But till then , every random step might carry them wider of their march . There was nothing for it but to camp and wait . Sentries were posted ; a spot of ground was cleared of snow , and , after some failures , a good fire blazed in the midst . The men-at-arms sat close about this forest hearth , sharing such provisions as they had , and passing about the flask ; and Dick , having collected the most delicate of the rough and scanty fare , brought it to Lord Risingham 's niece , where she sat apart from the soldiery against a tree . She sat upon one horse-cloth , wrapped in another , and stared straight before her at the firelit scene . At the offer of food she started , like one wakened from a dream , and then silently refused . `` Madam , '' said Dick , `` let me beseech you , punish me not so cruelly . Wherein I have offended you , I know not ; I have , indeed , carried you away , but with a friendly violence ; I have , indeed , exposed you to the inclemency of night , but the hurry that lies upon me hath for its end the preservation of another , who is no less frail and no less unfriended than yourself . At least , madam , punish not yourself ; and eat , if not for hunger , then for strength . '' `` I will eat nothing at the hands that slew my kinsman , '' she replied . `` Dear madam , '' Dick cried , `` I swear to you upon the rood I touched him not . '' `` Swear to me that he still lives , '' she returned . `` I will not palter with you , '' answered Dick . `` Pity bids me to wound you . In my heart I do believe him dead . '' `` And ye ask me to eat ! '' she cried . `` Ay , and they call you ` sir ! ' Y ' have won your spurs by my good kinsman 's murder . And had I not been fool and traitor both , and saved you in your enemy 's house , ye should have died the death , and he -- he that was worth twelve of you -- were living . ''
`` I did but my man 's best , even as your XXXXX did upon the other party , '' answered Dick .
Ay Dick Sentries fire kinsman murder night rood slew violence