"No, ma mie," replied he; "I am not thirsty—but I would that I could free you."
"It cannot be; and I shall die the property of the abbey. For a long time we have lived here, from father to son, from mother to daughter. Like my poor ancestors, I shall pass my days upon this land, for the abbot does not loose his prey."
"What!" cried the goldsmith, "has no gallant been tempted by your bright eyes to buy your liberty, as I bought mine of the king?"
"Truly, it would cost too much. Therefore those I pleased at first sight went at they came."
"And you never thought of fleeing to another country with a lover, on a fleet courser?"
"O, yes. But, my lord, if I were taken I should lose my life, and my lover, if he were a lord, his land. I am not worth such sacrifice. Then the arms of the abbey are longer than my feet are swift. Besides, I live here, in obedience to Heaven that has placed me here."
"And what does your father, maiden?"
"He is a vine-dresser, in the gardens of the abbey."
"And your mother?"
"She is a laundress."