And I
were fain to reward her in that she hath forborne to grudge against
thee and to bear thee enmity. For I know, my child, not from mine
own heart, but from the wisdom I have learned, how hardly the
children of Adam may bear to have that which they love taken away
from them by another, even if they themselves might in the long last
have wearied of it and cast it away their own selves. Go now, my
child, and do thy friend to wit what I will do for him.
Therewith they parted, and Birdalone fared home to the house, and
found the fellowship of them all sitting by the brookside, and
talking sweetly together in all joy and hope of what their life
should be in the new land whereto Birdalone would lead them.
Straightway then she told them of Hugh and his journey, and how well
he should be guarded in the wood both coming and going. And they
thought that right good, and they thanked her and praised her, and
took her into their talk, and she sat down by them happily.
CHAPTER III. OF THE JOURNEYING THROUGH THE FOREST OF EVILSHAW UNTO
THE TOWN OF UTTERHAY
On the morrow in due time Birdalone, going afoot, led Sir Hugh, all-
armed and horsed, to the Oak of Tryst, and there they found the three
men-at-arms, well-weaponed and in green weed, abiding them.
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