So if thou wilt not do my rede, then must the varlet whom thou lovest die, and at Greenharbour must thou abide with Dame Elinor.

There is no help for it." She shrieked out at that word of his, and well nigh swooned, lying back in her chair: but presently fell a-weeping sorely.

But the Earl said: "Hearken, my Lady, I am not without warrant to do this.

Tell me, hast thou ever seen any fairer or doughtier than this youngling ?" "Never," said she.
"So say we all," he said.

"Now I shall tell thee (and I can bring witness to it) that in his last hour the King, thy father, when he gave thee into my keeping, spake also this: that I should wed thee to none save the fairest and doughtiest man that might be found: even so would I do now.