e, if it came to that.
So now I am like to make something other of thee than I was minded to
at first: for I deem that thou art good enough to be a man. And if
thou wilt now ask a boon of me, if it be not over great, I will grant
it thee."

Ralph put one knee to the ground, and said: "Great Lord, I thank thee:
but whereas I am in an alien land and seeking great things, I know of
no gift which I may take for myself save leave to depart, which I deem
thou wilt not grant me. Yet one thing thou mayst do for my asking if
thou wilt. If thou be still angry with the carle whom I first
unhorsed, I pray thee pardon him his ill-luck."

"Ill-luck!" said the Lord, "Why, I saw him that he was downright afraid
of thee. And if my men are to grow blenchers and soft-hearts what is
to do then? But tell me, Otter, what is the name of this carle?" Said
Otter, "Redhead he hight, Lord." Said the Lord: "And what like a man
is he in a fray?" "Naught so ill, Lord," said Otter. "This time, like
the rest of us, he knew not this gear. It were scarce good to miss him
at the next pinch. It were enough if he had the thongs over his back a
few dozen times; it will not be the first day of such cheer to him."

"Ha!" said the Lord, "and what for, Otter, what for?" "Because he was
somewhat rough-handed, Lord," said Otter. "Then shall we need him and
use him some day. Let him go scot free and do better another bout.
There is thy boon granted for thee, knight; and another day thou mayst
ask something more. And now shall David have a care of thee. And when
we come to Utterbol we shall see what is to be done with thee."

Then Ralph rose up and thanked him, and David came forward, and led him
to his tent. And he was wheedling in his ways to him, as if Ralph were
now become one who might do him great good if so his will were.

But the Lord went back again into the Tower.

As to the Lady, she abode in her pavilion amidst many fears and
desires, till Agatha entered and said: "My Lady, so far all has gone
happily." Said the Lady: "I deemed from the noise and the cry that he
was doing well. But tell me, how did he?" "My Lady," quoth Agatha,
"he knocked our folk about well-favouredly, and seemed to think little
of it."

"And Joyce," said the Lady, "how did she?" "She looked a queen, every
inch of her, and she is tall," said Agatha: "soothly some folk stared
on her, but not many knew of her, since she is but new into our house.
Though i