BELTANE. "And wherefore art thou happy, Roger?"
ROGER. "Item first: thou dost mend apace, lord. Item second: this mess of venison hath a savour most delectable. Item third: happiness is the birthright of every man. Moreover I have learned that behind the blackest cloud is a glory of sun, and beyond sorrow, joy. So do I rejoice that all is like to be well with thee."
BELTANE (bitterly). "Well with me, say you? Is Pentavalon free, Roger? Do I not lie here, weak and helpless—my company scattered? O, call you this well, forsooth?"
ROGER. "'Tis true thou art weak as yet, master, but thou shalt rise again stronger than aforetime—aye, thou shalt arise indeed, and all Pentavalon with thee. So let thine heart rejoice and sing, as mine doth."
BELTANE (fiercely). "O evil day, that ere I gave my heart to woman's love, so do I lie here a useless thing—O day accursed!"
ROGER. "O day most blessed, since woman's love hath lifted thee from death and shall be thy glory and Pentavalon's salvation, master!"
BELTANE (eagerly). "Roger—Roger, speak you of the Duchess Helen? What mean you, man?"
ROGER. "There be signs and portents, master, the very air is full o' them. Whiles we tarry here, others be up and doing—"
BELTANE. "Others, Roger?"
ROGER. "Notably Walkyn o' the Axe, master!"