the mountains that lie the other side of those; and I bid thee come
with us, and I will be thy warrant that so far thou shalt have no harm:
but when thou hast come so far, and hast seen three very fair cities,
besides towns and castles and thorps and strange men, and fair merchandize,
God forbid that thou shouldest wend further, and so cast away thy young
life for a gay-coloured cloud. Then will be the time to come back with me,
that I may bring thee through the perils of the way to Wulstead, and Upmeads
at the last, and the folk that love thee."

Richard held his peace at this word, but Ralph said:
"I thank thee, Master Clement, for thy love and thy helping hand;
and will promise thee to abide thee here eight days at the least;
and meanwhile I will ponder the matter well."



CHAPTER 15

Ralph Dreams a Dream Or Sees a Vision


Therewithall they parted after more talk concerning small matters,
and Ralph wore through the day, but Richard again did him to wit, that on
the morrow he would find his old friends of Swevenham in the Market.
And Ralph was come to life again more than he had been since that evil
hour in the desert; though hard and hard he deemed it that he should
never see his love again.

Now as befalleth young men, he was a good sleeper, and dreamed but seldom,
save such light and empty dreams as he might laugh at, if perchance