noon
So he took it and swore the oath ; but the Sage of Swevenham said : `` This oath thou shalt keep to the gain and not the loss both of thee and of thy friends of Upmeads . '' Thus were they fain of each other , and Ralph saw how Bull 's heart was grown big , and he rejoiced thereat . But anon he arose and said : `` Now , Lord , we ask leave to depart for the way is long , and mayhappen my kindred now lack a man 's helping . '' Then Bull stood up and called for his horse , and Otter also , and they all went forth and gat a-horseback and rode away from Vale Turris , and Redhead rode behind them humbly , till it was noon and they made stay for meat . Then after they had broken bread together and drunk a cup Bull and Otter kissed the wayfarers , and bade them farewell and so rode back to Vale Turris , and Ralph and Ursula and the Sage tarried not but rode on their ways . But anon Ralph called to Redhead , and bade him ride beside them that they might talk together , and he came up with them , and Ursula greeted him kindly , and they were merry one with another . And Ralph said to Redhead : `` Friend captain , thou art exceeding in humility not to ride with the Lord or Captain Otter ; save for chance-hap , I see not that thou art worser than they . ''