NowIhavetoldthee，indeed，oftwothingswhereofwebothwot;butnextImustneedstelltheeofthingswhereofIwot，andthouwottestnot。Yetthiswerebetter，thatthoupledgethywordnottotouchsomuchasoneofmyhands，andthatwegotogetheralittlewayhenceawayfromthesetumbledstones，andsitdownupontheopengreensward;whereashereiscoveriftherebespyingabroad。"
Again，asshespoke，sheturnedverypale;butWaltersaid："Sinceitmustbeso，IpledgetheemywordtotheeasIlovethee。"
Andtherewithshekneltdown，anddidonherfoot—gear，andthenspranglightlyovertherivulet;andthenthetwainofthemwentsidebysidesomehalfafurlongthence，andsatdown，shadowedbytheboughsofaslimquicken—treegrowingupoutofthegreensward，whereonforagoodspacearoundwasneitherbushnorbrake。
Therebeganthemaidentotalksoberly，andsaid："ThisiswhatI
mustneedssaytotheenow，thatthouartcomeintoalandperilousforanyonethatlovethaughtofgood;fromwhich，forsooth，Iwerefainthatthouwertgottenawaysafely，eventhoughIshoulddieoflongingforthee。Asformyself，myperilis，inameasure，lessthanthine;Imeantheperilofdeath。Butlo，thou，thisirononmyfootistokenthatIamathrall，andthouknowestinwhatwisethrallsmustpayfortransgressions。Furthermore，ofwhatIam，andhowIcamehither，timewouldfailmetotell;butsomewhile，maybe，Ishalltellthee。Iserveanevilmistress，ofwhomImaysaythatscarceIwotifshebeawomanornot;butbysomecreaturesissheaccountedforagod，andasagodisheried;andsurelynevergodwascruellernorcolderthanshe。Meshehatethsorely;yetifshehatedmelittleornought，smallwerethegaintomeifitwereherpleasuretodealhardlybyme。Butasthingsnoware，andareliketobe，itwouldnotbeforherpleasure，butforherpainandloss，tomakeanendofme，therefore，asIsaide’ennow，mymerelifeisnotinperilwithher;unless，perchance，somesuddenpassiongetthebetterofher，andsheslayme，andrepentofitthereafter。
Forsoitis，thatifitbetheleastevilofherconditionsthatsheiswanton，atleastwantonsheistotheletter。Manyatimehathshecastthenetforthecatchingofsomegoodlyyoungman;andherlatestprey（saveitbethou）istheyoungmanwhomInamed，whenfirstIsawthee，bythenameoftheKing’sSon。Heiswithusyet，andIfearhim;foroflatehathheweariedofher，thoughitisbutplaintruthtosayofher，thatsheisthewonderofallBeautiesoftheWorld。Hehathweariedofher，Isay，andhathcasthiseyesuponme，andifIwereheedless，hewouldbetraymetotheuttermostofthewrathofmymistress。ForneedsmustIsayofhim，thoughhebeagoodlyman，andnowfallenintothralldom，thathehathnobowelsofcompassion;butisadastard，whoforanhour’spleasurewouldundome，andthereafterwouldstandbysmilingandtakingmymistress’spardonwithgoodcheer，whileformewouldbenopardon。Seestthou，therefore，howitiswithmebetweenthesetwocruelfools？AndmoreoverthereareothersofwhomIwillnotevenspeaktothee。"
Andtherewithsheputherhandsbeforeherface，andwept，andmurmured："Whoshalldelivermefromthisdeathinlife？"
ButWaltercriedout："ForwhatelseamIcomehither，I，I？"
Anditwasanearthingthathedidnottakeherinhisarms，butherememberedhispledgedword，anddrewabackfromherinterror，whereashehadaninklingofwhyshewouldnotsufferit;andheweptwithher。
ButsuddenlytheMaidleftweeping，andsaidinachangedvoice：
"Friend，whereasthouspeakestofdeliveringme，itismorelikethatIshalldeliverthee。AndnowIpraythypardonforthusgrievingtheewithmygrief，andthatmoreespeciallybecausethoumaystnotsolacethygriefwithkissesandcaresses;butsoitwas，thatforonceIwassmittenbythethoughtoftheanguishofthisland，andthejoyofalltheworldbesides。"
Therewithshecaughtherbreathinahalf—sob，butrefrainedherandwenton："Nowdearfriendanddarling，takegoodheedtoallthatI
shallsaytothee，whereasthoumustdoaftertheteachingofmywords。Andfirst，Ideembythemonsterhavingmettheeatthegatesoftheland，andrefreshedthee，thattheMistresshathlookedforthycoming;nay，bythycominghitheratall，thatshehathcasthernetandcaughtthee。Hastthounotedaughtthatmightseemtomakethismorelike？"
SaidWalter："ThreetimesinfulldaylighthaveIseengopastmetheimagesofthemonsterandtheeandagloriouslady，evenasifyewerealive。"
AndtherewithhetoldherinfewwordshowithadgonewithhimsincethatdayonthequayatLangton。
Shesaid："Thenitisnolongerperhaps，butcertain，thatthouartherlatestcatch;andevensoIdeemedfromthefirst：and，dearfriend，thisiswhyIhavenotsufferedtheetokissorcaressme，sosoreasIlongedforthee。FortheMistresswillhavetheeforheronly，andhathluredtheehitherfornoughtelse;andsheiswiseinwizardry（evenassomedealamI），andwertthoutotouchmewithhandormouthonmynakedflesh，yea，orwereitevenmyraiment，thenwouldshescentthesavourofthyloveuponme，andthen，thoughitmaybeshewouldsparethee，shewouldnotspareme。"
Thenwasshesilentalittle，andseemedverydowncast，andWalterheldhispeacefromgriefandconfusionandhelplessness;forofwizardryheknewnought。
AtlasttheMaidspakeagain，andsaid："Neverthelesswewillnotdieredeless。Nowthoumustlooktothis，thatfromhenceforwarditisthee，andnottheKing’sSon，whomshedesireth，andthatsomuchthemorethatshehathnotseteyesonthee。Rememberthis，whatsoeverherseemingmaybetothee。Now，therefore，shalltheKing’sSonbefree，thoughheknowitnot，tocasthisloveonwhomsohewill;and，inaway，Ialsoshallbefreetoyeasayhim。
Though，forsooth，sofulfilledisshewithmaliceandspite，thateventhenshemayturnroundonmetopunishmefordoingthatwhichshewouldhavemedo。Nowletmethinkofit。"
Thenwasshesilentagoodwhile，andspokeatlast："Yea，allthingsareperilous，andaperilousredeIhavethoughtof，whereofIwillnottelltheeasyet;sowastenottheshortwhilebyaskingme。Atleasttheworstwillbenoworsethanwhatshallcomeifwestrivenotagainstit。Andnow，myfriend，amongstperilsitisgrowingmoreandmoreperilousthatwetwainshouldbelongertogether。ButIwouldsayonethingyet;andmaybeanotherthereafter。Thouhastcastthyloveupononewhowillbetruetothee，whatsoevermaybefall;yetissheaguilefulcreature，andmightnothelpitherlifelong，andnowforthyverysakemustneedsbemoreguilefulnowthaneverbefore。Andasforme，theguileful，mylovehaveIcastuponalovelyman，andonetrueandsimple，andastout—heart;butatsuchapinchishe，thatifhewithstandalltemptation，hiswithstandingmaybelikeundobothhimandme。Thereforeswearwebothofus，thatbybothofusshallallguileandallfallingawaybeforgivenonthedaywhenweshallbefreetoloveeachtheotherasourheartswill。"
Waltercriedout："Olove，Iswearitindeed！thouartmyHallow，andIwillswearitasontherelicsofaHallow;onthyhandsandthyfeetIswearit。"
Thewordsseemedtoheradearcaress;andshelaughed，andblushed，andlookedfullkindlyonhim;andthenherfacegrewsolemn，andshesaid："OnthylifeIswearit！"
Thenshesaid："NowistherenoughtfortheetodobuttogohencestraighttotheGoldenHouse，whichismyMistress’shouse，andtheonlyhouseinthisland（saveonewhichImaynotsee），andliethsouthwardnolongway。Howshewilldealwiththee，Iwotnot;butallIhavesaidofherandtheeandtheKing’sSonistrue。
ThereforeIsaytothee，bewaryandcoldatheart，whatsoeveroutwardsemblancethoumaystmake。Ifthouhavetoyieldtheetoher，thenyieldratherlatethanearly，soastogaintime。Yetnotsolateastoseemshamedinyieldingforfear’ssake。Holdfasttothylife，myfriend，forinwardingthat，thouwardestmefromgriefwithoutremedy。Thouwiltseemeerelong;itmaybeto—morrow，itmaybesomedayshence。Butforgetnot，thatwhatImaydo，thatI
