Tho’ they at first mistook them, and thought them wicked elves, or mermaids dreadful.
[116]
That night the maidens rested with friends upon the sea;
So wondrous was their dwelling, from fear they were not free:
Wiser it were in the children to think this home a blessing.
Soon as the earl had bidden, their food upon the maids they all were pressing.
[117]
After they had eaten, and while with them he sat,
The lord of the land of Garadie the maidens did entreat
To say by whom such fair ones were brought unto that shore.