for these last months I have been meeting guile with guile and lies
with lies. And now will I do so no more, lest I become a guileful
woman, with nought good in me save the fairness of my body.
Wherefore hearken, sweet mother! What is done, is done; but when it
cometh to the day, which is speedily drawing nigh, that I must part
from thee, it may be for a long while, then will I not fare to the
Sending Boat by night and cloud and with hidden head, but will walk
thither in broad day, and let that befall which must befall.

Changed then Habundia's face and became haggard and woeful, and she
cried out: O if I could but weep, as ye children of Adam! O my
grief and sorrow! Child, child! then will betide that falling into
her hands which I spake of e'en now; and then shall this wretch, this
servant of evil, assuredly slay thee there and then, or will keep
thee to torment thee till thy life be but a slow death. Nay, nay, do
as I should do, and fare with hidden head, and my ring on thy finger.
Or else, O child, how wilt thou hurt me!

Birdalone wept; but presently she fell to caressing the mother's
hand, and said: This is thy doing, wherein thou hast made me wise.
Yet fear not: for I deem that the witch-wife will not slay me,
whereas she looketh to have some gain of me; moreover, in the evil of
her heart is mingled some love toward me, whereof, as erst I told
thee, I have a morsel of compassion. Mother, she will not slay me;
and I say that she shall not torment me, for I will compel her to
slay me else. It is my mind that she will let me go. Said the
mother: Yea, mayhappen, yet but as a bird with a string to its leg.
If it be so, said Birdalone, then let my luck prevail over her guile;
as well it may be, since I have known thee, O wise mother!