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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Four Arthurian Romances, by Chretien DeTroyes
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Four Arthurian Romances
+       "Erec et Enide", "Cliges", "Yvain", and "Lancelot"
+
+Author: Chretien DeTroyes
+
+Posting Date: July 26, 2008 [EBook #831]
+Release Date: February, 1997
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FOUR ARTHURIAN ROMANCES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Douglas B. Killings
+
+
+
+
+
+FOUR ARTHURIAN ROMANCES:
+
+"EREC ET ENIDE", "CLIGES", "YVAIN", AND "LANCELOT"
+
+
+by Chretien DeTroyes
+
+Fl. 12th Century A.D.
+
+Originally written in Old French, sometime in the second half of the
+12th Century A.D., by the court poet Chretien DeTroyes.
+
+
+
+
+SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY:
+
+ORIGINAL TEXT--
+
+Carroll, Carleton W. (Ed.): "Chretien DeTroyes: Erec and Enide" (Garland
+Library of Medieval Literature, New York & London, 1987). Edited with a
+translation (see Penguin Classics edition below).
+
+Kibler, William W. (Ed.): "Chretien DeTroyes: The Knight with the Lion,
+or Yvain (Garland Library of Medieval Literature 48A, New York & London,
+1985). Original text with English translation (See Penguin Classics
+edition below).
+
+Kibler, William W. (Ed.): "Chretien DeTroyes: Lancelot, or The Knight of
+the Cart (Garland Library of Medieval Literature 1A, New York & London,
+1981). Original text with English translation (See Penguin Classics
+edition below).
+
+Micha, Alexandre (Ed.): "Les Romans de Chretien de Troyes, Vol. II:
+Cliges" (Champion, Paris, 1957).
+
+
+OTHER TRANSLATIONS--
+
+Cline, Ruth Harwood (Trans.): "Chretien DeTroyes: Yvain, or the Knight
+with the Lion" (University of Georgia Press, Athens GA, 1975).
+
+Kibler, William W. & Carleton W. Carroll (Trans.): "Chretien DeTroyes:
+Arthurian Romances" (Penguin Classics, London, 1991). Contains
+translations of "Erec et Enide" (by Carroll), "Cliges", "Yvain",
+"Lancelot", and DeTroyes' incomplete "Perceval" (by Kibler). Highly
+recommended.
+
+Owen, D.D.R (Trans.): "Chretien DeTroyes: Arthurian Romances" (Everyman
+Library, London, 1987). Contains translations of "Erec et Enide",
+"Cliges", "Yvain", "Lancelot", and DeTroyes' incomplete "Perceval".
+NOTE: This edition replaced W.W. Comfort's in the Everyman Library
+catalogue. Highly recommended.
+
+
+RECOMMENDED READING--
+
+Anonymous: "Lancelot of the Lake" (Trans: Corin Corely; Oxford
+University Press, Oxford, 1989). English translation of one of the
+earliest prose romances concerning Lancelot.
+
+Anonymous: "The Mabinogion" (Ed: Jeffrey Gantz; Penguin Classics,
+London, 1976). Contains a translation of "Geraint and Enid", an earlier
+Welsh version of "Erec et Enide".
+
+Anonymous: "Yvain and Gawain", "Sir Percyvell of Gales", and "The Anturs
+of Arther" (Ed: Maldwyn Mills; Everyman, London, 1992). NOTE: Texts are
+in Middle-English; "Yvain and Gawain" is a Middle-English work based
+almost exclusively on Chretien DeTroyes' "Yvain".
+
+Malory, Sir Thomas: "Le Morte D'Arthur" (Ed: Janet Cowen; Penguin
+Classics, London, 1969).
+
+
+*****
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+Chretien De Troyes has had the peculiar fortune of becoming the best
+known of the old French poets to students of mediaeval literature, and
+of remaining practically unknown to any one else. The acquaintance of
+students with the work of Chretien has been made possible in academic
+circles by the admirable critical editions of his romances undertaken
+and carried to completion during the past thirty years by Professor
+Wendelin Foerster of Bonn. At the same time the want of public
+familiarity with Chretien's work is due to the almost complete lack of
+translations of his romances into the modern tongues. The man who, so
+far as we know, first recounted the romantic adventures of Arthur's
+knights, Gawain. Yvain, Erec, Lancelot, and Perceval, has been
+forgotten; whereas posterity has been kinder to his debtors, Wolfram
+yon Eschenbach, Malory, Lord Tennyson, and Richard Wagner. The present
+volume has grown out of the desire to place these romances of adventure
+before the reader of English in a prose version based directly upon the
+oldest form in which they exist.
+
+Such extravagant claims for Chretien's art have been made in some
+quarters that one feels disinclined to give them even an echo here.
+The modem reader may form his own estimate of the poet's art, and that
+estimate will probably not be high. Monotony, lack of proportion,
+vain repetitions, insufficient motivation, wearisome subtleties, and
+threatened, if not actual, indelicacy are among the most salient defects
+which will arrest, and mayhap confound, the reader unfamiliar with
+mediaeval literary craft. No greater service can be performed by an
+editor in such a case than to prepare the reader to overlook these
+common faults, and to set before him the literary significance of this
+twelfth-century poet.
+
+Chretien de Troyes wrote in Champagne during the third quarter of the
+twelfth century. Of his life we know neither the beginning nor the
+end, but we know that between 1160 and 1172 he lived, perhaps as
+herald-at-arms (according to Gaston Paris, based on "Lancelot" 5591-94)
+at Troyes, where was the court of his patroness, the Countess Marie de
+Champagne. She was the daughter of Louis VII, and of that famous Eleanor
+of Aquitaine, as she is called in English histories, who, coming from
+the South of France in 1137, first to Paris and later to England, may
+have had some share in the introduction of those ideals of courtesy and
+woman service which were soon to become the cult of European society.
+The Countess Marie, possessing her royal mother's tastes and gifts, made
+of her court a social experiment station, where these Provencal ideals
+of a perfect society were planted afresh in congenial soil. It appears
+from contemporary testimony that the authority of this celebrated feudal
+dame was weighty, and widely felt. The old city of Troyes, where she
+held her court, must be set down large in any map of literary history.
+For it was there that Chretien was led to write four romances which
+together form the most complete expression we possess from a single
+author of the ideals of French chivalry. These romances, written in
+eight-syllable rhyming couplets, treat respectively of Erec and Enide,
+Cliges, Yvain, and Lancelot. Another poem, "Perceval le Gallois", was
+composed about 1175 for Philip, Count of Flanders, to whom Chretien was
+attached during his last years. This last poem is not included in
+the present translation because of its extraordinary length of 32,000
+verses, because Chretien wrote only the first 9000 verses, and because
+Miss Jessie L. Weston has given us an English version of Wolfram's
+well-known "Parzival", which tells substantially the same story, though
+in a different spirit. To have included this poem, of which he wrote
+less than one-third, in the works of Chretien would have been unjust to
+him. It is true the romance of "Lancelot" was not completed by Chretien,
+we are told, but the poem is his in such large part that one would be
+over-scrupulous not to call it his. The other three poems mentioned are
+his entire. In addition, there are quite generally assigned to the poet
+two insignificant lyrics, the pious romance of "Guillaume d'Angleterre",
+and the elaboration of an episode from Ovid's "Metamorphoses" (vi.,
+426-674) called "Philomena" by its recent editor (C. de Boer, Paris,
+1909). All these are extant and accessible. But since "Guillaume
+d'Angleterre" and "Philomena" are not universally attributed to
+Chretien, and since they have nothing to do with the Arthurian material,
+it seems reasonable to limit the present enterprise to "Erec and Enide",
+"Cliges", "Yvain", and "Lancelot".
+
+Professor Foerster, basing his remark upon the best knowledge we possess
+of an obscure matter, has called "Erec and Enide" the oldest Arthurian
+romance extant. It is not possible to dispute this significant claim,
+but let us make it a little more intelligible. Scholarship has shown
+that from the early Middle Ages popular tradition was rife in Britain
+and Brittany. The existence of these traditions common to the Brythonic
+peoples was called to the attention of the literary world by William of
+Malmesbury ("Gesta regum Anglorum") and Geoffrey of Monmouth ("Historia
+regum Britanniae") in their Latin histories about 1125 and 1137
+respectively, and by the Anglo-Norman poet Wace immediately afterward.
+Scholars have waged war over the theories of transmission of the
+so-called Arthurian material during the centuries which elapsed
+between the time of the fabled chieftain's activity in 500 A.D. and
+his appearance as a great literary personage in the twelfth century.
+Documents are lacking for the dark ages of popular tradition before the
+Norman Conquest, and the theorists may work their will. But Arthur and
+his knights, as we see them in the earliest French romances, have little
+in common with their Celtic prototypes, as we dimly catch sight of them
+in Irish, Welsh, and Breton legend. Chretien belonged to a generation
+of French poets who rook over a great mass of Celtic folk-lore they
+imperfectly understood, and made of what, of course, it had never been
+before: the vehicle to carry a rich freight of chivalric customs and
+ideals. As an ideal of social conduct, the code of chivalry never
+touched the middle and lower classes, but it was the religion of the
+aristocracy and of the twelfth-century "honnete homme". Never was
+literature in any age closer to the ideals of a social class. So true is
+this that it is difficult to determine whether social practices
+called forth the literature, or whether, as in the case of the
+seventeenth-century pastoral romance in France, it is truer to say that
+literature suggested to society its ideals. Be that as it may, it is
+proper to observe that the French romances of adventure portray
+late mediaeval aristocracy as it fain would be. For the glaring
+inconsistencies between the reality and the ideal, one may turn to the
+chronicles of the period. Yet, even history tells of many an ugly sin
+rebuked and of many a gallant deed performed because of the courteous
+ideals of chivalry. The debt of our own social code to this literature
+of courtesy and frequent self-sacrifice is perfectly manifest.
+
+What Chretien's immediate and specific source was for his romances is of
+deep interest to the student. Unfortunately, he has left us in doubt. He
+speaks in the vaguest way of the materials he used. There is no evidence
+that he had any Celtic written source. We are thus thrown back upon
+Latin or French literary originals which are lost, or upon current
+continental lore going back to a Celtic source. This very difficult
+problem is as yet unsolved in the case of Chretien, as it is in the
+case of the Anglo-Norman Beroul, who wrote of Tristan about 1150. The
+material evidently was at hand and Chretien appropriated it, without
+much understanding of its primitive spirit, but appreciating it as a
+setting for the ideal society dreamed of but not realised in his own
+day. Add to this literary perspicacity, a good foundation in classic
+fable, a modicum of ecclesiastical doctrine, a remarkable facility in
+phrase, figure, and rhyme and we have the foundations for Chretien's art
+as we shall find it upon closer examination.
+
+A French narrative poet of the twelfth century had three categories of
+subject-matter from which to choose: legends connected with the history
+of France ("matiere de France"), legends connected with Arthur and
+other Celtic heroes ("matiere de Bretagne"), and stories culled from
+the history or mythology of Greece and Rome, current in Latin and French
+translations ("matiere de Rome la grant"). Chretien tells us in "Cliges"
+that his first essays as a poet were the translations into French of
+certain parts of Ovid's most popular works: the "Metamorphoses", the
+"Ars Amatoria", and perhaps the "Remedia Amoris". But he appears early
+to have chosen as his special field the stories of Celtic origin dealing
+with Arthur, the Round Table, and other features of Celtic folk-lore.
+Not only was he alive to the literary interest of this material when
+rationalised to suit the taste of French readers; his is further the
+credit of having given to somewhat crude folk-lore that polish and
+elegance which is peculiarly French, and which is inseparably associated
+with the Arthurian legends in all modern literature. Though Beroul, and
+perhaps other poets, had previously based romantic poems upon individual
+Celtic heroes like Tristan, nevertheless to Chretien, so far as we can
+see, is due the considerable honour of having constituted Arthur's court
+as a literary centre and rallying-point for an innumerable company
+of knights and ladies engaged in a never-ending series of amorous
+adventures and dangerous quests. Rather than unqualifiedly attribute
+to Chretien this important literary convention, one should bear in mind
+that all his poems imply familiarity on the part of his readers with
+the heroes of the court of which he speaks. One would suppose that other
+stories, told before his versions, were current. Some critics would go
+so far as to maintain that Chretien came toward the close, rather than
+at the beginning, of a school of French writers of Arthurian romances.
+But, if so, we do not possess these earlier versions, and for lack of
+rivals Chretien may be hailed as an innovator in the current schools of
+poetry.
+
+And now let us consider the faults which a modern reader will not be
+slow to detect in Chretien's style. Most of his salient faults are
+common to all mediaeval narrative literature. They may be ascribed to
+the extraordinary leisure of the class for whom it was composed--a class
+which was always ready to read an old story told again, and which would
+tolerate any description, however detailed. The pastimes of this
+class of readers were jousting, hunting, and making love. Hence the
+preponderance of these matters in the literature of its leisure hours.
+No detail of the joust or hunt was unfamiliar or unwelcome to these
+readers; no subtle arguments concerning the art of love were too
+abstruse to delight a generation steeped in amorous casuistry and
+allegories. And if some scenes seem to us indelicate, yet after
+comparison with other authors of his times, Chretien must be let off
+with a light sentence. It is certain he intended to avoid what was
+indecent, as did the writers of narrative poetry in general. To
+appreciate fully the chaste treatment of Chretien one must know some
+other forms of mediaeval literature, such as the fabliaux, farces, and
+morality plays, in which courtesy imposed no restraint. For our poet's
+lack of sense of proportion, and for his carelessness in the proper
+motivation of many episodes, no apology can be made. He is not always
+guilty; some episodes betoken poetic mastery. But a poet acquainted, as
+he was, with some first-class Latin poetry, and who had made a business
+of his art, ought to have handled his material more intelligently,
+even in the twelfth century. The emphasis is not always laid with
+discrimination, nor is his yarn always kept free of tangles in the
+spinning.
+
+Reference has been made to Chretien's use of his sources. The tendency
+of some critics has been to minimise the French poet's originality by
+pointing out striking analogies in classic and Celtic fable. Attention
+has been especially directed to the defence of the fountain and the
+service of a fairy mistress in "Yvain", to the captivity of Arthur's
+subjects in the kingdom of Gorre, as narrated in "Lancelot", reminding
+one so insistently of the treatment of the kingdom of Death from which
+some god or hero finally delivers those in durance, and to the reigned
+death of Fenice in "Cliges", with its many variants. These episodes are
+but examples of parallels which will occur to the observant reader. The
+difficult point to determine, in speaking of conceptions so widespread
+in classic and mediaeval literature, is the immediate source whence
+these conceptions reached Chretien. The list of works of reference
+appended to this volume will enable the student to go deeper into
+this much debated question, and will permit us to dispense with an
+examination of the arguments in this place. However, such convincing
+parallels for many of Chretien's fairy and romantic episodes have been
+adduced by students of Irish and Welsh legend that one cannot fail to
+be impressed by the fact that Chretien was in touch, either by oral or
+literary tradition, with the populations of Britain and of Brittany, and
+that we have here his most immediate inspiration. Professor Foerster,
+stoutly opposing the so-called Anglo-Norman theory which supposes the
+existence of lost Anglo-Norman romances in French as the sources of
+Chretien de Troyes, is, nevertheless, well within the truth when
+he insists upon what is, so far as we are concerned, the essential
+originality of the French poet. The general reader will to-day care as
+little as did the reader of the twelfth century how the poet came upon
+the motives and episodes of his stories, whether he borrowed them or
+invented them himself. Any poet should be judged not as a "finder"
+but as a "user" of the common stock of ideas. The study of sources of
+mediaeval poetry, which is being so doggedly carried on by scholars, may
+well throw light upon the main currents of literary tradition, but it
+casts no reflection, favourable or otherwise, upon the personal art of
+the poet in handling his stuff. On that count he may plead his own cause
+before the jury.
+
+Chretien's originality, then, consists in his portrayal of the social
+ideal of the French aristocracy in the twelfth century. So far as we
+know he was the first to create in the vulgar tongues a vast court,
+where men and women lived in conformity with the rules of courtesy,
+where the truth was told, where generosity was open-handed, where the
+weak and the innocent were protected by men who dedicated themselves to
+the cult of honour and to the quest of a spotless reputation. Honour and
+love combined to engage the attention of this society; these were
+its religion in a far more real sense than was that of the Church.
+Perfection was attainable under this code of ethics: Gawain, for
+example, was a perfect knight. Though the ideals of this court and
+those of Christianity are in accord at many points, vet courtly love and
+Christian morality are irreconcilable. This Arthurian material, as used
+by Chretien, is fundamentally immoral as judged by Christian standards.
+Beyond question, the poets and the public alike knew this to be the
+case, and therein lay its charm for a society in which the actual
+relations or the sexes were rigidly prescribed by the Church and by
+feudal practice, rather than by the sentiments of the individuals
+concerned. The passionate love of Tristan for Iseut, of Lancelot for
+Guinevere, of Cliges for Fenice, fascinate the conventional Christian
+society of the twelfth century and of the twentieth century alike,
+but there-is only one name among men for such relations as theirs, and
+neither righteousness nor reason lie that way. Even Tennyson, in spite
+of all he has done to spiritualise this material, was compelled to
+portray the inevitable dissolution and ruin of Arthur's court. Chretien
+well knew the difference between right and wrong, between reason and
+passion, as the reader of "Cliges" may learn for himself. Fenice was not
+Iseut, and she would not have her Cliges to be a Tristan. Infidelity,
+if you will, but not "menage a trois". Both "Erec" and "Yvain" present
+a conventional morality. But "Lancelot" is flagrantly immoral, and the
+poet is careful to state that for this particular romance he is indebted
+to his patroness Marie de Champagne. He says it was she who furnished
+him with both the "matiere" and the "san", the material of the story and
+its method of treatment.
+
+Scholars have sought to fix the chronology of the poet's works, and have
+been tempted to speculate upon the evolution of his literary and moral
+ideas. Professor Foerster's chronology is generally accepted, and there
+is little likelihood of his being in error when he supposes Chretien's
+work to have been done as follows: the lost "Tristan" (the existence of
+which is denied by Gaston Paris in "Journal des Savants", 1902, pp. 297
+f.), "Erec and Enide", "Cliges", "Lancelot", "Yvain", "Perceval". The
+arguments for this chronology, based upon external as well as internal
+criticism, may be found in the Introductions to Professor Foerster's
+recent editions. When we speculate upon the development of Chretien's
+moral ideas we are not on such sure ground. As we have seen, his
+standards vary widely in the different romances. How much of this
+variation is due to chance circumstance imposed by the nature of
+his subject or by the taste of his public, and how much to changing
+conviction it is easy to see, when we consider some contemporary
+novelist, how dangerous it is to judge of moral convictions as reflected
+in literary work. "Lancelot" must be the keystone of any theory
+constructed concerning the moral evolution of Chretien. The following
+supposition is tenable, if the chronology of Foerster is correct. After
+the works of his youth, consisting of lyric poems and translations
+embodying the ideals of Ovid and of the school of contemporary
+troubadour poets, Chretien took up the Arthurinn material and started
+upon a new course. "Erec" is the oldest Arthurinn romance to have
+survived in any language, but it is almost certainly not the first to
+have been written. It is a perfectly clean story: of love, estrangement,
+and reconciliation in the persons of Erec and his charming sweetheart
+Enide. The psychological analysis of Erec's motives in the rude testing
+of Enide is worthy of attention, and is more subtle than anything
+previous in French literature with which we are acquainted. The poem is
+an episodical romance in the biography of an Arthurinn hero, with the
+usual amount of space given to his adventures. "Cliges" apparently
+connects a Byzantine tale of doubtful origin in an arbitrary fashion
+with the court of Arthur. It is thought that the story embodies the same
+motive as the widespread tale of the deception practised upon Solomon by
+his wife, and that Chretien's source, as he himself claims, was literary
+(cf. Gaston Paris in "Journal des Savants", 1902, pp. 641-655). The
+scene where Fenice feigns death in order to rejoin her lover is a
+parallel of many others in literary history, and will, of course,
+suggest the situation in Romeo and Juliet. This romance well illustrates
+the drawing power of Arthur's court as a literary centre, and its use as
+a rallying-point for courteous knights of whatever extraction. The poem
+has been termed an "Anti-Tristan", because of its disparaging reference
+to the love of Tristan and Iseut, which, it is generally supposed,
+had been narrated by Chretien in his earlier years. Next may come
+"Lancelot", with its significant dedication to the Countess of
+Champagne. Of all the poet's work, this tale of the rescue of Guinevere
+by her lover seems to express most closely the ideals of Marie's court
+ideals in which devotion and courtesy but thinly disguise free love.
+"Yvain" is a return to the poet's natural bent, in an episodical
+romance, while "Perceval" crowns his production with its pure and
+exalted note, though without a touch of that religious mysticism
+which later marked Wolfram yon Eschenbach's "Parzival". "Guillaime
+d'Angleterre" is a pseudo-historical romance of adventure in which the
+worldly distresses and the final reward of piety are conventionally
+exposed. It is uninspired, its place is difficult to determine, and
+its authorship is questioned by some. It is aside from the Arthurian
+material, and there is no clue to its place in the evolution of
+Chretien's art, if indeed it be his work.
+
+A few words must be devoted to Chretien's place in the history of
+mediaeval narrative poetry. The heroic epic songs of France, devoted
+either to the conflict of Christendom under the leadership of France
+against the Saracens, or else to the strife and rivalry of French
+vassals among themselves, had been current for perhaps a century before
+our poet began to write. These epic poems, of which some three score
+have survived, portray a warlike, virile, unsentimental feudal society,
+whose chief occupation was fighting, and whose dominant ideals were
+faith in God, loyalty to feudal family ties, and bravery in battle.
+Woman's place is comparatively obscure, and of love-making there is
+little said. It is a poetry of vigorous manhood, of uncompromising
+morality, and of hard knocks given and taken for God, for Christendom,
+and the King of France. This poetry is written in ten- or twelve-
+syllable verses grouped, at first in assonanced, later in rhymed,
+"tirades" of unequal length. It was intended for a society which was
+still homogeneous, and to it at the outset doubtless all classes of the
+population listened with equal interest. As poetry it is monotonous,
+without sense of proportion, padded to facilitate memorisation by
+professional reciters, and unadorned by figure, fancy, or imagination.
+Its pretention to historic accuracy begot prosaicness in its approach
+to the style of the chronicles. But its inspiration was noble, its
+conception of human duties was lofty. It gives a realistic portrayal of
+the age which produced it, the age of the first crusades, and to this
+day we would choose as our models of citizenship Roland and Oliver
+rather than Tristan and Lancelot. The epic poems, dealing with the
+pseudo-historical characters who had fought in civil and foreign wars
+under Charlemagne, remained the favourite literary pabulum of the middle
+classes until the close of the thirteenth century. Professor Bedier
+is at present engaged in explaining the extraordinary hold which these
+poems had upon the public, and in proving that they exercised a distinct
+function when exploited by the Church throughout the period of
+the crusades to celebrate local shrines and to promote muscular
+Christianity. But the refinement which began to penetrate the ideals of
+the French aristocracy about the middle of the twelfth century craved a
+different expression in narrative literature. Greek and Roman mythology
+and history were seized upon with some effect to satisfy the new demand.
+The "Roman de Thebes", the "Roman d'Alexandre", the "Roman de
+Troie", and its logical continuation, the "Roman d'Eneas", are all
+twelfth-century attempts to clothe classic legend in the dress of
+mediaeval chivalry. But better fitted to satisfy the new demand was the
+discovery by the alert Anglo-Normans perhaps in Brittany, perhaps in the
+South of England, of a vast body of legendary material which, so far as
+we know, had never before this century received any elaborate literary
+treatment. The existence of the literary demand and this discovery of
+the material for its prompt satisfaction is one of the most remarkable
+coincidences in literary history. It would seem that the pride of the
+Celtic populations in a Celtic hero, aided and abetted by Geoffrey of
+Monmouth, who first showed the romantic possibilities of the material,
+made of the obscure British chieftain Arthur a world conqueror. Arthur
+thus became already in Geoffrey's "Historia regum Britaniae" a conscious
+protagonist of Charlemagne and his rival in popularity. This grandiose
+conception of Arthur persisted in England, but this conception of the
+British chieftain did not interest the French. For Chretien Arthur had
+no political significance. He is simply the arbiter of his court in all
+affairs of justice and courtesy. Charlemagne's very realistic entourage
+of virile and busy barons is replaced by a court of elegant chevaliers
+and unemployed ladies. Charlemagne's setting is historical and
+geographical; Arthur's setting is ideal and in the air. In the oldest
+epic poems we find only God-fearing men and a few self-effacing women;
+in the Arthurian romances we meet gentlemen and ladies, more elegant and
+seductive than any one in the epic poems, but less fortified by
+faith and sense of duty against vice because breathing an enervating
+atmosphere of leisure and decadent morally. Though the Church made the
+attempt in "Parzival", it could never lay its hands so effectively upon
+this Celtic material, because it contained too many elements which
+were root and branch inconsistent with the essential teachings of
+Christianity. A fleeting comparison of the noble end of Charlemagne's
+Peers fighting for their God and their King at Ronceval with the futile
+and dilettante careers of Arthur's knights in joust and hunt, will show
+better than mere words where the difference lies.
+
+The student of the history of social and moral ideals will find much to
+interest him in Chretien's romances. Mediaeval references show that he
+was held by his immediate successors, as he is held to-day when fairly
+viewed, to have been a master of the art of story-telling. More than any
+other single narrative poet, he was taken as a model both in France and
+abroad. Professor F. M. Warren has set forth in detail the finer points
+in the art of poetry as practised by Chretien and his contemporary
+craftsmen (see "Some Features of Style in Early French Narrative Poetry,
+1150-1170 in "Modern Philology", iii., 179-209; iii., 513-539; iv.,
+655-675). Poets in his own land refer to him with reverence, and foreign
+poets complimented him to a high degree by direct translation and by
+embroidering upon the themes which he had made popular. The knights made
+famous by Chretien soon crossed the frontiers and obtained rights of
+citizenship in counties so diverse as Germany, England, Scandinavia,
+Holland, Italy, and to a lesser extent in Spain and Portugal. The
+inevitable tendency of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries to reduce
+poetry to prose affected the Arthurian material; vast prose compilations
+finally embodied in print the matter formerly expressed in verse, and it
+was in this form that the stories were known to later generations until
+revived interest in the Middle Ages brought to light the manuscripts in
+verse.
+
+Aside from certain episodes of Chretien's romances, the student will be
+most interested in the treatment of love as therein portrayed. On this
+topic we may hear speaking the man of his time. "Cliges" contains the
+body of Chretien's doctrine of love, while Lancelot is his most perfect
+lover. His debt to Ovid has not yet been indicated with sufficient
+preciseness. An elaborate code to govern sentiment and its expression
+was independently developed by the troubadours of Provence in the early
+twelfth century. These Provencal ideals of the courtly life were carried
+into Northern France partly as the result of a royal marriage in 1137
+and of the crusade of 1147, and there by such poets as Chretien they
+were gathered up and fused with the Ovidian doctrine into a highly
+complicated but perfectly definite statement of the ideal relations of
+the sexes. Nowhere in the vulgar tongues can a better statement of these
+relations be found than in "Cliges."
+
+So we leave Chretien to speak across the ages for himself and his
+generation. He is to be read as a story-teller rather than as a poet,
+as a casuist rather than as a philosopher. But when all deductions are
+made, his significance as a literary artist and as the founder of a
+precious literary tradition distinguishes him from all other poets
+of the Latin races between the close of the Empire and the arrival of
+Dante.
+
+--W. W. COMFORT.
+
+
+
+
+
+EREC ET ENIDE [11]
+
+(Vv. 1-26.) The rustic's proverb says that many a thing is despised that
+is worth much more than is supposed. Therefore he does well who makes
+the most of whatever intelligence he may possess. For he who neglects
+this concern may likely omit to say something which would subsequently
+give great pleasure. So Chretien de Troyes maintains that one ought
+always to study and strive to speak well and teach the right; and he
+derives from a story of adventure a pleasing argument whereby it may be
+proved and known that he is not wise who does not make liberal use of
+his knowledge so long as God may give him grace. The story is about Erec
+the son of Lac--a story which those who earn a living by telling stories
+are accustomed to mutilate and spoil in the presence of kings and
+counts. And now I shall begin the tale which will be remembered so long
+as Christendom endures. This is Chretien's boast.
+
+(Vv. 27-66.) One Easter Day in the Springtime, King Arthur held court in
+his town of Cardigan. Never was there seen so rich a court; for many
+a good knight was there, hardy, bold, and brave, and rich ladies and
+damsels, gentle and fair daughters of kings. But before the court was
+disbanded, the King told his knights that he wished to hunt the White
+Stag, [12] in order to observe worthily the ancient custom. When my lord
+Gawain heard this, he was sore displeased, and said: "Sire, you will
+derive neither thanks nor goodwill from this hunt. We all know long
+since what this custom of the White Stag is: whoever can kill the White
+Stag must forsooth kiss the fairest maiden of your court, come what may.
+But of this there might come great ill, for there are here five hundred
+damsels of high birth, gentle and prudent daughters of kings, and there
+is none of them but has a bold and valiant knight for her lover who
+would be ready to contend, whether fight or wrong, that she who is his
+lady is the fairest and gentlest of them all." The King replies: "That
+I know well; yet will I not desist on that account; for a king's word
+ought never to be gainsaid. To-morrow morning we shall all gaily go to
+hunt the White Stag in the forest of adventure. And very delightful this
+hunt will be."
+
+(Vv. 67-114.) And so the affair is arranged for the next morning
+at daybreak. The morrow, as soon as it is day, the King gets up and
+dresses, and dons a short jacket for his forest ride. He commands the
+knights to be aroused and the horses to be made ready. Already they
+are ahorse, and off they go, with bows and arrows. After them the Queen
+mounts her horse, taking a damsel with her. A maid she was, the daughter
+of a king, and she rode a white palfrey. After them there swiftly
+followed a knight, named Erec, who belonged to the Round Table, and had
+great fame at the court. [13] Of all the knights that ever were there,
+never one received such praise; and he was so fair that nowhere in the
+world need one seek a fairer knight than he. He was very fair, brave,
+and courteous, though not yet twenty-five years old. Never was there
+a man of his age of greater knighthood. And what shall I say of his
+virtues? Mounted on his horse, and clad in an ermine mantle, he came
+galloping down the road, wearing a coat of splendid flowered silk which
+was made at Constantinople. He had put on hose of brocade, well made and
+cut, and when his golden spurs were well attached, he sat securely in
+his stirrups. He carried no arm with him but his sword. As he galloped
+along, at the corner of a street he came up with the Queen, and said:
+"My lady, if it please you, I should gladly accompany you along this
+road, having come for no other purpose than to bear you company." And
+the Queen thanks him: "Fair friend, I like your company well, in truth;
+for better I could not have."
+
+(Vv. 115-124.) Then they ride along at full speed until they come into
+the forest, where the party who had gone before them had already started
+the stag. Some wind the horns and others shout; the hounds plunge ahead
+after the stag, running, attacking, and baying; the bowmen shoot amain.
+And before them all rode the King on a Spanish hunter.
+
+(Vv. 125-154.) Queen Guinevere was in the wood listening for the dogs;
+beside her were Erec and the damsel, who was very courteous and fair.
+But those who had pursued the stag were so far from them that, however
+intently they might listen to catch the sound of horn or baying of
+hound, they no longer could hear either horse, huntsman, or hound. So
+all three of them drew rein in a clearing beside the road. They had been
+there but a short time when they saw an armed knight along on his steed,
+with shield slung about his neck, and his lance in hand. The Queen
+espied him from a distance By his right side rode a damsel of noble
+bearing, and before them, on a hack, came a dwarf carrying in his hand
+a knotted scourge. When Queen Guinevere saw the comely and graceful
+knight, she desired to know who he and his damsel were. So she bid her
+damsel go quickly and speak to him.
+
+(Vv. 155-274.) "Damsel," says the Queen, "go and bid yonder knight come
+to me and bring his damsel with him." The maiden goes on amble straight
+toward the knight. But the spiteful dwarf sallies forth to meet her with
+his scourge in hand, crying: "Halt, maiden, what do you want here? You
+shall advance no farther." "Dwarf," says she, "let me pass. I wish to
+speak with yonder knight; for the Queen sends me hither." The dwarf, who
+was rude and mean, took his stand in the middle of the road, and said:
+"You have no business here. Go back. It is not meet that you should
+speak to so excellent a knight." The damsel advanced and tried to pass
+him by force, holding the dwarf in slight esteem when she saw that he
+was so small. Then the dwarf raised his whip, when he saw her coming
+toward him and tried to strike her in the face. She raised her arm
+to protect herself, but he lifted his hand again and struck her all
+unprotected on her bare hand: and so hard did he strike her on the back
+of her hand that it turned all black and blue. When the maiden could do
+nothing else, in spite of herself she must needs return. So weeping she
+turned back. The tears came to her eyes and ran down her cheeks. When
+the Queen sees her damsel wounded, she is sorely grieved and angered and
+knows not what to do. "Ah, Erec, fair friend," she says, "I am in great
+sorrow for my damsel whom that dwarf has wounded. The knight must be
+discourteous indeed, to allow such a monster to strike so beautiful a
+creature. Erec, fair friend, do you go to the knight and bid him come
+to me without delay. I wish to know him and his lady." Erec starts
+off thither, giving spurs to his steed, and rides straight toward
+the knight. The ignoble dwarf sees him coming and goes to meet him.
+"Vassal," says he, "stand back! For I know not what business you have
+here. I advise you to withdraw." "Avaunt," says Erec, "provoking dwarf!
+Thou art vile and troublesome. Let me pass." "You shall not." "That
+will I." "You shall not." Erec thrusts the dwarf aside. The dwarf had no
+equal for villainy: he gave him a great blow with his lash right on
+the neck, so that Erec's neck and face are scarred with the blow of
+the scourge; from top to bottom appear the lines which the thongs have
+raised on him. He knew well that he could not have the satisfaction of
+striking the dwarf; for he saw that the knight was armed, arrogant, and
+of evil intent, and he was afraid that he would soon kill him, should he
+strike the dwarf in his presence. Rashness is not bravery. So Erec acted
+wisely in retreating without more ado. "My lady," he says, "now matters
+stand worse; for the rascally dwarf has so wounded me that he has badly
+cut my face. I did not dare to strike or touch him; but none ought
+to reproach me, for I was completely unarmed. I mistrusted the armed
+knight, who, being an ugly fellow and violent, would take it as no jest,
+and would soon kill me in his pride. But this much I will promise you;
+that if I can, I shall yet avenge my disgrace, or increase it. But my
+arms are too far away to avail me in this time of need; for at Cardigan
+did I leave them this morning when I came away. And if I should go to
+fetch them there, peradventure I should never again find the knight who
+is riding off apace. So I must follow him at once, far or near, until
+I find some arms to hire or borrow. If I find some one who will lend me
+arms, the knight will quickly find me ready for battle. And you may be
+sure without fail that we two shall fight until he defeat me, or I him.
+And if possible, I shall be back by the third day, when you will see me
+home again either joyous or sad, I know not which. Lady, I cannot delay
+longer, for I must follow after the knight. I go. To God I commend you."
+And the Queen in like manner more than five hundred rimes commends him
+to God, that he may defend him from harm.
+
+(Vv. 275-310.) Erec leaves the Queen and ceases not to pursue the
+knight. The Queen remains in the wood, where now the King had come up
+with the Stag. The King himself outstripped the others at the death.
+Thus they killed and took the White Stag, and all returned, carrying the
+Stag, till they came again to Cardigan. After supper, when the knights
+were all in high spirits throughout the hall, the King, as the custom
+was, because he had taken the Stag, said that he would bestow the kiss
+and thus observe the custom of the Stag. Throughout the court a great
+murmur is heard: each one vows and swears to his neighbour that it
+shall not be done without the protest of sword or ashen lance. Each one
+gallantly desires to contend that his lady is the fairest in the hall.
+Their conversation bodes no good, and when my lord Gawain heard it, you
+must know that it was not to his liking. Thus he addressed the King:
+"Sire," he says, "your knights here are greatly aroused, and all their
+talk is of this kiss. They say that it shall never be bestowed without
+disturbance and a fight." And the King wisely replied to him: "Fair
+nephew Gawain, give me counsel now, sparing my honour and my dignity,
+for I have no mind for any disturbance."
+
+(Vv. 311-341.) To the council came a great part of the best knights of
+the court. King Yder [14] arrived, who was the first to be summoned, and
+after him King Cadoalant, who was very wise and bold. Kay and Girflet
+came too, and King Amauguin was there, and a great number of other
+knights were there with them. The discussion was in process when the
+Queen arrived and told them of the adventure which she had met in the
+forest, of the armed knight whom she saw, and of the malicious little
+dwarf who had struck her damsel on the bare hand with his whip, and who
+struck Erec, too, in the same way an ugly blow on the face; but that
+Erec followed the knight to obtain vengeance, or increase his shame, and
+how he said that if possible he would be back by the third day. "Sire,"
+says the Queen to the King, "listen to me a moment. If these knights
+approve what I say, postpone this kiss until the third day, when Erec
+will be back." There is none who does not agree with her, and the King
+himself approves her words.
+
+(Vv. 342-392.) Erec steadily follows the knight who was armed and the
+dwarf who had struck him until they come to a well placed town, strong
+and fine [15]. They enter straight through the gate. Within the town
+there was great joy of knights and ladies, of whom there were many and
+fair. Some were feeding in the streets their sparrow-hawks and moulting
+falcons; others were giving an airing to their tercels, [16] their mewed
+birds, and young yellow hawks; others play at dice or other game of
+chance, some at chess, and some at backgammon. The grooms in front of
+the stables are rubbing down and currying the horses. The ladies are
+bedecking themselves in their boudoirs. As soon as they see the knight
+coming, whom they recognised with his dwarf and damsel, they go out
+three by three to meet him. The knight they all greet and salute, but
+they give no heed to Erec, for they did not know him. Erec follows close
+upon the knight through the town, until he saw him lodged. Then, very
+joyful, he passed on a little farther until he saw reclining upon some
+steps a vavasor [17] well on in years. He was a comely man, with white
+locks, debonair, pleasing, and frank. There he was seated all alone,
+seeming to be engaged in thought. Erec took him for an honest man who
+would at once give him lodging. When he turned through the gate into the
+yard, the vavasor ran to meet him, and saluted him before Erec had said
+a word. "Fair sir," says he, "be welcome. If you will deign to lodge
+with me, here is my house all ready for you." Erec replies: "Thank you!
+For no other purpose have I come; I need a lodging place this night."
+
+(Vv. 393-410.) Erec dismounts from his horse, which the host himself
+leads away by the bridle, and does great honour to his guest. The
+vavasor summons his wife and his beautiful daughter, who were busy in a
+work-room--doing I know not what. The lady came out with her daughter,
+who was dressed in a soft white under-robe with wide skirts hanging
+loose in folds. Over it she wore a white linen garment, which completed
+her attire. And this garment was so old that it was full of holes down
+the sides. Poor, indeed, was her garb without, but within her body was
+fair.
+
+(Vv. 411-458.) The maid was charming, in sooth, for Nature had used all
+her skill in forming her. Nature herself had marvelled more than five
+hundred times how upon this one occasion she had succeeded in creating
+such a perfect thing. Never again could she so strive successfully to
+reproduce her pattern. Nature bears witness concerning her that never
+was so fair a creature seen in all the world. In truth I say that never
+did Iseut the Fair have such radiant golden tresses that she could be
+compared with this maiden. [18] The complexion of her forehead and face
+was clearer and more delicate than the lily. But with wondrous art her
+face with all its delicate pallor was suffused with a fresh crimson
+which Nature had bestowed upon her. Her eyes were so bright that they
+seemed like two stars. God never formed better nose, mouth, and eyes.
+What shall I say of her beauty? In sooth, she was made to be looked at;
+for in her one could have seen himself as in a mirror. So she came forth
+from the work-room: and when she saw the knight whom she had never seen
+before, she drew back a little, because she did not know him, and in her
+modesty she blushed. Erec, for his part, was amazed when he beheld such
+beauty in her, and the vavasor said to her: "Fair daughter dear, take
+this horse and lead him to the stable along with my own horses. See that
+he lack for nothing: take off his saddle and bridle, give him oats and
+hay, look after him and curry him, that he may be in good condition."
+
+(Vv. 459-546) The maiden takes the horse, unlaces his breast-strap, and
+takes off his bridle and saddle. Now the horse is in good hands, for she
+takes excellent care of him. She throws a halter over his head, rubs him
+down, curries him, and makes him comfortable. Then she ties him to the
+manger and puts plenty of fresh sweet hay and oats before him. Then she
+went back to her father, who said to her: "Fair daughter dear, take now
+this gentleman by the hand and show him all honour. Take him by the hand
+upstairs." The maiden did not delay (for in her there was no lack of
+courtesy) and led him by the hand upstairs. The lady had gone before and
+prepared the house. She had laid embroidered cushions and spreads upon
+the couches, where they all three sat down Erec with his host beside
+him, and the maiden opposite. Before them, the fire burns brightly. The
+vavasor had only one man-servant, and no maid for chamber or kitchen
+work. This one man was busy in the kitchen preparing meat and birds for
+supper. A skilful cook was he, who knew how to prepare meal in boiling
+water and birds on the spit. When he had the meal prepared in accordance
+with the orders which had been given him, he brought them water for
+washing in two basins. The table was soon set, cloths, bread, and wine
+set out, and they sat down to supper. They had their fill of all they
+needed. When they had finished and when the table was cleared, Erec thus
+addressed his host, the master of the house: "Tell me, fair host." he
+asked, "why your daughter, who is so passing fair and clever, is so
+poorly and unsuitably attired." "Fair friend," the vavasor replies,
+"many a man is harmed by poverty, and even so am I. I grieve to see
+her so poorly clad, and yet I cannot help it, for I have been so long
+involved in war that I have lost or mortgaged or sold all my land. [19]
+And yet she would be well enough dressed if I allowed her to accept
+everything that people wish to give her. The lord of this castle himself
+would have dressed her in becoming fashion and would have done her every
+manner of favour, for she is his niece and he is a count. And there is
+no nobleman in this region, however rich and powerful, who would not
+willingly have taken her to wife had I given my consent. But I am
+waiting yet for some better occasion, when God shall bestow still
+greater honour upon her, when fortune shall bring hither some king or
+count who shall lead her away, for there is under Heaven no king or
+count who would be ashamed of my daughter, who is so wondrous fair that
+her match cannot be found. Fair, indeed, she is; but yet greater far
+than her beauty, is her intelligence. God never created any one so
+discreet and of such open heart. When I have my daughter beside me, I
+don't care a marble about all the rest of the world. She is my delight
+and my pastime, she is my joy and comfort, my wealth and my treasure,
+and I love nothing so much as her own precious self."
+
+(Vv. 547-690.) When Erec had listened to all that his host told him, he
+asked him to inform him whence came all the chivalry that was quartered
+in the town. For there was no street or house so poor and small but it
+was full of knights and ladies and squires. And the vavasor said to him:
+"Fair friend, these are the nobles of the country round; all, both young
+and old, have come to a fete which is to be held in this town tomorrow;
+therefore the houses are so full. When they shall all have gathered,
+there will be a great stir to-morrow; for in the presence of all the
+people there will be set upon a silver perch a sparrow-hawk of five or
+six moultings--the best you can imagine. Whoever wishes to gain the hawk
+must have a mistress who is fair, prudent, and courteous. And if there
+be a knight so bold as to wish to defend the worth and the name of the
+fairest in his eyes, he will cause his mistress to step forward and
+lift the hawk from the perch, if no one dares to interpose. This is the
+custom they are observing, and for this each year they gather here."
+Thereupon Erec speaks and asks him: "Fair host, may it not displease
+you, but tell me, if you know, who is a certain knight bearing arms of
+azure and gold, who passed by here not long ago, having close beside him
+a courtly damsel, preceded by a hump-backed dwarf." To him the host then
+made reply: "That is he who will win the hawk without any opposition
+from the other knights. I don't believe that any one will offer
+opposition; this time there will be no blows or wounds. For two years
+already he has won it without being challenged; and if he wins it
+again this year, he will have gained permanent possession of it. Every
+succeeding year he may keep it without contest or challenge." Quickly
+Erec makes reply: "I do not like that knight. Upon my word, had I some
+arms I should challenge him for the hawk. Fair host, I beg you as a boon
+to advise me how I may be equipped with arms whether old or new, poor or
+rich, it matters not." And he replies to him generously: "It were a pity
+for you to feel concern on that score! I have good fine arms which I
+shall be glad to lend you. In the house I have a triple-woven hauberk,
+[110] which was selected from among five hundred. And I have some fine
+valuable greaves, polished, handsome, and light in weight. The helmet
+is bright and handsome, and the shield fresh and new. Horse, sword, and
+lance all I will lend you, of course; so let no more be said." "Thank
+you kindly, fair gentle host! But I wish for no better sword that this
+one which I have brought with me, nor for any other horse than my own,
+for I can get along well enough with him. If you will lend me the rest,
+I shall esteem it a great favour. But there is one more boon I wish to
+ask of you, for which I shall make just return if God grant that I come
+off from the battle with honour." And frankly he replies to him: "Ask
+confidently for what you want, whatever it be, for nothing of mine shall
+lack you." Then Erec said that he wished to defend the hawk on behalf
+of his daughter; for surely there will be no damsel who is one hundredth
+part as beautiful as she. And if he takes her with him, he will have
+good and just reason to maintain and to prove that she is entitled to
+carry away the hawk. Then he added: "Sire, you know not what guest you
+have sheltered here, nor do you know my estate and kin. I am the son of
+a rich and puissant king: my father's name is King Lac, and the Bretons
+call me Erec. I belong to King Arthur's court, and have been with him
+now three years. I know not if any report of my father or of me has ever
+reached this land. But I promise you and vow that if you will fit me out
+with arms, and will give me your daughter to-morrow when I strive for
+the hawk, I will take her to my country, if God grant me the victory,
+and I will give her a crown to wear, and she shall be queen of three
+cities." "Ah, fair sir! Is it true that you are Erec, the son of Lac?"
+"That is who I am, indeed" quoth he. Then the host was greatly delighted
+and said: "We have indeed heard of you in this country. Now I think all
+the more of you, for you are very valiant and brave. Nothing now shall
+you be refused by me. At your request I give you my fair daughter."
+Then taking her by the hand, he says: "Here, I give her to you." Erec
+received her joyfully, and now has all he desired. Now they are all
+happy there: the father is greatly delighted, and the mother weeps for
+joy. The maiden sat quiet; but she was very happy and glad that she was
+betrothed to him, because he was valiant and courteous: and she knew
+that he would some day be king, and she should receive honour and be
+crowned rich queen.
+
+(Vv. 691-746.) They had sat up very late that night. But now the
+beds were prepared with white sheets and soft pillows, and when the
+conversation flagged they all went to bed in happy frame. Erec slept
+little that night, and the next morn, at crack of dawn, he and his host
+rose early. They both go to pray at church, and hear a hermit chant the
+Mass of the Holy Spirit, not forgetting to make an offering. When they
+had heard Mass both kneel before the altar and then return to the house.
+Erec was eager for the battle; so he asks for arms, and they are given
+to him. The maiden herself puts on his arms (though she casts no spell
+or charm), [111] laces on his iron greaves, and makes them fast with
+thong of deer-hide. She puts on his hauberk with its strong meshes, and
+laces on his ventail. The gleaming helmet she sets upon his head, and
+thus arms him well from tip to toe. At his side she fastens his sword,
+and then orders his horse to be brought, which is done. Up he jumped
+clear of the ground. The damsel then brings the shield and the strong
+lance: she hands him the shield, and he takes it and hangs it about his
+neck by the strap. She places the lance in his hand, and when he had
+grasped it by the butt-end, he thus addressed the gentle vavasor: "Fair
+sire," quoth he, "if you please, make your daughter ready now; for
+I wish to escort her to the sparrow-hawk in accordance with our
+agreement." The vavasor then without delay had saddled a bay palfrey.
+There can nothing be said of the harness because of the dire poverty
+with which the vavasor was afflicted. Saddle and bridle were put on, and
+up the maiden mounted all free and in light attire, without waiting
+to be urged. Erec wished to delay no longer; so off he starts with the
+host's daughter by his side, followed by the gentleman and his lady.
+
+(Vv. 747-862.) Erec rides with lance erect and with the comely damsel by
+his side. All the people, great and small, gaze at them with wondering
+eyes as they pass through the streets. And thus they question each
+other: "Who is yonder knight? He must be doughty and brave, indeed, to
+act as escort for this fair maid. His efforts will be well employed in
+proving that this damsel is the fairest of them all." One man to another
+says: "In very truth, she ought to have the sparrow-hawk." Some praised
+the maid, while many said: "God! who can this knight be, with the fair
+damsel by his side?" "I know not." "Nor I." Thus spake each one. "But
+his gleaming helmet becomes him well, and the hauberk, and shield, and
+his sharp steel sword. He sits well upon his steed and has the bearing
+of a valiant vassal, well-shapen in arm, in limb and foot." While all
+thus stand and gaze at them, they for their part made no delay to take
+their stand by the sparrow-hawk, where to one side they awaited the
+knight. And now behold! they see him come, attended by his dwarf and his
+damsel. He had heard the report, that a knight had come who wished to
+obtain the sparrow-hawk, but he did not believe there could be in the
+world a knight so bold as to dare to fight with him. He would quickly
+defeat him and lay him low. All the people knew him well, and all
+welcome him and escort him in a noisy crowd: knights, squires, ladies,
+and damsels make haste to run after him. Leading them all the knight
+rides proudly on, with his damsel and his dwarf at his side, and he
+makes his way quickly to the sparrow-hawk. But all about there was such
+a press of the rough and vulgar crowd that it was impossible to touch
+the hawk or to come near where it was. Then the Count arrived on the
+scene, and threatened the populace with a switch which he held in his
+hand. The crowd drew back, and the knight advanced and said quietly
+to his lady: "My lady, this bird, which is so perfectly moulted and so
+fair, should be yours as your just portion; for you are wondrous fair
+and full of charm. Yours it shall surely be so long as I live. Step
+forward, my dear, and lift the hawk from the perch." The damsel was on
+the point of stretching forth her hand when Erec hastened to challenge
+her, little heeding the other's arrogance. "Damsel," he cries, "stand
+back! Go dally with some other bird, for to this one you have no right.
+In spite of all, I say this hawk shall never be yours. For a better one
+than you claims it--aye, much more fair and more courteous." The other
+knight is very wroth; but Erec does not mind him, and bids his own
+maiden step forward. "Fair one." he cries, "come forth. Lift the bird
+from the perch, for it is right that you should have it. Damsel, come
+forth! For I will make boast to defend it if any one is so bold as
+to intervene. For no woman excels you in beauty or worth, in grace or
+honour any more than the moon outshines the sun." The other could suffer
+it no longer, when he hears him so manfully offer himself to do battle.
+"Vassal," he cries, "who art thou who dost thus dispute with me the
+hawk?" Erec boldly answers him: "A knight I am from another land. This
+hawk I have come to obtain; for it is right, I say it in spite of all,
+that this damsel of mine should have it." "Away!" cries the other, "it
+shall never be. Madness has brought thee here. If thou dost wish to have
+the hawk, thou shalt pay fight dearly for it." "Pay, vassal; and how?"
+"Thou must fight with me, if thou dost not resign it to me." "You talk
+madness," cries Erec; "for me these are idle threats; for little
+enough do I fear you." "Then I defy thee here and now. The battle is
+inevitable." Erec replies: "God help me now; for never did I wish for
+aught so much." Now soon you will hear the noise of battle.
+
+(Vv. 863-1080.) The large place was cleared, with the people gathered
+all around. They draw off from each other the space of an acre, then
+drive their horses together; they reach for each other with the tips of
+their lances, and strike each other so hard that the shields are pierced
+and broken; the lances split and crack; the saddle-bows are knocked to
+bits behind. They must needs lose their stirrups, so that they both fall
+to the ground, and the horses run off across the field. Though smitten
+with the lances, they are quickly on their feet again, and draw their
+swords from the scabbards. With great fierceness they attack each other,
+and exchange great sword blows, so that the helmets are crushed and made
+to ring. Fierce is the clash of the swords, as they rain great blows
+upon neck and shoulders. For this is no mere sport: they break whatever
+they touch, cutting the shields and shattering the hauberks. The swords
+are red with crimson blood. Long the battle lasts; but they fight so
+lustily that they become weary and listless. Both the damsels are in
+tears, and each knight sees his lady weep and raise her hands to God and
+pray that He may give the honours of the battle to the one who strives
+for her. "Ha! vassal," quoth the knight to Erec, "let us withdraw and
+rest a little; for too weak are these blows we deal. We must deal better
+blows than these; for now it draws near evening. It is shameful and
+highly discreditable that this battle should last so long. See yonder
+that gentle maid who weeps for thee and calls on God. Full sweetly she
+prays for thee, as does also mine for me. Surely we should do our best
+with our blades of steel for the sake of our lady-loves." Erec replies:
+"You have spoken well." Then they take a little rest, Erec looking
+toward his lady as she softly prays for him. While he sat and looked
+on her, great strength was recruited within him. Her love and beauty
+inspired him with great boldness. He remembered the Queen, to whom he
+pledged his word that he would avenge the insult done him, or would make
+it greater yet. "Ah! wretch," says he, "why do I wait? I have not yet
+taken vengeance for the injury which this vassal permitted when his
+dwarf struck me in the wood." His anger is revived within him as he
+summons the knight: "Vassal," quoth he, "I call you to battle anew. Too
+long we have rested; let us now renew our strife." And he replies: "That
+is no hardship to me." Whereupon, they again fall upon each other.
+They were both expert fencers. At his first lunge the knight would have
+wounded Erec had he not skilfully parried. Even so, he smote him so
+hard over the shield beside his temple that he struck a piece from his
+helmet. Closely shaving his white coif, the sword descends, cleaving the
+shield through to the buckle, and cutting more than a span from the side
+of his hauberk. Then he must have been well stunned, as the cold steel
+penetrated to the flesh on his thigh. May God protect him now! If the
+blow had not glanced off, it would have cut right through his body. But
+Erec is in no wise dismayed: he pays him back what is owing him, and.
+attacking him boldly, smites him upon the shoulder so violently a blow
+that the shield cannot withstand it, nor is the hauberk of any use to
+prevent the sword from penetrating to the bone. He made the crimson
+blood flow down to his waist-band. Both of the vassals are hard
+fighters: they fight with honours even, for one cannot gain from the
+other a single foot of ground. Their hauberks are so torn and their
+shields so hacked, that there is actually not enough of them left to
+serve as a protection. So they fight all exposed. Each one loses a deal
+of blood, and both grow weak. He strikes Erec and Erec strikes him. Erec
+deals him such a tremendous blow upon the helmet that he quite stuns
+him. Then he lets him have it again and again, giving him three blows
+in quick succession, which entirely split the helmet and cut the coif
+beneath it. The sword even reaches the skull and cuts a bone of his
+head, but without penetrating the brain. He stumbles and totters, and
+while he staggers, Erec pushes him over, so that he falls upon his right
+side. Erec grabs him by the helmet and forcibly drags it from his
+head, and unlaces the ventail, so that his head and face are completely
+exposed. When Erec thinks of the insult done him by the dwarf in the
+wood, he would have cut off his head, had he not cried for mercy. "Ah!
+vassal," says he, "thou hast defeated me. Mercy now, and do not kill me,
+after having overcome me and taken me prisoner: that would never bring
+thee praise or glory. If thou shouldst touch me more, thou wouldst do
+great villainy. Take here my sword; I yield it thee." Erec, however,
+does not take it, but says in reply: "I am within an ace of killing
+thee." "Ah! gentle knight, mercy! For what crime, indeed, or for what
+wrong shouldst thou hate me with mortal hatred? I never saw thee before
+that I am aware, and never have I been engaged in doing thee any shame
+or wrong." Erec replies: "Indeed you have." "Ah, sire, tell me when! For
+I never saw you, that I can remember, and if I have done you any wrong,
+I place myself at your mercy." Then Erec said: "Vassal, I am he who was
+in the forest yesterday with Queen Guinevere, when thou didst allow thy
+ill-bred dwarf to strike my lady's damsel. It is disgraceful to strike
+a woman. And afterwards he struck me, taking me for some common fellow.
+Thou wast guilty of too great insolence when thou sawest such an outrage
+and didst complacently permit such a monster of a lout to strike the
+damsel and myself. For such a crime I may well hate thee; for thou
+hast committed a grave offence. Thou shalt now constitute thyself my
+prisoner, and without delay go straight to my lady whom thou wilt surely
+find at Cardigan, if thither thou takest thy way. Thou wilt reach there
+this very night, for it is not seven leagues from here, I think. Thou
+shalt hand over to her thyself, thy damsel, and thy dwarf, to do as she
+may dictate; and tell her that I send her word that to-morrow I shall
+come contented, bringing with me a damsel so fair and wise and fine
+that in all the world she has not her match. So much thou mayst tell her
+truthfully. And now I wish to know thy name." Then he must needs say in
+spite of himself: "Sire, my name is Yder, son of Nut. This morning I had
+not thought that any single man by force of arms could conquer me. Now
+I have found by experience a man who is better than I. You are a very
+valiant knight, and I pledge you my faith here and now that I will go
+without delay and put myself in the Queen's hands. But tell me without
+reserve what your name may be. Who shall I say it is that sends me? For
+I am ready to start." And he replies: "My name I will tell thee without
+disguise: it is Erec. Go, and tell her that it is I who have sent thee
+to her." "Now I'll go, and I promise you that I will put my dwarf, my
+damsel, and myself altogether at her disposal (you need have no fear),
+and I will give her news of you and of your damsel." Then Erec received
+his plighted word, and the Count and all the people round about the
+ladies and the gentlemen were present at the agreement. Some were
+joyous, and some downcast; some were sorry, and others glad. The most
+rejoiced for the sake of the damsel with the white raiment, the daughter
+of the poor vavasor she of the gentle and open heart; but his damsel and
+those who were devoted to him were sorry for Yder.
+
+(Vv. 1081-1170.) Yder, compelled to execute his promise, did not wish
+to tarry longer, but mounted his steed at once. But why should I make
+a long story? Taking his dwarf and his damsel, they traversed the woods
+and the plain, going on straight until they came to Cardigan. In the
+bower [112] outside the great hall, Gawain and Kay the seneschal and a
+great number of other lords were gathered. The seneschal was the first
+to espy those approaching, and said to my lord Gawain: "Sire, my heart
+divines that the vassal who yonder comes is he of whom the Queen spoke
+as having yesterday done her such an insult. If I am not mistaken, there
+are three in the party, for I see the dwarf and the damsel." "That is
+so," says my lord Gawain; "it is surely a damsel and a dwarf who are
+coming straight toward us with the knight. The knight himself is fully
+armed, but his shield is not whole. If the Queen should see him,
+she would know him. Hello, seneschal, go call her now!" So he went
+straightway and found her in one of the apartments. "My lady," says he,
+"do you remember the dwarf who yesterday angered you by wounding your
+damsel?" "Yes, I remember him right well. Seneschal, have you any
+news of him? Why have you mentioned him?" "Lady, because I have seen a
+knight-errant armed coming upon a grey horse, and if my eyes have not
+deceived me, I saw a damsel with him; and it seems to me that with him
+comes the dwarf, who still holds the scourge from which Erec received
+his lashing." Then the Queen rose quickly and said: "Let us go quickly,
+seneschal, to see if it is the vassal. If it is he, you may be sure that
+I shall tell you so, as soon as I see him." And Kay said: "I will show
+him to you. Come up into the bower where your knights are assembled. It
+was from there we saw him coming, and my lord Gawain himself awaits
+you there. My lady, let us hasten thither, for here we have too long
+delayed." Then the Queen bestirred herself, and coming to the windows
+she took her stand by my lord Gawain, and straightway recognised the
+knight. "Ha! my lords," she cries, "it is he. He has been through great
+danger. He has been in a battle. I do not know whether Erec has avenged
+his grief, or whether this knight has defeated Erec. But there is many a
+dent upon his shield, and his hauberk is covered with blood, so that it
+is rather red than white." "In sooth, my lady," quoth my lord Gawain,
+"I am very sure that you are quite right. His hauberk is covered with
+blood, and pounded and beaten, showing plainly that he has been in a
+fight. We can easily see that the battle has been hot. Now we shall soon
+hear from him news that will give us joy or gloom: whether Erec sends
+him to you here as a prisoner at your discretion, or whether he comes
+in pride of heart to boast before us arrogantly that he has defeated or
+killed Erec. No other news can he bring, I think." The Queen says: "I am
+of the same opinion." And all the others say: "It may well be so."
+
+(Vv. 1171-1243.) Meanwhile Yder enters the castle gate, bringing them
+news. They all came down from the bower, and went to meet him. Yder came
+up to the royal terrace and there dismounted from his horse. And Gawain
+took the damsel and helped her down from her palfrey; the dwarf, for his
+part, dismounted too. There were more than one hundred knights standing
+there, and when the three newcomers had all dismounted they were led
+into the King's presence. As soon as Yder saw the Queen, he bowed low
+and first saluted her, then the King and his knights, and said: "Lady,
+I am sent here as your prisoner by a gentleman, a valiant and noble
+knight, whose face yesterday my dwarf made smart with his knotted
+scourge. He has overcome me at arms and defeated me. Lady, the dwarf I
+bring you here: he has come to surrender to you at discretion. I bring
+you myself, my damsel, and my dwarf to do with us as you please." The
+Queen keeps her peace no longer, but asks him for news of Erec: "Tell
+me," she says, "if you please, do you know when Erec will arrive?"
+"To-morrow, lady, and with him a damsel he will bring, the fairest of
+all I ever knew." When he had delivered his message, the Queen, who was
+kind and sensible, said to him courteously: "Friend, since thou hast
+thrown thyself upon my mercy, thy confinement shall be less harsh; for I
+have no desire to seek thy harm. But tell me now, so help thee God, what
+is thy name?" And he replies: "Lady, my name is Yder, son of Nut." And
+they knew that he told the truth. Then the Queen arose, and going before
+the King, said: "Sire, did you hear? You have done well to wait for
+Erec, the valiant knight. I gave you good advice yesterday, when I
+counselled you to await his return. This proves that it is wise to take
+advice." The King replies: "That is no lie; rather is it perfectly true
+that he who takes advice is no fool. Happily we followed your advice
+yesterday. But if you care anything for me, release this knight from his
+durance, provided he consent to join henceforth my household and court;
+and if he does not consent, let him suffer the consequence." When the
+King had thus spoken, the Queen straightway released the knight; but it
+was on this condition, that he should remain in the future at the court.
+He did not have to be urged before he gave his consent to stay. Now he
+was of the court and household to which he had not before belonged. Then
+valets were at hand to run and relieve him of his arms.
+
+(Vv. 1244-1319.) Now we must revert to Erec, whom we left in the field
+where the battle had taken place. Even Tristan, when he slew fierce
+Morhot on Saint Samson's isle [113], awakened no such jubilee as they
+celebrated here over Erec. Great and small, thin and stout--all make
+much of him and praise his knighthood. There is not a knight but cries:
+"Lord what a vassal! Under Heaven there is not his like!" They follow
+him to his lodgings, praising him and talking much. Even the Count
+himself embraces him, who above the rest was glad, and said: "Sire, if
+you please, you ought by right to lodge in my house, since you are the
+son of King Lac. If you would accept of my hospitality you would do me
+a great honour, for I regard you as my liege. Fair sire, may it please
+you, I beg you to lodge with me." Erec answers: "May it not displease
+you, but I shall not desert my host to-night, who has done me much
+honour in giving me his daughter. What say you, sir? Is it not a fair
+and precious gift?" "Yes, sire," the Count replies; "the gift, in truth,
+is fine and good. The maid herself is fair and clever, and besides is of
+very noble birth. You must know that her mother is my sister. Surely, I
+am glad at heart that you should deign to take my niece. Once more I beg
+you to lodge with me this night." Erec replies: "Ask me no more. I will
+not do it." Then the Count saw that further insistence was useless, and
+said: "Sire, as it please you! We may as well say no more about it; but
+I and my knights will all be with you to-night to cheer you and bear
+you company." When Erec heard that, he thanked him, and returned to his
+host's dwelling, with the Count attending him. Ladies and knights were
+gathered there, and the vavasor was glad at heart. As soon as Erec
+arrived, more than a score of squires ran quickly to remove his arms.
+Any one who was present in that house could have witnessed a happy
+scene. Erec went first and took his seat; then all the others in order
+sit down upon the couches, the cushions, and benches. At Erec's side the
+Count sat down, and the damsel with her radiant face, who was feeding
+the much disputed hawk upon her wrist with a plover's wing. [114] Great
+honour and joy and prestige had she gained that day, and she was very
+glad at heart both for the bird and for her lord. She could not have
+been happier, and showed it plainly, making no secret of her joy. All
+could see how gay she was, and throughout the house there was great
+rejoicing for the happiness of the maid they loved.
+
+(Vv. 1320-1352.) Erec thus addressed the vavasor: "Fair host, fair
+friend, fair sire! You have done me great honour, and richly shall it
+be repaid you. To-morrow I shall take away your daughter with me to the
+King's court, where I wish to take her as my wife; and if you will
+tarry here a little, I shall send betimes to fetch you. I shall have you
+escorted into the country which is my father's now, but which later will
+be mine. It is far from here--by no means near. There I shall give you
+two towns, very splendid, rich, and fine. You shall be lord of Roadan,
+which was built in the time of Adam, and of another town close by, which
+is no less valuable. The people call it Montrevel, and my father owns no
+better town. [115] And before the third day has passed, I shall send you
+plenty of gold and silver, of dappled and grey furs, and precious silken
+stuffs wherewith to adorn yourself and your wife my dear lady. To-morrow
+at dawn I wish to take your daughter to court, dressed and arrayed as
+she is at present. I wish my lady, the Queen, to dress her in her best
+dress of satin and scarlet cloth."
+
+(Vv. 1353-1478.) There was a maiden near at hand, very honourable,
+prudent, and virtuous. She was seated on a bench beside the maid with
+the white shift, and was her own cousin the niece of my lord the Count.
+When she heard how Erec intended to take her cousin in such very poor
+array to the Queen's court, she spoke about it to the Count. "Sire,"
+she says, "it would be a shame to you more than to any one else if this
+knight should take your niece away with him in such sad array." And
+the Count made answer: "Gentle niece, do you give her the best of your
+dresses." But Erec heard the conversation, and said: "By no means, my
+lord. For be assured that nothing in the world would tempt me to let
+her have another robe until the Queen shall herself bestow it upon her."
+When the damsel heard this, she replied: "Alas! fair sire, since you
+insist upon leading off my cousin thus dressed in a white shift and
+chemise, and since you are determined that she shall have none of
+my dresses, a different gift I wish to make her. I have three good
+palfreys, as good as any of king or count, one sorrel, one dappled, and
+the other black with white forefeet. Upon my word, if you had a hundred
+to pick from, you would not find a better one than the dappled mount.
+The birds in the air do not fly more swiftly than the palfrey; and he is
+not too lively, but just suits a lady. A child can ride him, for he
+is neither skittish nor balky, nor does he bite nor kick nor become
+unmanageable. Any one who is looking for something better does not know
+what he wants. And his pace is so easy and gentle that a body is more
+comfortable and easy on his back than in a boat." Then said Erec: "My
+dear, I have no objection to her accepting this gift; indeed, I am
+pleased with the offer, and do not wish her to refuse it." Then the
+damsel calls one of her trusty servants, and says to him: "Go, friend,
+saddle my dappled palfrey, and lead him here at once." And he carries
+out her command: he puts on saddle and bridle and strives to make him
+appear well. Then he jumps on the maned palfrey, which is now ready for
+inspection. When Erec saw the animal, he did not spare his praise, for
+he could see that he was very fine and gentle. So he bade a servant lead
+him back and hitch him in the stable beside his own horse. Then they all
+separated, after an evening agreeably spent. The Count goes off to his
+own dwelling, and leaves Erec with the vavasor, saying that he will bear
+him company in the morning when he leaves. All that night they slept
+well. In the morning, when the dawn was bright, Erec prepares to start,
+commanding his horses to be saddled. His fair sweetheart, too, awakes,
+dresses, and makes ready. The vavasor and his wife rise too, and every
+knight and lady there prepares to escort the damsel and the knight. Now
+they are all on horseback, and the Count as well. Erec rides beside the
+Count, having beside him his sweetheart ever mindful of her hawk. Having
+no other riches, she plays with her hawk. Very merry were they as they
+rode along; but when the time came to part, the Count wished to send
+along with Erec a party of his knights to do him honour by escorting
+him. But he announced that none should bide with him, and that he wanted
+no company but that of the damsel. Then, when they had accompanied them
+some distance, he said: "In God's name, farewell!" Then the Count kisses
+Erec and his niece, and commends them both to merciful God. Her father
+and mother, too, kiss them again and again, and could not keep back
+their tears: at parting, the mother weeps, the father and the daughter
+too. For such is love and human nature, and such is affection between
+parents and children. They wept from sorrow, tenderness, and love which
+they had for their child; yet they knew full well that their daughter
+was to fill a place from which great honour would accrue to them. They
+shed tears of love and pity when they separated from their daughter, but
+they had no other cause to weep. They knew well enough that eventually
+they would receive great honour from her marriage. So at parting many
+a tear was shed, as weeping they commend one another to God, and thus
+separate without more delay.
+
+(Vv. 1479-1690.) Erec quit his host; for he was very anxious to reach
+the royal court. In his adventure he took great satisfaction; for now he
+had a lady passing fair, discreet, courteous, and debonair. He could not
+look at her enough: for the more he looks at her, the more she pleases
+him. He cannot help giving her a kiss. He is happy to ride by her side,
+and it does him good to look at her. Long he gazes at her fair hair, her
+laughing eyes, and her radiant forehead, her nose, her face, and mouth,
+for all of which gladness fills his heart. He gazes upon her down to the
+waist, at her chin and her snowy neck, her bosom and sides, her arms and
+hands. But no less the damsel looks at the vassal with a clear eye and
+loyal heart, as if they were in competition. They would not have ceased
+to survey each other even for promise of a reward! A perfect match they
+were in courtesy, beauty, and gentleness. And they were so alike in
+quality, manner, and customs, that no one wishing to tell the truth
+could choose the better of them, nor the fairer, nor the more discreet.
+Their sentiments, too, were much alike; so that they were well suited
+to each other. Thus each steals the other's heart away. Law or marriage
+never brought together two such sweet creatures. And so they rode along
+until just on the stroke of noon they approached the castle of Cardigan,
+where they were both expected. Some of the first nobles of the court had
+gone up to look from the upper windows and see if they could see them.
+Queen Guinevere ran up, and even the King came with Kay and Perceval of
+Wales, and with them my lord Gawain and Tor, the son of King Ares; Lucan
+the cupbearer was there, too, and many another doughty knight. Finally,
+they espied Erec coming along in company with his lady. They all knew
+him well enough from as far as they could see him. The Queen is greatly
+pleased, and indeed the whole court is glad of his coming, because they
+all love him so. As soon as he was come before the entrance hall, the
+King and Queen go down to meet him, all greeting him in God's name. They
+welcome Erec and his maiden, commending and praising her great beauty.
+And the King himself caught her and lifted her down from her palfrey.
+The King was decked in fine array and was then in cheery mood. He did
+signal honour to the damsel by taking her hand and leading her up into
+the great stone hall. After them Erec and the Queen also went up hand
+in hand, and he said to her: "I bring you, lady, my damsel and my
+sweetheart dressed in poor garb. As she was given to me, so have I
+brought her to you. She is the daughter of a poor vavasor. Through
+poverty many an honourable man is brought low: her father, for instance,
+is gentle and courteous, but he has little means. And her mother is a
+very gentle lady, the sister of a rich Count. She has no lack of beauty
+or of lineage, that I should not marry her. It is poverty that has
+compelled her to wear this white linen garment until both sleeves are
+torn at the side. And yet, had it been my desire, she might have had
+dresses rich enough. For another damsel, a cousin of hers, wished to
+give her a robe of ermine and of spotted or grey silk. But I would
+not have her dressed in any other robe until you should have seen her.
+Gentle lady, consider the matter now and see what need she has of a
+fine becoming gown." And the Queen at once replies: "You have done quite
+right; it is fitting that she should have one of my gowns, and I will
+give her straightway a rich, fair gown, both fresh and new." The Queen
+then hastily took her off to her own private room, and gave orders
+to bring quickly the fresh tunic and the greenish-purple mantle,
+embroidered with little crosses, which had been made for herself. The
+one who went at her behest came bringing to her the mantle and the
+tunic, which was lined with white ermine even to the sleeves. At the
+wrists and on the neck-band there was in truth more than half a mark's
+weight of beaten gold, and everywhere set in the gold there were
+precious stones of divers colours, indigo and green, blue and dark
+brown. This tunic was very rich, but not a writ less precious, I trow,
+was the mantle. As yet, there were no ribbons on it; for the mantle like
+the tunic was brand new. The mantle was very rich and fine: laid about
+the neck were two sable skins, and in the tassels there was more than an
+ounce of gold; on one a hyacinth, and on the other a ruby flashed more
+bright than burning candle. The fur lining was of white ermine; never
+was finer seen or found. The cloth was skilfully embroidered with little
+crosses, all different, indigo, vermilion, dark blue, white, green,
+blue, and yellow. The Queen called for some ribbons four ells long, made
+of silken thread and gold. The ribbons are given to her, handsome and
+well matched. Quickly she had them fastened to the mantle by some one
+who knew how to do it, and who was master of the art. When the mantle
+needed no more touches, the gay and gentle lady clasped the maid with
+the white gown and said to her cheerily: "Mademoiselle, you must change
+this frock for this tunic which is worth more than a hundred marks of
+silver. So much I wish to bestow upon you. And put on this mantle, too.
+Another time I will give you more." Not able to refuse the gift, she
+takes the robe and thanks her for it. Then two maids took her aside into
+a room, where she took off her frock as being of no further value; but
+she asked and requested that it be given away (to some poor woman) for
+the love of God. Then she dons the tunic, and girds herself, binding on
+tightly a golden belt, and afterwards puts on the mantle. Now she looked
+by no means ill; for the dress became her so well that it made her look
+more beautiful than ever. The two maids wove a gold thread in amongst
+her golden hair: but her tresses were more radiant than the thread of
+gold, fine though it was. The maids, moreover, wove a fillet of flowers
+of many various colours and placed it upon her head. They strove as best
+they might to adorn her in such wise that no fault should be found with
+her attire. Strung upon a ribbon around her neck, a damsel hung two
+brooches of enamelled gold. Now she looked so charming and fair that I
+do not believe that you could find her equal in any land, search as you
+might, so skilfully had Nature wrought in her. Then she stepped out of
+the dressing-room into the Queen's presence. The Queen made much of her,
+because she liked her and was glad that she was beautiful and had such
+gentle manners. They took each other by the hand and passed into the
+King's presence. And when the King saw them, he got up to meet them.
+When they came into the great hall, there were so many knights there who
+rose before them that I cannot call by name the tenth part of them, or
+the thirteenth, or the fifteenth. But I can tell you the names of some
+of the best of the knights who belonged to the Round Table and who were
+the best in the world.
+
+(Vv. 1691-1750.) Before all the excellent knights, Gawain ought to be
+named the first, and second Erec the son of Lac, and third Lancelot of
+the Lake. [116] Gornemant of Gohort was fourth, and the fifth was the
+Handsome Coward. The sixth was the Ugly Brave, the seventh Meliant of
+Liz, the eighth Mauduit the Wise, and the ninth Dodinel the Wild. Let
+Gandelu be named the tenth, for he was a goodly man. The others I shall
+mention without order, because the numbers bother me. Eslit was there
+with Briien, and Yvain the son of Uriien. And Yvain of Loenel was there,
+as well as Yvain the Adulterer. Beside Yvain of Cavaliot was Garravain
+of Estrangot. After the Knight with the Horn was the Youth with the
+Golden Ring. And Tristan who never laughed sat beside Bliobleheris, and
+beside Brun of Piciez was his brother Gru the Sullen. The Armourer sat
+next, who preferred war to peace. Next sat Karadues the Shortarmed,
+a knight of good cheer; and Caveron of Robendic, and the son of King
+Quenedic and the Youth of Quintareus and Yder of the Dolorous Mount.
+Gaheriet and Kay of Estraus, Amauguin and Gales the Bald, Grain,
+Gornevain, and Carabes, and Tor the son of King Aras, Girflet the son
+of Do, and Taulas, who never wearied of arms: and a young man of great
+merit, Loholt the son of King Arthur, [117] and Sagremor the Impetuous,
+who should not be forgotten, nor Bedoiier the Master of the Horse,
+who was skilled at chess and trictrac, nor Bravain, nor King Lot, nor
+Galegantin of Wales, nor Gronosis, versed in evil, who was son of Kay
+the Seneschal, nor Labigodes the Courteous, nor Count Cadorcaniois, nor
+Letron of Prepelesant, whose manners were so excellent, nor Breon the
+son of Canodan, nor the Count of Honolan who had such a head of fine
+fair hair; he it was who received the King's horn in an evil day; [118]
+he never had any care for truth.
+
+(Vv. 1751-1844.) When the stranger maiden saw all the knights arrayed
+looking steadfastly at her, she bowed her head in embarrassment; nor was
+it strange that her face blushed all crimson. But her confusion was so
+becoming to her that she looked all the more lovely. When the King saw
+that she was embarrassed, he did not wish to leave her side. Taking her
+gently by the hand, he made her sit down on his right hand; and on his
+left sat the Queen, speaking thus to the King the while. "Sire, in my
+opinion he who can win such a fair lady by his arms in another land
+ought by right to come to a royal court. It was well we waited for Erec;
+for now you can bestow the kiss upon the fairest of the court. I should
+think none would find fault with you! for none can say, unless he lie,
+that this maiden is not the most charming of all the damsels here, or
+indeed in all the world." The King makes answer: "That is no lie; and
+upon her, if there is no remonstrance, I shall bestow the honour of the
+White Stag." Then he added to the knights: "My lords, what say you? What
+is your opinion? In body, in face, and in whatever a maid should have,
+this one is the most charming and beautiful to be found, as I may say,
+before you come to where Heaven and earth meet. I say it is meet that
+she should receive the honour of the Stag. And you, my lords, what do
+you think about it? Can you make any objection? If any one wishes to
+protest, let him straightway speak his mind. I am King, and must keep
+my word and must not permit any baseness, falsity, or arrogance. I must
+maintain truth and righteousness. It is the business of a loyal king
+to support the law, truth, faith, and justice. I would not in any wise
+commit a disloyal deed or wrong to either weak or strong. It is not meet
+that any one should complain of me; nor do I wish the custom and the
+practice to lapse, which my family has been wont to foster. You, too,
+would doubtless regret to see me strive to introduce other customs
+and other laws than those my royal sire observed. Regardless of
+consequences, I am bound to keep and maintain the institution of my
+father Pendragon, who was a just king and emperor. Now tell me fully
+what you think! Let none be slow to speak his mind, if this damsel is
+not the fairest of my household and ought not by right to receive the
+kiss of the White Stag: I wish to know what you truly think." Then they
+all cry with one accord: "Sire, by the Lord and his Cross! you may well
+kiss her with good reason, for she is the fairest one there is. In this
+damsel there is more beauty than there is of radiance in the sun. You
+may kiss her freely, for we all agree in sanctioning it." When the King
+hears that this is well pleasing to them all, he will no longer delay in
+bestowing the kiss, but turns toward her and embraces her. The maid was
+sensible, and perfectly willing that the King should kiss her; she would
+have been discourteous, indeed, to resent it. In courteous fashion and
+in the presence of all his knights the King kissed her, and said: "My
+dear. I give you my love in all honesty. I will love you with true
+heart, without malice and without guile." By this adventure the King
+carried out the practice and the usage to which the White Stag was
+entitled at his court.
+
+Here ends the first part of my story. [119]
+
+(Vv. 1845-1914.) When the kiss of the Stag was taken according to the
+custom of the country, Erec, like a polite and kind man, was solicitous
+for his poor host. It was not his intention to fail to execute what he
+had promised. Hear how he kept his covenant: for he sent him now five
+sumpter mules, strong and sleek, loaded with dresses and clothes,
+buckrams and scarlets, marks of gold and silver plate, furs both vair
+and grey, skins of sable, purple stuffs, and silks. When the mules were
+loaded with all that a gentleman can need, he sent with them an escort
+of ten knights and sergeants chosen from his own men, and straightly
+charged them to salute his host and show great honour both to him and to
+his lady, as if it were to himself in person; and when they should have
+presented to them the sumpters which they brought them, the gold, the
+silver, and money, and all the other furnishings which were in the
+boxes, they should escort the lady and the vavasor with great honour
+into his kingdom of Farther Wales. [120] Two towns there he had promised
+them, the most choice and the best situated that there were in all his
+land, with nothing to fear from attack. Montrevel was the name of one,
+and the other's name was Roadan. When they should arrive in his kingdom,
+they should make over to them these two towns, together with their rents
+and their jurisdiction, in accordance with what he had promised them.
+All was carried out as Erec had ordered. The messengers made no delay,
+and in good time they presented to his host the gold and the silver
+and the sumpters and the robes and the money, of which there was great
+plenty. They escorted them into Erec's kingdom, and strove to serve them
+well. They came into the country on the third day, and transferred to
+them the towers of the towns; for King Lac made no objection. He gave
+them a warm welcome and showed them honour, loving them for the sake
+of his son Erec. He made over to them the title to the towns, and
+established their suzerainty by making knights and bourgeois swear that
+they would reverence them as their true liege lords. When this was
+done and accomplished, the messengers returned to their lord Erec, who
+received them gladly. When he asked for news of the vavasor and his
+lady, of his own father and of his kingdom, the report they gave him was
+good and fair.
+
+(Vv. 1915-2024.) Not long after this, the time drew near when Erec was
+to celebrate his marriage. The delay was irksome to him, and he resolved
+no longer to suffer and wait. So he went and asked of the King that
+it might please him to allow him to be married at the court. The King
+vouchsafed him the boon, and sent through all his kingdom to search for
+the kings and counts who were his liege-men, bidding them that none be
+so bold as not to be present at Pentecost. None dares to hold back and
+not go to court at the King's summons. Now I will tell you, and listen
+well, who were these counts and kings. With a rich escort and one
+hundred extra mounts Count Brandes of Gloucester came. After him came
+Menagormon, who was Count of Clivelon. And he of the Haute Montagne came
+with a very rich following. The Count of Treverain came, too, with a
+hundred of his knights, and Count Godegrain with as many more. Along
+with those whom I have just mentioned came Maheloas, a great baron, lord
+of the Isle of Voirre. In this island no thunder is heard, no lightning
+strikes, nor tempests rage, nor do toads or serpents exist there, nor is
+it ever too hot or too cold. [121] Graislemier of Fine Posterne brought
+twenty companions, and had with him his brother Guigomar, lord of the
+Isle of Avalon. Of the latter we have heard it said that he was a friend
+of Morgan the Fay, and such he was in very truth. Davit of Tintagel
+came, who never suffered woe or grief. Guergesin, the Duke of Haut Bois,
+came with a very rich equipment. There was no lack of counts and dukes,
+but of kings there were still more. Garras of Cork, a doughty king, was
+there with five hundred knights clad in mantles, hose, and tunics of
+brocade and silk. Upon a Cappadocian steed came Aguisel, the Scottish
+king, and brought with him his two sons, Cadret and Coi--two much
+respected knights. Along with those whom I have named came King Ban of
+Gomeret, and he had in his company only young men, beardless as yet on
+chin and lip. A numerous and gay band he brought two hundred of them
+in his suite; and there was none, whoever he be, but had a falcon or
+tercel, a merlin or a sparrow-hawk, or some precious pigeon-hawk, golden
+or mewed. Kerrin, the old King of Riel, brought no youth, but rather
+three hundred companions of whom the youngest was seven score years old.
+Because of their great age, their heads were all as white as snow, and
+their beards reached down to their girdles. Arthur held them in great
+respect. The lord of the dwarfs came next, Bilis, the king of Antipodes.
+This king of whom I speak was a dwarf himself and own brother of Brien.
+Bilis, on the one hand, was the smallest of all the dwarfs, while his
+brother Brien was a half-foot or full palm taller than any other knight
+in the kingdom. To display his wealth and power, Bilis brought with him
+two kings who were also dwarfs and who were vassals of his, Grigoras and
+Glecidalan. Every one looked at them as marvels. When they had arrived
+at court, they were treated with great esteem. All three were honoured
+and served at the court like kings, for they were very perfect
+gentlemen. In brief, when King Arthur saw all his lords assembled, his
+heart was glad. Then, to heighten the joy, he ordered a hundred squires
+to be bathed whom he wished to dub knights. There was none of them
+but had a parti-coloured robe of rich brocade of Alexandria, each one
+choosing such as pleased his fancy. All had arms of a uniform pattern,
+and horses swift and full of mettle, of which the worst was worth a
+hundred livres.
+
+(Vv. 2025-2068.) When Erec received his wife, he must needs call her by
+her right name. For a wife is not espoused unless she is called by her
+proper name. As yet no one knew her name, but now for the first time it
+was made known: Enide was her baptismal name. [122] The Archbishop of
+Canterbury, who had come to the court, blessed them, as is his right.
+When the court was all assembled, there was not a minstrel in the
+countryside who possessed any pleasing accomplishment that did not come
+to the court. In the great hall there was much merry-making, each one
+contributing what he could to the entertainment: one jumps, another
+tumbles, another does magic; there is story-telling, singing, whistling,
+playing from notes; they play on the harp, the rote, the fiddle, the
+violin, the flute, and pipe. The maidens sing and dance, and outdo each
+other in the merry-making. At the wedding that day everything was
+done which can give joy and incline man's heart to gladness. Drums are
+beaten, large and small, and there is playing of pipes, fifes, horns,
+trumpets, and bagpipes. What more shall I say? There was not a wicket or
+a gate kept closed; but the exits and entrances all stood ajar, so that
+no one, poor or rich, was turned away. King Arthur was not miserly, but
+gave orders to the bakers, the cooks, and the butlers that they should
+serve every one generously with bread, wine, and venison. No one asked
+anything whatever to be passed to him without getting all he desired.
+
+(Vv. 2069-2134.) There was great merriment in the palace. But I will
+pass over the rest, and you shall hear of the joy and pleasure in the
+bridal chamber. Bishops and archbishops were there on the night when
+the bride and groom retired. At this their first meeting, Iseut was not
+filched away, nor was Brangien put in her place. [123] The Queen herself
+took charge of their preparations for the night; for both of them were
+dear to her. The hunted stag which pants for thirst does not so long for
+the spring, nor does the hungry sparrow-hawk return so quickly when he
+is called, as did these two come to hold each other in close embrace.
+That night they had full compensation for their long delay. After the
+chamber had been cleared, they allow each sense to be gratified: the
+eyes, which are the entrance-way of love, and which carry messages to
+the heart, take satisfaction in the glance, for they rejoice in all they
+see; after the message of the eyes comes the far surpassing sweetness of
+the kisses inviting love; both of them make trial of this sweetness, and
+let their hearts quaff so freely that hardly can they leave off. Thus,
+kissing was their first sport. And the love which is between them
+emboldened the maid and left her quite without her fears; regardless of
+pain, she suffered all. Before she rose, she no longer bore the name
+of maid; in the morning she was a new-made dame. That day the minstrels
+were in happy mood, for they were all well paid. They were fully
+compensated for the entertainment they had given, and many a handsome
+gift was bestowed upon them: robes of grey squirrel skin and ermine, of
+rabbit skins and violet stuffs, scarlets and silken stuffs. Whether
+it be a horse or money, each one got what he deserved according to his
+skill. And thus the wedding festivities and the court lasted almost
+a fortnight with great joy and magnificence. For his own glory and
+satisfaction, as well as to honour Erec the more, King Arthur made all
+the knights remain a full fortnight. When the third week began, all
+together by common consent agreed to hold a tournament. On the one
+side, my lord Gawain offered himself as surety that it would take place
+between Evroic and Tenebroc: and Meliz and Meliadoc were guarantors on
+the other side. Then the court separated.
+
+(Vv. 2135-2292.) A month after Pentecost the tournament assembled, and
+the jousting began in the plain below Tenebroc. Many an ensign of red,
+blue, and white, many a veil and many a sleeve were bestowed as tokens
+of love. Many a lance was carried there, flying the colours argent and
+green, or gold and azure blue. There were many, too, with different
+devices, some with stripes and some with dots. That day one saw laced on
+many a helmet of gold or steel, some green, some yellow, and others red,
+all aglowing in the sun; so many scutcheons and white hauberks; so many
+swords girt on the left side; so many good shields, fresh and new, some
+resplendent in silver and green, others of azure with buckles of gold;
+so many good steeds marked with white, or sorrel, tawny, white, black,
+and bay: all gather hastily. And now the field is quite covered with
+arms. On either side the ranks tremble, and a roar rises from the fight.
+The shock of the lances is very great. Lances break and shields are
+riddled, the hauberks receive bumps and are torn asunder, saddles go
+empty and horsemen ramble, while the horses sweat and foam. Swords are
+quickly drawn on those who tumble noisily, and some run to receive the
+promise of a ransom, others to stave off this disgrace. Erec rode a
+white horse, and came forth alone at the head of the line to joust, if
+he may find an opponent. From the opposite side there rides out to meet
+him Orguelleus de la Lande, mounted on an Irish steed which bears
+him along with marvellous speed. On the shield before his breast Erec
+strikes him with such force that he knocks him from his horse: he leaves
+him prone and passes on. Then Raindurant opposed him, son of the old
+dame of Tergalo, covered with blue cloth of silk; he was a knight of
+great prowess. Against one another now they charge and deal fierce blows
+on the shields about their neck. Erec from lance's length lays him over
+on the hard ground. While riding back he met the King of the Red City,
+who was very valiant and bold. They grasp their reins by the knots and
+their shields by the inner straps. They both had fine arms, and strong
+swift horses, and good shields, fresh and new. With such fury they
+strike each other that both their lances fly in splinters. Never was
+there seen such a blow. They rush together with shields, arms, and
+horses. But neither girth nor rein nor breast-strap could prevent the
+king from coming to earth. So he flew from his steed, carrying with him
+saddle and stirrup, and even the reins of his bridle in his hand. All
+those who witnessed the jousting were filled with amazement, and said it
+cost him dear to joust with such a goodly knight. Erec did not wish
+to stop to capture either horse or rider, but rather to joust and
+distinguish himself in order that his prowess might appear. He thrills
+the ranks in front of him. Gawain animates those who were on his side
+by his prowess, and by winning horses and knights to the discomfiture
+of his opponents. I speak of my lord Gawain, who did right well and
+valiantly. In the fight he unhorsed Guincel, and took Gaudin of the
+Mountain; he captured knights and horses alike: my lord Gawain did well.
+Girtlet the son of Do, and Yvain, and Sagremor the Impetuous, so evilly
+entreated their adversaries that they drove them back to the gates,
+capturing and unhorsing many of them. In front of the gate of the town
+the strife began again between those within and those without. There
+Sagremor was thrown down, who was a very gallant knight. He was on the
+point of being detained and captured, when Erec spurs to rescue him,
+breaking his lance into splinters upon one of the opponents. So hard he
+strikes him on the breast that he made him quit the saddle. Then he
+made of his sword and advances upon them, crushing and splitting their
+helmets. Some flee, and others make way before him, for even the boldest
+fears him. Finally, he distributed so many blows and thrusts that he
+rescued Sagremor from them, and drove them all in confusion into the
+town. Meanwhile, the vesper hour drew to a close. Erec bore himself so
+well that day that he was the best of the combatants. But on the morrow
+he did much better yet: for he took so many knights and left so many
+saddles empty that none could believe it except those who had seen it.
+Every one on both sides said that with his lance and shield he had won
+the honours of the tournament. Now was Erec's renown so high that no one
+spoke save of him, nor was any one of such goodly favour. In countenance
+he resembled Absalom, in language he seemed a Solomon, in boldness he
+equalled Samson, [124] and in generous giving and spending he was the
+equal of Alexander. On his return from the tourney Erec went to speak
+with the King. He went to ask him for leave to go and visit his own
+land; but first he thanked him like a frank, wise, and courteous man for
+the honour which he had done him; for very deep was his gratitude.
+Then he asked his permission to leave, for he wished to visit his own
+country, and he wished to take his wife with him. This request the King
+could not deny, and yet he would have had him stay. He gives him leave
+and begs him to return as soon as possible: for in the whole court there
+was no better or more gallant knight, save only his dear nephew Gawain;
+[125] with him no one could be compared. But next after him, he prized
+Erec most, and held him more dear than any other knight.
+
+(Vv. 2293-2764.) Erec wished to delay no longer. As soon as he had the
+King's leave, he bid his wife make her preparations, and he retained as
+his escort sixty knights of merit with horses and with dappled and grey
+furs. As soon as he was ready for his journey, he tarried little further
+at court, but took leave of the Queen and commended the knights to God.
+The Queen grants him leave to depart. At the hour of prime he set out
+from the royal palace. In the presence of them all he mounted his steed,
+and his wife mounted the dappled horse which she had brought from her
+own country; then all his escort mounted. Counting knights and squires,
+there were full seven score in the train. After four long days' journey
+over hills and slopes, through forests, plains, and streams, they
+came on the fifth day to Camant, where King Lac was residing in a very
+charming town. No one ever saw one better situated; for the town was
+provided with forests and meadow-land, with vineyards and farms, with
+streams and orchards, with ladies and knights, and fine, lively youths,
+and polite, well-mannered clerks who spent their incomes freely, with
+fair and charming maidens, and with prosperous burghers. Before Erec
+reached the town, he sent two knights ahead to announce his arrival
+to the King. When he heard the news, the King had clerks, knights, and
+damsels quickly mount, and ordered the bells to be rung, and the streets
+to be hung with tapestries and silken stuffs, that his son might be
+received with joy; then he himself got on his horse. Of clerks there
+were present fourscore, gentle and honourable men, clad in grey cloaks
+bordered with sable. Of knights there were full five hundred, mounted
+on bay, sorrel, or white-spotted steeds. There were so many burghers and
+dames that no one could tell the number of them. The King and his son
+galloped and rode on till they saw and recognised each other. They both
+jump down from their horses and embrace and greet each other for a long
+time, without stirring from the place where they first met. Each party
+wished the other joy: the King makes much of Erec, but all at once
+breaks off to turn to Enide. On all sides he is in clover: he embraces
+and kisses them both, and knows not which of the two pleases him the
+more. As they gaily enter the castle, the bells all ring their peals to
+honour Erec's arrival. The streets are all strewn with reeds, mint, and
+iris, and are hung overhead with curtains and tapestries of fancy silk
+and satin stuffs. There was great rejoicing; for all the people came
+together to see their new lord, and no one ever saw greater happiness
+than was shown alike by young and old. First they came to the church,
+where very devoutly they were received in a procession. Erec kneeled
+before the altar of the Crucifix, and two knights led his wife to the
+image of Our Lady. When she had finished her prayer, she stepped back
+a little and crossed herself with her right hand, as a well-bred dame
+should do. Then they came out from the church and entered the royal
+palace, when the festivity began. That day Erec received many presents
+from the knights and burghers: from one a palfrey of northern stock, and
+from another a golden cup. One presents him with a golden pigeon-hawk,
+another with a setter-dog, this one a greyhound, this other a
+sparrowhawk, and another a swift Arab steed, this one a shield, this one
+an ensign, this one a sword, and this a helmet. Never was a king more
+gladly seen in his kingdom, nor received with greater joy, as all strove
+to serve him well. Yet greater joy they made of Enide than of him, for
+the great beauty which they saw in her, and still more for her open
+charm. She was seated in a chamber upon a cushion of brocade which had
+been brought from Thessaly. Round about her was many a fair lady; yet as
+the lustrous gem outshines the brown flint, and as the rose excels the
+poppy, so was Enide fairer than any other lady or damsel to be found in
+the world, wherever one might search. She was so gentle and honourable,
+of wise speech and affable, of pleasing character and kindly mien. No
+one could ever be so watchful as to detect in her any folly, or sign of
+evil or villainy. She had been so schooled in good manners that she had
+learned all virtues which any lady can possess, as well as generosity
+and knowledge. All loved her for her open heart, and whoever could do
+her any service was glad and esteemed himself the more. No one spoke any
+ill of her, for no one could do so. In the realm or empire there was no
+lady of such good manners. But Erec loved her with such a tender love
+that he cared no more for arms, nor did he go to tournaments, nor have
+any desire to joust; but he spent his time in cherishing his wife. He
+made of her his mistress and his sweetheart. He devoted all his heart
+and mind to fondling and kissing her, and sought no delight in other
+pastime. His friends grieved over this, and often regretted among
+themselves that he was so deep in love. Often it was past noon before
+he left her side; for there he was happy, say what they might. He rarely
+left her society, and yet he was as open-handed as ever to his knights
+with arms, dress, and money. There was not a tournament anywhere to
+which he did not send them well apparelled and equipped. Whatever the
+cost might be, he gave them fresh steeds for the tourney and joust. All
+the knights said it was a great pity and misfortune that such a valiant
+man as he was wont to be should no longer wish to bear arms. He was
+blamed so much on all sides by the knights and squires that murmurs
+reached Enide's ears how that her lord had turned craven about arms
+and deeds of chivalry, and that his manner of life was greatly changed.
+[126] She grieved sorely over this, but she did not dare to show her
+grief; for her lord at once would take affront, if she should speak to
+him. So the matter remained a secret, until one morning they lay in bed
+where they had had sport together. There they lay in close embrace, like
+the true lovers they were. He was asleep, but she was awake, thinking
+of what many a man in the country was saying of her lord. And when she
+began to think it all over, she could not keep back the tears. Such
+was her grief and her chagrin that by mischance she let fall a word for
+which she later felt remorse, though in her heart there was no guile.
+She began to survey her lord from head to foot, his well-shaped body and
+his clear countenance, until her tears fell fast upon the bosom of her
+lord, and she said: "Alas, woe is me that I ever left my country! What
+did I come here to seek? The earth ought by right to swallow me up when
+the best knight, the most hardy, brave, fair, and courteous that ever
+was a count or king, has completely abjured all his deeds of chivalry
+because of me. And thus, in truth, it is I who have brought shame upon
+his head, though I would fain not have done so at any price." Then she
+said to him: "Unhappy thou!" And then kept silence and spoke no more.
+Erec was not sound asleep and, though dozing, heard plainly what she
+said. He aroused at her words, and much surprised to see her weeping, he
+asked her: "Tell me, my precious beauty, why do you weep thus? What has
+caused you woe or sorrow? Surely it is my wish to know. Tell me now,
+my gentle sweetheart; and raise care to keep nothing back, why you said
+that woe was me? For you said it of me and of no one else. I heard your
+words plainly enough." Then was Enide in a great plight, afraid and
+dismayed. "Sire," says she, "I know nothing of what you say." "Lady, why
+do you conceal it? Concealment is of no avail. You hare been crying; I
+can see that, and you do not cry for nothing. And in my sleep I heard
+what you said." "Ah! fair sire, you never heard it, and I dare say it
+was a dream." "Now you are coming to me with lies. I hear you calmly
+lying to me. But if you do not tell me the truth now, you will come to
+repent of it later." "Sire, since you torment me thus, I will tell you
+the whole truth, and keep nothing back. But I am afraid that you will
+not like it. In this land they all say--the dark, the fair, and the
+ruddy--that it is a great pity that you should renounce your arms; your
+reputation has suffered from it. Every one used to say not long ago that
+in all the world there was known no better or more gallant knight.
+Now they all go about making game of you--old and young, little and
+great--calling you a recreant. Do you suppose it does not give me pain
+to hear you thus spoken of with scorn? It grieves me when I hear it
+said, and yet it grieves me more that they put the blame for it on me.
+Yes, I am blamed for it, I regret to say, and they all assert it is
+because I have so ensnared and caught you that you are losing all your
+merit, and do not care for aught but me. You must choose another course,
+so that you may silence this reproach and regain your former fame; for I
+have heard too much of this reproach, and yet I did not dare to disclose
+it to you. Many a time, when I think of it, I have to weep for very
+grief. Such chagrin I felt just now that I could not keep myself from
+saying that you were ill-starred." "Lady," said he, "you were in the
+right, and those who blame me do so with reason. And now at once prepare
+yourself to take the road. Rise up from here, and dress yourself in your
+richest robe, and order your saddle to be put on your best palfrey." Now
+Enide is in great distress: very sad and pensive, she gets up, blaming
+and upbraiding herself for the foolish words she spoke: she had now
+made her bed, and must lie in it. "Ah!" said she, "poor fool! I was too
+happy, for there lacked me nothing. God! why was I so forward as to dare
+to utter such folly? God! did not my lord love me to excess? In faith,
+alas, he was too fond of me. And now I must go away into exile. But I
+have yet a greater grief, that I shall no longer see my lord, who loved
+me with such tenderness that there was nothing he held so dear. The best
+man that was ever born had become so wrapped up in me that he cared for
+nothing else. I lacked for nothing then. I was very happy. But pride
+it is that stirred me up: because of my pride, I must suffer woe for
+telling him such insulting words, and it is right that I should suffer
+woe. One does not know what good fortune is until he has made trial of
+evil." Thus the lady bemoaned her fate, while she dressed herself fitly
+in her richest robe. Yet nothing gave her any pleasure, but rather cause
+for deep chagrin. Then she had a maid call one of her squires, and bids
+him saddle her precious palfrey of northern stock, than which no count
+or king ever had a better. As soon as she had given him the command, the
+fellow asked for no delay, but straightway went and saddled the dappled
+palfrey. And Erec summoned another squire and bade him bring his arms to
+arm his body withal. Then he went up into a bower, and had a Limoges rug
+laid out before him on the floor. Meanwhile, the squire ran to fetch the
+arms and came back and laid them on the rug. Erec took a seat opposite,
+on the figure of a leopard which was portrayed on the rug. He prepares
+and gets ready to put on his arms: first, he had laced on a pair of
+greaves of polished steel; next, he dons a hauberk, which was so fine
+that not a mesh could be cut away from it. This hauberk of his was rich,
+indeed, for neither inside nor outside of it was there enough iron to
+make a needle, nor could it gather any rust; for it was all made of
+worked silver in tiny meshes triple-wove; and it was made with such
+skill that I can assure you that no one who had put it on would have
+been more uncomfortable or sore because of it, than if he had put on a
+silk jacket over his undershirt. The knights and squires all began to
+wonder why he was being armed; but no one dared to ask him why. When
+they had put on his hauberk, a valet laces about his head a helmet
+fluted with a band of gold, shining brighter than a mirror. Then he
+takes the sword and girds it on, and orders them to bring him saddled
+his bay steed of Gascony. Then he calls a valet to him, and says:
+"Valet, go quickly, run to the chamber beside the tower where my wife
+is, and tell her that she is keeping me waiting here too long. She has
+spent too much time on her attire. Tell her to come and mount at once,
+for I am awaiting her." And the fellow goes and finds her all ready,
+weeping and making moan: and he straightway addressed her thus: "Lady,
+why do you so delay? My lord is awaiting you outside yonder, already
+fully armed. He would have mounted some time ago, had you been ready."
+Enide wondered greatly what her lord's intention was; but she very
+wisely showed herself with as cheerful a countenance as possible, when
+she appeared before him. In the middle of the courtyard she found him,
+and King Lac comes running out. Knights come running, too, striving with
+each other to reach there first. There is neither young nor old but goes
+to learn and ask if he will take any of them with him. So each offers
+and presents himself. But he states definitely and affirms that he will
+take no companion except his wife, asserting that he will go alone.
+Then the King is in great distress. "Fair son," says he, "what dost thou
+intend to do? Thou shouldst tell me thy business and keep nothing back.
+Tell me whither thou will go; for thou art unwilling on any account
+to be accompanied by an escort of squires or knights. If thou hast
+undertaken to fight some knight in single combat, yet shouldst thou not
+for that reason fail to take a part of thy knights with thee to betoken
+thy wealth and lordship. A king's son ought not to fare alone. Fair son,
+have thy sumpters loaded now, and take thirty or forty or more of thy
+knights, and see that silver and gold is taken, and whatever a gentleman
+needs." Finally Erec makes reply and tells him all in detail how he has
+planned his journey. "Sire," says he, "it must be so. I shall take no
+extra horse, nor have I any use for gold or silver, squire or sergeant;
+nor do I ask for any company save that of my wife alone. But I pray you,
+whatever may happen, should I die and she come back, to love her and
+hold her dear for love of me and for my prayer, and give her so long as
+she live, without contention or any strife, the half of your land to be
+her own." Upon hearing his son's request, the King said: "Fair son, I
+promise it. But I grieve much to see thee thus go off without escort,
+and if I had my way, thou shouldst not thus depart." "Sire, it cannot
+be otherwise. I go now, and to God commend you. But keep in mind my
+companions, and give them horses and arms and all that knight may need."
+The King cannot keep back the tears when he is parted from his son. The
+people round about weep too; the ladies and knights shed tears and make
+great moan for him. There is not one who does not mourn, and many a one
+in the courtyard swoons. Weeping, they kiss and embrace him, and are
+almost beside themselves with grief. I think they would not have been
+more sad if they had seen him dead or wounded. Then Erec said to comfort
+them: "My lords, why do you weep so sore? I am neither in prison nor
+wounded. You gain nothing by this display of grief. If I go away, I
+shall come again when it please God and when I can. To God I commend you
+one and all; so now let me go; too long you keep me here. I am sorry and
+grieved to see you weep." To God he commends them and they him.
+
+(Vv. 2765-2924.) So they departed, leaving sorrow behind them. Erec
+starts, and leads his wife he knows not whither, as chance dictates.
+"Ride fast," he says, "and take good care not to be so rash as to speak
+to me of anything you may see. Take care never to speak to me, unless I
+address you first. Ride on now fast and with confidence." "Sire," says
+she, "it shall be done." She rode ahead and held her peace. Neither one
+nor the other spoke a word. But Enide's heart is very sad, and within
+herself she thus laments, soft and low that he may not hear: "Alas," she
+says, "God had raised and exalted me to such great joy; but now He
+has suddenly cast me down. Fortune who had beckoned me has quickly now
+withdrawn her hand. I should not mind that so much, alas, if only I
+dared to address my lord. But I am mortified and distressed because my
+lord has turned against me, I see it clearly, since he will not speak
+to me. And I am not so bold as to dare to look at him." While she thus
+laments, a knight who lived by robbery issued forth from the woods. He
+had two companions with him, and all three were armed. They covet the
+palfrey which Enide rides. "My lords, do you know the news I bring?"
+says he to his two companions. "If we do not now make a haul, we are
+good-for-nothing cowards and are playing in bad luck. Here comes a lady
+wondrous fair, whether married or not I do not know, but she is very
+richly dressed. The palfrey and saddle, with the breast-strap and reins,
+are worth a thousand livres of Chartres. I will take the palfrey for
+mine, and the rest of the booty you may have. I don't want any more for
+my share. The knight shall not lead away the lady, so help me God. For I
+intend to give him such a thrust as he will dearly pay. I it was who saw
+him first, and so it is my right to go the first and offer battle."
+They give him leave and he rides off, crouching well beneath his shield,
+while the other two remain aloof. In those days it was the custom and
+practice that in an attack two knights should not join against one;
+thus if they too had assailed him, it would seem that they had acted
+treacherously. Enide saw the robbers, and was seized with great fear.
+"God," says she, "what can I say? Now my lord will be either killed
+or made a prisoner; for there are three of them and he is alone. The
+contest is not fair between one knight and three. That fellow will
+strike him now at a disadvantage; for my lord is off his guard. God,
+shall I be then such a craven as not to dare to raise my voice? Such a
+coward I will not be: I will not fail to speak to him." On the spot
+she turns about and calls to him: "Fair sire, of what are you thinking?
+There come riding after you three knights who press you hard. I greatly
+fear they will do you harm." "What?" says Erec, "what's that you say?
+You have surely been very bold to disdain my command and prohibition.
+This time you shall be pardoned; but if it should happen another time,
+you would not be forgiven." Then turning his shield and lance, he rushes
+at the knight. The latter sees him coming and challenges him. When Erec
+hears him, he defies him. Both give spur and clash together, holding
+their lances at full extent. But he missed Erec, while Erec used him
+hard; for he knew well the right attack. He strikes him on the shield
+so fiercely that he cracks it from top to bottom. Nor is his hauberk any
+protection: Erec pierces and crushes it in the middle of his breast, and
+thrusts a foot and a half of his lance into his body. When he drew back,
+he pulled out the shaft. And the other fell to earth. He must needs die,
+for the blade had drunk of his life's blood. Then one of the other two
+rushes forward, leaving his companion behind, and spurs toward Erec,
+threatening him. Erec firmly grasps his shield, and attacks him with
+a stout heart. The other holds his shield before his breast. Then they
+strike upon the emblazoned shields. The knight's lance flies into two
+bits, while Erec drives a quarter of lance's length through the other's
+breast. He will give him no more trouble. Erec unhorses him and leaves
+him in a faint, while he spurs at an angle toward the third robber. When
+the latter saw him coming on he began to make his escape. He was afraid,
+and did not dare to face him; so he hastened to take refuge in the
+woods. But his flight is of small avail, for Erec follows him close
+and cries aloud: "Vassal, vassal, turn about now, and prepare to defend
+yourself, so that I may not slay you in act of flight. It is useless
+to try to escape." But the fellow has no desire to turn about, and
+continues to flee with might and main. Following and overtaking him,
+Erec hits him squarely on his painted shield, and throws him over on the
+other side. To these three robbers he gives no further heed: one he has
+killed, another wounded, and of the third he got rid by throwing him
+to earth from his steed. He took the horses of all three and tied them
+together by the bridles. In colour they were not alike: the first was
+white as milk, the second black and not at all bad looking, while the
+third was dappled all over. He came back to the road where Enide was
+awaiting him. He bade her lead and drive the three horses in front of
+her, warning her harshly never again to be so bold as to speak a single
+word unless he give her leave. She makes answer: "I will never do so,
+fair sire, if it be your will." Then they ride on, and she holds her
+peace.
+
+(Vv. 2925-3085.) They had not yet gone a league when before them in a
+valley there came five other knights, with lances in rest, shields held
+close in to the neck, and their shining helmets laced up tight; they,
+too, were on plunder bent. All at once they saw the lady approach in
+charge of the three horses, and Erec who followed after. As soon as they
+saw them, they divided their equipment among themselves, just as if they
+had already taken possession of it. Covetousness is a bad thing. But it
+did not turn out as they expected; for vigorous defence was made. Much
+that a fool plans is not executed, and many a man misses what he thinks
+to obtain. So it befell them in this attack. One said that he would
+take the maid or lose his life in the attempt; and another said that the
+dappled steed shall be his, and that he will be satisfied with that. The
+third said that he would take the black horse. "And the white one for
+me," said the fourth. The fifth was not at all backward, and vowed that
+he would have the horse and arms of the knight himself. He wished to win
+them by himself, and would fain attack him first, if they would give him
+leave: and they willingly gave consent. Then he leaves them and rides
+ahead on a good and nimble steed. Erec saw him, but made pretence that
+he did not yet notice him. When Enide saw them, her heart jumped with
+fear and great dismay. "Alas!" said she, "I know not what to say or do;
+for my lord severely threatens me, and says that he will punish me, if
+I speak a word to him. But if my lord were dead now, there would be no
+comfort for me. I should be killed and roughly treated. God! my lord
+does not see them! Why, then, do I hesitate, crazed as I am? I am indeed
+too chary of my words, when I have not already spoken to him. I know
+well enough that those who are coming yonder are intent upon some wicked
+deed. And God! how shall I speak to him? He will kill me. Well, let him
+kill me! Yet I will not fail to speak to him." Then she softly calls
+him: "Sire!" "What?" says he, "what do you want?" "Your pardon, sire. I
+want to tell you that five knights have emerged from yonder thicket, of
+whom I am in mortal fear. Having noticed them, I am of the opinion that
+they intend to fight with you. Four of them have stayed behind, and the
+other comes toward you as fast as his steed can carry him. I am afraid
+every moment lest he will strike you. 'Tis true, the four have stayed
+behind; but still they are not far away, and will quickly aid him,
+if need arise." Erec replies: "You had an evil thought, when you
+transgressed my command--a thing which I had forbidden you. And yet I
+knew all the time that you did not hold me in esteem. Your service has
+been ill employed; for it has not awakened my gratitude, but rather
+kindled the more my ire. I have told you that once, and I say it again.
+This once again I will pardon you; but another time restrain yourself,
+and do not again turn around to watch me: for in doing so you would
+be very foolish. I do not relish your words." Then he spurs across the
+field toward his adversary, and they come together. Each seeks out and
+assails the other. Erec strikes him with such force that his shield
+flies from his neck, and thus he breaks his collar-bone. His stirrups
+break, and he falls without the strength to rise again, for he was badly
+bruised and wounded. One of the others then appeared, and they attack
+each other fiercely. Without difficulty Erec thrusts the sharp and well
+forged steel into his neck beneath the chin, severing thus the bones
+and nerves. At the back of his neck the blade protrudes, and the hot red
+blood flows down on both sides from the wound. He yields his spirit, and
+his heart is still. The third sallies forth from his hiding-place on
+the other side of a ford. Straight through the water, on he comes. Erec
+spurs forward and meets him before he came out of the water, striking
+him so hard that he beats down flat both rider and horse. The steed lay
+upon the body long enough to drown him in the stream, and then struggled
+until with difficulty he got upon his feet. Thus he conquered three of
+them, when the other two thought it wise to quit the conflict and not to
+strive with him. In flight they follow the stream, and Erec after them
+in hot pursuit, until he strikes one upon the spine so hard that he
+throws him forward upon the saddle-bow. He put all his strength into the
+blow, and breaks his lance upon his body, so that the fellow fell head
+foremost. Erec makes him pay dearly for the lance which he has broken
+on him, and drew his sword from the scabbard. The fellow unwisely
+straightened up; for Erec gave him three such strokes that he slaked his
+sword's thirst in his blood. He severs the shoulder from his body, so
+that it fell down on the ground. Then, with sword drawn, he attacked the
+other, as he sought to escape without company or escort. When he sees
+Erec pursuing him, he is so afraid that he knows not what to do: he does
+not dare to face him, and cannot turn aside; he has to leave his horse,
+for he has no more trust in him. He throws away his shield and lance,
+and slips from his horse to earth. When he saw him on his feet, Erec
+no longer cared to pursue him, but he stooped over for the lance, not
+wishing to leave that, because of his own which had been broken. He
+carries off his lance and goes away, not leaving the horses behind: he
+catches all five of them and leads them off. Enide had hard work to
+lead them all; for he hands over all five of them to her with the other
+three, and commands her to go along smartly, and to keep from addressing
+him in order that no evil or harm may come to her. So not a word does
+she reply, but rather keeps silence; and thus they go, leading with them
+all the eight horses.
+
+(Vv. 3086-3208.) They rode till nightfall without coming to any town or
+shelter. When night came on, they took refuge beneath a tree in an open
+field. Erec bids his lady sleep, and he will watch. She replies that she
+will not, for it is not right, and she does not wish to do so. It is
+for him to sleep who is more weary. Well pleased at this, Erec accedes.
+Beneath his head he placed his shield, and the lady took her cloak, and
+stretched it over him from head to foot. Thus, he slept and she kept
+watch, never dozing the whole night, but holding tight in her hand by
+the bridle the horses until the morning broke; and much she blamed and
+reproached herself for the words which she had uttered, and said that
+she acted badly, and was not half so ill-treated as she deserved to be.
+"Alas," said she, "in what an evil hour have I witnessed my pride and
+presumption! I might have known without doubt that there was no knight
+better than, or so good as, my lord. I knew it well enough before, but
+now I know it better. For I have seen with my own eyes how he has not
+quailed before three or even five armed men. A plague for ever upon
+my tongue for having uttered such pride and insult as now compel me
+to suffer shame!" All night long she thus lamented until the morning
+dawned. Erec rises early, and again they take the road, she in front and
+he behind. At noon a squire met them in a little valley, accompanied
+by two fellows who were carrying cakes and wine and some rich autumn
+cheeses to those who were mowing the hay in the meadows belonging to
+Count Galoain. The squire was a clever fellow, and when he saw Erec and
+Enide, who were coming from the direction of the woods, he perceived
+that they must have spent the night in the forest and had had nothing to
+eat or drink; for within a radius of a day's journey there was no town,
+city or tower, no strong place or abbey, hospice or place of refuge. So
+he formed an honest purpose and turned his steps toward them, saluting
+them politely and saving: "Sire, I presume that you have had a hard
+experience last night. I am sure you have had no sleep and have spent
+the night in these woods. I offer you some of this white cake, if it
+please you to partake of it. I say it not in hope of reward: for I ask
+and demand nothing of you. The cakes are made of good wheat; I have good
+wine and rich cheeses, too, a white cloth and fine jugs. If you feel
+like taking lunch, you need not seek any farther. Beneath these white
+beeches, here on the greensward, you might lay off your arms and rest
+yourself a while. My advice is that you dismount." Erec got down from
+his horse and said: "Fair gentle friend, I thank you kindly: I will eat
+something, without going farther." The young man knew well what to do:
+he helped the lady from her horse, and the boys who had come with the
+squire held the steeds. Then they go and sit down in the shade. The
+squire relieves Erec of his helmet, unlaces the mouth-piece from before
+his face; then he spreads out the cloth before them on the thick tuff.
+He passes them the cake and wine, and prepares and cuts a cheese. Hungry
+as they were, they helped themselves, and gladly drank of the wine. The
+squire serves them and omits no attention. When they had eaten and drunk
+their fill, Erec was courteous and generous. "Friend," says he, "as a
+reward, I wish to present you with one of my horses. Take the one you
+like the best. And I pray it may be no hardship for you to return to the
+town and make ready there a goodly lodging." And he replies that he
+will gladly do whatever is his will. Then he goes up to the horses and,
+untying them, chooses the dapple, and speaks his thanks; for this one
+seems to be the best. Up he springs by the left stirrup, and leaving
+them both there, he rode off to the town at top speed, where he engaged
+suitable quarters. Now behold! he is back again: "Now mount, sire,
+quickly," says he, "for you have a good fine lodging ready." Erec
+mounted, and then his lady, and, as the town was hard by, they soon had
+reached their lodging-place. There they were received with joy. The host
+with kindness welcomed them, and with joy and gladness made generous
+provision for their needs.
+
+(Vv. 3209-3458.) When the squire had done for them all the honour that
+he could do, he came and mounted his horse again, leading it off in
+front of the Count's bower to the stable. The Count and three of his
+vassals were leaning out of the bower, when the Count, seeing his squire
+mounted on the dappled steed, asked him whose it was. And he replied
+that it was his. The Count, greatly astonished, says: "How is that?
+Where didst thou get him?" "A knight whom I esteem highly gave him to
+me, sire," says he. "I have conducted him within this town, and he
+is lodged at a burgher's house. He is a very courteous knight and the
+handsomest man I ever saw. Even if I had given you my word and oath,
+I could not half tell you how handsome he is." The Count replies: "I
+suppose and presume that he is not more handsome than I am." "Upon my
+word, sire," the sergeant says, "you are very handsome and a gentleman.
+There is not a knight in this country, a native of this land, whom you
+do not excel in favour. But I dare maintain concerning this one that
+he is fairer than you, if he were not beaten black and blue beneath his
+hauberk, and bruised. In the forest he has been fighting single-handed
+with eight knights, and leads away their eight horses. And there comes
+with him a lady so fair that never lady was half so fair as she." [128]
+When the Count hears this news, the desire takes him to go and see if
+this is true or false. "I never heard such a thing," says he; "take me
+now to his lodging-place, for certainly I wish to know if thou dost lie
+or speak the truth." He replies: "Right gladly, sire. This is the way
+and the path to follow, for it is not far from here." "I am anxious to
+see them," says the Count. Then he comes down, and the squire gets off
+his horse, and makes the Count mount in his place. Then he ran ahead
+to tell Erec that the Count was coming to visit him. Erec's lodging was
+rich indeed--the kind to which he was accustomed. There were many tapers
+and candles lighted all about. The Count came attended by only three
+companions. Erec, who was of gracious manners, rose to meet him, and
+exclaimed: "Welcome, sire!" And the Count returned his salutation. They
+both sat down side by side upon a soft white couch, where they chat with
+each other. The Count makes him an offer and urges him to consent to
+accept from him a guarantee for the payment of his expenses in the
+town. But Erec does not deign to accept, saying he is well supplied with
+money, and has no need to accept aught from him. They speak long of many
+things, but the Count constantly glances about in the other direction,
+where he caught sight of the lady. Because of her manifest beauty, he
+fixed all his thought on her. He looked at her as much as he could;
+he coveted her, and she pleased him so that her beauty filled him with
+love. Very craftily he asked Erec for permission to speak with her.
+"Sire," he says "I ask a favour of you, and may it not displease you. As
+an act of courtesy and as a pleasure, I would fain sit by yonder lady's
+side. With good intent I came to see you both, and you should see no
+harm in that. I wish to present to the lady my service in all respects.
+Know well that for love of you I would do whatever may please her." Erec
+was not in the least jealous and suspected no evil or treachery. "Sire,"
+says he, "I have no objection. You may sit down and talk with her. Don't
+think that I have any objection. I give you permission willingly." The
+lady was seated about two spear-lengths away from him. And the Count
+took his seat close beside her on a low stool. Prudent and courteous,
+the lady turned toward him. "Alas," quoth he, "how grieved I am to see
+you in such humble state! I am sorry and feel great distress. But if you
+would believe my word, you could have honour and great advantage, and
+much wealth would accrue to you. Such beauty as yours is entitled to
+great honour and distinction. I would make you my mistress, if it should
+please you and be your will; you would be my mistress dear and lady over
+all my land. When I deign to woo you thus, you ought not to disdain my
+suit. I know and perceive that your lord does not love and esteem you.
+If you will remain with me, you would be mated with a worthy lord."
+"Sire," says Enide, "your proposal is vain. It cannot be. Ah! better
+that I were yet unborn, or burnt upon a fire of thorns and my ashes
+scattered abroad than that I should ever in any wise be false to my
+lord, or conceive any felony or treachery toward him. You have made a
+great mistake in making such a proposal to me. I shall not agree to it
+in any wise." The Count's ire began to rise. "You disdain to love me,
+lady?" says he; "upon my word, you are too proud. Neither for flattery
+nor for prayer you will do my will? It is surely true that a woman's
+pride mounts the more one prays and flatters her; but whoever insults
+and dishonours her will often find her more tractable. I give you my
+word that if you do not do my will there soon will be some sword-play
+here. Rightly or wrongly, I will have your lord slain right here before
+your eyes." "Ah, sire," says Enide, "there is a better way than that you
+say. You would commit a wicked and treacherous deed if you killed him
+thus. Calm yourself again, I pray; for I will do your pleasure. You
+may regard me as all your own, for I am yours and wish to be. I did not
+speak as I did from pride, but to learn and prove if I could find in you
+the true love of a sincere heart. But I would not at any price have you
+commit an act of treason. My lord is not on his guard; and if you should
+kill him thus, you would do a very ugly deed, and I should have the
+blame for it. Every one in the land would say that it had been done with
+my consent. Go and rest until the morrow, when my lord shall be about
+to rise. Then you can better do him harm without blame and without
+reproach." With her heart's thoughts her words do not agree. "Sire,"
+says she, "believe me now! Have no anxiety; but send here to-morrow your
+knights and squires and have me carried away by force. My lord will rush
+to my defence, for he is proud and bold enough. Either in earnest or in
+jest, have him seized and treated ill, or strike his head off, if you
+will. I have led this life now long enough; to tell the truth. I like
+not the company of this my lord. Rather would I feel your body lying
+beside me in a bed. And since we have reached this point, of my love you
+may rest assured." The Count replies: "It is well, my lady! God bless
+the hour that you were born; in great estate you shall be held." "Sire,"
+says she, "indeed, I believe it. And yet I would fain have your word
+that you will always hold me dear; I could not believe you otherwise."
+Glad and merry, the Count replies: "See here, my faith I will pledge to
+you loyally as a Count, Madame, that I shall do all your behests. Have
+no further fear of that. All you want you shall always have." Then she
+took his plighted word; but little she valued or cared for it, except
+therewith to save her lord. Well she knows how to deceive a fool, when
+she puts her mind upon it. Better it were to lie to him than that her
+lord should be cut off. The Count now rose from her side, and commends
+her to God a hundred times. But of little use to him will be the faith
+which she has pledged to him. Erec knew nothing at all of this that they
+were plotting to work his death; but God will be able to lend him aid,
+and I think He will do so. Now Erec is in great peril, and does not know
+that he must be on his guard. The Count's intentions are very base in
+planning to steal away his wife and kill him when he is without defence.
+In treacherous guise he takes his leave: "To God I commend you," says
+he, and Erec replies: "And so do I you, sire." Thus they separated.
+Already a good part of the night was passed. Out of the way, in one of
+the rooms, two beds were made upon the floor. In one of them Erec lays
+him down, in the other Enide went to rest. Full of grief and anxiety,
+she never closed her eyes that night, but remained on watch for her
+lord's sake; for from what she had seen of the Count, she knew him to be
+full of wickedness. She knows full well that if he once gets possession
+of her lord, he will not fail to do him harm. He may be sure of being
+killed: so for his sake she is in distress. All night she must needs
+keep her vigil; but before the dawn, if she can bring it about, and if
+her lord will take her word, they will be ready to depart.
+
+(Vv. 3459-3662.) Erec slept all night long securely until daylight. Then
+Enide realised and suspected that she might hesitate too long. Her heart
+was tender toward her lord, like a good and loyal lady. Her heart was
+neither deceitful nor false. So she rises and makes ready, and drew near
+to her lord to wake him up. "Ah, sire," says she, "I crave your
+pardon. Rise quickly now, for you are betrayed beyond all doubt, though
+guiltless and free from any crime. The Count is a proven traitor, and
+if he can but catch you here, you will never get away without his having
+cut you in pieces. He hates you because he desires me. But if it please
+God, who knows all things, you shall be neither slain nor caught. Last
+evening he would have killed you had I not assured him that I would be
+his mistress and his wife. You will see him return here soon: he wants
+to seize me and keep me here and kill you if he can find you." Now Erec
+learns how loyal his wife is to him. "Lady," says he, "have our horses
+quickly saddled; then run and call our host, and tell him quickly to
+come here. Treason has been long abroad." Now the horses are saddled,
+and the lady summoned the host. Erec has armed and dressed himself, and
+into his presence came the host. "Sire," said he, "what haste is this,
+that you are risen at such an hour, before the day and the sun appear?"
+Erec replies that he has a long road and a full day before him, and
+therefore he has made ready to set out, having it much upon his mind;
+and he added: "Sire, you have nor yet handed me any statement of my
+expenses. You have received me with honour and kindness, and therein
+great merit redounds to you. Cancel my indebtedness with these seven
+horses that I brought here with me. Do not disdain them, but keep them
+for your own. I cannot increase my gift to you by so much as the value
+of a halter." The burgher was delighted with this gift and bowed low,
+expressing his thanks and gratitude. Then Erec mounts and takes his
+leave, and they set out upon their way. As they ride, he frequently
+warns Enide that if she sees anything she should not be so bold as to
+speak to him about it. Meanwhile, there entered the house a hundred
+knights well armed, and very much dismayed they were to find Erec no
+longer there. Then the Count learned that the lady had deceived him. He
+discovered the footsteps of the horses, and they all followed the trail,
+the Count threatening Erec and vowing that, if he can come up with him,
+nothing can keep him from having his head on the spot. "A curse on
+him who now hangs back, and does not spur on fast!" quoth he; "he who
+presents me with the head of the knight whom I hate so bitterly, will
+have served me to my taste." Then they plunge on at topmost speed,
+filled with hostility toward him who had never laid eyes on them and had
+never harmed them by deed or word. They ride ahead until they made him
+out; at the edge of a forest they catch sight of him before he was hid
+by the forest trees. Not one of them halted then, but all rushed on in
+rivalry. Enide hears the clang and noise of their arms and horses, and
+sees that the valley is full of them. As soon as she saw them, she could
+not restrain her tongue. "Ah, sire," she cries, "alas, how this Count
+has attacked you, when he leads against you such a host! Sire, ride
+faster now, until we be within this wood. I think we can easily distance
+them, for they are still a long way behind. If you go on at this pace,
+you can never escape from death, for you are no match for them." Erec
+replies: "Little esteem you have for me, and lightly you hold my words.
+It seems I cannot correct you by fair request. But as the Lord have
+mercy upon me until I escape from here, I swear that you shall pay
+dearly for this speech of yours; that is, unless my mind should change."
+Then he straightway turns about, and sees the seneschal drawing near
+upon a horse both strong and fleet. Before them all he takes his stand
+at the distance of four cross-bow shots. He had not disposed of his
+arms, but was thoroughly well equipped. Erec reckons up his opponents'
+strength, and sees there are fully a hundred of them. Then he who thus
+is pressing him thinks he had better call a hair. Then they ride to meet
+each other, and strike upon each other's shield great blows with their
+sharp and trenchant swords. Erec caused his stout steel sword to pierce
+his body through and through, so that his shield and hauberk protected
+him no more than a shred of dark-blue silk. And next the Count comes
+spurring on, who, as the story tells, was a strong and doughty knight.
+But the Count in this was ill advised when he came with only shield and
+lance. He placed such trust in his own prowess that he thought that he
+needed no other arms. He showed his exceeding boldness by rushing on
+ahead of all his men more than the space of nine acres. When Erec saw
+him stand alone, he turned toward him; the Count is not afraid of him,
+and they come together with clash of arms. First the Count strikes him
+with such violence upon the breast that he would have lost his stirrups
+if he had not been well set. He makes the wood of his shield to split
+so that the iron of his lance protrudes on the other side. But Erec's
+hauberk was very solid and protected him from death without the tear
+of a single mesh. The Count was strong and breaks his lance; then Erec
+strikes him with such force on his yellow painted shield that he
+ran more than a yard of his lance through his abdomen, knocking him
+senseless from his steed. Then he turned and rode away without further
+tarrying on the spot. Straight into the forest he spurs at full speed.
+Now Erec is in the woods, and the others paused a while over those who
+lay in the middle of the field. Loudly they swear and vow that they will
+rather follow after him for two or three days than fail to capture and
+slaughter him. The Count, though grievously wounded in the abdomen,
+hears what they say. He draws himself up a little and opens his eyes a
+tiny bit. Now he realises what an evil deed he had begun to execute. He
+makes the knights step back, and says: "My lords, I bid you all, both
+strong and weak, high and low, that none of you be so bold as to dare
+to advance a single step. All of you return now quickly! I have done
+a villainous deed, and I repent me of my foul design. The lady who
+outwitted me is very honourable, prudent, and courteous. Her beauty
+fired me with love for her; because I desired her, I wished to kill her
+lord and keep her back with me by force. I well deserved this woe, and
+now it has come upon me. How abominably disloyal and treacherous I was
+in my madness! Never was there a better knight born of mother than he.
+Never shall he receive harm through me if I can in any way prevent it.
+I command you all to retrace your steps." Back they go disconsolate,
+carrying the lifeless seneschal on the shield reversed. The Count,
+whose wound was not mortal, lived on for some time after. Thus was Erec
+delivered.
+
+(Vv. 3663-3930.) Erec goes off at full speed down a road between two
+hedgerows--he and his wife with him. Both putting spurs to their
+horses, they rode until they came to a meadow which had been mown. After
+emerging from the hedged enclosure they came upon a drawbridge before a
+high tower, which was all closed about with a wall and a broad and deep
+moat. They quickly pass over the bridge, but had not gone far before the
+lord of the place espied them from up in his tower. About this man I
+can tell you the truth: that he was very small of stature, but very
+courageous of heart. When he sees Erec cross the bridge, he comes down
+quickly from his tower, and on a great sorrel steed of his he causes
+a saddle to be placed, which showed portrayed a golden lion. Then he
+orders to be brought his shield, his stiff, straight lance, a sharp
+polished sword, his bright shining helmet, his gleaming hauberk, and
+triple-woven greaves; for he has seen an armed knight pass before his
+list against whom he wishes to strive in arms, or else this stranger
+will strive against him until he shall confess defeat. His command
+was quickly done: behold the horse now led forth; a squire brought him
+around already bridled and with saddle on. Another fellow brings the
+arms. The knight passed out through the gate, as quickly as possible,
+all alone, without companion. Erec is riding along a hill-side, when
+behold the knight comes tearing down over the top of the hill, mounted
+upon a powerful steed which tore along at such a pace that he crushed
+the stones beneath his hoofs finer than a millstone grinds the corn; and
+bright gleaming sparks flew off in all directions, so that it seemed as
+if his four feet were all ablaze with fire. Enide heard the noise and
+commotion, and almost fell from her palfrey, helpless and in a faint.
+There was no vein in her body in which the blood did not turn, and her
+face became all pale and white as if she were a corpse. Great is her
+despair and dismay, for she does not dare to address her lord, who often
+threatens and chides at her and charges her to hold her peace. She is
+distracted between two courses to pursue, whether to speak or to hold
+her peace. She takes counsel with herself, and often she prepares to
+speak, so that her tongue already moves, but the voice cannot issue
+forth; for her teeth are clenched with fear, and thus shut up her speech
+within. Thus she admonishes and reproaches herself, but she closes her
+mouth and grits her teeth so that her speech cannot issue forth. At
+strife with herself, she said: "I am sure and certain that I shall incur
+a grievous loss, if here I lose my lord. Shall I tell him all, then,
+openly? Not I. Why not? I would not dare, for thus I should enrage my
+lord. And if my lord's ire is once aroused, he will leave me in this
+wild place alone, wretched and forlorn. Then I shall be worse off than
+now. Worse off? What care I? May grief and sorrow always be mine as long
+as I live, if my lord does not promptly escape from here without being
+delivered to a violent death. But if I do not quickly inform him, this
+knight who is spurring hither will have killed him before he is aware;
+for he seems of very evil intent. I think I have waited too long from
+fear of his vigorous prohibition. But I will no longer hesitate because
+of his restraint. I see plainly that my lord is so deep in thought that
+he forgets himself; so it is fight that I should address him." She
+spoke to him. He threatens her, but has no desire to do her harm, for he
+realises and knows full well that she loves him above all else, and
+he loves her, too, to the utmost. He rides toward the knight, who
+challenges him to battle, and they meet at the foot of the hill, where
+they attack and defy each other. Both smite each other with their
+iron-tipped lances with all their strength. The shields that hang about
+their necks are not worth two coats of bark: the leather tears, and they
+split the wood, and they shatter the meshes of the hauberks. Both are
+pierced to the vitals by the lances, and the horses fall to earth. Now,
+both the warriors were doughty. Grievously, but not mortally, wounded,
+they quickly got upon their feet and grasped afresh their lances, which
+were not broken nor the worse for wear. But they cast them away on the
+ground, and drawing their swords from the scabbard, they attack each
+other with great fury. Each wounds and injures the other, for there
+is no mercy on either side. They deal such blows upon the helmets
+that gleaming sparks fly out when their swords recoil. They split and
+splinter the shields; they batter and crush the hauberks. In four places
+the swords are brought down to the bare flesh, so that they are greatly
+weakened and exhausted. And if both their swords had lasted long without
+breaking, they would never have retreated, nor would the battle have
+come to an end before one of them perforce had died. Enide, who was
+watching them, was almost beside herself with grief. Whoever could
+have seen her then, as she showed her great woe by wringing her hands,
+tearing her hair and shedding tears, could have seen a loyal lady. And
+any man would have been a vulgar wretch who saw and did not pity her.
+And the knights still fight, knocking the jewels from the helmets and
+dealing at each other fearful blows. From the third to the ninth hour
+the battle continued so fierce that no one could in any wise make out
+which was to have the better of it. Erec exerts himself and strives; he
+brought his sword down upon his enemy's helmet, cleaving it to the inner
+lining of mail and making him stagger; but he stood firmly and did not
+fall. Then he attacked Erec in turn, and dealt him such a blow upon the
+covering of his shield that his strong and precious sword broke when he
+tried to pull it out. When he saw that his sword was broken, in a spite
+he threw as far away as he could the part that remained in his hand. Now
+he was afraid and must needs draw back; for any knight that lacks his
+sword cannot do much execution in battle or assault. Erec pursues
+him until he begs him, for God's sake, not to kill him. "Mercy, noble
+knight," he cries, "be not so cruel and harsh toward me. Now that I am
+left without my sword, you have the strength and the power to take my
+life or make me your prisoner, for I have no means of defence." Erec
+replies: "When thou thus dost petition me I fain would hear thee admit
+outright whether thou art defeated and overcome. Thou shalt not again be
+touched by me if thou dost surrender at my discretion." The knight was
+slow to make reply. So, when Erec saw him hesitate, in order to further
+dismay him, he again attacked him, rushing at him with drawn sword;
+whereupon, thoroughly terrified, he cried: "Mercy, sire! Regard me as
+your captive, since it cannot be otherwise." Erec answers: "More than
+that is necessary. You shall not get off so easily as that. Tell me your
+station and your name, and I in turn will tell you mine." "Sire," says
+he, "you are right. I am king of this country. My liegemen are Irishmen,
+and there is none who does not have to pay me rent. [129] My name
+is Guivret the Little. I am very rich and powerful; for there is no
+landholder whose lands touch mine in any direction who ever transgresses
+my command and who does not do my pleasure. I have no neighbour who does
+not fear me, however proud and bold he may be. But I greatly desire to
+be your confidant and friend from this time on." Erec replies: "I, too,
+can boast that I am a noble man. My name is Erec, son of King Lac. My
+father is king of Farther Wales, and has many a rich city, fine hall,
+and strong town; no king or emperor has more than he, save only King
+Arthur. Him, of course, I except; for with him none can compare."
+Guivret is greatly astonished at this, and says: "Sire, a great marvel
+is this I hear. I was never so glad of anything as of your acquaintance.
+You may put full trust in me! And should it please you to abide in my
+country within my estates, I shall have you treated with great honour.
+So long as you care to remain here, you shall be recognised as my lord.
+We both have need of a physician, and I have a castle of mine near here,
+not eight leagues away, nor even seven. I wish to take you thither with
+me, and there we shall have our wounds tended." Erec replies: "I thank
+you for what I have heard you say. However, I will not go, thank you.
+But only so much I request of you, that if I should be in need, and
+you should hear that I had need of aid, you would not then forget me."
+"Sire" says he, "I promise you that never, so long as I am alive, shall
+you have need of my help but that I shall go at once to aid you with all
+the assistance I can command." "I have nothing more to ask of you," says
+Erec; "you have promised me much. You are now my lord and friend, if
+your deed is as good as your word." Then each kisses and embraces the
+other. Never was there such an affectionate parting after such a fierce
+battle; for from very affection and generosity each one cut off long,
+wide strips from the bottom of his shirt and bound up the other's
+wounds. When they had thus bandaged each other, they commended each
+other to God.
+
+(Vv. 3931-4280.) So thus they parted. Guivret takes his way back alone,
+while Erec resumed his road, in dire need of plaster wherewith to heal
+his wounds. He did not cease to travel until he came to a plain beside a
+lofty forest all full of stags, hinds, deer, does, and other beasts,
+and all sorts of game. Now King Arthur and the Queen and the best of his
+barons had come there that very day. The King wished to spend three or
+four days in the forest for pleasure and sport, and had commanded tents,
+pavilions, and canopies to be brought. My lord Gawain had stepped into
+the King's tent, all tired out by a long ride. In front of the tent a
+white beech stood, and there he had left a shield of his, together with
+his ashen lance. He left his steed, all saddled and bridled, fastened to
+a branch by the rein. There the horse stood until Kay the seneschal came
+by. [130] He came up quickly and, as if to beguile the time, took the
+steed and mounted, without the interference of any one. He took the
+lance and the shield, too, which were close by under the tree. Galloping
+along on the steed, Kay rode along a valley until it came about by
+chance that Erec met him. Now Erec recognised the seneschal, and he knew
+the arms and the horse, but Kay did not recognise him, for he could not
+be distinguished by his arms. So many blows of sword and lance had he
+received upon his shield that all the painted design had disappeared
+from it. And the lady, who did not wish to be seen or recognised by him,
+shrewdly held her veil before her face, as if she were doing it because
+of the sun's glare and the dust. Kay approached rapidly and straightway
+seized Erec's rein, without so much as saluting him. Before he let him
+move, he presumptuously asked him: "Knight," says he, "I wish to know
+who you are and whence you come." "You must be mad to stop me thus,"
+says Erec; "you shall not know that just now." And the other replies:
+"Be not angry; I only ask it for your good. I can see and make out
+clearly that you are wounded and hurt. If you will come along with me
+you shall have a good lodging this night; I shall see that you are well
+cared for, honoured and made comfortable: for you are in need of
+rest. King Arthur and the Queen are close by here in a wood, lodged in
+pavilions and tents. In all good faith, I advise you to come with me to
+see the Queen and King, who will take much pleasure in you and will
+show you great honour." Erec replies: "You say well; yet will I not
+go thither for anything. You know not what my business is: I must yet
+farther pursue my way. Now let me go; too long I stay. There is still
+some daylight left." Kay makes answer: "You speak madness when you
+decline to come. I trow you will repent of it. And however much it
+may be against your will, you shall both go, as the priest goes to the
+council, willy-nilly. To-night you will be badly served, if, unmindful
+of my advice, you go there as strangers. Come now quickly, for I will
+take you." At this word Erec's ire was roused. "Vassal," says he, "you
+are mad to drag me thus after you by force. You have taken me quite off
+my guard. I tell you you have committed an offence. For I thought to be
+quite safe, and was not on my guard against you." Then he lays his hand
+upon his sword and cries: "Hands off my bridle, vassal! Step aside. I
+consider you proud and impudent. I shall strike you, be sure of that, if
+you drag me longer after you. Leave me alone now." Then he lets him go,
+and draws off across the field more than an acre's width; then turns
+about and, as a man with evil intent, issues his challenge. Each
+rushed at the other. But, because Kay was without armour, Erec acted
+courteously and turned the point of his lance about and presented the
+butt-end instead. Even so, he gave him such a blow high up on the broad
+expanse of his shield that he caused it to wound him on the temple,
+pinning his arm to his breast: all prone he throws him to the earth.
+Then he went to catch the horse and hands him over by the bridle to
+Enide. He was about to lead it away, when the wounded man with his
+wonted flattery begs him to restore it courteously to him. With fair
+words he flatters and wheedles him. "Vassal," says he, "so help me God,
+that horse is not mine. Rather does it belong to that knight in whom
+dwells the greatest prowess in the world, my lord Gawain the Bold. I
+tell you so much on his behalf, in order that you may send it back to
+him and thus win honour. So shall you be courteous and wise, and I shall
+be your messenger." Erec makes answer: "Take the horse, vassal, and lead
+it away. Since it belongs to my lord Gawain it is not meet that I should
+appropriate it." Kay takes the horse, remounts, and coming to the royal
+tent, tells the King the whole truth, keeping nothing back. And the King
+summoned Gawain, saying: "Fair nephew Gawain, if ever you were true and
+courteous, go quickly after him and ask him in winsome wise who he is
+and what his business. And if you can influence him and bring him along
+with you to us, take care not to fail to do so." Then Gawain mounts his
+steed, two squires following after him. They soon made Erec out, but did
+not recognise him. Gawain salutes him, and he Gawain: their greetings
+were mutual. Then said my lord Gawain with his wonted openness: "Sire,"
+says he, "King Arthur sends me along this way to encounter you. The
+Queen and King send you their greeting, and beg you urgently to come and
+spend some time with them (it may benefit you and cannot harm), as they
+are close by." Erec replies: "I am greatly obliged to the King and Queen
+and to you who are, it seems, both kind of heart and of gentle mien. I
+am not in a vigorous state; rather do I bear wounds within my body: yet
+will I not turn aside from my way to seek a lodging-place. So you need
+not longer wait: I thank you, but you may be gone." Now Gawain was a man
+of sense. He draws back and whispers in the ear of one of the squires,
+bidding him go quickly and tell the King to take measures at once to
+take down and lower his tents and come and set them up in the middle of
+the road three or four leagues in advance of where they now are.
+There the King must lodge to-night, if he wishes to meet and extend
+hospitality to the best knight in truth whom he can ever hope to see;
+but who will not go out of his way for a lodging at the bidding of any
+one. The fellow went and gave his message. The King without delay causes
+his tents to be taken down. Now they are lowered, the sumpters loaded,
+and off they set. The King mounted Aubagu, and the Queen afterwards
+mounted a white Norse palfrey. All this while, my lord Gawain did not
+cease to detain Erec, until the latter said to him: "Yesterday I covered
+more ground than I shall do to-day. Sire, you annoy me; let me go.
+You have already disturbed a good part of my day." And my lord Gawain
+answers him: "I should like to accompany you a little way, if you do not
+object; for it is yet a long while until night. They spent so much time
+in talking that all the tents were set up before them, and Erec sees
+them, and perceives that his lodging is arranged for him. "Ah! Gawain,"
+he says, "your shrewdness has outwitted me. By your great cunning you
+have kept me here. Since it has turned out thus, I shall tell you my
+name at once. Further concealment would be useless. I am Erec, who was
+formerly your companion and friend." Gawain hears him and straightway
+embraces him. He raised up his helmet and unlaced his mouthpiece.
+Joyfully he clasps him in his embrace, while Erec embraces him in
+turn. Then Gawain leaves him, saying, "Sire, this news will give great
+pleasure to my lord; he and my lady will both be glad, and I must go
+before to tell them of it. But first I must embrace and welcome and
+speak comfortably to my lady Enide, your wife. My lady the Queen has a
+great desire to see her. I heard her speak of her only yesterday." Then
+he steps up to Enide and asks her how she is, if she is well and in good
+case. She makes answer courteously: "Sire, I should have no cause for
+grief, were I not in great distress for my lord; but as it is, I am in
+dismay, for he has hardly a limb without a wound." Gawain replies: "This
+grieves me much. It is perfectly evident from his face, which is all
+pale and colourless. I could have wept myself when I saw him so pale
+and wan, but my joy effaced my grief, for at sight of him I felt so glad
+that I forgot all other pain. Now start and ride along slowly. I shall
+ride ahead at top-speed to tell the Queen and the King that you are
+following after me. I am sure that they will both be delighted when they
+hear it." Then he goes, and comes to the King's tent. "Sire," he cries,
+"now you and my lady must be glad, for here come Erec and his wife." The
+King leaps to his feet with joy. "Upon my word!" he says, "right glad
+I am. I could hear no news which could give me so much happiness." The
+Queen and all the rest rejoice, and come out from the tents as fast as
+they may. Even the King comes forth from his pavilion, and they met Erec
+near at band. When Erec sees the King coming, he quickly dismounts,
+and Enide too. The King embraces and meets them, and the Queen likewise
+tenderly kisses and embraces them: there is no one that does not show
+his joy. Right there, upon the spot, they took off Erec's armour; and
+when they saw his wounds, their joy turned to sadness. The King draws a
+deep sigh at the sight of them, and has a plaster brought which Morgan,
+his sister, had made. This piaster, which Morgan had given to Arthur,
+was of such sovereign virtue that no wound, whether on nerve or joint,
+provided it were treated with the piaster once a day, could fail to be
+completely cured and healed within a week. They brought to the King the
+piaster which gave Erec great relief. When they had bathed, dried, and
+bound up his wounds, the King leads him and Enide into his own royal
+tent, saying that he intends, out of love for Erec, to tarry in the
+forest a full fortnight, until he be completely restored to health.
+For this Erec thanks the King, saying: "Fair sire, my wounds are not so
+painful that I should desire to abandon my journey. No one could detain
+me; to-morrow, without delay, I shall wish to get off in the morning, as
+soon as I see the dawn." At this the King shook his head and said: "This
+is a great mistake for you not to remain with us. I know that you are
+far from well. Stay here, and you will do the right thing. It will be
+a great pity and cause for grief if you die in this forest. Fair gentle
+friend, stay here now until you are quite yourself again." Erec replies:
+"Enough of this. I have undertaken this journey, and shall not tarry in
+any wise." The King hears that he would by no means stay for prayer of
+his; so he says no more about it, and commands the supper to be prepared
+at once and the tables to be spread. The servants go to make their
+preparations. It was a Saturday night; so they ate fish and fruit, pike
+and perch, salmon and trout, and then pears both raw and cooked. [131]
+Soon after supper they ordered the beds to be made ready. The King, who
+held Erec dear, had him laid in a bed alone; for he did not wish that
+any one should lie with him who might touch his wounds. That night he
+was well lodged. In another bed close by lay Enide with the Queen under
+a cover of ermine, and they all slept in great repose until the day
+broke next morning.
+
+(Vv. 4281-4307.) Next day, as soon as it is dawn. Erec arises, dresses,
+commands his horses to be saddled, and orders his arms to be brought to
+him. The valets run and bring them to him. Again the King and all the
+knights urge him to remain; but entreaty is of no avail, for he will not
+stay for anything. Then you might have seen them all weep and show such
+grief as if they already saw him dead. He puts on his arms, and Enide
+arises. All the knights are sore distressed, for they think they will
+never see them more. They follow them out from the tents, and send for
+their own horses, that they may escort and accompany them. Erec said to
+them: "Be not angry! but you shall not accompany me a single step. I'll
+thank you if you'll stay behind!" His horse was brought to him, and he
+mounts without delay. Taking his shield and lance, he commends them all
+to God, and they in turn wish Erec well. Then Enide mounts, and they
+ride away.
+
+(Vv. 4308-4380.) Entering a forest, they rode on without halting till
+hour of prime. While they thus traversed the wood, they heard in the
+distance the cry of a damsel in great distress. When Erec heard the cry,
+he felt sure from the sound that it was the voice of one in trouble and
+in need of help. Straightway calling Enide, he says: "Lady, there is
+some maiden who goes through the wood calling aloud. I take it that she
+is in need of aid and succour. I am going to hasten in that direction
+and see what her trouble is. Do you dismount and await me here, while
+I go yonder." "Gladly, sire," she says. Leaving her alone, he makes his
+way until he found the damsel, who was going through the wood, lamenting
+her lover whom two giants had taken and were leading away with very
+cruel treatment. The maiden was rending her garments, and tearing her
+hair and her tender crimson face. Erec sees her and, wondering greatly,
+begs her to tell him why she cries and weeps so sore. The maiden cries
+and sighs again, then sobbing, says: "Fair sire, it is no wonder if I
+grieve, for I wish I were dead. I neither love nor prize my life, for my
+lover has been led away prisoner by two wicked and cruel giants who are
+his mortal enemies. God! what shall I do? Woe is me! deprived of the
+best knight alive, the most noble and the most courteous. And now he
+is in great peril of death. This very day, and without cause, they will
+bring him to some vile death. Noble knight, for God's sake, I beg you to
+succour my lover, if now you can lend him any aid. You will not have to
+run far, for they must still be close by." "Damsel," says Erec, "I will
+follow them, since you request it, and rest assured that I shall do all
+within my power: either I shall be taken prisoner along with him, or
+I shall restore him to you safe and sound. If the giants let him live
+until I can find him, I intend to measure my strength with theirs."
+"Noble knight," the maiden said, "I shall always be your servant if you
+restore to me my lover. Now go in God's name, and make haste, I beseech
+you." "Which way lies their path?" "This way, my lord. Here is the path
+with the footprints." Then Erec started at a gallop, and told her to
+await him there. The maid commends him to the Lord, and prays God very
+fervently that He should give him force by His command to discomfit
+those who intend evil toward her lover.
+
+(Vv. 4381-4579.) Erec went off along the trail, spurring his horse in
+pursuit of the giants. He followed in pursuit of them until he caught
+sight of them before they emerged from the wood; he saw the knight with
+bare limbs mounted naked on a nag, his hands and feet bound as if he
+were arrested for highway robbery. The giants had no lances, shields or
+whetted swords; but they both had clubs and scourges, with which they
+were beating him so cruelly that already they had cut the skin on his
+back to the bone. Down his sides and flanks the blood ran, so that the
+nag was all covered with blood down to the belly. [132] Erec came along
+alone after them. He was very sad and distressed about the knight whom
+he saw them treat so spitefully. Between two woods in an open field he
+came up with them, and asks: "My lords," says he, "for what crime do you
+treat this man so ill and lead him along like a common thief? You are
+treating him too cruelly. You are driving him just as if he had been
+caught stealing. It is a monstrous insult to strip a knight naked, and
+then bind him and beat him so shamefully. Hand him over to me, I beg of
+you with all good-will and courtesy. I have no wish to demand him of you
+forcibly." "Vassal," they say, "what business is this of yours? You must
+be mad to make any demand of us. If you do not like it, try and improve
+matters." Erec replies: "Indeed, I like it not, and you shall not lead
+him away so easily. Since you have left the matter in my hands, I say
+whoever can get possession of him let him keep him. Take your positions.
+I challenge you. You shall not take him any farther before some blows
+have been dealt." "Vassal," they reply, "you are mad, indeed, to wish
+to measure your strength with us. If you were four instead of one,
+you would have no more strength against us than one lamb against two
+wolves." "I do not know how it will turn out," Erec replies; "if the sky
+fails and the earth melts, then many a lark will be caught. Many a man
+boasts loudly who is of little worth. On guard now, for I am going
+to attack you." The giants were strong and fierce, and held in their
+clenched hands their big clubs tipped with iron. Erec went at them lance
+in rest. He fears neither of them, in spite of their menace and their
+pride, and strikes the foremost of them through the eye so deep into the
+brain that the blood and brains spurt out at the back of his neck; that
+one lies dead and his heart stops beating. When the other saw him dead,
+he had reason to be sorely grieved. Furious, he went to avenge him: with
+both hands he raised his club on high and thought to strike him squarely
+upon his unprotected head: but Erec watched the blow, and received it on
+his shield. Even so, the giant landed such a blow that it quite stunned
+him, and almost made him fall to earth from his steed. Erec covers
+himself with his shield and the giant, recovering himself, thinks to
+strike again quickly upon his head. But Erec had drawn his sword, and
+attacked him with such fierceness that the giant was severely handled:
+he strikes him so hard upon the neck that he splits him down to the
+saddle-bow. He scatters his bowels upon the earth, and the body falls
+full length, split in two halves. The knight weeps with joy and,
+worshipping, praises God who has sent him this aid. Then Erec unbound
+him, made him dress and arm himself, and mount one of the horses; the
+other he made him lead with his right hand, and asks him who he is. And
+he replied: "Noble knight, thou art my liege lord. I wish to regard
+thee as my lord, as by right I ought to do, for thou hast saved my life,
+which but now would have been cut off from my body with great torment
+and cruelty. What chance, fair gentle sire, in God's name, guided thee
+hither to me, to free me by thy courage from the hands of my enemies?
+Sire, I wish to do thee homage. Henceforth, I shall always accompany
+thee and serve thee as my lord." Erec sees that he is disposed to serve
+him gladly, if he may, and says: "Friend, for your service I have no
+desire; but you must know that I came hither to succour you at the
+instance of your lady, whom I found sorrowing in this wood. Because of
+you, she grieves and moans; for full of sorrow is her heart. I wish to
+present you to her now. As soon as I have reunited you with her, I shall
+continue my way alone; for you have no call to go with me. I have no
+need cf your company; but I fain would know your name." "Sire," says he,
+"as you wish. Since you desire to know my name, it must not be kept from
+you. My name is Cadoc of Tabriol: know that thus I am called. But since
+I must part from you. I should like to know, if it may be, who you are
+and of what land, where I may sometime find and search for you, when
+I shall go a way from here." Erec replies: "Friend, that I will never
+confide to you. Never speak of it again; but if you wish to find it out
+and do me honour in any wise go quickly now without delay to my lord,
+King Arthur, who with might and main is hunting the stag in yonder wood,
+as I take it, not five short leagues from here. Go thither quickly and
+take him word that you are sent to him as a gift by him whom yesterday
+within his tent he joyfully received and lodged. And be careful not to
+conceal from him from what peril I set free both your life and body. I
+am dearly cherished at the court, and if you present yourself in my name
+you will do me a service and honour. There you shall ask who I am; but
+you cannot know it otherwise." "Sire," says Cadoc, "I will follow your
+bidding in all respects. You need never have any fear that I do not go
+with a glad heart. I shall tell the King the full truth regarding
+the battle which you have fought on my behalf." Thus speaking, they
+continued their way until they came to the maiden where Erec had left
+her. The damsel's joy knew no bounds when she saw coming her lover whom
+she never thought to see again. Taking him by the hand, Erec presents
+him to her with the words: "Grieve no longer, demoiselle! Behold your
+lover glad and joyous." And she with prudence makes reply: "Sire, by
+right you have won us both. Yours we should be, to serve and honour. But
+who could ever repay half the debt we owe you?" Erec makes answer: "My
+gentle lady, no recompense do I ask of you. To God I now commend you
+both, for too long, methinks, I have tarried here." Then he turns his
+horse about, and rides away as fast as he can. Cadoc of Tabriol with his
+damsel rides off in another direction; and soon he told the news to King
+Arthur and the Queen.
+
+(Vv. 4580-4778.) Erec continues to ride at great speed to the place
+where Enide was awaiting him in great concern, thinking that surely he
+had completely deserted her. And he, too, was in great fear lest some
+one, finding her alone, might have carried her off. So he made all haste
+to return. But the heat of the day was such, and his arms caused him
+such distress, that his wounds broke open and burst the bandages. His
+wounds never stopped bleeding before he came directly to the spot where
+Enide was waiting for him. She espied him and rejoiced: but she did not
+realise or know the pain from which he was suffering; for all his body
+was bathed in blood, and his heart hardly had strength to beat. As he
+was descending a hill he fell suddenly over upon his horse's neck. As he
+tried to straighten up, he lost his saddle and stirrups, falling, as if
+lifeless, in a faint. Then began such heavy grief, when Enide saw him
+fall to earth. Full of fear at the sight of him, she runs toward him
+like one who makes no concealment of her grief. Aloud she cries, and
+wrings her hands: not a shred of her robe remains untorn across her
+breast. She begins to tear her hair and lacerate her tender face. [133]
+"Ah God!" she cries, "fair gentle Lord, why dost Thou let me thus live
+on? Come Death, and kill me hastily!" With these words she faints upon
+his body. When she recovered, she said to herself reproachfully: "Woe is
+me, wretched Enide; I am the murderer of my lord, in having killed
+him by my speech. My lord would still be now alive, if I in my mad
+presumption had not spoken the word which engaged him in this adventure.
+Silence never harmed any one, but speech often worketh woe. The truth of
+this I have tried and proved in more ways than one." Beside her lord she
+took her seat, holding his head upon her lap. Then she begins her dole
+anew. "Alas," she says, "my lord, unhappy thou, thou who never hadst a
+peer; for in thee was beauty seen and prowess was made manifest; wisdom
+had given thee its heart, and largess set a crown upon thee, without
+which no one is esteemed. But what did I say? A grievous mistake I made
+in uttering the word which has killed my lord--that fatal poisoned word
+for which I must justly be reproached; and I recognise and admit that
+no one is guilty but myself; I alone must be blamed for this." Then
+fainting she falls upon the ground, and when she later sat up again, she
+only moans again the more: "God, what shall I do, and why live on? Why
+does Death delay and hesitate to come and seize me without respite?
+Truly, Death holds me in great contempt! Since Death does not deign to
+take my life, I must myself perforce achieve the vengeance for my sinful
+deed. Thus shall I die in spite of Death, who will not heed my call for
+aid. Yet, I cannot die through mere desire, nor would complaining avail
+me aught. The sword, which my lord had gilded on, ought by right to
+avenge his death. I will not longer consume myself in distress, in
+prayer, and vain desire." She draws the sword forth from its sheath and
+begins to consider it. God, who is full of mercy, caused her to delay
+a little; and while she passes in review her sorrow and her misfortune,
+behold there comes riding apace a Count with numerous suite, who from
+afar had heard the lady's loud outcry. God did not wish to desert her;
+for now she would have killed herself, had she not been surprised by
+those who took away from her the sword and thrust it back into its
+sheath. The Count then dismounted from his horse and began to inquire
+of her concerning the knight, and whether she was his wife or his
+lady-love. "Both one and the other, sire," she says, "my sorrow is such
+as I cannot tell. Woe is me that I am not dead." And the Count begins
+to comfort her: "Lady," he says, "by the Lord, I pray you, to take some
+pity on yourself! It is meet that you should mourn, but it is no use to
+be disconsolate; for you may yet rise to high estate. Do not sink into
+apathy, but comfort yourself; that will be wise, and God will give you
+joy again. Your wondrous beauty holds good fortune in store for you; for
+I will take you as my wife, and make you a countess and dame of rank:
+this ought to bring you much consolation. And I shall have the body
+removed and laid away with great honour. Leave off now this grief of
+yours which in your frenzy you display." And she replies: "Sire, begone!
+For God's sake, let me be! You can accomplish nothing here. Nothing that
+one could say or do could ever make me glad again." At this the Count
+drew back and said: "Let us make a bier, whereon to carry away this body
+with the lady to the town of Limors. There the body shall be interred.
+Then will I espouse the lady, whether or not she give consent: for never
+did I see any one so fair, nor desire any as I do her. Happy I am to
+have met with her. Now make quickly and without delay a proper bier for
+this dead knight. Halt not for the trouble, nor from sloth." Then some
+of his men draw out their swords and soon cut two saplings, upon which
+they laid branches cross-wise. Upon this litter they laid Erec down;
+then hitched two horses to it. Enide rides alongside, not ceasing to
+make lament, and often fainting and falling back; but the horsemen hold
+her tight, and try to support her with their arms, and raise her up and
+comfort her. All the way to Limors they escort the body, until they come
+to the palace of the Count. All the people follow up after them--ladies,
+knights, and townspeople. In the middle off the hall upon a dais they
+stretched the body out full length, with his lance and shield alongside.
+The hall is full, the crowd is dense. Each one is anxious to inquire
+what is this trouble, what marvel here. Meanwhile the Count takes
+counsel with his barons privily. "My lords," he says, "upon the spot I
+wish to espouse this lady here. We can plainly judge by her beauty
+and prudent mien that she is of very gentle rank. Her beauty and noble
+bearing show that the honour of a kingdom or empire might well be
+bestowed upon her. I shall never suffer disgrace through her; rather I
+think to win more honour. Have my chaplain summoned now, and do you go
+and fetch the lady. The half of all my land I will give her as her dower
+if she will comply with my desire." Then they bade the chaplain come,
+in accordance with the Count's command, and the dame they brought there,
+too, and made her marry him perforce; for she flatly refused to give
+consent. But in spite of all, the Count married her in accordance with
+his wish. And when he had married her, the constable at once had the
+tables set in the palace, and had the food prepared; for already it was
+time for the evening meal.
+
+(Vv. 4779-4852.) After vespers, that day in May, Enide was in sore
+distress, nor did her grief cease to trouble her. And the Count urged
+her mildly by prayer and threat to make her peace and be consoled, and
+he made her sit down upon a chair, though it was against her will. In
+spite of her, they made her take a seat and placed the table in front of
+her. The Count takes his place on the other side, almost beside himself
+with rage to find that he cannot comfort her. "Lady," he says, "you must
+now leave off this grief and banish it. You can have full trust in
+me, that honour and riches will be yours. You must surely realise that
+mourning will not revive the dead; for no one ever saw such a thing come
+about. Remember now, though poor you were, that great riches are within
+your reach. Once you were poor; rich now you will be. Fortune has
+not been stingy toward you, in bestowing upon you the honour of being
+henceforth hailed as Countess. It is true that your lord is dead. If
+you grieve and lament because of this, do you think that I am surprised?
+Nay. But I am giving you the best advice I know how to give. In that I
+have married you, you ought to be content. Take care you do not anger
+me! Eat now, as I bid you do." And she replies: "Not I, my lord. In
+faith, as long as I live I will neither eat nor drink unless I first
+see my lord eat who is lying on yonder dais" "Lady, that can never be.
+People will think that you are mad when you talk such great nonsense.
+You will receive a poor reward if you give occasion to-day for further
+reproof." To this she vouchsafed no reply, holding his threats in slight
+esteem, and the Count strikes her upon the face. At this she shrieks,
+and the barons present blame the Count. "Hold, sire!" they cry to the
+Count; "you ought to be ashamed of having struck this lady because she
+will not eat. You have done a very ugly deed. If this lady is distressed
+because of her lord whom she now sees dead, no one should say that she
+is wrong." "Keep silence, all." the Count replies; "the dame is mine and
+I am hers, and I will do with her as I please." At this she could not
+hold her peace, but swears she will never be his. And the Count springs
+up and strikes her again, and she cries out aloud. "Ha! wretch," she
+says, "I care not what thou say to me, or what thou do! I fear not thy
+blows, nor yet thy threats. Beat me and strike me, as thou wilt. I shall
+never heed thy power so much as to do thy bidding more or less, even
+were thou with thy hands fight now to snatch out my eyes or flay me
+alive."
+
+(Vv. 4853-4938.) In the midst of these words and disputes Erec recovered
+from his swoon, like a man who awakes from sleep. No wonder that he was
+amazed at the crowd of people he saw around. But great was his grief
+and great his woe when he heard the voice of his wife. He stepped to the
+floor from off the dais and quickly drew his sword. Wrath and the love
+he bore his wife gave him courage. He runs thither where he sees her,
+and strikes the Count squarely upon the head, so that he beats out
+his brains and, knocking in his forehead, leaves him senseless and
+speechless; his blood and brains flow out. The knights spring from the
+tables, persuaded that it is the devil who had made his way among them
+there. Of young or old there none remains, for all were thrown in great
+dismay. Each one tries to outrun the other in beating a hasty retreat.
+Soon they were all clear of the palace, and cry aloud, both weak and
+strong: "Flee, flee, here comes the corpse!" At the door the press is
+great: each one strives to make his escape, and pushes and shoves as
+best he may. He who is last in the surging throng would fain get into
+the foremost line. Thus they make good their escape in flight, for one
+dares not stand upon another's going. Erec ran to seize his shield,
+hanging it about his neck by the strap, while Enide lays hands upon the
+lance. Then they step out into the courtyard. There is no one so bold as
+to offer resistance; for they did not believe it could be a man who had
+thus expelled them, but a devil or some enemy who had entered the
+dead body. Erec pursues them as they flee, and finds outside in
+the castle-yard a stable-boy in the act of leading his steed to the
+watering-place, all equipped with bridle and saddle. This chance
+encounter pleased Erec well: as he steps up quickly to the horse, the
+boy in fear straightway yields him up. Erec takes his seat between the
+saddle-bows, while Enide, seizing the stirrup, springs up on to the
+horse's neck, as Erec, who bade her mount, commanded and instructed her
+to do. The horse bears them both away; and finding open the town gate,
+they make their escape without detention. In the town there was great
+anxiety about the Count who had been killed; but there is no one,
+however brave, who follows Erec to take revenge. At his table the Count
+was slain; while Erec, who bears his wife away, embraces and kisses and
+gives her cheer. In his arms he clasps her against his heart, and
+says: "Sweet sister mine, my proof of you has been complete! Be no more
+concerned in any wise, for I love you now more than ever I did before;
+and I am certain and rest assured that you love me with a perfect love.
+From this time on for evermore, I offer myself to do your will just as
+I used to do before. And if you have spoken ill of me, I pardon you
+and call you quit of both the offence and the word you spoke." Then he
+kisses her again and clasps her tight. Now Enide is not ill at ease when
+her lord clasps and kisses her and tells her again that he loves her
+still. Rapidly through the night they ride, and they are very glad that
+the moon shines bright.
+
+(Vv. 4939-5058.) Meanwhile, the news has travelled fast, and there is
+nothing else so quick. The news had reached Guivret the Little that a
+knight wounded with arms had been found dead in the forest, and that
+with him was a lady making moan, and so wondrous fair that Iseut would
+have seemed her waiting-maid. Count Oringle of Limors had found them
+both, and had caused the corpse to be borne away, and wished himself to
+espouse the lady; but she refused him. When Guivret heard this news,
+he was by no means pleased; for at once the thought of Erec occurred to
+him. It came into his heart and mind to go and seek out the lady, and
+to have the body honourably interred, if it should turn out to be he.
