much in that battle with the Barons, and well-nigh as
wise in war is he as the Knight himself, say men. But now, my
daughters, what would ye with the Knight of Longshaw?"

With that the Maiden took up the word, blushing red like a rose, and
she said: "With the Knight of Longshaw it is perhaps little that we
have to do, although we wish him all good, but it is rather with that
one of whom ye have heard tell that he is a new-come champion of the
Knight's." The Sub-prior smiled withal and said: "But what have ye to
do with this champion?"

The Maiden blushed no longer, but said: "I will tell you the story in
as short a way as it may be told: I was a damsel living much all alone
by the side of a terrible river, not lightly to be crossed, or indeed
not at all. And on the other side of the said river was there a bold
lad of about my years, and we fell into converse, speaking together
very sweetly each from our own side of the water. And for a long time
this seemed a no such evil fate for the two of us to endure; but time
went on, and I grew into a woman and he grew into a man, and indeed as
bold a champion as there is in our parts; and then indeed it seemed
hard that, though we should meet in speech, yet never should mouth
meet mouth or hand meet hand. But we lived on in hope, and trusted to
what weird had wrought for us. And it seemed possibly not so unlike
but that this bold and eager champion might go wide in the world, and
somehow find out the country and the side of the river on which I was
born and bred. And in the meantime was I determined above all things
never to think of anyone else but this bold and beautiful champion,
and even so it is with me now. And this good dame here, who is my very
fostermother, and is somewhat wise, though I would hope not more so
than Holy Church alloweth, has always bidden me to hope to see my
champion again, and even so I do. And we both know that it is only
amongst the Knight of Longshaw and his men that he is to be found."

Quoth the Sub-prior: "And when he was found, and ye let him know where
ye are, will he come to you, think ye?"

"Even so we believe," said the Maiden. "Well," said the Sub-prior.
"tell me what ye would have, and it shall be done for you." Said the
Carline: "We would [come across the water and] have guide and guards
through the Wood Masterless to some place where we may dwell alone.
Can ye do this much for us? And we shall be well willing to pay with
suchlike ge