the Green Knight, and Atra, who is the Black Squire's, and Aurea, who
is mine own friend, so we have come to take them home with us, since
they have been so long away from their land and their loves. Now if
they be thy friends thou wilt perchance let them go for love's sake
and the eking of friendship; but if they be thy captives, then are we
well willing to pay thee ransom, not according to their worth, for no
treasure heaped up might come nigh it, but according to thy desire,
lady.

Laughed the proud lady scornfully and said: Big are thy words, Sir
Knight: if I had these maidens in my keeping I would give them unto
you for nothing, and deem that I had the best of the bargain. But
here are they not. True it is that I had here three thralls who were
hight as thou hast said; but a while ago, not many days, they
transgressed against me till I chastised them; and then was I weary
of them and would be quit of them; for I need no servants here,
whereas I myself am enough for myself. Wherefore I sent them away
across the water to my sister, who dwells in a fair place hight the
House under the Wood; for she needeth servants, because the earth
there yieldeth nought save to the tiller and the herdsman and the
hunter, while here all cometh unsought. With her may ye deal, for
what I know, and buy the maidens whom ye prize so high; though belike
ye may have to give her other servants in their place. For, indeed,
a while ago her thrall fled from her and left her half undone, and it
is said that she came hither in her shamelessness: but I know not;
if she did, she slipped through my fingers, or else I would have made
her rue her impudence. Now meseemeth, Sir Knights, here is enough of
so small and foolish a matter; and again I pray you to enter my poor
house, and take meat and drink along with me, for ye be none the less
welcome because of your errand, though it be a foolish one.