know of the folk of the said Burg that they would mock at me
if I asked them of the way to the Well at the World's End.
And as for the western way I deem that that will lead me back
again to the peopled parts whereof I know; therefore I am minded
to take the eastern way. What sayest thou, fair lord?"

Said Ralph: "I have heard of late that it leadeth presently to Hampton
under the Scaur, where dwelleth a people of goodwill."

"Who told thee this tale?" said she. Ralph answered, reddening again,
"I was told by one who seemed to know both of that folk, and of the Burg
of the Four Friths, and she said that the folk of Hampton were a good folk,
and that they of the Burg were evil."

The damsel smiled sadly when she heard him say 'She,' and when
he had done she said: "And I have heard, and not from yesterday,
that at Hampton dwelleth the Fellowship of the Dry Tree,
and that those of the fellowship are robbers and reivers.
Nevertheless they will perchance be little worse than the others;
and the tale tells that the way to the Well at the World's
End is by the Dry Tree; so thither will I at all adventure.
And now will I say farewell to thee, for it is most like that I
shall not see thee again."

"O, maiden!" said Ralph, "why wilt thou not go back to Bourton Abbas?
There I might soon meet thee again, and yet, indeed, I also am like to go
to Hampton. Shall I not see thee there?"

She shook her head and said: "Nay, since I must go so far,
I shall not tarry; and, sooth to say, if I saw thee coming