But at last he said: "I cannot tell what there is in it; herein am I no help to you.

To-day I am but little; though I may one day be great.

Yet this may I do for you; tomorrow will I let sing a mass in St.Mary's Church on your behoof.

And hereafter, if I wax as my will is, and I come to be lord in these lands, I will look to it to do what a good lord should do for the shepherds of the Downs, so that they may live well, and die in good hope.

So may the Mother of God help me at need!" Said the old shepherd: "Thou hast sworn an oath, and it is a good oath, and well sworn.