When he had
brought the land into good peace, which is some three years and a
half agone, he went his ways from the Red Hold all alone, and we saw
him no more. But some folk deem that he hath entered into religion.
Birdalone's heart sickened, and she thought to herself that now all
was to begin again; yet she felt that the worst was over since he was
not dead, and she was able to think what she should do. So she said:
Mayhappen he hath gone back to the Castle of the Quest? Nay, nay,
said the townsman, that may not be; for waste is that house now;
there is none dwelleth there, save, it may be, now and again a
wandering carle or carline abideth there a day or two. Said
Birdalone: How hath that befallen? or where is gone Sir Hugh, the
Green Knight? Said the townsman: We knew the Green Knight well;
frank and free and joyous was he; all men loved him; and his lady and
speech-friend, none ever saw a lovelier, and as kind as was he. But
we might not keep them with us; they are gone into their own country.
Sir Hugh left the Castle of the Quest some three months after the
Black Squire came to us for captain, and he gave over the castle to
Sir Geoffrey of Lea, an old and wise man of war.
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