We meant merely to go back to him, and give him news. But when I found you
as good as wedded, I had to do what I could while I could; and I have done
it."
"You have, my noble and true champion," said she, kissing him.
"Humph!" quoth Hereward, laughing. "Do not tempt me by being too grateful.
It is hard enough to gather honey, like the bees, for other folks to eat.
What if I kept you myself, now I have got you?"
"Hereward!"
"O, there is no fear, pretty lady. I have other things to think of than
making love to you,--and one is, how we are to get to our ships, and
moreover, past Marazion town."
And hard work they had to get thither. The country was soon roused and up
in arms; and it was only by wandering a three days' circuit through bogs
and moors, till the ponies were utterly tired out, and left behind (the
bulkier part of the dowry being left behind with them), that they made
their appearance on the shore of Mount's Bay, Hereward leading the
Princess in triumph upon Hannibal's horse.
After which they all sailed away for Ireland, and there, like young
Beichan,--
"Prepared another wedding,
With all their hearts so full of glee."
And this is the episode of the Cornish Princess, as told by Leofric of
Bourne, the cunning minstrel and warlike priest.
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