I am the guardian of thisportal, fair maiden. If you
wish to pass, then we must
barter. The sun is bright
and warm upon the flesh,
the grass lush and cool.
A pool of clear water is
in the forest, if you care to
bath. These you can enjoy,
as I do, if we but barter.
The sun and grass I see
from here, as well as
hear the river falling
into the pool. The breeze
blows freely through the
gaps in these walls.
I've no need to barter.