amdoing。Takeheedalsothatthoupaynomoreheedtome，orratherless，thanifthouwertmeetingamaidenofnoaccountinthestreetsofthineowntown。Omylove！barrenisthisfirstfarewell，aswasourfirstmeeting;butsurelyshalltherebeanothermeetingbetterthanthefirst，andthelastfarewellmaybelongandlongyet。"
Therewithshestoodup，andhekneltbeforeheralittlewhilewithoutanyword，andthenaroseandwenthisways;butwhenhehadgoneaspaceheturnedabout，andsawherstillstandinginthesameplace;shestayedamomentwhenshesawhimturn，andthenherselfturnedabout。
Sohedepartedthroughthefairland，andhisheartwasfullwithhopeandfearashewent。
CHAPTERXI：WALTERHAPPENETHONTHEMISTRESS
ItwasbutalittleafternoonwhenWalterlefttheMaidbehind：hesteeredsouthbythesun，astheMaidhadbiddenhim，andwentswiftly;for，asagoodknightwendingtobattle，thetimeseemedlongtohimtillheshouldmeetthefoe。
Soanhourbeforesunsethesawsomethingwhiteandgaygleamingthroughthebolesoftheoak—trees，andpresentlytherewasclearbeforehimamostgoodlyhousebuildedofwhitemarble，carvedallaboutwithknotsandimagery，andthecarvenfolkwereallpaintedoftheirlivelycolours，whetheritweretheirraimentortheirflesh，andthehousingswhereintheystoodalldonewithgoldandfairhues。Gaywerethewindowsofthehouse;andtherewasapillaredporchbeforethegreatdoor，withimagesbetwixtthepillarsbothofmenandbeasts：andwhenWalterlookeduptotheroofofthehouse，hesawthatitgleamedandshone;forallthetileswereofyellowmetal，whichhedeemedtobeofverygold。
Allthishesawashewent，andtarriednottogazeuponit;forhesaid，BeliketherewillbetimeformetolookonallthisbeforeI
die。Buthesaidalso，that，thoughthehousewasnotofthegreatest，itwasbeyondcompareofallhousesoftheworld。
Nowheentereditbytheporch，andcameintoahallmany—pillared，andvaultedover，thewallspaintedwithgoldandultramarine，thefloordark，andspangledwithmanycolours，andthewindowsglazedwithknotsandpictures。Midmostthereofwasafountainofgold，whencethewaterrantwowaysingold—linedrunnels，spannedtwicewithlittlebridgesofsilver。Longwasthathall，andnownotverylight，sothatWalterwascomepastthefountainbeforehesawanyfolktherein：thenhelookeduptowardthehigh—seat，andhimseemedthatagreatlightshonethence，anddazzledhiseyes;andhewentonalittleway，andthenfellonhisknees;fortherebeforehimonthehigh—seatsatthatwondrousLady，whoselivelyimagehadbeenshowntohimthricebefore;andshewascladingoldandjewels，ashehaderstseenher。Butnowshewasnotalone;forbyhersidesatayoungman，goodlyenough，sofarasWaltermightseehim，andmostrichlyclad，withajewelledswordbyhisside，andachapletofgemsonhishead。Theyheldeachotherbythehand，andseemedtobeindearconversetogether;buttheyspakesoftly，sothatWaltermightnothearwhattheysaid，tillatlastthemanspakealoudtotheLady："Seestthounotthatthereisamaninthehall？"
"Yea，"shesaid，"Iseehimyonder，kneelingonhisknees;lethimcomenigherandgivesomeaccountofhimself。"
SoWalterstoodupanddrewnigh，andstoodthere，allshamefacedandconfused，lookingonthosetwain，andwonderingatthebeautyoftheLady。Asfortheman，whowasslim，andblack—haired，andstraight—featured，forallhisgoodlinessWalteraccountedhimlittle，andnowisedeemedhimtolookchieftain—like。
NowtheLadyspakenottoWalteranymorethanerst;butatlastthemansaid："Whydoestthounotkneelasthoudidsterewhile？"
Walterwasonthepointofgivinghimbackafierceanswer;buttheLadyspakeandsaid："Nay，friend，itmattersnotwhetherhekneelorstand;buthemaysay，ifhewill，whathewouldhaveofme，andwhereforeheiscomehither。"
ThenspakeWalter，foraswrothandashamedashewas："Lady，I
havestrayedintothisland，andhavecometothinehouseasI
suppose，andifIbenotwelcome，Imaywelldepartstraightway，andseekawayoutofthyland，ifthouwouldstdrivemethence，aswellasoutofthinehouse。"
ThereattheLadyturnedandlookedonhim，andwhenhereyesmethis，hefeltapangoffearanddesiremingledshootthroughhisheart。Thistimeshespoketohim;butcoldly，withouteitherwrathoranythoughtofhim："Newcomer，"shesaid，"Ihavenotbiddentheehither;butheremaystthouabideawhileifthouwilt;
nevertheless，takeheedthathereisnoKing’sCourt。Thereis，forsooth，afolkthatservethme（or，itmaybe，morethanone），ofwhomthouwertbesttoknownought。OfothersIhavebuttwoservants，whomthouwiltsee;andtheoneisastrangecreature，whoshouldscaretheeorscathetheewithagoodwill，butofagoodwillshallservenoughtsaveme;theotherisawoman，athrall，oflittleavail，savethat，beingcompelled，shewillworkwoman’sserviceforme，butwhomnoneelseshallcompel……Yea，butwhatisallthistothee;ortomethatIshouldtellittothee？Iwillnotdrivetheeaway;butifthineentertainmentpleasetheenot，makenoplaintthereoftome，butdepartatthywill。Nowisthistalkbetwixtusoverlong，since，asthouseest，IandthisKing’sSonareinconversetogether。ArtthouaKing’sSon？"
"Nay，Lady，"saidWalter，"Iambutofthesonsofthemerchants。"
"Itmattersnot，"shesaid;"gothywaysintooneofthechambers。"
Andstraightwayshefella—talkingtothemanwhosatbesideherconcerningthesingingofthebirdsbeneathherwindowinthemorning;andofhowshehadbathedherthatdayinapoolofthewoodlands，whenshehadbeenheatedwithhunting，andsoforth;andallasiftherehadbeennonetheresaveherandtheKing’sSon。
ButWalterdepartedallashamed，asthoughhehadbeenapoormanthrustawayfromarichkinsman’sdoor;andhesaidtohimselfthatthiswomanwashateful，andnoughtlove—worthy，andthatshewaslittleliketotempthim，despiteallthefairnessofherbody。
Nooneelsehesawinthehousethateven;hefoundmeatanddrinkdulyservedonafairtable，andthereafterhecameonagoodlybed，andallthingsneedful，butnochildofAdamtodohimservice，orbidhimwelcomeorwarning。Neverthelessheate，anddrank，andslept，andputoffthoughtofallthesethingstillthemorrow，allthemoreashehopedtoseethekindmaidensometimebetwixtsunriseandsunsetonthatnewday。
CHAPTERXII：THEWEARINGOFFOURDAYSINTHEWOODBEYONDTHEWORLD
Hearosebetimes，butfoundnoonetogreethim，neitherwasthereanysoundoffolkmovingwithinthefairhouse;sohebutbrokehisfast，andthenwentforthandwanderedamongstthetrees，tillhefoundhimastreamtobathein，andafterhehadwashedthenightoffhimhelaydownunderatreetherebyforawhile，butsoonturnedbacktowardthehouse，lestperchancetheMaidshouldcomethitherandheshouldmissher。
Itshouldbesaidthathalfabow—shotfromthehouseonthatside（i。e。duenorththereof）wasalittlehazel—brake，androundaboutitthetreesweresmallerofkindthantheoaksandchestnutshehadpassedthroughbefore，beingmostlyofbirchandquicken—beamandyoungash，withsmallwoodbetwixtthem;sonowhepassedthroughthethicket，and，comingtotheedgethereof，beheldtheLadyandtheKing’sSonwalkingtogetherhandinhand，fulllovinglybyseeming。
Hedeemeditunmeettodrawbackandhidehim，sohewentforthpastthemtowardthehouse。TheKing’sSonscowledonhimashepassed，buttheLady，overwhosebeauteousfaceflickeredthejoyousmorningsmiles，tooknomoreheedofhimthanifhehadbeenoneofthetreesofthewood。Butshehadbeensohighanddisdainfulwithhimtheeveningbefore，thathethoughtlittleofthat。Thetwainwenton，skirtingthehazel—copse，andhecouldnotchoosebutturnhiseyesonthem，sosorelydidtheLady’sbeautydrawthem。Thenbefellanotherthing;forbehindthemtheboughsofthehazelsparted，andtherestoodthatlittleevilthing，heoranotherofhiskind;forhewasquiteunclad，savebyhisfellofyellowy—brownhair，andthathewasgirtwithaleatherngirdle，whereinwasstuckanuglytwo—edgedknife：hestooduprightamoment，andcasthiseyesatWalterandgrinned，butnotasifheknewhim;andscarcecouldWaltersaywhetheritweretheonehehadseen，oranother：
