第3章
加入书架 A- A+
点击下载App,搜索"The Wood Beyond the World",免费读到尾

  CHAPTERXVIII:THEMAIDGIVESWALTERTRYST

  Now,onthemorrow,whenWalterwasawake,hefoundtherewasnoonelyingbesidehim,andthedaywasnolongerveryyoung;sohearose,andwentthroughthegardenfromendtoend,andallabout,andtherewasnonethere;andalbeitthathedreadedtomeettheLadythere,yetwashesadatheartandfearfulofwhatmightbetide。

  Howsoever,hefoundthegatewherebytheyhadenteredyesterday,andhewentoutintothelittledale;butwhenhehadgoneasteportwoheturnedabout,andcouldseeneithergardennorfence,noranysignofwhathehadseenthereofbutlately。Heknithisbrowandstoodstilltothinkofit,andhisheartgrewtheheavierthereby;

  butpresentlyhewenthiswaysandcrossedthestream,buthadscarcecomeupontothegrassonthefurtherside,erehesawawomancomingtomeethim,andatfirst,fullashewasofthetideofyesterdayandthewondrousgarden,deemedthatitwouldbetheLady;butthewomanstayedherfeet,and,stooping,laidahandonherrightankle,andhesawthatitwastheMaid。Hedrewanightoher,andsawthatshewasnoughtsosadofcountenanceasthelasttimeshehadmethim,butflushedofcheekandbright—eyed。

  Ashecameuptohershemadeasteportwotomeethim,holdingouthertwohands,andthenrefrainedher,andsaidsmiling:\"Ah,friend,belikethisshallbethelasttimethatIshallsaytothee,touchmenot,nay,notsomuchasmyhand,orifitwerebutthehemofmyraiment。\"

  Thejoygrewupinhisheart,andhegazedonherfondly,andsaid:

  \"Why,whathathbefallenoflate?\"

  \"Ofriend,\"shebegan,\"thishathbefallen。\"

  Butashelookedonher,thesmilediedfromherface,andshebecamedeadlypaletotheverylips;shelookedaskancetoherleftside,whereasranthestream;andWalterfollowedhereyes,anddeemedforoneinstantthathesawthemisshapenyellowvisageofthedwarfpeeringroundfromagreyrock,butthenexttherewasnothing。ThentheMaid,thoughshewereaspaleasdeath,wentoninaclear,steady,hardvoice,whereinwasnojoyorkindness,keepingherfacetoWalterandherbacktothestream:\"Thishathbefallen,friend,thatthereisnolongeranyneedtorefrainthylovenormine;thereforeIsaytothee,cometomychamber(anditistheredchamberoveragainstthine,thoughthouknewestitnot)

  anhourbeforethisnextmidnight,andthenthysorrowandmineshallbeatanend:andnowImustneedsdepart。Followmenot,butremember!\"

  Andtherewithsheturnedaboutandfledlikethewinddownthestream。

  ButWalterstoodwondering,andknewnotwhattomakeofit,whetheritwereforgoodorill:forheknewnowthatshehadpaledandbeenseizedwithterrorbecauseoftheupheavingoftheuglyhead;

  andyetshehadseemedtospeakouttheverythingshehadtosay。

  Howsoeveritwere,hespakealoudtohimself:Whatevercomes,I

  willkeeptrystwithher。

  Thenhedrewhissword,andturnedthiswayandthat,lookingallaboutifhemightseeanysignoftheEvilThing;butnoughtmighthiseyesbehold,savethegrass,andthestream,andthebushesofthedale。Sothen,stillholdinghisnakedswordinhishand,heclombthebentoutofthedale;forthatwastheonlywayheknewtotheGoldenHouse;andwhenhecametothetop,andthesummerbreezeblewinhisface,andhelookeddownafairgreenslopebesetwithgoodlyoaksandchestnuts,hewasrefreshedwiththelifeoftheearth,andhefeltthegoodswordinhisfist,andknewthattherewasmightandlonginginhim,andtheworldseemedopenuntohim。

  Sohesmiled,ifitweresomewhatgrimly,andsheathedhisswordandwentontowardthehouse。

  CHAPTERXIX:WALTERGOESTOFETCHHOMETHELION’SHIDE

  Heenteredthecoolduskthroughtheporch,and,lookingdownthepillaredhall,sawbeyondthefountainagleamofgold,andwhenhecamepastthesaidfountainhelookeduptothehigh—seat,andlo!

  theLadysittingtherecladinherqueenlyraiment。Shecalledtohim,andhecame;andshehailedhim,andspakegraciouslyandcalmly,yetasifsheknewnoughtofhimsaveasthelealservantofher,ahighLady。\"Squire,\"shesaid,\"wehavedeemeditmeettohavethehideoftheservantoftheEnemy,theliontowit,whomthouslewestyesterday,foracarpettoourfeet;whereforegonow,takethywood—knife,andflaythebeast,andbringmehomehisskin。

  Thisshallbeallthyserviceforthisday,somaystthoudoitatthineownleisure,andnotwearythyself。Maygoodgowiththee。\"

  Hebentthekneebeforeher,andshesmiledonhimgraciously,butreachedoutnohandforhimtokiss,andheededhimbutlittle。

  Wherefore,inspiteofhimself,andthoughheknewsomewhatofherguile,hecouldnothelpmarvellingthatthisshouldbeshewhohadlaininhisarmsnight—longbutoflate。

  Howsothatmightbe,hetookhiswaytowardthethicketwherehehadslainthelion,andcamethitherbythenitwasafternoon,atthehottestoftheday。Soheenteredtherein,andcametotheveryplacewhereastheLadyhadlain,whenshefelldownbeforetheterrorofthelion;andtherewasthemarkofherbodyonthegrasswhereshehadlainthatwhile,likeasitweretheformofahare。

  ButwhenWalterwentontowherehehadslainthatgreatbeast,lo!

  hewasgone,andtherewasnosignofhim;buttherewereWalter’sownfootprints,andthetwoshaftswhichhehadshot,onefeatheredred,andoneblue。Hesaidatfirst:Belikesomeonehathbeenhere,andhathhadthecarcaseaway。Thenhelaughedinverydespite,andsaid:Howmaythatbe,sincetherearenosignsofdraggingawayofsohugeabody,andnobloodorfuronthegrassiftheyhadcuthimup,andmoreovernotramplingoffeet,asiftherehadbeenmanymenatthedeed。Thenwasheallabashed,andagainlaughedinscornofhimself,andsaid:ForsoothIdeemedIhaddonemanly;butnowforsoothIshotnought,andnoughttherewasbeforetheswordofmyfather’sson。AndwhatmayIdeemnow,butthatthisisalandofmerelies,andthatthereisnoughtrealandalivethereinsaveme。Yea,belikeeventhesetreesandthegreengrasswillpresentlydepartfromme,andleavemefallingdownthroughtheclouds。

  Therewithheturnedaway,andgathimtotheroadthatledtotheGoldenHouse,wonderingwhatnextshouldbefallhim,andgoingslowlyasheponderedhiscase。Socamehetothatfirstthicketwheretheyhadlosttheirquarrybywater;soheenteredthesame,musing,andbathedhiminthepoolthatwastherein,afterhehadwanderedaboutitawhile,andfoundnothingnew。

  Soagainhesethimtothehomewardroad,whenthedaywasnowwaning,anditwasnearsunsetthathewascomenighuntothehouse,thoughitwashiddenfromhimasthenbyalowbentthatrosebeforehim;andthereheabodeandlookedabouthim。

  Nowashelooked,overthesaidbentcamethefigureofawoman,whostayedonthebrowthereofandlookedallabouther,andthenranswiftlydowntomeetWalter,whosawatoncethatitwastheMaid。

  Shemadenostaythentillshewasbutthreepacesfromhim,andthenshestoopeddownandmadethesigntohim,andthenspaketohimbreathlessly,andsaid:\"Hearken!butspeaknottillIhavedone:Ibadetheeto—night’smeetingbecauseIsawthattherewasoneanighwhomImustneedsbeguile。Butbythineoath,andthylove,andallthatthouart,IadjuretheecomenotuntomethisnightasIbadethee!butbehiddeninthehazel—copseoutsidethehouse,asitdrawstowardmidnight,andabidemethere。Dostthouhearken,andwiltthou?Sayyesornoinhaste,forImaynottarryamomentoftime。Whoknowethwhatisbehindme?\"

