GANDALF. And he?
BLANKA. Told me as he recovered from his wounds, That he had come aboard a merchantman, Had reached the island on the very day The castle was destroyed,—took refuge there And fought the robber band with all his might Until he fell, faint with the loss of blood, Into the rocky cleft wherein I found him. And ever since we two have lived together; He built for us a cabin in the wood, I grew to love him more than any one. But you must see him,—come!
GANDALF. No, wait,—not now! We meet in ample time, I have no doubt.
BLANKA. Well, all right, as you please; but rest assured He would be glad to greet you 'neath his roof; For you must know that hospitality Is found not only in the North.
GANDALF. The North? You know then—
BLANKA. Whence you come, you mean? Oh, yes! My father has so often told of you That I the moment that I saw you—
GANDALF. Yet you Were not afraid!
BLANKA. Afraid? And why afraid?
GANDALF. Has he not told you then,—of course if not—
BLANKA. Told me that you were fearless heroes? Yes! But pray, why should that frighten me? I know you seek your fame on distant shores, In manly combat with all doughty warriors; But I have neither sword nor coat of mail, Then why should I fear—