"Yet he beareth us strong and nobly, messire!"
"Fidelis, I would I ne'er had seen thee."
"Thou dost not see me—now, lord—content you, therefore," saith Fidelis softly, whereat Beltane must needs twist in the saddle, yet saw no more than a mailed arm and shoulder.
"Howbeit," quoth Beltane, "I would these arms o' thine clasped the middle of any other man than I."
"Forsooth, my lord? And do they crush thee so? Or is it thou dost pine for solitude?"
"Neither, youth: 'tis for thy youth's sake, for, though thou hast angered me full oft, art but a very youth—"
"Gramercy for my so much youthfulness, my lord. Methinks I shall be full long a-growing old—"
"Heed me, sir knight, 'tis a fell place this, where direful beasts do raven—"
"Nathless, messire, my youthfulness is but where it would be—"
"Aye, forsooth, and there it is! Where thou would'st be—thou, forsooth! Art indeed a wilful youth and very headstrong. And wherefore here?"