+He assembled a thousand men-at-arms and knights to take the town. If the
+Count would not surrender of his own accord the body and the lady, he
+would put all to fire and flame. In the moonlight shining clear he led
+his men on toward Limors, with helmets laced, in hauberks clad, and from
+their necks the shields were hung. Thus, under arms, they all advanced
+until nearly midnight, when Erec espied them. Now he expects to be
+ensnared or killed or captured inevitably. He makes Enide dismount
+beside a thicket-hedge. No wonder if he is dismayed. "Lady, do you stay
+here," he says, "beside this thicket-hedge a while, until these people
+shall have passed. I do not wish them to catch sight of you, for I do
+not know what manner of people they are, nor of what they go in search.
+I trust we may not attract their attention. But I see nowhere any place
+where we could take refuge, should they wish to injure us. I know not
+if any harm may come to me, but not from fear shall I fail to sally out
+against them. And if any one assails me, I shall not fail to joust with
+him. Yet, I am so sore and weary that it is no wonder if I grieve. Now
+to meet them I must go, and do you stay quiet here. Take care that no
+one see you, until they shall have left you far behind." Behold now
+Guivret, with lance outstretched, who espied him from afar. They did not
+recognise each other, for the moon had gone behind the shadow of a
+dark cloud. Erec was weak and exhausted, and his antagonist was quite
+recovered from his wounds and blows. Now Erec will be far from wise if
+he does not promptly make himself known. He steps out from the hedge.
+And Guivret spurs toward him without speaking to him at all, nor does
+Erec utter a word to him: he thought he could do more than he could.
+Whoever tries to run farther than he is able must perforce give up or
+take a rest. They clash against each other; but the fight was unequal,
+for one was weak and the other strong. Guivret strikes him with such
+force that he carries him down to earth from his horse's back. Enide,
+who was in hiding, when she sees her lord on the ground, expects to be
+killed and badly used. Springing forth from the hedge, she runs to help
+her lord. If she grieved before, now her anguish is greater. Coming up
+to Guivret, she seized his horse's rein, and then said: "Cursed be thou,
+knight! For thou hast attacked a weak and exhausted man, who is in
+pain and mortally wounded, with such injustice that thou canst not find
+reason for thy deed. If thou hadst been alone and helpless, thou wouldst
+have rued this attack, provided my lord had been in health. Now be
+generous and courteous, and kindly let cease this battle which thou
+hast begun. For thy reputation would be no better for having killed or
+captured a knight who has not the strength to rise, as thou canst see.
+For he has suffered so many blows of arms that he is all covered with
+wounds" And he replies: "Fear not, lady! I see that loyally you love
+your lord, and I commend you for it. Have no fear whatsoever of me or of
+my company. But tell me now without concealment what is the name of your
+lord; for only advantage will you get from telling me. Whoever he be,
+tell me his name; then he shall go safe and unmolested. Neither he nor
+you have aught to fear, for you are both in safe hands."
+
+(Vv. 5059-5172.) Then Enide learns that she is safe, she answers him
+briefly in a word: "His name is Erec; I ought not to lie, for I see you
+are honest and of good intent." Guivret, in his delight, dismounts
+and goes to fall at Erec's feet, where he was lying on the ground.
+"My lord," he says, "I was going to seek for you, and was on my way to
+Limors, where I expected to find you dead. It was told and recounted to
+me as true that Count Oringle had carried off to Limors a knight who was
+mortally wounded, and that he wickedly intended to marry a lady whom
+he had found in his company; but that she would have nothing to do with
+him. And I was coming urgently to aid and deliver her. If he refused
+to hand over to me both the lady and you without resistance, I should
+esteem myself of little worth if I left him a foot of earth to stand
+upon. Be sure that had I not loved you dearly I should never have taken
+this upon myself. I am Guivret, your friend; but if I have done you any
+hurt through my failure to recognise you, you surely ought to pardon
+me." At this Erec sat up, for he could do no more, and said: "Rise up,
+my friend. Be absolved of the harm you have done me, since you did not
+recognise me." Guivret gets up, and Erec tells him how he has killed the
+Count while he sat at meat, and how he had gained possession again of
+his steed in front of the stable, and how the sergeants and the squires
+had fled across the yard, crying: "Flee, flee, the corpse is chasing
+us;" then, how he came near being caught, and how he escaped through the
+town and down the hill, carrying his wife on his horse's neck: all this
+adventure of his he told him. Then Guivret said, "Sire, I have a castle
+here close by, which is well placed in a healthful site. For your
+comfort and benefit I wish to take you there to-morrow and have your
+wounds cared for. I have two charming and sprightly sisters who are
+skilful in the care of wounds: they will soon completely cure you.
+[134] To-night we shall let our company lodge here in the fields until
+morning; for I think a little rest to-night will do you much good. My
+advice is that we spend the night here." Erec replies: "I am in favour
+of doing so." So there they stayed and spent the night. They were not
+reluctant to prepare a lodging-place, but they found few accommodations,
+for the company was quite numerous. They lodge as best they may among
+the bushes: Guivret had his tent set up, and ordered tinder to be
+kindled, that they might have light and cheer. He has tapers taken out
+from the boxes, and they light them within the tent. Now Enide no longer
+grieves, for all has turned out well. She strips her lord of his arms
+and clothes, and having washed his wounds, she dried them and bound them
+up again; for she would let no one else touch him. Now Erec knows no
+further reason to reproach her, for he has tried her well and found that
+she bears great love to him. And Guivret, who treats them kindly, had
+a high, long bed constructed of quilted coverlids, laid upon grass and
+reed, which they found in abundance. There they laid Erec and covered
+him up. Then Guivret opened a box and took out two patties. "Friend,"
+says he, "now try a little of these cold patties, and drink some wine
+mixed with water. I have as much as six barrels of it, but undiluted it
+is not good for you; for you are injured and covered with wounds. Fair
+sweet friend, now try to eat; for it will do you good. And my lady will
+eat some too--your wife who has been to-day in sore distress on your
+account. But you have received full satisfaction for all that, and have
+escaped. So eat now, and I will eat too, fair friend." Then Guivret sat
+down by Erec's side, and so did Enide who was much pleased by all that
+Guivret did. Both of them urge him to eat, giving him wine mixed with
+water'; for unmixed it is too strong and heating. Erec ate as a sick man
+eats, and drank a little--all he dared. But he rested comfortably and
+slept all night; for on his account no noise or disturbance was made.
+
+(Vv. 5173-5366.) In the early morning they awoke, and prepared again to
+mount and ride. Erec was so devoted to his own horse that he would ride
+no other. They gave to Enide a mule, for she had lost her palfrey. But
+she was not concerned; to judge by her looks, she gave the matter
+no thought. She had a good mule with an easy gait that bore her very
+comfortably. And it gave her great satisfaction that Erec was not cast
+down, but rather assured them that he would recover completely.
+Before the third hour they reached Penevric, a strong castle, well and
+handsomely situated. There dwelt the two sisters of Guivret; for the
+place was agreeable enough. Guivret escorted Erec to a delightful,
+airy room in a remote part of the castle. His sisters, at his request,
+exerted themselves to cure Erec; and Erec placed himself in their hands,
+for they inspired him with perfect confidence. First, they removed the
+dead flesh, then applied plaster and lint, devoting to his care all
+their skill, like women who knew their business well. Again and again
+they washed his wounds and applied the plaster. Four times or more each
+day they made him eat and drink, allowing him, however, no garlic or
+pepper. But whoever might go in or out Enide was always with him, being
+more than any one else concerned. Guivret often came in to ask and
+inquire if he wanted anything. He was well kept and well served, and
+everything that he wished was willingly done. But the damsels cheerfully
+and gladly showed such devotion in caring for him that by the end of a
+fortnight he felt no hurt or pain. Then, to bring his colour back, they
+began to give him baths. There was no need to instruct the damsels,
+for they understood the treatment well. When he was able to walk about.
+Guivret had two loose gowns made of two different kinds of silk, one
+trimmed with ermine, the other with vair. One was of a dark purple
+colour, and the other striped, sent to him as a present by a cousin of
+his from Scotland. Enide had the purple gown trimmed with ermine, which
+was very precious, while Erec had the striped stuff with the fur, which
+was no less valuable. Now Erec was strong and well, cured and recovered.
+Now that Enide was very happy and had everything she desired, her great
+beauty returned to her; for her great distress had affected her so much
+that she was very pale and wan. Now she was embraced and kissed, now she
+was blessed with all good things, now she had her joy and pleasures; for
+unadorned they lie in bed and each enfolds and kisses the other; nothing
+gives them so much joy. They have had so much pain and sorrow, he for
+her, and she for him, that now they have their satisfaction. Each vies
+in seeking to please the other. Of their further sport I must not speak.
+Now they have so welded their love and forgotten their grief that they
+scarcely remember it any more. But now they must go on their way; so
+they asked his leave to depart from Guivret, in whom they had found a
+friend indeed; for he had honoured and served them in every way. When he
+came to take leave, Erec said: "Sire, I do not wish to delay longer
+my departure for my own land. Order everything to be prepared and
+collected, in order that I may have all I need. I shall wish to start
+to-morrow morning, as soon as it is day. I have stayed so long with you
+that I feel strong and vigorous. God grant, if it please Him, that I may
+live to meet you again somewhere, when I may be able in my turn to serve
+and honour you. Unless I am captured or detained, I do not expect to
+tarry anywhere until I reach the court of King Arthur, whom I hope to
+find either at Robais or Carduel." To which Guivret makes prompt reply,
+"Sire, you shall not go off alone! For I myself shall go with you and
+shall take companions with us, if it be your pleasure." Erec accedes to
+this advice, and says that, in accordance with his plans, he wishes
+the journey to be begun. That night they make preparations for their
+journey, not wishing to delay there longer. They all make ready and
+prepare. In the early morning, when they awake, the saddles are placed
+upon the steeds. Before he leaves, Erec goes to bid farewell to the
+damsels in their rooms; and Enide (who was glad and full of joy) thither
+follows him. When their preparations for departure were made, they took
+their leave of the damsels. Erec, who was very courteous, in taking
+leave of them, thanks them for his health and life, and pledges to them
+his service. Then he took one of them by the hand she who was the nearer
+to him and Enide took the other's hand: hand in hand they came up from
+the bedroom into the castle hall. Guivret urges them to mount at once
+without delay. Enide thinks the time will never come for them to mount.
+They bring around to the block for her a good-tempered palfrey, a soft
+stepper, handsome and well shaped. The palfrey was of fine appearance
+and a good mount: it was no less valuable than her own which had stayed
+behind at Limors. That other one was dappled, this one was sorrel; but
+the head was of another colour: it was marked in such a way that one
+cheek was all white, while the other was raven black. Between the
+two colours there was a line, greener than a grape-vine leaf, which
+separated the white from the black. Of the bridle, breast-strap, and
+saddle I can surely say that the workmanship was rich and handsome. All
+the breast-strap and bridle was of gold set with emeralds. The saddle
+was decorated in another style, covered with a precious purple cloth.
+The saddle-bows were of ivory, on which was carved the story of how
+Aeneas came from Troy, how at Carthage with great joy Dido received him
+to her bed, how Aeneas deceived her, and how for him she killed herself,
+how Aeneas conquered Laurentum and all Lombardy, of which he was king
+all his life. [135] Cunning was the workmanship and well carved, all
+decorated with fine gold. A skilful craftsman, who made it spent more
+than seven years in carving it, without touching any other piece of
+work. I do not know whether he sold it; but he ought to have obtained a
+good price for it. Now that Enide was presented with this palfrey, she
+was well compensated for the loss of her own. The palfrey, thus richly
+apparelled, was given to her and she mounted it gladly; then the
+gentlemen and squires quickly mounted too. For their pleasure and
+sport Guivret caused to be taken with them rich falcons, both young
+and moulted, many a tercel and sparrow-hawk, and many a setter and
+greyhound.
+
+(Vv. 5367-5446.) [136] They rode straight on from morn till eve more
+than thirty Welsh leagues, and then came to the towers of a stronghold,
+rich and fair, girt all about with a new wall. And all around, beneath
+this wall, ran a very deep stream, roaring rushing like a storm. Erec
+stops to look at it, and ask and find out if any one could truly
+tell him who was the lord of this town. "Friend," said he to his kind
+companion, "could you tell me the name of this town, and whose it is?
+Tell me if it belongs to a count or a king. Since you have brought me
+here, tell me, if you know." "Sire," he says, "I know very well, and
+will tell you the truth about it. The name of the town is Brandigant,
+and it is so strong and fine that it fears neither king nor emperor.
+If France, and all of England, and all who live from here to Liege were
+ranged about to lay a siege, they would never take it in their lives;
+for the isle on which the town stands stretches away four leagues or
+more, and within the enclosure grows all that a rich town needs: fruit
+and wheat and wine are found; and of wood and water there is no lack.
+It fears no assault on any side, nor could anything reduce it to
+starvation. King Evrain had it fortified, and he has possessed it all
+his days unmolested, and will possess it all his life. But not because
+he feared any one did he thus fortify it; but the town is more pleasing
+so. For if it had no wall or tower, but only the stream that encircles
+it, it would still be so secure and strong that it would have no fear
+of the whole world." "God!" said Erec, "what great wealth! Let us go and
+see the fortress, and we shall take lodging in the town, for I wish to
+stop here." "Sire," said the other in great distress, "were it not
+to disappoint you, we should not stop here. In the town there is a
+dangerous passage." "Dangerous?" says Erec; "do you know about it?
+Whatever it be, tell us about it; for very gladly would I know." "Sire,"
+says he, "I should fear that you might suffer some harm there. I know
+there is so much boldness and excellence in your heart that, were I to
+tell you what I know of the perilous and hard adventure, you would wish
+to enter in. I have often heard the story, and more than seven years
+have passed since any one that went in quest of the adventure has come
+back from the town; yet, proud, bold knights have come hither from many
+a land. Sire, do not treat this as a jest: for you will never learn the
+secret from me until you shall have promised me, by the love you have
+sworn to me, that never by you will be undertaken this adventure, from
+which no one escapes without receiving shame or death."
+
+(Vv. 5447-5492.) Now Erec hears what pleases him, and begs Guivret not
+to be grieved, saying: "Ah, fair sweet friend, permit that our lodging
+be made in the town, and do not be disturbed. It is time to halt for the
+night, and so I trust that it will not displease you; for if any honour
+comes to us here you ought to be very glad. I appeal to you conceding
+the adventure that you tell me just the name of it, and I'll not insist
+upon the rest." "Sire." he says, "I cannot be silent and refuse the
+information you desire. The name is very fair to say, but the execution
+is very hard: for no one can come from it alive. The adventure, upon my
+word, is called 'the Joy of the Court.'" "God! there can be nothing but
+good in joy," says Erec; "I go to seek it. Don't go now and discourage
+me about this or anything else, fair gentle friend; but let us have our
+lodgings taken, for great good may come to us of this. Nothing could
+restrain me from going to seek the Joy." "Sire," says he, "God grant
+your prayer, that you may find joy and return without mishap. I clearly
+see that we must go in. Since otherwise it may not be, let us go in.
+Our lodging is secured; for no knight of high degree, as I have heard it
+said and told, can enter this castle with intent to lodge here but that
+King Evrain offers to shelter him. So gentle and courteous is the King
+that he has given notice to all his townsmen, appealing to their love
+for him, that any gentleman from afar should not find lodging in their
+houses, so that he himself may do honour to all gentlemen who may wish
+to tarry here."
+
+(Vv. 5493-5668.) [137] Thus they proceed toward the castle, passing the
+list and the drawbridge; and when they passed the listing-place, the
+people who were gathered in the streets in crowds see Erec in all his
+beauty, and apparently they think and believe that all the others are
+in his train. Marvelling much, they stare at him; the whole town was
+stirred and moved, as they take counsel and discuss about him. Even
+the maidens at their song leave off their singing and desist, as all
+together they look at him; and because of his great beauty they cross
+themselves, and marvellously they pity him. One to another whispers low:
+"Alas! This knight, who is passing, is on his way to the 'Joy of the
+Court.' He will be sorry before he returns; no one ever came from
+another land to claim the 'Joy of the Court' who did not receive shame
+and harm, and leave his head there as a forfeit." Then, that he may hear
+their words, they cry-aloud: "God defend thee, knight, from harm; for
+thou art wondrously handsome, and thy beauty is greatly to be pitied,
+for to-morrow we shall see it quenched. Tomorrow thy death is come;
+to-morrow thou shalt surely die if God does not guard and defend thee."
+Erec hears and understands that they are speaking of him through the
+lower town: more than two thousand pitied him; but nothing causes him
+dismay. He passes on without delay, bowing gaily to men and women
+alike. And they all salute him too; and most of them swear with anxiety,
+fearing more than he does himself, for his shame and for his hurt. The
+mere sight of his countenance, his great beauty and his bearing, has so
+won to him the hearts of all, that knights, ladies, and maids alike fear
+his harm. King Evrain hears the news that men were arriving at his court
+who brought with them a numerous train, and by his harness it appeared
+that their leader was a count or king. King Evrain comes down the street
+to meet them, and saluting them he cries: "Welcome to this company, both
+to the master and all his suite. Welcome, gentlemen! Dismount." They
+dismounted, and there were plenty to receive and take their horses. Nor
+was King Evrain backward when he saw Enide coming; but he straightway
+saluted her and ran to help her to dismount. Taking her white and tender
+hand, he led her up into the palace, as was required by courtesy, and
+honoured her in every way he could, for he knew right well what he ought
+to do, without nonsense and without malice. He ordered a chamber to
+be scented with incense, myrrh, and aloes. When they entered, they all
+complimented King Evrain on its fine appearance. Hand in hand they enter
+the room, the King escorting them and taking great pleasure in them. But
+why should I describe to you the paintings and the silken draperies with
+which the room was decorated? I should only waste time in folly, and I
+do not wish to waste it, but rather to hasten on a little; for he who
+travels the straight road passes him who turns aside; therefore I do not
+wish to tarry. When the time and hour arrived, the King orders supper to
+be prepared; but I do not wish to stop over that if I can find some more
+direct way. That night they had in abundance all that heart desires and
+craves: birds, venison, and fruit, and wines of different sorts. But
+better than all is a happy cheer! For of all dishes the sweetest is a
+joyful countenance and a happy face. They were very richly served until
+Erec suddenly left off eating and drinking, and began speaking of
+what rested most upon his heart: he remembered 'the Joy', and began a
+conversation about it in which King Evrain joined. "Sire" says he, "it
+is time now to tell you what I intend, and why I have come here. Too
+long I have refrained from speech, and now can no longer conceal my
+object. I ask you for 'the Joy' of the Court, for I covet nothing else
+so much. Grant it to me, whatever it be, if you are in control of it."
+"In truth, fair friend." the King replies, "I hear you speak great
+nonsense. This is a very parlous thing, which has caused sorrow to many
+a worthy man; you yourself will eventually be killed and undone if you
+will not heed my counsel. But if you were willing to take my word, I
+should advise you to desist from soliciting so grievous a thing in which
+you would never succeed. Speak of it no more! Hold your peace! It would
+be imprudent on your part not to follow my advice. I am not at all
+surprised that you desire honour and fame; but if I should see you
+harmed or injured in your body I should be distressed at heart. And know
+well that I have seen many a man ruined who solicited this joy. They
+were never any the better for it, but rather did they all die and
+perish. Before to-morrow's evening come you may expect a like reward.
+If you wish to strive for the Joy, you shall do so, though it grieve me
+sore. It is something from which you are free to retreat and draw back
+if you wish to work your welfare. Therefore I tell you, for I should
+commit treachery and do you wrong were I not to tell you all the truth."
+Erec hears him and admits that the King with reason counsels him. But
+the greater the wonder and the more perilous the adventure, the more he
+covets it and yearns for it, saying: "Sire, I can tell you that I find
+you a worthy and a loyal man, and I can put no blame on you. I wish to
+undertake this boon, however it may fall out with me. The die is cast,
+for I shall never draw back from anything I have undertaken without
+exerting all my strength before I quit the field." "I know that well,"
+the King replied; "you are acting against my will. You shall have the
+Joy which you desire. But I am in great despair; for I greatly fear you
+will be undone. But now be assured that you shall have what you desire.
+If you come out of it happily, you will have won such great honour that
+never did man win greater; and may God, as I desire, grant you a joyous
+deliverance."
+
+(Vv. 5669-5738.) All that night they talked of it, until the beds were
+prepared and they went to rest. In the morning, when it was daylight,
+Erec, who was on the watch, saw the clear dawn and the sun, and quickly
+rising, clothed himself. Enide again is in distress, very sad and ill at
+ease; all night she is greatly disquieted with the solicitude and fear
+which she felt for her lord, who is about to expose himself to great
+peril. But nevertheless he equips himself, for no one can make him
+change his mind. For his equipment the King sent him, when he arose,
+arms which he put to good use. Erec did not refuse them, for his own
+were worn and impaired and in bad state. He gladly accepted the arms
+and had himself equipped with them in the hall. When he was armed, he
+descends the steps and finds his horse saddled and the King who had
+mounted. Every one in the castle and in the houses of the town hastened
+to mount. In all the town there remained neither man nor woman, erect or
+deformed, great or small, weak or strong, who is able to go and does not
+do so. When they start, there is a great noise and clamour in all the
+streets; for those of high and low degree alike cry out: "Alas, alas!
+oh knight, the Joy that thou wishest to win has betrayed thee, and thou
+goest to win but grief and death." And there is not one but says: "God
+curse this joy! which has been the death of so many gentlemen. To-day it
+will wreak the worst woe that it has ever yet wrought." Erec hears well
+and notes that up and down they said of him: "Alas, alas, ill-starred
+wert thou, fair, gentle, skilful knight! Surely it would not be just
+that thy life should end so soon, or that harm should come to wound
+and injure thee." He hears clearly the words and what they said; but
+notwithstanding, he passes on without lowering his head, and without
+the bearing of a craven. Whoever may speak, he longs to see and know and
+understand why they are all in such distress, anxiety, and woe. The King
+leads him without the town into a garden that stood near by; and all the
+people follow after, praying that from this trial God may grant him a
+happy issue. But it is not meet that I should pass on, from weariness
+and exhaustion of tongue, without telling you the whole truth about the
+garden, according as the story runs.
+
+(Vv. 5739-5826.) [138] The garden had around it no wall or fence except
+of air: yet, by a spell, the garden was on all sides so shut in by the
+air that nothing could enter there any more than if the garden were
+enclosed in iron, unless it flew in over the top. And all through the
+summer and the winter, too, there were flowers and ripe fruits there;
+and the fruit was of such a nature that it could be eaten inside; the
+danger consisted in carrying it out; for whoever should wish to carry
+out a little would never be able to find the gate, and never could issue
+from the garden until he had restored the fruit to its place. And there
+is no flying bird under heaven, pleasing to man, but it sings there to
+delight and to gladden him, and can be heard there in numbers of every
+kind. And the earth, however far it stretch, bears no spice or root of
+use in making medicine, but it had been planted there, and was to be
+found in abundance. Through a narrow entrance the people entered--King
+Evrain and all the rest. Erec went riding, lance in rest, into the
+middle of the garden, greatly delighting in the song of the birds which
+were singing there; they put him in mind of his Joy the thing he most
+was longing for. But he saw a wondrous thing, which might arouse fear
+in the bravest warrior of all whom we know, be it Thiebaut the Esclavon,
+[139] or Ospinel, or Fernagu. For before them, on sharpened stakes,
+there stood bright and shining helmets, and each one had beneath the rim
+a man's head. But at the end there stood a stake where as yet there was
+nothing but a horn. [140] He knows not what this signifies, yet draws
+not back a step for that; rather does he ask the King, who was beside
+him at the right, what this can be. The King speaks and explains to him:
+"Friend," he says, "do you know the meaning of this thing that you see
+here? You must be in great terror of it, if you care at all for your own
+body; for this single stake which stands apart, where you see this horn
+hung up, has been waiting a very long time, but we know not for whom,
+whether for you or someone else. Take care lest thy head be set up
+there; for such is the purpose of the stake. I had warned you well of
+that before you came here. I do not expect that you will escape hence,
+but that you will be killed and rent apart. For this much we know, that
+the stake awaits your head. And if it turns out that it be placed
+there, as the matter stands agreed, as soon as thy head is fixed upon it
+another stake will be set up beside it which will await the arrival of
+some one else--I know not when or whom. I will tell you nothing of the
+horn; but never has any one been able to blow it. [141] However, he
+who shall succeed in blowing it his fame and honour will grow until it
+distance all those of his country, and he shall find such renown that
+all will come to do him honour, and will hold him to be the best of them
+all. Now there is no more of this matter. Have your men withdraw; for
+'the Joy' will soon arrive, and will make you sorry, I suspect."
+
+(Vv. 5827-6410.) Meanwhile King Evrain leaves his side, and Erec stoops
+over before Enide, whose heart was in great distress, although she held
+her peace; for grief on lips is of no account unless it also touch the
+heart. And he who well knew her heart, said to her: "Fair sister dear,
+gentle, loyal, and prudent lady, I am acquainted with your thoughts.
+You are in fear, I see that well, and yet you do not know for what; but
+there is no reason for your dismay until you shall see that my shield is
+shattered and that my body is wounded, and until you see the meshes of
+my bright hauberk covered with blood, and my helmet broken and smashed,
+and me defeated and weary, so that I can no longer defend myself, but
+must beg and sue for mercy against my will; then you may lament, but now
+you have begun too soon. Gentle lady, as yet you know not what this
+is to be; no more do I. You are troubled without cause. But know this
+truly: if there were in me only so much courage as your love inspires,
+truly I should not fear to face any man alive. But I am foolish to vaunt
+myself; yet I say it not from any pride, but because I wish to comfort
+you. So comfort yourself, and let it be! I cannot longer tarry here, nor
+can you go along with me; for, as the King has ordered, I must not take
+you beyond this point." Then he kisses her and commends her to God, and
+she him. But she is much chagrined that she cannot follow and escort
+him, until she may learn and see what this adventure is to be, and
+how he will conduct himself. But since she must stay behind and cannot
+follow him, she remains sorrowful and grieving. And he went off alone
+down a path, without companion of any sort, until he came to a silver
+couch with a cover of gold-embroidered cloth, beneath the shade of
+a sycamore; and on the bed a maiden of comely body and lovely face,
+completely endowed with all beauty, was seated all alone. I intended to
+say no more of her; but whoever could consider well all her attire and
+her beauty might well say that never did Lavinia of Laurentum, who was
+so fair and comely, possess the quarter of her beauty. Erec draws near
+to her, wishing to see her more closely, and the onlookers go and sit
+down under the trees in the orchard. Then behold, there comes a knight
+armed with vermilion arms, and he was wondrous tall; and if he were not
+so immeasurably tall, under the heavens there would be none fairer than
+he; but, as every one averred, he was a foot taller than any knight he
+knew. Before Erec caught sight of him, he cried out: "Vassal, vassal!
+You are mad, upon my life, thus to approach my damsel. I should say
+you are not worthy to draw near her. You will pay dearly for your
+presumption, by my head! Stand back!" And Erec stops and looks at him,
+and the other, too, stood still. Neither made advance until Erec had
+replied all that he wished to say to him. "Friend," he says, "one can
+speak folly as well as good sense. Threaten as much as you please, and
+I will keep silence; for in threatening there is no sense. Do you know
+why? A man sometimes thinks he has won the game who afterward loses it.
+So he is manifestly a fool who is too presumptuous and who threatens too
+much. If there are some who flee there are plenty who chase, but I do
+not fear you so much that I am going to run away yet. I am ready to make
+such defence, if there is any who wishes to offer me battle, that he
+will have to do his uttermost, or otherwise he cannot escape." "Nay,"
+quoth he, "so help me God! know that you shall have the battle, for I
+defy and challenge you." And you may know, upon my word, that then the
+reins were not held in. The lances they had were not light, but were big
+and square; nor were they planed smooth, but were rough and strong. Upon
+the shields with mighty strength they smote each other with their sharp
+weapons, so that a fathom of each lance passes through the gleaming
+shields. But neither touches the other's flesh, nor was either lance
+cracked; each one, as quickly as he could, draws back his lance, and
+both rushing together, return to the fray. One against the other rides,
+and so fiercely they smite each other that both lances break and the
+horses fall beneath them. But they, being seated on their steeds,
+sustain no harm; so they quickly rise, for they were strong and lithe.
+They stand on foot in the middle of the garden, and straightway attack
+each other with their green swords of German steel, and deal great
+wicked blows upon their bright and gleaming helmets, so that they hew
+them into bits, and their eyes shoot out flame. No greater efforts can
+be made than those they make in striving and toiling to injure and wound
+each other. Both fiercely smite with the gilded pommel and the cutting
+edge. Such havoc did they inflict upon each other's teeth, cheeks, nose,
+hands, arms, and the rest, upon temples, neck, and throat that their
+bones all ache. They are very sore and very tired; yet they do not
+desist, but rather only strive the more. Sweat, and the blood which
+flows down with it, dim their eyes, so that they can hardly see a thing;
+and very often they missed their blows, like men who did not see to
+wield their swords upon each other. They can scarcely harm each other
+now; yet, they do not desist at all from exercising all their strength.
+Because their eyes are so blinded that they completely lose their sight,
+they let their shields fall to the ground, and seize each other angrily.
+Each pulls and drags the other, so that they fall upon their knees.
+Thus, long they fight until the hour of noon is past, and the big knight
+is so exhausted that his breath quite fails him. Erec has him at his
+mercy, and pulls and drags so that he breaks all the lacing of his
+helmet, and forces him over at his feet. He falls over upon his face
+against Erec's breast, and has not strength to rise again. Though it
+distresses him, he has to say and own: "I cannot deny it, you have
+beaten me; but much it goes against my will. And yet you may be of such
+degree and fame that only credit will redound to me; and insistently I
+would request, if it may be in any way, that I might know your name, and
+he thereby somewhat comforted. If a better man has defeated me, I shall
+be glad, I promise you; but if it has so fallen out that a baser man
+than I has worsted me, then I must feel great grief indeed." "Friend,
+dost thou wish to know my name?" says Erec; "Well, I shall tell thee ere
+I leave here; but it will be upon condition that thou tell me now why
+thou art in this garden. Concerning that I will know all what is thy
+name and what the Joy; for I am very anxious to hear the truth from
+beginning to end of it." "Sire," says he, "fearlessly I will tell you
+all you wish to know." Erec no more withholds his name, but says: "Didst
+thou ever hear of King Lac and of his son Erec?" "Yea, sire, I knew
+him well; for I was at his father's court for many a day before I was
+knighted, and, if he had had his will, I should never have left him for
+anything." "Then thou oughtest to know me well, if thou weft ever with
+me at the court of my father, the King." "Then, upon my faith, it has
+turned out well. Now hear who has detained me so long in this garden. I
+will tell the truth in accordance with your injunction, whatever it
+may cost me. That damsel who yonder sits, loved me from childhood and
+I loved her. It pleased us both, and our love grew and increased, until
+she asked a boon of me, but did not tell me what it was. Who would
+deny his mistress aught? There is no lover but would surely do all his
+sweet-heart's pleasure without default or guile, whenever he can in any
+way. I agreed to her desire; but when I had agreed, she would have it,
+too, that I should swear. I would have done more than that for her, but
+she took me at my word. I made her a promise, without knowing what. Time
+passed until I was made a knight. King Evrain, whose nephew I am, dubbed
+me a knight in the presence of many honourable men in this very garden
+where we are. My lady, who is sitting there, at once recalled to me my
+word, and said that I had promised her that I would never go forth from
+here until there should come some knight who should conquer me by trial
+of arms. It was right that I should remain, for rather than break my
+word, I should never have pledged it. Since I knew the good there was in
+her, I could nor reveal or show to the one whom I hold most dear that
+in all this I was displeased; for if she had noticed it, she would have
+withdrawn her heart, and I would not have had it so for anything that
+might happen. Thus my lady thought to detain me here for a long stay;
+she did not think that there would ever enter this garden any vassal who
+could conquer me. In this way she intended to keep me absolutely shut up
+with her all the days of my life. And I should have committed an offence
+if I had had resort to guile and not defeated all those against whom I
+could prevail; such escape would have been a shame. And I dare to assure
+you that I have no friend so dear that I would have feigned at all in
+fighting with him. Never did I weary of arms, nor did I ever refuse to
+fight. You have surely seen the helmets of those whom I have defeated
+and put to death; but the guilt of it is not mine, when one considers it
+aright. I could not help myself, unless I were willing to be false and
+recreant and disloyal. Now I have told you the truth, and be assured
+that it is no small honour which you have gained. You have given great
+joy to the court of my uncle and my friends; for now I shall be released
+from here; and because all those who are at the court will have joy of
+it, therefore those who awaited the joy called it 'Joy of the Court'.
+They have awaited it so long that now it will be granted them by you who
+have won it by your fight. You have defeated and bewitched my prowess
+and my chivalry. Now it is right that I tell you my name, if you would
+know it. I am called Mabonagrain; but I am not remembered by that name
+in any land where I have been, save only in this region; for never, when
+I was a squire, did I tell or make known my name. Sire, you knew the
+truth concerning all that you asked me. But I must still tell you that
+there is in this garden a horn which I doubt not you have seen. I cannot
+issue forth from here until you have blown the horn; but then you will
+have released me, and then the Joy will begin. Whoever shall hear and
+give it heed no hindrance will detain him, when he shall hear the sound
+of the horn, from coming straight-way to the court. Rise up, sire! Go
+quickly now! Go take the horn right joyfully; for you have no further
+cause to wait; so do that which you must do." Now Erec rose, and the
+other rises with him, and both approach the horn. Erec takes it and
+blows it, putting into it all his strength, so that the sound of it
+reaches far. Greatly did Enide rejoice when she heard the note, and
+Guivret was greatly delighted too. The King is glad, and so are his
+people; there is not one who is not well suited and pleased at this.
+No one ceases or leaves off from making merry and from song. Erec could
+boast that day, for never was such rejoicing made; it could not be
+described or related by mouth of man, but I will tell you the sum of it
+briefly and with few words. The news spreads through the country that
+thus the affair has turned out. Then there was no holding back from
+coming to the court. All the people hasten thither in confusion, some
+on foot and some on horse, without waiting for each other. And those who
+were in the garden hastened to remove Erec's arms, and in emulation they
+all sang a song about the Joy; and the ladies made up a lay which they
+called 'the Lay of Joy', [142] but the lay is not well known. Erec was
+well sated with joy and well served to his heart's desire; but she who
+sat on the silver couch was not a bit pleased. The joy which she saw was
+not at all to her taste. But many people have to keep still and look
+on at what gives them pain. Enide acted graciously; because she saw her
+sitting pensive, alone on the couch, she felt moved to go and speak with
+her and tell her about her affairs and about herself, and to strive, if
+possible, to make her tell in return about herself, if it did not cause
+her too great distress. Enide thought to go alone, wishing to take no
+one with her, but some of the most noble and fairest dames and damsels
+followed her out of affection to bear her company, and also to comfort
+her to whom the joy brings great chagrin; for she assumed that now her
+lover would be no longer with her so much as he had been, inasmuch as he
+desired to leave the garden. However disappointing it may be, no one can
+prevent his going away, for the hour and the time have come. Therefore
+the tears ran down her face from her eyes. Much more than I can say was
+she grieving and distressed; nevertheless she sat up straight. But she
+does not care so much for any of those who try to comfort her that she
+ceases her moan. Enide salutes her kindly; but for a while the other
+could not reply a word, being prevented by the sighs and sobs which
+torment and distress her. Some time it was before the damsel returned
+her salutation, and when she had looked at her and examined her for a
+while, it seemed that she had seen and known her before. But not being
+very certain of it, she was not slow to inquire from whence she was, of
+what country, and where her lord was born; she inquires who they both
+are. Enide replies briefly and tells her the truth, saying: "I am the
+niece of the Count who holds sway over Lalut, the daughter of his own
+sister; at Lalut I was born and brought up." The other cannot help
+smiling, without hearing more, for she is so delighted that she forgets
+her sorrow. Her heart leaps with joy which she cannot conceal. She runs
+and embraces Enide, saying: "I am your cousin! This is the very truth,
+and you are my father's niece; for he and your father are brothers. But
+I suspect that you do not know and have never heard how I came into this
+country. The Count, your uncle, was at war, and to him there came to
+fight for pay knights of many lands. Thus, fair cousin, it came about,
+that with these hireling knights there came one who was the nephew of
+the king of Brandigan. He was with my father almost a year. That was, I
+think, twelve years ago, and I was still but a little child. He was very
+handsome and attractive. There we had an understanding between us that
+pleased us both. I never had any wish but his, until at last he began to
+love me and promised and swore to me that he would always be my lover,
+and that he would bring me here; that pleased us both alike. He could
+not wait, and I was longing to come hither with him; so we both came
+away, and no one knew of it but ourselves. In those days you and I were
+both young and little girls. I have told you the truth; so now tell me
+in turn, as I have told you, all about your lover, and by what adventure
+he won you." "Fair cousin, he married me in such a way that my father
+knew all about it, and my mother was greatly pleased. All our relatives
+knew it and rejoiced over it, as they should do. Even the Count was
+glad. For he is so good a knight that better cannot be found, and he
+does not need to prove his honour and knighthood, and he is of very
+gentle birth: I do not think that any can be his equal. He loves me
+much, and I love him more, and our love cannot be greater. Never yet
+could I withhold my love from him, nor should I do so. For is not my
+lord the son of a king? For did he not take me when I was poor and
+naked? Through him has such honour come to me that never was any such
+vouchsafed to a poor helpless girl. And if it please you, I will tell
+you without lying how I came to be thus raised up; for never will I be
+slow to tell the story." Then she told and related to her how Erec
+came to Lalut; for she had no desire to conceal it. She told her the
+adventure word for word, without omission. But I pass over it now,
+because he who tells a story twice makes his tale now tiresome. While
+they were thus conversing, one lady slipped away alone, who sent and
+told it all to the gentlemen, in order to increase and heighten their
+pleasure too. All those who heard it rejoiced at this news. And when
+Mabonagrain knew it he was delighted for his sweetheart because now
+she was comforted. And she who bore them quickly the news made them all
+happy in a short space. Even the King was glad for it; although he was
+very happy before, yet now he is still happier, and shows Erec great
+honour. Enide leads away her fair cousin, fairer than Helen, more
+graceful and charming. Now Erec and Mabonagrain, Guivret and King
+Evrain, and all the others run to meet them and salute them and do them
+honour, for no one is grudging or holds back. Mabonagrain makes much of
+Enide, and she of him. Erec and Guivret, for their part, rejoice over
+the damsel as they all kiss and embrace each other. They propose to
+return to the castle, for they have stayed too long in the garden. They
+are all prepared to go out; so they sally forth joyfully, kissing each
+other on the way. All go out after the King, but before they reached the
+castle, the nobles were assembled from all the country around, and all
+those who knew of the Joy, and who could do so, came hither. Great was
+the gathering and the press. Every one, high and low, rich and poor,
+strives to see Erec. Each thrusts himself before the other, and they
+all salute him and bow before him, saying constantly: "May God save
+him through whom joy and gladness come to our court! God save the most
+blessed man whom God has ever brought into being!" Thus they bring him
+to the court, and strive to show their glee as their hearts dictate.
+Breton zithers, harps, and viols sound, fiddles, psalteries, and other
+stringed instruments, and all kinds of music that one could name or
+mention. But I wish to conclude the matter briefly without too long
+delay. The King honours him to the extent of his power, as do all the
+others ungrudgingly. There is no one who does not gladly offer to do his
+service. Three whole days the Joy lasted, before Erec could get away.
+On the fourth he would no longer tarry for any reason they could urge.
+There was a great crowd to accompany him and a very great press when it
+came to taking leave. If he had wished to reply to each one, he would
+not have been able in half a day to return the salutations individually.
+The nobles he salutes and embraces; the others he commends to God in
+a word, and salutes them. Enide, for her part, is not silent when she
+takes leave of the nobles. She salutes them all by name, and they in
+turn do the like. Before she goes, she kisses her cousin very tenderly
+and embraces her. Then they go and the Joy is over.
+
+(Vv. 6411-6509.) They go off and the others return. Erec and Guivret do
+not tarry, but keep joyfully on their way, until they came in nine days
+to Robais, where they were told the King was. The day before he had
+been bled privately in his apartments; with him he had only five hundred
+nobles of his household. Never before at any time was the King found so
+alone, and he was much distressed that he had no more numerous suite at
+his court. At that time a messenger comes running, whom they had sent
+ahead to apprise the King of their approach. This man came in before the
+assembly, found the King and all his people, and saluting him correctly,
+said: "I am a messenger of Erec and of Guivret the Little." Then he told
+him how they were coming to see him at his court. The King replies: "Let
+them be welcome, as valiant and gallant gentlemen! Nowhere do I know
+of any better than they two. By their presence my court will be much
+enhanced." Then he sent for the Queen and told her the news. The others
+have their horses saddled to go and meet the gentlemen. In such haste
+are they to mount that they did not put on their spurs. I ought to state
+briefly that the crowd of common people, including squires, cooks, and
+butlers, had already entered the town to prepare for the lodgings.
+The main party came after, and had already drawn so near that they had
+entered the town. Now the two parties have met each other, and salute
+and kiss each other. They come to the lodgings and make themselves
+comfortable, removing their hose and making their toilet by donning
+their rich robes. When they were completely decked out, they took their
+way to the court. They come to court, where the King sees them, and the
+Queen, who is beside herself with impatience to see Erec and Enide. The
+King makes them take seats beside him, kisses Erec and Guivret; about
+Enide's neck he throws his arms and kisses her repeatedly, in his great
+joy. Nor is the Queen slow in embracing Erec and Enide. One might well
+rejoice to see her now so full of joy. Every one enters with spirit into
+the merry-making. Then the King causes silence to be made, and appeals
+to Erec and asks news of his adventures. When the noise had ceased, Erec
+began his story, telling him of his adventures, without forgetting any
+detail. Do you think now that I shall tell you what motive he had had in
+starting out? Nay, for you know the whole truth about this and the rest,
+as I have revealed it to you. To tell the story again would burden me;
+for the tale is not short, that any one should wish to begin it afresh
+and re-embelish it, as he told and related it: of the three knights whom
+he defeated, and then of the five, and then of the Count who strove to
+do him harm, and then of the two giants--all in order, one after the
+other, he told him of his adventures up to the point where he met Count
+Oringle of Limors. "Many a danger have you gone through, fair gentle
+friend," said the King to him; "now tarry in this country at my court,
+as you are wont to do." "Sire, since you wish it, I shall remain very
+gladly three or four years entire. But ask Guivret to remain here too a
+request in which I would fain join." The King prays him to remain, and
+he consents to stay. So they both stay: the King kept them with him, and
+held them dear and honoured them.
+
+(Vv. 6510-6712.) Erec stayed at court, together with Guivret and Enide,
+until the death of his father, the king, who was an old man and full of
+years. The messengers then started out: the nobles who went to seek him,
+and who were the greatest men of the land, sought and searched for him
+until they found him at Tintagel three weeks before Christmas; they told
+him the truth what had happened to his old, white-haired father, and
+how he now was dead and gone. This grieved Erec much more than he showed
+before the people. But sorrow is not seemly in a king, nor does it
+become a king to mourn. There at Tintagel where he was, he caused vigils
+for the dead and Masses to be sung; he promised and kept his promises,
+as he had vowed to the religious houses and churches; he did well all
+that he ought to do: he chose out more than one hundred and sixty-nine
+of the wretched poor, and clothed them all in new garments. To the poor
+clerks and priors he gave, as was right, black copes and warm linings to
+wear beneath. For God's sake he did great good to all: to those who were
+in need he distributed more than a barrel of small coins. When he had
+shared his wealth, he then did a very wise thing in receiving his land
+from the King's hand; and then he begged the King to crown him at his
+court. The King bade him quickly be prepared; for they shall both be
+crowned, he together with his wife, at the approaching Christmastide;
+and he added: "You must go hence to Nantes in Brittany; there you shall
+carry a royal ensign with crown on head and sceptre in hand; this gift
+and privilege I bestow upon you." Erec thanked the King, and said that
+that was a noble gift. At Christmas the King assembles all his nobles,
+summoning them individually and commanding them to come to Nantes. He
+summoned them all, and none stayed behind. Erec, too, sent word to many
+of his followers, and summoned them to come thither; but more came than
+he had bidden, to serve him and do him honour. I cannot tell you or
+relate who each one was, and what his name; but whoever came or did not
+come, the father and mother of my lady Enide were not forgotten. Her
+father was sent for first of all, and he came to court in handsome
+style, like a great lord and a chatelain. There was no great crowd of
+chaplains or of silly, gaping yokels, but of excellent knights and of
+people well equipped. Each day they made a long day's journey, and rode
+on each day with great joy and great display, until on Christmas eve
+they came to the city of Nantes. They made no halt until they entered
+the great hall where the King and his courtiers were. Erec and Enide
+see them, and you may know how glad they were. To meet them they quickly
+make their way, and salute and embrace them, speaking to them tenderly
+and showing their delight as they should. When they had rejoiced
+together, taking each other by the hand, they all four came before the
+King, saluting him and likewise the Queen, who was sitting by his side.
+Taking his host by the hand, Erec said: "Sire, behold my good host, my
+kind friend, who did me such honour that he made me master in his
+own house. Before he knew anything about me, he lodged me well and
+handsomely. All that he had he made over to me, and even his daughter he
+bestowed upon me, without the advice or counsel of any one." "And this
+lady with him," the King inquires, "who is she?" Erec does not conceal
+the truth: "Sire," says he, "of this lady I may say that she is the
+mother of my wife." "Is she her mother?" "Yes, truly, sire." "Certainly,
+I may then well say that fair and comely should be the flower born of so
+fair a stem, and better the fruit one picks; for sweet is the smell
+of what springs from good. Fair is Enide and fair she should be in all
+reason and by right; for her mother is a very handsome lady, and her
+father is a goodly knight. Nor does she in aught belie them; for she
+descends and inherits directly from them both in many respects." Then
+the King ceases and sits down, bidding them be seated too. They do not
+disobey his command, but straightway take seats. Now is Enide filled
+with joy when she sees her father and mother, for a very long time had
+passed since she had seen them. Her happiness now is greatly increased,
+for she was delighted and happy, and she showed it all she could, but
+she could not make such demonstration but that her joy was yet greater.
+But I wish to say no more of that, for my heart draws me toward the
+court which was now assembled in force. From many a different country
+there were counts and dukes and kings, Normans, Bretons. Scotch, and
+Irish: from England and Cornwall there was a very rich gathering of
+nobles; for from Wales to Anjou, in Maine and in Poitou, there was no
+knight of importance, nor lady of quality, but the best and the most
+elegant were at the court at Nantes, as the King had bidden them. Now
+hear, if you will, the great joy and grandeur, the display and the
+wealth, that was exhibited at the court. Before the hour of nones had
+sounded, King Arthur dubbed four hundred knights or more all sons of
+counts and of kings. To each one he gave three horses and two pairs of
+suits, in order that his court may make a better showing. Puissant and
+lavish was the King; for the mantles he bestowed were not of serge, nor
+of rabbit-skins, nor of cheap brown fur, but of heavy silk and ermine,
+of spotted fur and flowered silks, bordered with heavy and stiff gold
+braid. Alexander, who conquered so much that he subdued the whole world,
+and who was so lavish and rich, compared with him was poor and mean.
+Caesar, the Emperor of Rome, and all the kings whose names you hear in
+stories and in epic songs, did not distribute at any feast so much
+as Arthur gave on the day that he crowned Erec; nor would Caesar and
+Alexander dare to spend so much as he spent at the court. The raiment
+was taken from the chests and spread about freely through the halls; one
+could take what he would, without restraint. In the midst of the court,
+upon a rug, stood thirty bushels of bright sterlings; [143] for since
+the time of Merlin until that day sterlings had currency throughout
+Britain. There all helped themselves, each one carrying away that night
+all that he wanted to his lodging-place. At nine o'clock on Christmas
+day, all came together again at court. The great joy that is drawing
+near for him had completely filched Erec's heart away. The tongue and
+the mouth of no man, however skilful, could describe the third, or the
+fourth, or the fifth part of the display which marked his coronation. So
+it is a mad enterprise I undertake in wishing to attempt to describe
+it. But since I must make the effort, come what may, I shall not fail to
+relate a part of it, as best I may.
+
+(Vv. 6713-6809.) The King had two thrones of white ivory, well
+constructed and new, of one pattern and style. He who made them beyond a
+doubt was a very skilled and cunning craftsman. For so precisely did he
+make the two alike in height, in breadth, and in ornamentation, that you
+could nor look at them from every side to distinguish one from the other
+and find in one aught that was not in the other. There was no part of
+wood, but all of gold and fine ivory. Well were they carved with great
+skill, for the two corresponding sides of each bore the representation
+of a leopard, and the other two a dragon's shape. A knight named Bruiant
+of the Isles had made a gift and present of them to King Arthur and the
+Queen. King Arthur sat upon the one, and upon the other he made Erec
+sit, who was robed in watered silk. As we read in the story, we find the
+description of the robe, and in order that no one may say that I lie,
+I quote as my authority Macrobius, [144] who devoted himself to the
+description of it. Macrobius instructs me how to describe, according
+as I have found it in the book, the workmanship and the figures of the
+cloth. Four fairies had made it with great skill and mastery. [145] One
+represented there geometry, how it estimates and measures the extent of
+the heavens and the earth, so that nothing is lacking there; and
+then the depth and the height, and the width, and the length; then it
+estimates, besides, how broad and deep the sea is, and thus measures
+the whole world. Such was the work of the first fairy. And the second
+devoted her effort to the portrayal of arithmetic, and she strove hard
+to represent clearly how it wisely enumerates the days and the hours of
+time, and the water of the sea drop by drop, and then all the sand, and
+the stars one by one, knowing well how to tell the truth, and how many
+leaves there are in the woods: such is the skill of arithmetic that
+numbers have never deceived her, nor will she ever be in error when she
+wishes to apply her sense to them. The third design was that of music,
+with which all merriment finds itself in accord, songs and harmonies,
+and sounds of string: of harp, of Breton violin, and of viol. This
+piece of work was good and fine; for upon it were portrayed all the
+instruments and all the pastimes. The fourth, who next performed her
+task, executed a most excellent work; for the best of the arts she there
+portrayed. She undertook astronomy, which accomplishes so many marvels
+and draws inspiration from the stars, the moon, and the sun. Nowhere
+else does it seek counsel concerning aught which it has to do. They give
+it good and sure advice. Concerning whatever inquiry it make of them,
+whether in the past or in the future, they give it information without
+falsehood and without deception. This work was portrayed on the stuff
+of which Erec's robe was made, all worked and woven with thread of gold.
+The fur lining that was sewed within, belonged to some strange beasts
+whose heads are all white, and whose necks are as black as mulberries,
+and which have red backs and green bellies, and dark blue tail. These
+beasts live in India and they are called "barbiolets". They eat nothing
+but spices, cinnamon, and fresh cloves. What shall I tell you of the
+mantle? It was very rich and fine and handsome; it had four stones
+in the tassels--two chrysolites on one side, and two amethysts on the
+other, which were mounted in gold.
+
+(Vv. 6810-6946.) As yet Enide had not come to the palace. When the King
+sees that she delays, he bids Gawain go quickly to bring her and the
+Queen. Gawain hastens and was not slow, and with him King Cadoalant
+and the generous King of Galloway. Guivret the Little accompanies them,
+followed by Yder the son of Nut. So many of the other nobles ran thither
+to escort the two ladies that they would have sufficed to overcome a
+host; for there were more than a thousand of them. The Queen had made
+her best effort to adorn Enide. Into the palace they brought her
+the courteous Gawain escorting her on one side, and on the other the
+generous King of Galloway, who loved her dearly on account of Erec who
+was his nephew. When they came to the palace, King Arthur came quickly
+toward them, and courteously seated Enide beside Erec; for he wished to
+do her great honour. Now he orders to be brought forth from his treasure
+two massive crowns of fine gold. As soon as he had spoken and given the
+command, without delay the crowns were brought before him, all sparkling
+with carbuncles, of which there were four in each. The light of the moon
+is nothing compared with the light which the least of the carbuncles
+could shed. Because of the radiance which they shed, all those who were
+in the palace were so dazzled that for a moment they could see nothing;
+and even the King was amazed, and yet filled with satisfaction, when
+he saw them to be so clear and bright. He had one of them held by two
+damsels, and the other by two gentlemen. Then he bade the bishops and
+priors and the abbots of the Church step forward and anoint the new
+King, as the Christian practice is. Now all the prelates, young and old,
+came forward; for at the court there were a great number of bishops and
+abbots. The Bishop of Nantes himself, who was a very worthy and saintly
+man, anointed the new King in a very holy and becoming manner, and
+placed the crown upon his head. King Arthur had a sceptre brought which
+was very fine. Listen to the description of the sceptre, which was
+clearer than a pane of glass, all of one solid emerald, fully as large
+as your fist. I dare to tell you in very truth that in all the world
+there is no manner of fish, or of wild behest, or of man, or of flying
+bird that was not worked and chiselled upon it with its proper figure.
+The sceptre was handed to the King, who looked at it with amazement;
+then he put it without delay into King Erec's right hand; and now he
+was King as he ought to be. Then he crowned Enide in turn. Now the
+bells ring for Mass, and they go to the main church to hear the Mass and
+service; they go to pray at the cathedral. You would have seen weeping
+with joy the father of Queen Enide and her mother, Carsenefide. In truth
+this was her mother's name, and her father's name was Liconal. Very
+happy were they both. When they came to the cathedral, the procession
+came out from the church with relics and treasures to meet them. Crosses
+and prayerbooks and censers and reliquaries, with all the holy relics,
+of which there were many in the church, were all brought out to meet
+them; nor was there any lack of chants made. Never were seen so many
+kings, counts, dukes, and nobles together at a Mass, and the press was
+so great and thick that the church was completely filled. No low-born
+man could enter there, but only ladies and knights. Outside the door
+of the church a great number still remained, so many were there come
+together who could not get inside the church. When they had heard all
+the Mass they returned to the palace. It was all prepared and decorated:
+tables set and cloths spread five hundred tables and more were there;
+but I do not wish to make you believe a thing which does not seem true.
+It would seem too great a lie were I to say that five hundred tables
+were set in rows in one palace, so I will not say it; rather were there
+five hails so filled with them that with great difficulty could one make
+his way among the tables. At each table there was in truth a king or a
+duke or a count; and full a hundred knights were seated at each table. A
+thousand knights served the bread, and a thousand served the wine, and a
+thousand the meat--all of them dressed in fresh fur robes of ermine. All
+are served with divers dishes. Even if I did not see them, I might still
+be able to tell you about them; but I must attend to something else than
+to tell you what they had to eat. They had enough, without wanting more;
+joyfully and liberally they were served to their heart's desire.
+
+(Vv. 6947-6958.) When this celebration was concluded, the King dismissed
+the assemblage of kings, dukes, and counts, of which the number was
+immense, and of the other humble folk who had come to the festival.
+He rewarded them liberally with horses, arms and silver, cloths and
+brocades of many kinds, because of his generosity, and because of Erec
+whom he loved so much. Here the story ends at last.
+
+
+
+----Endnotes: Erec Et Enide
+
+NOTE: Endnotes supplied by Prof. Foerster are indicated by "(F.)"; all
+other endnotes are supplied by W.W. Comfort.
+
+
+[Footnote 11: A Welsh version, "Geraint the Son of Erbin", included in
+Lady Charlotte Guest's translation of "The Mabinogion" (London, 1838-49;
+a modern edition will be found in Everyman Library, London, 1906),
+tells the same story as "Erec et Enide" with some variations. This Welsh
+version has also been translated into modern French by J. Loth ("Les
+Mabinogion", Paris, 1889), where it may be consulted with the greatest
+confidence. The relation of the Welsh prose to the French poem is a
+moot point. Cf. E. Philipot in "Romania", XXV. 258-294, and earlier,
+K. Othmer, "Ueber das Verhaltnis Chrestiens Erec und Enide zu dem
+Mabinogion des rothen Buch von Hergest" (Koln, 1889); G. Paris in
+"Romania", XIX. 157, and id. XX. 148-166.]
+
+[Footnote 12: We frequently read in the romances of a hunt at Easter
+(F.). As here, so in "Fergus" (ed. Martin, Halle, 1872), p. 2 f., the
+knights hunt a white stag, which Perceval finally slays, but there is no
+mention of the ceremony of the bestowal of a kiss.]
+
+[Footnote 13: Chretien nowhere gives any description of the nature of
+the Round Table. With him, it is an institution. Layamon in "Brut" and
+Wace in "Le Roman de Brut" are more specific in their accounts of this
+remarkable piece of furniture. From their descriptions, and from other
+sources in Welsh and Irish literature, it is reasonable to suppose that
+the Round Table had a place in primitive Celtic folk-lore. Cf. L.F.
+Mott, "The Round Table" in "Pub. of the Modern Language Association of
+America", XX. 231-264; A.C.L. Brown, "The Round Table before Wace" in
+"Harvard Studies and Notes in Philology and Literature", vii. 183-205
+(Boston, 1900); Miss J.L Weston, "A Hitherto Unconsidered Aspect of the
+Round Table" in "Melanges de philologie romane offerts a M. Wilmotte",
+ii. 883-894, 2 vols. (Paris, 1910).]
+
+[Footnote 14: There exists a romance devoted to Yder, of which G. Paris
+printed a resume in "Hist. Litt. de la France", XXX., and which has
+been recently edited by Heinrich Gelzer: "Der altfranzosische Yderroman"
+(Dresden, 1913). There are apparently three different knight of this
+name in the old French romances (F.).]
+
+[Footnote 15: The word "chastel" (from "castellum") is usually to be
+translated as "town" or strong place within fortifications. Only where
+it plainly refers to a detached building will the word "castle" be
+used.]
+
+[Footnote 16: A "tercel" is a species of falcon, of which the male bird
+is one-third smaller than the female.]
+
+[Footnote 17: A "vavasor" (from "vassus vassallorum") was a low order
+of vassal, but a freeman. The vavasors are spoken of with respect in
+the old French romances, as being of honourable character, though not of
+high birth.]
+
+[Footnote 18: The numerous references to the story of King Mark,
+Tristan, and Iseut in the extant poems of Chretien support his own
+statement, made at the outset of "Cliges", that he himself composed a
+poem on the nephew and wife of the King of Cornwall. We have fragments
+of poems on Tristan by the Anglo-Norman poets Beroul and Thomas, who
+were contemporaries of Chretien. Foerster's hypothesis that the lost
+"Tristan" of Chretien antedated "Erec" is doubtless correct. That
+the poet later treated of the love of Cliges and Fenice as a sort of
+literary atonement for the inevitable moral laxity of Tristan and Iseut
+has been held by some, and the theory is acceptable in view of the
+references to be met later in "Cliges". For the contrary opinion of
+Gaston Paris see "Journal des Savants" (1902), p. 297 f.]
+
+[Footnote 19: In the Mabinogi "Geraint the Son of Erbin", the host
+explains that he had wrongfully deprived his nephew of his possessions,
+and that in revenge the nephew had later taken all his uncle's property,
+including an earldom and this town. See Guest, "The Mabinogion".]
+
+[Footnote 110: The hauberk was a long shirt of mail reaching to the
+knees, worn by knights in combat. The helmet, and the "coiffe" beneath
+it, protected the head; the "ventail" of linked meshes was worn across
+the lower part of the face, and was attached on each side of the neck to
+the "coiffe", so that it protected the throat; the greaves covered the
+legs. The body of the knight was thus well protected against blow of
+sword or lance. Cf. Vv.711 f.]
+
+[Footnote 111: This passage seems to imply that charms and enchantments
+were sometimes used when a knight was armed (F.).]
+
+[Footnote 112: The "loges", so often mentioned in old French romances,
+were either window-balconies or architectural points of vantage
+commanding some pleasing prospect. The conventional translation in the
+old English romances is "bower".]
+
+[Footnote 113: Tristan killed Morholt, the uncle of Iseut, when he came
+to claim tribute form King Mark (cf. Bedier, "Le Roman de Tristan",
+etc., i. 85 f., 2 vols., Paris, 1902). The combat took place on an
+island, unnamed in the original text (id. i. 84), but later identified
+with St. Samson's Isle, one of the Scilly Isles.]
+
+[Footnote 114: The same act of feeding a hunting-bird with a plover's
+wing is mentioned in "Le Roman de Thebes", 3857-58 (ed. "Anciens
+Textes").]
+
+[Footnote 115: For such figurative expressions used to complement the
+negative, cf. Gustav Dreyling, "Die Ausdruckweise der ubertriebenen
+Verkleinerung im altfranzosischen Karlsepos", in Stengel's "Ausgaben und
+Abhandlungen", No. 82 (Marsburg, 1888); W.W. Comfort in "Modern Language
+Notes" (Baltimore, February 1908).]
+
+[Footnote 116: Chretien in his later romances will avoid compiling such
+a prosaic blue-book as is found in this passage, though similar lists of
+knights occur in the old English romances as late as Malory, though of
+some of them but little is known. Unfortunately, we have for the old
+French romances no such complete work as that furnished for the epic
+poems by E. Langois, "Table des noms propres de toute nature compris
+dans les chansons de geste" (Paris, 1904).]
+
+[Footnote 117: The only mention by Chretien of this son of Arthur, whose
+role is absolutely insignificant in the Arthurian romances.]
+
+[Footnote 118: What was this drinking-cup, and who sent it to Arthur? We
+have "Le Lai du cor" (ed. Wulff, Lund, 1888), which tells how a certain
+King Mangount of Moraine sent a magic drinking-cup to Arthur. No one
+could drink of this cup without spilling the contents if he were a
+cuckold. Drinking from this cup was, then, one of the many current tests
+of chastity. Further light may be thrown on the passage in our text by
+the English poem "The Cokwold's Daunce" (in C.H. Hartshorne's "Ancient
+Metrical Ballads", London, 1829), where Arthur is described as a cuckold
+himself and as having always by him a horn (cup) which he delights
+in trying on his knights as a test of their ladies' chastity. For
+bibliography see T.P. Cross, "Notes on the Chastity-Testing Horns and
+Mantle" in "Modern Philology", x. 289-299.]
+
+[Footnote 119: A unique instance of such a division of the material in
+Chretien's poems (F.).]
+
+[Footnote 120: Outre-Gales=Estre-Gales (v.3883)=Extra-Galliam.]
+
+[Footnote 121: Such fanciful descriptions of men and lands are common
+in the French epic poems, where they are usually applied to the Saracens
+(F.). Cf. W.w. Comfort, "The Saracens in Christian Poetry" in "The
+Dublin Review", July 1911; J. Malsch, "Die Charakteristik der Volker im
+altfranzosischen nationalen Epos" (Heidelberg, 1912).]
+
+[Footnote 122: With what seems to us mistaken taste, Chretien frequently
+thus delays mentioning the name of his leading charecters. The father
+and mother of Enide remain anonymous until the end of this poem. The
+reader will remark other instances of this peculiarity in "Yvain" and
+"Lancelot".]
+
+[Footnote 123: The maid Brangien was substituted for Iseut, the bride,
+upon the first night after her marriage with Mark. Similar traditions
+are associated with the marriage of Arthur and Guinevere, and of Pepin
+and Berte aus grans pies, the parents of Charlemagne. Adenet le Roi
+toward the end of the 13th century is the author of the most artistic
+treatments of Berte's history (ed. A. Scheler, Bruxelles, 1874).
+Cf. W.W. Comfort, "Adenet le Roi: The End of a Literary Era" in "The
+Quarterly Review", April 1913.]
+
+[Footnote 124: The reading "Sanson" (=Samson) is Foerster's most recent
+(1904) suggestion to replace the word "lion" which stands in all
+the MSS. Solomon's name has always been synonymous with wisdom, and
+Alexander's generosity was proverbial in the Middle Ages. For Alexander,
+cf. Paul Meyer, "Alexandre le Grand dans la litterature francaise du
+moyen age", 2 vols. (Paris, 1886), vol ii., pp. 372-376, and Paget
+Toynbee, "Dante Studies and Researches" (London, 1902), p. 144.]
+
+[Footnote 125: Of Arthur's several nephews, Gawain is represented by
+Chretien as peerless in respect of courage and courtesy. In the English
+romances his character steadily deteriorates.]
+
+[Footnote 126: This sentence contains the motive for all the action
+in the sequel. The same situation is threatened in "Yvain", but there
+Gawain rescues the hero from the lethargy, ignoble in the eyes of a
+feudal audience, into which he was falling. Cf. also "Marques de Rome"
+("Lit. Verein in Stuttgart", Tubingen, 1889), p. 36, where the Empress
+of Rome thus incites her husband to the chase: "Toz jors cropez vos a
+Postel; vos n'estes point chevalereus, si come vos deussiez estre, si
+juenes hom come vos estes"; also J. Gower, "Le Mirour de l'omme, 22, 813
+ff.:
+
+"Rois est des femmes trop decu, Qant plus les ayme que son dieu, Dont
+laist honour pour foldelit: Cil Rois ne serra pas cremu, Q'ensi voet
+laisser sou escu Et querre le bataille ou lit."]
+
+[Footnote 127: This brusque command, implying so sudden a change in
+Erec's attitude toward his wife, initiates a long series of tests of
+Enide's devotion, which fill the rest of the romance. Why did Erec treat
+his wife with such severity? In the Mabinogi of "Geraint the Son of
+Erbin", it is plain that jealousy was the hero's motive. The reader of
+"Erec" may judge whether, as we believe, the hero's sudden resolve is
+not rather that of a man piqued at being justly reproved by his wife
+for a delinquency he had not himself remarked; irate at his wife's
+imputation, and fearful of having forfeited her respect, he starts
+out to redeem his reputation in her eyes, and to maker her retract any
+insinuation she had made. Erec is simply angry with himself, but he
+expends his wrath upon his defenceless wife until he is reassured of her
+love and respect for him.]
+
+[Footnote 128: The situation here is a common one. Parallels will be
+found in the "Voyage de Charlemagne", in the first tale of the "Arabian
+Nights", in the poem "Biterolf and Dietlieb", and in the English ballad
+of "King Arthur and King Cornwall". Professor Child, in his "English and
+Scotch Ballads", indexes the ballads in his collection, which present
+this motive, under the following caption: "King who regards himself as
+the richest, most magnificent, etc., in the world, is told that there is
+one who outstrips him, and undertakes to see for himself whether this is
+so, threatening death to the person who has affirmed his inferiority in
+case this is disproved."]
+
+[Footnote 129: The presence of the Irish in this connection is explained
+by G. Paris in "Romania", xx. 149.]
+
+[Footnote 130: Kay the Seneschal appears here for the first time in
+Chretien's poems with the character which he regularly ascribes to him.
+Readers of Arthurian romance are all familiar with Sir Kay; they will
+find that in Chretien, the seneschal, in addition to his undeniable
+qualities of bravery and frankness, has less pleasing traits; he is
+foolhardy, tactless, mean, and a disparager of others' merit. He figures
+prominently in "Yvain" and "Lancelot". His poetic history has not yet
+been written. His role in the German romances has been touched upon by
+Dr. Friedrich Sachse, "Ueber den Ritter Kei" (Berlin, 1860).]
+
+[Footnote 131: No meat was eaten because it was the eve of Sunday.]
+
+[Footnote 132: In the French epic poems and romances of adventure alike
+it is customary for giants and all manner of rustic boors to carry
+clubs, the arms of knighthood being appropriate for such ignoble
+creatures. Other instances of this convention will be remarked in the
+text.]
+
+[Footnote 133: There follows and excellent example of an old French
+lament for the dead. Such a wail was known in old French as a "regret",
+a word which has lost its specific meaning in English.]
+
+[Footnote 134: Many examples will be met of women skilled in the
+practice of medicine and surgery. On the subject, cf. A. Hertel,
+"Versauberte Oertlichkeiten und Gegenstande in der altfranzosschen
+Dichtung" (Hanover, 1908); Georg Manheimer, "Etwas liber die Aerzte im
+alten Frankreich" in "Romanische Forschungen", vi. 581-614.]
+
+[Footnote 135: The reference here and in v.5891 is probably suggested by
+the "Roman d'Eneas", which tells the same story as Virgil's "Aeneid",
+in old French eight-syllable rhymed couplets, and which is dated by
+the most recent scholarship 1160 circ. Cf. F.M. Warren in "Modern
+Philology", iii. 179-209; iii. 513-539; iv. 655-675. Also M. Wilmotte,
+"L'Evolution du roman francais aux environs de 1150" (Paris, 1903).
+Scenes from classical and medieval romance were for a long time
+favourite subject of portrayal upon cloths and tapestries, as well as of
+illuminations for manuscripts.]
+
+[Footnote 136: Various conjectures have been advanced concerning the
+significance of this strange adventure and its mysterious name "La
+Joie de la cour". It is a quite extraneous episode, and Tennyson in his
+artistic use of our hero and heroine in the Idyl of "Geraint and Enid"
+did well to omit it. Chretien's explanation, a little farther on, of "La
+Joie de la cour" is lame and unsatisfactory, as if he himself did not
+understand the significance of the matter upon which he was working. Cf.
+E. Philipot in "Romania", xxv. 258-294; K. Othmer, "Ueber das Verhaltnis
+Chrestiens Erec und Enide zu dem Mabinogion des rothen Buch von Hergest"
+(Bonn, 1889); G. Paris in "Romania", xx. 152 f.]
+
+[Footnote 137: The following description of Erec's reception is repeated
+with variations at the time of Yvain's entrance in the "Chastel de Pesme
+Avanture" ("Yvain", 5107 f.) (F.).]
+
+[Footnote 138: For such conventional mediaeval descriptions of
+other-world castles, palaces, and landscapes, cf. O.M. Johnston in
+"Ztsch fur romanische Philologie", xxxii. 705-710.]
+
+[Footnote 139: Tiebaut li Esclavon, frequently mentioned in the epic
+poems, was a Saracen king, the first husband of Guibourne, who later
+married the Christian hero Guillaume d'Orange. Opinel was also a
+Saracen, mentioned in "Gaufrey", p. 132, and the hero of a lost epic
+poem (see G. Paris, "Historie poetique de Charlemagne", p. 127). Fernagu
+was another Saracen king, killed in a famous encounter by Roland,
+"Otinel", p. 9 (F.). For further references to these characters, see
+E. Langlois, "Table des noms propres de toute nature compris dans les
+chansons de geste" (Paris, 1904).]
+
+[Footnote 140: There is a similar picket fence topped with helmets in
+the "Las de la Mule sanz frain", v. 433 (ed. By R.T. Hill, Baltimore,
+1911).]
+
+[Footnote 141: For such magic horns, cf. A. Hertel, "Verzauberte
+Oertlichkeiten", etc. (Hanover, 1908).]
+
+[Footnote 142: In fact, nothing is known of this "lai", if, indeed, it
+ever existed. For a recent definition of "lai", se L. Foulet in "Ztsch.
+fur romanische Philologie", xxxii. 161 f.]
+
+[Footnote 143: The sterling was the English silver penny, 240 of which
+equalled 1 Pound Sterling of silver of 5760 grains 925 fine. It is early
+described as "denarius Angliae qui vocatur sterlingus" ("Ency. Brit").]
+
+[Footnote 144: Macrobius was a Neoplatonic philosopher and Latin
+grammarian of the early part of the 5th century A.D. He is best known
+as the author of the "Saturnalia" and of a commentary upon Cicero's
+"Somnium Scipionis" in that author's "De republica". It is this latter
+work that is probably in the mind of Chretien, as well as of Gower, who
+refers to him in his "Mirour l'omme", and of Jean de Meun, the author of
+the second part of the "Roman de la Rose".]
+
+[Footnote 145: For fairies and their handiwork in the Middle Ages, cf.
+L.F.A. Maury, "Les Fees du moyen age" (Paris, 1843); Keightley,
+"Fairy Mythology" (London, 1860); Lucy A. Paton, "Studies in the Fairy
+Mythology of Arthurian Romance", Radcliffe Monograph (Boston, 1903);
+D.B. Easter, "The Magic Elements in the romans d'aventure and the romans
+bretons" (Baltimore, 1906).]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CLIGES [21]
+
+(Vv. 1-44.) He who wrote of Erec and Enide, and translated into French
+the commands of Ovid and the Art of Love, and wrote the Shoulder
+Bite, [22] and about King Mark and the fair Iseut, [23] and about the
+metamorphosis of the Lapwing, [24] the Swallow, and the Nightingale,
+will tell another story now about a youth who lived in Greece and was
+a member of King Arthur's line. But before I tell you aught of him, you
+shall hear of his father's life, whence he came and of what family. He
+was so bold and so ambitious that he left Greece and went to England,
+which was called Britain in those days, in order to win fame and renown.
+This story, which I intend to relate to you, we find written in one of
+the books of the library of my lord Saint Peter at Beauvais. [25] From
+there the material was drawn of which Chretien has made this romance.
+The book is very old in which the story is told, and this adds to its
+authority. [26] From such books which have been preserved we learn the
+deeds of men of old and of the times long since gone by. Our books have
+informed us that the pre-eminence in chivalry and learning once belonged
+to Greece. Then chivalry passed to Rome, together with that highest
+learning which now has come to France. God grant that it may be
+cherished here, and that it may be made so welcome here that the honour
+which has taken refuge with us may never depart from France: God had
+awarded it as another's share, but of Greeks and Romans no more is
+heard, their fame is passed, and their glowing ash is dead.
+
+(Vv. 45-134.) Chretien begins his story as we find it in the history,
+which tells of an emperor powerful in wealth and honour who ruled over
+Greece and Constantinople. A very noble empress, too, there was, by
+whom the emperor had two children. But the elder son was already so
+far advanced before the younger one was born that, if he had wished, he
+might have become a knight and held all the empire beneath his sway.
+The name of the elder was Alexander, and the other's name was Alis.
+Alexander, too, was the father's name, and the mother's name was
+Tantalis. I shall now say nothing more of the emperor and of Alis; but
+I shall speak of Alexander, who was so bold and proud that he scorned
+to become a knight in his own country. He had heard of King Arthur, who
+reigned in those days, and of the knights whom he always kept about
+him, thus causing his court to be feared and famed throughout the world.
+However, the affair may result and whatever fortune may await him,
+nothing can restrain Alexander from his desire to go into Britain, but
+he must obtain his father's consent before proceeding to Britain and
+Cornwall. So Alexander, fair and brave, goes to speak with the emperor
+in order to ask and obtain his leave. Now he will tell him of his desire
+and what he wishes to do and undertake. "Fair sire," he says, "in quest
+of honour and fame and praise I dare to ask you a boon, which I desire
+you to give me now without delay, if you are willing to grant it to me."
+The emperor thinks no harm will come from this request: he ought rather
+to desire and long for his son's honour. "Fair son," he says, "I grant
+you your desire; so tell me now what you wish me to give you." Now the
+youth has accomplished his purpose, and is greatly pleased when the boon
+is granted him which he so greatly desired. "Sire," says he, "do you
+wish to know what it is that you have promised me? I wish to have a
+great plenty of gold and silver, and such companions from among your
+men as I will select; for I wish to go forth from your empire, and to
+present my service to the king who rules over Britain, in order that he
+may make me a knight. I promise you never in my life to wear armour on
+my face or helmet upon my head until King Arthur shall gird on my sword,
+if he will graciously do so. For from no other than from him will I
+accept my arms." Without hesitation the emperor replies: "Fair son, for
+God's sake, speak not so! This country all belongs to you, as well as
+rich Constantinople. You ought not to think me mean, when I am ready
+to make you such a gift. I shall be ready soon to have you crowned, and
+to-morrow you shall be a knight. All Greece will be in your hands, and
+you shall receive from your nobles, as is right, their homage and oaths
+of allegiance. Whoever refuses such an offer is not wise."
+
+(Vv. 135-168.) The youth hears the promise how the next morning after
+Mass his father is ready to dub him knight; but he says he will seek his
+fortune for better or worse in another land. "If you are willing in this
+matter to grant the boon I have asked of you, then give me mottled and
+grey furs, some good horses and silken stuffs: for before I become
+a knight I wish to enrol in King Arthur's service. Nor have I yet
+sufficient strength to bear arms. No one could induce me by prayer or
+flattery not to go to the foreign land to see his nobles and that king
+whose fame is so great for courtesy and prowess. Many men of high degree
+lose through sloth the great renown which they might win, were they to
+wander about the world. [27] Repose and glory ill agree, as it seems to
+me; for a man of wealth adds nothing to his reputation if he spends all
+his days at ease. Prowess is irksome to the ignoble man, and cowardice
+is a burden to the man of spirit; thus the two are contrary and
+opposite. He is the slave of his wealth who spends his days in storing
+and increasing it. Fair father, so long as I have the chance, and so
+long as my rigour lasts, I wish to devote my effort and energy to the
+pursuit of fame."
+
+(Vv. 169-234.) Upon hearing this; the emperor doubtless feels both joy
+and grief: he is glad that his son's intention is fixed upon honour,
+and on the other hand he is sorrowful because his son is about to be
+separated from him. Yet, because of the promise which he made, despite
+the grief he feels, he must grant his request; for an emperor must keep
+his word. "Fair son," he says, "I must not fail to do your pleasure,
+when I see you thus striving for honour. From my treasure you may have
+two barges full of gold and silver; but take care to be generous and
+courteous and well-behaved." Now the youth is very happy when his father
+promises him so much, and places his treasure at his disposal, and bids
+him urgently to give and spend generously. And his father explains his
+reason for this: "Fair son," he says, "believe me, that generosity is
+the dame and queen which sheds glory upon all the other virtues. And the
+proof of this is not far to seek. For where could you find a man, be he
+never so rich and powerful, who is not blamed if he is mean? Nor could
+you find one, however ungracious he may be, whom generosity will not
+bring into fair repute? Thus largess makes the gentleman, which
+result can be accomplished neither by high birth, courtesy, knowledge,
+gentility, money, strength, chivalry, boldness, dominion, beauty, or
+anything else. [28] But just as the rose is fairer than any other flower
+when it is fresh and newly blown, so there, where largess dwells, it
+takes its place above all other virtues, and increases five hundred fold
+the value of other good traits which it finds in the man who acquits
+himself well. So great is the merit of generosity that I could not tell
+you the half of it." The young man has now successfully concluded the
+negotiations for what he wished; for his father has acceded to all
+his desires. But the empress was sorely grieved when she heard of the
+journey which her son was about to take. Yet, whoever may grieve or
+sorrow, and whoever may attribute his intention to youthful folly, and
+ever may blame and seek to dissuade him, the youth ordered his ships to
+be made ready as soon as possible, desiring to tarry no longer in his
+native land. At his command the ships were freighted that very night
+with wine, meat, and biscuit.
+
+(Vv. 235-338.) The ships were loaded in the port, and the next morning
+Alexander came to the strand in high spirits, accompanied by his
+companions, who were happy over the prospective voyage. They were
+escorted by the emperor and the empress in her grief. At the port they
+find the sailors in the ships drawn up beside the cliff. The sea was
+calm and smooth, the wind was light, and the weather clear. When he had
+taken leave of his father, and bidden farewell to the empress, whose
+heart was heavy in her bosom, Alexander first stepped from the small
+boat into the skip; then all his companions hastened by fours, threes,
+and twos to embark without delay. Soon the sail was spread and the
+anchor raised. Those on shore whose heart is heavy because of the men
+whom they watch depart, follow them with their gaze as long as they can:
+and in order to watch them longer, they all climb a high hill behind
+the beach. From there they sadly gaze, as long as their eyes can follow
+them. With sorrow, indeed, they watch them go, being solicitous for
+the youths, that God may bring them to their haven without accident and
+without peril. All of April and part of May they spent at sea. Without
+any great danger or mishap they came to port at Southampton. [29]
+One day, between three o'clock and vespers, they cast anchor and
+went ashore. The young men, who had never been accustomed to endure
+discomfort or pain, had suffered so long from their life at sea that
+they had all lost their colour, and even the strongest and most vigorous
+were weak and faint. In spite of that, they rejoice to have escaped from
+the sea and to have arrived where they wished to be. Because of their
+depleted state, they spend the night at Southampton in happy frame, and
+make inquiries whether the King is in England. They are told that he
+is at Winchester, and that they can reach there in a very short time if
+they will start early in the morning and keep to the straight road. At
+this news they are greatly pleased, and the next morning at daybreak the
+youths wake early, and prepare and equip themselves. And when they were
+ready, they left Southampton, and kept to the direct road until they
+reached Winchester, where the King was. Before six o'clock in the
+morning the Greeks had arrived at the court. The squires with the horses
+remain below in the yard, while the youths go up into the presence of
+the King, who was the best that ever was or ever will be in the world.
+And when the King sees them coming, they please him greatly, and meet
+with his favour. But before approaching the King's presence, they
+remove the cloaks from about their necks, lest they should be considered
+ill-bred. Thus, all unmantled, they came before the King, while all the
+nobles present held their peace, greatly pleased at the sight of these
+handsome and well-behaved young men. They suppose that of course they
+are all sons of counts or kings; and, to be sure, so they were, and of a
+very charming age, with graceful and shapely forms. And the clothes
+they wore were all of the same stuff and cut of the same appearance and
+colour. There were twelve of them beside their lord, of whom I need tell
+you no more than that there was none better than he. With modesty and
+orderly mien, he was handsome and shapely as he stood uncovered before
+the King. Then he kneeled before him, and all the others, for honour's
+sake, did the same beside their lord.
+
+(Vv. 339-384.) Alexander, with his tongue well skilled in speaking fair
+and wisely, salutes the King. "King," he says, "unless the report is
+false that spreads abroad your fame, since God created the first man
+there was never born a God-fearing man of such puissance as yours. King,
+your widespread renown has drawn me to serve and honour you in your
+court, and if you will accept my service, I would fain remain here
+until I be dubbed a knight by your hand and by no one else. For unless
+I receive this honour from your hand, I shall renounce all intention of
+being knighted. If you will accept my service until you are willing
+to dub me a knight, retain me now, oh gentle King, and my companions
+gathered here." To which at once the King replies: "Friend, I refuse
+neither you nor your companions. Be welcome all. For surely you seem,
+and I doubt it not, to be sons of high-born men. Whence do you come?"
+"From Greece." "From Greece?" "Yes." "Who is thy father?" "Upon my word,
+sire, the emperor." "And what is thy name, fair friend?" "Alexander is
+the name that was given me when I received the salt and holy oil, and
+Christianity and baptism." "Alexander, my dear, fair friend. I will keep
+you with me very gladly, with great pleasure and delight. For you have
+done me signal honour in thus coming to my court. I wish you to be
+honoured here, as free vassals who are wise and gentle. You have been
+too long upon your knees; now, at my command, and henceforth make your
+home with man and in my court; it is well that you have come to us."
+
+(Vv. 385-440.) Then the Greeks rise up, joyful that the King has so
+kindly invited them to stay. Alexander did well to come; for he lacks
+nothing that he desires, and there is no noble at the court who does not
+address him kindly and welcome him. He is not so foolish as to be puffed
+up, nor does he vaunt himself nor boast. He makes acquaintance with my
+lord Gawain and with the others, one by one. He gains the good graces of
+them all, but my lord Gawain grows so fond of him that he chooses him as
+his friend and companion. [210] The Greeks took the best lodgings to be
+had, with a citizen of the town. Alexander had brought great possessions
+with him from Constantinople, intending to give heed above all to the
+advice and counsel of the Emperor, that his heart should be ever
+ready to give and dispense his riches well. To this end he devotes his
+efforts, living well in his lodgings, and giving and spending liberally,
+as is fitting in one so rich, and as his heart dictates. The entire
+court wonders where he got all the wealth that he bestows; for on all
+sides he presents the valuable horses which he had brought from his own
+land. So much did Alexander do, in the performance of his service,
+that the King, the Queen, and the nobles bear him great affection.
+King Arthur about this time desired to cross over into Brittany. So he
+summons all his barons together to take counsel and inquire to whom he
+may entrust England to be kept in peace and safety until his return.
+By common consent, it seems, the trust was assigned to Count Angres of
+Windsor, for it was their judgement that there was no more trustworthy
+lord in all the King's realm. When this man had received the land, King
+Arthur set out the next day accompanied by the Queen and her damsels.
+The Bretons make great rejoicing upon hearing the news in Brittany that
+the King and his barons are on the way.
+
+(Vv. 441-540.) Into the ship in which the King sailed there entered
+no youth or maiden save only Alexander and Soredamors, whom the Queen
+brought with her. This maiden was scornful of love, for she had never
+heard of any man whom she would deign to love, whatever might be his
+beauty, prowess, lordship, or birth. And yet the damsel was so charming
+and fair that she might fitly have learned of love, if it had pleased
+her to lend a willing ear; but she would never give a thought to love.
+Now Love will make her grieve, and will avenge himself for all the pride
+and scorn with which she has always treated him. Carefully Love has
+aimed his dart with which he pierced her to the heart. Now she grows
+pale and trembles, and in spite of herself must succumb to Love. Only
+with great difficulty can she restrain herself from casting a glance
+toward Alexander; but she must be on her guard against her brother, my
+lord Gawain. Dearly she pays and atones for her great pride and disdain.
+Love has heated for her a bath which heats and burns her painfully. At
+first it is grateful to her, and then it hurts; one moment she likes it,
+and the next she will have none of it. She accuses her eyes of treason,
+and says: [211] "My eyes, you have betrayed me now! My heart, usually
+so faithful, now bears me ill-will because of you. Now what I see
+distresses me. Distresses? Nay, verily, rather do I like it well. And if
+I actually see something that distresses me, can I not control my eyes?
+My strength must indeed have failed, and little should I esteem myself,
+if I cannot control my eyes and make them turn their glance elsewhere.
+Thus, I shall be able to baffle Love in his efforts to get control of
+me. The heart feels no pain when the eye does not see; so, if I do not
+look at him, no harm will come to me. He addresses me no request or
+prayer, as he would do were he in love with me. And since he neither
+loves nor esteems me, shall I love him without return? If his beauty
+allures my eyes, and my eyes listen to the call, shall I say that I love
+him just for that? Nay, for that would be a lie. Therefore, he has no
+ground for complaint, nor can I make any claim against him. One cannot
+love with the eyes alone. What crime, then, have my eyes committed, if
+their glance but follows my desire? What is their fault and what their
+sin? Ought I to blame them, then? Nay, verily. Who, then, should be
+blamed? Surely myself, who have them in control. My eye glances at
+nothing unless it gives my heart delight. My heart ought not to have any
+desire which would give me pain. Yet its desire causes me pain. Pain?
+Upon my faith, I must be mad, if to please my heart I wish for something
+which troubles me. If I can, I ought to banish any wish that distresses
+me. If I can? Mad one, what have I said? I must, indeed, have little
+power if I have no control over myself. Does Love think to set me in
+the same path which is wont to lead others astray? Others he may lead
+astray, but not me who care not for him. Never shall I be his, nor
+ever was, and I shall never seek his friendship." Thus she argues with
+herself, one moment loving, and hating the next. She is in such doubt
+that she does not know which course she had better adopt. She thinks to
+be on the defence against Love, but defence is not what she wants. God!
+She does not know that Alexander is thinking of her too! Love bestows
+upon them equally such a share as is their due. He treats them very
+fairly and justly, for each one loves and desires the other. And this
+love would be true and right if only each one knew what was the other's
+wish. But he does not know what her desire is, and she knows not the
+cause of his distress.
+
+(Vv. 541-574.) The Queen takes note of them and sees them often blanch
+and pale and heave deep sighs and tremble. But she knows no reason why
+they should do so, unless it be because of the sea where they are. I
+think she would have divined the cause had the sea not thrown her off
+her guard, but the sea deceives and tricks her, so that she does not
+discover love because of the sea; and it is from love that comes the
+bitter pain that distresses them. [212] But of the three concerned,
+the Queen puts all the blame upon the sea; for the other two accuse the
+third to her, and hold it alone responsible for their guilt. Some one
+who is not at fault is often blamed for another's wrong. Thus, the Queen
+lays all the blame and guilt upon the sea, but it is unfair to put the
+blame upon the sea, for it is guilty of no misdeed. Soredamors' deep
+distress continued until the vessel came to port. As for the King, it is
+well known that the Bretons were greatly pleased, and served him gladly
+as their liege lord. But of King Arthur I will not longer speak in
+this place; rather shall you hear me tell how Love distresses these two
+lovers whom he has attacked.
+
+(Vv. 575-872.) Alexander loves and desires her; and she, too, pines for
+the love of him, but he knows it not, nor will he know it until he
+has suffered many a pain and many a grief. It is for her sake that he
+renders to the Queen loving service, as well as to her maids-in-waiting;
+but to her on whom his thoughts are fixed, he dares not speak or address
+a word. If she but dared to assert to him the right which she thinks she
+has, she would gladly inform him of the truth; but she does not dare,
+and cannot do it. They dare neither speak nor act in accordance with
+what each sees in the other--which works a great hardship to them both,
+and their love but grows and flames the more. However, it is the custom
+of all lovers to feast their eyes gladly with gazing, if they can do
+no more; and they assume that, because they find pleasure in that which
+causes their love to be born and grow, therefore it must be to their
+advantage; whereas it only harms them more, just as he who approaches
+and draws close beside the fire burns himself more than he who holds
+aloof. Their love waxes and grows anon; but each is abashed before the
+other, and so much is hidden and concealed that no flame or smoke arises
+from the coals beneath the ashes. The heat is no less on this account,
+but rather is better sustained beneath the ashes than above. Both of
+them are in great torment; for, in order that none may perceive their
+trouble, they are forced to deceive people by a feigned bearing; but at
+night comes the bitter moan, which each one makes within his breast. Of
+Alexander I will tell you first how he complains and vents his grief.
+Love presents before his mind her for whom he is in such distress; it is
+she who has filched his heart away, and grants him no rest upon his bed,
+because, forsooth, he delights to recall the beauty and the grace of her
+who, he has no hope, will ever bring him any joy. "I may as well hold
+myself a madman." he exclaims. "A madman? Truly, I am beside myself,
+when I dare not speak what I have in mind; for it would speedily fare
+worse with me (if I held my peace). I have engaged my thoughts in a mad
+emprise. But is it not better to keep my thoughts to myself than to be
+called a fool? My wish will never then be known. Shall I then conceal
+the cause of my distress, and not dare to seek aid and healing for my
+wound? He is mad who feels himself afflicted, and seeks not what will
+bring him health, if perchance he may find it anywhere; but many a one
+seeks his welfare by striving for his heart's desire, who pursues only
+that which brings him woe instead. And why should one ask for advice,
+who does not expect to gain his health? He would only exert himself
+in vain. I feel my own illness to be so grievous that I shall never be
+healed by any medicine or draught, by any herb or root. For some ills
+there is no remedy, and mine lies so deep within that it is beyond the
+reach of medicine. Is there no help, then? Methinks I have lied. When
+first I felt this malady, if I had dared to make mention of it. I might
+have spoken with a physician who could have completely cured me. But I
+like not to discuss such matters; I think he would pay me no heed and
+would not consent to accept a fee. No wonder, then, if I am terrified;
+for I am very ill, yet I do not know what disease this is which has me
+in its grip, and I know not whence this pain has come. I do not know? I
+know full well that it is Love who does me this injury. How is that? Can
+Love do harm? Is he not gentle and well-bred? I used to think that there
+was naught but good in Love; but I have found him full of enmity. He who
+has not had experience of him does not know what tricks Love plays.
+He is a fool who joins his ranks; for he always seeks to harm his
+followers. Upon my faith, his tricks are bad. It is poor sport to play
+with him, for his game will only do me harm. What shall I do, then?
+Shall I retreat? I think it would be wise to do so, but I know not
+how to do it. If Love chastens and threatens me in order to teach and
+instruct me, ought I to disdain my teacher? He is a fool who scorns his
+master. I ought to keep and cherish the lesson which Love teaches me,
+for great good may soon come of it. But I am frightened because he beats
+me so. And dost thou complain, when no sign of blow or wound appears?
+Art thou not mistaken? Nay, for he has wounded me so deep that he has
+shot his dart to my very heart, and has not yet drawn it out again.
+[213] How has he pierced thy body with it, when no wound appears
+without? Tell me that, for I wish to know. How did he make it enter in?
+Through the eye. Through the eye? But he has not put it out? He did not
+harm the eye at all, but all the pain is in the heart. Then tell me, if
+the dart passed through the eye, how is it that the eye itself is not
+injured or put out. If the dart entered through the eye, why does the
+heart in the breast complain, when the eye, which received the first
+effect, makes no complaint of it at all? I can readily account for that:
+the eye is not concerned with the understanding, nor has it any part in
+it; but it is the mirror of the heart, and through this mirror passes,
+without doing harm or injury, the flame which sets the heart on fire.
+For is not the heart placed in the breast just like a lighted candle
+which is set in a lantern? If you take the candle away no light will
+shine from the lantern; but so long as the candle lasts the lantern is
+not dark at all, and the flame which shines within does it no harm or
+injury. Likewise with a pane of glass, which might be very strong and
+solid, and yet a ray of the sun could pass through it without cracking
+it at all; yet a piece of glass will never be so bright as to enable one
+to see, unless a stronger light strikes its surface. Know that the same
+thing is true of the eyes as of the glass and the lantern; for the
+light strikes the eyes in which the heart is accustomed to see itself
+reflected, and lo! it sees some light outside, and many other things,
+some green, some purple, others red or blue; and some it dislikes, and
+some it likes, scorning some and prizing others. But many an object
+seems fair to it when it looks at it in the glass, which will deceive it
+if it is not on its guard. My mirror has greatly deceived me; for in
+it my heart saw a ray of light with which I am afflicted, and which has
+penetrated deep within me, causing me to lose my wits. I am ill-treated
+by my friend, who deserts me for my enemy. I may well accuse him of
+felony for the wrong he has done to me. I thought I had three friends,
+my heart and my two eyes together; but it seems that they hate me. Where
+shall I ever find a friend, when these three are my enemies, belonging
+to me, yet putting me to death? My servants mock at my authority, in
+doing what they please without consulting my desire. After my experience
+with these who have done me wrong, I know full well that a good man's
+love may be befouled by wicked servants in his employ. He who is
+attended by a wicked servant will surely have cause to rue it, sooner or
+later. Now I will tell you how the arrow, which has come into my keeping
+and possession, is made and fashioned; but I fear greatly that I shall
+fail in the attempt; for the fashion of it is so fine that it will be no
+wonder if I fail. Yet I shall devote all my effort to telling you how
+it seems to me. The notch and the feathers are so close together, when
+carefully examined, that the line of separation is as fine as a hair's
+breadth; but the notch is so smooth and straight that in it surely no
+improvement could be made. The feathers are coloured as if they were
+of gold or gilt; but gilt is here beside the mark, for I know these
+feathers were more brilliant than any gilt. This dart is barbed with the
+golden tresses that I saw the other day at sea. That is the dart which
+awakes my love. God! What a treasure to possess! Would he who could gain
+such a prize crave other riches his whole life long? For my part I could
+swear that I should desire nothing else; I would not give up even the
+barb and the notch for all the gold of Antioch. And if I prize so highly
+these two things, who could estimate the value of what remains? That is
+so fair and full of charm, so dear and precious, that I yearn and long
+to gaze again upon her brow, which God's hand has made so clear that it
+were vain to compare with it any mirror, emerald, or topaz. But all this
+is of little worth to him who sees her flashing eyes; to all who gaze on
+them they seem like twin candles burning. And whose tongue is so expert
+as to describe the fashion of her well-shaped nose and radiant face, in
+which the rose suffuses the lily so as to efface it somewhat, and thus
+enhance the glory of her visage? And who shall speak of her laughing
+mouth, which God shaped with such great skill that none might see it and
+not suppose that she was laughing? And what about her teeth? They are so
+close to one another that it seems they are all of one solid piece,
+and in order that the effect might still be enhanced Nature added her
+handiwork; for any one, to see her part her lips, would suppose that the
+teeth were of ivory or of silver. There is so much to be said were I
+to portray each detailed charm of chin and ears, that it would not be
+strange were I to pass over some little thing. Of her throat I shall
+only say that crystal beside it looks opaque. And her neck beneath her
+hair is four times as white as ivory. Between the border of her gown and
+the buckle at the parted throat, I saw her bosom left exposed and whiter
+than new-fallen snow. My pain would be indeed assuaged, if I had seen
+the dart entire. Gladly would I tell, if I but knew, what was the nature
+of the shaft. But I did nor see it, and it is not my fault if I do
+not attempt to describe something I have never seen. At that time Love
+showed me only the notch and the barb; for the shaft was hidden in the
+quiver, to wit, in the robe and shift in which the damsel was arrayed.
+Upon my faith, malady which tortures me is the arrow--it is the dart at
+which I am a wretch to be enraged. I am ungrateful to be incensed. Never
+shall a straw be broken because of any distrust or quarrel that may
+arise between Love and me. Now let Love do what he will with me as with
+one who belongs to him; for I wish it, and so it pleases me. I hope that
+this malady may never leave me, but that it may thus always maintain its
+hold, and that health may never come to me except from the source of my
+illness."
+
+(Vv. 873-1046.) Alexander's complaint is long enough; but that of the
+maiden is nothing less. All night she lies in such distress that
+she cannot sleep or get repose. Love has confined within her heart a
+struggle and conflict which disturbs her breast, and which causes her
+such pain and anguish that she weeps and moans all night, and tosses
+about with sudden starts, so that she is almost beside herself. And when
+she has tossed and sobbed and groaned and started up and sighed again
+then she looked within her heart to see who and what manner of man it
+was for whom Love was tormenting her. And when she has refreshed herself
+somewhat with thinking to her heart's content, she stretches and tosses
+about again, and ridicules all the thoughts she has had. Then she takes
+another course, and says: "Silly one, what matters it to me if this
+youth is of good birth and wise and courteous and valorous? All this is
+simply to his honour and credit. And as for his beauty, what care I? Let
+his beauty be gone with him! But if so, it will be against my will, for
+it is not my wish to deprive him of anything. Deprive? No, indeed! That
+I surely will not do. If he had the wisdom of Solomon, and if Nature had
+bestowed on him all the beauty she can place in human form, and if God
+had put in my power to undo it all, yet would I not injure him; but I
+would gladly, if I could, make him still more wise and fair. In faith,
+then, I do not hate him! And am I for that reason his friend? Nay, I am
+not his any more than any other man's. Then what do I think of him so
+much, if he pleases me no more than other men? I do not know; I am all
+confused; for I never thought so much about any man in the world, and
+if I had my will, I should see him all the time, and never take my eyes
+from him. I feel such joy at the sight of him! Is this love? Yes, I
+believe it is. I should not appeal to him so often, if I did not love
+him above all others. So I love him, then, let it be agreed. Then shall
+I not do what I please? Yes, provided he does not refuse. This intention
+of mine is wrong; but Love has so filled my heart that I am mad and
+beside myself, nor will any defence avail me now, if I must endure the
+assault of Love. I have demeaned myself prudently toward Love so long,
+and would never accede to his will; but now I am more than kindly
+disposed toward him. And what thanks will he owe to me, if he cannot
+have my loving service and good-will? By force he has humbled my pride,
+and now I must follow his pleasure. Now I am ready to love, and I have
+a master, and Love will teach me--but what? How I am to serve his will.
+But of that I am very well informed, and am so expert in serving him
+that no one could find fault with me. I need learn no more of that. Love
+would have it, and so would I, that I should be sensible and modest and
+kind and approachable to all for the sake of one I love. Shall I love
+all men, then, for the sake of one? I should be pleasant to every one,
+but Love does not bid me be the true friend of every one. Love's lessons
+are only good. It is not without significance that I am called by the
+name of Soredamors. [214] I am destined to love and be loved in turn,
+and I intend to prove it by my name, if I can find the explanation
+there. There is some significance in the fact that the first part of
+my name is of golden colour; for what is golden is the best. For this
+reason I highly esteem my name, because it begins with that colour with
+which the purest gold harmonises. And the end of the name calls Love to
+my mind; for whoever calls me by my right name always refreshes me with
+love. And one half gilds the other with a bright coat of yellow gold;
+for Soredamors has the meaning of 'one gilded over with Love.' Love has
+highly honoured me in gilding me over with himself. A gilding of
+real gold is not so fine as that which makes me radiant. And I shall
+henceforth do my best to be his gilding, and shall never again complain
+of it. Now I love and ever more shall love. Whom? Truly, that is a fine
+question! Him whom Love bids me love, for no other shall ever have
+my love. What will he care in his ignorance, unless I tell him of it
+myself? What shall I do, if I do not make to him my prayer? Whoever
+desires anything ought to ask for it and make request. What? Shall I
+beseech him, then? Nay. Why? Did ever such a thing come about that a
+woman should be so forward as to make love to any man; unless she were
+clean beside herself. I should be mad beyond question if I uttered
+anything for which I might be reproached. If he should know the truth
+through word of mine I think he would hold me in slight esteem, and
+would often reproach me with having solicited his love. May love never
+be so base that I should be the first to prefer a request which would
+lower me in his eyes! Alas, God! How will he ever know the truth, since
+I shall not tell him of it? As yet I have very little cause to complain.
+I will wait until his attention is aroused, if ever it is to be aroused.
+He will surely guess the truth, I think, if ever he has had commerce
+with Love, or has heard of it by word of mouth. Heard of it? That is a
+foolish thing to say. Love is not of such easy access that any one may
+claim acquaintance by hear-say only and without personal experience.
+I have come to know that well enough myself; for I could never learn
+anything of love through flattery and wooing words, though I have often
+been in the school of experience, and have been flattered many a time.
+But I have always stood aloof, and now he makes me pay a heavy penalty:
+now I know more about it than does the ox of ploughing. But one thing
+causes me despair: I fear he has never been in love. And if he is not in
+love, and never has been so, then I have sowed in the sea where no seed
+can take root. So there is nothing to do but wait and suffer, until
+I see whether I can lead him on by hints and covered words. I shall
+continue this until he is sure of my love and dares to ask me for it. So
+there is nothing more about the matter, but that I love him and am his.
+If he loves me not, yet will I love him."
+
+(Vv. 1047-1066.) Thus he and she utter their complaint, unhappy at night
+and worse by day, each hiding the truth from the other's eyes. In such
+distress they remained a long time in Brittany, I believe, until the end
+of the summer came. At the beginning of October there came messengers
+by Dover from London and Canterbury, bearing to the King news which
+troubled him. The messengers told him that he might be tarrying too long
+in Brittany; for, he to whom he had entrusted the kingdom was intending
+to withstand him, and had already summoned a great army of his vassals
+and friends, and had established himself in London for the purpose of
+defending the city against Arthur when he should return.
+
+(Vv. 1067-1092.) When the King heard this news, angry and sore
+displeased he summons all his knights. In order the better to spur them
+on to punish the traitor, he tells them that they are entirely to blame
+for his trouble and strife; for on their advice he entrusted his land to
+the hands of the traitor, who is worse than Ganelon. [215] There is not
+a single one who does not agree that the King is right, for he had only
+followed their advice; but now this man is to be outlawed, and you may
+be sure that no town or city will avail to save his body from being
+dragged out by force. Thus they all assure the King, giving him their
+word upon oath, that they will deliver the traitor to him, or never
+again claim their fiefs. And the King proclaims throughout Brittany that
+no one who can bear arms shall refuse to follow him at once.
+
+(Vv. 1093-1146.) All Brittany is now astir. Never was such an army seen
+as King Arthur brought together. When the ships came to set sail, it
+seemed that the whole world was putting out to sea; for even the water
+was hid from view, being covered with the multitude of ships. It is
+certainly true that, to judge by the commotion, all Brittany is under
+way. Now the ships have crossed the Channel, and the assembled host is
+quartered on the shore. Alexander bethought himself to go and pray the
+King to make him a knight, for if ever he should win renown it will be
+in this war. Prompted by his desire, he takes his companions with him
+to accomplish what he has in mind. On reaching the King's quarters, they
+found him seated before his tent. When he saw the Greeks approaching, he
+summoned them to him, saying: "Gentlemen, do not conceal what business
+has brought you here." Alexander replied on behalf of all, and told him
+his desire: "I have come," he says, "to request of you, as I ought to do
+of my liege lord, on behalf of my companions and myself, that you should
+make us knights." The King replies: "Very gladly; nor shall there be any
+delay about it, since you have preferred your request." Then the
+King commands that equipment shall be furnished for twelve knights.
+Straightway the King's command is done. As each one asks for his
+equipment, it is handed to him--rich arms and a good horse: thus each
+one received his outfit. The arms and robes and horse were of equal
+value for each of the twelve; but the harness for Alexander s body, if
+it should be valued or sold, was alone worth as much as that of all the
+other twelve. At the water's edge they stripped, and then washed and
+bathed themselves. Not wishing that any other bath should be heated for
+them, they washed in the sea and used it as their tub. [216]
+
+(Vv. 1147-1196.) All this is known to the Queen, who bears Alexander no
+ill will, but rather loves, esteems, and values him. She wishes to make
+Alexander a gift, but it is far more precious than she thinks. She seeks
+and delves in all her boxes until she finds a white silk shirt, well
+made of delicate texture, and very soft. Every thread in the stitching
+of it was of gold, or of silver at least. Soredamors had taken a hand in
+the stitching of it here and there, and at intervals, in the sleeves and
+neck, she had inserted beside the gold a strand of her own hair, to see
+if any man could be found who, by close examination, could detect the
+difference. For the hair was quite as bright and golden as the thread of
+gold itself. The Queen takes the shirt and presents it to Alexander. Ah,
+God! What joy would Alexander have felt had he known what the Queen was
+giving him! And how glad would she, too, have been, who had inserted her
+own hair, if she had known that her lover was to own and wear it! She
+could then have taken great comfort; for she would not have cared
+so much for all the hair she still possessed as for the little that
+Alexander had. But, more is the pity, neither of them knew the truth.
+The Queen's messenger finds the youths on the shore where they are
+bathing, and gives the shirt to Alexander. He is greatly pleased with
+it, esteeming the present all the more because it was given him by the
+Queen. But if he had known the rest, he would have valued it still more;
+in exchange for it he would not have taken the whole world, but rather
+would have made a shrine of it and worshipped it, doubtless, day and
+night.
+
+(Vv. 1197-1260.) Alexander delays no longer, but dresses himself at
+once. When he was dressed and ready, he returned to the King's tent with
+all his companions. The Queen, it seems, had come there, too, wishing
+to see the new knights present themselves. They might all be called
+handsome, but Alexander with his shapely body was the fairest of them
+all. Well, now that they are knights I will say no more of them for the
+present, but will tell of the King and of his host which came to
+London. Most of the people remained faithful to him, though many allied
+themselves with the opposition. Count Angres assembled his forces,
+consisting of all those whose influence could be gained by promises or
+gifts. When he had gathered all his strength, he slipped away quietly at
+night, fearing to be betrayed by the many who hated him. But before he
+made off, he sacked London as completely as possible of provisions, gold
+and silver, which he divided among his followers. This news was told to
+the King, how the traitor had escaped with all his forces, and that
+he had carried off from the city so many supplies that the distressed
+citizens were impoverished and destitute. Then the King replied that
+he would not take a ransom for the traitor, but rather hang him, if he
+could catch him or lay hands on him. Thereupon, all the army proceeded
+to Windsor. However it may be now, in those days the castle was not easy
+to take when any one chose to defend it. The traitor made it secure, as
+soon as he planned his treacherous deed, with a triple line of walls
+and moats, and had so braced the walls inside with sharpened stakes that
+catapults could not throw them down. They had taken great pains with the
+fortifications, spending all of June, July, and August in building walls
+and barricades, making moats and drawbridges, ditches, obstructions, and
+barriers, and iron portcullises and a great square tower of stone. The
+gate was never closed from fear or against assault. The castle stood
+upon a high hill, and around beneath it flows the Thames. The host
+encamped on the river bank, and that day they have time only to pitch
+camp and set up the tents.
+
+(Vv. 1261-1348.) The army is in camp beside the Thames, and all the
+meadow is filled with green and red tents. The sun, striking on the
+colours, causes the river to flash for more than a league around. Those
+in the town had come down to disport themselves upon the river bank with
+only their lances in their hands and their shields grasped before their
+breasts, and carrying no other arms at all. In coming thus, they showed
+those without the walls that they stood in no fear of them. Alexander
+stood aloof and watched the knights disporting themselves at feats of
+arms. He yearns to attack them, and summons his companions one by one
+by name. First Cornix, whom he dearly loved, then the doughty Licorides,
+then Nabunal of Mvcene, and Acorionde of Athens, and Ferolin of
+Salonica, and Calcedor from Africa, Parmenides and Francagel, mighty
+Torin and Pinabel, Nerius and Neriolis. "My lords," he says, "I feel the
+call to go with shield and lance to make the acquaintance of those who
+disport themselves yonder before our eyes. I see they scorn us and hold
+us in slight esteem, when they come thus without their arms to exercise
+before our very eyes. We have just been knighted, and have not yet given
+an account of ourselves against any knight or manikin. [217] We have
+kept our first lances too long intact. And for what were our shields
+intended? As yet, they have not a hole or crack to show. There is no use
+in having them except in a combat or a fight. Let's cross the ford and
+rush at them!" "We shall not fail you," all reply; and each one adds:
+"So help me God, who fails you now is no friend of yours." Then they
+fasten on their swords, tighten their saddles and girths, and mount
+their steeds with shields in hand. When they had hung the shields about
+their necks, and taken their lances with the gaily coloured ensigns,
+they all proceed to the ford at once. Those on the farther side lower
+their lances, and quickly ride to strike at them. But they (on the
+hither bank) knew how to pay them back, not sparing nor avoiding them,
+nor yielding to them a foot of ground. Rather, each man struck his
+opponent so fiercely that there is no knight so brave but is compelled
+to leave the saddle. They did not underestimate the experience, skill,
+and bravery of their antagonists, but made their first blows count, and
+unhorsed thirteen of them. The report spread to the camp of the fight
+and of the blows that were being struck. There would soon have been a
+merry strife if the others had dared to stand their ground. All through
+the camp they run to arms, and raising a shout they cross the ford. And
+those on the farther bank take to flight, seeing no advantage in staying
+where they are. And the Greeks pursue them with blows of lance and
+sword. Though they struck off many a head they themselves did not
+receive a wound, and gave a good account of themselves that day. But
+Alexander distinguished himself, who by his own efforts led off four
+captive knights in bonds. The sands are strewn with headless dead, while
+many others lie wounded and injured.
+
+(Vv. 1349-1418.) Alexander courteously presents the victims of his first
+conquest to the Queen, not wishing them to fall into the hands of the
+King, who would have had them all hanged. The Queen, however, had them
+seized and safely kept under guard, as being charged with treason.
+Throughout the camp they talk of the Greeks, and all maintain that
+Alexander acted very courteously and wisely in not surrendering the
+knights whom he had captured to the King, who would surely have had them
+burned or hanged. But the King is not so well satisfied, and sending
+promptly to the Queen he bids her come into his presence and not detain
+those who have proved treacherous towards him, for either she must give
+them up or offend him by keeping them. While the Queen was in conference
+with the King, as was necessary, about the traitors, the Greeks
+remained in the Queen's tent with her maids-in-waiting. While his twelve
+companions conversed with them, Alexander uttered not a word. Soredamors
+took note of this, seated as she was close by his side. Her head resting
+upon her hand, it was plain that she was lost in thought. [218] Thus
+they sat a long time, until Soredamors saw on his sleeve and about his
+neck the hair which she had stitched into the shirt. Then she drew a
+little closer thinking now to find an excuse for speaking a word to him.
+She considers how she can address him first, and what the first word is
+to be--whether she should address him by his name; and thus she takes
+counsel with herself: "What shall I say first?" she says; "shall I
+address him by his name, or shall I call him 'friend'? Friend? Not I.
+How then? Shall I call him by his name? God! The name of 'friend' is
+fair and sweet to take upon the lips. If I should dare to call him
+'friend'! Should I dare? What forbids me to do so? The fact that that
+implies a lie. A lie? I know not what the result will be, but I shall be
+sorry if I do not speak the truth. Therefore, it is best to admit that
+I should not like to speak a lie. God! yet he would not speak a lie were
+he to call me his sweet friend! And should I lie in thus addressing him?
+We ought both to tell the truth. But if I lie the fault is his. But why
+does his name seem so hard to me that I should wish to replace it by a
+surname? I think it is because it is so long that I should stop in the
+middle. But if I simply called him 'friend', I could soon utter so short
+a name. Fearing lest I should break down in uttering his proper name, I
+would fain shed my blood if his name were simply 'my sweet friend.'"
+
+(Vv. 1419-1448.) She turns this thought over in her mind until the Queen
+returns from the King who had summoned her. Alexander, seeing her come,
+goes to meet her, and inquires what is the King's command concerning
+the prisoners, and what is to be their fate. "Friend," says she, "he
+requires of me to surrender them at his discretion, and to let his
+justice be carried out. Indeed, he is much incensed that I have not
+already handed them over. So I must needs send them to him, since I see
+no help for it." Thus they passed that day; and the next day there was
+a great assembly of all the good and loyal knights before the royal tent
+to sit in judgment and decide by what punishment and torture the four
+traitors should die. Some hold that they should be flayed alive, and
+others that they should be hanged or burned. And the King, for his part,
+maintains that traitors ought to be torn asunder. Then he commands them
+to be brought in. When they are brought, he orders them to be bound, and
+says that they shall not be torn asunder until they are taken beneath
+the town, so that those within may see the sight. [219]
+
+(Vv. 1449-1472.) When this sentence was pronounced, the King addresses
+Alexander, calling him his dear friend. "My friend," he says, "yesterday
+I saw you attack and defend yourself with great bravery. I wish now
+to reward your action! I will add to your company five hundred Welsh
+knights and one thousand troopers from that land. In addition to what I
+have given you, when the war is over I will crown you king of the best
+kingdom in Wales. Towns and castles, cities and halls will I give you
+until the time you receive the land which your father holds, and
+of which you are to be emperor." Alexander's companions join him in
+thanking the King kindly for this boon, and all the nobles of the court
+say that the honour which the King has bestowed upon Alexander is well
+deserved.
+
+(Vv. 1473-1490.) As soon as Alexander sees his force, consisting of the
+companions and the men-at-arms whom it had pleased the King to give him,
+straightway they begin to sound the horns and trumpets throughout the
+camp. Men of Wales and Britain, of Scotland and Cornwall, both good and
+bad without exception--all take arms, for the forces of the host were
+recruited from all quarters. The Thames was low because of the drought
+resulting from a summer without rain, so that all the fish were dead,
+and the ships were stranded upon the shore, and it was possible to ford
+the stream even in the widest part.
+
+(Vv. 1491-1514.) After fording the Thames, the army divided, some taking
+possession of the valley, and others occupying the high ground. Those
+in the town take notice of them, and when they see approaching the
+wonderful array, bent upon reducing and taking the town, they prepare
+on their side to defend it. But before any assault is made, the King has
+the traitors drawn by four horses through the valleys and over the hills
+and unploughed fields. At this Count Angres is much distressed, when he
+sees those whom he held dear dragged around outside the town. And his
+people, too, are much dismayed, but in spite of the anxiety which they
+feel, they have no mind to yield the place. They must needs defend
+themselves, for the King makes it plain to all that he is angry, and
+ill-disposed, and they see that if he should lay hands upon them he
+would make them die a shameful death.
+
+(Vv.1515-1552.) When the four had been torn asunder and their limbs lay
+strewn upon the field, then the assault begins. But all their labour is
+in vain, for no matter how much they cast and shoot, their efforts are
+of no effect. Yet they strive to do their utmost, hurling their javelins
+amain, and shooting darts and bolts. On all sides is heard the din of
+cross-bows and slings as the arrows and the round stones fly thick,
+like rain mixed with hail. Thus all day long the struggle of attack and
+defence continues, until the night separates them. And the King causes
+to be proclaimed what gift he will bestow upon him who shall effect the
+surrender of the town: a cup of great price weighing fifteen marks of
+gold, the richest in his treasure, shall be his reward. The cup will be
+very fine and rich, and, to tell the truth, the cup is to be esteemed
+for the workmanship rather than for the material of which it is made.
+But good as the workmanship may be, and fine though the gold, if the
+truth be told, the precious stones set in the outside of the cup were of
+most value. He through whose efforts the town shall be taken is to have
+the cup, if he be only a foot soldier; and if the town is taken by a
+knight, with the cup in his possession he shall never seek his fortune
+in vain, if there is any to be found in the world.
+
+(Vv. 1553-1712.) When this news was announced, Alexander had not
+forgotten his custom of going to see the Queen each evening. That night,
+too, he had gone thither and was seated beside the Queen. Soredamors was
+sitting alone close by them, looking at him with such satisfaction
+that she would not have exchanged her lot for Paradise. The Queen took
+Alexander by the hand, and examined the golden thread which was showing
+the effects of wear; but the strand of hair was becoming more lustrous,
+while the golden thread was tarnishing. And she laughed as she happened
+to recall that the embroidery was the work of Soredamors. Alexander
+noticed this, and begged her to tell him, if suitable, why she laughed.
+The Queen was slow to make reply, and looking toward Soredamors, bade
+her come to her. Gladly she went and knelt before her. Alexander was
+overjoyed when he saw her draw so near that he could have touched her.
+But he is not so bold as even to look at her; but rather does he so lose
+his senses that he is well-nigh speechless. And she, for her part, is so
+overcome that she has not the use of her eyes; but she casts her glance
+upon the ground without fastening it upon anything. The Queen marvels
+greatly at seeing her now pale, now crimson, and she notes well in her
+heart the bearing and expression of each of them. She notices and thinks
+she sees that these changes of colour are the fruit of love. But not
+wishing to embarrass them, she pretends to understand nothing of what
+she sees. In this she did well, for she gave no evidence of what was in
+her mind beyond saying: "Look here, damsel, and tell us truly where the
+shirt was sewed that this knight has on, and if you had any hand in
+it or worked anything of yours into it." Though the maiden feels some
+shame, yet she tells the story gladly; for she wishes the truth to be
+known by him, who, when he hears her tell of how the shirt was made, can
+hardly restrain himself for joy from worshipping and adoring the golden
+hair. His companions and the Queen, who were with him, annoy him and
+embarrass him; for their presence prevents him from raising the hair to
+his eyes and mouth, as he would fain have done, had he not thought that
+it would be remarked. He is glad to have so much of his lady, but he
+does not hope or expect ever to receive more from her: his very desire
+makes him dubious. Yet, when he has left the Queen and is by himself, he
+kisses it more than a hundred thousand times, feeling how fortunate he
+is. All night long he makes much of it, but is careful that no one shall
+see him. As he lies upon his bed, he finds a vain delight and solace in
+what can give him no satisfaction. All night he presses the shirt in his
+arms, and when he looks at the golden hair, he feels like the lord of
+the whole wide world. Thus Love makes a fool of this sensible man,
+who finds his delight in a single hair and is in ecstasy over its
+possession. But this charm will come to an end for him before the sun's
+bright dawn. For the traitors are met in council to discuss what they
+can do; and what their prospects are. To be sure they will be able to
+make a long defence of the town if they determine so to do; but they
+know the King's purpose to be so firm that he will not give up his
+efforts to take the town so long as he lives, and when that time comes
+they needs must die. And if they should surrender the town, they need
+expect no mercy for doing so. Thus either outcome looks dark indeed, for
+they see no help, but only death in either case. But this decision at
+last is reached, that the next morning, before dawn appears, they shall
+issue secretly from the town and find the camp disarmed, and the knights
+still sleeping in their beds. Before they wake and get their armour
+on there will have been such slaughter done that posterity will always
+speak of the battle of that night. Having no further confidence in life,
+the traitors as a last resort all subscribe to this design. Despair
+emboldened them to fight, whatever the result might be; for they see
+nothing sure in store for them save death or imprisonment. Such an
+outcome is not attractive; nor do they see any use in flight, for they
+see no place where they could find refuge should they betake themselves
+to flight, being completely surrounded by the water and their enemies.
+So they spend no more time in talk, but arm and equip themselves and
+make a sally by an old postern gate [220] toward the north-west, that
+being the side where they thought the camp would least expect attack.
+In serried ranks they sallied forth, and divided their force into five
+companies, each consisting of two thousand well armed foot, in addition
+to a thousand knights. That night neither star nor moon had shed a ray
+across the sky. But before they reached the tents, the moon began to
+show itself, and I think it was to work them woe that it rose sooner
+than was its wont. Thus God, who opposed their enterprise, illumined
+the darkness of the night, having no love for these evil men, but rather
+hating them for their sin. For God hates traitors and treachery more
+than any other sin. So the moon began to shine in order to hamper their
+enterprise.
+
+(Vv. 1713-1858.) They are much hampered by the moon, as it shines upon
+their shields, and they are handicapped by their helmets, too, as they
+glitter in the moonlight. They are detected by the pickets keeping watch
+over the host, who now shout throughout the camp: "Up, knights, up! Rise
+quickly, take your arms and arm yourselves! The traitors are upon us."
+Through all the camp they run to arms, and hastily strive to equip
+themselves in the urgent need; but not a single one of them left his
+place until they were all comfortably armed and mounted upon their
+steeds. While they are arming themselves, the attacking forces are eager
+for battle and press forward, hoping to catch them off their guard and
+find them disarmed. They bring up from different directions the five
+companies into which they had divided their troops: some hug the woods,
+others follow the river, the third company deploys upon the plain, while
+the fourth enters a valley, and the fifth proceeds beside a rocky cliff.
+For they planned to fall upon the tents suddenly with great fury.
+But they did not find the path clear. For the King's men resist them,
+defying them courageously and reproaching them for their treason. Their
+iron lance-tips are splintered and shattered as they meet; they come
+together with swords drawn, striking each other and casting each other
+down upon the face. They rush upon each other with the fury of lions,
+which devour whatever they capture. In this first rush there was heavy
+slaughter on both sides. When they can no longer maintain themselves,
+help comes to the traitors, who are defending themselves bravely and
+selling their lives dearly. They see their troops from four sides arrive
+to succour them. And the King's men ride hard with spur to attack them.
+They deal such blows upon their shields that, beside the wounded, they
+unhorse more than five hundred of them. Alexander, with his Greeks,
+has no thought of sparing them, making every effort to prevail into the
+thickest of the fight he goes to strike a knave whose shield and hauberk
+are of no avail to keep him from falling to the earth. When he has
+finished with him, he offers his service to another freely and without
+stint, and serves him, too, so savagely that he drives the soul from his
+body quite, and leaves the apartment without a tenant. After these two,
+he addresses himself to another, piercing a noble and courteous knight
+clean through and through, so that the blood spurts out on the other
+side, and his expiring soul takes leave of the body. Many he killed and
+many stunned, for like a flying thunderbolt he blasts all those whom
+he seeks out. Neither coat of mail nor shield can protect him whom he
+strikes with lance or sword. His companions, too, are generous in the
+spilling of blood and brains, for they, too, know well how to deal their
+blows. And the royal troops butcher so many of them that they break them
+up and scatter them like low-born folk who have lost their heads. So
+many dead lay about the fields, and so long did the battle rage, that
+long before the day dawned the ranks were so cut in pieces that the rows
+of dead stretched for five leagues along the stream. Count Angres leaves
+his banner on the field and steals away, accompanied by only seven of
+his men. Towards his town he made his way by a secret path, thinking
+that no one could see him. But Alexander notices this, and sees them
+escaping from the troops, and he thinks that if he can slip away without
+the knowledge of any one, he will go to catch up with them. But before
+he got down into the valley, he saw thirty knights following him down
+the path, of whom six were Greeks, and twenty-four were men of Wales.
+These intended to follow him at a distance until he should stand in need
+of them. When Alexander saw them coming, he stopped to wait for them,
+without failing to observe what course was taken by those who were
+making their way back to the town. Finally, he saw them enter it. Then
+he began to plan a very daring deed and a very marvellous design. And
+when he had made up his mind, he turned toward his companions and thus
+addressed them: "My lords," says he, "whether it be folly or wisdom,
+frankly grant me my desire if you care for my good-will." And they
+promised him never to oppose his will in aught. Then he says: "Let
+us change our outer gear, by taking the shields and lances from the
+traitors whom we have killed. Thus, when we approach the town, the
+traitors within will suppose that we are of their party, and regardless
+of the fate in store for them, they will throw open the gates for us.
+And do you know what reward we shall offer them? If God so will we shall
+take them all dead or alive. Now, if any of you repents of his promise,
+be sure that, so long as I live, I shall never hold him dear."
+
+(Vv. 1859-1954.) All the others grant his boon, and, despoiling the
+corpses of their shields, they arm themselves with them instead. The
+men within the town had mounted to the battlements, and, recognising the
+shields, suppose that they belong to their party, never dreaming of the
+ruse hidden beneath the shields. The gatekeeper opens the gate for
+them and admits them to the town. He is beguiled and deceived in not
+addressing them a word; for no one of them speaks to him, but silently
+and mute they pass, making such a show of grief that they trail their
+lances after them and support themselves upon their shields. Thus it
+seems that they are in great distress, as they pass on at their own
+sweet will until they are within the triple walls. Inside they find a
+number of men-at-arms and knights with the Count. I cannot tell you
+just how many; but they were unarmed, except eight of them who had just
+returned from the fight, and even they were preparing to remove their
+arms. But their haste was ill considered; for now the other party make
+no further pretence, but without any challenge by way of warning, they
+brace themselves in the stirrups, and let their horses charge straight
+at them, attacking them with such rigour that they lay low more than
+thirty-one of them. The traitors in great dismay shout out: "We are
+betrayed, betrayed!" But the assailants take no heed of this, and let
+those whom they find unarmed feel the temper of their swords. Indeed,
+three of those whom they found still armed were so roughly handled that
+but five remained alive. Count Angres rushed at Calcedor, and in the
+sight of all struck him upon his golden shield with such violence that
+he stretched him dead upon the ground. Alexander is greatly troubled,
+and is almost beside himself with rage when he sees his companion dead;
+his blood boils with anger, but his strength and courage are doubled
+as he strikes the Count with such fury that he breaks his lance. If
+possible, he would avenge his friend. But the Count was a powerful man
+and a good and hardy knight, whose match it would have been hard to
+find, had he not been a base traitor. He now returns the blow, making
+his lance double up so that it splits and breaks; but the other's shield
+holds firm, and neither gives way before the other any more than a rock
+would do, for both men were passing strong. But the fact that the Count
+was in the wrong disturbs him greatly and troubles him. [221] The anger
+of each rises higher as they both draw their swords after their lances
+had been broken. No escape would have been possible if these two
+swordsmen had persisted in continuing the fight. But at last one or the
+other must die. The Count dares not longer hold his ground, when he sees
+lying dead about him his men who had been caught unarmed. Meanwhile the
+others press them hard, cutting, slashing, and carving them, spilling
+their brains, and reproaching the Count for his treachery. When he hears
+himself accused of treason, he flees for safety to his tower, followed
+by his men. And their enemies follow after them, fiercely charging them
+from the rear, and not letting a single one escape of all upon whom they
+lay their hands. They kill and slay so many of them that I guess not
+more than seven made good their escape.
+
+(Vv. 1955-2056.) When they had got inside the tower, they made a stand
+at the gate; for those who were coming close behind had followed so
+closely after them that they too would have pressed in had the gateway
+been left exposed. The traitors make a brave defence, waiting for
+succour from their friends, who were arming themselves down in the town.
+But upon the advice of Nabunal, who was a Greek of great wisdom, the
+approach was blocked so that relief could not arrive in time; for those
+below had tarried too long, either from cowardice or sloth. Now there
+was only one entrance to the stronghold; so that, if they stop that
+entrance-way, they need have no fear that any force shall approach to do
+them harm. Nabunal bids and exhorts twenty of them to hold the gate;
+for soon such a company might arrive with force as would do them harm
+by their assault and attack. While these twenty hold the gate, the
+remaining ten should attack the tower and prevent the Count from
+barricading himself inside. Nabunal's advice is taken: ten remain to
+continue the assault at the entrance of the tower, while twenty go to
+defend the gate. In doing so, they delay almost too long; for they see
+approaching, furious and keen for the fight, a company containing many
+cross-bow men and foot soldiers of different grades who carried arms
+of divers sorts. Some carried light missiles, and others Danish axes,
+lances and Turkish swords, bolts for cross-bows, arrows and javelins.
+The Greeks would have had to pay a heavy score, if this crowd had
+actually fallen upon them; but they did not reach the place in time.
+Nabunal by his foresight and counsel had blocked their plans, and they
+were forced to remain outside. When they see that they are shut out,
+they pause in their advance, as it is evident they can gain nothing by
+making an assault. Then there begins such weeping and wailing of women
+and young children, of old men and youths, that those in the town
+could not have heard a thunder-clap from heaven. At this the Greeks are
+overjoyed; for now they know of a certainty that the Count by no good
+luck can escape capture. Four of them mount the walls to keep watch lest
+those outside by any means or ruse should enter the stronghold and
+fall upon them. The remaining sixteen returned to where the ten were
+fighting. The day was already breaking, and the ten had fought so well
+that they had forced their way within the tower. The Count took his
+stand against a post, and, armed with a battleaxe, defended himself with
+great bravery. Those whom he reaches, he splits in half. And his men
+line up about him, and are not slow to avenge themselves in this last
+stand of the day, Alexander's men have reason to complain, for of the
+original sixteen there remain now but thirteen. Alexander is almost
+beside himself when he sees the havoc wrought among his dead or
+exhausted followers. Yet his thoughts are fixed on vengeance: finding at
+hand a long heavy club, he struck one of the rascals with it so fiercely
+that neither shield nor hauberk was worth a button in preventing him
+from failing to the ground. After finishing with him, he pursues the
+Count, and raising his club to strike him he deals him such a blow with
+his square club that the axe falls from his hands; and he was so stunned
+and bewildered that he could not have stood up unless he had leaned
+against the wall.
+
+(Vv. 2057-2146.) After this blow the battle ceases. Alexander leaps at
+the Count and holds him so that he cannot move. Of the others nothing
+need be said, for they were easily mastered when they saw the capture
+of their lord. All are made prisoners with the Count and led away in
+disgrace, in accordance with their deserts. Of all this the men outside
+knew nothing. But when morning came they found their companions shields
+lying among the slain when the battle was over. Then the Greeks, misled,
+made a great lament for their lord. Recognising his shield, all are in
+an agony of grief, swooning at sight of his shield and saying that
+now they have lived too long. Cornix and Nerius first swoon, then,
+recovering their senses, wish they were dead. So do Torin and Acorionde.
+The tears run down in floods from their eyes upon their breasts. Life
+and joy seem hateful now. And Parmenides more than the rest tore his
+hair in dire distress. No greater grief could be shown than that of
+these five for their lord. Yet, their dismay is groundless, for it is
+another's body which they bear away when they think to have their lord.
+Their distress is further increased by the sight of the other shields,
+which cause them to mistake these corpses for their companions. So over
+them they lament and swoon. But they are deceived by all these shields,
+for of their men only one was killed, whose name was Neriolis. Him,
+indeed, they would have borne away had they known the truth. But they
+are in as great anxiety for the others as for him; so they bore them
+all away. In every case but one they were misled. But like the man who
+dreams and takes a fiction for the truth, so the shields cause them to
+suppose this illusion to be a reality. It is the shields, then, that
+cause this mistake. [222] Carrying the corpses, they move away and come
+to their tents, where there was a sorrowing troop. Upon hearing the
+lament raised by the Greeks, soon all the others gathered, until there
+was but one great outcry. Now Saredamors thinks of her wretched estate
+when she hears the cry and lament over her lover. Their anguish and
+distress cause her to lose her senses and her colour, and her grief and
+sorrow are increased because she dares not openly show a trace of her
+distress. She shut up her grief within her heart. Had any one looked at
+her, he could have seen by the expression of her face what agony she was
+in; but every one was so engrossed with his own sorrow that he had no
+care for another's grief. Each one lamented his own loss. For they find
+the river bank covered with their relatives and friends, who had been
+wounded or roughly treated. Each one wept for his own heavy and bitter
+loss: here is a son weeping for a father, there a father for a son;
+one swoons at the sight of his cousin, another over his nephew. Thus
+fathers, brothers, and relatives bemoan their loss on every side. But
+above all is noticeable the sorrow of the Greeks; and yet they might
+have anticipated great joy, for the deepest grief of all the camp will
+soon be changed into rejoicing.
+
+(Vv. 2147-2200.) The Greeks outside continue their lament, while
+those inside strive to let them know the news which will cause them to
+rejoice. They disarm and bind their prisoners, who pray and beg of them
+to strike off their heads straightway. But the Greeks are unwilling, and
+disdain their entreaties, saying that them will keep then under guard
+and hand them over to the King, who will grant them such recompense as
+shall require their services. When they had disarmed them all they made
+them go up on the wall that they might be seen by the troops below. This
+privilege is not to their liking, and when they saw their lord bound as
+a prisoner, they were unhappy men. Alexander upon the walls swears to
+God and all the saints that he will not let one of them live, but will
+kill them all speedily, unless they will go to surrender to the King
+before he can seize them. "Go," says he, "confidently to the King at
+my command, and cast yourselves upon his mercy. None of you, except the
+Count, has deserved to die. You shall not lose either life or limb if
+you surrender to the King. If you do not deliver yourselves from death
+by crying for mercy, you need have little hope of saving your lives or
+bodies. Go forth disarmed to meet the King, and tell him from me that
+Alexander sends you to him. Your action will not be in vain; for my lord
+the King is so gentle and courteous that he will lay aside his wrath and
+anger. But if you wish to act otherwise, you must expect to die, for his
+heart will be closed to pity." All agree in accepting this advice, and
+do not hesitate until they come to the King's tent, where they all fall
+at his feet. The story they told was soon known throughout the camp.
+The King and all his men mounted and spurred their horses to the town
+without delay.
+
+(Vv. 2201-2248.) Alexander goes out from the town to meet the King, who
+was greatly pleased, and to surrender to him the Count. The King did not
+delay in fitly punishing him. But Alexander is congratulated and praised
+by the King and all the others who esteem him highly. Their joy drives
+away the grief which they had felt not long before. But no joy of the
+others can compare with the exultation of the Greeks. The King presents
+him with the precious cup, weighing fifteen marks, and tells him
+confidently that there is nothing in his possession so valuable that he
+would not place it in his hands upon request--save only the crown and
+the Queen. Alexander dares not mention his heart's desire, though he
+knows well that he would not be refused in asking for his sweetheart's
+hand. But he fears so much lest he might displease her, whose heart
+would have been made glad, that he prefers to suffer without her rather
+than to win her against her will. Therefore, he asks for a little time,
+not wishing to prefer his request until he is sure of her pleasure. But
+he asked for no respite or delay in accepting the cup of gold. He takes
+the cup, and courteously begs my lord Gawain to accept this cup as
+a gift from him, which Gawain did most reluctantly. When Soredamors
+learned the truth about Alexander she was greatly pleased and delighted.
+When she heard that he was alive, she was so happy that it seemed to
+her as though she could never be sad again. But she reflects that he is
+slower in coming than is his wont. Yet in good time she will have her
+wish, for both of them in rivalry are occupied with one common thought.
+
+(Vv. 2249-2278.) It seemed to Alexander an age before he could feast
+his eyes with even one soft glance from her. Long ago he would fain have
+gone to the Queen's tent, if he had not been detained elsewhere. He was
+much put out by this delay, and as soon as he could, he betook himself
+to the Queen in her tent. The Queen went to greet him, and, without his
+having confided in her, she had already read his thoughts, and knew what
+was passing in his mind. She greets him at the entrance of the tent, and
+strives to make him welcome, well knowing for what purpose he has come.
+Desirous of according him a favour, she beckons Soredamors to join them,
+and they three engage in conversation at some distance from the rest.
+The Queen first speaks, in whose mind there was no doubt that this
+couple were in love. Of this fact she is quite sure, and is persuaded
+moreover that Soredamors could not have a better lover. She took her
+place between the two and began to say what was appropriate.
+
+(Vv. 2279-2310.) "Alexander," says the Queen, "any love is worse than
+hate, when it torments and distresses its devotee. Lovers know not what
+they do when they conceal their passion from one another. Love is a
+serious business, and whoever does not boldly lay its foundation firm
+can hardly succeed in completing the edifice. They say there is nothing
+so hard to cross as the threshold. Now I wish to instruct you in the
+lore of love; for I know well that Love is tormenting you. Therefore, I
+have undertaken to instruct you; and do you take good care not to keep
+anything back from me, for I have plainly seen in the faces of you both
+that of two hearts you have made but one. So beware, and conceal nothing
+from me! You are acting very foolishly in not speaking out your mind;
+for concealment will be the death of you; thus you will be the murderers
+of Love. Now I counsel you to exercise no tyranny, and to seek no
+passing gratification in your love; but to be honourably joined together
+in marriage. So, I believe, your love shall long endure. I can assure
+you that, if you agree to this, I will arrange the marriage."
+
+(Vv. 2311-2360.) When the Queen had spoken her mind, Alexander thus made
+reply: "Lady," he says, "I enter no defence against the charge you make,
+but rather admit the truth of all you say. I wish never to be deserted
+by love, but always to fix my thoughts on it. I am pleased and delighted
+by what you have so kindly said. Since you know what my wishes are, I
+see no reason why I should conceal them from you. Long ago, if I had
+dared I would have confessed them openly; for the silence has been hard.
+But it may well be that for some reason this maiden may not wish that I
+be hers and she mine. But even if she grant me no rights over her, yet
+will I place myself in her hands." At these words she trembled, having
+no desire to refuse the gift. Her heart's desire betrays itself in her
+words and her countenance. Falteringly she gives herself to him, and
+says that without exception her will, her heart, and her body all is at
+the disposal of the Queen, to do with her as she may please. The Queen
+clasps them both in her arms, and presents one to the other. Then
+laughingly she adds: "I give over to thee, Alexander, thy sweetheart's
+body, and I know that thy heart does not draw back. Whoever may like it
+or like it not, I give each of you to the other. Do thou, Soredamors,
+take what is thine, and thou, Alexander, take what is thine!" Now she
+has her own entire, and he has his without lack. At Windsor that day,
+with the approval and permission of my lord Gawain and the King, the
+marriage was celebrated. No one could tell, I am sure, so much of the
+magnificence and the food, of the pleasure and entertainment, at this
+wedding without falling short of the truth. Inasmuch as it would be
+distasteful to some, I do not care to waste further words upon the
+matter, but am anxious to turn to another subject.
+
+(Vv. 2361-2382.) That day at Windsor Alexander had all the honour and
+happiness that he could desire. Three different joys and honours were
+his: one was the town which he captured; another was the present of the
+best kingdom in Wales, which King Arthur had promised to give him when
+the war was over; that very day he made him king in his hall. But the
+greatest joy of all was the third--that his sweetheart was queen of the
+chess-board where he was king. Before five months had passed, Soredamors
+found herself with child, and carried it until the time was fulfilled.
+The seed remained in germ until the fruit was fully matured. No more
+beautiful child was ever born before or since than he whom they now
+called Cliges.
+
+(Vv. 2383-2456.) So Cliges was born, in whose honour this story has
+been put in the Romance tongue. You shall hear me tell of him and of his
+valorous deeds, when he shall have grown to manhood and obtained a good
+report. But meanwhile in Greece it came about that he who ruled over
+Constantinople drew near his end. He died, as indeed he must, not being
+able to outlive his time. But before he died he assembled all the nobles
+of his land to send and seek for his son Alexander, who was happily
+detained in Britain. The messengers start out from Greece, and begin
+their voyage over the seas; but a tempest catches them in its grasp, and
+damages their ship and company. They were all drowned at sea, except one
+unfaithful wretch, who was more devoted to Alis the younger son than to
+Alexander the eider. When he escaped from the sea, he returned to
+Greece with the story that they had all been lost at sea as they were
+conducting their lord back from Britain, and that he was the only
+survivor of the tragedy. They believed this lie of his, and, taking Alis
+without objection or dissent, they crowned him emperor of Greece. But
+it was not long before Alexander learned that Alis was emperor. Then he
+took leave of King Arthur, unwilling to let his brother usurp his land
+without protest. The King makes no opposition to his plan, but bids him
+take with him so great a company of Welshmen, Scots, and Cornishmen that
+his brother will not dare to withstand him when he sees him come with
+such a host. Alexander, had he pleased, might have led a mighty force;
+but he has no desire to harm his own people, if his brother will consent
+to do his will. He took with him forty knights besides Soredamors and
+his son; these two persons, who were so dear to him, he did not wish
+to leave behind. Escorted as far as Shoreham by the entire court, they
+there embarked, and with fair winds their ship made way more quickly
+than a fleeing stag. Within a month, I think, they arrived in port
+before Athens, a rich and powerful city. Indeed, the emperor was
+residing there, and had convoked, a great assembly of his noblemen. As
+soon as they arrived Alexander sent a privy messenger into the city to
+learn whether they would receive him, or whether they would resist his
+claim to be their only lawful lord.
+
+(Vv. 2457-2494.) He who was chosen for this mission was a courteous
+knight with good judgment, named Acorionde, a rich man and eloquent;
+he was a native of the country, too, having been born in Athens. His
+ancestors for generations had always exercised lordship in the city.
+When he had learned that the emperor was in the city he went and
+challenged the crown on behalf of his brother Alexander, accusing him
+openly of having usurped it unlawfully. Arriving at the palace, he finds
+plenty of people who welcome him; but he says nothing to any of those
+who greet him until he learns what is their attitude and disposition
+toward their lawful lord. Coming into the presence of the emperor he
+neither greets him nor bows before him nor calls him emperor. "Alis,"
+he says, "I bring thee tidings of Alexander, who is out yonder in the
+harbour. Listen to thy brother's message: he asks thee for what belongs
+to him, nor does he demand what is unjust. Constantinople, which thou
+dost hold, should be his and shall be his. It would be neither just nor
+right that discord should arise between you two. So give him the crown
+without contest, for it is right that thou shouldst surrender it."
+
+(Vv. 2495-2524.) Alis replies: "Fair gentle friend, thou hast undertaken
+a mad enterprise in bearing this message. There is little comfort in
+thy speech, for well I know that my brother is dead. I should rejoice,
+indeed, to learn that he was still alive. But I shall not believe the
+news until I have seen him with my eyes. He died some time ago, alas!
+What thou sayest is not credible. And if he lives, why does he not come?
+He need never fear that I will not bestow on him some lands. He is a
+fool to hold aloof from me, for in serving me he will find profit. But
+no one shall possess the crown and empire beside me." He liked not the
+speech of the emperor, and did not fail to speak his mind in the reply
+he made. "Alis," he says, "may God confound me if the matter is thus
+allowed to stand. I defy thee in thy brother's name, and dutifully
+speaking in his name, I summon all those whom I see here to renounce
+thee and to join his cause. It is right that they should side with him
+and recognise him as their lord. Let him who is loyal now stand forth."
+
+(Vv. 2525-2554.) Upon saying this he leaves the court, and the emperor
+summons those in whom he has most confidence. He requests their advice
+concerning this defiance upon his brother's part, and wishes to learn
+if he can trust them to lend no support or help to his brother's claim.
+Thus he tries to test the loyalty of each; but he finds not one who
+sides with him in the dispute, rather do they all bid him remember the
+war which Eteocles undertook against his own brother Polynices, and how
+each one died by the other's hand. [223] "So, too, it may happen to you,
+if you undertake a war, and all the land will be distressed." Therefore,
+they advise that such a peace be sought as shall be both reasonable and
+just, and that neither one make excessive demands. Thus Alis understands
+that if he does not make an equitable agreement with his brother all his
+vassals will desert him; so he says that he will respect their wishes in
+making any suitable contract, provided that however the affair may rum
+out the crown shall remain in his possession.
+
+(Vv. 2555-2618.) In order to secure a firm and stable peace Alis sends
+one of his officers to Alexander, bidding him come to him in person and
+receive the government of the land, but stipulating that he should leave
+to him the honour of emperor in name and of wearing the crown: thus, if
+Alexander is willing, peace may be established between them. When this
+news was brought to Alexander his men made ready with him and came to
+Athens, where they were received with joy. But Alexander is not willing
+that his brother should have the sovereignty of the empire and of the
+crown unless he will pledge his word never to take a wife, and that
+after him Cliges shall be emperor of Constantinople. Upon this the
+brothers both agreed. Alexander dictated the terms of the oath, and his
+brother agreed and gave his word that he would never in his life take a
+wife in marriage. So peace is made, and they are friends again, to the
+great satisfaction of the lords. They hold Alis as their emperor, but
+all business is referred to Alexander. What he commands is done, and
+little is done except through him. Alis has nothing but the name of
+emperor; but Alexander is served and loved; and he who does not serve
+him for love must needs do so from fear. Through the effect of one or
+the other of these two motives he has all the land within his power. But
+he whom they call Death spares neither the strong man nor the weak, but
+kills and slays them all. So Alexander had to die; for a disease caught
+him in its grip from which he could obtain no relief. But before he
+was surprised by death he summoned his son and said to him: "Fair son
+Cliges, thou canst never know that prowess and valour are thine unless
+thou go first to make test of them with the Bretons and French at King
+Arthur's court. If adventure takes thee thither, so conduct and demean
+thyself that thy identity be not known until thou hast tried thy
+strength with the most excellent knights of that court. I beg thee to
+heed my counsel in this matter, and if the occasion arises have no fear
+to measure thy skill with thy uncle, my lord Gawain. Do not forget this
+advice, I pray."
+
+(Vv. 2619-2665.) After he had thus exhorted him, he did not live long.
+Soredamors' grief was such that she could not survive him, but
+died after him of a broken heart. Alis and Cliges both mourned him
+becomingly, but finally they ceased their grief, for sorrow, like
+everything else, must be outlived. To continue in sorrow is wrong, for
+no good can come from it. So the mourning was ended, and the emperor
+refrained for a long time from taking a wife, being careful of his word.
+But there is no court in all the world which is free from evil counsel.
+Great men often go astray, and do not observe loyalty because of the bad
+advice they take. Thus, the emperor hears his men giving him advice and
+counselling him to take a wife; and daily they so exhort and urge him
+that by their very insistence they persuade him to break his oath, and
+to accede to their desire. But he insists that she who is to be mistress
+of Constantinople must be gentle, fair, wise, rich, and noble. Then his
+counsellors say that they wish to prepare to go away to the German land,
+and seek the daughter of the emperor. She is the choice they propose
+to him; for the emperor of Germany is very rich and powerful, and his
+daughter is so charming that never was there a maid of her beauty in
+Christendom. The emperor grants them full authority, and they set out
+upon the journey well provided with all they need. They proceeded on
+their way until they found the emperor at Regensburg, when they asked
+him to give them his oldest daughter at the instance of their lord.
+
+(Vv. 2669-2680.) The emperor was pleased with this request, and gladly
+gave them his daughter; for in doing so, he does not debase himself, nor
+diminish his honour in any way. But he says that he had promised her
+to the Duke of Saxony, and that they would not be able to lead her away
+unless the emperor should come with a great army, so that the duke would
+be unable to do him any harm or injury while homeward bound.
+
+(Vv. 2681-2706.) When the messengers heard the emperor's reply, they
+took leave and departed. They returned to their lord, and bore him
+the answer. And the emperor selected a chosen company of the most
+experienced knights whom he could find, and took with him his nephew,
+in whose interests he had vowed never to marry a wife, but he will not
+respect this vow if he can once reach Cologne. [224] Upon a certain day
+he leaves Greece and draws near to Germany, intending to take a wife
+despite all blame and reproach; but his honour will be smirched. Upon
+reaching Cologne, he found that the emperor had assembled all his court
+for a festival. When the company of the Greeks reached Cologne, there
+was such a great number of Greeks and Germans that it was necessary to
+lodge more than sixty thousand of them outside the city.
+
+(Vv.2707-2724.) Great was the crowd of people, and great the joy of the
+two emperors when they met. When the barons had gathered in the vast
+palace, the emperor summoned his charming daughter. The maiden made no
+delay in coming straightway into the palace. She had been made very fair
+and shapely by the Creator, whose pleasure it had been to arouse the
+people's admiration. God, who had fashioned her, never gave man a word
+which could adequately express such beauty as she possessed.
+
+(Vv. 2725-2760.) Fenice was the maiden's name, and for this there
+was good reason: [225] for if the Phoenix bird is unique as the most
+beautiful of all the birds, so Fenice, it seems to me, had no equal in
+beauty. She was such a miracle and marvel that Nature was never able to
+make her like again. In order to be more brief, I will not describe in
+words her arms, her body, her head and hands; for if I should live a
+thousand years, and if my skill were to double every day, yet should
+I waste all my time in trying to tell the truth about her. I know very
+well, if I should undertake it, that I would exhaust my brain and waste
+my pains: it would be but misspent energy. [226] The damsel hastened
+until she came into the palace, with head uncovered and face unveiled;
+and the radiance of her beauty lighted the palace more brightly than
+four carbuncles would have done. Cliges stood, his over-cloak removed,
+in his uncle's presence. The day outside was somewhat dark, but he and
+the maiden were both so fair that a ray shone forth from their beauty
+which illumined the palace, just as the morning sun shines clear and
+red.
+
+(Vv. 2761-2792.) I wish to attempt in a very few words to describe the
+beauty of Cliges. He was in his flower, being now almost fifteen years
+of age. He was more comely and charming than Narcissus who saw his
+reflection in the spring beneath the elm-tree, and, when he saw it,
+he loved it so that he died, they say, because he could not get it.
+Narcissus was fair, but had little sense; [227] but as fine gold
+surpasses copper, so was Cliges better endowed with wisdom, and even
+then I have not said all. His locks seemed made of fine gold, and his
+face was of a fresh rosy colour. He had a well-formed nose and shapely
+mouth, and in stature he was built upon Nature's best pattern; for in
+him she had united gifts which she is wont to scatter wide. Nature was
+so lavish with him that she gave him all she could, and placed all in
+one receptacle. Such was Cliges, who combined good sense and beauty,
+generosity and strength. He possessed the wood as well as the bark;
+he knew more of fencing and of the bow than did Tristan, King Mark's
+nephew, and more about birds and hounds than he. [228] In Cliges there
+lacked no good thing.
+
+(Vv. 2793-2870.) Cliges stood in all his beauty before his uncle, and
+those who did not know who he was looked at him with eager curiosity.
+And on the other hand, the interest was aroused of those who did not
+know the maiden: wonderingly they gaze upon her. But Cliges, under the
+sway of love, let his eyes rest on her covertly, and withdrew them again
+so discreetly that in their passage to and fro no one could blame his
+lack of skill. Blithely he looks upon the maid, but does not note that
+she repays him in kind. Not flattering him, but in sincere love, she
+gives him her eyes, and takes back his. This exchange seems good to her,
+and would have seemed to her better still had she known something of who
+he was. But she knows nothing except that he is fair, and that, if she
+is ever to love any one for beauty's sake, she need not seek elsewhere
+to bestow her heart. She handed over to him the possession of her eyes
+and heart, and he pledged his in turn to her. Pledged? Rather gave
+outright. Gave? Nay, upon my faith, I lie; for no one can give away his
+heart. I must express it some other way. I will not say it, as some have
+done who make two hearts dwell in one body, for it bears not even the
+semblance of truth that there should be in one body two hearts; and even
+if they could be so united, it would never seem true. But if it please
+you to heed my words, I shall be able explain how two hearts form but
+one without coming to be identified. Only so far are they merged in one
+as the desire of each passes from one to the other, thus joining in one
+common desire; and because of this harmony of desire, there are some who
+are wont to say that each one has both hearts; but one heart cannot be
+in two places. Each one always keeps his own heart, though the desire
+be shared by both, just as many different men may sing a song or tune
+in unison. By this comparison I prove that for one body to contain two
+hearts it is not enough to know each other's wish, nor yet for one to
+know what the other loves and what he hates; just as voices which are
+heard together seem to be merged in one, and yet do not all come from
+one mouth, so it is with a body which can contain but one heart. But
+there is no need of further argument, for other matters press upon me.
+I must speak now of the damsel and of Cliges, and you shall hear of
+the Duke of Saxony, who has sent to Cologne a young nephew of his. This
+youth informs the emperor that his uncle, the duke, sends word that
+he need expect no peace or trace with him, unless he sends to him his
+daughter, and that the one who is intending to carry her away with him
+had better not start home, for he will find the road occupied and well
+defended unless the maiden be surrendered.
+
+(Vv. 2871-3010.) The youth spoke his message well, without pride and
+without insult. But he found neither knight nor emperor who would answer
+him. When he saw that they all held their peace and treated him with
+scorn, he left the court in defiant mood. But youth and thirst for
+daring deeds made Cliges defy him in combat as he left. For the contest
+they mount their steeds, three hundred of them on either side, exactly
+equal thus in strength. All the palace is quite emptied of knights and
+ladies, who mount to the balconies, battlements, and windows to see and
+watch those who were about to fight. Even the maiden, whose will Love
+had subdued beneath his sway, sought for a point from which to see. She
+took her place at a window, where she sat with great delight, because
+from there she could get a view of him whom she holds secretly in her
+heart with no desire to remove him thence; for she will never love any
+other man. But she does not know his name, nor who he is, nor of what
+race; for it is not proper to ask questions; but she yearns to hear
+tidings which will bring joy to her heart. She looks out of the window
+at the shields with their gleaming gold, and she gazes at those who wear
+the shields about their necks, as they prepare for the trial at arms.
+But all her thoughts and glances soon rest upon one object, and to all
+others she is indifferent. Whereever Cliges goes, she seeks to follow
+him with her eyes. And he in turn does his best for her, and battles
+openly, in order that she at least may hear it said that he is bold and
+very skilled: thus she will be compelled to prize him for his prowess.
+He attacks the duke's nephew, who was breaking many a lance and sorely
+discomfiting the Greeks. But Cliges, who is displeased at this, braces
+himself firmly in his stirrups, and goes to strike him so speedily that
+in spite of himself he had to vacate the saddle-bows. When he got up,
+the uproar was great; for the youth arose and mounted, thinking to
+avenge his shame. But many a man only falls into deeper disgrace who
+thinks to avenge his shame when he has the chance. The young man rushes
+at Cliges, who lowers his lance to meet him, and thrusts at him with
+such force that he carries him to earth again. Now his shame is doubled,
+and all his followers are in dismay, seeing that they can never leave
+the field with honour; for not one of them is so valiant that he can
+keep his seat in the saddle when Cliges thrust reaches him. But those of
+Germany and the Greeks are overjoyed when they see their party drive off
+the Saxons, who retreat discomfited. With mockery they pursue them until
+they come up with them at a stream, into which they drive them for
+a plunge. In the deepest part of the ford Cliges unhorsed the duke's
+nephew and so many of his men that they escaped grieving and sad in
+their shame and confusion. But Cliges, twice victor, returned in glee,
+and entered a gate which was near the apartment where the maiden was;
+and as he passed through the gate she exacted as toll a tender glance,
+which he paid her as their eyes met. Thus was the maiden subdued by the
+man. But there is not a German of the lowland or highland, possessing
+the power of speech who does not cry: "God! who is this in whom such
+beauty is radiant? God! how has it happened that so suddenly he has
+attained such great success?" Thus one man and another asks: "Who is
+this youth, who is he, I say?" Thus, soon throughout the city it is
+known what his name is, and who is his father, and what pledge that was
+which had been made to him by the emperor. So much was said and noised
+about that the news reached the ears of her who in her heart rejoiced
+because she could no more say that Love had made sport of her, nor had
+she any ground for complaint. For Love has made her give her heart to
+the fairest, most courteous, and valiant man that could anywhere be
+found. But some force must be employed, if she would gain possession of
+him who is not free do her will. This makes her anxious and distraught.
+For she has no one with whom to take counsel concerning him for whom
+she pines, but must waste herself in thought and vigils. She becomes so
+affected by these cares that she loses her colour and grows wan, and
+it becomes plain to all that her loss of colour betokens an unfulfilled
+desire. She plays less now than she used to do, and laughs less and
+loses her gaiety. But she conceals her trouble and passes it off, if any
+one asks what her ailment is. Her old nurse's name was Thessala, [229]
+who was skilled in necromancy, having been born in Thessaly, where
+devilish charms are taught and wrought; for the women of that country
+perform many a charm and mystic rite.
+
+(Vv. 3011-3062.) Thessala saw pale and wan her whom Love holds in his
+bonds, and thus she addressed her with advice: "God!" she said, "are you
+bewitched, my lady dear, that your face should be so pale? I wonder what
+your trouble is. Tell me, if you can, where this pain attacks you most,
+for if any one can cure you, you may safely trust me to give you back
+your health again. I can cure the dropsy, gout, quinsy, and asthma; I am
+so expert in examining the urine and the pulse that you need consult no
+other physician. And I dare say that I know more than ever Medea [230]
+knew of enchantments and of charms which tests have proven to be true.
+I have never spoken to you of this, though I have cared for you all your
+life; and now I should not mention it did I not plainly see that you are
+so afflicted as to need my ministrations. My lady, you will do well to
+tell me what your sickness is before its hold becomes more severe. The
+emperor has committed you to me in order that I may care for you, and my
+devotion has been such that I have kept you safe and sound. Now all my
+pains will come to naught if I do not relieve this malady. Take care
+not to conceal from me whether this is sickness or something else." The
+damsel dares not openly expose her desire in all its fullness for she
+is in fear lest she be disapproved and blamed. And when she hears and
+understands how Thessala boasts and highly rates herself as being expert
+in enchantments, charms, and potions, she decides to tell her what
+is the cause of her pale and colourless face; but first she makes her
+promise to keep her secret and never to oppose her will.
+
+(Vv. 3063-3216.) "Nurse," she said, "I truly thought I felt no pain, but
+I shall soon feel differently. For as soon as I begin to think about it,
+I feel great pain, and am dismayed. But when one has no experience,
+how can one tell what is sickness and what is health? My illness is
+different from all others; for when I wish to speak of it, it causes me
+both joy and pain, so happy I am in my distress. And if it can be that
+sickness brings delight, then my trouble and joy are one, and in my
+illness consists my health. So I do not know why I complain, for I know
+not whence my trouble comes, unless it is caused by my desire. Perchance
+my desire is my disease, but I find so much joy in it that the suffering
+it causes me is grateful, and there is so much contentment in my pain
+that it is sweet to suffer so. Nurse Thessala, now tell me true, is not
+this a deceitful ill, to charm and torment me both at once? I do not see
+how I can tell whether this is a disease or not. Nurse, tell me now its
+name, nature, and character. But understand well that I have no desire
+to be cured of it, for my distress is very dear to me." Thessala, who
+was very wise about love and its symptoms knows full well from what she
+hears that it is love which is tormenting her; the tender, endearing
+terms she uses are certain proof that she is in love, for all other
+woes are hard to bear, except that alone which comes from love; but love
+transforms its bitterness into sweetness and joy, then often transforms
+them back again. The nurse, who was expert in this matter, thus replies
+to her: "Have no fear, for I will tell you at once the name of your
+malady. You told me, I believe, that the pain which you feel seems
+rather to be joy and health: now of such a nature is love-sickness,
+for in it, too, there is joy and bliss. You are in love, then, as I can
+prove to you, for I find no pleasure in any malady save only in love.
+All other sickness is always bad and horrible, but love is sweet and
+peaceable. You are in love; of that I am sure, nor do I see any wrong in
+that. But I shall consider it very wrong, if through some childish
+folly you conceal from me your heart." "Nurse, there is no need of
+your speaking so. But first I must be sure and certain that under no
+circumstances will you speak of it to any living soul." "My lady, surely
+the winds will speak of it before I do without your leave, and I will
+give you my word so to favour your desires that you may safely trust in
+having your joy fulfilled through my services." "In that case, Nurse,
+I shall be cured. But the emperor is giving me in marriage, wherefore
+I grieve and am sorrowful; for he who has won my heart is the nephew of
+him whom I must take. And though he may find joy in me, yet is my joy
+forever lost, and no respite is possible. I would rather be torn limb
+from limb than that men should speak of us as they speak of the loves of
+Iseut and Tristan, of so many unseemly stories are told that I should
+be ashamed to mention them. I could never bring myself to lead the
+life that Iseut led. Such love as hers was far too base; for her body
+belonged to two, whereas her heart was possessed by one. Thus all her
+life was spent, refusing her favours to neither one. But mine is fixed
+on one object, and under no circumstances will there be any sharing
+of my body and heart. Never will my body be portioned out between two
+shareholders. Who has the heart has the body, too, and may bid all
+others stand aside. But I cannot clearly see how he whom I love can have
+my body when my father gives me to another, and his will I do not dare
+resist. And when this other is lord of my body, and does something which
+displeases me, it is not right for me to summon another to my aid.
+Nor can this man marry a wife without breaking his plighted word; for,
+unless injustice be done, Cliges is to have the empire after his uncle's
+death. But I should be well served by you, if you were so skilful as
+to present him, to whom I am pledged and engaged, from having any claim
+upon me. O Nurse, exert yourself to the end that he may not break the
+pledge which he gave to the father of Cliges, when he promised him
+solemnly never to take a wife in marriage. For now, if he should marry
+me his promise would be broken. But Cliges is so dear to me that I would
+rather be under ground than that he should ever lose through me a penny
+of the fortune which should be his. May never a child be born to me to
+cause his disinheritance! Nurse, now do your best, and I will always be
+your slave." Then the nurse tells her and assures her that she will cast
+so many charms, and prepare so many potions and enchantments that she
+need never have any worry or fear concerning the emperor after he shall
+have drunk of the potion which she will give him; even when they shall
+lie together and she be at his side, she may be as secure as if there
+were a wall between them. "But do not be alarmed, if, in his sleep, he
+sports with you, for when he is plunged in sleep he will have his sport
+with you, and he will be convinced that he has had you when wide awake,
+nor will he think it is all a dream, a fiction, and illusion. Thus he
+will have his sport with you when asleep, he will think he is awake."
+
+(Vv. 3217-3250.) The maiden is highly pleased and delighted by the
+nurse's kindness and offer of help. Her nurse inspires good hope in her
+by the promise which she makes, and which she binds herself to keep;
+with this hope she expects to obtain her desire, in spite of wearisome
+delay, for if Cliges' nature is as noble as she takes it to be he cannot
+fail to take pity upon her when he learns that she loves him, and
+that she has imposed virginity upon herself in order to insure his
+inheritance. So the maiden believes her nurse, and puts full confidence
+in her. One promises to the other, and gives her word, that this plot
+shall be kept so secret as never to be revealed. At this point their
+conversation ceases, and the next morning the emperor summons his
+daughter. At his command she goes to him. But why should I weary you
+with details? The two emperors have so settled the matter that the
+marriage is solemnised, and joy reigns in the palace. But I do not wish
+to stop to describe all this in detail. Rather will I address myself to
+Thessala, as she diligently prepares and tempers her potions.
+
+(Vv. 3251-3328.) Thessala steeps her drink, putting in spices in
+abundance to sweeten and temper it. After having well beaten and mixed
+it, she strains it clear, with no sharp or bitter taste, for the spices
+she puts in give it a sweet and pleasant fragrance. When the potion was
+prepared, the day had drawn to a close, the tables were set for supper,
+and the cloths were spread. But Thessala delays the supper, because
+she must discover by what device and what agent she can have the potion
+served. At supper, finally, all were seated, and more than six dishes
+had been passed, and Cliges served behind his uncle's place. Thessala,
+as she watches him, thinks how ill he serves his own interests, and how
+he is assisting in his own disinheritance, and the thought torments and
+worries her. Then in her kindness she conceives the plan of having
+the potion served by him to whom it will bring both joy and honour. So
+Thessala summoned Cliges; and when he had come to her, he asked her why
+she had sent for him. "Friend," said she, "I wish to present the emperor
+at this meal with a beverage which he will esteem highly, and I want him
+to taste no other to-night, either at supper or when he goes to bed.
+I think he cannot fail to relish it, for he never has tasted a better
+drink or one that has cost so much. And I warn you, take good care to
+let no one else drink of it, for there is but a little of it. And this,
+too, I beg of you, not to let him know whence it came; but tell him it
+came about by chance that you found it among the presents, and tasted it
+yourself, and detected the aroma of the sweet spices in the air; then,
+seeing the wine to be all clear you poured it into his cup. If by chance
+he should inquire, you can satisfy him with this reply. But have no
+suspicion yourself, after what I have said, for the drink is pure and
+healthful, full excellent spices, and I think it may some day bring you
+joy." When he heard that advantage would come to him, he took the potion
+and went away, for he did not know there was any harm in it. He set
+it in a crystal cup before the emperor, who took it without question,
+trusting in his nephew. After taking a long draught of the beverage, he
+straightway feels its strength, as it descends from head to heart, and
+rises again from heart to head, and penetrates every part of him without
+doing the slightest harm. And by the time they left the tables, the
+emperor had drunk so much of the pleasing drink that he can never escape
+it influence. Every night he will sleep under its influence, and its
+effects will be such that he will think he is awake when sound asleep.
+
+(Vv. 3329-3394.) Now the emperor has been deceived. Many bishops and
+abbots were present to bless and hallow the marriage-bed. When the time
+came to retire, the emperor, as was his right, lay beside his wife that
+night. "As was his right;" but the statement is inexact, for he neither
+kissed nor fondled her, yet they lay together in one bed. At first the
+maiden trembled with fear and anxiety lest the potion should not act.
+But it has so mastered him that he will never desire her or any other
+woman except in his sleep. But when asleep he will have such sport with
+her as one may have in dreams, and he will think the dream is true.
+Nevertheless, she is on her guard, and at first, holds aloof from him,
+so that he cannot approach her. But now he must needs fall asleep;
+then he sleeps and dreams, though, the senses are awake, and he exerts
+himself to win the favours of the maid, while she, realising the danger,
+defends her virginity. He woos her and calls her gently his sweetheart,
+and thinks he possesses her, but in vain. But he is gratified by this
+vain semblance, embracing, kissing, and fondling an empty thing, seeing
+and speaking to no purpose, struggling and striving without effect.
+Surely the potion was effective in thus possessing and mastering him.
+All his pains are of no avail, as he thinks and is persuaded that the
+fortress is won. Thus he thinks and is convinced, when he desists after
+his vain efforts. But now I may say once for all that his satisfaction
+was never more than this. To such relations with her he will for ever be
+condemned if indeed he can lead her to his own land; but before he can
+get her to safety, I judge that there is trouble in store for him. For
+while he is on his journey home, the duke, to whom his bride had been
+betrothed, will appear upon the scene. The duke gathered a numerous
+force, and garrisoned the frontiers, while at court he had his spies to
+inform him each day of the emperor's doings and preparations, and how
+long they are going to stay, and by what route they intend to return.
+The emperor did not tarry long after the marriage, but left Cologne in
+high spirits. The German emperor escorted him with a numerous company,
+fearing and dreading the force of the Duke of Saxony.
+
+(Vv. 3395-3424.) The two emperors pursued their journey until they were
+beyond Regensburg, where one evening they were encamped in a meadow by
+the Danube. The Greeks were in their tents in the fields bordering upon
+the Black Forest. Opposite to them the Saxons were lodged, spying
+upon them. The duke's nephew stood alone upon a hill, whence he could
+reconnoitre for a chance to inflict some loss or harm on the enemy.
+From that point of vantage he espied Cliges with three of his young men
+disporting themselves with lances and shields, eager for a conflict and
+shock of arms. If he could get the chance the duke's nephew would gladly
+attack them and do them harm. Starting out with five companions he
+concealed them in a valley close by a wood, so that the Greeks never saw
+them until they emerged from the valley; then the duke's nephew made an
+attack, and striking Cliges, wounded him slightly in the back. Cliges,
+bending over, avoids the lance which passed him, inflicting only a
+slight hurt.
+
+(Vv. 3425-3570.) When Cliges felt himself wounded, he charged the youth,
+and struck him with such force that he drove his lance quite through his
+heart, and stretched him dead. Then all the Saxons in fear of him betook
+themselves to flight through the woods. And Cliges, ignorant of the
+ambuscade, courageously but imprudently leaving his companions behind,
+pursues them to the place where the duke's troops were in force
+preparing to attack the Greeks. Alone he goes in hot pursuit after the
+youths, who, in despair over their lord whom they had lost, come running
+to the duke and tell him weeping of his nephew's death. The duke saw
+no joke in this affair; and, swearing by God and all His saints that he
+will take no joy or pride in life so long as the slayer of his nephew
+remains alive, he adds that whoever will bring him his head will be his
+friend and will serve him well. Then a knight made boast that if he
+can find the guilty man, he will present him with Cliges' head. Cliges
+follows the young men until he falls among the Saxons, when he is seen
+by him who had undertaken to carry off his head, and who starts after
+him without delay. But Cliges haste had turned back to escape from his
+enemies and came in to where he had left his companions; he found none
+there, for they had returned to camp to relate their adventure. And the
+emperor ordered to horse the Greeks and Germans in one band. Soon all
+through the camp the knights are arming and mounting. Meanwhile Cliges
+is hotly pursued by his enemy, all armed and with helmet closed. Cliges,
+who never wished to be numbered among the coward and craven-hearted,
+notices that he comes alone. First, the knight challenged him, calling
+him "fellow," unable to conceal his rage: "Young fellow," he cried,
+"thou shalt leave me here a pledge for my lord whom thou hast killed.
