Page:Tales from Chaucer.djvu/207

 riddle, he became very sorrowful; and the day having arrived when he must render up himself, he turned homeward. On his way, as he was riding by a forest-side, he perceived a company of more than twenty ladies dancing upon the grass; but as he eagerly drew near to them, hoping in his distress to gain some counsel from them, before he came up, the whole bevy of dancers had vanished, and no living soul was left behind, except a hideous old woman, bent double, and sitting on the green. This creature, more frightful than can be described, arose and went to meet the Knight; and she said, 'Sir Knight, this is no way to any place. Tell me, upon your faith, what it is you seek; it may, peradventure, be to your advantage: we old folk know, and can do much.'

'Certain it is, dear mother,' answered the Knight, 'that I shall be doomed to die, unless I am able to expound, "What it is that women most desire?" If you could instruct me I would amply repay you.'—'Pledge me your truth,' said she, 'here in my hand, that if it be in