But he went to his shut-bed and opened
his chest, and drew fair raiment from it, and did off his wood-gear,
and did on him a goodly scarlet kirtle fairly broidered, and a collar
with gems of price therein, and other braveries. And when he was so
attired he came out into the hall, and there was old Stone-face
standing by the hearth, which was blazing brightly with fresh brands,
so that things were clear to see.
Stone-face noted Gold-mane's gay raiment, for he was not wont to wear
such attire, save on the feasts and high days when he behoved to. So
the old man smiled and said:
'Welcome back from the Wood! But what is it? Hast thou been wedded
there, or who hath made thee Earl and King?'
Said Face-of-god: 'Foster-father, sooth it is that I have been to
the wood, but there have I seen nought of manfolk worse than myself.
Now as to my raiment, needs must I keep it from the moth. And I am
weary withal, and this kirtle is light and easy to me. Moreover, I
look to see the Bride here again, and I would pleasure her with the
sight of gay raiment upon me.'
'Nay,' said Stone-face, 'hast thou not seen some woman in the wood
arrayed like the image of a God? and hath she not bidden thee thus to
worship her to-night? For I know that such wights be in the wood,
and that such is their wont.
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