Thus were we saved, through Hamo de Offyngton, the Abbot of Battle
Abbey, or so I was told afterwards, who collected a force by land and
sea and drove off the French after they had ravaged the Isle of Wight,
attacked Winchelsea, and burned the greater part of Hastings. So it
came about that in the end these pirates took little benefit by their
wickedness, since they lost sundry ships with all on board, and others
left in such haste that their people remained on shore where they were
slain by the mob that gathered as soon as it was seen that they were
deserted, helped by a company of the Abbot's men who had marched from
Battle. But with all this I had nothing to do who now that the fight
was over, felt weak as a child and could think of little save that I had
seen my mother burning.

Presently, however, that happened which woke me from my grief and caused
my blood which had grown sluggish to run again. For when she knew that
she was safe the lady Blanche came out of the cave and addressed me as I
stood there leaning against the rock with the red sword Wave-Flame in my
hand, as I had drawn it to make ready for the last fight to the death.
All sorts of sweet names she called me--a hero, her deliverer, and I
know not what besides.

In the end, as I made no answer, being dazed, also hurt by an axe blow
on the breast which I had not felt before, dealt by that Frenchman whom
I slew near the Castle, she did more. Throwing her arms about me she
kissed me thrice, on either cheek and on the lips, doubtless because she
was overwrought, and in her thankfulness forgot her maidenly reserve,
though as William Bull said afterwards, this forgetfulness did not cause
her to kiss him who had also helped her up the hill.

Those kisses were like wine to me, for it is strange how, if we love