Besides, bethink you how low is our purse, with bailiff and reeve ever croaking of empty farms and wasting lands.

Were it not for this constableship which the Earl of Salisbury hath bestowed upon us we could scarce uphold the state which is fitting to our degree.

Therefore, my sweeting, there is the more need that I should turn to where there is good pay to be earned and brave ransoms to be won." "Ah, my dear lord," quoth she, with sad, weary eyes.

"I thought that at last I had you to mine own self, even though your youth had been spent afar from my side.

Yet my voice, as I know well, should speed you on to glory and renown, not hold you back when fame is to be won.