They rose and hand in hand toward home went on their way. lxv      They knew they wouldn't find that grafted tree When first the cherry orchard came at hand. But what a shock! No, how could they foresee That withered was the grove, as was the land? Then they more quickly ran. They thought they'd stand With sight of home as they approached a well. But barren hills were not what they had planned To view. They asked a hermit if a spell    Had cursed the kingdom, but no tidings would he tell. lxvi      Instead he asked them if they'd spend the night. Before his fire they bade him to explain. "What happened?" "Was it wind or drought or blight That turned the fertile fields to dusty plain?" "It wasn't Nature thwarting Fortune's gain." The Hermit told them, "Since our Queen had died And since our King forsook us in his pain It seems no man or woman can abide    The grief. The Steward plants, but nothing grows," he sighed. lxvii      They slept till sunrise. While the Hermit said His morning prayers, Etain to Orfeo Remarked, "There's something wrong. I think instead Of going home at once, we ought to know What's happened first. My nephew ought to show Us how he rules. If he caused this dismay We won't be safe." Then he replied, "Let's go. I think you're wrong, but you should have your way.    Take these." She changed her robes for rags without delay. lxviii      She said, "I'm sure we're safe in this disguise. I hardly look a Queen or you a King." Said Orfeo, "Perhaps it would be wise If first we say to him we've come to sing And play a song. If there is anything  Amiss, such words I trust will surely prick His conscience...Yet mine's sore! What if we bring Our people more misfortune by this trick?"    Said she, "If true, he'll pass whatever test we pick."

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