The new folk of the Burg of the Four Friths made him their lord
and captain, and the Champions of the Dry Tree obeyed him in all
honour so long as any of them lasted. He rode to Higham and offered
himself as captain to the abbot thereof, and drave out the tyrants
and oppressors thence, and gave back peace to the Frank of Higham.
Ever was he true captain and brother to the Shepherd-folk, and in
many battles they followed him; and were there any scarcity or ill
hap amongst them, he helped them to the uttermost of his power.
The Wood Debateable also he cleared of foul robbers and reivers,
and rooted out the last of the Burg-devils, and delivered three good
towns beyond the wood from the cruelty of the oppressor.
Once in every year he and Ursula his wife visited the Land
of Abundance, and he went into the castle there as into a holy place,
and worshipped the memory of the Lady whom he had loved so dearly.
With all the friends of his quest he was kind and well-beloved.
In about two years from the day when he rode home, came to him the Lord
Bull of Utterbol with a chosen band, of whom were both Otter and Redhead.
That very day they came he was about putting his foot in the stirrup
to ride against the foemen; so Bull and his men would not go into
the High House to eat, but drank a cup where they stood, and turned
and rode with him straightway, and did him right manly service in battle;
and went back with him afterwards to Upmeads, and abode with him there
in feasting and joyance for two months' wearing.
Pages:
729
730
731
732
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741
742
743
744
745
746
747
748
749
750
751
752
753