"Sire," said the varlet, "God save you. My lord, your friend, whom well you know, has sent me to you in his need. You have a fair palfrey, than which none goes more softly in the world. My lord prays and requires of you that for love of him you will lend him this palfrey, and send it by my hand forthwith." "Friend," answered the knight, "for what business?" "Sire, to carry his lady daughter to the church, who is so dainty-sweet and fair." "For what purpose rides she to church?" "Fair sire, there to marry your uncle to whom she is betrothed. Early to-morrow morn my lady will be brought to the ancient chapel deep within the forest. Hasten, sire, for already I tarry too long. Lend your palfrey to your uncle and my lord. Well we know that it is the noblest horse within the realm, as many a time has been proved." When Messire William heard these words-- "God," said he, "then I am betrayed by him in whom I put my trust; to whom I prayed so much to help me to my hope. May the Lord God assoil him never for his treasonable deed. Yet scarcely can I believe that he has done this wrong. It is easier to hold that you are telling me lies." "Well, you will find it truth to-morrow at the ringing of prime; for already is gathered together a company of the ancient lords of these parts." "Alas," said he, "how, then, am I betrayed and tricked and deceived." For a very little Messire William would have fallen swooning to the earth, had he not feared the blame of his household. But he was so filled with rage and grief that he knew not what to do, nor what to say. He did not cease lamenting his evil case till the varlet prayed him to control his wrath. "Sire, cause the saddle to be set forthwith on your good palfrey, so that my lady may be carried softly to the church." Then Messire William considered within himself to know whether he should send his grey palfrey to him whom he had cause to hate more than any man.