The Well at the World's End by William Morris

But an hour after midnight Ralph arose, as his purpose was, and called Richard, and they took their swords and went forth and about the thorp and around its outskirts, and found naught worse than their own watch anywhere; so they came back again to their quarters and found Roger standing at the door, who said to Ralph: "Lord, here is a man who would see thee. " "What like is he? " said Ralph. Said Roger "He is an old man, but a tough one; however, I have got his weapons from him. " "Bring him in," said Ralph, "and he shall have his say."

So they all went into the chamber together and there was light therein; but the man said to Ralph: "Art thou the Captain of the men-at-arms, lord? " "Yea," said Ralph. Said the man, "I were as lief have these others away. " "So be it," said Ralph; "depart for a little while, friends. " So they went but Ursula lay in the bed, which was in a nook in the wall; the man looked about the chamber and said: "Is there anyone in the bed? " "Yea," said Ralph, "my wife, good fellow; shall she go also? " "Nay," said the carle, "we shall do as we are now. So I will begin my tale."