that it was his pleasure, too.  He sent a page to open the door of the maiden’s chamber, and to tell her the knight’s request.  When she saw him, she took him by the hand, and saluted him very sweetly.  Eliduc was the more fain of counsel than of claspings.  He seated himself by the maiden’s side, and as shortly as he might, commenced to show her of the business.  He had done no more than read her of his letters, than her face lost its fair colour, and near she came to swoon.  When Eliduc saw her about to fall, he knew not what he did, for grief.  He kissed her mouth, once and again, and wept above her, very tenderly.  He took, and held her fast in his arms, till she had returned from her swoon.

“Fair dear friend,” said he softly, “bear with me while I tell you that you are my life and my death, and in you is all my comfort.  I have bidden farewell to your father, and purposed to go back to my own land, for reason of this bitter business of my lord.  But my will is only in your pleasure, and whatever the future brings me, your counsel I will do.”

“Since you cannot stay,” said the maiden, “take me with you, wherever you go.  If not, my life is so joyless without you, that I would wish to end it with my knife.”

Very sweetly made answer Sir Eliduc, for in honesty he loved honest maid, “Fair friend, I have sworn faith to your father, and am his man.  If I carried you with me, I should give the lie to my troth.  Let this covenant be made between us.  Should you give me leave to return to my own land I swear to you on my honour as a knight, that I will come again on any day that you shall name.  My life is in your hands.  Nothing on earth shall keep me from your side, so only that I have life and health.”

Then she, who loved so fondly, granted her knight permission to depart, and fixed the term, and named the day for his return.  Great was their sorrow that the hour had come to bid farewell.  They gave rings of gold for remembrance, and sweetly kissed adieu.  So they severed from each other’s arms.

Eliduc sought the sea, and with a fair wind, crossed swiftly to the other side.  His lord was greatly content to learn the tidings of his knight’s return.  His friends and his kinsfolk came to greet him, and the common folk welcomed him very gladly.  But, amongst them all, none was so blithe at his home-coming as the fair and prudent lady who was his wife.  Despite this show of friendship, Eliduc was ever sad, and deep in thought.  He went heavily, till he might look upon his friend.  He felt no happiness, nor made pretence of any, till he should meet with her again.  His wife was sick at heart, because of the coldness of her husband.  She took counsel with her soul, as to what she had done amiss.  Often she asked him privily, if she had come short or offended in any measure, whilst he was without the realm.  If she was accused by any, let him tell her the accusation, that she might purge herself of the offence.