On the morrow Ralph went up to the King's Castle with but three
men unweaponed bearing the gift which he had got for the King.
Albeit he sent not away his men-at-arms till he should know
how the King was minded towards him.
As he went he saw in the streets sad tokens of the lord's cruel justice,
as handless men, fettered, dragging themselves about, and folk hung up
before chapmen's booths, and whipping-cheer, and the pillar, and such like.
But whereas he might not help he would not heed, but came right
to the Castle-gate, and entered easily when he had told his errand,
for gift-bearing men are not oftenest withstood.
He was brought straightway into the great hall, where sat the King on his
throne amidst the chiefs of the Porte, and his captains and sergeants,
who were, so to say, his barons, though they were not barons of lineage,
but masterful men who were wise to do his bidding.
As he went up the hall he saw a sort of poor caytiffs, women as well as men,
led away from the high-place in chains by bailiffs and tipstaves;
and he doubted not that these were for torments or maiming and death;
and thought it were well might he do them some good.
Being come to the King, he made his obeisance to him,
and craved his good will and leave to wage men-at-arms to bring
him through the mountains.
The King was a tall man, a proper man of war; long-legged, black
bearded, and fierce-eyed. Some word he had heard of Ralph's gift,
therefore he was gracious to him; he spake and said: "Thou hast come
across the mountains a long way, fair Sir; prithee on what errand?"
Answered Ralph: "For no errand, lord, save to fare home to mine own land.
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