clipped and kissed him before the others, and he suffered it. So
sped the feast again.

But when they went to bed, the said witch took Arthur's hand and
spake a word unto him, and led him away, and he went with her as one
nought loth; but we twain were afraid lest she should destroy him
when she had had her will of him. Wherefore we waked through the
more part of the night with our swords ready to hand.

But when we were clad in the morn he came unto us, he also clad, and
was downcast and shamefaced indeed, but safe and sound; and he said:
Speak no word about our matter till we be out in the open air, for I
fear all things about us.

So when we had gone forth and were under the apple-tree once more,
spake Arthur: Now, lords, am I shamed for ever, for I have become
the leman of this evil creature; but I pray ye not to mock me; and
that the more as the same lot may happen on you both, or either; for
I can see for sure that the wretch will weary of me and desire one of
you two. Let it pass. Somewhat have I found out from her, but not
much; first, that she has forgotten her first lie, to wit, how she
sent our ladies to the sister-witch; for I told her of the golden
cage, and how we had missed it in the storm; and she said: Though I
deem it a folly that ye should seek these thralls, yet would I help
you if I might, since ye are now become my dear friends. Though,
forsooth, when ye meet them I deem that ye will find them sore
changed to you. For, as I told you, they fled away from me, after I
had chastised them for a treason, into the hidden places of the isle,
whereas they had no keel to sail away hence. And I cared not to
follow them, as I myself am queen and lady of all things here, and am