thenhecasthimselfdownonhisbelly，andfelltocreepingthroughthelonggrasslikeaserpent，followingthefootstepsoftheLadyandherlover;andnow，ashecrept，Walterdeemed，inhisloathing，thatthecreaturewaslikertoaferretthanaughtelse。Hecreptonmarvellousswiftly，andwassooncleanoutofsight。ButWalterstoodstaringafterhimforawhile，andthenlaydownbythecopse—
side，thathemightwatchthehouseandtheentrythereof;forhethought，nowperchancepresentlywillthekindmaidencomehithertocomfortmewithawordortwo。Buthourpassedbyhour，andstillshecamenot;andstillhelaythere，andthoughtoftheMaid，andlongedforherkindnessandwisdom，tillhecouldnotrefrainhistears，andweptforthelackofher。Thenhearose，andwentandsatintheporch，andwasverydowncastofmood。
Butashesatthere，backcomestheLadyagain，theKing’sSonleadingherbythehand;theyenteredtheporch，andshepassedbyhimsoclosethattheodourofherraimentfilledalltheairabouthim，andthesleeknessofhersidenightouchedhim，sothathecouldnotfailtonotethathergarmentsweresomewhatdisarrayed，andthatshekeptherrighthand（forherlefttheKing’sSonheld）
toherbosomtoholdtheclothtogetherthere，whereastherichraimenthadbeentornofffromherrightshoulder。Astheypassedbyhim，theKing’sSononcemorescowledonhim，wordless，butevenmorefiercelythanbefore;andagaintheLadyheededhimnought。
Aftertheyhadgoneonawhile，heenteredthehall，andfounditemptyfromendtoend，andnosoundinitsavethetinklingofthefountain;buttherewasvictualsetontheboard。Heateanddrankthereoftokeeplifelustywithinhim，andthenwentoutagaintothewood—sidetowatchandtolong;andthetimehungheavyonhishandsbecauseofthelackofthefairMaiden。
Hewasofmindnottogointothehousetohisrestthatnight，buttosleepundertheboughsoftheforest。Butalittleaftersunsethesawabright—cladimagemovingamidstthecarvenimagesoftheporch，andtheKing’sSoncameforthandwentstraighttohim，andsaid："Thouarttoenterthehouse，andgointothychamberforthwith，andbynomeanstogoforthofitbetwixtsunsetandsunrise。MyLadywillnotawaywiththyprowlingroundthehouseinthenight—tide。"
Therewithheturnedaway，andwentintothehouseagain;andWalterfollowedhimsoberly，rememberinghowtheMaidhadbiddenhimforbear。Sohewenttohischamber，andslept。
Butamidstofthenightheawokeanddeemedthatheheardavoicenotfaroff，sohecreptoutofhisbedandpeeredaround，lest，perchance，theMaidhadcometospeakwithhim;buthischamberwasduskandempty：thenhewenttothewindowandlookedout，andsawthemoonshiningbrightandwhiteuponthegreensward。Andlo！theLadywalkingwiththeKing’sSon，andhecladinthinandwantonraiment，butsheinnoughtelsesavewhatGodhadgivenheroflong，crispyyellowhair。ThenwasWalterashamedtolookonher，seeingthattherewasamanwithher，andgathimbacktohisbed;butyetalongwhileerehesleptagainhehadtheimagebeforehiseyesofthefairwomanonthedewymoonlitgrass。
Thenextdaymatterswentmuchthesameway，andthenextalso，savethathissorrowwasincreased，andhesickenedsorelyofhopedeferred。Onthefourthdayalsotheforenoonworeaserst;butintheheatoftheafternoonWaltersoughttothehazel—copse，andlaidhimdowntherehardbyalittleclearingthereof，andsleptfromverywearinessofgrief。There，afterawhile，hewokewithwordsstillhanginginhisears，andheknewatoncethatitwastheytwaintalkingtogether。
TheKing’sSonhadjustdonehissay，andnowitwastheLadybeginninginherhoney—sweetvoice，lowbutstrong，whereinevenwasalittleofhuskiness;shesaid："Otto，belikeitwerewelltohavealittlepatience，tillwefindoutwhatthemanis，andwhencehecometh;itwillalwaysbeeasytoridusofhim;itisbutawordtoourDwarf—king，anditwillbedoneinafewminutes。"
"Patience！"saidtheKing’sSon，angrily;"Iwotnothowtohavepatiencewithhim;forIcanseeofhimthatheisrudeandviolentandheadstrong，andalow—bornwilyone。Forsooth，hehadpatienceenoughwithmetheothereven，whenIratedhimin，likethedogthatheis，andhehadnomanhoodtosayonewordtome。Soothly，ashefollowedafterme，Ihadamindtoturnaboutanddealhimabuffetontheface，toseeifIcouldbutdrawoneangrywordfromhim。"
TheLadylaughed，andsaid："Well，Otto，Iknownot;thatwhichthoudeemestdastardyinhimmaybebutprudenceandwisdom，andheanalien，farfromhisfriendsandnightohisfoes。Perchanceweshallyettryhimwhatheis。Meanwhile，Iredetheetryhimnotwithbuffets，savehebeweaponlessandwithboundenhands;orelseIdeemthatbutalittlewhileshaltthoubefainofthyblow。"
NowwhenWalterheardherwordsandthevoicewhereintheyweresaid，hemightnotforbearbeingstirredbythem，andtohim，alllonelythere，theyseemedfriendly。
Buthelaystill，andtheKing’sSonansweredtheLadyandsaid："I
knownotwhatisinthineheartconcerningthisrunagate，thatthoushouldstbemockmewithhisvaliancy，whereofthouknowestnought。
Ifthoudeemmeunworthyofthee，sendmebacksafetomyfather’scountry;Imaylooktohaveworshipthere;yea，andtheloveoffairwomenbelike。"
TherewithitseemedasifhehadputforthhishandtotheLadytocaressher，forshesaid："Nay，laynotthinehandonmyshoulder，forto—dayandnowitisnotthehandoflove，butofprideandfolly，andwould—bemastery。Nay，neithershaltthouriseupandleavemeuntilthymoodissofterandkindertome。"
Thenwastheresilencebetwixtthemawhile，andthereaftertheKing’sSonspakeinawheedlingvoice："Mygoddess，Ipraytheepardonme！ButcanstthouwonderthatIfearthywearyingofme，andamthereforepeevishandjealous？thousofarabovetheQueensoftheWorld，andIapooryouththatwithouttheewerenothing！"
Sheanswerednought，andhewentonagain："Wasitnotso，O
goddess，thatthismanofthesonsofthemerchantswaslittleheedfulofthee，andthylovelinessandthymajesty？"
Shelaughedandsaid："Maybehedeemednotthathehadmuchtogainofus，seeingtheesittingbyourside，andwhereaswespaketohimcoldlyandsternlyanddisdainfully。Withal，thepooryouthwasdazzledandshamefacedbeforeus;thatwecouldseeintheeyesandthemienofhim。"
Nowthisshespokesokindlyandsweetly，thatagainwasWalterallstirredthereat;anditcameintohismindthatitmightbesheknewhewasanighandhearingher，andthatshespakeasmuchforhimasfortheKing’sSon：butthatoneanswered："Lady，didstthounotseesomewhatelseinhiseyes，towit，thattheyhadbutoflatelookedonsomefairwomanotherthanthee？Asforme，IdeemitnotsounlikethatonthewaytothinehallhemayhavefalleninwiththyMaid。"
Hespokeinafalteringvoice，asifshrinkingfromsomestormthatmightcome。AndforsooththeLady’svoicewaschangedassheanswered，thoughtherewasnooutwardheatinit;ratheritwassharpandeagerandcoldatonce。Shesaid："Yea，thatisnotillthoughtof;butwemaynotalwayskeepourthrallinmind。Ifitbesoasthoudeemest，weshallcometoknowitmostlikewhenwenextfallinwithher;orifshehathbeenshythistime，thenshallshepaytheheavierforit;forwewillquestionherbytheFountainintheHallastowhatbetidbytheFountainoftheRock。"
SpaketheKing’sSon，falteringyetmore："Lady，wereitnotbettertoquestionthemanhimself？theMaidisstout—hearted，andwillnotbespeedilyquelledintoatruetale;whereasthemanIdeemofnoaccount。"