  \"Yes,\"saidWalterhastily;\"butfriendandlove——\"

  \"Nomore,\"shesaid;\"hopethebest;\"andturningfromhimsheranawayswiftly,notbythewayshehadcome,butsideways,asthoughtoreachthehousebyfetchingacompass。

  ButWalterwentslowlyonhisway,thinkingwithinhimselfthatnowatthatpresentmomenttherewasnoughtforitbuttorefrainhimfromdoing,andtoletothersdo;yetdeemedhethatitwaslittlemanlytobeasthepawnupontheboard,pushedaboutbythewillofothers。

  Then,ashewent,hebethoughthimoftheMaiden’sfaceandaspect,asshecamerunningtohim,andstoodbeforehimforthatminute;

  andalleagernesshesawinher,andsoreloveofhim,anddistressofsoul,allblenttogether。

  Socamehetothebrowofthebentwhencehecouldseelyingbeforehim,scarcemorethanabow—shotaway,theGoldenHousenowgildedagainandreddenedbythesettingsun。Andeventherewithcameagayimagetowardhim,flashingbackthelevelraysfromgoldandsteelandsilver;andlo!therewascometheKing’sSon。Theymetpresently,andtheKing’sSonturnedtogobesidehim,andsaidmerrily:\"Igivetheegoodeven,myLady’sSquire!Iowetheesomethingofcourtesy,whereasitisbythymeansthatIshallbemadehappy,bothto—night,andto—morrow,andmanyto—morrows;andsoothitis,thatbutlittlecourtesyhaveIdonetheehitherto。\"

  Hisfacewasfullofjoy,andtheeyesofhimshonewithgladness。

  Hewasagoodlyman,buttoWalterheseemedanillone;andhehatedhimsomuch,thathefounditnoeasymattertoanswerhim;

  butherefrainedhimself,andsaid:\"Icantheethank,King’sSon;

  andgooditisthatsomeoneishappyinthisstrangeland。\"

  \"Artthounothappythen,SquireofmyLady?\"saidtheother。

  Walterhadnomindtoshowthismanhisheart,nay,norevenacornerthereof;forhedeemedhimanenemy。Sohesmiledsweetlyandsomewhatfoolishly,asamanluckilyinlove,andsaid:\"Oyea,yea,whyshouldInotbeso?HowmightIbeotherwise?\"

  \"Yeathen,\"saidtheKing’sSon,\"whydidstthousaythatthouwertgladsomeoneishappy?Whoisunhappy,deemestthou?\"andhelookedonhimkeenly。

  Walteransweredslowly:\"SaidIso?IsupposethenthatIwasthinkingofthee;forwhenfirstIsawthee,yea,andafterwards,thoudidstseemheavy—heartedandill—content。\"

  ThefaceoftheKing’sSonclearedatthisword,andhesaid:\"Yea,soitwas;forlookyou,bothwaysitwas:Iwasunfree,andIhadsownthetruedesireofmyheartwhereasitwaxednot。ButnowIamonthebrinkandvergeoffreedom,andpresentlyshallmydesirebeblossomed。Naynow,Squire,Ideemtheeagoodfellow,thoughitmaybesomewhatofafool;soIwillnomorespeakriddlestothee。

  Thusitis:theMaidhathpromisedmeallmineasking,andismine;

  andintwoorthreedays,byherhelpingalso,Ishallseetheworldagain。\"

  QuothWalter,smilingaskanceonhim:\"AndtheLady?whatshallshesaytothismatter?\"

  TheKing’sSonreddened,butsmiledfalselyenough,andsaid:\"SirSquire,thouknowestenoughnottoneedtoaskthis。WhyshouldI

  telltheethatsheaccountethmoreofthylittlefingerthanofmywholebody?NowItelltheehereoffreely;first,becausethismyfruitionoflove,andmyfreeingfromthralldom,is,inaway,ofthydoing。Forthouartbecomemysupplanter,andhasttakenthyplacewithyonderlovelytyrant。Fearnotforme!shewillletmego。Asforthyself,seethoutoit!ButagainItelltheehereofbecausemyheartislightandfullofjoy,andtellingtheewillpleasureme,andcannotdomeanyharm。Forifthousay:HowifI

  carrythetaletomyLady?Ianswer,thouwiltnot。ForIknowthatthinehearthathbeensomewhatsetonthejewelthatmyhandholdeth;andthouknowestwellonwhoseheadtheLady’swrathwouldfall,andthatwouldbeneitherthinenormine。\"

  \"Thousayestsooth,\"saidWalter;\"neitheristreasonmywont。\"

  Sotheywalkedonsilentlyawhile,andthenWaltersaid:\"ButhowiftheMaidenhadnay—saidthee;whathadstthoudonethen?\"

  \"Bytheheavens!\"saidtheKing’sSonfiercely,\"sheshouldhavepaidforhernay—say;thenwouldI——\"Buthebrokeoff,andsaidquietly,yetsomewhatdoggedly:\"Whytalkofwhatmighthavebeen?

  Shegavemeheryea—saypleasantlyandsweetly。\"

  NowWalterknewthatthemanlied,soheheldhispeacethereon;butpresentlyhesaid:\"Whenthouartfreewiltthougotothineownlandagain?\"

  \"Yea,\"saidtheKing’sSon;\"shewillleadmethither。\"

  \"Andwiltthoumakeherthyladyandqueenwhenthoucomesttothyfather’sland?\"saidWalter。

  TheKing’sSonknithisbrow,andsaid:\"WhenIaminmineownlandImaydowithherwhatIwill;butIlookforitthatIshalldonootherwisewithherthanthatsheshallbewell—content。\"

  Thenthetalkbetweenthemdropped,andtheKing’sSonturnedofftowardthewood,singingandjoyous;butWalterwentsoberlytowardthehouse。Forsoothhewasnotgreatlycastdown,forbesidesthatheknewthattheKing’sSonwasfalse,hedeemedthatunderthisdoubletrystlaysomethingwhichwasa—doinginhisownbehalf。Yetwasheeagerandtroubled,ifnotdown—hearted,andhissoulwascastaboutbetwixthopeandfear。

  CHAPTERXX:WALTERISBIDDENTOANOTHERTRYST

  Socameheintothepillaredhall,andtherehefoundtheLadywalkingtoandfrobythehigh—seat;andwhenhedrewnighsheturnedonhim,andsaidinavoicerathereagerthanangry:\"Whathastthoudone,Squire?Whyartthoucomebeforeme?\"

  Hewasabashed,andbowedbeforeherandsaid:\"OgraciousLady,thoubadestmeservice,andIhavebeenaboutit。\"

  Shesaid:\"Tellmethen,tellme,whathathbetided?\"

  \"Lady,\"saidhe,\"whenIenteredthethicketofthyswooningIfoundtherenocarcaseofthelion,noranysignofthedraggingawayofhim。\"

  Shelookedfullinhisfaceforalittle,andthenwenttoherchair,andsatdowntherein;andinalittlewhilespaketohiminasoftervoice,andsaid:\"DidInottelltheethatsomeenemyhaddonethatuntome?andlo!nowthouseestthatsoitis。\"

  Thenwasshesilentagain,andknitherbrowsandsetherteeth;andthereaftershespakeharshlyandfiercely:\"ButIwillovercomeher,andmakeherdaysevil,butkeepdeathawayfromher,thatshemaydiemanytimesover;andknowallthesicknessoftheheart,whenfoesbenigh,andfriendsafar,andthereisnonetodeliver!\"

  Hereyesflashed,andherfacewasdarkwithanger;butsheturnedandcaughtWalter’seyes,andthesternnessofhisface,andshesoftenedatonce,andsaid:\"Butthou!thishathlittletodowiththee;andnowtotheeIspeak:Nowcomethevenandnight。Gothoutothychamber,andthereshaltthoufindraimentworthyofthee,whatthounowart,andwhatthoushaltbe;doonthesame,andmakethyselfmostgoodly,andthencomethouhitherandeatanddrinkwithme,andafterwardsdepartwhitherthouwilt,tillthenighthasworntoitsmidmost;andthencomethoutomychamber,towit,throughtheivorydoorinthegalleryabove;andthenandthereshallItelltheeathing,anditshallbeforthewealbothoftheeandofme,butforthegriefandwoeoftheEnemy。\"

