the images of the monster and thee and a glorious lady, even as if
ye were alive."

And therewith he told her in few words how it had gone with him
since that day on the quay at Langton.

She said: "Then it is no longer perhaps, but certain, that thou art
her latest catch; and even so I deemed from the first: and, dear
friend, this is why I have not suffered thee to kiss or caress me,
so sore as I longed for thee. For the Mistress will have thee for
her only, and hath lured thee hither for nought else; and she is
wise in wizardry (even as some deal am I), and wert thou to touch me
with hand or mouth on my naked flesh, yea, or were it even my
raiment, then would she scent the savour of thy love upon me, and
then, though it may be she would spare thee, she would not spare
me."

Then was she silent a little, and seemed very downcast, and Walter
held his peace from grief and confusion and helplessness; for of
wizardry he knew nought.

At last the Maid spake again, and said: "Nevertheless we will not
die redeless. Now thou must look to this, that from henceforward it
is thee, and not the King's Son, whom she desireth, and that so much
the more that she hath not set eyes on thee. Remember this,
whatsoever her seeming may be to thee. Now, therefore, shall the
King's Son be free, though he know it not, to cast his love on
whomso he will; and, in a way, I also shall be free to yeasay him.
Though, forsooth, so fulfilled is she with malice and spite, that
even then she may turn round on me to punish me for doing that which