“Nay, 't were labour in vain, Witch; there be no outlaws hereabout, free men are they henceforth and gone, each and every.”
“Out alas—alas!” cried the old woman, wringing her hands. “Then woe is me for the fair lady Yolande.”
“Ha! What of her, good Witch? Threateneth danger? Speak!”
“Aye, Fool, danger most dire! My Lord Gui yet liveth, and this night divers of his men shall bear her away where he lieth raging for her in his black castle of Ells—”
“Now by heaven's light!” swore Jocelyn, his eyes fierce and keen, “this night shall Fool be crowned of Love or sleep with kindly Death.”
“Stay, Fool, thy foes be a many! Wilt cope with them alone?”
“Nay!” cried a voice:
“Not so, grandam
For here I am!”
and Lobkyn stepped forward.
“Aha, my pretty poppet! Loved duck, my downy chick—what wouldst?”