+If I do not carry away thy head with me, I am not worth a counterfeit
+besant. I must make of it a present to the duke, and will accept no
+other forfeit. In return for his nephew, I shall make such restitution
+that he will profit by the exchange." Cliges hears him reproaching him
+thus boldly and with impudence. "Vassal," he says, "be on your guard!
+For I will defend my head, and you shall not get it without my leave."
+Then the attack begins. The other missed his blow, while Cliges struck
+him with such force that horse and rider went down together in one heap.
+The horse fell upon him so heavily that he shattered completely one of
+his legs. Cliges dismounted on the greensward and disarmed him. When he
+had disarmed him, he appropriated his weapons, and cut off his enemy's
+head with the sword which had just now been his. After severing his head
+he fixed it firmly on the point of his lance, thinking to offer it to
+the duke, to whom his nephew had promised to present his own if he
+could meet him in the strife. Cliges had no sooner put on the dead man's
+helmet and taken his shield and mounted his steed, letting his own stray
+at large to terrify the Greeks, than he saw advancing with more than a
+hundred banners flying several full squadrons of Greeks and Germans. Now
+the fierce and cruel struggles will soon begin between the Saxons and
+the Greeks. As soon as Cliges sees his men advancing, he betakes himself
+toward the Saxons, his own men hotly pursuing him, and not knowing him
+in his disguise. It is no wonder that his uncle is in despair and fear,
+when he sees the head he is carrying off. So all the host pursue him
+fast, while Cliges leads them on to provoke a fight, until the Saxons
+see him drawing near. But they, too, are quite misled by the arms with
+which he has armed and equipped himself. He succeeds in deceiving
+and mocking them; for the duke and all the rest, when they saw him
+approaching lance in rest, cried out: "Here comes our knight! On the
+point of his lance he carries Cliges' head, and the Greeks are hotly
+pursuing him!" Then, as they give their horses rein, Cliges spurs
+to meet the Saxons, crouching low beneath his shield, the lance out
+straight with the head affixed. Now, though he was braver than a lion,
+he was no stronger than any other man. Both parties think that he is
+dead, and while the Saxons rejoice, the Greeks and Germans grieve. But
+before long the truth will out. For Cliges no longer held his peace:
+but, rushing fiercely at a Saxon, he struck him with his ashen lance
+upon the head and in the breast, so that he made him lose his stirrups,
+and at the same time he cried aloud: "Strike gentlemen, for I am Cliges
+whom you seek. Come on, my bold and hardy knights! Let none hold back,
+for the first joust is already won! He is a coward who does not relish
+such a dish."
+
+(Vv. 3571-3620.) The emperor's joy was great when he heard the voice of
+his nephew Cliges summoning and exhorting them; he was greatly pleased
+and comforted. But the duke is greatly chagrined now when he sees he
+is betrayed, unless his force should prove the stronger. While he
+draws together his troops in serried lines, the Greeks do the same, and
+pressing them close, attack and rush upon them. On both sides lances are
+lowered as they meet for the proper reception of a hostile host. At the
+first shock shields are pierced and lances shattered, girths are cut and
+stirrups broken, while the horses of those who fall to earth are left
+without a rider. But regardless of what any other does, Cliges and the
+duke meet in the fray; holding their lances low, they strike one another
+upon the shield with such violence that the strong and well-made lances
+fly into splinters. Cliges was skilful on horseback, and sits straight
+in his saddle without shaking or losing his balance. But the duke has
+lost his seat, and in spite of himself quits the saddle-bows. Cliges
+struggled and strove to capture him and carry him away, but his strength
+did not suffice, for the Saxons were around about fighting to rescue
+him. Nevertheless, Cliges escapes from the conflict without receiving
+harm and with a precious prize; for he makes off with the duke's steed,
+which was whiter than wool, and was worth more to a gentleman than the
+fortune of Octavian [231] at Rome. The steed was an Arabian. The Greeks
+and Germans are overjoyed to see Cliges on such a mount, for they had
+already remarked the excellence and beauty of the Arab steed. But they
+were not on their guard against an ambuscade; and before they are aware
+of it great damage will be done.
+
+(Vv. 3621-3748.) A spy came to the duke, bringing him welcome news.
+"Duke," says the spy, "not a man remains in all the encampment of the
+Greeks who is able to defend himself. If thou wilt take my word for it,
+now is the time to have the emperor's daughter seized, while the Greeks
+are seen intent upon the battle and the strife. Lend me a hundred of thy
+knights, and I will put the lady in their hands. By an old and secluded
+path I will lead them so carefully that they will not be seen or met
+by any man of Germany, until they can seize the damsel in her tent and
+carry her off so handily that no resistance will be made." At this the
+duke is highly pleased. He sent a hundred and more tried knights with
+the spy, who so successfully conducted them that they carried the maiden
+away captive without exerting any force; for they could abduct her
+easily. After carrying her some distance from the tents, they send her
+on under escort of twelve of their number whom they accompany but a
+short distance. While the twelve led the damsel on, the others went to
+tell the duke how successful they had been. The duke's desire being now
+satisfied, he at once makes a truce with the Greeks until next day. The
+truce was sworn by both parties. The duke's men then turned back, while
+the Greeks without delay repaired each man to his own tent. But Cliges
+stays behind alone, stationed upon a little hill where no one caught
+sight of him, until he saw the twelve pass by with her whom they were
+carrying off at topmost speed. Cliges, in his thirst for glory, rides
+at them without delay; for he thinks within himself, and his heart tells
+him, that it is not for nothing that they flee. So, as soon as he espied
+them, he spurred after them; and when they saw him coming on, a foolish
+thought occurred to them: "It is the duke," they said, "who comes. Let
+us rein in a little; for he has left the troops and is riding hard after
+us alone." Every man thinks that so it is. They all want to turn back to
+meet him, but each one wishes to go alone. Meanwhile, Cliges must
+needs descend a deep valley between two mountains. He would never have
+recognised their blazons, if they had not come to meet him, or if they
+had not awaited him. Six of the twelve come to meet him in an encounter
+they will soon regret. The other six stay with the damsel, leading her
+gently at a walk and easy jog. And the six ride quickly on, spurring up
+the valley, until he who had the swiftest horse reached him first
+and cried aloud: "Hail, Duke of Saxony! God bless thee! Duke, we have
+recovered thy lady. The Greeks shall not get her now, for she shall be
+placed in thy hands." When Cliges heard the words this fellow shouts,
+his heart is not gay; rather is it strange that he does not lose his
+wits. Never was any wild beast--leopard, tiger, or lion--upon seeing its
+young captured, so fierce and furious as Cliges, who sets no value upon
+his life if he deserts his sweetheart now. He would rather die than not
+win her back. In his trouble he feels great wrath, which gives him the
+courage he requires. He urges and spurs the Arab steed, and rushes
+to give the Saxon such a blow upon his painted shield that without
+exaggeration, he makes his heart feel the lance. This gives Cliges
+confidence. He drove and spurred the Arab charger on for more than the
+space of an acre before he came upon the next Saxon, for they came up
+singly, each fearless of his predecessor's fare, for Cliges fights
+them one by one. As he takes them thus individually, no one receives
+another's aid. He makes a rush at the second one, who, like the first,
+thought to give him joy by telling him of his own evil fate. But Cliges
+has no concern to heed his talk and idle charter. Thrusting his lance
+into his body so that the blood spurts out when it is withdrawn, he
+deprives him of life and the gift of speech. After these two he meets
+the third, who expects to find him in good humour and to make him
+rejoice over his own mischance. Spurring eagerly he came up to him;
+but before he has time to say a word, Cliges ran a fathom of his lance
+through the middle of his body, leaving him senseless on the ground.
+To the fourth he gives such a blow that he leaves him fainting on the
+field. After the fourth he goes at the fifth, and after him he attacks
+the sixth. None of them could defend himself, but each was left silent
+and mute. He stood in less fear of the others now, and more hardily
+pressed after them, taking no further thought of the six dead men.
+
+(Vv. 3749-3816.) Feeling no further care for them, he starts to present
+a debt of shame and woe to the others who are leading the maid away. He
+caught up with them, and made such an onslaught upon them as a hungry
+and ravenous wolf makes when leaping upon its prey. Now he feels his
+luck has come, when he can display his chivalry and bravery openly
+before her who is his very life. Now may he die, if he does not rescue
+her! And she, too, is at death's door from anxiety for his sake, though
+she does not know that he is no near. Lance in rest, Cliges made an
+attack which pleased him well; for he struck first one Saxon and then
+another, so that with a single rush he carried them both to earth,
+though it cost him his ashen lance. And they both fall in such distress,
+being wounded in the body, that they have no power to rise again and
+do him any harm or ill. The other four in bitter rage join in an attack
+upon Cliges; but he neither quails nor trembles, and they are unable
+to dislodge him from his seat. Quickly drawing his keen sword from its
+sheath, in order to please her who awaits his love, he rode hard at a
+Saxon and, striking him with his whetted blade, he severed his head and
+half his neck from the body: such was the limit of his pity. Fenice, who
+witnesses what transpires, does not know yet that this is Cliges. She
+wishes that it were he, indeed, but because of the present danger she
+says to herself that she would not have him there. Thus, doubly she
+shows the devotion of a sweetheart, fearing at once his death, and
+desiring that honour may be his. And Cliges sword in hand attacks the
+other three, who face him bravely and puncture and split his shield. But
+they are unable to lay hands upon him, or to pierce the meshes of his
+hauberk. And whatever Cliges reaches cannot stand against his blow,
+but must needs be split and torn apart; for he turns faster than a
+top driven and lashed by the whip. Boldness and love, which holds him
+enthralled, make him eager for the fray. He pressed the Saxons so hard
+that he left them all dead and defeated, some only wounded, and others
+dead--except one whom he let escape, disdaining to kill him when left
+alone at his mercy; besides, he wished him to tell the duke of the loss
+and injury he had sustained. But before this fellow left Cliges, he
+begged him to tell him his name, which later he repeated to the duke,
+thus rousing his bitter ire.
+
+(Vv. 3817-3864.) Now bad luck had fallen to the duke, who was in great
+distress and grief. And Cliges takes back Fenice, whose love torments
+and troubles him. If he does not confess to her now, love will long be
+his enemy, and hers too, if she holds her peace and speaks not the word
+which will bring him joy; for now each can tell the other privily the
+thoughts that lie within the heart. But they so fear to be refused that
+they dare not reveal their hearts. For his part, he fears lest she will
+not accept his love, whereas she, too, would have spoken out had she
+not feared to be rejected. In spite of this, the eyes of each reveal the
+hidden thought, if only they had heeded this evidence. They converse
+by glance of eye, but their tongues are so cowardly that they dare not
+speak in any wise of the love which possesses them. No wonder if she
+hesitates to begin, for a maid must be a simple and shrinking thing; but
+he--why does he wait and hold back who was so bold for her just now, but
+now in her presence is cowardly? God! whence comes this fear, that he
+should shrink from a lonely girl, feeble and timid, simple and mild? It
+is as if I should see the dog flee before the hare, and the fish chase
+the beaver, the lamb the wolf, and the dove the eagle. In the same
+fashion the labourer would forsake his pick with which he strives to
+earn a livelihood, and the falcon would flee from the duck, and the
+gerfalcon from the heron, and the pike from the minnow, and the stag
+would chase the lion, and everything would be reversed. Now I feel
+within me the desire to give some reason why it should happen to true
+lovers that they lose their sense and boldness to say what they have in
+mind when they have leisure and place and time.
+
+(Vv. 3865-3914.) Ye who are interested in the art of Love, who do
+faithfully maintain the customs and usage of his court, who never failed
+to obey his law, whatever the result might be, tell me if there is
+anything that pleases because of love without causing us to tremble
+and grow pale. If any one oppose me in this, I can at once refute his
+argument; for whoever does not grow pale and tremble, whoever does not
+lose his senses and memory, is trying to filch and get by stealth what
+does not by right belong to him. The servant who does not fear his
+master ought not to remain in his employ nor do his service. He who does
+not esteem his lord does not fear him, and whoever does not esteem him
+does not hold him dear, but rather tries to deceive him and to steal
+from him what is his. The servant ought to tremble with fear when his
+master calls or summons him. And whoever commits himself to Love owns
+him as his lord and master, and is bound to do him reverence and fear
+him much and honour him, if he wishes to be numbered in his court. Love
+without alarm or fear is like a fire without flame or heat, day without
+sun, comb without honey, summer without flowers, winter without frost,
+sky without moon, and a book without letters. Such is my argument
+in refutation, for where fear is absent love is not to be mentioned.
+Whoever would love must needs feel fear, for otherwise he cannot be in
+love. But let him fear only her whom he loves, and for her sake be brave
+against all others. Then if he stands in awe of his lady-love Cliges
+is guilty of nothing wrong. Even so, he would not have failed to speak
+straightway with her of love, whatever the outcome might have been, had
+it not been that she was his uncle's wife. This causes the festering of
+his wound, and it torments and pains him the more because he dares not
+utter what he fain would say.
+
+(Vv. 3915-3962.) Thus they make their way back to their own people, and
+if they speak of anything it is nothing of much concern. Each seated on
+a white horse, they rode rapidly toward the camp, which was plunged in
+great sorrow. The whole army is beside itself with grief, but they are
+altogether wrong in supposing Cliges to be dead: hence their bitter and
+poignant grief. And for Fenice, too, they are in dismay, thinking never
+to win her back again. Thus, for her and him the whole army is in great
+distress. But soon upon their return the whole affair will change its
+aspect; for now they have reached the camp again, and have quickly
+changed the grief to joy. Joy returns and sorrow flees. All the troops
+come together and sally forth to welcome them. The two emperors, upon
+hearing the report about Cliges and the damsel, go to meet them with
+joyful hearts, and each can hardly wait to hear how Cliges found and
+recovered the empress. Cliges tells them, and, as they listen, they are
+amazed and are loud in their praises of his courage and devotion.
+But, for his part, the duke is furious, swearing and proclaiming his
+determination to fight Cliges, if he dares, in single combat; and it
+shall be agreed that if Cliges wins the battle the emperor shall proceed
+unchallenged, and freely take the maiden with him, and if he should kill
+or defeat Cliges, who had done him such injury, then let there be no
+truce or stay to prevent each party from doing its best. This is what
+the duke desires, and by an interpreter of his, who knew both the Greek
+and the German tongues, he announces to the two emperors his desire thus
+to arrange the battle.
+
+(Vv. 3963-4010.) The messenger delivered his message so well in both
+languages that all could understand it. The entire army was in an
+uproar, saying that may God forbid that Cliges ever engage in the
+battle. Both emperors are in a fright, but Cliges throws himself at
+their feet and begs them not to grieve, but if ever he did them any
+favour, he prays them to grant him this battle as a guerdon and reward.
+And if the right to fight should be denied him, then he will never again
+serve for a single day his uncle's cause and honour. The emperor, who
+loved his nephew as he should, raised him by the hand and said: "Fair
+nephew, I am deeply grieved to know you are so keen to fight; for after
+joy, sorrow is to be expected. [232] You have made me glad, I cannot
+deny it; but it is hard for me to yield the point and send you forth to
+this battle, when I see you still so young. And yet I know you to be
+so confident of yourself that I dare not ever refuse anything that you
+choose to ask of me. Be assured that, merely to gratify you, it should
+be done; but if my request has any power, you would never assume this
+task." "My lord, there is no need of further speech," said Cliges; "may
+God damn me, if I would take the whole world, and miss this battle! I do
+not know why I should seek from you any postponement or long delay."
+The emperor weeps with pity, while Cliges sheds tears of joy when the
+permission to fight is granted him. Many a tear was shed that day, and
+no respite or delay was asked. Before the hour of prime, by the duke's
+own messenger the challenge to battle was sent back to him accepted as
+he had proposed.
+
+(Vv. 4011-4036.) The duke, who thinks and confidently trusts that Cliges
+will be unable to stave off death and defeat at his hands, has himself
+quickly armed. Cliges, who is anxious for the fight, feels no concern
+as to how he shall defend himself. He asks the emperor for his arms, and
+desires him to dub him a knight. So the emperor generously gives him his
+arms, and he takes them, his heart being keen for the battle which he
+anticipates with joy and eagerness. No time is lost in arming him. And
+when he was armed from head to foot, the emperor, all sorrowing, girds
+the sword upon his side. Thus Cliges completely armed mounts his white
+Arab steed; from his neck he hangs by the straps an ivory shield, such
+as will never break or split; and upon it there was neither colour nor
+design. All his armour was white, and the steed, and the harness, too,
+was all whiter than any snow.
+
+(Vv. 4037-4094.) Cliges and the duke, now being armed, summon each other
+to meet half way, and they stipulate that their men shall take their
+stand on either side, but without their swords and lances, under oath
+and pledge that not a man will be so rash, so long as the battle lasts,
+as to dare to move for any reason, any more than he would dare to pluck
+out his own eye. When this had been agreed upon, they came together,
+each yearning ardently for the glory he hopes to win and for the joy
+of victory. But before a single blow was dealt, the empress has herself
+borne thither, solicitous for Cliges' fate. It seems to her that if he
+dies, she, too, must needs do so. No comfort can avail to keep her from
+joining him in death, for, without him, life has no joys for her. When
+all were gathered on the field--high and low, young and old--and the
+guards had taken their place, then both seized their lances and rushed
+together so savagely that they both broke their lances and fell to
+the ground, unable to keep their saddles. But not being wounded, they
+quickly get upon their feet and attack each other without delay. Upon
+their resonant helmets they play such a tune with swords that it seems
+to those who are looking on that the helmets are on fire and send forth
+sparks. And when the swords rebound in air, gleaming sparks fly off
+from them as from a smoking piece of iron which the smith beats upon his
+anvil after, drawing it from the forge. Both of the vassals are generous
+in dealing blows in great plenty, and each has the best of intentions
+to repay quickly what he borrows; neither one holds back from repaying
+promptly capital and interest, without accounting and without measure.
+But the duke is much chagrined with anger and discomfiture when he fails
+to defeat and slay Cliges in the first assault. Such a marvellously
+great and mighty blow he deals him that he falls at his feet upon his
+knee.
+
+(Vv. 4095-4138.) When this blow brought Cliges down, the emperor was
+struck with fear, and would have been no more dismayed had he himself
+been beneath the shield. Nor could Fenice in her fear longer contain
+herself, whatever the effect might be, from crying: "God help him!"
+as loud as she could. But that was the only word she uttered, for
+straightway her voice failed her, and she fell forward upon her face,
+which was somewhat wounded by the fall. Two high nobles raised her up
+and supported her upon her feet until she returned to consciousness.
+But in spite of her countenance, none who saw her guessed why she had
+swooned. Not a man there blamed her, but rather praised her for her act,
+for each one supposes that she would have done the same thing for him,
+if he had been in Cliges' place, but in all this they are quite astray.
+Cliges heard, and well understood, the sound of Fenice's cry. Her voice
+restored his strength and courage, as he leaped up quickly, and came
+with fury, toward the duke, so charging and attacking him that the duke
+in turn was now dismayed. For now he found him more fierce for the
+fray, stronger and more agile and energetic than when at first they came
+together. And because he feared his onslaught, he cried: "Young man, so
+help me God, I see thou art brave and very bold. If it were not for my
+nephew now, whom I shall never more forget, I would gladly make peace
+with thee, and leave thy quarrel without interfering in it more."
+
+(Vv. 4139-4236.) "Duke," says Cliges, "what is your pleasure now? Must
+one not surrender his right when he is unable to recover it? When one of
+two evils must be faced, one should choose the lesser one. Your nephew
+was not wise to become angrily embroiled with me. You may be sure that
+I shall treat you in like fashion, if I get the chance, unless you agree
+to my terms of peace." The duke, to whom it seems that Cliges' vigour is
+steadily growing, thinks that he had better desist in mid-career before
+he is utterly undone. Nevertheless, he does not openly give in, but
+says: "Young man, I see thou art skilful and alert and not lacking in
+courage. But thou art yet too young; therefore I feel assured that if I
+defeat and kill thee I shall gain no praise or fame, and I should never
+like to confess in the hearing of a man of honour that I had fought with
+thee, for I should but do thee honour, and myself win shame. But if thou
+art aware of honour's worth, it will always be a glorious thing for thee
+to have withstood me for two rounds at arms. So now my heart and feeling
+bid me let thee have thy way, and no longer fight with thee." [233]
+"Duke," says Cliges, "that will not do. In the hearing of all you must
+repeat those words, for it shall never be said and noised abroad that
+you let me off and had mercy on me. In the hearing of all those who are
+gathered here, you must repeat your words, if you wish to be reconciled
+with me." So the duke repeats his words in the hearing of all. Then they
+make peace and are reconciled. But however the matter be regarded Cliges
+had all the honour and glory of it, and the Greeks were greatly pleased.
+For their part, the Saxons could not laugh, all of them having plainly
+seen that their lord was worn out and exhausted just now; but there is
+no doubt at all that, if he could have helped himself, this peace would
+never have been made, and that Cliges' soul would have been drawn from
+his body had it proven possible. The duke goes back to Saxony sorrowing,
+downcast, and filled with shame; for of his men there are not even two
+who do not regard him as worsted, defeated, and disgraced. The Saxons
+with all their shame have now returned to Saxony, while the
+Greeks without delay make their way with joy and gladness toward
+Constantinople, for Cliges by his prowess has opened the way for them.
+The emperor of Germany no longer follows and convoys them. Taking leave
+of the Greek troops and of his daughter and Cliges, and finally of the
+emperor, he stayed behind in Germany. And the emperor of the Greeks goes
+off happily and in joyous mood. Cliges, brave and courteous, calls to
+mind his sire's command. If his uncle, the emperor, will give him his
+permission, he will go and ask him for leave to return to Britain and
+there converse with his great-uncle, the King; for he is desirous of
+seeing and knowing him. So he presents himself before the emperor, and
+requests that he consent to let him go to Britain to see his uncle and
+his friends. Gently he proffered his request. But his uncle refused,
+when he had listened to the request he made. "Fair nephew," he said, "it
+is not my will that you should wish to leave me. I shall never give you
+without regret this permission to go away. For it is my pleasure and
+desire that you should be my companion and lord, with me, of all my
+empire."
+
+(Vv. 4237-4282.) Now Cliges hears something that does not suit him when
+his uncle refuses the prayer and request he made. "Fair sire," said he,
+"I am not brave and wise enough, nor would it be seemly for me to join
+myself with you or any one else in the duty of governing this empire; I
+am too young and inexperienced. They put gold to the test when they wish
+to learn if it is fine. And so it is my wish, in brief, to try to prove
+myself, wherever I can find the test. In Britain, if I am brave, I can
+apply myself to the whetstone and to the real true test, whereby my
+prowess shall be proved. In Britain are the gentlemen whom honour and
+prowess distinguish. And he who wishes to win honour should associate
+himself with them, for honour is won and gained by him who associates
+with gentlemen. And so I ask you for leave to go, and you may be very
+sure that if you do not grant me the boon and send me thither I shall go
+without your leave." "Fair nephew, I will give you leave, seeing you
+are so disposed that I cannot keep you back either by force or prayer
+of mine. Now since prayer, prohibition, and force do not avail, may God
+give you the desire and inclination promptly to return. I wish you to
+take with you more than a bushel of gold and silver, and I will give for
+your pleasure such horses as you may choose." He had no sooner spoken
+than Cliges bowed before him. All that the emperor, mentioned and
+promised him was straightway brought thither.
+
+(Vv. 4283-4574.) Cliges took all the money and companions that he
+wished and needed. For his personal use he took four horses of different
+colours: one white, one sorrel, one fallow red, and one black. But I
+must have passed over something which it is not proper to omit. Cliges
+goes to ask and obtain leave to depart from his sweetheart Fenice; for
+he wishes to commend her to God's safe keeping. Coming before her,
+he throws himself upon his knees, weeping so bitterly that the tears
+moisten his tunic and ermine, the while keeping his eyes upon the
+ground; for he dares not raise his eyes to her, as if he were guilty
+of some crime and misdeed toward her, for which he seems overcome with
+shame. And Fenice, who timidly and fearfully looks at him, does not know
+the occasion of his coming, and speaks to him with difficulty. "Rise,
+friend and fair sir! Sit here beside me, and weep no more, and tell me
+what your pleasure is." "Lady, what shall I say, and what leave unsaid?
+I come to ask your leave." "Leave? To do what?" "Lady, I must go off to
+Britain." "Then tell me what your business is, before I give you leave
+to go." "Lady, my father, before he departed this life and died, begged
+me not to fail to go to Britain as soon as I should be made a knight.
+I should not wish for any reason to disregard his command. I must not
+falter until I have accomplished the journey. It is a long road from
+here to Greece, and if I should go thither, the journey would be too
+long from Constantinople to Britain. But it is right that I should ask
+leave from you to whom I altogether belong." Many a covert sigh and sob
+marked the separation. But the eyes of none were keen enough, nor the
+ears of any sharp enough, to learn from what he saw and heard that there
+was any love between these two. Cliges, in spite of the grief he felt,
+took his leave at the first opportunity. He is full of thought as he
+goes away, and so are the emperor and many others who stay behind. But
+more than all the others, Fenice is pensive: she finds no bottom or
+bound to the reflections which occupy her, so abundantly are her cares
+multiplied. She was still oppressed with thought when she arrived in
+Greece. There she was held in great honour as mistress and empress; but
+her heart and mind belong to Cliges, wherever he goes, and she wishes
+her heart never to return to her, unless it is brought back to her by
+him who is perishing of the same disease with which he has smitten her.
+If he should get well, she would recover too, but he will never be its
+victim without her being so as well. Her trouble appears in her pale and
+changed colour; for the fresh, clear, and radiant colour which Nature
+had given her is now a stranger to her face. She often weeps and often
+sighs. Little she cares for her empire and for the riches that are hers.
+She always cherishes in her remembrance the hour when Cliges went away,
+and the leave he took of her, how he changed colour and grew pale, and
+how tearful his expression was, for he came to weep in her presence
+humbly and simply upon his knees, as if constrained to worship her.
+All this is sweet and pleasant for her to remember and think about. And
+afterward, as a little treat, she takes on her tongue instead of spice
+a sweet word which for all Greece she would not wish him to have used
+contrary to the sense she had understood when he first had uttered
+it; for she lives upon no other dainty, and there is nothing else that
+pleases her. This word alone sustains and nourishes her, and assuages
+all her pain. She cares to eat and drink of no other dish or beverage,
+for when the two lovers came to part, Cliges had said he was "altogether
+hers." This word is so sweet and tastes so good that from the tongue it
+stirs her heart, and she takes it into her mouth and heart to be all the
+more sure of it. Under any other lock she would not dare to store this
+treasure. Nowhere could it be lodged so well as in her own bosom. She
+will never leave it exposed at any price, being in such fear of robbers
+and thieves. But there is no ground for her anxiety, and she need have
+no fear of the birds of prey, for her treasure is not movable, but is
+rather like a house which cannot be destroyed by fire or flood, but will
+always stay fixed in a single place. But she feels no confidence in the
+matter, so she worries and strives to find and hold some ground on which
+to stand, interpreting the situation in divers ways. She both opposes
+and defends her position, and engages in the following argument: "With
+what intention should Cliges say 'I am altogether yours' unless it was
+love that prompted him? What power can I have over him that he should
+esteem me so highly as to make me the mistress of his heart? Is he not
+more fair than I, and of higher rank than I? I see in it naught but
+love, which could vouchsafe me such a boon. I, who cannot escape its
+power, will prove by my own case that unless he loved me he would never
+say that he was mine; unless love holds him in its toils, Cliges
+could never say that he was mine any more than I could say that I was
+altogether his unless love had put me in his hands. For if he loves me
+not, at least he does not fear me. I hope that love which gives me to
+him will in return give him to me. But now I am sore dismayed because it
+is so trite a word, and I may simply be deceived, for many there be who
+in flattering terms will say even to a total stranger, 'I and all that
+I have are yours,' and they are more idle chatterers than the jays. So
+I do not know what to think, for it might well turn out that he said it
+just to flatter me. Yet I saw his colour change, and I saw him weeping
+piteously. In my judgment, the tears and his face confused and pale were
+not produced by treachery, nor were they the fruits of trickery. Those
+eyes from which I saw tears roll down were not guilty of falsehood.
+Signs enough of love I saw, if I know anything about it. Yes, in an
+evil hour I thought of love; woe is me that I ever learned it, for the
+experience has been bitter. Has it indeed? Yes, verily. I am dead when
+I cannot see him who has stolen my heart away by his cajoling flattery,
+because of which my heart leaves its dwelling, and will not abide with
+me, hating my home and establishment. In truth I have been ill treated
+by him who has my heart in his keeping. He who robs me and takes what is
+mine cannot love me, of that I am sure. But am I sure? Why then did he
+weep? Why? It was not in vain, for there was cause enough. I must not
+assume that I was the cause of it, for one is always loath to leave
+people whom one loves and knows. So it is not strange if he was sorry
+and grieved and if he wept when he left some one whom he knew. But
+he who gave him this advice to go and dwell in Britain could not have
+smitten me more effectively. He is cut to the quick who loses his heart.
+He who deserves it, should be treated ill; but I have never deserved
+such treatment. Alas, unhappy one, why has Cliges killed me when I
+am innocent? But I am unjust to accuse him thus without cause. Surely
+Cliges would never have deserted me if his heart were like mine. I am
+sure his heart is not like mine. And if my heart is lodged in his it
+will never draw away, and his will never part from mine, for my heart
+follows him secretly: they have formed such a goodly company. But, after
+all, to tell the truth, they are very different and contrary. How are
+they different and contrary? Why, his is the master and mine the slave;
+and the slave can have no will of his own, but only do his master's will
+and forsake all other affairs. But what reference has that to me? My
+heart and service are no concern to him. This arrangement distresses
+me, that one is master of us both. Why is not my heart as independent
+as his? Then their power would be equalised. My heart is now a prisoner,
+unable to move itself unless his moves as well. And whether his heart
+wanders or stays still, mine must needs prepare to follow him in his
+train. God! why are our bodies not so near one another that I could
+in some way bring back my heart! Bring back? Foolish one, if I should
+remove it from its joy I should be the death of it. Let it stay there!
+I have no desire to dislodge it, but rather wish that it tarry with its
+lord until he feel some pity for it. For rather over there than here
+ought he to have mercy on his servant, because they are both in a
+foreign land. If my heart knows well the language of flattery, as is
+necessary for the courtier, it will be rich ere it comes back. Whoever
+wishes to stand in the good graces of his lord and sit beside him on his
+right, to be in the fashion now-a-days, must remove the feather from
+his head, even when there is none there. But there is one bad feature of
+this practice: while he is smoothing down his master, who is filled
+with evil and villainy, he will never be so courteous as to tell him the
+truth; rather he makes him think and believe that no one could compare
+with him in prowess and in knowledge, and the master thinks that he is
+speaking the truth. That man does not know himself who takes another's
+word about qualities which he does not possess. For even if he is a
+wicked and insolent wretch, and as cowardly as a hare, mean, crazy, and
+misshapen, and a villain both in word and deed--yet some man will praise
+him to his face who behind his back will mock at him. But when in his
+hearing he speaks of him to some other, he praises him, while his lord
+pretends not to hear what they say between themselves; if, however, he
+thought that he would not be heard, he would say something his master
+would not like. And if his master is pleased to lie, the servant is all
+ready with his consent, and will never be backward in averring that all
+his master says is true. He who frequents courts and lords must ever be
+ready with a lie. So, too, must my heart do if it would find favour with
+its lord. Let it flatter and be obsequious. But Cliges is such a knight,
+so fair, so open, and so loyal, that my heart, in praising him,
+need never be false or perfidious, for in him there is nothing to be
+improved. Therefore I wish my heart to serve him, for, as the people's
+proverb runs, 'He who serves a noble man is bad indeed if he does not
+improve in his company.'"
+
+(Vv. 4575-4628.) Thus love harrows Fenice. But this torment is her
+delight, of which she can never grow weary. And Cliges now has crossed
+the sea and come to Wallingford. There he took expensive quarters in
+great state. But his thoughts are always of Fenice, not forgetting her
+for a single hour. While he delays and tarries there, his men, acting
+under his instructions, made diligent inquiries. They were informed that
+King Arthur's barons and the King in person had appointed a tourney to
+be held in the plain before Oxford, which lies close to Wallingford.
+[234] There the struggle was arranged, and it was to last four days. But
+Cliges will have abundant time to prepare himself if in the meantime
+he needs anything, for more than a fortnight must elapse before the
+tournament begins. He orders three of his squires to go quickly to
+London and there buy three different sets of arms, one black, another
+red, the third green, and that on the way back each shall be kept
+covered with new cloth, so that if any one should meet them on the road
+he may not know the colour of the arms they carry. The squires start at
+once and come to London, where they find available everything they need.
+Having finished this errand, they return at once without losing any
+time. When the arms they had brought were shown to Cliges he was
+well pleased with them. He ordered them to be set away and concealed,
+together with those which the emperor had given him by the Danube, when
+he knighted him. I do not choose to tell you now why he had them stored
+away; but it will be explained to you when all the high barons of the
+land are mounted on their steeds and assemble in search of fame.
+
+(Vv. 4629-4726.) On the day which had been agreed upon, the nobles of
+renown came together. King Arthur, with all his men whom he had selected
+from among the best, took up his position at Oxford, while most of the
+knights ranged themselves near Wallingford. Do not expect me to delay
+the story and tell you that such and such kings and counts were there,
+and that this, that, and the other were of the number. [235] When the
+time came for the knights to gather, in accordance with the custom
+of those days, there came forth alone between two lines one of King
+Arthur's most valiant knights to announce that the tourney should begin.
+But in this case no one dares to advance and confront him for the joust.
+There is none who does not hold back. And there are some who ask: "Why
+do these knights of ours delay, without stepping forward from the ranks?
+Some one will surely soon begin." And the others make reply: "Don't you
+see, then, what an adversary yonder party has sent against us? Any one
+who does not know should learn that he is a pillar, [236] able to stand
+beside the best three in the world." "Who is he, then?" "Why, don't
+you see? It is Sagremor the Wild." "Is it he?" "It surely is." Cliges
+listens and hears what they say, as he sits on his horse Morel, clad
+in armour blacker than a mulberry: for all his armour was black. As he
+emerges from the ranks and spurs Morel free of the crowd, there is not
+one, upon seeing him, but exclaims to his neighbour: "That fellow rides
+well lance in rest; he is a very, skilful knight and carries his arms
+right handily; his shield fits well about his neck. But he must be a
+fool to undertake of his own free will to joust with one of the most
+valiant knights to be found in all the land. Who can he be? Where was
+he born? Who knows him here?" "Not I." "Nor I." "There is not a flake
+of snow on him; but all his armour is blacker far than the cloak of any
+monk or prior." While thus they talk, the two contestants give their
+horses rein without delay, for they are very eager and keen to come
+together in the fight. Cliges strikes him so that he crushes the shield
+against his arm, and the arm against his body, whereupon Sagremor falls
+full length. Cliges goes unerringly and bids him declare himself his
+prisoner, which Sagremor does at once. Now the tourney is fairly begun,
+and adversaries meet in rivalry. Cliges rushes about the field, seeking
+adversaries with whom to joust, but not a knight presents himself whom
+he does not cast down or take prisoner. He excels in glory, all the
+knights on either side, for wherever he goes to battle, there the fight
+is quickly ended. That man may be considered brave who holds his ground
+to joust with him, for it is more credit to dare face him than it is to
+defeat another knight. And if Cliges leads him away prisoner, for this
+at least he gains renown that he dared to wait and fight with him.
+Cliges wins the fame and glory of all the tournament. When evening came,
+he secretly repaired to his lodging-place in order that none might have
+any words with him. And lest any one should seek the house where the
+black arms are displayed, he puts them away in a room in order that no
+one may find them or see them, and he hangs up his green arms at the
+street-door, where they will be in evidence, and where passers-by will
+see them. And if any one asks and inquires where his lodging is, he
+cannot learn when he sees no sign of the black shield for which he
+seeks.
+
+(Vv. 4727-4758.) By this ruse Cliges remains hidden in the town. And
+those who were his prisoners went from one end of the town to the other
+asking for the black knight, but none could give them any information.
+Even King Arthur himself has search made up and down for him; but there
+is only one answer: "We have not seen him since we left the lists, and
+do not know what became of him." More than twenty young men seek him,
+whom the King sent out; but Cliges so successfully concealed himself
+that they cannot find a trace of him. King Arthur is filled with
+astonishment when he is informed that no one of high or low degree
+can point out his lodging-place, any more than if he were in Caesarea,
+Toledo, or Crete. "Upon my word," he says, "I know not what they may
+say, but to me this seems a marvellous thing. Perchance it was a phantom
+that appeared in our midst. Many a knight has been unhorsed, and noble
+men have pledged faith to one whose house they cannot find, or even his
+country or locality; each of these men perforce must fail to keep his
+pledge." Thus the King spoke his mind, but he might as well have held
+his peace.
+
+(Vv. 4759-4950.) That evening among all the barons there was much talk
+of the black knight, for indeed they spoke of nothing else. The next
+day they armed themselves again without summons and without request.
+Lancelot of the Lake, in whom there is no lack of courage, rides forth
+with lance upright to await a contestant in the first joust. Here comes
+Cliges tiding fast, greener than the grass of the field, and mounted on
+a fallow red steed, carrying its mane on the right-hand side. Wherever
+Cliges spurs the horse, there is no one, either with hair or without,
+who does not look at him amazed and exclaim to his neighbour on either
+side: "This knight is in all respects more graceful and skilful than the
+one who yesterday wore the black arms, just as a pine is more beautiful
+than a white beech, and the laurel than the elder-bush. As yet we know
+not who yesterday's victor was; but we shall know to-night who this man
+is." Each one makes reply: "I don't know him, nor did I ever see him,
+that I am aware. But he is fairer than he who fought yesterday, and
+fairer than Lancelot of the Lake. If this man rode armed in a bag and
+Lancelot in silver and gold, this man would still be fairer than he."
+Thus they all take Cliges' part. And the two champions drive their
+steeds together with all the force of spur. Cliges gives him such a blow
+upon the golden shield with the lion portrayed thereon that he knocks
+him down from his saddle and stands over him to receive his surrender.
+For Lancelot there was no help; so he admitted himself his prisoner.
+Then the noise began afresh with the shock of breaking lances. Those who
+are on Cliges' side place all their confidence in him. For of those whom
+he challenges and strikes, there is none so strong but must fall from
+his horse to earth. That day Cliges did so well, and unhorsed and took
+captive so many knights, that he gave double the satisfaction to his
+side, and won for himself twice the glory that he had gained on the
+preceding day. When evening came, he betook himself as fast as he could
+to his lodging-place, and quickly ordered out the vermilion shield and
+his other arms, while he ordered the arms which he had worn that day to
+be laid away: the host carefully put them aside. Again that evening the
+knights whom he had captured sought for him, but without hearing any
+news of him. In their lodging-places, most of those who speak of him do
+so with praise and admiration. The next day the gay and doughty knights
+return to the contest. From the Oxford side comes forth a vassal of
+great renown--his name was Perceval of Wales. As soon as Cliges saw him
+start, and learned certainly who it was, when he had heard the name of
+Perceval he was very anxious to contest with him. He issued straightway
+from the ranks upon a Spanish sorrel steed, and completely clad in
+vermilion armour. Then all gaze at him, wondering more than ever
+before, and saying that they had never seen so perfect a knight. And
+the contestants without delay spur forward until their mighty blows land
+upon their shields. The lances, though they were short and stout, bend
+until they look like hoops. In the sight of all who were looking on,
+Cliges struck Perceval so hard that he knocked him from his horse and
+made him surrender without a long struggle or much ado. When Perceval
+had pledged his word then the joust began again, and the engagement
+became general. Every knight whom Cliges meets he forces to earth. He
+did not quit the lists that day even for a single hour, while all the
+others struck at him as at a tower--individually, of course, and not
+in groups of two or three, for such was not the custom then. Upon his
+shield, as upon an anvil, the others strike and pound, splitting and
+hewing it to bits. But every one who strikes him there, he pays back by
+casting him from his stirrups and saddle; and no one, unless he wished
+to lie, could fail to say when the jousting ceased that the knight with
+the red shield had won all the glory on that day. And all the best and
+most courtly knights would fain have made his acquaintance. But their
+desire was not felt before he had departed secretly, seeing the sun
+already set; and he had his vermilion shield and all his other harness
+removed, and ordered his white arms to be brought out, in which he had
+first been dubbed a knight, while the other arms and the steeds were
+fastened outside by the door. Those who notice this realise and exclaim
+that they have all been defeated and undone by one single man; for each
+day he has disguised himself with a different horse and set of armour,
+thus seeming to change his identity; for the first time now they noticed
+this. And my lord Gawain proclaimed that he never saw such a champion,
+and therefore he wished to make his acquaintance and learn his name,
+announcing that on the morrow he himself will be the first at the rally
+of the knights. Yet, withal, he makes no boast; on the other hand,
+he says that he fully expects the stranger knight will have all the
+advantage with the lance; but it may be that with the sword he will not
+be his superior (for with the sword Gawain had no master). Now it is
+Gawain's desire to measure his strength on the morrow with this strange
+knight who changes every day his arms, as well as his horse and harness.
+His moultings will soon be numerous if he continues thus each day, as
+is his custom, to discard his old and assume new plumage. Thus, when he
+thought of the sword and the lance respectively. Gawain disparaged and
+esteemed highly the prowess of his foe. The next day he sees Cliges come
+back whiter than the fleur-delis, his shield grasped tight by the inside
+straps and seated on his white Arab steed, as he had planned the
+night before. Gawain, brave and illustrious, seeks no repose on the
+battleground, but spurs and rides forward, endeavouring as best he may
+to win honour in the fray, if he can find an opponent. In a moment they
+will both be on the field. For Cliges had no desire to hold back when he
+overheard the words of the men who said: "There goes Gawain, who is no
+weakling either on foot or ahorse. He is a man whom no one will attack."
+When Cliges hears these words, he rushes toward him in mid-field; they
+both advance and come together with a swifter leap than that of the
+stag who hears the sound of the dogs as they come baying after him. The
+lances are thrust at the shields, and the blows produce such havoc that
+the lances split, crack and break clear down to the butt-end, and the
+saddle-bows behind give away, and the girths and breast-straps snap.
+Both come to earth at once and draw their naked swords, while the others
+gather round to watch the battle. Then King Arthur stepped forward to
+separate them and establish peace. But before the truce was sworn, the
+white hauberks were badly torn and rent apart, the shields were cracked
+and hewed to bits, and the helmets crushed.
+
+(Vv. 4951-5040.) The King viewed them with pleasure for a while, as did
+many others who said that they esteemed the white knight's deeds of arms
+no less than those of my lord Gawain, and they were not ready yet to say
+which was the better and which the worse, nor which was likely to win,
+if they had been allowed to fight to a finish; but it did not please the
+King to let them do more than they had done. So he stepped forward to
+separate them, saying: "Stop now! Woe if another blow be struck! Make
+peace now, and be good friends. Fair nephew Gawain, I make this request
+of you; for without resentment and hate it is not becoming for a
+gentleman to continue to fight and defy his foe. But if this knight
+would consent to come to my court and join our sport it would not be
+to his sorrow or hurt. Nephew, make this request of him." "Gladly, my
+lord." Cliges has no desire to refuse, and gladly consents to go when
+the tourney is concluded. For now he has more than sufficiently carried
+out the injunction of his father. And the King says he has no desire
+that the tournament shall last too long, and that they can afford to
+stop at once. So the knights drew off, according to the wish and order
+of the King. Now that he is to follow in the royal suite, Cliges sends
+for all his armour. As soon as he can, he comes to court; but first,
+he completely changed his gear, and came dressed in the style of the
+French. As soon as he arrived at court, all ran to meet him without
+delay, making such joy and festival that never was there greater seen,
+and all those call him lord whom he had captured in the joust; but he
+would hear none of this, and said they might all go free, if they were
+quite sure and satisfied that it was he who had captured them. And there
+was not one who did not cry: "You were the man; we are sure of that! We
+value highly your acquaintance, and we ought to love and esteem you
+and call you our lord, for none of us can equal you. Just as the sun
+outshines the little stars, so that their light cannot be seen in the
+sky when the sun's rays appear, so is our prowess extinguished and
+abased in the presence of yours, though ours too was once famous in
+the world." Cliges knows not what to reply, for in his opinion they all
+praise him more than he deserves; it pleases him, but he feels ashamed,
+and the blood rises in his face, revealing to all his modesty. Escorting
+him into the middle of the hall, they led him to the King, where all
+ceased their words of compliment and praise. The time for the meal had
+come, and those whose duty it was hastened to set the tables. The tables
+in the hall were quickly spread, then while some took the towels, and
+others held the basins, they offered water to all who came. When all had
+washed, they took their seats. And the King, taking Cliges by the hand,
+made him sit down in front of him, for he wished to learn this very day,
+if possible, who he was. Of the meal I need not further speak, for the
+courses were as well supplied as if beef were selling at a penny.
+
+(Vv. 5041-5114.) When all the courses had been served, the King no
+longer held his peace. "My friend," he says, "I wish to learn if it
+was from pride that you did not deign to come to court as soon as you
+arrived in this country, and why you kept aloof from people, and why
+you changed your arms; and tell me what your name is, too, and from what
+race you spring." Cliges replies: "It shall not be hid." He told and
+related to the King everything he wished to know. And when the King had
+heard it all, he embraced him, and made much of him, while all joined in
+greeting him. And when my lord Gawain learned the truth, he, more than
+the others, cordially welcomed him. Thus, all unite in saluting him,
+saying that he is very fair and brave. The King loves and honours him
+above all his nephews. Cliges tarries with the King until the summer
+comes around, in the meantime visiting all Brittany, France, and
+Normandy, where he did so many knightly deeds that he thoroughly proved
+his worth. But the love whose wound he bears gives him no peace or
+relief. The inclination of his heart keeps him fixed upon a single
+thought. To Fenice his thought harks back, who from afar afflicts his
+heart. The desire takes him to go back; for he has been deprived too
+long of the sight of the most desired lady who was ever desired by
+any one. He will not prolong this privation, but prepares to return to
+Greece, and sets out, after taking leave. The King and my lord Gawain
+were grieved, I can well believe, when they could no longer detain him.
+But he is anxious to return to her whom he loves and so covets that the
+way seems long to him as he passes over land and sea: so ardently he
+longs for the sight of her who has stolen and filched Iris heart away.
+But she makes him recompense in full; for she pays him, as it were rent,
+the coin of her own heart, which is no less dear to her. But he is by no
+means sure of that, having no contract or agreement to show; wherefore
+his anxiety is great. And she is in just as great distress, harried
+and tormented by love, taking no pleasure in aught she sees since that
+moment when she saw him last. The fact that she does not even know
+whether he be alive or not fills her heart with anguish. But Cliges
+draws nearer day by day, being fortunate in having favourable winds,
+until he joyfully comes to port before Constantinople. When the news
+reached the city, none need ask if the emperor was glad; but a hundred
+times greater was the empress's joy.
+
+(Vv. 5115-5156.) Cliges, with his company, having landed at
+Constantinople, has now returned to Greece. The richest and most noble
+men all come to meet him at the port. And when the emperor encounters
+him, who before all others had gone to meet him with the empress by his
+side, he runs to embrace and greet him in the presence of them all. And
+when Fenice welcomes him, each changes colour in the other's presence,
+and it is indeed a marvel, when they are so close together, how they
+keep from embracing each other and bestowing such kisses as love would
+have; but that would have been folly and madness. The people come
+together from all sides with the desire to see him, and conduct him
+through the city, some on foot and some on horseback, until they bring
+him to the imperial palace. No words can ever tell the joy and honour
+and courteous service that were there displayed. But each one strove as
+best he might to do everything which he thought would please and gratify
+Cliges. And his uncle hands over to him all his possessions, except the
+crown: he wishes him to gratify his pleasure fully, and to take all he
+desires of his wealth, either in the form of land or treasure. But
+he has no care for silver or gold, so long as he dares not reveal his
+thoughts to her because of whom he can find no repose; and yet he has
+plenty of time and opportunity to speak, if he were not afraid of
+being repelled; for now he can see her every day, and sit beside her
+"tete-a-tete" without opposition or hindrance, for no one sees any harm
+in that.
+
+(Vv. 5157-5280.) Some time after his return, he came alone one day to
+the room of her who was not his enemy, and you may be sure that the door
+was not barred at his approach. By her side he took his seat, while the
+others moved away, so that no one might be seated near them and hear
+their words. First, Fenice spoke of Britain, and asked him about the
+character and appearance of my lord Gawain, until her words finally hit
+upon the subject which filled her with dread. She asked him if he
+had given his love to any dame or damsel in that land. Cliges was not
+obstinate or slow to respond to this demand, but he knew at once what
+reply to make as soon as she had put the question. "Lady," he says, "I
+was in love while there, but not with any one of that land. In Britain
+my body was without my heart, as a piece of bark without the wood. Since
+leaving Germany I have not known what became of my heart, except that it
+came here after you. My heart was here, and my body was there. I was not
+really away from Greece; for hither my heart had come, for which I now
+have come back again; yet, it does not return to its lodging-place,
+nor can I draw it back to me, nor do I wish to do so, if I could. And
+you--how has it fared with you, since you came to this country? What joy
+have you had here? Do you like the people, do you like the land? I ought
+not to ask you any other question than whether the country pleases you."
+"It has not pleased me until now; but at present I feel a certain joy
+and satisfaction, which, you may be sure, I would not lose for Pavia or
+Piacenza. From this joy I cannot wrest my heart, nor shall I ever use
+force in the attempt. Nothing but the bark is left in me, for I live and
+exist without a heart. I have never been in Britain, and yet without
+me my heart has been engaged in business there I know not what." "Lady,
+when was it that your heart was there? Tell me when it went thither--the
+time and season--if it be a thing that you can fairly tell me or any one
+else. Was it there while I was there?" "Yes, but you were not aware of
+it. It was there as long as you were, and came away again with you."
+"God! I never saw it, nor knew it was there. God! why did I not know it?
+If I had been informed of this, surely, my lady, I would have borne it
+pleasant company." "You would have repaid me with the consolation which
+you really owed to me, for I should have been very gracious to your
+heart if it had been pleased to come where it might have known I was."
+"Lady, surely it came to you." "To me? Then it came to no strange place,
+for mine also went to you." "Then, lady, according to what you say, our
+hearts are here with us now, for my heart is altogether in your hands."
+"You in turn have mine, my friend; so we are in perfect accord. And you
+may be sure, so help me God, that your uncle has never shared in me, for
+it was not my pleasure, and he could not. Never has he yet known me
+as Adam knew his wife. In error I am called a wife; but I am sure that
+whoever calls me wife does not know that I am still a maid. Even your
+uncle is not aware of it, for, having drunk of the sleeping potion, he
+thinks he is awake when he is asleep, and he fancies he has his sport
+with me while I lie in his embrace. But his exclusion has been complete.
+My heart is yours, and my body too, and from me no one shall ever
+learn how to practise villainy. For when my heart went over to you it
+presented you with the body too, and it made a pledge that none other
+should ever share in it. Love for you has wounded me so deep that I
+should never recover from it, any more than the sea can dry up. If I
+love you, and you love me, you shall never be called Tristan, nor I
+Iseut; [237] for then our love would not be honourable. But I make you
+this promise, that you shall never have other joy of me than that you
+now have, unless you can devise some means whereby I can be removed from
+your uncle and his society without his finding me again, or being able
+to blame either you or me, or having any ground for accusation. And
+to-morrow you shall tell me of the best plan you have devised, and I,
+too, will think of it. To-morrow, as soon as I arise, come and speak
+with me; then each of us will speak his mind, and we shall proceed to
+execute whatever seems best."
+
+(Vv. 5281-5400.) As soon as Cliges heard her will be fully agreed with
+her, and said that would be the best thing to do. He leaves her happy,
+and goes off with a light heart himself. That night each one lies awake
+thinking over, with great delight, what the best plan will be. The next
+morning, as soon as they had arisen, they meet again to take counsel
+privately, as indeed they must. Cliges speaks first and says what he
+had thought of in the night: "My lady," says he, "I think, and am of
+the opinion, that we could not do better than go to Britain; I thought I
+might take you there; now do not refuse, for never was Helen so joyfully
+received at Troy when Paris took her thither but that still greater joy
+would be felt over you and me in the land of the King, my uncle. And if
+this plan does not meet with your favour, tell me what you think, for
+I am ready, whatever may happen, to abide by your decision." And she
+replies: "This is my answer: I will never go off with you thus; for
+after we had gone away, every one would speak of us as they do of Iseut
+the Blond and of Tristan. And everywhere all men and women would speak
+evil of our love. No one would believe, nor is it natural that they
+should do so, the truth of the matter. Who would believe that I have
+thus, all to no purpose, evaded and escaped from your uncle still a
+maid? I should be regarded simply as wanton and dissolute, and you would
+be thought mad. It is well to remember and observe the injunction of St.
+Paul: if any one is unwilling to live chaste, St. Paul counsels him to
+act so that he shall receive no criticism, or blame, or reproach. [238]
+It is well to stop evil mouths, and therefore, if you agree, I have
+a proposal to make: it seems best to me to consent to feign that I am
+dead. I shall fall sick in a little while. And you in the meantime may
+plan some preparations for a place of burial. Put all your wits to work
+to the end that a sepulchre and bier be so constructed that I shall not
+die in it, or be stifled, and that no one shall mount guard over it at
+night when you come to take me out. So now seek such a retreat for me,
+where no one may see me excepting you; and let no one provide for any
+need of mine except you, to whom I surrender and give myself. Never, my
+whole life long, do I wish to be served by other man than you. My lord
+and my servant you shall be; whatever you do shall seem good to me; and
+never shall I be mistress of any empire unless you are its master. Any
+wretched place, however dark and foul, will seem brighter to me than
+all these halls if you are with me. If I have you where I can see you,
+I shall be mistress of boundless treasure, and the world will belong to
+me. And if the business is carefully managed, no harm will come of it,
+and no one will ever be able to speak ill of it, for it will be believed
+throughout the empire that I am mouldering in the ground. My maid,
+Thessala, who has been my nurse, and in whom I have great confidence,
+will give me faithful aid, for she is very clever, and I trust her
+fully." And Cliges, when he heard his sweetheart, replies: "My lady, if
+this is feasible, and if you think your nurse's advice reliable, we have
+nothing to do but make our preparations without delay; but if we commit
+any imprudence, we are lost without escape. In this city there is an
+artisan who cuts and carves wonderful images: there is no land where he
+is not known for the figures which he has shapen and carved and made.
+John is his name, and he is a serf of mine. No one could cope with
+John's best efforts in any art, however varied it might be. For,
+compared with him, they are all novices, and like a child with nurse.
+By imitating his handiwork the artisans of Antioch and Rome have learned
+all they know how to do--and besides there is no more loyal man. Now I
+want to make a test, and if I can put trust in him I will set him and
+all his descendants free; and I shall not fail to tell him of all
+our plan if he will swear and give his word to me that he will aid me
+loyally, and will never divulge my secret."
+
+(Vv. 5401-5466.) And she replies: "So let it be." With her permission
+Cliges left the room and went away. And she sends for Thessala, her
+maid, whom she brought with her from her native land. Thessala came at
+once without delay, yet not knowing why she was summoned. When she asked
+Fenice privately what was her desire and pleasure, she concealed none
+of her intentions from her. "Nurse," she said, "I know full well that
+anything I tell you will go no further, for I have tried you thoroughly
+and have found you very prudent. I love you for all you have done
+for me. In all my troubles I appeal to you without seeking counsel
+elsewhere. You know why I lie awake, and what my thoughts and wishes
+are. My eyes behold only one object which pleases me, but I can have no
+pleasure or joy in it if I do not first buy it with a heavy price. For I
+have now found my peer; and if I love him he loves me in return, and if
+I grieve he grieves too for my pain and sorrow. Now I must acquaint you
+with a plan and project upon which we two have privately agreed." Then
+she told and explained to her how she was willing to feign illness, and
+would complain so bitterly that at last she would pretend to be dead,
+and how Cliges would steal her away at night, and then they would be
+together all their days. She thinks that in no other way she could
+longer bear to live. But if she was sure that she would consent to lend
+her aid, the matter would be arranged in accordance with their wishes.
+"But I am tired of waiting for my joy and luck." Then her nurse assured
+her that she would help her in every way, telling her to have no further
+fear. She said that as soon as she set to work she would bring it about
+that there would be no man, upon seeing her, who would not certainly
+believe that the soul had left the body after she had drunk of a potion
+which would leave her cold, colourless, pale, and stiff, without power
+of speech and deprived of health; yet she would be alive and well, and
+would have no sensations of any kind, and would be none the worse for a
+day and a night entire spent in the sepulchre and bier. [239]
+
+(Vv. 5467-5554.) When Fenice heard these words, she thus spoke in reply:
+"Nurse, I commit myself to you, and, with full confidence in you, will
+take no steps in my own behalf. I am in your hands; so think of my
+interests, and tell all the people who are here to betake themselves
+away, for I am ill, and they bother me." So, like a prudent woman, she
+said to them: "My lords, my lady is not well, and desires you all to
+go away. You are talking loud and making a noise, and the noise is
+disagreeable to her. She can get no rest or repose so long as you are in
+the room. I never remember her to have complained of such a sickness
+as this so violent and serious does it seem. So go away, and don't feel
+hurt." As soon as she had issued this command, they all quickly go away.
+And Cliges sent for John to come quickly, and thus in private spoke to
+him: "John, dost thou know what I am about to say? Thou art my slave and
+I thy master, and I can give away or sell thy body like a thing which is
+my own. But if I could trust thee in an affair I meditate, thou wouldst
+go for ever free, as well as the heirs which may be born of thee." John,
+in his desire for freedom, replies at once: "My lord, there is nothing
+I would not gladly do to see myself, my wife, and children free. Tell me
+what your orders are, for nothing can be so hard as to cause me any
+work or pain or be hard for me to execute. For that matter, even were
+it against my will, I must needs obey your commands and give up my own
+affairs." "True, John; but this is a matter of which I hardly dare to
+speak, unless thou wilt assure me upon thy oath thou wilt faithfully
+give me aid and never betray me." "Willingly, sire," John makes reply:
+"have never a fear on that account! For I will swear and pledge my word
+that, so long as I live, I will never say a word which I think will
+grieve you or cause you harm." "Ah John, even were I to die for it,
+there is no man to whom I would dare mention the matter in which I
+desire thy counsel; I would rather have my eye plucked out; I would
+rather be put to death by thee than that thou shouldst speak of it to
+another man. But I hold thee to be so loyal and prudent that I will
+reveal to thee all my thought. I am sure thou wilt observe my wishes,
+both by aiding me and holding thy peace." "Truly, sire so, help me God!"
+Then Cliges speaks and explains to him openly the adventurous plan.
+And when he had revealed the project--as you have heard me set it
+forth--then John said that he would promise to construct the sepulchre
+in accordance with his best skill, and said that he would take him to
+see a certain house of his which no one yet had ever seen--not even his
+wife or any child of his. This house, which he had built, he would show
+him, if he cared to go with him to the place where in absolute privacy
+he works and paints and carves. He would show him the finest and
+prettiest place that he had ever seen. Cliges replies: "Let us go
+thither then."
+
+(Vv. 5555-5662.) Below the city, in a remote spot, John had expended
+much labour in the construction of a tower. Thither he conducted Cliges,
+leading him through the different storeys, which were decorated with
+fine painted pictures. He shows him the rooms and the fire-places,
+taking him everywhere up and down. Cliges examines this lonely house
+where no one lives or has access. He passes from one room to another,
+until he thinks he has seen it all, and he is much pleased with the
+tower and says he thinks it is very fine. The lady will be comfortable
+there as long as she lives, for no one will know of her dwelling place.
+"No sire, you are right; she will never be discovered here. But do you
+think you have seen all of my tower and fair retreat? There still remain
+rooms so concealed that no man could ever find them out. And if you
+choose to test the truth of this by investigating as thoroughly as you
+can, you can never be so shrewd and clever in your search as to find
+another story here, unless I show you and point it out. You must know
+that baths are not lacking here, nor anything else which a lady needs,
+and which I can think of or recall. The lady will be here at her ease.
+Below the level of the ground the tower widens out, as you will see,
+and you cannot anywhere find any entrance-door. The door is made of hard
+stone with such skill and art that you cannot find the crack." Cliges
+says: "These are wonderful things I hear. Lead on and I will follow you,
+for I am anxious to see all this." Then John started on, taking Cliges
+by the hand, until he came to a smooth and polished door, all coloured
+and painted over. When John came to the wall, he stopped, holding Cliges
+by the right hand. "Sire," he says, "there is no one who could see a
+window or a door in this wall; and do you think that any one could pass
+through it without using violence and breaking it down?" And Cliges
+replies that he does not think so, and that he will never think so,
+unless he sees it first. Then John says that he shall see it at once,
+and that he will open a door in the wall for him. John, who constructed
+this piece of work, unfastens the door in the wall and opens it for him,
+so that he has to use no strength or violence to force it; then, one
+stepping before the other, they descend by a winding-stair to a vaulted
+apartment where John used to do his work, when it pleased him to labour
+at anything. "Sire," he says, "of all the men God ever made, no one but
+us two has ever been where we are now. And you shall see presently
+how convenient the place is. My advice is that you choose this as your
+retreat, and that your sweetheart be lodged here. These quarters are
+good enough for such a guest; for there are bedrooms, and bathrooms
+with hot water in the tubs, which comes through pipes under the ground.
+Whoever is looking for a comfortable place in which to establish and
+conceal his lady, would have to go a long way before he would find
+anything so charming. When you shall have explored it thoroughly you
+will find this place very suitable." Then John showed him everything,
+fine chambers and painted vaults, pointing out many examples of his
+work which pleased Cliges much. When they had examined the whole tower,
+Cliges said: "John, my friend, I set you free and all your descendants,
+and my life is absolutely in your hands. I desire that my sweetheart be
+here all alone, and that no one shall know of it excepting me and you
+and her." John makes answer: "I thank you, sire. Now we have been here
+long enough, and as we have nothing more to do, let us return." "That is
+right," says Cliges, "let us be gone." Then they go away, and leave the
+tower. Upon their return they hear every one in the city saying to
+his neighbour: "Don't you know the marvellous news about my lady, the
+empress? May the Holy Spirit give her health--the gentle and prudent
+lady; for she lies sick of a grievous malady."
+
+(Vv. 5663-5698.) When Cliges heard this talk he went in haste to the
+court. But there was no joy or gladness there: for all the people were
+sad and prostrated because of the empress, who is only feigning to be
+ill; for the illness of which she complains causes her no grief or pain.
+But she has told them all that she wishes no one to enter her room so
+long as her sickness maintains its grip with its accompanying pains in
+her heart and head. She makes an exception, however, in favour of the
+emperor and his nephew, not wishing to place a ban upon them; but she
+will not care if the emperor, her lord, does not come. For Cliges' sake
+she is compelled to pass through great pain and peril. It distresses
+her that he does not come, for she has no desire to see any one but him.
+Cliges, however, will soon be there, to tell her of what he has seen and
+found. He came into the room and spoke to her, but stayed only a moment,
+for Fenice, in order that they might think she was annoyed by what
+pleased her so, cried out aloud: "Be gone, be gone! You disturb and
+bother me too much, for I am so seriously ill that I shall never rise up
+again." Cliges, though pleased with this, goes away with a sad face: you
+would never see so woeful a countenance. To judge from his appearance he
+is very sad; but within his heart is gay in anticipation of its joy.
+
+(Vv. 5699-5718.) The empress, without being really ill, complains and
+pretends that she is sick. And the emperor, who has faith in her, ceases
+not to grieve, and summons a physician. But she will not allow any one
+to see her or touch her. The emperor may well feel chagrined when she
+says that she will never have but one doctor, who can easily restore her
+to health whenever it pleases him to do so. He can cause her to die or
+to live, and to him she trusts her health and life. They think that she
+refers to God; but her meaning is very different, for she is thinking
+of no one but Cliges. He is her god who can bring her health, or who can
+cause her death.
+
+(Vv. 5719-5814.) Thus the empress takes care that no physician shall
+examine her; and more completely to deceive the emperor she refuses to
+eat or drink, until she grows all pale and blue. Meanwhile her nurse
+keeps busy about her, and with great shrewdness sought privily all
+through the city, without the knowledge of any one, until she found a
+woman who was hopelessly ill with a mortal disease. In order to perfect
+her ruse she used to go to see her often and promised to cure her of her
+illness; so each day she used to take a urinal in which to examine the
+urine, until she saw one day that no medicine could ever be of any help,
+and that she would die that very day. This urine Thessala carried off
+and kept until the emperor arose, when she went to him and said: "If now
+it be your will, my lord, send for all your physicians; for my mistress
+has passed some water; she is very ill with this disease, and she
+desires the doctors to see it, but she does not wish them to come where
+she is." The doctors came into the hall and found upon examination that
+the urine was very bad and colourless, and each one said what he thought
+about it. Finally, they all agreed that she would never recover, and
+that she would scarcely live till three o'clock, when, at the latest,
+God would take her soul to Himself. This conclusion they reached
+privately, when the emperor asked and conjured them to tell him the
+truth. They reply that they have no confidence in her recovery, and that
+she cannot live past three o'clock but will yield up her soul before
+that time. When the emperor heard this, he almost fell unconscious to
+the floor, as well as many others who heard the news. Never did any
+people make such moan as there was then throughout the palace. However,
+I will speak no further of their grief; but you shall hear of Thessala's
+activities--how she mixes and brews the potion. She mixed and stirred it
+up, for she had provided herself a long time in advance with everything
+which she would need for the potion. A little before three o'clock she
+gives her the potion to drink. At once her sight became dimmed, her face
+grew as pale and white as if she had lost her blood: she could not have
+moved a foot or hand, if they had flayed her alive, and she does not
+stir or say a word, although she perceives and hears the emperor's grief
+and the cries which fill the hall. The weeping crowds lament through all
+the city, saying: "God! what woe and misfortune has been brought upon us
+by wicked death! O covetous and voracious death! Death is worse than a
+she-wolf which always remains insatiable. Such a cruel bite thou hast
+never inflicted upon the world! Death, what hast thou done? May God
+confound thee for having put out the light of perfect beauty! Thou hast
+done to death the fairest and most lovely creature, had she but lived,
+whom God has ever sought to form. God's patience surely is too great
+when He suffers thee to have the power to break in pieces what belongs
+to Him. Now God ought to be wroth with thee, and cast thee out of thy
+bailiwick; for thy impudence has been too great, as well as thy pride
+and disrespect." Thus the people storm about and wring their arms and
+beat their hands; while the priests read their psalms, making prayers
+for the good lady, that God may have mercy on her soul.
+
+(Vv. 5815-5904.) [240] In the midst of the tears and cries, as the story
+runs, there arrived aged physicians from Salerno, where they had long
+sojourned. At the sight of the great mourning they stopped to ask and
+inquire the cause of the cries and tears--why all the people are in
+such sorrow and distress. And this is the answer they receive: "God!
+gentlemen, don't you know? The whole world would be beside itself as we
+are, if it but knew of the great sorrow and grief and woe and loss which
+has come to us this day. God! where have you come from, then, that you
+do not know what has happened just now in this city? We will tell you
+the truth, for we wish you to join with us in the grief we feel. Do
+you not know about grim Death, who desires and covets all things, and
+everywhere lies in wait for what is best, do you not know what mad act
+she has committed to-day, as it is her wont to do? God has illuminated
+the world with one great radiance, with one bright light. But Death
+cannot restrain herself from acting as her custom is. Every day, to the
+extent of her power, she blots out the best creature she can find. So
+she wishes to try her power, and in one body she has carried off more
+excellence than she has left behind. She would have done better to take
+the whole world, and leave alive and sound this prey which now she has
+carried off. Beauty, courtesy, and knowledge, and all that a lady can
+possess of goodness has been taken and filched from us by Death, who
+has destroyed all goodness in the person of our lady, the empress. Thus
+Death has deprived us all of life." "Ah, God!" the doctors say, "we know
+that Thou art wroth with this city because we did not reach here sooner.
+If we had arrived here yesterday, Death might have boasted of her
+strength if she could wrest her prey from us." "Gentlemen, madame would
+not have allowed you at any price to see her or to exercise your skill.
+Of good physicians there was no lack, but madame would not permit any
+one of them to see her or to investigate her malady." "No?" "Truly,
+sirs, that she would not." Then they recalled the case of Solomon, who
+was so hated by his wife that she deceived him by feigning death. [241]
+They think this woman has done the same. But if they could in any way
+bring about her cure, no one could make them lie or keep them from
+exposing the truth, if they discovered any trickery. So to the court
+they take their way, where there was such a noise and cry that you could
+not have heard God's thunder crash. The chief of these three doctors,
+who knew the most, drew near the bier. No one says to him "Keep hands
+off," and no one tries to hold him back. He places his hand on her
+breast and side, and surely feels that life is still in the body: he
+perceives and knows that well enough. He sees the emperor standing by,
+mad and tormented by his grief. Seeing him, he calls aloud: "Emperor,
+console thyself! I am sure and plainly see that this lady is not dead.
+Leave off thy grief, and be comforted! If I do not restore her alive to
+thee, thou mayst kill me or string me up."
+
+(Vv. 5995-5988.) At once throughout the palace the noise is quieted and
+hushed. And the emperor bade the doctor tell him fully his orders and
+wishes, whatever they might be. If he can restore life in the empress
+he will be sire and lord over the emperor himself; but if he has in
+any respect lied to him he will be hanged like a common thief. And the
+doctor said: "I consent to that, and may you never have mercy upon me
+if I do not cause her to speak to you here! Without tarrying and without
+delay have the palace cleared at once, and let not a single soul remain.
+I must examine in private the illness which afflicts the lady. These two
+doctors, who are my friends, will remain with me alone in the room,
+and let every one else go out." This order would have been opposed by
+Cliges, John, and Thessala; but all the others who were there might have
+turned against them if they had tried to oppose his order. So they hold
+their peace and approve what they hear approved by the others, and leave
+the palace. After the three doctors had forcibly tipped apart the lady's
+winding-sheer, without using any knife or scissors, they said to
+her: "Lady, don't be frightened, have no fear, but speak to us with
+confidence! We know well enough that you are perfectly sound and in good
+state. Be sensible and obliging now, and do not despair of anything,
+for if you have any need of us we will all three assure you of our aid,
+whether for good or ill. We shall be very loyal to you, both in keeping
+our counsel and in helping you. Do not keep us talking here! Since
+we put at your disposal our skill and service, you should surely not
+refuse." Thus they think to hoodwink and deceive her, but they have no
+success; for she has no need or care for the service which they promise
+her; so they are wasting their time in a vain effort. When the three
+physicians see that they will make nothing out of her either by prayer
+or flattery, then they take her from her bier, and begin to beat and
+belabour her. But their efforts are foolish, for not a word can they
+extract from her. Then they threaten and try to terrify her by saying
+that if she does not speak she will soon have reason to repent of her
+folly, for they are going to do such a wonderful thing to her that such
+a thing was never done to the body of any wretched woman. "We know that
+you are alive, and will not deign to speak to us. We know that you are
+feigning death, and would thus deceive the emperor. Have no fear of us!
+If any of us has angered you, before we do you further harm, cease your
+mad behaviour now, for you are acting wickedly; and we will lend you
+our aid in any enterprise--wise or mad." But it cannot be; they have no
+success. Then they renew their attack, striking her with thongs upon the
+back, so that the welts are plainly seen, and they combine to tear her
+tender flesh until they cause the blood to flow.
+
+(Vv. 5989-6050.) When they had beaten her with the thongs until they had
+slashed her flesh, and when the blood is dropping down, as it trickles
+from among the wounds, even then their efforts are of no avail to
+extract from her a sigh or word, nor to make her stir or move. Then they
+say that they must procure fire and lead, which they will melt and lay
+upon her hands, rather than fail in their efforts to make her speak.
+After securing a light and some lead they kindle a fire and melt the
+lead. Thus the miserable villains torment and afflict the lady, by
+taking the lead all boiling hot from the fire and pouring it into the
+palms of her hands. Not satisfied with pouring the lead clean through
+her palms, the cowardly rascals say that, if she does not speak at once
+they will straightway stretch her on the grate until she is completely
+grilled. Yet, she holds her peace, and does not refuse to have her body
+beaten and maltreated by them. Now they were on the point of placing
+her upon the fire to be roasted and grilled when more than a thousand
+ladies, who were stationed before the palace, come to the door and
+through a little crack catch sight of the torture and anguish which they
+were inflicting upon the lady, as with coal and flame they accomplished
+her martyrdom. They bring clubs and hammers to smash and break down the
+door. Great was the noise and uproar as they battered and broke in the
+door. If now they can lay hands on the doctors, the latter will not have
+long to wait before they receive their full deserts. With a single rush
+the ladies enter the palace, and in the press is Thessala, who has no
+other aim than to reach her mistress. Beside the fire she finds her
+stripped, severely wounded and injured. She puts her back in the bier
+again, and over her she spreads a cloth, while the ladies go to give
+their reward to the three doctors, without wishing to wait for the
+emperor or his seneschal. Out of the windows they threw them down into
+the court-yard, breaking the necks, ribs, arms, and legs of all: no
+better piece of work was ever done by any ladies.
+
+(Vv. 6051-6162.) Now the three doctors have received their gruesome
+reward at the hands of the ladies. But Cliges is terror-stricken and
+filled with grief upon hearing of the pain and martyrdom which his
+sweetheart has endured for him. He is almost beside himself, fearing
+greatly, and with good reason, that she may be dead or badly injured by
+the torture inflicted upon her by the three physicians who now are dead.
+So he is in despair and despondency when Thessala comes, bringing with
+her a very precious ointment with which she has already gently rubbed
+the body and wounds of her mistress. When they laid her back in her bier
+the ladies wrapped her again in a cloth of Syrian stuff, leaving her
+face uncovered. All that night there is no abatement of the cries they
+raise unceasingly. Throughout the city, high and low, poor and rich, are
+beside themselves with grief, and it seems as if each one boasts that he
+will outdo all others in his woe, and would fain never be comforted. All
+that night the grief continues. The next morning John came to the court;
+and the emperor sends for him and issues to him this command: "John, if
+ever thou wroughtest a fine piece of work, now put forth and show all
+thy skill in constructing such a sepulchre as for beauty and workmanship
+shall have no match." And John, who had already performed the task,
+says that he has already completed one which is very fine and cleverly
+wrought; but when he began the work he had no thought that other than a
+holy body should be laid in it. "Now let the empress be laid in it and
+buried in some sacred place, for she, I think, is sanctified." "You have
+spoken well," says the emperor; "she shall be buried yonder in my lord
+Saint Peter's Church, where bodies are wont to be interred. For before
+her death she made this request of me, that I should have her buried
+there. Now go about your task, and place your sepulchre in the best
+position in the cemetery, where it ought rightfully to be." John
+replies: "Very well, my lord." John at once takes his leave, and
+prepares the sepulchre with great skill; a feather-bed he placed inside,
+because the stone was hard and cold; and in order that the odour may
+be sweet, he spreads flowers and leaves about. Another reason for doing
+this was that no one might perceive the mattress he had laid within
+the grave. Already Mass had been said for the dead in the churches and
+parishes, and the bells were tolling continuously as is proper for the
+dead. Orders are given to bring the body to be laid in the sepulchre,
+which John with all his skill has constructed so richly and handsomely.
+In all Constantinople none remains, whether small or great, who does
+not follow the body in tears, cursing and reproaching Death. Knights and
+youths alike grow faint, while the ladies and damsels beat their breasts
+as they thus find fault with Death: "O Death," cries each, "why didst
+thou not take ransom for my lady? Surely, thy gain was slight enough,
+whereas the loss to us is great." And in this grief Cliges surely bears
+his part, as he suffers and laments more than all the others do, and it
+is strange he does not kill himself. But still he decides to put this
+off until the hour and the time shall come for him to disinter her and
+get possession of her and see whether she be alive or not. Over the
+gave stand the men who let down the body into its place; but, with John
+there, they do not meddle with the adjustment of the sarcophagus, and
+since they were so prostrated that they could not see, John had plenty
+of time to perform his special task. When the coffin was in its place,
+and nothing else was in the grave, he sealed up tightly all the joints.
+When this was done, any one would have been skilful who, except by
+force or violence, could take away or loosen anything which John had put
+inside.
+
+(Vv. 6163-6316.) Fenice lies in the sepulchre until the darkness of
+night came on. But thirty knights mount guard over her, and there
+are ten tapers burning there, which light up the place all about. The
+knights were weary and exhausted by the strain they had undergone; so
+they ate and drank that night until they all fell sound asleep. When
+night came on, Cliges steals away from the court and from all his
+followers, so that there was not a single knight or servant who knew
+what had become of him. He did not stop until he found John, who advises
+him as best he can. He furnishes him with arms, but he will never
+have any need of them. Once armed, they both spur to the cemetery. The
+cemetery was enclosed all about with a high wall, so that the knights,
+who had gone asleep after making the gate fast within, could rest
+assured that no one would enter there. Cliges does not see how he can
+get in, for there is no passing through the gate. And yet, somehow he
+must pass through, for love bids him and drives him on. He tries the
+wall and climbs up, being strong and agile. Inside was a garden planted
+with trees, one of which stood so near the wall that it touched it. Now
+Cliges had what he needed, and after letting himself down by the tree,
+the first thing he did was to go to open the gate for John. Seeing the
+knights asleep, they extinguished all the lights, so that the place
+remained in darkness. And John now uncovers the grave and opens the
+coffin, taking care to do it no harm. Cliges steps into the grave and
+lifts out his Sweetheart, all weak and prostrate, whom he fondles,
+kisses, and embraces. He does not know whether to rejoice or regret that
+she does not stir or move. And John, as quickly as he could, closed
+up the sepulchre again, so that it was not apparent that any one had
+tampered with it. Then they betook themselves as fast as they could to
+the tower. When they had set her in the tower, in the rooms which were
+beneath the level of the ground, they took off her grave clothes; and
+Cliges, who knew nothing of the potion which she had taken, which made
+her dumb and kept her motionless, thinks that she is dead, and is in
+despair with anxiety as he heavily sighs and weeps. But soon the time
+will come for the potion to lose its force. And Fenice, who hears his
+grief, struggles and strives for strength to comfort him by word or
+glance. Her heart almost bursts because of the sorrow which he shows.
+"Ah Death!" he says, "how mean thou art, to spare and reprieve all
+things despicable and vile--to let them live on and endure. Death! art
+thou beside thyself or drunk, who hast killed my lady without me? This
+is a marvellous thing I see: my lady is dead, and I still live on! Ah,
+precious one, why does your lover live to see you dead? One now could
+rightly say that you have died in my service, and that it is I who
+have killed and murdered you. Sweetheart, then I am the death that has
+smitten you. Is not that wrong? For it is my own life I have lost in
+you, and have preserved your life in me. For did not your health and
+life belong to me, sweet one? And did not mine belong to you? For I
+loved nothing excepting you, and our double existence was as one. So now
+I have done what was right in keeping your soul in my body while mine
+has escaped from your body, and one ought to go to seek the company of
+the other, wherever it may be, and nothing ought to separate them." At
+this she heaves a gentle sigh and whispers faintly: "Lover mine, I am
+not altogether dead, but very near it. I value my life but little now. I
+thought it a jest and a mere pretence; but now I am indeed to be pitied,
+for death has not treated this as a jest. It will be a marvel if I
+escape alive. For the doctors have seriously wounded me, and broken my
+flesh and disfigured me. And yet, if it was possible for my nurse to
+come here, and if efforts were of any avail, she would restore me to
+health again." "Do not worry, dear, about that," says Cliges, "for this
+very night I will bring her here." "Dear, let John go for her now." So
+John departed and looked for her until he found her, and told her how
+he wished her to come along and to let no other cause detain her; for
+Fenice and Cliges have sent for her to come to a tower where they are
+awaiting her; and that Fenice is in a grievous state, so that she must
+come provided with ointments and remedies, and to bear in mind that
+she will not live long, if she does not quickly come to bear her aid.
+Thessala runs at once and, taking ointments, plaster, and remedies which
+she has prepared, she meets John again. Secretly they go out from the
+city, until they come straight to the tower. When Fenice sees her nurse,
+she feels already cured, because of the loving faith and trust she
+places in her. And Cliges greets her affectionately, and says: "Welcome,
+nurse, whom I love and prize. Nurse, for God's sake, what do you think
+of this young lady's malady? What is your opinion? Will she recover?"
+"Yes, my lord, have no fear but that I shall restore her completely.
+A fortnight will not pass before I make her so well that she was never
+before so lively and strong."
+
+(Vv. 6317-6346.) While Thessala is busy with her remedies, John goes to
+provide the tower with everything that is necessary. Cliges goes to the
+tower and comes away bravely and openly, for he has lodged a moulting
+falcon there, and he says that he goes to visit it; thus no one can
+guess that he goes there for any other reason than for the falcon. He
+makes long stays there night and day. He orders John to guard the tower,
+so that no one shall enter against his will. Fenice now has no further
+cause to complain, for Thessala has completely cured her. If Cliges were
+Duke of Almeria, Morocco, or Tudela, he would not consider it all worth
+a holly-berry compared with the joy which he now feels. Certainly Love
+did not debase itself when it joined these two, for it seems to them,
+when they embrace and kiss each other, that all the world must be better
+for their joy and happiness. Now ask me no more of this, for one can
+have no wish in which the other does not acquiesce. Thus they have but
+one desire, as if they two themselves were one.
+
+(Vv. 6347-6392.) Fenice was in the tower, I believe, all that year and
+full two months of the next, until summer came again. When the trees
+bring forth their flowers and leaves, and the little birds rejoice,
+singing gaily their litanies, it came about that Fenice one morning
+heard the song of the nightingale. Cliges was holding her tightly
+clasped with his arms about her waist and neck, and she held him in a
+like embrace, as she said: "Dear fair lover mine. A garden would do me
+good, in which I could disport myself. For more than fifteen months I
+have not seen the light of moon or sun. If possible, I would fain go out
+yonder into the daylight, for here in this tower I am confined. If there
+was a garden near, where I could go and amuse myself, it would often do
+me good." Then Cliges promises her to consult with John about it as soon
+as he can see him. At that very moment John came in, as he was often
+wont to do, and Cliges spoke to him of what Fenice desired. John
+replies: "All that she asks for is already provided and supplied. This
+tower is well equipped with what she wishes and requires." Then Fenice
+was very glad, and asked John to take her there, which he said he
+would very gladly do. Then John goes and opens a door, constructed in
+a fashion which I cannot properly describe. No one but John could have
+made it, and no one could have asserted that there was any door or
+window there--so perfectly was it concealed.
+
+(Vv. 6393-6424.) When Fenice saw the door open, and the sun come
+streaming in, as she had not seen it for many a day, her heart beat high
+with joy; she said that now there was nothing lacking, since she could
+leave her dungeon-tower, and that she wished for no other lodging-place.
+She passed out through the door into the garden, with its pleasures and
+delights. In the middle of the garden stood a grafted tree loaded with
+blooming flowers and leaves, and with a wide-spreading top. The branches
+of it were so trained that they all hung downwards until they almost
+touched the ground; the main trunk, however, from which they sprang,
+rose straight into the air. Fenice desires no other place. Beneath the
+tree the turf is very pleasant and fine, and at noon, when it is hot,
+the sun will never be high enough for its rays to penetrate there. John
+had shown his skill in arranging and training the branches thus. There
+Fenice goes to enjoy herself, where they set up a bed for her by day.
+There they taste of joy and delight. And the garden is enclosed about
+with a high wall connected with the tower, so that nothing can enter
+there without first passing through the tower.
+
+(Vv. 6425-6586.) Fenice now is very happy: there is nothing to cause her
+displeasure, and nothing is lacking which she desires, when her lover is
+at liberty to embrace her beneath the blossoms and the leaves. [242]
+At the season when people take the sparrow-hawk and setter and hunt the
+lark and brown-thrush or stalk the quail and partridge, it chanced that
+a knight of Thrace, who was young and alert and inclined to knightly
+sport, came one day close by the tower in his search for game. The hawk
+of Bertrand (for such was his name) having missed a lark, had flown
+away, and Bertrand thought how great his loss would be if he should lose
+his hunting-bird. When he saw it come down and light in a garden beneath
+the tower he was glad, for he thought he could not lose it now. At once
+he goes and clambers up the wall until he succeeds in getting over it,
+when beneath the tree he sees Fenice and Cliges lying asleep and naked
+in close embrace. "God!" said he, "what has happened to me now? What
+marvel is this I see? Is that not Cliges? It surely is. Is not that the
+empress with him there? Nay, but it looks like her. Never did one thing
+so resemble another. Her nose, her mouth, and brow are like those of
+my lady the empress. Never did Nature make two creatures of such
+similitude. There is no feature in this woman here which I have not seen
+in my lady. If she were alive, I should say that it was certainly she
+herself." Just then a pear falls down and strikes close by Fenice's ear.
+She jumps and awakes and, seeing Bertrand, cries out aloud: "My dear, my
+dear, we are lost. Yonder is Bertrand. If he escapes you, we are caught
+in a bad trap, for he will tell that he has seen us." Then Bertrand
+realised that it was the empress beyond any doubt. He sees the necessity
+of leaving at once, for Cliges had brought with him his sword into
+the garden, and had laid it down beside the bed. He jumped up now and
+grasped his sword, while Bertrand hastily took his leave. As fast as he
+could he scaled the wall, and was almost safely over when Cliges coming
+after him raised his sword and struck him with such violence that he
+severed his leg below the knee, as if it had been a fennel stalk. In
+spite of this, Bertrand got away, though badly wounded and maimed.
+Beside themselves with grief and wrath at the sight of his sorry state,
+his men on the other side picked him up, and insistently inquired who it
+was who had used him thus. "Don't speak to me now," he says, "but help
+me to mount my horse. No mention shall be made of this excepting to the
+emperor. He who thus has treated me must be, and doubtless is, in great
+terror; for he is in great danger of his life." Then they set him upon
+his palfrey and lead him through the city, sorely grieved in their
+fright the while. After them more than twenty thousand others come,
+following them to the court. And all the people run together, each
+striving to be there first. Bertrand made his complaint aloud, in the
+hearing of all, to the emperor: but they took him for an idle chatterer
+when he said that he had seen the empress all exposed. The city is in
+a ferment of excitement: some regard the news they hear as simple
+nonsense, others advise and urge the emperor to visit the tower himself.
+Great is the noise and confusion of the people who prepare to accompany
+him. But they find nothing in the tower, for Fenice and Cliges make
+their escape, taking with them Thessala, who comforts them and declares
+to them that, if perchance they see people coming after them to arrest
+them, they need have no fear; that they would never approach to do them
+harm within the range of a strong cross-bow. And the emperor within the
+tower has John sought for and brought. He orders him to be bound and
+tied saying that he will have him hanged or burnt, and will have his
+ashes scattered wide. He shall receive his due reward for the shame he
+has caused the emperor; but this reward will not be agreeable, because
+John has hidden in the tower his nephew with his wife. "Upon my word,
+you tell the truth," says John; "I will not lie, but will go still
+further and declare the truth, and if I have done any wrong it is right
+that I should be seized. But I offer this as my excuse: that a servant
+ought to refuse nothing when his lawful lord commands. Now, every one
+knows forsooth that I am his, and this tower is too." "It is not, John.
+Rather is it thine." "Mine, sire? Yes, after him: but neither do I
+belong to myself, nor have I anything which is mine, except what he
+pleased to bestow on me. And if you should think to say that my lord
+is guilty of having done you wrong, I am ready to take up his defence
+without any command from him. But I feel emboldened to proclaim openly
+what is on my mind, just as I have thought it out, for I know full well
+that I must die. So I will speak regardless of results. For if I die
+for my lord's sake, I shall not die an ignoble death, for the facts
+are generally known about that oath and pledge which you gave to your
+brother, that after you Cliges should be emperor, who now is banished as
+a wanderer. But if God will, he shall yet be emperor! Hence you are open
+to reproach, for you ought not to have taken a wife; yet you married her
+and did Cliges a wrong, and he has done you no wrong at all. And if I am
+punished with death by you, and if I die wrongfully for his sake, and
+if he is still alive, he will avenge my death on you. Now go and do the
+best you can, for if I die you shall also die."
+
+(Vv. 6587-6630.) The emperor trembles with wrath upon hearing the
+mocking words addressed to him by John. "John," he says, "thou shalt
+have so much respite, until we find thy lord, who has done such wrong
+to me, though I loved him dearly and had no thought of defrauding him.
+Meanwhile, thou shalt stay in prison. If thou knowest what has become of
+him, tell me at once, I order thee." "I tell you? How can I commit such
+treachery? Were the life to be drawn from my body I would not reveal my
+lord to you, even if I knew his whereabouts. As a matter of fact, I do
+not know any more than you where they have gone, so help me God! But
+there is no need for your jealousy. I do not so much fear your wrath
+that I should not say, so that all can hear, how you have been deceived,
+even my words are not believed. You were deceived and tricked by potion
+you drank on your wedding night. Unless it happened in dream, when you
+were asleep, you have never had your pleasure with her; but the night
+made you dream, and the dream gave you as much satisfaction as if it had
+happened in your waking hours that she had held you in her arms: that
+was the sum of your satisfaction. Her heart was so devoted to Cliges
+that she feigned death for his sake; and he had such confidence in me
+that he explained it all to me and established her in my house, which
+rightfully belongs to him. You ought not to find fault with me. I ought,
+indeed, to be burnt or hanged, were I to betray my lord or refuse to do
+his will."
+
+(Vv. 6631-6784.) When the emperor's attention is recalled to the potion
+which he had been pleased to drink, and with which Thessala had deceived
+him, then he realised for the first time that he had never had pleasure
+with his wife, unless it had happened in a dream: thus it was but an
+illusory joy. And he says that if he does not take vengeance for the
+shame and disgrace inflicted upon him by the traitor who has seduced
+his wife, he will never again be happy. "Now quick!" he says, "as far as
+Pavia, and from here to Germany, let no castle, town, or city remain in
+which search is not made. I will hold that man above all others dear who
+will bring to me captive the two of them. Now up and down, near and far,
+go diligently and search!" Then they started out with zeal and spent all
+that day in the search. But in the number Cliges had some friends, who,
+if they found them, would have led them to some hiding-place rather than
+hale them back again. All that fortnight they exhausted themselves in a
+fruitless search. For Thessala, who is acting as their guide, conducts
+them by her arts and charms in such security that they feel no dread or
+fear of all the strength of the emperor. They seek repose in no town
+or city; yet they have all they wish or desire, even more so than is
+usually the case. For all they need is procured for them by Thessala,
+who searches and scours and purveys for them. Nor is there any who hunts
+them now, for all have returned to their homes again. Meanwhile Cliges
+is not idle, but starts to find his uncle, King Arthur. He continued
+his search until he found him, and to him he made his claim and protest
+about his uncle, the emperor, who, in order to disinherit him, had
+disloyally taken a wife, which it was not right for him to do; for he
+had sworn to his father that he would never marry in his life. And the
+King says that with a fleet he will proceed to Constantinople, and that
+he will fill a thousand ships with knights, and three thousand more with
+men-at-arms, until no city or burg, town or castle, however strong or
+however high, will be able to withstand their assault. Then Cliges did
+not forget to thank the King for the aid he offered him. The King sends
+out to seek and summon all the high barons of the land, and causes to be
+requisitioned and equipped ships, war vessels, boats, and barks. He has
+a hundred ships loaded and filled with shields, lances, bucklers, and
+armour fit for knights. The King makes such great preparations for
+the war that never did Caesar or Alexander make the like. He orders to
+assemble at his summons all England, and all Flanders, Normandy, France,
+and Brittany, and all the men as far as the Pyrenees. [243] Already they
+were about to set sail, when messengers arrived from Greece who delayed
+the embarkation and kept the King and his people back. Among the
+messengers who came was John, that trusty man, for he would never be a
+witness or messenger of any news which was not true, and which he did
+not know for a certainty. The messengers were high born men of Greece,
+who came in search for Cliges. They made inquiry and asked for him,
+until they found him at the King's court, when they said to him: "God
+save you, sire! Greece is made over to you, and Constantinople is given
+to you by all those of your empire, because of the right you have to
+them. Your uncle (but you know it not) is dead of the grief he felt
+because he could not discover you. His grief was such that he lost
+his mind; he would neither drink nor eat, but died like a man beside
+himself. Fair sire, now come back again! For all your lords have sent
+for you. Greatly they desire and long for you, wishing to make you their
+emperor." Some there were that rejoiced at this; and others there were
+who would have gladly seen their guests elsewhere, and the fleet make
+sail for Greece. But the expedition is given up, and the King dismisses
+his men, and the hosts depart to their homes again. And Cliges hurriedly
+makes haste in his desire to return to Greece. He has no wish to tarry.
+His preparations made, he took his leave of the King, and then of all
+his friends, and taking Fenice with him, he goes away. They travel until
+they arrive in Greece, where they receive him with the jubilation
+which they ought to show to their rightful lord, and they give him
+his sweetheart to be his wife. Both of them are crowned at once. His
+mistress he has made his wife, but he still calls her his mistress and
+sweetheart, and she can complain of no loss of affection, for he loves
+her still as his mistress, and she loves him, too, as a lady ought to
+love her lover. And each day saw their love grow stronger: he never
+doubted her, nor did she blame him for anything. She was never kept
+confined, as so many women have been who have lived since her time. For
+never since has there been an emperor who did not stand in fear of his
+wife, lest he should be deceived by her, upon his hearing the story of
+how Fenice deceived Alis, first with the potion which he drank, and then
+later by that other ruse. Therefore, every empress, however rich and
+noble she may be, is guarded in Constantinople as in a prison, for the
+emperor has no confidence in her when he remembers the story of Fenice.
+He keeps her constantly guarded in her room, nor is there ever allowed
+any man in her presence, unless he be a eunuch from his youth; in the
+case of such there is no fear or doubt that Love will ensnare them in
+his bonds. Here ends the work of Chretien. [244]
+
+
+
+----Endnotes: Cliges
+
+Endnotes supplied by Prof. Foerster are indicated by "(F.)"; all other
+endnotes are supplied by W.W. Comfort.
+
+
+[Footnote 21: There is no English version corresponding to the old
+French "Cliges". The English metrical romance "Sir Cleges" has nothing
+to do with the French romance.]
+
+[Footnote 22: Ovid in "Metamorphosis", vi. 404, relates how Tantalus at
+a feast to the gods offered them the shoulder of his own son. It is not
+certain, however, that Chretien is referring here to this slight episode
+of the "Metamorphosis".]
+
+[Footnote 23: This allusion is generally taken as evidence that the poet
+had written previously of the love of Tristan and Iseut. Gaston Paris,
+however, in one of his last utterances ("Journal des Savants", 1902,
+p. 297), says: "Je n'hesite pas a dire que l'existence d'un poeme sur
+Tristan par Chretien de Troies, a laquelle j'ai cru comme presque tout
+le monde, me parait aujourd'hui fort peu probable; j'en vais donner les
+raisons."]
+
+[Footnote 24: The story of Philomela or Philomena, familiar in Chaucer's
+"Legende of Good Women", is told by Ovid in "Metamorphosis", vi.
+426-674. Cretiens li Gois is cited by the author of the "Ovide moralise"
+as the author of the episode of Philomena incorporated in his long
+didactic poem. This episode has been ascribed to Chretien de Troyes by
+many recent critics, and has been separately edited by C. de Boer, who
+offers in his Introduction a lengthy discussion of its authorship. See
+C. de Boer, "Philomena, conte raconte d'apres Ovide par Chretien de
+Troyes" (Paris, 1909).]
+
+[Footnote 25: The present cathedral of Beauvais is dedicated to St.
+Peter, and its construction was begun in 1227. The earlier structure
+here referred to, destroyed in 1118, probably was also dedicated to the
+same saint. (F.)]
+
+[Footnote 26: The real kernal of the Cliges story, stripped of its
+lengthy introduction concerning Alexandre and Soredamors, is told in a
+few lines in "Marques de Rome", p. 135 (ed. J. Alton in "Lit. Verein in
+Stuttgart", No. 187, Tubingen, 1889), as one of the tales or "exempla"
+recounted by the Empress of Rome to the Emperor and the Seven Sages. No
+names are given except that of Cliges himself; the version owes nothing
+to Chretien's poem, and seems to rest upon a story which the author may
+have heard orally. See Foerster's "Einleitung to Cliges" (1910), p. 32
+f.]
+
+[Footnote 27: This criticism of ignoble leisure on the part of a warrior
+is found also in "Erec et Enide" and "Yvain".]
+
+[Footnote 28: This allegorical tribute to "largesse" is quite in the
+spirit of the age. When professional poets lived upon the bounty of
+their patrons, it is not strange that their poetry should dwell upon the
+importance of generosity in their heroes. For an exhaustive collection
+of "chastisements" or "enseignements", such as that here given to
+Alexandre by his father, see Eugen Altner, "Ueber die chastiements in
+den altfranzosischen chansons de geste" (Leipzig, 1885).]
+
+[Footnote 29: As Miss Weston has remarked ("The Three Days' Tournament",
+p. 45), the peculiar georgraphy of this poem "is distinctly Anglo-Norman
+rather than Arthurian".]
+
+[Footnote 210: For this intimate relation between heroes, so common
+in the old French heroic and romantic poems, see Jacques Flach, "Le
+compagnonnage dans les chansons de geste" in "Etudes romances dediees a
+Gaston Paris" (Paris, 1891). Reviewed in "Romania", xxii. 145.]
+
+[Footnote 211: Here begins one of those long dialogues, where one person
+is represented as taking both sides of an argument. This rhetorical
+device, so wearisome to modern readers, is used by Chretien preferably
+when some sentiment or deep emotion is to be portrayed. Ovid may well
+have suggested the device, but Ovid never abuses it as does the more
+prolix mediaeval poet. For the part playing by the eyes in mediaeval
+love sophistry, see J.F. Hanford, "The Debate of Heart and Eye" in
+"Modern Language Notes", xxvi. 161-165; and H.R. Lang, "The Eyes as
+Generators of Love." id. xxiii. 126-127.]
+
+[Footnote 212: For play upon words and for fanciful derivation of proper
+names in mediaeval romance literature, see the interesting article
+of Adolf Tobler in "Vermischte Beitrage", ii. 211-266. Gaston Paris
+("Journal des Savants", 1902, p. 354) points out that Thomas used the
+same scene and the play upon the same words "mer", "amer", and "amers"
+in his "Tristan" and was later imitated by Gottfried von Strassburg.]
+
+[Footnote 213: According to the 12th century troubadours, the shafts of
+Love entered the victim's body through the eyes, and thence pierced the
+heart.]
+
+[Footnote 214: For fanciful derivation of proper names, cf. A. Tobler,
+"Vermischte Beitrage", ii. 211-266.]
+
+[Footnote 215: Ganelon, the traitor in the "Chanson de Roland", to
+whose charge is laid the defeat of Charlemagne's rear-guard at Ronceval,
+became the arch-traitor of mediaeval literature. It will be recalled
+that Dante places him in the lowest pit of Hell ("Inferno", xxxii. 122).
+(NOTE: There is a slight time discrepance here. Roland, Ganelon, and the
+Battle of Ronceval were said to have happened in 8th Century A.D., fully
+300 years after Arthur and the Round Table.--DBK).]
+
+[Footnote 216: For the ceremonies attendant upon the conferring of
+knighthood, see Karl Treis, "Die Formalitaten des Ritterschlags in der
+altfranzosischen Epik" (Berlin, 1887).]
+
+[Footnote 217: The "quintainne" was "a manikin mounted on a pivot and
+armed with a club in such a way that, when a man struck it unskilfully
+with his lance, it turned and landed a blow upon his back" (Larousse).]
+
+[Footnote 218: This conventional attitude of one engaged in thought or
+a prey to sadness has been referred to by G.L. Hamilton in "Ztsch fur
+romanische Philologie", xxxiv. 571-572.]
+
+[Footnote 219: Many traitors in old French literature suffered the same
+punishments as Ganelon, and were drawn asunder by horses ("Roland",
+3960-74).]
+
+[Footnote 220: The same rare words "galerne" and "posterne" occur in
+rhyme in the "Roman de Thebes", 1471-72.]
+
+[Footnote 221: This qualified praise is often used in speaking of
+traitors and of Saracens.]
+
+[Footnote 222: The failure to identify the warriors is due to the fact
+that the knights are totally encased in armour.]
+
+[Footnote 223: A reference to the "Roman de Thebes", 1160 circ.]
+
+[Footnote 224: The disregard of Alis for his nephew Cliges is similar to
+that of King Mark for Tristan in another legend. In the latter, however,
+Tristan joins with the other courtiers in advising his uncle to marry,
+though he himself had been chosen heir to the throne by Mark. cf. J.
+Bedier, "Le Roman de Tristan", 2 vols. (Paris, 1902), i. 63 f.]
+
+[Footnote 225: See Endnote #14 above.]
+
+[Footnote 226: Cf. Shakespeare, "Othello", ii. I, where Cassio, speaking
+of Othello's marriage with Desdemona, says: "he hath achieved a maid
+That paragons description and wild fame; One that excels the quirks of
+blazoning pens, And in the essential vesture of creation Does tire the
+enginer."]
+
+[Footnote 227: Ovid ("Metamorphosis", iii. 339-510) is Chretien's
+authority.]
+
+[Footnote 228: Cf. L. Sudre, "Les allusions a la legende de Tristan dans
+la litterature du moyen age", "Romania", xv. 435 f. Tristan was famed as
+a hunter, fencer, wrestler, and harpist.]
+
+[Footnote 229: "The word 'Thessala' was a common one in Latin, as
+meaning 'enchantress', 'sorceress', 'witch', as Pliny himself tells
+us, adding that the art of enchantment was not, however, indigenous to
+Thessaly, but came originally from Persia." ("Natural History", xxx.
+2).--D.B. Easter, "Magic Elements in the romans d'aventure and the
+romans bretons, p. 7. (Baltimore, 1906). A Jeanroy in "Romania", xxxiii.
+420 note, says: "Quant au nom de Thessala, il doit venir de Lucain, tres
+lu dans les ecoles au XIIe siecle." See also G. Paris in "Journal des
+Savants", 1902, p. 441 note. Thessala is mentioned in the "Roman de la
+Violetta", v. 514, in company with Brangien of the Tristan legend.]
+
+[Footnote 230: Medea, the wife of Jason, is the great sorceress of
+classic legend.]
+
+[Footnote 231: This personage was regarded in the Middle Ages as an
+Emperor of Rome. In the 13th-century poem of "Octavian" (ed. Vollmuller,
+Heilbronn, 1883) he is represented as a contemporary of King Dagobert!]
+
+[Footnote 232: This commonplace remark is quoted as a proverb of the
+rustic in "Ipomedon", 1671-72; id., 10, 348-51; "Roman de Mahomet",
+1587-88; "Roman de Renart", vi. 85-86; Gower's "Mirour de l'omme", 28,
+599, etc.]
+
+[Footnote 233: It is curious to note that Corneille puts almost
+identical words in the mouth of Don Gomes as he addresses the Cid ("Le
+Cid", ii. 2).]
+
+[Footnote 234: For this tournament and its parallels in folk-lore,
+see Miss J.L. Weston, "The Three Days' Tournament" (London, 1902). She
+argues (p. 14 f. and p. 43 f.) against Foerster's unqualified opinion of
+the originality of Chretien in his use of this current description of
+a tournament, an opinion set forth in his "Einleitung to Lancelot", pp.
+43, 126, 128, 138.]
+
+[Footnote 235: Note that Chretien here deliberately avoids such a list
+of knights as he introduces in "Erec". (F.)]
+
+[Footnote 236: It must be admitted that the text, which is offered
+by all but one MS., is here unintelligible. The reference, if any be
+intended, is not clear. (F.)]
+
+[Footnote 237: Much has been made of this expression as intimating that
+Chretien wrote "Cliges" as a sort of disavowal of the immorality of
+his lost "Tristan". Cf. Foerster, "Cliges" (Ed. 1910), p. xxxix f., and
+Myrrha Borodine, "La femme et l'amour au XXIe Seicle d'apres les poemes
+de Chretien de Troyes" (Paris, 1909). G. Paris has ably defended another
+interpretation of the references in "Cliges" to the Tristan legend in
+"Journal des Savants", 1902, p. 442 f.]
+
+[Footnote 238: This curious moral teaching appears to be a perversion
+of three passages form St. Paul's Epistles: I Cor. vii. 9, I Cor. x. 32,
+Eph. v. 15. Cf. H. Emecke, "Chretien von Troyes als Personlichkeit und
+als Dichter" (Wurzburg, 1892).]
+
+[Footnote 239: "This feature of a woman who, thanks to some charm,
+preserves her virginity with a husband whom she does not love, is found
+not only in widespread stories, but in several French epic poems. In
+only one, "Les Enfances Guillaume", does the husband, like Alis, remain
+ignorant of the fraud of which he is the victim, and think that he
+really possesses the woman.... If Chretien alone gave to the charm
+of the form of a potion, it is in imitation of the love potion in
+"Tristan". (G. Paris in "Journal des Savants", 1902, p. 446). For
+many other references to the effect of herb potions, cf. A. Hertel,
+"Verzauberte Oerlichkeiten und Gegenstande in der altfranzosische
+erzahlende Dichtung", p. 41 ff. (Hanover, 1908).]
+
+[Footnote 240: I have pointed out the curious parallel between the
+following passage and Dante's "Vita Nova", 41 ("Romantic Review", ii.
+2). There is no certain evidence that Dante knew Chretien's work (cf. A.
+Farinelli, "Dante e la Francia", vol. i., p. 16 note), but it would be
+strange if he did not know such a distinguished predecessor.]
+
+[Footnote 241: For the legend of Solomon deceived by his wife, see
+Foerster "Cliges" (ed. 1910), p. xxxii. f., and G. Paris in "Romania",
+ix. 436-443, and in "Journal des Savants", 1902, p. 645 f. For an
+additional reference, add "Ipomedon", 9103.]
+
+[Footnote 242: For an imitation of the following scene, see Hans Herzog
+in "Germania", xxxi. 325.]
+
+[Footnote 243: "Porz d'Espaingne" refers to the passes in the Pyrenees
+which formed the entrance-ways to Spain. Cf. The "Cilician Gates" in
+Xenophon's "Anabasis".]
+
+[Footnote 244: Chretien here insists upon his divergence from the
+famous dictum attributed to the Countess Marie de Champagne by Andre le
+Chapelain: "Praeceptum tradit amoris, quod nulla etiam coniugata regis
+poterit amoris praemio coronari, nisi extra coniugii foedera ipsius
+amoris militae cernatur adiuneta". (Andreae Capellini, "De Amore", p.
+154; Ed. Trojel, Havniae, 1892).
+
+
+
+
+
+YVAIN
+
+or, The Knight with the Lion
+
+(Vv. 1-174.) Arthur, the good King of Britain, whose prowess teaches us
+that we, too, should be brave and courteous, held a rich and royal
+court upon that precious feast-day which is always known by the name
+of Pentecost. [31] The court was at Carduel in Wales. When the meal was
+finished, the knights betook themselves whither they were summoned by
+the ladies, damsels, and maidens. Some told stories; others spoke of
+love, of the trials and sorrows, as well as of the great blessings,
+which often fall to the members of its order, which was rich and
+flourishing in those days of old. But now its followers are few, having
+deserted it almost to a man, so that love is much abased. For lovers
+used to deserve to be considered courteous, brave, generous, and
+honourable. But now love is a laughing-stock, for those who have no
+intelligence of it assert that they love, and in that they lie. Thus
+they utter a mockery and lie by boasting where they have no right. [32]
+But let us leave those who are still alive, to speak of those of former
+time. For, I take it, a courteous man, though dead, is worth more than
+a living knave. So it is my pleasure to relate a matter quite worthy of
+heed concerning the King whose fame was such that men still speak of him
+far and near; and I agree with the opinion of the Bretons that his name
+will live on for evermore. And in connection with him we call to mind
+those goodly chosen knights who spent themselves for honour's sake. But
+upon this day of which I speak, great was their astonishment at seeing
+the King quit their presence; and there were some who felt chagrined,
+and who did not mince their words, never before having seen the King, on
+the occasion of such a feast, enter his own chamber either to sleep or
+to seek repose. But this day it came about that the Queen detained him,
+and he remained so long at her side that he forgot himself and fell
+asleep. Outside the chamber door were Dodinel, Sagremor, and Kay, my
+lord Gawain, my lord Yvain, and with them Calogrenant, a very comely
+knight, who had begun to tell them a tale, though it was not to his
+credit, but rather to his shame. The Queen could hear him as he told his
+tale, and rising from beside the King, she came upon them so stealthily
+that before any caught sight of her, she had fallen, as it were, right
+in their midst. Calogrenant alone jumped up quickly when he saw her
+come. Then Kay, who was very quarrelsome, mean, sarcastic, and abusive,
+said to him: "By the Lord, Calogrenant, I see you are very bold and
+forward now, and certainly it pleases me to see you the most courteous
+of us all. And I know that you are quite persuaded of your own
+excellence, for that is in keeping with your little sense. And of course
+it is natural that my lady should suppose that you surpass us all in
+courtesy and bravery. We failed to rise through sloth, forsooth, or
+because we did not care! Upon my word, it is not so, my lord; but we
+did not see my lady until you had risen first." "Really, Kay," the Queen
+then says, "I think you would burst if you could not pour out the poison
+of which you are so full. You are troublesome and mean thus to annoy
+your companions." "Lady," says Kay, "if we are not better for your
+company, at least let us not lose by it. I am not aware that I said
+anything for which I ought to be accused, and so I pray you say no more.
+It is impolite and foolish to keep up a vain dispute. This argument
+should go no further, nor should any one try to make more of it. But
+since there must be no more high words, command him to continue the tale
+he had begun." Thereupon Calogrenant prepares to reply in this fashion:
+"My lord, little do I care about the quarrel, which matters little and
+affects me not. If you have vented your scorn on me, I shall never be
+harmed by it. You have often spoken insultingly, my lord Kay, to braver
+and better men than I, for you are given to this kind of thing. The
+manure-pile will always stink, [33] and gadflies sting, and bees will
+hum, and so a bore will torment and make a nuisance of himself. However,
+with my lady's leave, I'll not continue my tale to-day, and I beg her
+to say no more about it, and kindly not give me any unwelcome command."
+"Lady," says Kay, "all those who are here will be in your debt, for they
+are desirous to hear it out. Don't do it as a favour to me! But by the
+faith you owe the King, your lord and mine, command him to continue, and
+you will do well." "Calogrenant," the Queen then says, "do not mind the
+attack of my lord Kay the seneschal. He is so accustomed to evil speech
+that one cannot punish him for it. I command and request you not to
+be angered because of him, nor should you fail on his account to say
+something which it will please us all to hear; if you wish to preserve
+my good-will, pray begin the tale anew." "Surely, lady, it is a very
+unwelcome command you lay upon me. Rather than tell any more of my
+tale to-day, I would have one eye plucked out, if I did not fear your
+displeasure. Yet will I perform your behest, however distasteful it may
+be. Then since you will have it so, give heed. Let your heart and ears
+be mine. For words, though heard, are lost unless understood within the
+heart. Some men there are who give consent to what they hear but do not
+understand: these men have the hearing alone. For the moment the heart
+fails to understand, the word falls upon the ears simply as the wind
+that blows, without stopping to tarry there; rather it quickly passes on
+if the heart is not so awake as to be ready to receive it. For the heart
+alone can receive it when it comes along, and shut it up within. The
+ears are the path and channel by which the voice can reach the heart,
+while the heart receives within the bosom the voice which enters through
+the ear. Now, whoever will heed my words, must surrender to me his heart
+and ears, for I am not going to speak of a dream, an idle tale, or lie,
+with which many another has regaled you, but rather shall I speak of
+what I saw."
+
+(Vv. 175-268.) "It happened seven years ago that, lonely as a
+countryman, I was making my way in search of adventures, fully armed
+as a knight should be, when I came upon a road leading off to the right
+into a thick forest. The road there was very bad, full of briars and
+thorns. In spite of the trouble and inconvenience, I followed the road
+and path. Almost the entire day I went thus riding until I emerged from
+the forest of Broceliande. [34] Out from the forest I passed into the
+open country where I saw a wooden tower at the distance of half a Welsh
+league: it may have been so far, but it was not anymore. Proceeding
+faster than a walk, I drew near and saw the palisade and moat all round
+it, deep and wide, and standing upon the bridge, with a moulted falcon
+upon his wrist, I saw the master of the castle. I had no sooner saluted
+him than he came forward to hold my stirrup and invited me to
+dismount. I did so, for it was useless to deny that I was in need of a
+lodging-place. Then he told me more than a hundred times at once that
+blessed was the road by which I had come thither. Meanwhile, we crossed
+the bridge, and passing through the gate, found ourselves in the
+courtyard. In the middle of the courtyard of this vavasor, to whom may
+God repay such joy and honour as he bestowed upon me that night, there
+hung a gong not of iron or wood, I trow, but all of copper. Upon this
+gong the vavasor struck three times with a hammer which hung on a post
+close by. Those who were upstairs in the house, upon hearing his voice
+and the sound, came out into the yard below. Some took my horse which
+the good vavasor was holding; and I saw coming toward me a very fair and
+gentle maid. On looking at her narrowly I saw she was tall and slim and
+straight. Skilful she was in disarming me, which she did gently and with
+address; then, when she had robed me in a short mantle of scarlet stuff
+spotted with a peacock's plumes, all the others left us there, so that
+she and I remained alone. This pleased me well, for I needed naught
+else to look upon. Then she took me to sit down in the prettiest little
+field, shut in by a wall all round about. There I found her so elegant,
+so fair of speech and so well informed, of such pleasing manners and
+character, that it was a delight to be there, and I could have wished
+never to be compelled to move. But as ill luck would have it, when night
+came on, and the time for supper had arrived. The vavasor came to look
+for me. No more delay was possible, so I complied with his request. Of
+the supper I will only say that it was all after my heart, seeing that
+the damsel took her seat at the table just in front of me. After the
+supper the vavasor admitted to me that, though he had lodged many an
+errant knight, he knew not how long it had been since he had welcomed
+one in search of adventure. Then, as a favour, he begged of me to return
+by way of his residence, if I could make it possible. So I said to him:
+'Right gladly, sire!' for a refusal would have been impolite, and that
+was the least I could do for such a host."
+
+(Vv. 269-580.) "That night, indeed, I was well lodged, and as soon as
+the morning light appeared, I found my steed ready saddled, as I had
+requested the night before; thus my request was carried out. My kind
+host and his dear daughter I commended to the Holy Spirit, and, after
+taking leave of all, I got away as soon as possible. I had not proceeded
+far from my stopping-place when I came to a clearing, where there were
+some wild bulls at large; they were fighting among themselves and making
+such a dreadful and horrible noise that if the truth be known, I drew
+back in fear, for there is no beast so fierce and dangerous as a bull. I
+saw sitting upon a stump, with a great club in his hand, a rustic
+lout, as black as a mulberry, indescribably big and hideous; indeed,
+so passing ugly was the creature that no word of mouth could do him
+justice. On drawing near to this fellow, I saw that his head was bigger
+than that of a horse or of any other beast; that his hair was in tufts,
+leaving his forehead bare for a width of more than two spans; that his
+ears were big and mossy, just like those of an elephant; his eyebrows
+were heavy and his face was flat; his eyes were those of an owl, and his
+nose was like a cat's; his jowls were split like a wolf, and his teeth
+were sharp and yellow like a wild boar's; his beard was black and his
+whiskers twisted; his chin merged into his chest and his backbone was
+long, but twisted and hunched. [35] There he stood, leaning upon his
+club and accoutred in a strange garb, consisting not of cotton or wool,
+but rather of the hides recently flayed from two bulls or two beeves:
+these he wore hanging from his neck. The fellow leaped up straightway
+when he saw me drawing near. I do not know whether he was going to
+strike me or what he intended to do, but I was prepared to stand him
+off, until I saw him stop and stand stock-still upon a tree trunk, where
+he stood full seventeen feet in height. Then he gazed at me but spoke
+not a word, any more than a beast would have done. And I supposed that
+he had not his senses or was drunk. However, I made bold to say to him:
+'Come, let me know whether thou art a creature of good or not.' And
+he replied: 'I am a man.' 'What kind of a man art thou?' 'Such as thou
+seest me to be: I am by no means otherwise.' 'What dost thou here?' 'I
+was here, tending these cattle in this wood.' 'Wert thou really tending
+them? By Saint Peter of Rome! They know not the command of any man.
+I guess one cannot possibly guard wild beasts in a plain or wood or
+anywhere else unless they are tied or confined inside.' 'Well, I tend
+and have control of these beasts so that they will never leave this
+neighbourhood.' 'How dost thou do that? Come, tell me now!' 'There is
+not one of them that dares to move when they see me coming. For when
+I can get hold of one I give its two horns such a wrench with my hard,
+strong hands that the others tremble with fear, and gather at once round
+about me as if to ask for mercy. No one could venture here but me, for
+if he should go among them he would be straightway done to death. In
+this way I am master of my beasts. And now thou must tell me in turn
+what kind of a man thou art, and what thou seekest here.' 'I am, as
+thou seest, a knight seeking for what I cannot find; long have I sought
+without success.' 'And what is this thou fain wouldst find?' 'Some
+adventure whereby to test my prowess and my bravery. Now I beg and
+urgently request thee to give me some counsel, if possible, concerning
+some adventure or marvellous thing.' Says he: 'Thou wilt have to do
+without, for I know nothing of adventure, nor did I ever hear tell
+of such. But if thou wouldst go to a certain spring here hard by and
+shouldst comply with the practice there, thou wouldst not easily come
+back again. Close by here thou canst easily find a path which will
+lead thee thither. If thou wouldst go aright, follow the straight path,
+otherwise thou mayst easily go astray among the many other paths.
+Thou shalt see the spring which boils, though the water is colder than
+marble. It is shadowed by the fairest tree that ever Nature formed, for
+its foliage is evergreen, regardless of the winter's cold, and an iron
+basin is hanging there by a chain long enough to reach the spring. And
+beside the spring thou shalt find a massive stone, as thou shalt see,
+but whose nature I cannot explain, never having seen its like. On the
+other side a chapel stands, small, but very beautiful. If thou wilt take
+of the water in the basin and spill it upon the stone, thou shalt see
+such a storm come up that not a beast will remain within this wood;
+every doe, star, deer, boar, and bird will issue forth. For thou shalt
+see such lightning-bolts descend, such blowing of gales and crashing
+of trees, such torrents fail, such thunder and lightning, that, if thou
+canst escape from them without trouble and mischance, thou wilt be more
+fortunate than ever any knight was yet.' I left the fellow then, after
+he had pointed our the way. It must have been after nine o'clock and
+might have been drawing on toward noon, when I espied the tree and the
+chapel. I can truly say that this tree was the finest pine that ever
+grew on earth. I do not believe that it ever rained so hard that a
+drop of water could penetrate it, but would rather drip from the outer
+branches. From the tree I saw the basin hanging, [36] of the finest gold
+that was ever for sale in any fair. As for the spring, you may take my
+word that it was boiling like hot water. The stone was of emerald, with
+holes in it like a cask, and there were four rubies underneath, more
+radiant and red than is the morning sun when it rises in the east.
+Now not one word will I say which is not true. I wished to see the
+marvellous appearing of the tempest and the storm; but therein I was not
+wise, for I would gladly have repented, if I could, when I had sprinkled
+the perforated stone with the water from the basin. But I fear I poured
+too much, for straightway I saw the heavens so break loose that from
+more than fourteen directions the lightning blinded my eyes, and all at
+once the clouds let fall snow and rain and hail. The storm was so fierce
+and terrible that a hundred times I thought I should be killed by the
+bolts which fell about me and by the trees which were rent apart. Know
+that I was in great distress until the uproar was appeased. But God gave
+me such comfort that the storm did not continue long, and all the winds
+died down again. The winds dared not blow against God's will. And when
+I saw the air clear and serene I was filled with joy again. For I have
+observed that joy quickly causes trouble to be forgot. As soon as the
+storm was completely past, I saw so many birds gathered in the pine tree
+(if any one will believe my words) that not a branch or twig was to be
+seen which was not entirely covered with birds. [37] The tree was all
+the more lovely then, for all the birds sang in harmony, yet the note of
+each was different, so that I never heard one singing another's note. I,
+too, rejoiced in their joyousness, and listened to them until they had
+sung their service through, for I have never heard such happy song, nor
+do I think any one else will hear it, unless he goes to listen to what
+filled me with such joy and bliss that I was lost in rapture. I stayed
+there until I heard some knights coming, as I thought it seemed that
+there must be ten of them. But all the noise and commotion was made
+by the approach of a single knight. When I saw him coming on alone
+I quickly caught my steed and made no delay in mounting him. And the
+knight, as if with evil intent, came on swifter than an eagle, looking
+as fierce as a lion. From as far as his voice could reach he began to
+challenge me, and said: 'Vassal, without provocation you have caused
+me shame and harm. If there was any quarrel between us you should first
+have challenged me, or at least sought justice before attacking me. But,
+sir vassal, if it be within my power, upon you shall fall the punishment
+for the damage which is evident. About me here lies the evidence of my
+woods destroyed. He who has suffered has the right to complain. And I
+have good reason to complain that you have driven me from my house with
+lightning-bolt and rain. You have made trouble for me, and cursed be he
+who thinks it fair. For within my own woods and town you have made such
+an attack upon me that resources of men of arms and of fortifications
+would have been of no avail to me; no man could have been secure, even
+if he had been in a fortress of solid stone and wood. But be assured
+that from this moment there shall be neither truce nor peace between
+us.' At these words we rushed together, each one holding his shield well
+gripped and covering himself with it. The knight had a good horse and a
+stout lance, and was doubtless a whole head taller than I. Thus, I was
+altogether at a disadvantage, being shorter than he, while his horse was
+stronger than mine. You may be sure that I will tell the facts, in order
+to cover up my shame. With intent to do my best, I dealt him as hard a
+blow as I could give, striking the top of his shield, and I put all my
+strength into it with such effect that my lance flew all to splinters.
+His lance remained entire, being very heavy and bigger than any knight's
+lance I ever saw. And the knight struck me with it so heavily that he
+knocked me over my horse's crupper and laid me flat upon the ground,
+where he left me ashamed and exhausted, without bestowing another glance
+upon me. He took my horse, but me he left, and started back by the way
+he came. And I, who knew not what to do, remained there in pain and
+with troubled thoughts. Seating myself beside the spring I rested there
+awhile, not daring to follow after the knight for fear of committing
+some rash act of madness. And, indeed, had I had the courage, I knew not
+what had become of him. Finally, it occurred to me that I would keep my
+promise to my host and would return by way of his dwelling. This idea
+pleased me, and so I did. I laid off all my arms in order to proceed
+more easily, and thus with shame I retraced my steps. When I reached
+his home that night, I found my host to be the same good-natured and
+courteous man as I had before discovered him to be. I could not observe
+that either his daughter or he himself welcomed me any less gladly,
+or did me any less honour than they had done the night before. I am
+indebted to them for the great honour they all did me in that house; and
+they even said that, so far as they knew or had heard tell, no one had
+ever escaped, without being killed or kept a prisoner, from the place
+whence I returned. Thus I went and thus I returned, feeling, as I did
+so, deeply ashamed. So I have foolishly told you the story which I never
+wished to tell again."
+
+(Vv. 581-648.) "By my head," cries my lord Yvain, "you are my own
+cousin-german, and we ought to love each other well. But I must consider
+you as mad to have concealed this from me so long. If I call you mad, I
+beg you not to be incensed. For if I can, and if I obtain the leave, I
+shall go to avenge your shame." "It is evident that we have dined," says
+Kay, with his ever-ready speech; "there are more words in a pot full of
+wine than in a whole barrel of beer. [38] They say that a cat is merry
+when full. After dinner no one stirs, but each one is ready to
+slay Noradin, [39] and you will take vengeance on Forre! Are your
+saddle-cloths ready stuffed, and your iron greaves polished, and your
+banners unfurled? Come now, in God's name, my lord Yvain, is it to-night
+or to-morrow that you start? Tell us, fair sire, when you will start for
+this rude test, for we would fain convoy you thither. There will be no
+provost or constable who will not gladly escort you. And however it may
+be, I beg that you will not go without taking leave of us; and if you
+have a bad dream to-night, by all means stay at home!" "The devil,
+Sir Kay," the Queen replies, "are you beside yourself that your tongue
+always runs on so? Cursed be your tongue which is so full of bitterness!
+Surely your tongue must hate you, for it says the worst it knows to
+every man. Damned be any tongue that never ceases to speak ill! As for
+your tongue, it babbles so that it makes you hated everywhere. It cannot
+do you greater treachery. See here: if it were mine, I would accuse it
+of treason. Any man that cannot be cured by punishment ought to be tied
+like a madman in front of the chancel in the church." "Really, madame,"
+says my lord Yvain, "his impudence matters not to me. In every court my
+lord Kay has so much ability, knowledge, and worth that he will never be
+deaf or dumb. He has the wit to reply wisely and courteously to all that
+is mean, and this he has always done. You well know if I lie in saying
+so. But I have no desire to dispute or to begin our foolishness again.
+For he who deals the first blow does not always win the fight, but
+rather he who gains revenge. He who fights with his companion had better
+fight against some stranger. I do not wish to be like the hound that
+stiffens up and growls when another dog yaps at him."
+
+(Vv. 649-722.) While they were talking thus, the King came out of his
+room where he had been all this time asleep. And when the knights saw
+him they all sprang to their feet before him, but he made them at once
+sit down again. He took his place beside the Queen, who repeated to him
+word for word, with her customary skill, the story of Calogrenant. The
+King listened eagerly to it, and then he swore three mighty oaths by the
+soul of his father Utherpendragon, and by the soul of his son, and of
+his mother too, that he would go to see that spring before a fortnight
+should have passed; and he would see the storm and the marvels there by
+reaching it on the eve of my lord Saint John the Baptist's feast; there
+he would spend the night, and all who wished might accompany him. All
+the court thought well of this, for the knights and the young bachelors
+were very eager to make the expedition. But despite the general joy and
+satisfaction my lord Yvain was much chagrined, for he intended to go
+there all alone; so he was grieved and much put out because of the King
+who planned to go. The chief cause of his displeasure was that he knew
+that my lord Kay, to whom the favour would not be refused if he should
+solicit it, would secure the battle rather than he himself, or else
+perchance my lord Gawain would first ask for it. If either one of these
+two should make request, the favour would never be refused him. But,
+having no desire for their company, he resolves not to wait for them,
+but to go off alone, if possible, whether it be to his gain or hurt. And
+whoever may stay behind, he intends to be on the third day in the forest
+of Broceliande, and there to seek if possibly he may find the narrow
+wooded path for which he yearns eagerly, and the plain with the strong
+castle, and the pleasure and delight of the courteous damsel, who is
+so charming and fair, and with the damsel her worthy sire, who is so
+honourable and nobly born that he strives to dispense honour. Then he
+will see the bulls in the clearing, with the giant boor who watches
+them. Great is his desire to see this fellow, who is so stout and big
+and ugly and deformed, and as black as a smith. Then, too, he will see,
+if possible, the stone and the spring itself, and the basin and the
+birds in the pine-tree, and he will make it rain and blow. But of all
+this he will not boast, nor, if he can help it, shall any one know
+of his purpose until he shall have received from it either great
+humiliation or great renown: then let the facts be known.
+
+(Vv. 723-746.) My lord Yvain gets away from the court without any one
+meeting him, and proceeds alone to his lodging place. There he found all
+his household, and gave orders to have his horse saddled; then, calling
+one of his squires who was privy to his every thought, he says: "Come
+now, follow me outside yonder, and bring me my arms. I shall go out at
+once through yonder gate upon my palfrey. For thy part, do not delay,
+for I have a long road to travel. Have my steed well shod, and bring him
+quickly where I am; then shalt thou lead back my palfrey. But take good
+care, I adjure thee, if any one questions thee about me, to give him no
+satisfaction. Otherwise, whatever thy confidence in me, thou need never
+again count on my goodwill." "Sire," he says, "all will be well, for no
+one shall learn anything from me. Proceed, and I shall follow you."
+
+(Vv. 747-906.) My lord Yvain mounts at once, intending to avenge, if
+possible, his cousin's disgrace before he returns. The squire ran for
+the arms and steed; he mounted at once without delay, since he was
+already equipped with shoes and nails. Then he followed his master's
+track until he saw him standing mounted, waiting to one side of the road
+in a place apart. He brought him his harness and equipment, and then
+accoutred him. My lord Yvain made no delay after putting on his arms,
+but hastily made his way each day over the mountains and through the
+valleys, through the forests long and wide, through strange and wild
+country, passing through many gruesome spots, many a danger and many a
+strait, until he came directly to the path, which was full of brambles
+and dark enough; then he felt he was safe at last, and could not now
+lose his way. Whoever may have to pay the cost, he will not stop until
+he sees the pine which shades the spring and stone, and the tempest of
+hail and rain and thunder and wind. That night, you may be sure, he had
+such lodging as he desired, for he found the vavasor to be even more
+polite and courteous than he had been told, and in the damsel he
+perceived a hundred times more sense and beauty than Calogrenant had
+spoken of, for one cannot rehearse the sum of a lady's or a good man's
+qualities. The moment such a man devotes himself to virtue, his story
+cannot be summed up or told, for no tongue could estimate the honourable
+deeds of such a gentleman. My lord Yvain was well content with the
+excellent lodging he had that night, and when he entered the clearing
+the next day, he met the bulls and the rustic boor who showed him the
+way to take. But more than a hundred times he crossed himself at sight
+of the monster before him--how Nature had ever been able to form such
+a hideous, ugly creature. Then to the spring he made his way, and found
+there all that he wished to see. Without hesitation and without sitting
+down he poured the basin full of water upon the stone, when straightway
+it began to blow and rain, and such a storm was caused as had been
+foretold. And when God had appeased the storm, the birds came to perch
+upon the pine, and sang their joyous songs up above the perilous spring.
+But before their jubilee had ceased there came the knight, more blazing
+with wrath than a burning log, and making as much noise as if he were
+chasing a lusty stag. As soon as they espied each other they rushed
+together and displayed the mortal hate they bore. Each one carried a
+stiff, stout lance, with which they dealt such mighty blows that they
+pierced the shields about their necks, and cut the meshes of their
+hauberks; their lances are splintered and sprung, while the fragments
+are cast high in air. Then each attacks the other with his sword, and in
+the strife they cut the straps of the shields away, and cut the shields
+all to bits from end to end, so that the shreds hang down, no longer
+serving as covering or defence; for they have so split them up that they
+bring down the gleaming blades upon their sides, their arms, and hips.
+Fierce, indeed, is their assault; yet they do not budge from their
+standing-place any more than would two blocks of stone. Never were there
+two knights so intent upon each other's death. They are careful not to
+waste their blows, but lay them on as best they may; they strike and
+bend their helmets, and they send the meshes of their hauberks flying
+so, that they draw not a little blood, for the hauberks are so hot with
+their body's heat that they hardly serve as more protection than a coat.
+As they drive the sword-point at the face, it is marvellous that so
+fierce and bitter a strife should last so long. But both are possessed
+of such courage that one would not for aught retreat a foot before his
+adversary until he had wounded him to death. Yet, in this respect they
+were very honourable in not trying or deigning to strike or harm their
+steeds in any way; but they sat astride their steeds without putting
+foot to earth, which made the fight more elegant. At last my lord Yvain
+crushed the helmet of the knight, whom the blow stunned and made so
+faint that he swooned away, never having received such a cruel blow
+before. Beneath his kerchief his head was split to the very brains, so
+that the meshes of his bright hauberk were stained with the brains and
+blood, all of which caused him such intense pain that his heart almost
+ceased to beat. He had good reason then to flee, for he felt that he had
+a mortal wound, and that further resistance would not avail. With this
+thought in mind he quickly made his escape toward his town, where the
+bridge was lowered and the gate quickly opened for him; meanwhile my
+lord Yvain at once spurs after him at topmost speed. As a gerfalcon
+swoops upon a crane when he sees him rising from afar, and then draws so
+near to him that he is about to seize him, yet misses him, so flees the
+knight, with Yvain pressing him so close that he can almost throw his
+arm about him, and yet cannot quite come up with him, though he is so
+close that he can hear him groan for the pain he feels. While the one
+exerts himself in flight the other strives in pursuit of him, fearing to
+have wasted his effort unless he takes him alive or dead; for he still
+recalls the mocking words which my lord Kay had addressed to him. He
+had not yet carried out the pledge which he had given to his cousin;
+nor will they believe his word unless he returns with the evidence. The
+knight led him a rapid chase to the gate of his town, where they entered
+in; but finding no man or woman in the streets through which they
+passed, they both rode swiftly on till they came to the palace-gate.
+
+(Vv. 907-1054.) The gate was very high and wide, yet it had such a
+narrow entrance-way that two men or two horses could scarcely enter
+abreast or pass without interference or great difficulty; for it was
+constructed just like a trap which is set for the rat on mischief bent,
+and which has a blade above ready to fall and strike and catch, and
+which is suddenly released whenever anything, however gently, comes in
+contact with the spring. In like fashion, beneath the gate there were
+two springs connected with a portcullis up above, edged with iron and
+very sharp. If anything stepped upon this contrivance the gate descended
+from above, and whoever below was struck by the gate was caught and
+mangled. Precisely in the middle the passage lay as narrow as if it were
+a beaten track. Straight through it exactly the knight rushed on, with
+my lord Yvain madly following him apace, and so close to him that he
+held him by the saddle-bow behind. It was well for him that he was
+stretched forward, for had it not been for this piece of luck he would
+have been cut quite through; for his horse stepped upon the wooden
+spring which kept the portcullis in place. Like a hellish devil the gate
+dropped down, catching the saddle and the horse's haunches, which it cut
+off clean. But, thank God, my lord Yvain was only slightly touched when
+it grazed his back so closely that it cut both his spurs off even with
+his heels. And while he thus fell in dismay, the other with his mortal
+wound escaped him, as you now shall see. Farther on there was another
+gate just like the one they had just passed; through this the knight
+made his escape, and the gate descended behind him. Thus my lord Yvain
+was caught, very much concerned and discomfited as he finds himself
+shut in this hallway, which was all studded with gilded nails, and whose
+walls were cunningly decorated with precious paints. [310] But about
+nothing was he so worried as not to know what had become of the knight.
+While he was in this narrow place, he heard open the door of a little
+adjoining room, and there came forth alone a fair and charming maiden
+who closed the door again after her. When she found my lord Yvain, at
+first she was sore dismayed. [311] "Surely, sir knight," she says, "I
+fear you have come in an evil hour. If you are seen here, you will be
+all cut to pieces. For my lord is mortally wounded, and I know it is you
+who have been the death of him. My lady is in such a state of grief, and
+her people about her are crying so that they are ready to die with rage;
+and, moreover, they know you to be inside. But as yet their grief is
+such that they are unable to attend to you. The moment they come
+to attack you, they cannot fail to kill or capture you, as they may
+choose." And my lord Yvain replies to her: "If God will they shall never
+kill me, nor shall I fall into their hands." "No," she says, "for I
+shall do my utmost to assist you. It is not manly to cherish fear. So
+I hold you to be a man of courage, when you are not dismayed. And rest
+assured that if I could I would help you and treat you honourably, as
+you in turn would do for me. Once my lady sent me on an errand to the
+King's court, and I suppose I was not so experienced or courteous or
+so well behaved as a maiden ought to be; at any rate, there was not a
+knight there who deigned to say a word to me except you alone who stand
+here now; but you, in your kindness, honoured and aided me. For the
+honour you did me then I shall now reward you. I know full well what
+your name is, and I recognised you at once: your name is my lord Yvain.
+You may be sure and certain that if you take my advice you will never be
+caught or treated ill. Please take this little ring of mine, which you
+will return when I shall have delivered you." [312] Then she handed him
+the little ring and told him that its effect was like that of the bark
+which covers the wood so that it cannot be seen; but it must be worn so
+that the stone is within the palm; then he who wears the ring upon his
+finger need have no concern for anything; for no one, however sharp his
+eyes may be, will be able to see him any more than the wood which is
+covered by the outside bark. All this is pleasing to my lord Yvain. And
+when she had told him this, she led him to a seat upon a couch covered
+with a quilt so rich that the Duke of Austria had none such, and she
+told him that if he cared for something to eat she would fetch it for
+him; and he replied that he would gladly do so. Running quickly into the
+chamber, she presently returned, bringing a roasted fowl and a cake, a
+cloth, a full pot of good grape-wine covered with a white drinking-cup;
+all this she offered to him to eat. And he, who stood in need of food,
+very gladly ate and drank.
+
+(Vv. 1055-1172.) By the time he had finished his meal the knights were
+astir inside looking for him and eager to avenge their lord, who was
+already stretched upon his bier. Then the damsel said to Yvain: "Friend,
+do you hear them all seeking you? There is a great noise and uproar
+brewing. But whoever may come or go, do not stir for any noise of
+theirs, for they can never discover you if you do not move from this
+couch. Presently you will see this room all full of ill-disposed and
+hostile people, who will think to find you here; and I make no doubt
+that they will bring the body here before interment, and they will begin
+to search for you under the seats and the beds. It will be amusing for a
+man who is not afraid when he sees people searching so fruitlessly, for
+they will all be so blind, so undone, and so misguided that they will be
+beside themselves with rage. I cannot tell you more just now, for I dare
+no longer tarry here. But I may thank God for giving me the chance and
+the opportunity to do some service to please you, as I yearned to do."
+Then she turned away, and when she was gone all the crowd with one
+accord had come from both sides to the gates, armed with clubs and
+swords. There was a mighty crowd and press of hostile people surging
+about, when they espied in front of the gate the half of the horse which
+had been cut down. Then they felt very sure that when the gates were
+opened they would find inside him whose life they wished to take. Then
+they caused to be drawn up those gates which had been the death of many
+men. But since no spring or trap was laid for their passage they all
+came through abreast. Then they found at the threshold the other half of
+the horse that had been killed; but none of them had sharp enough eyes
+to see my lord Yvain, whom they would gladly have killed; and he saw
+them beside themselves with rage and fury, as they said: "How can this
+be? For there is no door or window here through which anything could
+escape, unless it be a bird, a squirrel, or marmot, or some other even
+smaller animal; for the windows are barred, and the gates were closed
+as soon as my lord passed through. The body is in here, dead or alive,
+since there is no sign of it outside there; we can see more than half
+of the saddle in here, but of him we see nothing, except the spurs which
+fell down severed from his feet. Now let us cease this idle talk, and
+search in all these comers, for he is surely in here still, or else we
+are all enchanted, or the evil spirits have filched him away from us."
+Thus they all, aflame with rage, sought him about the room, beating
+upon the walls, and beds, and seats. But the couch upon which he lay was
+spared and missed the blows, so that he was not struck or touched. But
+all about they thrashed enough, and raised an uproar in the room with
+their clubs, like a blind man who pounds as he goes about his search.
+While they were poking about under the beds and the stools, there
+entered one of the most beautiful ladies that any earthly creature ever
+saw. Word or mention was never made of such a fair Christian dame, and
+yet she was so crazed with grief that she was on the point of taking her
+life. All at once she cried out at the top of her voice, and then fell
+prostrate in a swoon. And when she had been picked up she began to claw
+herself and tear her hair, like a woman who had lost her mind. She tears
+her hair and rips her dress, and faints at every step she takes; nor can
+anything comfort her when she sees her husband borne along lifeless
+in the bier; for her happiness is at an end, and so she made her loud
+lament. The holy water and the cross and the tapers were borne in
+advance by the nuns from a convent; then came missals and censers
+and the priests, who pronounce the final absolution required for the
+wretched soul.
+
+(Vv. 1173-1242.) My lord Yvain heard the cries and the grief that can
+never be described, for no one could describe it, nor was such ever set
+down in a book. The procession passed, but in the middle of the room a
+great crowd gathered about the bier, for the fresh warm blood trickled
+out again from the dead man's wound, and this betokened certainly that
+the man was still surely present who had fought the battle and had
+killed and defeated him. Then they sought and searched everywhere, and
+turned and stirred up everything, until they were all in a sweat with
+the trouble and the press which had been caused by the sight of the
+trickling crimson blood. Then my lord Yvain was well struck and beaten
+where he lay, but not for that did he stir at all. And the people became
+more and more distraught because of the wounds which burst open, and
+they marvelled why they bled, without knowing whose fault it was. [313]
+And each one to his neighbour said: "The murderer is among us here, and
+yet we do not see him, which is passing strange and mysterious." At this
+the lady showed such grief that she made an attempt upon her life, and
+cried as if beside herself: "All God, then will the murderer not be
+found, the traitor who took my good lord's life? Good? Aye, the best of
+the good, indeed! True God, Thine will be the fault if Thou dost let him
+thus escape. No other man than Thou should I blame for it who dost hide
+him from my sight. Such a wonder was never seen, nor such injustice, as
+Thou dost to me in not allowing me even to see the man who must be so
+close to me. When I cannot see him, I may well say that some demon or
+spirit has interposed himself between us, so that I am under a spell. Or
+else he is a coward and is afraid of me: he must be a craven to stand in
+awe of me, and it is an act of cowardice not to show himself before
+me. Ah, thou spirit, craven thing! Why art thou so in fear of me, when
+before my lord thou weft so brave? O empty and elusive thing, why cannot
+I have thee in my power? Why cannot I lay hands upon thee now? But how
+could it ever come about that thou didst kill my lord, unless it was
+done by treachery? Surely my lord would never have met defeat at thy
+hands had he seen thee face to face. For neither God nor man ever knew
+of his like, nor is there any like him now. Surely, hadst thou been a
+mortal man, thou wouldst never have dared to withstand my lord, for no
+one could compare with him." Thus the lady struggles with herself, and
+thus she contends and exhausts herself. And her people with her, for
+their part, show the greatest possible grief as they carry off the
+body to burial. After their long efforts and search they are completely
+exhausted by the quest, and give it up from weariness, inasmuch as they
+can find no one who is in any way guilty. The nuns and priests, having
+already finished the service, had returned from the church and were gone
+to the burial. But to all this the damsel in her chamber paid no heed.
+Her thoughts are with my lord Yvain, and, coming quickly, she said to
+him: "Fair sir, these people have been seeking you in force. They have
+raised a great tumult here, and have poked about in all the corners more
+diligently than a hunting-dog goes ferreting a partridge or a quail.
+Doubtless you have been afraid." "Upon my word, you are right," says he:
+"I never thought to be so afraid. And yet, if it were possible I should
+gladly look out through some window or aperture at the procession
+and the corpse." Yet he had no interest in either the corpse or the
+procession, for he would gladly have seen them all burned, even had it
+cost him a thousand marks. A thousand marks? Three thousand, verily,
+upon my word. But he said it because of the lady of the town, of whom he
+wished to catch a glimpse. So the damsel placed him at a little window,
+and repaid him as well as she could for the honour which he had done
+her. From this window my lord Yvain espies the fair lady, as she says:
+"Sire, may God have mercy upon your soul! For never, I verily believe,
+did any knight ever sit in saddle who was your equal in any respect.
+No other knight, my fair sweet lord, ever possessed your honour or
+courtesy. Generosity was your friend and boldness your companion. May
+your soul rest among the saints, my fair dear lord." Then she strikes
+and tears whatever she can lay her hands upon. Whatever the outcome
+may be, it is hard for my lord Yvain to restrain himself from running
+forward to seize her hands. But the damsel begs and advises him, and
+even urgently commands him, though with courtesy and graciousness, not
+to commit any rash deed, saying: "You are well off here. Do not stir
+for any cause until this grief shall be assuaged; let these people all
+depart, as they will do presently. If you act as I advise, in accordance
+with my views, great advantage may come to you. It will be best for you
+to remain seated here, and watch the people inside and out as they
+pass along the way without their seeing you. But take care not to speak
+violently, for I hold that man to be rather imprudent than brave who
+goes too far and loses his self-restraint and commits some deed of
+violence the moment he has the time and chance. So if you cherish some
+rash thought be careful not to utter it. The wise man conceals his
+imprudent thought and works out righteousness if he can. So wisely take
+good care not to risk your head, for which they would accept no ransom.
+Be considerate of yourself and remember my advice. Rest assured until
+I return, for I dare not stay longer now. I might stay so long, I fear,
+that they would suspect me when they did not see me in the crowd, and
+then I should suffer for it."
+
+(Vv. 1339-1506.) Then she goes off, and he remains, not knowing how to
+comport himself. He is loath to see them bury the corpse without his
+securing anything to take back as evidence that he has defeated and
+killed him. If he has no proof or evidence he will be held in contempt,
+for Kay is so mean and obstinate, so given to mockery, and so annoying,
+that he could never succeed in convincing him. He would go about for
+ever insulting him, flinging his mockery and taunts as he did the other
+day. These taunts are still fresh and rankling in his heart. But with
+her sugar and honey a new Love now softened him; he had been to hunt
+upon his lands and had gathered in his prey. His enemy carries off
+his heart, and he loves the creature who hates him most. The lady, all
+unaware, has well avenged her lord's death. She has secured greater
+revenge than she could ever have done unless she had been aided by Love,
+who attacks him so gently that he wounds his heart through his eyes.
+And this wound is more enduring than any inflicted by lance or sword.
+A sword-blow is cured and healed at once as soon as a doctor attends to
+it, but the wound of love is worst when it is nearest to its physician.
+This is the wound of my lord Yvain, from which he will never more
+recover, for Love has installed himself with him. He deserts and goes
+away from the places he was wont to frequent. He cares for no lodging
+or landlord save this one, and he is very wise in leaving a poor
+lodging-place in order to betake himself to him. In order to devote
+himself completely to him, he will have no other lodging-place, though
+often he is wont to seek out lowly hostelries. It is a shame that
+Love should ever so basely conduct himself as to select the meanest
+lodging-place quite as readily as the best. But now he has come where he
+is welcome, and where he will be treated honourably, and where he will
+do well to stay. This is the way Love ought to act, being such a noble
+creature that it is marvellous how he dares shamefully to descend to
+such low estate. He is like him who spreads his balm upon the ashes and
+dust, who mingles sugar with gall, and suet with honey. However, he did
+not act so this time, but rather lodged in a noble place, for which no
+one can reproach him. When the dead man had been buried, all the people
+dispersed, leaving no clerks or knights or ladies, excepting only
+her who makes no secret of her grief. She alone remains behind, often
+clutching at her throat, wringing her hands, and beating her palms, as
+she reads her psalms in her gilt lettered psalter. All this while my
+lord Yvain is at the window gazing at her, and the more he looks at her
+the more he loves her and is enthralled by her. He would have wished
+that she should cease her weeping and reading, and that she should
+feel inclined to converse with him. Love, who caught him at the window,
+filled him with this desire. But he despairs of realising his wish, for
+he cannot imagine or believe that his desire can be gratified. So he
+says: "I may consider myself a fool to wish for what I cannot have.
+Her lord it was whom I wounded mortally, and yet do I think I can be
+reconciled with her? Upon my word, such thoughts are folly, for at
+present she has good reason to hate me more bitterly than anything. I am
+right in saying 'at present', for a woman has more than one mind. That
+mind in which she is just now I trust she will soon change; indeed, she
+will change it certainly, and I am mad thus to despair. God grant that
+she change it soon! For I am doomed to be her slave, since such is the
+will of Love. Whoever does not welcome Love gladly, when he comes to
+him, commits treason and a felony. I admit (and let whosoever will,
+heed what I say) that such an one deserves no happiness or joy. But if I
+lose, it will not be for such a reason; rather will I love my enemy.
+For I ought not to feel any hate for her unless I wish to betray Love.
+I must love in accordance with Love's desire. And ought she to regard me
+as a friend? Yes, surely, since it is she whom I love. And I call her
+my enemy, for she hates me, though with good reason, for I killed the
+object of her love. So, then, am I her enemy? Surely no, but her true
+friend, for I never so loved any one before. I grieve for her fair
+tresses, surpassing gold in their radiance; I feel the pangs of anguish
+and torment when I see her tear and cut them, nor can her tears e'er
+be dried which I see falling from her eyes; by all these things I am
+distressed. Although they are full of ceaseless, ever-flowing tears, yet
+never were there such lovely eves. The sight of her weeping causes me
+agony, but nothing pains me so much as the sight of her face, which she
+lacerates without its having merited such treatment. I never saw such a
+face so perfectly formed, nor so fresh and delicately coloured. And then
+it has pierced my heart to see her clutch her throat. Surely, it is all
+too true that she is doing the worst she can. And yet no crystal nor any
+mirror is so bright and smooth. God! why is she thus possessed, and why
+does she not spare herself? Why does she wring her lovely hands and beat
+and tear her breast? Would she not be marvellously fair to look upon
+when in happy mood, seeing that she is so fair in her displeasure?
+Surely yes, I can take my oath on that. Never before in a work of beauty
+was Nature thus able to outdo herself, for I am sure she has gone beyond
+the limits of any previous attempt. How could it ever have happened
+then? Whence came beauty so marvellous? God must have made her with His
+naked hand that Nature might rest from further toil. If she should try
+to make a replica, she might spend her time in vain without succeeding
+in her task. Even God Himself, were He to try, could not succeed, I
+guess, in ever making such another, whatever effort He might put forth."
+
+(Vv. 1507-1588.) Thus my lord Yvain considers her who is broken with her
+grief, and I suppose it would never happen again that any man in prison,
+like my lord Yvain in fear for his life, would ever be so madly in love
+as to make no request on his own behalf, when perhaps no one else will
+speak for him. He stayed at the window until he saw the lady go away,
+and both the portcullises were lowered again. Another might have grieved
+at this, who would prefer a free escape to tarrying longer where he was.
+But to him it is quite indifferent whether they be shut or opened. If
+they were open he surely would not go away, no, even were the lady to
+give him leave and pardon him freely for the death of her lord. For he
+is detained by Love and Shame which rise up before him on either hand:
+he is ashamed to go away, for no one would believe in the success of his
+exploit; on the other hand, he has such a strong desire to see the lady
+at least, if he cannot obtain any other favour, that he feels little
+concern about his imprisonment. He would rather die than go away. And
+now the damsel returns, wishing to bear him company with her solace
+and gaiety, and to go and fetch for him whatever he may desire. But she
+found him pensive and quite worn out with the love which had laid hold
+of him; whereupon she addressed him thus: "My lord Yvain, what sort of
+a time have you had to-day?" "I have been pleasantly occupied," was his
+reply. "Pleasantly? In God's name, is that the truth? What? How can one
+enjoy himself seeing that he is hunted to death, unless he courts and
+wishes it?" "Of a truth," he says, "my gentle friend, I should by no
+means wish to die; and yet, as God beholds me, I was pleased, am pleased
+now, and always shall be pleased by what I saw." "Well, let us say no
+more of that," she makes reply, "for I can understand well enough what
+is the meaning of such words. I am not so foolish or inexperienced that
+I cannot understand such words as those; but come now after me, for I
+shall find some speedy means to release you from your confinement. I
+shall surely set you free to-night or to-morrow, if you please. Come
+now, I will lead you away." And he thus makes reply: "You may be sure
+that I will never escape secretly and like a thief. When the people are
+all gathered out there in the streets, I can go forth more honourably
+than if I did so surreptitiously." Then he followed her into the little
+room. The damsel, who was kind, secured and bestowed upon him all that
+he desired. And when the opportunity arose, she remembered what he
+had said to her how he had been pleased by what he saw when they were
+seeking him in the room with intent to kill him.
+
+(Vv. 1589-1652.) The damsel stood in such favour with her lady that she
+had no fear of telling her anything, regardless of the consequences, for
+she was her confidante and companion. Then, why should she be backward
+in comforting her lady and in giving her advice which should redound to
+her honour? The first time she said to her privily: "My lady, I greatly
+marvel to see you act so extravagantly. Do you think you can recover
+your lord by giving away thus to your grief?" "Nay, rather, if I had my
+wish," says she, "I would now be dead of grief." "And why?" "In order to
+follow after him." "After him? God forbid, and give you again as good a
+lord, as is consistent with His might." "Thou didst never speak such a
+lie as that, for He could never give me so good a lord again." "He will
+give you a better one, if you will accept him, and I can prove it."
+"Begone! Peace! I shall never find such a one." "Indeed you shall, my
+lady, if you will consent. Just tell me, if you will, who is going to
+defend your land when King Arthur comes next week to the margin of the
+spring? You have already been apprised of this by letters sent you by
+the Dameisele Sauvage. Alas, what a kind service she did for you! you
+ought to be considering how you will defend your spring, and yet you
+cease not to weep! If it please you, my dear lady, you ought not to
+delay. For surely, all the knights you have are not worth, as you well
+know, so much as a single chamber-maid. Neither shield nor lance will
+ever be taken in hand by the best of them. You have plenty of craven
+servants, but there is not one of them brave enough to dare to mount a
+steed. And the King is coming with such a host that his victory will
+be inevitable." The lady, upon reflection, knows very well that she is
+giving her sincere advice, but she is unreasonable in one respect, as
+also are other women who are, almost without exception, guilty of their
+own folly, and refuse to accept what they really wish. "Begone," she
+says; "leave me alone. If I ever hear thee speak of this again it will
+go hard with thee, unless thou flee. Thou weariest me with thy idle
+words." "Very well, my lady," she says; "that you are a woman is
+evident, for woman will grow irate when she hears any one give her good
+advice."
+
+(Vv. 1653-1726.) Then she went away and left her alone. And the lady
+reflected that she had been in the wrong. She would have been very glad
+to know how the damsel could ever prove that it would be possible to
+find a better knight than her lord had ever been. She would be very glad
+to hear her speak, but now she has forbidden her. With this desire in
+mind, she waited until she returned. But the warning was of no avail,
+for she began to say to her at once: "My lady, is it seemly that you
+should thus torment yourself with grief? For God's sake now control
+yourself, and for shame, at least, cease your lament. It is not fitting
+that so great a lady should keep up her grief so long. Remember your
+honourable estate and your very gentle birth! Think you that all virtue
+ceased with the death of your lord? There are in the world a hundred as
+good or better men." "May God confound me, if thou dost not lie! Just
+name to me a single one who is reputed to be so excellent as my lord was
+all his life." "If I did so you would be angry with me, and would fly
+into a passion and you would esteem me less." "No, I will not, I assure
+thee." "Then may it all be for your future welfare if you would but
+consent, and may God so incline your will! I see no reason for holding
+my peace, for no one hears or heeds what we say. Doubtless you will
+think I am impudent, but I shall freely speak my mind. When two knights
+have met in an affray of arms and when one has beaten the other, which
+of the two do you think is the better? For my part I award the prize
+to the victor. Now what do you think?" "It seems to me you are laying a
+trap for me and intend to catch me in my words." "Upon my faith, you may
+rest assured that I am in the right, and I can irrefutably prove to you
+that he who defeated your lord is better than he was himself. He beat
+him and pursued him valiantly until he imprisoned him in his house."
+"Now," she replies, "I hear the greatest nonsense that was ever uttered.
+Begone, thou spirit charged with evil! Begone, thou foolish and tiresome
+girl! Never again utter such idle words, and never come again into my
+presence to speak a word on his behalf!" "Indeed, my lady, I knew full
+well that I should receive no thanks from you, and I said so before I
+spoke. But you promised me you would not be displeased, and that you
+would not be angry with me for it. But you have failed to keep your
+promise, and now, as it has turned out, you have discharged your wrath
+on me, and I have lost by not holding my peace."
+
+(Vv. 1727-1942.) Thereupon she goes back to the room where my lord Yvain
+is waiting, comfortably guarded by her vigilance. But he is ill at ease
+when he cannot see the lady, and he pays no attention, and hears no word
+of the report which the damsel brings to him. The lady, too, is in great
+perplexity all night, being worried about how she should defend the
+spring; and she begins to repent of her action to the damsel, whom she
+had blamed and insulted and treated with contempt. She feels very sure
+and certain that not for any reward or bribe, nor for any affection
+which she may bear him, would the maiden ever have mentioned him; and
+that she must love her more than him, and that she would never give her
+advice which would bring her shame or embarrassment: the maid is too
+loyal a friend for that. Thus, lo! the lady is completely changed: she
+fears now that she to whom she had spoken harshly will never love her
+again devotedly; and him whom she had repulsed, she now loyally and with
+good reason pardons, seeing that he had done her no wrong. So she argues
+as if he were in her presence there, and thus she begins her argument:
+"Come," she says, "canst thou deny that my lord was killed by thee?"
+"That," says he, "I cannot deny. Indeed, I fully admit it." "Tell me,
+then, the reason of thy deed. Didst thou do it to injure me, prompted by
+hatred or by spite?" "May death not spare me now, if I did it to injure
+you." "In that case, thou hast done me no wrong, nor art thou guilty
+of aught toward him. For he would have killed thee, if he could. So it
+seems to me that I have decided well and righteously." Thus, by her own
+arguments she succeeds in discovering justice, reason, and common sense,
+how that there is no cause for hating him; thus she frames the matter to
+conform with her desire, and by her own efforts she kindles her love, as
+a bush which only smokes with the flame beneath, until some one blows
+it or stirs it up. If the damsel should come in now, she would win the
+quarrel for which she had been so reproached, and by which she had
+been so hurt. And next morning, in fact, she appeared again, taking
+the subject up where she had let it drop. Meanwhile, the lady bowed
+her head, knowing she had done wrong in attacking her. But now she is
+anxious to make amends, and to inquire concerning the name, character,
+and lineage of the knight: so she wisely humbles herself, and says: "I
+wish to beg your pardon for the insulting words of pride which in my
+rage I spoke to you: I will follow your advice. So tell me now, if
+possible, about the knight of whom you have spoken so much to me: what
+sort of a man is he, and of what parentage? If he is suited to become
+my mate, and provided he be so disposed, I promise you to make him my
+husband and lord of my domain. But he will have to act in such a way
+that no one can reproach me by saying: 'This is she who took him who
+killed her lord.'" "In God's name, lady, so shall it be. You will have
+the gentlest, noblest, and fairest lord who ever belonged to Abel's
+line." "What is his name?" "My lord Yvain." "Upon my word, if he is King
+Urien's son he is of no mean birth, but very noble, as I well know."
+"Indeed, my lady, you say the truth." "And when shall we be able to see
+him?" "In five days' time." "That would be too long; for I wish he were
+already come. Let him come to-night, or to-morrow, at the latest." "My
+lady, I think no one could fly so far in one day. But I shall send one
+of my squires who can run fast, and who will reach King Arthur's court
+at least by to-morrow night, I think; that is the place we must seek for
+him." "That is a very long time. The days are long. But tell him that
+to-morrow night he must be back here, and that he must make greater
+haste than usual. If he will only do his best, he can do two days'
+journey in one. Moreover, to-night the moon will shine; so let him turn
+night into day. And when he returns I will give him whatever he wishes
+me to give." "Leave all care of that to me; for you shall have him in
+your hands the day after to-morrow at the very latest. Meanwhile you
+shall summon your men and confer with them about the approaching visit
+of the King. In order to make the customary defence of your spring it
+behoves you to consult with them. None of them will be so hardy as to
+dare to boast that he will present himself. In that case you will have
+a good excuse for saving that it behoves you to marry again. A certain
+knight, highly qualified, seeks your hand; but you do not presume to
+accept him without their unanimous consent. And I warrant what the
+outcome will be: I know them all to be such cowards that in order to put
+on some one else the burden which would be too heavy for them, they
+will fall at your feet and speak their gratitude; for thus their
+responsibility will be at an end. For, whoever is afraid of his own
+shadow willingly avoids, if possible, any meeting with lance or spear;
+for such games a coward has no use." "Upon my word," the lady replies,
+"so I would have it, and so I consent, having already conceived the plan
+which you have expressed; so that is what we shall do. But why do you
+tarry here? Go, without delay, and take measures to bring him here,
+while I shall summon my liege-men." Thus concluded their conference. And
+the damsel pretends to send to search for my lord Yvain in his country;
+while every day she has him bathed, and washed, and groomed. And besides
+this she prepares for him a robe of red scarlet stuff, brand new and
+lined with spotted fur. There is nothing necessary for his equipment
+which she does not lend to him: a golden buckle for his neck, ornamented
+with precious stones which make people look well, a girdle, and a wallet
+made of rich gold brocade. She fitted him out perfectly, then informed
+her lady that the messenger had returned, having done his errand
+well. "How is that?" she says, "is he here? Then let him come at once,
+secretly and privily, while no one is here with me. See to it that no
+one else come in, for I should hate to see a fourth person here." At
+this the damsel went away, and returned to her guest again. However, her
+face did not reveal the joy that was in her heart; indeed, she said
+that her lady knew that she had been sheltering him, and was very much
+incensed at her. "Further concealment is useless now. The news about
+you has been so divulged that my lady knows the whole story and is very
+angry with me, heaping me with blame and reproaches. But she has given
+me her word that I may take you into her presence without any harm or
+danger. I take it that you will have no objection to this, except for
+one condition (for I must not disguise the truth, or I should be unjust
+to you): she wishes to have you in her control, and she desires such
+complete possession of your body that even your heart shall not be at
+large." "Certainly," he said, "I readily consent to what will be no
+hardship to me. I am willing to be her prisoner." "So shall you be:
+I swear it by this right hand laid upon you!. Now come and, upon my
+advice, demean yourself so humbly in her presence that your imprisonment
+may not be grievous. Otherwise feel no concern. I do not think that your
+restraint will be irksome." Then the damsel leads him off, now
+alarming, now reassuring him, and speaking to him mysteriously about
+the confinement in which he is to find himself; for every lover is a
+prisoner. She is right in calling him a prisoner; for surely any one who
+loves is no longer free.
+
+(Vv. 1943-2036.) Taking my lord Yvain by the hand, the damsel leads him
+where he will be dearly loved; but expecting to be ill received, it
+is not strange if he is afraid. They found the lady seated upon a red
+cushion. I assure you my lord Yvain was terrified upon entering the
+room, where he found the lady who spoke not a word to him. At this he
+was still more afraid, being overcome with fear at the thought that he
+had been betrayed. He stood there to one side so long that the damsel
+at last spoke up and said: "Five hundred curses upon the head of him who
+takes into a fair lady's chamber a knight who will not draw near,
+and who has neither tongue nor mouth nor sense to introduce himself."
+Thereupon, taking him by the arm, she thrust him forward with the words:
+"Come, step forward, knight, and have no fear that my lady is going to
+snap at you; but seek her good-will and give her yours. I will join you
+in your prayer that she pardon you for the death of her lord, Esclados
+the Red." Then my lord Yvain clasped his hands, and failing upon his
+knees, spoke like a lover with these words: "I will not crave your
+pardon, lady, but rather thank you for any treatment you may inflict on
+me, knowing that no act of yours could ever be distasteful to me." "Is
+that so, sir? And what if I think to kill you now?" "My lady, if it
+please you, you will never hear me speak otherwise." "I never heard of
+such a thing as this: that you put yourself voluntarily and absolutely
+within my power, without the coercion of any one." "My lady, there is
+no force so strong, in truth, as that which commands me to conform
+absolutely to your desire. I do not fear to carry out any order you
+may be pleased to give. And if I could atone for the death, which came
+through no fault of mine, I would do so cheerfully." "What?" says she,
+"come tell me now and be forgiven, if you did no wrong in killing my
+lord?" "Lady," he says, "if I may say it, when your lord attacked me,
+why was I wrong to defend myself? When a man in self-defence kills
+another who is trying to kill or capture him, tell me if in any way he
+is to blame." "No, if one looks at it aright. And I suppose it would
+have been no use, if I had had you put to death. But I should be glad
+to learn whence you derive the force that bids you to consent
+unquestioningly to whatever my will may dictate. I pardon you all your
+misdeeds and crimes. But be seated, and tell us now what is the cause of
+your docility?" "My lady," he says, "the impelling force comes from
+my heart, which is inclined toward you. My heart has fixed me in this
+desire." "And what prompted your heart, my fair sweet friend?" "Lady, my
+eyes." "And what the eyes?" "The great beauty that I see in you." "And
+where is beauty's fault in that?" "Lady, in this: that it makes me
+love." "Love? And whom?" "You, my lady dear." "I?" "Yes, truly."
+"Really? And how is that?" "To such an extent that my heart will not
+stir from you, nor is it elsewhere to be found; to such an extent that I
+cannot think of anything else, and I surrender myself altogether to you,
+whom I love more than I love myself, and for whom, if you will, I am
+equally ready to die or live." "And would you dare to undertake the
+defence of my spring for love of me?" "Yes, my lady, against the world."
+"Then you may know that our peace is made."
+
+(Vv. 2037-2048.) Thus they are quickly reconciled. And the lady, having
+previously consulted her lords, says: "We shall proceed from here to the
+hall where my men are assembled, who, in view of the evident need, have
+advised and counselled me to take a husband at their request. And I
+shall do so, in view of the urgent need: here and now I give myself to
+you; for I should not refuse to accept as lord, such a good knight and a
+king's son."
+
+(Vv. 2049-2328.) Now the damsel has brought about exactly what she had
+desired. And my lord Yvain's mastery is more complete than could be told
+or described; for the lady leads him away to the hall, which was full of
+her knights and men-at-arms. And my lord Yvain was so handsome that they
+all marvelled to look at him, and all, rising to their feet, salute and
+bow to my lord Yvain, guessing well as they did so: "This is he whom
+my lady will select. Cursed be he who opposes him! For he seems a
+wonderfully fine man. Surely, the empress of Rome would be well married
+with such a man. Would now that he had given his word to her, and she to
+him, with clasped hand, and that the wedding might take place to-day
+or tomorrow." Thus they spoke among themselves. At the end of the hall
+there was a seat, and there in the sight of all the lady took her place.
+And my lord Yvain made as if he intended to seat himself at her feet;
+but she raised him up, and ordered the seneschal to speak aloud, so
+that his speech might be heard by all. Then the seneschal began, being
+neither stubborn nor slow of speech: "My lords," he said, "we are
+confronted by war. Every day the King is preparing with all the haste he
+can command to come to ravage our lands. Before a fortnight shall have
+passed, all will have been laid waste, unless some valiant defender
+shall appear. When my lady married first, not quite seven years ago, she
+did it on your advice. Now her husband is dead, and she is grieved. Six
+feet of earth is all he has, who formerly owned all this land, and who
+was indeed its ornament. [314] It is a pity he lived so short a while.
+A woman cannot bear a shield, nor does she know how to fight with lance.
+It would exalt and dignify her again if she should marry some worthy
+lord. Never was there greater need than now; do all of you recommend
+that she take a spouse, before the custom shall lapse which has been
+observed in this town for more than the past sixty years." At this, all
+at once proclaim that it seems to them the right thing to do, and they
+all throw themselves at her feet. They strengthen her desire by their
+consent; yet she hesitates to assert her wishes until, as if against
+her will, she finally speaks to the same intent as she would have done,
+indeed, if every one had opposed her wish: "My lords, since it is your
+wish, this knight who is seated beside me has wooed me and ardently
+sought my hand. He wishes to engage himself in the defence of my rights
+and in my service, for which I thank him heartily, as you do also. It is
+true I have never known him in person, but I have often heard his name.
+Know that he is no less a man than the son of King Urien. Beside his
+illustrious lineage, he is so brave, courteous, and wise that no one
+has cause to disparage him. You have all already heard, I suppose, of
+my lord Yvain, and it is he who seeks my hand. When the marriage is
+consummated, I shall have a more noble lord than I deserve." They all
+say: "If you are prudent, this very day shall not go by without the
+marriage being solemnised. For it is folly to postpone for a single hour
+an advantageous act." They beseech her so insistently that she consents
+to what she would have done in any case. For Love bids her do that for
+which she asks counsel and advice; but there is more honour for him in
+being accepted with the approval of her men. To her their prayers are
+not unwelcome; rather do they stir and incite her heart to have its way.
+The horse, already under speed, goes faster yet when it is spurred. In
+the presence of all her lords, the lady gives herself to my lord Yvain.
