of it, the gilded handle was encrusted with clay in many parts, the
velvet sheath miserably worn.

But, verily, when I took hold of the hilt, and pent in my hand; lo!
then, I drew out my own true blade and shook it flawless from hilt to
point, gleaming white in that mist.

Therefore it sent a thrill of joy to my heart, to know that there was
one friend left me yet: I sheathed it again carefully, and undoing it
from my waist, hung it about my neck.

Then catching up my rags in my arms, I drew them up till my legs and
feet were altogether clear from them, afterwards folded my arms over
my breast, gave a long leap and ran, looking downward, but not giving
heed to my way.

Once or twice I fell over stumps of trees, and such- like, for it was
a cut-down wood that I was in, but I rose always, though bleeding and
confused, and went on still; sometimes tearing madly through briars
and gorse bushes, so that my blood dropped on the dead leaves as I
went.

I ran in this way for about an hour; then I heard a gurgling and
splashing of waters; I gave a great shout and leapt strongly, with
shut eyes, and the black water closed over me.

When I rose again, I saw near me a boat with a man in it; but the
shore was far off; I struck out toward the boat, but my clothes which
I had knotted and folded about me, weighed me down terribly.