  Therewithshereachedherhandtohim,andhekissedit,anddepartedandcametohischamber,andfoundraimenttherebeforerichbeyondmeasure;andhewonderedifanynewsnarelaytherein:yetiftherewere,hesawnowaywherebyhemightescapeit,sohediditon,andbecameasthemostgloriousofkings,andyetlovelierthananykingoftheworld。

  Sithencehewenthiswayintothepillaredhall,whenitwasnownight,andwithoutthemoonwasup,andthetreesofthewoodasstillasimages。Butwithinthehallshonebrightwithmanycandles,andthefountainglitteredinthelightofthem,asitrantinklingsweetlyintothelittlestream;andthesilvernbridgesgleamed,andthepillarsshoneallroundabout。

  Andthereonthedaiswasatabledightmostroyally,andtheLadysittingthereat,cladinhermostgloriousarray,andbehindhertheMaidstandinghumbly,yetcladinpreciouswebofshimmeringgold,butwithfeetunshod,andtheironringuponherankle。

  SoWaltercamehiswaystothehigh—seat,andtheLadyroseandgreetedhim,andtookhimbythehands,andkissedhimoneithercheek,andsathimdownbesideher。Sotheyfelltotheirmeat,andtheMaidservedthem;buttheLadytooknomoreheedofherthanifshewereoneofthepillarsofthehall;butWaltershecaressedoftwithsweetwords,andthetouchofherhand,makinghimdrinkoutofhercupandeatoutofherdish。Astohim,hewasbashfulbyseeming,butverilyfearful;hetooktheLady’scaresseswithwhatgracehemight,anddurstnotsomuchasglanceatherMaid。Longindeedseemedthatbanquettohim,andlongeryetenduredthewearinessofhisabidingthere,kindtohisfoeandunkindtohisfriend;forafterthebanquettheystillsatawhile,andtheLadytalkedmuchtoWalteraboutmanythingsofthewaysoftheworld,andheansweredwhathemight,distraughtashewaswiththethoughtofthosetwotrystswhichhehadtodealwith。

  AtlastspaketheLadyandsaid:\"NowmustIleavetheeforalittle,andthouwottestwhereandhowweshallmeetnext;andmeanwhiledisporttheeasthouwilt,sothatthouwearynotthyself,forIlovetoseetheejoyous。\"

  Thenshearosestatelyandgrand;butshekissedWalteronthemoutheresheturnedtogooutofthehall。TheMaidfollowedher;butorevershewasquitegone,shestoopedandmadethatsign,andlookedoverhershoulderatWalter,asifinentreatytohim,andtherewasfearandanguishinherface;buthenoddedhisheadtoherinyea—

  sayofthetrystinthehazel—copse,andinatriceshewasgone。

  Walterwentdownthehall,andforthintotheearlynight;butinthejawsoftheporchhecameupagainsttheKing’sSon,who,gazingathisattireglitteringwithallitsgemsinthemoonlight,laughedout,andsaid:\"Nowmayitbeseenhowthouartrisenindegreeaboveme,whereasIambutaking’sson,andthatakingofafarcountry;whereasthouartakingofkings,orshaltbethisnight,yea,andofthisverycountrywhereinwebothare。\"

  NowWaltersawthemockwhichlayunderhiswords;buthekeptbackhiswrath,andanswered:\"Fairsir,artthouaswellcontentedwiththylotaswhenthesunwentdown?Hastthounodoubtorfear?

  WilltheMaidverilykeeptrystwiththee,orhathshegiventheeyea—saybuttoescapetheethistime?Or,again,mayshenotturntotheLadyandappealtoheragainstthee?\"

  Nowwhenhehadspokenthesewords,herepentedthereof,andfearedforhimselfandtheMaid,lesthehadstirredsomemisgivinginthatyoungman’sfoolishheart。ButtheKing’sSondidbutlaugh,andanswerednoughtbuttoWalter’slastwords,andsaid:\"Yea,yea!

  thiswordofthineshowethhowlittlethouwottestofthatwhichliethbetwixtmydarlingandthine。Doththelambappealfromtheshepherdtothewolf?EvensoshalltheMaidappealfrommetothyLady。What!askthyLadyatthyleisurewhatherwonthathbeenwithherthrall;sheshallthinkitafairtaletotelltheethereof。ButthereofismyMaidallwholenowbyreasonofherwisdominleechcraft,orsomewhatmore。AndnowItelltheeagain,thatthebeforesaidMaidmustneedsdomywill;forifIbethedeepsea,andIdeemnotsoillofmyself,thatotheroneisthedevil;

  asbelikethoushaltfindoutforthyselflateron。Yea,alliswellwithme,andmorethanwell。\"

  Andtherewithheswungmerrilyintothelittenhall。ButWalterwentoutintothemoonlitnight,andwanderedaboutforanhourormore,andstolewarilyintothehallandthenceintohisownchamber。Therehedidoffthatroyalarray,anddidhisownraimentuponhim;hegirthimwithswordandknife,tookhisbowandquiver,andstoledownandoutagain,evenashehadcomein。Thenhefetchedacompass,andcamedownintothehazel—coppicefromthenorth,andlayhiddentherewhilethenightwore,tillhedeemeditwouldlackbutlittleofmidnight。

  CHAPTERXXI:WALTERANDTHEMAIDFLEEFROMTHEGOLDENHOUSE

  Thereheabodeamidstthehazels,hearkeningeverylittlestsound;

  andthesoundswerenoughtbutthenightvoicesofthewood,tillsuddenlythereburstforthfromthehouseagreatwailingcry。

  Walter’sheartcameupintohismouth,buthehadnotimetodoaught,forfollowinghardonthecrycamethesoundoflightfeetclosetohim,theboughswerethrustaside,andtherewascometheMaid,andshebutinherwhitecoat,andbarefoot。Andthenfirsthefeltthesweetnessofherfleshonhis,forshecaughthimbythehandandsaidbreathlessly:\"Now,now!theremayyetbetime,oreventoomuch,itmaybe。Forthesavingofbreathaskmenoquestions,butcome!\"

  Hedalliednot,butwentassheled,andtheywerelightfoot,bothofthem。

  Theywentthesameway,duesouthtowit,wherebyhehadgonea—

  huntingwiththeLady;andwhilestheyranandwhilestheywalked;

  butsofasttheywent,thatbygreyofthedawntheywerecomeasfarasthatcoppiceorthicketoftheLion;andstilltheyhastenedonward,andbutlittlehadtheMaidspoken,savehereandthereawordtoheartenupWalter,andhereandthereashywordofendearment。Atlastthedawngrewintoearlyday,andastheycameoverthebrowofabent,theylookeddownoveraplainlandwhereasthetreesgrewscatter—meal,andbeyondtheplainroseupthelandintolonggreenhills,andoverthoseagainwerebluemountainsgreatandfaraway。

  ThenspaketheMaid:\"OveryonderlietheoutlyingmountainsoftheBears,andthroughthemweneedsmustpass,toourgreatperil。

  Nay,friend,\"shesaid,ashehandledhissword—hilt,\"itmustbepatienceandwisdomtobringusthrough,andnotthefallowbladeofoneman,thoughhebeagoodone。Butlook!belowthererunsastreamthroughthefirstoftheplain,andIseenoughtforitbutwemustnowrestourbodies。MoreoverIhaveataletotelltheewhichisburningmyheart;formaybetherewillbeapardontoaskoftheemoreover;whereforeIfearthee。\"

  QuothWalter:\"Howmaythatbe?\"

  Sheansweredhimnot,buttookhishandandledhimdownthebent。

  Buthesaid:\"Thousayest,rest;butarewenowoutofallperilofthechase?\"

  Shesaid:\"IcannottelltillIknowwhathathbefallenher。Ifshebenottohandtosetonhertrackers,theywillscarcehappenonusnow;ifitbenotforthatone。\"

