The Well at the World's End: A Tale

n the Red

awhile ago the now-slain Lord of Utterbol had let make; and it was exceeding rich with broidery of pearl and gems: since forsooth gems and fair women were what the late lord had lusted for the most

hand was at first a void place, whereto after a while came Otter, the old Captain of the Guard. He came in hastily, and as though he had but just taken his armour off: for his raiment was but such as the me

thy face, lad, that the world would be soft before thee; and now that I behold thee I know al

ords were out of his mouth his thought went back to the tall man whom he had first met at the churchyard gate of Netherton, and it seemed to him that he wished his thriving,

Dale of the Tower, and that the wilderness beyond it should be tilled and builded. "And," said he, "if this be done, and the new lord live to see it,

he harps and fiddlers, and all instruments of music struck up a gay and gallant tune, and presently there came into the hall four men richly attired, who held up on spears a canopy of bawdekin, under which went a man-at-arms helmed, and clad in bright armour, who held in his hands

all the lands of Utterbol of all strong-thieves and cruel tyrants, be they big or little, till all be peace betwixt th

cup and looked into the bowl and saw the wave of wine, and laughed and cried out: "As for me, what shall I swear but that

k mightily

thou who art my master, wilt thou not tell

Ralph; "but if ye will it, I w

it," said

swear, that I will go home to my kindred, yet on the road will I no

e drunk well, do ye three and Otter come with me into the Tower, whereas the chambers ar

es, the new Lord said to Ralph: "And now, my master, wilt thou not ask somewhat concerning me?" "Yea," said Ralph, "I will ask thee