Early on the morrow came the Earl unto Goldilind, and she receivedhim gladly, as one who had fashioned life anew for her. And when hehad sat down by her, he spake and said: "Lady, thou cravedst of meyesterday two things; the first was freedom from the captivity ofGreenharbour; and the second, life and liberty for the varlet that cherishedthee in the wild-wood the other day. Now thy first asking grieved me, forthat thou hast been tyrannously done by; and thy second I wondered at;but since I have seen the young man, I wonder the less; for he is both sogoodly, and so mighty of body, and of speech bold and free, yet gentle andof all courtesy, that he is meet to be knight or earl, yea, or very king.Now, therefore, in both these matters I will well to do thy pleasure, and inone way it may be; and thou mayst then go forth from Greenharbour asfree as a bird, and thy varlet's life may be given unto him, and micklehonour therewith. Art thou, then, willing to do after my rede and mycommandment, so that both these good things may betide thee?"
"Right willing am I," she said, "to be free and happy and to save thelife of a fair youth and kind."
"Then," said he, "there is one thing for thee to do: that this day thouwed this fair and kind youth, and let him lead thee forth fromGreenharbour; and, belike, he will bring thee to no ill stead; for his friendsare mightier than mayhappen thou deemest."
She turned as red as blood at his word; she knit her brows, and hereyes flashed as she answered: "Is it seemly for a King's daughter to weda nameless churl? And now I know thee, Lord Earl, what thou wouldst do;thou wouldst be King of Meadham and put thy master's daughter to theroad." And she was exceeding wroth.