“Nay, but Xit, sweet Xit, if thou hast any love for me, tell me what thou knowest of Lilias.”
“Thou dost not deserve that I should tell thee aught, uncourteous giant,” said Xit. “Nevertheless, out of compassion for thy miserable state, I will speak. Know, then, most amorous Titan, that I have seen the lady of thy love——”
“Thou hast seen Lilias!” interrupted Og. “Oh! thou art my best friend. How doth she look? Is she comely as ever? Or is she changed and married to another? Tell me the worst. It may break my heart—but spare me not.”
“I will tell thee the best and the worst as quickly as may be,” rejoined Xit. “The best is, that Lilias is still true to thee, and looking lovelier than ever—and the worst is, that she is coming to the Tower in a few days, and therefore thou wilt soon behold her again.”
“Why, the worst is best of all!” cried Og, transported with delight.
“Nay, it is worst,” rejoined Xit; “because, when she comes, thou wilt be compelled to marry her.”
“But I say to thee again that it is best, for I desire nothing so much as marriage with her. But thou art not making merry with me all this while? ’Twere a sorry jest to trifle with me thus.”
“I am not trifling with thee, incredulous giant,” replied Xit. “If the hand of the fair Lilias will make thee happy, thou shalt have it. That I promise thee. Now listen. Compassionating thy woful condition, I have been to Southampton, and seen the mistress of thy affections, and finding her still unfettered by matrimonial ties, still amiably disposed towards thee, I proposed marriage to her in thy name, and the offer was—accepted.”
“Thou hast done me an incalculable service!” cried Og, taking him in his arms, and hugging him tightly. “And so thou hast been to Southampton, and seen Lilias, and won her for me—eh? I have missed thee for the last week, but fancied thou wert with her Majesty at Whitehall.”
“Set me down, and I will talk to thee,” replied Xit. “Thou hast almost squeezed the breath out of my body;” and as Og placed him gently on the ground, he continued, “I will now let thee into a secret. But first promise not to be angry.”