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。