above all suffer not the witch-wife to set eye or hand on the ring.
Truly mine heart oft aches sorely for thy peril; for therein the
image of thee abideth rather as of my daughter than my friend. Yea,
now thou laughest, but kindly, so that the sound of thy laughter is
as sweet music. But know that though thou art but a young maiden,
and I in all wise like unto thee of aspect, yet have I dwelt many and
many a year upon the earth, and much wisdom have learned. Trowest
thou me?

Yea, yea, said Birdalone, with all my heart. Then she hung her head
a while and kept silence, and thereafter looked up and spake: I
would ask thee a thing and crave somewhat of thee, as if thou wert
verily my mother; wilt thou grant it me? Yea, surely, child, said
Habundia. Said Birdalone: This it is then, that thou wilt learn me
of thy wisdom. Habundia smiled full kindly on her, and said: This
of all things I would have had thee ask; and this day and now shall
we begin to open the book of the earth before thee. For therein is
mine heritage and my dominion. Sit by me, child, and hearken!

So the maiden sat down by her likeness under the oak, and began to
learn her lesson. Forsooth forgotten is the wisdom, though the tale
of its learning abideth, wherefore nought may we tell thereof.

When it was done, Birdalone kissed her wood-mother and said: This is
now the best day of my life, this and the day when first I saw thee.
I will come hither now many times before the day of my departure.
Yea, but, sweet child, said Habundia, beware of the witch and her
cruelty; I fear me she shall yet be grim toward thee. So will I be
wary, said Birdalone, but I will venture some little peril of pain
but if thou forbid me, mother. And I pray thee by thy love to forbid