“Now, all is done,” she said.
“Nay, nay,” I said, “to die for thee is more to me than to live in love. Ah, nay, go forth, I beseech thee!”
“With victory shall I go forth, and now I lay my last commands on the last of all my servants. If in aught I have ever offended thee, in word or deed, forgive me!”
I could but bow my head, for I was weeping, though her eyes were dry.
“And so, farewell,” she said—
“As thou art leal and true, begone; it is my order, and make no tarrying. To-morrow I have much to do, and needs must I sleep while these men are quiet. Say to thy lady that I love her dearly, and bid her hope, as I also hope. Farewell!”
She moved her thin hand, which I kissed, kneeling.
Again she said “Farewell,” and turned her back on me as if she would sleep.
Then I hung the chain and key again on the neck of the lourdaud; I put some of the fallen coins in the men’s pouches, but bestowed the dice and tablier in my wallet. I opened the door, and went forth, not looking back; and so from the castle, showing my pass, and giving the porter another coin. Then I went home, in the sweet dawn of May, and casting myself on my bed, I wept bitterly, for to-day she should be tormented.
* * * * *