+From the hand of her chaplain he received the lady, Laudine de Landuc,
+daughter of Duke Laudunet, of whom they sing a lay. That very day
+without delay he married her, and the wedding was celebrated. There
+were plenty of mitres and croziers there, for the lady had summoned her
+bishops and abbots. Great was the joy and rejoicing, there were many
+people, and much wealth was displayed--more than I could tell you of,
+were I to devote much thought to it. It is better to keep silent than to
+be inadequate. So my lord Yvain is master now, and the dead man is quite
+forgot. He who killed him is now married to his wife, and they enjoy the
+marriage rights. The people love and esteem their living lord more than
+they ever did the dead. They served him well at his marriage-feast,
+until the eve before the day when the King came to visit the marvellous
+spring and its stone, bringing with him upon this expedition his
+companions and all those of his household; not one was left behind. And
+my lord Kay remarked: "Ah, what now has become of Yvain, who after his
+dinner made the boast that he would avenge his cousin's shame? Evidently
+he spoke in his cups. I believe that he has run away. He would not
+dare to come back for anything. He was very presumptuous to make such a
+boast. He is a bold man who dares to boast of what no one would praise
+him for, and who has no proof of his great feats except the words of
+some false flatterer. There is a great difference between a coward and a
+hero; for the coward seated beside the fire talks loudly about himself,
+holding all the rest as fools, and thinking that no one knows his real
+character. A hero would be distressed at hearing his prowess related by
+some one else. And yet I maintain that the coward is not wrong to praise
+and vaunt himself, for he will find no one else to lie for him. If he
+does not boast of his deeds, who will? All pass over him in silence,
+even the heralds, who proclaim the brave, but discard the cowards." When
+my lord Kay had spoken thus, my lord Gawain made this reply: "My lord
+Kay, have some mercy now! Since my lord Yvain is not here, you do not
+know what business occupies him. Indeed, he never so debased himself as
+to speak any ill of you compared with the gracious things he has said."
+"Sire," says Kay, "I'll hold my peace. I'll not say another word to-day,
+since I see you are offended by my speech." Then the King, in order to
+see the rain, poured a whole basin full of water upon the stone beneath
+the pine, and at once the rain began to pour. It was not long before my
+lord Yvain without delay entered the forest fully armed, tiding faster
+than a gallop on a large, sleek steed, strong, intrepid, and fleet of
+foot. And it was my lord Kay's desire to request the first encounter.
+For, whatever the outcome might be, he always wished to begin the fight
+and joust the first, or else he would be much incensed. Before all the
+rest, he requested the King to allow him to do battle first. The King
+says: "Kay, since it is your wish, and since you are the first to make
+the request, the favour ought not to be denied." Kay thanks him first,
+then mounts his steed. If now my lord Yvain can inflict a mild disgrace
+upon him, he will be very glad to do so; for he recognises him by his
+arms. [315] Each grasping his shield by the straps, they rush together.
+Spurring their steeds, they lower the lances, which they hold tightly
+gripped. Then they thrust them forward a little, so that they grasped
+them by the leather-wrapped handles, and so that when they came together
+they were able to deal such cruel blows that both lances broke in
+splinters clear to the handle of the shaft. My lord Yvain gave him such
+a mighty blow that Kay took a summersault from out of his saddle and
+struck with his helmet on the ground. My lord Yvain has no desire to
+inflict upon him further harm, but simply dismounts and takes his horse.
+This pleased them all, and many said: "Ah, ah, see how you prostrate
+lie, who but now held others up to scorn! And yet it is only right to
+pardon you this time; for it never happened to you before." Thereupon
+my lord Yvain approached the King, leading the horse in his hand by the
+bridle, and wishing to make it over to him. "Sire," says he, "now take
+this steed, for I should do wrong to keep back anything of yours." "And
+who are you?" the King replies; "I should never know you, unless I heard
+your name, or saw you without your arms." Then my lord told him who
+he was, and Kay was overcome with shame, mortified, humbled, and
+discomfited, for having said that he had run away. But the others were
+greatly pleased, and made much of the honour he had won. Even the King
+was greatly gratified, and my lord Gawain a hundred times more than any
+one else. For he loved his company more than that of any other knight
+he knew. And the King requested him urgently to tell him, if it be his
+will, how he had fared; for he was very curious to learn all about his
+adventure; so the King begs him to tell the truth. And he soon told him
+all about the service and kindness of the damsel, not passing over
+a single word, not forgetting to mention anything. And after this he
+invited the King and all his knights to come to lodge with him, saying
+they would be doing him great honour in accepting his hospitality. And
+the King said that for an entire week he would gladly do him the honour
+and pleasure, and would bear him company. And when my lord Yvain had
+thanked him, they tarry no longer there, but mount and take the most
+direct road to the town. My lord Yvain sends in advance of the company
+a squire beating a crane-falcon, in order that they might not take the
+lady by surprise, and that her people might decorate the streets against
+the arrival of the King. When the lady heard the news of the King's
+visit she was greatly pleased; nor was there any one who, upon hearing
+the news, was not happy and elated. And the lady summons them all and
+requests them to go to meet him, to which they make no objection or
+remonstrance, all being anxious to do her will.
+
+(Vv. 2329-2414.) [316] Mounted on great Spanish steeds, they all go to
+meet the King of Britain, saluting King Arthur first with great courtesy
+and then all his company. "Welcome," they say, "to this company, so full
+of honourable men! Blessed be he who brings them hither and presents us
+with such fair guests!" At the King's arrival the town resounds with
+the joyous welcome which they give. Silken stuffs are taken out and hung
+aloft as decorations, and they spread tapestries to walk upon and drape
+the streets with them, while they wait for the King's approach. And they
+make still another preparation, in covering the streets with awnings
+against the hot rays of the sun. Bells, horns, and trumpets cause
+the town to ring so that God's thunder could not have been heard. The
+maidens dance before him, flutes and pipes are played, kettle-drums,
+drums, and cymbals are beaten. On their part the nimble youths leap, and
+all strive to show their delight. With such evidence of their joy, they
+welcome the King fittingly. And the Lady came forth, dressed in imperial
+garb a robe of fresh ermine--and upon her head she wore a diadem all
+ornamented with rubies. No cloud was there upon her face, but it was
+so gay and full of joy that she was more beautiful, I think, than any
+goddess. Around her the crowd pressed close, as they cried with one
+accord: "Welcome to the King of kings and lord of lords!" The King could
+not reply to all before he saw the lady coming toward him to hold his
+stirrup. However, he would not wait for this, but hastened to dismount
+himself as soon as he caught sight of her. Then she salutes him with
+these words: "Welcome a hundred thousand times to the King, my lord, and
+blessed be his nephew, my lord Gawain!" The King replies: "I wish
+all happiness and good luck to your fair body and your face, lovely
+creature!" Then clasping her around the waist, the King embraced her
+gaily and heartily as she did him, throwing her arms about him. I will
+say no more of how gladly she welcomed them, but no one ever heard of
+any people who were so honourably received and served. I might tell you
+much of the joy should I not be wasting words, but I wish to make brief
+mention of an acquaintance which was made in private between the moon
+and the sun. Do you know of whom I mean to speak? He who was lord of the
+knights, and who was renowned above them all, ought surely to be called
+the sun. I refer, of course, to my lord Gawain, for chivalry is enhanced
+by him just as when the morning sun sheds its rays abroad and lights all
+places where it shines. And I call her the moon, who cannot be otherwise
+because of her sense and courtesy. However, I call her so not only
+because of her good repute, but because her name is, in fact, Lunete.
+
+(Vv. 2415-2538.) The damsel's name was Lunete, and she was a charming
+brunette, prudent, clever, and polite. As her acquaintance grows with
+my lord Gawain, he values her highly and gives her his love as to his
+sweetheart, because she had saved from death his companion and friend;
+he places himself freely at her service. On her part she describes and
+relates to him with what difficulty she persuaded her mistress to take
+my lord Yvain as her husband, and how she protected him from the hands
+of those who were seeking him; how he was in their midst but they did
+not see him. My lord Gawain laughed aloud at this story of hers, and
+then he said: "Mademoiselle, when you need me and when you don't, such
+as I am, I place myself at your disposal. Never throw me off for some
+one else when you think you can improve your lot. I am yours, and do
+you be from now on my demoiselle!" "I thank you kindly, sire," she said.
+While the acquaintance of these two was ripening thus, the others, too,
+were engaged in flirting. For there were perhaps ninety ladies there,
+each of whom was fair and charming, noble and polite, virtuous and
+prudent, and a lady of exalted birth, so the men could agreeably employ
+themselves in caressing and kissing them, and in talking to them and
+in gazing at them while they were seated by their side; that much
+satisfaction they had at least. My lord Yvain is in high feather because
+the King is lodged with him. And the lady bestows such attention upon
+them all, as individuals and collectively, that some foolish person
+might suppose that the charming attentions which she showed them were
+dictated by love. But such persons may properly be rated as fools for
+thinking that a lady is in love with them just because she is courteous
+and speaks to some unfortunate fellow, and makes him happy and caresses
+him. A fool is made happy by fair words, and is very easily taken in.
+That entire week they spent in gaiety; forest and stream offered plenty
+of sport for any one who desired it. And whoever wished to see the land
+which had come into the hands of my lord Yvain with the lady whom he
+had married, could go to enjoy himself at one of the castles which stood
+within a radius of two, three, or four leagues. When the King had stayed
+as long as he chose, he made ready to depart. But during the week they
+had all begged urgently, and with all the insistence at their command,
+that they might take away my lord Yvain with them. "What? Will you
+be one of those." said my lord Gawain to him, "who degenerate after
+marriage? [317] Cursed be he by Saint Mary who marries and then
+degenerates! Whoever has a fair lady as his mistress or his wife should
+be the better for it, and it is not right that her affection should be
+bestowed on him after his worth and reputation are gone. Surely you,
+too, would have cause to regret her love if you grew soft, for a
+woman quickly withdraws her love, and rightly so, and despises him who
+degenerates in any way when he has become lord of the realm. Now ought
+your fame to be increased! Slip off the bridle and halter and come to
+the tournament with me, that no one may say that you are jealous. Now
+you must no longer hesitate to frequent the lists, to share in the
+onslaught, and to contend with force, whatever effort it may cost!
+Inaction produces indifference. But, really, you must come, for I shall
+be in your company. Have a care that our comradeship shall not fail
+through any fault of yours, fair companion; for my part, you may count
+on me. It is strange how a man sets store by the life of ease which
+has no end. Pleasures grow sweeter through postponement; and a little
+pleasure, when delayed, is much sweeter to the taste than great pleasure
+enjoyed at once. The sweets of a love which develops late are like
+a fire in a green bush; for the longer one delays in lighting it the
+greater will be the heat it yields, and the longer will its force
+endure. One may easily fall into habits which it is very difficult
+to shake off, for when one desires to do so, he finds he has lost the
+power. Don't misunderstand my words, my friend: if I had such a fair
+mistress as you have, I call God and His saints to witness, I should
+leave her most reluctantly; indeed, I should doubtless be infatuated.
+But a man may give another counsel, which he would not take himself,
+just as the preachers, who are deceitful rascals, and preach and
+proclaim the right but who do not follow it themselves."
+
+(Vv. 2539-2578.) My lord Gawain spoke at such length and so urgently
+that he promised him that he would go; but he said that he must consult
+his lady and ask for her consent. Whether it be a foolish or a prudent
+thing to do, he will not fail to ask her leave to return to Britain.
+Then he took counsel with his wife, who had no inkling of the permission
+he desired, as he addressed her with these words: "My beloved lady, my
+heart and soul, my treasure, joy, and happiness, grant me now a favour
+which will redound to your honour and to mine." The lady at once gives
+her consent, not knowing what his desire is, and says: "Fair lord, you
+may command me your pleasure, whatever it be." Then my lord Yvain
+at once asks her for permission to escort the King and to attend at
+tournaments, that no one may reproach his indolence. And she replies:
+"I grant you leave until a certain date; but be sure that my love will
+change to hate if you stay beyond the term that I shall fix. Remember
+that I shall keep my word; if you break your word I will keep mine. If
+you wish to possess my love, and if you have any regard for me, remember
+to come back again at the latest a year from the present date a week
+after St. John's day; for to-day is the eighth day since that feast.
+You will be checkmated of my love if you are not restored to me on that
+day."
+
+(Vv. 2579-2635.) My lord Yvain weeps and sighs so bitterly that he can
+hardly find words to say: "My lady, this date is indeed a long way off.
+If I could be a dove, whenever the fancy came to me, I should often
+rejoin you here. And I pray God that in His pleasure He may not detain
+me so long away. But sometimes a man intends speedily to return who
+knows not what the future has in store for him. And I know not what will
+be my fate--perhaps some urgency of sickness or imprisonment may keep
+me back: you are unjust in not making an exception at least of actual
+hindrance." "My lord," says she, "I will make that exception. And yet
+I dare to promise you that, if God deliver you from death, no hindrance
+will stand in your way so long as you remember me. So put on your finger
+now this ring of mine, which I lend to you. And I will tell you all
+about the stone: no true and loyal lover can be imprisoned or lose any
+blood, nor can any harm befall him, provided he carry it and hold it
+dear, and keep his sweetheart in mind. You will become as hard as iron,
+and it will serve you as shield and hauberk. I have never before been
+willing to lend or entrust it to any knight, but to you I give it
+because of my affection for you." Now my lord Yvain is free to go, but
+he weeps bitterly on taking leave. The King, however, would not tarry
+longer for anything that might be said: rather was he anxious to have
+the palfreys brought all equipped and bridled. They acceded at once to
+his desire, bringing the palfreys forth, so that it remained only to
+mount. I do not know whether I ought to tell you how my lord Yvain took
+his leave, and of the kisses bestowed on him, mingled with tears and
+steeped in sweetness. And what shall I tell you about the King how the
+lady escorts him, accompanied by her damsels and seneschal? All this
+would require too much time. When he sees the lady's tears, the King
+implores her to come no farther, but to return to her abode. He begged
+her with such urgency that, heavy at heart, she turned about followed by
+her company.
+
+(Vv. 2639-2773.) My lord Yvain is so distressed to leave his lady that
+his heart remains behind. The King may take his body off, but he cannot
+lead his heart away. She who stays behind clings so tightly to his heart
+that the King has not the power to take it away with him. When the body
+is left without the heart it cannot possibly live on. For such a marvel
+was never seen as the body alive without the heart. Yet this marvel now
+came about: for he kept his body without the heart, which was wont to be
+enclosed in it, but which would not follow the body now. The heart has
+a good abiding-place, while the body, hoping for a safe return to its
+heart, in strange fashion takes a new heart of hope, which is so often
+deceitful and treacherous. He will never know in advance, I think, the
+hour when this hope will play him false, for if he overstays by single
+day the term which he has agreed upon, it will be hard for him to gain
+again his lady's pardon and goodwill. Yet I think he will overstay
+the term, for my lord Gawain will not allow him to part from him, as
+together they go to joust wherever tournaments are held. And as the year
+passes by my lord Yvain had such success that my lord Gawain strove
+to honour him, and caused him to delay so long that all the first year
+slipped by, and it came to the middle of August of the ensuing year,
+when the King held court at Chester, whither they had returned the day
+before from a tournament where my lord Yvain had been and where he had
+won the glory and the story tells how the two companions were unwilling
+to lodge in the town, but had their tents set up outside the city, and
+held court there. For they never went to the royal court, but the King
+came rather to join in theirs, for they had the best knights, and the
+greatest number, in their company. Now King Arthur was seated in their
+midst, when Yvain suddenly had a thought which surprised him more than
+any that had occurred to him since he had taken leave of his lady, for
+he realised that he had broken his word, and that the limit of his
+leave was already exceeded. He could hardly keep back his tears, but he
+succeeded in doing so from shame. He was still deep in thought when
+he saw a damsel approaching rapidly upon a black palfrey with white
+forefeet. As she got down before the tent no one helped her to dismount,
+and no one went to take her horse. As soon as she made out the King, she
+let her mantle fall, and thus displayed she entered the tent and came
+before the King, announcing that her mistress sent greetings to the
+King, and to my lord Gawain and all the other knights, except
+Yvain, that disloyal traitor, liar, hypocrite, who had deserted her
+deceitfully. "She has seen clearly the treachery of him who pretended
+he was a faithful lover while he was a false and treacherous thief. This
+thief has traduced my lady, who was all unprepared for any evil, and
+to whom it never occurred that he would steal her heart away. Those who
+love truly do not steal hearts away; there are, however, some men,
+by whom these former are called thieves, who themselves go about
+deceitfully making love, but in whom there is no real knowledge of the
+matter. The lover takes his lady's heart, of course, but he does not run
+away with it; rather does he treasure it against those thieves who,
+in the guise of honourable men, would steal it from him. But those are
+deceitful and treacherous thieves who vie with one another in stealing
+hearts for which they care nothing. The true lover, wherever he may go,
+holds the heart dear and brings it back again. But Yvain has caused my
+lady's death, for she supposed that he would guard her heart for her,
+and would bring it back again before the year elapsed. Yvain, thou wast
+of short memory when thou couldst not remember to return to thy mistress
+within a year. She gave thee thy liberty until St. John's day, and thou
+settest so little store by her that never since has a thought of her
+crossed thy mind. My lady had marked every day in her chamber, as the
+seasons passed: for when one is in love, one is ill at ease and cannot
+get any restful sleep, but all night long must needs count and reckon
+up the days as they come and go. Dost thou know how lovers spend their
+time? They keep count of the time and the season. Her complaint is not
+presented prematurely or without cause, and I am not accusing him in any
+way, but I simply say that we have been betrayed by him who married
+my lady. Yvain, my mistress has no further care for thee, but sends thee
+word by me never to come back to her, and no longer to keep her ring.
+She bids thee send it back to her by me, whom thou seest present here.
+Surrender it now, as thou art bound to do."
+
+(Vv. 2774-3230.) Senseless and deprived of speech, Yvain is unable to
+reply. And the damsel steps forth and takes the ring from his finger,
+commending to God the King and all the others except him, whom she
+leaves in deep distress. And his sorrow grows on him: he feels oppressed
+by what he hears, and is tormented by what he sees. He would rather be
+banished alone in some wild land, where no one would know where to seek
+for him, and where no man or woman would know of his whereabouts any
+more than if he were in some deep abyss. He hates nothing so much as he
+hates himself, nor does he know to whom to go for comfort in the death
+he has brought upon himself. But he would rather go insane than not
+take vengeance upon himself, deprived, as he is, of joy through his own
+fault. He rises from his place among the knights, fearing he will lose
+his mind if he stays longer in their midst. On their part, they pay no
+heed to him, but let him take his departure alone. They know well enough
+that he cares nothing for their talk or their society. And he goes away
+until he is far from the tents and pavilions. Then such a storm broke
+loose in his brain that he loses his senses; he tears his flesh and,
+stripping off his clothes, he flees across the meadows and fields,
+leaving his men quite at a loss, and wondering what has become of him.
+[318] They go in search of him through all the country around--in the
+lodgings of the knights, by the hedgerows, and in the gardens--but they
+seek him where he is not to be found. Still fleeing, he rapidly pursued
+his way until he met close by a park a lad who had in his hand a bow and
+five barbed arrows, which were very sharp and broad. He had sense enough
+to go and take the bow and arrows which he held. However, he had no
+recollection of anything that he had done. He lies in wait for the
+beasts in the woods, killing them, and then eating the venison raw. Thus
+he dwelt in the forest like a madman or a savage, until he came upon a
+little, low-lying house belonging to a hermit, who was at work clearing
+his ground. When he saw him coming with nothing on, he could easily
+perceive that he was not in his right mind; and such was the case, as
+the hermit very well knew. So, in fear, he shut himself up in his little
+house, and taking some bread and fresh water, he charitably set it
+outside the house on a narrow window-ledge. And thither the other comes,
+hungry for the bread which he takes and eats. I do not believe that he
+ever before had tasted such hard and bitter bread. The measure of barley
+kneaded with the straw, of which the bread, sourer than yeast, was made,
+had not cost more than five sous; and the bread was musty and as dry
+as bark. But hunger torments and whets his appetite, so that the
+bread tasted to him like sauce. For hunger is itself a well mixed and
+concocted sauce for any food. My lord Yvain soon ate the hermit's bread,
+which tasted good to him, and drank the cool water from the jar. When he
+had eaten, he betook himself again to the woods in search of stags and
+does. And when he sees him going away, the good man beneath his roof
+prays God to defend him and guard him lest he ever pass that way again.
+But there is no creature, with howsoever little sense, that will not
+gladly return to a place where he is kindly treated. So, not a day
+passed while he was in this mad fit that he did not bring to his door
+some wild game. Such was the life he led; and the good man took it upon
+himself to remove the skin and set a good quantity of the venison to
+cook; and the bread and the water in the jug was always standing on the
+window-ledge for the madman to make a meal. Thus he had something to eat
+and drink: venison without salt or pepper, and good cool water from the
+spring. And the good man exerted himself to sell the hide and buy bread
+made of barley, or oats, or of some other grain; so, after that, Yvain
+had a plentiful supply of bread and venison, which sufficed him for
+a long time, until one day he was found asleep in the forest by two
+damsels and their mistress, in whose service they were. When they saw
+the naked man, one of the three ran and dismounted and examined him
+closely, before she saw anything about him which would serve to identify
+him. If he had only been richly attired, as he had been many a time, and
+if she could have seen him then she would have known him quickly enough.
+But she was slow to recognise him, and continued to look at him until
+at last she noticed a scar which he had on his face, and she recollected
+that my lord Yvain's face was scarred in this same way; she was sure of
+it, for she had often seen it. Because of the scar she saw that it was
+he beyond any doubt; but she marvelled greatly how it came about that
+she found him thus poor and stripped. Often she crosses herself in
+amazement, but she does not touch him or wake him up; rather does
+she mount her horse again, and going back to the others, tells them
+tearfully of her adventure. I do not know if I ought to delay to tell
+you of the grief she showed; but thus she spoke weeping to her mistress:
+"My lady, I have found Yvain, who has proved himself to be the best
+knight in the world, and the most virtuous. I cannot imagine what sin
+has reduced the gentleman to such a plight. I think he must have had
+some misfortune, which causes him thus to demean himself, for one may
+lose his wits through grief. And any one can see that he is not in his
+right mind, for it would surely never be like him to conduct himself
+thus indecently unless he had lost his mind. Would that God had restored
+to him the best sense he ever had, and would that he might then consent
+to render assistance to your cause! For Count Alier, who is at war with
+you, has made upon you a fierce attack. I should see the strife between
+you two quickly settled in your favour if God favoured your fortunes
+so that he should return to his senses and undertake to aid you in this
+stress." To this the lady made reply: "Take care now! For surely, if he
+does not escape, with God's help I think we can clear his head of all
+the madness and insanity. But we must be on our way at once! For I
+recall a certain ointment with which Morgan the Wise presented me,
+saying there was no delirium of the head which it would not cure."
+Thereupon, they go off at once toward the town, which was hard by, for
+it was not any more than half a league of the kind they have in that
+country; and, as compared with ours, two of their leagues make one and
+four make two. And he remains sleeping all alone, while the lady goes
+to fetch the ointment. The lady opens a case of hers, and, taking out a
+box, gives it to the damsel, and charges her not to be too prodigal in
+its use: she should rub only his temples with it, for there is no use of
+applying it elsewhere; she should anoint only his temples with it, and
+the remainder she should carefully keep, for there is nothing the matter
+with him except in his brain. She sends him also a robe of spotted fur,
+a coat, and a mantle of scarlet silk. The damsel takes them, and leads
+in her right hand an excellent palfrey. And she added to these, of her
+own store, a shirt, some soft hose, and some new drawers of proper cut.
+With all these things she quickly set out, and found him still asleep
+where she had left him. After putting her horse in an enclosure where
+she tied him fast, she came with the clothes and the ointment to the
+place where he was asleep. Then she made so bold as to approach the
+madman, so that she could touch and handle him: then taking the
+ointment she rubbed him with it until none remained in the box, being
+so solicitous for his recovery that she proceeded to anoint him all over
+with it; and she used it so freely that she heeded not the warning of
+her mistress, nor indeed did she remember it. She put more on than was
+needed, but in her opinion it was well employed. She rubbed his temples
+and forehead, and his whole body down to the ankles. She rubbed his
+temples and his whole body so much there in the hot sunshine that the
+madness and the depressing gloom passed completely out of his brain. But
+she was foolish to anoint his body, for of that there was no need. If
+she had had five measures of it she would doubtless have done the same
+thing. She carries off the box, and takes hidden refuge by her horse.
+But she leaves the robe behind, wishing that, if God calls him back to
+life, he may see it all laid out, and may take it and put it on. She
+posts herself behind an oak tree until he had slept enough, and was
+cured and quite restored, having regained his wits and memory. Then he
+sees that he is as naked as ivory, and feels much ashamed; but he would
+have been yet more ashamed had he known what had happened. As it is, he
+knows nothing but that he is naked. He sees the new robe lying before
+him, and marvels greatly how and by what adventure it had come there.
+But he is ashamed and concerned, because of his nakedness, and says that
+he is dead and utterly undone if any one has come upon him there and
+recognised him. Meanwhile, he clothes himself and looks out into the
+forest to see if any one was approaching. He tries to stand up and
+support himself, but cannot summon the strength to walk away, for his
+sickness has so affected him that he can scarcely stand upon his feet.
+Thereupon, the damsel resolves to wait no longer, but, mounting, she
+passed close by him, as if unaware of his presence. Quite indifferent as
+to whence might come the help, which he needed so much to lead him away
+to some lodging-place, where he might recruit his strength, he calls out
+to her with all his might. And the damsel, for her part, looks about
+her as if not knowing what the trouble is. Confused, she goes hither and
+thither, not wishing to go straight up to him. Then he begins to call
+again: "Damsel, come this way, here!" And the damsel guided toward him
+her soft-stepping palfrey. By this ruse she made him think that she knew
+nothing of him and had never seen him before; in so doing she was wise
+and courteous. When she had come before him, she said: "Sir knight, what
+do you desire that you call me so insistently?" "Ah," said he, "prudent
+damsel, I have found myself in this wood by some mishap--I know not
+what. For God's sake and your belief in Him, I pray you to lend me,
+taking my word as pledge, or else to give me outright, that palfrey
+you are leading in your hand." "Gladly, sire: but you must accompany me
+whither I am going." "Which way?" says he. "To a town that stands near
+by, beyond the forest." "Tell me, damsel, if you stand in need of me."
+"Yes," she says, "I do; but I think you are not very well. For the next
+two weeks at least you ought to rest. Take this horse, which I hold in
+my right hand, and we shall go to our lodging-place." And he, who had no
+other desire, takes it and mounts, and they proceed until they come to a
+bridge over a swift and turbulent stream. And the damsel throws into the
+water the empty box she is carrying, thinking to excuse herself to her
+mistress for her ointment by saying that she was so unlucky as to let
+the box fall into the water for, when her palfrey stumbled under her,
+the box slipped from her gasp, and she came near falling in too, which
+would have been still worse luck. It is her intention to invent this
+story when she comes into her mistress' presence. Together they held
+their way until they came to the town, where the lady detained my lord
+Yvain and asked her damsel in private for her box and ointment: and the
+damsel repeated to her the lie as she had invented it, not daring to
+tell her the truth. Then the lady was greatly enraged, and said: "This
+is certainly a very serious loss, and I am sure and certain that the
+box will never be found again. But since it has happened so, there is
+nothing more to be done about it. One often desires a blessing which
+turns out to be a curse; thus I, who looked for a blessing and joy from
+this knight, have lost the dearest and most precious of my possessions.
+However, I beg you to serve him in all respects." "Ah, lady, how wisely
+now you speak! For it would be too bad to convert one misfortune into
+two."
+
+(Vv. 3131-3254.) Then they say no more about the box, but minister in
+every way they can to the comfort of my lord Yvain, bathing him and
+washing his hair, having him shaved and clipped, for one could have
+taken up a fist full of hair upon his face. His every want is satisfied:
+if he asks for arms, they are furnished him: if he wants a horse, they
+provide him with one that is large and handsome, strong and spirited.
+He stayed there until, upon a Tuesday, Count Alier came to the town with
+his men and knights, who started fires and took plunder. Those in the
+town at once rose up and equipped themselves with arms. Some armed and
+some unarmed, they issued forth to meet the plunderers, who did not
+deign to retreat before them, but awaited them in a narrow pass. My lord
+Yvain struck at the crowd; he had had so long a rest that his strength
+was quite restored, and he struck a knight upon his shield with such
+force that he sent down in a heap, I think, the knight together with his
+horse. The knight never rose again, for his backbone was broken and
+his heart burst within his breast. My lord Yvain drew back a little to
+recover. Then protecting himself completely with his shield, he spurred
+forward to clear the pass. One could not have counted up to four before
+one would have seen him cast down speedily four knights. Whereupon,
+those who were with him waxed more brave, for many a man of poor and
+timid heart, at the sight of some brave man who attacks a dangerous task
+before his eyes, will be overwhelmed by confusion and shame, which will
+drive out the poor heart in his body and give him another like to a
+hero's for courage. So these men grew brave and each stood his ground in
+the fight and attack. And the lady was up in the tower, whence she saw
+the fighting and the rush to win and gain possession of the pass, and
+she saw lying upon the ground many who were wounded and many killed,
+both of her own party and of the enemy, but more of the enemy than of
+her own. For my courteous, bold, and excellent lord Yvain made them
+yield just as a falcon does the teal. And the men and women who had
+remained within the town declared as they watched the strife: "Ah, what
+a valiant knight! How he makes his enemies yield, and how fierce is his
+attack! He was about him as a lion among the fallow deer, when he is
+impelled by need and hunger. Then, too, all our other knights are more
+brave and daring because of him, for, were it not for him alone, not a
+lance would have been splintered nor a sword drawn to strike. When such
+an excellent man is found he ought to be loved and dearly prized. See
+now how he proves himself, see how he maintains his place, see how he
+stains with blood his lance and bare sword, see how he presses the enemy
+and follows them up, how he comes boldly to attack them, then gives
+away and turns about; but he spends little time in giving away, and soon
+returns to the attack. See him in the fray again, how lightly he esteems
+his shield, which he allows to be cut in pieces mercilessly. Just see
+how keen he is to avenge the blows which are dealt at him. For, if some
+one should use all the forest of Argone [319] to make lances for him,
+I guess he would have none left by night. For he breaks all the lances
+that they place in his socket, and calls for more. And see how he
+wields the sword when he draws it! Roland never wrought such havoc with
+Durendal against the Turks at Ronceval or in Spain! [320] If he had in
+his company some good companions like himself, the traitor, whose attack
+we are suffering, would retreat today discomfited, or would stand his
+ground only to find defeat." Then they say that the woman would be
+blessed who should be loved by one who is so powerful in arms, and who
+above all others may be recognised as a taper among candles, as a moon
+among the stars, and as the sun above the moon. He so won the hearts of
+all that the prowess which they see in him made them wish that he had
+taken their lady to wife, and that he were master of the land.
+
+(Vv. 3255-3340.) Thus men and women alike praised him, and in doing so
+they but told the truth. For his attack on his adversaries was such
+that they vie with one another in flight. But he presses hard upon their
+heels, and all his companions follow him, for by his side they feel
+as safe as if they were enclosed in a high and thick stone wall.
+The pursuit continues until those who flee become exhausted, and the
+pursuers slash at them and disembowel their steeds. The living roll
+over upon the dead as they wound and kill each other. They work dreadful
+destruction upon each other; and meanwhile the Count flees with my
+lord Yvain after him, until he comes up with him at the foot of a steep
+ascent, near the entrance of a strong place which belonged to the Count.
+There the Count was stopped, with no one near to lend him aid; and
+without any excessive parley my lord Yvain received his surrender. For
+as soon as he held him in his hands, and they were left just man to
+man, there was no further possibility of escape, or of yielding, or of
+self-defence; so the Count pledged his word to go to surrender to the
+lady of Noroison as her prisoner, and to make such peace as she might
+dictate. And when he had accepted his word he made him disarm his head
+and remove the shield from about his neck, and the Count surrendered to
+him his sword. Thus he won the honour of leading off the Count as his
+prisoner, and of giving him over to his enemies, who make no secret of
+their joy. But the news was carried to the town before they themselves
+arrived. While all come forth to meet them, the lady herself leads the
+way. My lord Yvain holds his prisoner by the hand, and presents him to
+her. The Count gladly acceded to her wishes and demands, and secured
+her by his word, oath, and pledges. Giving her pledges, he swears to her
+that he will always live on peaceful terms with her, and will make good
+to her all the loss which she can prove, and will build up again the
+houses which he had destroyed. When these things were agreed upon in
+accordance with the lady's wish, my lord Yvain asked leave to depart.
+But she would not have granted him this permission had he been willing
+to take her as his mistress, or to marry her. But he would not allow
+himself to be followed or escorted a single step, but rather departed
+hastily: in this case entreaty was of no avail. So he started out to
+retrace his path, leaving the lady much chagrined, whose joy he had
+caused a while before. When he will not tarry longer she is the more
+distressed and ill at ease in proportion to the happiness he had brought
+to her, for she would have wished to honour him, and would have made
+him, with his consent, lord of all her possessions, or else she would
+have paid him for his services whatever sum he might have named. But he
+would not heed any word of man or woman. Despite their grief he left the
+knights and the lady who vainly tried to detain him longer.
+
+(Vv. 3341-3484.) Pensively my lord Yvain proceeded through a deep wood,
+until he heard among the trees a very loud and dismal cry, and he turned
+in the direction whence it seemed to come. And when he had arrived upon
+the spot he saw in a cleared space a lion, and a serpent which held
+him by the tail, burning his hind-quarters with flames of fire. My lord
+Yvain did not gape at this strange spectacle, but took counsel with
+himself as to which of the two he should aid. Then he says that he will
+succour the lion, for a treacherous and venomous creature deserves to
+be harmed. Now the serpent is poisonous, and fire bursts forth from its
+mouth--so full of wickedness is the creature. So my lord Yvain decides
+that he will kill the serpent first. Drawing his sword he steps forward,
+holding the shield before his face in order not to be harmed by the
+flame emerging from the creature's throat, which was larger than a pot.
+If the lion attacks him next, he too shall have all the fight he wishes;
+but whatever may happen afterwards he makes up his mind to help him now.
+For pity urges him and makes request that he should bear succour and aid
+to the gentle and noble beast. With his sword, which cuts so clean, he
+attacks the wicked serpent, first cleaving him through to the earth and
+cutting him in two, then continuing his blows until he reduces him to
+tiny bits. But he had to cut off a piece of the lion's tail to get at
+the serpent's head, which held the lion by the tail. He cut off only so
+much as was necessary and unavoidable. When he had set the lion free, he
+supposed that he would have to fight with him, and that the lion would
+come at him; but the lion was not minded so. Just hear now what the
+lion did! He acted nobly and as one well-bred; for he began to make
+it evident that he yielded himself to him, by standing upon his two
+hind-feet and bowing his face to the earth, with his fore-feet joined
+and stretched out toward him. Then he fell on his knees again, and all
+his face was wet with the tears of humility. My lord Yvain knows for a
+truth that the lion is thanking him and doing him homage because of the
+serpent which he had killed, thereby delivering him from death. He was
+greatly pleased by this episode. He cleaned his sword of the serpent's
+poison and filth; then he replaced it in its scabbard, and resumed his
+way. And the lion walks close by his side, unwilling henceforth to part
+from him: he will always in future accompany him, eager to serve and
+protect him. [321] He goes ahead until he scents in the wind upon his
+way some wild beasts feeding; then hunger and his nature prompt him to
+seek his prey and to secure his sustenance. It is his nature so to do.
+He started ahead a little on the trail, thus showing his master that he
+had come upon and detected the odour and scent of some wild game.
+Then he looks at him and halts, wishing to serve his every wish, and
+unwilling to proceed against his will. Yvain understands by his attitude
+that he is showing that he awaits his pleasure. He perceives this and
+understands that if he holds back he will hold back too, and that if he
+follows him he will seize the game which he has scented. Then he incites
+and cries to him, as he would do to hunting-dogs. At once the lion
+directed his nose to the scent which he had detected, and by which he
+was not deceived, for he had not gone a bow-shot when he saw in a valley
+a deer grazing all alone. This deer he will seize, if he has his way.
+And so he did, at the first spring, and then drank its blood still warm.
+When he had killed it he laid it upon his back and carried it back to
+his master, who thereupon conceived a greater affection for him, and
+chose him as a companion for all his life, because of the great devotion
+he found in him. It was near nightfall now, and it seemed good to him
+to spend the night there, and strip from the deer as much as he cared to
+eat. Beginning to carve it he splits the skin along the rib, and taking
+a steak from the loin he strikes from a flint a spark, which he catches
+in some dry brush-wood; then he quickly puts his steak upon a roasting
+spit to cook before the fire, and roasts it until it is quite cooked
+through. But there was no pleasure in the meal, for there was no bread,
+or wine, or salt, or cloth, or knife, or anything else. While he was
+eating, the lion lay at his feet; nor a movement did he make, but
+watched him steadily until he had eaten all that he could eat of the
+steak. What remained of the deer the lion devoured, even to the bones.
+And while all night his master laid his head upon his shield to gain
+such rest as that afforded, the lion showed such intelligence that he
+kept awake, and was careful to guard the horse as it fed upon the grass,
+which yielded some slight nourishment.
+
+(Vv. 3485-3562.) In the morning they go off together, and the same sort
+of existence, it seems, as they had led that night, they two continued
+to lead all the ensuing week, until chance brought them to the spring
+beneath the pine-tree. There my lord Yvain almost lost his wits a second
+time, as he approached the spring, with its stone and the chapel that
+stood close by. So great was his distress that a thousand times he
+sighed "alas!" and grieving fell in a swoon; and the point of his sharp
+sword, falling from its scabbard, pierced the meshes of his hauberk
+right in the neck beside the cheek. There is not a mesh that does not
+spread, and the sword cuts the flesh of his neck beneath the shining
+mail, so that it causes the blood to start. Then the lion thinks that
+he sees his master and companion dead. You never heard greater grief
+narrated or told about anything than he now began to show. He casts
+himself about, and scratches and cries, and has the wish to kill himself
+with the sword with which he thinks his master has killed himself.
+Taking the sword from him with his teeth he lays it on a fallen tree,
+and steadies it on a trunk behind, so that it will not slip or give
+way, when he hurls his breast against it, His intention was nearly
+accomplished when his master recovered from his swoon, and the lion
+restrained himself as he was blindly rushing upon death, like a wild
+boar heedless of where he wounds himself. Thus my lord Yvain lies in
+a swoon beside the stone, but, on recovering, he violently reproached
+himself for the year during which he had overstayed his leave, and
+for which he had incurred his lady's hate, and he said: "Why does this
+wretch not kill himself who has thus deprived himself of joy? Alas! why
+do I not take my life? How can I stay here and look upon what belongs
+to my lady? Why does the soul still tarry in my body? What is the soul
+doing in so miserable a frame? If it had already escaped away it would
+not be in such torment. It is fitting to hate and blame and despise
+myself, even as in fact I do. Whoever loses his bliss and contentment
+through fault or error of his own ought to hate himself mortally. He
+ought to hate and kill himself. And now, when no one is looking on, why
+do I thus spare myself? Why do I not take my life? Have I not seen this
+lion a prey to such grief on my behalf that he was on the point just now
+of thrusting my sword through his breast? And ought I to fear death who
+have changed happiness into grief? Joy is now a stranger to me. Joy?
+What joy is that? I shall say no more of that, for no one could speak of
+such a thing; and I have asked a foolish question. That was the greatest
+joy of all which was assured as my possession, but it endured for but
+a little while. Whoever loses such joy through his own misdeed is
+undeserving of happiness."
+
+(Vv. 3563-3898.) While he thus bemoaned his fate, a lorn damsel in sorry
+plight, who was in the chapel, saw him and heard his words through
+a crack in the wall. As soon as he was recovered from his swoon, she
+called to him: "God," said she, "who is that I hear? Who is it that thus
+complains?" And he replied: "And who are you?" "I am a wretched one,"
+she said, "the most miserable thing alive." And he replied: "Be silent,
+foolish one! Thy grief is joy and thy sorrow is bliss compared with that
+in which I am cast down. In proportion as a man becomes more accustomed
+to happiness and joy, so is he more distracted and stunned than any
+other man by sorrow when it comes. A man of little strength can carry,
+through custom and habit, a weight which another man of greater strength
+could not carry for anything." "Upon my word," she said, "I know
+the truth of that remark; but that is no reason to believe that your
+misfortune is worse than mine. Indeed, I do not believe it at all, for
+it seems to me that you can go anywhere you choose to go, whereas I am
+imprisoned here, and such a fate is my portion that to-morrow I shall be
+seized and delivered to mortal judgment." "Ah, God!" said he, "and for
+what crime?" "Sir knight, may God never have mercy upon my soul, if I
+have merited such a fate! Nevertheless, I shall tell you truly, without
+deception, why I am here in prison: I am charged with treason, and I
+cannot find any one to defend me from being burned or hanged to-morrow."
+"In the first place," he replied, "I may say that my grief and woe are
+greater than yours, for you may yet be delivered by some one from the
+peril in which you are. Is that not true:" "Yes, but I know not yet by
+whom. There are only two men in the world who would dare on my behalf
+to face three men in battle." "What? In God's name, are there three
+of them?" "Yes, sire, upon my word. There are three who accuse me of
+treachery." "And who are they who are so devoted to you that either one
+of them would be bold enough to fight against three in your defence?" "I
+will answer your question truthfully: one of them is my lord Gawain, and
+the other is my lord Yvain, because of whom I shall to-morrow be handed
+over unjustly to the martyrdom of death." "Because of whom?" he asked,
+"what did you say?" "Sire, so help me God, because of the son of King
+Urien." "Now I understand your words, but you shall not die, without
+he dies too. I myself am that Yvain, because of whom you are in such
+distress. And you, I take it, are she who once guarded me safely in the
+hall, and saved my life and my body between the two portcullises, when I
+was troubled and distressed, and alarmed at being trapped. I should have
+been killed or seized, had it not been for your kind aid. Now tell me,
+my gentle friend, who are those who now accuse you of treachery, and
+have confined you in this lonely place?" "Sire, I shall not conceal it
+from you, since you desire me to tell you all. It is a fact that I was
+not slow in honestly aiding you. Upon my advice my lady received you,
+after heeding my opinion and my counsel. And by the Holy Paternoster,
+more for her welfare than for your own I thought I was doing it, and I
+think so still. So much now I confess to you: it was her honour and
+your desire that I sought to serve, so help me God! But when it became
+evident that you had overstayed the year when you should return to my
+mistress, then she became enraged at me, and thought that she had been
+deceived by putting trust in my advice. And when this was discovered by
+the seneschal--a rascally, underhanded, disloyal wretch, who was jealous
+of me because in many matters my lady trusted me more than she trusted
+him, he saw that he could now stir up great enmity between me and
+her. In full court and in the presence of all he accused me of having
+betrayed her in your favour. And I had no counsel or aid except my own;
+but I knew that I had never done or conceived any treacherous act toward
+my lady, so I cried out, as one beside herself, and without the advice
+of any one, that I would present in my own defence one knight who should
+fight against three. The fellow was not courteous enough to scorn
+to accept such odds, nor was I at liberty to retreat or withdraw
+for anything that might happen. So he took me at my word, and I was
+compelled to furnish bail that I would present within forty days a
+knight to do battle against three knights. Since then I have visited
+many courts; I was at King Arthur's court, but found no help from any
+there, nor did I find any one who could tell me any good news of you,
+for they knew nothing of your affairs." "Pray tell me. Where then was my
+good and gentle lord Gawain? No damsel in distress ever needed his aid
+without its being extended to her." "If I had found him at court, I
+could not have asked him for anything which would have been refused me;
+but a certain knight has carried off the Queen, so they told me; surely
+the King was mad to send her off in his company. [322] I believe it was
+Kay who escorted her to meet the knight who has taken her away; and my
+lord Gawain in great distress has gone in search for her. He will never
+have any rest until he finds her. Now I have told you the whole truth of
+my adventure. To-morrow I shall be put to a shameful death, and shall
+be burnt inevitably, a victim of your criminal neglect." And he replies:
+"May God forbid that you should be harmed because of me! So long as
+I live you shall not die! You may expect me tomorrow, prepared to the
+extent of my power to present my body in your cause, as it is proper
+that I should do. But have no concern to tell the people who I am!
+However the battle may turn out, take care that I be not recognised!"
+"Surely, sire, no pressure could make me reveal your name. I would
+sooner suffer death, since you will have it so. Yet, after all, I beg
+you not to return for my sake. I would not have you undertake a battle
+which will be so desperate. I thank you for your promised word that you
+would gladly undertake it, but consider yourself now released, for it is
+better that I should die alone than that I should see them rejoice over
+your death as well as mine; they would not spare my life after they had
+put you to death. So it is better for you to remain alive than that we
+both should meet death." "That is very ungrateful remark, my dear," says
+my lord Yvain; "I suppose that either you do not wish to be delivered
+from death, or else that you scorn the comfort I bring you with my aid.
+I will not discuss the matter more, for you have surely done so much
+for me that I cannot fail you in any need. I know that you are in great
+distress; but, if it be God's will, in whom I trust, they shall all
+three be discomfited. So no more upon that score: I am going off now to
+find some shelter in this wood, for there is no dwelling near at hand."
+"Sire," she says, "may God give you both good shelter and good night,
+and protect you as I desire from everything that might do you harm!"
+Then my lord Yvain departs, and the lion as usual after him. They
+journeyed until they came to a baron's fortified place, which was
+completely surrounded by a massive, strong, and high wall. The castle,
+being extraordinarily well protected, feared no assault of catapult or
+storming-machine; but outside the walls the ground was so completely
+cleared that not a single hut or dwelling remained standing. You will
+learn the cause of this a little later, when the time comes. My lord
+Yvain made his way directly toward the fortified place, and seven
+varlets came out who lowered the bridge and advanced to meet him. But
+they were terrified at sight of the lion, which they saw with him, and
+asked him kindly to leave the lion at the gate lest he should wound or
+kill them. And he replies: "Say no more of that! For I shall not enter
+without him. Either we shall both find shelter here or else I shall stay
+outside; he is as dear to me as I am myself. Yet you need have no fear
+of him! For I shall keep him so well in hand that you may be quite
+confident." They made answer: "Very well!" Then they entered the town,
+and passed on until they met knights and ladies and charming damsels
+coming down the street, who salute him and wait to remove his armour as
+they say: "Welcome to our midst, fair sire! And may God grant that you
+tarry here until you may leave with great honour and satisfaction!" High
+and low alike extend to him a glad welcome, and do all they can for him,
+as they joyfully escort him into the town. But after they had expressed
+their gladness they are overwhelmed by grief, which makes them quickly
+forget their joy, as they begin to lament and weep and beat themselves.
+Thus, for a long space of time, they cease not to rejoice or make
+lament: it is to honour their guest that they rejoice, but their heart
+is not in what they do, for they are greatly worried over an event which
+they expect to take place on the following day, and they feel very sure
+and certain that it will come to pass before midday. My lord Yvain was
+so surprised that they so often changed their mood, and mingled grief
+with their happiness, that he addressed the lord of the place on the
+subject. "For God's sake," he said, "fair gentle sir, will you kindly
+inform me why you have thus honoured me, and shown at once such joy and
+such heaviness?" "Yes, if you desire to know, but it would be better
+for you to desire ignorance and silence. I will never tell you willingly
+anything to cause you grief. Allow us to continue to lament, and do you
+pay no attention to what we do!" "It would be quite impossible for me
+to see you sad and nor take it upon my heart, so I desire to know the
+truth, whatever chagrin may result to me." "Well, then," he said, "I
+will tell you all. I have suffered much from a giant, who has insisted
+that I should give him my daughter, who surpasses in beauty all the
+maidens in the world. This evil giant, whom may God confound, is named
+Harpin of the Mountain. Not a day passes without his taking all of my
+possessions upon which he can lay his hands. No one has a better right
+than I to complain, and to be sorrowful, and to make lament. I might
+well lose my senses from very grief, for I had six sons who were
+knights, fairer than any I knew in the world, and the giant has taken
+all six of them. Before my eyes he killed two of them, and to-morrow he
+will kill the other four, unless I find some one who will dare to fight
+him for the deliverance of my sons, or unless I consent to surrender my
+daughter to him; and he says that when he has her in his possession he
+will give her over to be the sport of the vilest and lewdest fellows in
+his house, for he would scorn to take her now for himself. That is the
+disaster which awaits me to-morrow, unless the Lord God grant me His
+aid. So it is no wonder, fair sir, if we are all in tears. But for your
+sake we strive for the moment to assume as cheerful a countenance as we
+can. For he is a fool who attracts a gentleman to his presence and then
+does not honour him; and you seem to be a very perfect gentleman. Now
+I have told you the entire story of our great distress. Neither in town
+nor in fortress has the giant left us anything, except what we have
+here. If you had noticed, you must have seen this evening that he has
+not left us so much as an egg, except these walls which are new; for he
+has razed the entire town. When he had plundered all he wished, he set
+fire to what remained. In this way he has done me many an evil turn."
+
+(Vv. 3899-3956.) My lord Yvain listened to all that his host told him,
+and when he had heard it all he was pleased to answer him: "Sire, I am
+sorry and distressed about this trouble of yours; but I marvel greatly
+that you have not asked assistance at good King Arthur's court. There is
+no man so mighty that he could not find at his court some who would be
+glad to try their strength with his." Then the wealthy man reveals and
+explains to him that he would have had efficient help if he had known
+where to find my lord Gawain. "He would not have failed me upon this
+occasion, for my wife is his own sister; but a knight from a strange
+land, who went to court to seek the King's wife, has led her away.
+However, he could not have gotten possession of her by any means of his
+own invention, had it not been for Kay, who so befooled the King that he
+gave the Queen into his charge and placed her under his protection. He
+was a fool, and she imprudent to entrust herself to his escort. And I
+am the one who suffers and loses in all this; for it is certain that my
+excellent lord Gawain would have made haste to come here, had he known
+the facts, for the sake of his nephews and his niece. But he knows
+nothing of it, wherefore I am so distressed that my heart is almost
+breaking, for he is gone in pursuit of him, to whom may God bring shame
+and woe for having led the Queen away." While listening to this recital
+my lord Yvain does not cease to sigh. Inspired by the pity which he
+feels, he makes this reply: "Fair gentle sire, I would gladly undertake
+this perilous adventure, if the giant and your sons should arrive
+to-morrow in time to cause me no delay, for tomorrow at noon I shall
+be somewhere else, in accordance with a promise I have made." "Once
+for all, fair sire," the good man said, "I thank you a hundred thousand
+times for your willingness." And all the people of the house likewise
+expressed their gratitude.
+
+(Vv. 3957-4384.) Just then the damsel came out of a room, with her
+graceful body and her face so fair and pleasing to look upon. She was
+very simple and sad and quiet as she came, for there was no end to the
+grief she felt: she walked with her head bowed to the ground. And her
+mother, too, came in from an adjoining room, for the gentleman had sent
+for them to meet his guest. They entered with their mantles wrapped
+about them to conceal their tears; and he bid them throw back their
+mantles, and hold up their heads, saying: "You ought not to hesitate
+to obey my behests, for God and good fortune have given us here a very
+well-born gentleman who assures me that he will fight against the giant.
+Delay no longer now to throw yourselves at his feet!" "May God never let
+me see that!" my lord Yvain hastens to exclaim; "surely it would not be
+proper under any circumstances for the sister and the niece of my lord
+Gawain to prostrate themselves at my feet. May God defend me from ever
+giving place to such pride as to let them fall at my feet! Indeed, I
+should never forget the shame which I should feel; but I should be
+very glad if they would take comfort until to-morrow, when they may see
+whether God will consent to aid them. I have no other request to make,
+except that the giant may come in such good time that I be not compelled
+to break my engagement elsewhere; for I would not fail for anything
+to be present to-morrow noon at the greatest business I could ever
+undertake." Thus he is unwilling to reassure them completely, for he
+fears that the giant may not come early enough to allow him to reach
+in time the damsel who is imprisoned in the chapel. Nevertheless, he
+promises them enough to arouse good hope in them. They all alike join in
+thanking him, for they place great confidence in his prowess, and they
+think he must be a very good man, when they see the lion by his side as
+confident as a lamb would be. They take comfort and rejoice because of
+the hope they stake on him, and they indulge their grief no more. When
+the time came they led him off to bed in a brightly lighted room; both
+the damsel and her mother escorted him, for they prized him dearly, and
+would have done so a hundred thousand times more had they been informed
+of his prowess and courtesy. He and the lion together lay down there and
+took their rest. The others dared not sleep in the room; but they closed
+the door so tight that they could not come out until the next day at
+dawn. When the room was thrown open he got up and heard Mass, and then,
+because of the promise he had made, he waited until the hour of prime.
+Then in the hearing of all he summoned the lord of the town and said:
+"My lord, I have no more time to wait, but must ask your permission
+to leave at once; I cannot tarry longer here. But believe truly that
+I would gladly and willingly stay here yet awhile for the sake of the
+nephews and the niece of my beloved lord Gawain, if I did not have a
+great business on hand, and if it were not so far away." At this the
+damsel's blood quivered and boiled with fear, as well as the lady's and
+the lord's. They were so afraid he would go away that they were on the
+point of humbling themselves and casting themselves at his feet, when
+they recalled that he would not approve or permit their action. Then the
+lord makes him an offer of all he will take of his lands or wealth, if
+only he will wait a little longer. And he replied: "God forbid that ever
+I should take anything of yours!" Then the damsel, who is in dismay,
+begins to weep aloud, and beseeches him to stay. Like one distracted and
+prey to dread, she begs him by the glorious queen of heaven and of the
+angels, and by the Lord, not to go but to wait a little while; and
+then, too, for her uncle's sake, whom he says he knows, and loves, and
+esteems. Then his heart is touched with deep pity when he hears her
+adjuring him in the name of him whom he loves the most, and by the
+mistress of heaven, and by the Lord, who is the very honey and sweet
+savour of pity. Filled with anguish he heaved a sigh, for were the
+kingdom of Tarsus at stake he would not see her burned to whom he had
+pledged his aid. If he could not reach her in time, he would be unable
+to endure his life, or would live on without his wits on the other hand,
+the kindness of his friend, my lord Gawain, only increased his distress;
+his heart almost bursts in half at the thought that he cannot delay.
+Nevertheless, he does not stir, but delays and waits so long that the
+giant came suddenly, bringing with him the knights: and hanging from his
+neck he carried a big square stake with a pointed end, and with this he
+frequently spurred them on. For their part they had no clothing on that
+was worth a straw, except some soiled and filthy shirts: and their feet
+and hands were bound with cords, as they came riding upon four limping
+jades, which were weak, and thin, and miserable. As they came riding
+along beside a wood, a dwarf, who was puffed up like a toad, had
+tied the horses' tails together, and walked beside them, beating them
+remorselessly with a four-knotted scourge until they bled, thinking
+thereby to be doing something wonderful. Thus they were brought along in
+shame by the giant and the dwarf. Stopping in the plain in front of the
+city gate, the giant shouts out to the noble lord that he will kill his
+sons unless he delivers to him his daughter, whom he will surrender to
+his vile fellows to become their sport. For he no longer loves her nor
+esteems her, that he should deign to abase himself to her. She shall be
+constantly beset by a thousand lousy and ragged knaves, vacant wretches,
+and scullery boys, who all shall lay hands on her. The worthy man is
+well-nigh beside himself when he hears how his daughter will be made
+a bawd, or else, before his very eyes, his four sons will be put to a
+speedy death. His agony is like that of one who would rather be dead
+than alive. Again and again he bemoans his fate, and weeps aloud and
+sighs. Then my frank and gentle lord Yvain thus began to speak to him:
+"Sire, very vile and impudent is that giant who vaunts himself out
+there. But may God never grant that he should have your daughter in his
+power! He despises her and insults her openly. It would be too great a
+calamity if so lovely a creature of such high birth were handed over
+to become the sport of boys. Give me now my arms and horse! Have the
+drawbridge lowered, and let me pass. One or the other must be cast down,
+either I or he, I know not which. If I could only humiliate the cruel
+wretch who is thus oppressing you, so that he would release your sons
+and should come and make amends for the insulting words he has spoken
+to you, then I would commend you to God and go about my business." Then
+they go to get his horse, and hand over to him his arms, striving so
+expeditiously that they soon have him quite equipped. They delayed as
+little as they could in arming him. When his equipment was complete,
+there remained nothing but to lower the bridge and let him go. They
+lowered it for him, and he went out. But the lion would by no means
+stay behind. All those who were left behind commended the knight to
+the Saviour, for they fear exceedingly lest their devilish enemy, who
+already had slain so many good men on the same field before their eyes,
+would do the same with him. So they pray God to defend him from death,
+and return him to them safe and sound, and that He may give him strength
+to slay the giant. Each one softly prays to God in accordance with his
+wish. And the giant fiercely came at him, and with threatening words
+thus spake to him: "By my eyes, the man who sent thee here surely had
+no love for thee! No better way could he have taken to avenge himself on
+thee. He has chosen well his vengeance for whatever wrong thou hast done
+to him." But the other, fearing naught, replies: "Thou treatest of what
+matters not. Now do thy best, and I'll do mine. Idle parley wearies me."
+Thereupon my lord Yvain, who was anxious to depart, rides at him. He
+goes to strike him on the breast, which was protected by a bear's skin,
+and the giant runs at him with his stake raised in air. My lord Yvain
+deals him such a blow upon the chest that he thrusts through the skin
+and wets the tip of his lance in his body's blood by way of sauce. And
+the giant belabours him with the stake, and makes him bend beneath the
+blows. My lord Yvain then draws the sword with which he knew how to
+deal fierce blows. He found the giant unprotected, for he trusted in his
+strength so much that he disdained to arm himself. And he who had drawn
+his blade gave him such a slash with the cutting edge, and not with the
+flat side, that he cut from his cheek a slice fit to roast. Then the
+other in turn gave him such a blow with the stake that it made him sing
+in a heap upon his horse's neck. Thereupon the lion bristles up, ready
+to lend his master aid, and leaps up in his anger and strength, and
+strikes and tears like so much bark the heavy bearskin the giant wore,
+and he tore away beneath the skin a large piece of his thigh, together
+with the nerves and flesh. The giant escaped his clutches, roaring and
+bellowing like a bull, for the lion had badly wounded him. Then raising
+his stake in both hands, he thought to strike him, but missed his aim,
+when the lion leaded backward so he missed his blow, and fell exhausted
+beside my lord Yvain, but without either of them touching the other.
+Then my lord Yvain took aim and landed two blows on him. Before he could
+recover himself he had severed with the edge of his sword the giant's
+shoulder from his body. With the next blow he ran the whole blade of his
+sword through his liver beneath his chest; the giant falls in death's
+embrace. And if a great oak tree should fall, I think it would make no
+greater noise than the giant made when he tumbled down. All those who
+were on the wall would fain have witnessed such a blow. Then it became
+evident who was the most fleet of foot, for all ran to see the game,
+just like hounds which have followed the beast until they finally come
+up with him. So men and women in rivalry ran forward without delay to
+where the giant lay face downward. The daughter comes running, and
+her mother too. And the four brothers rejoice after the woes they have
+endured. As for my lord Yvain they are very sure that they could not
+detain him for any reason they might allege, but they beseech him to
+return and stay to enjoy himself as soon as he shall have completed the
+business which calls him away. And he replies that he cannot promise
+them anything, for as yet he cannot guess whether it will fare well or
+ill with him. But thus much did he say to his host: that he wished that
+his four sons and his daughter should take the dwarf and go to my lord
+Gawain when they hear of his return, and should tell and relate to him
+how he has conducted himself. For kind actions are of no use if you are
+not willing that they be known. And they reply: "It is not right that
+such kindness as this should be kept hid: we shall do whatever you
+desire. But tell us what we can say when we come before him. Whose
+praises can we speak, when we know not what your name may be?" And he
+answers them: "When you come before him, you may say thus much: that I
+told you 'The Knight with the Lion' was my name. And at the same time
+I must beg you to tell him from me that, if he does not recognise who I
+am, yet he knows me well and I know him. Now I must be gone from here,
+and the thing which most alarms me is that I may too long have tarried
+here, for before the hour of noon be passed I shall have plenty to do
+elsewhere, if indeed I can arrive there in time." Then, without further
+delay, he starts. But first his host begged him insistently that he
+would take with him his four sons: for there was none of them who would
+not strive to serve him, if he would allow it. But it did not please
+or suit him that any one should accompany him; so he left the place to
+them, and went away alone. And as soon as he starts, riding as fast as
+his steed can carry him, he heads toward the chapel. The path was good
+and straight, and he knew well how to keep the road. But before he could
+reach the chapel, the damsel had been dragged out and the pyre prepared
+upon which she was to be placed. Clad only in a shift, she was held
+bound before the fire by those who wrongly attributed to her an
+intention she had never had. My lord Yvain arrived, and, seeing her
+beside the fire into which she was about to be cast, he was naturally
+incensed. He would be neither courteous nor sensible who had any
+doubt about that fact. So it is true that he was much incensed; but he
+cherishes within himself the hope that God and the Right will be on his
+side. In such helpers he confides; nor does he scorn his lion's aid.
+Rushing quickly toward the crowd, he shouts: "Let the damsel be, you
+wicked folk! Having committed no crime, it is not right that she should
+be cast upon a pyre or into a furnace." And they draw off on either
+side, leaving a passage-way for him. But he yearns to see with his own
+eyes her whom his heart beholds in whatever place she may be. His eyes
+seek her until he finds her, while he subdues and holds in check his
+heart, just as one holds in check with a strong curb a horse that pulls.
+Nevertheless, he gladly gazes at her, and sighs the while; but he does
+not sigh so openly that his action is detected; rather does he stifle
+his sighs, though with difficulty. And he is seized with pity at
+hearing, seeing, and perceiving the grief of the poor ladies, who cried:
+"Ah, God, how hast Thou forgotten us! How desolate we shall now remain
+when we lose so kind a friend, who gave us such counsel and such aid,
+and interceded for us at court! It was she who prompted madame to clothe
+us with her clothes of vair. Henceforth the situation will change, for
+there will be no one to speak for us! Cursed be he who is the cause of
+our loss! For we shall fare badly in all this. There will be no one to
+utter such advice as this: 'My lady, give this vair mantle, this cloak,
+and this garment to such and such an honest dame! Truly, such charity
+will be well employed, for she is in very dire need of them.' No such
+words as these shall be uttered henceforth, for there is no one else who
+is frank and courteous; but every one solicits for himself rather than
+for some one else, even though he have no need."
+
+(Vv. 4385-4474.) Thus they were bemoaning their fate; and my lord Yvain
+who was in their midst, heard their complaints, which were neither
+groundless nor assumed. He saw Lunete on her knees and stripped to her
+shift, having already made confession, and besought God's mercy for her
+sins. Then he who had loved her deeply once came to her and raised her
+up, saying: "My damsel, where are those who blame and accuse you? Upon
+the spot, unless they refuse, battle will be offered them." And she, who
+had neither seen nor looked at him before, said: "Sire, you come from
+God in this time of my great need! The men who falsely accuse me are all
+ready before me here; if you had been a little later I should soon have
+been reduced to fuel and ashes. You have come here in my defence,
+and may God give you the power to accomplish it in proportion as I am
+guiltless of the accusation which is made against me!" The seneschal and
+his two brothers heard these words. "Ah!" they exclaim, "woman, chary
+of uttering truth but generous with lies! He indeed is mad who for thy
+words assumes so great a task. The knight must be simple-minded who has
+come here to die for thee, for he is alone and there are three of us. My
+advice to him is that he turn back before any harm shall come to him."
+Then he replies, as one impatient to begin: "Whoever is afraid, let him
+run away! I am not so afraid of your three shields that I should go off
+defeated without a blow. I should be indeed discourteous, if, while yet
+unscathed and in perfect case, I should leave the place and field to
+you. Never, so long as I am alive and sound, will I run away before
+such threats. But I advise thee to set free the damsel whom thou hast
+unjustly accused; for she tells me, and I believe her word, and she has
+assured me upon the salvation of her soul, that she never committed,
+or spoke, or conceived any treason against her mistress. I believe
+implicitly what she has told me, and will defend her as best I can, for
+I consider the righteousness of her cause to be in my favour. For, if
+the truth be known, God always sides with the righteous cause, for God
+and the Right are one; and if they are both upon my side, then I have
+better company and better aid than thou." [323] Then the other responds
+imprudently that he may make every effort that pleases him and is
+convenient to do him injury, provided that his lion shall not do him
+harm. And he replies that he never brought the lion to champion his
+cause, nor does he wish any but himself to take a hand: but if the lion
+attacks him, let him defend himself against him as best he can, for
+concerning him he will give no guarantee. Then the other answers:
+"Whatever thou mayst say; unless thou now warn thy lion, and make him
+stand quietly to one side, there is no use of thy longer staying here,
+but begone at once, and so shalt thou be wise; for throughout this
+country every one is aware how this girl betrayed her lady, and it is
+right that she receive her due reward in fire and flame." "May the Holy
+Spirit forbid!" says he who knows the truth; "may God not let me
+stir from here until I have delivered her!" Then he tells the lion to
+withdraw and to lie down quietly, and he does so obediently.
+
+(Vv. 4475-4532.) The lion now withdrew, and the parley and quarrel being
+ended between them two, they all took their distance for the charge. The
+three together spurred toward him, and he went to meet them at a walk.
+He did not wish to be overturned or hurt at this first encounter. So he
+let them split their lances, while keeping his entire, making for them a
+target of his shield, whereon each one broke his lance. Then he galloped
+off until he was separated from them by the space of an acre; but he
+soon returned to the business in hand, having no desire to delay. On
+his coming up the second time, he reached the seneschal before his two
+brothers, and breaking his lance upon his body, he carried him to earth
+in spite of himself, and he gave him such a powerful blow that for a
+long while he lay stunned, incapable of doing him any harm. And then the
+other two came at him with their swords bared, and both deal him great
+blows, but they receive still heavier blows from him. For a single one
+of the blows he deals is more than a match for two of theirs; thus he
+defends himself so well that they have no advantage over him, until the
+seneschal gets up and does his best to injure him, in which attempt the
+others join, until they begin to press him and get the upper hand. Then
+the lion, who is looking on, delays no longer to lend him aid; for it
+seems to him that he needs it now. And all the ladies, who are devoted
+to the damsel, beseech God repeatedly and pray to Him earnestly not to
+allow the death or the defeat of him who has entered the fray on her
+account. The ladies, having no other weapons, thus assist him with their
+prayers. And the lion brings him such effective aid, that at his first
+attack, he strikes so fiercely the seneschal, who was now on his feet,
+that he makes the meshes fly from the hauberk like straw, and he drags
+him down with such violence that he tears the soft flesh from his
+shoulder and all down his side. He strips whatever he touches, so that
+the entrails lie exposed. The other two avenge this blow.
+
+(Vv. 4533-4634.) Now they are all even on the field. The seneschal is
+marked for death, as he turns and welters in the red stream of warm
+blood pouring from his body. The lion attacks the others; for my
+lord Yvain is quite unable, though he did his best by beating or
+by threatening him, to drive him back; but the lion doubtless feels
+confident that his master does not dislike his aid, but rather loves him
+the more for it: so he fiercely attacks them, until they have reason
+to complain of his blows, and they wound him in turn and use him badly.
+When my lord Yvain sees his lion wounded, his heart is wroth within his
+breast, and rightly so; but he makes such efforts to avenge him, and
+presses them so hard, that he completely reduces them; they no longer
+resist him, but surrender to him at discretion, because of the lion's
+help, who is now in great distress; for he was wounded everywhere, and
+had good cause to be in pain. For his part, my lord Yvain was by no
+means in a healthy state, for his body bore many a wound. But he is not
+so anxious about himself as about his lion, which is in distress. Now
+he has delivered the damsel exactly in accordance with his wish, and
+the lady has very willingly dismissed the grudge that she bore her.
+And those men were burned upon the pyre which had been kindled for
+the damsel's death; for it is right and just that he who has misjudged
+another, should suffer the same manner of death as that to which he had
+condemned the other. Now Lunete is joyous and glad at being reconciled
+with her mistress, and together they were more happy than any one ever
+was before. Without recognising him, all present offered to him, who was
+their lord, their service so long as life should last; even the lady,
+who possessed unknowingly his heart, begged him insistently to tarry
+there until his lion and he had quite recovered. And he replied: "Lady,
+I shall not now tarry here until my lady removes from me her displeasure
+and anger: then the end of all my labours will come." "Indeed," she
+said, "that grieves me. I think the lady cannot be very courteous who
+cherishes ill-will against you. She ought not to close her door against
+so valorous a knight as you, unless he had done her some great wrong."
+"Lady," he replies, "however great the hardship be, I am pleased by what
+ever may be her will. But speak to me no more of that; for I shall say
+nothing of the cause or crime, except to those who are informed of it."
+"Does any one know it, then, beside you two?" "Yes, truly, lady." "Well,
+tell us at least your name, fair sir; then you will be free to go."
+"Quite free, my lady? No, I shall not be free. I owe more than I can
+pay. Yet, I ought not to conceal from you my name. You will never hear
+of 'The Knight with the Lion' without hearing of me; for I wish to be
+known by that name." "For God's sake, sir, what does that name mean? For
+we never saw you before, nor have we ever heard mentioned this name
+of yours." "My lady, you may from that infer that my fame is not
+widespread." Then the lady says: "Once more, if it did not oppose your
+will, I would pray you to tarry here." "Really, my lady, I should not
+dare, until I knew certainly that I had regained my lady's good-will."
+"Well, then, go in God's name, fair sir; and, if it be His will, may He
+convert your grief and sorrow into joy." "Lady," says he, "may God hear
+your prayer." Then he added softly under his breath: "Lady, it is you
+who hold the key, and, though you know it not, you hold the casket in
+which my happiness is kept under lock."
+
+(Vv. 4635-4674.) Then he goes away in great distress, and there is no
+one who recognises him save Lunete, who accompanied him a long distance.
+Lunete alone keeps him company, and he begs her insistently never to
+reveal the name of her champion. "Sire," says she, "I will never do so."
+Then he further requested her that she should not forget him, and that
+she should keep a place for him in his mistress' heart, whenever the
+chance arose. She tells him to be at ease on that score; for she will
+never be forgetful, nor unfaithful, nor idle. Then he thanks her a
+thousand times, and he departs pensive and oppressed, because of his
+lion that he must needs carry, being unable to follow him on foot. He
+makes for him a litter of moss and ferns in his shield. When he has made
+a bed for him there, he lays him in it as gently as he can, and carries
+him thus stretched out full length on the inner side of his shield.
+Thus, in his shield he bears him off, until he arrives before the gate
+of a mansion, strong and fair. Finding it closed, he called, and the
+porter opened it so promptly that he had no need to call but once. He
+reaches out to take his rein, and greets him thus: "Come in, fair sire.
+I offer you the dwelling of my lord, if it please you to dismount." "I
+accept the offer gladly," he replies, "for I stand in great need of it,
+and it is time to find a lodging."
+
+(Vv. 4675-4702.) Thereupon, he passed through the gate, and saw the
+retainers in a mass coming to meet him. They greeted him and helped him
+from his horse, and laid down upon the pavement his shield with the lion
+on it. And some, taking his horse, put it in a stable: while others very
+properly relieved him of his arms and took them. Then the lord of the
+castle heard the news, and at once came down into the courtyard,
+and greeted him. And his lady came down, too, with all her sons and
+daughters and a great crowd of other people, who all rejoiced to offer
+him a lodging. They gave him a quiet room, because they deemed that he
+was sick; but their good nature was put to a test when they allowed the
+lion to go with him. His cure was undertaken by two maidens skilled in
+surgery, who were daughters of the lord. I do not know how many days
+he stayed there, until he and his lion, being cured, were compelled to
+proceed upon their way.
+
+(Vv. 4703-4736.) But within this time it came about that my lord of
+Noire Espine had a struggle with Death, and so fierce was Death's attack
+that he was forced to die. After his death it happened that the elder of
+two daughters whom he had, announced that she would possess uncontested
+all the estates for herself during her entire lifetime, and that she
+would give no share to her sister. And the other one said that she would
+go to King Arthur's court to seek help for the defence of her claim to
+the land. When the former saw that her sister would by no means concede
+all the estates to her without contest, she was greatly concerned, and
+thought that, if possible, she would get to court before her. At once
+she prepared and equipped herself, and without any tarrying or delay,
+she proceeded to the court. The other followed her, and made all the
+haste she could; but her journey was all in vain, for her eider sister
+had already presented her case to my lord Gawain, and he had promised
+to execute her will. But there was an agreement between them that if any
+one should learn of the facts from her, he would never again take arms
+for her, and to this arrangement she gave consent.
+
+(Vv. 4737-4758.) Just then the other sister arrived at court, clad in
+a short mantle of scarlet cloth and fresh ermine. It happened to be
+the third day after the Queen had returned from the captivity in which
+Maleagant had detained her with all the other prisoners; but Lancelot
+had remained behind, treacherously confined within a tower. And on that
+very day, when the damsel came to court, news was received of the cruel
+and wicked giant whom the knight with the lion had killed in battle. In
+his name, my lord Gawain was greeted by his nephews and niece, who told
+him in detail of all the great service and great deeds of prowess he
+had done for them for his sake, and how that he was well acquainted with
+him, though not aware of his identity.
+
+(Vv. 4759-4820.) All this was heard by her, who was plunged thereby
+into great despair and sorrow and dejection; for, since the best of the
+knights was absent, she thought she would find no aid or counsel at the
+court. She had already made several loving and insistent appeals to my
+lord Gawain; but he had said to her: "My dear, it is useless to appeal
+to me; I cannot do it; I have another affair on hand, which I shall
+in no wise give up." Then the damsel at once left him, and presented
+herself before the King. "O King," said she, "I have come to thee and to
+thy court for aid. But I find none, and I am very much mazed that I can
+get no counsel here. Yet it would not be right for me to go away without
+taking leave. My sister may know, however, that she might obtain by
+kindness whatever she desired of my property; but I will never surrender
+my heritage to her by force, if I can help it, and if I can find any
+aid or counsel." "You have spoken wisely," said the King; "since she is
+present here, I advise, recommend, and urge her to surrender to you what
+is your right." Then the other, who was confident of the best knight in
+the world, replied: "Sire, may God confound me, if ever I bestow on her
+from my estates any castle, town, clearing, forest, land, or anything
+else. But if any knight dares to take arms on her behalf and desires to
+defend her cause, let him step forth at once." "Your offer to her is not
+fair; she needs more time," the King replied; "if she desires, she may
+have forty days to secure a champion, according to the practice of all
+courts." To which the elder sister replied: "Fair King, my lord, you may
+establish your laws as it pleases you, and as seems good, nor is it
+my place to gainsay you, so I must consent to the postponement, if she
+desires it." Whereupon, the other says that she does desire it, and she
+makes formal request for it. Then she commended the King to God, and
+left the court resolving to devote her life to the search through all
+the land for the Knight with the Lion, who devotes himself to succouring
+women in need of aid.
+
+(Vv. 4821-4928.) Thus she entered upon her quest, and traversed many
+a country without hearing any news of him, which caused her such grief
+that she fell sick. But it was well for her that it happened so; for she
+came to the dwelling of a friend of hers, by whom she was dearly loved.
+By this time her face showed clearly that she was not in good health.
+They insisted upon detaining her until she told them of her plight;
+whereupon, another damsel took up the quest wherein she had been
+engaged, and continued the search on her behalf. So while the one
+remained in this retreat, the other rode rapidly all day long, until the
+darkness of night came on, and caused her great anxiety. [324] And her
+trouble was doubled when the rain came on with terrible violence, as
+if God Himself were doing His worst, while she was in the depths of the
+forest. The night and the woods cause her great distress, but she is
+more tormented by the rain than by either the woods or the night. And
+the road was so bad that her horse was often up to the girth in mud; any
+damsel might well be terrified to be in the woods, without escort, in
+such bad weather and in such darkness that she could not see the horse
+she was riding. So she called on God first, and His mother next, and
+then on all the saints in turn, and offered up many a prayer that
+God would lead her out from this forest and conduct her to some
+lodging-place. She continued in prayer until she heard a horn, at which
+she greatly rejoiced; for she thought now she would find shelter, if she
+could only reach the place. So she turned in the direction of the sound,
+and came upon a paved road which led straight toward the horn whose
+sound she heard; for the horn had given three long, loud blasts. And she
+made her way straight toward the sound, until she came to a cross which
+stood on the right side of the road, and there she thought that she
+might find the horn and the person who had sounded it. So she spurred
+her horse in that direction, until she drew near a bridge, and descried
+the white walls and the barbican of a circular castle. Thus, by chance
+she came upon the castle, setting her course by the sound which had led
+her thither. She had been attracted by the sound of the horn blown by a
+watchman upon the walls. As soon as the watchman caught sight of her, he
+called to her, then came down, and taking the key of the gate, opened
+it for her and said: "Welcome, damsel, whoe'er you be. You shall be
+well lodged this night." "I have no other desire than that," the damsel
+replied, as he let her in. After the toil and anxiety she had endured
+that day, she was fortunate to find such a lodging-place; for she was
+very comfortable there. After the meal the host addressed her, and
+inquired where she was going and what was her quest. Whereupon, she thus
+replied: "I am seeking one whom I never saw, so far as I am aware, and
+never knew; but he has a lion with him, and I am told that, if I find
+him, I can place great confidence in him." "I can testify to that," the
+other said: "for the day before yesterday God sent him here to me in
+my dire need. Blessed be the paths which led him to my dwelling. For he
+made me glad by avenging me of a mortal enemy and killing him before
+my eyes. Outside yonder gate you may see to-morrow the body of a mighty
+giant, whom he slew with such ease that he hardly had to sweat." "For
+God's sake, sire," the damsel said, "tell me now the truth, if you know
+whither he went, and where he is." "I don't know," he said, "as God sees
+me here; but to-morrow I will start you on the road by which he went
+away from here." "And may God," said she, "lead me where I may hear true
+news of him. For if I find him, I shall be very glad."
+
+(Vv. 4929-4964.) Thus they continued in long converse until at last they
+went to bed. When the day dawned, the maid arose, being in great concern
+to find the object of her quest. And the master of the house arose with
+all his companions, and set her upon the road which led straight to the
+spring beneath the pine. And she, hastening on her way toward the town,
+came and asked the first men whom she met, if they could tell her where
+she would find the lion and the knight who travelled in company. And
+they told her that they had seen him defeat three knights in that very
+place. Whereupon, she said at once: "For God's sake, since you have said
+so much, do not keep back from me anything that you can add." "No," they
+replied; "we know nothing more than we have said, nor do we know what
+became of him. If she for whose sake he came here, cannot give you
+further news, there will be no one here to enlighten you. You will not
+have far to go, if you wish to speak with her; for she has gone to make
+prayer to God and to hear Mass in yonder church, and judging by the time
+she has been inside, her orisons have been prolonged."
+
+(Vv. 4965-5106.) While they were talking thus, Lunete came out from the
+church, and they said: "There she is." Then she went to meet her, and
+they greeted each other. She asked Lunete at once for the information
+she desired; and Lunete said that she would have a palfrey saddled; for
+she wished to accompany her, and would take her to an enclosure where
+she had left him. The other maiden thanked her heartily. Lunete mounts
+the palfrey which is brought without delay, and, as they ride, she tells
+her how she had been accused and charged with treason, and how the pyre
+was already kindled upon which she was to be laid, and how he had come
+to help her in just the moment of her need. While speaking thus, she
+escorted her to the road which led directly to the spot where my lord
+Yvain had parted from her. When she had accompanied her thus far, she
+said: "Follow this road until you come to a place where, if it please
+God and the Holy Spirit, you will hear more reliable news of him than
+I can tell. I very well remember that I left him either near here, or
+exactly here, where we are now; we have not seen each other since then,
+and I do not know what he has done. When he left me, he was in sore need
+of a plaster for his wounds. So I will send you along after him, and if
+it be God's will, may He grant that you find him to-night or to-morrow
+in good health. Now go: I commend you to God. I must not follow you any
+farther, lest my mistress be displeased with me." Then Lunete leaves her
+and turns back; while the other pushed on until she found a house,
+where my lord Yvain had tarried until he was restored to health. She saw
+people gathered before the gate, knights, ladies and men-at-arms, and
+the master of the house; she saluted them, and asked them to tell her,
+if possible, news of a knight for whom she sought. "Who is he?" they
+ask. "I have heard it said that he is never without a lion." "Upon my
+word, damsel," the master says, "he has just now left us. You can come
+up with him to-night, if you are able to keep his tracks in sight, and
+are careful not to lose any time." "Sire," she answers, "God forbid.
+But tell me now in what direction I must follow him." And they tell
+her: "This way, straight ahead," and they beg her to greet him on their
+behalf. But their courtesy was not of much avail; for, without giving
+any heed, she galloped off at once. The pace seemed much too slow to
+her, though her palfrey made good time. So she galloped through the mud
+just the same as where the road was good and smooth, until she caught
+sight of him with the lion as his companion. Then in her gladness she
+exclaims: "God, help me now. At last I see him whom I have so long
+pursued, and whose trace I have long followed. But if I pursue and
+nothing gain, what will it profit me to come up with him? Little or
+nothing, upon my word. If he does not join in my enterprise, I have
+wasted all my pains." Thus saying, she pressed on so fast that her
+palfrey was all in a sweat; but she caught up with him and saluted him.
+He thus at once replied to her: "God save you, fair one, and deliver you
+from grief and woe." "The same to you, sire, who, I hope, will soon be
+able to deliver me." Then she draws nearer to him, and says: "Sire, I
+have long searched for you. The great fame of your merit has made me
+traverse many a county in my weary search for you. But I continued my
+quest so long, thank God, that at last I have found you here. And if I
+brought any anxiety with me, I am no longer concerned about it, nor do I
+complain or remember it now. I am entirely relieved; my worry has taken
+flight the moment I met with you. Moreover, the affair is none of mine:
+I come to you from one that is better than I, a woman who is more noble
+and excellent. But if she be disappointed in her hopes of you, then she
+has been betrayed by your fair renown, for she has no expectation of
+other aid. My damsel, who is deprived of her inheritance by a sister,
+expects with your help to win her suit; she will have none but you
+defend her cause. No one can make her believe that any one else could
+bear her aid. By securing her share of the heritage, you will have won
+and acquired the love of her who is now disinherited, and you will also
+increase your own renown. She herself was going in search for you to
+secure the boon for which she hoped; no one else would have taken her
+place, had she not been detained by an illness which compels her to keep
+her bed. Now tell me, please, whether you will dare to come, or whether
+you will decline." "No," he says; "no man can win praise in a life of
+ease; and I will not hold back, but will follow you gladly, my sweet
+friend, whithersoever it may please you. And if she for whose sake you
+have sought me out stands in some great need of me, have no fear that I
+shall not do all I can for her. Now may God grant me the happiness and
+grace to settle in her favour her rightful claim."
+
+(Vv. 5107-5184.) [325] Thus conversing, they two rode away until they
+approached the town of Pesme Avanture. They had no desire to pass it
+by, for the day was already drawing to a close. They came riding to the
+castle, when all the people, seeing them approach, called out to the
+knight: "Ill come, sire, ill come. This lodging-place was pointed out to
+you in order that you might suffer harm and shame. An abbot might take
+his oath to that." "Ah," he replied, "foolish and vulgar folk, full
+of all mischief, and devoid of honour, why have you thus assailed me?"
+"Why? you will find out soon enough, if you will go a little farther.
+But you shall learn nothing more until you have ascended to the
+fortress." At once my lord Yvain turns toward the tower, and the crowd
+cries out, all shouting aloud at him: "Eh, eh, wretch, whither goest
+thou? If ever in thy life thou hast encountered one who worked thee
+shame and woe, such will be done thee there, whither thou art going,
+as will never be told again by thee." My lord Yvain, who is listening,
+says: "Base and pitiless people, miserable and impudent, why do you
+assail me thus, why do you attack me so? What do you wish of me, what
+do you want, that you growl this way after me?" A lady, who was somewhat
+advanced in years, who was courteous and sensible, said: "Thou hast no
+cause to be enraged: they mean no harm in what they say; but, if thou
+understoodest them aright, they are warning thee not to spend the night
+up there; they dare not tell thee the reason for this, but they are
+warning and blaming thee because they wish to arouse thy fears. This
+they are accustomed to do in the case of all who come, so that they may
+not go inside. And the custom is such that we dare not receive in our
+own houses, for any reason whatsoever, any gentleman who comes here from
+a distance. The responsibility now is thine alone; no one will stand in
+thy way. If thou wishest, thou mayst go up now; but my advice is to turn
+back again." "Lady," he says, "doubtless it would be to my honour and
+advantage to follow your advice; but I do not know where I should find
+a lodging-place to-night." "Upon my word," says she, "I'll say no more,
+for the concern is none of mine. Go wherever you please. Nevertheless,
+I should be very glad to see you return from inside without too great
+shame; but that could hardly be." "Lady," he says, "may God reward you
+for the wish. However, my wayward heart leads me on inside, and I
+shall do what my heart desires." Thereupon, he approaches the gate,
+accompanied by his lion and his damsel. Then the porter calls to him,
+and says: "Come quickly, come. You are on your way to a place where you
+will be securely detained, and may your visit be accursed."
+
+(Vv. 5185-5346.) The porter, after addressing him with this very
+ungracious welcome, hurried upstairs. But my lord Yvain, without making
+reply, passed straight on, and found a new and lofty hall; in front
+of it there was a yard enclosed with large, round, pointed stakes,
+and seated inside the stakes he saw as many as three hundred maidens,
+working at different kinds of embroidery. Each one was sewing with
+golden thread and silk, as best she could. But such was their poverty,
+that many of them wore no girdle, and looked slovenly, because so poor;
+and their garments were torn about their breasts and at the elbows, and
+their shifts were soiled about their necks. Their necks were thin, and
+their faces pale with hunger and privation. They see him, as he looks at
+them, and they weep, and are unable for some time to do anything or to
+raise their eyes from the ground, so bowed down they are with woe. When
+he had contemplated them for a while, my lord Yvain turned about and
+moved toward the door; but the porter barred the way, and cried: "It
+is no use, fair master; you shall not get out now. You would like to be
+outside: but, by my head, it is of no use. Before you escape you will
+have suffered such great shame that you could not easily suffer more;
+so you were not wise to enter here, for there is no question of escaping
+now." "Nor do I wish to do so, fair brother," said he; "but tell me,
+by thy father's soul, whence came the damsels whom I saw in the yard,
+weaving cloths of silk and gold. I enjoy seeing the work they do, but I
+am much distressed to see their bodies so thin, and their faces so pale
+and sad. I imagine they would be fair and charming, if they had what
+they desire." "I will tell you nothing," was the reply; "seek some one
+else to tell you." "That will I do, since there is no better way." Then
+he searches until he finds the entrance of the yard where the damsels
+were at work: and coming before them, he greets them all, and sees tears
+flowing from their eyes, as they weep. Then he says to them: "May it
+please God to remove from your hearts, and turn to joy, this grief, the
+cause of which I do not know." One of them answers: "May you be heard by
+God, to whom you have addressed your prayer. It shall not be concealed
+from you who we are, and from what land: I suppose that is what you wish
+to know." "For no other purpose came I here," says he. [326] "Sire,
+it happened a long while ago that the king of the Isle of Damsels went
+seeking news through divers courts and countries, and he kept on his
+travels like a dunce until he encountered this perilous place. It was an
+unlucky hour when he first came here, for we wretched captives who are
+here receive all the shame and misery which we have in no wise deserved.
+And rest assured that you yourself may expect great shame, unless a
+ransom for you be accepted. But, at any rate, so it came about that my
+lord came to this town, where there are two sons of the devil (do not
+take it as a jest) who were born of a woman and an imp. These two were
+about to fight with the king, whose terror was great, for he was not yet
+eighteen years old, and they would have been able to cleave him through
+like a tender lamb. So the king, in his terror, escaped his fate as best
+he could, by swearing that he would send hither each year, as required,
+thirty of his damsels, and with this rent he freed himself. And when
+he swore, it was agreed that this arrangement should remain in force
+as long as the two devils lived. But upon the day when they should
+be conquered and defeated in battle, he would be relieved from this
+tribute, and we should be delivered who are now shamefully given over to
+distress and misery. Never again shall we know what pleasure is. But I
+spoke folly just now in referring to our deliverance, for we shall never
+more leave this place. We shall spend our days weaving cloths of silk,
+without ever being better clad. We shall always be poor and naked, and
+shall always suffer from hunger and thirst, for we shall never be able
+to earn enough to procure for ourselves any better food. Our bread
+supply is very scarce--a little in the morning and less at night, for
+none of us can gain by her handiwork more than fourpence a day for her
+daily bread. And with this we cannot provide ourselves with sufficient
+food and clothes. For though there is not one of us who does not earn as
+much as twenty sous [327] a week, yet we cannot live without hardship.
+Now you must know that there is not a single one of us who does not do
+twenty sous worth of work or more, and with such a sum even a duke would
+be considered rich. So while we are reduced to such poverty, he, for
+whom we work, is rich with the product of our toil. We sit up many
+nights, as well as every day, to earn the more, for they threaten to do
+us injury, when we seek some rest, so we do not dare to rest ourselves.
+But why should I tell you more? We are so shamefully treated and
+insulted that I cannot tell you the fifth part of it all. But what makes
+us almost wild with rage is that we very often see rich and excellent
+knights, who fight with the two devils, lose their lives on our account.
+They pay dearly for the lodging they receive, as you will do to-morrow.
+For, whether you wish to do so or not, you will have to fight
+singlehanded and lose your fair renown with these two devils." "May God,
+the true and spiritual, protect me," said my lord Yvain, "and give you
+back your honour and happiness, if it be His will. I must go now and see
+the people inside there, and find out what sort of entertainment they
+will offer me." "Go now, sire, and may He protect you who gives and
+distributes all good things."
+
+(Vv. 5347-5456.) Then he went until he came to the hall where he found
+no one, good or bad, to address him. Then he and his companion passed
+through the house until they came to a garden. They never spoke of, or
+mentioned, stabling their horses. But what matters it? For those who
+considered them already as their own had stabled them carefully. I do
+not know whether their expectation was wise, for the horses' owners are
+still perfectly hale. The horses, however, have oats and hay, and stand
+in litter up to their belly. My lord Yvain and his company enter the
+garden. There he sees, reclining upon his elbow upon a silken rug, a
+gentleman, to whom a maiden was reading from a romance about I know
+not whom. There had come to recline there with them and listen to the
+romance a lady, who was the mother of the damsel, as the gentleman was
+her father; they had good reason to enjoy seeing and hearing her, for
+they had no other children. She was not yet sixteen years old, and
+was so fair and full of grace that the god of Love would have devoted
+himself entirely to her service, if he had seen her, and would never
+have made her fall in love with anybody except himself. For her sake he
+would have become a man, and would lay aside his deity, and would smite
+his own body with that dart whose wound never heals unless some base
+physician attends to it. It is not fitting that any one should recover
+until he meets with faithlessness. Any one who is cured by other means
+is not honestly in love. I could tell you so much about this wound, if
+you were pleased to listen to it, that I would not get through my tale
+to-day. But there would be some one who would promptly say that I was
+telling you but an idle tale; for people don't fall in love nowadays,
+nor do they love as they used to do, so they do not care to hear of it.
+[328] But hear now in what fashion and with what manner of hospitality
+my lord Yvain was received. All those who were in the garden leaped to
+their feet when they saw him come, and cried out: "This way, fair sire.
+May you and all you love be blessed with all that God can do or say." I
+know not if they were deceiving him, but they receive him joyfully and
+act as if they are pleased that he should be comfortably lodged. Even
+the lord's daughter serves him very honourably, as one should treat a
+worthy guest. She relieves him of all his arms, nor was it the least
+attention she bestowed on him when she herself washed his neck and face.
+The lord wishes that all honour should be shown him, as indeed they do.
+She gets out from her wardrobe a folded shirt, white drawers, needle and
+thread for his sleeves, which she sews on, thus clothing him. [329] May
+God want now that this attention and service may not prove too costly to
+him! She gave him a handsome jacket to put on over his shirt, and about
+his neck she placed a brand new spotted mantle of scarlet stuff.
+She takes such pains to serve him well that he feels ashamed and
+embarrassed. But the damsel is so courteous and open-hearted and polite
+that she feels she is doing very little. And she knows well that it is
+her mother's will that she shall leave nothing undone for him which she
+thinks may win his gratitude. That night at table he was so well served
+with so many dishes that there were too many. The servants who brought
+in the dishes might well have been wearied by serving them. That night
+they did him all manner of honour, putting him comfortably to bed, and
+not once going near him again after he had retired. His lion lay at
+his feet, as his custom was. In the morning, when God lighted His great
+light for the world, as early as was consistent in one who was always
+considerate, my lord Yvain quickly arose, as did his damsel too. They
+heard Mass in a chapel, where it was promptly said for them in honour of
+the Holy Spirit.
+
+(Vv. 5457-5770.) After the Mass my lord Yvain heard bad news, when he
+thought the time had come for him to leave and that nothing would stand
+in his way; but it could not be in accordance with his wish. When he
+said: "Sire, if it be your will, and with your permission, I am going
+now," the master of the house replied: "Friend, I will not grant you
+permission yet. There is a reason why I cannot do so, for there is
+established in this castle a very terrible practice which I am bound
+to observe. I shall now cause to approach two great, strong fellows of
+mine, against whom, whether right or wrong, you must take arms. If you
+can defend yourself against them, and conquer and slay them both, my
+daughter desires you as her lord, and the suzerainty of this town and
+all its dependencies awaits you." "Sire," said he, "for all this I have
+no desire. So may God never bestow your daughter upon me, but may she
+remain with you; for she is so fair and so elegant that the Emperor
+of Germany would be fortunate to win her as his wife." "No more, fair
+guest," the lord replied: "there is no need of my listening to your
+refusal, for you cannot escape. He who can defeat the two, who are about
+to attack you, must by right receive my castle, and all my land, and
+my daughter as his wife. There is no way of avoiding or renouncing
+the battle. But I feel sure that your refusal of my daughter is due to
+cowardice, for you think that in this manner you can completely avoid
+the battle. Know, however, without fail that you must surely fight. No
+knight who lodges here can possibly escape. This is a settled custom
+and statute, which will endure yet for many a year, for my daughter will
+never be married until I see them dead or defeated." "Then I must fight
+them in spite of myself. But I assure you that I should very gladly give
+it up. In spite of my reluctance, however, I shall accept the battle,
+since it is inevitable." Thereupon, the two hideous, black sons of
+the devil come in, both armed with a crooked club of a cornelian
+cherry-tree, which they had covered with copper and wound with brass.
+They were armed from the shoulders to the knees, but their head and
+face were bare, as well as their brawny legs. Thus armed, they advanced,
+bearing in their hands round shields, stout and light for fighting. The
+lion begins to quiver as soon as he sees them, for he sees the arms they
+have, and perceives that they come to fight his master. He is aroused,
+and bristles up at once, and, trembling with rage and bold impulse, he
+thrashes the earth with his tail, desiring to rescue his master before
+they kill him. And when they see him they say: "Vassal, remove the lion
+from here that he may not do us harm. Either surrender to us at once, or
+else, we adjure you, that lion must be put where he can take no part in
+aiding you or in harming us. You must come alone to enjoy our sport, for
+the lion would gladly help you, if he could." My lord Yvain then replies
+to them: "Take him away yourselves if you are afraid of him. For I shall
+be well pleased and satisfied if he can contrive to injure you, and I
+shall be grateful for his aid." They answer: "Upon my word that will
+not do; you shall never receive any help from him. Do the best you can
+alone, without the help of any one. You must fight single-handed against
+us two. If you were not alone, it would be two against two; so you must
+follow our orders, and remove your lion from here at once, however much
+you may dislike to do so." "Where do you wish him to be?" he asks, "or
+where do you wish me to put him?" Then they show him a small room, and
+say: "Shut him up in there." "It shall be done, since it is your will."
+Then he takes him and shuts him up. And now they bring him arms for his
+body, and lead out his horse, which they give to him, and he mounts. The
+two champions, being now assured about the lion, which is shut up in
+the room, come at him to injure him and do him harm. They give him such
+blows with the maces that his shield and helmet are of little use, for
+when they hit him on the helmet they batter it in and break it; and the
+shield is broken and dissolved like ice, for they make such holes in
+it that one could thrust his fists through it: their onslaught is truly
+terrible. And he--what does he do against these two devils? Urged on
+by shame and fear, he defends himself with all his strength. He strains
+every nerve, and exerts himself to deal heavy, and telling blows; they
+lost nothing by his gifts, for he returned their attentions with
+double measure. In his room, the lion's heart is heavy and sad, for he
+remembers the kind deed done for him by this noble man, who now must
+stand in great need of his service and aid. If now he could escape
+from there, he would return him the kindness with full measure and
+full bushel, without any discount whatsoever. He looks about in all
+directions, but sees no way of escape. He hears the blows of the
+dangerous and desperate fight, and in his grief he rages and is beside
+himself. He investigates, until he comes to the threshold, which was
+beginning to grow rotten; and he scratches at it until he can squeeze
+himself in as far as his haunches, when he sticks fast. Meanwhile, my
+lord Yvain was hard pressed and sweating freely, for he found that the
+two fellows were very strong, fierce, and persistent. He had received
+many a blow, and repaid it as best he could, but without doing them any
+harm, for they were well skilled in fencing, and their shields were not
+of a kind to be hacked by any sword, however sharp and well tempered
+it might be. So my lord Yvain had good reason to fear his death, yet he
+managed to hold his own until the lion extricated himself by continued
+scratching beneath the threshold. If the rascals are not killed now,
+surely they will never be. For so long as the lion knows them to be
+alive, they can never obtain truce or peace with him. He seizes one of
+them, and pulls him down to earth like a tree-trunk. The wretches are
+terrified, and there is not a man present who does not rejoice. For he
+whom the lion has dragged down will never be able to rise again, unless
+the other succours him. He runs up to bring him aid, and at the same
+time to protect himself, lest the lion should attack him as soon as he
+had despatched the one whom he had thrown down; he was more afraid of
+the lion than of his master. But my lord Yvain will be foolish now if
+he allows him longer life, when he sees him turn his back, and sees his
+neck bare and exposed; this chance turned out well for him. When the
+rascal exposed to him his bare head and neck, he dealt him such a blow
+that he smote his head from his shoulders so quietly that the fellow
+never knew a word about it. Then he dismounts, wishing to help and save
+the other one from the lion, who holds him fast. But it is of no use,
+for already he is in such straits that a physician can never arrive in
+time; for the lion, coming at him furiously, so wounded him at the first
+attack, that he was in a dreadful state. Nevertheless, he drags the lion
+back, and sees that he had torn his shoulder from its place. He is in
+no fear of the fellow now, for his club has fallen from his hand, and
+he lies like a dead man without action or movement; still he has enough
+strength to speak, and he said as clearly as he could: "Please take your
+lion away, fair sire, that he may not do me further harm. Henceforth you
+may do with me whatever may be your desire. Whoever begs and prays
+for mercy, ought not to have his prayer refused, unless he addresses a
+heartless man. I will no longer defend myself, nor will I ever get up
+from here with my own strength; so I put myself in your hands." "Speak
+out then," he says, "if thou dost admit that thou art conquered and
+defeated." "Sire," he says, "it is evident. I am defeated in spite of
+myself, and I surrender, I promise you." "Then thou needest have no
+further fear of me, and my lion will leave thee alone." Then he is
+surrounded by all the crowd, who arrive on the scene in haste. And both
+the lord and his lady rejoice over him, and embrace him, and speak to
+him of their daughter, saying: "Now you will be the lord and master of
+us all, and our daughter will be your wife, for we bestow her upon you
+as your spouse." "And for my part," he says. "I restore her to you. Let
+him who has her keep her. I have no concern with her, though I say it
+not in disparagement. Take it not amiss if I do not accept her, for
+I cannot and must not do so. But deliver to me now, if you will, the
+wretched maidens in your possession. The agreement, as you well know,
+is that they shall all go free." "What you say is true," he says: "and I
+resign and deliver them freely to you: there will be no dispute on that
+score. But you will be wise to take my daughter with all my wealth, for
+she is fair, and charming, and sensible. You will never find again such
+a rich marriage as this." "Sire," he replies, "you do not know of my
+engagements and my affairs, and I do not dare to explain them to you.
+But, you may be sure, when I refuse what would never be refused by any
+one who was free to devote his heart and intentions to such a fair and
+charming girl, that I too would willingly accept her hand if I could, or
+if I were free to accept her or any other maid. But I assure you that I
+cannot do it: so let me depart in peace. For the damsel, who escorted
+me hither, is awaiting me. She has kept me company, and I would not
+willingly desert her whatever the future may have in store." "You wish
+to go, fair sire? But how? My gate will never be opened for you unless
+my judgment bids me give the command; rather shall you remain here as my
+prisoner. You are acting haughtily and making a mistake when you disdain
+to take my daughter at my request." "Disdain, my lord? Upon my soul, I
+do not disdain her. Whatever the penalty may be, I cannot marry a wife
+or tarry here. I shall follow the damsel who is my guide: for otherwise
+it cannot be. But, with your consent, I will pledge you my right hand,
+and you may take my word, that, just as you see me now, I will return
+if possible, and then will accept your daughter's hand, whenever it may
+seem good ro you." "Confound any one," he says, "who asks you for your
+word or promise or pledge. If my daughter pleases you, you will return
+quickly enough. You will not return any sooner. I think, for having
+given your word or sworn an oath. Begone now. I release you from all
+oaths and promises. If you are detained by rain or wind, or by nothing
+at all, it is of no consequence to me. I do not hold my daughter so
+cheap as to bestow her upon you forcibly. Now go about your business.
+For it is quite the same to me whether you go or whether you stay."
+
+(Vv. 5771-5871.) Thereupon my lord Yvain turns away and delays no longer
+in the castle. He escorted the poor and ill-clad wretches, who were now
+released from captivity, and whom the lord committed to his care. These
+maidens feel that now they are rich, as they file out in pairs before
+him from the castle. I do not believe that they would rejoice so much as
+they do now were He who created the whole world to descend to earth from
+Heaven. Now all those people who had insulted him in every possible way
+come to beseech him for mercy and peace, and escort him on his way. He
+replies that he knows nothing of what they mean. "I do not understand
+what you mean," he says; "but I have nothing against you. I do not
+remember that you ever said anything that harmed me." They are very glad
+for what they hear, and loudly praise his courtesy, and after escorting
+him a long distance, they all commend him to God. Then the damsels,
+after asking his permission, separated from him. When they left him,
+they all bowed to him, and prayed and expressed the wish that God might
+grant him joy and health, and the accomplishment of his desire, wherever
+in the future he should go. Then he, who is anxious to be gone, says
+that he hopes God will save them all. "Go," he says, "and may God
+conduct you into your countries safe and happy." Then they continue
+their way joyfully; and my lord Yvain departs in the other direction.
+All the days of that week he never ceases to hurry on under the escort
+of the maid, who was well acquainted with the road, and with the retired
+place where she had left the unhappy and disconsolate damsel who had
+been deprived of her inheritance. But when she heard news of the arrival
+of the maiden and of the Knight with the Lion. There never was such joy
+as she felt within her heart. For now she thinks that, if she insists,
+her sister will cede her a part of her inheritance. The damsel had long
+lain sick, and had just recovered from her malady. It had seriously
+affected her, as was apparent from her face. Straightway she went forth
+to meet them, greeting them and honouring them in every way she could.
+There is no need to speak of the happiness that prevailed that night
+in the house. No mention will be made of it, for the story would be too
+long to tell. I pass over all that, until they mounted next morning and
+went away. They rode until they saw the town where King Arthur had been
+staying for a fortnight or more. And there, too, was the damsel who
+had deprived her sister of her heritage, for she had kept close to the
+court, waiting for the arrival of her sister, who now draws near. But
+she does not worry much, for she does not think that her sister can find
+any knight who can withstand my lord Gawain's attack, and only one day
+of the forty yet remains. If this single day had passed, she would have
+had the reasonable and legal right to claim the heritage for herself
+alone. But more stands in the way than she thinks or believes. That
+night they spent outside the town in a small and humble house, where,
+in accordance with their desire, they were not recognised. At the first
+sign of dawn the next morning they necessarily issue forth, but ensconce
+themselves in hiding until broad daylight.
+
+(Vv. 5872-5924.) I know not how many days had passed since my lord
+Gawain had so completely disappeared that no one at court knew anything
+about him, except only the damsel in whose cause he was to fight. He
+had concealed himself three or four leagues from the court, and when he
+returned he was so equipped that even those who knew him perfectly
+could not recognise him by the arms he bore. The damsel, whose injustice
+toward her sister was evident, presented him at court in the sight of
+all, for she intended with his help to triumph in the dispute where she
+had no rights. So she said to the King: "My lord, time passes. The
+noon hour will soon be gone, and this is the last day. As you see, I am
+prepared to defend my claim. If my sister were going to return, there
+would be nothing to do but await her arrival. But I may praise God that
+she is not coming back again. It is evident that she cannot better her
+affairs, and that her trouble has been for naught. For my part, I have
+been ready all the time up to this last day, to prove my claim to what
+is mine. I have proved my point entirely without a fight, and now I
+may rightfully go to accept my heritage in peace; for I shall render no
+accounting for it to my sister as long as I live, and she will lead a
+wretched and miserable existence." Then the King, who well knew that the
+damsel was disloyally unjust toward her sister, said to her: "My dear,
+upon my word, in a royal court one must wait as long as the king's
+justice sits and deliberates upon the verdict. It is not yet time to
+pack up, for it is my belief that your sister will yet arrive in time."
+Before the King had finished, he saw the Knight with the Lion and the
+damsel with him. They two were advancing alone, having slipped away from
+the lion, who had stayed where they spent the night.
+
+(Vv. 5925-5990.) The King saw the damsel whom he did not fail to
+recognise, and he was greatly pleased and delighted to see her, for
+he was on her side of the quarrel, because he had regard for what was
+right. Joyfully he cried out to her as soon as he could: "Come forward,
+fair one: may God save you!" When the other sister hears these words,
+she turns trembling, and sees her with the knight whom she had brought
+to defend in her claim: then she turned blacker than the earth. The
+damsel, after being kindly welcomed by all, went to where the King was
+sitting. When she had come before him, she spoke to him thus: "God save
+the King and his household. If my rights in this dispute can be settled
+by a champion, then it will be done by this knight who has followed
+me hither. This frank and courteous knight had many other things to do
+elsewhere; but he felt such pity for me that he cast aside all his other
+affairs for the sake of mine. Now, madame, my very dear sister, whom I
+love as much as my own heart, would do the right and courteous thing if
+she would let me have so much of what is mine by right that there might
+be peace between me and her; for I ask for nothing that is hers." "Nor
+do I ask for anything that is thine," the other replied; "for thou hast
+nothing, and nothing shalt thou have. Thou canst never talk so much as
+to gain anything by thy words. Thou mayest dry up with grief." Then the
+other, who was very polite and sensible and courteous, replied with the
+words: "Certainly I am sorry that two such gentlemen as these should
+fight on our behalf over so small a disagreement. But I cannot disregard
+my claim, for I am in too great need of it. So I should be much obliged
+to you if you would give me what is rightly mine." "Surely," the other
+said, "any one would be a fool to consider thy demands. May I burn in
+evil fire and flame if I give thee anything to ease thy life! The banks
+of the Seine will meet, and the hour of prime will be called noon,
+before I refuse to carry out the fight." "May God and the right, which
+I have in this cause, and in which I trust and have trusted till the
+present time, aid him, who in charity and courtesy has offered himself
+in my service, though he knows not who I am, and though we are ignorant
+of each other's identity."
+
+(Vv. 5991-6148.) So they talked until their conversation ceased, and
+then produced the knights in the middle of the court. Then all the
+people crowd about, as people are wont to do when they wish to witness
+blows in battle or in joust. But those who were about to fight did
+not recognise each other, though their relations were wont to be very
+affectionate. Then do they not love each other now? I would answer you
+both "yes" and "no." And I shall prove that each answer is correct. In
+truth, my lord Gawain loves Yvain and regards him as his companion, and
+so does Yvain regard him, wherever he may be. Even here, if he knew who
+he was, he would make much of him, and either one of them would lay down
+his head for the other before he would allow any harm to come to him. Is
+not that a perfect and lofty love? Yes, surely. But, on the other hand,
+is not their hate equally manifest? Yes; for it is a certain thing that
+doubtless each would be glad to have broken the other's head, and so
+to have injured him as to cause his humiliation. Upon my word, it is a
+wondrous thing, that Love and mortal Hate should dwell together. God!
+How can two things so opposed find lodging in the same dwelling-place?
+It seems to me they cannot live together; for one could not dwell with
+the other, without giving rise to noise and contention, as soon as each
+knew of the other's presence. But upon the ground-floor there may be
+several apartments: for there are halls and sleeping-rooms. It may be
+the same in this case: I think Love had ensconced himself in some hidden
+room, while Hate had betaken herself to the balconies looking on the
+high-road, because she wishes to be seen. Just now Hate is in the
+saddle, and spurs and pricks forward as she can, to get ahead of Love
+who is indisposed to move. Ah! Love, what has become of thee? Come out
+now, and thou shalt see what a host has been brought up and opposed to
+thee by the enemies of thy friends. The enemies are these very men who
+love each other with such a holy love for love, which is neither false
+nor feigned, is a precious and a holy thing. In this case Love is
+completely blind, and Hate, too, is deprived of sight. For if Love had
+recognised these two men, he must have forbidden each to attack the
+other, or to do any thing to cause him harm. In this respect, then,
+Love is blind and discomfited and beguiled; for, though he sees them, he
+fails to recognise those who rightly belong to him. And though Hate is
+unable to tell why one of them should hate the other, yet she tries to
+engage them wrongfully, so that each hates the other mortally. You know,
+of course, that he cannot be said to love a man who would wish to harm
+him and see him dead. How then? Does Yvain wish to kill his friend, my
+lord Gawain? Yes, and the desire is mutual. Would, then, my lord Gawain
+desire to kill Yvain with his own hands, or do even worse than I have
+said? Nay, not really, I swear and protest. One would not wish to injure
+or harm the other, in return for all that God has done for man, or for
+all the empire of Rome. But this, in turn, is a lie of mine, for it is
+plainly to be seen that, with lance raised high in rest, each is ready
+to attack the other, and there will be no restraint of the desire of
+each to wound the other with intent to injure him and work him woe. Now
+tell me! When one will have defeated the other, of whom can he complain
+who has the worst of it? For if they go so far as to come to blows, I am
+very much afraid that they will continue the battle and the strife
+until victory be definitely decided. If he is defeated, will Yvain be
+justified in saying that he has been harmed and wronged by a man who
+counts him among his friends, and who has never mentioned him but by the
+name of friend or companion? Or, if it comes about perchance that Yvain
+should hurt him in turn, or defeat him in any way, will Gawain have
+the right to complain? Nay, for he will not know whose fault it is. In
+ignorance of each other's identity, they both drew off and took their
+distance. At this first shock, their lances break, though they were
+stout, and made of ash. Not a word do they exchange, for if they had
+stopped to converse their meeting would have been different. In that
+case, no blow would have been dealt with lance or sword; they would have
+kissed and embraced each other rather than sought each other's harm. For
+now they attack each other with injurious intent. The condition of the
+swords is not improved, nor that of the helmets and shields, which are
+dented and split; and the edges of the swords are nicked and dulled. For
+they strike each other violently, not with the fiat of the swords,
+but with the edge, and they deal such blows with the pommels upon the
+nose-guards and upon the neck, forehead and cheeks, that they are all
+marked black and blue where the blood collects beneath the skin. And
+their hauberks are so torn, and their shields so broken in pieces, that
+neither one escaped without wounds. Their breath is almost exhausted
+with the labour of the strife; they hammer away at each other so lustily
+that every hyacinth and emerald set in their helmets is crushed and
+smashed. For they give each other such a battering with their pommels
+upon the helmets that they are quite stunned, as they almost beat out
+each other's brains. The eyes in their heads gleam like sparks, as, with
+stout square fists, and strong nerves, and hard bones, they strike each
+other upon the mouth as long as they can grip their swords, which are of
+great service to them in dealing their heavy blows.
+
+(Vv. 6149-6228.) When they had for a long time strained themselves,
+until the helmets were crushed, and the hauberks' meshes were torn
+apart with the hammering of the swords, and the shields were split and
+cracked, they drew apart a little to give their pulse a rest and to
+catch their breath again. However, they do not long delay, but run at
+each other again more fiercely than before. And all declare that they
+never saw two more courageous knights. "This fight between them is no
+jest, but they are in grim earnest. They will never be repaid for their
+merits and deserts." The two friends, in their bitter struggle, heard
+these words, and heard how the people were talking of reconciling the
+two sisters; but they had no success in placating the elder one. And the
+younger one said she would leave it to the King, and would not gainsay
+him in anything. But the elder one was so obstinate that even the
+Queen Guinevere and the knights and the King and the ladies and the
+townspeople side with the younger sister, and all join in beseeching the
+King to give her a third or a fourth part of the land in spite of the
+elder sister, and to separate the two knights who had displayed such
+bravery, for it would be too bad if one should injure the other or
+deprive him of any honour. And the King replied that he would take no
+hand in making peace, for the elder sister is so cruel that she has no
+desire for it. All these words were heard by the two, who were attacking
+each other so bitterly that all were astonished thereat; for the battle
+is waged so evenly that it is impossible to judge which has the better
+and which the worse. Even the two men themselves, who fight, and who
+are purchasing honour with agony, are filled with amazement and stand
+aghast, for they are so well matched in their attack, that each wonders
+who it can be that withstands him with such bravery. They fight so long
+that the day draws on to night, while their arms grow weary and their
+bodies sore, and the hot, boiling blood flows from many a spot and
+trickles down beneath their hauberks: they are in such distress that
+it is no wonder if they wish to rest. Then both withdraw to rest
+themselves, each thinking within himself that, however long he has had
+to wait, he now at last has met his match. For some time they thus seek
+repose, without daring to resume the fight. They feel no further desire
+to fight, because of the night which is growing dark, and because of the
+respect they feel for each other's might. These two considerations keep
+them apart, and urge them to keep the peace. But before they leave the
+field they will discover each other's identity, and joy and mercy will
+be established between them.
+
+(Vv. 6229-6526.) My brave and courteous lord Yvain was the first to
+speak. But his good friend was unable to recognise him by his utterance;
+for he was prevented by his low tone and by his voice which was hoarse,
+weak, and broken; for his blood was all stirred up by the blows he had
+received. "My lord," he says, "the night comes on! I think no blame
+or reproach will attach to us if the night comes between us. But I
+am willing to admit, for my own part, that I feel great respect and
+admiration for you, and never in my life have I engaged in a battle
+which has made me smart so much, nor did I ever expect to see a knight
+whose acquaintance I should so yearn to make. You know well how to land
+your blows and how to make good use of them: I have never known a knight
+who was so skilled in dealing blows. It was against my will that I
+received all the blows you have bestowed on me to-day; I am stunned
+by the blows you have I struck upon my head." "Upon my word," my lord
+Gawain replies, "you are not so stunned and faint but that I am as much
+so, or more. And if I should tell you the simple truth, I think you
+would not be loath to hear it, for if I have lent you anything of mine,
+you have fully paid me back, principal and interest; for you were more
+ready to pay back than I was to accept the payment. But however that
+may be, since you wish me to inform you of my name, it shall not be kept
+from you: my name is Gawain the son of King Lot." As soon as my
+lord Yvain heard that, he was amazed and sorely troubled; angry and
+grief-stricken, he cast upon the ground his bloody sword and broken
+shield, then dismounted from his horse, and cried: "Alas, what mischance
+is this! Through what unhappy ignorance in not recognising each other
+have we waged this battle! For if I had known who you were, I should
+never have fought with you; but, upon my word, I should have surrendered
+without a blow." "How is that?" my lord Gawain inquires, "who are you,
+then?" "I am Yvain, who love you more than any man in the whole wide
+world, for you have always been fond of me and shown me honour in every
+court. But I wish to make you such amends and do you such honour in this
+affair that I will confess myself to have been defeated." "Will you do
+so much for my sake?" my gentle lord Gawain asks him; "surely I should
+be presumptuous to accept any such amends from you. This honour shall
+never be claimed as mine, but it shall be yours, to whom I resign
+it." "Ah, fair sire, do not speak so. For that could never be. I am so
+wounded and exhausted that I cannot endure more." "Surely, you have no
+cause to be concerned." his friend and companion replies; "but for my
+part, I am defeated and overcome; I say it not as a compliment; for
+there is no stranger in the world, to whom I would not say as much,
+rather than receive any more blows." Thus saying, he got down from his
+horse, and they threw their arms about each other's neck, kissing each
+other, and each continuing to assert that it is he who has met defeat.
+The argument is still in progress when the King and the knights come
+running up from every side, at the sight of their reconciliation; and
+great is their desire to hear how this can be, and who these men are who
+manifest such happiness. The King says: "Gentlemen, tell us now who
+it is that has so suddenly brought about this friendship and harmony
+between you two, after the hatred and strife there has been this day?"
+Then his nephew, my lord Gawain, thus answers him: "My lord, you shall
+be informed of the misfortune and mischance which have been the cause of
+our strife. Since you have tarried in order to hear and learn the cause
+of it, it is right to let you know the truth. I, Gawain, who am your
+nephew, did not recognise this companion of mine, my lord Yvain, until
+he fortunately, by the will of God, asked me my name. After each had
+informed the other of his name, we recognised each other, but not until
+we had fought it out. Our struggle already has been long; and if we had
+fought yet a little longer, it would have fared ill with me, for, by my
+head, he would have killed me, what with his prowess and the evil cause
+of her who chose me as her champion. But I would rather be defeated than
+killed by a friend in battle." Then my lord Yvain's blood was stirred,
+as he said to him in reply: "Fair dear sire, so help me God, you have no
+right to say so much. Let my lord, The King, well know in this battle
+I am surely the one who has been defeated and overcome!" "I am the one"
+"No, I am." Thus each cries out, and both are so honest and courteous
+that each allows the victory and crown to be the other's prize, while
+neither one of them will accept it. Thus each strives to convince the
+King and all the people that he has been defeated and overthrown.
+But when he had listened to them for a while, the King terminated the
+dispute. He was well pleased with what he heard and with the sight of
+them in each other's arms, though they had wounded and injured each
+other in several places. "My lords," he says, "there is deep affection
+between you two. You give clear evidence of that, when each insists that
+it is he who has been defeated. Now leave it all to me! For I think I
+can arrange it in such a way that it will redound to your honour, and
+every one will give consent." Then they both promised him that they
+would do his will in every particular. And the King says that he will
+decide the quarrel fairly and faithfully. "Where is the damsel," he
+inquires, "who has ejected her sister from her land, and has forcibly
+and cruelly disinherited her?" "My lord," she answers, "here I am." "Are
+you there? Then draw near to me! I saw plainly some time ago that you
+were disinheriting her. But her right shall no longer be denied; for you
+yourself have avowed the truth to me. You must now resign her share to
+her." "Sire," she says, "if I uttered a foolish and thoughtless word,
+you ought not to take me up in it. For God's sake, sire, do not be hard
+on me! You are a king, and you ought to guard against wrong and error."
+The King replies: "That is precisely why I wish to give your sister her
+rights; for I have never defended what is wrong. And you have surely
+heard how your knight and hers have left the matter in my hands. I shall
+not say what is altogether pleasing to you; for your injustice is well
+known. In his desire to honour the other, each one says that he has been
+defeated. But there is no need to delay further: since the matter has
+been left to me, either you will do in all respects what I say, without
+resistance, or I shall announce that my nephew has been defeated in the
+fight. That would be the worst thing that could happen to your cause,
+and I shall be sorry to make such a declaration." In reality, he would
+not have said it for anything; but he spoke thus in order to see if he
+could frighten her into restoring the heritage to her sister; for he
+clearly saw that she never would surrender anything to her for any
+words of his unless she was influenced by force or fear. In fear and
+apprehension, she replied to him: "Fair lord, I must now respect your
+desire, though my heart is very loath to yield. Yet, however hard it may
+go with me, I shall do it, and my sister shall have what belongs to her.
+I give her your own person as a pledge of her share in my inheritance,
+in order that she may be more assured of it." "Endow her with it, then,
+at once," the King replies; "let her receive it from your hands, and
+let her vow fidelity to you! Do you love her as your vassal, and let
+her love you as her sovereign lady and as her sister." Thus the King
+conducts the affair until the damsel takes possession of her land, and
+offers her thanks to him for it. Then the King asked the valiant and
+brave knight who was his nephew to allow himself to be disarmed; and
+he requested my lord Yvain to lay aside his arms also; for now they may
+well dispense with them. Then the two vassals lay aside their arms and
+separate on equal terms. And while they are taking off their armour,
+they see the lion running up in search of his master. As soon as he
+catches sight of him, he begins to show his joy. Then you would have
+seen people draw aside, and the boldest among them takes to flight.
+My lord Yvain cries out: "Stand still, all! Why do you flee? No one is
+chasing you. Have no fear that yonder lion will do you harm. Believe
+me, please, when I say that he is mine, and I am his, and we are both
+companions." Then it was known of a truth by all those who had heard
+tell of the adventures of the lion and of his companion that this must
+be the very man who had killed the wicked giant. And my lord Gawain said
+to him: "Sir companion, so help me God, you have overwhelmed me with
+shame this day. I did not deserve the service that you did me in killing
+the giant to save my nephews and my niece. I have been thinking about
+you for some time, and I was troubled because it was said that we
+were acquainted as loving friends. I have surely thought much upon the
+subject: but I could not hit upon the truth, and had never heard of any
+knight that I had known in any land where I had been, who was called
+'The Knight with the Lion.'" While they chatted thus they took their
+armour off, and the lion came with no slow step to the place where his
+master sat, and showed such joy as a dumb beast could. Then the two
+knights had to be removed to a sick-room and infirmary, for they needed
+a doctor and piaster to cure their wounds. King Arthur, who loved them
+well, had them both brought before him, and summoned a surgeon whose
+knowledge of surgery was supreme. He exercised his art in curing them,
+until he had healed their wounds as well and as quickly as possible.
+When he had cured them both, my lord Yvain, who had his heart set fast
+on love, saw clearly that he could not live, but that he finally would
+die unless his lady took pity upon him; for he was dying for love of
+her; so he thought he would go away from the court alone, and would go
+to fight at the spring that belonged to her, where he would cause such
+a storm of wind and rain that she would be compelled perforce to make
+peace with him; otherwise, there would be no end to the disturbance of
+the spring, and to the rain and wind.
+
+(Vv. 6527-6658.) As soon as my lord Yvain felt that he was cured and
+sound again, he departed without the knowledge of any one. But he had
+with him his lion, who never in his life wished to desert him. They
+travelled until they saw the spring and made the rain descend. Think not
+that this is a lie of mine, when I tell you that the disturbance was so
+violent that no one could tell the tenth part of it: for it seemed as if
+the whole forest must surely be engulfed. The lady fears for her town,
+lest it, too, will crumble away; the walls totter, and the tower rocks
+so that it is on the verge of falling down. The bravest Turk would
+rather be a captive in Persia than be shut up within those walls. The
+people are so stricken with terror that they curse all their ancestors,
+saying: "Confounded be the man who first constructed a house in this
+neighbourhood, and all those who built this town! For in the wide world
+they could not have found so detestable a spot, for a single man is able
+here to invade and worry and harry us." "You must take counsel in this
+matter, my lady," says Lunete; "you will find no one who will undertake
+to aid you in this time of need unless you seek for him afar. In the
+future we shall never be secure in this town, nor dare to pass beyond
+the walls and gate. You know full well that, were some one to summon
+together all your knights for this cause, the best of them would not
+dare to step forward. If it is true that you have no one to defend
+your spring, you will appear ridiculous and humiliated. It will redound
+greatly to your honour, forsooth, if he who has attacked you shall
+retire without a fight! Surely you are in a bad predicament if you do
+not devise some other plan to benefit yourself." The lady replies: "Do
+thou, who art so wise, tell me what plan I can devise, and I will follow
+thy advice." "Indeed, lady, if I had any plan, I should gladly propose
+it to you. But you have great need of a wiser counsellor. So I shall
+certainly not dare to intrude, and in common with the others I shall
+endure the rain and wind until, if it please God, I shall see some
+worthy man appear here in your court who will assume the responsibility
+and burden of the battle; but I do not believe that that will happen
+to-day, and we have not yet seen the worst of your urgent need." Then
+the lady replies at once: "Damsel, speak now of something else! Say no
+more of the people of my household; for I cherish no further expectation
+that the spring and its marble brim will ever be defended by any of
+them. But, if it please God, let us hear now what is your opinion
+and plan; for people always say that in time of need one can test his
+friend." [330] "My lady, if there is any one who thinks he could find
+him who slew the giant and defeated the three knights, he would do
+well to go to search for him. But so long as he shall incur the enmity,
+wrath, and displeasure of his lady, I fancy there is not under heaven
+any man or woman whom he would follow, until he had been assured upon
+oath that everything possible would be done to appease the hostility
+which his lady feels for him, and which is so bitter that he is dying
+of the grief and anxiety it causes him." And the lady said: "Before you
+enter upon the quest, I am prepared to promise you upon my word and to
+swear that, if he will return to me, I will openly and frankly do all
+I can to bring about his peace of mind." Then Lunete replies to her:
+"Lady, have no fear that you cannot easily effect his reconciliation,
+when once it is your desire to do so; but, if you do not object, I will
+take your oath before I start." "I have no objection," the lady says.
+With delicate courtesy, Lunete procured at once for her a very precious
+relic, and the lady fell upon her knees. Thus Lunete very courteously
+accepted her upon her oath. In administering the oath, she forgot
+nothing which it might be an advantage to insert. "Lady," she says, "now
+raise your hand! I do not wish that the day after to-morrow you should
+lay any charge upon me; for you are not doing anything for me, but you
+are acting for your own good. If you please now, you shall swear that
+you will exert yourself in the interests of the Knight with the Lion
+until he recover his lady's love as completely as he ever possessed it."
+The lady then raised her right hand and said: "I swear to all that thou
+hast said, so help me God and His holy saint, that my heart may never
+fail to do all within my power. If I have the strength and ability,
+I will restore to him the love and favour which with his lady he once
+enjoyed."
+
+(Vv. 6659-6716.) Lunete has now done well her work; there was nothing
+which she had desired so much as the object which she had now attained.
+They had already got out for her a palfrey with an easy pace. Gladly and
+in a happy frame of mind Lunete mounts and rides away, until she finds
+beneath the pine-tree him whom she did not expect to find so near at
+hand. Indeed, she had thought that she would have to seek afar before
+discovering him. As soon as she saw him, she recognised him by the lion,
+and coming toward him rapidly, she dismounted upon the solid earth. And
+my lord Yvain recognised her as soon as he saw her, and greeted her, as
+she saluted him with the words: "Sire, I am very happy to have found you
+so near at hand." And my lord Yvain said in reply: "How is that? Were
+you looking for me, then?" "Yes, sire, and in all my life I have never
+felt so glad, for I have made my mistress promise, if she does not go
+back upon her word, that she will be again your lady as was once the
+case, and that you shall be her lord; this truth I make bold to tell."
+My lord Yvain was greatly elated at the news he hears, and which he
+had never expected to hear again. He could not sufficiently show his
+gratitude to her who had accomplished this for him. He kisses her eyes,
+and then her face, saying: "Surely, my sweet friend, I can never repay
+you for this service. I fear that ability and time will fail me to do
+you the honour and service which is your due." "Sire," she replies, "have
+no concern, and let not that thought worry you! For you will have an
+abundance of strength and time to show me and others your good will. If
+I have paid this debt I owed, I am entitled to only so much gratitude as
+the man who borrows another's goods and then discharges the obligation.
+Even now I do not consider that I have paid you the debt I owed."
+"Indeed you have, as God sees me, more than five hundred thousand times.
+Now, when you are ready, let us go. But have you told her who I am?"
+"No, I have not, upon my word. She knows you only by the name of 'The
+Knight with the Lion.'"
+
+(Vv. 6717-6758.) Thus conversing they went along, with the lion
+following after them, until they all three came to the town. They said
+not a word to any man or woman there, until they arrived where the lady
+was. And the lady was greatly pleased as soon as she heard that the
+damsel was approaching, and that she was bringing with her the lion and
+the knight, whom she was very anxious to meet and know and see. All
+clad in his arms, my lord Yvain fell at her feet upon his knees, while
+Lunete, who was standing by, said to her: "Raise him up, lady, and apply
+all your efforts and strength and skill in procuring that peace and
+pardon which no one in the world, except you, can secure for him." Then
+the lady bade him rise, and said: "He may dispose of all my power!
+I shall be very happy, if possible, to accomplish his wish and his
+desire." "Surely, my lady," Lunete replied, "I would not say it if it
+were not true. But all this is even more possible for you than I have
+said: but now I will tell you the whole truth, and you shall see: you
+never had and you never will have such a good friend as this gentleman.
+God, whose will it is that there should be unending peace and love
+between you and him, has caused me to find him this day so near at hand.
+In order to test the truth of this, I have only one thing to say: lady,
+dismiss the grudge you bear him! For he has no other mistress than you.
+This is your husband, my lord Yvain."
+
+(Vv. 6759-6776.) The lady, trembling at these words, replied: "God save
+me! You have caught me neatly in a trap! You will make me love, in spite
+of myself, a man who neither loves nor esteems me. This is a fine piece
+of work, and a charming way of serving me! I would rather endure the
+winds and the tempests all my life: And if it were not a mean and
+ugly thing to break one's word, he would never make his peace or be
+reconciled with me. This purpose would have always lurked within me, as
+a fire smoulders in the ashes; but I do not wish to renew it now, nor do
+I care to refer to it, since I must be reconciled with him."
+
+(Vv. 6777-6798.) My lord Yvain hears and understands that his cause is
+going well, and that he will be peacefully reconciled with her. So he
+says: "Lady, one ought to have mercy on a sinner. I have had to pay, and
+dearly to pay, for my mad act. It was madness that made me stay away,
+and I now admit my guilt and sin. I have been bold, indeed, in daring
+to present myself to you; but if you will deign to keep me now, I never
+again shall do you any wrong." She replied: "I will surely consent to
+that; for if I did not do all I could to establish peace between you
+and me, I should be guilty of perjury. So, if you please, I grant your
+request." "Lady," says he, "so truly as God in this mortal life could
+not otherwise restore me to happiness, so may the Holy Spirit bless me
+five hundred times!"
+
+(Vv. 6799-6813.) Now my lord Yvain is reconciled, and you may believe
+that, in spite of the trouble he has endured, he was never so happy
+for anything. All has turned out well at last; for he is beloved and
+treasured by his lady, and she by him. His troubles no longer are in
+his mind; for he forgets them all in the joy he feels with his precious
+wife. And Lunete, for her part, is happy too: all her desires are
+satisfied when once she had made an enduring peace between my polite
+lord Yvain and his sweetheart so dear and so elegant.
+
+(Vv. 6814-6818.) Thus Chretien concludes his romance of the Knight with
+the Lion; for I never heard any more told of it, nor will you ever hear
+any further particulars, unless some one wishes to add some lies.
+
+
+
+----Endnotes: Yvain
+
+Endnotes supplied by Prof. Foerster are indicated by "(F.)"; all other
+endnotes are supplied by W.W. Comfort.
+
+
+[Footnote 31:
+
+           "cele feste, qui tant coste,
+          Qu'an doit clamer la pantecoste."
+
+     This rhyme is frequently met in mediaeval narrative poems.
+     (F.)]]
+
+[Footnote 32: The contemporary degeneracy of lovers and of the art of
+love is a favourite theme of mediaeval poets.]
+
+[Footnote 33: Cf. "Roman de la Rose", 9661, for the stinking manure pit.
+(F.)]
+
+[Footnote 34: The forest of Broceliande is in Brittany, and in it
+Chretien places the marvellous spring of Barenton, of which we read
+in the sequel.  In his version the poet forgets that the sea separates
+the court at Carduel from the forest of Broceliande.  His readers,
+however, probably passed over this "lapsus".  The most famous passage
+relating to this forest and its spring is found in Wace, "Le Roman de
+Rou et des dues de Normandie", vv. 6395-6420, 2 vols. (Heilbronn,
+1877-79).  Cf. further the informing note by W.L. Holland, "Chretien von
+Troies", p. 152 f. (Tubingen, 1854).]
+
+[Footnote 35: This grotesque portrait of the "vilain" is perfectly
+conventional in aristocratic poetry, and is also applied to some
+Saracens in the epic poems.  Cf. W.W. Comfort in "Pub. of the Modern
+Language Association of America", xxi. 494 f., and in "The Dublin
+Review", July 1911.]
+
+[Footnote 36: For the description of the magic fountain, cf. W.A. Nitze,
+"The Fountain Defended" in "Modern Philology", vii. 145-164; G.L.
+Hamilton, "Storm-making Springs", etc., in "Romantic Review", ii.
+355-375; A.F. Grimme in "Germania", xxxiii. 38; O.M. Johnston in
+"Transactions and Proceedings of the American Philological Association",
+xxxiii., p. lxxxiii. f.]
+
+[Footnote 37: Eugen Kolbing, "Christian von Troyes Yvain und die
+Brandanuslegende" in "Ztsch. fur vergleichende Literaturgeschichte"
+(Neue Folge, xi. Brand, 1897), pp. 442-448, has pointed out other
+striking allusions in the Latin "Navigatio S. Brandans" (ed. Wahlund,
+Upsala, 1900) and elsewhere in Celtic legend to trees teeming with
+singing birds, in which the souls of the blessed are incorporated. A
+more general reference to trees, animated by the souls of the dead, is
+found in J.G. Frazer, "The Golden Bough" (2nd ed. 1900), vol. I., p. 178
+f.]
+
+[Footnote 38: Cf. A. Tobler in "Ztsch. fur romanische Philologie", iv.
+80-85, who gives many other instances of boasting after meals. See
+next note.]
+
+[Footnote 39: Noradin is the Sultan Nureddin Mahmud (reigned 1146-1173),
+a contemporary of the poet; Forre is a legendary Saracen king of
+Naples, mentioned in the epic poems (cf. E. Langlois, "Table des noms
+propres de toute nature compris dans les chansons de geste", Paris,
+1904; Albert Counson, "Noms epiques entres dans le vocabulaire commun"
+in "Romanische Forschungen", xxiii. 401-413).  These names are mentioned
+here in connection with the brave exploits which Christian knights,
+while in their cups, may boast that they will accomplish (F.).  This
+practice of boasting was called indulging in "gabs" (=Eng. "gab"), a
+good instance of which will be found in "Le Voyage de Charlemagne a
+Jeruslaem" (ed. Koschwitz), v. 447 ff.]
+
+[Footnote 310: It is evident in this passage that Chretien's version is
+not clear; the reader cannot be sure in what sort of an apartment
+Yvain is secreted.  The passage is perfectly clear, however, in the
+Welsh "Owein", as shown by A.C.L. Brown in "Romanic Review", iii.
+143-172, "On the Independent Character of the Welsh 'Owain'", where he
+argues convincingly for an original older than either the extant French
+of Welsh versions.]
+
+[Footnote 311: The damsel's surprise and fright at the sight of Yvain,
+which puzzled Professor Foerster, is satisfactorily explained by J.
+Acher in "Ztsch. fur franzosische Sprache und Literatur", xxxv. 150.]
+
+[Footnote 312: For magic rings, cf. A. Hertel, "Verzauberte
+Oertlichkeiten", etc. (Hanover, 1908); D.B. Easter, "The Magic Elements
+in the romans d'aventure and the romans bretons" (Baltimore, 1906).]
+
+[Footnote 313: Much has been written on the widespread belief that a
+dead person's wounds would bleed afresh in the presence of his
+murderer.  The passage in our text is interesting as being the earliest
+literary reference to the belief.  Other instances will be found in
+Shakespear ("King Richard III., Act. I., Sc. 2), Cervantes ("Don
+Quixote"), Scott ("Ballads"), and Schiller ("Braut von Messina").  In
+the 15th and 16th centuries especially, the bleeding of the dead became
+in Italy, Germany, France, and Spain an absolute or contributory proof
+of guilt in the eyes of the law.  The suspected culprit might be
+subjected to this ordeal as part of the inquisitional method to
+determine guilt.  For theories of the origin of this belief and of its
+use in legal trials, as well as for more extended bibliography, cf. Karl
+Lehmann in "Germanistische Abhandlungen fur Konrad von Maurer"
+(Gottingen, 1893), pp. 21-45; C.V. Christensen, "Baareproven"
+(Copenhagen, 1900).]
+
+[Footnote 314: W.L. Holland in his note for this passage recalls
+Schiller's "Jungfrau von Orleans", Act III. Sc. 7, and Shakespeare,
+first part of "King Henry IV.", Act V. Sc. 4:
+
+          "When that this body did contain a spirit,
+          A kingdom for it was too small a bound;
+          But now two paces of the vilest earth
+          Is room enough."]
+
+[Footnote 315: Foerster regards this excuse for Kay's defeat as
+ironical.]
+
+[Footnote 316: It is hoped that the following passage may have retained
+in the translation some of the gay animation which clothes this
+description of a royal entry into a mediaeval town.]
+
+[Footnote 317: This idea forms the dominating motive, it will be
+recalled, in "Erec et Enide" (cf. note to "Erec", v. 2576).]
+
+[Footnote 318: The parallel between Yvain's and Roland's madness will
+occur to readers of Ariosto's "Orlando Furioso", though in the
+former case Yvain's madness seems to be rather a retribution for his
+failure to keep his promise, while Roland's madness arises from excess
+of love.]
+
+[Footnote 319: Argonne is the name of a hilly and well-wooded district
+in the north-east of France, lying between the Meuse and the Aisne.]
+
+[Footnote 320: An allusion to the well-known epic tradition embodied in
+the "Chanson de Roland".  It was common for mediaeval poets to give
+names to both the horses and the swords of their heroes.]
+
+[Footnote 321: For the faithful lion in the Latin bestiaries and
+mediaeval romances, see the long note of W.L. Holland, "Chretien von
+Troies" (Tubingen, 1854), p. 161 f., and G. Baist in Zeitschrift fur
+romanische Philologie, xxi. 402-405.  To the examples there cited may be
+added the episodes in "Octavian" (15th century), published in the
+"Romanische Bibliothek" (Heilbronn, 1883).]
+
+[Footnote 322: This is the first of three references in this poem to the
+abduction of Guinevere as fully narrated in the poem of "Lancelot".  The
+other references are in v. 3918 and v.4740 f.]
+
+[Footnote 323: Yvain here states the theory of the judicial trial by
+combat.  For another instance see "Lancelot", v. 4963 f. Cf. M. Pfeffer
+in "Ztsch. fur romanische Philogie", ix. 1-74, and L. Jordan, id. Xxix.
+385-401.]
+
+[Footnote 324: A similar description of a distressed damsel wandering at
+night in a forest is found in "Berte aus grans pies", by Adenet le Roi
+(13th century).]
+
+[Footnote 325: The lion is forgotten for the moment, but will appear
+again v. 5446. (F.)]
+
+[Footnote 326: This entire passage belongs in the catagory of widespread
+myths which tell of a tribute of youths or maidens paid to some cruel
+monster, from which some hero finally obtains deliverance.  Instances
+are presented in the adventures of Theseus and Tristan.]
+
+[Footnote 327: The old French monetary table was as follows:
+
+10 as = 1 denier; 12 deniers = 1 sol; 20 sous = 1 livre]
+
+[Footnote 328: It appears to be the poet's prerogative in all epochs of
+social history to bemoan the degeneracy of true love in his own
+generation.]
+
+[Footnote 329: The sleeves of shirts were detachable, and were sewed on
+afresh when a clean garment was put on. (F.)]
+
+[Footnote 330: This was an axiom of feudal society, and occurs more
+frequently in feudal literature than any other statement of mediaeval
+social relations.]
+
+
+
+
+
+LANCELOT
+
+or, The Knight of the Cart
+
+(Vv. 1-30.) Since my lady of Champagne wishes me to undertake to write a
+romance, [41] I shall very gladly do so, being so devoted to her
+service as to do anything in the world for her, without any intention
+of flattery. But if one were to introduce any flattery upon such an
+occasion, he might say, and I would subscribe to it, that this lady
+surpasses all others who are alive, just as the south wind which blows
+in May or April is more lovely than any other wind. But upon my word, I
+am not one to wish to flatter my lady. I will simply say: "The Countess
+is worth as many queens as a gem is worth of pearls and sards." Nay I
+shall make no comparison, and yet it is true in spite of me; I will say,
+however, that her command has more to do with this work than any thought
+or pains that I may expend upon it. Here Chretien begins his book about
+the Knight of the Cart. The material and the treatment of it are given
+and furnished to him by the Countess, and he is simply trying to carry
+out her concern and intention. Here he begins the story.
+
+(Vv. 31-172.) Upon a certain Ascension Day King Arthur had come from
+Caerleon, and had held a very magnificent court at Camelot as was
+fitting on such a day. [42] After the feast the King did not quit his
+noble companions, of whom there were many in the hall. The Queen was
+present, too, and with her many a courteous lady able to converse in
+French. And Kay, who had furnished the meal, was eating with the others
+who had served the food. While Kay was sitting there at meat, behold
+there came to court a knight, well equipped and fully armed, and thus
+the knight appeared before the King as he sat among his lords. He gave
+him no greeting, but spoke out thus: "King Arthur, I hold in captivity
+knights, ladies, and damsels who belong to thy dominion and household;
+but it is not because of any intention to restore them to thee that I
+make reference to them here; rather do I wish to proclaim and serve thee
+notice that thou hast not the strength or the resources to enable thee
+to secure them again. And be assured that thou shalt die before thou
+canst ever succour them." The King replies that he must needs endure
+what he has not the power to change; nevertheless, he is filled with
+grief. Then the knight makes as if to go away, and turns about, without
+tarrying longer before the King; but after reaching the door of the
+hall, he does not go down the stairs, but stops and speaks from there
+these words: "King, if in thy court there is a single knight in whom
+thou hast such confidence that thou wouldst dare to entrust to him the
+Queen that he might escort her after me out into the woods whither I am
+going, I will promise to await him there, and will surrender to thee all
+the prisoners whom I hold in exile in my country if he is able to defend
+the Queen and if he succeeds in bringing her back again." Many who
+were in the palace heard this challenge, and the whole court was in
+an uproar. Kay, too, heard the news as he sat at meat with those who
+served. Leaving the table, he came straight to the King, and as if
+greatly enraged, he began to say: "O King, I have served thee long,
+faithfully, and loyally; now I take my leave, and shall go away, having
+no desire to serve thee more." The King was grieved at what he heard,
+and as soon as he could, he thus replied to him: "Is this serious, or
+a joke?" And Kay replied: "O King, fair sire, I have no desire to jest,
+and I take my leave quite seriously. No other reward or wages do I wish
+in return for the service I have given you. My mind is quite made up to
+go away immediately." "Is it in anger or in spite that you wish to
+go?" the King inquired; "seneschal, remain at court, as you have done
+hitherto, and be assured that I have nothing in the world which I would
+not give you at once in return for your consent to stay." "Sire," says
+Kay, "no need of that. I would not accept for each day's pay a measure
+of fine pure gold." Thereupon, the King in great dismay went off to
+seek the Queen. "My lady," he says, "you do not know the demand that the
+seneschal makes of me. He asks me for leave to go away, and says he will
+no longer stay at court; the reason of this I do not know. But he will
+do at your request what he will not do for me. Go to him now, my lady
+dear. Since he will not consent to stay for my sake, pray him to remain
+on your account, and if need be, fall at his feet, for I should never
+again be happy if I should lose his company." [43] The King sends the
+Queen to the seneschal, and she goes to him. Finding him with the rest,
+she went up to him, and said: "Kay, you may be very sure that I am
+greatly troubled by the news I have heard of you. I am grieved to say
+that I have been told it is your intention to leave the King. How does
+this come about? What motive have you in your mind? I cannot think that
+you are so sensible or courteous as usual. I want to ask you to remain:
+stay with us here, and grant my prayer." "Lady," he says, "I give you
+thanks; nevertheless, I shall not remain." The Queen again makes her
+request, and is joined by all the other knights. And Kay informs her
+that he is growing tired of a service which is unprofitable. Then the
+Queen prostrates herself at full length before his feet. Kay beseeches
+her to rise, but she says that she will never do so until he grants her
+request. Then Kay promises her to remain, provided the King and she will
+grant in advance a favour he is about to ask. "Kay," she says, "he will
+grant it, whatever it may be. Come now, and we shall tell him that upon
+this condition you will remain." So Kay goes away with the Queen to the
+King's presence. The Queen says: "I have had hard work to detain Kay;
+but I have brought him here to you with the understanding that you will
+do what he is going to ask." The King sighed with satisfaction, and said
+that he would perform whatever request he might make.
+
+(Vv. 173-246.) "Sire," says Kay, "hear now what I desire, and what is
+the gift you have promised me. I esteem myself very fortunate to gain
+such a boon with your consent. Sire, you have pledged your word that you
+would entrust to me my lady here, and that we should go after the knight
+who awaits us in the forest." Though the King is grieved, he trusts him
+with the charge, for he never went back upon his word. But it made
+him so ill-humoured and displeased that it plainly showed in his
+countenance. The Queen, for her part, was sorry too, and all those
+of the household say that Kay had made a proud, outrageous, and mad
+request. Then the King took the Queen by the hand, and said: "My lady,
+you must accompany Kay without making objection." And Kay said: "Hand
+her over to me now, and have no fear, for I shall bring her back
+perfectly happy and safe." The King gives her into his charge, and he
+takes her off. After them all the rest go out, and there is not one who
+is not sad. You must know that the seneschal was fully armed, and his
+horse was led into the middle of the courtyard, together with a palfrey,
+as is fitting, for the Queen. The Queen walked up to the palfrey, which
+was neither restive nor hard-mouthed. Grieving and sad, with a sigh the
+Queen mounts, saying to herself in a low voice, so that no one could
+hear: "Alas, alas, if you only knew it, I am sure you would never allow
+me without interference to be led away a step." [44] She thought she
+had spoken in a very low tone; but Count Guinable heard her, who was
+standing by when she mounted. When they started away, as great a lament
+was made by all the men and women present as if she already lay dead
+upon a bier. They do not believe that she will ever in her life come
+back. The seneschal in his impudence takes her where that other knight
+is awaiting her. But no one was so much concerned as to undertake to
+follow him; until at last my lord Gawain thus addressed the King his
+uncle: "Sire," he says, "you have done a very foolish thing, which
+causes me great surprise; but if you will take my advice, while they are
+still near by, I and you will ride after them, and all those who wish
+to accompany us. For my part, I cannot restrain myself from going in
+pursuit of them at once. It would not be proper for us not to go after
+them, at least far enough to learn what is to become of the Queen,
+and how Kay is going to comport himself." "Ah, fair nephew," the King
+replied, "you have spoken courteously. And since you have undertaken the
+affair, order our horses to be led out bridled and saddled that there
+may be no delay in setting out."
+
+(Vv. 247-398.) The horses are at once brought out, all ready and with
+the saddles on. First the King mounts, then my lord Gawain, and all the
+others rapidly. Each one, wishing to be of the party, follows his own
+will and starts away. Some were armed, but there were not a few without
+their arms. My lord Gawain was armed, and he bade two squires lead by
+the bridle two extra steeds. And as they thus approached the forest,
+they saw Kay's horse running out; and they recognised him, and saw that
+both reins of the bridle were broken. The horse was running wild, the
+stirrup-straps all stained with blood, and the saddle-bow was broken and
+damaged. Every one was chagrined at this, and they nudged each other and
+shook their heads. My lord Gawain was riding far in advance of the rest
+of the party, and it was not long before he saw coming slowly a knight
+on a horse that was sore, painfully tired, and covered with sweat. The
+knight first saluted my lord Gawain, and his greeting my lord Gawain
+returned. Then the knight, recognising my lord Gawain, stopped and thus
+spoke to him: "You see, sir, my horse is in a sweat and in such case as
+to be no longer serviceable. I suppose that those two horses belong to
+you now, with the understanding that I shall return the service and the
+favour, I beg you to let me have one or the other of them, either as a
+loan or outright as a gift." And he answers him: "Choose whichever you
+prefer." Then he who was in dire distress did not try to select the
+better or the fairer or the larger of the horses, but leaped quickly
+upon the one which was nearer to him, and rode him off. Then the one he
+had just left fell dead, for he had ridden him hard that day, so that
+he was used up and overworked. The knight without delay goes pricking
+through the forest, and my lord Gawain follows in pursuit of him with
+all speed, until he reaches the bottom of a hill. And when he had gone
+some distance, he found the horse dead which he had given to the knight,
+and noticed that the ground had been trampled by horses, and that broken
+shields and lances lay strewn about, so that it seemed that there had
+been a great combat between several knights, and he was very sorry and
+grieved not to have been there. However, he did not stay there long, but
+rapidly passed on until he saw again by chance the knight all alone on
+foot, completely armed, with helmet laced, shield hanging from his neck,
+and with his sword girt on. He had overtaken a cart. In those days such
+a cart served the same purpose as does a pillory now; and in each good
+town where there are more than three thousand such carts nowadays, in
+those times there was only one, and this, like our pillories, had to do
+service for all those who commit murder or treason, and those who are
+guilty of any delinquency, and for thieves who have stolen others'
+property or have forcibly seized it on the roads. Whoever was convicted
+of any crime was placed upon a cart and dragged through all the streets,
+and he lost henceforth all his legal rights, and was never afterward
+heard, honoured, or welcomed in any court. The carts were so dreadful in
+those days that the saying was then first used: "When thou dost see and
+meet a cart, cross thyself and call upon God, that no evil may befall
+thee." The knight on foot, and without a lance, walked behind the cart,
+and saw a dwarf sitting on the shafts, who held, as a driver does, a
+long goad in his hand. Then he cries out: "Dwarf, for God's sake,
+tell me now if thou hast seen my lady, the Queen, pass by here." The
+miserable, low-born dwarf would not give him any news of her, but
+replied: "If thou wilt get up into the cart I am driving thou shalt
+hear to-morrow what has happened to the Queen." Then he kept on his way
+without giving further heed. The knight hesitated only for a couple of
+steps before getting in. Yet, it was unlucky for him that he shrank from
+the disgrace, and did not jump in at once; for he will later rue his
+delay. But common sense, which is inconsistent with love's dictates,
+bids him refrain from getting in, warning him and counselling him to do
+and undertake nothing for which he may reap shame and disgrace. Reason,
+which dares thus speak to him, reaches only his lips, but not his heart;
+but love is enclosed within his heart, bidding him and urging him to
+mount at once upon the cart. So he jumps in, since love will have it
+so, feeling no concern about the shame, since he is prompted by love's
+commands. And my lord Gawain presses on in haste after the cart, and
+when he finds the knight sitting in it, his surprise is great. "Tell
+me," he shouted to the dwarf, "if thou knowest anything of the Queen."
+And he replied: "If thou art so much thy own enemy as is this knight
+who is sitting here, get in with him, if it be thy pleasure, and I
+will drive thee along with him." When my lord Gawain heard that, he
+considered it great foolishness, and said that he would not get in, for
+it would be dishonourable to exchange a horse for a cart: "Go on, and
+wherever thy journey lies, I will follow after thee."
+
+(Vv. 399-462.) Thereupon they start ahead, one mounted on his horse, the
+other two riding in the cart, and thus they proceed in company. Late in
+the afternoon they arrive at a town, which, you must know, was very
+rich and beautiful. All three entered through the gate; the people are
+greatly amazed to see the knight borne upon the cart, and they take no
+pains to conceal their feelings, but small and great and old and young
+shout taunts at him in the streets, so that the knight hears many vile
+and scornful words at his expense. [45] They all inquire: "To what
+punishment is this knight to be consigned? Is he to be rayed, or hanged,
+or drowned, or burned upon a fire of thorns? Tell us, thou dwarf,
+who art driving him, in what crime was he caught? Is he convicted of
+robbery? Is he a murderer, or a criminal?" And to all this the dwarf
+made no response, vouchsafing to them no reply. He conducts the knight
+to a lodging-place; and Gawain follows the dwarf closely to a tower,
+which stood on the same level over against the town. Beyond there
+stretched a meadow, and the tower was built close by, up on a lofty
+eminence of rock, whose face formed a sharp precipice. Following the
+horse and cart, Gawain entered the tower. In the hall they met a damsel
+elegantly attired, than whom there was none fairer in the land, and with
+her they saw coming two fair and charming maidens. As soon as they saw
+my lord Gawain, they received him joyously and saluted him, and then
+asked news about the other knight: "Dwarf, of what crime is this knight
+guilty, whom thou dost drive like a lame man?" He would not answer
+her question, but he made the knight get out of the cart, and then he
+withdrew, without their knowing whither he went. Then my lord Gawain
+dismounts, and valets come forward to relieve the two knights of their
+armour. The damsel ordered two green mantles to be brought, which they
+put on. When the hour for supper came, a sumptuous repast was set. The
+damsel sat at table beside my lord Gawain. They would not have changed
+their lodging-place to seek any other, for all that evening the damsel
+showed them gear honour, and provided them with fair and pleasant
+company.
+
+(Vv. 463-538.) When they had sat up long enough, two long, high beds
+were prepared in the middle of the hall; and there was another bed
+alongside, fairer and more splendid than the rest; for, as the story
+testifies, it possessed all the excellence that one could think of in
+a bed. When the time came to retire, the damsel took both the guests to
+whom she had offered her hospitality; she shows them the two fine,
+long, wide beds, and says: "These two beds are set up here for the
+accommodation of your bodies; but in that one yonder no one ever lay who
+did not merit it: it was not set up to be used by you." The knight who
+came riding on the cart replies at once: "Tell me," he says, "for what
+cause this bed is inaccessible." Being thoroughly informed of this, she
+answers unhesitatingly: "It is not your place to ask or make such an
+inquiry. Any knight is disgraced in the land after being in a cart, and
+it is not fitting that he should concern himself with the matter upon
+which you have questioned me; and most of all it is not right that he
+should lie upon the bed, for he would soon pay dearly for his act. So
+rich a couch has not been prepared for you, and you would pay dearly for
+ever harbouring such a thought." He replies: "You will see about
+that presently.".... "Am I to see it?".... "Yes.".... "It will soon
+appear.".... "By my head," the knight replies, "I know not who is to pay
+the penalty. But whoever may object or disapprove, I intend to lie upon
+this bed and repose there at my ease." Then he at once disrobed in the
+bed, which was long and raised half an ell above the other two, and was
+covered with a yellow cloth of silk and a coverlet with gilded stars.
+The furs were not of skinned vair but of sable; the covering he had on
+him would have been fitting for a king. The mattress was not made of
+straw or rushes or of old mats. At midnight there descended from the
+rafters suddenly a lance, as with the intention of pinning the knight
+through the flanks to the coverlet and the white sheets where he lay.
+[46] To the lance there was attached a pennon all ablaze. The coverlet,
+the bedclothes, and the bed itself all caught fire at once. And the tip
+of the lance passed so close to the knight's side that it cut the skin a
+little, without seriously wounding him. Then the knight got up, put out
+the fire and, taking the lance, swung it in the middle of the hall, all
+this without leaving his bed; rather did he lie down again and slept as
+securely as at first.
+
+(Vv. 539-982.) In the morning, at daybreak, the damsel of the tower had
+Mass celebrated on their account, and had them rise and dress. When Mass
+had been celebrated for them, the knight who had ridden in the cart sat
+down pensively at a window, which looked out upon the meadow, and he
+gazed upon the fields below. The damsel came to another window close by,
+and there my lord Gawain conversed with her privately for a while about
+something, I know not what. I do not know what words were uttered, but
+while they were leaning on the window-sill they saw carried along the
+river through the fields a bier, upon which there lay a knight, [47] and
+alongside three damsels walked, mourning bitterly. Behind the bier they
+saw a crowd approaching, with a tall knight in front, leading a fair
+lady by the horse's rein. The knight at the window knew that it was the
+Queen. He continued to gaze at her attentively and with delight as long
+as she was visible. And when he could no longer see her, he was minded
+to throw himself out and break his body down below. And he would have
+let himself fall out had not my lord Gawain seen him, and drawn him
+back, saying: "I beg you, sire, be quiet now. For God's sake, never
+think again of committing such a mad deed. It is wrong for you to
+despise your life." "He is perfectly right," the damsel says; "for will
+not the news of his disgrace be known everywhere? Since he has been upon
+the cart, he has good reason to wish to die, for he would be better dead
+than alive. His life henceforth is sure to be one of shame, vexation,
+and unhappiness." Then the knights asked for their armour, and armed
+themselves, the damsel treating them courteously, with distinction and
+generosity; for when she had joked with the knight and ridiculed him
+enough, she presented him with a horse and lance as a token of her
+goodwill. The knights then courteously and politely took leave of the
+damsel, first saluting her, and then going off in the direction taken
+by the crowd they had seen. Thus they rode out from the town without
+addressing them. They proceeded quickly in the direction they had seen
+taken by the Queen, but they did not overtake the procession, which
+had advanced rapidly. After leaving the fields, the knights enter an
+enclosed place, and find a beaten road. They advanced through the woods
+until it might be six o'clock, [48] and then at a crossroads they met a
+damsel, whom they both saluted, each asking and requesting her to
+tell them, if she knows, whither the Queen has been taken. Replying
+intelligently, she said to them: "If you would pledge me your word, I
+could set you on the right road and path, and I would tell you the name
+of the country and of the knight who is conducting her; but whoever
+would essay to enter that country must endure sore trials, for before
+he could reach there he must suffer much." Then my lord Gawain replies:
+"Damsel, so help me God, I promise to place all my strength at your
+disposal and service, whenever you please, if you will tell me now the
+truth." And he who had been on the cart did not say that he would pledge
+her all his strength; but he proclaims, like one whom love makes
+rich, powerful and bold for any enterprise, that at once and without
+hesitation he will promise her anything she desires, and he puts himself
+altogether at her disposal. "Then I will tell you the truth," says
+she. Then the damsel relates to them the following story: "In truth, my
+lords, Meleagant, a tall and powerful knight, son of the King of Gorre,
+has taken her off into the kingdom whence no foreigner returns, but
+where he must perforce remain in servitude and banishment." Then they
+ask her: "Damsel, where is this country? Where can we find the way
+thither?" She replies: "That you shall quickly learn; but you may be
+sure that you will meet with many obstacles and difficult passages, for
+it is not easy to enter there except with the permission of the king,
+whose name is Bademagu; however, it is possible to enter by two very
+perilous paths and by two very difficult passage-ways. One is called the
+water-bridge, because the bridge is under water, and there is the same
+amount of water beneath it as above it, so that the bridge is exactly in
+the middle; and it is only a foot and a half in width and in thickness.
+This choice is certainly to be avoided, and yet it is the less dangerous
+of the two. In addition there are a number of other obstacles of which I
+will say nothing. The other bridge is still more impracticable and much
+more perilous, never having been crossed by man. It is just like a sharp
+sword, and therefore all the people call it 'the sword-bridge'. Now I
+have told you all the truth I know." But they ask of her once again:
+"Damsel, deign to show us these two passages." To which the damsel makes
+reply: "This road here is the most direct to the water-bridge, and that
+one yonder leads straight to the sword-bridge." Then the knight, who
+had been on the cart, says: "Sire, I am ready to share with you without
+prejudice: take one of these two routes, and leave the other one to me;
+take whichever you prefer." "In truth," my lord Gawain replies, "both of
+them are hard and dangerous: I am not skilled in making such a choice,
+and hardly know which of them to take; but it is not right for me
+to hesitate when you have left the choice to me: I will choose the
+water-bridge." The other answers: "Then I must go uncomplainingly to the
+sword-bridge, which I agree to do." Thereupon, they all three part, each
+one commending the others very courteously to God. And when she sees
+them departing, she says: "Each one of you owes me a favour of my
+choosing, whenever I may choose to ask it. Take care not to forget
+that." "We shall surely not forget it, sweet friend," both the knights
+call out. Then each one goes his own way, and he of the cart is occupied
+with deep reflections, like one who has no strength or defence against
+love which holds him in its sway. His thoughts are such that he
+totally forgets himself, and he knows not whether he is alive or dead,
+forgetting even his own name, not knowing whether he is armed or not, or
+whither he is going or whence he came. Only one creature he has in mind,
+and for her his thought is so occupied that he neither sees nor hears
+aught else. [49] And his horse bears him along rapidly, following no
+crooked road, but the best and the most direct; and thus proceeding
+unguided, he brings him into an open plain. In this plain there was a
+ford, on the other side of which a knight stood armed, who guarded it,
+and in his company there was a damsel who had come on a palfrey. By this
+time the afternoon was well advanced, and yet the knight, unchanged and
+unwearied, pursued his thoughts. The horse, being very thirsty, sees
+clearly the ford, and as soon as he sees it, hastens toward it. Then he
+on the other side cries out: "Knight, I am guarding the ford, and forbid
+you to cross." He neither gives him heed, nor hears his words, being
+still deep in thought. In the meantime, his horse advanced rapidly
+toward the water. The knight calls out to him that he will do wisely to
+keep at a distance from the ford, for there is no passage that way; and
+he swears by the heart within his breast that he will smite him if he
+enters the water. But his threats are not heard, and he calls out to
+him a third time: "Knight, do not enter the ford against my will and
+prohibition; for, by my head, I shall strike you as soon as I see you in
+the ford." But he is so deep in thought that he does not hear him. And
+the horse, quickly leaving the bank, leaps into the ford and greedily
+begins to drink. And the knight says he shall pay for this, that his
+shield and the hauberk he wears upon his back shall afford him no
+protection. First, he puts his horse at a gallop, and from a gallop he
+urges him to a run, and he strikes the knight so hard that he knocks
+him down flat in the ford which he had forbidden him to cross. His
+lance flew from his hand and the shield from his neck. When he feels the
+water, he shivers, and though stunned, he jumps to his feet, like one
+aroused from sleep, listening and looking about him with astonishment,
+to see who it can be who has struck him. Then face to face with the
+other knight, he said: "Vassal, tell me why you have struck me, when I
+was not aware of your presence, and when I had done you no harm." "Upon
+my word, you had wronged me," the other says: "did you not treat me
+disdainfully when I forbade you three times to cross the ford, shouting
+at you as loudly as I could? You surely heard me challenge you at least
+two or three times, and you entered in spite of me, though I told you
+I should strike you as soon as I saw you in the ford." Then the knight
+replies to him: "Whoever heard you or saw you, let him be damned, so far
+as I am concerned. I was probably deep in thought when you forbade me
+to cross the ford. But be assured that I would make you reset it, if I
+could just lay one of my hands on your bridle." And the other replies:
+"Why, what of that? If you dare, you may seize my bridle here and now. I
+do not esteem your proud threats so much as a handful of ashes." And he
+replies: "That suits me perfectly. However the affair may turn out, I
+should like to lay my hands on you." Then the other knight advances
+to the middle of the ford, where the other lays his left hand upon his
+bridle, and his right hand upon his leg, pulling, dragging, and pressing
+him so roughly that he remonstrates, thinking that he would pull his
+leg out of his body. Then he begs him to let go, saying: "Knight, if
+it please thee to fight me on even terms, take thy shield and horse
+and lance, and joust with me." He answers: "That will I not do, upon my
+word; for I suppose thou wouldst run away as soon as thou hadst escaped
+my grip." Hearing this, he was much ashamed, and said: "Knight, mount
+thy horse, in confidence for I will pledge thee loyally my word that I
+shall not flinch or run away." Then once again he answers him: "First,
+thou wilt have to swear to that, and I insist upon receiving thy oath
+that thou wilt neither run away nor flinch, nor touch me, nor come near
+me until thou shalt see me on my horse; I shall be treating thee very
+generously, if, when thou art in my hands, I let thee go." He can
+do nothing but give his oath; and when the other hears him swear, he
+gathers up his shield and lance which were floating in the ford and by
+this time had drifted well down-stream; then he returns and takes his
+horse. After catching and mounting him, he seizes the shield by the
+shoulder-straps and lays his lance in rest. Then each spurs toward the
+other as fast as their horses can carry them. And he who had to defend
+the ford first attacks the other, striking him so hard that his lance is
+completely splintered. The other strikes him in return so that he throws
+him prostrate into the ford, and the water closes over him. Having
+accomplished that, he draws back and dismounts, thinking he could drive
+and chase away a hundred such. While he draws from the scabbard his
+sword of steel, the other jumps up and draws his excellent flashing
+blade. Then they clash again, advancing and covering themselves with the
+shields which gleam with gold. Ceaselessly and without repose they
+wield their swords; they have the courage to deal so many blows that the
+battle finally is so protracted that the Knight of the Cart is greatly
+ashamed in his heart, thinking that he is making a sorry start in the
+way he has undertaken, when he has spent so much time in defeating a
+single knight. If he had met yesterday a hundred such, he does not think
+or believe that they could have withstood him; so now he is much grieved
+and wroth to be in such an exhausted state that he is missing his
+strokes and losing time. Then he runs at him and presses him so hard
+that the other knight gives way and flees. However reluctant he may
+be, he leaves the ford and crossing free. But the other follows him in
+pursuit until he falls forward upon his hands; then he of the cart runs
+up to him, swearing by all he sees that he shall rue the day when he
+upset him in the ford and disturbed his revery. The damsel, whom the
+knight had with him, upon hearing the threats, is in great fear, and
+begs him for her sake to forbear from killing him; but he tells her that
+he must do so, and can show him no mercy for her sake, in view of
+the shameful wrong that he has done him. Then, with sword drawn, he
+approaches the knight who cries in sore dismay: "For God's sake and for
+my own, show me the mercy I ask of you." And he replies: "As God may
+save me, no one ever sinned so against me that I would not show him
+mercy once, for God's sake as is right, if he asked it of me in God's
+name. And so on thee I will have mercy; for I ought not to refuse thee
+when thou hast besought me. But first, thou shalt give me thy word to
+constitute thyself my prisoner whenever I may wish to summon thee."
+Though it was hard to do so, he promised him. At once the damsel said:
+"O knight, since thou hast granted the mercy he asked of thee, if ever
+thou hast broken any bonds, for my sake now be merciful and release this
+prisoner from his parole. Set him free at my request, upon condition
+that when the time comes, I shall do my utmost to repay thee in any way
+that thou shalt choose." Then he declares himself satisfied with the
+promise she has made, and sets the knight at liberty. Then she is
+ashamed and anxious, thinking that he will recognise her, which she did
+not wish. But he goes away at once, the knight and the damsel commending
+him to God, and taking leave of him. He grants them leave to go, while
+he himself pursues his way, until late in the afternoon he met a damsel
+coming, who was very fair and charming, well attired and richly dressed.
+The damsel greets him prudently and courteously, and he replies:
+"Damsel, God grant you health and happiness." Then the damsel said
+to him: "Sire, my house is prepared for you, if you will accept my
+hospitality, but you shall find shelter there only on condition that you
+will lie with me; upon these terms I propose and make the offer." Not a
+few there are who would have thanked her five hundred times for such
+a gift; but he is much displeased, and made a very different answer:
+"Damsel, I thank you for the offer of your house, and esteem it highly,
+but, if you please, I should be very sorry to lie with you." "By my
+eyes," the damsel says, "then I retract my offer." And he, since it is
+unavoidable, lets her have her way, though his heart grieves to give
+consent. He feels only reluctance now; but greater distress will be his
+when it is time to go to bed. The damsel, too, who leads him away, will
+pass through sorrow and heaviness. For it is possible that she will
+love him so that she will not wish to part with him. As soon as he had
+granted her wish and desire, she escorts him to a fortified place, than
+which there was none fairer in Thessaly; for it was entirely enclosed by
+a high wall and a deep moat, and there was no man within except him whom
+she brought with her.
