I will take thee upon my horse behind me, and together we will ride through the world; thou shalt speak to me the truth, and I will hear thee, and with my sword will plead what cause thou hast against any; so shall it go well with thee and me, for fain would I not only love what is truly spoken, but be in myself the true thing." Then reached he down his hand, and she put her hand in his hand, and her foot upon his foot, and so sprang lightly up behind him, and they rode on together.

And as they rode, he said unto her, "Verily thou art the first woman I have found who hath to me spoken the truth, as I to others.

Only thy truth is better than mine.

Truly thou must love the truth better than I!" But she returned him no answer.

Then said he to her again, "Dost thou not love the truth ?" And again she gave him no answer, whereat he marvelled greatly.