Recollecting the charm which operated
upon him, he gave his head a sudden fling: as good luck would have it,
the bridle became entangled about her neck. His speech now came again,
and he cried out--
"Mare, mare, see thou be;
And where I point thee carry me."
Suddenly she was metamorphosed, and Robin in his turn bestrode the
witch. He spared her not, as will readily be imagined, until he had her
safe in her own stable before break of day. Leaving her there with the
bridle about her neck, he entered the house, hungry and jaded. Soon he
heard Giles coming down-stairs in a great hurry--
"How now, sirrah!" cried the incensed miller; "did I not tell thee to
forbid thy mistress the mare?"
"Why, master," replied Robin, scratching his head, "and so I have--the
beast hasna' been ridden sin' ye backed her on Friday."
"Thou art a lying hound to look me in the face and say so. Thy mistress
hath been out again last night upon her old errands--I found it out when
I awaked."
"And what's the matter of that?" said Robin, with great alacrity. "Ye
may go see, master, an' ye liken--the mare's as dry as our meal-tub, and
as brisk as bottled ale.
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