"No，no，"saidtheLadysharply，"itshallnotbe。"
Thenwasshesilentawhile;andthenshesaid："Howifthemanshouldprovetobeourmaster？"
"Nay，ourLady，"saidtheKing’sSon，"thouartjestingwithme;
thouandthymightandthywisdom，andallthatthywisdommaycommand，tobeover—masteredbyagangrelchurl！"
"ButhowifIwillnothaveitcommand，King’sSon？"saidtheLady。
"ItelltheeIknowthineheart，butthouknowestnotmine。Butbeatpeace！Forsincethouhastprayedforthiswoman——nay，notwiththywords，Iwot，butwiththytremblinghands，andthineanxiouseyes，andknittedbrow——Isay，sincethouhastprayedforhersoearnestly，sheshallescapethistime。Butwhetheritwillbetohergaininthelongrun，Imisdoubtme。Seethoutothat，Otto！
thouwhohastheldmeinthinearmssooft。Andnowthoumayestdepartifthouwilt。"
ItseemedtoWalterasiftheKing’sSonweredumbfounderedatherwords：heanswerednought，andpresentlyherosefromtheground，andwenthiswaysslowlytowardthehouse。TheLadylaytherealittlewhile，andthenwentherwaysalso;butturnedawayfromthehousetowardthewoodattheotherendthereof，wherebyWalterhadfirstcomethither。
AsforWalter，hewasconfusedinmindandshakeninspirit;andwithalheseemedtoseeguileandcrueldeedsunderthetalkofthosetwo，andwaxedwrathfulthereat。Yethesaidtohimself，thatnoughtmighthedo，butwasasoneboundhandandfoot，tillhehadseentheMaidagain。
CHAPTERXIII：NOWISTHEHUNTUP
Nextmorningwasheupbetimes，buthewascastdownandheavyofheart，notlookingforaughtelsetobetidethanhadbetidthoselastfourdays。Butotherwiseitfellout;forwhenhecamedownintothehall，therewastheladysittingonthehigh—seatallalone，cladbutinacoatofwhitelinen;andsheturnedherheadwhensheheardhisfootsteps，andlookedonhim，andgreetedhim，andsaid："Comehither，guest。"
Sohewentandstoodbeforeher，andshesaid："Thoughasyetthouhasthadnowelcomehere，andnohonour，ithathnotenteredintothinehearttofleefromus;andtosaysooth，thatiswellforthee，forfleeawayfromourhandthoumightestnot，normightestthoudepartwithoutourfurtherance。Butforthiswecantheethank，thatthouhastabidedhereourbiddingandeatenthineheartthroughtheheavywearingoffourdays，andmadenoplaint。YetI
cannotdeemtheeadastard;thousowellknitandshapelyofbody，soclear—eyedandboldofvisage。WhereforenowIaskthee，artthouwillingtodomeservice，therebytoearnthyguesting？"
Walteransweredher，somewhatfalteringatfirst，forhewasastonishedatthechangewhichhadcomeoverher;fornowshespoketohiminfriendlywise，thoughindeedasagreatladywouldspeaktoayoungmanreadytoserveherinallhonour。Saidhe："Lady，I
canthanktheehumblyandheartilyinthatthoubiddestmedotheeservice;forthesedayspastIhaveloathedtheemptinessofthehours，andnoughtbettercouldIaskforthantoservesogloriousaMistressinallhonour。"
Shefrownedsomewhat，andsaid："ThoushaltnotcallmeMistress;
thereisbutonewhosocallethme，thatismythrall;andthouartnonesuch。ThoushaltcallmeLady，andIshallbewellpleasedthatthoubemysquire，andforthispresentthoushaltservemeinthehunting。Sogetthygear;takethybowandarrows，andgirdtheetothysword。Forinthisfairlandmayonefindbeastsmoreperilousthanbebuckorhart。Igonowtoarrayme;wewilldepartwhilethedayisyetyoung;forsomakewethesummerdaythefairest。"
Hemadeobeisancetoher，andshearoseandwenttoherchamber，andWalterdighthimself，andthenabodeherintheporch;andinlessthananhourshecameoutofthehall，andWalter’sheartbeatwhenhesawthattheMaidfollowedherhardatheel，andscarcemightheschoolhiseyesnottogazeover—eagerlyathisdearfriend。Shewascladevenasshewasbefore，andwaschangedinnowise，savethatlovetroubledherfacewhenshefirstbeheldhim，andshehadmuchadotomasterit：howbeittheMistressheedednotthetroubleofher，ormadenosemblanceofheedingit，tilltheMaiden’sfacewasallaccordingtoitswont。
ButthisWalterfoundstrange，thatafterallthatdisdainoftheMaid’sthralldomwhichhehadheardoftheMistress，andafterallthethreatsagainsther，nowwastheMistressbecomemildanddebonairetoher，asagoodladytohergoodmaiden。WhenWalterbowedthekneetoher，sheturneduntotheMaid，andsaid："Lookthou，myMaid，atthisfairnewSquirethatIhavegotten！Willnothebevaliantinthegreenwood？Andseewhetherhebewellshapenornot。Dothhenottouchthineheart，whenthouthinkestofallthewoe，andfear，andtroubleoftheWorldbeyondtheWood，whichhehathescaped，todwellinthislittlelandpeaceably，andwell—
belovedbothbytheMistressandtheMaid？Andthou，mySquire，lookalittleatthisfairslimMaiden，andsayifshepleaseththeenot：didstthoudeemthatwehadanythingsofairinthislonelyplace？"
Frankandkindwasthesmileonherradiantvisage，nordidsheseemtonoteanywhitthetroubleonWalter’sface，norhowhestrovetokeephiseyesfromtheMaid。Asforher，shehadsowhollymasteredhercountenance，thatbelikesheusedherfaceguilefully，forshestoodasonehumblebuthappy，withasmileonherface，blushing，andwithherheadhungdownasifshamefacedbeforeagoodlyyoungman，astranger。
ButtheLadylookeduponherkindlyandsaid："Comehither，child，andfearnotthisfrankandfreeyoungman，whobelikefeareththeealittle，andfullcertainlyfearethme;andyetonlyafterthemannerofmen。"
AndtherewithshetooktheMaidbythehandanddrewhertoher，andpressedhertoherbosom，andkissedhercheeksandherlips，andundidthelacingofhergownandbaredashoulderofher，andsweptawayherskirtfromherfeet;andthenturnedtoWalterandsaid：
"Lothou，Squire！isnotthisalovelythingtohavegrownupamongstourroughoak—boles？What！artthoulookingattheironringthere？Itisnought，saveatokenthatsheismine，andthatI
maynotbewithouther。"
ThenshetooktheMaidbytheshouldersandturnedheraboutasinsport，andsaid："Gothounow，andbringhitherthegoodgreyones;
forneedsmustwebringhomesomevenisonto—day，whereasthisstoutwarriormaynotfeedonnoughtsavemanchetsandhoney。"
SotheMaidwentherway，takingcare，asWalterdeemed，togivenosideglancetohim。Buthestoodthereshamefaced，soconfusedwithallthisopenheartedkindnessofthegreatLadyandwiththefreshsightofthedarlingbeautyoftheMaid，thathewentnightothinkingthatallhehadheardsincehehadcometotheporchofthehousethatfirsttimewasbutadreamofevil。
Butwhilehestoodponderingthesematters，andstaringbeforehimasonemazed，theLadylaughedoutinhisface，andtouchedhimonthearmandsaid："Ah，ourSquire，isitsothatnowthouhastseenmyMaidthouwouldstwithagoodwillabidebehindtotalkwithher？
Butcalltomindthywordpledgedtomee’ennow！AndmoreoverI
telltheethisforthybehoofnowsheisoutofear—shot，thatI
willaboveallthingstaketheeawayto—day：fortherebeothereyes，andtheynoughtuncomely，thatlookatwhilesonmyfair—
ankledthrall;andwhoknowsbuttheswordsmightbeoutifItakenotthebetterheed，andgivetheenoteverywhitofthywill。"
Asshespokeandmovedforward，heturnedalittle，sothatnowtheedgeofthathazel—coppicewaswithinhiseye—shot，andhedeemedthatoncemorehesawtheyellow—brownevilthingcrawlingforthfromthethicket;then，turningsuddenlyontheLady，hemethereyes，andseemedinonemomentoftimetofindafarotherlookinthemthanthatoffranknessandkindness;thoughinaflashtheychangedbackagain，andshesaidmerrilyandsweetly："So，so，SirSquire，nowartthouawakeagain，andmayestforalittlewhilelookonme。"
