And yet, said he, I would we might help thee somewhat. O I
pray thee, I pray thee! she said, or mine errand will come to nought
after all.
Therewith came another man down the stair, and stood by the old
knight and plucked his sleeve, and fell to talk with him softly.
This man was by his habit a religious, and was a younger man than the
others, it might be of five and thirty winters, and he was fair of
favour. While they spake together Birdalone sat her down again, and
was well-nigh spent.
At last the old man spake: Damsel, he said, we deem we may suffer
thee to enter the castle since thy need is so great, and have a
meal's meat at our hands, and yet save our oath, if thou depart
thence by the landward gate before sunset. Will this serve thee?
Fair sir, said Birdalone, it will save my life and mine errand; I may
say no more words for my faintness, else would I thank thee.
She stood up on her feet, and the old man-at-arms reached out his
hand to her, and she took it and came her ways up the stair, but
found herself but feeble. But the priest (forsooth he was chaplain
of the castle) helped her on the other side.
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