+
+(Vv. 983-1042.) Here she had constructed for her residence a quantity of
+handsome rooms, and a large and roomy hall. Riding along a river bank,
+they approached their lodging-place, and a drawbridge was lowered to
+allow them to pass. Crossing the bridge, they entered in, and found the
+hall open with its roof of tiles. Through the open door they pass, and
+see a table laid with a broad white cloth, upon which the dishes were
+set, and the candles burning in their stands, and the gilded silver
+drinking-cups, and two pots of wine, one red and one white. Standing
+beside the table, at the end of a bench, they found two basins of warm
+water in which to wash their hands, with a richly embroidered towel, all
+white and clean, with which to dry their hands. No valets, servants, or
+squires were to be found or seen. The knight, removing his shield from
+about his neck, hangs it upon a hook, and, taking his lance, lays it
+above upon a rack. Then he dismounts from his horse, as does the damsel
+from hers. The knight, for his part, was pleased that she did not care
+to wait for him to help her to dismount. Having dismounted, she runs
+directly to a room and brings him a short mantle of scarlet cloth which
+she puts on him. The hall was by no means dark; for beside the light
+from the stars, there were many large twisted candles lighted there, so
+that the illumination was very bright. When she had thrown the mantle
+about his shoulders, she said to him: "Friend, here is the water and the
+towel; there is no one to present or offer it to you except me whom you
+see. Wash your hands, and then sit down, when you feel like doing so.
+The hour and the meal, as you can see, demand that you should do so."
+He washes, and then gladly and readily takes his seat, and she sits down
+beside him, and they eat and drink together, until the time comes to
+leave the table.
+
+(Vv. 1043-1206.) When they had risen from the table, the damsel said to
+the knight: "Sire, if you do not object, go outside and amuse yourself;
+but, if you please, do not stay after you think I must be in bed. Feel
+no concern or embarrassment; for then you may come to me at once, if you
+will keep the promise you have made." And he replies: "I will keep my
+word, and will return when I think the time has come." Then he went out,
+and stayed in the courtyard until he thought it was time to return and
+keep the promise he had made. Going back into the hall, he sees nothing
+of her who would be his mistress; for she was not there. Not finding or
+seeing her, he said: "Wherever she may be, I shall look for her until I
+find her." He makes no delay in his search, being bound by the promise
+he had made her. Entering one of the rooms, he hears a damsel cry aloud,
+and it was the very one with whom he was about to lie. At the same time,
+he sees the door of another room standing open, and stepping toward it,
+he sees right before his eyes a knight who had thrown her down, and was
+holding her naked and prostrate upon the bed. She, thinking that he had
+come of course to help her, cried aloud: "Help, help, thou knight, who
+art my guest. If thou dost not take this man away from me, I shall find
+no one to do so; if thou dost not succour me speedily, he will wrong me
+before thy eyes. Thou art the one to lie with me, in accordance with
+thy promise; and shall this man by force accomplish his wish before thy
+eyes? Gentle knight, exert thyself, and make haste to bear me aid." He
+sees that the other man held the damsel brutally uncovered to the waist,
+and he is ashamed and angered to see him assault her so; yet it is not
+jealousy he feels, nor will he be made a cuckold by him. At the door
+there stood as guards two knights completely armed and with swords
+drawn. Behind them there stood four men-at-arms, each armed with an axe
+the sort with which you could split a cow down the back as easily as a
+root of juniper or broom. The knight hesitated at the door, and thought:
+"God, what can I do? I am engaged in no less an affair than the quest of
+Queen Guinevere. I ought not to have the heart of a hare, when for her
+sake I have engaged in such a quest. If cowardice puts its heart in me,
+and if I follow its dictates, I shall never attain what I seek. I am
+disgraced, if I stand here; indeed, I am ashamed even to have thought
+of holding back. My heart is very sad and oppressed: now I am so ashamed
+and distressed that I would gladly die for having hesitated here so
+long. I say it not in pride: but may God have mercy on me if I do not
+prefer to die honourably rather than live a life of shame! If my path
+were unobstructed, and if these men gave me leave to pass through
+without restraint, what honour would I gain? Truly, in that case the
+greatest coward alive would pass through; and all the while I hear
+this poor creature calling for help constantly, and reminding me of my
+promise, and reproaching me with bitter taunts." Then he steps to the
+door, thrusting in his head and shoulders; glancing up, he sees two
+swords descending. He draws back, and the knights could not check their
+strokes: they had wielded them with such force that the swords struck
+the floor, and both were broken in pieces. When he sees that the swords
+are broken, he pays less attention to the axes, fearing and dreading
+them much less. Rushing in among them, he strikes first one guard in
+the side and then another. The two who are nearest him he jostles and
+thrusts aside, throwing them both down flat; the third missed his stroke
+at him, but the fourth, who attacked him, strikes him so that he cuts
+his mantle and shirt, and slices the white flesh on his shoulder so
+that the blood trickles down from the wound. But he, without delay,
+and without complaining of his wound, presses on more rapidly, until he
+strikes between the temples him who was assaulting his hostess. Before
+he departs, he will try to keep his pledge to her. He makes him stand up
+reluctantly. Meanwhile, he who had missed striking him comes at him as
+fast as he can and, raising his arm again, expects to split his head to
+the teeth with the axe. But the other, alert to defend himself, thrusts
+the knight toward him in such a way that he receives the axe just where
+the shoulder joins the neck, so that they are cleaved apart. Then the
+knight seizes the axe, wresting it quickly from him who holds it; then
+he lets go the knight whom he still held, and looks to his own defence;
+for the knights from the door, and the three men with axes are all
+attacking him fiercely. So he leaped quickly between the bed and the
+wall, and called to them: "Come on now, all of you. If there were
+thirty-seven of you, you would have all the fight you wish, with me so
+favourably placed; I shall never be overcome by you." And the damsel
+watching him, exclaimed: "By my eyes, you need have no thought of that
+henceforth where I am." Then at once she dismisses the knights and the
+men-at-arms, who retire from there at once, without delay or objection.
+And the damsel continues: "Sire you have well defended me against the
+men of my household. Come now, and I'll lead you on." Hand in hand they
+enter the hall, but he was not at all pleased, and would have willingly
+dispensed with her.
+
+(Vv. 1207-1292.) In the midst of the hall a bed had been set up, the
+sheets of which were by no means soiled, but were white and wide and
+well spread out. The bed was not of shredded straw or of coarse spreads.
+But a covering of two silk cloths had been laid upon the couch. The
+damsel lay down first, but without removing her chemise. He had great
+trouble in removing his hose and in untying the knots. He sweated with
+the trouble of it all; yet, in the midst of all the trouble, his promise
+impels and drives him on. Is this then an actual force? Yes, virtually
+so; for he feels that he is in duty bound to take his place by the
+damsel's side. It is his promise that urges him and dictates his act.
+So he lies down at once, but like her, he does not remove his shirt. He
+takes good care not to touch her; and when he is in bed, he turns away
+from her as far as possible, and speaks not a word to her, like a monk
+to whom speech is forbidden. Not once does he look at her, nor show her
+any courtesy. Why not? Because his heart does not go out to her. She
+was certainly very fair and winsome, but not every one is pleased and
+touched by what is fair and winsome. The knight has only one heart, and
+this one is really no longer his, but has been entrusted to some one
+else, so that he cannot bestow it elsewhere. Love, which holds all
+hearts beneath its sway, requires it to be lodged in a single place.
+All hearts? No, only those which it esteems. And he whom love deigns to
+control ought to prize himself the more. Love prized his heart so highly
+that it constrained it in a special manner, and made him so proud of
+this distinction that I am not inclined to find fault with him, if he
+lets alone what love forbids, and remains fixed where it desires. The
+maiden clearly sees and knows that he dislikes her company and would
+gladly dispense with it, and that, having no desire to win her love,
+he would not attempt to woo her. So she said: "My lord, if you will not
+feel hurt, I will leave and return to bed in my own room, and you will
+be more comfortable. I do not believe that you are pleased with my
+company and society. Do not esteem me less if I tell you what I think.
+Now take your rest all night, for you have so well kept your promise
+that I have no right to make further request of you. So I commend you
+to God; and shall go away." Thereupon she arises: the knight does not
+object, but rather gladly lets her go, like one who is the devoted lover
+of some one else; the damsel clearly perceived this, and went to her
+room, where she undressed completely and retired, saying to herself: "Of
+all the knights I have ever known, I never knew a single knight whom I
+would value the third part of an angevin in comparison with this one. As
+I understand the case, he has on hand a more perilous and grave affair
+than any ever undertaken by a knight; and may God grant that he succeed
+in it." Then she fell asleep, and remained in bed until the next day's
+dawn appeared.
+
+(Vv. 1293-1368.) At daybreak she awakes and gets up. The knight awakes
+too, dressing, and putting on his arms, without waiting for any help.
+Then the damsel comes and sees that he is already dressed. Upon seeing
+him, she says: "May this day be a happy one for you." "And may it be
+the same to you, damsel," the knight replies, adding that he is waiting
+anxiously for some one to bring out his horse. The maiden has some one
+fetch the horse, and says: "Sire, I should like to accompany you for
+some distance along the road, if you would agree to escort and conduct
+me according to the customs and practices which were observed before we
+were made captive in the kingdom of Logres." In those days the customs
+and privileges were such that, if a knight found a damsel or lorn maid
+alone, and if he cared for his fair name, he would no more treat her
+with dishonour than he would cut his own throat. And if he assaulted
+her, he would be disgraced for ever in every court. But if, while she
+was under his escort, she should be won at arms by another who engaged
+him in battle, then this other knight might do with her what he pleased
+without receiving shame or blame. This is why the damsel said she would
+go with him, if he had the courage and willingness to safe guard her in
+his company, so that no one should do her any harm. And he says to her:
+"No one shall harm you, I promise you, unless he harm me first." "Then,"
+she says, "I will go with you." She orders her palfrey to be saddled,
+and her command is obeyed at once. Her palfrey was brought together with
+the knight's horse. Without the aid of any squire, they both mount, and
+rapidly ride away. She talks to him, but not caring for her words, he
+pays no attention to what she says. He likes to think, but dislikes to
+talk. Love very often inflicts afresh the wound it has given him. Yet,
+he applied no poultice to the wound to cure it and make it comfortable,
+having no intention or desire to secure a poultice or to seek a
+physician, unless the wound becomes more painful. Yet, there is one
+whose remedy he would gladly seek .... [410] They follow the roads and
+paths in the right direction until they come to a spring, situated
+in the middle of a field, and bordered by a stone basin. Some one had
+forgotten upon the stone a comb of gilded ivory. Never since ancient
+times has wise man or fool seen such a comb. In its teeth there was
+almost a handful of hair belonging to her who had used the comb.
+
+(Vv. 1369-1552.) When the damsel notices the spring, and sees the stone,
+she does not wish her companion to see it; so she turns off in another
+direction. And he, agreeably occupied with his own thoughts, does not at
+once remark that she is leading him aside; but when at last he notices
+it, he is afraid of being beguiled, thinking that she is yielding and is
+going out of the way in order to avoid some danger. "See here, damsel,"
+he cries, "you are not going right; come this way! No one, I think, ever
+went straight who left this road." "Sire, this is a better way for us,"
+the damsel says, "I am sure of it." Then he replies to her: "I don't
+know, damsel, what you think; but you can plainly see that the beaten
+path lies this way; and since I have started to follow it, I shall not
+turn aside. So come now, if you will, for I shall continue along this
+way." Then they go forward until they come near the stone basin and
+see the comb. The knight says: "I surely never remember to have seen
+so beautiful a comb as this." "Let me have it," the damsel says.
+"Willingly, damsel," he replies. Then he stoops over and picks it up.
+While holding it, he looks at it steadfastly, gazing at the hair until
+the damsel begins to laugh. When he sees her doing so, he begs her to
+tell him why she laughs. And she says: "Never mind, for I will never
+tell you." "Why not?" he asks. "Because I don't wish to do so." And when
+he hears that, he implores her like one who holds that lovers ought to
+keep faith mutually: "Damsel, if you love anything passionately, by that
+I implore and conjure and beg you not to conceal from me the reason why
+you laugh." "Your appeal is so strong," she says, "that I will tell you
+and keep nothing back. I am sure, as I am of anything, that this comb
+belonged to the Queen. And you may take my word that those are strands
+of the Queen's hair which you see to be so fair and light and radiant,
+and which are clinging in the teeth of the comb; they surely never grew
+anywhere else." Then the knight replied: "Upon my word, there are plenty
+of queens and kings; what queen do you mean?" And she answered: "In
+truth, fair sire, it is of King Arthur's wife I speak." When he
+hears that, he has not strength to keep from bowing his head over
+his saddle-bow. And when the damsel sees him thus, she is amazed and
+terrified, thinking he is about to fall. Do not blame her for her fear,
+for she thought him in a faint. He might as well have swooned, so near
+was he to doing so; for in his heart he felt such grief that for a long
+time he lost his colour and power of speech. And the damsel dismounts,
+and runs as quickly as possible to support and succour him; for she
+would not have wished for anything to see him fall. When he saw her, he
+felt ashamed, and said: "Why do you need to bear me aid?" You must not
+suppose that the damsel told him why; for he would have been ashamed
+and distressed, and it would have annoyed and troubled him, if she had
+confessed to him the truth. So she took good care not to tell the truth,
+but tactfully answered him: "Sire, I dismounted to get the comb; for
+I was so anxious to hold it in my hand that I could not longer wait."
+Willing that she should have the comb, he gives it to her, first pulling
+out the hair so carefully that he tears none of it. Never will the eye
+of man see anything receive such honour as when he begins to adore these
+tresses. A hundred thousand times he raises them to his eyes and mouth,
+to his forehead and face: he manifests his joy in every way, considering
+himself rich and happy now. He lays them in his bosom near his heart,
+between the shirt and the flesh. He would not exchange them for a
+cartload of emeralds and carbuncles, nor does he think that any sore
+or illness can afflict him now; he holds in contempt essence of pearl,
+treacle, and the cure for pleurisy; [411] even for St. Martin and St.
+James he has no need; for he has such confidence in this hair that he
+requires no other aid. But what was this hair like? If I tell the truth
+about it, you will think I am a mad teller of lies. When the mart is
+full at the yearly fair of St. Denis, [412] and when the goods are
+most abundantly displayed, even then the knight would not take all this
+wealth, unless he had found these tresses too. And if you wish to know
+the truth, gold a hundred thousand times refined, and melted down as
+many times, would be darker than is night compared with the brightest
+summer day we have had this year, if one were to see the gold and set it
+beside this hair. But why should I make a long story of it? The damsel
+mounts again with the comb in her possession; while he revels and
+delights in the tresses in his bosom. Leaving the plain, they come to
+a forest and take a short cut through it until they come to a narrow
+place, where they have to go in single file; for it would have been
+impossible to ride two horses abreast. Just where the way was narrowest,
+they see a knight approach. As soon as she saw him, the damsel
+recognised him, and said: "Sir knight, do you see him who yonder comes
+against us all armed and ready for a battle? I know what his intention
+is: he thinks now that he cannot fail to take me off defenceless with
+him. He loves me, but he is very foolish to do so. In person, and by
+messenger, he has been long wooing me. But my love is not within his
+reach, for I would not love him under any consideration, so help me God!
+I would kill myself rather than bestow my love on him. I do not doubt
+that he is delighted now, and is as satisfied as if he had me already
+in his power. But now I shall see what you can do, and I shall see
+how brave you are, and it will become apparent whether your escort can
+protect me. If you can protect me now, I shall not fail to proclaim that
+you are brave and very worthy." And he answered her: "Go on, go on!"
+which was as much as to say: "I am not concerned; there is no need of
+your being worried about what you have said."
+
+(Vv. 1553-1660.) While they were proceeding, talking thus, the knight,
+who was alone, rode rapidly toward them on the run. He was the more
+eager to make haste, because he felt more sure of success; he felt that
+he was lucky now to see her whom he most dearly loves. As soon as he
+approaches her, he greets her with words that come from his heart:
+"Welcome to her, whence-soever she comes, whom I most desire, but who
+has hitherto caused me least joy and most distress!" It is not fitting
+that she should be so stingy of her speech as not to return his
+greeting, at least by word of mouth. The knight is greatly elated when
+the damsel greets him; though she does not take the words seriously, and
+the effort costs her nothing. Yet, if he had at this moment been victor
+in a tournament, he would not have so highly esteemed himself, nor
+thought he had won such honour and renown. Being now more confident of
+his worth, he grasped the bridle rein, and said: "Now I shall lead you
+away: I have to-day sailed well on my course to have arrived at last
+at so good a port. Now my troubles are at an end: after dangers, I have
+reached a haven; after sorrow, I have attained happiness; after pain, I
+have perfect health; now I have accomplished my desire, when I find
+you in such case that I can without resistance lead you away with me
+at once." Then she says: "You have no advantage; for I am under this
+knight's escort." "Surely, the escort is not worth much," he says, "and
+I am going to lead you off at once. This knight would have time to eat a
+bushel of salt before he could defend you from me; I think I could never
+meet a knight from whom I should not win you. And since I find you here
+so opportunely, though he too may do his best to prevent it, yet I will
+take you before his very eyes, however disgruntled he may be." The other
+is not angered by all the pride he hears expressed, but without any
+impudence or boasting, he begins thus to challenge him for her: "Sire,
+don't be in a hurry, and don't waste your words, but speak a little
+reasonably. You shall not be deprived of as much of her as rightly
+belongs to you. You must know, however, that the damsel has come hither
+under my protection. Let her alone now, for you have detained her long
+enough!" The other gives them leave to burn him, if he does not take her
+away in spite of him. Then the other says: "It would not be right for
+me to let you take her away; I would sooner fight with you. But if we
+should wish to fight, we could not possibly do it in this narrow road.
+Let us go to some level place--a meadow or an open field." And he
+replies that that will suit him perfectly: "Certainly, I agree to
+that: you are quite right, this road is too narrow. My horse is so much
+hampered here that I am afraid he will crush his flank before I can turn
+him around." Then with great difficulty he turns, and his horse
+escapes without any wound or harm. Then he says: "To be sure, I am much
+chagrined that we have not met in a favourable spot and in the presence
+of other men, for I should have been glad to have them see which is the
+better of us two. Come on now, let us begin our search: we shall find in
+the vicinity some large, broad, and open space." Then they proceed to a
+meadow, where there were maids, knights, and damsels playing at divers
+games in this pleasant place. They were not all engaged in idle sport,
+but were playing backgammon and chess or dice, and were evidently
+agreeably employed. Most were engaged in such games as these; but
+the others there were engaged in sports, dancing, singing, tumbling,
+leaping, and wrestling with each other.
+
+(Vv. 1661-1840.) A knight somewhat advanced in years was on the other
+side of the meadow, seared upon a sorrel Spanish steed. His bridle and
+saddle were of gold, and his hair was turning grey. One hand hung at
+his side with easy grace. The weather being fine, he was in his shirt
+sleeves, with a short mantle of scarlet cloth and fur slung over his
+shoulders, and thus he watched the games and dances. On the other side
+of the field, close by a path, there were twenty-three knights mounted
+on good Irish steeds. As soon as the three new arrivals come into view,
+they all cease their play and shout across the fields: "See, yonder
+comes the knight who was driven in the cart! Let no one continue his
+sport while he is in our midst. A curse upon him who cares or deigns
+to play so long as he is here!" Meanwhile he who loved the damsel and
+claimed her as his own, approached the old knight, and said: "Sire, I
+have attained great happiness; let all who will now hear me say that God
+has granted me the thing that I have always most desired; His gift would
+not have been so great had He crowned me as king, nor would I have been
+so indebted to Him, nor would I have so profited; for what I have gained
+is fair and good." "I know not yet if it be thine," the knight replies
+to his son. But the latter answers him: "Don't you know? Can't you see
+it, then? For God's sake, sire, have no further doubt, when you see that
+I have her in my possession. In this forest, whence I come, I met her as
+she was on her way. I think God had fetched her there for me, and I have
+taken her for my own." "I do not know whether this will be allowed by
+him whom I see coming after thee; he looks as if he is coming to demand
+her of thee." During this conversation the dancing had ceased because of
+the knight whom they saw, nor were they gaily playing any more because
+of the disgust and scorn they felt for him. But the knight without
+delay came up quickly after the damsel, and said: "Let the damsel alone,
+knight, for you have no right to her! If you dare, I am willing at once
+to fight with you in her defence." Then the old knight remarked: "Did I
+not know it? Fair son, detain the damsel no longer, but let her go." He
+does not relish this advice, and swears that he will not give her up:
+"May God never grant me joy if I give her up to him! I have her, and I
+shall hold on to her as something that is mine own. The shoulder-strap
+and all the armlets of my shield shall first be broken, and I shall have
+lost all confidence in my strength and arms, my sword and lance, before
+I will surrender my mistress to him." And his father says: "I shall not
+let thee fight for any reason thou mayest urge. Thou art too confident
+of thy bravery. So obey my command." But he in his pride replies: "What?
+Am I a child to be terrified? Rather will I make my boast that there is
+not within the sea-girt land any knight, wheresoever he may dwell, so
+excellent that I would let him have her, and whom I should not expect
+speedily to defeat." The father answers: "Fair son, I do not doubt that
+thou dost really think so, for thou art so confident of thy strength.
+But I do not wish to see thee enter a contest with this knight." Then
+he replies: "I shall be disgraced if I follow your advice. Curse me if
+I heed your counsel and turn recreant because of you, and do not do
+my utmost in the fight. It is true that a man fares ill among his
+relatives: I could drive a better bargain somewhere else, for you are
+trying to take me in. I am sure that where I am not known, I could act
+with better grace. No one, who did not know me, would try to thwart my
+will; whereas you are annoying and tormenting me. I am vexed by your
+finding fault with me. You know well enough that when any one is blamed,
+he breaks out still more passionately. But may God never give me joy if
+I renounce my purpose because of you; rather will I fight in spite of
+you!" "By the faith I bear the Apostle St. Peter," his father says, "now
+I see that my request is of no avail. I waste my time in rebuking thee;
+but I shall soon devise such means as shall compel thee against thy will
+to obey my commands and submit to them." Straightway summoning all the
+knights to approach, he bids them lay hands upon his son whom he cannot
+correct, saying: "I will have him bound rather than let him fight. You
+here are all my men, and you owe me your devotion and service: by all
+the fiefs you hold from me, I hold you responsible, and I add my prayer.
+It seems to me that he must be mad, and that he shows excessive pride,
+when he refuses to respect my will." Then they promise to take care of
+him, and say that never, while he is in their charge, shall he wish to
+fight, but that he must renounce the damsel in spite of himself. Then
+they all join and seize him by the arms and neck. "Dost thou not think
+thyself foolish now?" his father asks; "confess the truth: thou hast not
+the strength or power to fight or joust, however distasteful and hard it
+may be for thee to admit it. Thou wilt be wise to consent to my will
+and pleasure. Dost thou know what my intention is? In order somewhat to
+mitigate thy disappointment, I am willing to join thee, if thou wilt, in
+following the knight to-day and to-morrow, through wood and plain, each
+one mounted on his horse. Perhaps we shall soon find him to be of such a
+character and bearing that I might let thee have thy way and fight with
+him." To this proposal the other must perforce consent. Like the man
+who has no alternative, he says that he will give in, provided they
+both shall follow him. And when the people in the field see how this
+adventure has turned out, they all exclaim: "Did you see? He who was
+mounted on the cart has gained such honour here that he is leading away
+the mistress of the son of my lord, and he himself is allowing it. We
+may well suppose that he finds in him some merit, when he lets him take
+her off. Now cursed a hundred times be he who ceases longer his sport on
+his account! Come, let us go back to our games again." Then they resume
+their games and dances.
+
+(Vv. 1841-1966.) Thereupon the knight turns away, without longer
+remaining in the field, and the damsel accompanies him. They leave in
+haste, while the father and his son ride after them through the mown
+fields until toward three o'clock, when in a very pleasant spot they
+come upon a church; beside the chancel there was a cemetery enclosed by
+a wall. The knight was both courteous and wise to enter the church on
+foot and make his prayer to God, while the damsel held his horse for him
+until he returned. When he had made his prayer, and while he was coming
+back, a very old monk suddenly presented himself; whereupon the knight
+politely requests him to tell him what this place is; for he does not
+know. And he tells him it is a cemetery. And the other says: "Take me
+in, so help you God!" "Gladly, sire," and he takes him in. Following the
+monk's lead, the knight beholds the most beautiful tombs that one could
+find as far as Dombes [413] or Pampelune; and on each tomb there were
+letters cut, telling the names of those who were destined to be buried
+there. And he began in order to read the names, and came upon some which
+said: "Here Gawain is to lie, here Louis, and here Yvain." After
+these three, he read the names of many others among the most famed and
+cherished knights of this or any other land. Among the others, he finds
+one of marble, which appears to be new, and is more rich and handsome
+than all the rest. Calling the monk, the knight inquired: "Of what use
+are these tombs here?" And the monk replied: "You have already read the
+inscriptions; if you have understood, you must know what they say, and
+what is the meaning of the tombs." "Now tell me, what is this large one
+for?" And the hermit answered: "I will tell you. That is a very large
+sarcophagus, larger than any that ever was made; one so rich and
+well-carved was never seen. It is magnificent without, and still more so
+within. But you need not be concerned with that, for it can never do you
+any good; you will never see inside of it; for it would require seven
+strong men to raise the lid of stone, if any one wished to open it. And
+you may be sure that to raise it would require seven men stronger than
+you and I. There is an inscription on it which says that any one who can
+lift this stone of his own unaided strength will set free all the men
+and women who are captives in the land, whence no slave or noble can
+issue forth, unless he is a native of that land. No one has ever come
+back from there, but they are detained in foreign prisons; whereas
+they of the country go and come in and out as they please." At once
+the knight goes to grasp the stone, and raises it without the slightest
+trouble, more easily than ten men would do who exerted all their
+strength. And the monk was amazed, and nearly fell down at the sight of
+this marvellous thing; for he thought he would never see the like again,
+and said: "Sire, I am very anxious to know your name. Will you tell me
+what it is?" "Not I," says the knight, "upon my word." "I am certainly
+sorry, for that," he says; "but if you would tell me, you would do me a
+great favour, and might benefit yourself. Who are you, and where do
+you come from?" "I am a knight, as you may see, and I was born in the
+kingdom of Logre. After so much information, I should prefer to be
+excused. Now please tell me, for your part, who is to lie within this
+tomb." "Sire, he who shall deliver all those who are held captive in
+the kingdom whence none escapes." And when he had told him all this, the
+knight commended him to God and all His saints. And then, for the first
+time, he felt free to return to the damsel. The old white-haired monk
+escorts him out of the church, and they resume their way. While the
+damsel is mounting, however, the hermit relates to her all that the
+knight had done inside, and then he begged her to tell him, if she knew,
+what his name was; but she assured him that she did not know, but that
+there was one sure thing she could say, namely, that there was not such
+a knight alive where the four winds of heaven blow.
+
+(Vv. 1967-2022.) Then the damsel takes leave of him, and rides swiftly
+after the knight. Then those who were following them come up and see
+the hermit standing alone before the church. The old knight in his shirt
+sleeves said: "Sire, tell us, have you seen a knight with a damsel in
+his company?" And he replies: "I shall not be loath to tell you all
+I know, for they have just passed on from here. The knight was inside
+yonder, and did a very marvellous thing in raising the stone from the
+huge marble tomb, quite unaided and without the least effort. He is bent
+upon the rescue of the Queen, and doubtless he will rescue her, as well
+as all the other people. You know well that this must be so, for you
+have often read the inscription upon the stone. No knight was ever born
+of man and woman, and no knight ever sat in a saddle, who was the equal
+of this man." Then the father turns to his son, and says: "Son, what
+dost thou think about him now? Is he not a man to be respected who has
+performed such a feat? Now thou knowest who was wrong, and whether it
+was thou or I. I would not have thee fight with him for all the town of
+Amiens; and yet thou didst struggle hard, before any one could dissuade
+thee from thy purpose. Now we may as well go back, for we should be very
+foolish to follow him any farther." And he replies: "I agree to that.
+It would be useless to follow him. Since it is your pleasure, let us
+return." They were very wise to retrace their steps. And all the time
+the damsel rides close beside the knight, wishing to compel him to
+give heed to her. She is anxious to learn his name, and she begs and
+beseeches him again and again to tell her, until in his annoyance he
+answers her: "Have I not already told you that I belong in King Arthur's
+realm? I swear by God and His goodness that you shall not learn my
+name." Then she bids him give her leave to go, and she will turn back,
+which request he gladly grants.
+
+(Vv. 2023-2198.) Thereupon the damsel departs, and he rides on alone
+until it grew very late. After vespers, about compline, as he pursued
+his way, he saw a knight returning from the wood where he had been
+hunting. With helmet unlaced, he rode along upon his big grey hunter,
+to which he had tied the game which God had permitted him to take. This
+gentleman came quickly to meet the knight, offering him hospitality.
+"Sire," he says, "night will soon be here. It is time for you to be
+reasonable and seek a place to spend the night. I have a house of mine
+near at hand, whither I shall take you. No one ever lodged you better
+than I shall do, to the extent of my resources: I shall be very glad, if
+you consent." "For my part, I gladly accept," he says. The gentleman
+at once sends his son ahead, to prepare the house and start the
+preparations for supper. The lad willingly executes his command
+forthwith, and goes off at a rapid pace, while the others, who are in
+no haste, follow the road leisurely until they arrive at the house. The
+gentleman's wife was a very accomplished lady; and he had five sons,
+whom he dearly loved, three of them mere lads, and two already knights;
+and he had two fair and charming daughters, who were still unmarried.
+They were not natives of the land, but were there in durance, having
+been long kept there as prisoners away from their native land of Logres.
+When the gentleman led the knight into his yard, the lady with her sons
+and daughters jumped up and ran to meet them, vying in their efforts to
+do him honour, as they greeted him and helped him to dismount. Neither
+the sisters nor the five brothers paid much attention to their father,
+for they knew well enough that he would have it so. They honoured the
+knight and welcomed him; and when they had relieved him of his armour,
+one of his host's two daughters threw her own mantle about him, taking
+it from her own shoulders and throwing it about his neck. I do not
+need to tell how well he was served at supper; but when the meal
+was finished, they felt no further hesitation in speaking of various
+matters. First, the host began to ask him who he was, and from what
+land, but he did not inquire about his name. The knight promptly
+answered him: "I am from the kingdom of Logres, and have never been in
+this land before." And when the gentleman heard that, he was greatly
+amazed, as were his wife and children too, and each one of them was sore
+distressed. Then they began to say to him: "Woe that you have come here,
+fair sire, for only trouble will come of it! For, like us, you will
+be reduced to servitude and exile." "Where do you come from, then?" he
+asked. "Sire, we belong in your country. Many men from your country
+are held in servitude in this land. Cursed be the custom, together with
+those who keep it up! No stranger comes here who is not compelled to
+stay here in the land where he is detained. For whoever wishes may come
+in, but once in, he has to stay. About your own fate, you may be at
+rest, you will doubtless never escape from here." He replies: "Indeed,
+I shall do so, if possible." To this the gentleman replies: "How? Do you
+think you can escape?" "Yes, indeed, if it be God's will; and I shall do
+all within my power." "In that case, doubtless all the rest would be set
+free; for, as soon as one succeeds in fairly escaping from this durance,
+then all the rest may go forth unchallenged." Then the gentleman
+recalled that he had been told and informed that a knight of great
+excellence was making his way into the country to seek for the Queen,
+who was held by the king's son, Meleagant; and he said to himself: "Upon
+my word, I believe it is he, and I'll tell him so." So he said to him:
+"Sire, do not conceal from me your business, if I promise to give
+you the best advice I know. I too shall profit by any success you may
+attain. Reveal to me the truth about your errand, that it may be to your
+advantage as well as mine. I am persuaded that you have come in search
+of the Queen into this land and among these heathen people, who are
+worse than the Saracens." And the knight replies: "For no other purpose
+have I come. I know not where my lady is confined, but I am striving
+hard to rescue her, and am in dire need of advice. Give me any counsel
+you can." And he says: "Sire, you have undertaken a very grievous task.
+The road you are travelling will lead you straight to the sword-bridge.
+[414] You surely need advice. If you would heed my counsel, you would
+proceed to the sword-bridge by a surer way, and I would have you
+escorted thither." Then he, whose mind is fixed upon the most direct
+way, asks him: "Is the road of which you speak as direct as the other
+way?" "No, it is not," he says; "it is longer, but more sure." Then he
+says: "I have no use for it; tell me about this road I am following!" "I
+am ready to do so," he replies; "but I am sure you will not fare well if
+you take any other than the road I recommend. To-morrow you will reach
+a place where you will have trouble: it is called 'the stony passage'.
+Shall I tell you how bad a place it is to pass? Only one horse can go
+through at a time; even two men could not pass abreast, and the passage
+is well guarded and defended. You will meet with resistance as soon as
+you arrive. You will sustain many a blow of sword and lance, and will
+have to return full measure before you succeed in passing through." And
+when he had completed the account, one of the gentleman's sons, who was
+a knight, stepped forward, saying: "Sire, if you do not object, I will
+go with this gentleman." Then one of the lads jumps up, and says: "I too
+will go." And the father gladly gives them both consent. Now the knight
+will not have to go alone, and he expresses his gratitude, being much
+pleased with the company.
+
+(Vv. 2199-2266.) Then the conversation ceases, and they take the knight
+to bed, where he was glad to fall asleep. As soon as daylight was
+visible he got up, and those who were to accompany him got up too. The
+two knights donned their armour and took their leave, while the young
+fellow started on ahead. Together they pursued their way until they came
+at the hour of prime to "the stony passage." In the middle of it they
+found a wooden tower, where there was always a man on guard. Before they
+drew near, he who was on the tower saw them and cried twice aloud: "Woe
+to this man who comes!" And then behold! A knight issued from the tower,
+mounted and armed with fresh armour, and escorted on either side by
+servants carrying sharp axes. Then, when the other draws near the
+passage, he who defends it begins to heap him with abuse about the cart,
+saying: "Vassal, thou art bold and foolish, indeed, to have entered this
+country. No man ought ever to come here who had ridden upon a cart,
+and may God withhold from him His blessing!" Then they spur toward each
+other at the top of their horses' speed. And he who was to guard the
+passage-way at once breaks his lance and lets the two pieces fall; the
+other strikes him in the neck, reaching him beneath the shield, and
+throws him over prostrate upon the stones. Then the servants come
+forward with the axes, but they intentionally fail to strike him, having
+no desire to harm or damage him; so he does not deign to draw his sword,
+and quickly passes on with his companions. One of them remarks to the
+other: "No one has ever seen so good a knight, nor has he any equal. Is
+not this a marvellous thing, that he has forced a passage here?" And the
+knight says to his brother: "Fair brother, for God's sake, make haste
+to go and tell our father of this adventure." But the lad asserts and
+swears that he will not go with the message, and will never leave the
+knight until he has dubbed and knighted him; let his brother go with the
+message, if he is so much concerned.
+
+(Vv. 2267-2450.) Then they go on together until about three o'clock,
+when they come upon a man, who asks them who they are. And they answer:
+"We are knights, busy about our own affairs." Then the man says to the
+knight: "Sire, I should be glad to offer hospitality to you and your
+companions here." This invitation he delivers to him whom he takes to be
+the lord and master of the others. And this one replies to him: "I could
+not seek shelter for the night at such an hour as this; for it is not
+well to tarry and seek one's ease when one has undertaken some great
+task. And I have such business on hand that I shall not stop for the
+night for some time yet." Then the man continues: "My house is not near
+here, but is some distance ahead. It will be late when you reach there,
+so you may proceed, assured that you will find a place to lodge just
+when it suits you." "In that case," he says, "I will go thither."
+Thereupon the man starts ahead as guide, and the knight follows along
+the path. And when they had proceeded some distance, they met a squire
+who was coming along at a gallop, mounted upon a nag that was as fat
+and round as an apple. And the squire calls our to the man: "Sire,
+sire, make haste! For the people of Logres have attacked in force the
+inhabitants of this land, and war and strife have already broken out;
+and they say that this country has been invaded by a knight who has
+been in many battles, and that wherever he wishes to go, no one, however
+reluctantly, is able to deny him passage. And they further say that he
+will deliver those who are in this country, and will subdue our people.
+Now take my advice and make haste!" Then the man starts at a gallop, and
+the others are greatly delighted at the words they have heard, for they
+are eager to help their side. And the vavasor's son says: "Hear what
+this squire says! Come and let us aid our people who are fighting their
+enemies!" Meanwhile the man rides off, without waiting for them, and
+makes his way rapidly toward a fortress which stood upon a fortified
+hill; thither he hastens, till he comes to the gate, while the others
+spur after him. The castle was surrounded by a high wall and moat. As
+soon as they had got inside, a gate was lowered upon their heels, so
+that they could not get out again. Then they say: "Come on, come on!
+Let us not stop here!" and they rapidly pursue the man until they reach
+another gate which was not closed against them. But as soon as the man
+had passed through, a portcullis dropped behind him. Then the others
+were much dismayed to see themselves shut in, and they think they must
+be bewitched. But he, of whom I have more to tell, wore upon his finger
+a ring, whose stone was of such virtue that any one who gazed at it was
+freed from the power of enchantment. [415] Holding the ring before his
+eyes, he gazed at it, and said: "Lady, lady, so help me God, now I have
+great need of your succour!" [416] This lady was a fairy, who had given
+it to him, and who had cared for him in his infancy. And he had great
+confidence that, wherever he might be, she would aid and succour him.
+But after appealing to her and gazing upon the ring, he realises that
+there is no enchantment here, but that they are actually shut in and
+confined. Then they come to the barred door of a low and narrow postern
+gate. Drawing their swords, they all strike it with such violence that
+they cut the bar. As soon as they were outside the tower, they see that
+a fierce strife was already begun down in the meadows, and that there
+are at least a thousand knights engaged, beside the low-bred infantry.
+While they were descending to the plain, the wise and moderate son of
+the vavasor remarked: "Sire, before we arrive upon the field, it would
+be wise for us, it seems to me, to find out and learn on which side our
+people are. I do not know where they are placed, but I will go and
+find out, if you wish it so." "I wish you would do so," he replies,
+"go quickly, and do not fail to come back again at once." He goes and
+returns at once, saying: "It has turned out well for us, for I have
+plainly seen that these are our troops on this side of the field." Then
+the knight at once rode into the fight and jousted with a knight who
+was approaching him, striking him in the eye with such violence that he
+knocked him lifeless to the ground. Then the lad dismounts, and taking
+the dead knight's horse and arms, he arms himself with skill and
+cleverness. When he was armed, he straightway mounts, taking the shield
+and the lance, which was heavy, stiff, and decorated, and about his
+waist he girt a sharp, bright, and flashing sword. Then he followed his
+brother and lord into the fight. The latter demeaned himself bravely
+in the melee for some time, breaking, splitting, and crushing shields,
+helmets and hauberks. No wood or steel protected the man whom he
+struck; he either wounded him or knocked him lifeless from the horse.
+Unassisted, he did so well that he discomfited all whom he met, while
+his companions did their part as well. The people of Logres, not knowing
+him, are amazed at what they see, and ask the vavasor's sons about the
+stranger knight. This reply is made to them: "Gentlemen, this is he who
+is to deliver us all from durance and misery, in which we have so long
+been confined, and we ought to do him great honour when, to set us free,
+he has passed through so many perils and is ready to face many more. He
+has done much, and will do yet more." Every one is overjoyed at hearing
+this welcome news. The news travelled fast, and was noised about, until
+it was known by all. Their strength and courage rise, so that they slay
+many of those still alive, and apparently because of the example of
+a single knight they work greater havoc than because of all the rest
+combined. And if it had not been so near evening, all would have gone
+away defeated; but night came on so dark that they had to separate.
+
+(Vv. 2451-2614.) When the battle was over, all the captives pressed
+about the knight, grasping his rein on either side, and thus addressing
+him: "Welcome, fair sire," and each one adds: "Sire, for the name of
+God, do not fail to lodge with me!" What one says they all repeat, for
+young and old alike insist that he must lodge with them, saying: "You
+will be more comfortably lodged with me than with any one else." Thus
+each one addresses him to his face, and in the desire to capture him,
+each one drags him from the rest, until they almost come to blows.
+Then he tells them that they are very foolish and silly to struggle so.
+"Cease this wrangling among yourselves, for it does no good to me or
+you. Instead of quarrelling among ourselves, we ought rather to lend one
+another aid. You must not dispute about the privilege of lodging me, but
+rather consider how to lodge me in such a place that it may be to your
+general advantage, and that I may be advanced upon my way." Then each
+one exclaims at once: "That is my house, or, No, it is mine," until the
+knight replies: "Follow my advice and say nothing more; the wisest of
+you is foolish to contend this way. You ought to be concerned to further
+my affairs, and instead you are seeking to turn me aside. If you had
+each individually done me all the honour and service it is possible to
+do, and I had accepted your kindness, by all the saints of Rome I
+swear that I could not be more obliged to you than I am now for your
+good-will. So may God give me joy and health, your good intentions
+please me as much as if each one of you had already shown me great
+honour and kindness: so let the will stand for the deed!" Thus he
+persuades and appeases them all. Then they take him quickly along the
+road to a knight's residence, where they seek to serve him: all rejoice
+to honour and serve him throughout the evening until bedtime, for they
+hold him very dear. Next morning, when the time came to separate, each
+one offers and presents himself, with the desire to accompany him; but
+it is not his will or pleasure that any one shall go with him except the
+two whom he had brought with him. Accompanied by them alone, he
+resumed his journey. That day they rode from morn till evening without
+encountering any adventure. When it was now very late, and while they
+were riding rapidly out of a forest, they saw a house belonging to a
+knight, and seated at the door they saw his wife, who had the bearing of
+a gentle lady. As soon as she espied them coming, she rose to her feet
+to meet them, and greeted them joyfully with a smile: "Welcome! I wish
+you to accept my house; this is your lodging; pray dismount" "Lady,
+since it is your will, we thank you, and will dismount; we accept your
+hospitality for the night." When they had dismounted, the lady had the
+horses taken by members of her well-ordered household. She calls
+her sons and daughters who come at once: the youths were courteous,
+handsome, and well-behaved, and the daughters were fair. She bids the
+lads remove the saddles and curry the horses well; no one refused to do
+this, but each carried out her instructions willingly. When she ordered
+the knights to be disarmed, her daughters step forward to perform this
+service. They remove their armour, and hand them three short mantles
+to put on. Then at once they take them into the house which was very
+handsome. The master was not at home, being out in the woods with two
+of his sons. But he presently returned, and his household, which was
+well-ordered, ran to meet him outside the door. Quickly they untie and
+unpack the game he brings, and tell him the news: "Sire, sire, you do
+not know that you have three knights for guests." "God be praised for
+that," he says. Then the knight and his two sons extend a glad welcome
+to their guests. The rest of the household were not backward, for even
+the least among them prepared to perform his special task. While some
+run to prepare the meal, others light the candles in profusion; still
+others get a towel and basins, and offer water for the hands: they are
+not niggardly in all this. When all had washed, they take their seats.
+Nothing that was done there seemed to be any trouble or burdensome.
+But at the first course there came a surprise in the form of a knight
+outside the door. As he sat on his charger, all armed from head to feet,
+he looked prouder than a bull, and a bull is a yew proud beast. One leg
+was fixed in the stirrup, but the other he had thrown over the mane of
+his horse's neck, to give himself a careless and jaunty air. Behold him
+advancing thus, though no one noticed him until he came forward with the
+words: "I wish to know which is the man who is so foolish and proud
+a numskull that he has come to this country and intends to cross the
+sword-bridge. All his pains will come to naught, and his expedition
+is in vain." Then he, who felt no fear at all, thus replies with
+confidence: "I am he who intends to cross the bridge." "Thou? Thou?
+How didst thou dare to think of such a thing? Before undertaking such
+a course, thou oughtest to have thought of the end that is in store for
+thee, and thou oughtest to have in mind the memory of the cart on which
+thou didst ride. I know not whether thou feelest shame for the ride
+thou hadst on it, but no sensible man would have embarked on such an
+enterprise as this if he had felt the reproach of his action."
+
+(Vv. 2615-2690.) Not a word does he deign to reply to what he hears the
+other say; but the master of the house and all the others express their
+surprise openly: "Ah, God, what a misfortune this is," each one of them
+says to himself; "cursed be the hour when first a cart was conceived or
+made! For it is a very vile and hateful thing. Ah, God, of what was he
+accused? Why was he carried in a cart? For what sin, or for what crime?
+He will always suffer the reproach. If he were only clear of this
+disgrace, no knight could be found in all the world, however his valour
+might be proved, who would equal the merit of this knight. If all good
+knights could be compared, and if the truth were to be known, you
+could find none so handsome or so expert." Thus they expressed their
+sentiments. Then he began his speech of impudence: "Listen, thou knight,
+who art bound for the sword-bridge! If thou wishest, thou shalt cross
+the water very easily and comfortably. I will quickly have thee ferried
+over in a skiff. But once on the other side, I will make thee pay me
+toll, and I will take thy head, if I please to do so, or if not, thou
+shalt be held at my discretion." And he replies that he is not seeking
+trouble, and that he will never risk his head in such an adventure for
+any consideration. To which the other answers at once: "Since thou
+wilt not do this, whosesoever the shame and loss may be, thou must come
+outside with me and there engage me hand to hand." Then, to beguile him.
+the other says: "If I could refuse, I would very gladly excuse myself;
+but in truth I would rather fight than be compelled to do what is
+wrong." Before he arose from the table where they were sitting, he told
+the youths who were serving him, to saddle his horse at once, and fetch
+his arms and give them to him. This order they promptly execute: some
+devote themselves to arming him, while others go to fetch his horse. As
+he slowly rode along completely armed, holding his shield tight by the
+straps, you must know that he was evidently to be included in the list
+of the brave and fair. His horse became him so well that it is evident
+he must be his own, and as for the shield he held by the straps and the
+helmet laced upon his head, which fitted him so well, you would never
+for a moment have thought that he had borrowed it or received it as a
+loan; rather, you would be so pleased with him that you would maintain
+that he had been thus born and raised: for all this I should like you to
+take my word.
+
+(Vv. 2691-2792.) Outside the gate, where the battle was to be fought,
+there was a stretch of level ground well adapted for the encounter. When
+they catch sight of each other, they spur hotly to the attack and come
+together with such a shock, dealing such blows with their lances, that
+they first bend, then buckle up, and finally fly into splinters. With
+their swords they then hew away at their shields, helmets, and hauberks.
+The wood is cut and the steel gives way, so that they wound each other
+in several places. They pay each other such angry blows that it seems
+as if they had made a bargain. The swords often descend upon the horses'
+croups, where they drink and feast upon their blood; their riders strike
+them upon the flanks until at last they kill them both. And when both
+have fallen to earth, they attack each other afoot; and if they had
+cherished a mortal hatred, they could not have assailed each other more
+fiercely with their swords. They deal their blows with greater frequency
+than the man who stakes his money at dice and never fails to double the
+stakes every time he loses; yet, this game of theirs was very different;
+for there were no losses here, but only fierce blows and cruel strife.
+All the people came out from the house: the master, his lady, his sons
+and daughters; no man or woman, friend or stranger, stayed behind,
+but all stood in line to see the fight in progress in the broad,
+level field. The Knight of the Cart blames and reproaches himself for
+faintheartedness when he sees his host watching him and notices all the
+others looking on. His heart is stirred with anger, for it seems to him
+that he ought long since to have beaten his adversary. Then he strikes
+him, rushing in like a storm and bringing his sword down close by his
+head; he pushes and presses him so hard that he drives him from his
+ground and reduces him to such a state of exhaustion that he has little
+strength to defend himself. Then the knight recalls how the other had
+basely reproached him about the cart; so he assails him and drubs him so
+soundly that not a string or strap remains unbroken about the neck-band
+of his hauberk, and he knocks the helmet and ventail from his head. His
+wounds and distress are so great that he has to cry for mercy. Just
+as the lark cannot withstand or protect itself against the hawk which
+outflies it and attacks it from above, so he in his helplessness and
+shame, must invoke him and sue for mercy. And when he hears him beg for
+mercy, he ceases his attack and says: "Dost thou wish for mercy?" He
+replies: "You have asked a very clever question; any fool could ask
+that. I never wished for anything so much as I now wish for mercy."
+Then he says to him: "Thou must mount, then, upon a cart. Nothing thou
+couldst say would have any influence with me, unless thou mountest the
+cart, to atone for the vile reproaches thou didst address to me with thy
+silly mouth." And the knight thus answers him: "May it never please God
+that I mount a cart!" "No?" he asks; "then you shall die." "Sire, you
+can easily put me to death; but I beg and beseech you for God's sake
+to show me mercy and not compel me to mount a cart. I will agree to
+anything, however grievous, excepting that. I would rather die a hundred
+times than undergo such a disgrace. In your goodness and mercy you can
+tell me nothing so distasteful that I will not do it."
+
+(Vv. 2793-2978.) While he is thus beseeching him, behold across the
+field a maiden riding on a tawny mule, her head uncovered and her dress
+disarranged. In her hand she held a whip with which she belaboured the
+mule; and in truth no horse could have galloped so fast as was the pace
+of the mule. The damsel called out to the Knight of the Cart: "May God
+bless thy heart, Sir Knight, with whatever delights thee most!" And he,
+who heard her gladly, says: "May God bless you, damsel, and give you joy
+and health!" Then she tells him of her desire. "Knight," she says, "in
+urgent need I have come from afar to thee to ask a favour, for which
+thou wilt deserve the best guerdon I can make to thee; and I believe
+that thou wilt yet have need of my assistance." And he replies: "Tell
+me what it is you wish; and if I have it, you shall have it at once,
+provided it be not something extravagant." Then she says: "It is the
+head of the knight whom thou hast just defeated; in truth, thou
+hast never dealt with such a wicked and faithless man. Thou wilt be
+committing no sin or wrong, but rather doing a deed of charity, for he
+is the basest creature that ever was or ever shall be." And when he who
+had been vanquished hears that she wishes him to be killed, he says to
+him: "Don't believe her, for she hates me; but by that God who was
+at once Father and Son, and who chose for His mother her who was His
+daughter and handmaiden, I beg you to have mercy upon me!" "Ah, knight!"
+the maid exclaims, "pay no attention to what this traitor says! May God
+give thee all the joy and honour to which thou dost aspire, and may
+He give thee good success in thy undertaking." Then the knight is in
+a predicament, as he thinks and ponders over the question: whether to
+present to her the head she asks him to cut off, or whether he shall
+allow himself to be touched by pity for him. [417] He wishes to respect
+the wishes of both her and him. Generosity and pity each command him to
+do their will; for he was both generous and tender-hearted. But if
+she carries off the head, then will pity be defeated and put to
+death; whereas, if she does not carry off the head, generosity will
+be discomfited. Thus, pity and generosity hold him so confined and so
+distressed that he is tormented and spurred on by each of them in turn.
+The damsel asks him to give her the head, and on the other hand the
+knight makes his request, appealing to his pity and kindness. And,
+since he has implored him, shall he not receive mercy? Yes, for it never
+happened that, when he had put down an enemy and compelled him to sue
+for mercy, he would refuse such an one his mercy or longer bear him any
+grudge. Since this is his custom, he will not refuse his mercy to him
+who now begs and sues for it. And shall she have the head she covets?
+Yes, if it be possible. "Knight," he says, "it is necessary for thee to
+fight me again, and if thou dost care to defend thy head again, I will
+show thee such mercy as to allow thee to resume the helmet; and I will
+give thee time to arm thy body and thy head as well as possible. But, if
+I conquer thee again, know that thou shalt surely die." And he replies:
+"I desire nothing better than that, and ask for no further favour."
+"And I will give thee this advantage," he adds: "I will fight thee as
+I stand, without changing my present position." Then the other knight
+makes ready, and they begin the fight again eagerly. But this time the
+knight triumphed more quickly than he had done at first. And the damsel
+at once cries out: "Do not spare him, knight, for anything he may say to
+thee. Surely he would not have spared thee, had he once defeated thee.
+If thou heedest what he says, be sure that he will again beguile thee.
+Fair knight, cut off the head of the most faithless man in the empire
+and kingdom, and give it to me! Thou shouldst present it to me, in view
+of the guerdon I intend for thee. For another day may well come when, if
+he can, he will beguile thee again with his words." He, thinking his end
+is near, cries aloud to him for mercy; but his cry is of no avail, nor
+anything that he can say. The other drags him by the helmet, tearing all
+the fastening, and he strikes from his head the ventail and the gleaming
+coif. Then he cries out more loudly still: "Mercy, for God's sake!
+Mercy, sir!" But the other answers: "So help me, I shall never again
+show thee pity, after having once let thee off." "Ah," he says, "thou
+wouldst do wrong to heed my enemy and kill me thus." While she, intent
+upon his death, admonishes him to cut off his head, and not to believe
+a word he says. He strikes: the head flies across the sward and the body
+fails. Then the damsel is pleased and satisfied. Grasping the head by
+the hair, the knight presents it to the damsel, who takes it joyfully
+with the words: "May thy heart receive such delight from whatever it
+most desires as my heart now receives from what I most coveted. I had
+only one grief in life, and that was that this man was still alive. I
+have a reward laid up for thee which thou shalt receive at the proper
+time. I promise thee that thou shalt have a worthy reward for the
+service thou hast rendered me. Now I will go away, with the prayer
+that God may guard thee from harm." Then the damsel leaves him, as each
+commends the other to God. But all those who had seen the battle in the
+plain are overjoyed, and in their joy they at once relieve the knight of
+his armour, and honour him in every way they can. Then they wash their
+hands again and take their places at the meal, which they eat with
+better cheer than is their wont. When they had been eating for some
+time, the gentleman turned to his guest at his side, and said: "Sire, a
+long while ago we came hither from the kingdom of Logres. We were born
+your countrymen, and we should like to see you win honour and fortune
+and joy in this country; for we should profit by it as well as you, and
+it would be to the advantage of many others, if you should gain honour
+and fortune in the enterprise you have undertaken in this land." And he
+makes answer: "May God hear your desire."
+
+(Vv. 2979-3020.) When the host had dropped his voice and ceased
+speaking, one of his sons followed him and said: "Sire, we ought to
+place all our resources at your service, and give them outright rather
+than promise them; if you have any need of our assistance, we ought not
+to wait until you ask for it. Sire, be not concerned over your horse
+which is dead. We have good strong horses here. I want you to take
+anything of ours which you need, and you shall choose the best of
+our horses in place of yours." And he replies: "I willingly accept."
+Thereupon, they have the beds prepared and retire for the night. The
+next morning they rise early, and dress, after which they prepare to
+start. Upon leaving, they fail in no act of courtesy, but take leave of
+the lady, her lord, and all the rest. But in order to omit nothing, I
+must remark that the knight was unwilling to mount the borrowed steed
+which was standing ready at the door; rather, he caused him to be ridden
+by one of the two knights who had come with him, while he took the
+latter's horse instead, for thus it pleased him best to do. When each
+was seated on his horse, they all asked for leave to depart from their
+host who had served them so honourably. Then they ride along the road
+until the day draws to a close, and late in the afternoon they reach the
+sword-bridge.
+
+(Vv. 3021-3194.) At the end of this very difficult bridge they dismount
+from their steeds and gaze at the wicked-looking stream, which is as
+swift and raging, as black and turgid, as fierce and terrible as if
+it were the devil's stream; and it is so dangerous and bottomless that
+anything failing into it would be as completely lost as if it fell into
+the salt sea. And the bridge, which spans it, is different from any
+other bridge; for there never was such a one as this. If any one asks of
+me the truth, there never was such a bad bridge, nor one whose flooring
+was so bad. The bridge across the cold stream consisted of a polished,
+gleaming sword; but the sword was stout and stiff, and was as long as
+two lances. At each end there was a tree-trunk in which the sword
+was firmly fixed. No one need fear to fall because of its breaking
+or bending, for its excellence was such that it could support a
+great weight. But the two knights who were with the third were much
+discouraged; for they surmised that two lions or two leopards would be
+found tied to a great rock at the other end of the bridge. The water
+and the bridge and the lions combine so to terrify them that they both
+tremble with fear, and say: "Fair sire, consider well what confronts
+you; for it is necessary and needful to do so. This bridge is badly made
+and built, and the construction of it is bad. If you do not change your
+mind in time, it will be too late to repent. You must consider which of
+several alternatives you will choose. Suppose that you once get across
+(but that cannot possibly come to pass, any more than one could hold in
+the winds and forbid them to blow, or keep the birds from singing,
+or re-enter one's mother's womb and be born again--all of which is as
+impossible as to empty the sea of its water); but even supposing that
+you got across, can you think and suppose that those two fierce lions
+that are chained on the other side will not kill you, and suck the blood
+from your veins, and eat your flesh and then gnaw your bones? For my
+part, I am bold enough, when I even dare to look and gaze at them. If
+you do not take care, they will certainly devour you. Your body will
+soon be torn and rent apart, for they will show you no mercy. So take
+pity on us now, and stay here in our company! It would be wrong for
+you to expose yourself intentionally to such mortal peril." And he,
+laughing, replies to them: "Gentlemen, receive my thanks and gratitude
+for the concern you feel for me: it comes from your love and kind
+hearts. I know full well that you would not like to see any mishap come
+to me; but I have faith and confidence in God, that He will protect me
+to the end. I fear the bridge and stream no more than I fear this dry
+land; so I intend to prepare and make the dangerous attempt to cross.
+I would rather die than turn back now." The others have nothing more to
+say; but each weeps with pity and heaves a sigh. Meanwhile he prepares,
+as best he may, to cross the stream, and he does a very marvellous thing
+in removing the armour from his feet and hands. He will be in a sorry
+state when he reaches the other side. He is going to support himself
+with his bare hands and feet upon the sword, which was sharper than a
+scythe, for he had not kept on his feet either sole or upper or hose.
+But he felt no fear of wounds upon his hands or feet; he preferred to
+maim himself rather than to fall from the bridge and be plunged in
+the water from which he could never escape. In accordance with this
+determination, he passes over with great pain and agony, being wounded
+in the hands, knees, and feet. But even this suffering is sweet to him:
+for Love, who conducts and leads him on, assuages and relieves the pain.
+Creeping on his hands, feet, and knees, he proceeds until he reaches
+the other side. Then he recalls and recollects the two lions which he
+thought he had seen from the other side; but, on looking about, he does
+not see so much as a lizard or anything else to do him harm. He raises
+his hand before his face and looks at his ring, and by this test he
+proves that neither of the lions is there which he thought he had seen,
+and that he had been enchanted and deceived; for there was not a living
+creature there. When those who had remained behind upon the bank saw
+that he had safely crossed, their joy was natural; but they do not know
+of his injuries. He, however, considers himself fortunate not to have
+suffered anything worse. The blood from his wounds drips on his shirt
+on all sides. Then he sees before him a tower, which was so strong that
+never had he seen such a strong one before: indeed, it could not have
+been a better tower. At the window there sat King Bademagu, who was very
+scrupulous and precise about matters of honour and what was right, and
+who was careful to observe and practise loyalty above all else; and
+beside him stood his son, who always did precisely the opposite so far
+as possible, for he found his pleasure in disloyalty, and never wearied
+of villainy, treason, and felony. From their point of vantage they had
+seen the knight cross the bridge with trouble and pain. Meleagant's
+colour changed with the rage and displeasure he felt; for he knows now
+that he will be challenged for the Queen; but his character was such
+that he feared no man, however strong or formidable. If he were not base
+and disloyal, there could no better knight be found; but he had a heart
+of wood, without gentleness and pity. What enraged his son and roused
+his ire, made the king happy and glad. The king knew of a truth that he
+who had crossed the bridge was much better than any one else. For no one
+would dare to pass over it in whom there dwelt any of that evil nature
+which brings more shame upon those who possess it than prowess brings
+of honour to the virtuous. For prowess cannot accomplish so much as
+wickedness and sloth can do: it is true beyond a doubt that it is
+possible to do more evil than good.
+
+(Vv. 3195-3318.) I could say more on these two heads, if it did not
+cause me to delay. But I must turn to something else and resume my
+subject, and you shall hear how the king speaks profitably to his son:
+"Son," he says, "it was fortunate that thou and I came to look out
+this window; our reward has been to witness the boldest deed that ever
+entered the mind of man. Tell me now if thou art not well disposed
+toward him who has performed such a marvellous feat. Make peace and be
+reconciled with him, and deliver the Queen into his hands. Thou shalt
+gain no glory in battle with him, but rather mayst thou incur great
+loss. Show thyself to be courteous and sensible, and send the Queen to
+meet him before he sees thee. Show him honour in this land of thine, and
+before he asks it, present to him what he has come to seek. Thou knowest
+well enough that he has come for the Queen Guinevere. Do not act so that
+people will take thee to be obstinate, foolish, or proud. If this man
+has entered thy land alone, thou shouldst bear him company, for one
+gentleman ought not to avoid another, but rather attract him and honour
+him with courtesy. One receives honour by himself showing it; be sure
+that the honour will be thine, if thou doest honour and service to him
+who is plainly the best knight in the world." And he replies: "May God
+confound me, if there is not as good a knight, or even a better one
+than he!" It was too bad that he did not mention himself, of whom he
+entertains no mean opinion. And he adds: "I suppose you wish me to clasp
+my hands and kneel before him as his liegeman, and to hold my lands from
+him? So help me God, I would rather become his man than surrender to
+him the Queen! God forbid that in such a fashion I should deliver her
+to him! She shall never be given up by me, but rather contested and
+defended against all who are so foolish as to dare to come in quest
+of her." Then again the king says to him: "Son, thou wouldst act very
+courteously to renounce this pretension. I advise thee and beg thee to
+keep the peace. Thou knowest well that the honour will belong to the
+knight, if he wins the Queen from thee in battle. He would doubtless
+rather win her in battle than as a gift, for it will thus enhance
+his fame. It is my opinion that he is seeking her, not to receive her
+peaceably, but because he wishes to win her by force of arms. So it
+would be wise on thy part to deprive him of the satisfaction of fighting
+thee. I am sorry to see thee so foolish; but if thou dost not heed my
+advice, evil will come of it, and the ensuing misfortune will be worse
+for thee. For the knight need fear no hostility from any one here save
+thee. On behalf of myself and all my men, I will grant him a truce and
+security. I have never yet done a disloyal deed or practised treason and
+felony, and I shall not begin to do so now on thy account any more than
+I would for any stranger. I do not wish to flatter thee, for I promise
+that the knight shall not lack any arms, or horse or anything else he
+needs, in view of the boldness he has displayed in coming thus far.
+He shall be securely guarded and well defended against all men here
+excepting thee. I wish him clearly to understand that, if he can
+maintain himself against thee, he need have no fear of any one else." "I
+have listened to you in silence long enough," says Meleagant, "and you
+may say what you please. But little do I care for all you say. I am not
+a hermit, nor so compassionate and charitable, and I have no desire to
+be so honourable as to give him what I most love. His task will not be
+performed so quickly or so lightly; rather will it turn out otherwise
+than as you and he expect. You and I need not quarrel because you aid
+him against me. Even if he enjoys peace and a truce with you and all
+your men, what matters that to me? My heart does not quail on that
+account; rather, so help me God, I am glad that he need not feel concern
+for any one here but me; I do not wish you to do on my account anything
+which might be construed as disloyalty or treachery. Be as compassionate
+as you please, but let me be cruel." "What? Wilt thou not change thy
+mind?" "No," he says. "Then I will say nothing more. I will leave thee
+alone to do thy best and will go now to speak with the knight. I wish
+to offer and present to him my aid and counsel in all respects; for I am
+altogether on his side."
+
+(Vv. 3319-3490.) Then the king goes down and orders them to bring his
+horse. A large steed is brought to him, upon which he springs by the
+stirrup, and he rides off with some of his men: three knights and two
+squires he bade to go with him. They did not stop their ride downhill
+until they came to the bridge, where they see him stanching his wounds
+and wiping the blood from them. The king expects to keep him as his
+guest for a long time while his wounds are healing; but he might as well
+expect to drain the sea. The king hastens to dismount, and he who was
+grievously wounded, stood up at once to meet him, though he did not know
+him, and he gave no more evidence of the pain he felt in his feet and
+hands than if he had been actually sound. The king sees that he is
+exerting himself, and quickly runs to greet him with the words: "Sire,
+I am greatly amazed that you have fallen upon us in this land. But be
+welcome, for no one will ever repeat the attempt: it never happened in
+the past, and it will never happen in the future that any one should
+perform such a hardy feat or expose himself to such peril. And know that
+I admire you greatly for having executed what no one before ever dared
+to conceive. You will find me very kindly disposed, and loyal and
+courteous toward you. I am the king of this land, and offer you freely
+all my counsel and service; and I think I know pretty well what you have
+come here to seek. You come, I am sure, to seek the Queen." "Sire,"
+he replies, "your surmise is correct; no other cause brings me here."
+"Friend, you must suffer hardship to obtain her," he replies; "and you
+are sorely wounded, as I see by the wounds and the flowing blood. You
+will not find him who brought her hither so generous as to give her up
+without a struggle; but you must tarry, and have your wounds cared for
+until they are completely healed. I will give you some of 'the three
+Marys' ointment, [418] and something still better, if it can be found,
+for I am very solicitous about your comfort and your recovery. And the
+Queen is so confined that no mortal man has access to her--not even my
+son, who brought her here with him and who resents such treatment, for
+never was a man so beside himself and so desperate as he. But I am well
+disposed toward you, and will gladly give you, so help me God, all of
+which you stand in need. My son himself will not have such good arms but
+that I will give you some that are just as good, and a horse, too,
+such as you will need, though my son will be angry with me. Despite the
+feelings of any one, I will protect you against all men. You will have
+no cause to fear any one excepting him who brought the Queen here. No
+man ever menaced another as I have menaced him, and I came near driving
+him from my land, in my displeasure because he will not surrender her
+to you. To be sure, he is my son; but feel no concern, for unless he
+defeats you in battle, he can never do you the slightest harm against my
+will." "Sire," he says, "I thank you. But I am losing time here which
+I do not wish to waste. I have no cause to complain, and have no wound
+which is paining me. Take me where I can find him; for with such arms
+as I have, I am ready to divert myself by giving and receiving blows."
+"Friend, you had better wait two or three weeks until your wounds are
+healed, for it would be well for you to tarry here at least two weeks,
+and not on any account could I allow it, or look on, while you fought
+in my presence with such arms and with such an outfit." And he replies:
+"With your permission, no other arms would be used than these, for I
+should prefer to fight with them, and I should not ask for the slightest
+postponement, adjournment or delay. However, in deference to you, I
+will consent to wait until to-morrow; but despite what any one may say,
+longer I will not wait." Then the king assured him that all would
+be done as he wished; then he has the lodging-place prepared, and
+insistently requests his men, who are in the company, to serve him,
+which they do devotedly. And the king, who would gladly have made peace,
+had it been possible, went at once to his son and spoke to him like one
+who desires peace and harmony, saying: "Fair son, be reconciled now with
+this knight without a fight! He has not come here to disport himself or
+to hunt or chase, but he comes in search of honour and to increase his
+fame and renown, and I have seen that he stands in great need of rest.
+If he had taken my advice, he would not have rashly undertaken, either
+this month or the next, the battle which he so greatly desires. If thou
+makest over the Queen to him, dost thou fear any dishonour in the deed?
+Have no fear of that, for no blame can attach to thee; rather is it
+wrong to keep that to which one has no rightful claim. He would gladly
+have entered the battle at once, though his hands and feet are not
+sound, but cut and wounded." Meleagant answers his father thus: "You are
+foolish to be concerned. By the faith I owe St. Peter, I will not take
+your advice in this matter. I should deserve to be drawn apart with
+horses, if I heeded your advice. If he is seeking his honour, so do I
+seek mine; if he is in search of glory, so am I; if he is anxious for
+the battle, so am I a hundred times more so than he." "I see plainly,"
+says the king, "that thou art intent upon thy mad enterprise, and thou
+shalt have thy fill of it. Since such is thy pleasure, to-morrow thou
+shalt try thy strength with the knight." "May no greater hardship ever
+visit me than that!" Meleagant replies; "I would much rather it were
+to-day than to-morrow. Just see how much more downcast I am than is
+usual! My eyes are wild, and my face is pale! I shall have no joy or
+satisfaction or any cause for happiness until I am actually engaged with
+him."
+
+(Vv. 3491-3684.) The king understands that further advice and prayers
+are of no avail, so reluctantly he leaves his son and, taking a good,
+strong horse and handsome arms, he sends them to him who well deserves
+them, together with a surgeon who was a loyal and Christian man. There
+was in the world no more trusty man, and he was more skilled in the
+cure of wounds than all the doctors of Montpeilier. [419] That night
+he treated the knight as best he could, in accordance with the king's
+command. Already the news was known by the knights and damsels, the
+ladies and barons of all the country-side, and all through the night
+until daybreak strangers and friends were making long journeys from all
+the country round. When morning came, there was such a press before the
+castle that there was not room to move one's foot. And the king, rising
+early in his distress about the battle, goes directly to his son, who
+had already laced upon his head the helmet which was of Poitiers make.
+No delay or peace is possible, for though the king did his best, his
+efforts are of no effect. In the middle of the castle-square, where all
+the people are assembled, the battle will be fought in compliance with
+the king's wish and command. The king sends at once for the stranger
+knight, and he is conducted to the grounds which were filled with people
+from the kingdom of Logres. For just as people are accustomed to go
+to church to hear the organ on the annual feast-days of Pentecost or
+Christmas, so they had all assembled now. All the foreign maidens from
+King Arthur's realm had fasted three days and gone barefoot in their
+shifts, in order that God might endow with strength and courage the
+knight who was to fight his adversary on behalf of the captives. Very
+early, before prime had yet been sounded, both of the knights fully
+armed were led to the place, mounted upon two horses equally protected.
+Meleagant was very graceful, alert, and shapely; the hauberk with its
+fine meshes, the helmet, and the shield hanging from his neck--all these
+became him well. All the spectators, however, favoured the other knight,
+even those who wished him ill, and they say that Meleagant is worth
+nothing compared with him. As soon as they were both on the ground, the
+king comes and detains them as long as possible in an effort to make
+peace between them, but he is unable to persuade his son. Then he says
+to them: "Hold in your horses until I reach the top of the tower. It
+will be only a slight favour, if you will wait so long for me." Then in
+sorrowful mood he leaves them and goes directly to the place where he
+knew he would find the Queen. She had begged him the evening before to
+place her where she might have an unobstructed view of the battle; he
+had granted her the boon, and went now to seek and fetch her, for he
+was very anxious to show her honour and courtesy. He placed her at one
+window, and took his place at another window on her right. Beside them,
+there were gathered there many knights and prudent dames and damsels,
+who were natives of that land; and there were many others, who were
+captives, and who were intent upon their orisons and prayers. Those who
+were prisoners were praying for their lord, for to God and to him they
+entrusted their succour and deliverance. Then the combatants without
+delay make all the people stand aside; then they clash the shields with
+their elbows, and thrust their arms into the straps, and spur at each
+other so violently that each sends his lance two arms' length through
+his opponent's shield, causing the lance to split and splinter like a
+flying spark. And the horses meet head on, clashing breast to breast,
+and the shields and helmets crash with such a noise that it seems like
+a mighty thunder-clap; not a breast-strap, girth, rein or surcingle
+remains unbroken, and the saddle-bows, though strong, are broken to
+pieces. The combatants felt no shame in falling to earth, in view of
+their mishaps, but they quickly spring to their feet, and without waste
+of threatening words rush at each other more fiercely than two wild
+boars, and deal great blows with their swords of steel like men whose
+hate is violent. Repeatedly they trim the helmets and shining hauberks
+so fiercely that after the sword the blood spurts out. They furnished
+an excellent battle, indeed, as they stunned and wounded each other with
+their heavy, wicked blows. Many fierce, hard, long bouts they sustained
+with equal honour, so that the onlookers could discern no advantage on
+either side. But it was inevitable that he who had crossed the bridge
+should be much weakened by his wounded hands. The people who sided with
+him were much dismayed, for they notice that his strokes are growing
+weaker, and they fear he will get the worst of it; it seemed to them
+that he was weakening, while Meleagant was triumphing, and they began
+to murmur all around. But up at the window of the tower there was a wise
+maiden who thought within herself that the knight had not undertaken the
+battle either on her account or for the sake of the common herd who had
+gathered about the list, but that his only incentive had been the Queen;
+and she thought that, if he knew that she was at the window seeing and
+watching him, his strength and courage would increase. And if she had
+known his name, she would gladly have called to him to look about him.
+Then she came to the Queen and said: "Lady, for God's sake and your
+own as well as ours, I beseech you to tell me, if you know, the name of
+yonder knight, to the end that it may be of some help to him." "Damsel,"
+the Queen replies, "you have asked me a question in which I see no hate
+or evil, but rather good intent; the name of the knight, I know, is
+Lancelot of the Lake." [420] "God, how happy and glad at heart I am!"
+the damsel says. Then she leans forward and calls to him by name so
+loudly that all the people hear: "Lancelot, turn about and see who is
+here taking note of thee!"
+
+(Vv. 3685-3954.) When Lancelot heard his name, he was not slow to turn
+around: he turns and sees seated up there at the window of the tower
+her whom he desired most in the world to see. From the moment he caught
+sight of her, he did not turn or take his eyes and face from her,
+defending himself with backhand blows. And Meleagant meanwhile attacked
+him as fiercely as he could, delighted to think that the other cannot
+withstand him now; and they of the country are well pleased too,
+while the foreigners are so distressed that they can no longer support
+themselves, and many of them fall to earth either upon their knees or
+stretched out prone; thus some are glad, and some distressed. Then the
+damsel cried again from the window: "Ah, Lancelot, how is it that thou
+dost now conduct thyself so foolishly? Once thou wert the embodiment
+of prowess and of all that is good, and I do not think God ever made a
+knight who could equal thee in valour and in worth. But now we see
+thee so distressed that thou dealest back-hand blows and fightest thy
+adversary, behind thy back. Turn, so as to be on the other side, and so
+that thou canst face toward this tower, for it will help thee to keep
+it in view." Then Lancelot is so ashamed and mortified that he hates
+himself, for he knows full well that all have seen how, for some time
+past, he has had the worst of the fight. Thereupon he leaps backward and
+so manoeuvres as to force Meleagant into a position between him and the
+tower. Meleagant makes every effort to regain his former position. But
+Lancelot rushes upon him, and strikes him so violently upon his body and
+shield whenever he tries to get around him, that he compels him to whirl
+about two or three times in spite of himself. Lancelot's strength and
+courage grow, partly because he has love's aid, and partly because he
+never hated any one so much as him with whom he is engaged. Love and
+mortal hate, so fierce that never before was such hate seen, make him so
+fiery and bold that Meleagant ceases to treat it as a jest and begins to
+stand in awe of him, for he had never met or known so doughty a knight,
+nor had any knight ever wounded or injured him as this one does. He
+is glad to get away from him, and he winces and sidesteps, fearing his
+blows and avoiding them. And Lancelot does not idly threaten him, but
+drives him rapidly toward the tower where the Queen was stationed on the
+watch. There upon the tower he did her the homage of his blows until he
+came so close that, if he advanced another step, he would lose sight
+of her. Thus Lancelot drove him back and forth repeatedly in whatever
+direction he pleased, always stopping before the Queen, his lady, who
+had kindled the flame which compels him to fix his gaze upon her. And
+this same flame so stirred him against Meleagant that he was enabled to
+lead and drive him wherever he pleased. In spite of himself he drives
+him on like a blind man or a man with a wooden leg. The king sees his
+son so hard pressed that he is sorry for him and he pities him, and he
+will not deny him aid and assistance if possible; but if he wishes to
+proceed courteously, he must first beg the Queen's permission. So he
+began to say to her: "Lady, since I have had you in my power, I have
+loved you and faithfully served and honoured you. I never consciously
+left anything undone in which I saw your honour involved; now repay
+me for what I have done. For I am about to ask you a favour which you
+should not grant unless you do so willingly. I plainly see that my son
+is getting the worst of this battle; I do not speak so because of the
+chagrin I feel, but in order that Lancelot, who has him in his power,
+may not kill him. Nor ought you to wish to see him killed; not because
+he has not wronged both you and him, but because I make the request of
+you: so tell him, please, to stop beating him. If you will, you can thus
+repay me for what I have done for you." "Fair sire, I am willing to do
+so at your request," the Queen replies; "had I mortal hatred for your
+son, whom it is true I do not love, yet you have served me so well that,
+to please you, I am quite willing that he should desist." These words
+were not spoken privately, but Lancelot and Meleagrant heard what was
+said. The man who is a perfect lover is always obedient and quickly and
+gladly does his mistress' pleasure. So Lancelot was constrained to do
+his Lady's will, for he loved more than Pyramus, [421] if that were
+possible for any man to do. Lancelot heard what was said, and as soon as
+the last word had issued from her mouth, "since you wish him to desist,
+I am willing that he should do so," Lancelot would not have touched him
+or made a movement for anything, even if the other had killed him. He
+does not touch him or raise his hand. But Meleagant, beside himself with
+rage and shame when he hears that it has been necessary to intercede
+in his behalf, strikes him with all the strength he can muster. And the
+king went down from the tower to upbraid his son, and entering the list
+he addressed him thus: "How now? Is this becoming, to strike him when he
+is not touching thee? Thou art too cruel and savage, and thy prowess
+is now out of place! For we all know beyond a doubt that he is thy
+superior." Then Meleagant, choking with shame, says to the king: "I
+think you must be blind! I do not believe you see a thing. Any one must
+indeed be blind to think I am not better than he." "Seek some one to
+believe thy words!" the king replies, "for all the people know whether
+thou speakest the truth or a lie. All of us know full well the truth."
+Then the king bids his barons lead his son away, which they do at once
+in execution of his command: they led away Meleagant. But it was not
+necessary to use force to induce Lancelot to withdraw, for Meleagant
+might have harmed him grievously, before he would have sought to defend
+himself. Then the king says to his son: "So help me God, now thou must
+make peace and surrender the Queen. Thou must cease this quarrel once
+for all and withdraw thy claim." "That is great nonsense you have
+uttered! I hear you speak foolishly. Stand aside! Let us fight, and do
+not mix in our affairs!" But the king says he will take a hand, for he
+knows well that, were the fight to continue, Lancelot would kill his
+son. "He kill me! Rather would I soon defeat and kill him, if you would
+leave us alone and let us fight." Then the king says: "So help me God,
+all that thou sayest is of no avail." "Why is that?" he asks. "Because I
+will not consent. I will not so trust in thy folly and pride as to allow
+thee to be killed. A man is a fool to court death, as thou dost in thy
+ignorance. I know well that thou hatest me because I wish to save thy
+life. God will not let me see and witness thy death, if I can help it,
+for it would cause me too much grief." He talks to him and reproves him
+until finally peace and good-will are restored. The terms of the peace
+are these: he will surrender the Queen to Lancelot, provided that the
+latter without reluctance will fight them again within a year of such
+time as he shall choose to summon him: this is no trial to Lancelot.
+When peace is made, all the people press about, and it is decided
+that the battle shall be fought at the court of King Arthur, who holds
+Britain and Cornwall in his sway: there they decide that it shall be.
+And the Queen has to consent, and Lancelot has to promise, that if
+Meleagant can prove him recreant, she shall come back with him again
+without the interference of any one. When the Queen and Lancelot had
+both agreed to this, the arrangement was concluded, and they both
+retired and removed their arms. Now the custom in the country was that
+when one issued forth, all the others might do so too. All called down
+blessings upon Lancelot: and you may know that he must have felt great
+joy, as in truth he did. All the strangers assemble and rejoice over
+Lancelot, speaking so as to be heard by him: "Sire, in truth we were
+joyful as soon as we heard your name, for we felt sure at once that we
+should all be set free." There was a great crowd present at this glad
+scene, as each one strives and presses forward to touch him if possible.
+Any one who succeeded in touching him was more delighted than he could
+tell. There was plenty of joy, and of sorrow too; those who were now set
+free rejoiced unrestrainedly; but Meleagant and his followers have not
+anything they want, but are pensive, gloomy, and downcast. The king
+turns away from the list, taking with him Lancelot, who begs him to take
+him to the Queen. "I shall not fail to do so," the king replies; "for it
+seems to me the proper thing to do. And if you like, I will show you Kay
+the seneschal." At this Lancelot is so glad that he almost falls at his
+feet. Then the king took him at once into the hall, where the Queen had
+come to wait for him.
+
+(Vv. 3955-4030.) When the Queen saw the king holding Lancelot by the
+hand, she rose before the king, but she looked displeased with clouded
+brow, and she spoke not a word. "Lady, here is Lancelot come to see
+you," says the king; "you ought to be pleased and satisfied." "I, sire?
+He cannot please me. I care nothing about seeing him." "Come now, lady,"
+says the king who was very frank and courteous, "what induces you to
+act like this? You are too scornful toward a man who has served you so
+faithfully that he has repeatedly exposed his life to mortal danger on
+this journey for your sake, and who has defended and rescued you from my
+son Meleagant who had deeply wronged you." "Sire, truly he has made
+poor use of his time. I shall never deny that I feel no gratitude toward
+him." Now Lancelot is dumbfounded; but he replies very humbly like a
+polished lover: "Lady, certainly I am grieved at this, but I dare
+not ask your reason." The Queen listened as Lancelot voiced his
+disappointment, but in order to grieve and confound him, she would not
+answer a single word, but returned to her room. And Lancelot followed
+her with his eyes and heart until she reached the door; but she was not
+long in sight, for the room was close by. His eyes would gladly have
+followed her, had that been possible; but the heart, which is more
+lordly and masterful in its strength, went through the door after her,
+while the eyes remained behind weeping with the body. And the king said
+privily to him: "Lancelot, I am amazed at what this means: and how it
+comes about that the Queen cannot endure the sight of you, and that she
+is so unwilling to speak with you. If she is ever accustomed to speak
+with you, she ought not to be niggardly now or avoid conversation with
+you, after what you have done for her. Now tell me, if you know, why and
+for what misdeed she has shown you such a countenance." "Sire, I did not
+notice that just now; but she will not look at me or hear my words, and
+that distresses and grieves me much." "Surely," says the king, "she is
+in the wrong, for you have risked your life for her. Come away now, fair
+sweet friend, and we shall go to speak with the seneschal." "I shall be
+glad to do so," he replies. Then they both go to the seneschal. As soon
+as Lancelot came where he was, the seneschal's first exclamation was:
+"How thou hast shamed me!" "I? How so?" Lancelot inquires; "tell me what
+disgrace have I brought upon you?" "A very great disgrace, for thou hast
+carried out what I could not accomplish, and thou hast done what I could
+not do."
+
+(Vv. 4031-4124.) Then the king left them together in the room, and went
+out alone. And Lancelot inquires of the seneschal if he has been badly
+off. "Yes," he answers, "and I still am so. I was never more wretched
+than I am now. And I should have died a long time ago, had it not been
+for the king, who in his compassion has shown me so much gentleness and
+kindness that he willingly let me lack nothing of which I stood in need;
+but I was furnished at once with everything that I desired. But opposed
+to the kindness which he showed me, was Meleagant his son, who is full
+of wickedness, and who summoned the physicians to him and bade them
+apply such ointments as would kill me. Such a father and stepfather have
+I had! For when the king had a good plaster applied to my wounds in his
+desire that I should soon be cured, his treacherous son, wishing to put
+me to death, had it promptly taken off and some harmful salve applied.
+But I am very sure that the king was ignorant of this; he would not
+tolerate such base and murderous tricks. But you do not know how
+courteous he has been to my lady: no frontier tower since the time that
+Noah built the ark was ever so carefully guarded, for he has guarded her
+so vigilantly that, though his son chafed under the restraint, he would
+nor let him see her except in the presence of the king himself. Up to
+the present time the king in his mercy has shown her all the marks of
+consideration which she herself proposed. She alone had the disposition
+of her affairs. And the king esteemed her all the more for the loyalty
+she showed. But is it true, as I am told, that she is so angry with you
+that she has publicly refused to speak with you?" "You have been told
+the exact truth," Lancelot replies, "but for God's sake, can you tell me
+why she is so displeased with me?" He replies that he does not know, and
+that he is greatly surprised at it. "Well, let it be as she pleases,"
+says Lancelot, feeling his helplessness; "I must now take my leave, and
+I shall go to seek my lord Gawain who has entered this land, and who
+arranged with me that he would proceed directly to the waterbridge."
+Then, leaving the room, he appeared before the king and asked for leave
+to proceed in that direction. And the king willingly grants him leave to
+go. Then those whom Lancelot had set free and delivered from prison ask
+him what they are to do. And he replies: "All those who desire may come
+with me, and those who wish to stay with the Queen may do so: there is
+no reason why they should accompany me." Then all those, who so desire,
+accompany him, more glad and joyous than is their wont. With the Queen
+remain her damsels who are light of heart, and many knights and ladies
+too. But there is not one of those who stay behind, who would not have
+preferred to return to his own country to staying there. But on my
+lord Gawain's account, whose arrival is expected, the Queen keeps them,
+saying that she will never stir until she has news of him.
+
+(Vv. 4125-4262.) The news spreads everywhere that the Queen is free to
+go, and that all the other prisoners have been set at liberty and are
+free to go whenever it suits and pleases them. Wherever the people of
+the land gather together, they ask each other about the truth of this
+report, and never talk of anything else. They are very much enraged that
+all the dangerous passes have been overcome, and that any one may come
+and go as he pleases. But when the natives of the country, who had not
+been present at the battle, learned how Lancelot had been the victor,
+they all betook themselves to the place where they knew he must pass
+by, thinking that the king would be well pleased if they should seize
+Lancelot and hale him back to him. All of his own men were without
+their arms, and therefore they were at a disadvantage when they saw the
+natives of the country coming under arms. It was not strange that they
+seized Lancelot, who was without his arms. They lead him back prisoner,
+his feet lashed together beneath his horse. Then his own men say:
+"Gentlemen, this is an evil deed; for the king has given us his
+safe-conduct, and we are under his protection." But the others reply:
+"We do not know how that may be; but as we have taken you, you must
+return with us to court." The rumour, which swiftly flies and runs,
+reaches the king, that his men have seized Lancelot and put him to
+death. When the king hears it, he is sorely grieved and swears angrily
+by his head that they who have killed him shall surely die for the deed;
+and that, if he can seize or catch them, it shall be their fate to be
+hanged, burned, or drowned. And if they attempt to deny their deed, he
+will not believe what they say, for they have brought him such grief and
+shame that he would be disgraced were vengeance not to be exacted from
+them; but he will be avenged without a doubt. The news of this spread
+until it reached the Queen, who was sitting at meat. She almost killed
+herself on hearing the false report about Lancelot, but she supposes it
+to be true, and therefore she is in such dismay that she almost loses
+the power to speak; but, because of those present, she forces herself
+to say: "In truth, I am sorry for his death, and it is no wonder that
+I grieve, for he came into this country for my sake, and therefore I
+should mourn for him." Then she says to herself, so that the others
+should not hear, that no one need ask her to drink or eat, if it is
+true that he is dead, in whose life she found her own. Then grieving she
+rises from the table, and makes her lament, but so that no one hears
+or notices her. She is so beside herself that she repeatedly grasps
+her throat with the desire to kill herself; but first she confesses to
+herself, and repents with self-reproach, blaming and censuring herself
+for the wrong she had done him, who, as she knew, had always been hers,
+and would still be hers, if he were alive. She is so distressed at
+the thought of her cruelty, that her beauty is seriously impaired. Her
+cruelty and meanness affected her and marred her beauty more than all
+the vigils and fastings with which she afflicted herself. When all her
+sins rise up before her, she gathers them together, and as she reviews
+them, she repeatedly exclaims: "Alas! of what was I thinking when my
+lover stood before me and I should have welcomed him, that I would not
+listen to his words? Was I not a fool, when I refused to look at or
+speak to him? Foolish indeed? Rather was I base and cruel, so help me
+God. I intended it as a jest, but he did not take it so, and has not
+pardoned me. I am sure it was no one but me who gave him his death-blow.
+When he came before me smiling and expecting that I would be glad to
+see him and would welcome him, and when I would not look at him, was not
+that a mortal blow? When I refused to speak with him, then doubtless at
+one blow I deprived him of his heart and life. These two strokes have
+killed him, I am sure; no other bandits have caused his death. God! can
+I ever make amends for this murder and this crime? No, indeed; sooner
+will the rivers and the sea dry up. Alas! how much better I should feel,
+and how much comfort I should take, if only once before he died I had
+held him in my arms! What? Yes, certainly, quite unclad, in order the
+better to enjoy him. If he is dead, I am very wicked not to destroy
+myself. Why? Can it harm my lover for me to live on after he is dead, if
+I take no pleasure in anything but in the woe I bear for him? In giving
+myself up to grief after his death, the very woes I court would be sweet
+to me, if he were only still alive. It is wrong for a woman to wish to
+die rather than to suffer for her lover's sake. It is certainly sweet
+for me to mourn him long. I would rather be beaten alive than die and be
+at rest."
+
+(Vv. 4263-4414.) For two days the Queen thus mourned for him without
+eating or drinking, until they thought she too would die. There are
+plenty of people ready to carry bad news rather than good. The news
+reaches Lancelot that his lady and sweetheart is dead. You need have
+no doubt of the grief he felt; every one may feel sure that he was
+afflicted and overcome with grief. Indeed, if you would know the truth,
+he was so downcast that he held his life in slight esteem. He wished to
+kill himself at once, but first he uttered a brief lament. He makes
+a running noose at one end of the belt he wore, and then tearfully
+communes thus with himself: "Ah, death, how hast thou spied me out and
+undone me, when in the bloom of health! I am undone, and yet I feel no
+pain except the grief within my heart. This is a terrible mortal grief.
+I am willing that it should be so, and if God will, I shall die of it.
+Then can I not die some other way, without God's consent? Yes, if he
+will let me tie this noose around my neck. I think I can compel death,
+even against her will, to take my life. Death, who covets only those
+who fear her, will not come to me; but my belt will bring her within my
+power, and as soon as she is mine, she will execute my desire. But, in
+truth, she will come too tardily for me, for I yearn to have her now!"
+Then he delays and hesitates no longer, but adjusts his head within the
+noose until it rests about his neck; and in order that he may not
+fail to harm himself, he fastens the end of the belt tightly about the
+saddle-bow, without attracting the attention of any one. Then he let
+himself slide to earth, intending his horse to drag him until he was
+lifeless, for he disdains to live another hour. When those who ride with
+him see him fallen to earth, they suppose him to be in a faint, for no
+one sees the noose which he had attached about his neck. At once they
+caught him in their arms and, on raising him, they found the noose which
+he had put around his neck and with which he sought to kill himself.
+They quickly cut the noose; but the noose had so hurt his throat that
+for some time he could not speak; the veins of his neck and throat are
+almost broken. Now he could not harm himself, even had he wished to
+do so; however, he is grieved that they have laid hands on him, and he
+almost burns up with rage, for willingly would he have killed himself
+had no one chanced to notice him. And now when he cannot harm himself,
+he cries: "Ah, vile and shameless death! For God's sake, why hadst thou
+not the power and might to kill me before my lady died? I suppose it
+was because thou wouldst not deign to do what might be a kindly deed. If
+thou didst spare me, it must be attributed to thy wickedness. Ah, what
+kind of service and kindness is that! How well hast thou employed them
+here! A curse upon him who thanks thee or feels gratitude for such a
+service! I know not which is more my enemy: life, which detains me, or
+death, which will not slay me. Each one torments me mortally; and it
+serves me right, so help me God, that in spite of myself I should still
+live on. For I ought to have killed myself as soon as my lady the Queen
+showed her hate for me; she did not do it without cause, but she had
+some good reason, though I know not what it is. And if I had known what
+it was before her soul went to God, I should have made her such rich
+amends as would have pleased her and gained her mercy. God! what could
+my crime have been? I think she must have known that I mounted upon the
+cart. I do not know what other cause she can have to blame me. This has
+been my undoing. If this is the reason of her hate, God! what harm could
+this crime do? Any one who would reproach me for such an act never knew
+what love is, for no one could mention anything which, if prompted by
+love, ought to be turned into a reproach. Rather, everything that one
+can do for his lady-love is to be regarded as a token of his love and
+courtesy. Yet, I did not do it for my 'lady-love'. I know not by what
+name to call her, whether 'lady-love', or not. I do not dare to call her
+by this name. But I think I know this much of love: that if she loved
+me, she ought not to esteem me less for this crime, but rather call me
+her true lover, inasmuch as I regarded it as an honour to do all love
+bade me do, even to mount upon a cart. She ought to ascribe this to
+love; and this is a certain proof that love thus tries his devotees and
+thus learns who is really his. But this service did not please my lady,
+as I discovered by her countenance. And yet her lover did for her that
+for which many have shamefully reproached and blamed him, though she was
+the cause of it; and many blame me for the part I have played, and have
+turned my sweetness into bitterness. In truth, such is the custom of
+those who know so little of love, that even honour they wash in shame.
+But whoever dips honour into shame, does not wash it, but rather sullies
+it. But they, who maltreat him so, are quite ignorant of love; and he,
+who fears not his commands, boasts himself very superior to him.
+For unquestionably he fares well who obeys the commands of love, and
+whatever he does is pardonable, but he is the coward who does not dare."
+
+(Vv. 4415-4440.) Thus Lancelot makes his lament, and his men stand
+grieving by his side, keeping hold of him and guarding him. Then the
+news comes that the Queen is not dead. Thereupon Lancelot at once takes
+comfort, and if his grief for her death had before been intense and
+deep, now his joy for her life was a hundred thousand times as great.
+And when they arrived within six or seven leagues of the castle where
+King Bademagu was, grateful news of Lancelot was told him, how he was
+alive and was coming hale and hearty, and this news the king was glad
+to hear. He did a very courteous thing in going at once to appraise the
+Queen. And she replies: "Fair sire, since you say so, I believe it is
+true, but I assure you that, if he were dead, I should never be happy
+again. All my joy would be cut off, if a knight had been killed in my
+service."
+
+(Vv. 4441-4530.) Then the king leaves her, and the Queen yearns ardently
+for the arrival of her lover and her joy. She has no desire this time
+to bear him any grudge. But rumour, which never rests but runs always
+unceasingly, again reaches the Queen to the effect that Lancelot would
+have killed himself for her sake, if he had had the chance. She is happy
+at the thought that this is true, but she would not have had it happen
+so for anything, for her sorrow would have been too great. Thereupon
+Lancelot arrived in haste. [422] As soon as the king sees him, he runs
+to kiss and embrace him. He feels as if he ought to fly, borne along by
+the buoyancy of his joy. But his satisfaction is cut short by those who
+had taken and bound his guest, and the king tells them they have come
+in an evil hour, for they shall all be killed and confounded. Then they
+made answer that they thought he would have it so. "It is I whom you
+have insulted in doing your pleasure. He has no reason to complain,"
+the king replies; "you have not shamed him at all, but only me who was
+protecting him. However you look at it, the shame is mine. But if you
+escape me now, you will see no joke in this." When Lancelot hears his
+wrath, he puts forth every effort to make peace and adjust matters; when
+his efforts have met with success, the king takes him away to see the
+Queen. This time the Queen did not lower her eyes to the ground, but she
+went to meet him cheerfully, honouring him all she could, and making him
+sit down by her side. Then they talked together at length of all that
+was upon their hearts, and love furnished them with so much to say that
+topics did not lack. And when Lancelot sees how well he stands, and that
+all he says finds favour with the Queen, he says to her in confidence:
+"Lady, I marvel greatly why you received me with such a countenance when
+you saw me the day before yesterday, and why you would not speak a word
+to me: I almost died of the blow you gave me, and I had not the courage
+to dare to question you about it, as I now venture to do. I am ready
+now, lady, to make amends, when you have told me what has been the crime
+which has caused me such distress." Then the Queen replies: "What? Did
+you not hesitate for shame to mount the cart? You showed you were loath
+to get in, when you hesitated for two whole steps. That is the reason
+why I would neither address nor look at you." "May God save me from such
+a crime again," Lancelot replies, "and may God show me no mercy, if you
+were not quite right! For God's sake, lady, receive my amends at once,
+and tell me, for God's sake, if you can ever pardon me." "Friend, you
+are quite forgiven," the Queen replies; "I pardon you willingly." "Thank
+you for that, lady," he then says; "but I cannot tell you here all that
+I should like to say; I should like to talk with you more at leisure, if
+possible." Then the Queen indicates a window by her glance rather than
+with her finger, and says: "Come through the garden to-night and speak
+with me at yonder window, when every one inside has gone to sleep. You
+will not be able to get in: I shall be inside and you outside: to gain
+entrance will be impossible. I shall be able to touch you only with my
+lips or hand, but, if you please, I will stay there until morning for
+love of you. Our bodies cannot be joined, for close beside me in my room
+lies Kay the seneschal, who is still suffering from his wounds. And the
+door is not open, but is tightly closed and guarded well. When you come,
+take care to let no spy catch sight of you." "Lady," says he, "if I can
+help it, no spy shall see me who might think or speak evil of us." Then,
+having agreed upon this plan, they separate very joyfully.
+
+(Vv. 4551-4650.) Lancelot leaves the room in such a happy frame that all
+his past troubles are forgotten. But he was so impatient for the night
+to come that his restlessness made the day seem longer than a hundred
+ordinary days or than an entire year. If night had only come, he would
+gladly have gone to the trysting place. Dark and sombre night at last
+won its struggle with the day, and wrapped it up in its covering, and
+laid it away beneath its cloak. When he saw the light of day obscured,
+he pretended to be tired and worn, and said that, in view of his
+protracted vigils, he needed rest. You, who have ever done the same, may
+well understand and guess that he pretends to be tired and goes to bed
+in order to deceive the people of the house; but he cared nothing about
+his bed, nor would he have sought rest there for anything, for he could
+not have done so and would not have dared, and furthermore he would not
+have cared to possess the courage or the power to do so. Soon he softly
+rose, and was pleased to find that no moon or star was shining, and that
+in the house there was no candle, lamp, or lantern burning. Thus he went
+out and looked about, but there was no one on the watch for him, for
+all thought that he would sleep in his bed all night. Without escort or
+company he quickly went out into the garden, meeting no one on the way,
+and he was so fortunate as to find that a part of the garden-wall had
+recently fallen down. Through this break he passes quickly and proceeds
+to the window, where he stands, taking good care not to cough or sneeze,
+until the Queen arrives clad in a very white chemise. She wore no cloak
+or coat, but had thrown over her a short cape of scarlet cloth and
+shrew-mouse fur. As soon as Lancelot saw the Queen leaning on the
+window-sill behind the great iron bars, he honoured her with a gentle
+salute. She promptly returned his greeting, for he was desirous of her,
+and she of him. Their talk and conversation are not of vulgar, tiresome
+affairs. They draw close to one another, until each holds the other's
+hand. But they are so distressed at not being able to come together more
+completely, that they curse the iron bars. Then Lancelot asserts that,
+with the Queen's consent, he will come inside to be with her, and that
+the bars cannot keep him out. And the Queen replies: "Do you not see how
+the bars are stiff to bend and hard to break? You could never so twist,
+pull or drag at them as to dislodge one of them." "Lady," says he, "have
+no fear of that. It would take more than these bars to keep me out.
+Nothing but your command could thwart my power to come to you. If you
+will but grant me your permission, the way will open before me. But if
+it is not your pleasure, then the way is so obstructed that I could not
+possibly pass through." "Certainly," she says, "I consent. My will need
+not stand in your way; but you must wait until I retire to my bed again,
+so that no harm may come to you, for it would be no joke or jest if the
+seneschal, who is sleeping here, should wake up on hearing you. So it is
+best for me to withdraw, for no good could come of it, if he should see
+me standing here." "Go then, lady," he replies; "but have no fear that I
+shall make any noise. I think I can draw out the bars so softly and with
+so little effort that no one shall be aroused."
+
+(Vv. 4651-4754.) Then the Queen retires, and he prepares to loosen the
+window. Seizing the bars, he pulls and wrenches them until he makes them
+bend and drags them from their places. But the iron was so sharp that
+the end of his little finger was cut to the nerve, and the first joint
+of the next finger was torn; but he who is intent upon something else
+paid no heed to any of his wounds or to the blood which trickled down.
+Though the window is not low, Lancelot gets through it quickly and
+easily. First he finds Kay asleep in his bed, then he comes to the bed
+of the Queen, whom he adores and before whom he kneels, holding her more
+dear than the relic of any saint. And the Queen extends her arms to him
+and, embracing him, presses him tightly against her bosom, drawing him
+into the bed beside her and showing him every possible satisfaction; her
+love and her heart go out to him. It is love that prompts her to treat
+him so; and if she feels great love for him, he feels a hundred thousand
+times as much for her. For there is no love at all in other hearts
+compared with what there is in his; in his heart love was so completely
+embodied that it was niggardly toward all other hearts. Now Lancelot
+possesses all he wants, when the Queen voluntarily seeks his company
+and love, and when he holds her in his arms, and she holds him in hers.
+Their sport is so agreeable and sweet, as they kiss and fondle each
+other, that in truth such a marvellous joy comes over them as was never
+heard or known. But their joy will not be revealed by me, for in a
+story, it has no place. Yet, the most choice and delightful satisfaction
+was precisely that of which our story must not speak. That night
+Lancelot's joy and pleasure were very great. But, to his sorrow, day
+comes when he must leave his mistress' side. It cost him such pain to
+leave her that he suffered a real martyr's agony. His heart now stays
+where the Queen remains; he has not the power to lead it away, for it
+finds such pleasure in the Queen that it has no desire to leave her:
+so his body goes, and his heart remains. But enough of his body stays
+behind to spot and stain the sheets with the blood which has fallen from
+his fingers. Full of sighs and tears, Lancelot leaves in great distress.
+He grieves that no time is fixed for another meeting, but it cannot
+be. Regretfully he leaves by the window through which he had entered so
+happily. He was so badly wounded in the fingers that they were in sorry,
+state; yet he straightened the bars and set them in their place again,
+so that from neither side, either before or behind, was it evident that
+any one had drawn out or bent any of the bars. When he leaves the room,
+he bows and acts precisely as if he were before a shrine; then he goes
+with a heavy heart, and reaches his lodgings without being recognised by
+any one. He throws himself naked upon his bed without awaking any one,
+and then for the first time he is surprised to notice the cuts in his
+fingers; but he is not at all concerned, for he is very sure that the
+wound was caused by dragging the window bars from the wall. Therefore he
+was not at all worried, for he would rather have had both arms dragged
+from his body than not enter through the window. But he would have been
+very angry and distressed, if he had thus injured and wounded himself
+under any other circumstances.
+
+(Vv. 4755-5006.) In the morning, within her curtained room, the Queen
+had fallen into a gentle sleep; she had not noticed that her sheets
+were spotted with blood, but she supposed them to be perfectly white
+and clean and presentable. Now Meleagant, as soon as he was dressed and
+ready, went to the room where the Queen lay. He finds her awake, and he
+sees the sheets spotted with fresh drops of blood, whereupon he nudges
+his companions and, suspicious of some mischief, looks at the bed of Kay
+the seneschal, and sees that his sheets are blood-stained too, for you
+must know that in the night his wounds had begun to bleed afresh. Then
+he said: "Lady, now I have found the evidence that I desired. It is very
+true that any man is a fool to try to confine a woman: he wastes his
+efforts and his pains. He who tries to keep her under guard loses her
+sooner than the man who takes no thought of her. A fine watch, indeed,
+has been kept by my father, who is guarding you on my behalf! He
+has succeeded in keeping you from me, but, in spite of him, Kay the
+seneschal has looked upon you last night, and has done what he pleased
+with you, as can readily be proved." "What is that?" she asks. "Since I
+must speak, I find blood on your sheets, which proves the fact. I know
+it and can prove it, because I find on both your sheets and his the
+blood which issued from his wounds: the evidence is very strong."
+Then the Queen saw on both beds the bloody sheets, and marvelling, she
+blushed with shame and said: "So help me God, this blood which I see
+upon my sheets was never brought here by Kay, but my nose bled during
+the night, and I suppose it must be from my nose." In saying so, she
+thinks she tells the truth. "By my head," says Meleagant, "there is
+nothing in what you say. Swearing is of no avail, for you are taken
+in your guilt, and the truth will soon be proved." Then he said to the
+guards who were present: "Gentlemen, do not move, and see to it that the
+sheets are not taken from the bed until I return. I wish the king to do
+me justice, as soon as he has seen the truth." Then he searched until he
+found him, and failing at his feet, he said: "Sire, come to see what
+you have failed to guard. Come to see the Queen, and you shall see the
+certain marvels which I have already seen and tested. But, before you
+go, I beg you not to fail to be just and upright toward me. You know
+well to what danger I have exposed myself for the Queen; yet, you are no
+friend of mine and keep her from me under guard. This morning I went to
+see her in her bed, and I remarked that Kay lies with her every night.
+Sire, for God's sake, be not angry, if I am disgruntled and if I
+complain. For it is very humiliating for me to be hated and despised by
+one with whom Kay is allowed to lie." "Silence!" says the king; "I don't
+believe it." "Then come, my lord, and see the sheets and the state in
+which Kay has left them. Since you will not believe my words, and since
+you think I am lying, I will show you the sheets and the quilt covered
+with blood from Kay's wounds." "Come now," says the king, "I wish to
+see for myself, and my eyes will judge of the truth." Then the king goes
+directly to the room, where the Queen got up at his approach. He sees
+that the sheets are blood-stained on her bed and on Kay's alike and he
+says: "Lady, it is going badly now, if what my son has said is true."
+Then she replies: "So help me God, never even in a dream was uttered
+such a monstrous lie. I think Kay the seneschal is courteous and loyal
+enough not to commit such a deed, and besides, I do not expose my body
+in the market-place, nor offer it of my own free will. Surely, Kay
+is not the man to make an insulting proposal to me, and I have never
+desired and shall never desire to do such a thing myself." "Sire, I
+shall be much obliged to you," says Meleagant to his father, "if Kay
+shall be made to atone for this outrage, and the Queen's shame thus
+be exposed. It devolves upon you to see that justice is done, and this
+justice I now request and claim. Kay has betrayed King Arthur, his lord,
+who had such confidence in him that he entrusted to him what he loved
+most in the world." "Let me answer, sire," says Kay, "and I shall
+exonerate myself. May God have no mercy upon my soul when I leave this
+world, if I ever lay with my lady! Indeed, I should rather be dead than
+ever do my lord such an ugly wrong, and may God never grant me better
+health than I have now but rather kill me on the spot, if such a thought
+ever entered my mind! But I know that my wounds bled profusely last
+night, and that is the reason why my sheets are stained with blood. That
+is why your son suspects me, but surely he has no right to do so."
+And Meleagant answers him: "So help me God, the devils and demons have
+betrayed you. You grew too heated last night and, as a result of your
+exertions, your wounds have doubtless bled afresh. There is no use in
+your denying it; we can see it, and it is perfectly evident. It is
+right that he should atone for his crime, who is so plainly taken in his
+guilt. Never did a knight with so fair a name commit such iniquities
+as this, and yours is the shame for it." "Sire, sire," says Kay to the
+king, "I will defend the Queen and myself against the accusation of your
+son. He harasses and distresses me, though he has no ground to treat me
+so." "You cannot fight," the king replies, "you are too ill." "Sire, if
+you will allow it, I will fight with him, ill as I am, and will show
+him that I am not guilty of the crime which he imputes to me." But the
+Queen, having secretly sent word to Lancelot, tells the king that she
+will present a knight who will defend the seneschal, if Meleagant dares
+to urge this charge. Then Meleagant said at once: "There is no knight
+without exception, even were he a giant, whom I will not fight until one
+of us is defeated." Then Lancelot came in, and with him such a rout
+of knights that the whole hall was filled with them. As soon as he had
+entered, in the hearing of all, both young and old, the Queen told
+what had happened, and said: "Lancelot, this insult has been done me
+by Meleagant. In the presence of all who hear his words he says I have
+lied, if you do not make him take it back. Last night, he asserted,
+Kay lay with me, because he found my sheets, like his, all stained with
+blood; and he says that he stands convicted, unless he will undertake
+his own defence, or unless some one else will fight the battle on his
+behalf." Lancelot says: "You need never use arguments with me. May it
+not please God that either you or he should be thus discredited! I am
+ready to fight and to prove to the extent of my power that he never
+was guilty of such a thought. I am ready to employ my strength in his
+behalf, and to defend him against this charge." Then Meleagant jumped up
+and said: "So help me God, I am pleased and well satisfied with that:
+no one need think that I object." And Lancelot said: "My lord king, I
+am well acquainted with suits and laws, with trials and verdicts: in
+a question of veracity an oath should be taken before the fight."
+Meleagant at once replies: "I agree to take an oath; so let the relics
+be brought at once, for I know well that I am right." And Lancelot
+answers him: "So help me God, no one who ever knew Kay the seneschal
+would doubt his word on such a point." Then they call for their horses,
+and ask that their arms be brought. This is promptly done, and when
+the valets had armed them, they were ready for the fight. Then the holy
+relics are brought forth: Meleagant steps forward, with Lancelot by his
+side, and both fall on their knees. Then Meleagant, laying his hands
+upon the relics, swears unreservedly: "So help me God and this holy
+relic, Kay the seneschal lay with the Queen in her bed last night
+and, had his pleasure with her." "And I swear that thou liest," says
+Lancelot, "and furthermore I swear that he neither lay with her nor
+touched her. And may it please God to take vengeance upon him who has
+lied, and may He bring the truth to light! Moreover, I will take another
+oath and swear, whoever may dislike it or be displeased, that if I am
+permitted to vanquish Meleagant to-day, I will show him no mercy, so
+help me God and these relics here!" The king felt no joy when he heard
+this oath.
+
+(Vv. 5007-5198.) When the oaths had been taken, their horses were
+brought forward, which were fair and good in every way. Each man mounts
+his own home, and they ride at once at each other as fast as the steeds
+can carry them; and when the horses are in mid-career, the knights
+strike each other so fiercely that there is nothing left of the lances
+in their hands. Each brings the other to earth; however, they are not
+dismayed, but they rise at once and attack each other with their sharp
+drawn swords. The burning sparks fly in the air from their helmets. They
+assail each other so bitterly with the drawn swords in their hands that,
+as they thrust and draw, they encounter each other with their blows and
+will not pause even to catch their breath. The king in his grief and
+anxiety called the Queen, who had gone up in the tower to look out from
+the balcony: he begged her for God's sake, the Creator, to let them be
+separated. "Whatever is your pleasure is agreeable to me," the Queen
+says honestly: "I shall not object to anything you do." Lancelot plainly
+heard what reply the Queen made to the king's request, and from
+that time he ceased to fight and renounced the struggle at once. But
+Meleagant does not wish to stop, and continues to strike and hew at him.
+But the king rushes between them and stops his son, who declares with an
+oath that he has no desire for peace. He wants to fight, and cares not
+for peace. Then the king says to him: "Be quiet, and take my advice, and
+be sensible. No shame or harm shall come to thee, if thou wilt do what
+is right and heed my words. Dost thou not remember that thou hast agreed
+to fight him at King Arthur's court? And dost thou not suppose that
+it would be a much greater honour for thee to defeat him there than
+anywhere else?" The king says this to see if he can so influence him as
+to appease him and separate them. And Lancelot, who was impatient to
+go in search of my lord Gawain, requests leave of the king and Queen to
+depart. With their permission he goes away toward the water-bridge, and
+after him there followed a great company of knights. But it would have
+suited him very well, if many of those who went had stayed behind. They
+make long days' journeys until they approach the water-bridge, but are
+still about a league from it. Before they came in sight of the bridge, a
+dwarf came to meet them on a mighty hunter, holding a scourge with which
+to urge on and incite his steed. In accordance with his instructions, he
+at once inquired: "Which of you is Lancelot? Don't conceal him from me;
+I am of your party; tell me confidently, for I ask the question for your
+good." Lancelot replies in his own behalf, and says: "I am he whom thou
+seekest and askest for." "Ah," says the dwarf, "frank knight, leave
+these people, and trust in me. Come along with me alone, for I will take
+thee to a goodly place. Let no one follow thee for anything, but let
+them wait here; for we shall return presently." He, suspecting no harm
+in this, bids all his men stay there, and follows the dwarf who has
+betrayed him. Meanwhile his men who wait for him may continue to expect
+him long in vain, for they, who have taken and seized him, have no
+desire to give him up. And his men are in such a state of grief at his
+failure to return that they do not know what steps to take. They all
+say sorrowfully that the dwarf has betrayed them. It would be useless to
+inquire for him: with heavy hearts they begin to search, but they know
+not where to look for him with any hope of finding him. So they all take
+counsel, and the most reasonable and sensible agree on this, it seems:
+to go to the passage of the water-bridge, which is close by, to see if
+they can find my lord Gawain in wood or plain, and then with his advice
+search for Lancelot. Upon this plan they all agree without dissension.
+Toward the water-bridge they go, and as soon as they reach the bridge,
+they see my lord Gawain overturned and fallen from the bridge into the
+stream which is very deep. One moment he rises, and the next he sinks;
+one moment they see him, and the next they lose him from sight. They
+make such efforts that they succeed in raising him with branches, poles
+and hooks. He had nothing but his hauberk on his back, and on his head
+was fixed his helmet, which was worth ten of the common sort, and he
+wore his iron greaves, which were all rusty with his sweat, for he had
+endured great trials, and had passed victoriously through many perils
+and assaults. His lance, his shield, and horse were all behind on the
+other bank. Those who have rescued him do not believe he is alive. For
+his body was full of water, and until he got rid of it, they did not
+hear him speak a word. But when his speech and voice and the passageway
+to his heart are free, and as soon, as what he said could be heard and
+understood, he tried to speak he inquired at once for the Queen, whether
+those present had any news of her. And they replied that she is still
+with King Bademagu, who serves her well and honourably. "Has no one come
+to seek her in this land?" my lord Gawain then inquires of them. And
+they answer him: "Yes, indeed." "Who?" "Lancelot of the Lake," they say,
+"who crossed the sword-bridge, and rescued and delivered her as well
+as all the rest of us. But we have been betrayed by a pot-bellied,
+humpbacked, and crabbed dwarf. He has deceived us shamefully in seducing
+Lancelot from us, and we do not know what he has done with him." "When
+was that?" my lord Gawain inquires. "Sire, near here this very day this
+trick was played on us, while he was coming with us to meet you." "And
+how has Lancelot been occupied since he entered this land?" Then they
+begin to tell him all about him in detail, and then they tell him about
+the Queen, how she is waiting for him and asserting that nothing could
+induce her to leave the country, until she sees him or hears some
+credible news of him. To them my lord Gawain replies: "When we leave
+this bridge, we shall go to search for Lancelot." There is not one who
+does not advise rather that they go to the Queen at once, and have the
+king seek Lancelot, for it is their opinion that his son Meleagant has
+shown his enmity by having him cast into prison. But if the king can
+learn where he is, he will certainly make him surrender him: they can
+rely upon this with confidence.
+
+(Vv. 5199-5256.) They all agreed upon this plan, and started at once
+upon their way until they drew near the court where the Queen and king
+were. There, too, was Kay the seneschal, and that disloyal man, full
+to overflowing of treachery, who has aroused the greatest anxiety for
+Lancelot on the part of the party which now arrives. They feel they
+have been discomfited and betrayed, and they make great lament in their
+misery. It is not a gracious message which reports this mourning to
+the Queen. Nevertheless, she deports herself with as good a grace as
+possible. She resolves to endure it, as she must, for the sake of my
+lord Gawain. However, she does not so conceal her grief that it does not
+somewhat appear. She has to show both joy and grief at once: her heart
+is empty for Lancelot, and to my lord Gawain she shows excessive joy.
+Every one who hears of the loss of Lancelot is grief-stricken and
+distracted. The king would have rejoiced at the coming of my lord
+Gawain and would have been delighted with his acquaintance; but he is
+so sorrowful and distressed over the betrayal of Lancelot that he is
+prostrated and full of grief. And the Queen beseeches him insistently
+to have him searched for, up and down throughout the land, without
+postponement or delay. My lord Gawain and Kay and all the others join
+in this prayer and request. "Leave this care to me, and speak no more
+of it," the king replies, "for I have been ready to do so for some
+time. Without need of request or prayer this search shall be made with
+thoroughness." Everyone bows in sign of gratitude, and the king at once
+sends messengers through his realm, sagacious and prudent men-at-arms,
+who inquired for him throughout the land. They made inquiry for him
+everywhere, but gained no certain news of him. Not finding any, they
+come back to the place where the knights remain; then Gawain and Kay and
+all the others say that they will go in search of him, fully armed and
+lance in rest; they will not trust to sending some one else.
+
+(Vv. 5257-5378.) One day after dinner they were all in the hall putting
+on their arms, and the point had been reached where there was nothing to
+do but start, when a valet entered and passed by them all until he came
+before the Queen, whose cheeks were by no means rosy! For she was in
+such mourning for Lancelot, of whom she had no news, that she had lost
+all her colour. The valet greeted her as well as the king, who was by
+her side, and then all the others and Kay and my lord Gawain. He held a
+letter in his hand which he gave to the king, who took it. The king had
+it read in the hearing of all by one who made no mistake in reading it.
+The reader knew full well how to communicate to them what was written in
+the parchment: he says that Lancelot sends greetings to the king as his
+kind lord, and thanks him for the honour and kindness he has shown him,
+and that he now places himself at the king's orders. And know that he
+is now hale and hearty at King Arthur's court, and he bids him tell
+the Queen to come thither, if she will consent, in company with my lord
+Gawain and Kay. In proof of which, he affixed his signature which they
+should recognise, as indeed they did. At this they were very happy and
+glad; the whole court resounds with their jubilation, and they say they
+will start next day as soon as it is light. So, when the day broke, they
+make ready and prepare: they rise and mount and start. With great joy
+and jubilee the king escorts them for a long distance on their way. When
+he has conducted them to the frontier and has seen them safely across
+the border, he takes leave of the Queen, and likewise of all the rest.
+And when he comes to take his leave, the Queen is careful to express
+her gratitude for all the kindness he has shown to her, and throwing
+her arms about his neck, she offers and promises him her own service and
+that of her lord: no greater promise can she make. And my lord Gawain
+promises his service to him, as to his lord and friend, and then Kay
+does likewise, and all the rest. Then the king commends them to God as
+they start upon their way. After these three, he bids the rest farewell,
+and then turns his face toward home. The Queen and her company do not
+tarry a single day until news of them reaches the court. King Arthur
+was delighted at the news of the Queen's approach, and he is happy and
+pleased at the thought that his nephew had brought about the Queen's
+return, as well as that of Kay and of the lesser folk. But the truth is
+quite different from what he thinks. All the town is cleared as they go
+to meet them, and knights and vassals join in shouting as they approach:
+"Welcome to my lord Gawain, who has brought back the Queen and many
+another captive lady, and has freed for us many prisoners!" Then Gawain
+answered them: "Gentlemen, I do not deserve your praise. Do not trouble
+ever to say this again, for the compliment does not apply to me. This
+honour causes me only shame, for I did not reach the Queen in time; my
+detention made me late. But Lancelot reached there in time, and won such
+honour as was never won by any other knight." "Where is he, then, fair
+dear sire, for we do not see him here?" "Where?" echoes my lord Gawain;
+"at the court of my lord the King, to be sure. Is he not?" "No, he is
+not here, or anywhere else in this country. Since my lady was taken
+away, we have had no news of him." Then for the first time my lord
+Gawain realised that the letter had been forged, and that they had been
+betrayed and deceived: by the letter they had been misled. Then they all
+begin to lament, and they come thus weeping to the court, where the King
+at once asks for information about the affair. There were plenty who
+could tell him how much Lancelot had done, how the Queen and all the
+captives were delivered from durance by him, and by what treachery the
+dwarf had stolen him and drawn him away from them. This news is not
+pleasing to the King, and he is very sorry and full of grief; but his
+heart is so lightened by the pleasure he takes in the Queen's return,
+that his grief concludes in joy. When he has what he most desires, he
+cares little for the rest.
+
+(Vv. 5379-5514.) While the Queen was out of the country, I believe, the
+ladies and the damsels who were disconsolate, decided among themselves
+that they would marry, soon, and they organised a contest and a
+tournament. The lady of Noauz was patroness of it, with the lady of
+Pomelegloi. They will have nothing to do with those who fare ill, but
+they assert that they will accept those who comport themselves well in
+the tournament. And they had the date of the contest proclaimed s long
+while in advance in all the countries near and far, in order that there
+might be more participants. Now the Queen arrived before the date they
+had set, and as soon as the ladies heard of the Queen's return, most of
+them came at once to the King and besought him to grant them a favour
+and boon, which he did. He promised to do whatever they wished, before
+he knew what their desire might be. Then they told him that they wished
+him to let the Queen come to be present at their contest. And he who was
+not accustomed to forbid, said he was willing, if she wished ir so. In
+happy mood they go to the Queen and say to her: "Lady, do not deprive us
+of the boon which the King has granted us." Then she asks them: "What
+is that? Don't fail to tell!" Then they say to her: "If you will come to
+our tournament, he will not gainsay you nor stand in the way." Then she
+said that she would come, since he was willing that she should. Promptly
+the dames send word throughout the realm that they are going to bring
+the Queen on the day set for the tournament. The news spread far and
+near, here and there, until it reached the kingdom whence no one used
+to return--but now whoever wished might enter or pass out unopposed.
+The news travelled in this kingdom until it came to a seneschal of
+the faithless Meleagant may an evil fire burn him! This seneschal had
+Lancelot in his keeping, for to him he had been entrusted by his enemy
+Meleagant, who hated him with deadly hate. Lancelot learned the hour and
+date of the tournament, and as soon as he heard of it, his eyes were not
+tearless nor was his heart glad. The lady of the house, seeing Lancelot
+sad and pensive, thus spoke to him: "Sire, for God's sake and for your
+own soul's good, tell me truly," the lady said, "why you are so changed.
+You won't eat or drink anything, and I see that you do not make merry or
+laugh. You can tell me with confidence why you are so sad and troubled."
+"Ah, lady, for God's sake, do not be surprised that I am sad! Truly, I
+am very much downcast, since I cannot be present where all that is good
+in the world will be assembled: that is, at the tournament where
+there will be a gathering of the people who make the earth tremble.
+Nevertheless, if it pleased you, and if God should incline your heart
+to let me go thither, you might rest assured that I should be careful to
+return to my captivity here." "I would gladly do it," she replied, "if I
+did not see that my death and destruction would result. But I am in such
+terror of my lord, the despicable Meleagant, that I would not dare to
+do it, for he would kill my husband at once. It is not strange that I
+am afraid of him, for, as you know, he is very bad." "Lady, if you are
+afraid that I may not return to you at once after the tournament, I will
+take an oath which I will never break, that nothing will detain me from
+returning at once to my prison here immediately after the tournament."
+"Upon my word," said she, "I will allow it upon one condition." "Lady,
+what condition is that?" Then she replies: "Sire, upon condition that
+you wilt swear to return to me, and promise that I shall have your
+love." "Lady, I give you all the love I have, and swear to come back."
+Then the lady laughs and says: "I have no cause to boast of such a gift,
+for I know you have bestowed upon some one else the love for which I
+have just made request. However, I do not disdain to take so much of it
+as I can get. I shall be satisfied with what I can have, and will accept
+your oath that you will be so considerate of me as to return hither a
+prisoner."
+
+(Vv. 5515-5594.) In accordance with her wish, Lancelot swears by Holy
+Church that he will return without fail. And the lady at once gives him
+the vermilion arms of her lord, and his horse which was marvellously
+good and strong and brave. He mounts and leaves, armed with handsome,
+new arms, and proceeds until he comes to Noauz. He espoused this side in
+the tournament, and took his lodging outside the town. Never did such
+a noble man choose such a small and lowly lodging-place; but he did not
+wish to lodge where he might be recognised. There were many good and
+excellent knights gathered within the town. But there were many more
+outside, for so many had come on account of the presence of the Queen
+that the fifth part could not be accommodated inside. For every one who
+would have been there under ordinary circumstances, there were seven who
+would not have come excepting on the Queen's account. The barons were
+quartered in tents, lodges, and pavilions for five leagues around.
+Moreover, it was wonderful how many gentle ladies and damsels were
+there. Lancelot placed his shield outside the door of his lodging-place,
+and then, to make himself more comfortable, he took off his arms and lay
+down upon a bed which he held in slight esteem; for it was narrow
+and had a thin mattress, and was covered with a coarse hempen cloth.
+Lancelot had thrown himself upon the bed all disarmed, and as he
+lay there in such poor estate, behold! a fellow came in in his
+shirt-sleeves; he was a herald-at-arms, and had left his coat and shoes
+in the tavern as a pledge; so he came running barefoot and exposed to
+the wind. He saw the shield hanging outside the door, and looked at it:
+but naturally he did not recognise it or know to whom it belonged, or
+who was the bearer of it. He sees the door of the house standing open,
+and upon entering, he sees Lancelot upon the bed, and as soon as he saw
+him, he recognised him and crossed himself. And Lancelot made a sign to
+him, and ordered him not to speak of him wherever he might go, for if
+he should tell that he knew him, it would be better for him to have his
+eyes put out or his neck broken. "Sire," the herald says, "I have
+always held you in high esteem, and so long as I live, I shall never
+do anything to cause you displeasure." Then he runs from the house and
+cries aloud: "Now there has come one who will take the measure! [423]
+Now there has come one who will take the measure!" The fellow shouts
+this everywhere, and the people come from every side and ask him what is
+the meaning of his cry. He is not so rash as to answer them, but goes
+on shouting the same words: "Now there has come one who will take the
+measure!" This herald was the master of us all, when he taught us to use
+the phrase, for he was the first to make use of it.
+
+(Vv. 5595-5640.) Now the crowd was assembled, including the Queen and
+all the ladies, the knights and the other people, and there were many
+men-at-arms everywhere, to the right and left. At the place where the
+tournament was to be, there were some large wooden stands for the use of
+the Queen with her ladies and damsels. Such fine stands were never seen
+before they were so long and well constructed. Thither the ladies betook
+themselves with the Queen, wishing to see who would fare better or worse
+in the combat. Knights arrive by tens, twenties, and thirties, here
+eighty and there ninety, here a hundred, there still more, and yonder
+twice as many yet; so that the press is so great in front of the stands
+and all around that they decide to begin the joust. As they assemble,
+armed and unarmed, their lances suggest the appearance of a wood, for
+those who have come to the sport brought so many lances that there is
+nothing in sight but lances, banners, and standards. Those who are going
+to take part begin to joust, and they find plenty of their companions
+who had come with similar intent. Still others prepare to perform other
+feats of chivalry. The fields, meadows, and fallow lands are so full of
+knights that it is impossible to estimate how many of them are there.
+But there was no sign of Lancelot at this first gathering of the
+knights; but later, when he entered the middle of the field, the herald
+saw him and could not refrain from crying out: "Behold him who will take
+the measure! Behold him who will take the measure!" And the people ask
+him who he is, but he will not tell them anything.
+
+(Vv. 5641-6104.) When Lancelot entered the tournament, he was as good as
+twenty of the best, and he began to fight so doughtily that no one could
+take his eyes from him, wherever he was. On the Pomelegloi side there
+was a brave and valorous knight, and his horse was spirited and swifter
+than a wild stag. He was the son of the Irish king, and fought well
+and handsomely. But the unknown knight pleased them all more a hundred
+times. In wonder they all make haste to ask: "Who is this knight who
+fights so well?" And the Queen privily called a clever and wise damsel
+to her and said: "Damsel, you must carry a message, and do it quickly
+and with few words. Go down from the stand, and approach yonder knight
+with the vermilion shield, and tell him privately that I bid him do his
+'worst'." She goes quickly, and with intelligence executes the Queen's
+command. She sought the knight until she came up close to him; then
+she said to him prudently and in a voice so low that no one standing by
+might hear: "Sire, my lady the Queen sends you word by me that you shall
+do your 'worst'." When he heard this, he replied: "Very willingly," like
+one who is altogether hers. Then he rides at another knight as hard as
+his horse can carry him, and misses his thrust which should have struck
+him. From that time till evening fell he continued to do as badly as
+possible in accordance with the Queen's desire. But the other, who
+fought with him, did not miss his thrust, but struck him with such
+violence that he was roughly handled. Thereupon he took to flight, and
+after that he never turned his horse's head toward any knight, and were
+he to die for it, he would never do anything unless he saw in it his
+shame, disgrace, and dishonour; he even pretends to be afraid of all the
+knights who pass to and fro. And the very knights who formerly esteemed
+him now hurled jests and jibes at him. And the herald who had been
+saying: "He will beat them all in turn!" is greatly dejected and
+discomfited when he hears the scornful jokes of those who shout:
+"Friend, say no more! This fellow will not take any one's measure again.
+He has measured so much that his yardstick is broken, of which thou hast
+boasted to us so much." Many say: "What is he going to do? He was so
+brave just now; but now he is so cowardly that there is not a knight
+whom he dares to face. The cause of his first success must have been
+that he never engaged at arms before, and he was so brave at his first
+attack that the most skilled knight dared not withstand him, for he
+fought like a wild man. But now he has learned so much of arms that he
+will never wish to bear them again his whole life long. His heart cannot
+longer endure the thought, for there is nothing more cowardly than his
+heart." And the Queen, as she watches him, is happy and well-pleased,
+for she knows full well, though she does not say it, that this is surely
+Lancelot. Thus all day long till evening he played his coward's part,
+and late in the afternoon they separated. At parting there was a great
+discussion as to who had done the best. The son of the Irish king thinks
+that without doubt or contradiction he has all the glory and renown. But
+he is grievously mistaken, for there were plenty of others as good as
+he. Even the vermilion knight so pleased the fairest and gentlest of
+the ladies and damsels that they had gazed at him more than at any
+other knight, for they had remarked how well he fought at first, and how
+excellent and brave he was; then he had become so cowardly that he dared
+not face a single knight, and even the worst of them could defeat and
+capture him at will. But knights and ladies all agreed that on the
+morrow they should return to the list, and the damsels should choose
+as their lords those who should win honour in that day's fight: on this
+arrangement they all agree. Then they turn toward their lodgings, and
+when they had returned, here and there men began to say: "What has
+become of the worst, the most craven and despised of knights? Whither
+did he go? Where is he concealed? Where is he to be found? Where shall
+we search for him? We shall probably never see him again. For he has
+been driven off by cowardice, with which he is so filled that there
+is no greater craven in the world than he. And he is not wrong, for a
+coward is a hundred times more at ease than a valorous fighting man.
+Cowardice is easy of entreaty, and that is the reason he has given her
+the kiss of peace and has taken from her all she has to give. Courage
+never so debased herself as to lodge in his breast or take quarters near
+him. But cowardice is altogether lodged with him, and she has found a
+host who will honour her and serve her so faithfully that he is willing
+to resign his own fair name for hers." Thus they wrangle all night,
+vying with each other in slander. But often one man maligns another, and
+yet is much worse himself than the object of his blame and scorn. Thus,
+every one said what he pleased about him. And when the next day dawned,
+all the people prepared and came again to the jousting place. The Queen
+was in the stand again, accompanied by her ladies and damsels and many
+knights without their arms, who had been captured or defeated, and these
+explained to them the armorial bearings of the knights whom they most
+esteem. Thus they talk among themselves: [424] "Do you see that knight
+yonder with a golden band across the middle of his red shield? That is
+Governauz of Roberdic. And do you see that other one, who has an eagle
+and a dragon painted side by side upon his shield? That is the son of
+the King of Aragon, who has come to this land in search of glory and
+renown. And do you see that one beside him, who thrusts and jousts so
+well, bearing a shield with a leopard painted on a green ground on
+one part, and the other half is azure blue? That is Ignaures the
+well-beloved, a lover himself and jovial. And he who bears the shield
+with the pheasants portrayed beak to beak is Coguillanz of Mautirec. Do
+you see those two side by side, with their dappled steeds, and golden
+shields showing black lions? One is named Semiramis, and the other is
+his companion; their shields are painted alike. And do you see the one
+who has a shield with a gate painted on it, through which a stag appears
+to be passing out? That is King Ider, in truth." Thus they talk up in
+the stand. "That shield was made at Limoges, whence it was brought by
+Pilades, who is very ardent and keen to be always in the fight. That
+shield, bridle, and breast-strap were made at Toulouse, and were brought
+here by Kay of Estraus. The other came from Lyons on the Rhone, and
+there is no better under heaven; for his great merit it was presented
+to Taulas of the Desert, who bears it well and protects himself with
+it skilfully. Yonder shield is of English workmanship and was made at
+London; you see on it two swallows which appear as if about to fly; yet
+they do not move, but receive many blows from the Poitevin lances of
+steel; he who has it is poor Thoas." Thus they point out and describe
+the arms of those they know; but they see nothing of him whom they had
+held in such contempt, and, not remarking him in the fray, they suppose
+that he has slipped away. When the Queen sees that he is not there, she
+feels inclined to send some one to search for him in the crowd until he
+be found. She knows of no one better to send in search of him than she
+who yesterday performed her errand. So, straightway calling her, she
+said to her: "Damsel, go and mount your palfrey! I send you to the same
+knight as I sent you yesterday, and do you seek him until you find him.
+Do not delay for any cause, and tell him again to do his 'worst'. And
+when you have given him this message, mark well what reply he makes."
+The damsel makes no delay, for she had carefully noticed the direction
+he took the night before, knowing well that she would be sent to him
+again. She made her way through the ranks until she saw the knight, whom
+she instructs at once to do his "worst" again, if he desires the love
+and favour of the Queen which she sends him. And he makes answer: "My
+thanks to her, since such is her will." Then the damsel went away, and
+the valets, sergeants, and squires begin to shout: "See this marvellous
+thing! He of yesterday with the vermilion arms is back again. What
+can he want? Never in the world was there such a vile, despicable, and
+craven wretch! He is so in the power of cowardice that resistance is
+useless on his part." And the damsel returns to the Queen, who detained
+her and would not let her go until she heard what his response had been;
+then she heartily rejoiced, feeling no longer any doubt that this is he
+to whom she altogether belongs, and he is hers in like manner. Then she
+bids the damsel quickly return and tell him that it is her command and
+prayer that he shall do his "best "; and she says she will go at once
+without delay. She came down from the stand to where her valet with
+the palfrey was awaiting her. She mounted and rode until she found the
+knight, to whom she said at once: "Sire, my lady now sends word that you
+shall do the 'best' you can!" And he replies: "Tell her now that it
+is never a hardship to do her will, for whatever pleases her is my
+delight." The maiden was not slow in bearing back this message, for she
+thinks it will greatly please and delight the Queen. She made her way as
+directly as possible to the stand, where the Queen rose and started to
+meet her, however, she did not go down, but waited for her at the top
+of the steps. And the damsel came happy in the message she had to bear.
+When she had climbed the steps and reached her side, she said: "Lady, I
+never saw so courteous g knight, for he is more than ready to obey every
+command you send to him, for, if the truth be known, he accepts good and
+evil with the same countenance." "Indeed," says the Queen, "that may
+well be so." Then she returns to the balcony to watch the knights. And
+Lancelot without delay seizes his shield by the leather straps, for he
+is kindled and consumed by the desire to show his prowess. Guiding his
+horse's head, he lets him run between two lines. All those mistaken and
+deluded men, who have spent a large part of the day and night in heaping
+him with ridicule, will soon be disconcerted. For a long time they have
+had their sport and joke and fun. The son of the King of Ireland held
+his shield closely gripped by the leather straps, as he spurs fiercely
+to meet him from the opposite direction. They come together with such
+violence that the son of the Irish king having broken and splintered his
+lance, wishes no more of the tournament; for it was not moss he struck,
+but hard, dry boards. In this encounter Lancelot taught him one of his
+thrusts, when he pinned his shield to his arm, and his arm to his side,
+and brought him down from his horse to earth. Like arrows the knights
+at once fly out, spurring and pricking from either side, some to relieve
+this knight, others to add to his distress. While some thus try to aid
+their lords, many a saddle is left empty in the strife and fray. But
+all that day Gawain took no hand at arms, though he was with the others
+there, for he took such pleasure in watching the deeds of him with
+the red painted arms that what the others did seemed to him pale in
+comparison. And the herald cheered up again, as he shouted aloud so
+that all could hear: "Here there has one come who will take the measure!
+To-day you shall see what he can do. To-day his prowess shall appear."
+Then the knight directs his steed and makes a very skilful thrust
+against a certain knight, whom he strikes so hard that he carries him a
+hundred feet or more from his horse. His feats with sword and lance are
+so well performed that there is none of the onlookers who does not find
+pleasure in watching him. Many even of those who bear arms find pleasure
+and satisfaction in what he does, for it is great sport to see how he
+makes horses and knights tumble and fall. He encounters hardly a single
+knight who is able to keep his seat, and he gives the horses he wins to
+those who want them. Then those who had been making game of him said:
+"Now we are disgraced and mortified. It was a great mistake for us to
+deride and vilify this man, for he is surely worth a thousand such as
+we are on this field; for he has defeated and outdone all the knights
+in the world, so that there is no one now that opposes him." And the
+damsels, who amazed were watching him, all said that he might take them
+to wife; but they did not dare to trust in their beauty or wealth, or
+power or highness, for not for her beauty or wealth would this peerless
+knight deign to choose any one of them. Yet, most of them are so
+enamoured of him that they say that, unless they marry him, they will
+not be bestowed upon any man this year. And the Queen, who hears them
+boast, laughs to herself and enjoy the fun, for well she knows that if
+all the gold of Arabia should be set before him, yet he who is beloved
+by them all would not select the best, the fairest, or the most charming
+of the group. One wish is common to them all--each wishes to have him as
+her spouse. One is jealous of another, as if she were already his wife;
+and all this is because they see him so adroit that in their opinion no
+mortal man could perform such deeds as he had done. He did so well that
+when the time came to leave the list, they admitted freely on both sides
+that no one had equalled the knight with the vermilion shield. All said
+this, and it was true. But when he left, he allowed his shield and lance
+and trappings to fall where he saw the thickest press, then he rode off
+hastily with such secrecy that no one of all the host noticed that he
+had disappeared. But he went straight back to the place whence he had
+come, to keep his oath. When the tournament broke up, they all searched
+and asked for him, but without success, for he fled away, having no
+desire to be recognised. The knights are disappointed and distressed,
+for they would have rejoiced to have him there. But if the knights were
+grieved to have been deserted thus, still greater was the damsels' grief
+when they learned the truth, and they asserted by St. John that they
+would not marry at all that year. If they can't have him whom they
+truly love, then all the others may be dismissed. Thus the tourney was
+adjourned without any of them choosing a husband. Meanwhile Lancelot
+without delay repairs to his prison. But the seneschal arrived two or
+three days before Lancelot, and inquired where he was. And his wife, who
+had given to Lancelot his fair and well-equipped vermilion arms, as well
+as his harness and his horse, told the truth to the seneschal--how she
+had sent him where there had been jousting at the tourney of Noauz.
+"Lady," the seneschal replies, "you could truly have done nothing worse
+than that. Doubtless, I shall smart for this, for my lord Meleagant
+will treat me worse than the beach-combers' law would treat me were I a
+mariner in distress. I shall be killed or banished the moment he hears
+the news, and he will have no pity for me." "Fair sire, be not now
+dismayed," the lady said; "there is no occasion for the fear you feel.
+There is no possibility of his detention, for he swore to me by the
+saints that he would return as soon as possible."
+
+(Vv. 6105-6166.) [425] Then the seneschal mounts, and coming to his
+lord, tells him the whole story of the episode; but at the same time, he
+emphatically reassures him, telling how his wife had received his oath
+that he would return to his prison. "He will not break his word, I
+know," says Meleagant: "and yet I am very much displeased at what your
+wife has done. Not for any consideration would I have had him present at
+that tournament. But return now, and see to it that, when he comes back,
+he be so strictly guarded that he shall not escape from his prison or
+have any freedom of body: and send me word at once." "Your orders shall
+be obeyed," says the seneschal. Then he goes away and finds Lancelot
+returned as prisoner in his yard. A messenger, sent by the seneschal,
+runs back at once to Meleagant, appraising him of Lancelot's return.
+When he heard this news, he took masons and carpenters who unwillingly
+or of their own free-will executed his commands. He summoned the best
+artisans in the land, and commanded them to build a tower, and exert
+themselves to build it well. The stone was quarried by the seaside; for
+near Gorre on this side there runs a big broad arm of the sea, in the
+midst of which an island stood, as Meleagant well knew. He ordered the
+stone to be carried thither and the material for the construction of
+the tower. In less than fifty-seven days the tower was completely built,
+high and thick and well-founded. When it was completed, he had Lancelot
+brought thither by night, and after putting him in the tower, he ordered
+the doors to be walled up, and made all the masons swear that they would
+never utter a word about this tower. It was his will that it should be
+thus sealed up, and that no door or opening should remain, except one
+small window. Here Lancelot was compelled to stay, and they gave him
+poor and meagre fare through this little window at certain hours, as the
+disloyal wretch had ordered and commanded them.
+
+(Vv. 6167-6220.) Now Meleagant has carried out all his purpose, and he
+betakes himself to King Arthur's court: behold him now arrived! And when
+he was before the King, he thus spoke with pride and arrogance: "King, I
+have scheduled a battle to take place in thy presence and in thy
+court. But I see nothing of Lancelot who agreed to be my antagonist.
+Nevertheless, as my duty is, in the hearing of all who are present here,
+I offer myself to fight this battle. And if he is here, let him now step
+forth and agree to meet me in your court a year from now. I know not if
+any one has told you how this battle was agreed upon. But I see knights
+here who were present at our conference, and who, if they would, could
+tell you the truth. If he should try to deny the truth, I should employ
+no hireling to take my place, but would prove it to him hand to hand."
+The Queen, who was seated beside the King, draws him to her as she says:
+"Sire, do you know who that knight is? It is Meleagant who carried me
+away while escorted by Kay the seneschal; he caused him plenty of shame
+and mischief too." And the King answered her: "Lady, I understand; I
+know full well that it is he who held my people in distress." The Queen
+says no more, but the King addresses Meleagant: "Friend," he says, "so
+help me God, we are very sad because we know nothing of Lancelot." "My
+lord King," says Meleagant, "Lancelot told me that I should surely
+find him here. Nowhere but in your court must I issue the call to this
+battle, and I desire all your knights here to bear me witness that I
+summon him to fight a year from to-day, as stipulated when we agreed to
+fight."
+
+(Vv. 6221-6458.) At this my lord Gawain gets up, much distressed at what
+he hears: "Sire, there is nothing known of Lancelot in all this land,"
+he says; "but we shall send in search of him and, if God will, we shall
+find him yet, before the end of the year is reached, unless he be dead
+or in prison. And if he does not appear, then grant me the battle, and
+I will fight for him: I will arm myself in place of Lancelot, if he does
+not return before that day." "Ah," says Meleagant, "for God's sake, my
+fair lord King, grant him the boon. I join my request to his desire, for
+I know no knight in all the world with whom I would more gladly try my
+strength, excepting only Lancelot. But bear in mind that, if I do not
+fight with one of them, I will accept no exchange or substitution for
+either one." And the King says that this is understood, if Lancelot
+does not return within the time. Then Meleagant left the royal court and
+journeyed until he found his father, King Bademagu. In order to appear
+brave and of consideration in his presence, he began by making a great
+pretence and by assuming an expression of marvellous cheer. That day the
+king was holding a joyous court at his city of Bade; [426] it was his
+birthday, which he celebrated with splendour and generosity, and there
+were many people of divers sorts gathered with him. All the palace
+was filled with knights and damsels, and among them was the sister of
+Meleagant, of whom I shall tell you, farther on, what is my thought
+and reason for mentioning her here. But it is not fitting that I should
+explain it here, for I do not wish to confuse or entangle my material,
+but rather to treat it straight forwardly. Now I must tell you that
+Meleagant in the hearing of all, both great and small, spoke thus to his
+father boastingly: "Father," he says, "so help me God, please tell me
+truly now whether he ought not to be well-content, and whether he is
+not truly brave, who can cause his arms to be feared at King Arthur's
+court?" To this question his father replies at once: "Son," he says,
+"all good men ought to honour and serve and seek the company of one
+whose deserts are such." Then he flattered him with the request that
+he should not conceal why he has alluded to this, what he wishes, and
+whence he comes. "Sire, I know not whether you remember," Meleagant
+begins, "the agreements and stipulations which were recorded when
+Lancelot and I made peace. It was then agreed, I believe, and in the
+presence of many we were told, that we should present ourselves at the
+end of a year at Arthur's court. I went thither at the appointed time,
+ready equipped for my business there. I did everything that had been
+prescribed: I called and searched for Lancelot, with whom I was to
+fight, but I could not gain a sight of him: he had fled and run away.
+When I came away, Gawain pledged his word that, if Lancelot is not alive
+and does not return within the time agreed upon, no further postponement
+will be asked, but that he himself will fight the battle against me in
+place of Lancelot. Arthur has no knight, as is well known, whose fame
+equals his, but before the flowers bloom again, I shall see, when we
+come to blows, whether his fame and his deeds are in accord: I only
+wish it could be settled now!" "Son," says his father, "thou art acting
+exactly like a fool. Any one, who knew it not before, may learn of thy
+madness from thy own lips. A good heart truly humbles itself, but the
+fool and the boastful never lose their folly. Son, to thee I direct my
+words, for the traits of thy character are so hard and dry, that
+there is no place for sweetness or friendship. Thy heart is altogether
+pitiless: thou art altogether in folly's grasp. This accounts for my
+slight respect for thee, and this is what will cast thee down. If thou
+art brave, there will be plenty of men to say so in time of need. A
+virtuous man need not praise his heart in order to enhance his deed; the
+deed itself will speak in its own praise. Thy self-praise does not aid
+thee a whit to increase in any one's esteem; indeed, I hold thee in less
+esteem. Son, I chasten thee; but to what end? It is of little use to
+advise a fool. He only wastes his strength in vain who tries to cure
+the madness of a fool, and the wisdom that one teaches and expounds is
+worthless, wasted and unemployed, unless it is expressed in works." Then
+Meleagant was sorely enraged and furious. I may truly say that never
+could you see a mortal man so full of anger as he was; the last bond
+between them was broken then, as he spoke to his father these ungracious
+words: "Are you in a dream or trance, when you say that I am mad to tell
+you how my matters stand? I thought I had come to you as to my lord and
+my father; but that does not seem to be the case, for you insult me more
+outrageously than I think you have any right to do; moreover, you can
+give no reason for having addressed me thus." "Indeed, I can." "What is
+it, then?" "Because I see nothing in thee but folly and wrath. I know
+very well what thy courage is like, and that it will cause thee great
+trouble yet. A curse upon him who supposes that the elegant Lancelot,
+who is esteemed by all but thee, has ever fled from thee through fear.
+I am sure that he is buried or confined in some prison whose door is
+barred so tight that he cannot escape without leave. I should surely be
+sorely grieved if he were dead or in distress. It would surely be too
+bad, were a creature so splendidly equipped, so fair, so bold, yet so
+serene, to perish thus before his time. But, may it please God, this
+is not true." Then Bademagu said no more; but a daughter of his had
+listened attentively to all his words, and you must know that it was she
+whom I mentioned earlier in my tale, and who is not happy now to hear
+such news of Lancelot. It is quite clear to her that he is shut up,
+since no one knows any news of him or his wanderings. "May God never
+look upon me, if I rest until I have some sure and certain news of
+him!" Straightway, without making any noise or disturbance, she runs
+and mounts a fair and easy-stepping mule. But I must say that when she
+leaves the court, she knows not which way to turn. However, she asks no
+advice in her predicament, but takes the first road she finds, and
+rides along at random rapidly, unaccompanied by knight or squire. In her
+eagerness she makes haste to attain the object of her search. Keenly she
+presses forward in her quest, but it will not soon terminate. She may
+not rest or delay long in any single place, if she wishes to carry out
+her plan, to release Lancelot from his prison, if she can find him and
+if it is possible. But in my opinion, before she finds him she will have
+searched in many a land, after many a journey and many a quest, before
+she has any news of him. But what would be the use of my telling you of
+her lodgings and her journeyings? Finally, she travelled so far through
+hill and dale, up and down, that more than a month had passed, and as
+yet she had learned only so much as she knew before--that is, absolutely
+nothing. One day she was crossing a field in a sad and pensive mood,
+when she saw a tower in the distance standing by the shore of an arm of
+the sea. Not within a league around about was there any house, cottage,
+or dwelling-place. Meleagant had had it built, and had confined Lancelot
+within. But of all this she still was unaware. As soon as she espied the
+tower, she fixed her attention upon it to the exclusion of all else. And
+her heart gives her assurance that here is the object of her quest; now
+at last she has reached her goal, to which Fortune through many trials
+has at last directed her.
+
+(Vv. 6459-6656.) The damsel draws so near to the tower that she can
+touch it with her hands. She walks about, listening attentively, I
+suppose, if perchance she may hear some welcome sound. She looks down
+and she gazes up, and she sees that the tower is strong and high and
+thick. She is amazed to see no door or window, except one little narrow
+opening. Moreover, there was no ladder or steps about this high, sheer
+tower. For this reason she surmises that it was made so intentionally,
+and that Lancelot is confined inside. But she resolves that before she
+tastes of food, she will learn whether this is so or not. She thinks she
+will call Lancelot by name, and is about to do so when she is deterred
+by hearing from the tower a voice which was making a marvellously sad
+moan as it called on death. It implores death to come, and complains of
+misery unbearable. In contempt of the body and life, it weakly piped in
+a low, hoarse tone: "Ah, fortune, how disastrously thy wheel has turned
+for me! Thou hast mocked me shamefully: a while ago I was up, but now I
+am down; I was well off of late, but now I am in a sorry state; not long
+since thou didst smile on me, but now thy eyes are filled with tears.
+Alas, poor wretch, why didst thou trust in her, when so soon she has
+deserted thee! Behold, in a very little while she has cast thee down
+from thy high estate! Fortune, it was wrong of thee to mock me thus; but
+what carest thou! Thou carest not how it may turn out. Ah, sacred Cross!
+All, Holy Ghost! How am I wretched and undone! How completely has my
+career been closed! Ah, Gawain, you who possess such worth, and whose
+goodness is unparalleled, surely I may well be amazed that you do
+not come to succour me. Surely you delay too long and are not showing
+courtesy. He ought indeed to receive your aid whom you used to love so
+devotedly! For my part I may truly say that there is no lodging place or
+retreat on either side of the sea, where I would not have searched for
+you at least seven or ten years before finding you, if I knew you to be
+in prison. But why do I thus torment myself? You do not care for me even
+enough to take this trouble. The rustic is right when he says that it
+is hard nowadays to find a friend! It is easy to rest the true friend
+in time of need. Alas! more than a year has passed since first I was put
+inside this tower. I feel hurt, Gawain, that you have so long deserted
+me! But doubtless you know nothing of all this, and I have no ground for
+blaming you. Yes, when I think of it, this must be the case, and I was
+very wrong to imagine such a thing; for I am confident that not for all
+the world contains would you and your men have failed to come to release
+me from this trouble and distress, if you were aware of it. If for no
+other reason, you would be bound to do this out of love for me, your
+companion. But it is idle to talk about it--it cannot be. Ah, may the
+curse and the damnation of God and St. Sylvester rest upon him who
+has shut me up so shamefully! He is the vilest man alive, this envious
+Meleagant, to treat me as evilly as possible!" Then he, who is wearing
+out his life in grief, ceases speaking and holds his peace. But when
+she, who was lingering at the base of the tower, heard what he said,
+she did not delay, but acted wisely and called him thus: "Lancelot,"
+as loudly as she could; "friend, up there, speak to one who is your
+friend!" But inside he did not hear her words. Then she called out
+louder yet, until he in his weakness faintly heard her, and wondered
+who could be calling him. [427] He heard the voice and heard his name
+pronounced, but he did not know who was calling him: he thinks it must
+be a spirit. He looks all about him to see, I suppose, if he could espy
+any one; but there is nothing to be seen but the tower and himself.
+"God," says he, "what is that I heard? I heard some one speak, but see
+nothing! Indeed, this is passing marvellous, for I am not asleep, but
+wide awake. Of course, if this happened in a dream, I should consider it
+an illusion; but I am awake, and therefore I am distressed." Then with
+some trouble he gets up, and with slow and feeble steps he moves toward
+the little opening. Once there, he peers through it, up and down and to
+either side. When he had looked out as best he might, he caught sight of
+her who had hailed him. He did not recognise her by sight. But she knew
+him at once and said: "Lancelot, I have come from afar in search of you.
+Now, thank God, at last I have found you. I am she who asked of you a
+boon as you were on your way to the sword-bridge, and you very gladly
+granted it at my request; it was the head I bade you cut from the
+conquered knight whom I hated so. Because of this boon and this service
+you did me, I have gone to this trouble. As a guerdon I shall deliver
+you from here." "Damsel, many thanks to you," the prisoner then replied;
+"the service I did you will be well repaid if I am set at liberty. If
+you can get me out of here, I promise and engage to be henceforth always
+yours, so help me the holy Apostle Paul! And as I may see God face to
+face, I shall never fail to obey your commands in accordance with your
+will. You may ask for anything I have, and receive it without delay."
+"Friend, have no fear that you will not be released from here. You shall
+be loosed and set free this very day. Not for a thousand pounds would I
+renounce the expectation of seeing you free before the datum of another
+day. Then I shall take you to a pleasant place, where you may rest and
+take your ease. There you shall have everything you desire, whatever
+it be. So have no fear. But first I must see if I can find some tool
+anywhere hereabouts with which you might enlarge this hole, at least
+enough to let you pass." "God grant that you find something," he said,
+agreeing to this plan; "I have plenty of rope in here, which the rascals
+gave me to pull up my food--hard barley bread and dirty water, which
+sicken my stomach and heart." Then the daughter of Bademagu sought and
+found a strong, stout, sharp pick, which she handed to him. He pounded,
+and hammered and struck and dug, notwithstanding the pain it caused him,
+until he could get out comfortably. Now he is greatly relieved and glad,
+you may be sure, to be out Of prison and to get away from the place
+where he has been so long confined. Now he is at large in the open air.
+You may be sure that he would not go back again, were some one to gather
+in a pile and give to him all the gold there is scattered in the world.
+
+(Vv. 6657-6728.) Behold Lancelot now released, but so feeble that he
+staggered from his weakness and disability. Gently, without hurting him,
+she sets him before her on her mule, and then they ride off rapidly. But
+the damsel purposely avoids the beaten track, that they may not be
+seen, and proceeds by a hidden path; for if she had travelled openly,
+doubtless some one would have recognised them and done them harm, and
+she would not have wished that to happen. So she avoided the dangerous
+places and came to a mansion where she often makes her sojourn because
+of its beauty and charm. The entire estate and the people on it belonged
+to her, and the place was well furnished, safe, and private. There
+Lancelot arrived. And as soon as he had come, and had laid aside his
+clothes, the damsel gently laid him on a lofty, handsome couch, then
+bathed and rubbed him so carefully that I could not describe half the
+care she took. She handled and treated him as gently as if he had been
+her father. Her treatment makes a new man of him, as she revives him
+with her cares. Now he is no less fair than an angel and is more nimble
+and more spry than anything you ever saw. When he arose, he was no
+longer mangy and haggard, but strong and handsome. And the damsel sought
+out for him the finest robe she could find, with which she clothed him
+when he arose. And he was glad to put it on, quicker than a bird
+in flight. He kissed and embraced the maid, and then said to her
+graciously: "My dear, I have only God and you to thank for being
+restored to health again. Since I owe my liberty to you, you may take
+and command at will my heart and body, my service and estate. I belong
+to you in return for what you have done for me; but it is long since I
+have been at the court of my lord Arthur, who has shown me great honour;
+and there is plenty there for me to do. Now, my sweet gentle friend,
+I beg you affectionately for leave to go; then, with your consent, I
+should feel free to go." "Lancelot, fair, sweet dear friend, I am quite
+willing," the damsel says; "I desire your honour and welfare above
+everything everywhere." Then she gives him a wonderful horse she has,
+the best horse that ever was seen, and he leaps up without so much as
+saying to the stirrups "by your leave": he was up without considering
+them. Then to God, who never lies, they commend each other with good
+intent.
+
+(Vv. 6729-7004.) Lancelot was so glad to be on the road that, if I
+should take an oath, I could not possibly describe the joy he felt at
+having escaped from his trap. But he said to himself repeatedly that woe
+was the traitor, the reprobate, whom now he has tricked and ridiculed,
+"for in spite of him I have escaped." Then he swears by the heart and
+body of Him who made the world that not for all the riches and wealth
+from Babylon to Ghent would he let Meleagant escape, if he once got him
+in his power: for he has him to thank for too much harm and shame! But
+events will soon turn out so as to make this possible; for this very
+Meleagant, whom he threatens and presses hard, had already come to court
+that day without being summoned by any one; and the first thing he did
+was to search until he found my lord Gawain. Then the rascally proven
+traitor asks him about Lancelot, whether he had been seen or found, as
+if he himself did not know the truth. As a matter of fact, he did not
+know the truth, although he thought he knew it well enough. And Gawain
+told him, as was true, that he had not been seen, and that he had not
+come. "Well, since I don't find him," says Meleagant, "do you come and
+keep the promise you made me: I shall not longer wait for you." Then
+Gawain makes answer: "I will keep presently my word with you, if it
+please God in whom I place my trust. I expect to discharge my debt to
+you. But if it comes to throwing dice for points, and I should throw
+a higher number than you, so help me God and the holy faith, I'll not
+withdraw, but will keep on until I pocket all the stakes." [428] Then
+without delay Gawain orders a rug to be thrown down and spread before
+him. There was no snivelling or attempt to run away when the squires
+heard this command, but without grumbling or complaint they execute
+what he commands. They bring the rug and spread it out in the place
+indicated; then he who had sent for it takes his seat upon it and gives
+orders to be armed by the young men who were standing unarmed before
+him. There were two of them, his cousins or nephews, I know not
+which, but they were accomplished and knew what to do. They arm him so
+skilfully and well that no one could find any fault in the world with
+them for any mistake in what they did. When they finished arming him,
+one of them went to fetch a Spanish steed able to cross the fields,
+woods, hills, and valleys more swiftly than the good Bucephalus. [429]
+Upon a horse such as you have heard Gawain took his seat--the admired
+and most accomplished knight upon whom the sign of the Cross was ever
+made. Already he was about to seize his shield, when he saw Lancelot
+dismount before him, whom he was not expecting to see. He looked at
+him in amazement, because he had come so unexpectedly; and, if I am not
+wrong, he was as much surprised as if he had fallen from the clouds.
+However, no business of his own can detain him, as soon as he sees
+Lancelot, from dismounting and extending his arms to him, as he
+embraces, salutes and kisses him. Now he is happy and at ease, when he
+has found his companion. Now I will tell you the truth, and you must not
+think I lie, that Gawain would not wish to be chosen king, unless he had
+Lancelot with him. The King and all the rest now learn that, in spite of
+all, Lancelot, for whom they so long have watched, has come back quite
+safe and sound. Therefore they all rejoice, and the court, which so
+long has looked for him, comes together to honour him. Their happiness
+dispels and drives away the sorrow which formerly was theirs. Grief
+takes flight and is replaced by an awakening joy. And how about the
+Queen? Does she not share in the general jubilee? Yes, verily, she
+first of all. How so? For God's sake, where, then, could she be keeping
+herself? She was never so glad in her life as she was for his return.
+And did she not even go to him? Certainly she did; she is so close to
+him that her body came near following her heart. Where is her heart,
+then? It was kissing and welcoming Lancelot. And why did the body
+conceal itself? Why is not her joy complete? Is it mingled with anger or
+hate? No, certainly, not at all; but it may be that the King or some of
+the others who are there, and who are watching what takes place, would
+have taken the whole situation in, if, while all were looking on, she
+had followed the dictates of her heart. If common-sense had not banished
+this mad impulse and rash desire, her heart would have been revealed and
+her folly would have been complete. Therefore reason closes up and
+binds her fond heart and her rash intent, and made it more reasonable,
+postponing the greeting until it shall see and espy a suitable and more
+private place where they would fare better than here and now. The King
+highly honoured Lancelot, and after welcoming him, thus spoke: "I have
+not heard for a long time news of any man which were so welcome as news
+of you; yet I am much concerned to learn in what region and in what land
+you have tarried so long a time. I have had search made for you up and
+down, all the winter and summer through, but no one could find a trace
+of you." "Indeed, fair sire," says Lancelot, "I can inform you in a few
+words exactly how it has fared with me. The miserable traitor Meleagant
+has kept me in prison ever since the hour of the deliverance of the
+prisoners in his land, and has condemned me to a life of shame in a
+tower of his beside the sea. There he put me and shut me in, and there I
+should still be dragging out my weary life, if it were not for a friend
+of mine, a damsel for whom I once performed a slight service. In return
+for the little favour I did her, she has repaid me liberally: she has
+bestowed upon me great honour and blessing. But I wish to repay without
+delay him for whom I have no love, who has sought out and devised for
+me this shame and injury. He need not wait, for the sum is all ready,
+principal and interest; but God forbid that he find in it cause to
+rejoice!" Then Gawain said to Lancelot: "Friend, it will be only a
+slight favour for me, who am in your debt, to make this payment for you.
+Moreover, I am all ready and mounted, as you see. Fair, sweet friend, do
+not deny me the boon I desire and request." But Lancelot replies that
+he would rather have his eye plucked out, or even both of them, than be
+persuaded to do this: he swears it shall never be so. He owes the debt
+and he will pay it himself: for with his own hand he promised it. Gawain
+plainly sees that nothing he can say is of any avail, so he loosens and
+takes off his hauberk from his back, and completely disarms himself.
+Lancelot at once arms himself without delay; for he is impatient to
+settle and discharge his debt. Meleagant, who is amazed beyond measure
+at what he sees, has reached the end of his good fortunes, and is about
+to receive what is owing him. He is almost beside himself and comes
+near fainting. "Surely I was a fool," he says, "not to go, before coming
+here, to see if I still held imprisoned in my tower him who now has
+played this trick on me. But, God, why should I have gone? What cause
+had I to think that he could possibly escape? Is not the wall built
+strong enough, and is not the tower sufficiently strong and high? There
+was no hole or crevice in it, through which he could pass, unless he was
+aided from outside. I am sure his hiding-place was revealed. If the wall
+were worn away and had fallen into decay, would he not have been caught
+and injured or killed at the same time? Yes, so help me God, if it had
+fallen down, he would certainly have been killed. But I guess, before
+that wall gives away without being torn down, that all the water in the
+sea will dry up without leaving a drop and the world will come to an
+end. No, that is not it: it happened otherwise: he was helped to escape,
+and could not have got out otherwise: I have been outwitted through some
+trickery. At any rate, he has escaped; but if I had been on my guard,
+all this would never have happened, and he would never have come to
+court. But it's too late now to repent. The rustic, who seldom errs,
+pertinently remarks that it is too late to close the stable when
+the horse is out. I know I shall now be exposed to great shame and
+humiliation, if indeed I do not suffer and endure something worse. What
+shall I suffer and endure? Rather, so long as I live, I will give him
+full measure, if it please God, in whom I trust." Thus he consoles
+himself, and has no other desire than to meet his antagonist on the
+field. And he will not have long to wait, I think, for Lancelot goes
+in search of him, expecting soon to conquer him. But before the assault
+begins, the King bids them go down into the plain where the tower
+stands, the prettiest place this side of Ireland for a fight. So they
+did, and soon found themselves on the plain below. The King goes down
+too, and all the rest, men and women in crowds. No one stays behind; but
+many go up to the windows of the tower, among them the Queen, her ladies
+and damsels, of whom she had many with her who were fair.
+
+(Vv. 7005-7119.) In the field there stood a sycamore as fair as any tree
+could be; it was wide-spread and covered a large area, and around it
+grew a fine border of thick fresh grass which was green at all seasons
+of the year. Under this fair and stately sycamore, which was planted
+back in Abel's time, there rises a clear spring of water which flows
+away hurriedly. The bed of the spring is beautiful and as bright as
+silver, and the channel through which the water flows is formed, I
+think, of refined and tested gold, and it stretches away across the
+field down into a valley between the woods. There it pleases the King to
+take his seat where nothing unpleasant is in sight. After the crowd has
+drawn back at the King's command, Lancelot rushes furiously at Meleagant
+as at one whom he hates cordially, but before striking him, he shouted
+with a loud and commanding voice: "Take your stand, I defy you! And take
+my word, this time you shall not be spared." Then he spurs his steed
+and draws back the distance of a bow-shot. Then they drive their horses
+toward each other at top speed, and strike each other so fiercely
+upon their resisting shields that they pierced and punctured them. But
+neither one is wounded, nor is the flesh touched in this first assault.
+They pass each other without delay, and come back at the top of their
+horses: speed to renew their blows on the strong, stout shields. Both of
+the knights are strong and brave, and both of the horses are stout and
+fast. So mighty are the blows they deal on the shields about their necks
+that the lances passed clean through, without breaking or splintering,
+until the cold steel reached their flesh. Each strikes the other with
+such force that both are borne to earth, and no breast-strap, girth,
+or stirrup could save them from falling backward over their saddle-bow,
+leaving the saddle without an occupant. The horses run riderless over
+hill and dale, but they kick and bite each other, thus showing their
+mortal hatred. As for the knights who fell to earth, they leaped up
+as quickly as possible and drew their swords, which were engraved with
+chiselled lettering. Holding their shields before the face, they strive
+to wound each other with their swords of steel. Lancelot stands in no
+fear of him, for he knew half as much again about fencing as did his
+antagonist, having learned it in his youth. Both dealt such blows on the
+shield slung from their necks, and upon their helmets barred with gold,
+that they crushed and damaged them. But Lancelot presses him hard and
+gives him a mighty blow upon his right arm which, though encased in
+mail, was unprotected by the shield, severing it with one clean stroke.
+And when he felt the loss of his right arm, he said that it should be
+dearly sold. If it is at all possible, he will not fail to exact the
+price; he is in such pain and wrath and rage that he is well-nigh beside
+himself, and he has a poor opinion of himself, if he cannot score on his
+rival now. He rushes at him with the intent to seize him, but Lancelot
+forestalls his plan, for with his trenchant sword he deals his body
+such a cut as he will not recover from until April and May be passed. He
+smashes his nose-guard against his teeth, breaking three of them in his
+mouth. And Meleagant's rage is such that he cannot speak or say a word;
+nor does he deign to cry for mercy, for his foolish heart holds tight in
+such constraint that even now it deludes him still. Lancelot approaches
+and, unlacing his helmet, cuts off his head. Never more will this man
+trouble him; it is all over with him as he falls dead. Not a soul who
+was present there felt any pity at the sight. The King and all the
+others there are jubilant and express their joy. Happier than they
+ever were before, they relieve Lancelot of his arms, and lead him away
+exultingly.
+
+(Vv. 7120-7134.) My lords, if I should prolong my tale, it would be
+beside the purpose, and so I will conclude. Godefroi de Leigni, the
+clerk, has written the conclusion of "the Cart"; but let no one find
+fault with him for having embroidered on Chretien's theme, for it was
+done with the consent of Chretien who started it. Godefroi has finished
+it from the point where Lancelot was imprisoned in the tower. So much he
+wrote; but he would fain add nothing more, for fear of disfiguring the
+tale.
+
+
+
+----Endnotes: Lancelot
+
+Endnotes supplied by Prof. Foerster are indicated by "(F.)"; all other
+endnotes are supplied by W.W. Comfort.
+
+
+[Footnote 41: Marie, daughter of Louis VII. of France and Eleanor of
+Aquitaine, married in 1164, Henri I., Count of Champagne. On the
+poet's own statement below, she furnished him with the subject matter
+("maitere") and the manner of treatment ("san") of this romance. (F.)]
+
+[Footnote 42: The situation of Camelot has not been certainly
+determined. Foerster places it in Somersetshire, while F. Paris
+identified it with Colchester in Essex. (F.)]
+
+[Footnote 43: The high value here set upon Kay by king Arthur is worth
+noting in view of the unfavourable light in which Chretien usually
+portrays him.]
+
+[Footnote 44: This enigmatic exclamation is addressed to the absent
+Lancelot, who is the secret lover of Guinevere, and who, though he long
+remains anonymous as "the Knight of the Cart", is really the hero of the
+poem.]
+
+[Footnote 45: It was not uncommon in old French romances and epic poems
+for knights to be subjected to the mockery and raillery of the vulgar
+townspeople (cf. "Aiol", 911-923; id. 2579-2733; and even Moliere in
+"Monsieur de Pourceaugnac", f. 3).]
+
+[Footnote 46: For magic beds with descending swords, see A. Hertel,
+"Versauberte Oertlichkeiten", etc., p. 69 f. (Hanover, 1908).]
+
+[Footnote 47: The wounded knight is the defeated seneschal.]