  Andsheshuddered,andhefeltherhandchangeasheheldit。

  Thenshesaid:\"Butperilornoperil,needsmustwerest;forI

  telltheeagain,whatIhavetosaytotheeburnethmybosomforfearofthee,sothatIcangonofurtheruntilIhavetoldthee。\"

  Thenhesaid:\"IwotnotofthisQueenandhermightinessandherservants。Iwillaskthereoflater。Butbesidestheothers,istherenottheKing’sSon,hewholovestheesounworthily?\"

  Shepaledsomewhat,andsaid:\"Asforhim,therehadbeennoughtfortheetofearinhim,savehistreason:butnowshallheneitherlovenorhateanymore;hediedlastmidnight。\"

  \"Yea,andhow?\"saidWalter。

  \"Nay,\"shesaid,\"letmetellmytalealltogetheronceforall,lestthoublamemeovermuch。Butfirstwewillwashusandcomfortusasbestwemay,andthenamidstourrestingshallthewordbesaid。\"

  Bythenweretheycomedowntothestream—side,whichranfairinpoolsandsticklesamidstrocksandsandybanks。Shesaid:\"Therebehindthegreatgreyrockismybath,friend;andhereisthine;

  andlo!theuprisingofthesun!\"

  Soshewentherwaystothesaidrock,andhebathedhim,andwashedthenightoffhim,andbythenhewascladagainshecamebackfreshandsweetfromthewater,andwithherlapfullofcherriesfromawildingwhichoverhungherbath。Sotheysatdowntogetheronthegreengrassabovethesand,andatethebreakfastofthewilderness:

  andWalterwasfullofcontentashewatchedher,andbeheldhersweetnessandherloveliness;yetwerethey,eitherofthem,somewhatshyandshamefacedeachwiththeother;sothathedidbutkissherhandsonceandagain,andthoughsheshranknotfromhim,yethadshenoboldnesstocastherselfintohisarms。

  CHAPTERXXII:OFTHEDWARFANDTHEPARDON

  Nowshebegantosay:\"Myfriend,nowshallItelltheewhatIhavedonefortheeandme;andifthouhaveamindtoblameme,andpunishme,yetrememberfirst,thatwhatIhavedonehasbeenfortheeandourhopeofhappylife。Well,Ishalltellthee——\"

  Buttherewithalherspeechfailedher;and,springingup,shefacedthebentandpointedwithherfinger,andshealldeadlypale,andshakingsothatshemightscarcestand,andmightspeaknoword,thoughafeeblegibberingcamefromhermouth。

  Walterleaptupandputhisarmabouther,andlookedwhitherwardshepointed,andatfirstsawnought;andthennoughtbutabrownandyellowrockrollingdownthebent:andthenatlasthesawthatitwastheEvilThingwhichhadmethimwhenfirsthecameintothatland;andnowitstoodupright,andhecouldseethatitwascladinacoatofyellowsamite。

  ThenWalterstoopeddownandgathisbowintohishand,andstoodbeforetheMaid,whilehenockedanarrow。ButthemonstermadereadyhistacklewhileWalterwasstoopingdown,andoreverhecouldloose,hisbow—stringtwanged,andanarrowflewforthandgrazedtheMaid’sarmabovetheelbow,sothatthebloodran,andtheDwarfgaveforthaharshandhorriblecry。ThenflewWalter’sshaft,andtruewasitaimed,sothatitsmotethemonsterfullonthebreast,butfelldownfromhimasifheweremadeofstone。

  Thenthecreaturesetuphishorriblecryagain,andloosedwithal,andWalterdeemedthathehadsmittentheMaid,forshefelldowninaheapbehindhim。ThenwaxedWalterwood—wroth,andcastdownhisbowanddrewhissword,andstrodeforwardtowardsthebentagainsttheDwarf。Butheroaredoutagain,andtherewerewordsinhisroar,andhesaid\"Fool!thoushaltgofreeifthouwiltgiveuptheEnemy。\"

  \"Andwho,\"saidWalter,\"istheEnemy?\"

  YelledtheDwarf:\"She,thepinkandwhitethinglyingthere;sheisnotdeadyet;sheisbutdyingforfearofme。Yea,shehathreason!Icouldhavesettheshaftinherheartaseasilyasscratchingherarm;butIneedherbodyalive,thatImaywreakmeonher。\"

  \"Whatwiltthoudowithher?\"saidWalter;fornowhehadheardthattheMaidwasnotslainhehadwaxedwaryagain,andstoodwatchinghischance。

  TheDwarfyelledsoathislastword,thatnowordcamefromthenoiseawhile,andthenhesaid:\"WhatwillIwithher?Letmeather,andstandbyandlookon,andthenshaltthouhaveastrangetaletocarryoffwiththee。ForIwilllettheegothiswhile。\"

  SaidWalter:\"Butwhatneedtowreakthee?Whathathshedonetothee?\"

  \"Whatneed!whatneed!\"roaredtheDwarf;\"haveInottoldtheethatsheistheEnemy?Andthouaskestofwhatshehathdone!ofwhat!

  Fool,sheisthemurderer!shehathslaintheLadythatwasourLady,andthatmadeus;shewhomallweworshippedandadored。O

  impudentfool!\"

  Therewithhenockedandloosedanotherarrow,whichwouldhavesmittenWalterintheface,butthatheloweredhisheadintheverynickoftime;thenwithagreatshoutherushedupthebent,andwasontheDwarfbeforehecouldgethisswordout,andleapingaloftdealtthecreatureastrokeamidmostofthecrown;andsomightilybesmote,thathedravetheheavyswordrightthroughtotheteeth,sothathefelldeadstraightway。

  Walterstoodoverhimaminute,andwhenbesawthathemovednot,hewentslowlydowntothestream,wherebytheMaidyetlaycoweringdownandquiveringallover,andcoveringherfacewithherhands。

  Thenhetookherbythewristandsaid:\"Up,Maiden,up!andtellmethistaleoftheslaying。\"

  Butsheshrunkawayfromhim,andlookedathimwithwildeyes,andsaid:\"Whathastthoudonewithhim?Ishegone?\"

  \"Heisdead,\"saidWalter;\"Ihaveslainhim;therelieshewithclovenskullonthebent—side:unless,forsooth,hevanishawaylikethelionIslew!orelse,perchance,hewillcometolifeagain!Andartthoualieliketotherestofthem?letmehearofthisslaying。\"

  Sheroseup,andstoodbeforehimtrembling,andsaid:\"O,thouartangrywithme,andthineangerIcannotbear。Ah,whathaveIdone?

  Thouhastslainone,andI,maybe,theother;andneverhadweescapedtillboththesetwainweredead。Ah!thoudostnotknow!

  thoudostnotknow!Ome!whatshallIdotoappeasethywrath!\"

  Helookedonher,andhisheartrosetohismouthatthethoughtofsunderingfromher。Stillhelookedonher,andherpiteousfriendlyfacemeltedallhisheart;hethrewdownhissword,andtookherbytheshoulders,andkissedherfaceoverandover,andstrainedhertohim,sothathefeltthesweetnessofherbosom。

  Thenheliftedheruplikeachild,andsetherdownonthegreengrass,andwentdowntothewater,andfilledhishattherefrom,andcamebacktoher;thenhegavehertodrink,andbathedherfaceandherhands,sothatthecolourcameabacktothecheeksandlipsofher:andshesmiledonhimandkissedhishands,andsaid:\"Onowthouartkindtome。\"

  \"Yea,\"saidhe,\"andtrueitisthatifthouhastslain,Ihavedonenoless,andifthouhastlied,evensohaveI;andifthouhastplayedthewanton,asIdeemnotthatthouhast,Ifullsurelyhavesodone。Sonowthoushaltpardonme,andwhenthyspirithascomebacktothee,thoushalttellmethytaleinallfriendship,andinallloving—kindnesswillIhearkenthesame。\"

  Therewithhekneltbeforeherandkissedherfeet。Butshesaid:

  \"Yea,yea;whatthouwillest,thatwillIdo。Butfirsttellmeonething。Hastthouburiedthishorrorandhiddenhimintheearth?\"

  Hedeemedthatfearhadbewilderedher,andthatshescarcelyyetknewhowthingshadgone。Buthesaid:\"Fairsweetfriend,Ihavenotdoneitasyet;butnowwillIgoanddoit,ifitseemgoodtothee。\"

