But these thy fellows? I have seen the old carle before:
he was dwelling in the wildwood because he was overwise
to live with other folk. But this young man, who may he be?
Or else--yea, verily, it is a young woman. Yea, and now
I deem that it is the thrall of my brother Bull Nosy.
Therefore by heritage she is now mine."
Ralph heard the words but saw not the smiling face, so wroth he was;
therefore the bare sword was in his fist in a twinkling.
But ere he could smite Bull caught hold of his wrist, and said:
"Master, master, thou art but a sorry lawyer, or thou wouldst have said:
'Thou art my thrall, and how shall a thrall have heritage?'
Dost thou not see that I cannot own her till I be free, and that thou
wilt not give me my freedom save for hers? There, now is all
the matter of the service duly settled, and I am free and a Lord.
And this damsel is free also, and--yea, is she not thy
well-beloved, King's Son?"
Ralph was somewhat abashed, and said: "I crave thy pardon, Lord,
for misdoubting thee: but think how feeble are we two lovers
amongst the hosts of the aliens."
"It is well, it is well," said Bull, "and in very sooth I deem
thee my friend; and this damsel was my brother's friend.
Sit down, dear maiden, I bid thee; and thou also, O man overwise;
and let us drink a cup, and then we will talk about what we
may do for each other."
So they sat down all on the grass, and the Lord of Utterbol called
for wine, and they drank together in the merry season of May;
and the new Lord said: "Here be we friends come together,
and it were pity of our lives if we must needs sunder speedily:
howbeit, it is thou must rule herein, King's Son;
for in my eyes thou art still greater than I, O my master.
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