+
+[Footnote 48: Mediaeval knights were such early risers as to cause us
+astonishment!]
+
+[Footnote 49: Lancelot has constantly in mind the Queen, for whose sake
+he is enduring all this pain and shame.]
+
+[Footnote 410: i.e., the Queen.]
+
+[Footnote 411: Nothing can here be added to the tentative conjectures of
+Foerster regarding the nature of these unknown remedies.]
+
+[Footnote 412: A great annual fair at Paris marked the festival, on June
+11, of St. Denis, the patron saint of the city. (F.)]
+
+[Footnote 413: "Donbes" (=Dombes) is the reading chosen by Foerster from
+a number of variants. None of these variants has any significance, but
+a place-name rhyming with "tonbes" in the preceding verse is required.
+Modern Dombes is the name of a former principality in Burgundy, between
+the Rhone and the Saone, while Pampelune is, of course, a Spanish city
+near the French frontier. (F.)]
+
+[Footnote 414: The topography of the kingdom of Gorre, the land where
+dwell the captives held by King Bademagu, is much confused. One would
+suppose at first that the stream traversed by the two perilous bridges
+formed the frontier of the kingdom. But here (v.2102), before reaching
+such a frontier, the captives are already met. Foerster suggests that we
+may be here at a sort of foreground or borderland which is defended by
+the knight at the ford (v. 735 f.), and which, though not within the
+limits of the kingdom, is nevertheless beneath the sway of Bademagu. In
+the sequel the stream with the perilous bridges is placed immediately
+before the King's palace (cf. Foerster's note and G. Paris in "Romania",
+xxi. 471 note).]
+
+[Footnote 415: For magic rings, see A. Hertel, op. cit., p. 62 f.]
+
+[Footnote 416: This "dame" was the fairy Vivian, "the lady of the lake".
+(F.)]
+
+[Footnote 417: A good example of the moral dilemmas in which Chretien
+delights to place his characters. Under the displeasing shell of
+allegory and mediaeval casuistry we have here the germ of psychological
+analysis of motive.]
+
+[Footnote 418: The legendary origin of this ointment, named after Mary
+Magdelene, Mary the mother of James, and Mary Salome, is mentioned in
+the epic poem "Mort Aimeri de Narbonne" (ed. "Anciens Textes", p. 86).
+(F.)]
+
+[Footnote 419: The universities of Montpellier and of Salerno were the
+chief centres of medical study in the Middle Ages. Salerno is referred
+to in "Cliges", v. 5818.]
+
+[Footnote 420: The hero of the poem is here first mentioned by name.]
+
+[Footnote 421: The classic love-story of Pyramus and Thisbe, told by
+Ovid et al., was a favourite in the Middle Ages.]
+
+[Footnote 422: Here he have the explanation of Guinevere's cold
+reception of Lancelot; he had been faithless to the rigid code of
+courtesy when he had hesitated for even a moment to cover himself with
+shame for her sake.]
+
+[Footnote 423: The expression "or est venuz qui aunera", less literally
+means "who will defeat the entire field". Though Chretien refers to the
+expression as a current proverb, only two other examples of its use
+have been found. (Cf. "Romania", xvi. 101, and "Ztsch. fur romanische
+Philologie", xi. 430.) From this passage G. Paris surmised that Chretien
+himself was a herald-at-arms ("Journal des Savants", 1902, p. 296), but
+as Foerster says, the text hardly warrants the supposition.]
+
+[Footnote 424: The evident satisfaction with which Chretien describes in
+detail the bearings of the knights in the following passage lends colour
+to Gaston Paris' conjecture that he was a herald as well as a poet.]
+
+[Footnote 425: According to the statement made at the end of the poem
+by the continuator of Chretien, Godefroi de Leigni, it must have been at
+about this point that the continuator took up the thread of the story.
+It is not known why Chretien dropped the poem where he did.]
+
+[Footnote 426: Bade = Bath. (F.)]
+
+[Footnote 427: The situation recalls that in "Aucassin et Nicolette",
+where Aucassin confined in the tower hears his sweetheart calling to him
+from outside.]
+
+[Footnote 428: The figure is, of course, taken from the game of throwing
+dice for high points. For an exhaustive account of dice-playing derived
+from old French texts, cf. Franz Semrau, "Wurfel und Wurfelspiel in
+alten Frankreich", "Beiheft" 23 of "Ztsch. fur romanische Philologie
+(Halle," 1910).]
+
+[Footnote 429: Alexander's horse.]
+
+
+
+
+
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+Four Arthurian Romances, by Chretien DeTroyes
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+
+ Four Arthurian Romances
+ ("Erec et Enide", "Cliges", "Yvain", and "Lancelot")
+
+by Chretien DeTroyes
+Fl. 12th Century A.D.
+
+Originally written in Old French, sometime in the second half of
+the 12th Century A.D., by the court poet Chretien DeTroyes. 
+
+This electronic edition was edited, proofed, and prepared by
+Douglas B. Killings (DeTroyes@EnterAct.COM), November 1996.
+
+*****************************************************************
+
+SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY:
+
+ORIGINAL TEXT --
+
+Carroll, Carleton W. (Ed.): "Chretien DeTroyes: Erec and Enide"
+(Garland Library of Medieval Literature, New York & London,
+1987).  Edited with a translation (see Penguin Classics edition
+below).
+
+Kibler, William W. (Ed.): "Chretien DeTroyes: The Knight with the
+Lion, or Yvain (Garland Library of Medieval Literature 48A, New
+York & London, 1985).  Original text with English translation
+(See Penguin Classics edition below).
+
+Kibler, William W. (Ed.): "Chretien DeTroyes: Lancelot, or The
+Knight of the Cart (Garland Library of Medieval Literature 1A,
+New York & London, 1981).  Original text with English translation
+(See Penguin Classics edition below).
+
+Micha, Alexandre (Ed.): "Les Romans de Chretien de Troyes, Vol.
+II: Cliges" (Champion, Paris, 1957).
+
+
+OTHER TRANSLATIONS --
+
+Cline, Ruth Harwood (Trans.): "Chretien DeTroyes: Yvain, or the
+Knight with the Lion" (University of Georgia Press, Athens GA,
+1975).
+
+Kibler, William W. & Carleton W. Carroll (Trans.): "Chretien
+DeTroyes: Arthurian Romances" (Penguin Classics, London, 1991). 
+Contains translations of "Erec et Enide" (by Carroll), "Cliges",
+"Yvain", "Lancelot", and DeTroyes' incomplete "Perceval" (by
+Kibler).  Highly recommended.
+
+Owen, D.D.R (Trans.): "Chretien DeTroyes: Arthurian Romances"
+(Everyman Library, London, 1987).  Contains translations of "Erec
+et Enide", "Cliges", "Yvain", "Lancelot", and DeTroyes'
+incomplete "Perceval".  NOTE: This edition replaced W.W.
+Comfort's in the Everyman Library catalogue.  Highly recommended.
+
+
+RECOMMENDED READING --
+
+Anonymous: "Lancelot of the Lake" (Trans: Corin Corely; Oxford
+University Press, Oxford, 1989).  English translation of one of
+the earliest prose romances concerning Lancelot.
+
+Anonymous: "The Mabinogion" (Ed: Jeffrey Gantz; Penguin Classics,
+London, 1976).  Contains a translation of "Geraint and Enid", an
+earlier Welsh version of "Erec et Enide".
+
+Anonymous: "Yvain and Gawain", "Sir Percyvell of Gales", and "The
+Anturs of Arther" (Ed: Maldwyn Mills; Everyman, London, 1992). 
+NOTE: Texts are in Middle-English; "Yvain and Gawain" is a
+Middle-English work based almost exclusively on Chretien
+DeTroyes' "Yvain".
+
+Malory, Sir Thomas: "Le Morte D'Arthur" (Ed: Janet Cowen; Penguin
+Classics, London, 1969).
+
+*****************************************************************
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+Chretien De Troyes has had the peculiar fortune of becoming the
+best known of the old French poets to students of mediaeval
+literature, and of remaining practically unknown to any one else.
+The acquaintance of students with the work of Chretien has been
+made possible in academic circles by the admirable critical
+editions of his romances undertaken and carried to completion
+during the past thirty years by Professor Wendelin Foerster of
+Bonn.  At the same time the want of public familiarity with
+Chretien's work is due to the almost complete lack of
+translations of his romances into the modern tongues.  The man
+who, so far as we know, first recounted the romantic adventures
+of Arthur's knights, Gawain. Yvain, Erec, Lancelot, and Perceval,
+has been forgotten; whereas posterity has been kinder to his
+debtors, Wolfram yon Eschenbach, Malory, Lord Tennyson, and
+Richard Wagner.  The present volume has grown out of the desire
+to place these romances of adventure before the reader of English
+in a prose version based directly upon the oldest form in which
+they exist.
+
+Such extravagant claims for Chretien's art have been made in some
+quarters that one feels disinclined to give them even an echo
+here.  The modem reader may form his own estimate of the poet's
+art, and that estimate will probably not be high.  Monotony, lack
+of proportion, vain repetitions, insufficient motivation,
+wearisome subtleties, and threatened, if not actual, indelicacy
+are among the most salient defects which will arrest, and mayhap
+confound, the reader unfamiliar with mediaeval literary craft. 
+No greater service can be performed by an editor in such a case
+than to prepare the reader to overlook these common faults, and
+to set before him the literary significance of this twelfth-century poet.
+
+Chretien de Troyes wrote in Champagne during the third quarter of
+the twelfth century.  Of his life we know neither the beginning
+nor the end, but we know that between 1160 and 1172 he lived,
+perhaps as herald-at-arms (according to Gaston Paris, based on
+"Lancelot" 5591-94) at Troyes, where was the court of his
+patroness, the Countess Marie de Champagne.  She was the daughter
+of Louis VII, and of that famous Eleanor of Aquitaine, as she is
+called in English histories, who, coming from the South of France
+in 1137, first to Paris and later to England, may have had some
+share in the introduction of those ideals of courtesy and woman
+service which were soon to become the cult of European society.
+The Countess Marie, possessing her royal mother's tastes and
+gifts, made of her court a social experiment station, where these
+Provencal ideals of a perfect society were planted afresh in
+congenial soil.  It appears from contemporary testimony that the
+authority of this celebrated feudal dame was weighty, and widely
+felt.  The old city of Troyes, where she held her court, must be
+set down large in any map of literary history.  For it was there
+that Chretien was led to write four romances which together form
+the most complete expression we possess from a single author of
+the ideals of French chivalry.  These romances, written in
+eight-syllable rhyming couplets, treat respectively of Erec and
+Enide, Cliges, Yvain, and Lancelot.  Another poem, "Perceval le
+Gallois", was composed about 1175 for Philip, Count of Flanders,
+to whom Chretien was attached during his last years.  This last
+poem is not included in the present translation because of its
+extraordinary length of 32,000 verses, because Chretien wrote
+only the first 9000 verses, and because Miss Jessie L. Weston has
+given us an English version of Wolfram's wellknown "Parzival",
+which tells substantially the same story, though in a different
+spirit.  To have included this poem, of which he wrote less than
+one-third, in the works of Chretien would have been unjust to
+him.  It is true the romance of "Lancelot" was not completed by
+Chretien, we are told, but the poem is his in such large part
+that one would be over-scrupulous not to call it his.  The other
+three poems mentioned are his entire.  In addition, there are
+quite generally assigned to the poet two insignificant lyrics,
+the pious romance of "Guillaume d'Angleterre", and the
+elaboration of an episode from Ovid's "Metamorphoses" (vi., 426-
+674) called "Philomena" by its recent editor (C. de Boer, Paris,
+1909).  All these are extant and accessible.  But since
+"Guillaume d'Angleterre" and "Philomena" are not universally
+attributed to Chretien, and since they have nothing to do with
+the Arthurian material, it seems reasonable to limit the present
+enterprise to "Erec and Enide", "Cliges", "Yvain", and
+"Lancelot".
+
+Professor Foerster, basing his remark upon the best knowledge we
+possess of an obscure matter, has called "Erec and Enide" the
+oldest Arthurian romance extant.  It is not possible to dispute
+this significant claim, but let us make it a little more
+intelligible.  Scholarship has shown that from the early Middle
+Ages popular tradition was rife in Britain and Brittany.  The
+existence of these traditions common to the Brythonic peoples was
+called to the attention of the literary world by William of
+Malmesbury ("Gesta regum Anglorum") and Geoffrey of Monmouth
+("Historia regum Britanniae") in their Latin histories about 1125
+and 1137 respectively, and by the Anglo-Norman poet Wace
+immediately afterward.  Scholars have waged war over the theories
+of transmission of the so-called Arthurian material during the
+centuries which elapsed between the time of the fabled
+chieftain's activity in 500 A.D. and his appearance as a great
+literary personage in the twelfth century.  Documents are lacking
+for the dark ages of popular tradition before the Norman
+Conquest, and the theorists may work their will.  But Arthur and
+his knights, as we see them in the earliest French romances, have
+little in common with their Celtic prototypes, as we dimly catch
+sight of them in Irish, Welsh, and Breton legend.  Chretien
+belonged to a generation of French poets who rook over a great
+mass of Celtic folk-lore they imperfectly understood, and made of
+what, of course, it had never been before: the vehicle to carry a
+rich freight of chivalric customs and ideals.  As an ideal of
+social conduct, the code of chivalry never touched the middle and
+lower classes, but it was the religion of the aristocracy and of
+the twelfth-century "honnete homme".  Never was literature in any
+age closer to the ideals of a social class.  So true is this that
+it is difficult to determine whether social practices called
+forth the literature, or whether, as in the case of the
+seventeenth-century pastoral romance in France, it is truer to
+say that literature suggested to society its ideals.  Be that as
+it may, it is proper to observe that the French romances of
+adventure portray late mediaeval aristocracy as it fain would be.
+For the glaring inconsistencies between the reality and the
+ideal, one may turn to the chronicles of the period.  Yet, even
+history tells of many an ugly sin rebuked and of many a gallant
+deed performed because of the courteous ideals of chivalry.  The
+debt of our own social code to this literature of courtesy and
+frequent self-sacrifice is perfectly manifest.
+
+What Chretien's immediate and specific source was for his
+romances is of deep interest to the student.  Unfortunately, he
+has left us in doubt.  He speaks in the vaguest way of the
+materials he used.  There is no evidence that he had any Celtic
+written source.  We are thus thrown back upon Latin or French
+literary originals which are lost, or upon current continental
+lore going back to a Celtic source.  This very difficult problem
+is as yet unsolved in the case of Chretien, as it is in the case
+of the Anglo-Norman Beroul, who wrote of Tristan about 1150.  The
+material evidently was at hand and Chretien appropriated it,
+without much understanding of its primitive spirit, but
+appreciating it as a setting for the ideal society dreamed of but
+not realised in his own day.  Add to this literary perspicacity,
+a good foundation in classic fable, a modicum of ecclesiastical
+doctrine, a remarkable facility in phrase, figure, and rhyme and
+we have the foundations for Chretien's art as we shall find it
+upon closer examination.
+
+A French narrative poet of the twelfth century had three
+categories of subject-matter from which to choose: legends
+connected with the history of France ("matiere de France"),
+legends connected with Arthur and other Celtic heroes ("matiere
+de Bretagne"), and stories culled from the history or mythology
+of Greece and Rome, current in Latin and French translations
+("matiere de Rome la grant").  Chretien tells us in "Cliges" that
+his first essays as a poet were the translations into French of
+certain parts of Ovid's most popular works: the "Metamorphoses",
+the "Ars Amatoria", and perhaps the "Remedia Amoris".  But he
+appears early to have chosen as his special field the stories of
+Celtic origin dealing with Arthur, the Round Table, and other
+features of Celtic folk-lore.  Not only was he alive to the
+literary interest of this material when rationalised to suit the
+taste of French readers; his is further the credit of having
+given to somewhat crude folk-lore that polish and elegance which
+is peculiarly French, and which is inseparably associated with
+the Arthurtan legends in all modern literature.  Though Beroul,
+and perhaps other poets, had previously based romantic poems upon
+individual Celtic heroes like Tristan, nevertheless to Chretien,
+so far as we can see, is due the considerable honour of having
+constituted Arthur's court as a literary centre and rallying-
+point for an innumerable company of knights and ladies engaged in
+a never-ending series of amorous adventures and dangerous quests.
+Rather than unqualifiedly attribute to Chretien this important
+literary convention, one should bear in mind that all his poems
+imply familiarity on the part of his readers with the heroes of
+the court of which he speaks.  One would suppose that other
+stories, told before his versions, were current.  Some critics
+would go so far as to maintain that Chretien came toward the
+close, rather than at the beginning, of a school of French
+writers of Arthurian romances.  But, if so, we do not possess
+these earlier versions, and for lack of rivals Chretien may be
+hailed as an innovator in the current schools of poetry.
+
+And now let us consider the faults which a modern reader will not
+be slow to detect in Chretien's style.  Most of his salient
+faults are common to all mediaeval narrative literature.  They
+may be ascribed to the extraordinary leisure of the class for
+whom it was composed--a class which was always ready to read an
+old story told again, and which would tolerate any description,
+however detailed.  The pastimes of this class of readers were
+jousting, hunting, and making love.  Hence the preponderance of
+these matters in the literature of its leisure hours.  No detail
+of the joust or hunt was unfamiliar or unwelcome to these
+readers; no subtle arguments concerning the art of love were too
+abstruse to delight a generation steeped in amorous casuistry and
+allegories.  And if some scenes seem to us indelicate, yet after
+comparison with other authors of his times, Chretien must be let
+off with a light sentence.  It is certain he intended to avoid
+what was indecent, as did the writers of narrative poetry in
+general.  To appreciate fully the chaste treatment of Chretien
+one must know some other forms of mediaeval literature, such as
+the fabliaux, farces, and morality plays, in which courtesy
+imposed no restraint.  For our poet's lack of sense of
+proportion, and for his carelessness in the proper motivation of
+many episodes, no apology can be made.  He is not always guilty;
+some episodes betoken poetic mastery.  But a poet acquainted, as
+he was, with some first-class Latin poetry, and who had made a
+business of his art, ought to have handled his material more
+intelligently, even in the twelfth century.  The emphasis is not
+always laid with discrimination, nor is his yarn always kept free
+of tangles in the spinning.
+
+Reference has been made to Chretien's use of his sources.  The
+tendency of some critics has been to minimise the French poet's
+originality by pointing out striking analogies in classic and
+Celtic fable.  Attention has been especially directed to the
+defence of the fountain and the service of a fairy mistress in
+"Yvain", to the captivity of Arthur's subjects in the kingdom of
+Gorre, as narrated in "Lancelot", reminding one so insistently of
+the treatment of the kingdom of Death from which some god or hero
+finally delivers those in durance, and to the reigned death of
+Fenice in "Cliges", with its many variants.  These episodes are
+but examples of parallels which will occur to the observant
+reader.  The difficult point to determine, in speaking of
+conceptions so widespread in classic and mediaeval literature, is
+the immediate source whence these conceptions reached Chretien.
+The list of works of reference appended to this volume will
+enable the student to go deeper into this much debated question,
+and will permit us to dispense with an examination of the
+arguments in this place.  However, such convincing parallels for
+many of Chretien's fairy and romantic episodes have been adduced
+by students of Irish and Welsh legend that one cannot fail to be
+impressed by the fact that Chretien was in touch, either by oral
+or literary tradition, with the populations of Britain and of
+Brittany, and that we have here his most immediate inspiration.
+Professor Foerster, stoutly opposing the so-called Anglo-Norman
+theory which supposes the existence of lost Anglo-Norman romances
+in French as the sources of Chretien de Troyes, is, nevertheless,
+well within the truth when he insists upon what is, so far as we
+are concerned, the essential originality of the French poet.  The
+general reader will to-day care as little as did the reader of
+the twelfth century how the poet came upon the motives and
+episodes of his stories, whether he borrowed them or invented
+them himself.  Any poet should be judged not as a "finder" but as
+a "user" of the common stock of ideas.  The study of sources of
+mediaeval poetry, which is being so doggedly carried on by
+scholars, may well throw light upon the main currents of literary
+tradition, but it casts no reflection, favourable or otherwise,
+upon the personal art of the poet in handling his stuff.  On that
+count he may plead his own cause before the jury.
+
+Chretien's originality, then, consists in his portrayal of the
+social ideal of the French aristocracy in the twelfth century. 
+So far as we know he was the first to create in the vulgar
+tongues a vast court, where men and women lived in conformity
+with the rules of courtesy, where the truth was told, where
+generosity was open-handed, where the weak and the innocent were
+protected by men who dedicated themselves to the cult of honour
+and to the quest of a spotless reputation.  Honour and love
+combined to engage the attention of this society; these were its
+religion in a far more real sense than was that of the Church.
+Perfection was attainable under this code of ethics: Gawain, for
+example, was a perfect knight.  Though the ideals of this court
+and those of Christianity are in accord at many points, vet
+courtly love and Christian morality are irreconcilable.  This
+Arthurian material, as used by Chretien, is fundamentally immoral
+as judged by Christian standards.  Beyond question, the poets and
+the public alike knew this to be the case, and therein lay its
+charm for a society in which the actual relations or the sexes
+were rigidly prescribed by the Church and by feudal practice,
+rather than by the sentiments of the individuals concerned.  The
+passionate love of Tristan for Iseut, of Lancelot for Guinevere,
+of Cliges for Fenice, fascinate the conventional Christian
+society of the twelfth century and of the twentieth century
+alike, but there-is only one name among men for such relations as
+theirs, and neither righteousness nor reason lie that way.  Even
+Tennyson, in spite of all he has done to spiritualise this
+material, was compelled to portray the inevitable dissolution and
+ruin of Arthur's court.  Chretien well knew the difference
+between right and wrong, between reason and passion, as the
+reader of "Cliges" may learn for himself.  Fenice was not Iseut,
+and she would not have her Cliges to be a Tristan.  Infidelity,
+if you will, but not "menage a trois".  Both "Erec" and "Yvain"
+present a conventional morality.  But "Lancelot" is flagrantly
+immoral, and the poet is careful to state that for this
+particular romance he is indebted to his patroness Marie de
+Champagne.  He says it was she who furnished him with both the
+"matiere" and the "san", the material of the story and its method
+of treatment.
+
+Scholars have sought to fix the chronology of the poet's works,
+and have been tempted to speculate upon the evolution of his
+literary and moral ideas.  Professor Foerster's chronology is
+generally accepted, and there is little likelihood of his being
+in error when he supposes Chretien's work to have been done as
+follows: the lost "Tristan" (the existence of which is denied by
+Gaston Paris in "Journal des Savants", 1902, pp. 297 f.), "Erec
+and Enide", "Cliges", "Lancelot", "Yvain", "Perceval".  The
+arguments for this chronology, based upon external as well as
+internal criticism, may be found in the Introductions to
+Professor Foerster's recent editions.  When we speculate upon the
+development of Chretien's moral ideas we are not on such sure
+ground.  As we have seen, his standards vary widely in the
+different romances.  How much of this variation is due to chance
+circumstance imposed by the nature of his subject or by the taste
+of his public, and how much to changing conviction it is easy to
+see, when we consider some contemporary novelist, how dangerous
+it is to judge of moral convictions as reflected in literary
+work.  "Lancelot" must be the keystone of any theory constructed
+concerning the moral evolution of Chretien.  The following
+supposition is tenable, if the chronology of Foerster is correct.
+After the works of his youth, consisting of lyric poems and
+translations embodying the ideals of Ovid and of the school of
+contemporary troubadour poets, Chretien took up the Arthurinn
+material and started upon a new course.  "Erec" is the oldest
+Arthurinn romance to have survived in any language, but it is
+almost certainly not the first to have been written.  It is a
+perfectly clean story: of love, estrangement, and reconciliation
+in the persons of Erec and his charming sweetheart Enide.  The
+psychological analysis of Erec's motives in the rude testing of
+Enide is worthy of attention, and is more subtle than anything
+previous in French literature with which we are acquainted.  The
+poem is an episodical romance in the biography of an Arthurinn
+hero, with the usual amount of space given to his adventures.
+"Cliges" apparently connects a Byzantine tale of doubtful origin
+in an arbitrary fashion with the court of Arthur.  It is thought
+that the story embodies the same motive as the widespread tale of
+the deception practised upon Solomon by his wife, and that
+Chretien's source, as he himself claims, was literary (cf. Gaston
+Paris in "Journal des Savants", 1902, pp. 641-655).  The scene
+where Fenice feigns death in order to rejoin her lover is a
+parallel of many others in literary history, and will, of course,
+suggest the situation in Romeo and Juliet.  This romance well
+illustrates the drawing power of Arthur's court as a literary
+centre, and its use as a rallying-point for courteous knights of
+whatever extraction.  The poem has been termed an "Anti-Tristan",
+because of its disparaging reference to the love of Tristan and
+Iseut, which, it is generally supposed, had been narrated by
+Chretien in his earlier years.  Next may come "Lancelot", with
+its significant dedication to the Countess of Champagne.  Of all
+the poet's work, this tale of the rescue of Guinevere by her
+lover seems to express most closely the ideals of Marie's court
+ideals in which devotion and courtesy but thinly disguise free
+love.  "Yvain" is a return to the poet's natural bent, in an
+episodical romance, while "Perceval" crowns his production with
+its pure and exalted note, though without a touch of that
+religious mysticism which later marked Wolfram yon Eschenbach's
+"Parzival".  "Guillaime d'Angleterre" is a pseudo-historical
+romance of adventure in which the worldly distresses and the
+final reward of piety are conventionally exposed.  It is
+uninspired, its place is difficult to determine, and its
+authorship is questioned by some.  It is aside from the Arthurian
+material, and there is no clue to its place in the evolution of
+Chretien's art, if indeed it be his work.
+
+A few words must be devoted to Chretien's place in the history of
+mediaeval narrative poetry.  The heroic epic songs of France,
+devoted either to the conflict of Christendom under the
+leadership of France against the Saracens, or else to the strife
+and rivalry of French vassals among themselves, had been current
+for perhaps a century before our poet began to write.  These
+epic poems, of which some three score have survived, portray a
+warlike, virile, unsentimental feudal society, whose chief
+occupation was fighting, and whose dominant ideals were faith in
+God, loyalty to feudal family ties, and bravery in battle. 
+Woman's place is comparatively obscure, and of love-making there
+is little said.  It is a poetry of vigorous manhood, of
+uncompromising morality, and of hard knocks given and taken for
+God, for Christendom, and the King of France.  This poetry is
+written in ten- or twelve- sylabble verses grouped, at first in
+assonanced, later in rhymed, "tirades" of unequal length.  It was
+intended for a society which was still homogeneous, and to it at
+the outset doubtless all classes of the population listened with
+equal interest.  As poetry it is monotonous, without sense of
+proportion, padded to facilitate memorisation by professional
+reciters, and unadorned by figure, fancy, or imagination.  Its
+pretention to historic accuracy begot prosaicness in its approach
+to the style of the chronicles.  But its inspiration was noble,
+its conception of human duties was lofty.  It gives a realistic
+portrayal of the age which produced it, the age of the first
+crusades, and to this day we would choose as our models of
+citizenship Roland and Oliver rather than Tristan and Lancelot.
+The epic poems, dealing with the pseudo-historical characters who
+had fought in civil and foreign wars under Charlemagne, remained
+the favourite literary pabulum of the middle classes until the
+close of the thirteenth century.  Professor Bedier is at present
+engaged in explaining the extraordinary hold which these poems
+had upon the public, and in proving that they exercised a
+distinct function when exploited by the Church throughout the
+period of the crusades to celebrate local shrines and to promote
+muscular Christianity.  But the refinement which began to
+penetrate the ideals of the French aristocracy about the middle
+of the twelfth century craved a different expression in narrative
+literature.  Greek and Roman mythology and history were seized
+upon with some effect to satisfy the new demand.  The "Roman de
+Thebes", the "Roman d'Alexandre", the "Roman de Troie", and its
+logical continuation, the "Roman d'Eneas", are all twelfth-
+century attempts to clothe classic legend in the dress of
+mediaeval chivalry.  But better fitted to satisfy the new demand
+was the discovery by the alert Anglo-Normans perhaps in Brittany,
+perhaps in the South of England, of a vast body of legendary
+material which, so far as we know, had never before this century
+received any elaborate literary treatment.  The existence of the
+literary demand and this discovery of the material for its prompt
+satisfaction is one of the most remarkable coincidences in
+iiterary history.  It would seem that the pride of the Celtic
+populations in a Celtic hero, aided and abetted by Geoffrey of
+Monmouth, who first showed the romantic possibilities of the
+material, made of the obscure British chieftain Arthur a world
+conqueror.  Arthur thus became already in Geoffrey's "Historia
+regum Britaniae" a conscious protagonist of Charlemagne and his
+rival in popularity.  This grandiose conception of Arthur
+persisted in England, but this conception of the British
+chieftain did not interest the French.  For Chretien Arthur had
+no political significance.  He is simply the arbiter of his court
+in all affairs of justice and courtesy.  Charlemagne's very
+realistic entourage of virile and busy barons is replaced by a
+court of elegant chevaliers and unemployed ladies.  Charlemagne's
+setting is historical and geographical; Arthur's setting is ideal
+and in the air.  In the oldest epic poems we find only God-
+fearing men and a few self-effacing women; in the Arthurian
+romances we meet gentlemen and ladies, more elegant and seductive
+than any one in the epic poems, but less fortified by faith and
+sense of duty against vice because breathing an enervating
+atmosphere of leisure and decadent morally.  Though the Church
+made the attempt in "Parzival", it could never lay its hands so
+effectively upon this Celtic material, because it contained too
+many elements which were root and branch inconsistent with the
+essential teachings of Christianity.  A fleeting comparison of
+the noble end of Charlemagne's Peers fighting for their God and
+their King at Ronceval with the futile and dilettante careers of
+Arthur's knights in joust and hunt, will show better than mere
+words where the difference lies.
+
+The student of the history of social and moral ideals will find
+much to interest him in Chretien's romances.  Mediaeval
+references show that he was held by his immediate successors, as
+he is held to-day when fairly viewed, to have been a master of
+the art of story-telling.  More than any other single narrative
+poet, he was taken as a model both in France and abroad.
+Professor F. M. Warren has set forth in detail the finer points
+in the art of poetry as practised by Chretien and his
+contemporary craftsmen (see "Some Features of Style in Early
+French Narrative Poetry, 1150-1170 in "Modern Philology", iii.,
+179-209; iii., 513-539; iv., 655-675). Poets in his own land
+refer to him with reverence, and foreign poets complimented him
+to a high degree by direct translation and by embroidering upon
+the themes which he had made popular.  The knights made famous by
+Chretien soon crossed the frontiers and obtained rights of
+citizenship in counties so diverse as Germany, England,
+Scandinavia, Holland, Italy, and to a lesser extent in Spain and
+Portugal.  The inevitable tendency of the fourteenth and
+fifteenth centuries to reduce poetry to prose affected the
+Arthurian material; vast prose compilations finally embodied in
+print the matter formerly expressed in verse, and it was in this
+form that the stories were known to later generations until
+revived interest in the Middle Ages brought to light the
+manuscripts in verse.
+
+Aside from certain episodes of Chretien's romances, the student
+will be most interested in the treatment of love as therein
+portrayed.  On this topic we may hear speaking the man of his
+time. "Cliges" contains the body of Chretien's doctrine of love,
+while Lancelot is his most perfect lover.  His debt to Ovid has
+not yet been indicated with sufficient preciseness.  An elaborate
+code to govern sentiment and its expression was independently
+developed by the troubadours of Provence in the early twelfth
+century.  These Provencal ideals of the courtly life were carried
+into Northern France partly as the result of a royal marriage in
+1137 and of the crusade of 1147, and there by such poets as
+Chretien they were gathered up and fused with the Ovidian
+doctrine into a highly complicated but perfectly definite
+statement of the ideal relations of the sexes.  Nowhere in the
+vulgar tongues can a better statement of these relations be found
+than in "Cliges."
+
+So we leave Chretien to speak across the ages for himself and his
+generation.  He is to be read as a story-teller rather than as a
+poet, as a casuist rather than as a philosopher.  But when all
+deductions are made, his significance as a literary artist and as
+the founder of a precious literary tradition distinguishes him
+from all other poets of the Latin races between the close of the
+Empire and the arrival of Dante.
+
+-- W. W. COMFORT.
+
+
+
+EREC ET ENIDE (1)
+
+(Vv. 1-26.)  The rustic's proverb says that many a thing is
+despised that is worth much more than is supposed.  Therefore he
+does well who makes the most of whatever intelligence he may
+possess.  For he who neglects this concern may likely omit to say
+something which would subsequently give great pleasure.  So
+Chretien de Troyes maintains that one ought always to study and
+strive to speak well and teach the right; and he derives from a
+story of adventure a pleasing argument whereby it may be proved
+and known that he is not wise who does not make liberal use of
+his knowledge so long as God may give him grace.  The story is
+about Erec the son of Lac--a story which those who earn a
+living by telling stories are accustomed to mutilate and spoil in
+the presence of kings and counts.  And now I shall begin the tale
+which will be remembered so long as Christendom endures.  This is
+Chretien's boast.
+
+(Vv. 27-66.)  One Easter Day in the Springtime, King Arthur held
+court in his town of Cardigan.  Never was there seen so rich a
+court; for many a good knight was there, hardy, bold, and brave,
+and rich ladies and damsels, gentle and fair daughters of kings.
+But before the court was disbanded, the King told his knights
+that he wished to hunt the White Stag, (2) in order to observe
+worthily the ancient custom.  When my lord Gawain heard this, he
+was sore displeased. and said: "Sire, you will derive neither
+thanks nor goodwill from this hunt.  We all know long since what
+this custom of the White Stag is: whoever can kill the White Stag
+must forsooth kiss the fairest maiden of your court, come what
+may.  But of this there might come great ill, for there are here
+five hundred damsels of high birth, gentle and prudent daughters
+of kings, and there is none of them but has a bold and valiant
+knight for her lover who would be ready to contend, whether fight
+or wrong, that she who is his lady is the fairest and gentlest of
+them all."  The King replies: "That I know well; yet will I not
+desist on that account; for a king's word ought never to be
+gainsaid.  To-morrow morning we shall all gaily go to hunt the
+White Stag in the forest of adventure.  And very delightful this
+hunt will be."
+
+(Vv. 67-114.)  And so the affair is arranged for the next morning
+at daybreak.  The morrow, as soon as it is day, the King gets up
+and dresses, and dons a short jacket for his forest ride.  He
+commands the knights to be aroused and the horses to be made
+ready.  Already they are ahorse, and off they go, with bows and
+arrows.  After them the Queen mounts her horse, taking a damsel
+with her.  A maid she was, the daughter of a king, and she rode a
+white palfrey.  After them there swiftly followed a knight, named
+Erec, who belonged to the Round Table, and had great fame at the
+court. (3)  Of all the knights that ever were there, never one
+received such praise; and he was so fair that nowhere in the
+world need one seek a fairer knight than he.  He was very fair,
+brave, and courteous, though not yet twenty-five years old. 
+Never was there a man of his age of greater knighthood.  And what
+shall I say of his virtues?  Mounted on his horse, and clad in an
+ermine mantle, he came galloping down the road, wearing a coat of
+splendid flowered silk which was made at Constantinople.  He had
+put on hose of brocade, well made and cut, and when his golden
+spurs were well attached, he sat securely in his stirrups.  He
+carried no arm with him but his sword.  As he galloped along, at
+the corner of a street he came up with the Queen, and said: "My
+lady, if it please you, I should gladly accompany you along this
+road, having come for no other purpose than to bear you company."
+And the Queen thanks him: "Fair friend, I like your company well,
+in truth; for better I could not have."
+
+(Vv. 115-124.)  Then they ride along at full speed until they
+come into the forest, where the party who had gone before them
+had already started the stag.  Some wind the horns and others
+shout; the hounds plunge ahead after the stag, running,
+attacking, and baying; the bowmen shoot amain.  And before them
+all rode the King on a Spanish hunter.
+
+(Vv. 125-154.)  Queen Guinevere was in the wood listening for the
+dogs; beside her were Erec and the damsel, who was very courteous
+and fair.  But those who had pursued the stag were so far from
+them that, however intently they might listen to catch the sound
+of horn or baying of hound, they no longer could hear either
+horse, huntsman, or hound.  So all three of them drew rein in a
+clearing beside the road.  They had been there but a short time
+when they saw an armed knight along on his steed, with shield
+slung about his neck, and his lance in hand.  The Queen espied
+him from a distance By his right side rode a damsel of noble
+bearing, and before them, on a hack, came a dwarf carrying in his
+hand a knotted scourge.  When Queen Guinevere saw the comely and
+graceful knight, she desired to know who he and his damsel were.
+So she bid her damsel go quickly and speak to him,
+
+(Vv. 155-274.)  "Damsel," says the Queen, "go and bid yonder
+knight come to me and bring his damsel with him."  The maiden
+goes on amble straight toward the knight.  But the spiteful dwarf
+sallies forth to meet her with his scourge in hand, crying:
+"Halt, maiden, what do you want here?  You shall advance no
+farther."  "Dwarf," says she, "let me pass.  I wish to speak with
+yonder knight; for the Queen sends me hither."  The dwarf, who
+was rude and mean, took his stand in the middle of the road. and
+said: "You have no business here.  Go back.  It is not meet that
+vou should speak to so excellent a knight."  The damsel advanced
+and tried to pass him by force, holding the dwarf in slight
+esteem when she saw that he was so small.  Then the dwarf raised
+his whip, when he saw her coming toward him and tried to strike
+her in the face.  She raised her arm to protect herself, but he
+lifted his hand again and struck her all unprotected on her bare
+hand: and so hard did he strike her on the back of her hand that
+it turned all black and blue.  When the maiden could do nothing
+else, in spite of herself she must needs return.  So weeping she
+turned back.  The tears came to her eyes and ran down her cheeks.
+When the Queen sees her damsel wounded, she is sorely grieved and
+angered and knows not what to do.  "Ah, Erec, fair friend," she
+says, "I am in great sorrow for my damsel whom that dwarf has
+wounded.  The knight must be discourteous indeed, to allow such a
+monster to strike so beautiful a creature.  Erec, fair friend, do
+you go to the knight and bid him come to me without delay.  I
+wish to know him and his lady."  Erec starts off thither, giving
+spurs to his steed, and rides straight toward the knight.  The
+ignoble dwarf sees him coming and goes to meet him.  "Vassal,"
+says he, "stand back!  For I know not what business you have
+here.  I advise you to withdraw."  "Avaunt," says Erec,
+"provoking dwarf!  Thou art vile and troublesome.  Let me pass."
+"You shall not."  "That will I."  "You shall not."  Erec thrusts
+the dwarf aside.  The dwarf had no equal for villainy: he gave
+him a great blow with his lash right on the neck, so that Erec's
+neck and face are scarred with the blow of the scourge; from top
+to bottom appear the lines which the thongs have raised on him.
+He knew well that he could not have the satisfaction of striking
+the dwarf; for he saw that the knight was armed, arrogant, and
+of evil intent, and he was afraid that he would soon kill him,
+should he strike the dwarf in his presence.  Rashness is not
+bravery.  So Erec acted wisely in retreating without more ado.
+"My lady," he says, "now matters stand worse; for the rascally
+dwarf has so wounded me that he has badly cut my face.  I did not
+dare to strike or touch him; but none ought to reproach me, for I
+was completely unarmed.  I mistrusted the armed knight, who,
+being an ugly fellow and violent, would take it as no jest, and
+would soon kill me in his pride.  But this much I will promise
+you; that if I can, I shall yet avenge my disgrace, or increase
+it.  But my arms are too far away to avail me in this time of
+need; for at Cardigan did I leave them this morning when I came
+away.  And if I should go to fetch them there, peradventure I
+should never again find the knight who is riding off apace.  So I
+must follow him at once, far or near, until I find some arms to
+hire or borrow.  If I find some one who will lend me arms, the
+knight will quickly find me ready for battle.  And you may be
+sure without fail that we two shall fight until he defeat me, or
+I him.  And if possible, I shall be back by the third day, when
+you will see me home again either joyous or sad, I know not
+which.  Lady, I cannot delay longer, for I must follow after the
+knight.  I go.  To God I commend you."  And the Queen in like
+manner more than five hundred rimes commends him to God, that he
+may defend him from harm.
+
+(Vv. 275-310.)  Erec leaves the Queen and ceases not to pursue
+the knight.  The Queen remains in the wood, where now the King
+had come up with the Stag.  The King himself outstripped the
+others at the death.  Thus they killed and took the White Stag,
+and all returned, carrying the Stag, till they came again to
+Cardigan.  After supper, when the knights were all in high
+spirits throughout the hall, the King, as the custom was, because
+he had taken the Stag, said that he would bestow the kiss and
+thus observe the custom of the Stag.  Throughout the court a
+great murmur is heard: each one vows and swears to his neighbour
+that it shall not be done without the protest of sword or ashen
+lance.  Each one gallantly desires to contend that his lady is
+the fairest in the hall.  Their conversation bodes no good, and
+when my lord Gawain heard it, you must know that it was not to
+his liking.  Thus he addressed the King: "Sire," he says, "your
+knights here are greatly aroused, and all their talk is of this
+kiss.  They say that it shall never be bestowed without
+disturbance and a fight."  And the King wisely replied to him:
+"Fair nephew Gawain, give me counsel now, sparing my honour and
+my dignity, for I have no mind for any disturbance."
+
+(Vv. 311-341.)  To the council came a great part of the best
+knights of the court.  King Yder (4) arrived, who was the first
+to be summoned, and after him King Cadoalant, who was very wise
+and bold.  Kay and Girflet came too, and King Amauguin was there,
+and a great number of other knights were there with them.  The
+discussion was in process when the Queen arrived and told them of
+the adventure which she had met in the forest, of the armed
+knight whom she saw, and of the malicious little dwarf who had
+struck her damsel on the bare hand with his whip, and who struck
+Erec, too, in the same way an ugly blow on the face; but that
+Erec followed the knight to obtain vengeance, or increase his
+shame, and how he said that if possible he would be back by the
+third day.  "Sire," says the Queen to the King, "listen to me a
+moment.  If these knights approve what I say, postpone this kiss
+until the third day, when Erec will be back."  There is none who
+does not agree with her, and the King himself approves her words.
+
+(Vv. 342-392.)  Erec steadily follows the knight who was armed
+and the dwarf who had struck him until they come to a well placed
+town, strong and fine (5).  They enter straight through the gate.
+Within the town there was great joy of knights and ladies, of
+whom there were many and fair.  Some were feeding in the streets
+their sparrow-hawks and moulting falcons; others were giving an
+airing to their tercels, (6) their mewed birds, and young yellow
+hawks; others play at dice or other game of chance, some at
+chess, and some at backgammon.  The grooms in front of the
+stables are rubbing down and currying the horses.  The ladies are
+bedecking themselves in their boudoirs.  As soon as they see the
+knight coming, whom they recognised with his dwarf and damsel,
+they go out three by three to meet him.  The knight they all
+greet and salute, but they give no heed to Erec, for they did not
+know him.  Erec follows close upon the knight through the town,
+until he saw him lodged.  Then, very joyful, he passed on a
+little farther until he saw reclining upon some steps a vavasor
+(7) well on in years.  He was a comely man, with white locks,
+debonair, pleasing, and frank.  There he was seated all alone,
+seeming to be engaged in thought.  Erec took him for an honest
+man who would at once give him lodging.  When he turned through
+the gate into the yard, the vavasor ran to meet him, and saluted
+him before Erec had said a word.  "Fair sir," says he, "be
+welcome.  If you will deign to lodge with me, here is my house
+all ready for you."  Erec replies: "Thank you!  For no other
+purpose have I come; I need a lodging place this night."
+
+(Vv. 393-410.)  Erec dismounts from his horse, which the host
+himself leads away by the bridle, and does great honour to his
+guest.  The vavasor summons his wife and his beautiful daughter,
+who were busy in a work-room--doing I know not what.  The lady
+came out with her daughter, who was dressed in a soft white
+under-robe with wide skirts hanging loose in folds.  Over it she
+wore a white linen garment, which completed her attire.  And this
+garment was so old that it was full of holes down the sides.
+Poor, indeed, was her garb without, but within her body was fair.
+
+(Vv. 411-458.)  The maid was charming, in sooth, for Nature had
+used all her skill in forming her.  Nature herself had marvelled
+more than five hundred times how upon this one occasion she had
+succeeded in creating such a perfect thing.  Never again could
+she so strive successfully to reproduce her pattern.  Nature
+bears witness concerning her that never was so fair a creature
+seen in all the world.  In truth I say that never did Iseut the
+Fair have such radiant golden tresses that she could be compared
+with this maiden. (8)  The complexion of her forehead and face
+was clearer and more delicate than the lily.  But with wondrous
+art her face with all its delicate pallor was suffused with a
+fresh crimson which Nature had bestowed upon her.  Her eyes were
+so bright that they seemed like two stars.  God never formed
+better nose, mouth, and eyes.  What shall I say of her beauty? 
+In sooth, she was made to be looked at; for in her one could have
+seen himself as in a mirror.  So she came forth from the work-
+room: and when she saw the knight whom she had never seen before,
+she drew back a little, because she did not know him, and in her
+modesty she blushed.  Erec, for his part, was amazed when he
+beheld such beauty in her, and the vavasor said to her: "Fair
+daughter dear, take this horse and lead him to the stable along
+with my own horses.  See that he lack for nothing: take off his
+saddle and bridle, give him oats and hay, look after him and
+curry him, that he may be in good condition."
+
+(Vv. 459-546)  The maiden takes the horse, unlaces his breast-
+strap, and takes off his bridle and saddle.  Now the horse is in
+good hands, for she takes excellent care of him.  She throws a
+halter over his head, rubs him down, curries him, and makes him
+comfortable.  Then she ties him to the manger and puts plenty of
+fresh sweet hay and oats before him.  Then she went back to her
+father, who said to her: "Fair daughter dear, take now this
+gentleman by the hand and show him all honour.  Take him by the
+hand upstairs."  The maiden did not delay (for in her there was
+no lack of courtesy) and led him by the hand upstairs.  The lady
+had gone before and prepared the house.  She had laid embroidered
+cushions and spreads upon the couches, where they all three sat
+down Erec with his host beside him, and the maiden opposite.
+Before them, the fire burns brightly.  The vavasor had only one
+man-servant, and no maid for chamber or kitchen work.  This one
+man was busy in the kitchen preparing meat and birds for supper.
+A skilful cook was he, who knew how to prepare meal in boiling
+water and birds on the spit.  When he had the meal prepared in
+accordance with the orders which had been given him, he brought
+them water for washing in two basins.  The table was soon set,
+cloths, bread, and wine set out, and they sat down to supper.
+They had their fill of all they needed.  When they had finished
+and when the table was cleared, Erec thus addressed his host, the
+master of the house: "Tell me, fair host." he asked, "why your
+daughter, who is so passing fair and clever, is so poorly and
+unsuitably attired."  "Fair friend," the vavasor replies, "many a
+man is harmed by poverty, and even so am I.  I grieve to see her
+so poorly clad, and yet I cannot help it, for I have been so long
+involved in war that I have lost or mortgaged or sold all my
+land. (9)  And yet she would be well enough dressed if I allowed
+her to accept everything that people wish to give her.  The lord
+of this castle himself would have dressed her in becoming fashion
+and would have done her every manner of favour, for she is his
+niece and he is a count.  And there is no nobleman in this
+region, however rich and powerful, who would not willingly have
+taken her to wife had I given my consent.  But I am waiting yet
+for some better occasion, when God shall bestow still greater
+honour upon her, when fortune shall bring hither some king or
+count who shall lead her away, for there is under Heaven no king
+or count who would be ashamed of my daughter, who is so wondrous
+fair that her match cannot be found.  Fair, indeed, she is; but
+yet greater far than her beauty, is her intelligence.  God never
+created any one so discreet and of such open heart.  When I have
+my daughter beside me, I don't care a marble about all the rest
+of the world.  She is my delight and my pastime, she is my joy
+and comfort, my wealth and my treasure, and I love nothing so
+much as her own precious self."
+
+(Vv. 547-690.)  When Erec had listened to all that his host told
+him, he asked him to inform him whence came all the chivalry that
+was quartered in the town.  For there was no street or house so
+poor and small but it was full of knights and ladies and squires.
+And the vavasor said to him: "Fair friend, these are the nobles
+of the country round; all, both young and old, have come to a
+fete which is to be held in this town tomorrow; therefore the
+houses are so full.  When they shall all have gathered, there
+will be a great stir to-morrow; for in the presence of all the
+people there will be set upon a silver perch a sparrow-hawk of
+five or six moultings--the best you can imagine.  Whoever
+wishes to gain the hawk must have a mistress who is fair,
+prudent, and courteous.  And if there be a knight so bold as to
+wish to defend the worth and the name of the fairest in his eyes,
+he will cause his mistress to step forward and lift the hawk from
+the perch, if no one dares to interpose.  This is the custom they
+are observing, and for this each year they gather here."
+Thereupon Erec speaks and asks him: "Fair host, may it not
+displease you, but tell me, if you know, who is a certain knight
+bearing arms of azure and gold, who passed by here not long ago,
+having close beside him a courtly damsel, preceded by a hump-
+backed dwarf."  To him the host then made reply: "That is he who
+will win the hawk without any opposition from the other knights.
+I don't believe that any one will offer opposition; this time
+there will be no blows or wounds.  For two years already he has
+won it without being challenged; and if he wins it again this
+year, he will have gained permanent possession of it.  Every
+succeeding year he may keep it without contest or challenge."
+Quickly Erec makes reply: "I do not like that knight.  Upon my
+word, had I some arms I should challenge him for the hawk.  Fair
+host, I beg you as a boon to advise me how I may be equipped with
+arms whether old or new, poor or rich, it matters not."  And he
+replies to him generously: "It were a pity for you to feel
+concern on that score!  I have good fine arms which I shall be
+glad to lend you.  In the house I have a triple-woven hauberk,
+(10) which was selected from among five hundred.  And I have some
+fine valuable greaves, polished, handsome, and light in weight. 
+The helmet is bright and handsome, and the shield fresh and new.
+Horse, sword, and lance all I will lend you, of course; so let no
+more be said."  "Thank you kindly, fair gentle host!  But I wish
+for no better sword that this one which I have brought with me,
+nor for any other horse than my own, for I can get along well
+enough with him.  If you will lend me the rest, I shall esteem it
+a great favour.  But there is one more boon I wish to ask of you,
+for which I shall make just return if God grant that I come off
+from the battle with honour."  And frankly he replies to him:
+"Ask confidently for what you want, whatever it be, for nothing
+of mine shall lack you."  Then Erec said that he wished to defend
+the hawk on behalf of his daughter; for surely there will be no
+damsel who is one hundredth part as beautiful as she.  And if he
+takes her with him, he will have good and just reason to maintain
+and to prove that she is entitled to carry away the hawk.  Then
+he added: "Sire, you know not what guest you have sheltered here,
+nor do you know my estate and kin.  I am the son of a rich and
+puissant king: my father's name is King Lac, and the Bretons call
+me Erec.  I belong to King Arthur's court, and have been with him
+now three years.  I know not if any report of my father or of me
+has ever reached this land.  But I promise you and vow that if
+you will fit me out with arms, and will give me your daughter
+to-morrow when I strive for the hawk, I will take her to my
+country, if God grant me the victory, and I will give her a crown
+to wear, and she shall be queen of three cities."  "Ah, fair sir!
+Is it true that you are Erec, the son of Lac?"  "That is who I
+am, indeed" quoth he.  Then the host was greatly delighted and
+said: "We have indeed heard of you in this country.  Now I think
+all the more of you, for you are very valiant and brave.  Nothing
+now shall you be refused by me.  At your request I give you my
+fair daughter."  Then taking her by the hand, he says: "Here, I
+give her to you."  Erec received her joyfully, and now has all he
+desired.  Now they are all happy there: the father is greatly
+delighted, and the mother weeps for joy.  The maiden sat quiet;
+but she was very happy and glad that she was betrothed to him,
+because he was valiant and courteous: and she knew that he would
+some day be king, and she should receive honour and be crowned
+rich queen.
+
+(Vv. 691-746.)  They had sat up very late that night.  But now
+the beds were prepared with white sheets and soft pillows, and
+when the conversation flagged they all went to bed in happy
+frame.  Erec slept little that night, and the next morn, at crack
+of dawn, he and his host rose early.  They both go to pray at
+church, and hear a hermit chant the Mass of the Holy Spirit, not
+forgetting to make an offering.  When they had heard Mass both
+kneel before the altar and then return to the house.  Erec was
+eager for the battle; so he asks for arms, and they are given to
+him.  The maiden herself puts on his arms (though she casts no
+spell or charm), (11) laces on his iron greaves, and makes them
+fast with thong of deer-hide.  She puts on his hauberk with its
+strong meshes, and laces on his ventail.  The gleaming helmet she
+sets upon his head, and thus arms him well from tip to toe.  At
+his side she fastens his sword, and then orders his horse to be
+brought, which is done.  Up he jumped clear of the ground.  The
+damsel then brings the shield and the strong lance: she hands him
+the shield, and he takes it and hangs it about his neck by the
+strap.  She places the lance in his hand, and when he had grasped
+it by the butt-end, he thus addressed the gentle vavasor: "Fair
+sire," quoth he, "if you please, make your daughter ready now;
+for I wish to escort her to the sparrow-hawk in accordance with
+our agreement."  The vavasor then without delay had saddled a bay
+palfrey.  There can nothing be said of the harness because of the
+dire poverty with which the vavasor was afflicted.  Saddle and
+bridle were put on, and up the maiden mounted all free and in
+light attire, without waiting to be urged.  Erec wished to delay
+no longer; so off he starts with the host's daughter by his side,
+followed by the gentleman and his lady.
+
+(Vv. 747-862.)  Erec rides with lance erect and with the comely
+damsel by his side.  All the people, great and small, gaze at
+them with wondering eyes as they pass through the streets.  And
+thus they question each other: "Who is yonder knight?  He must be
+doughty and brave, indeed, to act as escort for this fair maid.
+His efforts will be well employed in proving that this damsel is
+the fairest of them all."  One man to another says: "In very
+truth, she ought to have the sparrow-hawk."  Some praised the
+maid, while many said: "God!  who can this knight be, with the
+fair damsel by his side?"  "I know not."  "Nor I."  Thus spake
+each one.  "But his gleaming helmet becomes him well, and the
+hauberk, and shield, and his sharp steel sword.  He sits well
+upon his steed and has the bearing of a valiant vassal, well-
+shapen in arm, in limb and foot."  While all thus stand and gaze
+at them, they for their part made no delay to take their stand by
+the sparrow-hawk, where to one side they awaited the knight.  And
+now behold!  they see him come, attended by his dwarf and his
+damsel.  He had heard the report, that a knight had come who
+wished to obtain the sparrow-hawk, but he did not believe there
+could be in the world a knight so bold as to dare to fight with
+him.  He would quickly defeat him and lay him low.  All the
+people knew him well, and all welcome him and escort him in a
+noisy crowd: knights, squires, ladies, and damsels make haste to
+run after him.  Leading them all the knight rides proudly on,
+with his damsel and his dwarf at his side, and he makes his way
+quickly to the sparrow-hawk.  But all about there was such a
+press of the rough and vulgar crowd that it was impossible to
+touch the hawk or to come near where it was.  Then the Count
+arrived on the scene, and threatened the populace with a switch
+which he held in his hand.  The crowd drew back, and the knight
+advanced and said quietly to his lady: "My lady, this bird, which
+is so perfectly moulted and so fair, should be yours as your just
+portion; for you are wondrous fair and full of charm.  Yours it
+shall surely be so long as I live.  Step forward, my dear, and
+lift the hawk from the perch."  The damsel was on the point of
+stretching forth her hand when Erec hastened to challenge her,
+little heeding the other's arrogance.  "Damsel," he cries, "stand
+back!  Go dally with some other bird, for to this one you have no
+right.  In spite of all, I say this hawk shall never be yours.
+For a better one than you claims it--aye, much more fair and
+more courteous."  The other knight is very wroth; but Erec does
+not mind him, and bids his own maiden step forward.  "Fair one."
+he cries, "come forth.  Lift the bird from the perch, for it is
+right that you should have it.  Damsel, come forth!  For I will
+make boast to defend it if any one is so bold as to intervene.
+For no woman excels you in beauty or worth, in grace or honour
+any more than the moon outshines the sun."  The other could
+suffer it no longer, when he hears him so manfully offer himself
+to do battle.  "Vassal," he cries, "who art thou who dost thus
+dispute with me the hawk?"  Erec boldly answers him: "A knight I
+am from another land.  This hawk I have come to obtain; for it is
+right, I say it in spite of all, that this damsel of mine should
+have it."  "Away!" cries the other, "it shall never be.  Madness
+has brought thee here.  If thou dost wish to have the hawk, thou
+shalt pay fight dearly for it."  "Pay, vassal; and how?"  "Thou
+must fight with me, if thou dost not resign it to me."  "You talk
+madness," cries Erec; "for me these are idle threats; for little
+enough do I fear you."  "Then I defy thee here and now.  The
+battle is inevitable."  Erec replies: "God help me now; for never
+did I wish for aught so much."  Now soon you will hear the noise
+of battle.
+
+(Vv. 863-1080.)  The large place was cleared, with the people
+gathered all around.  They draw off from each other the space of
+an acre, then drive their horses together; they reach for each
+other with the tips of their lances, and strike each other so
+hard that the shields are pierced and broken; the lances split
+and crack; the saddle-bows are knocked to bits behind.  They must
+needs lose their stirrups, so that they both fall to the ground,
+and the horses run off across the field.  Though smitten with the
+lances, they are quickly on their feet again, and draw their
+swords from the scabbards.  With great fierceness they attack
+each other, and exchange great sword blows, so that the helmets
+are crushed and made to ring.  Fierce is the clash of the swords,
+as they rain great blows upon neck and shoulders.  For this is no
+mere sport: they break whatever they touch, cutting the shields
+and shattering the hauberks.  The swords are red with crimson
+blood.  Long the battle lasts; but they fight so lustily that
+they become weary and listless.  Both the damsels are in tears,
+and each knight sees his lady weep and raise her hands to God and
+pray that He may give the honours of the battle to the one who
+strives for her.  "Ha!  vassal," quoth the knight to Erec, "let
+us withdraw and rest a little; for too weak are these blows we
+deal.  We must deal better blows than these; for now it draws
+near evening.  It is shameful and highly discreditable that this
+battle should last so long.  See yonder that gentle maid who
+weeps for thee and calls on God.  Full sweetly she prays for
+thee, as does also mine for me.  Surely we should do our best
+with our blades of steel for the sake of our lady-loves."  Erec
+replies: "You have spoken well."  Then they take a little rest,
+Erec looking toward his lady as she softly prays for him.  While
+he sat and looked on her, great strength was recruited within
+him.  Her love and beauty inspired him with great boldness.  He
+remembered the Queen, to whom he pledged his word that he would
+avenge the insult done him, or would make it greater yet.  "Ah!
+wretch," says he, "why do I wait?  I have not yet taken vengeance
+for the injury which this vassal permitted when his dwarf struck
+me in the wood."  His anger is revived within him as he summons
+the knight: "Vassal," quoth he, "I call you to battle anew.  Too
+long we have rested; let us now renew our strife."  And he
+replies: "That is no hardship to me."  Whereupon, they again
+fall upon each other.  They were both expert fencers.  At his
+first lunge the knight would have wounded Erec had he not
+skilfully parried.  Even so, he smote him so hard over the shield
+beside his temple that he struck a piece from his helmet. 
+Closely shaving his white coif, the sword descends, cleaving the
+shield through to the buckle, and cutting more than a span from
+the side of his hauberk.  Then he must have been well stunned, as
+the cold steel penetrated to the flesh on his thigh.  May God
+protect him now!  If the blow had not glanced off, it would have
+cut right through his body.  But Erec is in no wise dismayed: he
+pays him back what is owing him, and. attacking him boldly,
+smites him upon the shoulder so violently a blow that the shield
+cannot withstand it, nor is the hauberk of any use to prevent the
+sword from penetrating to the bone.  He made the crimson blood
+flow down to his waist-band.  Both of the vassals are hard
+fighters: they fight with honours even, for one cannot gain from
+the other a single foot of ground.  Their hauberks are so torn
+and their shields so hacked, that there is actually not enough of
+them left to serve as a protection.  So they fight all exposed.
+Each one loses a deal of blood, and both grow weak.  He strikes
+Erec and Erec strikes him.  Erec deals him such a tremendous blow
+upon the helmet that he quite stuns him.  Then he lets him have
+it again and again, giving him three blows in quick succession,
+which entirely split the helmet and cut the coif beneath it.  The
+sword even reaches the skull and cuts a bone of his head, but
+without penetrating the brain.  He stumbles and totters, and
+while he staggers, Erec pushes him over, so that he falls upon
+his right side.  Erec grabs him by the helmet and forcibly drags
+it from his head, and unlaces the ventail, so that his head and
+face are completely exposed.  When Erec thinks of the insult done
+him by the dwarf in the wood, he would have cut off his head, had
+he not cried for mercy.  "Ah! vassal," says he, "thou hast
+defeated me.  Mercy now, and do not kill me, after having
+overcome me and taken me prisoner: that would never bring thee
+praise or glory.  If thou shouldst touch me more, thou wouldst do
+great villainy.  Take here my sword; I yield it thee." Erec,
+however, does not take it, but says in reply: "I am within an ace
+of killing thee."  "Ah!  gentle knight, mercy!  For what crime,
+indeed, or for what wrong shouldst thou hate me with mortal
+hatred?  I never saw thee before that I am aware, and never have
+I been engaged in doing thee any shame or wrong."  Erec replies:
+"Indeed you have."  "Ah, sire, tell me when!  For I never saw
+you, that I can remember, and if I have done you any wrong, I
+place myself at your mercy."  Then Erec said: "Vassal, I am he
+who was in the forest yesterday with Queen Guinevere, when thou
+didst allow thy ill-bred dwarf to strike my lady's damsel.  It is
+disgraceful to strike a woman.  And afterwards he struck me,
+taking me for some common fellow.  Thou wast guilty of too great
+insolence when thou sawest such an outrage and didst complacently
+permit such a monster of a lout to strike the damsel and myself.
+For such a crime I may well hate thee; for thou hast committed a
+grave offence.  Thou shalt now constitute thyself my prisoner,
+and without delay go straight to my lady whom thou wilt surely
+find at Cardigan, if thither thou takest thy way.  Thou wilt
+reach there this very night, for it is not seven leagues from
+here, I think.  Thou shalt hand over to her thyself, thy damsel,
+and thy dwarf, to do as she may dictate; and tell her that I send
+her word that to-morrow I shall come contented, bringing with me
+a damsel so fair and wise and fine that in all the world she has
+not her match.  So much thou mayst tell her truthfully.  And now
+I wish to know thy name."  Then he must needs say in spite of
+himself: "Sire, my name is Yder, son of Nut.  This morning I had
+not thought that any single man by force of arms could conquer
+me.  Now I have found by experience a man who is better than I.
+You are a very valiant knight, and I pledge you my faith here and
+now that I will go without delay and put myself in the Queen's
+hands.  But tell me without reserve what your name may be.  Who
+shall I say it is that sends me?  For I am ready to start."  And
+he replies: "My name I will tell thee without disguise: it is
+Erec.  Go, and tell her that it is I who have sent thee to her."
+"Now I'll go, and I promise you that I will put my dwarf, my
+damsel, and myself altogether at her disposal (you need have no
+fear), and I will give her news of you and of your damsel."  Then
+Erec received his plighted word, and the Count and all the people
+round about the ladies and the gentlemen were present at the
+agreement.  Some were joyous, and some downcast; some were sorry,
+and others glad.  The most rejoiced for the sake of the damsel
+with the white raiment, the daughter of the poor vavasor she of
+the gentle and open heart; but his damsel and those who were
+devoted to him were sorry for Yder.
+
+(Vv. 1081-1170.)  Yder, compelled to execute his promise, did not
+wish to tarry longer, but mounted his steed at once.  But why
+should I make a long story?  Taking his dwarf and his damsel,
+they traversed the woods and the plain, going on straight until
+they came to Cardigan.  In the bower (12) outside the great hall,
+Gawain and Kay the seneschal and a great number of other lords
+were gathered.  The seneschal was the first to espy those
+approaching, and said to my lord Gawain: "Sire, my heart divines
+that the vassal who yonder comes is he of whom the Queen spoke as
+having yesterday done her such an insult.  If I am not mistaken,
+there are three in the party, for I see the dwarf and the
+damsel."  "That is so," says my lord Gawain; "it is surely a
+damsel and a dwarf who are coming straight toward us with the
+knight.  The knight himself is fully armed, but his shield is not
+whole.  If the Queen should see him, she would know him.  Hello,
+seneschal, go call her now!"  So he went straightway and found
+her in one of the apartments.  "My lady," says he, "do you
+remember the dwarf who yesterday angered you by wounding your
+damsel?"  "Yes, I remember him right well.  Seneschal, have you
+any news oś him?  Why have you mentioned him?"  "Lady, because I
+have seen a knight-errant armed coming upon a grey horse, and if
+my eyes have not deceived me, I saw a damsel with him; and it
+seems to me that with him comes the dwarf, who still holds the
+scourge from which Erec received his lashing."  Then the Queen
+rose quickly and said: "Let us go quickly, seneschal, to see if
+it is the vassal.  If it is he, you may be sure that I shall tell
+you so, as soon as I see him."  And Kay said: "I will show him to
+you.  Come up into the bower where your knights are assembled. 
+It was from there we saw him coming, and my lord Gawain himself
+awaits you there.  My lady, let us hasten thither, for here we
+have too long delayed."  Then the Queen bestirred herself, and
+coming to the windows she took her stand by my lord Gawain, and
+straightway recognised the knight.  "Ha! my lords," she cries,
+"it is he.  He has been through great danger.  He has been in a
+battle.  I do not know whether Erec has avenged his grief, or
+whether this knight has defeated Erec.  But there is many a dent
+upon his shield, and his hauberk is covered with blood, so that
+it is rather red than white."  "In sooth, my lady," quoth my lord
+Gawain, "I am very sure that you are quite right.  His hauberk is
+covered with blood, and pounded and beaten, showing plainly that
+he has been in a fight.  We can easily see that the battle has
+been hot.  Now we shall soon hear from him news that will give us
+joy or gloom: whether Erec sends him to you here as a prisoner at
+your discretion, or whether he comes in pride of heart to boast
+before us arrogantly that he has defeated or killed Erec.  No
+other news can he bring, I think."  The Queen says: "I am of the
+same opinion."  And all the others say: "It may well be so."
+
+(Vv. 1171-1243.)  Meanwhile Yder enters the castle gate, bringing
+them news.  They all came down from the bower, and went to meet
+him.  Yder came up to the royal terrace and there dismounted from
+his horse.  And Gawain took the damsel and helped her down from
+her palfrey; the dwarf, for his part, dismounted too.  There were
+more than one hundred knights standing there, and when the three
+newcomers had all dismounted they were led into the King's
+presence.  As soon as Yder saw the Queen, he bowed low and first
+saluted her, then the King and his knights, and said: "Lady, I am
+sent here as your prisoner by a gentleman, a valiant and noble
+knight, whose face yesterday my dwarf made smart with his knotted
+scourge.  He has overcome me at arms and defeated me.  Lady, the
+dwarf I bring you here: he has come to surrender to you at
+discretion.  I bring you myself, my damsel, and my dwarf to do
+with us as you please."  The Queen keeps her peace no longer, but
+asks him for news of Erec: "Tell me," she says, "if you please,
+do you know when Erec will arrive?"  "To-morrow, lady, and with
+him a damsel he will bring, the fairest of all I ever knew." 
+When he had delivered his message, the Queen, who was kind and
+sensible, said to him courteously: "Friend, since thou hast
+thrown thyself upon my mercy, thy confinement shall be less
+harsh; for I have no desire to seek thy harm.  But tell me now,
+so help thee God, what is thy name?"  And he replies: "Lady, my
+name is Yder, son of Nut."  And they knew that he told the truth.
+Then the Queen arose, and going before the King, said: "Sire, did
+you hear?  You have done well to wait for Erec, the valiant
+knight.  I gave you good advice yesterday, when I counselled you
+to await his return.  This proves that it is wise to take
+advice."  The King replies: "That is no lie; rather is it
+perfectly true that he who takes advice is no fool.  Happily we
+followed your advice yesterday.  But if you care anything for me,
+release this knight from his durance, provided he consent to join
+henceforth my household and court; and if he does not consent,
+let him suffer the consequence."  When the King had thus spoken,
+the Queen straightway released the knight; but it was on this
+condition, that he should remain in the future at the court.  He
+did not have to be urged before he gave his consent to stay.  Now
+he was of the court and household to which he had not before
+belonged.  Then valets were at hand to run and relieve him of his
+arms.
+
+(Vv. 1244-1319.)  Now we must revert to Erec, whom we left in the
+field where the battle had taken place.  Even Tristan, when he
+slew fierce Morhot on Saint Samson's isle (13), awakened no such
+jubilee as they celebrated here over Erec.  Great and small, thin
+and stout--all make much of him and praise his knighthood.
+There is not a knight but cries: "Lord what a vassal!  Under
+Heaven there is not his like!"  They follow him to his lodgings,
+praising him and talking much.  Even the Count himself embraces
+him, who above the rest was glad, and said: "Sire, if you please,
+you ought by right to lodge in my house, since you are the son of
+King Lac.  If you would accept of my hospitality you would do me
+a great honour, for I regard you as my liege.  Fair sire, may it
+please you, I beg you to lodge with me."  Erec answers: "May it
+not displease you, but I shall not desert my host to-night, who
+has done me much honour in giving me his daughter.  What say you,
+sir?  Is it not a fair and precious gift?"  "Yes, sire," the
+Count replies; "the gift, in truth, is fine and good.  The maid
+herself is fair and clever, and besides is of very noble birth.
+You must know that her mother is my sister.  Surely, I am glad at
+heart that you should deign to take my niece.  Once more I beg
+you to lodge with me this night."  Erec replies: "Ask me no more.
+I will not do it."  Then the Count saw that further insistence
+was useless, and said: "Sire, as it please you!  We may as well
+say no more about it; but I and my knights will all be with you
+to-night to cheer you and bear you company."  When Erec heard
+that, he thanked him, and returned to his host's dwelling, with
+the Count attending him.  Ladies and knights were gathered there,
+and the vavasor was glad at heart.  As soon as Erec arrived, more
+than a score of squires ran quickly to remove his arms.  Any one
+who was present in that house could have witnessed a happy scene.
+Erec went first and took his seat; then all the others in order
+sit down upon the couches, the cushions, and benches.  At Erec's
+side the Count sat down, and the damsel with her radiant face,
+who was feeding the much disputed hawk upon her wrist with a
+plover's wing. (14)  Great honour and joy and prestige had she
+gained that day, and she was very glad at heart both for the bird
+and for her lord.  She could not have been happier, and showed it
+plainly, making no secret of her joy.  All could see how gay she
+was, and throughout the house there was great rejoicing for the
+happiness of the maid they loved.
+
+(Vv. 1320-1352.)  Erec thus addressed the vavasor: "Fair host,
+fair friend, fair sire!  You have done me great honour, and
+richly shall it be repaid you.  To-morrow I shall take away your
+daughter with me to the King's court, where I wish to take her as
+my wife; and if you will tarry here a little, I shall send
+betimes to fetch you.  I shall have you escorted into the country
+which is my father's now, but which later will be mine.  It is
+far from here--by no means near.  There I shall give you two
+towns, very splendid, rich, and fine.  You shall be lord of
+Roadan, which was built in the time of Adam, and of another town
+close by, which is no less valuable.  The people call it
+Montrevel, and my father owns no better town. (15)  And before
+the third day has passed, I shall send you plenty of gold and
+silver, of dappled and grey furs, and precious silken stuffs
+wherewith to adorn yourself and your wife my dear lady. 
+To-morrow at dawn I wish to take your daughter to court, dressed
+and arrayed as she is at present.  I wish my lady, the Queen, to
+dress her in her best dress of satin and scarlet cloth."
+
+(Vv. 1353-1478.)  There was a maiden near at hand, very
+honourable, prudent, and virtuous.  She was seated on a bench
+beside the maid with the white shift, and was her own cousin the
+niece of my lord the Count.  When she heard how Erec intended to
+take her cousin in such very poor array to the Queen's court, she
+spoke about it to the Count.  "Sire," she says, "it would be a
+shame to you more than to any one else if this knight should take
+your niece away with him in such sad array."  And the Count made
+answer: "Gentle niece, do you give her the best of your dresses."
+But Erec heard the conversation, and said: "By no means, my lord.
+For be assured that nothing in the world would tempt me to let
+her have another robe until the Queen shall herself bestow it
+upon her."  When the damsel heard this, she replied: "Alas!  fair
+sire, since you insist upon leading off my cousin thus dressed in
+a white shift and chemise, and since you are determined that she
+shall have none of my dresses, a different gift I wish to make
+her.  I have three good palfreys, as good as any of king or
+count, one sorrel, one dappled, and the other black with white
+forefeet.  Upon my word, if you had a hundred to pick from, you
+would not find a better one than the dappled mount.  The birds in
+the air do not fly more swiftly than the palfrey; and he is not
+too lively, but just suits a lady.  A child can ride him, for he
+is neither skittish nor balky, nor does he bite nor kick nor
+become unmanageable.  Any one who is looking for something better
+does not know what he wants.  And his pace is so easy and gentle
+that a body is more comfortable and easy on his back than in a
+boat."  Then said Erec: "My dear, I have no objection to her
+accepting this gift; indeed, I am pleased with the offer, and do
+not wish her to refuse it."  Then the damsel calls one of her
+trusty servants, and says to him: "Go, friend, saddle my dappled
+palfrey, and lead him here at once."  And he carries out her
+command: he puts on saddle and bridle and strives to make him
+appear well.  Then he jumps on the maned palfrey, which is now
+ready for inspection.  When Erec saw the animal, he did not spare
+his praise, for he could see that he was very fine and gentle. 
+So he bade a servant lead him back and hitch him in the stable
+beside his own horse.  Then they all separated, after an evening
+agreeably spent.  The Count goes off to his own dwelling, and
+leaves Erec with the vavasor, saying that he will bear him
+company in the morning when he leaves.  All that night they slept
+well.  In the morning, when the dawn was bright, Erec prepares to
+start, commanding his horses to be saddled.  His fair sweetheart,
+too, awakes, dresses, and makes ready.  The vavasor and his wife
+rise too, and every knight and lady there prepares to escort the
+damsel and the knight.  Now they are all on horseback, and the
+Count as well.  Erec rides beside the Count, having beside him
+his sweetheart ever mindful of her hawk.  Having no other riches,
+she plays with her hawk.  Very merry were they as they rode
+along; but when the time came to part, the Count wished to send
+along with Erec a party of his knights to do him honour by
+escorting him.  But he announced that none should bide with him,
+and that he wanted no company but that of the damsel.  Then, when
+they had accompanied them some distance, he said: "In God's name,
+farewell!"  Then the Count kisses Erec and his niece, and
+commends them both to merciful God.  Her father and mother, too,
+kiss them again and again, and could not keep back their tears:
+at parting, the mother weeps, the father and the daughter too.
+For such is love and human nature, and such is affection between
+parents and children.  They wept from sorrow, tenderness, and
+love which they had for their child; yet they knew full well that
+their daughter was to fill a place from which great honour would
+accrue to them.  They shed tears of love and pity when they
+separated from their daughter, but they had no other cause to
+weep.  They knew well enough that eventually they would receive
+great honour from her marriage.  So at parting many a tear was
+shed, as weeping they commend one another to God, and thus
+separate without more delay.
+
+(Vv. 1479-1690.)  Erec quit his host; for he was very anxious to
+reach the royal court.  In his adventure he took great
+satisfaction; for now he had a lady passing fair, discreet,
+courteous, and debonair.  He could not look at her enough: for
+the more he looks at her, the more she pleases him.  He cannot
+help giving her a kiss.  He is happy to ride by her side, and it
+does him good to look at her.  Long he gazes at her fair hair,
+her laughing eyes, and her radiant forehead, her nose, her face,
+and mouth, for all of which gladness fills his heart.  He gazes
+upon her down to the waist, at her chin and her snowy neck, her
+bosom and sides, her arms and hands.  But no less the damsel
+looks at the vassal with a clear eye and loyal heart, as if they
+were in competition.  They would not have ceased to survey each
+other even for promise of a reward!  A perfect match they were in
+courtesy, beauty, and gentleness.  And they were so alike in
+quality, manner, and customs, that no one wishing to tell the
+truth could choose the better of them, nor the fairer, nor the
+more discreet.  Their sentiments, too, were much alike; so that
+they were well suited to each other.  Thus each steals the
+other's heart away.  Law or marriage never brought together two
+such sweet creatures.  And so they rode along until just on the
+stroke of noon they approached the castle of Cardigan, where they
+were both expected.  Some of the first nobles of the court had
+gone up to look from the upper windows and see if they could see
+them.  Queen Guinevere ran up, and even the King came with Kay
+and Perceval of Wales, and with them my lord Gawain and Tor, the
+son of King Ares; Lucan the cupbearer was there, too, and many
+another doughty knight.  Finally, they espied Erec coming along
+in company with his lady.  They all knew him well enough from as
+far as they could see him.  The Queen is greatly pleased, and
+indeed the whole court is glad of his coming, because they all
+love him so.  As soon as he was come before the entrance hall,
+the King and Queen go down to meet him, all greeting him in God's
+name.  They welcome Erec and his maiden, commending and praising
+her great beauty.  And the King himself caught her and lifted her
+down from her palfrey.  The King was decked in fine array and was
+then in cheery mood.  He did signal honour to the damsel by
+taking her hand and leading her up into the great stone hall.
+After them Erec and the Queen also went up hand in hand, and he
+said to her: "I bring you, lady, my damsel and my sweetheart
+dressed in poor garb.  As she was given to me, so have I brought
+her to you.  She is the daughter of a poor vavasor.  Through
+poverty many an honourable man is brought low: her father, for
+instance, is gentle and courteous, but he has little means.  And
+her mother is a very gentle lady, the sister of a rich Count. 
+She has no lack of beauty or of lineage, that I should not marry
+her.  It is poverty that has compelled her to wear this white
+linen garment until both sleeves are torn at the side.  And yet,
+had it been my desire, she might have had dresses rich enough.
+For another damsel, a cousin of hers, wished to give her a robe
+of ermine and of spotted or grey silk.  But I would not have her
+dressed in any other robe until you should have seen her.  Gentle
+lady, consider the matter now and see what need she has of a fine
+becoming gown."  And the Queen at once replies: "You have done
+quite right; it is fitting that she should have one of my gowns,
+and I will give her straightway a rich, fair gown, both fresh and
+new."  The Queen then hastily took her off to her own private
+room, and gave orders to bring quickly the fresh tunic and the
+greenish-purple mantle, embroidered with little crosses, which
+had been made for herself.  The one who went at her behest came
+bringing to her the mantle and the tunic, which was lined with
+white ermine even to the sleeves.  At the wrists and on the neck-
+band there was in truth more than half a mark's weight of beaten
+gold, and everywhere set in the gold there were precious stones
+of divers colours, indigo and green, blue and dark brown.  This
+tunic was very rich, but not a writ less precious, I trow, was
+the mantle.  As yet, there were no ribbons on it; for the mantle
+like the tunic was brand new.  The mantle was very rich and fine:
+laid about the neck were two sable skins, and in the tassels
+there was more than an ounce of gold; on one a hyacinth, and on
+the other a ruby flashed more bright than burning candle.  The
+fur lining was of white ermine; never was finer seen or found.
+The cloth was skilfully embroidered with little crosses, all
+different, indigo, vermilion, dark blue, white, green, blue, and
+yellow.  The Queen called for some ribbons four ells long, made
+of silken thread and gold.  The ribbons are given to her,
+handsome and well matched.  Quickly she had them fastened to the
+mantle by some one who knew how to do it, and who was master of
+the art.  When the mantle needed no more touches, the gay and
+gentle lady clasped the maid with the white gown and said to her
+cheerily: "Mademoiselle, you must change this frock for this
+tunic which is worth more than a hundred marks of silver.  So
+much I wish to bestow upon you.  And put on this mantle, too.
+Another time I will give you more."  Not able to refuse the gift,
+she takes the robe and thanks her for it.  Then two maids took
+her aside into a room, where she took off her frock as being of
+no further value; but she asked and requested that it be given
+away (to some poor woman) for the love of God.  Then she dons the
+tunic, and girds herself, binding on tightly a golden belt, and
+afterwards puts on the mantle.  Now she looked by no means ill;
+for the dress became her so well that it made her look more
+beautiful than ever.  The two maids wove a gold thread in amongst
+her golden hair: but her tresses were more radiant than the
+thread of gold, fine though it was.  The maids, moreover, wove a
+fillet of flowers of many various colours and placed it upon her
+head.  They strove as best they might to adorn her in such wise
+that no fault should be found with her attire.  Strung upon a
+ribbon around her neck, a damsel hung two brooches of enamelled
+gold.  Now she looked so charming and fair that I do not believe
+that you could find her equal in any land, search as you might,
+so skilfully had Nature wrought in her.  Then she stepped out of
+the dressing-room into the Queen's presence.  The Queen made much
+of her, because she liked her and was glad that she was beautiful
+and had such gentle manners.  They took each other by the hand
+and passed into the King's presence.  And when the King saw them,
+he got up to meet them.  When they came into the great hall,
+there were so many knights there who rose before them that I
+cannot call by name the tenth part of them, or the thirteenth, or
+the fifteenth.  But I can tell you the names of some of the best
+of the knights who belonged to the Round Table and who were the
+best in the world.
+
+(Vv. 1691-1750.)  Before all the excellent knights, Gawain ought
+to be named the first, and second Erec the son of Lac, and third
+Lancelot of the Lake. (16)  Gornemant of Gohort was fourth, and
+the fifth was the Handsome Coward.  The sixth was the Ugly Brave,
+the seventh Meliant of Liz, the eighth Mauduit the Wise, and the
+ninth Dodinel the Wild.  Let Gandelu be named the tenth, for he
+was a goodly man.  The others I shall mention without order,
+because the numbers bother me.  Eslit was there with Briien, and
+Yvain the son of Uriien.  And Yvain of Loenel was there, as well
+as Yvain the Adulterer.  Beside Yvain of Cavaliot was Garravain
+of Estrangot.  After the Knight with the Horn was the Youth with
+the Golden Ring.  And Tristan who never laughed sat beside
+Bliobleheris, and beside Brun of Piciez was his brother Gru the
+Sullen.  The Armourer sat next, who preferred war to peace.  Next
+sat Karadues the Shortarmed, a knight of good cheer; and Caveron
+of Robendic, and the son of King Quenedic and the Youth of
+Quintareus and Yder of the Dolorous Mount.  Gaheriet and Kay of
+Estraus, Amauguin and Gales the Bald, Grain, Gornevain, and
+Carabes, and Tor the son of King Aras, Girflet the son of Do, and
+Taulas, who never wearied of arms: and a young man of great
+merit, Loholt the son of King Arthur, (17) and Sagremor the
+Impetuous, who should not be forgotten, nor Bedoiier the Master
+of the Horse, who was skilled at chess and trictrac, nor Bravain,
+nor King Lot, nor Galegantin of Wales, nor Gronosis, versed in
+evil, who was son of Kay the Seneschal, nor Labigodes the
+Courteous, nor Count Cadorcaniois. nor Letron of Prepelesant,
+whose manners were so excellent, nor Breon the son of Canodan,
+nor the Count of Honolan who had such a head of fine fair hair;
+he it was who received the King's horn in an evil day; (18) he
+never had any care for truth.
+
+(Vv. 1751-1844.)  When the stranger maiden saw all the knights
+arrayed looking steadfastly at her, she bowed her head in
+embarrassment; nor was it strange that her face blushed all
+crimson.  But her confusion was so becoming to her that she
+looked all the more lovely.  When the King saw that she was
+embarrassed, he did not wish to leave her side.  Taking her
+gently by the hand, he made her sit down on his right hand; and
+on his left sat the Queen, speaking thus to the King the while.
+"Sire, in my opinion he who can win such a fair lady by his arms
+in another land ought by right to come to a royal court.  It was
+well we waited for Erec; for now you can bestow the kiss upon the
+fairest of the court.  I should think none would find fault with
+you!  for none can say, unless he lie, that this maiden is not
+the most charming of all the damsels here, or indeed in all the
+world."  The King makes answer: "That is no lie; and upon her, if
+there is no remonstrance, I shall bestow the honour of the White
+Stag."  Then he added to the knights: "My lords, what say you?
+What is your opinion?  In body, in face, and in whatever a maid
+should have, this one is the most charming and beautiful to be
+found, as I may say, before you come to where Heaven and earth
+meet.  I say it is meet that she should receive the honour of the
+Stag.  And you, my lords, what do you think about it?  Can you
+make any objection?  If any one wishes to protest, let him
+straightway speak his mind.  I am King, and must keep my word and
+must not permit any baseness, falsity, or arrogance.  I must
+maintain truth and righteousness.  It is the business of a loyal
+king to support the law, truth, faith, and justice.  I would not
+in any wise commit a disloyal deed or wrong to either weak or
+strong.  It is not meet that any one should complain of me; nor
+do I wish the custom and the practice to lapse, which my family
+has been wont to foster.  You, too, would doubtless regret to see
+me strive to introduce other customs and other laws than those my
+royal sire observed.  Regardless of consequences, I am bound to
+keep and maintain the institution of my father Pendragon, who was
+a just king and emperor.  Now tell me fully what you think!  Let
+none be slow to speak his mind, if this damsel is not the fairest
+of my household and ought not by right to receive the kiss of the
+White Stag: I wish to know what you truly think."  Then they all
+cry with one accord: "Sire, by the Lord and his Cross! you may
+well kiss her with good reason, for she is the fairest one there
+is.  In this damsel there is more beauty than there is of
+radiance in the sun.  You may kiss her freely, for we all agree
+in sanctioning it."  When the King hears that this is well
+pleasing to them all, he will no longer delay in bestowing the
+kiss, but turns toward her and embraces her.  The maid was
+sensible, and perfectly willing that the King should kiss her;
+she would have been discourteous, indeed, to resent it.  In
+courteous fashion and in the presence of all his knights the King
+kissed her, and said: "My dear.  I give you my love in all
+honesty.  I will love you with true heart, without malice and
+without guile."  By this adventure the King carried out the
+practice and the usage to which the White Stag was entitled at
+his court.
+
+Here ends the first part of my story. (19)
+
+(Vv. 1845-1914.)  When the kiss of the Stag was taken according
+to the custom of the country, Erec, like a polite and kind man,
+was solicitous for his poor host.  It was not his intention to
+fail to execute what he had promised.  Hear how he kept his
+covenant: for he sent him now five sumpter mules, strong and
+sleek, loaded with dresses and clothes, buckrams and scarlets,
+marks of gold and silver plate, furs both vair and grey, skins of
+sable, purple stuffs, and silks.  When the mules were loaded with
+all that a gentleman can need, he sent with them an escort of ten
+knights and sergeants chosen from his own men, and straightly
+charged them to salute his host and show great honour both to him
+and to his lady, as if it were to himself in person; and when
+they should have presented to them the sumpters which they
+brought them, the gold, the silver, and money, and all the other
+furnishings which were in the boxes, they should escort the lady
+and the vavasor with great honour into his kingdom of Farther
+Wales. (20)  Two towns there he had promised them, the most
+choice and the best situated that there were in all his land,
+with nothing to fear from attack.  Montrevel was the name of one,
+and the other's name was Roadan.  When they should arrive in his
+kingdom, they should make over to them these two towns, together
+with their rents and their jurisdiction, in accordance with what
+he had promised them.  All was carried out as Erec had ordered. 
+The messengers made no delay, and in good time they presented to
+his host the gold and the silver and the sumpters and the robes
+and the money, of which there was great plenty.  They escorted
+them into Erec's kingdom, and strove to serve them well.  They
+came into the country on the third day, and transferred to them
+the towers of the towns; for King Lac made no objection.  He gave
+them a warm welcome and showed them honour, loving them for the
+sake of his son Erec.  He made over to them the title to the
+towns, and established their suzerainty by making knights and
+bourgeois swear that they would reverence them as their true
+liege lords.  When this was done and accomplished, the messengers
+returned to their lord Erec, who received them gladly.  When he
+asked for news of the vavasor and his lady, of his own father and
+of his kingdom, the report they gave him was good and fair.
+
+(Vv. 1915-2024.)  Not long after this, the time drew near when
+Erec was to celebrate his marriage.  The delay was irksome to
+him, and he resolved no longer to suffer and wait.  So he went
+and asked of the King that it might please him to allow him to be
+married at the court.  The King vouchsafed him the boon, and sent
+through all his kingdom to search for the kings and counts who
+were his liege-men, bidding them that none be so bold as not to
+be present at Pentecost.  None dares to hold back and not go to
+court at the King's summons.  Now I will tell you, and listen
+well, who were these counts and kings.  With a rich escort and
+one hundred extra mounts Count Brandes of Gloucester came.  After
+him came Menagormon, who was Count of Clivelon.  And he of the
+Haute Montagne came with a very rich following.  The Count of
+Treverain came, too, with a hundred of his knights, and Count
+Godegrain with as many more.  Along with those whom I have just
+mentioned came Maheloas, a great baron, lord of the Isle of
+Voirre.  In this island no thunder is heard, no lightning
+strikes, nor tempests rage, nor do toads or serpents exist there,
+nor is it ever too hot or too cold. (21)  Graislemier of Fine
+Posterne brought twenty companions, and had with him his brother
+Guigomar, lord of the Isle of Avalon.  Of the latter we have
+heard it said that he was a friend of Morgan the Fay, and such he
+was in very truth.  Davit of Tintagel came, who never suffered
+woe or grief.  Guergesin, the Duke of Haut Bois, came with a very
+rich equipment.  There was no lack of counts and dukes, but of
+kings there were still more.  Garras of Cork, a doughty king, was
+there with five hundred knights clad in mantles, hose, and tunics
+of brocade and silk.  Upon a Cappadocian steed came Aguisel, the
+Scottish king, and brought with him his two sons, Cadret and Coi
+-- two much respected knights.  Along with those whom I have
+named came King Ban of Gomeret, and he had in his company only
+young men, beardless as yet on chin and lip.  A numerous and gay
+band he brought two hundred of them in his suite; and there was
+none, whoever he be, but had a falcon or tercel, a merlin or a
+sparrow-hawk, or some precious pigeon-hawk, golden or mewed.
+Kerrin, the old King of Riel, brought no youth, but rather three
+hundred companions of whom the youngest was seven score years
+old.  Because of their great age, their heads were all as white
+as snow, and their beards reached down to their girdles.  Arthur
+held them in great respect.  The lord of the dwarfs came next,
+Bilis, the king of Antipodes.  This king of whom I speak was a
+dwarf himself and own brother of Brien.  Bilis, on the one hand,
+was the smallest of all the dwarfs, while his brother Brien was a
+half-foot or full palm taller than any other knight in the
+kingdom.  To display his wealth and power, Bilis brought with him
+two kings who were also dwarfs and who were vassals of his,
+Grigoras and Glecidalan.  Every one looked at them as marvels.
+When they had arrived at court, they were treated with great
+esteem.  All three were honoured and served at the court like
+kings, for they were very perfect gentlemen.  In brief, when King
+Arthur saw all his lords assembled, his heart was glad.  Then, to
+heighten the joy, he ordered a hundred squires to be bathed whom
+he wished to dub knights.  There was none of them but had a
+parti-coloured robe of rich brocade of Alexandria, each one
+choosing such as pleased his fancy.  All had arms of a uniform
+pattern, and horses swift and full of mettle, of which the worst
+was worth a hundred livres.
+
+(Vv. 2025-2068.)  When Erec received his wife, he must needs call
+her by her right name.  For a wife is not espoused unless she is
+called by her proper name.  As yet no one knew her name, but now
+for the first time it was made known: Enide was her baptismal
+name. (22)  The Archbishop of Canterbury, who had come to the
+court, blessed them, as is his right.  When the court was all
+assembled, there was not a minstrel in the countryside who
+possessed any pleasing accomplishment that did not come to the
+court.  In the great hall there was much merry-making, each one
+contributing what he could to the entertainment: one jumps,
+another tumbles, another does magic; there is story-telling,
+singing, whistling, playing from notes; they play on the harp,
+the rote, the fiddle, the violin, the flute, and pipe.  The
+maidens sing and dance, and outdo each other in the merry-making. 
+At the wedding that day everything was done which can give joy
+and incline man's heart to gladness.  Drums are beaten, large and
+small, and there is playing of pipes, fifes, horns, trumpets, and
+bagpipes.  What more shall I say?  There was not a wicket or a
+gate kept closed; but the exits and entrances all stood ajar, so
+that no one, poor or rich, was turned away.  King Arthur was not
+miserly, but gave orders to the bakers, the cooks, and the
+butlers that they should serve every one generously with bread,
+wine, and venison.  No one asked anything whatever to be passed
+to him without getting all he desired.
+
+(Vv. 2069-2134.)  There was great merriment in the palace.  But I
+will pass over the rest, and you shall hear of the joy and
+pleasure in the bridal chamber.  Bishops and archbishops were
+there on the night when the bride and groom retired.  At this
+their first meeting, Iseut was not filched away, nor was Brangien
+put in her place. (23)  The Queen herself took charge of their
+preparations for the night; for both of them were dear to her.
+The hunted stag which pants for thirst does not so long for the
+spring, nor does the hungry sparrow-hawk return so quickly when
+he is called, as did these two come to hold each other in close
+embrace.  That night they had full compensation for their long
+delay.  After the chamber had been cleared, they allow each sense
+to be gratified: the eyes, which are the entrance-way of love,
+and which carry messages to the heart, take satisfaction in the
+glance, for they rejoice in all they see; after the message of
+the eyes comes the far surpassing sweetness of the kisses
+inviting love; both of them make trial of this sweetness, and let
+their hearts quaff so freely that hardly can they leave off.
+Thus, kissing was their first sport.  And the love which is
+between them emboldened the maid and left her quite without her
+fears; regardless of pain, she suffered all.  Before she rose,
+she no longer bore the name of maid; in the morning she was a
+new-made dame.  That day the minstrels were in happy mood, for
+they were all well paid.  They were fully compensated for the
+entertainment they had given, and many a handsome gift was
+bestowed upon them: robes of grey squirrel skin and ermine, of
+rabbit skins and violet stuffs, scarlets and silken stuffs. 
+Whether it be a horse or money, each one got what he deserved
+according to his skill.  And thus the wedding festivities and the
+court lasted almost a fortnight with great joy and magnificence.
+For his own glory and satisfaction, as well as to honour Erec the
+more, King Arthur made all the knights remain a full fortnight.
+When the third week began, all together by common consent agreed
+to hold a tournament.  On the one side, my lord Gawain offered
+himself as surety that it would take place between Evroic and
+Tenebroc: and Meliz and Meliadoc were guarantors on the other
+side.  Then the court separated.
+
+(Vv. 2135-2292.)  A month after Pentecost the tournament
+assembled, and the jousting began in the plain below Tenebroc.
+Many an ensign of red, blue, and white, many a veil and many a
+sleeve were bestowed as tokens of love.  Many a lance was carried
+there, flying the colours argent and green, or gold and azure
+blue.  There were many, too, with different devices, some with
+stripes and some with dots.  That day one saw laced on many a
+helmet of gold or steel, some green, some yellow, and others red,
+all aglowing in the sun; so many scutcheons and white hauberks;
+so many swords girt on the left side; so many good shields, fresh
+and new, some resplendent in silver and green, others of azure
+with buckles of gold; so many good steeds marked with white, or
+sorrel, tawny, white, black, and bay: all gather hastily.  And
+now the field is quite covered with arms.  On either side the
+ranks tremble, and a roar rises from the fight.  The shock of the
+lances is very great.  Lances break and shields are riddled, the
+hauberks receive bumps and are torn asunder, saddles go empty and
+horsemen ramble, while the horses sweat and foam.  Swords are
+quickly drawn on those who tumble noisily, and some run to
+receive the promise of a ransom, others to stave off this
+disgrace.  Erec rode a white horse, and came forth alone at the
+head of the line to joust, if he may find an opponent.  From the
+opposite side there rides out to meet him Orguelleus de la Lande,
+mounted on an Irish steed which bears him along with marvellous
+speed.  On the shield before his breast Erec strikes him with
+such force that he knocks him from his horse: he leaves him prone
+and passes on.  Then Raindurant opposed him, son of the old dame
+of Tergalo, covered with blue cloth of silk; he was a knight of
+great prowess.  Against one another now they charge and deal
+fierce blows on the shields about their neck.  Erec from lance's
+length lays him over on the hard ground.  While riding back he
+met the King of the Red City, who was very valiant and bold. 
+They grasp their reins by the knots and their shields by the
+inner straps.  They both had fine arms, and strong swift horses,
+and good shields, fresh and new.  With such fury they strike each
+other that both their lances fly in splinters.  Never was there
+seen such a blow.  They rush together with shields, arms, and
+horses.  But neither girth nor rein nor breast-strap could
+prevent the king from coming to earth.  So he flew from his
+steed, carrying with him saddle and stirrup, and even the reins
+of his bridle in his hand.  All those who witnessed the jousting
+were filled with amazement, and said it cost him dear to joust
+with such a goodly knight.  Erec did not wish to stop to capture
+either horse or rider, but rather to joust and distinguish
+himself in order that his prowess might appear.  He thrills the
+ranks in front of him.  Gawain animates those who were on his
+side by his prowess, and by winning horses and knights to the
+discomfiture of his opponents.  I speak of my lord Gawain, who
+did right well and valiantly.  In the fight he unhorsed Guincel,
+and took Gaudin of the Mountain; he captured knights and horses
+alike: my lord Gawain did well.  Girtlet the son of Do, and
+Yvain, and Sagremor the Impetuous, so evilly entreated their
+adversaries that they drove them back to the gates, capturing and
+unhorsing many of them.  In front of the gate of the town the
+strife began again between those within and those without.  There
+Sagremor was thrown down, who was a very gallant knight.  He was
+on the point of being detained and captured, when Erec spurs to
+rescue him, breaking his lance into splinters upon one of the
+opponents.  So hard he strikes him on the breast that he made him
+quit the saddle.  Then he made of his sword and advances upon
+them, crushing and splitting their helmets.  Some flee, and
+others make way before him, for even the boldest fears him.
+Finally, he distributed so many blows and thrusts that he rescued
+Sagremor from them, and drove them all in confusion into the
+town.  Meanwhile, the vesper hour drew to a close.  Erec bore
+himself so well that day that he was the best of the combatants.
+But on the morrow he did much better yet: for he took so many
+knights and left so many saddles empty that none could believe it
+except those who had seen it.  Every one on both sides said that
+with his lance and shield he had won the honours of the
+tournament.  Now was Erec's renown so high that no one spoke save
+of him, nor was any one of such goodly favour.  In countenance he
+resembled Absalom, in language he seemed a Solomon, in boldness
+he equalled Samson, (24) and in generous giving and spending he
+was the equal of Alexander.  On his return from the tourney Erec
+went to speak with the King.  He went to ask him for leave to go
+and visit his own land; but first he thanked him like a frank,
+wise, and courteous man for the honour which he had done him; for
+very deep was his gratitude.  Then he asked his permission to
+leave, for he wished to visit his own country, and he wished to
+take his wife with him.  This request the King could not deny,
+and yet he would have had him stay.  He gives him leave and begs
+him to return as soon as possible: for in the whole court there
+was no better or more gallant knight, save only his dear nephew
+Gawain; (25) with him no one could be compared.  But next after
+him, he prized Erec most, and held him more dear than any other
+knight.
+
+(Vv. 2293-2764.)  Erec wished to delay no longer.  As soon as he
+had the King's leave, he bid his wife make her preparations, and
+he retained as his escort sixty knights of merit with horses and
+with dappled and grey furs.  As soon as he was ready for his
+journey, he tarried little further at court, but took leave of
+the Queen and commended the knights to God.  The Queen grants him
+leave to depart.  At the hour of prime he set out from the royal
+palace.  In the presence of them all he mounted his steed, and
+his wife mounted the dappled horse which she had brought from her
+own country; then all his escort mounted.  Counting knights and
+squires, there were full seven score in the train.  After four
+long days' journey over hills and slopes, through forests,
+plains, and streams, they came on the fifth day to Camant, where
+King Lac was residing in a very charming town.  No one ever saw
+one better situated; for the town was provided with forests and
+meadow-land, with vineyards and farms, with streams and orchards,
+with ladies and knights, and fine, lively youths, and polite,
+well-mannered clerks who spent their incomes freely, with fair
+and charming maidens, and with prosperous burghers.  Before Erec
+reached the town, he sent two knights ahead to announce his
+arrival to the King.  When he heard the news, the King had
+clerks, knights, and damsels quickly mount, and ordered the bells
+to be rung, and the streets to be hung with tapestries and silken
+stuffs, that his son might be received with joy; then he himself
+got on his horse.  Of clerks there were present fourscore, gentle
+and honourable men, clad in grey cloaks bordered with sable.  Of
+knights there were full five hundred, mounted on bay, sorrel, or
+white-spotted steeds.  There were so many burghers and dames that
+no one could tell the number of them.  The King and his son
+galloped and rode on till they saw and recognised each other.
+They both jump down from their horses and embrace and greet each
+other for a long time, without stirring from the place where they
+first met.  Each party wished the other joy: the King makes much
+of Erec, but all at once breaks off to turn to Enide.  On all
+sides he is in clover: he embraces and kisses them both, and
+knows not which of the two pleases him the more.  As they gaily
+enter the castle, the bells all ring their peals to honour Erec's
+arrival.  The streets are all strewn with reeds, mint, and iris.
+and are hung overhead with curtains and tapestries of fancy silk
+and satin stuffs.  There was great rejoicing; for all the people
+came together to see their new lord, and no one ever saw greater
+happiness than was shown alike by young and old.  First they came
+to the church, where very devoutly they were received in a
+procession.  Erec kneeled before the altar of the Crucifix, and
+two knights led his wife to the image of Our Lady.  When she had
+finished her prayer, she stepped back a little and crossed
+herself with her right hand, as a well-bred dame should do.  Then
+they came out from the church and entered the royal palace, when
+the festivity began.  That day Erec received many presents from
+the knights and burghers: from one a palfrey of northern stock,
+and from another a golden cup.  One presents him with a golden
+pigeon-hawk, another with a setter-dog, this one a greyhound,
+this other a sparrowhawk, and another a swift Arab steed, this
+one a shield, this one an ensign, this one a sword, and this a
+helmet.  Never was a king more gladly seen in his kingdom, nor
+received with greater joy, as all strove to serve him well.  Yet
+greater joy they made of Enide than of him, for the great beauty
+which they saw in her, and still more for her open charm.  She
+was seated in a chamber upon a cushion of brocade which had been
+brought from Thessaly.  Round about her was many a fair lady; yet
+as the lustrous gem outshines the brown flint, and as the rose
+excels the poppy, so was Enide fairer than any other lady or
+damsel to be found in the world, wherever one might search.  She
+was so gentle and honourable, of wise speech and affable, of
+pleasing character and kindly mien.  No one could ever be so
+watchful as to detect in her any folly, or sign of evil or
+villainy.  She had been so schooled in good manners that she had
+learned all virtues which any lady can possess, as well as
+generosity and knowledge.  All loved her for her open heart, and
+whoever could do her any service was glad and esteemed himself
+the more.  No one spoke any ill of her, for no one could do so.
+In the realm or empire there was no lady of such good manners.
+But Erec loved her with such a tender love that he cared no more
+for arms, nor did he go to tournaments, nor have any desire to
+joust; but he spent his time in cherishing his wife.  He made of
+her his mistress and his sweetheart.  He devoted all his heart
+and mind to fondling and kissing her, and sought no delight in
+other pastime.  His friends grieved over this, and often
+regretted among themselves that he was so deep in love.  Often it
+was past noon before he left her side; for there he was happy,
+say what they might.  He rarely left her society, and yet he was
+as open-handed as ever to his knights with arms, dress, and
+money.  There was not a tournament anywhere to which he did not
+send them well apparelled and equipped.  Whatever the cost might
+be, he gave them fresh steeds for the tourney and joust.  All the
+knights said it was a great pity and misfortune that such a
+valiant man as he was wont to be should no longer wish to bear
+arms.  He was blamed so much on all sides by the knights and
+squires that murmurs reached Enide's ears how that her lord had
+turned craven about arms and deeds of chivalry, and that his
+manner of life was greatly changed. (26)  She grieved sorely over
+this, but she did not dare to show her grief; for her lord at
+once would take affront, if she should speak to him.  So the
+matter remained a secret, until one morning they lay in bed where
+they had had sport together.  There they lay in close embrace,
+like the true lovers they were.  He was asleep, but she was
+awake, thinking of what many a man in the country was saying of
+her lord.  And when she began to think it all over, she could not
+keep back the tears.  Such was her grief and her chagrin that by
+mischance she let fall a word for which she later felt remorse,
+though in her heart there was no guile.  She began to survey her
+lord from head to foot, his well-shaped body and his clear
+countenance, until her tears fell fast upon the bosom of her
+lord, and she said: "Alas, woe is me that I ever left my country!
+What did I come here to seek?  The earth ought by right to
+swallow me up when the best knight, the most hardy, brave, fair,
+and courteous that ever was a count or king, has completely
+abjured all his deeds of chivalry because of me.  And thus, in
+truth, it is I who have brought shame upon his head, though I
+would fain not have done so at any price."  Then she said to him:
+"Unhappy thou!"  And then kept silence and spoke no more.  Erec
+was not sound asleep and, though dozing, heard plainly what she
+said.  He aroused at her words, and much surprised to see her
+weeping, he asked her: "Tell me, my precious beauty, why do you
+weep thus?  What has caused you woe or sorrow?  Surely it is my
+wish to know.  Tell me now, my gentle sweetheart; and raise care
+to keep nothing back, why you said that woe was me?  For you said
+it of me and of no one else.  I heard your words plainly enough."
+Then was Enide in a great plight, afraid and dismayed.  "Sire,"
+says she, "I know nothing of what you say."  "Lady, why do you
+conceal it?  Concealment is of no avail.  You hare been crying; I
+can see that, and you do not cry for nothing.  And in my sleep I
+heard what you said."  "Ah!  fair sire, you never heard it, and I
+dare say it was a dream."  "Now you are coming to me with lies. 
+I hear you calmly lying to me.  But if you do not tell me the
+truth now, you will come to repent of it later."  "Sire, since
+you torment me thus, I will tell you the whole truth, and keep
+nothing back.  But I am afraid that you will not like it.  In
+this land they all say--the dark, the fair, and the ruddy--that
+it is a great pity that you should renounce your arms; your
+reputation has suffered from it.  Every one used to say not long
+ago that in all the world there was known no better or more
+gallant knight.  Now they all go about making game of you--old
+and young, little and great--calling you a recreant.  Do you
+suppose it does not give me pain to hear you thus spoken of with
+scorn?  It grieves me when I hear it said, and yet it grieves me
+more that they put the blame for it on me.  Yes, I am blamed for
+it, I regret to say, and they all assert it is because I have so
+ensnared and caught you that you are losing all your merit, and
+do not care for aught but me.  You must choose another course, so
+that you may silence this reproach and regain your former fame;
+for I have heard too much of this reproach, and yet I did not
+dare to disclose it to you.  Many a time, when I think of it, I
+have to weep for very grief.  Such chagrin I felt just now that I
+could not keep myself from saying that you were ill-starred."
+"Lady," said he, "you were in the right, and those who blame me
+do so with reason.  And now at once prepare yourself to take the
+road.  Rise up from here, and dress yourself in your richest
+robe, and order your saddle to be put on your best palfrey."  Now
+Enide is in great distress: very sad and pensive, she gets up,
+blaming and upbraiding herself for the foolish words she spoke:
+she had now made her bed, and must lie in it.  "Ah!" said she,
+"poor fool!  I was too happy, for there lacked me nothing.  God!
+why was I so forward as to dare to utter such folly?  God!  did
+not my lord love me to excess?  In faith, alas, he was too fond
+of me.  And now I must go away into exile.  But I have yet a
+greater grief, that I shall no longer see my lord, who loved me
+with such tenderness that there was nothing he held so dear.  The
+best man that was ever born had become so wrapped up in me that
+he cared for nothing else.  I lacked for nothing then.  I was
+very happy.  But pride it is that stirred me up: because of my
+pride, I must suffer woe for telling him such insulting words,
+and it is right that I should suffer woe.  One does not know what
+good fortune is until he has made trial of evil."  Thus the lady
+bemoaned her fate, while she dressed herself fitly in her richest
+robe.  Yet nothing gave her any pleasure, but rather cause for
+deep chagrin.  Then she had a maid call one of her squires, and
+bids him saddle her precious palfrey of northern stock, than
+which no count or king ever had a better.  As soon as she had
+given him the command, the fellow asked for no delay, but
+straightway went and saddled the dappled palfrey. And Erec
+summoned another squire and bade him bring his arms to arm his
+body withal.  Then he went up into a bower, and had a Limoges rug
+laid out before him on the floor.  Meanwhile, the squire ran to
+fetch the arms and came back and laid them on the rug.  Erec took
+a seat opposite, on the figure of a leopard which was portrayed
+on the rug.  He prepares and gets ready to put on his arms:
+first, he had laced on a pair of greaves of polished steel; next,
+he dons a hauberk, which was so fine that not a mesh could be cut
+away from it.  This hauberk of his was rich, indeed, for neither
+inside nor outside of it was there enough iron to make a needle,
+nor could it gather any rust; for it was all made of worked
+silver in tiny meshes triple-wove; and it was made with such
+skill that I can assure you that no one who had put it on would
+have been more uncomfortable or sore because of it, than if he
+had put on a silk jacket over his undershirt.  The knights and
+squires all began to wonder why he was being armed; but no one
+dared to ask him why.  When they had put on his hauberk, a valet
+laces about his head a helmet fluted with a band of gold, shining
+brighter than a mirror.  Then he takes the sword and girds it on,
+and orders them to bring him saddled his bay steed of Gascony.
+Then he calls a valet to him, and says: "Valet, go quickly, run
+to the chamber beside the tower where my wife is, and tell her
+that she is keeping me waiting here too long.  She has spent too
+much time on her attire.  Tell her to come and mount at once, for
+I am awaiting her."  And the fellow goes and finds her all ready,
+weeping and making moan: and he straightway addressed her thus:
+"Lady, why do you so delay?  My lord is awaiting you outside
+yonder, already fully armed.  He would have mounted some time
+ago, had you been ready."  Enide wondered greatly what her lord's
+intention was; but she very wisely showed herself with as
+cheerful a countenance as possible, when she appeared before him.
+In the middle of the courtyard she found him, and King Lac comes
+running out.  Knights come running, too, striving with each other
+to reach there first.  There is neither young nor old but goes to
+learn and ask if he will take any of them with him.  So each
+offers and presents himself.  But he states definitely and
+affirms that he will take no companion except his wife, asserting
+that he will go alone.  Then the King is in great distress. 
+"Fair son," says he, "what dost thou intend to do?  Thou shouldst
+tell me thy business and keep nothing back.  Tell me whither thou
+will go; for thou art unwilling on any account to be accompanied
+by an escort of squires or knights.  If thou hast undertaken to
+fight some knight in single combat, yet shouldst thou not for
+that reason fail to take a part of thy knights with thee to
+betoken thy wealth and lordship.  A king's son ought not to fare
+alone.  Fair son, have thy sumpters loaded now, and take thirty
+or forty or more of thy knights, and see that silver and gold is
+taken, and whatever a gentleman needs."  Finally Erec makes reply
+and tells him all in detail how he has planned his journey.
+"Sire," says he, "it must be so.  I shall take no extra horse,
+nor have I any use for gold or silver, squire or sergeant; nor do
+I ask for any company save that of my wife alone.  But I pray
+you, whatever may happen, should I die and she come back, to love
+her and hold her dear for love of me and for my prayer, and give
+her so long as she live, without contention or any strife, the
+half of your land to be her own."  Upon hearing his son's
+request, the King said: "Fair son, I promise it.  But I grieve
+much to see thee thus go off without escort, and if I had my way,
+thou shouldst not thus depart."  "Sire, it cannot be otherwise. 
+I go now, and to God commend you.  But keep in mind my
+companions, and give them horses and arms and all that knight may
+need."  The King cannot keep back the tears when he is parted
+from his son.  The people round about weep too; the ladies and
+knights shed tears and make great moan for him.  There is not one
+who does not mourn, and many a one in the courtyard swoons.
+Weeping, they kiss and embrace him, and are almost beside
+themselves with grief.  I think they would not have been more sad
+if they had seen him dead or wounded.  Then Erec said to comfort
+them: "My lords, why do you weep so sore?  I am neither in prison
+nor wounded.  You gain nothing by this display of grief.  If I go
+away, I shall come again when it please God and when I can.  To
+God I commend you one and all; so now let me go; too long you
+keep me here.  I am sorry and grieved to see you weep."  To God
+he commends them and they him.
+
+(Vv. 2765-2924.)  So they departed, leaving sorrow behind them.
+Erec starts, and leads his wife he knows not whither, as chance
+dictates.  "Ride fast," he says, "and take good care not to be so
+rash as to speak to me of anything you may see.  Take care never
+to speak to me, unless I address you first.  Ride on now fast and
+with confidence."  "Sire," says she, "it shall be done."  She
+rode ahead and held her peace.  Neither one nor the other spoke a
+word.  But Enide's heart is very sad, and within herself she thus
+laments, soft and low that he may not hear: "Alas," she says,
+"God had raised and exalted me to such great joy; but now He has
+suddenly cast me down.  Fortune who had beckoned me has quickly
+now withdrawn her hand.  I should not mind that so much, alas, if
+only I dared to address my lord.  But I am mortified and
+distressed because my lord has turned against me, I see it
+clearly, since he will not speak to me.  And I am not so bold as
+to dare to look at him."  While she thus laments, a knight who
+lived by robbery issued forth from the woods.  He had two
+companions with him, and all three were armed.  They covet the
+palfrey which Enide rides.  "My lords, do you know the news I
+bring?" says he to his two companions.  "If we do not now make a
+haul, we are good-for-nothing cowards and are playing in bad
+luck.  Here comes a lady wondrous fair, whether married or not I
+do not know, but she is very richly dressed.  The palfrey and
+saddle, with the breast-strap and reins, are worth a thousand
+livres of Chartres.  I will take the palfrey for mine, and the
+rest of the booty you may have.  I don't want any more for my
+share.  The knight shall not lead away the lady, so help me God.
+For I intend to give him such a thrust as he will dearly pay.  I
+it was who saw him first, and so it is my right to go the first
+and offer battle."  They give him leave and he rides off,
+crouching well beneath his shield, while the other two remain
+aloof.  In those days it was the custom and practice that in an
+attack two knights should not join against one; thus if they too
+had assailed him, it would seem that they had acted
+treacherously.  Enide saw the robbers, and was seized with great
+fear.  "God," says she, "what can I say?  Now my lord will be
+either killed or made a prisoner; for there are three of them and
+he is alone.  The contest is not fair between one knight and
+three.  That fellow will strike him now at a disadvantage; for my
+lord is off his guard.  God, shall I be then such a craven as not
+to dare to raise my voice?  Such a coward I will not be: I will
+not fail to speak to him."  On the spot she turns about and calls
+to him: "Fair sire, of what are you thinking?  There come riding
+after you three knights who press you hard.  I greatly fear they
+will do you harm."  "What?" says Erec, "what's that you say?  You
+have surely been very bold to disdain my command and prohibition.
+This time you shall be pardoned; but if it should happen another
+time, you would not be forgiven."  Then turning his shield and
+lance, he rushes at the knight.  The latter sees him coming and
+challenges him.  When Erec hears him, he defies him.  Both give
+spur and clash together, holding their lances at full extent. 
+But he missed Erec, while Erec used him hard; for he knew well
+the right attack.  He strikes him on the shield so fiercely that
+he cracks it from top to bottom.  Nor is his hauberk any
+protection: Erec pierces and crushes it in the middle of his
+breast, and thrusts a foot and a half of his lance into his body.
+When he drew back, he pulled out the shaft.  And the other fell
+to earth.  He must needs die, for the blade had drunk of his
+life's blood.  Then one of the other two rushes forward, leaving
+his companion behind, and spurs toward Erec, threatening him.
+Erec firmly grasps his shield, and attacks him with a stout
+heart.  The other holds his shield before his breast.  Then they
+strike upon the emblazoned shields.  The knight's lance flies
+into two bits, while Erec drives a quarter of lance's length
+through the other's breast.  He will give him no more trouble.
+Erec unhorses him and leaves him in a faint, while he spurs at an
+angle toward the third robber.  When the latter saw him coming on
+he began to make his escape.  He was afraid, and did not dare to
+face him; so he hastened to take refuge in the woods.  But his
+flight is of small avail, for Erec follows him close and cries
+aloud: "Vassal, vassal, turn about now, and prepare to defend
+yourself, so that I may not slay you in act of flight.  It is
+useless to try to escape."  But the fellow has no desire to turn
+about, and continues to flee with might and main.  Following and
+overtaking him, Erec hits him squarely on his painted shield, and
+throws him over on the other side.  To these three robbers he
+gives no further heed: one he has killed, another wounded, and of
+the third he got rid by throwing him to earth from his steed.  He
+took the horses of all three and tied them together by the
+bridles.  In colour they were not alike: the first was white as
+milk, the second black and not at all bad looking, while the
+third was dappled all over.  He came back to the road where Enide
+was awaiting him.  He bade her lead and drive the three horses in
+front of her, warning her harshly never again to be so bold as to
+speak a single word unless he give her leave.  She makes answer:
+"I will never do so, fair sire, if it be your will."  Then they
+ride on, and she holds her peace.
+
+(Vv. 2925-3085.)  They had not yet gone a league when before them
+in a valley there came five other knights, with lances in rest,
+shields held close in to the neck, and their shining helmets
+laced up tight; they, too, were on plunder bent.  All at once
+they saw the lady approach in charge of the three horses, and
+Erec who followed after.  As soon as they saw them, they divided
+their equipment among themselves, just as if they had already
+taken possession of it.  Covetousness is a bad thing.  But it did
+not turn out as they expected; for vigorous defence was made.
+Much that a fool plans is not executed, and many a man misses
+what he thinks to obtain.  So it befell them in this attack.  One
+said that he would take the maid or lose his life in the attempt;
+and another said that the dappled steed shall be his, and that he
+will be satisfied with that.  The third said that he would take
+the black horse.  "And the white one for me," said the fourth.
+The fifth was not at all backward, and vowed that he would have
+the horse and arms of the knight himself.  He wished to win them
+by himself, and would fain attack him first, if they would give
+him leave: and they willingly gave consent.  Then he leaves them
+and rides ahead on a good and nimble steed.  Erec saw him, but
+made pretence that he did not yet notice him.  When Enide saw
+them, her heart jumped with fear and great dismay.  "Alas!" said
+she, "I know not what to say or do; for my lord severely
+threatens me, and says that he will punish me, if I speak a word
+to him.  But if my lord were dead now, there would be no comfort
+for me.  I should be killed and roughly treated.  God!  my lord
+does not see them!  Why, then, do I hesitate, crazed as I am?  I
+am indeed too chary of my words, when I have not already spoken
+to him.  I know well enough that those who are coming yonder are
+intent upon some wicked deed.  And God!  how shall I speak to
+him?  He will kill me.  Well, let him kill me!  Yet I will not
+fail to speak to him."  Then she softly calls him: "Sire!" 
+"What?" says he, "what do you want?"  "Your pardon, sire.  I want
+to tell you that five knights have emerged from yonder thicket,
+of whom I am in mortal fear.  Having noticed them, I am of the
+opinion that they intend to fight with you.  Four of them have
+stayed behind, and the other comes toward you as fast as his
+steed can carry him.  I am afraid every moment lest he will
+strike you.  'Tis true, the four have stayed behind; but still
+they are not far away, and will quickly aid him, if need arise."
+Erec replies: "You had an evil thought, when you transgressed my
+command--a thing which I had forbidden you.  And yet I knew all
+the time that you did not hold me in esteem.  Your service has
+been ill employed; for it has not awakened my gratitude, but
+rather kindled the more my ire.  I have told you that once, and I
+say it again.  This once again I will pardon you; but another
+time restrain yourself, and do not again turn around to watch me:
+for in doing so you would be very foolish.  I do not relish your
+words."  Then he spurs across the field toward his adversary, and
+they come together.  Each seeks out and assails the other.  Erec
+strikes him with such force that his shield flies from his neck,
+and thus he breaks his collar-bone.  His stirrups break, and he
+falls without the strength to rise again, for he was badly
+bruised and wounded.  One of the others then appeared, and they
+attack each other fiercely.  Without difficulty Erec thrusts the
+sharp and well forged steel into his neck beneath the chin,
+severing thus the bones and nerves.  At the back of his neck the
+blade protrudes, and the hot red blood flows down on both sides
+from the wound.  He yields his spirit, and his heart is still.
+The third sallies forth from his hiding-place on the other side
+of a ford.  Straight through the water, on he comes.  Erec spurs
+forward and meets him before he came out of the water, striking
+him so hard that he beats down flat both rider and horse.  The
+steed lay upon the body long enough to drown him in the stream,
+and then struggled until with difficulty he got upon his feet.
+Thus he conquered three of them, when the other two thought it
+wise to quit the conflict and not to strive with him.  In flight
+they follow the stream, and Erec after them in hot pursuit, until
+he strikes one upon the spine so hard that he throws him forward
+upon the saddle-bow.  He put all his strength into the blow, and
+breaks his lance upon his body, so that the fellow fell head
+foremost.  Erec makes him pay dearly for the lance which he has
+broken on him, and drew his sword from the scabbard.  The fellow
+unwisely straightened up; for Erec gave him three such strokes
+that he slaked his sword's thirst in his blood.  He severs the
+shoulder from his body, so that it fell down on the ground. 
+Then, with sword drawn, he attacked the other, as he sought to
+escape without company or escort.  When he sees Erec pursuing
+him, he is so afraid that he knows not what to do: he does not
+dare to face him, and cannot turn aside; he has to leave his
+horse, for he has no more trust in him.  He throws away his
+shield and lance, and slips from his horse to earth.  When he saw
+him on his feet, Erec no longer cared to pursue him, but he
+stooped over for the lance, not wishing to leave that, because of
+his own which had been broken.  He carries off his lance and goes
+away, not leaving the horses behind: he catches all five of them
+and leads them off.  Enide had hard work to lead them all; for he
+hands over all five of them to her with the other three, and
+commands her to go along smartly, and to keep from addressing him
+in order that no evil or harm may come to her.  So not a word
+does she reply, but rather keeps silence; and thus they go,
+leading with them all the eight horses.
+
+(Vv. 3086-3208.)  They rode till nightfall without coming to any
+town or shelter.  When night came on, they took refuge beneath a
+tree in an open field.  Erec bids his lady sleep, and he will
+watch.  She replies that she will not, for it is not right, and
+she does not wish to do so.  It is for him to sleep who is more
+weary.  Well pleased at this, Erec accedes.  Beneath his head he
+placed his shield, and the lady took her cloak, and stretched it
+over him from head to foot.  Thus, he slept and she kept watch,
+never dozing the whole night, but holding tight in her hand by
+the bridle the horses until the morning broke; and much she
+blamed and reproached herself for the words which she had
+uttered, and said that she acted badly, and was not half so ill-
+treated as she deserved to be. "Alas," said she, "in what an evil
+hour have I witnessed my pride and presumption!  I might have
+known without doubt that there was no knight better than, or so
+good as, my lord.  I knew it well enough before, but now I know
+it better.  For I have seen with my own eyes how he has not
+quailed before three or even five armed men.  A plague for ever
+upon my tongue for having uttered such pride and insult as now
+compel me to suffer shame!"  All night long she thus lamented
+until the morning dawned.  Erec rises early, and again they take
+the road, she in front and he behind.  At noon a squire met them
+in a little valley, accompanied by two fellows who were carrying
+cakes and wine and some rich autumn cheeses to those who were
+mowing the hay in the meadows belonging to Count Galoain.  The
+squire was a clever fellow, and when he saw Erec and Enide, who
+were coming from the direction of the woods, he perceived that
+they must have spent the night in the forest and had had nothing
+to eat or drink; for within a radius of a day's journey there was
+no town, city or tower, no strong place or abbey, hospice or
+place of refuge.  So he formed an honest purpose and turned his
+steps toward them, saluting them politely and saving: "Sire, I
+presume that you have had a hard experience last night.  I am
+sure you have had no sleep and have spent the night in these
+woods.  I offer you some of this white cake, if it please you to
+partake of it.  I say it not in hope of reward: for I ask and
+demand nothing of you.  The cakes are made of good wheat; I have
+good wine and rich cheeses, too, a white cloth and fine jugs.  If
+you feel like taking lunch, you need not seek any farther.
+Beneath these white beeches, here on the greensward, you might
+lay off your arms and rest yourself a while.  My advice is that
+you dismount."  Erec got down from his horse and said: "Fair
+gentle friend, I thank you kindly: I will eat something, without
+going farther."  The young man knew well what to do: he helped
+the lady from her horse, and the boys who had come with the
+squire held the steeds.  Then they go and sit down in the shade.
+The squire relieves Erec of his helmet, unlaces the mouth-piece
+from before his face; then he spreads out the cloth before them
+on the thick tuff.  He passes them the cake and wine, and
+prepares and cuts a cheese.  Hungry as they were, they helped
+themselves, and gladly drank of the wine.  The squire serves them
+and omits no attention.  When they had eaten and drunk their
+fill, Erec was courteous and generous.  "Friend," says he, "as a
+reward, I wish to present you with one of my horses.  Take the
+one you like the best.  And I pray it may be no hardship for you
+to return to the town and make ready there a goodly lodging." 
+And he replies that he will gladly do whatever is his will.  Then
+he goes up to the horses and, untying them, chooses the dapple,
+and speaks his thanks; for this one seems to be the best.  Up he
+springs by the left stirrup, and leaving them both there, he rode
+off to the town at top speed, where he engaged suitable quarters.
+Now behold!  he is back again: "Now mount, sire, quickly," says
+he, "for you have a good fine lodging ready."  Erec mounted, and
+then his lady, and, as the town was hard by, they soon had
+reached their lodging-place.  There they were received with joy.
+The host with kindness welcomed them, and with joy and gladness
+made generous provision for their needs.
+
+(Vv. 3209-3458.)  When the squire had done for them all the
+honour that he could do, he came and mounted his horse again,
+leading it off in front of the Count's bower to the stable.  The
+Count and three of his vassals were leaning out of the bower,
+when the Count, seeing his squire mounted on the dappled steed,
+asked him whose it was.  And he replied that it was his.  The
+Count, greatly astonished, says: "How is that?  Where didst thou
+get him?"  "A knight whom I esteem highly gave him to me, sire,"
+says he. "I have conducted him within this town, and he is lodged
+at a burgher's house.  He is a very courteous knight and the
+handsomest man I ever saw.  Even if I had given you my word and
+oath, I could not half tell you how handsome he is."  The Count
+replies: "I suppose and presume that he is not more handsome than
+I am."  "Upon my word, sire," the sergeant says, "you are very
+handsome and a gentleman.  There is not a knight in this country,
+a native of this land, whom you do not excel in favour.  But I
+dare maintain concerning this one that he is fairer than you, if
+he were not beaten black and blue beneath his hauberk, and
+bruised.  In the forest he has been fighting single-handed with
+eight knights, and leads away their eight horses.  And there
+comes with him a lady so fair that never lady was half so fair as
+she." (28)  When the Count hears this news, the desire takes him
+to go and see if this is true or false.  "I never heard such a
+thing," says he; "take me now to his lodging-place, for certainly
+I wish to know if thou dost lie or speak the truth."  He replies:
+"Right gladly, sire.  This is the way and the path to follow, for
+it is not far from here."  "I am anxious to see them," says the
+Count.  Then he comes down, and the squire gets off his horse,
+and makes the Count mount in his place.  Then he ran ahead to
+tell Erec that the Count was coming to visit him.  Erec's lodging
+was rich indeed--the kind to which he was accustomed.  There
+were many tapers and candles lighted all about.  The Count came
+attended by only three companions.  Erec, who was of gracious
+manners, rose to meet him, and exclaimed: "Welcome, sire!"  And
+the Count returned his salutation.  They both sat down side by
+side upon a soft white couch, where they chat with each other. 
+The Count makes him an offer and urges him to consent to accept
+from him a guarantee for the payment of his expenses in the town. 
+But Erec does not deign to accept, saying he is well supplied
+with money, and has no need to accept aught from him.  They speak
+long of many things, but the Count constantly glances about in
+the other direction, where he caught sight of the lady.  Because
+of her manifest beauty, he fixed all his thought on her.  He
+looked at her as much as he could; he coveted her, and she
+pleased him so that her beauty filled him with love.  Very
+craftily he asked Erec for permission to speak with her.  "Sire,"
+he says "I ask a favour of you, and may it not displease you.  As
+an act of courtesy and as a pleasure, I would fain sit by yonder
+lady's side.  With good intent I came to see you both, and you
+should see no harm in that.  I wish to present to the lady my
+service in all respects.  Know well that for love of you I would
+do whatever may please her."  Erec was not in the least jealous
+and suspected no evil or treachery.  "Sire," says he, "I have no
+objection.  You may sit down and talk with her.  Don't think that
+I have any objection.  I give you permission willingly."  The
+lady was seated about two spear-lengths away from him.  And the
+Count took his seat close beside her on a low stool.  Prudent and
+courteous, the lady turned toward him.  "Alas," quoth he, "how
+grieved I am to see you in such humble state!  I am sorry and
+feel great distress.  But if you would believe my word, you could
+have honour and great advantage, and much wealth would accrue to
+you.  Such beauty as yours is entitled to great honour and
+distinction.  I would make you my mistress, if it should please
+you and be your will; you would be my mistress dear and lady over
+all my land.  When I deign to woo you thus, you ought not to
+disdain my suit.  I know and perceive that your lord does not
+love and esteem you.  If you will remain with me, you would be
+mated with a worthy lord."  "Sire," says Enide, "your proposal is
+vain.  It cannot be.  Ah!  better that I were yet unborn, or
+burnt upon a fire of thorns and my ashes scattered abroad than
+that I should ever in any wise be false to my lord, or conceive
+any felony or treachery toward him.  You have made a great
+mistake in making such a proposal to me.  I shall not agree to it
+in any wise."  The Count's ire began to rise.  "You disdain to
+love me, lady?" says he; "upon my word, you are too proud. 
+Neither for flattery nor for prayer you will do my will?  It is
+surely true that a woman's pride mounts the more one prays and
+flatters her; but whoever insults and dishonours her will often
+find her more tractable.  I give you my word that if you do not
+do my will there soon will be some sword-play here.  Rightly or
+wrongly, I will have your lord slain right here before your
+eyes."  "Ah, sire," says Enide, "there is a better way than that
+you say.  You would commit a wicked and treacherous deed if you
+killed him thus.  Calm yourself again, I pray; for I will do your
+pleasure.  You may regard me as all your own, for I am yours and
+wish to be.  I did not speak as I did from pride, but to learn
+and prove if I could find in you the true love of a sincere
+heart.  But I would not at any price have you commit an act of
+treason.  My lord is not on his guard; and if you should kill him
+thus, you would do a very ugly deed, and I should have the blame
+for it.  Every one in the land would say that it had been done
+with my consent.  Go and rest until the morrow, when my lord
+shall be about to rise.  Then you can better do him harm without
+blame and without reproach."  With her heart's thoughts her words
+do not agree.  "Sire," says she, "believe me now!  Have no
+anxiety; but send here to-morrow your knights and squires and
+have me carried away by force.  My lord will rush to my defence,
+for he is proud and bold enough.  Either in earnest or in jest,
+have him seized and treated ill, or strike his head off, if you
+will.  I have led this life now long enough; to tell the truth. 
+I like not the company of this my lord.  Rather would I feel your
+body lying beside me in a bed.  And since we have reached this
+point, of my love you may rest assured."  The Count replies: "It
+is well, my lady!  God bless the hour that you were born; in
+great estate you shall be held."  "Sire," says she, "indeed, I
+believe it.  And yet I would fain have your word that you will
+always hold me dear; I could not believe you otherwise."  Glad
+and merry, the Count replies: "See here, my faith I will pledge
+to you loyally as a Count, Madame, that I shall do all your
+behests.  Have no further fear of that.  All you want you shall
+always have."  Then she took his plighted word; but little she
+valued or cared for it, except therewith to save her lord.  Well
+she knows how to deceive a fool, when she puts her mind upon it. 
+Better it were to lie to him than that her lord should be cut
+off.  The Count now rose from her side, and commends her to God a
+hundred times.  But of little use to him will be the faith which
+she has pledged to him.  Erec knew nothing at all of this that
+they were plotting to work his death; but God will be able to
+lend him aid, and I think He will do so.  Now Erec is in great
+peril, and does not know that he must be on his guard.  The
+Count's intentions are very base in planning to steal away his
+wife and kill him when he is without defence.  In treacherous
+guise he takes his leave: "To God I commend you," says he, and
+Erec replies: "And so do I you, sire."  Thus they separated. 
+Already a good part of the night was passed.  Out of the way, in
+one of the rooms, two beds were made upon the floor.  In one of
+them Erec lays him down, in the other Enide went to rest.  Full
+of grief and anxiety, she never closed her eyes that night, but
+remained on watch for her lord's sake; for from what she had seen
+of the Count, she knew him to be full of wickedness.  She knows
+full well that if he once gets possession of her lord, he will
+not fail to do him harm.  He may be sure of being killed: so for
+his sake she is in distress.  All night she must needs keep her
+vigil; but before the dawn, if she can bring it about, and if her
+lord will take her word, they will be ready to depart.
+
+(Vv. 3459-3662.)  Erec slept all night long securely until
+daylight.  Then Enide realised and suspected that she might
+hesitate too long.  Her heart was tender toward her lord, like a
+good and loyal lady.  Her heart was neither deceitful nor false.
+So she rises and makes ready, and drew near to her lord to wake
+him up.  "Ah, sire," says she, "I crave your pardon.  Rise
+quickly now, for you are betrayed beyond all doubt, though
+guiltless and free from any crime.  The Count is a proven
+traitor, and if he can but catch you here, you will never get
+away without his having cut you in pieces.  He hates you because
+he desires me. But if it please God, who knows all things, you
+shall be neither slain nor caught.  Last evening he would have
+killed you had I not assured him that I would be his mistress and
+his wife.  You will see him return here soon: he wants to seize
+me and keep me here and kill you if he can find you."  Now Erec
+learns how loyal his wife is to him.  "Lady," says he, "have our
+horses quickly saddled; then run and call our host, and tell him
+quickly to come here.  Treason has been long abroad."  Now the
+horses are saddled, and the lady summoned the host.  Erec has
+armed and dressed himself, and into his presence came the host.
+"Sire," said he, "what haste is this, that you are risen at such
+an hour, before the day and the sun appear?"  Erec replies that
+he has a long road and a full day before him, and therefore he
+has made ready to set out, having it much upon his mind; and he
+added: "Sire, you have nor yet handed me any statement of my
+expenses.  You have received me with honour and kindness, and
+therein great merit redounds to you.  Cancel my indebtedness with
+these seven horses that I brought here with me.  Do not disdain
+them, but keep them for your own.  I cannot increase my gift to
+you by so much as the value of a halter."  The burgher was
+delighted with this gift and bowed low, expressing his thanks and
+gratitude.  Then Erec mounts and takes his leave, and they set
+out upon their way.  As they ride, he frequently warns Enide that
+if she sees anything she should not be so bold as to speak to him
+about it.  Meanwhile, there entered the house a hundred knights
+well armed, and very much dismayed they were to find Erec no
+longer there.  Then the Count learned that the lady had deceived
+him.  He discovered the footsteps of the horses, and they all
+followed the trail, the Count threatening Erec and vowing that,
+if he can come up with him, nothing can keep him from having his
+head on the spot.  "A curse on him who now hangs back, and does
+not spur on fast!" quoth he; "he who presents me with the head of
+the knight whom I hate so bitterly, will have served me to my
+taste."  Then they plunge on at topmost speed, filled with
+hostility toward him who had never laid eyes on them and had
+never harmed them by deed or word.  They ride ahead until they
+made him out; at the edge of a forest they catch sight of him
+before he was hid by the forest trees.  Not one of them halted
+then, but all rushed on in rivalry.  Enide hears the clang and
+noise of their arms and horses, and sees that the valley is full
+of them.  As soon as she saw them, she could not restrain her
+tongue.  "Ah, sire," she cries. "alas, how this Count has
+attacked you, when he leads against you such a host!  Sire, ride
+faster now, until we be within this wood.  I think we can easily
+distance them, for they are still a long way behind.  If you go
+on at this pace, you can never escape from death, for you are no
+match for them."  Erec replies: "Little esteem you have for me,
+and lightly you hold my words.  It seems I cannot correct you by
+fair request.  But as the Lord have mercy upon me until I escape
+from here, I swear that you shall pay dearly for this speech of
+yours; that is, unless my mind should change."  Then he
+straightway turns about, and sees the seneschal drawing near upon
+a horse both strong and fleet.  Before them all he takes his
+stand at the distance of four cross-bow shots.  He had not
+disposed of his arms, but was thoroughly well equipped.  Erec
+reckons up his opponents' strength, and sees there are fully a
+hundred of them.  Then he who thus is pressing him thinks he had
+better call a hair.  Then they ride to meet each other, and
+strike upon each other's shield great blows with their sharp and
+trenchant swords.  Erec caused his stout steel sword to pierce
+his body through and through, so that his shield and hauberk
+protected him no more than a shred of dark-blue silk.  And next
+the Count comes spurring on, who, as the story tells, was a
+strong and doughty knight.  But the Count in this was ill advised
+when he came with only shield and lance.  He placed such trust in
+his own prowess that he thought that he needed no other arms.  He
+showed his exceeding boldness by rushing on ahead of all his men
+more than the space of nine acres.  When Erec saw him stand
+alone, he turned toward him; the Count is not afraid of him, and
+they come together with clash of arms.  First the Count strikes
+him with such violence upon the breast that he would have lost
+his stirrups if he had not been well set.  He makes the wood of
+his shield to split so that the iron of his lance protrudes on
+the other side.  But Erec's hauberk was very solid and protected
+him from death without the tear of a single mesh.  The Count was
+strong and breaks his lance; then Erec strikes him with such
+force on his yellow painted shield that he ran more than a yard
+of his lance through his abdomen, knocking him senseless from his
+steed.  Then he turned and rode away without further tarrying on
+the spot.  Straight into the forest he spurs at full speed.  Now
+Erec is in the woods, and the others paused a while over those
+who lay in the middle of the field.  Loudly they swear and vow
+that they will rather follow after him for two or three days than
+fail to capture and slaughter him.  The Count, though grievously
+wounded in the abdomen, hears what they say.  He draws himself up
+a little and opens his eyes a tiny bit.  Now he realises what an
+evil deed he had begun to execute.  He makes the knights step
+back, and says: "My lords, I bid you all, both strong and weak,
+high and low, that none of you be so bold as to dare to advance a
+single step.  All of you return now quickly!  I have done a
+villainous deed, and I repent me of my foul design.  The lady who
+outwitted me is very honourable, prudent, and courteous.  Her
+beauty fired me with love for her; because I desired her, I
+wished to kill her lord and keep her back with me by force.  I
+well deserved this woe, and now it has come upon me.  How
+abominably disloyal and treacherous I was in my madness!  Never
+was there a better knight born of mother than he.  Never shall he
+receive harm through me if I can in any way prevent it.  I
+command you all to retrace your steps."  Back they go
+disconsolate, carrying the lifeless seneschal on the shield
+reversed.  The Count, whose wound was not mortal, lived on for
+some time after.  Thus was Erec delivered.
+
+(Vv. 3663-3930.)  Erec goes off at full speed down a road between
+two hedgerows--he and his wife with him.  Both putting spurs to
+their horses, they rode until they came to a meadow which had
+been mown.  After emerging from the hedged enclosure they came
+upon a drawbridge before a high tower, which was all closed about
+with a wall and a broad and deep moat.  They quickly pass over
+the bridge, but had not gone far before the lord of the place
+espied them from up in his tower.  About this man I can tell you
+the truth: that he was very small oś stature, but very courageous
+of heart.  When he sees Erec cross the bridge, he comes down
+quickly from his tower, and on a great sorrel steed of his he
+causes a saddle to be placed, which showed portrayed a golden
+lion.  Then he orders to be brought his shield, his stiff,
+straight lance, a sharp polished sword, his bright shining
+helmet, his gleaming hauberk, and triple-woven greaves; for he
+has seen an armed knight pass before his list against whom he
+wishes to strive in arms, or else this stranger will strive
+against him until he shall confess defeat.  His command was
+quickly done: behold the horse now led forth; a squire brought
+him around already bridled and with saddle on.  Another fellow
+brings the arms.  The knight passed out through the gate, as
+quickly as possible, all alone, without companion.  Erec is
+riding along a hill-side, when behold the knight comes tearing
+down over the top of the hill, mounted upon a powerful steed
+which tore along at such a pace that he crushed the stones
+beneath his hoofs finer than a millstone grinds the corn; and
+bright gleaming sparks flew off in all directions, so that it
+seemed as if his four feet were all ablaze with fire.  Enide
+heard the noise and commotion, and almost fell from her palfrey,
+helpless and in a faint.  There was no vein in her body in which
+the blood did not turn, and her face became all pale and white as
+if she were a corpse.  Great is her despair and dismay, for she
+does not dare to address her lord, who often threatens and chides
+at her and charges her to hold her peace.  She is distracted
+between two courses to pursue, whether to speak or to hold her
+peace.  She takes counsel with herself, and often she prepares to
+speak, so that her tongue already moves, but the voice cannot
+issue forth; for her teeth are clenched with fear, and thus shut
+up her speech within.  Thus she admonishes and reproaches
+herself, but she closes her mouth and grits her teeth so that her
+speech cannot issue forth.  At strife with herself, she said: "I
+am sure and certain that I shall incur a grievous loss, if here I
+lose my lord.  Shall I tell him all, then, openly?  Not I.  Why
+not?  I would not dare, for thus I should enrage my lord.  And if
+my lord's ire is once aroused, he will leave me in this wild
+place alone, wretched and forlorn.  Then I shall be worse off
+than now. Worse off?  What care I?  May grief and sorrow always
+be mine as long as I live, if my lord does not promptly escape
+from here without being delivered to a violent death.  But if I
+do not quickly inform him, this knight who is spurring hither
+will have killed him before he is aware; for he seems of very
+evil intent.  I think I have waited too long from fear of his
+vigorous prohibition.  But I will no longer hesitate because of
+his restraint.  I see plainly that my lord is so deep in thought
+that he forgets himself; so it is fight that I should address
+him."  She spoke to him.  He threatens her, but has no desire to
+do her harm, for he realises and knows full well that she loves
+him above all else, and he loves her, too, to the utmost.  He
+rides toward the knight, who challenges him to battle, and they
+meet at the foot of the hill, where they attack and defy each
+other.  Both smite each other with their iron-tipped lances with
+all their strength.  The shields that hang about their necks are
+not worth two coats of bark: the leather tears, and they split
+the wood, and they shatter the meshes of the hauberks.  Both are
+pierced to the vitals by the lances, and the horses fall to
+earth.  Now, both the warriors were doughty.  Grievously, but not
+mortally, wounded, they quickly got upon their feet and grasped
+afresh their lances, which were not broken nor the worse for
+wear.  But they cast them away on the ground, and drawing their
+swords from the scabbard, they attack each other with great fury.
+Each wounds and injures the other, for there is no mercy on
+either side.  They deal such blows upon the helmets that gleaming
+sparks fly out when their swords recoil.  They split and splinter
+the shields; they batter and crush the hauberks.  In four places
+the swords are brought down to the bare flesh, so that they are
+greatly weakened and exhausted.  And if both their swords had
+lasted long without breaking, they would never have retreated,
+nor would the battle have come to an end before one of them
+perforce had died.  Enide, who was watching them, was almost
+beside herself with grief.  Whoever could have seen her then, as
+she showed her great woe by wringing her hands, tearing her hair
+and shedding tears, could have seen a loyal lady.  And any man
+would have been a vulgar wretch who saw and did not pity her. 
+And the knights still fight, knocking the jewels from the helmets
+and dealing at each other fearful blows.  From the third to the
+ninth hour the battle continued so fierce that no one could in
+any wise make out which was to have the better of it.  Erec
+exerts himself and strives; he brought his sword down upon his
+enemy's helmet, cleaving it to the inner lining of mail and
+making him stagger; but he stood firmly and did not fall.  Then
+he attacked Erec in turn, and dealt him such a blow upon the
+covering of his shield that his strong and precious sword broke
+when he tried to pull it out.  When he saw that his sword was
+broken, in a spite he threw as far away as he could the part that
+remained in his hand.  Now he was afraid and must needs draw
+back; for any knight that lacks his sword cannot do much
+execution in battle or assault.  Erec pursues him until he begs
+him, for God's sake, not to kill him.  "Mercy, noble knight," he
+cries, "be not so cruel and harsh toward me.  Now that I am left
+without my sword, you have the strength and the power to take my
+life or make me your prisoner, for I have no means of defence."
+Erec replies: "When thou thus dost petition me I fain would hear
+thee admit outright whether thou art defeated and overcome.  Thou
+shalt not again be touched by me if thou dost surrender at my
+discretion."  The knight was slow to make reply.  So, when Erec
+saw him hesitate, in order to further dismay him, he again
+attacked him, rushing at him with drawn sword; whereupon,
+thoroughly terrified, he cried: "Mercy, sire!  Regard me as your
+captive, since it cannot be otherwise."  Erec answers: "More than
+that is necessary.  You shall not get off so easily as that. 
+Tell me your station and your name, and I in turn will tell
+you mine."  "Sire," says he, "you are right.  I am king of this
+country.  My liegemen are Irishmen, and there is none who does
+not have to pay me rent. (29)  My name is Guivret the Little.  I
+am very rich and powerful; for there is no landholder whose lands
+touch mine in any direction who ever transgresses my command and
+who does not do my pleasure.  I have no neighbour who does not
+fear me, however proud and bold he may be.  But I greatly desire
+to be your confidant and friend from this time on."  Erec
+replies: "I, too, can boast that I am a noble man.  My name is
+Erec, son of King Lac.  My father is king of Farther Wales, and
+has many a rich city, fine hall, and strong town; no king or
+emperor has more than he, save only King Arthur.  Him, of course,
+I except; for with him none can compare."  Guivret is greatly
+astonished at this, and says: "Sire, a great marvel is this I
+hear.  I was never so glad of anything as of your acquaintance. 
+You may put full trust in me!  And should it please you to abide
+in my country within my estates, I shall have you treated with
+great honour.  So long as you care to remain here, you shall be
+recognised as my lord.  We both have need of a physician, and I
+have a castle of mine near here, not eight leagues away, nor even
+seven.  I wish to take you thither with me, and there we shall
+have our wounds tended."  Erec replies: "I thank you for what I
+have heard you say.  However, I will not go, thank you.  But only
+so much I request of you, that if I should be in need, and you
+should hear that I had need of aid, you would not then forget
+me."  "Sire" says he, "I promise you that never, so long as I am
+alive, shall you have need of my help but that I shall go at once
+to aid you with all the assistance I can command."  "I have
+nothing more to ask of you," says Erec; "you have promised me
+much.  You are now my lord and friend, if your deed is as good as
+your word."  Then each kisses and embraces the other.  Never was
+there such an affectionate parting after such a fierce battle;
+for from very affection and generosity each one cut off long,
+wide strips from the bottom of his shirt and bound up the other's
+wounds.  When they had thus bandaged each other, they commended
+each other to God.
+
+(Vv. 3931-4280.)  So thus they parted.  Guivret takes his way
+back alone, while Erec resumed his road, in dire need of plaster
+wherewith to heal his wounds.  He did not cease to travel until
+he came to a plain beside a lofty forest all full of stags,
+hinds, deer, does, and other beasts, and all sorts of game.  Now
+King Arthur and the Queen and the best of his barons had come
+there that very day.  The King wished to spend three or four days
+in the forest for pleasure and sport, and had commanded tents,
+pavilions, and canopies to be brought.  My lord Gawain had
+stepped into the King's tent, all tired out by a long ride.  In
+front of the tent a white beech stood, and there he had left a
+shield of his, together with his ashen lance.  He left his steed,
+all saddled and bridled, fastened to a branch by the rein.  There
+the horse stood until Kay the seneschal came by. (30)  He came up
+quickly and, as if to beguile the time, took the steed and
+mounted, without the interference of any one.  He took the lance
+and the shield, too, which were close by under the tree. 
+Galloping along on the steed, Kay rode along a valley until it
+came about by chance that Erec met him.  Now Erec recognised the
+seneschal, and he knew the arms and the horse, but Kay did not
+recognise him, for he could not be distinguished by his arms.  So
+many blows of sword and lance had he received upon his shield
+that all the painted design had disappeared from it.  And the
+lady, who did not wish to be seen or recognised by him, shrewdly
+held her veil before her face, as if she were doing it because of
+the sun's glare and the dust.  Kay approached rapidly and
+straightway seized Erec's rein, without so much as saluting him. 
+Before he let him move, he presumptuously asked him: "Knight,"
+says he, "I wish to know who you are and whence you come."  "You
+must be mad to stop me thus," says Erec; "you shall not know that
+just now."  And the other replies: "Be not angry; I only ask it
+for your good.  I can see and make out clearly that you are
+wounded and hurt.  If you will come along with me you shall have
+a good lodging this night; I shall see that you are well cared
+for, honoured and made comfortable: for you are in need of rest. 
+King Arthur and the Queen are close by here in a wood, lodged in
+pavilions and tents.  In all good faith, I advise you to come
+with me to see the Queen and King, who will take much pleasure in
+you and will show you great honour."  Erec replies: "You say
+well; yet will I not go thither for anything.  You know not what
+my business is: I must yet farther pursue my way.  Now let me go;
+too long I stay.  There is still some daylight left."  Kay makes
+answer: "You speak madness when you decline to come.  I trow you
+will repent of it.  And however much it may be against your will,
+you shall both go, as the priest goes to the council, willy-
+nilly.  To-night you will be badly served, if, unmindful of my
+advice, you go there as strangers.  Come now quickly, for I will
+take you."  At this word Erec's ire was roused.  "Vassal," says
+he, "you are mad to drag me thus after you by force.  You have
+taken me quite off my guard.  I tell you you have committed an
+offence.  For I thought to be quite safe, and was not on my guard
+against you."  Then he lays his hand upon his sword and cries:
+"Hands off my bridle, vassal!  Step aside.  I consider you proud
+and impudent.  I shall strike you, be sure of that, if you drag
+me longer after you.  Leave me alone now."  Then he lets him go,
+and draws off across the field more than an acre's width; then
+turns about and, as a man with evil intent, issues his challenge. 
+Each rushed at the other.  But, because Kay was without armour,
+Erec acted courteously and turned the point of his lance about
+and presented the butt-end instead.  Even so, he gave him such a
+blow high up on the broad expanse of his shield that he caused it
+to wound him on the temple, pinning his arm to his breast: all
+prone he throws him to the earth.  Then he went to catch the
+horse and hands him over by the bridle to Enide.  He was about to
+lead it away, when the wounded man with his wonted flattery begs
+him to restore it courteously to him.  With fair words he
+flatters and wheedles him.  "Vassal," says he, "so help me God,
+that horse is not mine.  Rather does it belong to that knight in
+whom dwells the greatest prowess in the world, my lord Gawain the
+Bold.  I tell you so much on his behalf, in order that you may
+send it back to him and thus win honour.  So shall you be
+courteous and wise, and I shall be your messenger."  Erec makes
+answer: "Take the horse, vassal, and lead it away.  Since it
+belongs to my lord Gawain it is not meet that I should
+appropriate it."  Kay takes the horse, remounts, and coming to
+the royal tent, tells the King the whole truth, keeping nothing
+back.  And the King summoned Gawain, saying: "Fair nephew Gawain,
+if ever you were true and courteous, go quickly after him and ask
+him in winsome wise who he is and what his business.  And if you
+can influence him and bring him along with you to us, take care
+not to fail to do so."  Then Gawain mounts his steed, two squires
+following after him.  They soon made Erec out, but did not
+recognise him.  Gawain salutes him, and he Gawain: their
+greetings were mutual.  Then said my lord Gawain with his wonted
+openness: "Sire," says he, "King Arthur sends me along this way
+to encounter you.  The Queen and King send you their greeting,
+and beg you urgently to come and spend some time with them (it
+may benefit you and cannot harm), as they are close by."  Erec
+replies: "I am greatly obliged to the King and Queen and to you
+who are, it seems, both kind of heart and of gentle mien.  I am
+not in a vigorous state; rather do I bear wounds within my body:
+yet will I not turn aside from my way to seek a lodging-place. 
+So you need not longer wait: I thank you, but you may be gone. 
+Now Gawain was a man of sense.  He draws back and whispers in the
+ear of one of the squires, bidding him go quickly and tell the
+King to take measures at once to take down and lower his tents
+and come and set them up in the middle of the road three or four
+leagues in advance of where they now are.  There the King must
+lodge to-night, if he wishes to meet and extend hospitality to
+the best knight in truth whom he can ever hope to see; but who
+will not go out of his way for a lodging at the bidding of any
+one.  The fellow went and gave his message.  The King without
+delay causes his tents to be taken down.  Now they are lowered,
+the sumpters loaded, and off they set.  The King mounted Aubagu,
+and the Queen afterwards mounted a white Norse palfrey.  All this
+while, my lord Gawain did not cease to detain Erec, until the
+latter said to him: "Yesterday I covered more ground than I shall
+do to-day.  Sire, you annoy me; let me go.  You have already
+disturbed a good part of my day."  And my lord Gawain answers
+him: "I should like to accompany you a little way, if you do not
+object; for it is yet a long while until night.  They spent so
+much time in talking that all the tents were set up before them,
+and Erec sees them, and perceives that his lodging is arranged
+for him.  "Ah!  Gawain," he says, "your shrewdness has outwitted
+me.  By your great cunning you have kept me here.  Since it has
+turned out thus, I shall tell you my name at once.  Further
+concealment would be useless.  I am Erec, who was formerly your
+companion and friend."  Gawain hears him and straightway embraces
+him.  He raised up his helmet and unlaced his mouthpiece. 
+Joyfully he clasps him in his embrace, while Erec embraces him in
+turn.  Then Gawain leaves him, saying, "Sire, this news will give
+great pleasure to my lord; he and my lady will both be glad, and
+I must go before to tell them of it.  But first I must embrace
+and welcome and speak comfortably to my lady Enide, your wife. 
+My lady the Queen has a great desire to see her.  I heard her
+speak of her only yesterday."  Then he steps up to Enide and asks
+her how she is, if she is well and in good case.  She makes
+answer courteously: "Sire, I should have no cause for grief, were
+I not in great distress for my lord; but as it is, I am in
+dismay, for he has hardly a limb without a wound."  Gawain
+replies: "This grieves me much.  It is perfectly evident from his
+face, which is all pale and colourless.  I could have wept myself
+when I saw him so pale and wan, but my joy effaced my grief, for
+at sight of him I felt so glad that I forgot all other pain.  Now
+start and ride along slowly.  I shall ride ahead at top-speed to
+tell the Queen and the King that you are following after me.  I
+am sure that they will both be delighted when they hear it." 
+Then he goes, and comes to the King's tent.  "Sire," he cries,
+"now you and my lady must be glad, for here come Erec and his
+wife."  The King leaps to his feet with joy.  "Upon my word!" he
+says, "right glad I am.  I could hear no news which could give me
+so much happiness."  The Queen and all the rest rejoice, and come
+out from the tents as fast as they may.  Even the King comes
+forth from his pavilion, and they met Erec near at band.  When
+Erec sees the King coming, he quickly dismounts, and Enide too. 
+The King embraces and meets them, and the Queen likewise tenderly
+kisses and embraces them: there is no one that does not show his
+joy.  Right there, upon the spot, they took off Erec's armour;
+and when they saw his wounds, their joy turned to sadness.  The
+King draws a deep sigh at the sight of them, and has a plaster
+brought which Morgan, his sister, had made.  This piaster, which
+Morgan had given to Arthur, was of such sovereign virtue that no
+wound, whether on nerve or joint, provided it were treated with
+the piaster once a day, could fail to be completely cured and
+healed within a week.  They brought to the King the piaster which
+gave Erec great relief.  When they had bathed, dried, and bound
+up his wounds, the King leads him and Enide into his own royal
+tent, saying that he intends, out of love for Erec, to tarry in
+the forest a full fortnight, until he be completely restored to
+health.  For this Erec thanks the King, saying: "Fair sire, my
+wounds are not so painful that I should desire to abandon my
+journey.  No one could detain me; to-morrow, without delay, I
+shall wish to get off in the morning, as soon as I see the dawn." 
+At this the King shook his head and said: "This is a great
+mistake for you not to remain with us.  I know that you are far
+from well.  Stay here, and you will do the right thing.  It will
+be a great pity and cause for grief if you die in this forest. 
+Fair gentle friend, stay here now until you are quite yourself
+again."  Erec replies: "Enough of this.  I have undertaken this
+journey, and shall not tarry in any wise."  The King hears that
+he would by no means stay for prayer of his; so he says no more
+about it, and commands the supper to be prepared at once and the
+tables to be spread.  The servants go to make their preparations. 
+It was a Saturday night; so they ate fish and fruit, pike and
+perch, salmon and trout, and then pears both raw and cooked. (31) 
+Soon after supper they ordered the beds to be made ready.  The
+King, who held Erec dear, had him laid in a bed alone; for he did
+not wish that any one should lie with him who might touch his
+wounds.  That night he was well lodged.  In another bed close by
+lay Enide with the Queen under a cover of ermine, and they all
+slept in great repose until the day broke next morning.
+
+(Vv. 4281-4307.)  Next day, as soon as it is dawn.  Erec arises,
+dresses, commands his horses to be saddled, and orders his arms
+to be brought to him.  The valets run and bring them to him. 
+Again the King and all the knights urge him to remain; but
+entreaty is of no avail, for he will not stay for anything.  Then
+you might have seen them all weep and show such grief as if they
+already saw him dead.  He puts on his arms, and Enide arises. 
+All the knights are sore distressed, for they think they will
+never see them more.  They follow them out from the tents, and
+send for their own horses, that they may escort and accompany
+them.  Erec said to them: "Be not angry!  but you shall not
+accompany me a single step.  I'll thank you if you'll stay
+behind!"  His horse was brought to him, and he mounts without
+delay.  Taking his shield and lance, he commends them all to God,
+and they in turn wish Erec well.  Then Enide mounts, and they
+ride away.
+
+(Vv. 4308-4380.)  Entering a forest, they rode on without halting
+till hour of prime.  While they thus traversed the wood, they
+heard in the distance the cry of a damsel in great distress. 
+When Erec heard the cry, he felt sure from the sound that it was
+the voice of one in trouble and in need of help.  Straightway
+calling Enide, he says: "Lady, there is some maiden who goes
+through the wood calling aloud.  I take it that she is in need of
+aid and succour.  I am going to hasten in that direction and see
+what her trouble is.  Do you dismount and await me here, while I
+go yonder."  "Gladly, sire," she says.  Leaving her alone, he
+makes his way until he found the damsel, who was going through
+the wood, lamenting her lover whom two giants had taken and were
+leading away with very cruel treatment.  The maiden was rending
+her garments, and tearing her hair and her tender crimson face. 
+Erec sees her and, wondering greatly, begs her to tell him why
+she cries and weeps so sore.  The maiden cries and sighs again,
+then sobbing, says: "Fair sire, it is no wonder if I grieve, for
+I wish I were dead.  I neither love nor prize my life, for my
+lover has been led away prisoner by two wicked and cruel giants
+who are his mortal enemies.  God!  what shall I do?  Woe is me! 
+deprived of the best knight alive, the most noble and the most
+courteous.  And now he is in great peril of death.  This very
+day, and without cause, they will bring him to some vile death. 
+Noble knight, for God's sake, I beg you to succour my lover, if
+now you can lend him any aid.  You will not have to run far, for
+they must still be close by."  "Damsel," says Erec, "I will
+follow them, since you request it, and rest assured that I shall
+do all within my power: either I shall be taken prisoner along
+with him, or I shall restore him to you safe and sound.  If the
+giants let him live until I can find him, I intend to measure my
+strength with theirs."  "Noble knight," the maiden said, "I shall
+always be your servant if you restore to me my lover.  Now go in
+God's name, and make haste, I beseech you."  "Which way lies
+their path?"  "This way, my lord.  Here is the path with the
+footprints.  Then Erec started at a gallop, and told her ro await
+him there.  The maid commends him to the Lord, and prays God very
+fervently that He should give him force by His command to
+discomfit those who intend evil toward her lover.
+
+(Vv. 4381-4579.)  Erec went off along the trail, spurring his
+horse in pursuit of the giants.  He followed in pursuit of them
+until he caught sight of them before they emerged from the wood;
+he saw the knight with bare limbs mounted naked on a nag, his
+hands and feet bound as if he were arrested for highway robbery. 
+The giants had no lances, shields or whetted swords; but they
+both had clubs and scourges, with which they were beating him so
+cruelly that already they had cut the skin on his back to the
+bone.  Down his sides and flanks the blood ran, so that the nag
+was all covered with blood down to the belly. (32)  Erec came
+along alone after them.  He was very sad and distressed about the
+knight whom he saw them treat so spitefully.  Between two woods
+in an open field he came up with them, and asks: "My lords," says
+he, "for what crime do you treat this man so ill and lead him
+along like a common thief?  You are treating him too cruelly. 
+You are driving him just as if he had been caught stealing.  It
+is a monstrous insult to strip a knight naked, and then bind him
+and beat him so shamefully.  Hand him over to me, I beg of you
+with all good-will and courtesy.  I have no wish to demand him of
+you forcibly."  "Vassal," they say, "what business is this of
+yours?  You must be mad to make any demand of us.  If you do not
+like it, try and improve matters."  Erec replies: "Indeed, I like
+it not, and you shall not lead him away so easily.  Since you
+have left the matter in my hands, I say whoever can get
+possession of him let him keep him.  Take your positions.  I
+challenge you.  You shall not take him any farther before some
+blows have been dealt."  "Vassal," they reply, "you are mad,
+indeed, to wish to measure your strength with us.  If you were
+four instead of one, you would have no more strength against us
+than one lamb against two wolves."  "I do not know how it will
+turn out," Erec replies; "if the sky fails and the earth melts,
+then many a lark will be caught.  Many a man boasts loudly who is
+of little worth.  On guard now, for I am going to attack you." 
+The giants were strong and fierce, and held in their clenched
+hands their big clubs tipped with iron.  Erec went at them lance
+in rest.  He fears neither of them, in spite of their menace and
+their pride, and strikes the foremost of them through the eye so
+deep into the brain that the blood and brains spurt out at the
+back of his neck; that one lies dead and his heart stops beating. 
+When the other saw him dead, he had reason to be sorely grieved. 
+Furious, he went to avenge him: with both hands he raised his
+club on high and thought to strike him squarely upon his
+unprotected head: but Erec watched the blow, and received it on
+his shield.  Even so, the giant landed such a blow that it quite
+stunned him, and almost made him fall to earth from his steed. 
+Erec covers himself with his shield and the giant, recovering
+himself, thinks to strike again quickly upon his head.  But Erec
+had drawn his sword, and attacked him with such fierceness that
+the giant was severely handled: he strikes him so hard upon the
+neck that he splits him down to the saddle-bow.  He scatters his
+bowels upon the earth, and the body falls full length, split in
+two halves.  The knight weeps with joy and, worshipping, praises
+God who has sent him this aid.  Then Erec unbound him, made him
+dress and arm himself, and mount one of the horses; the other he
+made him lead with his right hand, and asks him who he is.  And
+he replied: "Noble knight, thou art my liege lord.  I wish to
+regard thee as my lord, as by right I ought to do, for thou hast
+saved my life, which but now would have been cut off from my body
+with great torment and cruelty.  What chance, fair gentle sire,
+in God's name, guided thee hither to me, to free me by thy
+courage from the hands of my enemies?  Sire, I wish to do thee
+homage.  Henceforth, I shall always accompany thee and serve thee
+as my lord."  Erec sees that he is disposed to serve him gladly,
+if he may, and says: "Friend, for your service I have no desire;
+but you must know that I came hither to succour you at the
+instance of your lady, whom I found sorrowing in this wood. 
+Because of you, she grieves and moans; for full of sorrow is her
+heart.  I wish to present you to her now.  As soon as I have
+reunited you with her, I shall continue my way alone; for you
+have no call to go with me.  I have no need cf your company; but
+I fain would know your name."  "Sire," says he, "as you wish. 
+Since you desire to know my name, it must not be kept from you. 
+My name is Cadoc of Tabriol: know that thus I am called.  But
+since I must part from you.  I should like to know, if it may be,
+who you are and of what land, where I may sometime find and
+search for you, when I shall go a way from here."  Erec replies:
+"Friend, that I will never confide to you.  Never speak of it
+again; but if you wish to find it out and do me honour in any
+wise go quickly now without delay to my lord, King Arthur, who
+with might and main is hunting the stag in yonder wood, as I take
+it, not five short leagues from here.  Go thither quickly and
+take him word that you are sent to him as a gift by him whom
+yesterday within his tent he joyfully received and lodged.  And
+be careful not to conceal from him from what peril I set free
+both your life and body.  I am dearly cherished at the court, and
+if you present yourself in my name you will do me a service and
+honour.  There you shall ask who I am; but you cannot know it
+otherwise."  "Sire," says Cadoc, "I will follow your bidding in
+all respects.  You need never have any fear that I do not go with
+a glad heart.  I shall tell the King the full truth regarding the
+battle which you have fought on my behalf."  Thus speaking, they
+continued their way until they came to the maiden where Erec had
+left her.  The damsel's joy knew no bounds when she saw coming
+her lover whom she never thought to see again.  Taking him by the
+hand, Erec presents him to her with the words: "Grieve no longer,
+demoiselle!  Behold your lover glad and joyous."  And she with
+prudence makes reply: "Sire, by right you have won us both. 
+Yours we should be, to serve and honour.  But who could ever
+repay half the debt we owe you?"  Erec makes answer: "My gentle
+lady, no recompense do I ask of you.  To God I now commend you
+both, for too long, methinks, I have tarried here."  Then he
+turns his horse about, and rides away as fast as he can.  Cadoc
+of Tabriol with his damsel rides off in another direction; and
+soon he told the news to King Arthur and the Queen.
+
+(Vv. 4580-4778.)  Erec continues to ride at great speed to the
+place where Enide was awaiting him in great concern, thinking
+that surely he had completely deserted her.  And he, too, was in
+great fear lest some one, finding her alone, might have carried
+her off.  So he made all haste to return.  But the heat of the
+day was such, and his arms caused him such distress, that his
+wounds broke open and burst the bandages.  His wounds never
+stopped bleeding before he came directly to the spot where Enide
+was waiting for him.  She espied him and rejoiced: but she did
+not realise or know the pain from which he was suffering; for all
+his body was bathed in blood, and his heart hardly had strength
+to beat.  As he was descending a hill he fell suddenly over upon
+his horse's neck.  As he tried to straighten up, he lost his
+saddle and stirrups, falling, as if lifeless, in a faint.  Then
+began such heavy grief, when Enide saw him fall to earth.  Full
+of fear at the sight of him, she runs toward him like one who
+makes no concealment of her grief.  Aloud she cries, and wrings
+her hands: not a shred of her robe remains untorn across her
+breast.  She begins to tear her hair and lacerate her tender
+face. (33)  "Ah God!" she cries, "fair gentle Lord, why dost Thou
+let me thus live on?  Come Death, and kill me hastily!"  With
+these words she faints upon his body.  When she recovered, she
+said to herself reproachfully: "Woe is me, wretched Enide; I am
+the murderer of my lord, in having killed him by my speech.  My
+lord would still be now alive, if I in my mad presumption had not
+spoken the word which engaged him in this adventure.  Silence
+never harmed any one, but speech often worketh woe.  The truth of
+this I have tried and proved in more ways than one."  Beside her
+lord she took her seat, holding his head upon her lap.  Then she
+begins her dole anew.  "Alas," she says, "my lord, unhappy thou,
+thou who never hadst a peer; for in thee was beauty seen and
+prowess was made manifest; wisdom had given thee its heart, and
+largess set a crown upon thee, without which no one is esteemed.
