But felt the comfort, and began to pray
For such companions on the king’s highway.
William had now across the kingdom sped,
To th’ Eastern ocean from St. David’s head; 600
And wandering late, with various thoughts oppress’d,
’Twas midnight ere he reach’d his place of rest—
A village inn, that one way-faring friend
Could from experience safely recommend:
Where the kind hostess would be more intent
On what he needed than on what he spent;