  \"Yea,\"shesaid,\"butfirstmustthousmiteoffhishead,andlieitbyhisbuttockswhenheisintheearth;orevilthingswillhappenelse。Thisoftheburyingisnoidlematter,Ibidtheebelieve。\"

  \"Idoubtitnot,\"saidhe;\"surelysuchmaliceaswasinthisonewillbehardtoslay。\"Andhepickeduphissword,andturnedtogotothefieldofdeed。

  Shesaid:\"Imustneedsgowiththee;terrorhathsofilledmysoul,thatIdurstnotabideherewithoutthee。\"

  Sotheywentbothtogethertowherethecreaturelay。TheMaiddurstnotlookonthedeadmonster,butWalternotedthathewasgirtwithabigungainlysax;sohedrewitfromthesheath,andtheresmoteoffthehideousheadofthefiendwithhisownweapon。

  Thentheytwaintogetherlabouredtheearth,shewithWalter’ssword,hewiththeuglysax,tilltheyhadmadeagravedeepandwideenough;andthereintheythrustthecreature,andcoveredhimup,weaponsandalltogether。

  CHAPTERXXIII:OFTHEPEACEFULENDINGOFTHATWILDDAY

  ThereafterWalterledtheMaiddownagain,andsaidtoher:\"Now,sweetling,shallthestorybetold。\"

  \"Nay,friend,\"shesaid,\"nothere。Thisplacehathbeenpollutedbymycravenfear,andthehorrorofthevilewretch,ofwhomnowordsmaytellhisvileness。Letushenceandonward。ThouseestI

  haveoncemorecometolifeagain。\"

  \"But,\"saidhe,\"thouhastbeenhurtbytheDwarf’sarrow。\"

  Shelaughed,andsaid:\"HadIneverhadgreaterhurtfromthemthanthat,littlehadbeenthetalethereof:yetwhereasthoulookestdolorousaboutit,wewillspeedilyhealit。\"

  Therewithshesoughtabout,andfoundnighthestream—sidecertainherbs;andshespakewordsoverthem,andbadeWalterlaythemonthewound,which,forsooth,wasoftheleast,andhedidso,andboundastripofhisshirtaboutherarm;andthenwouldshesetforth。Buthesaid:\"Thouartallunshod;andbutifthatbeseento,ourjourneyshallbestayedbythyfoot—soreness:Imaymakeashifttofashiontheebrogues。\"

  Shesaid:\"Imaywellgobarefoot。Andinanycase,Ientreattheethatwetarryherenolonger,butgoawayhence,ifitbebutforamile。\"

  Andshelookedpiteouslyonhim,sothathemightnotgainsayher。

  Sothentheycrossedthestream,andsetforward,whenamidstallthesehapsthedaywasworntomidmorning。Butaftertheyhadgoneamile,theysatthemdownonaknollundertheshadowofabigthorn—tree,withinsightofthemountains。ThensaidWalter:\"NowwillIcuttheethebroguesfromtheskirtofmybuff—coat,whichshallbewellmeetforsuchwork;andmeanwhileshaltthoutellmethytale。\"

  \"Thouartkind,\"shesaid;\"butbekinderyet,andabidemytaletillwehavedoneourday’swork。Forwewerebesttomakenolongdelayhere;because,thoughthouhastslaintheKing—dwarf,yettherebeothersofhiskindred,whoswarminsomepartsofthewoodastherabbitsinawarren。Nowtrueitisthattheyhavebutlittleunderstanding,less,itmaybe,thantheverybrutebeasts;

  andthat,asIsaidafore,unlesstheybesetonourslotliketohounds,theyshallhavenoinklingofwheretoseekus,yetmighttheyhappenuponusbymeremisadventure。Andmoreover,friend,\"

  quothshe,blushing,\"Iwouldbegoftheesomelittlerespite;forthoughIscarcefearthywrathanymore,sincethouhastbeensokindtome,yetisthereshameinthatwhichIhavetotellthee。

  Wherefore,sincethefairestofthedayisbeforeus,letususeitallwemay,and,whenthouhastdonememynewfoot—gear,getusgoneforwardagain。\"

  Hekissedherkindlyandyea—saidherasking:hehadalreadyfallentoworkontheleather,andinawhilehadfashionedherthebrogues;soshetiedthemtoherfeet,andarosewithasmileandsaid:\"NowamIhaleandstrongagain,whatwiththerest,andwhatwiththyloving—kindness,andthoushaltseehownimbleIshallbetoleavethisland,forasfairasitis。Sinceforsoothalandofliesitis,andofgrieftothechildrenofAdam。\"

  Sotheywenttheirwaysthence,andfarednimblyindeed,andmadenostaytillsomethreehoursafternoon,whentheyrestedbyathicket—side,wherethestrawberriesgrewplenty;theyatethereofwhattheywould:andfromagreatoakhardbyWaltershothimfirstoneculver,andthenanother,andhungthemtohisgirdletobefortheirevening’smeal;sithencetheywentforwardagain,andnoughtbefellthemtotellof,tilltheywerecome,whenasitlackedscarceanhourofsunset,tothebanksofanotherriver,notrightgreat,butbiggerthanthelastone。TheretheMaidcastherselfdownandsaid:\"Friend,nofurtherwillthyfriendgothiseven;nay,tosaysooth,shecannot。Sonowwewilleatofthyvenison,andthenshallmytalebe,sinceImaynolongerdelayit;andthereaftershallourslumberbesweetandsafeasIdeem。\"

  Shespakemerrilynow,andasonewhofearednothing,andWalterwasmuchheartenedbyherwordsandhervoice,andhefelltoandmadeafire,andawoodlandovenintheearth,andsithencedightedhisfowl,andbakedthemafterthemannerofwood—men。Andtheyate,bothofthem,inalllove,andingood—likingoflife,andweremuchstrengthenedbytheirsupper。Andwhentheyweredone,Walterekedhisfire,bothagainstthechillofthemidnightanddawning,andforaguardagainstwildbeasts,andbythattimenightwascome,andthemoonarisen。ThentheMaidendrewuptothefire,andturnedtoWalterandspake。

  CHAPTERXXIV:THEMAIDTELLSOFWHATHADBEFALLENHER

  \"Now,friend,bytheclearofthemoonandthisfirelightwillI

  tellwhatImayandcanofmytale。Thusitis:IfIbewhollyoftheraceofAdamIwotnotnorcanItelltheehowmanyyearsoldI

  maybe。Forthereare,asitwere,shardsorgapsinmylife,whereinarebutafewthingsdimlyremembered,anddoubtlessmanythingsforgotten。IrememberwellwhenIwasalittlechild,andrighthappy,andtherewerepeopleaboutmewhomIloved,andwholovedme。Itwasnotinthisland;butallthingswerelovelythere;theyear’sbeginning,thehappymid—year,theyear’swaning,theyear’sending,andthenagainitsbeginning。Thatpassedaway,andthenforawhileismorethandimness,fornoughtIremembersavethatIwas。ThereafterIrememberagain,andamayoungmaiden,andIknowsomethings,andlongtoknowmore。Iamnowisehappy;Iamamongstpeoplewhobidmego,andIgo;anddothis,andIdoit:nonelovethme,nonetormentethme;butIwearmyheartinlongingforIscarceknowwhat。NeitherthenamIinthisland,butinalandthatIlovenot,andahousethatisbigandstately,butnoughtlovely。Thenisadimtimeagain,andsithenceatimenotrightclear;aneviltime,whereinIamolder,wellnighgrowntowomanhood。Thereareamanyfolkaboutme,andtheyfoul,andgreedy,andhard;andmyspiritisfierce,andmybodyfeeble;andI

  amsettotasksthatIwouldnotdo,bythemthatareunwiserthanI;andsmittenIambythemthatarelessvaliantthanI;andIknowlack,andstripes,anddiversmisery。Butallthatisnowbecomebutadimpicturetome,savethatamongstalltheseunfriendsisafriendtome;anoldwoman,whotellethmesweettalesofotherlife,whereinallishighandgoodly,orattheleastvaliantanddoughty,andshesettethhopeinmyheartandlearnethme,andmakethmetoknowmuch……Omuch……sothatatlastIamgrownwise,andwisetobemightyifIdurst。YetamInoughtinthislandallthiswhile,but,asmeseemeth,inagreatandafoulcity。\"

