presently speak to my sisters thereon, who are, both of them, wiser
than I. Sisters by blood are we not, but by love and fellowship.
And I doubt not but that as we go up into the house we shall happen
upon them in the garden. But now I look upon thee, how fair a woman
art thou!

Thou art kind and friendly, said Birdalone, smiling amidst of her
tears, might I know by what name to call so dear a woman? Thou shalt
call me Aurea, said the other; and my next sister is Viridis, and the
third, Atra; for that is according to the hues of our raiment, and
other names we have not now. And lo! here cometh Viridis over the
meadow.

Birdalone looked, and saw a woman coming toward them clad all in
green, with a rose-wreath on her head. And she drew nigh, and
greeted Birdalone kindly, and she also was a very beauteous woman;
not great of body, whereas Aurea was tall and big-made, though
excellently shapen. Light brown and goodly waved of hair was
Viridis, her eyes brown, and rather long than great; her lips full
and ruddy, her cheeks soft and sweet and smooth, and as rosy-tinted
pearl; her hands small and delicate of fashion; her whole body soft-
shapen as an egg; a kind, wheedling look her face bore.

When she had looked a while on Birdalone, she kissed her, and said:
I would thou wert happier, for thou art beauteous, and all but the
evil must love thee. Therewith she drew a cate from her pouch, and
said: Eat somewhat, for thou wilt be hungry; and let us go meet our
other sister, who is wiser than we.

So they went, all three of them, and came from off the meadow on to