I truly am a Christian, you must not say me nay.
One of the griffins seized me, and to the cave did carry;
I cannot live all lonely, and here with you would I most gladly tarry.”
[79]
Then to the child so friendless they loving welcome gave;
But they of his worth thereafter did better knowledge have.
They now could ask him only, whence he had been stolen;
But, such was then his hunger, in telling his tale, his heart was full and swollen.
[80]
Then spake the little foundling: “Food I sorely need;