  \"Andthen,asitwere,Ifallasleep;andinmysleepisnought,savehereandthereawilddream,somedeallovely,somedealhideous:

  butofthisdreamismyMistressapart,andthemonster,withal,whoseheadthoudidstcleaveto—day。ButwhenIamawakenfromit,thenamIverilyinthisland,andmyself,asthouseestmeto—day。

  Andthefirstpartofmylifehereisthis,thatIaminthepillaredballyonder,half—cladandwithboundhands;andtheDwarfleadethmetotheLady,andIhearhishorriblecroakashesayeth:

  ’Lady,willthisonedo?’andthenthesweetvoiceoftheLadysaying:’Thisonewilldo;thoushalthavethyreward:now,setthouthetokenuponher。’ThenIremembertheDwarfdraggingmeaway,andmyheartsinkingforfearofhim:butforthattimehedidmenomoreharmthantherivettinguponmylegthisironringwhichherethouseest。\"

  \"SofromthattimeforwardIhavelivedinthisland,andbeenthethralloftheLady;andIremembermylifeheredaybyday,andnopartofithasfallenintothedimnessofdreams。ThereofwillI

  telltheebutlittle:butthisIwilltellthee,thatinspiteofmypastdreams,oritmaybebecauseofthem,Ihadnotlostthewisdomwhichtheoldwomanhaderstlearnedme,andformorewisdomIlonged。Maybethislongingshallnowmakeboththeeandmehappy,butforthepassingtimeitbroughtmegrief。ForatfirstmyMistresswasindeedwaywardwithme,butasanygreatladymightbewithherboughtthrall,whilescaressingme,andwhileschastisingme,ashermoodwent;butsheseemednottobecruelofmalice,orwithanysetpurpose。Butsoitwas(ratherlittlebylittlethanbyanygreatsuddenuncoveringofmyintent),thatshecametoknowthatIalsohadsomeofthewisdomwherebyshelivedherqueenlylife。ThatwasabouttwoyearsafterIwasfirstherthrall,andthreewearyyearshavegonebysinceshebegantoseeinmetheenemyofherdays。NowwhyorwhereforeIknownot,butitseemeththatitwouldnotavailhertoslaymeoutright,orsuffermetodie;butnoughtwithheldherfrompilingupgriefsandmiseriesonmyhead。Atlastshesetherservant,theDwarf,uponme,evenhewhoseheadthouclavestto—day。ManythingsIborefromhimwhereofitwereunseemlyformytonguetotellbeforethee;butthetimecamewhenheexceeded,andIcouldbearnomore;andthenIshowedhimthissharpknife(wherewithIwouldhavethrustmethroughtotheheartifthouhadstnotpardonedmee’ennow),andItoldhimthatifheforboremenot,Iwouldslay,nothim,butmyself;andthishemightnotawaywithbecauseofthecommandmentoftheLady,whohadgivenhimthewordthatinanycaseImustbekeptliving。

  Andherhand,withal,fearheldsomewhathereafter。Yetwasthereneedtomeofallmywisdom;forwithallthisherhatredgrew,andwhilesragedwithinhersofuriouslythatitovermasteredherfear,andatsuchtimesshewouldhaveputmetodeathifIhadnotescapedherbysometurnofmylore。\"

  \"Nowfurther,IshalltelltheethatsomewhatmorethanayearagohithertothislandcametheKing’sSon,thesecondgoodlyman,asthouartthethird,whomhersorcerieshavedrawnhithersinceI

  havedwelthere。Forsooth,whenhefirstcame,heseemedtous,tome,andyetmoretomyLady,tobeasbeautifulasanangel,andsorelyshelovedhim;andheher,afterhisfashion:buthewaslight—minded,andcold—hearted,andinawhilehemustneedsturnhiseyesuponme,andoffermehislove,whichwasbutfoulandunkindasitturnedout;forwhenInay—saidhim,asmaybeIhadnotdonesaveforfearofmyMistress,hehadnopityuponme,butsparednottoleadmeintothetrapofherwrath,andleavemewithouthelp,oragoodword。But,Ofriend,inspiteofallgriefandanguish,Ilearnedstill,andwaxedwise,andwiser,abidingthedayofmydeliverance,whichhascome,andthouartcome。\"

  TherewithshetookWalter’shandsandkissedthem;buthekissedherface,andhertearswetherlips。Thenshewenton:\"Butsithence,monthsago,theLadybegantowearyofthisdastard,despiteofhisbeauty;andthenitwasthyturntobesweptintohernet;Ipartlyguesshow。Foronadayinbroaddaylight,asIwasservingmyMistressinthehall,andtheEvilThing,whoseheadisnowcloven,waslyingacrossthethresholdofthedoor,asitwereadreamfelluponme,thoughIstrovetocastitoffforfearofchastisement;

  forthepillaredhallwavered,andvanishedfrommysight,andmyfeetweretreadingaroughstonepavementinsteadofthemarblewonderofthehall,andtherewasthescentofthesaltseaandofthetackleofships,andbehindmeweretallhouses,andbeforemetheshipsindeed,withtheirropesbeatingandtheirsailsflappingandtheirmastswavering;andinmineearswasthehaleandhowofmariners;thingsthatIhadseenandheardinthedimnessofmylifegoneby。\"

  \"AndtherewasI,andtheDwarfbeforeme,andtheLadyafterme,goingoverthegangwayaboardofatallship,andshegatheredwayandwasgottenoutofthehaven,andstraightwayIsawthemarinerscastabroadtheirancient。\"

  QuothWalter:\"Whatthen!Sawestthoutheblazonthereon,ofawolf—likebeastrampingupagainstamaiden?Andthatmightwellhavebeenthou。\"

  Shesaid:\"Yea,soitwas;butrefrainthee,thatImaytellonmytale!Theshipandtheseavanishedaway,butIwasnotbackinthehalloftheGoldenHouse;andagainwerewethreeinthestreetoftheself—sametownwhichwehadbutjustleft;butsomewhatdimwasmyvisionthereof,andIsawlittlesavethedoorofagoodlyhousebeforeme,andspeedilyitdiedout,andwewereagaininthepillaredhall,whereinmythralldomwasmademanifest。\"

  \"Maiden,\"saidWalter,\"onequestionIwouldaskthee;towit,didstthouseemeonthequaybytheships?\"

  \"Nay,\"shesaid,\"thereweremanyfolkabout,buttheywereallasimagesofthealienstome。Nowhearkenfurther:threemonthsthereaftercamethedreamuponmeagain,whenwewereallthreetogetherinthePillaredHall;andagainwasthevisionsomewhatdim。Oncemorewewereinthestreetofabusytown,butallunliketothatotherone,andthereweremenstandingtogetheronourrighthandsbythedoorofahouse。\"

  \"Yea,yea,\"quothWalter;\"and,forsooth,oneofthemwaswhobutI。\"

  \"Refrainthee,beloved!\"shesaid;\"formytaledrawethtoitsending,andIwouldhavetheehearkenheedfully:formaybethoushaltonceagaindeemmydeedpastpardon。Sometwentydaysafterthislastdream,IhadsomeleisurefrommyMistress’sservice,soI

  wenttodisportmebytheWelloftheOak—tree(orforsoothshemighthavesetinmymindthethoughtofgoingthere,thatImightmeettheeandgivehersomeoccasionagainstme);andIsatthereby,nowiselovingtheearth,butsickatheart,becauseoflatetheKing’sSonhadbeenmorethaneverinstantwithmetoyieldhimmybody,threateningmeelsewithcastingmeintoallthattheworstcoulddotomeoftormentsandshamesdaybyday。Isaymyheartfailedme,andIwaswellnighbroughttothepointofyea—sayinghisdesires,thatImighttakethechanceofsomethingbefallingmethatwerelessbadthantheworst。ButheremustItelltheeathing,andpraytheetotakeittoheart。This,morethanaughtelse,hadgivenmestrengthtonay—saythatdastard,thatmywisdombothhathbeen,andnowis,thewisdomofawisemaid,andnotofawoman,andallthemightthereofshallIlosewithmymaidenhead。Evilwiltthouthinkofmethen,forallIwastriedsosore,thatIwasatpointtocastitallaway,sowretchedlyasIshrankfromthehorroroftheLady’swrath。\"

