Page:The Sundering Flood - Morris - 1898.djvu/385

 CHAPTER LXVI. THE LORD OF LONGSHAW GATHERETH FORCE.

HE Lord of Longshaw abode at Wethermel in much content, and much it pleased him to look upon the beauty of Elfhild and the fairness of the life that men lived in the Dale. At last he said: Now I must shake off my sloth somewhat, and it will be a case of farewell. Will it? said Osberne. Yea, said the Lord, for I will to East Cheaping, and there I will set me to gather men, and I look to it that, ere three months are over, I shall have a good host on foot. It is well, said Osberne.

So in two days' time the Lord went, with his two men that had fled into the Dale with him, to East Cheaping, and Osberne rode with him. When they came to East Cheaping the Lord said: Now is the time for farewell. Nay, nay, said Osberne, there shall be no farewell this time at least; but I will help thee with the gathering of men, and when we have got an host I will be the leader thereof. This thou must not gainsay me. Said the Lord: But gainsay thee I will, for unless thou gettest thee back to thine own people I will break up my whole purpose. And why? said Osberne. Thou art blind not to see, said the Lord. I come and find thee here as happy