Nowitcameintohishead，withthatlookofhers，allthatmightbefallhimandtheMaidifhemasterednothispassion，nordidwhathemighttodissemble;sohebentthekneetoher，andspokeboldlytoherinherownvein，andsaid："Nay，mostgraciousofladies，neverwouldIabidebehindto—daysincethoufarestafield。Butifmyspeechbehampered，ormineeyesstray，isitnotbecausemymindisconfusedbythybeauty，andthehoneyofkindwordswhichflowethfromthymouth？"
Shelaughedoutrightathisword，butnotdisdainfully，andsaid：
"Thisiswellspoken，Squire，andevenwhatasquireshouldsaytohisliegelady，whenthesunisuponafairmorning，andsheandheandalltheworldareglad。"
Shestoodquitenearhimasshespoke，herhandwasonhisshoulder，andhereyesshoneandsparkled。Soothtosay，thatexcusingofhisconfusionwaslikeenoughinseemingtothetruth;forsurenevercreaturewasfashionedfairerthanshe：cladshewasforthegreenwoodasthehunting—goddessoftheGentiles，withhergreengowngathereduntohergirdle，andsandalsonherfeet;abowinherhandandaquiveratherback：shewastallerandbiggeroffashionthanthedearMaiden，whiterofflesh，andmoreglorious，andbrighterofhair;asaflowerofflowersforfairnessandfragrance。
Shesaid："Thouartverilyafairsquirebeforethehuntisup，andifthoubeasgoodinthehunting，allwillbebetterthanwell，andtheguestwillbewelcome。Butlo！herecomethourMaidwiththegoodgreyones。Gomeether，andwewilltarrynolongerthanforthytakingtheleashinhand。"
SoWalterlooked，andsawtheMaidcomingwithtwocoupleofgreathoundsintheleashstrainingagainstherasshecamealong。Heranlightlytomeether，wonderingifheshouldhavealook，orahalf—
whisperfromher;butshelethimtakethewhitethongsfromherhand，withthesamehalf—smileofshamefacednessstillsetonherface，and，goingpasthim，camesoftlyuptotheLady，swayinglikeawillow—branchinthewind，andstoodbeforeher，withherarmshangingdownbyhersides。ThentheLadyturnedtoher，andsaid：
"Looktothyself，ourMaid，whileweareaway。Thisfairyoungmanthouneedestnottofearindeed，forheisgoodandleal;butwhatthoushaltdowiththeKing’sSonIwotnot。Heisahotloverforsooth，butahardman;andwhilesevilishismood，andperilousbothtotheeandme。Andifthoudohiswill，itshallbeillforthee;andifthoudoitnot，takeheedofhim，andletme，andmeonly，comebetweenhiswrathandthee。Imaydosomewhatforthee。
Evenyesterdayhewasinstantwithmetohavetheechastisedafterthemannerofthralls;butIbadehimkeepsilenceofsuchwords，andjeeredhimandmockedhim，tillhewentawayfrommepeevishandinanger。Solooktoitthatthoufallnotintoanytrapofhiscontrivance。"
ThentheMaidcastherselfattheMistress’sfeet，andkissedandembracedthem;andassheroseup，theLadylaidherhandlightlyonherhead，andthen，turningtoWalter，criedout："Now，Squire，letusleaveallthesetroublesandwilesanddesiresbehindus，andflitthroughthemerrygreenwoodliketheGentilesofolddays。"
Andtherewithshedrewupthelapsofhergowntillthewhitenessofherkneeswasseen，andsetoffswiftlytowardthewoodthatlaysouthofthehouse，andWalterfollowed，marvellingathergoodliness;nordursthecastalookbackwardtotheMaiden，forheknewthatshedesiredhim，anditwasheronlythathelookedtoforhisdeliverancefromthishouseofguileandlies。
CHAPTERXIV：THEHUNTINGOFTHEHART
Astheywent，theyfoundachangeintheland，whichgrewemptierofbigandwide—spreadingtrees，andmorebesetwiththickets。Fromoneofthesetheyrousedahart，andWalterletsliphishoundsthereafterandheandtheLadyfollowedrunning。Exceedingswiftwasshe，andwell—breathedwithal，sothatWalterwonderedather;
andeagershewasinthechaseastheveryhounds，heedingnothingthescratchingofbriarsorthewhippingofstifftwigsasshespedon。Butforalltheireagerhunting，thequarryoutranbothdogsandfolk，andgathimintoagreatthicket，amidmostwhereofwasawideplashofwater。Intothethickettheyfollowedhim，buthetooktothewaterundertheireyesandmadelandontheotherside;
andbecauseofthetangleofunderwood，heswamacrossmuchfasterthantheymighthaveanyhopetocomeroundonhim;andsowerethehuntersleftundoneforthattime。
SotheLadycastherselfdownonthegreengrassanighthewater，whileWalterblewthehoundsinandcoupledthemup;thenheturnedroundtoher，andlo！shewasweepingfordespitethattheyhadlostthequarry;andagaindidWalterwonderthatsolittleamattershouldraiseapassionoftearsinher。Hedurstnotaskwhatailedher，orprofferhersolace，butwasnotillapaidbybeholdingherlovelinessasshelay。
PresentlysheraisedupherheadandturnedtoWalter，andspaketohimangrilyandsaid："Squire，whydostthoustandstaringatmelikeafool？"
"Yea，Lady，"hesaid;"butthesightoftheemakethmefoolishtodoaughtelsebuttolookonthee。"
Shesaid，inapeevishvoice："Tush，Squire，thedayistoofarspentforsoftandcourtlyspeeches;whatwasgoodthereisnoughtsogoodhere。Withal，Iknowmoreofthineheartthanthoudeemest。"
Walterhungdownhisheadandreddened，andshelookedonhim，andherfacechanged，andshesmiledandsaid，kindlythistime："Lookye，Squire，Iamhotandweary，andill—content;butpresentlyitwillbebetterwithme;formykneeshavebeentellingmyshouldersthatthecoldwaterofthislittlelakewillbesweetandpleasantthissummernoonday，andthatIshallforgetmyfoilwhenIhavetakenmypleasuretherein。Wherefore，gothouwiththinehoundswithoutthethicketandthereabidemycoming。AndIbidtheelooknotabackasthougoest，forthereinwereperiltothee：Ishallnotkeeptheetarryinglongalone。"
Hebowedhisheadtoher，andturnedandwenthisways。Andnow，whenhewasalittlespaceawayfromher，hedeemedherindeedamarvelofwomen，andwellnighforgatallhisdoubtsandfearsconcerningher，whethershewereafairimagefashionedoutofliesandguile，oritmightbebutanevilthingintheshapeofagoodlywoman。Forsooth，whenhesawhercaressingthedearandfriendlyMaid，hisheartallturnedagainsther，despitewhathiseyesandhisearstoldhismind，andsheseemedlikeasitwereaserpentenfoldingthesimplicityofthebodywhichheloved。
Butnowitwasallchanged，andhelayonthegrassandlongedforhercoming;whichwasdelayedforsomewhatmorethananhour。Thenshecamebacktohim，smilingandfreshandcheerful，hergreengownletdowntoherheels。
Hespranguptomeether，andshecameclosetohim，andspakefromalaughingface："Squire，hastthounomeatinthywallet？For，meseemeth，Ifedtheewhenthouwerthungrytheotherday;dothounowthesamebyme。"
Hesmiled，andloutedtoher，andtookhiswalletandbroughtoutthencebreadandfleshandwine，andspreadthemalloutbeforeheronthegreengrass，andthenstoodbyhumblybeforeher。Butshesaid："Nay，mySquire，sitdownbymeandeatwithme，forto—dayarewebothhunterstogether。"
Sohesatdownbyhertrembling，butneitherforaweofhergreatness，norforfearandhorrorofherguileandsorcery。
Awhiletheysattheretogetheraftertheyhaddonetheirmeat，andtheLadyfella—talkingwithWalterconcerningthepartsoftheearth，andthemannersofmen，andofhisjourneyingstoandfro。
Atlastshesaid："Thouhasttoldmemuchandansweredallmyquestionswisely，andasmygoodSquireshould，andthatpleasethme。Butnowtellmeofthecitywhereinthouwertbornandbred;acitywhereofthouhasthithertotoldmenought。"
"Lady，"hesaid，"itisafairandagreatcity，andtomanyitseemethlovely。ButIhaveleftit，andnowitisnothingtome。"
"Hastthounotkindredthere？"saidshe。
"Yea，"saidhe，"andfoemenwithal;andafalsewomanwaylayethmylifethere。"
"Andwhatwasshe？"saidtheLady。
SaidWalter："Shewasbutmywife。"
"Wasshefair？"saidtheLady。
