And what should the dream be but that we say ?" Then the queen said plainly: "I fear for you, my son--I fear Quendritha.

In the days gone by your wise father was wont to say that if ever danger came from Mercia to East Anglia, it would be by reason of her ambition and longing for power and width of realm." "Why, mother, then surely in gaining the East Anglian throne for her daughter she gains all she would.

And she is Offa's queen, and in his court can be no danger to me or any man.

Presently you shall surely dream again, and that dream shall show you the old sorrow turned to joy, for you will have a fair daughter to drive away your loneliness.

She will be all you need, for I know that I can be of little help to you.