not whither I was bound. But is there no welcome for me in this
lovely land? I lack not deftness wholly; and I will be a servant of
servants, and ask no better if it must be so. Said the new-comer:
Unto that mayst thou come, but sore will be thy servitude. I fear me
thy welcome here may be but evil. Said Birdalone: Wilt thou not
tell me how so? Quoth that lady: We know thy ferry here, that it is
the craft wherein cometh hither now and again the sister of our lady
the Queen, into whose realm thou art now come, and who liveth up in
the white palace yonder, and whom we serve. And meseems thou wilt
not have come hither by her leave, or thou wouldst be in other guise
than this; so that belike thou wilt be the runaway of thy mistress.
Wherefore I fear that thou wilt be sent back to thy said mistress
after a while, and that that while will be grievous to thee, body and
soul.

Birdalone's heart sank, and she was pale and trembling; but she said:
O dear lady, might I then depart as I have come hither, without the
wotting of this Queen! after thou hast given me a morsel of bread,
for I am hungry. Said the gold-clad one, looking on her pitifully:
Nay, maiden, I cannot choose but bring thee before our mistress,
whereas most like she hath already seen thee from above there. For
she is far-sighted beyond the wont of folk who be more manlike. But
as for the bread, see thou! I have brought a manchet in my pouch,
and cheese withal, as I came hurrying; for I thought, she will be
hungry. And she reached the victual out to her. And Birdalone took
it and kissed the golden lady's hands, and she might not refrain her
tears, but wept as she ate.

Meanwhile the golden lady spake unto her and said: Nevertheless,
thou poor maiden, somewhat may be done for thine helping, and I will