Walterlookedonherawhile，andthensaid："Iwasgoingtosaythatshewaswellnighasfairasthou;butthatmayscarcebe。Yetwassheveryfair。Butnow，kindandgraciousLady，Iwillsaythiswordtothee：ImarvelthatthouaskestsomanythingsconcerningthecityofLangtononHolm，whereIwasborn，andwherearemykindredyet;formeseemeththatthouknowestitthyself。"
"Iknowit，I？"saidtheLady。
"What，then！thouknowestitnot？"saidWalter。
SpaketheLady，andsomeofherolddisdainwasinherwords："DostthoudeemthatIwanderabouttheworldanditscheaping—steadslikeoneofthechap—men？Nay，IdwellintheWoodbeyondtheWorld，andnowhereelse。Whathathputthiswordintothymouth？"
Hesaid："Pardonme，Lady，ifIhavemisdone;butthusitwas：
Mineowneyesbeheldtheegoingdownthequaysofourcity，andthenceaship—board，andtheshipsailedoutofthehaven。Andfirstofallwentastrangedwarf，whomIhaveseenhere，andthenthyMaid;andthenwentthygraciousandlovelybody。"
TheLady’sfacechangedashespoke，andsheturnedredandthenpale，andsetherteeth;butsherefrainedher，andsaid："Squire，Iseeoftheethatthouartnoliar，norlightofwit，thereforeI
supposethatthouhastverilyseensomeappearanceofme;butneverhaveIbeeninLangton，northoughtthereof，norknownthatsuchasteadtherewasuntilthounamedstite’ennow。Wherefore，Ideemthatanenemyhathcasttheshadowofmeontheairofthatland。"
"Yea，myLady，"saidWalter;"andwhatenemymightestthouhavetohavedonethis？"
Shewasslowofanswer，butspakeatlastfromaquiveringmouthofanger："Knowestthounotthesaw，thataman’sfoesaretheyofhisownhouse？IfIfindoutforatruthwhohathdonethis，thesaidenemyshallhaveanevilhourwithme。"
Againshewassilent，andsheclenchedherhandsandstrainedherlimbsintheheatofheranger;sothatWalterwasafraidofher，andallhismisgivingscamebacktohisheartagain，andherepentedthathehadtoldhersomuch。Butinalittlewhileallthattroubleandwrathseemedtoflowoffher，andagainwassheofgoodcheer，andkindandsweettohimandshesaid："Butinsooth，howeveritmaybe，Ithankthee，mySquireandfriend，fortellingmehereof。AndsurelynowytedoIlayonthee。And，moreover，isitnotthisvisionwhichhathbroughttheehither？"
"Soitis，Lady，"saidhe。
"Thenhavewetothankit，"saidtheLady，"andthouartwelcometoourland。"
Andtherewithsheheldoutherhandtohim，andhetookitonhiskneesandkissedit：andthenitwasasifared—hotironhadrunthroughhisheart，andhefeltfaint，andboweddownhishead。Butheheldherhandyet，andkisseditmanytimes，andthewristandthearm，andknewnotwherehewas。
Butshedrewalittleawayfromhim，andaroseandsaid："Nowisthedaywearing，andifwearetobearbackanyvenisonwemustbuckletothework。Soarise，Squire，andtakethehoundsandcomewithme;fornotfaroffisalittlethicketwhichmostlyharboursfoisonofdeer，greatandsmall。Letuscomeourways。"
CHAPTERXV：THESLAYINGOFTHEQUARRY
Sotheywalkedonquietlythencesomehalfamile，andevertheLadywouldhaveWaltertowalkbyherside，andnotfollowalittlebehindher，aswasmeetforaservanttodo;andshetouchedhishandatwhilesassheshowedhimbeastandfowlandtree，andthesweetnessofherbodyovercamehim，sothatforawhilehethoughtofnothingsaveher。
Nowwhentheywerecometothethicket—side，sheturnedtohimandsaid："Squire，Iamnoillwoodman，sothatthoumaysttrustmethatweshallnotbebroughttoshamethesecondtime;andIshalldosagely;sonockanarrowtothybow，andabidemehere，andstirnothence;forIshallenterthisthicketwithoutthehounds，andarousethequarryforthee;andseethatthoubebriskandclean—
shooting，andthenshaltthouhavearewardofme。"
Therewithshedrewupherskirtsthroughhergirdleagain，tookherbentbowinherhand，anddrewanarrowoutofthequiver，andsteppedlightlyintothethicket，leavinghimlongingforthesightofher，ashehearkenedtothetreadofherfeetonthedryleaves，andtherustlingofthebrakeasshethrustthroughit。
Thushestoodforafewminutes，andthenheheardakindofgibberingcrywithoutwords，yetasofawoman，comingfromthethicket，andwhilehisheartwasyetgatheringthethoughtthatsomethinghadgoneamiss，heglidedswiftly，butwithlittlestir，intothebrake。
HehadgonebutalittlewayerehesawtheLadystandingthereinanarrowclearing，herfacepaleasdeath，herkneescleavingtogether，herbodyswayingandtottering，herhandshangingdown，andthebowandarrowfallentotheground;andtenyardsbeforeheragreat—headedyellowcreaturecrouchingflattotheearthandslowlydrawingnigher。
Hestoppedshort;onearrowwasalreadynotchedtothestring，andanotherhungloosetothelesserfingersofhisstring—hand。Heraisedhisrighthand，anddrewandloosedinatwinkling;theshaftflewclosetotheLady’sside，andstraightwayallthewoodrungwithahugeroar，astheyellowlionturnedabouttobiteattheshaftwhichhadsunkdeepintohimbehindtheshoulder，asifaboltoutoftheheavenshadsmittenhim。ButstraightwayhadWalterloosedagain，andthen，throwingdownhisbow，heranforwardwithhisdrawnswordgleaminginhishand，whilethelionwelteredandrolled，buthadnomighttomoveforward。ThenWalterwentuptohimwarilyandthrusthimthroughtotheheart，andleaptaback，lestthebeastmightyethavelifeinhimtosmite;buthelefthisstruggling，hishugevoicediedout，andhelaytheremovelessbeforethehunter。
Walterabodealittle，facinghim，andthenturnedabouttotheLady，andshehadfallendowninaheapwhereasshestood，andlaythereallhuddledupandvoiceless。Sohekneltdownbyher，andliftedupherhead，andbadeherarise，forthefoewasslain。Andafteralittleshestretchedoutherlimbs，andturnedaboutonthegrass，andseemedtosleep，andthecolourcameintoherfaceagain，anditgrewsoftandalittlesmiling。Thusshelayawhile，andWaltersatbyherwatchingher，tillatlastsheopenedhereyesandsatup，andknewhim，andsmilingonhimsaid："Whathathbefallen，Squire，thatIhavesleptanddreamed？"
Heanswerednothing，tillhermemorycamebacktoher，andthenshearose，tremblingandpale，andsaid："Letusleavethiswood，fortheEnemyistherein。"
Andshehastenedawaybeforehimtilltheycameoutatthethicket—
sidewhereasthehoundshadbeenleft，andtheywerestandingthereuneasyandwhining;soWaltercoupledthem，whiletheLadystayednot，butwentawayswiftlyhomeward，andWalterfollowed。
Atlastshestayedherswiftfeet，andturnedroundonWalter，andsaid："Squire，comehither。"
Sodidhe，andshesaid："Iamwearyagain;letussitunderthisquicken—tree，andrestus。"
Sotheysatdown，andshesatlookingbetweenherkneesawhile;andatlastshesaid："Whydidstthounotbringthelion’shide？"
Hesaid："Lady，Iwillgobackandflaythebeast，andbringonthehide。"
Andhearosetherewith，butshecaughthimbytheskirtsanddrewhimdown，andsaid："Nay，thoushaltnotgo;abidewithme。Sitdownagain。"
Hedidso，andshesaid："Thoushaltnotgofromme;forIamafraid：Iamnotusedtolookingonthefaceofdeath。"
Shegrewpaleasshespoke，andsetahandtoherbreast，andsatsoawhilewithoutspeaking。Atlastsheturnedtohimsmiling，andsaid："HowwasitwiththeaspectofmewhenIstoodbeforetheperiloftheEnemy？"Andshelaidahanduponhis。
"Ograciousone，"quothhe，"thouwert，asever，fulllovely，butI
fearedforthee。"
Shemovednotherhandfromhis，andshesaid："GoodandtrueSquire，IsaidereIenteredthethickete’ennowthatIwouldrewardtheeifthouslewestthequarry。Heisdead，thoughthouhastlefttheskinbehinduponthecarcase。Asknowthyreward，buttaketimetothinkwhatitshallbe。"
Hefeltherhandwarmuponhis，anddrewinthesweetodourofhermingledwiththewoodlandscentsunderthehotsunoftheafternoon，andhisheartwascloudedwithmanlikedesireofher。Anditwasanearthingbuthehadspoken，andcravedofhertherewardofthefreedomofherMaid，andthathemightdepartwithherintootherlands;butashismindwaveredbetwixtthisandthat，theLady，whohadbeeneyeinghimkeenly，drewherhandawayfromhim;andtherewithdoubtandfearflowedintohismind，andherefrainedhimofspeech。
