ursula felt rather love than loathing for their
winter abode. The day was yet young when they went their ways.
Their horses and all their gear were a great wonder to the young men,
for they had seen no such beasts before: but the elder said that once
in his young days he had led a man to the Well who was riding a horse
and was clad in knightly array.
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