Had his eyes been not so hot with anger, slow tears of sorrow would have
forced their way upon his cheeks, for now that he had her not his desire
was strong upon him to behold his bride.

As he lay upon the heather, he heard the shrill voice of his little
brother clamoring by his side.

"Be still," quoth he, "for thou hast frightened away a fair dream that I
fain would follow."

"But I would tell thee," said the little brother, "of a strange thing, and
one to set thee full of laughter."

"Nay," quoth the Black Earl, "of that I have no desire, lest thou place
upon my head a cap and bells, and call me fool Roderick."

"And wherefore," said the little brother, "shouldst thou laugh at fool
Roderick?"

"Because," quoth the Black Earl, "he hath found a strange jewel when he
hath lost it."

"Thy words I do not understand," saith the little brother. "What was the
strange jewel that he hath and yet hath not?"

"Love," quoth the Black Earl.

"That neither do I understand," saith the little brother, "but now thou
must listen to my story."