+But what did I say?  A grievous mistake I made in uttering the
+word which has killed my lord--that fatal poisoned word for
+which I must justly be reproached; and I recognise and admit that
+no one is guilty but myself; I alone must be blamed for this."
+Then fainting she falls upon the ground, and when she later sat
+up again, she only moans again the more: "God, what shall I do,
+and why live on?  Why does Death delay and hesitate to come and
+seize me without respite?  Truly, Death holds me in great
+contempt!  Since Death does not deign to take my life, I must
+myself perforce achieve the vengeance for my sinful deed.  Thus
+shall I die in spite of Death, who will not heed my call for aid.
+Yet, I cannot die through mere desire, nor would complaining
+avail me aught.  The sword, which my lord had gilded on, ought by
+right to avenge his death.  I will not longer consume myself in
+distress, in prayer, and vain desire."  She draws the sword forth
+from its sheath and begins to consider it.  God, who is full of
+mercy, caused her to delay a little; and while she passes in
+review her sorrow and her misfortune, behold there comes riding
+apace a Count with numerous suite, who from afar had heard the
+lady's loud outcry.  God did not wish to desert her; for now she
+would have killed herself, had she not been surprised by those
+who took away from her the sword and thrust it back into its
+sheath.  The Count then dismounted from his horse and began to
+inquire of her concerning the knight, and whether she was his
+wife or his lady-love.  "Both one and the other, sire," she says,
+"my sorrow is such as I cannot tell.  Woe is me that I am not
+dead."  And the Count begins to comfort her: "Lady," he says, "by
+the Lord, I pray you, to take some pity on yourself!  It is meet
+that you should mourn, but it is no use to be disconsolate; for
+you may yet rise to high estate.  Do not sink into apathy, but
+comfort yourself; that will be wise, and God will give you joy
+again.  Your wondrous beauty holds good fortune in store for you;
+for I will take you as my wife, and make you a countess and dame
+of rank: this ought to bring you much consolation.  And I shall
+have the body removed and laid away with great honour.  Leave off
+now this grief of yours which in your frenzy you display."  And
+she replies: "Sire, begone!  For God's sake, let me be!  You can
+accomplish nothing here.  Nothing that one could say or do could
+ever make me glad again."  At this the Count drew back and said:
+"Let us make a bier, whereon to carry away this body with the
+lady to the town of Limors.  There the body shall be interred.
+Then will I espouse the lady, whether or not she give consent:
+for never did I see any one so fair, nor desire any as I do her.
+Happy I am to have met with her.  Now make quickly and without
+delay a proper bier for this dead knight.  Halt not for the
+trouble, nor from sloth."  Then some of his men draw out their
+swords and soon cut two saplings, upon which they laid branches
+cross-wise.  Upon this litter they laid Erec down; then hitched
+two horses to it.  Enide rides alongside, not ceasing to make
+lament, and often fainting and falling back; but the horsemen
+hold her tight, and try to support her with their arms, and raise
+her up and comfort her.  All the way to Limors they escort the
+body, until they come to the palace of the Count.  All the people
+follow up after them--ladies, knights, and townspeople.  In the
+middle off the hall upon a dais they stretched the body out full
+length, with his lance and shield alongside.  The hall is full,
+the crowd is dense.  Each one is anxious to inquire what is this
+trouble, what marvel here.  Meanwhile the Count takes counsel
+with his barons privily.  "My lords," he says, "upon the spot I
+wish to espouse this lady here.  We can plainly judge by her
+beauty and prudent mien that she is of very gentle rank.  Her
+beauty and noble bearing show that the honour of a kingdom or
+empire might well be bestowed upon her.  I shall never suffer
+disgrace through her; rather I think to win more honour.  Have my
+chaplain summoned now, and do you go and fetch the lady.  The
+half of all my land I will give her as her dower if she will
+comply with my desire."  Then they bade the chaplain come, in
+accordance with the Count's command, and the dame they brought
+there, too, and made her marry him perforce; for she flatly
+refused to give consent.  But in spite of all, the Count married
+her in accordance with his wish.  And when he had married her,
+the constable at once had the tables set in the palace, and had
+the food prepared; for already it was time for the evening meal.
+
+(Vv. 4779-4852.)  After vespers, that day in May, Enide was in
+sore distress, nor did her grief cease to trouble her.  And the
+Count urged her mildly by prayer and threat to make her peace and
+be consoled, and he made her sit down upon a chair, though it was
+against her will.  In spite of her, they made her take a seat and
+placed the table in front of her.  The Count takes his place on
+the other side, almost beside himself with rage to find that he
+cannot comfort her.  "Lady," he says, "you must now leave off
+this grief and banish it.  You can have full trust in me, that
+honour and riches will be yours.  You must surely realise that
+mourning will not revive the dead; for no one ever saw such a
+thing come about.  Remember now, though poor you were, that great
+riches are within your reach.  Once you were poor; rich now you
+will be.  Fortune has not been stingy toward you, in bestowing
+upon you the honour of being henceforth hailed as Countess.  It
+is true that your lord is dead.  If you grieve and lament because
+of this, do you think that I am surprised?  Nay.  But I am giving
+you the best advice I know how to give.  In that I have married
+you, you ought to be content.  Take care you do not anger me! 
+Eat now, as I bid you do."  And she replies: "Not I, my lord.  In
+faith, as long as I live I will neither eat nor drink unless I
+first see my lord eat who is lying on yonder dais"  "Lady, that
+can never be.  People will think that you are mad when you talk
+such great nonsense.  You will receive a poor reward if you give
+occasion to-day for further reproof."  To this she vouchsafed no
+reply, holding his threats in slight esteem, and the Count
+strikes her upon the face.  At this she shrieks, and the barons
+present blame the Count.  "Hold. sire!" they cry to the Count;
+"you ought to be ashamed of having struck this lady because she
+will not eat.  You have done a very ugly deed.  If this lady is
+distressed because of her lord whom she now sees dead, no one
+should say that she is wrong."  "Keep silence, all." the Count
+replies; "the dame is mine and I am hers, and I will do with her
+as I please."  At this she could not hold her peace, but swears
+she will never be his.  And the Count springs up and strikes her
+again, and she cries out aloud.  "Ha!  wretch," she says, "I care
+not what thou say to me, or what thou do!  I fear not thy blows,
+nor yet thy threats.  Beat me and strike me, as thou wilt.  I
+shall never heed thy power so much as to do thy bidding more or
+less, even were thou with thy hands fight now to snatch out my
+eyes or flay me alive."
+
+(Vv. 4853-4938.)  In the midst of these words and disputes Erec
+recovered from his swoon, like a man who awakes from sleep.  No
+wonder that he was amazed at the crowd of people he saw around.
+But great was his grief and great his woe when he heard the voice
+of his wife.  He stepped to the floor from off the dais and
+quickly drew his sword.  Wrath and the love he bore his wife gave
+him courage.  He runs thither where he sees her, and strikes the
+Count squarely upon the head, so that he beats out his brains
+and, knocking in his forehead, leaves him senseless and
+speechless; his blood and brains flow out.  The knights spring
+from the tables, persuaded that it is the devil who had made his
+way among them there.  Of young or old there none remains, for
+all were thrown in great dismay.  Each one tries to outrun the
+other in beating a hasty retreat.  Soon they were all clear of
+the palace, and cry aloud, both weak and strong: "Flee, flee,
+here comes the corpse!"  At the door the press is great: each one
+strives to make his escape, and pushes and shoves as best he may.
+He who is last in the surging throng would fain get into the
+foremost line.  Thus they make good their escape in flight, for
+one dares not stand upon another's going.  Erec ran to seize his
+shield, hanging it about his neck by the strap, while Enide lays
+hands upon the lance.  Then they step out into the courtyard.
+There is no one so bold as to offer resistance; for they did not
+believe it could be a man who had thus expelled them, but a devil
+or some enemy who had entered the dead body.  Erec pursues them
+as they flee, and finds outside in the castle-yard a stable-boy
+in the act of leading his steed to the watering-place, all
+equipped with bridle and saddle.  This chance encounter pleased
+Erec well: as he steps up quickly to the horse, the boy in fear
+straightway yields him up.  Erec takes his seat between the
+saddle-bows, while Enide, seizing the stirrup, springs up on to
+the horse's neck, as Erec, who bade her mount, commanded and
+instructed her to do.  The horse bears them both away; and
+finding open the town gate, they make their escape without
+detention.  In the town there was great anxiety about the Count
+who had been killed; but there is no one, however brave, who
+follows Erec to take revenge.  At his table the Count was slain;
+while Erec, who bears his wife away, embraces and kisses and
+gives her cheer.  In his arms he clasps her against his heart,
+and says: "Sweet sister mine, my proof of you has been complete!
+Be no more concerned in any wise, for I love you now more than
+ever I did before; and I am certain and rest assured that you
+love me with a perfect love.  From this time on for evermore, I
+offer myself to do your will just as I used to do before.  And if
+you have spoken ill of me, I pardon you and call you quit of both
+the offence and the word you spoke."  Then he kisses her again
+and clasps her tight.  Now Enide is not ill at ease when her lord
+clasps and kisses her and tells her again that he loves her
+still.  Rapidly through the night they ride, and they are very
+glad that the moon shines bright.
+
+(Vv. 4939-5058.)  Meanwhile, the news has travelled fast, and
+there is nothing else so quick.  The news had reached Guivret the
+Little that a knight wounded with arms had been found dead in the
+forest, and that with him was a lady making moan, and so wondrous
+fair that Iseut would have seemed her waiting-maid.  Count
+Oringle of Limors had found them both, and had caused the corpse
+to be borne away, and wished himself to espouse the lady; but she
+refused him.  When Guivret heard this news, he was by no means
+pleased; for at once the thought of Erec occurred to him.  It
+came into his heart and mind to go and seek out the lady, and to
+have the body honourably interred. if it should turn out to be
+he.  He assembled a thousand men-at-arms and knights to take the
+town.  If the Count would not surrender of his own accord the
+body and the lady, he would put all to fire and flame.  In the
+moonlight shining clear he led his men on toward Limors, with
+helmets laced, in hauberks clad, and from their necks the shields
+were hung.  Thus, under arms, they all advanced until nearly
+midnight, when Erec espied them.  Now he expects to be ensnared
+or killed or captured inevitably.  He makes Enide dismount beside
+a thicket-hedge.  No wonder if he is dismayed.  "Lady, do you
+stay here," he says, "beside this thicket-hedge a while, until
+these people shall have passed.  I do not wish them to catch
+sight of you, for I do not know what manner of people they are,
+nor of what they go in search.  I trust we may not attract their
+attention.  But I see nowhere any place where we could take
+refuge, should they wish to injure us.  I know not if any harm
+may come to me, but not from fear shall I fail to sally out
+against them.  And if any one assails me, I shall not fail to
+joust with him.  Yet, I am so sore and weary that it is no wonder
+if I grieve.  Now to meet them I must go, and do you stay quiet
+here.  Take care that no one see you, until they shall have left
+you far behind."  Behold now Guivret, with lance outstretched,
+who espied him from afar.  They did not recognise each other, for
+the moon had gone behind the shadow of a dark cloud.  Erec was
+weak and exhausted, and his antagonist was quite recovered from
+his wounds and blows.  Now Erec will be far from wise if he does
+not promptly make himself known.  He steps out from the hedge.
+And Guivret spurs toward him without speaking to him at all, nor
+does Erec utter a word to him: he thought he could do more than
+he could.  Whoever tries to run farther than he is able must
+perforce give up or take a rest.  They clash against each other;
+but the fight was unequal, for one was weak and the other strong.
+Guivret strikes him with such force that he carries him down to
+earth from his horse's back.  Enide, who was in hiding, when she
+sees her lord on the ground, expects to be killed and badly used.
+Springing forth from the hedge, she runs to help her lord.  If
+she grieved before, now her anguish is greater.  Coming up to
+Guivret, she seized his horse's rein, and then said: "Cursed be
+thou, knight!  For thou hast attacked a weak and exhausted man,
+who is in pain and mortally wounded, with such injustice that
+thou canst not find reason for thy deed.  If thou hadst been
+alone and helpless, thou wouldst have rued this attack, provided
+my lord had been in health.  Now be generous and courteous, and
+kindly let cease this battle which thou hast begun.  For thy
+reputation would be no better for having killed or captured a
+knight who has not the strength to rise, as thou canst see.  For
+he has suffered so many blows of arms that he is all covered with
+wounds"  And he replies: "Fear not, lady!  I see that loyally you
+love your lord, and I commend you for it.  Have no fear
+whatsoever of me or of my company.  But tell me now without
+concealment what is the name of your lord; for only advantage
+will you get from telling me.  Whoever he be, tell me his name;
+then he shall go safe and unmolested.  Neither he nor you have
+aught to fear, for you are both in safe hands."
+
+(Vv. 5059-5172.)  Then Enide learns that she is safe, she answers
+him briefly in a word: "His name is Erec; I ought not to lie, for
+I see you are honest and of good intent."  Guivret, in his
+delight, dismounts and goes to fall at Erec's feet, where he was
+lying on the ground.  "My lord," he says, "I was going to seek
+for you, and was on my way to Limors, where I expected to find
+you dead.  It was told and recounted to me as true that Count
+Oringle had carried off to Limors a knight who was mortally
+wounded, and that he wickedly intended to marry a lady whom he
+had found in his company; but that she would have nothing to do
+with him.  And I was coming urgently to aid and deliver her.  If
+he refused to hand over to me both the lady and you without
+resistance, I should esteem myself of little worth if I left him
+a foot of earth to stand upon.  Be sure that had I not loved you
+dearly I should never have taken this upon myself.  I am Guivret,
+your friend; but if I have done you any hurt through my failure
+to recognise you, you surely ought to pardon me."  At this Erec
+sat up, for he could do no more, and said: "Rise up, my friend.
+Be absolved of the harm you have done me, since you did not
+recognise me."  Guivret gets up, and Erec tells him how he has
+killed the Count while he sat at meat, and how he had gained
+possession again of his steed in front of the stable, and how the
+sergeants and the squires had fled across the yard, crying:
+"Flee, flee, the corpse is chasing us;" then, how he came near
+being caught, and how he escaped through the town and down the
+hill, carrying his wife on his horse's neck: all this adventure
+of his he told him.  Then Guivret said, "Sire, I have a castle
+here close by, which is well placed in a healthful site.  For
+your comfort and benefit I wish to take you there to-morrow and
+have your wounds cared for.  I have two charming and sprightly
+sisters who are skilful in the care of wounds: they will soon
+completely cure you. (34)  To-night we shall let our company
+lodge here in the fields until morning; for I think a little rest
+to-night will do you much good.  My advice is that we spend the
+night here."  Erec replies: "I am in favour of doing so."  So
+there they stayed and spent the night.  They were not reluctant
+to prepare a lodging-place, but they found few accommodations,
+for the company was quite numerous.  They lodge as best they may
+among the bushes: Guivret had his tent set up, and ordered tinder
+to be kindled, that they might have light and cheer.  He has
+tapers taken out from the boxes, and they light them within the
+tent.  Now Enide no longer grieves, for all has turned out well.
+She strips her lord of his arms and clothes, and having washed
+his wounds, she dried them and bound them up again; for she would
+let no one else touch him.  Now Erec knows no further reason to
+reproach her, for he has tried her well and found that she bears
+great love to him.  And Guivret, who treats them kindly, had a
+high, long bed constructed of quilted coverlids, laid upon grass
+and reed, which they found in abundance.  There they laid Erec
+and covered him up.  Then Guivret opened a box and took out two
+patties.  "Friend," says he, "now try a little of these cold
+patties, and drink some wine mixed with water.  I have as much as
+six barrels of it, but undiluted it is not good for you; for you
+are injured and covered with wounds.  Fair sweet friend, now try
+to eat; for it will do you good.  And my lady will eat some too
+-- your wife who has been to-day in sore distress on your
+account.  But you have received full satisfaction for all that,
+and have escaped.  So eat now, and I will eat too, fair friend."
+Then Guivret sat down by Erec's side, and so did Enide who was
+much pleased by all that Guivret did.  Both of them urge him to
+eat, giving him wine mixed with water'; for unmixed it is too
+strong and heating.  Erec ate as a sick man eats, and drank a
+little--all he dared.  But he rested comfortably and slept all
+night; for on his account no noise or disturbance was made.
+
+(Vv. 5173-5366.)  In the early morning they awoke, and prepared
+again to mount and ride.  Erec was so devoted to his own horse
+that he would ride no other.  They gave to Enide a mule, for she
+had lost her palfrey.  But she was not concerned; to judge by her
+looks, she gave the matter no thought. She had a good mule with
+an easy gait that bore her very comfortably.  And it gave her
+great satisfaction that Erec was not cast down, but rather
+assured them that he would recover completely.  Before the third
+hour they reached Penevric, a strong castle, well and handsomely
+situated.  There dwelt the two sisters of Guivret; for the place
+was agreeable enough.  Guivret escorted Erec to a delightful,
+airy room in a remote part of the castle.  His sisters, at his
+request, exerted themselves to cure Erec; and Erec placed himself
+in their hands, for they inspired him with perfect confidence.
+First, they removed the dead flesh, then applied plaster and
+lint, devoting to his care all their skill, like women who knew
+their business well.  Again and again they washed his wounds and
+applied the plaster.  Four times or more each day they made him
+eat and drink, allowing him, however, no garlic or pepper.  But
+whoever might go in or out Enide was always with him, being more
+than any one else concerned.  Guivret often came in to ask and
+inquire if he wanted anything.  He was well kept and well served,
+and everything that he wished was willingly done.  But the
+damsels cheerfully and gladly showed such devotion in caring for
+him that by the end of a fortnight he felt no hurt or pain. 
+Then, to bring his colour back, they began to give him baths.
+There was no need to instruct the damsels, for they understood
+the treatment well.  When he was able to walk about. Guivret had
+two loose gowns made of two different kinds of silk, one trimmed
+with ermine, the other with vair.  One was of a dark purple
+colour, and the other striped, sent to him as a present by a
+cousin of his from Scotland.  Enide had the purple gown trimmed
+with ermine, which was very precious, while Erec had the striped
+stuff with the fur, which was no less valuable.  Now Erec was
+strong and well, cured and recovered.  Now that Enide was very
+happy and had everything she desired, her great beauty returned
+to her; for her great distress had affected her so much that she
+was very pale and wan.  Now she was embraced and kissed, now she
+was blessed with all good things, now she had her joy and
+pleasures; for unadorned they lie in bed and each enfolds and
+kisses the other; nothing gives them so much joy.  They have had
+so much pain and sorrow, he for her, and she for him, that now
+they have their satisfaction.  Each vies in seeking to please the
+other.  Of their further sport I must not speak.  Now they have
+so welded their love and forgotten their grief that they scarcely
+remember it any more.  But now they must go on their way; so they
+asked his leave to depart from Guivret, in whom they had found a
+friend indeed; for he had honoured and served them in every way.
+When he came to take leave, Erec said: "Sire, I do not wish to
+delay longer my departure for my own land.  Order everything to
+be prepared and collected, in order that I may have all I need. 
+I shall wish to start to-morrow morning, as soon as it is day.  I
+have stayed so long with you that I feel strong and vigorous. 
+God grant, if it please Him, that I may live to meet you again
+somewhere, when I may be able in my turn to serve and honour you.
+Unless I am captured or detained, I do not expect to tarry
+anywhere until I reach the court of King Arthur, whom I hope to
+find either at Robais or Carduel."  To which Guivret makes prompt
+reply, "Sire, you shall not go off alone!  For I myself shall go
+with you and shall take companions with us, if it be your
+pleasure."  Erec accedes to this advice, and says that, in
+accordance with his plans, he wishes the journey to be begun. 
+That night they make preparations for their journey, not wishing
+to delay there longer.  They all make ready and prepare.  In the
+early morning, when they awake, the saddles are placed upon the
+steeds.  Before he leaves, Erec goes to bid farewell to the
+damsels in their rooms; and Enide (who was glad and full of joy)
+thither follows him.  When their preparations for departure were
+made, they took their leave of the damsels.  Erec, who was very
+courteous, in taking leave of them, thanks them for his health
+and life, and pledges to them his service.  Then he took one of
+them by the hand she who was the nearer to him and Enide took the
+other's hand: hand in hand they came up from the bedroom into the
+castle hall.  Guivret urges them to mount at once without delay.
+Enide thinks the time will never come for them to mount.  They
+bring around to the block for her a good-tempered palfrey, a soft
+stepper, handsome and well shaped.  The palfrey was of fine
+appearance and a good mount: it was no less valuable than her own
+which had stayed behind at Limors.  That other one was dappled,
+this one was sorrel; but the head was of another colour: it was
+marked in such a way that one cheek was all white, while the
+other was raven black.  Between the two colours there was a line,
+greener than a grape-vine leaf, which separated the white from
+the black.  Of the bridle, breast-strap, and saddle I can surely
+say that the workmanship was rich and handsome.  All the breast-
+strap and bridle was of gold set with emeralds.  The saddle was
+decorated in another style, covered with a precious purple cloth.
+The saddle-bows were of ivory, on which was carved the story of
+how Aeneas came from Troy, how at Carthage with great joy Dido
+received him to her bed, how Aeneas deceived her, and how for him
+she killed herself, how Aeneas conquered Laurentum and all
+Lombardy, of which he was king all his life. (35)  Cunning was
+the workmanship and well carved, all decorated with fine gold.  A
+skilful craftsman, who made it spent more than seven years in
+carving it, without touching any other piece of work.  I do not
+know whether he sold it; but he ought to have obtained a good
+price for it.  Now that Enide was presented with this palfrey,
+she was well compensated for the loss of her own.  The palfrey, 
+thus richly apparelled, was given to her and she mounted it
+gladly; then the gentlemen and squires quickly mounted too.  For
+their pleasure and sport Guivret caused to be taken with them
+rich falcons, both young and moulted, many a tercel and
+sparrow-hawk, and many a setter and greyhound.
+
+(Vv. 5367-5446.) (36) They rode straight on from morn till eve
+more than thirty Welsh leagues, and then came to the towers of a
+stronghold, rich and fair, girt all about with a new wall.  And
+all around, beneath this wall, ran a very deep stream, roaring
+rushing like a storm.  Erec stops to look at it, and ask and find
+out if any one could truly tell him who was the lord of this
+town.  "Friend," said he to his kind companion, "could you tell
+me the name of this town, and whose it is?  Tell me if it belongs
+to a count or a king.  Since you have brought me here, tell me,
+if you know."  "Sire," he says, "I know very well, and will tell
+you the truth about it.  The name of the town is Brandigant, and
+it is so strong and fine that it fears neither king nor emperor.
+If France, and all of England, and all who live from here to
+Liege were ranged about to lay a siege, they would never take it
+in their lives; for the isle on which the town stands stretches
+away four leagues or more, and within the enclosure grows all
+that a rich town needs: fruit and wheat and wine are found; and
+of wood and water there is no lack.  It fears no assault on any
+side, nor could anything reduce it to starvation.  King Evrain
+had it fortified, and he has possessed it all his days
+unmolested, and will possess it all his life.  But not because he
+feared any one did he thus fortify it; but the town is more
+pleasing so.  For if it had no wall or tower, but only the stream
+that encircles it, it would still be so secure and strong that it
+would have no fear of the whole world."  "God!" said Erec, "what
+great wealth!  Let us go and see the fortress, and we shall take
+lodging in the town, for I wish to stop here."  "Sire," said the
+other in great distress, "were it not to disappoint you, we
+should not stop here.  In the town there is a dangerous passage."
+"Dangerous?" says Erec; "do you know about it?  Whatever it be,
+tell us about it; for very gladly would I know."  "Sire," says
+he, "I should fear that you might suffer some harm there.  I know
+there is so much boldness and excellence in your heart that, were
+I to tell you what I know of the perilous and hard adventure, you
+would wish to enter in.  I have often heard the story, and more
+than seven years have passed since any one that went in quest of
+the adventure has come back from the town; yet, proud, bold
+knights have come hither from many a land.  Sire, do not treat
+this as a jest: for you will never learn the secret from me until
+you shall have promised me, by the love you have sworn to me,
+that never by you will be undertaken this adventure, from which
+no one escapes without receiving shame or death."
+
+(Vv. 5447-5492.)  Now Erec hears what pleases him, and begs
+Guivret not to be grieved, saying: "Ah, fair sweet friend, permit
+that our lodging be made in the town, and do not be disturbed. 
+It is time to halt for the night, and so I trust that it will not
+displease you; for if any honour comes to us here you ought to be
+very glad.  I appeal to you conceding the adventure that you tell
+me just the name of it, and I'll not insist upon the rest." 
+"Sire." he says, "I cannot be silent and refuse the information
+you desire.  The name is very fair to say, but the execution is
+very hard: for no one can come from it alive.  The adventure,
+upon my word, is called `the Joy of the Court.'"  "God!  there
+can be nothing but good in joy," says Erec; "I go to seek it.
+Don't go now and discourage me about this or anything else, fair
+gentle friend; but let us have our lodgings taken, for great good
+may come to us of this.  Nothing could restrain me from going to
+seek the Joy."  "Sire," says he, "God grant your prayer, that you
+may find joy and return without mishap.  I clearly see that we
+must go in.  Since otherwise it may not be, let us go in.  Our
+lodging is secured; for no knight of high degree, as I have heard
+it said and told, can enter this castle with intent to lodge here
+but that King Evrain offers to shelter him.  So gentle and
+courteous is the King that he has given notice to all his
+townsmen, appealing to their love for him, that any gentleman
+from afar should not find lodging in their houses, so that he
+himself may do honour to all gentlemen who may wish to tarry
+here."
+
+(Vv. 5493-5668.) (37) Thus they proceed toward the castle,
+passing the list and the drawbridge; and when they passed the
+listing-place, the people who were gathered in the streets in
+crowds see Erec in all his beauty, and apparently they think and
+believe that all the others are in his train.  Marvelling much,
+they stare at him; the whole town was stirred and moved, as they
+take counsel and discuss about him.  Even the maidens at their
+song leave off their singing and desist, as all together they
+look at him; and because of his great beauty they cross
+themselves, and marvellously they pity him.  One to another
+whispers low: "Alas!  This knight, who is passing, is on his way
+to the `Joy of the Court.'  He will be sorry before he returns;
+no one ever came from another land to claim the `Joy of the
+Court' who did not receive shame and harm, and leave his head
+there as a forfeit."  Then, that he may hear their words, they
+cry-aloud: "God defend thee, knight, from harm; for thou art
+wondrously handsome, and thy beauty is greatly to be pitied, for
+to-morrow we shall see it quenched.  Tomorrow thy death is come;
+to-morrow thou shalt surely die if God does not guard and defend
+thee."  Erec hears and understands that they are speaking of him
+through the lower town: more than two thousand pitied him; but
+nothing causes him dismay.  He passes on without delay, bowing
+gaily to men and women alike.  And they all salute him too; and
+most of them swear with anxiety, fearing more than he does
+himself, for his shame and for his hurt.  The mere sight of his
+countenance, his great beauty and his bearing, has so won to him
+the hearts of all, that knights, ladies, and maids alike fear his
+harm.  King Evrain hears the news that men were arriving at his
+court who brought with them a numerous train, and by his harness
+it appeared that their leader was a count or king.  King Evrain
+comes down the street to meet them, and saluting them he cries:
+"Welcome to this company, both to the master and all his suite. 
+Welcome, gentlemen!  Dismount."  They dismounted, and there were
+plenty to receive and take their horses.  Nor was King Evrain
+backward when he saw Enide coming; but he straightway saluted her
+and ran to help her to dismount.  Taking her white and tender
+hand, he led her up into the palace, as was required by courtesy,
+and honoured her in every way he could, for he knew right well
+what he ought to do, without nonsense and without malice.  He
+ordered a chamber to be scented with incense, myrrh, and aloes. 
+When they entered, they all complimented King Evrain on its fine
+appearance.  Hand in hand they enter the room, the King escorting
+them and taking great pleasure in them.  But why should I
+describe to you the paintings and the silken draperies with which
+the room was decorated?  I should only waste time in folly, and I
+do not wish to waste it, but rather to hasten on a little; for he
+who travels the straight road passes him who turns aside;
+therefore I do not wish to tarry.  When the time and hour
+arrived, the King orders supper to be prepared; but I do not wish
+to stop over that if I can find some more direct way.  That night
+they had in abundance all that heart desires and craves: birds,
+venison, and fruit, and wines of different sorts.  But better
+than all is a happy cheer!  For of all dishes the sweetest is a
+joyful countenance and a happy face.  They were very richly
+served until Erec suddenly left off eating and drinking, and
+began speaking of what rested most upon his heart: he remembered
+`the Joy', and began a conversation about it in which King Evrain
+joined.  "Sire" says he, "it is time now to tell you what I
+intend, and why I have come here.  Too long I have refrained from
+speech, and now can no longer conceal my object.  I ask you for
+`the Joy' of the Court, for I covet nothing else so much.  Grant
+it to me, whatever it be, if you are in control of it."  "In
+truth, fair friend." the King replies, "I hear you speak great
+nonsense.  This is a very parlous thing, which has caused sorrow
+to many a worthy man; you yourself will eventually be killed and
+undone if you will not heed my counsel.  But if you were willing
+to take my word, I should advise you to desist from soliciting so
+grievous a thing in which you would never succeed.  Speak of it
+no more!  Hold your peace!  It would be imprudent on your part
+not to follow my advice.  I am not at all surprised that you
+desire honour and fame; but if I should see you harmed or injured
+in your body I should be distressed at heart.  And know well that
+I have seen many a man ruined who solicited this joy.  They were
+never any the better for it, but rather did they all die and
+perish.  Before to-morrow's evening come you may expect a like
+reward.  If you wish to strive for the Joy, you shall do so,
+though it grieve me sore.  It is something from which you are
+free to retreat and draw back if you wish to work your welfare. 
+Therefore I tell you, for I should commit treachery and do you
+wrong were I not to tell you all the truth."  Erec hears him and
+admits that the King with reason counsels him.  But the greater
+the wonder and the more perilous the adventure, the more he
+covets it and yearns for it, saying: "Sire, I can tell you that I
+find you a worthy and a loyal man, and I can put no blame on you. 
+I wish to undertake {his boon, however it may fall out with me. 
+The die is cast, for I shall never draw back from anything I have
+undertaken without exerting all my strength before I quit the
+field."  "I know that well," the King replied; "you are acting
+against my will.  You shall have the Joy which you desire.  But I
+am in great despair; for I greatly fear you will be undone.  But
+now be assured that you shall have what you desire.  If you come
+out of it happily, you will have won such great honour that never
+did man win greater; and may God, as I desire, grant you a joyous
+deliverance."
+
+(Vv. 5669-5738.)  All that night they talked of it, until the
+beds were prepared and they went to rest.  In the morning, when
+it was daylight, Erec, who was on the watch, saw the clear dawn
+and the sun, and quickly rising, clothed himself.  Enide again is
+in distress, very sad and ill at ease; all night she is greatly
+disquieted with the solicitude and fear which she felt for her
+lord, who is about to expose himself to great peril.  But
+nevertheless he equips himself, for no one can make him change
+his mind.  For his equipment the King sent him, when he arose,
+arms which he put to good use.  Erec did not refuse them, for his
+own were worn and impaired and in bad state.  He gladly accepted
+the arms and had himself equipped with them in the hall.  When he
+was armed, he descends the steps and finds his horse saddled and
+the King who had mounted.  Every one in the castle and in the
+houses of the town hastened to mount.  In all the town there
+remained neither man nor woman, erect or deformed, great or
+small, weak or strong, who is able to go and does not do so. 
+When they start, there is a great noise and clamour in all the
+streets; for those of high and low degree alike cry out: "Alas,
+alas!  oh knight, the Joy that thou wishest to win has betrayed
+thee, and thou goest to win but grief and death."  And there is
+not one but says: "God curse this joy!  which has been the death
+of so many gentlemen.  To-day it will wreak the worst woe that it
+has ever yet wrought."  Erec hears well and notes that up and
+down they said of him: "Alas, alas, ill-starred wert thou, fair,
+gentle, skilful knight!  Surely it would not be just that thy
+life should end so soon, or that harm should come to wound and
+injure thee."  He hears clearly the words and what they said; but
+notwithstanding, he passes on without lowering his head, and
+without the bearing of a craven.  Whoever may speak, he longs to
+see and know and understand why they are all in such distress,
+anxiety, and woe.  The King leads him without the town into a
+garden that stood near by; and all the people follow after,
+praying that from this trial God may grant him a happy issue. 
+But it is not meet that I should pass on, from weariness and
+exhaustion of tongue, without telling you the whole truth about
+the garden, according as the story runs.
+
+(Vv. 5739-5826.) (38) The garden had around it no wall or fence
+except of air: yet, by a spell, the garden was on all sides so
+shut in by the air that nothing could enter there any more than
+if the garden were enclosed in iron, unless it flew in over the
+top.  And all through the summer and the winter, too, there were
+flowers and ripe fruits there; and the fruit was of such a nature
+that it could be eaten inside; the danger consisted in carrying
+it out; for whoever should wish to carry out a little would never
+be able to find the gate, and never could issue from the garden
+until he had restored the fruit to its place.  And there is no
+flying bird under heaven, pleasing to man, but it sings there to
+delight and to gladden him, and can be heard there in numbers of
+every kind.  And the earth, however far it stretch, bears no
+spice or root of use in making medicine, but it had been planted
+there, and was to be found in abundance.  Through a narrow
+entrance the people entered--King Evrain and all the rest. 
+Erec went riding, lance in rest, into the middle of the garden,
+greatly delighting in the song of the birds which were singing
+there; they put him in mind of his Joy the thing he most was
+longing for.  But he saw a wondrous thing, which might arouse
+fear in the bravest warrior of all whom we know, be it Thiebaut
+the Esclavon, (39) or Ospinel, or Fernagu.  For before them, on
+sharpened stakes, there stood bright and shining helmets, and
+each one had beneath the rim a man's head.  But at the end there
+stood a stake where as yet there was nothing but a horn. (40)  He
+knows not what this signifies, yet draws not back a step for
+that; rather does he ask the King, who was beside him at the
+right, what this can be.  The King speaks and explains to him:
+"Friend," he says, "do you know the meaning of this thing that
+you see here?  You must be in great terror of it, if you care at
+all for your own body; for this single stake which stands apart,
+where you see this horn hung up, has been waiting a very long
+time, but we know not for whom, whether for you or someone else.
+Take care lest thy head be set up there; for such is the purpose
+of the stake.  I had warned you well of that before you came
+here.  I do not expect that you will escape hence, but that you
+will be killed and rent apart.  For this much we know, that the
+stake awaits your head.  And if it turns out that it be placed
+there, as the matter stands agreed, as soon as thy head is fixed
+upon it another stake will be set up beside it which will await
+the arrival of some one else--I know not when or whom.  I will
+tell you nothing of the horn; but never has any one been able to
+blow it. (41)  However, he who shall succeed in blowing it his
+fame and honour will grow until it distance all those of his
+country, and he shall find such renown that all will come to do
+him honour, and will hold him to be the best of them all.  Now
+there is no more of this matter.  Have your men withdraw; for
+`the Joy' will soon arrive, and will make you sorry, I suspect."
+
+(Vv. 5827-6410.)  Meanwhile King Evrain leaves his side, and Erec
+stoops over before Enide, whose heart was in great distress,
+although she held her peace; for grief on lips is of no account
+unless it also touch the heart.  And he who well knew her heart,
+said to her: "Fair sister dear, gentle, loyal, and prudent lady,
+I am acquainted with your thoughts.  You are in fear, I see that
+well, and yet you do not know for what; but there is no reason
+for your dismay until you shall see that my shield is shattered
+and that my body is wounded, and until you see the meshes of my
+bright hauberk covered with blood, and my helmet broken and
+smashed, and me defeated and weary, so that I can no longer
+defend myself, but must beg and sue for mercy against my will;
+then you may lament, but now you have begun too soon.  Gentle
+lady, as yet you know not what this is to be; no more do I.  You
+are troubled without cause.  But know this truly: if there were
+in me only so much courage as your love inspires, truly I should
+not fear to face any man alive.  But I am foolish to vaunt
+myself; yet I say it not from any pride, but because I wish to
+comfort you.  So comfort yourself, and let it be!  I cannot
+longer tarry here, nor can you go along with me; for, as the King
+has ordered, I must not take you beyond this point."  Then he
+kisses her and commends her to God, and she him.  But she is much
+chagrined that she cannot follow and escort him, until she may
+learn and see what this adventure is to be, and how he will
+conduct himself.  But since she must stay behind and cannot
+follow him, she remains sorrowful and grieving.  And he went off
+alone down a path, without companion of any sort, until he came
+to a silver couch with a cover of gold-embroidered cloth, beneath
+the shade of a sycamore; and on the bed a maiden of comely body
+and lovely face, completely endowed with all beauty, was seated
+all alone.  I intended to say no more of her; but whoever could
+consider well all her attire and her beauty might well say that
+never did Lavinia of Laurentum, who was so fair and comely,
+possess the quarter of her beauty.  Erec draws near to her,
+wishing to see her more closely, and the onlookers go and sit
+down under the trees in the orchard.  Then behold, there comes a
+knight armed with vermilion arms, and he was wondrous tall; and
+if he were not so immeasurably tall, under the heavens there
+would be none fairer than he; but, as every one averred, he was a
+foot taller than any knight he knew.  Before Erec caught sight of
+him, he cried out: "Vassal, vassal!  You are mad, upon my life,
+thus to approach my damsel.  I should say you are not worthy to
+draw near her.  You will pay dearly for your presumption, by my
+head!  Stand back!"  And Erec stops and looks at him, and the
+other, too, stood still.  Neither made advance until Erec had
+replied all that he wished to say to him.  "Friend," he says,
+"one can speak folly as well as good sense.  Threaten as much as
+you please, and I will keep silence; for in threatening there is
+no sense.  Do you know why?  A man sometimes thinks he has won
+the game who afterward loses it.  So he is manifestly a fool who
+is too presumptuous and who threatens too much.  If there are
+some who flee there are plenty who chase, but I do not fear you
+so much that I am going to run away yet.  I am ready to make such
+defence, if there is any who wishes to offer me battle, that he
+will have to do his uttermost, or otherwise he cannot escape."
+"Nay," quoth he, "so help me God!  know that you shall have the
+battle, for I defy and challenge you."  And you may know, upon my
+word, that then the reins were not held in.  The lances they had
+were not light, but were big and square; nor were they planed
+smooth, but were rough and strong.  Upon the shields with mighty
+strength they smote each other with their sharp weapons, so that
+a fathom of each lance passes through the gleaming shields.  But
+neither touches the other's flesh, nor was either lance cracked;
+each one, as quickly as he could, draws back his lance, and both
+rushing together, return to the fray.  One against the other
+rides, and so fiercely they smite each other that both lances
+break and the horses fall beneath them.  But they, being seated
+on their steeds, sustain no harm; so they quickly rise, for they
+were strong and lithe.  They stand on foot in the middle of the
+garden, and straightway attack each other with their green swords
+of German steel, and deal great wicked blows upon their bright
+and gleaming helmets, so that they hew them into bits, and their
+eyes shoot out flame.  No greater efforts can be made than those
+they make in striving and toiling to injure and wound each other.
+Both fiercely smite with the gilded pommel and the cutting edge.
+Such havoc did they inflict upon each other's teeth, cheeks,
+nose, hands, arms, and the rest, upon temples, neck, and throat
+that their bones all ache.  They are very sore and very tired;
+yet they do not desist, but rather only strive the more.  Sweat,
+and the blood which flows down with it, dim their eves, so that
+they can hardly see a thing; and very often they missed their
+blows, like men who did not see to wield their swords upon each
+other.  They can scarcely harm each other now; yet, they do not
+desist at all from exercising all their strength.  Because their
+eyes are so blinded that they completely lose their sight, they
+let their shields fall to the ground, and seize each other
+angrily.  Each pulls and drags the other, so that they fall upon
+their knees.  Thus, long they fight until the hour of noon is
+past, and the big knight is so exhausted that his breath quite
+fails him.  Erec has him at his mercy, and pulls and drags so
+that he breaks all the lacing of his helmet, and forces him over
+at his feet.  He falls over upon his face against Erec's breast,
+and has not strength to rise again.  Though it distresses him, he
+has to say and own: "I cannot deny it, you have beaten me; but
+much it goes against my will.  And yet you may be of such degree
+and fame that only credit will redound to me; and insistently I
+would request, if it may be in any way, that I might know your
+name, and he thereby somewhat comforted.  If a better man has
+defeated me, I shall be glad, I promise you; but if it has so
+fallen out that a baser man than I has worsted me, then I must
+feel great grief indeed."  "Friend, dost thou wish to know my
+name?" says Erec; "Well, I shall tell thee ere I leave here; but
+it will be upon condition that thou tell me now why thou art in
+this garden.  Concerning that I will know all what is thy name
+and what the Joy; for I am very anxious to hear the truth from
+beginning to end of it."  "Sire," says he, "fearlessly I will
+tell you all you wish to know."  Erec no more withholds his name,
+but says: "Didst thou ever hear of King Lac and of his son Erec?"
+"Yea, sire, I knew him well; for I was at his father's court for
+many a day before I was knighted, and, if he had had his will, I
+should never have left him for anything."  "Then thou oughtest to
+know me well, if thou weft ever with me at the court of my
+father, the King."  "Then, upon my faith, it has turned out well.
+Now hear who has detained me so long in this garden.  I will tell
+the truth in accordance with your injunction, whatever it may
+cost me.  That damsel who yonder sits, loved me from childhood
+and I loved her.  It pleased us both, and our love grew and
+increased, until she asked a boon of me, but did not tell me what
+it was.  Who would deny his mistress aught?  There is no lover
+but would surely do all his sweet-heart's pleasure without
+default or guile, whenever he can in any way.  I agreed to her
+desire; but when I had agreed, she would have it, too, that I
+should swear.  I would have done more than that for her, but she
+took me at my word.  I made her a promise, without knowing what.
+Time passed until I was made a knight.  King Evrain, whose nephew
+I am, dubbed me a knight in the presence of many honourable men
+in this very garden where we are.  My lady, who is sitting there,
+at once recalled to me my word, and said that I had promised her
+that I would never go forth from here until there should come
+some knight who should conquer me by trial of arms.  It was right
+that I should remain, for rather than break my word, I should
+never have pledged it.  Since I knew the good there was in her, I
+could nor reveal or show to the one whom I hold most dear that in
+all this I was displeased; for if she had noticed it, she would
+have withdrawn her heart, and I would not have had it so for
+anything that might happen.  Thus my lady thought to detain me
+here for a long stay; she did not think that there would ever
+enter this garden any vassal who could conquer me.  In this way
+she intended to keep me absolutely shut up with her all the days
+of my life.  And I should have committed an offence if I had had
+resort to guile and not defeated all those against whom I could
+prevail; such escape would have been a shame.  And I dare to
+assure you that I have no friend so dear that I would have
+feigned at all in fighting with him.  Never did I weary of arms,
+nor did I ever refuse to fight.  You have surely seen the helmets
+of those whom I have defeated and put to death; but the guilt of
+it is not mine, when one considers it aright.  I could not help
+myself, unless I were willing to be false and recreant and
+disloyal.  Now I have told you the truth, and be assured that it
+is no small honour which you have gained.  You have given great
+joy to the court of my uncle and my friends; for now I shall be
+released from here; and because all those who are at the court
+will have joy of it, therefore those who awaited the joy called
+it `Joy of the Court'.  They have awaited it so long that now it
+will be granted them by you who have won it by your fight.  You
+have defeated and bewitched my prowess and my chivalry.  Now it
+is right that I tell you my name, if you would know it.  I am
+called Mabonagrain; but I am not remembered by that name in any
+land where I have been, save only in this region; for never, when
+I was a squire, did I tell or make known my name.  Sire, you knew
+the truth concerning all that you asked me.  But I must still
+tell you that there is in this garden a horn which I doubt not
+you have seen.  I cannot issue forth from here until you have
+blown the horn; but then you will have released me, and then the
+Joy will begin.  Whoever shall hear and give it heed no hindrance
+will detain him, when he shall hear the sound of the horn, from
+coming straight-way to the court.  Rise up, sire!  Go quickly
+now!  Go take the horn right joyfully; for you have no further
+cause to wait; so do that which you must do."  Now Erec rose, and
+the other rises with him, and both approach the horn.  Erec takes
+it and blows it, putting into it all his strength, so that the
+sound of it reaches far.  Greatly did Enide rejoice when she
+heard the note, and Guivret was greatly delighted too.  The King
+is glad, and so are his people; there is not one who is not well
+suited and pleased at this.  No one ceases or leaves off from
+making merry and from song.  Erec could boast that day, for never
+was such rejoicing made; it could not be described or related by
+mouth of man, but I will tell you the sum of it briefly and with
+few words.  The news spreads through the country that thus the
+affair has turned out.  Then there was no holding back from
+coming to the court.  All the people hasten thither in confusion,
+some on foot and some on horse, without waiting for each other.
+And those who were in the garden hastened to remove Erec's arms,
+and in emulation they all sang a song about the Joy; and the
+ladies made up a lay which they called `the Lay of Joy', (42) but
+the lay is not well known.  Erec was well sated with joy and well
+served to his heart's desire; but she who sat on the silver couch
+was not a bit pleased.  The joy which she saw was not at all to
+her taste.  But many people have to keep still and look on at
+what gives them pain.  Enide acted graciously; because she saw
+her sitting pensive, alone on the couch, she felt moved to go and
+speak with her and tell her about her affairs and about herself,
+and to strive, if possible, to make her tell in return about
+herself, if it did not cause her too great distress.  Enide
+thought to go alone, wishing to take no one with her, but some of
+the most noble and fairest dames and damsels followed her out of
+affection to bear her company, and also to comfort her to whom
+the joy brings great chagrin; for she assumed that now her lover
+would be no longer with her so much as he had been, inasmuch as
+he desired to leave the garden.  However disappointing it may be,
+no one can prevent his going away, for the hour and the time have
+come.  Therefore the tears ran down her face from her eyes.  Much
+more than I can say was she grieving and distressed; nevertheless
+she sat up straight.  But she does not care so much for any of
+those who try to comfort her that she ceases her moan.  Enide
+salutes her kindly; but for a while the other could not reply a
+word, being prevented by the sighs and sobs which torment and
+distress her.  Some time it was before the damsel returned her
+salutation, and when she had looked at her and examined her for a
+while, it seemed that she had seen and known her before.  But not
+being very certain of it, she was not slow to inquire from whence
+she was, of what country, and where her lord was born; she
+inquires who they both are.  Enide replies briefly and tells her
+the truth, saying: "I am the niece of the Count who holds sway
+over Lalut, the daughter of his own sister; at Lalut I was born
+and brought up."  The other cannot help smiling, without hearing
+more, for she is so delighted that she forgets her sorrow.  Her
+heart leaps with joy which she cannot conceal.  She runs and
+embraces Enide, saying: "I am your cousin!  This is the very
+truth, and you are my father's niece; for he and your father are
+brothers.  But I suspect that you do not know and have never
+heard how I came into this country.  The Count, your uncle, was
+at war, and to him there came to fight for pay knights of many
+lands.  Thus, fair cousin, it came about, that with these
+hireling knights there came one who was the nephew of the king of
+Brandigan.  He was with my father almost a year.  That was, I
+think, twelve years ago, and I was still but a little child.  He
+was very handsome and attractive.  There we had an understanding
+between us that pleased us both.  I never had any wish but his,
+until at last he began to love me and promised and swore to me
+that he would always be my lover, and that he would bring me
+here; that pleased us both alike.  He could not wait, and I was
+longing to come hither with him; so we both came away, and no one
+knew of it but ourselves.  In those days you and I were both
+young and little girls.  I have told you the truth; so now tell
+me in turn, as I have told you, all about your lover, and by what
+adventure he won you."  "Fair cousin, he married me in such a way
+that my father knew all about it, and my mother was greatly
+pleased.  All our relatives knew it and rejoiced over it, as they
+should do.  Even the Count was glad.  For he is so good a knight
+that better cannot be found, and he does not need to prove his
+honour and knighthood, and he is of very gentle birth: I do not
+think that any can be his equal.  He loves me much, and I love
+him more, and our love cannot be greater.  Never yet could I
+withhold my love from him, nor should I do so.  For is not my
+lord the son of a king?  For did he not take me when I was poor
+and naked?  Through him has such honour come to me that never was
+any such vouchsafed to a poor helpless girl.  And if it please
+you, I will tell you without lying how I came to be thus raised
+up; for never will I be slow to tell the story."  Then she told
+and related to her how Erec came to Lalut; for she had no desire
+to conceal it.  She told her the adventure word for word, without
+omission.  But I pass over it now, because he who tells a story
+twice makes his tale now tiresome.  While they were thus
+conversing, one lady slipped away alone, who sent and told it all
+to the gentlemen, in order to increase and heighten their
+pleasure too.  All those who heard it rejoiced at this news.  And
+when Mabonagrain knew it he was delighted for his sweetheart
+because now she was comforted.  And she who bore them quickly the
+news made them all happy in a short space.  Even the King was
+glad for it; although he was very happy before, yet now he is
+still happier, and shows Erec great honour.  Enide leads away her
+fair cousin, fairer than Helen, more graceful and charming.  Now
+Erec and Mabonagrain, Guivret and King Evrain, and all the others
+run to meet them and salute them and do them honour, for no one
+is grudging or holds back.  Mabonagrain makes much of Enide, and
+she of him.  Erec and Guivret, for their part, rejoice over the
+damsel as they all kiss and embrace each other.  They propose to
+return to the castle, for they have stayed too long in the
+garden.  They are all prepared to go out; so they sally forth
+joyfully, kissing each other on the way.  All go out after the
+King, but before they reached the castle, the nobles were
+assembled from all the country around, and all those who knew of
+the Joy, and who could do so, came hither.  Great was the
+gathering and the press.  Every one, high and low, rich and poor,
+strives to see Erec.  Each thrusts himself before the other, and
+they all salute him and bow before him, saying constantly: "May
+God save him through whom joy and gladness come to our court! 
+God save the most blessed man whom God has ever brought into
+being!"  Thus they bring him to the court, and strive to show
+their glee as their hearts dictate.  Breton zithers, harps, and
+viols sound, fiddles, psalteries, and other stringed instruments,
+and all kinds of music that one could name or mention.  But I
+wish to conclude the matter briefly without too long delay.  The
+King honours him to the extent of his power, as do all the others
+ungrudgingly.  There is no one who does not gladly offer to do
+his service.  Three whole days the Joy lasted, before Erec could
+get away.  On the fourth he would no longer tarry for any reason
+they could urge.  There was a great crowd to accompany him and a
+very great press when it came to taking leave.  If he had wished
+to reply to each one, he would not have been able in half a day
+to return the salutations individually.  The nobles he salutes
+and embraces; the others he commends to God in a word, and
+salutes them.  Enide, for her part, is not silent when she takes
+leave of the nobles.  She salutes them all by name, and they in
+turn do the like.  Before she goes, she kisses her cousin very
+tenderly and embraces her.  Then they go and the Joy is over.
+
+(Vv. 6411-6509.)  They go off and the others return.  Erec and
+Guivret do not tarry, but keep joyfully on their way, until they
+came in nine days to Robais, where they were told the King was.
+The day before he had been bled privately in his apartments; with
+him he had only five hundred nobles of his household.  Never
+before at any time was the King found so alone, and he was much
+distressed that he had no more numerous suite at his court.  At
+that time a messenger comes running, whom they had sent ahead to
+apprise the King of their approach.  This man came in before the
+assembly, found the King and all his people, and saluting him
+correctly, said: "I am a messenger of Erec and of Guivret the
+Little."  Then he told him how they were coming to see him at his
+court.  The King replies: "Let them be welcome, as valiant and
+gallant gentlemen!  Nowhere do I know of any better than they
+two.  By their presence my court will be much enhanced."  Then he
+sent for the Queen and told her the news.  The others have their
+horses saddled to go and meet the gentlemen.  In such haste are
+they to mount that they did not put on their spurs.  I ought to
+state briefly that the crowd of common people, including squires,
+cooks, and butlers, had already entered the town to prepare for
+the lodgings.  The main party came after, and had already drawn
+so near that they had entered the town.  Now the two parties have
+met each other, and salute and kiss each other.  They come to the
+lodgings and make themselves comfortable, removing their hose and
+making their toilet by donning their rich robes.  When they were
+completely decked out, they took their way to the court.  They
+come to court, where the King sees them, and the Queen, who is
+beside herself with impatience to see Erec and Enide.  The King
+makes them take seats beside him, kisses Erec and Guivret; about
+Enide's neck he throws his arms and kisses her repeatedly, in his
+great joy.  Nor is the Queen slow in embracing Erec and Enide.
+One might well rejoice to see her now so full of joy.  Every one
+enters with spirit into the merry-making.  Then the King causes
+silence to be made, and appeals to Erec and asks news of his
+adventures.  When the noise had ceased, Erec began his story,
+telling him of his adventures, without forgetting any detail.  Do
+you think now that I shall tell you what motive he had had in
+starting out?  Nay, for you know the whole truth about this and
+the rest, as I have revealed it to you.  To tell the story again
+would burden me; for the tale is not short, that any one should
+wish to begin it afresh and re-embelish it, as he told and
+related it: of the three knights whom he defeated, and then of
+the five, and then of the Count who strove to do him harm, and
+then of the two giants--all in order, one after the other, he
+told him of his adventures up to the point where he met Count
+Oringle of Limors.  "Many a danger have you gone through, fair
+gentle friend," said the King to him; "now tarry in this country
+at my court, as you are wont to do."  "Sire, since you wish it, I
+shall remain very gladly three or four years entire.  But ask
+Guivret to remain here too a request in which I would fain join."
+The King prays him to remain, and he consents to stay.  So they
+both stay: the King kept them with him, and held them dear and
+honoured them.
+
+(Vv. 6510-6712.)  Erec stayed at court, together with Guivret and
+Enide, until the death of his father, the king, who was an old
+man and full of years.  The messengers then started out: the
+nobles who went to seek him, and who were the greatest men of the
+land, sought and searched for him until they found him at
+Tintagel three weeks before Christmas; they told him the truth
+what had happened to his old, white-haired father, and how he now
+was dead and gone.  This grieved Erec much more than he showed
+before the people.  But sorrow is not seemly in a king, nor does
+it become a king to mourn.  There at Tintagel where he was, he
+caused vigils for the dead and Masses to be sung; he promised and
+kept his promises, as he had vowed to the religious houses and
+churches; he did well all that he ought to do: he chose out more
+than one hundred and sixty-nine of the wretched poor, and clothed
+them all in new garments.  To the poor clerks and priors he gave,
+as was right, black copes and warm linings to wear beneath.  For
+God's sake he did great good to all: to those who were in need he
+distributed more than a barrel of small coins.  When he had
+shared his wealth, he then did a very wise thing in receiving his
+land from the King's hand; and then he begged the King to crown
+him at his court.  The King bade him quickly be prepared; for
+they shall both be crowned, he together with his wife, at the
+approaching Christmastide; and he added: "You must go hence to
+Nantes in Brittany; there you shall carry a royal ensign with
+crown on head and sceptre in hand; this gift and privilege I
+bestow upon you."  Erec thanked the King, and said that that was
+a noble gift.  At Christmas the King assembles all his nobles,
+summoning them individually and commanding them to come to
+Nantes.  He summoned them all, and none stayed behind.  Erec,
+too, sent word to many of his followers, and summoned them to
+come thither; but more came than he had bidden, to serve him and
+do him honour.  I cannot tell you or relate who each one was, and
+what his name; but whoever came or did not come, the father and
+mother of my lady Enide were not forgotten.  Her father was sent
+for first of all, and he came to court in handsome style, like a
+great lord and a chatelain.  There was no great crowd of
+chaplains or of silly, gaping yokels, but of excellent knights
+and of people well equipped.  Each day they made a long day's
+journey, and rode on each day with great joy and great display,
+until on Christmas eve they came to the city of Nantes.  They
+made no halt until they entered the great hall where the King and
+his courtiers were.  Erec and Enide see them, and you may know
+how glad they were.  To meet them they quickly make their way,
+and salute and embrace them, speaking to them tenderly and
+showing their delight as they should.  When they had rejoiced
+together, taking each other by the hand, they all four came
+before the King, saluting him and likewise the Queen, who was
+sitting by his side.  Taking his host by the hand, Erec said:
+"Sire, behold my good host, my kind friend, who did me such
+honour that he made me master in his own house.  Before he knew
+anything about me, he lodged me well and handsomely.  All that he
+had he made over to me, and even his daughter he bestowed upon
+me, without the advice or counsel of any one."  "And this lady
+with him," the King inquires, "who is she?"  Erec does not
+conceal the truth: "Sire," says he, "of this lady I may say that
+she is the mother of my wife."  "Is she her mother?"  "Yes,
+truly, sire."  "Certainly, I may then well say that fair and
+comely should be the flower born of so fair a stem, and better
+the fruit one picks; for sweet is the smell of what springs from
+good.  Fair is Enide and fair she should be in all reason and by
+right; for her mother is a very handsome lady, and her father is
+a goodly knight.  Nor does she in aught belie them; for she
+descends and inherits directly from them both in many respects."
+Then the King ceases and sits down, bidding them be seated too.
+They do not disobey his command, but straightway take seats.  Now
+is Enide filled with joy when she sees her father and mother, for
+a very long time had passed since she had seen them.  Her
+happiness now is greatly increased, for she was delighted and
+happy, and she showed it all she could, but she could not make
+such demonstration but that her joy was yet greater.  But I wish
+to say no more of that, for my heart draws me toward the court
+which was now assembled in force.  From many a different country
+there were counts and dukes and kings, Normans, Bretons. Scotch,
+and Irish: from England and Cornwall there was a very rich
+gathering of nobles; for from Wales to Anjou, in Maine and in
+Poitou, there was no knight of importance, nor lady of quality,
+but the best and the most elegant were at the court at Nantes, as
+the King had bidden them.  Now hear, if you will, the great joy
+and grandeur, the display and the wealth, that was exhibited at
+the court.  Before the hour of nones had sounded, King Arthur
+dubbed four hundred knights or more all sons of counts and of
+kings.  To each one he gave three horses and two pairs of suits,
+in order that his court may make a better showing.  Puissant and
+lavish was the King; for the mantles he bestowed were not of
+serge, nor of rabbit-skins, nor of cheap brown fur, but of heavy
+silk and ermine, of spotted fur and flowered silks, bordered with
+heavy and stiff gold braid.  Alexander, who conquered so much
+that he subdued the whole world, and who was so lavish and rich,
+compared with him was poor and mean.  Caesar, the Emperor of
+Rome, and all the kings whose names you hear in stories and in
+epic songs, did not distribute at any feast so much as Arthur
+gave on the day that he crowned Erec; nor would Caesar and
+Alexander dare to spend so much as he spent at the court.  The
+raiment was taken from the chests and spread about freely through
+the halls; one could take what he would, without restraint.  In
+the midst of the court, upon a rug, stood thirty bushels of
+bright sterlings; (43) for since the time of Merlin until that
+day sterlings had currency throughout Britain. There all helped
+themselves, each one carrying away that night all that he wanted
+to his lodging-place.  At nine o'clock on Christmas day, all came
+together again at court.  The great joy that is drawing near for
+him had completely filched Erec's heart away.  The tongue and the
+mouth of no man, however skilful, could describe the third, or
+the fourth, or the fifth part of the display which marked his
+coronation.  So it is a mad enterprise I undertake in wishing to
+attempt to describe it.  But since I must make the effort, come
+what may, I shall not fail to relate a part of it, as best I may.
+
+(Vv. 6713-6809.)  The King had two thrones of white ivory, well
+constructed and new, of one pattern and style.  He who made them
+beyond a doubt was a very skilled and cunning craftsman.  For so
+precisely did he make the two alike in height, in breadth, and in
+ornamentation, that you could nor look at them from every side to
+distinguish one from the other and find in one aught that was not
+in the other.  There was no part of wood, but all of gold and
+fine ivory.  Well were they carved with great skill, for the two
+corresponding sides of each bore the representation of a leopard,
+and the other two a dragon's shape.  A knight named Bruiant of
+the Isles had made a gift and present of them to King Arthur and
+the Queen.  King Arthur sat upon the one, and upon the other he
+made Erec sit, who was robed in watered silk.  As we read in the
+story, we find the description of the robe, and in order that no
+one may say that I lie, I quote as my authority Macrobius, (44)
+who devoted himself to the description of it.  Macrobius
+instructs me how to describe, according as I have found it in the
+book, the workmanship and the figures of the cloth.  Four fairies
+had made it with great skill and mastery. (45)  One represented
+there geometry, how it estimates and measures the extent of the
+heavens and the earth, so that nothing is lacking there; and then
+the depth and the height, and the width, and the length; then it
+estimates, besides, how broad and deep the sea is, and thus
+measures the whole world.  Such was the work of the first fairy. 
+And the second devoted her effort to the portrayal of arithmetic,
+and she strove hard to represent clearly how it wisely enumerates
+the days and the hours of time, and the water of the sea drop by
+drop, and then all the sand, and the stars one by one, knowing
+well how to tell the truth, and how many leaves there are in the
+woods: such is the skill of arithmetic that numbers have never
+deceived her, nor will she ever be in error when she wishes to
+apply her sense to them.  The third design was that of music,
+with which all merriment finds itself in accord, songs and
+harmonies, and sounds of string: of harp, of Breton violin, and
+of viol.  This piece of work was good and fine; for upon it were
+portrayed all the instruments and all the pastimes.  The fourth,
+who next performed her task, executed a most excellent work; for
+the best of the arts she there portrayed.  She undertook
+astronomy, which accomplishes so many marvels and draws
+inspiration from the stars, the moon, and the sun.  Nowhere else
+does it seek counsel concerning aught which it has to do.  They
+give it good and sure advice.  Concerning whatever inquiry it
+make of them, whether in the past or in the future, they give it
+information without falsehood and without deception.  This work
+was portrayed on the stuff of which Erec's robe was made, all
+worked and woven with thread of gold.  The fur lining that was
+sewed within, belonged to some strange beasts whose heads are all
+white, and whose necks are as black as mulberries, and which have
+red backs and green bellies, and dark blue tail.  These beasts
+live in India and they are called "barbiolets".  They eat nothing
+but spices, cinnamon, and fresh cloves.  What shall I tell you of
+the mantle?  It was very rich and fine and handsome; it had four
+stones in the tassels--two chrysolites on one side, and two
+amethysts on the other, which were mounted in gold.
+
+(Vv. 6810-6946.)  As yet Enide had not come to the palace.  When
+the King sees that she delays, he bids Gawain go quickly to bring
+her and the Queen.  Gawain hastens and was not slow, and with him
+King Cadoalant and the generous King of Galloway.  Guivret the
+Little accompanies them, followed by Yder the son of Nut.  So
+many of the other nobles ran thither to escort the two ladies
+that they would have sufficed to overcome a host; for there were
+more than a thousand of them.  The Queen had made her best effort
+to adorn Enide.  Into the palace they brought her the courteous
+Gawain escorting her on one side, and on the other the generous
+King of Galloway, who loved her dearly on account of Erec who was
+his nephew.  When they came to the palace, King Arthur came
+quickly toward them, and courteously seated Enide beside Erec;
+for he wished to do her great honour.  Now he orders to be
+brought forth from his treasure two massive crowns of fine gold.
+As soon as he had spoken and given the command, without delay the
+crowns were brought before him, all sparkling with carbuncles, of
+which there were four in each.  The light of the moon is nothing
+compared with the light which the least of the carbuncles could
+shed.  Because of the radiance which they shed, all those who
+were in the palace were so dazzled that for a moment they could
+see nothing; and even the King was amazed, and yet filled with
+satisfaction, when he saw them to be so clear and bright.  He had
+one of them held by two damsels, and the other by two gentlemen.
+Then he bade the bishops and priors and the abbots of the Church
+step forward and anoint the new King, as the Christian practice
+is.  Now all the prelates, young and old, came forward; for at
+the court there were a great number of bishops and abbots.  The
+Bishop of Nantes himself, who was a very worthy and saintly man,
+anointed the new King in a very holy and becoming manner, and
+placed the crown upon his head.  King Arthur had a sceptre
+brought which was very fine.  Listen to the description of the
+sceptre, which was clearer than a pane of glass, all of one solid
+emerald, fully as large as your fist.  I dare to tell you in very
+truth that in all the world there is no manner of fish, or of
+wild behest, or of man, or of flying bird that was not worked and
+chiselled upon it with its proper figure.  The sceptre was handed
+to the King, who looked at it with amazement; then he put it
+without delay into King Erec's right hand; and now he was King as
+he ought to be.  Then he crowned Enide in turn.  Now the bells
+ring for Mass, and they go to the main church to hear the Mass
+and service; they go to pray at the cathedral.  You would have
+seen weeping with joy the father of Queen Enide and her mother,
+Carsenefide.  In truth this was her mother's name, and her
+father's name was Liconal.  Very happy were they both.  When they
+came to the cathedral, the procession came out from the church
+with relics and treasures to meet them.  Crosses and prayerbooks
+and censers and reliquaries, with all the holy relics, of which
+there were many in the church, were all brought out to meet them;
+nor was there any lack of chants made.  Never were seen so many
+kings, counts, dukes, and nobles together at a Mass, and the
+press was so great and thick that the church was completely
+filled.  No low-born man could enter there, but only ladies and
+knights.  Outside the door of the church a great number still
+remained, so many were there come together who could not get
+inside the church.  When they had heard all the Mass they
+returned to the palace.  It was all prepared and decorated:
+tables set and cloths spread five hundred tables and more were
+there; but I do not wish to make you believe a thing which does
+not seem true.  It would seem too great a lie were I to say that
+five hundred tables were set in rows in one palace, so I will not
+say it; rather were there five hails so filled with them that
+with great difficulty could one make his way among the tables. 
+At each table there was in truth a king or a duke or a count; and
+full a hundred knights were seated at each table.  A thousand
+knights served the bread, and a thousand served the wine, and a
+thousand the meat--all of them dressed in fresh fur robes of
+ermine.  All are served with divers dishes.  Even if I did not
+see them, I might still be able to tell you about them; but I
+must attend to something else than to tell you what they had to
+eat.  They had enough, without wanting more; joyfully and
+liberally they were served to their heart's desire.
+
+(Vv. 6947-6958.)  When this celebration was concluded, the King
+dismissed the assemblage of kings, dukes, and counts, of which
+the number was immense, and of the other humble folk who had come
+to the festival.  He rewarded them liberally with horses, arms
+and silver, cloths and brocades of many kinds, because of his
+generosity, and because of Erec whom he loved so much.  Here the
+story ends at last.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+NOTE: Endnotes supplied by Prof. Foerster are indicated by
+"(F.)"; all other endnotes are supplied by W.W. Comfort.
+
+(1)  A Welsh version, "Geraint the Son of Erbin", included in
+     Lady Charlotte Guest's translation of "The Mabinogion"
+     (London, 1838-49; a modern edition will be found in Everyman
+     Library, London, 1906), tells the same story as "Erec et
+     Enide" with some variations.  This Welsh version has also
+     been translated into modern French by J. Loth ("Les
+     Mabinogion", Paris, 1889), where it may be consulted with
+     the greatest confidence.  The relation of the Welsh prose to
+     the French poem is a moot point.  Cf. E. Philipot in
+     "Romania", XXV. 258-294, and earlier, K. Othmer, "Ueber das
+     Verhaltnis Chrestiens Erec und Enide zu dem Mabinogion des
+     rothen Buch von Hergest" (Koln, 1889); G. Paris in
+     "Romania", XIX. 157, and id. XX. 148-166.
+(2)  We frequently read in the romances of a hunt at Easter (F.). 
+     As here, so in "Fergus" (ed. Martin, Halle, 1872), p. 2 f.,
+     the knights hunt a white stag, which Perceval finally slays,
+     but there is no mention of the ceremony of the bestowal of a
+     kiss.
+(3)  Chretien nowhere gives any description of the nature of the
+     Round Table.  With him, it is an institution.  Layamon in
+     "Brut" and Wace in "Le Roman de Brut" are more specific in
+     their accounts of this remarkable piece of furniture.  From
+     their descriptions, and from other sources in Welsh and
+     Irish literature, it is reasonable to suppose that the Round
+     Table had a place in primitive Celtic folk-lore.  Cf. L.F.
+     Mott, "The Round Table" in "Pub. of the Modern Language
+     Association of America", XX. 231-264; A.C.L. Brown, "The
+     Round Table before Wace" in "Harvard Studies and Notes in
+     Philology and Literature", vii. 183-205 (Boston, 1900); Miss
+     J.L Weston, "A Hitherto Unconsidered Aspect of the Round
+     Table" in "Melanges de philologie romane offerts a M.
+     Wilmotte", ii. 883-894, 2 vols. (Paris, 1910).
+(4)  There exists a romance devoted to Yder, of which G. Paris
+     printed a resume in "Hist. Litt. de la France", XXX., and
+     which has been recently edited by Heinrich Gelzer: "Der
+     altfranzosische Yderroman" (Dresden, 1913).  There are
+     apparently three different knight of this name in the old
+     French romances (F.).
+(5)  The word "chastel" (from "castellum") is usually to be
+     translated as "town" or strong place within fortifications. 
+     Only where it plainly refers to a detached building will the
+     word "castle" be used.
+(6)  A "tercel" is a species of falcon, of which the male bird is
+     one-third smaller than the female.
+(7)  A "vavasor" (from "vassus vassallorum") was a low order of
+     vassal, but a freeman.  The vavasors are spoken of with
+     respect in the old French romances, as being of honourable
+     character, though not of high birth.
+(8)  The numerous references to the story of King Mark, Tristan,
+     and Iseut in the extant poems of Chretien support his own
+     statement, made at the outset of "Cliges", that he himself
+     composed a poem on the nephew and wife of the King of
+     Cornwall.  We have fragments of poems on Tristan by the
+     Anglo-Norman poets Beroul and Thomas, who were
+     contemporaries of Chretien.  Foerster's hypothesis that the
+     lost "Tristan" of Chretien antedated "Erec" is doubtless
+     correct.  That the poet later treated of the love of Cliges
+     and Fenice as a sort of literary atonement for the
+     inevitable moral laxity of Tristan and Iseut has been held
+     by some, and the theory is acceptable in view of the
+     references to be met later in "Cliges".  For the contrary
+     opinion of Gaston Paris see "Journal des Savants" (1902), p.
+     297 f.
+(9)  In the Mabinogi "Geraint the Son of Erbin", the host
+     explains that he had wrongfully deprived his nephew of his
+     possessions, and that in revenge the nephew had later taken
+     all his uncle's property, including an earldom and this
+     town.  See Guest, "The Mabinogion".
+(10) The hauberk was a long shirt of mail reaching to the knees,
+     worn by knights in combat.  The helmet, and the "coiffe"
+     beneath it, protected the head; the "ventail" of linked
+     meshes was worn across the lower part of the face, and was
+     attached on each side of the neck to the "coiffe", so that
+     it protected the throat; the greaves covered the legs.  The
+     body of the knight was thus well protected against blow of
+     sword or lance.  Cf. Vv.711 f.
+(11) This passage seems to imply that charms and enchantments
+     were sometimes used when a knight was armed (F.).
+(12) The "loges", so often mentioned in old French romances, were
+     either window-balconies or architectural points of vantage
+     commanding some pleasing prospect.  The conventional
+     translation in the old English romances is "bower".
+(13) Tristan killed Morholt, the uncle of Iseut, when he came to
+     claim tribute form King Mark (cf. Bedier, "Le Roman de
+     Tristan", etc., i. 85 f., 2 vols., Paris, 1902).  The combat
+     took place on an island, unnamed in the original text (id.
+     i. 84), but later identified with St. Samson's Isle, one of
+     the Scilly Isles.
+(14) The same act of feeding a hunting-bird with a plover's wing
+     is mentioned in "Le Roman de Thebes", 3857-58 (ed. "Anciens
+     Textes").
+(15) For such figurative expressions used to complement the
+     negative, cf. Gustav Dreyling, "Die Ausdruckweise der
+     ubertriebenen Verkleinerung im altfranzosischen Karlsepos",
+     in Stengel's "Ausgaben und Abhandlungen", No. 82 (Marsburg,
+     1888); W.W. Comfort in "Modern Language Notes" (Baltimore,
+     February 1908).
+(16) Chretien in his later romances will avoid compiling such a
+     prosaic blue-book as is found in this passage, though
+     similar lists of knights occur in the old English romances
+     as late as Malory, though of some of them but little is
+     known.  Unfortunately, we have for the old French romances
+     no such complete work as that furnished for the epic poems
+     by E. Langois, "Table des noms propres de toute nature
+     compris dans les chansons de geste" (Paris, 1904).
+(17) The only mention by Chretien of this son of Arthur, whose
+     role is absolutely insignificant in the Arthurian romances.
+(18) What was this drinking-cup, and who sent it to Arthur?  We
+     have "Le Lai du cor" (ed. Wulff, Lund, 1888), which tells
+     how a certain King Mangount of Moraine sent a magic
+     drinking-cup to Arthur.  No one could drink of this cup
+     without spilling the contents if he were a cuckold. 
+     Drinking from this cup was, then, one of the many current
+     tests of chastity.  Further light may be thrown on the
+     passage in our text by the English poem "The Cokwold's
+     Daunce" (in C.H. Hartshorne's "Ancient Metrical Ballads",
+     London, 1829), where Arthur is described as a cuckold
+     himself and as having always by him a horn (cup) which he
+     delights in trying on his knights as a test of their ladies'
+     chastity.  For bibliography see T.P. Cross, "Notes on the
+     Chastity-Testing Horns and Mantle" in "Modern Philology", x.
+     289-299.
+(19) A unique instance of such a division of the material in
+     Chretien's poems (F.).
+(20) Outre-Gales=Estre-Gales (v.3883)=Extra-Galliam.
+(21) Such fanciful descriptions of men and lands are common in
+     the French epic poems, where they are usually applied to the
+     Saracens (F.).  Cf. W.w. Comfort, "The Saracens in Christian
+     Poetry" in "The Dublin Review", July 1911; J. Malsch, "Die
+     Charakteristik der Volker im altfranzosischen nationalen
+     Epos" (Heidelberg, 1912).
+(22) With what seems to us mistaken taste, Chretien frequently
+     thus delays mentioning the name of his leading charecters. 
+     The father and mother of Enide remain anonymous until the
+     end of this poem.  The reader will remark other instances of
+     this peculiarity in "Yvain" and "Lancelot".
+(23) The maid Brangien was substituted for Iseut, the bride, upon
+     the first night after her marriage with Mark.  Similar
+     traditions are associated with the marriage of Arthur and
+     Guinevere, and of Pepin and Berte aus grans pies, the
+     parents of Charlemagne.  Adenet le Roi toward the end of the
+     13th century is the author of the most artistic treatments
+     of Berte's history (ed. A. Scheler, Bruxelles, 1874).  Cf.
+     W.W. Comfort, "Adenet le Roi: The End of a Literary Era" in
+     "The Quarterly Review", April 1913.
+(24) The reading "Sanson" (=Samson) is Foerster's most recent
+     (1904) suggestion to replace the word "lion" which stands in
+     all the MSS.  Solomon's name has always been syonymous with
+     wisdom, and Alexander's generosity was proverbial in the
+     Middle Ages.  For Alexander, cf. Paul Meyer, "Alexandre le
+     Grand dans la litterature francaise du moyen age", 2 vols.
+     (Paris, 1886), vol ii., pp. 372-376, and Paget Toynbee,
+     "Dante Studies and Researches" (London, 1902), p. 144.
+(25) Of Arthur's several nephews, Gawain is represented by
+     Chretien as peerless in respect of courage and courtesy.  In
+     the English romances his character steadily deteriorates.
+(26) This sentence contains the motive for all the action in the
+     sequel.  The same situation is threatened in "Yvain", but
+     there Gawain rescues the hero from the lethargy, ignoble in
+     the eyes of a feudal audience, into which he was falling. 
+     Cf. also "Marques de Rome" ("Lit. Verein in Stuttgart",
+     Tubingen, 1889), p. 36, where the Empress of Rome thus
+     incites her husband to the chase: "Toz jors cropez vos a
+     Postel; vos n'estes point chevalereus, si come vos deussiez
+     estre, si juenes hom come vos estes"; also J. Gower, "Le
+     Mirour de l'omme, 22, 813 ff.:
+          "Rois est des femmes trop decu,
+          Qant plus les ayme que son dieu,
+          Dont laist honour pour foldelit:
+          Cil Rois ne serra pas cremu,
+          Q'ensi voet laisser sou escu
+          Et querre le bataille ou lit."
+(27) This brusque command, implying so sudden a change in Erec's
+     attitude toward his wife, initiates a long series of tests
+     of Enide's devotion, which fill the rest of the romance. 
+     Why did Erec treat his wife with such severity?  In the
+     Mabinogi of "Geraint the Son of Erbin", it is plain that
+     jealousy was the hero's motive.  The reader of "Erec" may
+     judge whether, as we believe, the hero's sudden resolve is
+     not rather that of a man piqued at being justly reproved by
+     his wife for a delinquency he had not himself remarked;
+     irate at his wife's imputation, and fearful of having
+     forfeited her respect, he starts out to redeem his
+     reputation in her eyes, and to maker her retract any
+     insinuation she had made.  Erec is simply angry with
+     himself, but he expends his wrath upon his defenceless wife
+     until he is reassured of her love and respect for him.
+(28) The situation here is a common one.  Parallels will be found
+     in the "Voyage de Charlemagne", in the first tale of the
+     "Arabian Nights", in the poem "Biterolf and Dietlieb", and
+     in the English ballad of "King Arthur and King Cornwall". 
+     Professor Child, in his "English and Scotch Ballads",
+     indexes the ballads in his collection, which present this
+     motive, under the following caption: "King who regards
+     himself as the richest, most magnificent, etc., in the
+     world, is told that there is one who outstrips him, and
+     undertakes to see for himself whether this is so,
+     threatening death to the person who has affirmed his
+     inferiority in case this is disproved."
+(29) The presence of the Irish in this connection is explained by
+     G. Paris in "Romania", xx. 149.
+(30) Kay the Seneschal appears here for the first time in
+     Chretien's poems with the character which he regularly
+     ascribes to him.  Readers of Arthurian romance are all
+     familiar with Sir Kay; they will find that in Chretien, the
+     seneschal, in addition to his undeniable qualities of
+     bravery and frankness, has less pleasing traits; he is
+     foolhardy, tactless, mean, and a disparager of others'
+     merit.  He figures prominently in "Yvain" and "Lancelot". 
+     His poetic history has not yet been written.  His role in
+     the German romances has been touched upon by Dr. Friedrich
+     Sachse, "Ueber den Ritter Kei" (Berlin, 1860).
+(31) No meat was eaten because it was the eve of Sunday.
+(32) In the French epic poems and romances of adventure alike it
+     is customary for giants and all manner of rustic boors to
+     carry clubs, the arms of knighthood being appropriate for
+     such ignoble creatures.  Other instances of this convention
+     will be remarked in the text.
+(33) There follows and excellent example of an old French lament
+     for the dead.  Such a wail was known in old French as a
+     "regret", a word which has lost its specific meaning in
+     English.
+(34) Many examples will be met of women skilled in the practice
+     of medicine and surgery.  On the subject, cf. A. Hertel,
+     "Versauberte Oertlichkeiten und Gegenstande in der
+     altfranzosschen Dichtung" (Hanover, 1908); Georg Manheimer,
+     "Etwas liber die Aerzte im alten Frankreich" in "Romanische
+     Forschungen", vi. 581-614.
+(35) The reference here and in v.5891 is probably suggested by
+     the "Roman d'Eneas", which tells the same story as Virgil's
+     "Aeneid", in old French eight-syllable rhymed couplets, and
+     which is dated by the most recent scholarship 1160 circ. 
+     Cf. F.M. Warren in "Modern Philology", iii. 179-209; iii.
+     513-539; iv. 655-675.  Also M. Wilmotte, "L'Evolution du
+     roman francais aux environs de 1150" (Paris, 1903).  Scenes
+     from classical and medieval romance were for a long time
+     favourite subject of portrayal upon cloths and tapestries,
+     as well as of illuminations for manuscripts.
+(36) Various conjectures have been advanced concerning the
+     significance of this strange adventure and its mysterious
+     name "La Joie de la cour".  It is a quite extraneous
+     episode, and Tennyson in his artistic use of our hero and
+     heroine in the Idyl of "Geraint and Enid" did well to omit
+     it.  Chretien's explanation, a little farther on, of "La
+     Joie de la cour" is lame and unsatisfactory, as if he
+     himself did not understand the significance of the matter
+     upon which he was working.  Cf. E. Philipot in "Romania",
+     xxv. 258-294; K. Othmer, "Ueber das Verhaltnis Chrestiens
+     Erec und Enide zu dem Mabinogion des rothen Buch von
+     Hergest" (Bonn, 1889); G. Paris in "Romania", xx. 152 f.
+(37) The following description of Erec's reception is repeated
+     with variations at the time of Yvain's entrance in the
+     "Chastel de Pesme Avanture" ("Yvain", 5107 f.) (F.).
+(38) For such conventional mediaeval descriptions of other-world
+     castles, palaces, and landscapes, cf. O.M. Johnston in
+     "Ztsch fur romanische Philologie", xxxii. 705-710.
+(39) Tiebaut li Esclavon, frequently mentioned in the epic poems,
+     was a Saracen king, the first husband of Guibourne, who
+     later married the Christian hero Guillaume d'Orange.  Opinel
+     was also a Saracen, mentioned in "Gaufrey", p. 132, and the
+     hero of a lost epic poem (see G. Paris, "Historie poetique
+     de Charlemagne", p. 127).  Fernagu was another Saracen king,
+     killed in a famous encounter by Roland, "Otinel", p. 9 (F.). 
+     For further references to these characters, see E. Langlois,
+     "Table des noms propres de toute nature compris dans les
+     chansons de geste" (Paris, 1904).
+(40) There is a similar picket fence topped with helmets in the
+     "Las de la Mule sanz frain", v. 433 (ed. By R.T. Hill,
+     Baltimore, 1911).
+(41) For such magic horns, cf. A. Hertel, "Verzauberte
+     Oertlichkeiten", etc. (Hanover, 1908).
+(42) In fact, nothing is known of this "lai", if, indeed, it ever
+     existed.  For a recent definition of "lai", se L. Foulet in
+     "Ztsch. fur romanische Philologie", xxxii. 161 f.
+(43) The sterling was the English silver penny, 240 of which
+     equalled 1 Pound Sterling of silver of 5760 grains 925 fine. 
+     It is early described as "denarius Angliae qui vocatur
+     sterlingus" ("Ency. Brit").
+(44) Macrobus was a Neoplatonic philosopher and Latin grammarian
+     of the early part of the 5th century A.D.  He is best known
+     as the author of the "Saturnalia" and of a commentary upon
+     Cicero's "Somnium Scipionis" in that author's "De
+     republica".  It is this latter work that is probably in the
+     mind of Chretien, as well as of Gower, who refers to him in
+     his "Mirour l'omme", and of Jean de Meun, the author of the
+     second part of the "Roman de la Rose".
+(45) For fairies and their handiwork in the Middle Ages, cf.
+     L.F.A. Maury, "Les Fees du moyen age" (Paris, 1843);
+     Keightley, "Fairy Mythology" (London, 1860); Lucy A. Paton,
+     "Studies in the Fairy Mythology of Arthurian Romance",
+     Radcliffe Monograph (Boston, 1903); D.B. Easter, "The Magic
+     Elements in the romans d'aventure and the romans bretons"
+     (Baltimore, 1906).
+
+
+
+CLIGES (1)
+
+(Vv. 1-44.)  He who wrote of Erec and Enide, and translated into
+French the commands of Ovid and the Art of Love, and wrote the
+Shoulder Bite, (2) and about King Mark and the fair Iseut, (3)
+and about the metamorphosis of the Lapwing, (4) the Swallow, and
+the Nightingale, will tell another story now about a youth who
+lived in Greece and was a member of King Arthur's line.  But
+before I tell you aught of him, you shall hear of his father's
+life, whence he came and of what family.  He was so bold and so
+ambitious that he left Greece and went to England, which was
+called Britain in those days, in order to win fame and renown.
+This story, which I intend to relate to you, we find written in
+one of the books of the library of my lord Saint Peter at
+Beauvais. (5)  From there the material was drawn of which
+Chretien has made this romance.  The book is very old in which
+the story is told, and this adds to its authority. (6)  From such
+books which have been preserved we learn the deeds of men of old
+and of the times long since gone by.  Our books have informed us
+that the pre-eminence in chivalry and learning once belonged to
+Greece.  Then chivalry passed to Rome, together with that highest
+learning which now has come to France.  God grant that it may be
+cherished here, and that it may be made so welcome here that the
+honour which has taken refuge with us may never depart from
+France: God had awarded it as another's share, but of Greeks and
+Romans no more is heard, their fame is passed, and their glowing
+ash is dead.
+
+(Vv. 45-134.)  Chretien begins his story as we find it in the
+history, which tells of an emperor powerful in wealth and honour
+who ruled over Greece and Constantinople.  A very noble empress,
+too, there was, by whom the emperor had two children.  But the
+elder son was already so far advanced before the younger one was
+born that, if he had wished, he might have become a knight and
+held all the empire beneath his sway.  The name of the elder was
+Alexander, and the other's name was Alis.  Alexander, too, was
+the father's name, and the mother's name was Tantalis.  I shall
+now say nothing more of the emperor and of Alis; but I shall
+speak of Alexander, who was so bold and proud that he scorned to
+become a knight in his own country. He had heard of King Arthur,
+who reigned in those days, and of the knights whom he always kept
+about him, thus causing his court to be feared and famed
+throughout the world.  However, the affair may result and
+whatever fortune may await him, nothing can restrain Alexander
+from his desire to go into Britain, but he must obtain his
+father's consent before proceeding to Britain and Cornwall.  So
+Alexander, fair and brave, goes to speak with the emperor in
+order to ask and obtain his leave.  Now he will tell him of his
+desire and what he wishes to do and undertake.  "Fair sire," he
+says, "in quest of honour and fame and praise I dare to ask you a
+boon, which I desire you to give me now without delay, if you are
+willing to grant it to me."  The emperor thinks no harm will come
+from this request: he ought rather to desire and long for his
+son's honour.  "Fair son," he says, "I grant you your desire; so
+tell me now what you wish me to give you."  Now the youth has
+accomplished his purpose, and is greatly pleased when the boon is
+granted him which he so greatly desired.  "Sire," says he, "do
+you wish to know what it is that you have promised me?  I wish to
+have a great plenty of gold and silver, and such companions from
+among your men as I will select; for I wish to go forth from your
+empire, and to present my service to the king who rules over
+Britain, in order that he may make me a knight.  I promise you
+never in my life to wear armour on my face or helmet upon my head
+until King Arthur shall gird on my sword, if he will graciously
+do so.  For from no other than from him will I accept my arms."
+Without hesitation the emperor replies: "Fair son, for God's
+sake, speak not so!  This country all belongs to you, as well as
+rich Constantinople.  You ought not to think me mean, when I am
+ready to make you such a gift.  I shall be ready soon to have you
+crowned, and to-morrow you shall be a knight.  All Greece will be
+in your hands, and you shall receive from your nobles, as is
+right, their homage and oaths of allegiance.  Whoever refuses
+such an offer is not wise."
+
+(Vv. 135-168.)  The youth hears the promise how the next morning
+after Mass his father is ready to dub him knight; but he says he
+will seek his fortune for better or worse in another land.  "If
+you are willing in this matter to grant the boon I have asked of
+you, then give me mottled and grey furs, some good horses and
+silken stuffs: for before I become a knight I wish to enrol in
+King Arthur's service.  Nor have I yet sufficient strength to
+bear arms.  No one could induce me by prayer or flattery not to
+go to the foreign land to see his nobles and that king whose fame
+is so great for courtesy and prowess.  Many men of high degree
+lose through sloth the great renown which they might win, were
+they to wander about the world. (7)  Repose and glory ill agree,
+as it seems to me; for a man of wealth adds nothing to his
+reputation if he spends all his days at ease.  Prowess is irksome
+to the ignoble man, and cowardice is a burden to the man of
+spirit; thus the two are contrary and opposite.  He is the slave
+of his wealth who spends his days in storing and increasing it.
+Fair father, so long as I have the chance, and so long as my
+rigour lasts, I wish to devote my effort and energy to the
+pursuit of fame."
+
+(Vv. 169-234.)  Upon hearing this; the emperor doubtless feels
+both joy and grief: he is glad that his son's intention is fixed
+upon honour, and on the other hand he is sorrowful because his
+son is about to be separated from him.  Yet, because of the
+promise which he made, despite the grief he feels, he must grant
+his request; for an emperor must keep his word.  "Fair son," he
+says, "I must not fail to do your pleasure, when I see you thus
+striving for honour.  From my treasure you may have two barges
+full of gold and silver; but take care to be generous and
+courteous and well-behaved."  Now the youth is very happy when
+his father promises him so much, and places his treasure at his
+disposal, and bids him urgently to give and spend generously. 
+And his father explains his reason for this: "Fair son," he says,
+"believe me, that generosity is the dame and queen which sheds
+glory upon all the other virtues.  And the proof of this is not
+far to seek.  For where could you find a man, be he never so rich
+and powerful, who is not blamed if he is mean?  Nor could you
+find one, however ungracious he may be, whom generosity will not
+bring into fair repute?  Thus largess makes the gentleman, which
+result can be accomplished neither by high birth, courtesy,
+knowledge, gentility, money, strength, chivalry, boldness,
+dominion, beauty, or anything else. (8)  But just as the rose is
+fairer than any other flower when it is fresh and newly blown, so
+there, where largess dwells, it takes its place above all
+other virtues, and increases five hundred fold the value of other
+good traits which it finds in the man who acquits himself well.
+So great is the merit of generosity that I could not tell you the
+half of it."  The young man has now successfully concluded the
+negotiations for what he wished; for his father has acceded to
+all his desires.  But the empress was sorely grieved when she
+heard of the journey which her son was about to take.  Yet,
+whoever may grieve or sorrow, and whoever may attribute his
+intention to youthful folly, and ever may blame and seek to
+dissuade him, the youth ordered his ships to be made ready as
+soon as possible, desiring to tarry no longer in his native land.
+At his command the ships were freighted that very night with
+wine, meat, and biscuit.
+
+(Vv. 235-338.)  The ships were loaded in the port, and the next
+morning Alexander came to the strand in high spirits, accompanied
+by his companions, who were happy over the prospective voyage.
+They were escorted by the emperor and the empress in her grief.
+At the port they find the sailors in the ships drawn up beside
+the cliff.  The sea was calm and smooth, the wind was light, and
+the weather clear.  When he had taken leave of his father, and
+bidden farewell to the empress, whose heart was heavy in her
+bosom, Alexander first stepped from the small boat into the skip;
+then all his companions hastened by fours, threes, and twos to
+embark without delay.  Soon the sail was spread and the anchor
+raised.  Those on shore whose heart is heavy because of the men
+whom they watch depart, follow them with their gaze as long as
+they can: and in order to watch them longer, they all climb a
+high hill behind the beach.  From there they sadly gaze, as long
+as their eyes can follow them.  With sorrow, indeed, they watch
+them go, being solicitous for the youths, that God may bring them
+to their haven without accident and without peril.  All of April
+and part of May they spent at sea.  Without any great danger or
+mishap they came to port at Southampton. (9)  One day, between
+three o'clock and vespers, they cast anchor and went ashore.  The
+young men, who had never been accustomed to endure discomfort or
+pain, had suffered so long from their life at sea that they had
+all lost their colour, and even the strongest and most vigorous
+were weak and faint.  In spite of that, they rejoice to have
+escaped from the sea and to have arrived where they wished to be. 
+Because of their depleted state, they spend the night at
+Southampton in happy frame, and make inquiries whether the King
+is in England.  They are told that he is at Winchester, and that
+they can reach there in a very short time if they will start
+early in the morning and keep to the straight road.  At this news
+they are greatly pleased, and the next morning at daybreak the
+youths wake early, and prepare and equip themselves.  And when
+they were ready, they left Southampton, and kept to the direct
+road until they reached Winchester, where the King was.  Before
+six o'clock in the morning the Greeks had arrived at the court.
+The squires with the horses remain below in the yard, while the
+youths go up into the presence of the King, who was the best that
+ever was or ever will be in the world.  And when the King sees
+them coming, they please him greatly, and meet with his favour.
+But before approaching the King's presence, they remove the
+cloaks from about their necks, lest they should be considered
+ill-bred.  Thus, all unmantled, they came before the King, while
+all the nobles present held their peace, greatly pleased at the
+sight of these handsome and well-behaved young men.  They suppose
+that of course they are all sons of counts or kings; and, to be
+sure, so they were, and of a very charming age, with graceful and
+shapely forms.  And the clothes they wore were all of the same
+stuff and cut of the same appearance and colour.  There were
+twelve of them beside their lord, of whom I need tell you no more
+than that there was none better than he.  With modesty and
+orderly mien, he was handsome and shapely as he stood uncovered
+before the King.  Then he kneeled before him, and all the others,
+for honour's sake, did the same beside their lord.
+
+(Vv. 339-384.) Alexander, with his tongue well skilled in
+speaking fair and wisely, salutes the King.  "King," he says,
+"unless the report is false that spreads abroad your fame, since
+God created the first man there was never born a God-fearing man
+of such puissance as yours.  King, your widespread renown has
+drawn me to serve and honour you in your court, and if you will
+accept my service, I would fain remain here until I be dubbed a
+knight by your hand and by no one else.  For unless I receive
+this honour from your hand, I shall renounce all intention of
+being knighted.  If you will accept my service until you are
+willing to dub me a knight, retain me now, oh gentle King, and my
+companions gathered here."  To which at once the King replies:
+"Friend, I refuse neither you nor your companions.  Be welcome
+all.  For surely you seem, and I doubt it not, to be sons of
+high-born men.  Whence do you come?"  "From Greece."  "From
+Greece?"  "Yes."  "Who is thy father?"  "Upon my word, sire, the
+emperor."  "And what is thy name, fair friend?"  "Alexander is
+the name that was given me when I received the salt and holy oil,
+and Christianity and baptism."  "Alexander, my dear, fair friend.
+I will keep you with me very gladly, with great pleasure and
+delight.  For you have done me signal honour in thus coming to my
+court.  I wish you to be honoured here, as free vassals who are
+wise and gentle.  You have been too long upon your knees; now, at
+my command, and henceforth make your home with man and in my
+court; it is well that you have come to us."
+
+(Vv. 385-440.)  Then the Greeks rise up, joyful that the King has
+so kindly invited them to stay.  Alexander did well to come; for
+he lacks nothing that he desires, and there is no noble at the
+court who does not address him kindly and welcome him.  He is not
+so foolish as to be puffed up, nor does he vaunt himself nor
+boast.  He makes acquaintance with my lord Gawain and with the
+others, one by one.  He gains the good graces of them all, but my
+lord Gawain grows so fond of him that he chooses him as his
+friend and companion. (10)  The Greeks took the best lodgings to
+be had, with a citizen of the town.  Alexander had brought great
+possessions with him from Constantinople, intending to give heed
+above all to the advice and counsel of the Emperor, that his
+heart should be ever ready to give and dispense his riches well.
+To this end he devotes his efforts, living well in his lodgings,
+and giving and spending liberally, as is fitting in one so rich,
+and as his heart dictates.  The entire court wonders where he got
+all the wealth that he bestows; for on all sides he presents the
+valuable horses which he had brought from his own land.  So much
+did Alexander do, in the performance of his service, that the
+King, the Queen, and the nobles bear him great affection.  King
+Arthur about this time desired to cross over into Brittany.  So
+he summons all his barons together to take counsel and inquire to
+whom he may entrust England to be kept in peace and safety until
+his return.  By common consent, it seems, the trust was assigned
+to Count Angres of Windsor, for it was their judgement that there
+was no more trustworthy lord in all the King's realm.  When this
+man had received the land, King Arthur set out the next day
+accompanied by the Queen and her damsels.  The Bretons make great
+rejoicing upon hearing the news in Brittany that the King and his
+barons are on the way.
+
+(Vv. 441-540.)  Into the ship in which the King sailed there
+entered no youth or maiden save only Alexander and Soredamors,
+whom the Queen brought with her.  This maiden was scornful of
+love, for she had never heard of any man whom she would deign to
+love, whatever might be his beauty, prowess, lordship, or birth.
+And yet the damsel was so charming and fair that she might fitly
+have learned of love, if it had pleased her to lend a willing
+ear; but she would never give a thought to love.  Now Love will
+make her grieve, and will avenge himself for all the pride and
+scorn with which she has always treated him.  Carefully Love has
+aimed his dart with which he pierced her to the heart.  Now she
+grows pale and trembles, and in spite of herself must succumb to
+Love.  Only with great difficulty can she restrain herself from
+casting a glance toward Alexander; but she must be on her guard
+against her brother, my lord Gawain.  Dearly she pays and atones
+for her great pride and disdain.  Love has heated for her a bath
+which heats and burns her painfully.  At first it is grateful to
+her, and then it hurts; one moment she likes it, and the next she
+will have none of it.  She accuses her eyes of treason, and says:
+(11) "My eyes, you have betrayed me now!  My heart, usually so
+faithful, now bears me ill-will because of you.  Now what I see
+distresses me.  Distresses?  Nay, verily, rather do I like it
+well.  And if I actually see something that distresses me, can I
+not control my eyes?  My strength must indeed have failed, and
+little should I esteem myself, if I cannot control my eyes and
+make them turn their glance elsewhere.  Thus, I shall be able to
+baffle Love in his efforts to get control of me.  The heart feels
+no pain when the eye does not see; so, if I do not look at him,
+no harm will come to me.  He addresses me no request or prayer,
+as he would do were he in love with me.  And since he neither
+loves nor esteems me, shall I love him without return?  If his
+beauty allures my eyes, and my eyes listen to the call, shall I
+say that I love him just for that?  Nay, for that would be a lie.
+Therefore, he has no ground for complaint, nor can I make any
+claim against him.  One cannot love with the eyes alone.  What
+crime, then, have my eyes committed, if their glance but follows
+my desire?  What is their fault and what their sin?  Ought I to
+blame them, then?  Nay, verily.  Who, then, should be blamed?
+Surely myself, who have them in control.  My eye glances at
+nothing unless it gives my  heart delight.  My heart ought not to
+have any desire which would give me pain.  Yet its desire causes
+me pain.  Pain?  Upon my faith, I must be mad, if to please my
+heart I wish for something which troubles me.  If I can, I ought
+to banish any wish that distresses me.  If I can?  Mad one, what
+have I said?  I must, indeed, have little power if I have no
+control over myself.  Does Love think to set me in the same path
+which is wont to lead others astray?  Others he may lead astray,
+but not me who care not for him.  Never shall I be his, nor ever
+was, and I shall never seek his friendship."  Thus she argues
+with herself, one moment loving, and hating the next.  She is in
+such doubt that she does not know which course she had better
+adopt.  She thinks to be on the defence against Love, but defence
+is not what she wants.  God!  She does not know that Alexander is
+thinking of her too!  Love bestows upon them equally such a share
+as is their due.  He treats them very fairly and justly, for each
+one loves and desires the other.  And this love would be true and
+right if only each one knew what was the other's wish.  But he
+does not know what her desire is, and she knows not the cause of
+his distress.
+
+(Vv. 541-574.)  The Queen takes note of them and sees them often
+blanch and pale and heave deep sighs and tremble.  But she knows
+no reason why they should do so, unless it be because of the sea
+where they are.  I think she would have divined the cause had the
+sea not thrown her off her guard, but the sea deceives and tricks
+her, so that she does not discover love because of the sea; and
+it is from love that comes the bitter pain that distresses them.
+(12)  But of the three concerned, the Queen puts all the blame
+upon the sea; for the other two accuse the third to her, and hold
+it alone responsible for their guilt.  Some one who is not at
+fault is often blamed for another's wrong.  Thus, the Queen lays
+all the blame and guilt upon the sea, but it is unfair to put the
+blame upon the sea, for it is guilty of no misdeed.  Soredamors'
+deep distress continued until the vessel came to port.  As for
+the King, it is well known that the Bretons were greatly pleased,
+and served him gladly as their liege lord.  But of King Arthur I
+will not longer speak in this place; rather shall you hear me
+tell  how Love distresses these two lovers whom he has attacked.
+
+(Vv. 575-872.)  Alexander loves and desires her; and she, too,
+pines for the love of him, but he knows it not, nor will he know
+it until he has suffered many a pain and many a grief.  It is for
+her sake that he renders to the Queen loving service, as well as
+to her maids-in-waiting; but to her on whom his thoughts are
+fixed, he dares not speak or address a word.  If she but dared to
+assert to him the right which she thinks she has, she would
+gladly inform him of the truth; but she does not dare, and cannot
+do it.  They dare neither speak nor act in accordance with what
+each sees in the other--which works a great hardship to them
+both, and their love but grows and flames the more.  However, it
+is the custom of all lovers to feast their eyes gladly with
+gazing, if they can do no more; and they assume that, because
+they find pleasure in that which causes their love to be born and
+grow, therefore it must be to their advantage; whereas it only
+harms them more, just as he who approaches and draws close beside
+the fire burns himself more than he who holds aloof.  Their love
+waxes and grows anon; but each is abashed before the other, and
+so much is hidden and concealed that no flame or smoke arises
+from the coals beneath the ashes.  The heat is no less on this
+account, but rather is better sustained beneath the ashes than
+above.  Both of them are in great torment; for, in order that
+none may perceive their trouble, they are forced to deceive
+people by a feigned bearing; but at night comes the bitter moan,
+which each one makes within his breast.  Of Alexander I will tell
+you first how he complains and vents his grief.  Love presents
+before his mind her for whom he is in such distress; it is she
+who has filched his heart away, and grants him no rest upon his
+bed, because, forsooth, he delights to recall the beauty and the
+grace of her who, he has no hope, will ever bring him any joy. 
+"I may as well hold myself a madman." he exclaims.  "A madman?
+Truly, I am beside myself, when I dare not speak what I have in
+mind; for it would speedily fare worse with me (if I held my
+peace).  I have engaged my thoughts in a mad emprise.  But is it
+not better to keep my thoughts to myself than to be called a
+fool?  My wish will never then be known.  Shall I then conceal
+the cause of my distress, and not dare to seek aid and healing
+for my wound?  He is mad who feels himself afflicted, and seeks
+not what will bring him health, if perchance he may find it
+anywhere; but many a one seeks his welfare by striving for his
+heart's desire, who pursues only that which brings him woe
+instead.  And why should one ask for advice, who does not expect
+to gain his health?  He would only exert himself in vain.  I feel
+my own illness to be so grievous that I shall never be healed by
+any medicine or draught, by any herb or root.  For some ills
+there is no remedy, and mine lies so deep within that it is
+beyond the reach of medicine.  Is there no help, then?  Methinks
+I have lied.  When first I felt this malady, if I had dared to
+make mention of it.  I might have spoken with a physician who
+could have completely cured me.  But I like not to discuss such
+matters; I think he would pay me no heed and would not consent to
+accept a fee.  No wonder, then, if I am terrified; for I am very
+ill, yet I do not know what disease this is which has me in its
+grip, and I know not whence this pain has come.  I do not know? 
+I know full well that it is Love who does me this injury.  How is
+that?  Can Love do harm?  Is he not gentle and well-bred?  I used
+to think that there was naught but good in Love; but I have found
+him full of enmity.  He who has not had experience of him does
+not know what tricks Love plays.  He is a fool who joins his
+ranks; for he always seeks to harm his followers.  Upon my faith,
+his tricks are bad.  It is poor sport to play with him, for his
+game will only do me harm.  What shall I do, then?  Shall I
+retreat?  I think it would be wise to do so, but I know not how
+to do it.  If Love chastens and threatens me in order to teach
+and instruct me, ought I to disdain my teacher?  He is a fool who
+scorns his master.  I ought to keep and cherish the lesson which
+Love teaches me, for great good may soon come of it.  But I am
+frightened because he beats me so.  And dost thou complain, when
+no sign of blow or wound appears?  Art thou not mistaken?  Nay,
+for he has wounded me so deep that he has shot his dart to my
+very heart, and has not yet drawn it out again. (13)  How has he
+pierced thy body with it, when no wound appears without?  Tell me
+that, for I wish to know.  How did he make it enter in?  Through
+the eye.  Through the eye?  But he has not put it out?  He did
+not harm the eye at all, but all the pain is in the heart.  Then
+tell me, if the dart passed through the eye, how is it that the
+eye itself is not injured or put out.  If the dart entered
+through the eye, why does the heart in the breast complain, when
+the eye, which received the first effect, makes no complaint of
+it at all?  I can readily account for that: the eye is not
+concerned with the understanding, nor has it any part in it; but
+it is the mirror of the heart, and through this mirror passes,
+without doing harm or injury, the flame which sets the heart on
+fire.  For is not the heart placed in the breast just like a
+lighted candle which is set in a lantern?  If you take the candle
+away no light will shine from the lantern; but so long as the
+candle lasts the lantern is not dark at all, and the flame which
+shines within does it no harm or injury.  Likewise with a pane of
+glass, which might be very strong and solid, and yet a ray of the
+sun could pass through it without cracking it at all; yet a piece
+of glass will never be so bright as to enable one to see, unless
+a stronger light strikes its surface.  Know that the same thing
+is true of the eyes as of the glass and the lantern; for the
+light strikes the eyes in which the heart is accustomed to see
+itself reflected, and lo! it sees some light outside, and many
+other things, some green, some purple, others red or blue; and
+some it dislikes, and some it likes, scorning some and prizing
+others.  But many an object seems fair to it when it looks at it
+in the glass, which will deceive it if it is not on its guard. 
+My mirror has greatly deceived me; for in it my heart saw a ray
+of light with which I am afflicted, and which has penetrated deep
+within me, causing me to lose my wits.  I am ill-treated by my
+friend, who deserts me for my enemy.  I may well accuse him of
+felony for the wrong he has done to me.  I thought I had three
+friends, my heart and my two eyes together; but it seems that
+they hate me.  Where shall I ever find a friend, when these three
+are my enemies, belonging to me, yet putting me to death? My
+servants mock at my authority, in doing what they please without
+consulting my desire.  After my experience with these who have
+done me wrong, I know full well that a good man's love may be
+befouled by wicked servants in his employ.  He who is attended by
+a wicked servant will surely have cause to rue it, sooner or
+later.  Now I will tell you how the arrow, which has come into my
+keeping and possession, is made and fashioned; but I fear greatly
+that I shall fail in the attempt; for the fashion of it is so
+fine that it will be no wonder if I fail.  Yet I shall devote all
+my effort to telling you how it seems to me.  The notch and the
+feathers are so close together, when carefully examined, that the
+line of separation is as fine as a hair's breadth; but the notch
+is so smooth and straight that in it surely no improvement could
+be made.  The feathers are coloured as if they were of gold or
+gilt; but gilt is here beside the mark, for I know these feathers
+were more brilliant than any gilt.  This dart is barbed with the
+golden tresses that I saw the other day at sea.  That is the dart
+which awakes my love.  God!  What a treasure to possess!  Would
+he who could gain such a prize crave other riches his whole life
+long?  For my part I could swear that I should desire nothing
+else; I would not give up even the barb and the notch for all the
+gold of Antioch.  And if I prize so highly these two things, who
+could estimate the value of what remains?  That is so fair and
+full of charm, so dear and precious, that I yearn and long to
+gaze again upon her brow, which God's hand has made so clear that
+it were vain to compare with it any mirror, emerald, or topaz.
+But all this is of little worth to him who sees her flashing
+eyes; to all who gaze on them they seem like twin candles
+burning.  And whose tongue is so expert as to describe the
+fashion of her well-shaped nose and radiant face, in which the
+rose suffuses the lily so as to efface it somewhat, and thus
+enhance the glory of her visage?  And who shall speak of her
+laughing mouth, which God shaped with such great skill that none
+might see it and not suppose that she was laughing?  And what
+about her teeth?  They are so close to one another that it seems
+they are all of one solid piece, and in order that the effect
+might still be enhanced Nature added her handiwork; for any one,
+to see her part her lips, would suppose that the teeth were of
+ivory or of silver.  There is so much to be said were I to
+portray each detailed charm of chin and ears, that it would not
+be strange were I to pass over some little thing.  Of her throat
+I shall only say that crystal beside it looks opaque.  And her
+neck beneath her hair is four times as white as ivory.  Between
+the border of her gown and the buckle at the parted throat, I saw
+her bosom left exposed and whiter than new-fallen snow.  My pain
+would be indeed assuaged, if I had seen the dart entire.  Gladly
+would I tell, if I but knew, what was the nature of the shaft. 
+But I did nor see it, and it is not my fault if I do not attempt
+to describe something I have never seen.  At that time Love
+showed me only the notch and the barb; for the shaft was hidden
+in the quiver, to wit, in the robe and shift in which the damsel
+was arrayed.  Upon my faith, malady which tortures me is the
+arrow--it is the dart at which I am a wretch to be enraged.  I
+am ungrateful to be incensed.  Never shall a straw be broken
+because of any distrust or quarrel that may arise between Love
+and me.  Now let Love do what he will with me as with one who
+belongs to him; for I wish it, and so it pleases me.  I hope that
+this malady may never leave me, but that it may thus always
+maintain its hold, and that health may never come to me except
+from the source of my illness."
+
+(Vv. 873-1046.)  Alexander's complaint is long enough; but that
+of the maiden is nothing less.  All night she lies in such
+distress that she cannot sleep or get repose.  Love has confined
+within her heart a struggle and conflict which disturbs her
+breast, and which causes her such pain and anguish that she weeps
+and moans all night, and tosses about with sudden starts, so that
+she is almost beside herself.  And when she has tossed and sobbed
+and groaned and started up and sighed again then she looked
+within her heart to see who and what manner of man it was for
+whom Love was tormenting her.  And when she has refreshed herself
+somewhat with thinking to her heart's content, she stretches and
+tosses about again, and ridicules all the thoughts she has had.
+Then she takes another course, and says: "Silly one, what matters
+it to me if this youth is of good birth and wise and courteous
+and valorous?  All this is simply to his honour and credit.  And
+as for his beauty, what care I?  Let his beauty be gone with him!
+But if so, it will be against my will, for it is not my wish to
+deprive him of anything.  Deprive?  No, indeed!  That I surely
+will not do.  If he had the wisdom of Solomon, and if Nature had
+bestowed on him all the beauty she can place in human form, and
+if God had put in my power to undo it all, yet would I not injure
+him; but I would gladly, if I could, make him still more wise and
+fair.  In faith, then, I do not hate him!  And am I for that
+reason his friend?  Nay, I am not his any more than any other
+man's.  Then what do I think of him so much, if he pleases me no
+more than other men?  I do not know; I am all confused; for I
+never thought so much about any man in the world, and if I had my
+will, I should see him all the time, and never take my eyes from
+him.  I feel such joy at the sight of him!  Is this love?  Yes, I
+believe it is.  I should not appeal to him so often, if I did not
+love him above all others.  So I love him, then, let it be
+agreed.  Then shall I not do what I please?  Yes, provided he
+does not refuse.  This intention of mine is wrong; but Love has
+so filled my heart that I am mad and beside myself, nor will any
+defence avail me now, if I must endure the assault of Love.  I
+have demeaned myself prudently toward Love so long, and would
+never accede to his will; but now I am more than kindly disposed
+toward him.  And what thanks will he owe to me, if he cannot have
+my loving service and good-will?  By force he has humbled my
+pride, and now I must follow his pleasure.  Now I am ready to
+love, and I have a master, and Love will teach me--but what?
+How I am to serve his will.  But of that I am very well informed,
+and am so expert in serving him that no one could find fault with
+me.  I need learn no more of that.  Love would have it, and so
+would I, that I should be sensible and modest and kind and
+approachable to all for the sake of one I love.  Shall I love all
+men, then, for the sake of one?  I should be pleasant to every
+one, but Love does not bid me be the true friend of every one.
+Love's lessons are only good.  It is not without significance
+that I am called by the name of Soredamors. (14)  I am destined
+to love and be loved in turn, and I intend to prove it by my
+name, if I can find the explanation there.  There is some
+significance in the fact that the first part of my name is of
+golden colour; for what is golden is the best.  For this reason I
+highly esteem my name, because it begins with that colour with
+which the purest gold harmonises.  And the end of the name calls
+Love to my mind; for whoever calls me by my right name always
+refreshes me with love.  And one half gilds the other with a
+bright coat of yellow gold; for Soredamors has the meaning of
+`one gilded over with Love.'  Love has highly honoured me in
+gilding me over with himself.  A gilding of real gold is not so
+fine as that which makes me radiant.  And I shall henceforth do
+my best to be his gilding, and shall never again complain of it. 
+Now I love and ever more shall love.  Whom?  Truly, that is a
+fine question!  Him whom Love bids me love, for no other shall
+ever have my love.  What will he care in his ignorance, unless I
+tell him of it myself?  What shall I do, if l do not make to him
+my prayer?  Whoever desires anything ought to ask for it and make
+request.  What?  Shall I beseech him, then?  Nay.  Why?  Did ever
+such a thing come about that a woman should be so forward as to
+make love to any man; unless she were clean beside herself.  I
+should be mad beyond question if I uttered anything for which I
+might be reproached.  If he should know the truth through word of
+mine I think he would hold me in slight esteem, and would often
+reproach me with having solicited his love.  May love never be so
+base that I should be the first to prefer a request which would
+lower me in his eyes!  Alas, God!  How will he ever know the
+truth, since I shall not tell him of it?  As yet I have very
+little cause to complain.  I will wait until his attention is
+aroused, if ever it is to be aroused.  He will surely guess the
+truth, I think, if ever he has had commerce with Love, or has
+heard of it by word of mouth.  Heard of it?  That is a foolish
+thing to say.  Love is not of such easy access that any one may
+claim acquaintance by hear-say only and without personal
+experience.  I have come to know that well enough myself; for I
+could never learn anything of love through flattery and wooing
+words, though I have often been in the school of experience, and
+have been flattered many a time.  But I have always stood aloof,
+and now he makes me pay a heavy penalty: now I know more about it
+than does the ox of ploughing.  But one thing causes me despair:
+I fear he has never been in love.  And if he is not in love, and
+never has been so, then I have sowed in the sea where no seed can
+take root.  So there is nothing to do but wait and suffer, until
+I see whether I can lead him on by hints and covered words.  I
+shall continue this until he is sure of my love and dares to ask
+me for it.  So there is nothing more about the matter, but that I
+love him and am his.  If he loves me not, yet will I love him."
+
+(Vv. 1047-1066.)  Thus he and she utter their complaint, unhappy
+at night and worse by day, each hiding the truth from the other's
+eyes.  In such distress they remained a long time in Brittany, I
+believe, until the end of the summer came.  At the beginning of
+October there came messengers by Dover from London and
+Canterbury, bearing to the King news which troubled him.  The
+messengers told him that he might be tarrying too long in
+Brittany; for, he to whom he had entrusted the kingdom was
+intending to withstand him, and had already summoned a great army
+of his vassals and friends, and had established himself in London
+for the purpose of defending the city against Arthur when he
+should return.
+
+(Vv. 1067-1092.)  When the King heard this news, angry and sore
+displeased he summons all his knights.  In order the better to
+spur them on to punish the traitor, he tells them that they are
+entirely to blame for his trouble and strife; for on their advice
+he entrusted his land to the hands of the traitor, who is worse
+than Ganelon. (15)  There is not a single one who does not agree
+that the King is right, for he had only followed their advice;
+but now this man is to be outlawed, and you may be sure that no
+town or city will avail to save his body from being dragged out
+by force.  Thus they all assure the King, giving him their word
+upon oath, that they will deliver the traitor to him, or never
+again claim their fiefs.  And the King proclaims throughout
+Brittany that no one who can bear arms shall refuse to follow him
+at once.
+
+(Vv. 1093-1146.)  All Brittany is now astir.  Never was such an
+army seen as King Arthur brought together.  When the ships came
+to set sail, it seemed that the whole world was putting out to
+sea; for even the water was hid from view, being covered with the
+multitude of ships.  It is certainly true that, to judge by the
+commotion, all Brittany is under way.  Now the ships have crossed
+the Channel, and the assembled host is quartered on the shore.
+Alexander bethought himself to go and pray the King to make him a
+knight, for if ever he should win renown it will be in this war.
+Prompted by his desire, he takes his companions with him to
+accomplish what he has in mind.  On reaching the King's quarters,
+they found him seated before his tent.  When he saw the Greeks
+approaching, he summoned them to him, saying: "Gentlemen, do not
+conceal what business has brought you here."  Alexander replied
+on behalf of all, and told him his desire: "I have come," he
+says, "to request of you, as I ought to do of my liege lord, on
+behalf of my companions and myself, that you should make us
+knights."  The King replies: "Very gladly; nor shall there be any
+delay about it, since you have preferred your request."  Then the
+King commands that equipment shall be furnished for twelve
+knights.  Straightway the King's command is done.  As each one
+asks for his equipment, it is handed to him-- rich arms and a
+good horse: thus each one received his outfit.  The arms and
+robes and horse were of equal value for each of the twelve; but
+the harness for Alexander s body, if it should be valued or sold,
+was alone worth as much as that of all the other twelve.  At the
+water's edge they stripped, and then washed and bathed
+themselves.  Not wishing that any other bath should be heated for
+them, they washed in the sea and used it as their tub. (16)
+
+(Vv. 1147-1196.)  All this is known to the Queen, who bears
+Alexander no ill will, but rather loves, esteems, and values him.
+She wishes to make Alexander a gift, but it is far more precious
+than she thinks.  She seeks and delves in all her boxes until she
+finds a white silk shirt, well made of delicate texture, and very
+soft.  Every thread in the stitching of it was of gold, or of
+silver at least.  Soredamors had taken a hand in the stitching of
+it here and there, and at intervals, in the sleeves and neck, she
+had inserted beside the gold a strand of her own hair, to see if
+any man could be found who, by close examination, could detect
+the difference.  For the hair was quite as bright and golden as
+the thread of gold itself.  The Queen takes the shirt and
+presents it to Alexander.  Ah, God!  What joy would Alexander
+have felt had he known what the Queen was giving him!  And how
+glad would she, too, have been, who had inserted her own hair, if
+she had known that her lover was to own and wear it!  She could
+then have taken great comfort; for she would not have cared so
+much for all the hair she still possessed as for the little that
+Alexander had.  But, more is the pity, neither of them knew the
+truth.  The Queen's messenger finds the youths on the shore where
+they are bathing, and gives the shirt to Alexander.  He is
+greatly pleased with it, esteeming the present all the more
+because it was given him by the Queen.  But if he had known the
+rest, he would have valued it still more; in exchange for it he
+would not have taken the whole world, but rather would have made
+a shrine of it and worshipped it, doubtless, day and night.
+
+(Vv. 1197-1260.)  Alexander delays no longer, but dresses himself
+at once.  When he was dressed and ready, he returned to the
+King's tent with all his companions.  The Queen, it seems, had
+come there, too, wishing to see the new knights present
+themselves.  They might all be called handsome, but Alexander
+with his shapely body was the fairest of them all.  Well, now
+that they are knights I will say no more of them for the present,
+but will tell of the King and of his host which came to London.
+Most of the people remained faithful to him, though many allied
+themselves with the opposition.  Count Angres assembled his
+forces, consisting of all those whose influence could be gained
+by promises or gifts.  When he had gathered all his strength, he
+slipped away quietly at night, fearing to be betrayed by the many
+who hated him.  But before he made off, he sacked London as
+completely as possible of provisions, gold and silver, which he
+divided among his followers.  This news was told to the King, how
+the traitor had escaped with all his forces, and that he had
+carried off from the city so many supplies that the distressed
+citizens were impoverished and destitute.  Then the King replied
+that he would not take a ransom for the traitor, but rather hang
+him, if he could catch him or lay hands on him.  Thereupon, all
+the army proceeded to Windsor.  However it may be now, in those
+days the castle was not easy to take when any one chose to defend
+it.  The traitor made it secure, as soon as he planned his
+treacherous deed, with a triple line of walls and moats, and had
+so braced the walls inside with sharpened stakes that catapults
+could not throw them down.  They had taken great pains with the
+fortifications, spending all of June, July, and August in
+building walls and barricades, making moats and drawbridges,
+ditches, obstructions, and barriers, and iron portcullises and a
+great square tower of stone.  The gate was never closed from fear
+or against assault.  The castle stood upon a high hill, and
+around beneath it flows the Thames.  The host encamped on the
+river bank, and that day they have time only to pitch camp and
+set up the tents.
+
+(Vv. 1261-1348.)  The army is in camp beside the Thames, and all
+the meadow is filled with green and red tents.  The sun, striking
+on the colours, causes the river to flash for more than a league
+around.  Those in the town had come down to disport themselves
+upon the river bank with only their lances in their hands and
+their shields grasped before their breasts, and carrying no other
+arms at all.  In coming thus, they showed those without the walls
+that they stood in no fear of them.  Alexander stood aloof and
+watched the knights disporting themselves at feats of arms.  He
+yearns to attack them, and summons his companions one by one by
+name.  First Cornix, whom he dearly loved, then the doughty
+Licorides, then Nabunal of Mvcene, and Acorionde of Athens, and
+Ferolin of Salonica, and Calcedor from Africa, Parmenides and
+Francagel, mighty Torin and Pinabel, Nerius and Neriolis.  "My
+lords," he says, "I feel the call to go with shield and lance to
+make the acquaintance of those who disport themselves yonder
+before our eyes.  I see they scorn us and hold us in slight
+esteem, when they come thus without their arms to exercise before
+our very eyes.  We have just been knighted, and have not yet
+given an account of ourselves against any knight or manikin. (17) 
+We have kept our first lances too long intact.  And for what were
+our shields intended?  As yet, they have not a hole or crack to
+show.  There is no use in having them except in a combat or a
+fight.  Let's cross the ford and rush at them!"  "We shall not
+fail you," all reply; and each one adds: "So help me God, who
+fails you now is no friend of yours."  Then they fasten on their
+swords, tighten their saddles and girths, and mount their steeds
+with shields in hand.  When they had hung the shields about their
+necks, and taken their lances with the gaily coloured ensigns,
+they all proceed to the ford at once.  Those on the farther side
+lower their lances, and quickly ride to strike at them.  But they
+(on the hither bank) knew how to pay them back, not sparing nor
+avoiding them, nor yielding to them a foot of ground.  Rather,
+each man struck his opponent so fiercely that there is no knight
+so brave but is compelled to leave the saddle.  They did not
+underestimate the experience, skill, and bravery of their
+antagonists, but made their first blows count, and unhorsed
+thirteen of them.  The report spread to the camp of the fight and
+of the blows that were being struck.  There would soon have been
+a merry strife if the others had dared to stand their ground. 
+All through the camp they run to arms, and raising a shout they
+cross the ford.  And those on the farther bank take to flight,
+seeing no advantage in staying where they are.  And the Greeks
+pursue them with blows of lance and sword.  Though they struck
+off many a head they themselves did not receive a wound, and gave
+a good account of themselves that day.  But Alexander
+distinguished himself, who by his own efforts led off four
+captive knights in bonds.  The sands are strewn with headless
+dead, while many others lie wounded and injured.
+
+(Vv. 1349-1418.)  Alexander courteously presents the victims of
+his first conquest to the Queen, not wishing them to fall into
+the hands of the King, who would have had them all hanged.  The
+Queen, however, had them seized and safely kept under guard, as
+being charged with treason.  Throughout the camp they talk of the
+Greeks, and all maintain that Alexander acted very courteously
+and wisely in not surrendering the knights whom he had captured
+to the King, who would surely have had them burned or hanged. 
+But the King is not so well satisfied, and sending promptly to
+the Queen he bids her come into his presence and not detain those
+who have proved treacherous towards him, for either she must give
+them up or offend him by keeping them.  While the Queen was in
+conference with the King, as was necessary, about the traitors,
+the Greeks remained in the Queen's tent with her maids-in-
+waiting.  While his twelve companions conversed with them,
+Alexander uttered not a word.  Soredamors took note of this,
+seated as she was close by his side.  Her head resting upon her
+hand, it was plain that she was lost in thought. (18)  Thus they
+sat a long time, until Soredamors saw on his sleeve and about his
+neck the hair which she had stitched into the shirt.  Then she
+drew a little closer thinking now to find an excuse for speaking
+a word to him.  She considers how she can address him first, and
+what the first word is to be--whether she should address him by
+his name; and thus she takes counsel with herself: "What shall I
+say first?" she says; "shall I address him by his name, or shall
+I call him `friend'?  Friend?  Not I.  How then?  Shall I call
+him by his name?  God!  The name of `friend' is fair and sweet to
+take upon the lips.  If I should dare to call him `friend.!
+Should I dare?  What forbids me to do so?  The fact that that
+implies a lie.  A lie?  I know not what the result will be, but I
+shall be sorry if I do not speak the truth.  Therefore, it is
+best to admit that I should not like to speak a lie.  God!  yet
+he would not speak a lie were he to call me his sweet friend! 
+And should I lie in thus addressing him?  We ought both to tell
+the truth.  But if I lie the fault is his.  But why does his name
+seem so hard to me that I should wish to replace it by a surname?
+I think it is because it is so long that I should stop in the
+middle.  But if I simply called him `friend', I could soon utter
+so short a name.  Fearing lest I should break down in uttering
+his proper name, I would fain shed my blood if his name were
+simply `my sweet friend.'"
+
+(Vv. 1419-1448.)  She turns this thought over in her mind until
+the Queen returns from the King who had summoned her.  Alexander,
+seeing her come, goes to meet her, and inquires what is the
+King's command concerning the prisoners, and what is to be their
+fate.  "Friend," says she, "he requires of me to surrender them
+at his discretion, and to let his justice be carried out. 
+Indeed, he is much incensed that I have not already handed them
+over.  So I must needs send them to him, since I see no help for
+it."  Thus they passed that day; and the next day there was a
+great assembly of all the good and loyal knights before the royal
+tent to sit in judgment and decide by what punishment and torture
+the four traitors should die.  Some hold that they should be
+flayed alive, and others that they should be hanged or burned.
+And the King, for his part, maintains that traitors ought to be
+torn asunder.  Then he commands them to be brought in.  When they
+are brought, he orders them to be bound, and says that they shall
+not be torn asunder until they are taken beneath the town, so
+that those within may see the sight. (19)
+
+(Vv. 1449-1472.)  When this sentence was pronounced, the King
+addresses Alexander, calling him his dear friend.  "My friend,"
+he says, "yesterday I saw you attack and defend yourself with
+great bravery.  I wish now to reward your action!  I will add to
+your company five hundred Welsh knights and one thousand troopers
+from that land.  In addition to what I have given you, when the
+war is over I will crown you king of the best kingdom in Wales.
+Towns and castles, cities and halls will I give you until the
+time you receive the land which your father holds, and of which
+you are to be emperor."  Alexander's companions join him in
+thanking the King kindly for this boon, and all the nobles of the
+court say that the honour which the King has bestowed upon
+Alexander is well deserved.
+
+(Vv. 1473-1490.)  As soon as Alexander sees his force, consisting
+of the companions and the men-at-arms whom it had pleased the
+King to give him, straightway they begin to sound the horns and
+trumpets throughout the camp.  Men of Wales and Britain, of
+Scotland and Cornwall, both good and bad without exception--all
+take arms, for the forces of the host were recruited from all
+quarters.  The Thames was low because of the drought resulting
+from a summer without rain, so that all the fish were dead, and
+the ships were stranded upon the shore, and it was possible to
+ford the stream even in the widest part.
+
+(Vv. 1491-1514.)  After fording the Thames, the army divided,
+some taking possession of the valley, and others occupying the
+high ground.  Those in the town take notice of them, and when
+they see approaching the wonderful array, bent upon reducing and
+taking the town, they prepare on their side to defend it.  But
+before any assault is made, the King has the traitors drawn by
+four horses through the valleys and over the hills and unploughed
+fields.  At this Count Angres is much distressed, when he sees
+those whom he held dear dragged around outside the town.  And his
+people, too, are much dismayed, but in spite of the anxiety which
+they feel, they have no mind to yield the place.  They must needs
+defend themselves, for the King makes it plain to all that he is
+angry, and ill-disposed, and they see that if he should lay hands
+upon them he would make them die a shameful death.
+
+(Vv.1515-1552.)  When the four had been torn asunder and their
+limbs lay strewn upon the field, then the assault begins.  But
+all their labour is in vain, for no matter how much they cast and
+shoot, their efforts are of no effect.  Yet they strive to do
+their utmost, hurling their javelins amain, and shooting darts
+and bolts.  On all sides is heard the din of cross-bows and
+slings as the arrows and the round stones fly thick, like rain
+mixed with hail.  Thus all day long the struggle of attack and
+defence continues, until the night separates them.  And the King
+causes to be proclaimed what gift he will bestow upon him who
+shall effect the surrender of the town: a cup of great price
+weighing fifteen marks of gold, the richest in his treasure,
+shall be his reward.  The cup will be very fine and rich, and, to
+tell the truth, the cup is to be esteemed for the workmanship
+rather than for the material of which it is made.  But good as
+the workmanship may be, and fine though the gold, if the truth be
+told, the precious stones set in the outside of the cup were of
+most value.  He through whose efforts the town shall be taken is
+to have the cup, if he be only a foot soldier; and if the town is
+taken by a knight, with the cup in his possession he shall never
+seek his fortune in vain, if there is any to be found in the
+world.
+
+(Vv. 1553-1712.)  When this news was announced, Alexander had not
+forgotten his custom of going to see the Queen each evening. 
+That night, too, he had gone thither and was seated beside the
+Queen.  Soredamors was sitting alone close by them, looking at
+him with such satisfaction that she would not have exchanged her
+lot for Paradise.  The Queen took Alexander by the hand, and
+examined the golden thread which was showing the effects of wear;
+but the strand of hair was becoming more lustrous, while the
+golden thread was tarnishing.  And she laughed as she happened to
+recall that the embroidery was the work of Soredamors.  Alexander
+noticed this, and begged her to tell him, if suitable, why she
+laughed.  The Queen was slow to make reply, and looking toward
+Soredamors, bade her come to her.  Gladly she went and knelt
+before her.  Alexander was overjoyed when he saw her draw so near
+that he could have touched her.  But he is not so bold as even to
+look at her; but rather does he so lose his senses that he is
+well-nigh speechless.  And she, for her part, is so overcome that
+she has not the use of her eyes; but she casts her glance upon
+the ground without fastening it upon anything.  The Queen marvels
+greatly at seeing her now pale, now crimson, and she notes well
+in her heart the bearing and expression of each of them.  She
+notices and thinks she sees that these changes of colour are the
+fruit of love.  But not wishing to embarrass them, she pretends
+to understand nothing of what she sees.  In this she did well,
+for she gave no evidence of what was in her mind beyond saying:
+"Look here, damsel, and tell us truly where the shirt was sewed
+that this knight has on, and if you had any hand in it or worked
+anything of yours into it."  Though the maiden feels some shame,
+yet she tells the story gladly; for she wishes the truth to be
+known by him, who, when he hears her tell of how the shirt was
+made, can hardly restrain himself for joy from worshipping and
+adoring the golden hair.  His companions and the Queen, who were
+with him, annoy him and embarrass him; for their presence
+prevents him from raising the hair to his eyes and mouth, as he
+would fain have done, had he not thought that it would be
+remarked.  He is glad to have so much of his lady, but he does
+not hope or expect ever to receive more from her: his very desire
+makes him dubious.  Yet, when he has left the Queen and is by
+himself, he kisses it more than a hundred thousand times, feeling
+how fortunate he is.  All night long he makes much of it, but is
+careful that no one shall see him.  As he lies upon his bed, he
+finds a vain delight and solace in what can give him no
+satisfaction.  All night he presses the shirt in his arms, and
+when he looks at the golden hair, he feels like the lord of the
+whole wide world.  Thus Love makes a fool of this sensible man,
+who finds his delight in a single hair and is in ecstasy over its
+possession.  But this charm will come to an end for him before
+the sun's bright dawn.  For the traitors are met in council to
+discuss what they can do; and what their prospects are.  To be
+sure they will be able to make a long defence of the town if they
+determine so to do; but they know the King's purpose to be so
+firm that he will not give up his efforts to take the town so
+long as he lives, and when that time comes they needs must die.
+And if they should surrender the town, they need expect no mercy
+for doing so.  Thus either outcome looks dark indeed, for they
+see no help, but only death in either case.  But this decision at
+last is reached, that the next morning, before dawn appears, they
+shall issue secretly from the town and find the camp disarmed,
+and the knights still sleeping in their beds.  Before they wake
+and get their armour on there will have been such slaughter done
+that posterity will always speak of the battle of that night.
+Having no further confidence in life, the traitors as a last
+resort all subscribe to this design.  Despair emboldened them to
+fight, whatever the result might be; for they see nothing sure in
+store for them save death or imprisonment.  Such an outcome is
+not attractive; nor do they see any use in flight, for they see
+no place where they could find refuge should they betake
+themselves to flight, being completely surrounded by the water
+and their enemies.  So they spend no more time in talk, but arm
+and equip themselves and make a sally by an old postern gate (20)
+toward the north-west, that being the side where they thought the
+camp would least expect attack.  In serried ranks they sallied
+forth, and divided their force into five companies, each
+consisting of two thousand well armed foot, in addition to a
+thousand knights.  That night neither star nor moon had shed a
+ray across the sky.  But before they reached the tents, the moon
+began to show itself, and I think it was to work them woe that it
+rose sooner than was its wont.  Thus God, who opposed their
+enterprise, illumined the darkness of the night, having no love
+for these evil men, but rather hating them for their sin.  For
+God hates traitors and treachery more than any other sin.  So the
+moon began to shine in order to hamper their enterprise.
+
+(Vv. 1713-1858.)  They are much hampered by the moon, as it
+shines upon their shields, and they are handicapped by their
+helmets, too, as they glitter in the moonlight.  They are
+detected by the pickets keeping watch over the host, who now
+shout throughout the camp: "Up. knights, up!  Rise quickly, take
+your arms and arm yourselves!  The traitors are upon us." 
+Through all the camp they run to arms, and hastily strive to
+equip themselves in the urgent need; but not a single one of them
+left his place until they were all comfortably armed and mounted
+upon their steeds.  While they are arming themselves, the
+attacking forces are eager for battle and press forward, hoping
+to catch them off their guard and find them disarmed.  They bring
+up from different directions the five companies into which they
+had divided their troops: some hug the woods, others follow the
+river, the third company deploys upon the plain, while the fourth
+enters a valley, and the fifth proceeds beside a rocky cliff. 
+For they planned to fall upon the tents suddenly with great fury.
+But they did not find the path clear.  For the King's men resist
+them, defying them courageously and reproaching them for their
+treason.  Their iron lance-tips are splintered and shattered as
+they meet; they come together with swords drawn, striking each
+other and casting each other down upon the face.  They rush upon
+each other with the fury of lions, which devour whatever they
+capture.  In this first rush there was heavy slaughter on both
+sides.  When they can no longer maintain themselves, help comes
+to the traitors, who are defending themselves bravely and selling
+their lives dearly.  They see their troops from four sides arrive
+to succour them.  And the King's men ride hard with spur to
+attack them.  They deal such blows upon their shields that,
+beside the wounded, they unhorse more than five hundred of them.
+Alexander, with his Greeks, has no thought of sparing them,
+making every effort to prevail into the thickest of the fight he
+goes to strike a knave whose shield and hauberk are of no avail
+to keep him from falling to the earth.  When he has finished with
+him, he offers his service to another freely and without stint,
+and serves him, too, so savagely that he drives the soul from his
+body quite, and leaves the apartment without a tenant.  After
+these two, he addresses himself to another, piercing a noble and
+courteous knight clean through and through, so that the blood
+spurts out on the other side, and his expiring soul takes leave
+of the body.  Many he killed and many stunned, for like a flying
+thunderbolt he blasts all those whom he seeks out.  Neither coat
+of mail nor shield can protect him whom he strikes with lance or
+sword.  His companions, too, are generous in the spilling of
+blood and brains, for they, too, know well how to deal their
+blows.  And the royal troops butcher so many of them that they
+break them up and scatter them like low-born folk who have lost
+their heads.  So many dead lay about the fields, and so long did
+the battle rage, that long before the day dawned the ranks were
+so cut in pieces that the rows of dead stretched for five leagues
+along the stream.  Count Angres leaves his banner on the field
+and steals away, accompanied by only seven of his men.  Towards
+his town he made his way by a secret path, thinking that no one
+could see him.  But Alexander notices this, and sees them
+escaping from the troops, and he thinks that if he can slip away
+without the knowledge of any one, he will go to catch up with
+them.  But before he got down into the valley, he saw thirty
+knights following him down the path, of whom six were Greeks, and
+twenty-four were men of Wales.  These intended to follow him at a
+distance until he should stand in need of them.  When Alexander
+saw them coming, he stopped to wait for them, without failing to
+observe what course was taken by those who were making their way
+back to the town.  Finally, he saw them enter it.  Then he began
+to plan a very daring deed and a very marvellous design.  And
+when he had made up his mind, he turned toward his companions and
+thus addressed them: "My lords," says he, "whether it be folly or
+wisdom, frankly grant me my desire if you care for my good-will."
+And they promised him never to oppose his will in aught.  Then he
+says: "Let us change our outer gear, by taking the shields and
+lances from the traitors whom we have killed.  Thus, when we
+approach the town, the traitors within will suppose that we are
+of their party, and regardless of the fate in store for them,
+they will throw open the gates for us.  And do you know what
+reward we shall offer them?  If God so will we shall take them
+all dead or alive.  Now, if any of you repents of his promise, be
+sure that, so long as I live, I shall never hold him dear."
+
+(Vv. 1859-1954.)  All the others grant his boon, and, despoiling
+the corpses of their shields, they arm themselves with them
+instead.  The men within the town had mounted to the battlements,
+and, recognising the shields, suppose that they belong to their
+party, never dreaming of the ruse hidden beneath the shields. 
+The gatekeeper opens the gate for them and admits them to the
+town.  He is beguiled and deceived in not addressing them a word;
+for no one of them speaks to him, but silently and mute they
+pass, making such a show of grief that they trail their lances
+after them and support themselves upon their shields.  Thus it
+seems that they are in great distress, as they pass on at their
+own sweet will until they are within the triple walls.  Inside
+they find a number of men-at-arms and knights with the Count.  I
+cannot tell you just how many; but they were unarmed, except
+eight of them who had just returned from the fight, and even they
+were preparing to remove their arms.  But their haste was ill
+considered; for now the other party make no further pretence, but
+without any challenge by way of warning, they brace themselves in
+the stirrups, and let their horses charge straight at them,
+attacking them with such rigour that they lay low more than
+thirty-one of them.  The traitors in great dismay shout out: "We
+are betrayed, betrayed!"  But the assailants take no heed of
+this, and let those whom they find unarmed feel the temper of
+their swords.  Indeed, three of those whom they found still armed
+were so roughly handled that but five remained alive.  Count
+Angres rushed at Calcedor, and in the sight of all struck him
+upon his golden shield with such violence that he stretched him
+dead upon the ground.  Alexander is greatly troubled, and is
+almost beside himself with rage when he sees his companion dead;
+his blood boils with anger, but his strength and courage are
+doubled as he strikes the Count with such fury that he breaks his
+lance.  If possible, he would avenge his friend.  But the Count
+was a powerful man and a good and hardy knight, whose match it
+would have been hard to find, had he not been a base traitor.  He
+now returns the blow, making his lance double up so that it
+splits and breaks; but the other's shield holds firm, and neither
+gives way before the other any more than a rock would do, for
+both men were passing strong.  But the fact that the Count was in
+the wrong disturbs him greatly and troubles him. (21)  The anger
+of each rises higher as they both draw their swords after their
+lances had been broken.  No escape would have been possible if
+these two swordsmen had persisted in continuing the fight.  But
+at last one or the other must die.  The Count dares not longer
+hold his ground, when he sees lying dead about him his men who
+had been caught unarmed.  Meanwhile the others press them hard,
+cutting, slashing, and carving them, spilling their brains, and
+reproaching the Count for his treachery.  When he hears himself
+accused of treason, he flees for safety to his tower, followed by
+his men.  And their enemies follow after them, fiercely charging
+them from the rear, and not letting a single one escape of all
+upon whom they lay their hands.  They kill and slay so many of
+them that I guess not more than seven made good their escape.
+
+(Vv. 1955-2056.)  When they had got inside the tower, they made a
+stand at the gate; for those who were coming close behind had
+followed so closely after them that they too would have pressed
+in had the gateway been left exposed.  The traitors make a brave
+defence, waiting for succour from their friends, who were arming
+themselves down in the town.  But upon the advice of Nabunal, who
+was a Greek of great wisdom, the approach was blocked so that
+relief could not arrive in time; for those below had tarried too
+long, either from cowardice or sloth.  Now there was only one
+entrance to the stronghold; so that, if they stop that entrance-
+way, they need have no fear that any force shall approach to do
+them harm.  Nabunal bids and exhorts twenty of them to hold the
+gate; for soon such a company might arrive with force as would do
+them harm by their assault and attack.  While these twenty hold
+the gate, the remaining ten should attack the tower and prevent
+the Count from barricading himself inside.  Nabunal's advice is
+taken: ten remain to continue the assault at the entrance of the
+tower, while twenty go to defend the gate.  In doing so, they
+delay almost too long; for they see approaching, furious and keen
+for the fight, a company containing many cross-bow men and foot
+soldiers of different grades who carried arms of divers sorts.
+Some carried light missiles, and others Danish axes, lances and
+Turkish swords, bolts for cross-bows, arrows and javelins.  The
+Greeks would have had to pay a heavy score, if this crowd had
+actually fallen upon them; but they did not reach the place in
+time.  Nabunal by his foresight and counsel had blocked their
+plans, and they were forced to remain outside.  When they see
+that they are shut out, they pause in their advance, as it is
+evident they can gain nothing by making an assault.  Then there
+begins such weeping and wailing of women and young children, of
+old men and youths, that those in the town could not have heard a
+thunder-clap from heaven.  At this the Greeks are overjoyed; for
+now they know of a certainty that the Count by no good luck can
+escape capture.  Four of them mount the walls to keep watch lest
+those outside by any means or ruse should enter the stronghold
+and fall upon them.  The remaining sixteen returned to where the
+ten were fighting.  The day was already breaking, and the ten had
+fought so well that they had forced their way within the tower.
+The Count took his stand against a post, and, armed with a
+battleaxe, defended himself with great bravery.  Those whom he
+reaches, he splits in half.  And his men line up about him, and
+are not slow to avenge themselves in this last stand of the day,
+Alexander's men have reason to complain, for of the original
+sixteen there remain now but thirteen.  Alexander is almost
+beside himself when he sees the havoc wrought among his dead or
+exhausted followers.  Yet his thoughts are fixed on vengeance:
+finding at hand a long heavy club, he struck one of the rascals
+with it so fiercely that neither shield nor hauberk was worth a
+button in preventing him from failing to the ground.  After
+finishing with him, he pursues the Count, and raising his club to
+strike him he deals him such a blow with his square club that the
+axe falls from his hands; and he was so stunned and bewildered
+that he could not have stood up unless he had leaned against the
+wall.
+
+(Vv. 2057-2146.)  After this blow the battle ceases.  Alexander 
+leaps at the Count and holds him so that he cannot move.  Of the
+others nothing need be said, for they were easily mastered when
+they saw the capture of their lord.  All are made prisoners with
+the Count and led away in disgrace, in accordance with their
+deserts.  Of all this the men outside knew nothing.  But when
+morning came they found their companions shields lying among the
+slain when the battle was over.  Then the Greeks, misled, made a
+great lament for their lord.  Recognising his shield, all are in
+an agony of grief, swooning at sight of his shield and saying
+that now they have lived too long.  Cornix and Nerius first
+swoon, then, recovering their senses, wish they were dead.  So do
+Torin and Acorionde.  The tears run down in floods from their
+eyes upon their breasts.  Life and joy seem hateful now.  And
+Parmenides more than the rest tore his hair in dire distress.  No
+greater grief could be shown than that of these five for their
+lord.  Yet, their dismay is groundless, for it is another's body
+which they bear away when they think to have their lord.  Their
+distress is further increased by the sight of the other shields,
+which cause them to mistake these corpses for their companions.
+So over them they lament and swoon.  But they are deceived by all
+these shields, for of their men only one was killed, whose name
+was Neriolis.  Him, indeed, they would have borne away had they
+known the truth.  But they are in as great anxiety for the others
+as for him; so they bore them all away.  In every case but one
+they were misled.  But like the man who dreams and takes a
+fiction for the truth, so the shields cause them to suppose this
+illusion to be a reality.  It is the shields, then, that cause
+this mistake. (22)  Carrying the corpses, they move away and come
+to their tents, where there was a sorrowing troop.  Upon hearing
+the lament raised by the Greeks, soon all the others gathered,
+until there was but one great outcry.  Now Saredamors thinks of
+her wretched estate when she hears the cry and lament over her
+lover.  Their anguish and distress cause her to lose her senses
+and her colour, and her grief and sorrow are increased because
+she dares not openly show a trace of her distress.  She shut up
+her grief within her heart.  Had any one looked at her, he could
+have seen by the expression of her face what agony she was in;
+but every one was so engrossed with his own sorrow that he had no
+care for another's grief.  Each one lamented his own loss.  For
+they find the river bank covered with their relatives and
+friends, who had been wounded or roughly treated.  Each one wept
+for his own heavy and bitter loss: here is a son weeping for a
+father, there a father for a son; one swoons at the sight of his
+cousin, another over his nephew.  Thus fathers, brothers, and
+relatives bemoan their loss on every side.  But above all is
+noticeable the sorrow of the Greeks; and yet they might have
+anticipated great joy, for the deepest grief of all the camp will
+soon be changed into rejoicing.
+
+(Vv. 2147-2200.)  The Greeks outside continue their lament, while
+those inside strive to let them know the news which will cause
+them to rejoice.  They disarm and bind their prisoners, who pray
+and beg of them to strike off their heads straightway.  But the
+Greeks are unwilling, and disdain their entreaties, saying that
+them will keep then under guard and hand them over to the King,
+who will grant them such recompense as shall require their
+services.  When they had disarmed them all they made them go up
+on the wall that they might be seen by the troops below.  This
+privilege is not to their liking, and when they saw their lord
+bound as a prisoner, they were unhappy men.  Alexander upon the
+walls swears to God and all the saints that he will not let one
+of them live, but will kill them all speedily, unless they will
+go to surrender to the King before he can seize them.  "Go," says
+he, "confidently to the King at my command, and cast yourselves
+upon his mercy.  None of you, except the Count, has deserved to
+die.  You shall not lose either life or limb if you surrender to
+the King.  If you do not deliver yourselves from death by crying
+for mercy, you need have little hope of saving your lives or
+bodies.  Go forth disarmed to meet the King, and tell him from me
+that Alexander sends you to him.  Your action will not be in
+vain; for my lord the King is so gentle and courteous that he
+will lay aside his wrath and anger.  But if you wish to act
+otherwise, you must expect to die, for his heart will be closed
+to pity."  All agree in accepting this advice, and do not
+hesitate until they come to the King's tent, where they all fall
+at his feet.  The story they told was soon known throughout the
+camp.  The King and all his men mounted and spurred their horses
+to the town without delay.
+
+(Vv. 2201-2248.)  Alexander goes out from the town to meet the
+King, who was greatly pleased, and to surrender to him the Count.
+The King did not delay in fitly punishing him.  But Alexander is
+congratulated and praised by the King and all the others who
+esteem him highly.  Their joy drives away the grief which they
+had felt not long before.  But no joy of the others can compare
+with the exultation of the Greeks.  The King presents him with
+the precious cup, weighing fifteen marks, and tells him
+confidently that there is nothing in his possession so valuable
+that he would not place it in his hands upon request--save only
+the crown and the Queen.  Alexander dares not mention his heart's
+desire, though he knows well that he would not be refused in
+asking for his sweetheart's hand.  But he fears so much lest he
+might displease her, whose heart would have been made glad, that
+he prefers to suffer without her rather than to win her against
+her will.  Therefore, he asks for a little time, not wishing to
+prefer his request until he is sure of her pleasure.  But he
+asked for no respite or delay in accepting the cup of gold.  He
+takes the cup, and courteously begs my lord Gawain to accept this
+cup as a gift from him, which Gawain did most reluctantly.  When
+Soredamors learned the truth about Alexander she was greatly
+pleased and delighted.  When she heard that he was alive, she was
+so happy that it seemed to her as though she could never be sad
+again.  But she reflects that he is slower in coming than is his
+wont.  Yet in good time she will have her wish, for both of them
+in rivalry are occupied with one common thought.
+
+(Vv. 2249-2278.)  It seemed to Alexander an age before he could
+feast his eyes with even one soft glance from her.  Long ago he
+would fain have gone to the Queen's tent, if he had not been
+detained elsewhere.  He was much put out by this delay, and as
+soon as he could, he betook himself to the Queen in her tent. 
+The Queen went to greet him, and, without his having confided in
+her, she had already read his thoughts, and knew what was passing
+in his mind.  She greets him at the entrance of the tent, and
+strives to make him welcome, well knowing for what purpose he has
+come.  Desirous of according him a favour, she beckons Soredamors
+to join them, and they three engage in conversation at some
+distance from the rest.  The Queen first speaks, in whose mind
+there was no doubt that this couple were in love.  Of this fact
+she is quite sure, and is persuaded moreover that Soredamors
+could not have a better lover.  She took her place between the
+two and began to say what was appropriate.
+
+(Vv. 2279-2310.)  "Alexander," says the Queen, "any love is worse
+than hate, when it torments and distresses its devotee.  Lovers
+know not what they do when they conceal their passion from one
+another.  Love is a serious business, and whoever does not boldly
+lay its foundation firm can hardly succeed in completing the
+edifice.  They say there is nothing so hard to cross as the
+threshold.  Now I wish to instruct you in the lore of love; for I
+know well that Love is tormenting you.  Therefore, I have
+undertaken to instruct you; and do you take good care not to keep
+anything back from me, for I have plainly seen in the faces of
+you both that of two hearts you have made but one.  So beware,
+and conceal nothing from me!  You are acting very foolishly in
+not speaking out your mind; for concealment will be the death of
+you; thus you will be the murderers of Love.  Now I counsel you
+to exercise no tyranny, and to seek no passing gratification in
+your love; but to be honourably joined together in marriage.  So,
+I believe, your love shall long endure.  I can assure you that,
+if you agree to this, I will arrange the marriage."
+
+(Vv. 2311-2360.)  When the Queen had spoken her mind, Alexander
+thus made reply: "Lady," he says, "I enter no defence against the
+charge you make, but rather admit the truth of all you say.  I
+wish never to be deserted by love, but always to fix my thoughts
+on it.  I am pleased and delighted by what you have so kindly
+said.  Since you know what my wishes are, I see no reason why I
+should conceal them from you.  Long ago, if I had dared I would
+have confessed them openly; for the silence has been hard.  But
+it may well be that for some reason this maiden may not wish that
+I be hers and she mine.  But even if she grant me no rights over
+her, yet will I place myself in her hands."  At these words she
+trembled, having no desire to refuse the gift.  Her heart's
+desire betrays itself in her words and her countenance.
+Falteringly she gives herself to him, and says that without
+exception her will, her heart, and her body all is at the
+disposal of the Queen, to do with her as she may please.  The
+Queen clasps them both in her arms, and presents one to the
+other.  Then laughingly she adds: "I give over to thee,
+Alexander, thy sweetheart's body, and I know that thy heart does
+not draw back.  Whoever may like it or like it not, I give each
+of you to the other.  Do thou, Soredamors, take what is thine,
+and thou, Alexander, take what is thine!"  Now she has her own
+entire, and he has his without lack.  At Windsor that day, with
+the approval and permission of my lord Gawain and the King, the
+marriage was celebrated.  No one could tell, I am sure, so much
+of the magnificence and the food, of the pleasure and
+entertainment, at this wedding without falling short of the
+truth.  Inasmuch as it would be distasteful to some, I do not
+care to waste further words upon the matter, but am anxious to
+turn to another subject.
+
+(Vv. 2361-2382.)  That day at Windsor Alexander had all the
+honour and happiness that he could desire.  Three different joys
+and honours were his: one was the town which he captured; another
+was the present of the best kingdom in Wales, which King Arthur
+had promised to give him when the war was over; that very day he
+made him king in his hall.  But the greatest joy of all was the
+third--that his sweetheart was queen of the chess-board where
+he was king.  Before five months had passed, Soredamors found
+herself with child, and carried it until the time was fulfilled.
+The seed remained in germ until the fruit was fully matured.  No
+more beautiful child was ever born before or since than he whom
+they now called Cliges.
+
+(Vv. 2383-2456.)  So Cliges was born, in whose honour this story
+has been put in the Romance tongue.  You shall hear me tell of
+him and of his valorous deeds, when he shall have grown to
+manhood and obtained a good report.  But meanwhile in Greece it
+came about that he who ruled over Constantinople drew near his
+end.  He died, as indeed he must, not being able to outlive his
+time.  But before he died he assembled all the nobles of his land
+to send and seek for his son Alexander, who was happily detained
+in Britain.  The messengers start out from Greece, and begin
+their voyage over the seas; but a tempest catches them in its
+grasp, and damages their ship and company.  They were all drowned
+at sea, except one unfaithful wretch, who was more devoted to
+Alis the younger son than to Alexander the eider.  When he
+escaped from the sea, he returned to Greece with the story that
+they had all been lost at sea as they were conducting their lord
+back from Britain, and that he was the only survivor of the
+tragedy.  They believed this lie of his, and, taking Alis without
+objection or dissent, they crowned him emperor of Greece.  But it
+was not long before Alexander learned that Alis was emperor. 
+Then he took leave of King Arthur, unwilling to let his brother
+usurp his land without protest.  The King makes no opposition to
+his plan, but bids him take with him so great a company of
+Welshmen, Scots, and Cornishmen that his brother will not dare to
+withstand him when he sees him come with such a host.  Alexander,
+had he pleased, might have led a mighty force; but he has no
+desire to harm his own people, if his brother will consent to do
+his will.  He took with him forty knights besides Soredamors and
+his son; these two persons, who were so dear to him, he did not
+wish to leave behind.  Escorted as far as Shoreham by the entire
+court, they there embarked, and with fair winds their ship made
+way more quickly than a fleeing stag.  Within a month, I think,
+they arrived in port before Athens, a rich and powerful city.
+Indeed, the emperor was residing there, and had convoked, a great
+assembly of his noblemen.  As soon as they arrived Alexander sent
+a privy messenger into the city to learn whether they would
+receive him, or whether they would resist his claim to be their
+only lawful lord.
+
+(Vv. 2457-2494.)  He who was chosen for this mission was a
+courteous knight with good judgment, named Acorionde, a rich man
+and eloquent; he was a native of the country, too, having been
+born in Athens.  His ancestors for generations had always
+exercised lordship in the city.  When he had learned that the
+emperor was in the city he went and challenged the crown on
+behalf of his brother Alexander, accusing him openly of having
+usurped it unlawfully.  Arriving at the palace, he finds plenty
+of people who welcome him; but he says nothing to any of those
+who greet him until he learns what is their attitude and
+disposition toward their lawful lord.  Coming into the presence
+of the emperor he neither greets him nor bows before him nor
+calls him emperor.  "Alis," he says, "I bring thee tidings of
+Alexander, who is out yonder in the harbour.  Listen to thy
+brother's message: he asks thee for what belongs to him, nor does
+he demand what is unjust.  Constantinople, which thou dost hold,
+should be his and shall be his.  It would be neither just nor
+right that discord should arise between you two.  So give him the
+crown without contest, for it is right that thou shouldst
+surrender it."
+
+(Vv. 2495-2524.)  Alis replies: "Fair gentle friend, thou hast
+undertaken a mad enterprise in bearing this message.  There is
+little comfort in thy speech, for well I know that my brother is
+dead.  I should rejoice, indeed, to learn that he was still
+alive.  But I shall not believe the news until I have seen him
+with my eyes.  He died some time ago, alas!  What thou sayest is
+not credible.  And if he lives, why does he not come?  He need
+never fear that I will not bestow on him some lands.  He is a
+fool to hold aloof from me, for in serving me he will find
+profit.  But no one shall possess the crown and empire beside
+me."  He liked not the speech of the emperor, and did not fail to
+speak his mind in the reply he made.  "Alis," he says, "may God
+confound me if the matter is thus allowed to stand.  I defy thee
+in thy brother's name, and dutifully speaking in his name, I
+summon all those whom I see here to renounce thee and to join his
+cause.  It is right that they should side with him and recognise
+him as their lord.  Let him who is loyal now stand forth."
+
+(Vv. 2525-2554.)  Upon saying this he leaves the court, and the
+emperor summons those in whom he has most confidence.  He
+requests their advice concerning this defiance upon his brother's
+part, and wishes to learn if he can trust them to lend no support
+or help to his brother's claim.  Thus he tries to test the
+loyalty of each; but he finds not one who sides with him in the
+dispute, rather do they all bid him remember the war which
+Eteocles undertook against his own brother Polynices, and how
+each one died by the other's hand. (23)  "So, too, it may happen
+to you, if you undertake a war, and all the land will be
+distressed."  Therefore, they advise that such a peace be sought
+as shall be both reasonable and just, and that neither one make
+excessive demands.  Thus Alis understands that if he does not
+make an equitable agreement with his brother all his vassals will
+desert him; so he says that he will respect their wishes in
+making any suitable contract, provided that however the affair
+may rum out the crown shall remain in his possession.
+
+(Vv. 2555-2618.)  In order to secure a firm and stable peace Alis
+sends one of his officers to Alexander, bidding him come to him
+in person and receive the government of the land, but stipulating
+that he should leave to him the honour of emperor in name and of
+wearing the crown: thus, if Alexander is willing, peace may be
+established between them.  When this news was brought to
+Alexander his men made ready with him and came to Athens, where
+they were received with joy.  But Alexander is not willing that
+his brother should have the sovereignty of the empire and of the
+crown unless he will pledge his word never to take a wife, and
+that after him Cliges shall be emperor of Constantinople.  Upon
+this the brothers both agreed.  Alexander dictated the terms of
+the oath, and his brother agreed and gave his word that he would
+never in his life take a wife in marriage.  So peace is made, and
+they are friends again, to the great satisfaction of the lords.
+They hold Alis as their emperor, but all business is referred to
+Alexander.  What he commands is done, and little is done except
+through him.  Alis has nothing but the name of emperor; but
+Alexander is served and loved; and he who does not serve him for
+love must needs do so from fear.  Through the effect of one or
+the other of these two motives he has all the land within his
+power. But he whom they call Death spares neither the strong man
+nor the weak, but kills and slays them all.  So Alexander had to
+die; for a disease caught him in its grip from which he could
+obtain no relief.  But before he was surprised by death he
+summoned his son and said to him: "Fair son Cliges, thou canst
+never know that prowess and valour are thine unless thou go first
+to make test of them with the Bretons and French at King Arthur's
+court.  If adventure takes thee thither, so conduct and demean
+thyself that thy identity be not known until thou hast tried thy
+strength with the most excellent knights of that court.  I beg
+thee to heed my counsel in this matter, and if the occasion
+arises have no fear to measure thy skill with thy uncle, my lord
+Gawain.  Do not forget this advice, I pray."
+
+(Vv. 2619-2665.)  After he had thus exhorted him, he did not live
+long.  Soredamors' grief was such that she could not survive him,
+but died after him of a broken heart.  Alis and Cliges both
+mourned him becomingly, but finally they ceased their grief, for
+sorrow, like everything else, must be outlived.  To continue in
+sorrow is wrong, for no good can come from it.  So the mourning
+was ended, and the emperor refrained for a long time from taking
+a wife, being careful of his word.  But there is no court in all
+the world which is free from evil counsel.  Great men often go
+astray, and do not observe loyalty because of the bad advice they
+take.  Thus, the emperor hears his men giving him advice and
+counselling him to take a wife; and daily they so exhort and urge
+him that by their very insistence they persuade him to break his
+oath, and to accede to their desire.  But he insists that she who
+is to be mistress of Constantinople must be gentle, fair, wise,
+rich, and noble.  Then his counsellors say that they wish to
+prepare to go away to the German land, and seek the daughter of
+the emperor.  She is the choice they propose to him; for the
+emperor of Germany is very rich and powerful, and his daughter is
+so charming that never was there a maid of her beauty in
+Christendom.  The emperor grants them full authority, and they
+set out upon the journey well provided with all they need.  They
+proceeded on their way until they found the emperor at
+Regensburg, when they asked him to give them his oldest daughter
+at the instance of their lord.
+
+(Vv. 2669-2680.)  The emperor was pleased with this request, and
+gladly gave them his daughter; for in doing so, he does not
+debase himself, nor diminish his honour in any way.  But he says
+that he had promised her to the Duke of Saxony, and that they
+would not be able to lead her away unless the emperor should come
+with a great army, so that the duke would be unable to do him any
+harm or injury while homeward bound.
+
+(Vv. 2681-2706.)  When the messengers heard the emperor's reply,
+they took leave and departed.  They returned to their lord, and
+bore him the answer.  And the emperor selected a chosen company
+of the most experienced knights whom he could find, and took with
+him his nephew, in whose interests he had vowed never to marry a
+wife, but he will not respect this vow if he can once reach
+Cologne. (24)  Upon a certain day he leaves Greece and draws near
+to Germany, intending to take a wife despite all blame and
+reproach; but his honour will be smirched.  Upon reaching
+Cologne, he found that the emperor had assembled all his court
+for a festival.  When the company of the Greeks reached Cologne,
+there was such a great number of Greeks and Germans that it was
+necessary to lodge more than sixty thousand of them outside the
+city.
+
+(Vv.2707-2724.)  Great was the crowd of people, and great the joy
+of the two emperors when they met.  When the barons had gathered
+in the vast palace, the emperor summoned his charming daughter.
+The maiden made no delay in coming straightway into the palace.
+She had been made very fair and shapely by the Creator, whose
+pleasure it had been to arouse the people's admiration.  God, who
+had fashioned her, never gave man a word which could adequately
+express such beauty as she possessed.
+
+(Vv. 2725-2760.)  Fenice was the maiden's name, and for this
+there was good reason: (25) for if the Phoenix bird is unique as
+the most beautiful of all the birds, so Fenice, it seems to me,
+had no equal in beauty.  She was such a miracle and marvel that
+Nature was never able to make her like again.  In order to be
+more brief, I will not describe in words her arms, her body, her
+head and hands; for if I should live a thousand years, and if my
+skill were to double every day, yet should I waste all my time in
+trying to tell the truth about her.  I know very well, if I
+should undertake it, that I would exhaust my brain and waste my
+pains: it would be but misspent energy. (26)  The damsel hastened
+until she came into the palace, with head uncovered and face
+unveiled; and the radiance of her beauty lighted the palace more
+brightly than four carbuncles would have done.  Cliges stood, his
+over-cloak removed, in his uncle's presence.  The day outside was
+somewhat dark, but he and the maiden were both so fair that a ray
+shone forth from their beauty which illumined the palace, just as
+the morning sun shines clear and red.
+
+(Vv. 2761-2792.)  I wish to attempt in a very few words to
+describe the beauty of Cliges.  He was in his flower, being now
+almost fifteen years of age.  He was more comely and charming
+than Narcissus who saw his reflection in the spring beneath the
+elm-tree, and, when he saw it, he loved it so that he died, they
+say, because he could not get it.  Narcissus was fair, but had
+little sense; (27) but as fine gold surpasses copper, so was
+Cliges better endowed with wisdom, and even then I have not said
+all.  His locks seemed made of fine gold, and his face was of a
+fresh rosy colour.  He had a well-formed nose and shapely mouth,
+and in stature he was built upon Nature's best pattern; for in
+him she had united gifts which she is wont to scatter wide. 
+Nature was so lavish with him that she gave him all she could,
+and placed all in one receptacle.  Such was Cliges, who combined
+good sense and beauty, generosity and strength.  He possessed the
+wood as well as the bark; he knew more of fencing and of the bow
+than did Tristan, King Mark's nephew, and more about birds and
+hounds than he. (28)  In Cliges there lacked no good thing.
+
+(Vv. 2793-2870.)  Cliges stood in all his beauty before his
+uncle, and those who did not know who he was looked at him with
+eager curiosity.  And on the other hand, the interest was aroused
+of those who did not know the maiden: wonderingly they gaze upon
+her.  But Cliges, under the sway of love, let his eyes rest on
+her covertly, and withdrew them again so discreetly that in their
+passage to and fro no one could blame his lack of skill. 
+Blithely he looks upon the maid, but does not note that she
+repays him in kind.  Not flattering him, but in sincere love, she
+gives him her eyes, and takes back his.  This exchange seems good
+to her, and would have seemed to her better still had she known
+something of who he was.  But she knows nothing except that he is
+fair, and that, if she is ever to love any one for beauty's sake,
+she need not seek elsewhere to bestow her heart.  She handed over
+to him the possession of her eyes and heart, and he pledged his
+in turn to her.  Pledged?  Rather gave outright.  Gave?  Nay,
+upon my faith, I lie; for no one can give away his heart.  I must
+express it some other way.  I will not say it, as some have done
+who make two hearts dwell in one body, for it bears not even the
+semblance of truth that there should be in one body two hearts;
+and even if they could be so united, it would never seem true.
+But if it please you to heed my words, I shall be able explain
+how two hearts form but one without coming to be identified. 
+Only so far are they merged in one as the desire of each passes
+from one to the other, thus joining in one common desire; and
+because of this harmony of desire, there are some who are wont to
+say that each one has both hearts; but one heart cannot be in two
+places.  Each one always keeps his own heart, though the desire
+be shared by both, just as many different men may sing a song or
+tune in unison.  By this comparison I prove that for one body to
+contain two hearts it is not enough to know each other's wish,
+nor yet for one to know what the other loves and what he hates;
+just as voices which are heard together seem to be merged in one,
+and yet do not all come from one mouth, so it is with a body
+which can contain but one heart.  But there is no need of further
+argument, for other matters press upon me.  I must speak now of
+the damsel and of Cliges, and you shall hear of the Duke of
+Saxony, who has sent to Cologne a young nephew of his.  This
+youth informs the emperor that his uncle, the duke, sends word
+that he need expect no peace or trace with him, unless he sends
+to him his daughter, and that the one who is intending to carry
+her away with him had better not start home, for he will find the
+road occupied and well defended unless the maiden be surrendered.
+
+(Vv. 2871-3010.)  The youth spoke his message well, without pride
+and without insult.  But he found neither knight nor emperor who
+would answer him.  When he saw that they all held their peace and
+treated him with scorn, he left the court in defiant mood.  But
+youth and thirst for daring deeds made Cliges defy him in combat
+as he left.  For the contest they mount their steeds, three
+hundred of them on either side, exactly equal thus in strength.
+All the palace is quite emptied of knights and ladies, who mount
+to the balconies, battlements, and windows to see and watch those
+who were about to fight.  Even the maiden, whose will Love had
+subdued beneath his sway, sought for a point from which to see.
+She took her place at a window, where she sat with great delight,
+because from there she could get a view of him whom she holds
+secretly in her heart with no desire to remove him thence; for
+she will never love any other man.  But she does not know his
+name, nor who he is, nor of what race; for it is not proper to
+ask questions; but she yearns to hear tidings which will bring
+joy to her heart.  She looks out of the window at the shields
+with their gleaming gold, and she gazes at those who wear the
+shields about their necks, as they prepare for the trial at arms.