Thenshelaughedmerrilyandsaid："ThegoodSquireisshamefaced;
hefearethaladymorethanalion。WillitbearewardtotheeifIbidtheetokissmycheek？"
Therewithsheleanedherfacetowardhim，andhekissedherwell—
favouredly，andthensatgazingonher，wonderingwhatshouldbetidetohimonthemorrow。
Thenshearoseandsaid："Come，Squire，andletushome;benotabashed，thereshallbeotherrewardshereafter。"
Sotheywenttheirwaysquietly;anditwasnighsunsetagainsttheyenteredthehouseagain。WalterlookedroundfortheMaid，butbeheldhernot;andtheLadysaidtohim："Igotomychamber，andnowisthyserviceoverforthisday。"
Thenshenoddedtohimfriendlyandwentherways。
CHAPTERXVI：OFTHEKING’SSONANDTHEMAID
ButasforWalter，hewentoutofthehouseagain，andfaredslowlyoverthewoodlawnstillhecametoanotherclosethicketorbrake;
heenteredfrommerewantonness，orthathemightbethemoreapartandhidden，soastothinkoverhiscase。Therehelaydownunderthethickboughs，butcouldnotsoherdhisthoughtsthattheywoulddwellsteadyinlookingintowhatmightcometohimwithinthenextdays;rathervisionsofthosetwowomenandthemonsterdidbutfloatbeforehim，andfearanddesireandthehopeofliferantoandfroinhismind。
Ashelaythusheheardfootstepsdrawingnear，andhelookedbetweentheboughs，andthoughthesunhadjustset，hecouldseeclosebyhimamanandawomangoingslowly，andtheyhandinhand;
atfirsthedeemeditwouldbetheKing’sSonandtheLady，butpresentlyhesawthatitwastheKing’sSonindeed，butthatitwastheMaidwhomhewasholdingbythehand。Andnowhesawofhimthathiseyeswerebrightwithdesire，andofherthatshewasverypale。Yetwhenheheardherbegintospeak，itwasinasteadyvoicethatshesaid："King’sSon，thouhastthreatenedmeoftandunkindly，andnowthouthreatenestmeagain，andnolessunkindly。
Butwhateverwerethyneedhereinbefore，nowistherenomoreneed;
formyMistress，ofwhomthouwertweary，isnowgrownwearyofthee，andbelikewillnotnowrewardmefordrawingthylovetome，asonceshewouldhavedone;towit，beforethecomingofthisstranger。ThereforeIsay，sinceIambutathrall，poorandhelpless，betwixtyoutwomightyones，Ihavenochoicebuttodothywill。"
Asshespokeshelookedallroundabouther，asonedistraughtbytheanguishoffear。Walter，amidstofhiswrathandgrief，hadwellnighdrawnhisswordandrushedoutofhislairupontheKing’sSon。Buthedeemeditsurethat，sodoing，heshouldundotheMaidaltogether，andhimselfalsobelike，soherefrainedhim，thoughitwereahardmatter。
TheMaidhadstayedherfeetnowclosetowhereWalterlay，somefiveyardsfromhimonly，andhedoubtedwhethershesawhimnotfromwhereshestood。AstotheKing’sSon，hewassointentupontheMaid，andsogreedyofherbeauty，thatitwasnotlikethathesawanything。
NowmoreoverWalterlooked，anddeemedthathebeheldsomethingthroughthegrassandbrackenontheothersideofthosetwo，anuglybrownandyellowbody，which，ifitwerenotsomebeastofthefoumartkind，mustneedsbethemonstrousdwarf，oroneofhiskin;
andthefleshcreptuponWalter’sboneswiththehorrorofhim。ButtheKing’sSonspokeuntotheMaid："Sweetling，Ishalltakethegiftthougivestme，neithershallIthreatentheeanymore，howbeitthougivestitnotverygladlyorgraciously。"
Shesmiledonhimwithherlipsalone，forhereyeswerewanderingandhaggard。"Mylord，"shesaid，"isnotthisthemannerofwomen？"
"Well，"hesaid，"IsaythatIwilltakethyloveevensogiven。
Yetletmehearagainthatthoulovestnotthatvilenewcomer，andthatthouhastnotseenhim，savethismorningalongwithmyLady。
Naynow，thoushaltswearit。"
"WhatshallIswearby？"shesaid。
Quothhe，"Thoushaltswearbymybody;"andtherewithhethrusthimselfcloseupagainsther;butshedrewherhandfromhis，andlaiditonhisbreast，andsaid："Iswearitbythybody。"
Hesmiledonherlicorously，andtookherbytheshoulders，andkissedherfacemanytimes，andthenstoodalooffromher，andsaid：
"NowhaveIhadhansel：buttellme，whenshallIcometothee？"
Shespokeoutclearly："Withinthreedaysatfurthest;Iwilldotheetowitofthedayandthehourto—morrow，orthedayafter。"
Hekissedheroncemore，andsaid："Forgetitnot，orthethreatholdsgood。"
Andtherewithheturnedaboutandwenthiswaystowardthehouse;
andWaltersawtheyellow—brownthingcreepingafterhiminthegatheringdusk。
AsfortheMaid，shestoodforawhilewithoutmoving，andlookingaftertheKing’sSonandthecreaturethatfollowedhim。ThensheturnedabouttowhereWalterlayandlightlyputasidetheboughs，andWalterleaptup，andtheystoodfacetoface。Shesaidsoftlybuteagerly："Friend，touchmenotyet！"
Hespakenot，butlookedonhersternly。Shesaid："Thouartangrywithme？"
Stillhespakenot;butshesaid："Friend，thisatleastIwillpraythee;nottoplaywithlifeanddeath;withhappinessandmisery。Dostthounotremembertheoathwhichwesworeeachtoeachbutalittlewhileago？AnddostthoudeemthatIhavechangedinthesefewdays？Isthymindconcerningtheeandmethesameasitwas？Ifitbenotso，nowtellme。FornowhaveIthemindtodoasifneitherthounorIarechangedtoeachother，whoevermayhavekissedmineunwillinglips，orwhomsoeverthylipsmayhavekissed。
Butifthouhastchanged，andwiltnolongergivemethylove，norcravemine，thenshallthissteel"（andshedrewasharpknifefromhergirdle）"beforthefoolandthedastardwhohathmadetheewrothwithme，myfriend，andmyfriendthatIdeemedIhadwon。
Andthenletcomewhatwillcome！Butifthoubenoughtchanged，andtheoathyetholds，then，whenalittlewhilehathpassed，maywethrustallevilandguileandgriefbehindus，andlongjoyshallliebeforeus，andlonglife，andallhonourindeath：ifonlythouwiltdoasIbidthee，Omydear，andmyfriend，andmyfirstfriend！"
Helookedonher，andhisbreastheavedupasallthesweetnessofherkindlovetookholdonhim，andhisfacechanged，andthetearsfilledhiseyesandranover，andraineddownbeforeher，andhestretchedouthishandtowardher。
Thenshesaidexceedingsweetly："NowindeedIseethatitiswellwithme，yea，andwiththeealso。Asorepainitistome，thatnotevennowmayItakethinehand，andcastminearmsaboutthee，andkissthelipsthatloveme。Butsoithastobe。Mydear，evensoIwerefaintostandherelongbeforethee，evenifwespakenomorewordtoeachother;butabidinghereisperilous;forthereiseveranevilspyuponmydoings，whohasnowasIdeemfollowedtheKing’sSontothehouse，butwhowillreturnwhenhehastrackedhimhomethither：sowemustsunder。Butbelikethereisyettimeforawordortwo：first，theredewhichIhadthoughtonforourdeliveranceisnowafoot，thoughIdurstnottelltheethereof，norhavetimethereto。ButthismuchshallItellthee，thatwhereasgreatisthecraftofmyMistressinwizardry，yetIalsohavesomelittlecrafttherein，andthis，whichshehathnot，tochangetheaspectoffolksoutterlythattheyseemotherthantheyverilyare;
yea，sothatonemayhavetheaspectofanother。Nowthenextthingisthis：whatsoevermyMistressmaybidthee，doherwillthereinwithnomorenay—sayingthanthoudeemestmaypleaseher。Andthenextthing：wheresoeverthoumaystmeetme，speaknottome，makenosigntome，evenwhenIseemtobeallalone，tillIstoopdownandtouchtheringonmyanklewithmyrighthand;butifIdoso，thenstaythee，withoutfail，tillIspeak。ThelastthingIwillsaytothee，dearfriend，erewebothgoourways，thisitis。Whenwearefree，andthouknowestallthatIhavedone，Ipraytheedeemmenotevilandwicked，andbenotwrothwithmeformydeed;
