Page:The Sundering Flood - Morris - 1898.djvu/161

 CHAPTER XXVII. THEY PARLEY FROM THE WALLS.

HEREWITH he was gone and Osberne entered the town after his fellows, and the Baron of Deepdale was brought to Sir Medard in the great tower. There they would have served him with all honour, but he was not yet come out of that trance; so they laid him to rest in Sir Medard's own bed, and had warders both within the chamber and without; and Osberne sat talking with Sir Medard in the said chamber till dawn was, when the Baron awoke really and fairly, and called for drink. Sir Medard brought it unto him with his own hand, and the Baron stared at him and said: Art thou of the service to-night? I know thee not. Quoth Sir Medard: And yet we have been near enough together ere this, Lord Baron; thou shouldst know me, meseems. The Baron looked hard on him and then round about the chamber, and cried out: Holy Mary! 't is Medard the carle-leader. Where am I? and where is the evil beast of a minstrel? Hath he beguiled me? Said Medard: Lord, at this present thou art in a chamber of my poor house in East Cheaping. Doubtless to-morrow, after we have had some talk together, thou and I and the Porte, thou mayest go back home to Deepdale, or abide here awhile to see how we can feast, we carle-warriors, and to be holden in all honour.