  \"ButthereasIsatponderingthesethings,Isawamancoming,andthoughtnootherwisethereofbutthatitwastheKing’sSon,tillI

  sawthestrangerdrawingnear,andhisgoldenhair,andhisgreyeyes;andthenIheardhisvoice,andhiskindnesspiercedmyheart,andIknewthatmyfriendhadcometoseeme;andO,friend,thesetearsareforthesweetnessofthatpasthour!\"

  SaidWalter:\"Icametoseemyfriend,Ialso。NowhaveInotedwhatthoubadestme;andIwillforbearallasthoucommandestme,tillwebesafeoutofthedesertandfarawayfromallevilthings;

  butwiltthoubanmefromallcaresses?\"

  Shelaughedamidstofhertears,andsaid:\"O,nay,poorlad,ifthouwiltbebutwise。\"

  Thensheleanedtowardhim,andtookhisfacebetwixtherhandsandkissedhimoft,andthetearsstartedinhiseyesforloveandpityofher。

  Thenshesaid:\"Alas,friend!evenyetmaystthoudoommeguilty,andallthylovemayturnawayfromme,whenIhavetoldtheeallthatIhavedoneforthesakeoftheeandme。O,ifthentheremightbesomechastisementfortheguiltywoman,andnotmeresundering!\"

  \"Fearnothing,sweetling,\"saidhe;\"forindeedIdeemthatalreadyIknowpartlywhatthouhastdone。\"

  Shesighed,andsaid:\"Iwilltelltheenext,thatIbannedthykissingandcaressingofmetillto—daybecauseIknewthatmyMistresswouldsurelyknowifaman,ifthou,hadstsomuchastouchedafingerofmineinlove,itwastotrymehereinthatonthemorningofthehuntingshekissedandembracedme,tillIalmostdiedthereof,andshowedtheemyshoulderandmylimbs;andtotrytheewithal,ifthineeyeshouldglisterorthycheekflushthereat;

  forindeedshewasraginginjealousyofthee。Next,myfriend,evenwhilesweweretalkingtogetherattheWelloftheRock,Iwasponderingonwhatweshoulddotoescapefromthislandoflies。

  Maybethouwiltsay:Whydidstthounottakemyhandandfleewithmeaswefledto—day?Friend,itismosttrue,thatwereshenotdeadwehadnotescapedthusfar。Forhertrackerswouldhavefollowedus,setonbyher,andbroughtusbacktoanevilfate。

  ThereforeItelltheethatfromthefirstIdidplotthedeathofthosetwo,theDwarfandtheMistress。Fornootherwisemightestthoulive,orIescapefromdeathinlife。Butastothedastardwhothreatenedmewithathrall’spains,Iheededhimnoughttoliveordie,forwellIknewthatthyvaliantsword,yea,orthybarehands,wouldspeedilytamehim。NowfirstIknewthatImustmakeashowofyieldingtotheKing’sSon;andsomewhathowIdidtherein,thouknowest。ButnonightandnotimedidIgivehimtobedme,tillafterIhadmettheeasthouwentesttotheGoldenHouse,beforetheadventureoffetchingthelion’sskin;anduptothattimeIhadscarceknownwhattodo,saveevertobidthee,withsoregriefandpain,toyieldtheetothewickedwoman’sdesire。Butaswespaketogethertherebythestream,andIsawthattheEvilThing(whoseheadthouclaveste’ennow)wasspyingonus,thenamidstthesicknessofterrorwhichevercameovermewhensoeverIthoughtofhim,andmuchmorewhenIsawhim(ah!heisdeadnow!),itcameflashingintomymindhowImightdestroymyenemy。ThereforeI

  madetheDwarfmymessengertoher,bybiddingtheetomybedinsuchwisethathemighthearit。Andwotthouwell,thathespeedilycarriedherthetidings。MeanwhileIhastenedtolietotheKing’sSon,andallprivilybadehimcometomeandnotthee。

  Andthereafter,bydintofwaitingandwatching,andtakingtheonlychancethattherewas,Imettheeasthoucamestbackfromfetchingtheskinofthelionthatneverwas,andgavetheethatwarning,orelsehadwebeenundoneindeed。\"

  SaidWalter:\"Wasthelionofhermakingorofthinethen?\"

  Shesaid:\"Ofhers:whyshouldIdealwithsuchamatter?\"

  \"Yea,\"saidWalter,\"butsheverilyswooned,andshewasverilywrothwiththeEnemy。\"

  TheMaidsmiled,andsaid:\"Ifherliewasnotlikeverysooth,thenhadshenotbeenthecrafts—masterthatIknewher:onemaylieotherwisethanwiththetonguealone:yetindeedherwrathagainsttheEnemywasnoughtfeigned;fortheEnemywasevenI,andintheselatterdaysneverdidherwrathleaveme。Buttogoonwithmytale。\"

  \"Nowdoubtthounot,that,whenthoucamestintothehallyestereve,theMistressknewofthycounterfeittrystwithme,andmeantnoughtbutdeathforthee;yetfirstwouldshehavetheeinherarmsagain,thereforedidshemakemuchoftheeattable(andthatwaspartlyformytormentalso),andthereforedidshemakethattrystwiththee,anddeemeddoubtlessthatthouwouldstnotdaretoforgoit,evenifthoushouldstgotomethereafter。\"

  \"NowIhadtrainedthatdastardtomeasIhavetoldthee,butI

  gavehimasleepydraught,sothatwhenIcametothebedhemightnotmovetowardmenoropenhiseyes:butIlaydownbesidehim,sothattheLadymightknowthatmybodyhadbeenthere;forwellhadshewottedifithadnot。ThenasthereIlayIcastoverhimthyshape,sothatnonemighthaveknownbutthatthouwertlyingbymyside,andthere,trembling,Iabodewhatshouldbefall。ThusI

  passedthroughthehourwhenasthoushouldesthavebeenatherchamber,andthetimeofmytrystwiththeewascomeastheMistresswouldbedeeming;sothatIlookedforherspeedily,andmyheartwell—nighfailedmeforfearofhercruelty。\"

  \"PresentlythenIheardastirringinherchamber,andIslippedfromoutthebed,andhidmebehindthehangings,andwasliketodieforfearofher;andlo,presentlyshecamestealinginsoftly,holdingalampinonehandandaknifeintheother。AndItelltheeofasooththatIalsohadasharpknifeinmyhandtodefendmylifeifneedwere。Sheheldthelampupaboveherheadbeforeshedrewneartothebed—side,andIheardhermutter:’Sheisnottherethen!butsheshallbetaken。’Thenshewentuptothebedandstoopedoverit,andlaidherhandontheplacewhereIhadlain;andtherewithhereyesturnedtothatfalseimageoftheelyingthere,andshefella—tremblingandshaking,andthelampfelltothegroundandwasquenched(buttherewasbrightmoonlightintheroom,andstillIcouldseewhatbetid)。Butsheutteredanoiselikethelowroarofawildbeast,andIsawherarmandhandriseup,andtheflashingofthesteelbeneaththehand,andthendowncamethehandandthesteel,andIwentnightoswooninglestperchanceIhadwroughtoverwell,andthineimagewerethyveryself。Thedastarddiedwithoutagroan:whyshouldIlamenthim?

