At last he came back to her, and sat down before her and spake: "Maiden, thou art somewhat in error.

True it is that I would sit firm in my seat and rule the land of Meadham, as belike none other could.

True it is also that I would have thee, the rightful heir, dwell apart from the turmoil for a while at least; for I would not have thy white hands thrust me untimely from my place, or thy fair face held up as a banner by my foemen.

Yet nowise have I willed thy death or thine anguish; and if all be true as thou sayest it, and thou art so lovely that I know not how to doubt it, tell me then what these have done with thee." She said: "Sir, those friends to whom thou hast delivered me are my foes, whether they were thy friends or not.

Wilt thou compel me to tell thee all my shame?
They have treated me as a thrall who had whiles to play a queen's part in a show.