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So intent were they upon each other
that neither took note of his approach; until, when he was close
upon them, the man threw his arm roughly round the damsel's waist
and drew her towards him, she straining her lithe, supple figure
away and striking fiercely at him, while the hooded hawk screamed
with ruffled wings and pecked blindly in its mistress's defence.
Bird and maid, however, had but little chance against their
assailant who, laughing loudly, caught her wrist in one hand
while he drew her towards him with the other.
"The best rose has ever the longest thorns," said he. "Quiet,
little one, or you may do yourself a hurt. Must pay Saxon toll
on Saxon land, my proud Maude, for all your airs and graces."
"You boor!" she hissed. "You base underbred clod! Is this your
care and your hospitality? I would rather wed a branded serf
from my father's fields. Leave go, I say----Ah! good youth,
Heaven has sent you. Make him loose me! By the honor of your
mother, I pray you to stand by me and to make this knave loose
me."
"Stand by you I will, and that blithely.


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