therefore we live in peace in these lands."

Ralph hearkened, but said nought; for amidst all this flashing of fire
and flame, and the crying out of folk, and the measured clash of the bells
so near him, his thought was confused, and he had no words ready to hand.
But the monk turned from the parapet and looked him full in the face
and said to him:

"Thou art a fair young man, and strong, and of gentle blood as I deem;
and thou seemest to me to have the lucky look in thine eyes:
now I tell thee that if thou wert to take service with my lord thou
shouldest never rue it. Yea, why shouldest thou not wax in his service,
and become his Captain of Captains, which is an office meet for kings?"

Ralph looked on him, but answered nought, for he could not
gather his thoughts for an answer; and the brother said:
"Think of it, I bid thee, fair young lord; and be sure
that nowhere shalt thou have a better livelihood, not even
wert thou a king's son; for the children of my lord Abbot
are such that none dareth to do them any displeasure;
neither is any overlord as good as is Holy Church."

"Yea," said Ralph, "doubtless thou sayest sooth; yet I wot not that I
am come forth to seek a master."

Said the brother: "Nay, do but see the lord Abbot, as thou mayst
do to-morrow, if thou wilt."

"I would have his blessing," said Ralph.