And
I would have thee counsel us what to do, whether to build a barque,
as perchance we may get it done, and sail the lake therein to the
Castle of the Quest or thereabout, and thence to ride to his land; or
else to take thy guidance and safe-conduct through the wood, and to
bring his folk back the same way.
Said the wood-wife: As to the way by water, I may help you little
therein, and meseemeth that way be many traps and wiles and many
perils. Wherefore I bid you try it not, but let the Green Knight
come up hither to this tree to-morrow before noon, all horsed and
armed and arrayed, and there shall he find three men armed in green
gear, horsed well, and leading two sumpter-beasts with them; and they
shall be his until he giveth them back unto me. But if he doubteth
any thing betwixt the wood's end and under the Green Mountains, let
him wage what folk he will besides, for these my men will have money
enough of his with them. But by no means let him send them away till
he hath done with the wood altogether, both betwixt here and the
western dwelt-land, and here and Utterhay, save thou be with him.
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