"Ah, the pity of it, to lie here like a log when swords ring and peril threatens her."
"Sire, we shall win her back again."
"My God, only to touch her hands once more, to feel the warmth of her pure bosom, and the thrill of her rich hair."
"We shall win her, sire. Doubt it not."
"All life is a doubt."
"Before God, I swear it!"
"Modred!"
"Before God, I swear it!"
He sprang up, thrust out his arms till the sinews cracked, filled his great chest with the breath of the sea. Suddenly he stopped, strained at a rock lying at the cave's mouth, lifted it, and hurled it from him, saw it smite foam from the water beneath.
"Fate, take my gauge," he cried, with a fierce glorying in his strength; "come, sire, put your hands about my neck. I will bear you to your castle of Gambrevault."