  Icannot。ButtheLadydrewhimtowardher,andsnatchedtheclothesfromoffhisshouldersandbreast,andfella—gibberingsoundsmostlywithoutmeaning,butbrokenhereandtherewithwords。

  ThenIheardhersay:’Ishallforget;Ishallforget;andthenewdaysshallcome。’Thenwastheresilenceofheralittle,andthereaftershecriedoutinaterriblevoice:’Ono,no,no!I

  cannotforget;Icannotforget;’andsheraisedagreatwailingcrythatfilledallthenightwithhorror(didstthounothearit?),andcaughtuptheknifefromthebedandthrustitintoherbreast,andfelldownadeadheapoverthebedandontothemanwhomshehadslain。AndthenIthoughtofthee,andjoysmoteacrossmyterror;

  howshallIgainsayit?AndIfledawaytothee,andItookthinehandsinmine,thydearhands,andwefledawaytogether。Shallwebestilltogether?\"

  Hespokeslowly,andtouchedhernot,andshe,forbearingallsobbingandweeping,satlookingwistfullyonhim。Hesaid:\"I

  thinkthouhasttoldmeall;andwhetherthyguileslewher,orherownevilheart,shewasslainlastnightwholayinminearmsthenightbefore。Itwasill,andilldoneofme,forIlovednother,butthee,andIwishedforherdeaththatImightbewiththee。

  Thouwottestthis,andstillthoulovestme,itmaybeoverweeningly。WhathaveItosaythen?Iftherebeanyguiltofguile,Ialsowasintheguile;andiftherebeanyguiltofmurder,Ialsowasinthemurder。Thuswesaytoeachother;andtoGodandhisHallowswesay:’Wetwohaveconspiredtoslaythewomanwhotormentedoneofus,andwouldhaveslaintheother;andifwehavedoneamisstherein,thenshallwetwotogetherpaythepenalty;forinthishavewedoneasonebodyandonesoul。’\"

  Therewithheputhisarmsaboutherandkissedher,butsoberlyandfriendly,asifhewouldcomforther。Andthereafterhesaidtoher:\"Maybeto—morrow,inthesunlight,Iwillasktheeofthiswoman,whatsheverilywas;butnowletherbe。Andthou,thouartover—wearied,andIbidtheesleep。\"

  Sohewentaboutandgatheredofbrackenagreatheapforherbed,anddidhiscoatthereover,andledherthereto,andshelaydownmeekly,andsmiledandcrossedherarmsoverherbosom,andpresentlyfellasleep。Butasforhim,hewatchedbythefire—sidetilldawnbegantoglimmer,andthenhealsolaidhimdownandslept。

  CHAPTERXXV:OFTHETRIUMPHANTSUMMERARRAYOFTHEMAID

  WhenthedaywasbrightWalterarose,andmettheMaidcomingfromtheriver—bank,freshandrosyfromthewater。Shepaledalittlewhentheymetfacetoface,andsheshrankfromhimshyly。Buthetookherhandandkissedherfrankly;andthetwowereglad,andhadnoneedtotelleachotheroftheirjoy,thoughmuchelsetheydeemedtheyhadtosay,couldtheyhavefoundwordsthereto。

  Sotheycametotheirfireandsatdown,andfelltobreakfast;anderetheyweredone,theMaidsaid:\"MyMaster,thouseestwebecomenighuntothehill—country,andto—dayaboutsunset,belike,weshallcomeintotheLandoftheBear—folk;andbothitis,thatthereisperilifwefallintotheirhands,andthatwemayscarceescapethem。YetIdeemthatwemaydealwiththeperilbywisdom。\"

  \"Whatistheperil?\"saidWalter;\"Imean,whatistheworstofit?\"

  SaidtheMaid:\"TobeofferedupinsacrificetotheirGod。\"

  \"Butifweescapedeathattheirhands,whatthen?\"saidWalter。

  \"Oneoftwothings,\"saidshe;\"thefirstthattheyshalltakeusintotheirtribe。\"

  \"Andwilltheysunderusinthatcase?\"saidWalter。

  \"Nay,\"saidshe。

  Walterlaughedandsaid:\"Thereinislittleharmthen。Butwhatistheotherchance?\"

  Saidshe:\"Thatweleavethemwiththeirgoodwill,andcomebacktooneofthelandsofChristendom。\"

  SaidWalter:\"Iamnotallsosurethatthisisthebetterofthetwochoices,though,forsooth,thouseemesttothinkso。Buttellmenow,whatlikeistheirGod,thattheyshouldofferupnew—comerstohim?\"

  \"TheirGodisawoman,\"shesaid,\"andtheMotheroftheirnationandtribes(orsotheydeem)beforethedayswhentheyhadchieftainsandLordsofBattle。\"

  \"Thatwillbelongago,\"saidhe;\"howthenmayshebelivingnow?\"

  SaidtheMaid:\"Doubtlessthatwomanofyoreagoneisdeadthismanyandmanyayear;buttheytaketothemstillanewwoman,oneafterother,astheymayhappenonthem,tobeinthesteadoftheAncientMother。Andtotelltheetheverytruthrightout,shethatliethdeadinthePillaredHallwaseventhelastofthese;andnow,iftheyknewit,theylackaGod。Thisshallwetellthem。\"

  \"Yea,yea!\"saidWalter,\"agoodlywelcomeshallwehaveofthemthen,ifwecomeamongstthemwithourhandsredwiththebloodoftheirGod!\"

  Shesmiledonhimandsaid:\"IfIcomeamongstthemwiththetidingsthatIhaveslainher,andtheytrowtherein,withoutdoubttheyshallmakemeLadyandGoddessinherstead。\"

  \"Thisisastrangeword,\"saidWalter\"butifsotheydo,howshallthatfurtherusinreachingthekindredsoftheworld,andthefolkofHolyChurch?\"

  Shelaughedoutright,sojoyouswasshegrown,nowthatsheknewthathislifewasyettobeapartofhers。\"Sweetheart,\"shesaid,\"nowIseethatthoudesirestwhollywhatIdesire;yetinanycase,abidingwiththemwouldbelivingandnotdying,evenasthouhadstite’ennow。But,forsooth,theywillnothinderourdepartureiftheydeemmetheirGod;theydonotlookforit,nordesireit,thattheirGodshoulddwellwiththemdaily。Havenofear。\"Thenshelaughedagain,andsaid:\"What!thoulookestonmeanddeemestmetobebutasorryimageofagoddess;andmewithmyscantycoatandbarearmsandnakedfeet!Butwait!Iknowwellhowtoarraymewhenthetimecometh。Thoushaltseeit!Andnow,myMaster,wereitnotmeetthatwetooktotheroad?\"

  Sotheyarose,andfoundafordoftheriverthattooktheMaidbuttotheknee,andsosetforthupthegreenswardoftheslopeswhereastherewerebutfewtrees;sowenttheyfaringtowardthehill—country。

  Atthelasttheywerecometothefeetoftheveryhills,andinthehollowsbetwixtthebuttressesofthemgrewnutandberrytrees,andthegreenswardroundaboutthemwasboththickandmuchflowery。

  Theretheystayedthemanddined,whereasWalterhadshotaharebytheway,andtheyhadfoundabubblingspringunderagreystoneinabightofthecoppice,whereinnowthebirdsweresingingtheirbest。

  Whentheyhadeatenandhadrestedsomewhat,theMaidaroseandsaid:\"NowshalltheQueenarrayherself,andseemlikeaverygoddess。\"

  Thenshefelltowork,whileWalterlookedon;andshemadeagarlandforherheadofeglantinewheretheroseswerethefairest;

  andwithmingledflowersofthesummershewreathedhermiddleabout,andletthegarlandofthemhangdowntobelowherknees;andknotsoftheflowersshemadefasttotheskirtsofhercoat,anddidthemforarm—ringsaboutherarms,andforankletsandsandalsforherfeet。ThenshesetagarlandaboutWalter’shead,andthenstoodalittleofffromhimandsetherfeettogether,andliftedupherarms,andsaid:\"Lonow!amInotasliketotheMotherofSummerasifIwerecladinsilkandgold?andevensoshallIbedeemedbythefolkoftheBear。Comenow,thoushaltseehowallshallbewell。\"

  Shelaughedjoyously;buthemightscarcelaughforpityofhislove。Thentheysetforthagain,andbegantoclimbthehills,andthehoursworeastheywentinsweetconverse;tillatlastWalterlookedontheMaid,andsmiledonher,andsaid:\"OnethingIwouldsaytothee,lovelyfriend,towit:wertthoucladinsilkandgold,thystatelyraimentmightwellsufferafewstains,orhereandtherearentmaybe;butstatelywoulditbestillwhenthefolkoftheBearshouldcomeupagainstthee。Butastothisfloweryarrayofthine,inafewhoursitshallbeallfadedandnought。

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