that thou speak not to me again of this woman whom I am seeking;
for it moveth me over much." "That is well, lord," said Morfinn,
"I will do after thy command; and there be many other matters
to speak of besides one fair woman."

Then they rode on soberly a while, and Ralph kept silence,
as he rode pondering much; but the minstrel hummed snatches
of rhyme as he rode the way.

But at last Ralph turned to him suddenly and said: "Tell me,
way-leader, in what wise did they seem to be using that woman?"
The minstrel chuckled: "Fair lord," said he, "if I had a mind
for mocking I might say of thee that thou blowest both hot
and cold, since it was but half an hour ago that thou badest me
speak naught of her: but I deem that I know thy mind herein:
so I will tell thee that they seemed to be using her courteously;
as is no marvel; for who would wish to mar so fair an image?
O, it will be well with her: I noted that the Lord seemed
to think it good to ride beside her, and eye her all over.
Yea, she shall have a merry life of it if she but do somewhat
after the Lord's will."

Ralph looked askance at him fiercely, but the other heeded it naught:
then said Ralph, "And how if she do not his will?" Said Morfinn, grinning:
"Then hath my Lord a many servants to do his will." Ralph held his peace
for a long while; at last he turned a cleared brow to Morfinn and said;
"Dost thou tell of the Lord of Utterbol that he is a good lord and merciful
to his folk and servants?"

"Fair sir," said the minstrel; "thou hast bidden me not speak