“Wert thou loaded with all the wealth of thy tribe,” he said, “what interest have I to injure thee?⁠—In this dress I am vowed to poverty, nor do I change it for aught save a horse and a coat of mail. Yet think not that I care for thy company, or propose myself advantage by it; remain here if thou wilt⁠—Cedric the Saxon may protect thee.”

“Alas!” said the Jew, “he will not let me travel in his train⁠—Saxon or Norman will be equally ashamed of the poor Israelite ; and to travel by myself through the domains of Philip de Malvoisin and Reginald Front-de-Boeuf⁠—Good youth, I will go with you!⁠—Let us haste⁠—let us gird up our loins⁠—let us flee!⁠—Here is thy staff, why wilt thou tarry?”

“I tarry not,” said the Pilgrim, giving way to the urgency of his companion; “but I must secure the means of leaving this place⁠—follow me.”