o cannot move her limbs save in the dance, or to
back the white palfrey and ride the meadows, goshawk on wrist; I am
both well-knit and light-foot as the Wood-wife and Goddess of yore
agone. Many a toil hath gone to that, whereof I may tell thee
presently; but now we were best on our way. Yet before we go, I will
at least tell thee this, that in my knowing of these woods, there is no
sorcery at all; for in the woods, though not in these woods, was I
bred; and here also I am at home, as I may say."

Hand in hand then they went lightly through the hazel copse, and soon
was the wood thick about them, but, as before, the Lady led
unfalteringly through the thicket paths. Now Ralph spake and said: "It
is good that thou lead me whither thou wilt; but this I may say, that
it is clear to me that we are not on the way to the Castle of
Abundance." "Even so," said she; "indeed had I come to thee there, as I
was minded, I should presently have brought thee on the way which we
are wending now, or one nigh to it; and that is that which leadeth to
Hampton under Scaur, and the Fellowship of Champions who dwell on the
rock."

Said Ralph: "It is well; yet will I tell thee the truth, that a little
sojourn in that fair house had liked me better. Fain had I been to see
thee sitting in thine ivory chair in thy chamber of dais with the walls
hung round with thee woven in pictures--wilt thou not tell me in words
the story of those pictures? and also concerning the book which I read,
which was also of thee?"

"Ah," she said, "thou hast read in the book--well, I will tell thee the
story very soon, and that the more since there are matters written
wrong in the book." Therewith she hurried him on, and her feet seemed
never tired, though now, to say sooth, he began to go somewhat heavily.

Then she stayed him, and laughed sweetly in his face, and said: "It is
a long while now since the beginning of the June day, and meseems I
know thy lack, and the slaking of it lieth somewhat nearer than Hampton
under Scaur, which we shall not reach these two days if we go afoot all
the way."

"My lack?" said he; "I lack nought now, that I may not have when I
will." And he put his arms about her shoulders and strained her to his
bosom. But she strove with him, and freed herself and laughed
outright, and said: "Thou art a bold man, and rash, my knight, even
unto me. Yet must I see to it that thou die not of hunger." He said
merrily: "Yea, by St. Nich