whereasthouwottestwellthatIamnotinlikeplightwithotherwomen。Ihaveheardtellthatwhentheknightgoethtothewar，andhathovercomehisfoesbytheshearingofswordsandguilefultricks，andhathcomebackhometohisownfolk，theypraisehimandblesshim，andcrownhimwithflowers，andboastofhimbeforeGodintheminsterforhisdeliveranceoffriendandfolkandcity。Whyshouldstthoubeworsetomethanthis？Nowisallsaid，mydearandmyfriend;farewell，farewell！"
Therewithsheturnedandwentherwaystowardthehouseinallspeed，butmakingsomewhatofacompass。Andwhenshewasgone，Walterkneltdownandkissedtheplacewhereherfeethadbeen，andarosethereafter，andmadehiswaytowardthehouse，healso，butslowly，andstayingoftonhisway。
CHAPTERXVII：OFTHEHOUSEANDTHEPLEASANCEINTHEWOOD
OnthemorrowmorningWalterloiteredawhileaboutthehousetillthemornwasgrownold，andthenaboutnoonhetookhisbowandarrowsandwentintothewoodstothenorthward，togethimsomevenison。Hewentsomewhatfarereheshothimafawn，andthenhesathimdowntorestundertheshadeofagreatchestnut—tree，foritwasnotfarpastthehottestoftheday。Helookedaroundthenceandsawbelowhimalittledalewithapleasantstreamrunningthroughit，andhebethoughthimofbathingtherein，sohewentdownandhadhispleasureofthewaterandthewillowybanks;forhelaynakedawhileonthegrassbythelipofthewater，forjoyoftheflickeringshade，andthelittlebreezethatranoverthedown—longripplesofthestream。
Thenhedidonhisraiment，andbegantocomehiswaysupthebent，buthadscarcegonethreestepserehesawawomancomingtowardshimfromdownstream。Hisheartcameintohismouthwhenhesawher，forshestoopedandreacheddownherarm，asifshewouldlayherhandonherankle，sothatatfirsthedeemedithadbeentheMaid，butatthesecondeye—shothesawthatitwastheMistress。Shestoodstillandlookedonhim，sothathedeemedshewouldhavehimcometoher。Sohewenttomeether，andgrewsomewhatshamefacedashedrewnigher，andwonderedather，fornowwasshecladbutinonegarmentofsomedarkgreysilkystuff，embroideredwith，asitwere，agarlandofflowersaboutthemiddle，butwhichwassothinthat，asthewinddrifteditfromsideandlimb，ithidhernomore，butforthesaidgarland，thanifwaterwererunningoverher：herfacewasfullofsmilingjoyandcontentasshespaketohiminakind，caressingvoice，andsaid："Igivetheegoodday，goodSquire，andwellartthoumet。"Andsheheldoutherhandtohim。
Hekneltdownbeforeherandkissedit，andabodestilluponhisknees，andhangingdownhishead。
Butshelaughedoutright，andstoopeddowntohim，andputherhandtohisarms，andraisedhimup，andsaidtohim："Whatisthis，mySquire，thatthoukneelesttomeastoanidol？"
Hesaidfaltering："Iwotnot;butperchancethouartanidol;andIfearthee。"
"What！"shesaid，"morethanyesterday，whenasthousawestmeafraid？"
Saidhe："Yea，forthatnowIseetheeunhidden，andmeseemeththerehathbeennonesuchsincetheolddaysoftheGentiles。"
Shesaid："Hastthounotyetbethoughttheeofagifttocraveofme，arewardfortheslayingofmineenemy，andthesavingofmefromdeath？"
"OmyLady，"hesaid，"evensomuchwouldIhavedoneforanyotherlady，or，forsooth，foranypoorman;forsomymanhoodwouldhavebiddenme。Speaknotofgiftstomethen。Moreover"（andhereddenedtherewith，andhisvoicefaltered），"didstthounotgivememysweetrewardyesterday？WhatmoredurstIask？"
Sheheldherpeaceawhile，andlookedonhimkeenly;andhereddenedunderhergaze。Thenwrathcameintoherface，andshereddenedandknitherbrows，andspaketohiminavoiceofanger，andsaid：
"Nay，whatisthis？Itisgrowinginmymindthatthoudeemestthegiftofmeunworthy！Thou，analien，anoutcast;oneendowedwiththelittlewisdomoftheWorldwithouttheWood！AndhereIstandbeforethee，allgloriousinmynakedness，andsofulfilledofwisdom，thatIcanmakethiswildernesstoanywhomIlovemorefullofjoythanthekingdomsandcitiesoftheworld——andthou！——Ah，butitistheEnemythathathdonethis，andmadetheguilelessguileful！YetwillIhavetheupperhandatleast，thoughthousufferforit，andIsufferforthee。"
Walterstoodbeforeherwithhanginghead，andheputforthhishandsasifprayingoffheranger，andponderedwhatanswerheshouldmake;fornowhefearedforhimselfandtheMaid;soatlasthelookeduptoher，andsaidboldly："Nay，Lady，Iknowwhatthywordsmean，whereasIrememberthyfirstwelcomeofme。Iwot，forsooth，thatthouwouldstcallmebase—born，andofnoaccount，andunworthytotouchthehemofthyraiment;andthatIhavebeenover—bold，andguiltytowardsthee;anddoubtlessthisissooth，andIhavedeservedthineanger：butIwillnotasktheetopardonme，forIhavedonebutwhatImustneeds。"
Shelookedonhimcalmlynow，andwithoutanywrath，butratherasifshewouldreadwhatwaswritteninhisinmostheart。Thenherfacechangedintojoyousnessagain，andshesmoteherpalmstogether，andcriedout："Thisisbutfoolishtalk;foryesterdaydidIseethyvaliancy，andto—dayIhaveseenthygoodliness;andI
say，thatthoughthoumightestnotbegoodenoughforafoolwomanoftheearthlybaronage，yetartthougoodenoughforme，thewiseandthemighty，andthelovely。AndwhereasthousayestthatIgavetheebutdisdainwhenfirstthoucamesttous，grudgenotagainstmetherefor，becauseitwasdonebuttoprovethee;andnowthouartproven。"
Thenagainhekneltdownbeforeher，andembracedherknees，andagainsheraisedhimup，andletherarmhangdownoverhisshoulder，andhercheekbrushhischeek;andshekissedhismouthandsaid："Herebyisallforgiven，boththineoffenceandmine;andnowcomethjoyandmerrydays。"
Therewithhersmilingfacegrewgrave，andshestoodbeforehimlookingstatelyandgraciousandkindatonce，andshetookhishandandsaid："ThoumightestdeemmychamberintheGoldenHouseoftheWoodover—queenly，sincethouartnomasterfulman。Sonowhastthouchosenwelltheplacewhereintomeetmeto—day，forhardbyontheothersideofthestreamisabowerofpleasance，which，forsooth，noteveryonewhocomethtothislandmayfind;thereshallIbetotheeasoneoftheup—countrydamselsofthineownland，andthoushaltnotbeabashed。"
Shesidleduptohimasshespoke，andwouldhe，wouldhenot，hersweetvoicetickledhisverysoulwithpleasure，andshelookedasideonhimhappyandwell—content。
SotheycrossedthestreambytheshallowbelowthepoolwhereinWalterhadbathed，andwithinalittletheycameuponatallfenceofflake—hurdles，andasimplegatetherein。TheLadyopenedthesame，andtheyenteredtherebyintoacloseallplantedasamostfairgarden，withhedgesofroseandwoodbine，andwithlinden—treesa—blossom，andlongwaysofgreengrassbetwixtbordersofliliesandclove—gilliflowers，andothersweetgarland—flowers。Andabranchofthestreamwhichtheyhadcrossederewhilewanderedthroughthatgarden;andinthemidstwasalittlehousebuiltofpostandpan，andthatchedwithyellowstraw，asifitwerenewdone。
ThenWalterlookedthiswayandthat，andwonderedatfirst，andtriedtothinkinhismindwhatshouldcomenext，andhowmatterswouldgowithhim;buthisthoughtwouldnotdwellsteadyonanyothermatterthanthebeautyoftheLadyamidstthebeautyofthegarden;andwithalshewasnowgrownsosweetandkind，andevensomewhattimidandshywithhim，thatscarcedidheknowwhosehandheheld，orwhosefragrantbosomandsleeksidewentsoclosetohim。
Sotheywanderedhereandtherethroughthewaningoftheday，andwhentheyenteredatlastintothecoolduskhouse，thentheylovedandplayedtogether，asiftheywereapairofloversguileless，withnofearforthemorrow，andnoseedsofenmityanddeathsownbetwixtthem。
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