the summer noon
But tell me , Roger , where is gone that other one , the fearful she-bear of this crag , who sat in yonder stone high-seat , and roared at me and mocked me , and gave me over into the hands of her tormentors , who haled me away to the prison wherefrom thy very Lady delivered me ? '' `` Lady , '' said Roger , `` the tale of her is short since the day thou sawest her herein . On the day when we first had the evil tidings of the slaying of my Lady we were sad at heart , and called to mind ancient transgressions against us ; therefore we fell on the she-bear , as thou callest her , and her company of men and women , and some we slew and some we thrust forth ; but as to her , I slew her not three feet from where thou standest now . A rumour there is that she walketh , and it may be so ; yet in the summer noon ye need not look to see her . '' Ralph said coldly : `` Roger , let us be done with minstrels ' tales ; lead me to the place where the oath is to be sworn , for time presses . '' Scarce were the words out of his mouth ere Roger strode forward and gat him on to the dais and went hastily to the wall behind the high-seat , whence he took down a very great horn , and set it to his lips and winded it loudly thrice , so that the great and high hall was full of its echoes . Richard started thereat and half drew his sword ; but the Sage put his hand upon the hilts , and said : `` It is naught , let the edges lie quiet . ''