“So we rode out of the gates that very day before sunset; for it was now midsummer again, and it was three hours before noon that I was to have been burned; and we were a gallant company of men-at-arms and knights; yet did I be-think me of those who were slain on that other day when we were taken, and fain had I been that they were riding with us; but at least that fair young man was in our company, though still weak with his hurts:  for the prison and the process had worn away wellnigh two months.  True it is that I rejoiced to see him, for I had deemed him dead.

“Dear friend, I pray thy pardon if I weary thee with making so long a tale of my friends of the past days; but needs must I tell thee somewhat of them, lest thou love that which is not.  Since truly it is myself that I would have thee to love, and none other.

“Many folk gathered to us as we rode our ways to a town which was my lord’s own, and where all men were his friends, so that we came there with a great host and sat down there in no fear of what the king might do against us.  There was I duly wedded to my lord by a Bishop of Holy Church, and made his Lady and Queen; for even so he would have it.

“And now began the sore troubles of that land, which had been once so peaceful and happy; the tale whereof I may one day tell thee; or rather many tales of what befell me therein; but not now; for the day weareth; and I still have certain things that I must needs tell thee.

“We waged war against each other, my lord and the king, and whiles one, and whiles the other overcame.  Either side belike deemed that one battle or two would end the strife; but so it was not, but it endured year after year, till fighting became the chief business of all in the land.

“As for me, I had many tribulations.  Thrice I fled from the stricken field with my lord to hide in some stronghold of the mountains.  Once was I taken of the foemen in the town where I abode when my lord was away from me, and a huge slaughter of innocent folk was made, and I was cast into prison and chains, after I had seen my son that I had borne to my lord slain before mine eyes.  At last we were driven clean out of the Kingdom of the Tower, and abode a long while, some two years, in the wilderness, living like outlaws and wolves’ heads, and lifting the spoil for our livelihood.  Forsooth of all the years that I abode about the Land of Tower those were the happiest.  For we robbed no poor folk and needy, but rewarded them rather, and drave the spoil from rich men and lords, and hard-hearted chapmen-folk:  we ravished no maid of the tillers, we burned no cot, and taxed no husbandman’s croft or acre, but defended them from their tyrants.  Nevertheless we gat an ill name wide about through the kingdoms and cities; and were devils and witches to the boot of thieves and robbers in the mouths of these men; for when the rich man is hurt his wail goeth heavens high, and none may say he heareth not.