This subject is typical of Burne-Jones' interest in medieval tales of witchcraft and sorcery. It is unlikely, however, that it is based on an identifiable literary text. Instead, the image creates a sense of expectancy and mystery. Stylistically the rich, dry textures of this gouache painting resemble a series of watercolours begun in 1882, in which Burne-Jones sought visual images for the names of flowers. Tate Gallery label 2004