raced Sir Mark as he got
off his horse, for they were dear friends, and then looked keenly on
the Maiden, and took her by the hand and led her in and treated her
with all honour. Thereafter, before supper, while she was under the
hands of the tire-women, the said lord took occasion to ask the Blue
Knight if he had done well, so doing, or whether he should have given
her less honour; and the Blue Knight said that he had done right well,
and that he thanked him for it, for of all honour was she worthy.

Now the Maiden sat at table beside the lord and Sir Mark, and
hearkened their talk, which at one time ran much upon that great
captain of war whom they called Sir Godrick of Longshaw. And she might
see of both of them that they thought much of his wisdom, and not
little of his luck, and feared him what he would do to them of the
Barons' League, whereof were both those knights. And Sir Alwyn
furthermore told the Blue Knight concerning tidings in the City of the
Sundering Flood, and said that the King thereof was of little account
before such a man as was Sir Godrick, for though he were well enough
in a fray if the sword were put in his hand and the horse were between
his knees, yet was he feathered-headed, stubborn in wrong, and
hard-hearted. Said Sir Alwyn, that save the said King was in all
things according with the best men of the City, as the Porte and the
masters of the Great Crafts, he was undone. Then he said again: "Yea,
and there is talk also how that the Small Crafts have in their hearts
to rise against both Porte and King, and certes if they may have Sir
Godrick on their side, which is not wholly unlike, they will perchance
come to their above; and then again is the King's cake but dough."

Said Sir Mark, and smiled withal: "One thing we have to our comfort,
that there may not lightly be found two Sir Godricks, and though his
men be fell fighters, there where he is only shall his luck prevail to
the full."

"Yea," said the houselord; "but I can see in the eye of my mind
another well-nigh as good has he, if he might but hit upon him. Yea,
and one who should be even better than his double, filling up what
little lacks there may be in him; one who should cheer the heart of
his host as much even as the captain, and yet should be liker to the
men themselves, and a part of them in all wise."

Said Sir Mark: "Even so much as this I said a day or two ago. Yet
scarce is such an one found by seeking." "Sooth is that,"