I was commanded by a messenger,
That is an high King’s chief officer;
He bade me go a pilgrimage, to my pain,
And I know well I shall never come again;
Also I must give a reckoning straight,
For I have a great enemy that lieth me in wait,
Which intendeth me for to hinder.”
Now, as he spoke, the faces of the young men grew very grave and anxious.
“What account is that which ye must render?
That would I know,”