Forsooth, though this
she told me not, I deem that she would have had the same gift of thee as her
mistress would. Well, lad, lucky are they with whom all women are in love.
So now I prithee trust so much in thy luck as to come with me to Utterbol."
Quoth Ralph: "Once again, Lord of Utterbol, we thank thee;
but whereas thou hast said that thou hast much to do in
this land; even so I have a land where deeds await me.
For I stole myself away from my father and mother, and who knows
what help they need of me against foemen, and evil days;
and now I might give help to them were I once at home,
and to the people of the land also, who are a stout-hearted
and valiant and kindly folk."
The new Lord's face clouded somewhat, as he said: "If thine
heart draweth thee to thy kindred, there is no more to say.
As for me, what I did was for kindred's sake, and then
what followed after was the work of need. Well, let it be!
But since we must needs part hastily, this at least I bid you,
that ye abide with me for to-night, and the banquet in
the great pavilion. Howsoever ye may be busied, gainsay me
not this; and to-morrow I shall further you on your way,
and give you a score of spears to follow thee to Goldburg.
Then as for Goldburg and Cheaping Knowe, see ye to it yourselves:
but beyond Cheaping Knowe and the plain country, thy name is known,
and the likeness of thee told in words; and no man in those
mountains shall hurt or hinder thee, but all thou meetest shall aid
and further thee.
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