And as for me I have come hither to find her, and evil will it be if I
find her enthralled, and it may be past redemption."

And therewith he gave her a piece of the gold money of Upmeads.

"Yea," said she, "poor youth; that will be sooth indeed,
for thou art somewhat like unto her, yet far goodlier.
But I grieve for thee, and know not what thou wilt do;
whereas by this time most like she has been sold and bought
and is dwelling in some lord's strong-house; some tyrant that
needeth not money, and will not let his prey go for a prayer.
Here, take thou thy gold again, for thou mayst well need it,
and let me shear a lock of thy golden hair, and I shall
be well apaid for my keeping silence concerning thy love.
For I deem that it is even so, and that she is not thy sister,
else hadst thou stayed at home, and prayed for her with book
and priest and altar, and not gone seeking her a weary way."

Ralph reddened but said naught, and let her put scizzors
amongst his curly locks, and take what of them she would.
And then he went to his bed, and pondered these matters somewhat,
and said to himself that it was by this damsel's means
that he should find the Well at the World's End.
Yet he said also, that, whether it were so or not,
he was bound to seek her, and deliver her from thralldom,
since he had kissed her so sweet and friendly, like a brother,
for the sweetness and kindness of her, before he had fallen
into the love that had brought him such joy and such grief.
And therewith he took out that piece of her gown from his pouch,
and it seemed dear to him. But it made him think sadly