fields amidst tall elmtrees, and had their banners still
flying over the tents to warn all comers of what they were.
But the next morning the chapmen and their folk were up betimes
to rummage their loads, and to array their wares for the market;
and they gat not to the road before mid-morning. Meantime
of their riding Ralph had more talk with Bull, who said to him:
"Fair lord, I rede thee when thou art in the market of Cheaping Knowe,
bid master Clement bring thee to the thrall-merchant, and trust me
that if such a fair image as that we were speaking of hath passed
through his hands within these three months, he will remember it;
and then thou shalt have at least some tale of what hath befallen
her but a little while ago."

That seemed good rede to Ralph, and when they went on their way
he rode beside Clement, and asked him many things concerning
Cheaping Knowe; and at last about the thrall-market therein.
And Clement said that, though he dealt not in such wares,
he had often seen them sold, and knew the master of that market.
And when Ralph asked if the said master would answer questions
concerning the selling of men and of women, Clement smiled and said:
"Yea, yea, he will answer; for as he lives by selling thralls,
and every time a thrall is sold by him he maketh some gain by it,
it is to his profit that they change masters as often as may be;
and when thou askest of the woman whom thou art seeking,
he will be deeming that there will be some new chaffer ahead.
I will bring thee to him, and thou shalt ask him of what thou wilt,
and belike he will tell thee quietly over the wine-cup."

Therewith was Ralph well content, and he grew eager to enter
into the town.