Or else shall I die in the pain."
Therewith he drank of the cup, and all men shouted. Then he sat him
down and bade hand the cup to Otter; and Otter took the cup and looked
into the bowl and saw the wave of wine, and laughed and cried out:
"As for me, what shall I swear but that I will follow the Bull through
thick and thin, through peace and unpeace, through grief and joy.
This is my oath-swearing."
And he drank mightily and sat down.
Then turned the Lord to Ralph and said: "And thou who art my master,
wilt thou not tell thy friends and the Gods what thou wilt do?"
"No great matter, belike," said Ralph; "but if ye will it,
I will speak out my mind thereon."
"We will it," said the Lord.
Then Ralph arose and took the cup and lifted it and spake:
"This I swear, that I will go home to my kindred, yet on
the road will I not gainsay help to any that craveth it.
So may all Hallows help me!"
Therewith he drank: and Bull said: "This is well said, O happy man!
But now that men have drunk well, do ye three and Otter come with me
into the Tower, whereas the chambers are dight for you, that I may make
the most of this good day wherein I have met thee again."
So they went with him, and when they had sat down in the goodliest
chamber of the Tower, and they had been served with wine and spices,
the new Lord said to Ralph: "And now, my master, wilt thou
not ask somewhat concerning me?" "Yea," said Ralph, "I will ask
thee to tell the tale of how thou camest into thy Lordship.
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