Page:History of the Emperor Manalay, and his virtuous wife (2).pdf/9

Rh strange woman, and am cone out of a far country, but how I came hither, God knoweth. Then answered the Earl, and said, whose horse is this that standeth by thee bound to this tree? Then answered the Lady, and said, that it was hers. When the Earl heard this, he saw well that the was a gentlewoman, and come of noble lineage, wherefore he was the rather moved with pity, and said unto her, O fair Lady, thou seemest of noble blood, and therefore, purpose to deliver thee from this mischief, if thou wilt promise to go with me, and nourish my fair young daughter, and teach her at home in my castle, for I have no child but only her, and if thou keep her well, thou shalt have a good reward for thy labour. Then, said she, As far forth as I can or may, I shall fulfil your intent. And when the had thus promised him, he took her down off the tree, and led her home to his castle, and gave her the keeping of his daughter, that he loved so much, and she was cherished so well, that she lay every night in the Earl's chamber, and his daughter with her: And in