Page:The Sundering Flood - Morris - 1898.djvu/105

 quietly and said: Warrior, is it not so, that thou hast in thine heart some foreboding of what shall befall? Hardcastle answered nought, and Osberne went on: I see that so it is, and meseems it were better for thee if this battle were unfought. Lo now, shall we not make peace in such wise that thou abide here this day in all honour holden, and in honour depart to-morrow morn, led out with such good gifts as shall please thee? Thus shalt thou have no shame, and everything untoward betwixt us shall be forgotten. Hardcastle shook his head and said: Nay, lad, nay, the tale would get about, and shame would presently be on the wing towards me. We must stand within the hazel-garth against each other. Then he spake again, and a somewhat grim smile was on his face: Awhile agone thou didst threaten to slay me with the help of yonder squinting loon, but now thou standest unarmed before me, and I have thy sword under my hand. Hast thou no fear of what I may do to thee, since so it is that forebodings weigh on mine heart? Nay, I am not afraid, said Osberne; thou mayest be a bad man, yet not so bad as that.

Sooth it is, said Hardcastle; but I say again, thou art a valiant lad. Lo now, take thy sword again; but tell me, what armour of defence hast thou for this battle? Nought save my shield, said Osberne; there is a rusty steel hood stands yonder on the wall, but no byrny have we in the house. Said Hardcastle: Well, I may do so much as this for thee, I will leave all my defences