Said Hallblithe raising the cup: "Herewith I wish thee youth!" and
he drank.

"Good is the wish," said the elder; "now ask thou the old carle
whatso thou wilt."

Said Hallblithe: "What is this land called?"

"Son," said the other, "hast thou heard it called the Isle of
Ransom?"

"Yea," said Hallblithe, "but what wilt thou call it?"

"By no other name," said the hoary carle.

"It is far from other lands?" said Hallblithe.

"Yea," said the carle, "when the light winds blow, and the ships sail
slow."

"What do ye who live here?" said Hallblithe. "How do ye live, what
work win ye?"

"We win diverse work," said the elder, "but the gainfullest is
robbing men by the high hand."

"Is it ye who have stolen from me the Hostage of the Rose?" said
Hallblithe.