Speak we no more of
these matters.
Birdalone flushed with hope and joy as he spake thus, for she took
him to mean that he would lead her, on the morrow, on her way to the
Castle of the Quest. But the knight spake in a voice grown cheerful
again: As to this bower, lady, the tale thereof is soon told; for
with mine own hands I builded it some fifteen years ago; and I have
come to this place time and again when my heart was overmuch
oppressed with black burdens of evil and turmoil, and have whiles
prevailed against the evil, and whiles not. Mayst thou prevail this
time, then! said she. He answered her not, but presently fell to
talking with her of other matters, and the two were frank and
friendly together, till the August night grew dark about them; and
then spake Birdalone: Now would I rest, for I can no longer keep
mine eyes open. Abide aloof from me to-morrow morning till I call to
thee, as thou didst this evening; and then, before we eat together
again, thou shalt tell me what thou wilt do with me. He stood up to
depart, and she reached out her hand to him in the glimmer, and he
saw it, but said: Nay, if I take thine hand, I shall take thine
whole body.
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