+But all her thoughts and glances soon rest upon one object, and
+to all others she is indifferent.  Whereever Cliges goes, she
+seeks to follow him with her eyes.  And he in turn does his best
+for her, and battles openly, in order that she at least may hear
+it said that he is bold and very skilled: thus she will be
+compelled to prize him for his prowess.  He attacks the duke's
+nephew, who was breaking many a lance and sorely discomfiting the
+Greeks.  But Cliges, who is displeased at this, braces himself
+firmly in his stirrups, and goes to strike him so speedily that
+in spite of himself he had to vacate the saddle-bows.  When he
+got up, the uproar was great; for the youth arose and mounted,
+thinking to avenge his shame.  But many a man only falls into
+deeper disgrace who thinks to avenge his shame when he has the
+chance.  The young man rushes at Cliges, who lowers his lance to
+meet him, and thrusts at him with such force that he carries him
+to earth again.  Now his shame is doubled, and all his followers
+are in dismay, seeing that they can never leave the field with
+honour; for not one of them is so valiant that he can keep his
+seat in the saddle when Cliges thrust reaches him.  But those of
+Germany and the Greeks are overjoyed when they see their party
+drive off the Saxons, who retreat discomfited.  With mockery they
+pursue them until they come up with them at a stream, into which
+they drive them for a plunge.  In the deepest part of the ford
+Cliges unhorsed the duke's nephew and so many of his men that
+they escaped grieving and sad in their shame and confusion.  But
+Cliges, twice victor, returned in glee, and entered a gate which
+was near the apartment where the maiden was; and as he passed
+through the gate she exacted as toll a tender glance, which he
+paid her as their eyes met.  Thus was the maiden subdued by the
+man.  But there is not a German of the lowland or highland,
+possessing the power of speech who does not cry: "God!  who is
+this in whom such beauty is radiant?  God!  how has it happened
+that so suddenly he has attained such great success?"  Thus one
+man and another asks: "Who is this youth, who is he, I say?"
+Thus, soon throughout the city it is known what his name is, and
+who is his father, and what pledge that was which had been made
+to him by the emperor.  So much was said and noised about that
+the news reached the ears of her who in her heart rejoiced
+because she could no more say that Love had made sport of her,
+nor had she any ground for complaint.  For Love has made her give
+her heart to the fairest, most courteous, and valiant man that
+could anywhere be found.  But some force must be employed, if she
+would gain possession of him who is not free do her will.  This
+makes her anxious and distraught.  For she has no one with whom
+to take counsel concerning him for whom she pines, but must waste
+herself in thought and vigils.  She becomes so affected by these
+cares that she loses her colour and grows wan, and it becomes
+plain to all that her loss of colour betokens an unfulfilled
+desire.  She plays less now than she used to do, and laughs less
+and loses her gaiety.  But she conceals her trouble and passes it
+off, if any one asks what her ailment is.  Her old nurse's name
+was Thessala, (29) who was skilled in necromancy, having been
+born in Thessaly, where devilish charms are taught and wrought;
+for the women of that country perform many a charm and mystic
+rite.
+
+(Vv. 3011-3062.)  Thessala saw pale and wan her whom Love holds
+in his bonds, and thus she addressed her with advice: "God!" she
+said, "are you bewitched, my lady dear, that your face should be
+so pale?  I wonder what your trouble is.  Tell me, if you can,
+where this pain attacks you most, for if any one can cure you,
+you may safely trust me to give you back your health again.  I
+can cure the dropsy, gout, quinsy, and asthma; I am so expert in
+examining the urine and the pulse that you need consult no other
+physician.  And I dare say that I know more than ever Medea (30)
+knew of enchantments and of charms which tests have proven to be
+true.  I have never spoken to you of this, though I have cared
+for you all your life; and now I should not mention it did I not
+plainly see that you are so afflicted as to need my
+ministrations.  My lady, you will do well to tell me what your
+sickness is before its hold becomes more severe.  The emperor has
+committed you to me in order that I may care for you, and my
+devotion has been such that I have kept you safe and sound.  Now
+all my pains will come to naught if I do not relieve this malady. 
+Take care not to conceal from me whether this is sickness or
+something else."  The damsel dares not openly expose her desire
+in all its fullness for she is in fear lest she be disapproved
+and blamed.  And when she hears and understands how Thessala
+boasts and highly rates herself as being expert in enchantments,
+charms, and potions, she decides to tell her what is the cause of
+her pale and colourless face; but first she makes her promise to
+keep her secret and never to oppose her will.
+
+(Vv. 3063-3216.)  "Nurse," she said, "I truly thought I felt no
+pain, but I shall soon feel differently.  For as soon as I begin
+to think about it, I feel great pain, and am dismayed.  But when
+one has no experience, how can one tell what is sickness and what
+is health?  My illness is different from all others; for when I
+wish to speak of it, it causes me both joy and pain, so happy I
+am in my distress.  And if it can be that sickness brings
+delight, then my trouble and joy are one, and in my illness
+consists my health.  So I do not know why I complain, for I know
+not whence my trouble comes, unless it is caused by my desire.
+Perchance my desire is my disease, but I find so much joy in it
+that the suffering it causes me is grateful, and there is so much
+contentment in my pain that it is sweet to suffer so.  Nurse
+Thessala, now tell me true, is not this a deceitful ill, to charm
+and torment me both at once?  I do not see how I can tell whether
+this is a disease or not.  Nurse, tell me now its name, nature,
+and character.  But understand well that I have no desire to be
+cured of it, for my distress is very dear to me."   Thessala, who
+was very wise about love and its symptoms knows full well from
+what she hears that it is love which is tormenting her; the
+tender, endearing terms she uses are certain proof that she is in
+love, for all other woes are hard to bear, except that alone
+which comes from love; but love transforms its bitterness into
+sweetness and joy, then often transforms them back again.  The
+nurse, who was expert in this matter, thus replies to her: "Have
+no fear, for I will tell you at once the name of your malady. 
+You told me, I believe, that the pain which you feel seems rather
+to be joy and health: now of such a nature is love-sickness, for
+in it, too, there is joy and bliss.  You are in love, then, as I
+can prove to you, for I find no pleasure in any malady save only
+in love.  All other sickness is always bad and horrible, but love
+is sweet and peaceable.  You are in love; of that I am sure, nor
+do I see any wrong in that.  But I shall consider it very wrong,
+if through some childish folly you conceal from me your heart."
+"Nurse, there is no need of your speaking so.  But first I must
+be sure and certain that under no circumstances will you speak of
+it to any living soul."  "My lady, surely the winds will speak of
+it before I do without your leave, and I will give you my word so
+to favour your desires that you may safely trust in having your
+joy fulfilled through my services."  "In that case, Nurse, I
+shall be cured.  But the emperor is giving me in marriage,
+wherefore I grieve and am sorrowful; for he who has won my heart
+is the nephew of him whom I must take.  And though he may find
+joy in me, yet is my joy forever lost, and no respite is
+possible.  I would rather be torn limb from limb than that men
+should speak of us as they speak of the loves of Iseut and
+Tristan, of so many unseemly stories are told that I should be
+ashamed to mention them.  I could never bring myself to lead the
+life that Iseut led.  Such love as hers was far too base; for her
+body belonged to two, whereas her heart was possessed by one.
+Thus all her life was spent, refusing her favours to neither one.
+But mine is fixed on one object, and under no circumstances will
+there be any sharing of my body and heart.  Never will my body be
+portioned out between two shareholders.  Who has the heart has
+the body, too, and may bid all others stand aside.  But I cannot
+clearly see how he whom I love can have my body when my father
+gives me to another, and his will I do not dare resist.  And when
+this other is lord of my body, and does something which
+displeases me, it is not right for me to summon another to my
+aid.  Nor can this man marry a wife without breaking his plighted
+word; for, unless injustice be done, Cliges is to have the empire
+after his uncle's death.  But I should be well served by you, if
+you were so skilful as to present him, to whom I am pledged and
+engaged, from having any claim upon me.  O Nurse, exert yourself
+to the end that he may not break the pledge which he gave to the
+father of Cliges, when he promised him solemnly never to take a
+wife in marriage.  For now, if he should marry me his promise
+would be broken.  But Cliges is so dear to me that I would rather
+be under ground than that he should ever lose through me a penny
+of the fortune which should be his.  May never a child be born to
+me to cause his disinheritance!  Nurse, now do your best, and I
+will always be your slave."  Then the nurse tells her and assures
+her that she will cast so many charms, and prepare so many
+potions and enchantments that she need never have any worry or
+fear concerning the emperor after he shall have drunk of the
+potion which she will give him; even when they shall lie together
+and she be at his side, she may be as secure as if there were a
+wall between them.  "But do not be alarmed, if, in his sleep, he
+sports with you, for when he is plunged in sleep he will have his
+sport with you, and he will be convinced that he has had you when
+wide awake, nor will he think it is all a dream, a fiction, and
+illusion.  Thus he will have his sport with you when asleep, he
+will think he is awake."
+
+(Vv. 3217-3250.)  The maiden is highly pleased and delighted by
+the nurse's kindness and offer of help.  Her nurse inspires good
+hope in her by the promise which she makes, and which she binds
+herself to keep; with this hope she expects to obtain her desire,
+in spite of wearisome delay, for if Cliges' nature is as noble as
+she takes it to be he cannot fail to take pity upon her when he
+learns that she loves him, and that she has imposed virginity
+upon herself in order to insure his inheritance.  So the maiden
+believes her nurse, and puts full confidence in her.  One
+promises to the other, and gives her word, that this plot shall
+be kept so secret as never to be revealed.  At this point their
+conversation ceases, and the next morning the emperor summons his
+daughter.  At his command she goes to him.  But why should I
+weary you with details?  The two emperors have so settled the
+matter that the marriage is solemnised, and joy reigns in the
+palace.  But I do not wish to stop to describe all this in
+detail.  Rather will I address myself to Thessala, as she
+diligently prepares and tempers her potions.
+
+(Vv. 3251-3328.)  Thessala steeps her drink, putting in spices in
+abundance to sweeten and temper it.  After having well beaten and
+mixed it, she strains it clear, with no sharp or bitter taste,
+for the spices she puts in give it a sweet and pleasant
+fragrance.  When the potion was prepared, the day had drawn to a
+close, the tables were set for supper, and the cloths were
+spread.  But Thessala delays the supper, because she must
+discover by what device and what agent she can have the potion
+served.  At supper, finally, all were seated, and more than six
+dishes had been passed, and Cliges served behind his uncle's
+place.  Thessala, as she watches him, thinks how ill he serves
+his own interests, and how he is assisting in his own
+disinheritance, and the thought torments and worries her.  Then
+in her kindness she conceives the plan of having the potion
+served by him to whom it will bring both joy and honour.  So
+Thessala summoned Cliges; and when he had come to her, he asked
+her why she had sent for him.  "Friend," said she, "I wish to
+present the emperor at this meal with a beverage which he will
+esteem highly, and I want him to taste no other to-night, either
+at supper or when he goes to bed.  I think he cannot fail to
+relish it, for he never has tasted a better drink or one that has
+cost so much.  And I warn you, take good care to let no one else
+drink of it, for there is but a little of it.  And this, too, I
+beg of you, not to let him know whence it came; but tell him it
+came about by chance that you found it among the presents, and
+tasted it yourself, and detected the aroma of the sweet spices in
+the air; then, seeing the wine to be all clear you poured it into
+his cup.  If by chance he should inquire, you can satisfy him
+with this reply.  But have no suspicion yourself, after what I
+have said, for the drink is pure and healthful, full excellent
+spices, and I think it may some day bring you joy."  When he
+heard that advantage would come to him, he took the potion and
+went away, for he did not know there was any harm in it.  He set
+it in a crystal cup before the emperor, who took it without
+question, trusting in his nephew.  After taking a long draught of
+the beverage, he straightway feels its strength, as it descends
+from head to heart, and rises again from heart to head, and
+penetrates every part of him without doing the slightest harm.
+And by the time they left the tables, the emperor had drunk so
+much of the pleasing drink that he can never escape it 
+influence. Every night he will sleep under its influence, and its
+effects will be such that he will think he is awake when sound
+asleep.
+
+(Vv. 3329-3394.)  Now the emperor has been deceived.  Many
+bishops and abbots were present to bless and hallow the marriage-
+bed.  When the time came to retire, the emperor, as was his
+right, lay beside his wife that night.  "As was his right;" but
+the statement is inexact, for he neither kissed nor fondled her,
+yet they lay together in one bed.  At first the maiden trembled
+with fear and anxiety lest the potion should not act.  But it has
+so mastered him that he will never desire her or any other woman
+except in his sleep.  But when asleep he will have such sport
+with her as one may have in dreams, and he will think the dream
+is true.  Nevertheless, she is on her guard, and at first, holds
+aloof from him, so that he cannot approach her.  But now he must
+needs fall asleep; then he sleeps and dreams, though, the senses
+are awake, and he exerts himself to win the favours of the maid.
+while she, realising the danger, defends her virginity.  He woos
+her and calls her gently his sweetheart, and thinks he possesses
+her, but in vain.  But he is gratified by this vain semblance,
+embracing, kissing, and fondling an empty thing, seeing and
+speaking to no purpose, struggling and striving without effect.
+Surely the potion was effective in thus possessing and mastering
+him.  All his pains are of no avail, as he thinks and is
+persuaded that the fortress is won.  Thus he thinks and is
+convinced, when he desists after his vain efforts.  But now I may
+say once for all that his satisfaction was never more than this.
+To such relations with her he will for ever be condemned if
+indeed he can lead her to his own land; but before he can get her
+to safety, I judge that there is trouble in store for him.  For
+while he is on his journey home, the duke, to whom his bride had
+been betrothed, will appear upon the scene.  The duke gathered a
+numerous force, and garrisoned the frontiers, while at court he
+had his spies to inform him each day of the emperor's doings and
+preparations, and how long they are going to stay, and by what
+route they intend to return.  The emperor did not tarry long
+after the marriage, but left Cologne in high spirits.  The German
+emperor escorted him with a numerous company, fearing and
+dreading the force of the Duke of Saxony.
+
+(Vv. 3395-3424.)  The two emperors pursued their journey until
+they were beyond Regensburg, where one evening they were encamped
+in a meadow by the Danube.  The Greeks were in their tents in the
+fields bordering upon the Black Forest.  Opposite to them the
+Saxons were lodged, spying upon them.  The duke's nephew stood
+alone upon a hill, whence he could reconnoitre for a chance to
+inflict some loss or harm on the enemy.  From that point of
+vantage he espied Cliges with three of his young men disporting
+themselves with lances and shields, eager for a conflict and
+shock of arms.  If he could get the chance the duke's nephew
+would gladly attack them and do them harm.  Starting out with
+five companions he concealed them in a valley close by a wood, so
+that the Greeks never saw them until they emerged from the
+valley; then the duke's nephew made an attack, and striking
+Cliges, wounded him slightly in the back.  Cliges, bending over,
+avoids the lance which passed him, inflicting only a slight hurt.
+
+(Vv. 3425-3570.)  When Cliges felt himself wounded, he charged
+the youth, and struck him with such force that he drove his lance
+quite through his heart, and stretched him dead.  Then all the
+Saxons in fear of him betook themselves to flight through the
+woods.  And Cliges, ignorant of the ambuscade, courageously but
+imprudently leaving his companions behind, pursues them to the
+place where the duke's troops were in force preparing to attack
+the Greeks.  Alone he goes in hot pursuit after the youths, who,
+in despair over their lord whom they had lost, come running to
+the duke and tell him weeping of his nephew's death.  The duke
+saw no joke in this affair; and, swearing by God and all His
+saints that he will take no joy or pride in life so long as the
+slayer of his nephew remains alive, he adds that whoever will
+bring him his head will be his friend and will serve him well.
+Then a knight made boast that if he can find the guilty man, he
+will present him with Cliges' head.  Cliges follows the young men
+until he falls among the Saxons, when he is seen by him who had
+undertaken to carry off his head, and who starts after him
+without delay.  But Cliges haste had turned back to escape from
+his enemies and came in to where he had left his companions; he
+found none there, for they had returned to camp to relate their
+adventure.  And the emperor ordered to horse the Greeks and
+Germans in one band.  Soon all through the camp the knights are
+arming and mounting.  Meanwhile Cliges is hotly pursued by his
+enemy, all armed and with helmet closed.  Cliges, who never
+wished to be numbered among the coward and craven-hearted,
+notices that he comes alone.  First, the knight challenged him,
+calling him "fellow," unable to conceal his rage: "Young fellow,"
+he cried, "thou shalt leave me here a pledge for my lord whom
+thou hast killed.  If I do not carry away thy head with me, I am
+not worth a counterfeit besant.  I must make of it a present to
+the duke, and will accept no other forfeit.  In return for his
+nephew, I shall make such restitution that he will profit by the
+exchange."  Cliges hears him reproaching him thus boldly and with
+impudence.  "Vassal," he says, "be on your guard!  For I will
+defend my head, and you shall not get it without my leave."  Then
+the attack begins.  The other missed his blow, while Cliges
+struck him with such force that horse and rider went down
+together in one heap.  The horse fell upon him so heavily that he
+shattered completely one of his legs.  Cliges dismounted on the
+greensward and disarmed him.  When he had disarmed him, he
+appropriated his weapons, and cut off his enemy's head with the
+sword which had just now been his.  After severing his head he
+fixed it firmly on the point of his lance, thinking to offer it
+to the duke, to whom his nephew had promised to present his own
+if he could meet him in the strife.  Cliges had no sooner put on
+the dead man's helmet and taken his shield and mounted his steed,
+letting his own stray at large to terrify the Greeks, than he saw
+advancing with more than a hundred banners flying several full
+squadrons of Greeks and Germans.  Now the fierce and cruel
+struggles will soon begin between the Saxons and the Greeks.  As
+soon as Cliges sees his men advancing, he betakes himself toward
+the Saxons, his own men hotly pursuing him, and not knowing him
+in his disguise.  It is no wonder that his uncle is in despair
+and fear, when he sees the head he is carrying off.  So all the
+host pursue him fast, while Cliges leads them on to provoke a
+fight, until the Saxons see him drawing near.  But they, too, are
+quite misled by the arms with which he has armed and equipped
+himself.  He succeeds in deceiving and mocking them; for the duke
+and all the rest, when they saw him approaching lance in rest,
+cried out: "Here comes our knight!  On the point of his lance he
+carries Cliges' head, and the Greeks are hotly pursuing him!"
+Then, as they give their horses rein, Cliges spurs to meet the
+Saxons, crouching low beneath his shield, the lance out straight
+with the head affixed.  Now, though he was braver than a lion, he
+was no stronger than any other man.  Both parties think that he
+is dead, and while the Saxons rejoice, the Greeks and Germans
+grieve.  But before long the truth will out.  For Cliges no
+longer held his peace: but, rushing fiercely at a Saxon, he
+struck him with his ashen lance upon the head and in the breast,
+so that he made him lose his stirrups, and at the same time he
+cried aloud: "Strike gentlemen, for I am Cliges whom you seek.
+Come on, my bold and hardy knights!  Let none hold back, for the
+first joust is already won!  He is a coward who does not relish
+such a dish."
+
+(Vv. 3571-3620.)  The emperor's joy was great when he heard the
+voice of his nephew Cliges summoning and exhorting them; he was
+greatly pleased and comforted.  But the duke is greatly chagrined
+now when he sees he is betrayed, unless his force should prove
+the stronger.  While he draws together his troops in serried
+lines, the Greeks do the same, and pressing them close, attack
+and rush upon them.  On both sides lances are lowered as they
+meet for the proper reception of a hostile host.  At the first
+shock shields are pierced and lances shattered, girths are cut
+and stirrups broken, while the horses of those who fall to earth
+are left without a rider.  But regardless of what any other does,
+Cliges and the duke meet in the fray; holding their lances low,
+they strike one another upon the shield with such violence that
+the strong and well-made lances fly into splinters.  Cliges was
+skilful on horseback, and sits straight in his saddle without
+shaking or losing his balance.  But the duke has lost his seat,
+and in spite of himself quits the saddle-bows.  Cliges struggled
+and strove to capture him and carry him away, but his strength
+did not suffice, for the Saxons were around about fighting to
+rescue him.  Nevertheless, Cliges escapes from the conflict
+without receiving harm and with a precious prize; for he makes
+off with the duke's steed, which was whiter than wool, and was
+worth more to a gentleman than the fortune of Octavian (31) at
+Rome.  The steed was an Arabian.  The Greeks and Germans are
+overjoyed to see Cliges on such a mount, for they had already
+remarked the excellence and beauty of the Arab steed.  But they
+were not on their guard against an ambuscade; and before they are
+aware of it great damage will be done.
+
+(Vv. 3621-3748.)  A spy came to the duke, bringing him welcome
+news.  "Duke," says the spy, "not a man remains in all the
+encampment of the Greeks who is able to defend himself.  If thou
+wilt take my word for it, now is the time to have the emperor's
+daughter seized, while the Greeks are seen intent upon the battle
+and the strife.  Lend me a hundred of thy knights, and I will put
+the lady in their hands.  By an old and secluded path I will lead
+them so carefully that they will not be seen or met by any man of
+Germany, until they can seize the damsel in her tent and carry
+her off so handily that no resistance will be made."  At this the
+duke is highly pleased.  He sent a hundred and more tried knights
+with the spy, who so successfully conducted them that they
+carried the maiden away captive without exerting any force; for
+they could abduct her easily.  After carrying her some distance
+from the tents, they send her on under escort of twelve of their
+number whom they accompany but a short distance.  While the
+twelve led the damsel on, the others went to tell the duke how
+successful they had been.  The duke's desire being now satisfied,
+he at once makes a truce with the Greeks until next day.  The
+truce was sworn by both parties.  The duke's men then turned
+back, while the Greeks without delay repaired each man to his own
+tent.  But Cliges stays behind alone, stationed upon a little
+hill where no one caught sight of him, until he saw the twelve
+pass by with her whom they were carrying off at topmost speed.
+Cliges, in his thirst for glory, rides at them without delay; for
+he thinks within himself, and his heart tells him, that it is not
+for nothing that they flee.  So, as soon as he espied them, he
+spurred after them; and when they saw him coming on, a foolish
+thought occurred to them: "It is the duke," they said, "who
+comes.  Let us rein in a little; for he has left the troops and
+is riding hard after us alone."  Every man thinks that so it is.
+They all want to turn back to meet him, but each one wishes to go
+alone.  Meanwhile, Cliges must needs descend a deep valley
+between two mountains.  He would never have recognised their
+blazons, if they had not come to meet him, or if they had not
+awaited him.  Six of the twelve come to meet him in an encounter
+they will soon regret.  The other six stay with the damsel,
+leading her gently at a walk and easy jog.  And the six ride
+quickly on, spurring up the valley, until he who had the swiftest
+horse reached him first and cried aloud: "Hail, Duke of Saxony!
+God bless thee!  Duke, we have recovered thy lady.  The Greeks
+shall not get her now, for she shall be placed in thy hands."
+When Cliges heard the words this fellow shouts, his heart is not
+gay; rather is it strange that he does not lose his wits.  Never
+was any wild beast--leopard, tiger, or lion--upon seeing its
+young captured, so fierce and furious as Cliges, who sets no
+value upon his life if he deserts his sweetheart now.  He would
+rather die than not win her back.  In his trouble he feels great
+wrath, which gives him the courage he requires.  He urges and
+spurs the Arab steed, and rushes to give the Saxon such a blow
+upon his painted shield that without exaggeration, he makes his
+heart feel the lance.  This gives Cliges confidence.  He drove
+and spurred the Arab charger on for more than the space of an
+acre before he came upon the next Saxon, for they came up singly,
+each fearless of his predecessor's fare, for Cliges fights them
+one by one.  As he takes them thus individually, no one receives
+another's aid.  He makes a rush at the second one, who, like the
+first, thought to give him joy by telling him of his own evil
+fate.  But Cliges has no concern to heed his talk and idle
+charter.  Thrusting his lance into his body so that the blood
+spurts out when it is withdrawn, he deprives him of life and the
+gift of speech.  After these two he meets the third, who expects
+to find him in good humour and to make him rejoice over his own
+mischance. Spurring eagerly he came up to him; but before he has
+time to say a word, Cliges ran a fathom of his lance through the
+middle of his body, leaving him senseless on the ground.  To the
+fourth he gives such a blow that he leaves him fainting on the
+field.  After the fourth he goes at the fifth, and after him he
+attacks the sixth.  None of them could defend himself, but each
+was left silent and mute.  He stood in less fear of the others
+now, and more hardily pressed after them, taking no further
+thought of the six dead men.
+
+(Vv. 3749-3816.)  Feeling no further care for them, he starts to
+present a debt of shame and woe to the others who are leading the
+maid away.  He caught up with them, and made such an onslaught
+upon them as a hungry and ravenous wolf makes when leaping upon
+its prey.  Now he feels his luck has come, when he can display
+his chivalry and bravery openly before her who is his very life.
+Now may he die, if he does not rescue her!  And she, too, is at
+death's door from anxiety for his sake, though she does not know
+that he is no near.  Lance in rest, Cliges made an attack which
+pleased him well; for he struck first one Saxon and then another,
+so that with a single rush he carried them both to earth, though
+it cost him his ashen lance.  And they both fall in such
+distress, being wounded in the body, that they have no power to
+rise again and do him any harm or ill.  The other four in bitter
+rage join in an attack upon Cliges; but he neither quails nor
+trembles, and they are unable to dislodge him from his seat.
+Quickly drawing his keen sword from its sheath, in order to
+please her who awaits his love, he rode hard at a Saxon and,
+striking him with his whetted blade, he severed his head and half
+his neck from the body: such was the limit of his pity.  Fenice,
+who witnesses what transpires, does not know yet that this is
+Cliges.  She wishes that it were he, indeed, but because of the
+present danger she says to herself that she would not have him
+there.  Thus, doubly she shows the devotion of a sweetheart,
+fearing at once his death, and desiring that honour may be his. 
+And Cliges sword in hand attacks the other three, who face him
+bravely and puncture and split his shield.  But they are unable
+to lay hands upon him, or to pierce the meshes of his hauberk.
+And whatever Cliges reaches cannot stand against his blow, but
+must needs be split and torn apart; for he turns faster than a
+top driven and lashed by the whip.  Boldness and love, which
+holds him enthralled, make him eager for the fray.  He pressed
+the Saxons so hard that he left them all dead and defeated, some
+only wounded, and others dead--except one whom he let escape,
+disdaining to kill him when left alone at his mercy; besides, he
+wished him to tell the duke of the loss and injury he had
+sustained.  But before this fellow left Cliges, he begged him to
+tell him his name, which later he repeated to the duke, thus
+rousing his bitter ire.
+
+(Vv. 3817-3864.)  Now bad luck had fallen to the duke, who was in
+great distress and grief.  And Cliges takes back Fenice, whose
+love torments and troubles him.  If he does not confess to her
+now, love will long be his enemy, and hers too, if she holds her
+peace and speaks not the word which will bring him joy; for now
+each can tell the other privily the thoughts that lie within the
+heart.  But they so fear to be refused that they dare not reveal
+their hearts.  For his part, he fears lest she will not accept
+his love, whereas she, too, would have spoken out had she not
+feared to be rejected.  In spite of this, the eyes of each reveal
+the hidden thought, if only they had heeded this evidence.  They
+converse by glance of eye, but their tongues are so cowardly that
+they dare not speak in any wise of the love which possesses them.
+No wonder if she hesitates to begin, for a maid must be a simple
+and shrinking thing; but he--why does he wait and hold back who
+was so bold for her just now, but now in her presence is
+cowardly?  God!  whence comes this fear, that he should shrink
+from a lonely girl, feeble and timid, simple and mild?  It is as
+if I should see the dog flee before the hare, and the fish chase
+the beaver, the lamb the wolf, and the dove the eagle.  In the
+same fashion the labourer would forsake his pick with which he
+strives to earn a livelihood, and the falcon would flee from the
+duck, and the gerfalcon from the heron, and the pike from the
+minnow, and the stag would chase the lion, and everything would
+be reversed.  Now I feel within me the desire to give some reason
+why it should happen to true lovers that they lose their sense
+and boldness to say what they have in mind when they have leisure
+and place and time.
+
+(Vv. 3865-3914.)  Ye who are interested in the art of Love, who
+do faithfully maintain the customs and usage of his court, who
+never failed to obey his law, whatever the result might be, tell
+me if there is anything that pleases because of love without
+causing us to tremble and grow pale.  If any one oppose me in
+this, I can at once refute his argument; for whoever does not
+grow pale and tremble, whoever does not lose his senses and
+memory, is trying to filch and get by stealth what does not by
+right belong to him.  The servant who does not fear his master
+ought not to remain in his employ nor do his service.  He who
+does not esteem his lord does not fear him, and whoever does not
+esteem him does not hold him dear, but rather tries to deceive
+him and to steal from him what is his.  The servant ought to
+tremble with fear when his master calls or summons him.  And
+whoever commits himself to Love owns him as his lord and master,
+and is bound to do him reverence and fear him much and honour
+him, if he wishes to be numbered in his court.  Love without
+alarm or fear is like a fire without flame or heat, day without
+sun, comb without honey, summer without flowers, winter without
+frost, sky without moon, and a book without letters.  Such is my
+argument in refutation, for where fear is absent love is not to
+be mentioned.  Whoever would love must needs feel fear, for
+otherwise he cannot be in love.  But let him fear only her whom
+he loves, and for her sake be brave against all others.  Then if
+he stands in awe of his lady-love Cliges is guilty of nothing
+wrong.  Even so, he would not have failed to speak straightway
+with her of love, whatever the outcome might have been, had it
+not been that she was his uncle's wife.  This causes the
+festering of his wound, and it torments and pains him the more
+because he dares not utter what he fain would say.
+
+(Vv. 3915-3962.)  Thus they make their way back to their own
+people, and if they speak of anything it is nothing of much
+concern.  Each seated on a white horse, they rode rapidly toward
+the camp, which was plunged in great sorrow.  The whole army is
+beside itself with grief, but they are altogether wrong in
+supposing Cliges to be dead: hence their bitter and poignant
+grief.  And for Fenice, too, they are in dismay, thinking never
+to win her back again.  Thus, for her and him the whole army is
+in great distress.  But soon upon their return the whole affair
+will change its aspect; for now they have reached the camp again,
+and have quickly changed the grief to joy.  Joy returns and
+sorrow flees.  All the troops come together and sally forth to
+welcome them.  The two emperors, upon hearing the report about
+Cliges and the damsel, go to meet them with joyful hearts, and
+each can hardly wait to hear how Cliges found and recovered the
+empress.  Cliges tells them, and, as they listen, they are amazed
+and are loud in their praises of his courage and devotion.  But,
+for his part, the duke is furious, swearing and proclaiming his
+determination to fight Cliges, if he dares, in single combat; and
+it shall be agreed that if Cliges wins the battle the emperor
+shall proceed unchallenged, and freely take the maiden with him,
+and if he should kill or defeat Cliges, who had done him such
+injury, then let there be no truce or stay to prevent each party
+from doing its best.  This is what the duke desires, and by an
+interpreter of his, who knew both the Greek and the German
+tongues, he announces to the two emperors his desire thus to
+arrange the battle.
+
+(Vv. 3963-4010.)  The messenger delivered his message so well in
+both languages that all could understand it.  The entire army was
+in an uproar, saying that may God forbid that Cliges ever engage
+in the battle.  Both emperors are in a fright, but Cliges throws
+himself at their feet and begs them not to grieve, but if ever he
+did them any favour, he prays them to grant him this battle as a
+guerdon and reward.  And if the right to fight should be denied
+him, then he will never again serve for a single day his uncle's
+cause and honour.  The emperor, who loved his nephew as he
+should, raised him by the hand and said: "Fair nephew, I am
+deeply grieved to know you are so keen to fight; for after joy,
+sorrow is to be expected. (32)  You have made me glad, I cannot
+deny it; but it is hard for me to yield the point and send you
+forth to this battle, when I see you still so young.  And yet I
+know you to be so confident of yourself that I dare not ever
+refuse anything that you choose to ask of me.  Be assured that,
+merely to gratify you, it should be done; but if my request has
+any power, you would never assume this task."  "My lord, there is
+no need of further speech," said Cliges; "may God damn me, if I
+would take the whole world, and miss this battle!  I do not know
+why I should seek from you any postponement or long delay."  The
+emperor weeps with pity, while Cliges sheds tears of joy when the
+permission to fight is granted him.  Many a tear was shed that
+day, and no respite or delay was asked.  Before the hour of
+prime, by the duke's own messenger the challenge to battle was
+sent back to him accepted as he had proposed.
+
+(Vv. 4011-4036.)  The duke, who thinks and confidently trusts
+that Cliges will be unable to stave off death and defeat at his
+hands, has himself quickly armed.  Cliges, who is anxious for the
+fight, feels no concern as to how he shall defend himself.  He
+asks the emperor for his arms, and desires him to dub him a
+knight.  So the emperor generously gives him his arms, and he
+takes them, his heart being keen for the battle which he
+anticipates with joy and eagerness.  No time is lost in arming
+him.  And when he was armed from head to foot, the emperor, all
+sorrowing, girds the sword upon his side.  Thus Cliges completely
+armed mounts his white Arab steed; from his neck he hangs by the
+straps an ivory shield, such as will never break or split; and
+upon it there was neither colour nor design.  All his armour was
+white, and the steed, and the harness, too, was all whiter than
+any snow.
+
+(Vv. 4037-4094.)  Cliges and the duke, now being armed, summon
+each other to meet half way, and they stipulate that their men
+shall take their stand on either side, but without their swords
+and lances, under oath and pledge that not a man will be so rash,
+so long as the battle lasts, as to dare to move for any reason,
+any more than he would dare to pluck out his own eye.  When this
+had been agreed upon, they came together, each yearning ardently
+for the glory he hopes to win and for the joy of victory.  But
+before a single blow was dealt, the empress has herself borne
+thither, solicitous for Cliges' fate.  It seems to her that if he
+dies, she, too, must needs do so.  No comfort can avail to keep
+her from joining him in death, for, without him, life has no joys
+for her.  When all were gathered on the field--high and low,
+young and old--and the guards had taken their place, then both
+seized their lances and rushed together so savagely that they
+both broke their lances and fell to the ground, unable to keep
+their saddles.  But not being wounded, they quickly get upon
+their feet and attack each other without delay.  Upon their
+resonant helmets they play such a tune with swords that it seems
+to those who are looking on that the helmets are on fire and send
+forth sparks.  And when the swords rebound in air, gleaming
+sparks fly off from them as from a smoking piece of iron which
+the smith beats upon his anvil after, drawing it from the forge.
+Both of the vassals are generous in dealing blows in great
+plenty, and each has the best of intentions to repay quickly what
+he borrows; neither one holds back from repaying promptly capital
+and interest, without accounting and without measure.  But the
+duke is much chagrined with anger and discomfiture when he fails
+to defeat and slay Cliges in the first assault.  Such a
+marvellously great and mighty blow he deals him that he falls at
+his feet upon his knee.
+
+(Vv. 4095-4138.)  When this blow brought Cliges down, the emperor
+was struck with fear, and would have been no more dismayed had he
+himself been beneath the shield.  Nor could Fenice in her fear
+longer contain herself, whatever the effect might be, from
+crying: "God help him!" as loud as she could.  But that was the
+only word she uttered, for straightway her voice failed her, and
+she fell forward upon her face, which was somewhat wounded by the
+fall.  Two high nobles raised her up and supported her upon her
+feet until she returned to consciousness.  But in spite of her
+countenance, none who saw her guessed why she had swooned.  Not a
+man there blamed her, but rather praised her for her act, for
+each one supposes that she would have done the same thing for
+him, if he had been in Cliges' place, but in all this they are
+quite astray.  Cliges heard, and well understood, the sound of
+Fenice's cry.  Her voice restored his strength and courage, as he
+leaped up quickly, and came with fury, toward the duke, so
+charging and attacking him that the duke in turn was now
+dismayed.  For now he found him more fierce for the fray,
+stronger and more agile and energetic than when at first they
+came together.  And because he feared his onslaught, he cried:
+"Young man, so help me God, I see thou art brave and very bold.
+If it were not for my nephew now, whom I shall never more forget,
+I would gladly make peace with thee, and leave thy quarrel
+without interfering in it more."
+
+(Vv. 4139-4236.)  "Duke," says Cliges, "what is your pleasure
+now?  Must one not surrender his right when he is unable to
+recover it?  When one of two evils must be faced, one should
+choose the lesser one.  Your nephew was not wise to become
+angrily embroiled with me.  You may be sure that I shall treat
+you in like fashion, if I get the chance, unless you agree to my
+terms of peace."  The duke, to whom it seems that Cliges' vigour
+is steadily growing, thinks that he had better desist in mid-
+career before he is utterly undone.  Nevertheless, he does not
+openly give in, but says: "Young man, I see thou art skilful and
+alert and not lacking in courage.  But thou art yet too young;
+therefore I feel assured that if I defeat and kill thee I shall
+gain no praise or fame, and I should never like to confess in the
+hearing of a man of honour that I had fought with thee, for I
+should but do thee honour, and myself win shame.  But if thou art
+aware of honour's worth, it will always be a glorious thing for
+thee to have withstood me for two rounds at arms.  So now my
+heart and feeling bid me let thee have thy way, and no longer
+fight with thee." (33)  "Duke," says Cliges, "that will not do. 
+In the hearing of all you must repeat those words, for it shall
+never be said and noised abroad that you let me off and had mercy
+on me.  In the hearing of all those who are gathered here, you
+must repeat your words, if you wish to be reconciled with me." 
+So the duke repeats his words in the hearing of all.  Then they
+make peace and are reconciled.  But however the matter be
+regarded Cliges had all the honour and glory of it, and the
+Greeks were greatly pleased.  For their part, the Saxons could
+not laugh, all of them having plainly seen that their lord was
+worn out and exhausted just now; but there is no doubt at all
+that, if he could have helped himself, this peace would never
+have been made, and that Cliges' soul would have been drawn from
+his body had it proven possible.  The duke goes back to Saxony
+sorrowing, downcast, and filled with shame; for of his men there
+are not even two who do not regard him as worsted, defeated, and
+disgraced.  The Saxons with all their shame have now returned to
+Saxony, while the Greeks without delay make their way with joy
+and gladness toward Constantinople, for Cliges by his prowess has
+opened the way for them.  The emperor of Germany no longer
+follows and convoys them.  Taking leave oś the Greek troops and
+of his daughter and Cliges, and finally of the emperor, he stayed
+behind in Germany.  And the emperor of the Greeks goes off
+happily and in joyous mood.  Cliges, brave and courteous, calls
+to mind his sire's command.  If his uncle, the emperor, will give
+him his permission, he will go and ask him for leave to return to
+Britain and there converse with his great-uncle, the King; for he
+is desirous of seeing and knowing him.  So he presents himself
+before the emperor, and requests that he consent to let him go to
+Britain to see his uncle and his friends.  Gently he proffered
+his request.  But his uncle refused, when he had listened to the
+request he made.  "Fair nephew," he said, "it is not my will that
+you should wish to leave me.  I shall never give you without
+regret this permission to go away.  For it is my pleasure and
+desire that you should be my companion and lord, with me, of all
+my empire."
+
+(Vv. 4237-4282.)  Now Cliges hears something that does not suit
+him when his uncle refuses the prayer and request he made.  "Fair
+sire," said he, "I am not brave and wise enough, nor would it be
+seemly for me to join myself with you or any one else in the duty
+of governing this empire; I am too young and inexperienced.  They
+put gold to the test when they wish to learn if it is fine.  And
+so it is my wish, in brief, to try to prove myself, wherever I
+can find the test.  In Britain, if I am brave, I can apply myself
+to the whetstone and to the real true test, whereby my prowess
+shall be proved.  In Britain are the gentlemen whom honour and
+prowess distinguish.  And he who wishes to win honour should
+associate himself with them, for honour is won and gained by him
+who associates with gentlemen.  And so I ask you for leave to go,
+and you may be very sure that if you do not grant me the boon and
+send me thither I shall go without your leave."  "Fair nephew, I
+will give you leave, seeing you are so disposed that I cannot
+keep you back either by force or prayer of mine.  Now since
+prayer, prohibition, and force do not avail, may God give you the
+desire and inclination promptly to return.  I wish you to take
+with you more than a bushel of gold and silver, and I will give
+for your pleasure such horses as you may choose."  He had no
+sooner spoken than Cliges bowed before him.  All that the
+emperor, mentioned and promised him was straightway brought
+thither.
+
+(Vv. 4283-4574.)  Cliges took all the money and companions that
+he wished and needed.  For his personal use he took four horses
+of different colours: one white, one sorrel, one fallow red, and
+one black.  But I must have passed over something which it is not
+proper to omit.  Cliges goes to ask and obtain leave to depart
+from his sweetheart Fenice; for he wishes to commend her to God's
+safe keeping.  Coming before her, he throws himself upon his
+knees, weeping so bitterly that the tears moisten his tunic and
+ermine, the while keeping his eyes upon the ground; for he dares
+not raise his eyes to her, as if he were guilty of some crime and
+misdeed toward her, for which he seems overcome with shame.  And
+Fenice, who timidly and fearfully looks at him, does not know the
+occasion of his coming, and speaks to him with difficulty. 
+"Rise, friend and fair sir!  Sit here beside me. and weep no
+more, and tell me what your pleasure is."  "Lady, what shall I
+say, and what leave unsaid?  I come to ask your leave."  "Leave?
+To do what?"  "Lady, I must go off to Britain."  "Then tell me
+what your business is, before I give you leave to go."  "Lady, my
+father, before he departed this life and died, begged me not to
+fail to go to Britain as soon as I should be made a knight.  I
+should not wish for any reason to disregard his command.  I must
+not falter until I have accomplished the journey.  It is a long
+road from here to Greece, and if I should go thither, the journey
+would be too long from Constantinople to Britain.  But it is
+right that I should ask leave from you to whom I altogether
+belong."  Many a covert sigh and sob marked the separation.  But
+the eyes of none were keen enough, nor the ears of any sharp
+enough, to learn from what he saw and heard that there was any
+love between these two.  Cliges, in spite of the grief he felt,
+took his leave at the first opportunity.  He is full of thought
+as he goes away, and so are the emperor and many others who stay
+behind.  But more than all the others, Fenice is pensive: she
+finds no bottom or bound to the reflections which occupy her, so
+abundantly are her cares multiplied.  She was still oppressed
+with thought when she arrived in Greece.  There she was held in
+great honour as mistress and empress; but her heart and mind
+belong to Cliges, wherever he goes, and she wishes her heart
+never to return to her, unless it is brought back to her by him
+who is perishing of the same disease with which he has smitten
+her.  If he should get well, she would recover too, but he will
+never be its victim without her being so as well.  Her trouble
+appears in her pale and changed colour; for the fresh, clear, and
+radiant colour which Nature had given her is now a stranger to
+her face.  She often weeps and often sighs.  Little she cares for
+her empire and for the riches that are hers.  She always
+cherishes in her remembrance the hour when Cliges went away, and
+the leave he took of her, how he changed colour and grew pale,
+and how tearful his expression was, for he came to weep in her
+presence humbly and simply upon his knees, as if constrained to
+worship her.  All this is sweet and pleasant for her to remember
+and think about.  And afterward, as a little treat, she takes on
+her tongue instead of spice a sweet word which for all Greece she
+would not wish him to have used contrary to the sense she had
+understood when he first had uttered it; for she lives upon no
+other dainty, and there is nothing else that pleases her.  This
+word alone sustains and nourishes her, and assuages all her pain.
+She cares to eat and drink of no other dish or beverage, for when
+the two lovers came to part, Cliges had said he was "altogether
+hers."  This word is so sweet and tastes so good that from the
+tongue it stirs her heart, and she takes it into her mouth and
+heart to be all the more sure of it.  Under any other lock she
+would not dare to store this treasure.  Nowhere could it be
+lodged so well as in her own bosom.  She will never leave it
+exposed at any price, being in such fear of robbers and thieves.
+But there is no ground for her anxiety, and she need have no fear
+of the birds of prey, for her treasure is not movable, but is
+rather like a house which cannot be destroyed by fire or flood,
+but will always stay fixed in a single place.  But she feels no
+confidence in the matter, so she worries and strives to find and
+hold some ground on which to stand, interpreting the situation in
+divers ways.  She both opposes and defends her position, and
+engages in the following argument: "With what intention should
+Cliges say `I am altogether yours' unless it was love that
+prompted him?  What power can I have over him that he should
+esteem me so highly as to make me the mistress of his heart?  Is
+he not more fair than I, and of higher rank than I?  I see in it
+naught but love, which could vouchsafe me such a boon.  I, who
+cannot escape its power, will prove by my own case that unless he
+loved me he would never say that he was mine; unless love holds
+him in its toils, Cliges could never say that he was mine any
+more than I could say that I was altogether his unless love had
+put me in his hands.  For if he loves me not, at least he does
+not fear me.  I hope that love which gives me to him will in
+return give him to me.  But now I am sore dismayed because it is
+so trite a word, and I may simply be deceived, for many there be
+who in flattering terms will say even to a total stranger, `I and
+all that I have are yours,' and they are more idle chatterers
+than the jays.  So I do not know what to think, for it might well
+turn out that he said it just to flatter me.  Yet I saw his
+colour change, and I saw him weeping piteously.  In my judgment,
+the tears and his face confused and pale were not produced by
+treachery, nor were they the fruits of trickery.  Those eyes from
+which I saw tears roll down were not guilty of falsehood.  Signs
+enough of love I saw, if I know anything about it.  Yes, in an
+evil hour I thought of love; woe is me that I ever learned it,
+for the experience has been bitter.  Has it indeed?  Yes, verily.
+I am dead when I cannot see him who has stolen my heart away by
+his cajoling flattery, because of which my heart leaves its
+dwelling, and will not abide with me, hating my home and
+establishment.  In truth I have been ill treated by him who has
+my heart in his keeping.  He who robs me and takes what is mine
+cannot love me, of that I am sure.  But am I sure?  Why then did
+he weep?  Why?  It was not in vain, for there was cause enough. 
+I must not assume that I was the cause of it, for one is always
+loath to leave people whom one loves and knows.  So it is not
+strange if he was sorry and grieved and if he wept when he left
+some one whom he knew.  But he who gave him this advice to go and
+dwell in Britain could not have smitten me more effectively.  He
+is cut to the quick who loses his heart.  He who deserves it,
+should be treated ill; but I have never deserved such treatment.
+Alas, unhappy one, why has Cliges killed me when I am innocent?
+But I am unjust to accuse him thus without cause.  Surely Cliges
+would never have deserted me if his heart were like mine.  I am
+sure his heart is not like mine.  And if my heart is lodged in
+his it will never draw away, and his will never part from mine,
+for my heart follows him secretly: they have formed such a goodly
+company.  But, after all, to tell the truth, they are very
+different and contrary.  How are they different and contrary?
+Why, his is the master and mine the slave; and the slave can have
+no will of his own, but only do his master's will and forsake all
+other affairs.  But what reference has that to me?  My heart and
+service are no concern to him.  This arrangement distresses me,
+that one is master of us both.  Why is not my heart as
+independent as his?  Then their power would be equalised.  My
+heart is now a prisoner, unable to move itself unless his moves
+as well.  And whether his heart wanders or stays still, mine must
+needs prepare to follow him in his train.  God!  why are our
+bodies not so near one another that I could in some way bring
+back my heart!  Bring back?  Foolish one, if I should remove it
+from its joy I should be the death of it.  Let it stay there!  I
+have no desire to dislodge it, but rather wish that it tarry with
+its lord until he feel some pity for it.  For rather over there
+than here ought he to have mercy on his servant, because they are
+both in a foreign land.  If my heart knows well the language of
+flattery, as is necessary for the courtier, it will be rich ere
+it comes back.  Whoever wishes to stand in the good graces of his
+lord and sit beside him on his right, to be in the fashion now-a-
+days, must remove the feather from his head, even when there
+is none there.  But there is one bad feature of this practice:
+while he is smoothing down his master, who is filled with evil
+and villainy, he will never be so courteous as to tell him the
+truth; rather he makes him think and believe that no one could
+compare with him in prowess and in knowledge, and the master
+thinks that he is speaking the truth.  That man does not know
+himself who takes another's word about qualities which he does
+not possess.  For even if he is a wicked and insolent wretch, and
+as cowardly as a hare, mean, crazy, and misshapen, and a villain
+both in word and deed--yet some man will praise him to his face
+who behind his back will mock at him.  But when in his hearing he
+speaks of him to some other, he praises him, while his lord
+pretends not to hear what they say between themselves; if,
+however, he thought that he would not be heard, he would say
+something his master would not like.  And if his master is
+pleased to lie, the servant is all ready with his consent, and
+will never be backward in averring that all his master says is
+true.  He who frequents courts and lords must ever be ready with
+a lie.  So, too, must my heart do if it would find favour with
+its lord.  Let it flatter and be obsequious.  But Cliges is such
+a knight, so fair, so open, and so loyal, that my heart, in
+praising him, need never be false or perfidious, for in him there
+is nothing to be improved.  Therefore I wish my heart to serve
+him, for, as the people's proverb runs, `He who serves a noble
+man is bad indeed if he does not improve in his company.'"
+
+(Vv. 4575-4628.)  Thus love harrows Fenice.  But this torment is
+her delight, of which she can never grow weary.  And Cliges now
+has crossed the sea and come to Wallingford.  There he took
+expensive quarters in great state.  But his thoughts are always
+of Fenice, not forgetting her for a single hour.  While he delays
+and tarries there, his men, acting under his instructions, made
+diligent inquiries.  They were informed that King Arthur's barons
+and the King in person had appointed a tourney to be held in the
+plain before Oxford, which lies close to Wallingford. (34)  There
+the struggle was arranged, and it was to last four days.  But
+Cliges will have abundant time to prepare himself if in the
+meantime he needs anything, for more than a fortnight must elapse
+before the tournament begins.  He orders three of his squires to
+go quickly to London and there buy three different sets of arms,
+one black, another red, the third green, and that on the way back
+each shall be kept covered with new cloth, so that if any one
+should meet them on the road he may not know the colour of the
+arms they carry.  The squires start at once and come to London,
+where they find available everything they need.  Having finished
+this errand, they return at once without losing any time.  When
+the arms they had brought were shown to Cliges he was well
+pleased with them.  He ordered them to be set away and concealed,
+together with those which the emperor had given him by the
+Danube, when he knighted him.  I do not choose to tell you now
+why he had them stored away; but it will be explained to you when
+all the high barons of the land are mounted on their steeds and
+assemble in search of fame.
+
+(Vv. 4629-4726.)  On the day which had been agreed upon, the
+nobles of renown came together.  King Arthur, with all his men
+whom he had selected from among the best, took up his position at
+Oxford, while most of the knights ranged themselves near
+Wallingford.  Do not expect me to delay the story and tell you
+that such and such kings and counts were there, and that this,
+that, and the other were of the number. (35)  When the time came
+for the knights to gather, in accordance with the custom of those
+days, there came forth alone between two lines one of King
+Arthur's most valiant knights to announce that the tourney should
+begin.  But in this case no one dares to advance and confront him
+for the joust.  There is none who does not hold back.  And there
+are some who ask: "Why do these knights of ours delay, without
+stepping forward from the ranks?  Some one will surely soon
+begin."  And the others make reply: "Don't you see, then, what an
+adversary yonder party has sent against us?  Any one who does not
+know should learn that he is a pillar, (36) able to stand beside
+the best three in the world."  "Who is he, then?"  "Why, don't
+you see?  It is Sagremor the Wild."  "Is it he?"  "It surely is."
+Cliges listens and hears what they say, as he sits on his horse
+Morel, clad in armour blacker than a mulberry: for all his armour
+was black.  As he emerges from the ranks and spurs Morel free of
+the crowd, there is not one, upon seeing him, but exclaims to his
+neighbour: "That fellow rides well lance in rest; he is a very,
+skilful knight and carries his arms right handily; his shield
+fits well about his neck.  But he must be a fool to undertake of
+his own free will to joust with one of the most valiant knights
+to be found in all the land.  Who can he be?  Where was he born?
+Who knows him here?"  "Not I."  "Nor I."  "There is not a flake
+of snow on him; but all his armour is blacker far than the cloak
+of any monk or prior."  While thus they talk, the two contestants
+give their horses rein without delay, for they are very eager and
+keen to come together in the fight.  Cliges strikes him so that
+he crushes the shield against his arm, and the arm against his
+body, whereupon Sagremor falls full length.  Cliges goes
+unerringly and  bids him declare himself his prisoner, which
+Sagremor does at once.  Now the tourney is fairly begun, and
+adversaries meet in rivalry.  Cliges rushes about the field,
+seeking adversaries with whom to joust, but not a knight presents
+himself whom he does not cast down or take prisoner.  He excels
+in glory, all the knights on either side, for wherever he goes to
+battle, there the fight is quickly ended.  That man may be
+considered brave who holds his ground to joust with him, for it
+is more credit to dare face him than it is to defeat another
+knight.  And if Cliges leads him away prisoner, for this at least
+he gains renown that he dared to wait and fight with him.  Cliges
+wins the fame and glory of all the tournament.  When evening
+came, he secretly repaired to his lodging-place in order that
+none might have any words with him.  And lest any one should seek
+the house where the black arms are displayed, he puts them away
+in a room in order that no one may find them or see them, and he
+hangs up his green arms at the street-door, where they will be in
+evidence, and where passers-by will see them.  And if any one
+asks and inquires where his lodging is, he cannot learn when he
+sees no sign of the black shield for which he seeks.
+
+(Vv. 4727-4758.)  By this ruse Cliges remains hidden in the town.
+And those who were his prisoners went from one end of the town to
+the other asking for the black knight, but none could give them
+any information.  Even King Arthur himself has search made up and
+down for him; but there is only one answer: "We have not seen him
+since we left the lists, and do not know what became of him."
+More than twenty young men seek him, whom the King sent out; but
+Cliges so successfully concealed himself that they cannot find a
+trace of him.  King Arthur is filled with astonishment when he is
+informed that no one of high or low degree can point out his
+lodging-place, any more than if he were in Caesarea, Toledo, or
+Crete.  "Upon my word," he says, "I know not what they may say,
+but to me this seems a marvellous thing.  Perchance it was a
+phantom that appeared in our midst.  Many a knight has been
+unhorsed, and noble men have pledged faith to one whose house
+they cannot find, or even his country or locality; each of these
+men perforce must fail to keep his pledge."  Thus the King spoke
+his mind, but he might as well have held his peace.
+
+(Vv. 4759-4950.)  That evening among all the barons there was
+much talk of the black knight, for indeed they spoke of nothing
+else.  The next day they armed themselves again without summons
+and without request.  Lancelot of the Lake, in whom there is no
+lack of courage, rides forth with lance upright to await a
+contestant in the first joust.  Here comes Cliges tiding fast,
+greener than the grass of the field, and mounted on a fallow red
+steed, carrying its mane on the right-hand side.  Wherever Cliges
+spurs the horse, there is no one, either with hair or without,
+who does not look at him amazed and exclaim to his neighbour on
+either side: "This knight is in all respects more graceful and
+skilful than the one who yesterday wore the black arms, just as a
+pine is more beautiful than a white beech, and the laurel than
+the elder-bush.  As yet we know not who yesterday's victor was;
+but we shall know to-night who this man is."  Each one makes
+reply: "I don't know him, nor did I ever see him, that I am
+aware.  But he is fairer than he who fought yesterday, and fairer
+than Lancelot of the Lake.  If this man rode armed in a bag and
+Lancelot in silver and gold, this man would still be fairer than
+he."  Thus they all take Cliges' part.  And the two champions
+drive their steeds together with all the force of spur.  Cliges
+gives him such a blow upon the golden shield with the lion
+portrayed thereon that he knocks him down from his saddle and
+stands over him to receive his surrender.  For Lancelot there was
+no help; so he admitted himself his prisoner.  Then the noise
+began afresh with the shock of breaking lances.  Those who are on
+Cliges' side place all their confidence in him.  For of those
+whom he challenges and strikes, there is none so strong but must
+fall from his horse to earth.  That day Cliges did so well, and
+unhorsed and took captive so many knights, that he gave double
+the satisfaction to his side, and won for himself twice the glory
+that he had gained on the preceding day.  When evening came, he
+betook himself as fast as he could to his lodging-place, and
+quickly ordered out the vermilion shield and his other arms,
+while he ordered the arms which he had worn that day to be laid
+away: the host carefully put them aside.  Again that evening the
+knights whom he had captured sought for him, but without hearing
+any news of him.  In their lodging-places, most of those who
+speak of him do so with praise and admiration.  The next day the
+gay and doughty knights return to the contest.  From the Oxford
+side comes forth a vassal of great renown--his name was
+Perceval of Wales.  As soon as Cliges saw him start, and learned
+certainly who it was, when he had heard the name of Perceval he
+was very anxious to contest with him.  He issued straightway from
+the ranks upon a Spanish sorrel steed, and completely clad in
+vermilion armour.  Then all gaze at him, wondering more than ever
+before, and saying that they had never seen so perfect a knight.
+And the contestants without delay spur forward until their mighty
+blows land upon their shields.  The lances, though they were
+short and stout, bend until they look like hoops.  In the sight
+of all who were looking on, Cliges struck Perceval so hard that
+he knocked him from his horse and made him surrender without a
+long struggle or much ado.  When Perceval had pledged his word
+then the joust began again, and the engagement became general.
+Every knight whom Cliges meets he forces to earth.  He did not
+quit the lists that day even for a single hour, while all the
+others struck at him as at a tower--individually, of course,
+and not in groups of two or three, for such was not the custom
+then.  Upon his shield, as upon an anvil, the others strike and
+pound, splitting and hewing it to bits.  But every one who
+strikes him there, he pays back by casting him from his stirrups
+and saddle; and no one, unless he wished to lie, could fail to
+say when the jousting ceased that the knight with the red shield
+had won all the glory on that day.  And all the best and most
+courtly knights would fain have made his acquaintance.  But their
+desire was not felt before he had departed secretly, seeing the
+sun already set; and he had his vermilion shield and all his
+other harness removed, and ordered his white arms to be brought
+out, in which he had first been dubbed a knight, while the other
+arms and the steeds were fastened outside by the door.  Those who
+notice this realise and exclaim that they have all been defeated
+and undone by one single man; for each day he has disguised
+himself with a different horse and set of armour, thus seeming to
+change his identity; for the first time now they noticed this.
+And my lord Gawain proclaimed that he never saw such a champion,
+and therefore he wished to make his acquaintance and learn his
+name, announcing that on the morrow he himself will be the first
+at the rally of the knights.  Yet, withal, he makes no boast; on
+the other hand, he says that he fully expects the stranger knight
+will have all the advantage with the lance; but it may be that
+with the sword he will not be his superior (for with the sword
+Gawain had no master).  Now it is Gawain's desire to measure his
+strength on the morrow with this strange knight who changes every
+day his arms, as well as his horse and harness.  His moultings
+will soon be numerous if he continues thus each day, as is his
+custom, to discard his old and assume new plumage.  Thus, when he
+thought of the sword and the lance respectively. Gawain
+disparaged and esteemed highly the prowess of his foe.  The next
+day he sees Cliges come back whiter than the fleur-delis, his
+shield grasped tight by the inside straps and seated on his white
+Arab steed, as he had planned the night before.  Gawain, brave
+and illustrious, seeks no repose on the battleground, but spurs
+and rides forward, endeavouring as best he may to win honour in
+the fray, if he can find an opponent.  In a moment they will both
+be on the field.  For Cliges had no desire to hold back when he
+overheard the words of the men who said: "There goes Gawain, who
+is no weakling either on foot or ahorse.  He is a man whom no one
+will attack."  When Cliges hears these words, he rushes toward
+him in mid-field; they both advance and come together with a
+swifter leap than that of the stag who hears the sound of the
+dogs as they come baying after him.  The lances are thrust at the
+shields, and the blows produce such havoc that the lances split,
+crack and break clear down to the butt-end, and the saddle-bows
+behind give away, and the girths and breast-straps snap.  Both
+come to earth at once and draw their naked swords, while the
+others gather round to watch the battle.  Then King Arthur
+stepped forward to separate them and establish peace.  But before
+the truce was sworn, the white hauberks were badly torn and rent
+apart, the shields were cracked and hewed to bits, and the
+helmets crushed.
+
+(Vv. 4951-5040.)  The King viewed them with pleasure for a while,
+as did many others who said that they esteemed the white knight's
+deeds of arms no less than those of my lord Gawain, and they were
+not ready yet to say which was the better and which the worse,
+nor which was likely to win, if they had been allowed to fight to
+a finish; but it did not please the King to let them do more than
+they had done.  So he stepped forward to separate them, saying:
+"Stop now!  Woe if another blow be struck!  Make peace now, and
+be good friends.  Fair nephew Gawain, I make this request of you;
+for without resentment and hate it is not becoming for a
+gentleman to continue to fight and defy his foe.  But if this
+knight would consent to come to my court and join our sport it
+would not be to his sorrow or hurt.  Nephew, make this request of
+him."  "Gladly, my lord."  Cliges has no desire to refuse, and
+gladly consents to go when the tourney is concluded.  For now he
+has more than sufficiently carried out the injunction of his
+father.  And the King says he has no desire that the tournament
+shall last too long, and that they can afford to stop at once. 
+So the knights drew off, according to the wish and order of the
+King.  Now that he is to follow in the royal suite, Cliges sends
+for all his armour.  As soon as he can, he comes to court; but
+first, he completely changed his gear, and came dressed in the
+style of the French.  As soon as he arrived at court, all ran to
+meet him without delay, making such joy and festival that never
+was there greater seen, and all those call him lord whom he had
+captured in the joust; but he would hear none of this, and said
+they might all go free, if they were quite sure and satisfied
+that it was he who had captured them.  And there was not one who
+did not cry: "You were the man; we are sure of that!  We value
+highly your acquaintance, and we ought to love and esteem you and
+call you our lord, for none of us can equal you.  Just as the sun
+outshines the little stars, so that their light cannot be seen in
+the sky when the sun's rays appear, so is our prowess
+extinguished and abased in the presence of yours, though ours too
+was once famous in the world."  Cliges knows not what to reply,
+for in his opinion they all praise him more than he deserves; it
+pleases him, but he feels ashamed, and the blood rises in his
+face, revealing to all his modesty.  Escorting him into the
+middle of the hall, they led him to the King, where all ceased
+their words of compliment and praise.  The time for the meal had
+come, and those whose duty it was hastened to set the tables. 
+The tables in the hall were quickly spread, then while some took
+the towels, and others held the basins, they offered water to all
+who came.  When all had washed, they took their seats.  And the
+King, taking Cliges by the hand, made him sit down in front of
+him, for he wished to learn this very day, if possible, who he
+was.  Of the meal I need not further speak, for the courses were
+as well supplied as if beef were selling at a penny.
+
+(Vv. 5041-5114.)  When all the courses had been served, the King
+no longer held his peace.  "My friend," he says, "I wish to learn
+if it was from pride that you did not deign to come to court as
+soon as you arrived in this country, and why you kept aloof from
+people, and why you changed your arms; and tell me what your name
+is, too, and from what race you spring."  Cliges replies: "It
+shall not be hid."  He told and related to the King everything he
+wished to know.  And when the King had heard it all, he embraced
+him, and made much of him, while all joined in greeting him.  And
+when my lord Gawain learned the truth, he, more than the others,
+cordially welcomed him.  Thus, all unite in saluting him, saying
+that he is very fair and brave.  The King loves and honours him
+above all his nephews.  Cliges tarries with the King until the
+summer comes around, in the meantime visiting all Brittany,
+France, and Normandy, where he did so many knightly deeds that he
+thoroughly proved his worth.  But the love whose wound he bears
+gives him no peace or relief.  The inclination of his heart keeps
+him fixed upon a single thought.  To Fenice his thought harks
+back, who from afar afflicts his heart.  The desire takes him to
+go back; for he has been deprived too long of the sight of the
+most desired lady who was ever desired by any one.  He will not
+prolong this privation, but prepares to return to Greece, and
+sets out, after taking leave.  The King and my lord Gawain were
+grieved, I can well believe, when they could no longer detain
+him.  But he is anxious to return to her whom he loves and so
+covets that the way seems long to him as he passes over land and
+sea: so ardently he longs for the sight of her who has stolen and
+filched Iris heart away.  But she makes him recompense in full;
+for she pays him, as it were rent, the coin of her own heart,
+which is no less dear to her.  But he is by no means sure of
+that, having no contract or agreement to show; wherefore his
+anxiety is great.  And she is in just as great distress, harried
+and tormented by love, taking no pleasure in aught she sees since
+that moment when she saw him last.  The fact that she does not
+even know whether he be alive or not fills her heart with
+anguish.  But Cliges draws nearer day by day, being fortunate in
+having favourable winds, until he joyfully comes to port before
+Constantinople.  When the news reached the city, none need ask if
+the emperor was glad; but a hundred times greater was the
+empress's joy.
+
+(Vv. 5115-5156.)  Cliges, with his company, having landed at
+Constantinople, has now returned to Greece.  The richest and most
+noble men all come to meet him at the port.  And when the emperor
+encounters him, who before all others had gone to meet him with
+the empress by his side, he runs to embrace and greet him in the
+presence of them all.  And when Fenice welcomes him, each changes
+colour in the other's presence, and it is indeed a marvel, when
+they are so close together, how they keep from embracing each
+other and bestowing such kisses as love would have; but that
+would have been folly and madness.  The people come together from
+all sides with the desire to see him, and conduct him through the
+city, some on foot and some on horseback, until they bring him to
+the imperial palace.  No words can ever tell the joy and honour
+and courteous service that were there displayed.  But each one
+strove as best he might to do everything which he thought would
+please and gratify Cliges.  And his uncle hands over to him all
+his possessions, except the crown: he wishes him to gratify his
+pleasure fully, and to take all he desires of his wealth, either
+in the form of land or treasure.  But he has no care for silver
+or gold, so long as he dares not reveal his thoughts to her
+because of whom he can find no repose; and yet he has plenty of
+time and opportunity to speak, if he were not afraid of being
+repelled; for now he can see her every day, and sit beside her
+"tete-a-tete" without opposition or hindrance, for no one sees
+any harm in that.
+
+(Vv. 5157-5280.)  Some time after his return, he came alone one
+day to the room of her who was not his enemy, and you may be sure
+that the door was not barred at his approach.  By her side he
+took his seat, while the others moved away, so that no one might
+be seated near them and hear their words.  First, Fenice spoke of
+Britain, and asked him about the character and appearance of my
+lord Gawain, until her words finally hit upon the subject which
+filled her with dread.  She asked him if he had given his love to
+any dame or damsel in that land.  Cliges was not obstinate or
+slow to respond to this demand, but he knew at once what reply to
+make as soon as she had put the question.  "Lady," he says, "I
+was in love while there, but not with any one of that land.  In
+Britain my body was without my heart, as a piece of bark without
+the wood.  Since leaving Germany I have not known what became of
+my heart, except that it came here after you.  My heart was here,
+and my body was there.  I was not really away from Greece; for
+hither my heart had come, for which I now have come back again;
+yet, it does not return to its lodging-place, nor can I draw it
+back to me, nor do I wish to do so, if I could.  And you--how
+has it fared with you, since you came to this country?  What joy
+have you had here?  Do you like the people, do you like the land?
+I ought not to ask you any other question than whether the
+country pleases you."  "It has not pleased me until now; but at
+present I feel a certain joy and satisfaction, which, you may be
+sure, I would not lose for Pavia or Piacenza.  From this joy I
+cannot wrest my heart, nor shall I ever use force in the attempt.
+Nothing but the bark is left in me, for I live and exist without
+a heart.  I have never been in Britain, and yet without me my
+heart has been engaged in business there I know not what." 
+"Lady, when was it that your heart was there?  Tell me when it
+went thither--the time and season--if it be a thing that you
+can fairly tell me or any one else.  Was it there while I was
+there?"  "Yes, but you were not aware of it.  It was there as
+long as you were, and came away again with you."  "God!  I never
+saw it, nor knew it was there.  God!  why did I not know it?  If
+I had been informed of this, surely, my lady, I would have borne
+it pleasant company."  "You would have repaid me with the
+consolation which you really owed to me, for I should have been
+very gracious to your heart if it had been pleased to come where
+it might have known I was."  "Lady, surely it came to you."  "To
+me?  Then it came to no strange place, for mine also went to
+you."  "Then, lady, according to what you say, our hearts are
+here with us now, for my heart is altogether in your hands." 
+"You in turn have mine, my friend; so we are in perfect accord.
+And you may be sure, so help me God, that your uncle has never
+shared in me, for it was not my pleasure,  and he could not.
+Never has he yet known me as Adam knew his wife.  In error I am
+called a wife; but I am sure that whoever calls me wife does not
+know that I am still a maid.  Even your uncle is not aware of it,
+for, having drunk of the sleeping potion, he thinks he is awake
+when he is asleep, and he fancies he has his sport with me while
+I lie in his embrace.  But his exclusion has been complete.  My
+heart is yours, and my body too, and from me no one shall ever
+learn how to practise villainy.  For when my heart went over to
+you it presented you with the body too, and it made a pledge that
+none other should ever share in it.  Love for you has wounded me
+so deep that I should never recover from it, any more than the
+sea can dry up.  If I love you, and you love me, you shall never
+be called Tristan, nor I Iseut; (37) for then our love would not
+be honourable.  But I make you this promise, that you shall never
+have other joy of me than that you now have, unless you can
+devise some means whereby I can be removed from your uncle and
+his society without his finding me again, or being able to blame
+either you or me, or having any ground for accusation.  And
+to-morrow you shall tell me of the best plan you have devised,
+and I, too, will think of it.  To-morrow, as soon as I arise,
+come and speak with me; then each of us will speak his mind, and
+we shall proceed to execute whatever seems best.
+
+(Vv. 5281-5400.)  As soon as Cliges heard her will he fully
+agreed with her, and said that would be the best thing to do.  He
+leaves her happy, and goes off with a light heart himself.  That
+night each one lies awake thinking over, with great delight, what
+the best plan will be.  The next morning, as soon as they had
+arisen, they meet again to take counsel privately, as indeed they
+must.  Cliges speaks first and says what he had thought of in the
+night: "My lady," says he, "I think, and am of the opinion, that
+we could not do better than go to Britain; I thought I might take
+you there; now do not refuse, for never was Helen so joyfully
+received at Troy when Paris took her thither but that still
+greater joy would be felt over you and me in the land of the
+King, my uncle.  And if this plan does not meet with your favour,
+tell me what you think, for I am ready, whatever may happen, to
+abide by your decision."  And she replies: "This is my answer: I
+will never go off with you thus; for after we had gone away,
+every one would speak of us as they do of Iseut the Blond and of
+Tristan.  And everywhere all men and women would speak evil of
+our love.  No one would believe, nor is it natural that they
+should do so, the truth of the matter.  Who would believe that I
+have thus, all to no purpose, evaded and escaped from your uncle
+still a maid?  I should be regarded simply as wanton and
+dissolute, and you would be thought mad.  It is well to remember
+and observe the injunction of St. Paul: if any one is unwilling
+to live chaste, St. Paul counsels him to act so that he shall
+receive no criticism, or blame, or reproach. (38)  It is well to
+stop evil mouths, and therefore, if you agree, I have a proposal
+to make: it seems best to me to consent to feign that I am dead. 
+I shall fall sick in a little while.  And you in the meantime may
+plan some preparations for a place of burial.  Put all your wits
+to work to the end that a sepulchre and bier be so constructed
+that I shall not die in it, or be stifled, and that no one shall
+mount guard over it at night when you come to take me out.  So
+now seek such a retreat for me, where no one may see me excepting
+you; and let no one provide for any need of mine except you, to
+whom I surrender and give myself.  Never, my whole life long, do
+I wish to be served by other man than you.  My lord and my
+servant you shall be; whatever you do shall seem good to me; and
+never shall I be mistress of any empire unless you are its
+master.  Any wretched place, however dark and foul, will seem
+brighter to me than all these halls if you are with me.  If I
+have you where I can see you, I shall be mistress of boundless
+treasure, and the world will belong to me.  And if the business
+is carefully managed, no harm will come of it, and no one will
+ever be able to speak ill of it, for it will be believed
+throughout the empire that I am mouldering in the ground.  My
+maid, Thessala, who has been my nurse, and in whom I have great
+confidence, will give me faithful aid, for she is very clever,
+and I trust her fully."  And Cliges, when he heard his
+sweetheart, replies: "My lady, if this is feasible, and if you
+think your nurse's advice reliable, we have nothing to do but
+make our preparations without delay; but if we commit any
+imprudence, we are lost without escape.  In this city there is an
+artisan who cuts and carves wonderful images: there is no land
+where he is not known for the figures which he has shapen and
+carved and made.  John is his name, and he is a serf oś mine.  No
+one could cope with John's best efforts in any art, however
+varied it might be.  For, compared with him, they are all
+novices, and like a child with nurse.  By imitating his handiwork
+the artisans of Antioch and Rome have learned all they know how
+to do--and besides there is no more loyal man.  Now I want to
+make a test, and if I can put trust in him I will set him and all
+his descendants free; and I shall not fail to tell him of all our
+plan if he will swear and give his word to me that he will aid me
+loyally, and will never divulge my secret."
+
+(Vv. 5401-5466.)  And she replies: "So let it be."  With her
+permission Cliges left the room and went away.  And she sends for
+Thessala, her maid, whom she brought with her from her native
+land.  Thessala came at once without delay, yet not knowing why
+she was summoned.  When she asked Fenice privately what was her
+desire and pleasure, she concealed none of her intentions from
+her.  "Nurse," she said, "I know full well that anything I tell
+you will go no further, for I have tried you thoroughly and have
+found you very prudent.  I love you for all you have done for me.
+In all my troubles I appeal to you without seeking counsel
+elsewhere.  You know why I lie awake, and what my thoughts and
+wishes are.  My eyes behold only one object which pleases me, but
+I can have no pleasure or joy in it if I do not first buy it with
+a heavy price.  For I have now found my peer; and if I love him
+he loves me in return, and if I grieve he grieves too for my pain
+and sorrow.  Now I must acquaint you with a plan and project upon
+which we two have privately agreed."  Then she told and explained
+to her how she was willing to feign illness, and would complain
+so bitterly that at last she would pretend to be dead, and how
+Cliges would steal her away at night, and then they would be
+together all their days.  She thinks that in no other way she
+could longer bear to live.  But if she was sure that she would
+consent to lend her aid, the matter would be arranged in
+accordance with their wishes.  "But I am tired of waiting for my
+joy and luck."  Then her nurse assured her that she would help
+her in every way, telling her to have no further fear.  She said
+that as soon as she set to work she would bring it about that
+there would be no man, upon seeing her, who would not certainly
+believe that the soul had left the body after she had drunk of a
+potion which would leave her cold, colourless, pale, and stiff,
+without power of speech and deprived of health; yet she would be
+alive and well, and would have no sensations of any kind, and
+would be none the worse for a day and a night entire spent in the
+sepulchre and bier. (39)
+
+(Vv. 5467-5554.)  When Fenice heard these words, she thus spoke
+in reply: "Nurse, I commit myself to you, and, with full
+confidence in you, will take no steps in my own behalf.  I am in
+your hands; so think of my interests, and tell all the people who
+are here to betake themselves away, for I am ill, and they bother
+me."  So, like a prudent woman, she said to them: "My lords, my
+lady is not well, and desires you all to go away.  You are
+talking loud and making a noise, and the noise is disagreeable to
+her.  She can get no rest or repose so long as you are in the
+room.  I never remember her to have complained of such a sickness
+as this so violent and serious does it seem.  So go away, and
+don't feel hurt."  As soon as she had issued this command, they
+all quickly go away.  And Cliges sent for John to come quickly,
+and thus in private spoke to him: "John, dost thou know what I am
+about to say?  Thou art my slave and I thy master, and I can give
+away or sell thy body like a thing which is my own.  But if I
+could trust thee in an affair I meditate, thou wouldst go for
+ever free, as well as the heirs which may be born of thee." 
+John, in his desire for freedom, replies at once: "My lord, there
+is nothing I would not gladly do to see myself, my wife, and
+children free.  Tell me what your orders are, for nothing can be
+so hard as to cause me any work or pain or be hard for me to
+execute.  For that matter, even were it against my will, I must
+needs obey your commands and give up my own affairs."  "True,
+John; but this is a matter of which I hardly dare to speak,
+unless thou wilt assure me upon thy oath thou wilt faithfully
+give me aid and never betray me."  "Willingly, sire," John makes
+reply: "have never a fear on that account!  For I will swear and
+pledge my word that, so long as I live, I will never say a word
+which I think will grieve you or cause you harm."  "Ah John, even
+were I to die for it, there is no man to whom I would dare
+mention the matter in which I desire thy counsel; I would rather
+have my eye plucked out; I would rather be put to death by thee
+than that thou shouldst speak of it to another man.  But I hold
+thee to be so loyal and prudent that I will reveal to thee all my
+thought.  I am sure thou wilt observe my wishes, both by aiding
+me and holding thy peace."  "Truly, sire so, help me God!"  Then
+Cliges speaks and explains to him openly the adventurous plan.
+And when he had revealed the project--as you have heard me set
+it forth--then John said that he would promise to construct the
+sepulchre in accordance with his best skill, and said that he
+would take him to see a certain house of his which no one yet had
+ever seen--not even his wife or any child of his.  This house,
+which he had built, he would show him, if he cared to go with him
+to the place where in absolute privacy he works and paints and
+carves.  He would show him the finest and prettiest place that he
+had ever seen.  Cliges replies: "Let us go thither then."
+
+(Vv. 5555-5662.)  Below the city, in a remote spot, John had
+expended much labour in the construction of a tower.  Thither he
+conducted Cliges, leading him through the different storeys,
+which were decorated with fine painted pictures.  He shows him
+the rooms and the fire-places, taking him everywhere up and down.
+Cliges examines this lonely house where no one lives or has
+access.  He passes from one room to another, until he thinks he
+has seen it all, and he is much pleased with the tower and says
+he thinks it is very fine.  The lady will be comfortable there as
+long as she lives, for no one will know of her dwelling place.
+"No sire, you are right; she will never be discovered here.  But
+do you think you have seen all of my tower and fair retreat?
+There still remain rooms so concealed that no man could ever find
+them out.  And if you choose to test the truth of this by
+investigating as thoroughly as you can, you can never be so
+shrewd and clever in your search as to find another story here,
+unless I show you and point it out.  You must know that baths are
+not lacking here, nor anything else which a lady needs, and which
+I can think of or recall.  The lady will be here at her ease.
+Below the level of the ground the tower widens out, as you will
+see, and you cannot anywhere find any entrance-door.  The door is
+made of hard stone with such skill and art that you cannot find
+the crack."  Cliges says: "These are wonderful things I hear.
+Lead on and I will follow you, for I am anxious to see all this."
+Then John started on, taking Cliges by the hand, until he came to
+a smooth and polished door, all coloured and painted over.  When
+John came to the wall, he stopped, holding Cliges by the right
+hand.  "Sire," he says, "there is no one who could see a window
+or a door in this wall; and do you think that any one could pass
+through it without using violence and breaking it down?"  And
+Cliges replies that he does not think so, and that he will never
+think so, unless he sees it first.  Then John says that he shall
+see it at once, and that he will open a door in the wall for him.
+John, who constructed this piece of work, unfastens the door in
+the wall and opens it for him, so that he has to use no strength
+or violence to force it; then, one stepping before the other,
+they descend by a winding-stair to a vaulted apartment where John
+used to do his work, when it pleased him to labour at anything.
+"Sire," he says, "of all the men God ever made, no one but us two
+has ever been where we are now.  And you shall see presently how
+convenient the place is.  My advice is that you choose this as
+your retreat, and that your sweetheart be lodged here.  These
+quarters are good enough for such a guest; for there are
+bedrooms, and bathrooms with hot water in the tubs, which comes
+through pipes under the ground.  Whoever is looking for a
+comfortable place in which to establish and conceal his lady,
+would have to go a long way before he would find anything so
+charming.  When you shall have explored it thoroughly you will
+find this place very suitable."  Then John showed him everything,
+fine chambers and painted vaults, pointing out many examples of
+his work which pleased Cliges much.  When they had examined the
+whole tower, Cliges said: "John, my friend, I set you free and
+all your descendants, and my life is absolutely in your hands.  I
+desire that my sweetheart be here all alone, and that no one
+shall know of it excepting me and you and her."  John makes
+answer: "I thank you, sire.  Now we have been here long enough,
+and as we have nothing more to do, let us return."  "That is
+right," says Cliges, "let us be gone."  Then they go away, and
+leave the tower.  Upon their return they hear every one in the
+city saying to his neighbour: "Don't you know the marvellous news
+about my lady, the empress?  May the Holy Spirit give her health
+-- the gentle and prudent lady; for she lies sick of a grievous
+malady."
+
+(Vv. 5663-5698.)  When Cliges heard this talk he went in haste to
+the court.  But there was no joy or gladness there: for all the
+people were sad and prostrated because of the empress, who is
+only feigning to be ill; for the illness of which she complains
+causes her no grief or pain.  But she has told them all that she
+wishes no one to enter her room so long as her sickness maintains
+its grip with its accompanying pains in her heart and head.  She
+makes an exception, however, in favour of the emperor and his
+nephew, not wishing to place a ban upon them; but she will not
+care if the emperor, her lord, does not come.  For Cliges' sake
+she is compelled to pass through great pain and peril.  It
+distresses her that he does not come, for she has no desire to
+see any one but him.  Cliges, however, will soon be there, to
+tell her of what he has seen and found.  He came into the room
+and spoke to her, but stayed only a moment, for Fenice, in order
+that they might think she was annoyed by what pleased her so,
+cried out aloud: "Be gone, be gone!  You disturb and bother me
+too much, for I am so seriously ill that I shall never rise up
+again."  Cliges, though pleased with this, goes away with a sad
+face: you would never see so woeful a countenance.  To judge from
+his appearance he is very sad; but within his heart is gay in
+anticipation of its joy.
+
+(Vv. 5699-5718.)  The empress, without being really ill,
+complains and pretends that she is sick.  And the emperor, who
+has faith in her, ceases not to grieve, and summons a physician.
+But she will not allow any one to see her or touch her.  The
+emperor may well feel chagrined when she says that she will never
+have but one doctor, who can easily restore her to health
+whenever it pleases him to do so.  He can cause her to die or to
+live, and to him she trusts her health and life.  They think that
+she refers to God; but her meaning is very different, for she is
+thinking of no one but Cliges.  He is her god who can bring her
+health, or who can cause her death.
+
+(Vv. 5719-5814.)  Thus the empress takes care that no physician
+shall examine her; and more completely to deceive the emperor she
+refuses to eat or drink, until she grows all pale and blue.
+Meanwhile her nurse keeps busy about her, and with great
+shrewdness sought privily all through the city, without the
+knowledge of any one, until she found a woman who was hopelessly
+ill with a mortal disease.  In order to perfect her ruse she used
+to go to see her often and promised to cure her of her illness;
+so each day she used to take a urinal in which to examine the
+urine, until she saw one day that no medicine could ever be of
+any help, and that she would die that very day.  This urine
+Thessala carried off and kept until the emperor arose, when she
+went to him and said: "If now it be your will, my lord, send for
+all your physicians; for my mistress has passed some water; she
+is very ill with this disease, and she desires the doctors to see
+it, but she does not wish them to come where she is."  The
+doctors came into the hall and found upon examination that the
+urine was very bad and colourless, and each one said what he
+thought about it.  Finally, they all agreed that she would never
+recover, and that she would scarcely live till three o'clock,
+when, at the latest, God would take her soul to Himself.  This
+conclusion they reached privately, when the emperor asked and
+conjured them to tell him the truth.  They reply that they have
+no confidence in her recovery, and that she cannot live past
+three o'clock but will yield up her soul before that time.  When
+the emperor heard this, he almost fell unconscious to the floor,
+as well as many others who heard the news.  Never did any people
+make such moan as there was then throughout the palace.  However,
+I will speak no further of their grief; but you shall hear of
+Thessala's activities--how she mixes and brews the potion.  She
+mixed and stirred it up, for she had provided herself a long time
+in advance with everything which she would need for the potion. 
+A little before three o'clock she gives her the potion to drink.
+At once her sight became dimmed, her face grew as pale and white
+as if she had lost her blood: she could not have moved a foot or
+hand, if they had flayed her alive, and she does not stir or say
+a word, although she perceives and hears the emperor's grief and
+the cries which fill the hall.  The weeping crowds lament through
+all the city, saying:  "God! what woe and misfortune has been
+brought upon us by wicked death!  O covetous and voracious death!
+Death is worse than a she-wolf which always remains insatiable.
+Such a cruel bite thou hast never inflicted upon the world!
+Death, what hast thou done?  May God confound thee for having put
+out the light of perfect beauty!  Thou hast done to death the
+fairest and most lovely creature, had she but lived, whom God has
+ever sought to form.  God's patience surely is too great when He
+suffers thee to have the power to break in pieces what belongs to
+Him.  Now God ought to be wroth with thee, and cast thee out of
+thy bailiwick; for thy impudence has been too great, as well as
+thy pride and disrespect."  Thus the people storm about and wring
+their arms and beat their hands; while the priests read their
+psalms, making prayers for the good lady, that God may have mercy
+on her soul.
+
+(Vv. 5815-5904.)  (40) In the midst of the tears and cries, as
+the story runs, there arrived aged physicians from Salerno, where
+they had long sojourned.  At the sight of the great mourning they
+stopped to ask and inquire the cause of the cries and tears--why
+all the people are in such sorrow and distress.  And this is
+the answer they receive: "God!  gentlemen, don't you know?  The
+whole world would be beside itself as we are, if it but knew of
+the great sorrow and grief and woe and loss which has come to us
+this day.  God!  where have you come from, then, that you do not
+know what has happened just now in this city?  We will tell you
+the truth, for we wish you to join with us in the grief we feel.
+Do you not know about grim Death, who desires and covets all
+things, and everywhere lies in wait for what is best, do you not
+know what mad act she has committed to-day, as it is her wont to
+do?  God has illuminated the world with one great radiance, with
+one bright light.  But Death cannot restrain herself from acting
+as her custom is.  Every day, to the extent of her power, she
+blots out the best creature she can find.  So she wishes to try
+her power, and in one body she has carried off more excellence
+than she has left behind.  She would have done better to take the
+whole world, and leave alive and sound this prey which now she
+has carried off.  Beauty, courtesy, and knowledge, and all that a
+lady can possess of goodness has been taken and filched from us
+by Death, who has destroyed all goodness in the person of our
+lady, the empress.  Thus Death has deprived us all of life." 
+"Ah, God!" the doctors say, "we know that Thou art wroth with
+this city because we did not reach here sooner.  If we had
+arrived here yesterday, Death might have boasted of her strength
+if she could wrest her prey from us."  "Gentlemen, madame would
+not have allowed you at any price to see her or to exercise your
+skill.  Of good physicians there was no lack, but madame would
+not permit any one of them to see her or to investigate her
+malady."  "No?"  "Truly, sirs, that she would not."  Then they
+recalled the case of Solomon, who was so hated by his wife that
+she deceived him by feigning death. (41)  They think this woman
+has done the same.  But if they could in any way bring about her
+cure, no one could make them lie or keep them from exposing the
+truth, if they discovered any trickery.  So to the court they
+take their way, where there was such a noise and cry that you
+could not have heard God's thunder crash.  The chief of these
+three doctors, who knew the most, drew near the bier.  No one
+says to him "Keep hands off," and no one tries to hold him back. 
+He places his hand on her breast and side, and surely feels that
+life is still in the body: he perceives and knows that well
+enough.  He sees the emperor standing by, mad and tormented by
+his grief.  Seeing him, he calls aloud: "Emperor, console
+thyself!  I am sure and plainly see that this lady is not dead. 
+Leave off thy grief, and be comforted!  If I do not restore her
+alive to thee, thou mayst kill me or string me up."
+
+(Vv. 5995-5988.)  At once throughout the palace the noise is
+quieted and hushed.  And the emperor bade the doctor tell him
+fully his orders and wishes, whatever they might be.  If he can
+restore life in the empress he will be sire and lord over the
+emperor himself; but if he has in any respect lied to him he will
+be hanged like a common thief.  And the doctor said: "I consent
+to that, and may you never have mercy upon me if I do not cause
+her to speak to you here!   Without tarrying and without delay
+have the palace cleared at once, and let not a single soul
+remain.  I must examine in private the illness which afflicts the
+lady.  These two doctors, who are my friends, will remain with me
+alone in the room, and let every one else go out."  This order
+would have been opposed by Cliges, John, and Thessala; but all
+the others who were there might have turned against them if they
+had tried to oppose his order.  So they hold their peace and
+approve what they hear approved by the others, and leave the
+palace.  After the three doctors had forcibly tipped apart the
+lady's winding-sheer, without using any knife or scissors, they
+said to her: "Lady, don't be frightened, have no fear, but speak
+to us with confidence!  We know well enough that you are
+perfectly sound and in good state.  Be sensible and obliging now,
+and do not despair of anything, for if you have any need of us we
+will all three assure you of our aid, whether for good or ill. 
+We shall be very loyal to you, both in keeping our counsel and in
+helping you.  Do not keep us talking here!  Since we put at your
+disposal our skill and service, you should surely not refuse."
+Thus they think to hoodwink and deceive her, but they have no
+success; for she has no need or care for the service which they
+promise her; so they are wasting their time in a vain effort.
+When the three physicians see that they will make nothing out of
+her either by prayer or flattery, then they take her from her
+bier, and begin to beat and belabour her.  But their efforts are
+foolish, for not a word can they extract from her.  Then they
+threaten and try to terrify her by saying that if she does not
+speak she will soon have reason to repent of her folly, for they
+are going to do such a wonderful thing to her that such a thing
+was never done to the body of any wretched woman.  "We know that
+you are alive, and will not deign to speak to us.  We know that
+you are feigning death, and would thus deceive the emperor.  Have
+no fear of us!  If any of us has angered you, before we do you
+further harm, cease your mad behaviour now, for you are acting
+wickedly; and we will lend you our aid in any enterprise--wise
+or mad."  But it cannot be; they have no success.  Then they
+renew their attack, striking her with thongs upon the back, so
+that the welts are plainly seen, and they combine to tear her
+tender flesh until they cause the blood to flow.
+
+(Vv. 5989-6050.)  When they had beaten her with the thongs until
+they had slashed her flesh, and when the blood is dropping down,
+as it trickles from among the wounds, even then their efforts are
+of no avail to extract from her a sigh or word, nor to make her
+stir or move.  Then they say that they must procure fire and
+lead, which they will melt and lay upon her hands, rather than
+fail in their efforts to make her speak.  After securing a light
+and some lead they kindle a fire and melt the lead.  Thus the
+miserable villains torment and afflict the lady, by taking the
+lead all boiling hot from the fire and pouring it into the palms
+of her hands.  Not satisfied with pouring the lead clean through
+her palms, the cowardly rascals say that, if she does not speak
+at once they will straightway stretch her on the grate until she
+is completely grilled.  Yet, she holds her peace, and does not
+refuse to have her body beaten and maltreated by them.  Now they
+were on the point of placing her upon the fire to be roasted and
+grilled when more than a thousand ladies, who were stationed
+before the palace, come to the door and through a little crack
+catch sight of the torture and anguish which they were inflicting
+upon the lady, as with coal and flame they accomplished her
+martyrdom.  They bring clubs and hammers to smash and break down
+the door.  Great was the noise and uproar as they battered and
+broke in the door.  If now they can lay hands on the doctors, the
+latter will not have long to wait before they receive their full
+deserts.  With a single rush the ladies enter the palace, and in
+the press is Thessala, who has no other aim than to reach her
+mistress.  Beside the fire she finds her stripped, severely
+wounded and injured.  She puts her back in the bier again, and
+over her she spreads a cloth, while the ladies go to give their
+reward to the three doctors, without wishing to wait for the
+emperor or his seneschal.  Out of the windows they threw them
+down into the court-yard, breaking the necks, ribs, arms, and
+legs of all: no better piece of work was ever done by any ladies.
+
+(Vv. 6051-6162.)  Now the three doctors have received their
+gruesome reward at the hands of the ladies.  But Cliges is
+terror-stricken and filled with grief upon hearing of the pain
+and martyrdom which his sweetheart has endured for him.  He is
+almost beside himself, fearing greatly, and with good reason,
+that she may be dead or badly injured by the torture inflicted
+upon her by the three physicians who now are dead.  So he is in
+despair and despondency when Thessala comes, bringing with her a
+very precious ointment with which she has already gently rubbed
+the body and wounds of her mistress.  When they laid her back in
+her bier the ladies wrapped her again in a cloth of Syrian stuff,
+leaving her face uncovered.  All that night there is no abatement
+of the cries they raise unceasingly.  Throughout the city. high
+and low, poor and rich, are beside themselves with grief, and it
+seems as if each one boasts that he will outdo all others in his
+woe, and would fain never be comforted.  All that night the grief
+continues.  The next morning John came to the court; and the
+emperor sends for him and issues to him this command: "John, if
+ever thou wroughtest a fine piece of work, now put forth and show
+all thy skill in constructing such a sepulchre as for beauty and
+workmanship shall have no match."  And John, who had already
+performed the task, says that he has already completed one which
+is very fine and cleverly wrought; but when he began the work he
+had no thought that other than a holy body should be laid in it.
+"Now let the empress be laid in it and buried in some sacred
+place, for she, I think, is sanctified."  "You have spoken well,"
+says the emperor; "she shall be buried yonder in my lord Saint
+Peter's Church, where bodies are wont to be interred.  For before
+her death she made this request of me, that I should have her
+buried there.  Now go about your task, and place your sepulchre
+in the best position in the cemetery, where it ought rightfully
+to be."  John replies: "Very well, my lord." John  at once takes
+his leave, and prepares the sepulchre with great skill; a
+feather-bed he placed inside, because the stone was hard and
+cold; and in order that the odour may be sweet, he spreads
+flowers and leaves about.  Another reason for doing this was that
+no one might perceive the mattress he had laid within the grave.
+Already Mass had been said for the dead in the churches and
+parishes, and the bells were tolling continuously as is proper
+for the dead.  Orders are given to bring the body to be laid in
+the sepulchre, which John with all his skill has constructed so
+richly and handsomely.  In all Constantinople none remains,
+whether small or great, who does not follow the body in tears,
+cursing and reproaching Death.  Knights and youths alike grow
+faint, while the ladies and damsels beat their breasts as they
+thus find fault with Death: "O Death," cries each, "why didst
+thou not take ransom for my lady?  Surely, thy gain was slight
+enough, whereas the loss to us is great."  And in this grief
+Cliges surely bears his part, as he suffers and laments more than
+all the others do, and it is strange he does not kill himself.
+But still he decides to put this off until the hour and the time
+shall come for him to disinter her and get possession of her and
+see whether she be alive or not.  Over the gave stand the men who
+let down the body into its place; but, with John there, they do
+not meddle with the adjustment of the sarcophagus, and since they
+were so prostrated that they could not see, John had plenty of
+time to perform his special task.  When the coffin was in its
+place, and nothing else was in the grave, he sealed up tightly
+all the joints.  When this was done, any one would have been
+skilful who, except by force or violence, could take away or
+loosen anything which John had put inside.
+
+(Vv. 6163-6316.)  Fenice lies in the sepulchre until the darkness
+of night came on.  But thirty knights mount guard over her, and
+there are ten tapers burning there, which light up the place all
+about.  The knights were weary and exhausted by the strain they
+had undergone; so they ate and drank that night until they all
+fell sound asleep.  When night came on, Cliges steals away from
+the court and from all his followers, so that there was not a
+single knight or servant who knew what had become of him.  He did
+not stop until he found John, who advises him as best he can.  He
+furnishes him with arms, but he will never have any need of them.
+Once armed, they both spur to the cemetery.  The cemetery was
+enclosed all about with a high wall, so that the knights, who had
+gone asleep after making the gate fast within, could rest assured
+that no one would enter there.  Cliges does not see how he can
+get in, for there is no passing through the gate.  And yet,
+somehow he must pass through, for love bids him and drives him
+on.  He tries the wall and climbs up, being strong and agile.
+Inside was a garden planted with trees, one of which stood so
+near the wall that it touched it.  Now Cliges had what he needed,
+and after letting himself down by the tree, the first thing he
+did was to go to open the gate for John.  Seeing the knights
+asleep, they extinguished all the lights, so that the place
+remained in darkness.  And John now uncovers the grave and opens
+the coffin, taking care to do it no harm.  Cliges steps into the
+grave and lifts out his Sweetheart, all weak and prostrate, whom
+he fondles, kisses, and embraces.  He does not know whether to
+rejoice or regret that she does not stir or move.  And John, as
+quickly as he could, closed up the sepulchre again, so that it
+was not apparent that any one had tampered with it.  Then they
+betook themselves as fast as they could to the tower.  When they
+had set her in the tower, in the rooms which were beneath the
+level of the ground, they took off her grave clothes; and Cliges,
+who knew nothing of the potion which she had taken, which made
+her dumb and kept her motionless, thinks that she is dead, and is
+in despair with anxiety as he heavily sighs and weeps.  But soon
+the time will come for the potion to lose its force.  And Fenice,
+who hears his grief, struggles and strives for strength to
+comfort him by word or glance.  Her heart almost bursts because
+of the sorrow which he shows.  "Ah Death!" he says, "how mean
+thou art, to spare and reprieve all things despicable and vile--to
+let them live on and endure.  Death!  art thou beside thyself
+or drunk, who hast killed my lady without me?  This is a
+marvellous thing I see: my lady is dead, and I still live on! 
+Ah, precious one, why does your lover live to see you dead?  One
+now could rightly say that you have died in my service, and that
+it is I who have killed and murdered you.  Sweetheart, then I am
+the death that has smitten you.  Is not that wrong?  For it is my
+own life I have lost in you, and have preserved your life in me.
+For did not your health and life belong to me. sweet one?  And
+did not mine belong to you?  For I loved nothing excepting you,
+and our double existence was as one.  So now I have done what was
+right in keeping your soul in my body while mine has escaped from
+your body, and one ought to go to seek the company of the other,
+wherever it may be, and nothing ought to separate them."  At this
+she heaves a gentle sigh and whispers faintly: "Lover mine, I am
+not altogether dead, but very near it.  I value my life but
+little now.  I thought it a jest and a mere pretence; but now I
+am indeed to be pitied, for death has not treated this as a jest.
+It will be a marvel if I escape alive.  For the doctors have
+seriously wounded me, and broken my flesh and disfigured me.  And
+yet, if it was possible for my nurse to come here, and if efforts
+were of any avail, she would restore me to health again."  "Do
+not worry, dear, about that," says Cliges, "for this very night I
+will bring her here."  "Dear, let John go for her now."  So John
+departed and looked for her until he found her, and told her how
+he wished her to come along and to let no other cause detain her;
+for Fenice and Cliges have sent for her to come to a tower where
+they are awaiting her; and that Fenice is in a grievous state, so
+that she must come provided with ointments and remedies, and to
+bear in mind that she will not live long, if she does not quickly
+come to bear her aid.  Thessala runs at once and, taking
+ointments, plaster, and remedies which she has prepared, she
+meets John again.  Secretly they go out from the city, until they
+come straight to the tower.  When Fenice sees her nurse, she
+feels already cured, because of the loving faith and trust she
+places in her.  And Cliges greets her affectionately, and says:
+"Welcome, nurse, whom I love and prize.  Nurse, for God's sake,
+what do you think of this young lady's malady?  What is your
+opinion?  Will she recover?"  "Yes, my lord, have no fear but
+that I shall restore her completely. A fortnight will not pass
+before I make her so well that she was never before so lively and
+strong."
+
+(Vv. 6317-6346.)  While Thessala is busy with her remedies, John
+goes to provide the tower with everything that is necessary.
+Cliges goes to the tower and comes away bravely and openly, for
+he has lodged a moulting falcon there, and he says that he goes
+to visit it; thus no one can guess that he goes there for any
+other reason than for the falcon.  He makes long stays there
+night and day.  He orders John to guard the tower, so that no one
+shall enter against his will.  Fenice now has no further cause to
+complain, for Thessala has completely cured her.  If Cliges were
+Duke of Almeria, Morocco, or Tudela, he would not consider it all
+worth a holly-berry compared with the joy which he now feels.
+Certainly Love did not debase itself when it joined these two,
+for it seems to them, when they embrace and kiss each other. that
+all the world must be better for their joy and happiness.  Now
+ask me no more of this, for one can have no wish in which the
+other does not acquiesce.  Thus they have but one desire, as if
+they two themselves were one.
+
+(Vv. 6347-6392.)  Fenice was in the tower, I believe, all that
+year and full two months of the next, until summer came again.
+When the trees bring forth their flowers and leaves, and the
+little birds rejoice, singing gaily their litanies, it came about
+that Fenice one morning heard the song of the nightingale. 
+Cliges was holding her tightly clasped with his arms about her
+waist and neck, and she held him in a like embrace, as she said:
+"Dear fair lover mine.  A garden would do me good, in which I
+could disport myself.  For more than fifteen months I have not
+seen the light of moon or sun.  If possible, I would fain go out
+yonder into the daylight, for here in this tower I am confined.
+If there was a garden near, where I could go and amuse myself, it
+would often do me good."  Then Cliges promises her to consult
+with John about it as soon as he can see him.  At that very
+moment John came in, as he was often wont to do, and Cliges spoke
+to him of what Fenice desired.  John replies: "All that she asks
+for is already provided and supplied.  This tower is well
+equipped with what she wishes and requires."  Then Fenice was
+very glad, and asked John to take her there, which he said he
+would very gladly do.  Then John goes and opens a door,
+constructed in a fashion which I cannot properly describe.  No
+one but John could have made it, and no one could have asserted
+that there was any door or window there--so perfectly was it
+concealed.
+
+(Vv. 6393-6424.)  When Fenice saw the door open, and the sun come
+streaming in, as she had not seen it for many a day, her heart
+beat high with joy; she said that now there was nothing lacking,
+since she could leave her dungeon-tower, and that she wished for
+no other lodging-place.  She passed out through the door into the
+garden, with its pleasures and delights.  In the middle of the
+garden stood a grafted tree loaded with blooming flowers and
+leaves, and with a wide-spreading top.  The branches of it were
+so trained that they all hung downwards until they almost touched
+the ground; the main trunk, however, from which they sprang, rose
+straight into the air.  Fenice desires no other place.  Beneath
+the tree the turf is very pleasant and fine, and at noon, when it
+is hot, the sun will never be high enough for its rays to
+penetrate there.  John had shown his skill in arranging and
+training the branches thus.  There Fenice goes to enjoy herself,
+where they set up a bed for her by day.  There they taste of joy
+and delight.  And the garden is enclosed about with a high wall
+connected with the tower, so that nothing can enter there without
+first passing through the tower.
+
+(Vv. 6425-6586.)  Fenice now is very happy: there is nothing to
+cause her displeasure, and nothing is lacking which she desires,
+when her lover is at liberty to embrace her beneath the blossoms
+and the leaves. (42)  At the season when people take the sparrow-
+hawk and setter and hunt the lark and brown-thrush or stalk the
+quail and partridge, it chanced that a knight of Thrace, who was
+young and alert and inclined to knightly sport, came one day
+close by the tower in his search for game.  The hawk of Bertrand
+(for~such was his name) having missed a lark, had flown away, and
+Bertrand thought how great his loss would be if he should lose
+his hunting-bird.  When he saw it come down and light in a garden
+beneath the tower he was glad, for he thought he could not lose
+it now.  At once he goes and clambers up the wall until he
+succeeds in getting over it, when beneath the tree he sees Fenice
+and Cliges lying asleep and naked in close embrace.  "God!" said
+he, "what has happened to me now?  What marvel is this I see?  Is
+that not Cliges?  It surely is.  Is not that the empress with him
+there?  Nay, but it looks like her.  Never did one thing so
+resemble another.  Her nose, her mouth, and brow are like those
+of my lady the empress.  Never did Nature make two creatures of
+such similitude.  There is no feature in this woman here which I
+have not seen in my lady. If she were alive, I should say that it
+was certainly she herself."  Just then a pear falls down and
+strikes close by Fenice's ear.  She jumps and awakes and, seeing
+Bertrand, cries out aloud: "My dear, my dear, we are lost. 
+Yonder is Bertrand.  If he escapes you, we are caught in a bad
+trap, for he will tell that he has seen us."  Then Bertrand
+realised that it was the empress beyond any doubt.  He sees the
+necessity of leaving at once, for Cliges had brought with him his
+sword into the garden, and had laid it down beside the bed.  He
+jumped up now and grasped his sword, while Bertrand hastily took
+his leave.  As fast as he could he scaled the wall, and was
+almost safely over when Cliges coming after him raised his sword
+and struck him with such violence that he severed his leg below
+the knee, as if it had been a fennel stalk.  In spite of this,
+Bertrand got away, though badly wounded and maimed.  Beside
+themselves with grief and wrath at the sight of his sorry state,
+his men on the other side picked him up, and insistently inquired
+who it was who had used him thus.  "Don't speak to me now," he
+says, "but help me to mount my horse.  No mention shall be made
+of this excepting to the emperor.  He who thus has treated me
+must be, and doubtless is, in great terror; for he is in great
+danger of his life."  Then they set him upon his palfrey and lead
+him through the city, sorely grieved in their fright the while.
+After them more than twenty thousand others come, following them
+to the court.  And all the people run together, each striving to
+be there first.  Bertrand made his complaint aloud, in the
+hearing of all, to the emperor: but they took him for an idle
+chatterer when he said that he had seen the empress all exposed.
+The city is in a ferment of excitement: some regard the news they
+hear as simple nonsense, others advise and urge the emperor to
+visit the tower himself.  Great is the noise and confusion of the
+people who prepare to accompany him.  But they find nothing in
+the tower, for Fenice and Cliges make their escape, taking with
+them Thessala, who comforts them and declares to them that, if
+perchance they see people coming after them to arrest them, they
+need have no fear; that they would never approach to do them harm
+within the range of a strong cross-bow.  And the emperor within
+the tower has John sought for and brought.  He orders him to be
+bound and tied saying that he will have him hanged or burnt, and
+will have his ashes scattered wide.  He shall receive his due
+reward for the shame he has caused the emperor; but this reward 
+will not be agreeable, because John has hidden in the tower his
+nephew with his wife.  "Upon my word, you tell the truth," says
+John; "I will not lie, but will go still further and declare the
+truth, and if I have done any wrong it is right that I should be
+seized.  But I offer this as my excuse: that a servant ought to
+refuse nothing when his lawful lord commands.  Now, every one
+knows forsooth that I am his, and this tower is too."  "It is
+not, John.  Rather is it thine."  "Mine, sire?  Yes, after him:
+but neither do I belong to myself, nor have I anything which is
+mine, except what he pleased to bestow on me.  And if you should
+think to say that my lord is guilty of having done you wrong, I
+am ready to take up his defence without any command from him. 
+But I feel emboldened to proclaim openly what is on my mind, just
+as I have thought it out, for I know full well that I must die.
+So I will speak regardless of results.  For if I die for my
+lord's sake, I shall not die an ignoble death, for the facts are
+generally known about that oath and pledge which you gave to your
+brother, that after you Cliges should be emperor, who now is
+banished as a wanderer.  But if God will, he shall yet be
+emperor!  Hence you are open to reproach, for you ought not to
+have taken a wife; yet you married her and did Cliges a wrong,
+and he has done you no wrong at all.  And if I am punished with
+death by you, and if I die wrongfully for his sake, and if he is
+still alive, he will avenge my death on you.  Now go and do the
+best you can, for if I die you shall also die."
+
+(Vv. 6587-6630.)  The emperor trembles with wrath upon hearing
+the mocking words addressed to him by John.  "John," he says.
+"thou shalt have so much respite, until we find thy lord, who has
+done such wrong to me, though I loved him dearly and had no
+thought of defrauding him.  Meanwhile, thou shalt stay in prison.
+If thou knowest what has become of him, tell me at once, I order
+thee."  "I tell you?  How can I commit such treachery?  Were the
+life to be drawn from my body I would not reveal my lord to you,
+even if I knew his whereabouts.  As a matter of fact, I do not
+know any more than you where they have gone, so help me God!  But
+there is no need for your jealousy.  I do not so much fear your
+wrath that I should not say, so that all can hear, how you have
+been deceived, even my words are not believed.  You were deceived
+and tricked by potion you drank on your wedding night.  Unless it
+happened in dream, when you were asleep, you have never had your
+pleasure with her; but the night made you dream, and the dream
+gave you as much satisfaction as if it had happened in your
+waking hours that she had held you in her arms: that was the sum
+of your satisfaction.  Her heart was so devoted to Cliges that
+she feigned death for his sake; and he had such confidence in me
+that he explained it all to me and established her in my house,
+which rightfully belongs to him.  You ought not to find fault
+with me.  I ought, indeed, to be burnt or hanged, were I to
+betray my lord or refuse to do his will."
+
+(Vv. 6631-6784.)  When the emperor's attention is recalled to the
+potion which he had been pleased to drink, and with which
+Thessala had deceived him, then he realised for the first time
+that he had never had pleasure with his wife, unless it had
+happened in a dream: thus it was but an illusory joy.  And he
+says that if he does not take vengeance for the shame and
+disgrace inflicted upon him by the traitor who has seduced his
+wife, he will never again be happy.  "Now quick!" he says, "as
+far as Pavia, and from here to Germany, let no castle, town, or
+city remain in which search is not made.  I will hold that man
+above all others dear who will bring to me captive the two of
+them.  Now up and down, near and far, go diligently and search!"
+Then they started out with zeal and spent all that day in the
+search.  But in the number Cliges had some friends, who, if they
+found them, would have led them to some hiding-place rather than
+hale them back again.  All that fortnight they exhausted
+themselves in a fruitless search.  For Thessala, who is acting as
+their guide, conducts them by her arts and charms in such
+security that they feel no dread or fear of all the strength of
+the emperor.  They seek repose in no town or city; yet they have
+all they wish or desire, even more so than is usually the case.
+For all they need is procured for them by Thessala, who searches
+and scours and purveys for them.  Nor is there any who hunts them
+now, for all have returned to their homes again.  Meanwhile
+Cliges is not idle, but starts to find his uncle, King Arthur. 
+He continued his search until he found him, and to him he made
+his claim and protest about his uncle, the emperor, who, in order
+to disinherit him, had disloyally taken a wife, which it was not
+right for him to do; for he had sworn to his father that he would
+never marry in his life.  And the King says that with a fleet he
+will proceed to Constantinople, and that he will fill a thousand
+ships with knights, and three thousand more with men-at-arms,
+until no city or burg, town or castle, however strong or however
+high, will be able to withstand their assault.  Then Cliges did
+not forget to thank the King for the aid he offered him.  The
+King sends out to seek and summon all the high barons of the
+land, and causes to be requisitioned and equipped ships, war
+vessels, boats, and barks.  He has a hundred ships loaded and
+filled with shields, lances, bucklers, and armour fit for
+knights.  The King makes such great preparations for the war that
+never did Caesar or Alexander make the like.  He orders to
+assemble at his summons all England, and all Flanders, Normandy,
+France, and Brittany, and all the men as far as the Pyrenees.
+(43) Already they were about to set sail, when messengers arrived
+from Greece who delayed the embarkation and kept the King and his
+people back.  Among the messengers who came was John, that trusty
+man, for he would never be a witness or messenger of any news
+which was not true, and which he did not know for a certainty.
+The messengers were high born men of Greece, who came in search
+for Cliges.  They made inquiry and asked for him, until they
+found him at the King's court, when they said to him: "God save
+you, sire!  Greece is made over to you. and Constantinople is
+given to you by all those of your empire, because of the right
+you have to them.  Your uncle (but you know it not) is dead of
+the grief he felt because he could not discover you.  His grief
+was such that he lost his mind; he would neither drink nor eat,
+but died like a man beside himself.  Fair sire, now come back
+again!  For all your lords have sent for you.  Greatly they
+desire and long for you, wishing to make you their emperor." 
+Some there were that rejoiced at this; and others there were who
+would have gladly seen their guests elsewhere, and the fleet make
+sail for Greece.  But the expedition is given up, and the King
+dismisses his men, and the hosts depart to their homes again. 
+And Cliges hurriedly makes haste in his desire to return to
+Greece.  He has no wish to tarry.  His preparations made, he took
+his leave of the King, and then of all his friends. and taking
+Fenice with him, he goes away.  They travel until they arrive in
+Greece, where they receive him with the jubilation which they
+ought to show to their rightful lord, and they give him his
+sweetheart to be his wife.  Both of them are crowned at once. 
+His mistress he has made his wife, but he still calls her his
+mistress and sweetheart, and she can complain of no loss of
+affection, for he loves her still as his mistress, and she loves
+him, too, as a lady ought to love her lover.  And each day saw
+their love grow stronger: he never doubted her, nor did she blame
+him for anything.  She was never kept confined, as so many women
+have been who have lived since her time.  For never since has
+there been an emperor who did not stand in fear of his wife, lest
+he should be deceived by her, upon his hearing the story of how
+Fenice deceived Alis, first with the potion which he drank, and
+then later by that other ruse.  Therefore, every empress, however
+rich and noble she may be, is guarded in Constantinople as in a
+prison, for the emperor has no confidence in her when he
+remembers the story of Fenice.  He keeps her constantly guarded
+in her room, nor is there ever allowed any man in her presence,
+unless he be a eunuch from his youth; in the case of such there
+is no fear or doubt that Love will ensnare them in his bonds.
+Here ends the work of Chretien. (44)
+
+ENDNOTES:
+NOTE: Endnotes supplied by Prof. Foerster are indicated by
+"(F.)"; all other endnotes are supplied by W.W. Comfort.
+
+(1)  There is no English version corresponding to the old French
+     "Cliges".  The English metrical romance "Sir Cleges" has
+     nothing to do with the French romance.
+(2)  Ovid in "Metamorphosis", vi. 404, relates how Tantalus at a
+     feast to the gods offered them the shoulder of his own son. 
+     It is not certain, however, that Chretien is referring here
+     to this slight episode of the "Metamorphosis".
+(3)  This allusion is generally taken as evidence that the poet
+     had written previously of the love of Tristan and Iseut. 
+     Gaston Paris, however, in one of his last utterances
+     ("Journal des Savants", 1902, p. 297), says: "Je n'hesite
+     pas a dire que l'existence d'un poeme sur Tristan par
+     Chretien de Troies, a laquelle j'ai cru comme presque tout
+     le monde, me parait aujourd'hui fort peu probable; j'en vais
+     donner les raisons."
+(4)  The story of Philomela or Philomena, familiar in Chaucer's
+     "Legende of Good Women", is told by Ovid in "Metamorphosis",
+     vi. 426-674.  Cretiens li Gois is cited by the author of the
+     "Ovide moralise" as the author of the episode of Philomena
+     incorporated in his long didactic poem.  This episode has
+     been ascribed to Chretien de Troyes by many recent critics,
+     and has been separately edited by C. de Boer, who offers in
+     his Introduction a lengthy discussion of its authorship. 
+     See C. de Boer, "Philomena, conte raconte d'apres Ovide par
+     Chretien de Troyes" (Paris, 1909).
+(5)  The present cathedral of Beauvais is dedicated to St. Peter,
+     and its construction was begun in 1227.  The earlier
+     structure here referred to, destroyed in 1118, probably was
+     also dedicated to the same saint. (F.)
+(6)  The real kernal of the Cliges story, stripped of its lengthy
+     introduction concerning Alexandre and Soredamors, is told in
+     a few lines in "Marques de Rome", p. 135 (ed. J. Alton in
+     "Lit. Verein in Stuttgart", No. 187, Tubingen, 1889), as one
+     of the tales or "exempla" recounted by the Empress of Rome
+     to the Emperor and the Seven Sages.  No names are given
+     except that of Cliges himself; the version owes nothing to
+     Chretien's poem, and seems to rest upon a story which the
+     author may have heard orally.  See Foerster's "Einleitung to
+     Cliges" (1910), p. 32 f.
+(7)  This criticism of ignoble leisure on the part of a warrior
+     is found also in "Erec et Enide" and "Yvain".
+(8)  This allegorical tribute to "largesse" is quite in the
+     spirit of the age.  When professional poets lived upon the
+     bounty of their patrons, it is not strange that their poetry
+     should dwell upon the importance of generosity in their
+     heroes.  For an exhaustive collection of "chastisements" or
+     "enseignements", such as that here given to Alexandre by his
+     father, see Eugen Altner, "Ueber die chastiements in den
+     altfranzosischen chansons de geste" (Leipzig, 1885).
+(9)  As Miss Weston has remarked ("The Three Days' Tournament",
+     p. 45), the peculiar georgraphy of this poem "is distinctly
+     Anglo-Norman rather than Arthurian".
+(10) For this intimate relation between heroes, so common in the
+     old French heroic and romantic poems, see Jacques Flach, "Le
+     compagnonnage dans les chansons de geste" in "Etudes
+     romances dediees a Gaston Paris" (Paris, 1891).  Reviewed in
+     "Romania", xxii. 145.
+(11) Here begins one of those long dialogues, where one person is
+     represented as taking both sides of an argument.  This
+     rhetorical device, so wearisome to modern readers, is used
+     by Chretien preferably when some sentiment or deep emotion
+     is to be portrayed.  Ovid may well have suggested the
+     device, but Ovid never abuses it as does the more prolix
+     mediaeval poet.  For the part playing by the eyes in
+     mediaeval love sophistry, see J.F. Hanford, "The Debate of
+     Heart and Eye" in "Modern Language Notes", xxvi. 161-165;
+     and H.R. Lang, "The Eyes as Generators of Love." id. xxiii.
+     126-127.
+(12) For play upon words and for fanciful derivation of proper
+     names in mediaeval romance literature, see the interesting
+     article of Adolf Tobler in "Vermischte Beitrage", ii. 211-
+     266.  Gaston Paris ("Journal des Savants", 1902, p. 354)
+     points out that Thomas used the same scene and the play upon
+     the same words "mer", "amer", and "amers" in his "Tristan"
+     and was later imitated by Gottfried von Strassburg.
+(13) According to the 12th century troubadours, the shafts of
+     Love entered the victim's body through the eyes, and thence
+     pierced the heart.
+(14) For fanciful derivation of proper names, cf. A. Tobler,
+     "Vermischte Beitrage", ii. 211-266.
+(15) Ganelon, the traitor in the "Chanson de Roland", to whose
+     charge is laid the defeat of Charlemagne's rear-guard at
+     Ronceval, became the arch-traitor of mediaeval literature. 
+     It will be recalled that Dante places him in the lowest pit
+     of Hell ("Inferno", xxxii. 122). (NOTE: There is a slight
+     time discrepance here.  Roland, Ganelon, and the Battle of
+     Ronceval were said to have happened in 8th Century A.D.,
+     fully 300 years after Arthur and the Round Table.--DBK).
+(16) For the ceremonies attendant upon the conferring of
+     knighthood, see Karl Treis, "Die Formalitaten des
+     Ritterschlags in der altfranzosischen Epik" (Berlin, 1887).
+(17) The "quintainne" was "a manikin mounted on a pivot and armed
+     with a club in such a way that, when a man struck it
+     unskilfully with his lance, it turned and landed a blow upon
+     his back" (Larousse).
+(18) This conventional attitude of one engaged in thought or a
+     prey to sadness has been referred to by G.L. Hamilton in
+     "Ztsch fur romanische Philologie", xxxiv. 571-572.
+(19) Many traitors in old French literature suffered the same
+     punishments as Ganelon, and were drawn asunder by horses
+     ("Roland", 3960-74).
+(20) The same rare words "galerne" and "posterne" occur in rhyme
+     in the "Roman de Thebes", 1471-72.
+(21) This qualified praise is often used in speaking of traitors
+     and of Saracens.
+(22) The failure to identify the warriors is due to the fact that
+     the knights are totally encased in armour.
+(23) A reference to the "Roman de Thebes", 1160 circ.
+(24) The disregard of Alis for his nephew Cliges is similar to
+     that of King Mark for Tristan in another legend.  In the
+     latter, however, Tristan joins with the other courtiers in
+     advising his uncle to marry, though he himself had been
+     chosen heir to the throne by Mark.  cf. J. Bedier, "Le Roman
+     de Tristan", 2 vols. (Paris, 1902), i. 63 f.
+(25) See Endnote #14 above.
+(26) Cf. Shakespeare, "Othello", ii. I, where Cassio, speaking of
+     Othello's marriage with Desdemona, says:
+          "he hath achieved a maid
+          That paragons description and wild fame;
+          One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens,
+          And in the essential vesture of creation
+          Does tire the enginer."
+(27) Ovid ("Metamorphosis", iii. 339-510) is Chretien's
+     authority.
+(28) Cf. L. Sudre, "Les allusions a la legende de Tristan dans la
+     litterature du moyen age", "Romania", xv. 435 f.  Tristan
+     was famed as a hunter, fencer, wrestler, and harpist.
+(29) "The word `Thessala' was a common one in Latin, as meaning
+     `enchantress', `sorceress', `witch', as Pliny himself tells
+     us, adding that the art of enchantment was not, however,
+     indigenous to Thessaly, but came originally from Persia."
+     ("Natural History", xxx. 2).--D.B. Easter, "Magic Elements
+     in the romans d'aventure and the romans bretons, p. 7.
+     (Baltimore, 1906).  A Jeanroy in "Romania", xxxiii. 420
+     note, says: "Quant au nom de Thessala, il doit venir de
+     Lucain, tres lu dans les ecoles au XIIe siecle."  See also
+     G. Paris in "Journal des Savants", 1902, p. 441 note. 
+     Thessala is mentioned in the "Roman de la Violetta", v. 514,
+     in company with Brangien of the Tristan legend.
+(30) Medea, the wife of Jason, is the great sorceress of classic
+     legend.
+(31) This personage was regarded in the Middle Ages as an Emperor
+     of Rome.  In the 13th-century poem of "Octavian" (ed.
+     Vollmuller, Heilbronn, 1883) he is represented as a
+     contemporary of King Dagobert!
+(32) This commonplace remark is quoted as a proverb of the rustic
+     in "Ipomedon", 1671-72; id., 10, 348-51; "Roman de Mahomet",
+     1587-88; "Roman de Renart", vi. 85-86; Gower's "Mirour de
+     l'omme", 28, 599, etc.
+(33) It is curious to note that Corneille puts almost identical
+     words in the mouth of Don Gomes as he addresses the Cid ("Le
+     Cid", ii. 2).
+(34) For this tournament and its parallels in folk-lore, see Miss
+     J.L. Weston, "The Three Days' Tournament" (London, 1902). 
+     She argues (p. 14 f. and p. 43 f.) against Foerster's
+     unqualified opinion of the originality of Chretien in his
+     use of this current description of a tournament, an opinion
+     set forth in his "Einleitung to Lancelot", pp. 43, 126, 128,
+     138.
+(35) Note that Chretien here deliberately avoids such a list of
+     knights as he introduces in "Erec". (F.)
+(36) It must be admitted that the text, which is offered by all
+     but one MS., is here unintelligible.  The reference, if any
+     be intended, is not clear. (F.)
+(37) Much has been made of this expression as intimating that
+     Chretien wrote "Cliges" as a sort of disavowal of the
+     immorality of his lost "Tristan".  Cf. Foerster, "Cliges"
+     (Ed. 1910), p. xxxix f., and Myrrha Borodine, "La femme et
+     l'amour au XXIe Seicle d'apres les poemes de Chretien de
+     Troyes" (Paris, 1909).  G. Paris has ably defended another
+     interpretation of the references in "Cliges" to the Tristan
+     legend in "Journal des Savants", 1902, p. 442 f.
+(38) This curious moral teaching appears to be a perversion of
+     three passages form St. Paul's Epistles: I Cor. vii. 9, I
+     Cor. x. 32, Eph. v. 15.  Cf. H. Emecke, "Chretien von Troyes
+     als Personlichkeit und als Dichter" (Wurzburg, 1892).
+(39) "This feature of a woman who, thanks to some charm,
+     preserves her virginity with a husband whom she does not
+     love, is found not only in widespread stories, but in
+     several French epic poems.  In only one, "Les Enfances
+     Guillaume", does the husband, like Alis, remain ignorant of
+     the fraud of which he is the victim, and think that he
+     really possesses the woman.... If Chretien alone gave to the
+     charm of the form of a potion, it is in imitation of the
+     love potion in "Tristan".  (G. Paris in "Journal des
+     Savants", 1902, p. 446).  For many other references to the
+     effect of herb potions, cf. A. Hertel, "Verzauberte
+     Oerlichkeiten und Gegenstande in der altfranzosische
+     erzahlende Dichtung", p. 41 ff. (Hanover, 1908).
+(40) I have pointed out the curious parallel between the
+     following passage and Dante's "Vita Nova", 41 ("Romantic
+     Review", ii. 2).  There is no certain evidence that Dante
+     knew Chretien's work (cf. A. Farinelli, "Dante e la
+     Francia", vol. i., p. 16 note), but it would be strange if
+     he did not know such a distinguished predecessor.
+(41) For the legend of Solomon deceived by his wife, see Foerster
+     "Cliges" (ed. 1910), p. xxxii. f., and G. Paris in
+     "Romania", ix. 436-443, and in "Journal des Savants", 1902,
+     p. 645 f.  For an additional reference, add "Ipomedon",
+     9103.
+(42) For an imitation of the following scene, see Hans Herzog in
+     "Germania", xxxi. 325.
+(43) "Porz d'Espaingne" refers to the passes in the Pyrenees
+     which formed the entrance-ways to Spain.  Cf. The "Cilician
+     Gates" in Xenophon's "Anabasis".
+(44) Chretien here insists upon his divergence from the famous
+     dictum attributed to the Countess Marie de Champagne by
+     Andre le Chapelain: "Praeceptum tradit amoris, quod nulla
+     etiam coniugata regis poterit amoris praemio coronari, nisi
+     extra coniugii foedera ipsius amoris militae cernatur
+     adiuneta". (Andreae Capellini, "De Amore", p. 154; Ed.
+     Trojel, Havniae, 1892).
+
+
+
+YVAIN
+or, The Knight with the Lion
+
+(Vv. 1-174.)  Arthur, the good King of Britain, whose prowess
+teaches us that we, too, should be brave and courteous, held a
+rich and royal court upon that precious feast-day which is always
+known by the name of Pentecost. (1)  The court was at Carduel in
+Wales.  When the meal was finished, the knights betook themselves
+whither they were summoned by the ladies, damsels, and maidens.
+Some told stories; others spoke of love, of the trials and
+sorrows, as well as of the great blessings, which often fall to
+the members of its order, which was rich and flourishing in those
+days of old.  But now its followers are few, having deserted it
+almost to a man, so that love is much abased.  For lovers used to
+deserve to be considered courteous, brave, generous, and
+honourable.  But now love is a laughing-stock, for those who have
+no intelligence of it assert that they love, and in that they
+lie.  Thus they utter a mockery and lie by boasting where they
+have no right. (2)  But let us leave those who are still alive,
+to speak of those of former time.  For, I take it, a courteous
+man, though dead, is worth more than a living knave.  So it is my
+pleasure to relate a matter quite worthy of heed concerning the
+King whose fame was such that men still speak of him far and
+near; and I agree with the opinion of the Bretons that his name
+will live on for evermore.  And in connection with him we call to
+mind those goodly chosen knights who spent themselves for
+honour's sake.  But upon this day of which I speak, great was
+their astonishment at seeing the King quit their presence; and
+there were some who felt chagrined, and who did not mince their
+words, never before having seen the King, on the occasion of such
+a feast, enter his own chamber either to sleep or to seek repose.
+But this day it came about that the Queen detained him, and he
+remained so long at her side that he forgot himself and fell
+asleep.  Outside the chamber door were Dodinel, Sagremor, and
+Kay, my lord Gawain, my lord Yvain, and with them Calogrenant, a
+very comely knight, who had begun to tell them a tale, though it
+was not to his credit, but rather to his shame.  The Queen could
+hear him as he told his tale, and rising from beside the King,
+she came upon them so stealthily that before any caught sight of
+her, she had fallen, as it were, right in their midst.  Calogrenant
+alone jumped up quickly when he saw her come.  Then
+Kay, who was very quarrelsome, mean, sarcastic, and abusive, said
+to him: "By the Lord, Calogrenant, I see you are very bold and
+forward now, and certainly it pleases me to see you the most
+courteous of us all.  And I know that you are quite persuaded of
+your own excellence, for that is in keeping with your little
+sense.  And of course it is natural that my lady should suppose
+that you surpass us all in courtesy and bravery.  We failed to
+rise through sloth, forsooth, or because we did not care!  Upon
+my word, it is not so, my lord; but we did not see my lady until
+you had risen first."  "Really, Kay," the Queen then says, "I
+think you would burst if you could not pour out the poison of
+which you are so full.  You are troublesome and mean thus to
+annoy your companions."  "Lady," says Kay, "if we are not better
+for your company, at least let us not lose by it.  I am not aware
+that I said anything for which I ought to be accused, and so I
+pray you say no more.  It is impolite and foolish to keep up a
+vain dispute.  This argument should go no further, nor should any
+one try to make more of it.  But since there must be no more high
+words, command him to continue the tale he had begun."  Thereupon
+Calogrenant prepares to reply in this fashion: "My lord, little
+do I care about the quarrel, which matters little and affects me
+not.  If you have vented your scorn on me, I shall never be
+harmed by it.  You have often spoken insultingly, my lord Kay, to
+braver and better men than I, for you are given to this kind of
+thing.  The manure-pile will always stink, (3) and gadflies
+sting, and bees will hum, and so a bore will torment and make a
+nuisance of himself.  However, with my lady's leave, I'll not
+continue my tale to-day, and I beg her to say no more about it,
+and kindly not give me any unwelcome command."  "Lady," says Kay,
+"all those who are here will be in your debt, for they are
+desirous to hear it out.  Don't do it as a favour to me!  But by
+the faith you owe the King, your lord and mine, command him to
+continue, and you will do well."  "Calogrenant," the Queen then
+says, "do not mind the attack of my lord Kay the seneschal.  He
+is so accustomed to evil speech that one cannot punish him for
+it.  I command and request you not to be angered because of him,
+nor should you fail on his account to say something which it will
+please us all to hear; if you wish to preserve my good-will, pray
+begin the tale anew."  "Surely, lady, it is a very unwelcome
+command you lay upon me.  Rather than tell any more of my tale
+to-day, I would have one eye plucked out, if I did not fear your
+displeasure.  Yet will I perform your behest, however distasteful
+it may be.  Then since you will have it so, give heed.  Let your
+heart and ears be mine.  For words, though heard, are lost unless
+understood within the heart.  Some men there are who give consent
+to what they hear but do not understand: these men have the
+hearing alone.  For the moment the heart fails to understand, the
+word falls upon the ears simply as the wind that blows, without
+stopping to tarry there; rather it quickly passes on if the heart
+is not so awake as to be ready to receive it.  For the heart
+alone can receive it when it comes along, and shut it up within.
+The ears are the path and channel by which the voice can reach
+the heart, while the heart receives within the bosom the voice
+which enters through the ear.  Now, whoever will heed my words,
+must surrender to me his heart and ears, for I am not going to
+speak of a dream, an idle tale, or lie, with which many another
+has regaled you, but rather shall I speak of what I saw.
+
+(Vv. 175-268.)  "It happened seven years ago that, lonely as a
+countryman, I was making my way in search of adventures, fully
+armed as a knight should be, when I came upon a road leading off
+to the right into a thick forest.  The road there was very bad,
+full of briars and thorns.  In spite of the trouble and
+inconvenience, I followed the road and path.  Almost the entire
+day I went thus riding until I emerged from the forest of
+Broceliande. (4)  Out from the forest I passed into the open
+country where I saw a wooden tower at the distance of half a
+Welsh league: it may have been so far, but it was not anymore.
+Proceeding faster than a walk, I drew near and saw the palisade
+and moat all round it, deep and wide, and standing upon the
+bridge, with a moulted falcon upon his wrist, I saw the master of
+the castle.  I had no sooner saluted him than he came forward to
+hold my stirrup and invited me to dismount.  I did so, for it was
+useless to deny that I was in need of a lodging-place.  Then he
+told me more than a hundred times at once that blessed was the
+road by which I had come thither.  Meanwhile, we crossed the
+bridge, and passing through the gate, found ourselves in the
+courtyard.  In the middle of the courtyard of this vavasor, to
+whom may God repay such joy and honour as he bestowed upon me
+that night, there hung a gong not of iron or wood, I trow, but
+all of copper.  Upon this gong the vavasor struck three times
+with a hammer which hung on a post close by.  Those who were
+upstairs in the house, upon hearing his voice and the sound, came
+out into the yard below.  Some took my horse which the good
+vavasor was holding; and I saw coming toward me a very fair and
+gentle maid.  On looking at her narrowly I saw she was tall and
+slim and straight.  Skilful she was in disarming me, which she
+did gently and with address; then, when she had robed me in a
+short mantle of scarlet stuff spotted with a peacock's plumes,
+all the others left us there, so that she and I remained alone.
+This pleased me well, for I needed naught else to look upon. 
+Then she took me to sit down in the prettiest little field, shut
+in by a wall all round about.  There I found her so elegant, so
+fair of speech and so well informed, of such pleasing manners and
+character, that it was a delight to be there, and I could have
+wished never to be compelled to move.  But as ill luck would have
+it, when night came on, and the time for supper had arrived.  The
+vavasor came to look for me.  No more delay was possible, so I
+complied with his request.  Of the supper I will only say that it
+was all after my heart, seeing that the damsel took her seat at
+the table just in front of me.  After the supper the vavasor
+admitted to me that, though he had lodged many an errant knight,
+he knew not how long it had been since he had welcomed one in
+search of adventure.  Then, as a favour, he begged of me to
+return by way of his residence, if I could make it possible.  So
+I said to him: `Right gladly, sire!' for a refusal would have
+been impolite, and that was the least I could do for such a host.
+
+(Vv. 269-580.)  That night, indeed, I was well lodged, and as
+soon as the morning light appeared, I found my steed ready
+saddled, as I had requested the night before; thus my request was
+carried out.  My kind host and his dear daughter I commended to
+the Holy Spirit, and, after taking leave of all, I got away as
+soon as possible.  I had not proceeded far from my stopping-place
+when I came to a clearing, where there were some wild bulls at
+large; they were fighting among themselves and making such a
+dreadful and horrible noise that if the truth be known, I drew
+back in fear, for there is no beast so fierce and dangerous as a
+bull.  I saw sitting upon a stump, with a great club in his hand,
+a rustic lout, as black as a mulberry, indescribably big and
+hideous; indeed, so passing ugly was the creature that no word of
+mouth could do him justice.  On drawing near to this fellow, I
+saw that his head was bigger than that of a horse or of any other
+beast; that his hair was in tufts, leaving his forehead bare for
+a width of more than two spans; that his ears were big and mossy,
+just like those of an elephant; his eyebrows were heavy and his
+face was flat; his eyes were those of an owl, and his nose was
+like a cat's; his jowls were split like a wolf, and his teeth
+were sharp and yellow like a wild boar's; his beard was black and
+his whiskers twisted; his chin merged into his chest and his
+backbone was long, but twisted and hunched. (5)  There he stood,
+leaning upon his club and accoutred in a strange garb, consisting
+not of cotton or wool, but rather of the hides recently flayed
+from two bulls or two beeves: these he wore hanging from his
+neck.  The fellow leaped up straightway when he saw me drawing
+near.  I do not know whether he was going to strike me or what he
+intended to do, but I was prepared to stand him off, until I saw
+him stop and stand stock-still upon a tree trunk, where he stood
+full seventeen feet in height.  Then he gazed at me but spoke not
+a word, any more than a beast would have done.  And I supposed
+that he had not his senses or was drunk.  However, I made bold to
+say to him: `Come, let me know whether thou art a creature of
+good or not.'  And he replied: `I am a man.'   `What kind of a
+man art thou?'  `Such as thou seest me to be: I am by no means
+otherwise.'  `What dost thou here?'  `I was here, tending these
+cattle in this wood.'  `Wert thou really tending them?  By Saint
+Peter of Rome!  They know not the command of any man.  I guess
+one cannot possibly guard wild beasts in a plain or wood or
+anywhere else unless they are tied or confined inside.'  `Well, I
+tend and have control of these beasts so that they will never
+leave this neighbourhood.'  `How dost thou do that?  Come, tell
+me now!'  `There is not one of them that dares to move when they
+see me coming.  For when I can get hold of one I give its two
+horns such a wrench with my hard, strong hands that the others
+tremble with fear, and gather at once round about me as if to ask
+for mercy.  No one could venture here but me, for if he should go
+among them he would be straightway done to death.  In this way I
+am master of my beasts.  And now thou must tell me in turn what
+kind of a man thou art, and what thou seekest here.'  `I am, as
+thou seest, a knight seeking for what I cannot find; long have I
+sought without success.'  `And what is this thou fain wouldst
+find?'  `Some adventure whereby to test my prowess and my
+bravery.  Now I beg and urgently request thee to give me some
+counsel, if possible, concerning some adventure or marvellous
+thing.'  Says he: `Thou wilt have to do without, for I know
+nothing of adventure, nor did I ever hear tell of such.  But if
+thou wouldst go to a certain spring here hard by and shouldst
+comply with the practice there, thou wouldst not easily come back
+again.  Close by here thou canst easily find a path which will
+lead thee thither. If thou wouldst go aright, follow the straight
+path, otherwise thou mayst easily go astray among the many other
+paths.  Thou shalt see the spring which boils, though the water
+is colder than marble.  It is shadowed by the fairest tree that
+ever Nature formed, for its foliage is evergreen, regardless of
+the winter's cold, and an iron basin is hanging there by a chain
+long enough to reach the spring.  And beside the spring thou
+shalt find a massive stone, as thou shalt see, but whose nature I
+cannot explain, never having seen its like.  On the other side a
+chapel stands, small, but very beautiful.  If thou wilt take of
+the water in the basin and spill it upon the stone, thou shalt
+see such a storm come up that not a beast will remain within this
+wood; every doe, star, deer, boar, and bird will issue forth. 
+For thou shalt see such lightning-bolts descend, such blowing of
+gales and crashing of trees, such torrents fail, such thunder and
+lightning, that, if thou canst escape from them without trouble
+and mischance, thou wilt be more fortunate than ever any knight
+was yet.'  I left the fellow then, after he had pointed our the
+way.  It must have been after nine o'clock and might have been
+drawing on toward noon, when I espied the tree and the chapel.  I
+can truly say that this tree was the finest pine that ever grew
+on earth.  I do not believe that it ever rained so hard that a
+drop of water could penetrate it, but would rather drip from the
+outer branches.  From the tree I saw the basin hanging, (6) of
+the finest gold that was ever for sale in any fair.  As for the
+spring, you may take my word that it was boiling like hot water.
+The stone was of emerald, with holes in it like a cask, and there
+were four rubies underneath, more radiant and red than is the
+morning sun when it rises in the east.  Now not one word will I
+say which is not true.  I wished to see the marvellous appearing
+of the tempest and the storm; but therein I was not wise, for I
+would gladly have repented, if I could, when I had sprinkled the
+perforated stone with the water from the basin.  But I fear I
+poured too much, for straightway I saw the heavens so break loose
+that from more than fourteen directions the lightning blinded my
+eyes, and all at once the clouds let fall snow and rain and hail.
+The storm was so fierce and terrible that a hundred times I
+thought I should be killed by the bolts which fell about me and
+by the trees which were rent apart.  Know that I was in great
+distress until the uproar was appeased.  But God gave me such
+comfort that the storm did not continue long, and all the winds
+died down again.  The winds dared not blow against God's will.
+And when I saw the air clear and serene I was filled with joy
+again.  For I have observed that joy quickly causes trouble to be
+forgot.  As soon as the storm was completely past, I saw so many
+birds gathered in the pine tree (if any one will believe my
+words) that not a branch or twig was to be seen which was not
+entirely covered with birds. (7)  The tree was all the more
+lovely then, for all the birds sang in harmony, yet the note of
+each was different, so that I never heard one singing another's
+note.  I, too, rejoiced in their joyousness, and listened to them
+until they had sung their service through, for I have never heard
+such happy song, nor do I think any one else will hear it, unless
+he goes to listen to what filled me with such joy and bliss that
+I was lost in rapture.  I stayed there until I heard some knights
+coming, as I thought it seemed that there must be ten of them.
+But all the noise and commotion was made by the approach of a
+single knight.  When I saw him coming on alone I quickly caught
+my steed and made no delay in mounting him.  And the knight, as
+if with evil intent, came on swifter than an eagle, looking as
+fierce as a lion.  From as far as his voice could reach he began
+to challenge me, and said: `Vassal, without provocation you have
+caused me shame and harm.  If there was any quarrel between us
+you should first have challenged me, or at least sought justice
+before attacking me.  But, sir vassal, if it be within my power,
+upon you shall fall the punishment for the damage which is
+evident.  About me here lies the evidence of my woods destroyed.
+He who has suffered has the right to complain.  And I have good
+reason to complain that you have driven me from my house with
+lightning-bolt and rain.  You have made trouble for me, and
+cursed be he who thinks it fair.  For within my own woods and
+town you have made such an attack upon me that resources of men
+of arms and of fortifications would have been of no avail to me;
+no man could have been secure, even if he had been in a fortress
+of solid stone and wood.  But be assured that from this moment
+there shall be neither truce nor peace between us.'  At these
+words we rushed together, each one holding his shield well
+gripped and covering himself with it.  The knight had a good
+horse and a stout lance, and was doubtless a whole head taller
+than I.  Thus, I was altogether at a disadvantage, being shorter
+than he, while his horse was stronger than mine.  You may be sure
+that I will tell the facts, in order to cover up my shame.  With
+intent to do my best, I dealt him as hard a blow as I could give,
+striking the top of his shield, and I put all my strength into it
+with such effect that my lance flew all to splinters.  His lance
+remained entire, being very heavy and bigger than any knight's
+lance I ever saw.  And the knight struck me with it so heavily
+that he knocked me over my horse's crupper and laid me flat upon
+the ground, where he left me ashamed and exhausted, without
+bestowing another glance upon me.  He took my horse, but me he
+left, and started back by the way he came.  And I, who knew not
+what to do, remained there in pain and with troubled thoughts.
+Seating myself beside the spring I rested there awhile, not
+daring to follow after the knight for fear of committing some
+rash act of madness.  And, indeed, had I had the courage, I knew
+not what had become of him.  Finally, it occurred to me that I
+would keep my promise to my host and would return by way of his
+dwelling.  This idea pleased me, and so I did.  I laid off all my
+arms in order to proceed more easily, and thus with shame I
+retraced my steps.  When I reached his home that night, I found
+my host to be the same good-natured and courteous man as I had
+before discovered him to be.  I could not observe that either his
+daughter or he himself welcomed me any less gladly, or did me any
+less honour than they had done the night before.  I am indebted
+to them for the great honour they all did me in that house; and
+they even said that, so far as they knew or had heard tell, no
+one had ever escaped, without being killed or kept a prisoner,
+from the place whence I returned.  Thus I went and thus I
+returned, feeling, as I did so, deeply ashamed.  So I have
+foolishly told you the story which I never wished to tell again."
+
+(Vv. 581-648.)  "By my head," cries my lord Yvain, "you are my
+own cousin-german, and we ought to love each other well.  But I
+must consider you as mad to have concealed this from me so long.
+If I call you mad, I beg you not to be incensed.  For if I can,
+and if I obtain the leave, I shall go to avenge your shame."  "It
+is evident that we have dined," says Kay, with his ever-ready
+speech; "there are more words in a pot full of wine than in a
+whole barrel of beer. (8)  They say that a cat is merry when
+full.  After dinner no one stirs, but each one is ready to slay
+Noradin, (9) and you will take vengeance on Forre!  Are your
+saddle-cloths ready stuffed, and your iron greaves polished, and
+your banners unfurled?  Come now, in God's name, my lord Yvain,
+is it to-night or to-morrow that you start?  Tell us, fair sire,
+when you will start for this rude test, for we would fain convoy
+you thither.  There will be no provost or constable who will not
+gladly escort you.  And however it may be, I beg that you will
+not go without taking leave of us; and if you have a bad dream
+to-night, by all means stay at home!"  "The devil, Sir Kay," the
+Queen replies, "are you beside yourself that your tongue always
+runs on so?  Cursed be your tongue which is so full of
+bitterness!  Surely your tongue must hate you, for it says the
+worst it knows to every man.  Damned be any tongue that never
+ceases to speak ill!  As for your tongue, it babbles so that it
+makes you hated everywhere.  It cannot do you greater treachery. 
+See here: if it were mine, I would accuse it of treason.  Any man
+that cannot be cured by punishment ought to be tied like a madman
+in front of the chancel in the church."  "Really, madame," says
+my lord Yvain, "his impudence matters not to me.  In every court
+my lord Kay has so much ability, knowledge, and worth that he
+will never be deaf or dumb.  He has the wit to reply wisely and
+courteously to all that is mean, and this he has always done. 
+You well know if I lie in saying so.  But I have no desire to
+dispute or to begin our foolishness again.  For he who deals the
+first blow does not always win the fight, but rather he who gains
+revenge.  He who fights with his companion had better fight
+against some stranger.  I do not wish to be like the hound that
+stiffens up and growls when another dog yaps at him."
+
+(Vv. 649-722.)  While they were talking thus, the King came out
+of his room where he had been all this time asleep.  And when the
+knights saw him they all sprang to their feet before him, but he
+made them at once sit down again.  He took his place beside the
+Queen, who repeated to him word for word, with her customary
+skill, the story of Calogrenant.  The King listened eagerly to
+it, and then he swore three mighty oaths by the soul of his
+father Utherpendragon, and by the soul of his son, and of his
+mother too, that he would go to see that spring before a
+fortnight should have passed; and he would see the storm and the
+marvels there by reaching it on the eve of my lord Saint John the
+Baptist's feast; there he would spend the night, and all who
+wished might accompany him.  All the court thought well of this,
+for the knights and the young bachelors were very eager to make
+the expedition.  But despite the general joy and satisfaction my
+lord Yvain was much chagrined, for he intended to go there all
+alone; so he was grieved and much put out because of the King who
+planned to go.  The chief cause of his displeasure was that he
+knew that my lord Kay, to whom the favour would not be refused if
+he should solicit it, would secure the battle rather than he
+himself, or else perchance my lord Gawain would first ask for it.
+If either one of these two should make request, the favour would
+never be refused him.  But, having no desire for their company,
+he resolves not to wait for them, but to go off alone, if
+possible, whether it be to his gain or hurt.  And whoever may
+stay behind, he intends to be on the third day in the forest of
+Broceliande, and there to seek if possibly he may find the narrow
+wooded path for which he yearns eagerly, and the plain with the
+strong castle, and the pleasure and delight of the courteous
+damsel, who is so charming and fair, and with the damsel her
+worthy sire, who is so honourable and nobly born that he strives
+to dispense honour.  Then he will see the bulls in the clearing,
+with the giant boor who watches them.  Great is his desire to see
+this fellow, who is so stout and big and ugly and deformed, and
+as black as a smith.  Then, too, he will see, if possible, the
+stone and the spring itself, and the basin and the birds in the
+pine-tree, and he will make it rain and blow.  But of all this he
+will not boast, nor, if he can help it, shall any one know of his
+purpose until he shall have received from it either great
+humiliation or great renown: then let the facts be known.
+
+(Vv. 723-746.)  My lord Yvain gets away from the court without
+any one meeting him, and proceeds alone to his lodging place.
+There he found all his household, and gave orders to have his
+horse saddled; then, calling one of his squires who was privy to
+his every thought, he says: "Come now, follow me outside yonder,
+and bring me my arms.  I shall go out at once through yonder gate
+upon my palfrey.  For thy part, do not delay, for I have a long
+road to travel.  Have my steed well shod, and bring him quickly
+where I am; then shalt thou lead back my palfrey.  But take good
+care, I adjure thee, if any one questions thee about me, to give
+him no satisfaction.  Otherwise, whatever thy confidence in me,
+thou need never again count on my goodwill."  "Sire," he says,
+"all will be well, for no one shall learn anything from me.
+Proceed, and I shall follow you."
+
+(Vv. 747-906.)  My lord Yvain mounts at once, intending to
+avenge, if possible, his cousin's disgrace before he returns. 
+The squire ran for the arms and steed; he mounted at once without
+delay, since he was already equipped with shoes and nails.  Then
+he followed his master's track until he saw him standing mounted,
+waiting to one side of the road in a place apart.  He brought him
+his harness and equipment, and then accoutred him.  My lord Yvain
+made no delay after putting on his arms, but hastily made his way
+each day over the mountains and through the valleys, through the
+forests long and wide, through strange and wild country, passing
+through many gruesome spots, many a danger and many a strait,
+until he came directly to the path, which was full of brambles
+and dark enough; then he felt he was safe at last, and could not
+now lose his way.  Whoever may have to pay the cost, he will not
+stop until he sees the pine which shades the spring and stone,
+and the tempest of hail and rain and thunder and wind.  That
+night, you may be sure, he had such lodging as he desired, for he
+found the vavasor to be even more polite and courteous than he
+had been told, and in the damsel he perceived a hundred times
+more sense and beauty than Calogrenant had spoken of, for one
+cannot rehearse the sum of a lady's or a good man's qualities.
+The moment such a man devotes himself to virtue, his story cannot
+be summed up or told, for no tongue could estimate the honourable
+deeds of such a gentleman.  My lord Yvain was well content with
+the excellent lodging he had that night, and when he entered the
+clearing the next day, he met the bulls and the rustic boor who
+showed him the way to take.  But more than a hundred times he
+crossed himself at sight of the monster before him--how Nature
+had ever been able to form such a hideous, ugly creature.  Then
+to the spring he made his way, and found there all that he wished
+to see.  Without hesitation and without sitting down he poured
+the basin full of water upon the stone, when straightway it began
+to blow and rain, and such a storm was caused as had been
+foretold.  And when God had appeased the storm, the birds came to
+perch upon the pine, and sang their joyous songs up above the
+perilous spring.  But before their jubilee had ceased there came
+the knight, more blazing with wrath than a burning log, and
+making as much noise as if he were chasing a lusty stag.  As soon
+as they espied each other they rushed together and displayed the
+mortal hate they bore.  Each one carried a stiff, stout lance,
+with which they dealt such mighty blows that they pierced the
+shields about their necks, and cut the meshes of their hauberks;
+their lances are splintered and sprung, while the fragments are
+cast high in air.  Then each attacks the other with his sword,
+and in the strife they cut the straps of the shields away, and
+cut the shields all to bits from end to end, so that the shreds
+hang down, no longer serving as covering or defence; for they
+have so split them up that they bring down the gleaming blades
+upon their sides, their arms, and hips.  Fierce, indeed, is their
+assault; yet they do not budge from their standing-place any more
+than would two blocks of stone.  Never were there two knights so
+intent upon each other's death.  They are careful not to waste
+their blows, but lay them on as best they may; they strike and
+bend their helmets, and they send the meshes of their hauberks
+flying so, that they draw not a little blood, for the hauberks
+are so hot with their body's heat that they hardly serve as more
+protection than a coat.  As they drive the sword-point at the
+face, it is marvellous that so fierce and bitter a strife should
+last so long.  But both are possessed of such courage that one
+would not for aught retreat a foot before his adversary until he
+had wounded him to death.  Yet, in this respect they were very
+honourable in not trying or deigning to strike or harm their
+steeds in any way; but they sat astride their steeds without
+putting foot to earth, which made the fight more elegant.  At
+last my lord Yvain crushed the helmet of the knight, whom the
+blow stunned and made so faint that he swooned away, never having
+received such a cruel blow before.  Beneath his kerchief his head
+was split to the very brains, so that the meshes of his bright
+hauberk were stained with the brains and blood, all of which
+caused him such intense pain that his heart almost ceased to
+beat.  He had good reason then to flee, for he felt that he had a
+mortal wound, and that further resistance would not avail.  With
+this thought in mind he quickly made his escape toward his town,
+where the bridge was lowered and the gate quickly opened for him;
+meanwhile my lord Yvain at once spurs after him at topmost speed.
+As a gerfalcon swoops upon a crane when he sees him rising from
+afar, and then draws so near to him that he is about to seize
+him, yet misses him, so flees the knight, with Yvain pressing him
+so close that he can almost throw his arm about him, and yet
+cannot quite come up with him, though he is so close that he can
+hear him groan for the pain he feels.  While the one exerts
+himself in flight the other strives in pursuit of him, fearing to
+have wasted his effort unless he takes him alive or dead; for he
+still recalls the mocking words which my lord Kay had addressed
+to him.  He had not yet carried out the pledge which he had given
+to his cousin; nor will they believe his word unless he returns
+with the evidence.  The knight led him a rapid chase to the gate
+of his town, where they entered in; but finding no man or woman
+in the streets through which they passed, they both rode swiftly
+on till they came to the palace-gate.
+
+(Vv. 907-1054.)  The gate was very high and wide, yet it had such
+a narrow entrance-way that two men or two horses could scarcely
+enter abreast or pass without interference or great difficulty;
+for it was constructed just like a trap which is set for the rat
+on mischief bent, and which has a blade above ready to fall and
+strike and catch, and which is suddenly released whenever
+anything, however gently, comes in contact with the spring.  In
+like fashion, beneath the gate there were two springs connected
+with a portcullis up above, edged with iron and very sharp.  If
+anything stepped upon this contrivance the gate descended from
+above, and whoever below was struck by the gate was caught and
+mangled.  Precisely in the middle the passage lay as narrow as if
+it were a beaten track.  Straight through it exactly the knight
+rushed on, with my lord Yvain madly following him apace, and so
+close to him that he held him by the saddle-bow behind.  It was
+well for him that he was stretched forward, for had it not been
+for this piece of luck he would have been cut quite through; for
+his horse stepped upon the wooden spring which kept the
+portcullis in place.  Like a hellish devil the gate dropped down,
+catching the saddle and the horse's haunches, which it cut off
+clean.  But, thank God, my lord Yvain was only slightly touched
+when it grazed his back so closely that it cut both his spurs off
+even with his heels.  And while he thus fell in dismay, the other
+with his mortal wound escaped him, as you now shall see.  Farther
+on there was another gate just like the one they had just passed;
+through this the knight made his escape, and the gate descended
+behind him.  Thus my lord Yvain was caught, very much concerned
+and discomfited as he finds himself shut in this hallway, which
+was all studded with gilded nails, and whose walls were cunningly
+decorated with precious paints. (10)  But about nothing was he so
+worried as not to know what had become of the knight.  While he
+was in this narrow place, he heard open the door of a little
+adjoining room, and there came forth alone a fair and charming
+maiden who closed the door again after her.  When she found my
+lord Yvain, at first she was sore dismayed. (11)  "Surely, sir
+knight," she says, "I fear you have come in an evil hour.  If you
+are seen here, you will be all cut to pieces.  For my lord is
+mortally wounded, and I know it is you who have been the death of
+him.  My lady is in such a state of grief, and her people about
+her are crying so that they are ready to die with rage; and,
+moreover, they know you to be inside.  But as yet their grief is
+such that they are unable to attend to you.  The moment they come
+to attack you, they cannot fail to kill or capture you, as they
+may choose."  And my lord Yvain replies to her: "If God will they
+shall never kill me, nor shall I fall into their hands."  "No,"
+she says, "for I shall do my utmost to assist you.  It is not
+manly to cherish fear.  So I hold you to be a man of courage,
+when you are not dismayed.  And rest assured that if I could I
+would help you and treat you honourably, as you in turn would do
+for me.  Once my lady sent me on an errand to the King's court,
+and I suppose I was not so experienced or courteous or so well
+behaved as a maiden ought to be; at any rate, there was not a
+knight there who deigned to say a word to me except you alone who
+stand here now; but you, in your kindness, honoured and aided me.
+For the honour you did me then I shall now reward you.  I know
+full well what your name is, and I recognised you at once: your
+name is my lord Yvain.  You may be sure and certain that if you
+take my advice you will never be caught or treated ill.  Please
+take this little ring of mine, which you will return when I shall
+have delivered you." (12)  Then she handed him the little ring
+and told him that its effect was like that of the bark which
+covers the wood so that it cannot be seen; but it must be worn so
+that the stone is within the palm; then he who wears the ring
+upon his finger need have no concern for anything; for no one,
+however sharp his eyes may be, will be able to see him any more
+than the wood which is covered by the outside bark.  All this is
+pleasing to my lord Yvain.  And when she had told him this, she
+led him to a seat upon a couch covered with a quilt so rich that
+the Duke of Austria had none such, and she told him that if he
+cared for something to eat she would fetch it for him; and he
+replied that he would gladly do so.  Running quickly into the
+chamber, she presently returned, bringing a roasted fowl and a
+cake, a cloth, a full pot of good grape-wine covered with a white
+drinking-cup; all this she offered to him to eat.  And he, who
+stood in need of food, very gladly ate and drank.
+
+(Vv. 1055-1172.)  By the time he had finished his meal the
+knights were astir inside looking for him and eager to avenge
+their lord, who was already stretched upon his bier.  Then the
+damsel said to Yvain: "Friend, do you hear them all seeking you?
+There is a great noise and uproar brewing.  But whoever may come
+or go, do not stir for any noise of theirs, for they can never
+discover you if you do not move from this couch.  Presently you
+will see this room all full of ill-disposed and hostile people,
+who will think to find you here; and I make no doubt that they
+will bring the body here before interment, and they will begin to
+search for you under the seats and the beds.  It will be amusing
+for a man who is not afraid when he sees people searching so
+fruitlessly, for they will all be so blind, so undone, and so
+misguided that they will be beside themselves with rage.  I
+cannot tell you more just now, for I dare no longer tarry here.
+But I may thank God for giving me the chance and the opportunity
+to do some service to please you, as I yearned to do."  Then she
+turned away, and when she was gone all the crowd with one accord
+had come from both sides to the gates, armed with clubs and
+swords.  There was a mighty crowd and press of hostile people
+surging about, when they espied in front of the gate the half of
+the horse which had been cut down.  Then they felt very sure that
+when the gates were opened they would find inside him whose life
+they wished to take.  Then they caused to be drawn up those gates
+which had been the death of many men.  But since no spring or
+trap was laid for their passage they all came through abreast.
+Then they found at the threshold the other half of the horse that
+had been killed; but none of them had sharp enough eyes to see my
+lord Yvain, whom they would gladly have killed; and he saw them
+beside themselves with rage and fury, as they said: "How can this
+be?  For there is no door or window here through which anything
+could escape, unless it be a bird, a squirrel, or marmot, or some
+other even smaller animal; for the windows are barred, and the
+gates were closed as soon as my lord passed through.  The body is
+in here, dead or alive, since there is no sign of it outside
+there; we can see more than half of the saddle in here, but of
+him we see nothing, except the spurs which fell down severed from
+his feet.  Now let us cease this idle talk, and search in all
+these comers, for he is surely in here still, or else we are all
+enchanted, or the evil spirits have filched him away from us."
+Thus they all, aflame with rage, sought him about the room,
+beating upon the walls, and beds, and seats.  But the couch upon
+which he lay was spared and missed the blows, so that he was not
+struck or touched.  But all about they thrashed enough, and
+raised an uproar in the room with their clubs, like a blind man
+who pounds as he goes about his search.  While they were poking
+about under the beds and the stools, there entered one of the
+most beautiful ladies that any earthly creature ever saw.  Word
+or mention was never made of such a fair Christian dame, and yet
+she was so crazed with grief that she was on the point of taking
+her life.  All at once she cried out at the top of her voice, and
+then fell prostrate in a swoon.  And when she had been picked up
+she began to claw herself and tear her hair, like a woman who had
+lost her mind.  She tears her hair and rips her dress, and faints
+at every step she takes; nor can anything comfort her when she
+sees her husband borne along lifeless in the bier; for her
+happiness is at an end, and so she made her loud lament.  The
+holy water and the cross and the tapers were borne in advance by
+the nuns from a convent; then came missals and censers and the
+priests, who pronounce the final absolution required for the
+wretched soul.
+
+(Vv. 1173-1242.)  My lord Yvain heard the cries and the grief
+that can never be described, for no one could describe it, nor
+was such ever set down in a book.  The procession passed, but in
+the middle of the room a great crowd gathered about the bier, for
+the fresh warm blood trickled out again from the dead man's
+wound, and this betokened certainly that the man was still surely
+present who had fought the battle and had killed and defeated
+him.  Then they sought and searched everywhere, and turned and
+stirred up everything, until they were all in a sweat with the
+trouble and the press which had been caused by the sight of the
+trickling crimson blood.  Then my lord Yvain was well struck and
+beaten where he lay, but not for that did he stir at all.  And
+the people became more and more distraught because of the wounds
+which burst open, and they marvelled why they bled, without
+knowing whose fault it was. (13)  And each one to his neighbour
+said: "The murderer is among us here, and yet we do not see him,
+which is passing strange and mysterious."  At this the lady
+showed such grief that she made an attempt upon her life, and
+cried as if beside herself: "All God, then will the murderer not
+be found, the traitor who took my good lord's life?  Good?  Aye,
+the best of the good, indeed!  True God, Thine will be the fault
+if Thou dost let him thus escape.  No other man than Thou should
+I blame for it who dost hide him from my sight.  Such a wonder
+was never seen, nor such injustice, as Thou dost to me in not
+allowing me even to see the man who must be so close to me.  When
+I cannot see him, I may well say that some demon or spirit has
+interposed himself between us, so that I am under a spell.  Or
+else he is a coward and is afraid of me: he must be a craven to
+stand in awe of me, and it is an act of cowardice not to show
+himself before me.  Ah, thou spirit, craven thing!  Why art thou
+so in fear of me, when before my lord thou weft so brave?  O
+empty and elusive thing, why cannot I have thee in my power?  Why
+cannot I lay hands upon thee now?  But how could it ever come
+about that thou didst kill my lord, unless it was done by
+treachery?  Surely my lord would never have met defeat at thy
+hands had he seen thee face to face.  For neither God nor man
+ever knew of his like, nor is there any like him now.  Surely,
+hadst thou been a mortal man, thou wouldst never have dared to
+withstand my lord, for no one could compare with him."  Thus the
+lady struggles with herself, and thus she contends and exhausts
+herself.  And her people with her, for their part, show the
+greatest possible grief as they carry off the body to burial. 
+After their long efforts and search they are completely exhausted
+by the quest, and give it up from weariness, inasmuch as they can
+find no one who is in any way guilty.  The nuns and priests,
+having already finished the service, had returned from the church
+and were gone to the burial.  But to all this the damsel in her
+chamber paid no heed.  Her thoughts are with my lord Yvain, and,
+coming quickly, she said to him: "Fair sir, these people have
+been seeking you in force.  They have raised a great tumult here,
+and have poked about in all the corners more diligently than a
+hunting-dog goes ferreting a partridge or a quail.  Doubtless you
+have been afraid."  "Upon my word, you are right," says he: "I
+never thought to be so afraid.  And yet, if it were possible I
+should gladly look out through some window or aperture at the
+procession and the corpse."  Yet he had no interest in either the
+corpse or the procession, for he would gladly have seen them all
+burned, even had it cost him a thousand marks.  A thousand marks? 
+Three thousand, verily, upon my word.  But he said it because of
+the lady of the town, of whom he wished to catch a glimpse.  So
+the damsel placed him at a little window, and repaid him as well
+as she could for the honour which he had done her.  From this
+window my lord Yvain espies the fair lady, as she says: "Sire,
+may God have mercy upon your soul!  For never, I verily believe,
+did any knight ever sit in saddle who was your equal in any
+respect.  No other knight, my fair sweet lord, ever possessed
+your honour or courtesy.  Generosity was your friend and boldness
+your companion.  May your soul rest among the saints, my fair
+dear lord."  Then she strikes and tears whatever she can lay her
+hands upon.  Whatever the outcome may be, it is hard for my lord
+Yvain to restrain himself from running forward to seize her
+hands.  But the damsel begs and advises him, and even urgently
+commands him, though with courtesy and graciousness, not to
+commit any rash deed, saying: "You are well off here.  Do not
+stir for any cause until this grief shall be assuaged; let these
+people all depart, as they will do presently.  If you act as I
+advise, in accordance with my views, great advantage may come to
+you.  It will be best for you to remain seated here, and watch
+the people inside and out as they pass along the way without
+their seeing you.  But take care not to speak violently, for I
+hold that man to be rather imprudent than brave who goes too far
+and loses his self-restraint and commits some deed of violence
+the moment he has the time and chance.  So if you cherish some
+rash thought be careful not to utter it.  The wise man conceals
+his imprudent thought and works out righteousness if he can.  So
+wisely take good care not to risk your head, for which they would
+accept no ransom.  Be considerate of yourself and remember my
+advice.  Rest assured until I return, for I dare not stay longer
+now.  I might stay so long, I fear, that they would suspect me
+when they did not see me in the crowd, and then I should suffer
+for it."
+
+(Vv. 1339-1506.)  Then she goes off, and he remains, not knowing
+how to comport himself.  He is loath to see them bury the corpse
+without his securing anything to take back as evidence that he
+has defeated and killed him.  If he has no proof or evidence he
+will be held in contempt, for Kay is so mean and obstinate, so
+given to mockery, and so annoying, that he could never succeed in
+convincing him.  He would go about for ever insulting him,
+flinging his mockery and taunts as he did the other day.  These
+taunts are still fresh and rankling in his heart.  But with her
+sugar and honey a new Love now softened him; he had been to hunt
+upon his lands and had gathered in his prey.  His enemy carries
+off his heart, and he loves the creature who hates him most.  The
+lady, all unaware, has well avenged her lord's death.  She has
+secured greater revenge than she could ever have done unless she
+had been aided by Love, who attacks him so gently that he wounds
+his heart through his eyes.  And this wound is more enduring than
+any inflicted by lance or sword.  A sword-blow is cured and
+healed at once as soon as a doctor attends to it, but the wound
+of love is worst when it is nearest to its physician.  This is
+the wound of my lord Yvain, from which he will never more
+recover, for Love has installed himself with him.  He deserts and
+goes away from the places he was wont to frequent.  He cares for
+no lodging or landlord save this one, and he is very wise in
+leaving a poor lodging-place in order to betake himself to him.
+In order to devote himself completely to him, he will have no
+other lodging-place, though often he is wont to seek out lowly
+hostelries.  It is a shame that Love should ever so basely
+conduct himself as to select the meanest lodging-place quite as
+readily as the best.  But now he has come where he is welcome,
+and where he will be treated honourably, and where he will do
+well to stay.  This is the way Love ought to act, being such a
+noble creature that it is marvellous how he dares shamefully to
+descend to such low estate.  He is like him who spreads his balm
+upon the ashes and dust, who mingles sugar with gall, and suet
+with honey.  However, he did not act so this time, but rather
+lodged in a noble place, for which no one can reproach him.  When
+the dead man had been buried, all the people dispersed, leaving
+no clerks or knights or ladies, excepting only her who makes no
+secret of her grief.  She alone remains behind, often clutching
+at her throat, wringing her hands, and beating her palms, as she
+reads her psalms in her gilt lettered psalter.  All this while my
+lord Yvain is at the window gazing at her, and the more he looks
+at her the more he loves her and is enthralled by her.  He would
+have wished that she should cease her weeping and reading, and
+that she should feel inclined to converse with him.  Love, who
+caught him at the window, filled him with this desire.  But he
+despairs of realising his wish, for he cannot imagine or believe
+that his desire can be gratified.  So he says: "I may consider
+myself a fool to wish for what I cannot have.  Her lord it was
+whom I wounded mortally, and yet do I think I can be reconciled
+with her?  Upon my word, such thoughts are folly, for at present
+she has good reason to hate me more bitterly than anything.  I am
+right in saying `at present', for a woman has more than one mind.
+That mind in which she is just now I trust she will soon change;
+indeed, she will change it certainly, and I am mad thus to
+despair.  God grant that she change it soon!  For I am doomed to
+be her slave, since such is the will of Love.  Whoever does not
+welcome Love gladly, when he comes to him, commits treason and a
+felony.  I admit (and let whosoever will, heed what I say) that
+such an one deserves no happiness or joy.  But if I lose, it will
+not be for such a reason; rather will I love my enemy.  For I
+ought not to feel any hate for her unless I wish to betray Love.
+I must love in accordance with Love's desire.  And ought she to
+regard me as a friend?  Yes, surely, since it is she whom I love.
+And I call her my enemy, for she hates me, though with good
+reason, for I killed the object of her love.  So, then, am I her
+enemy?  Surely no, but her true friend, for I never so loved any
+one before.  I grieve for her fair tresses, surpassing gold in
+their radiance; I feel the pangs of anguish and torment when I
+see her tear and cut them, nor can her tears e'er be dried which
+I see falling from her eyes; by all these things I am distressed.
+Although they are full of ceaseless, ever-flowing tears, yet
+never were there such lovely eves.  The sight of her weeping
+causes me agony, but nothing pains me so much as the sight of her
+face, which she lacerates without its having merited such
+treatment.  I never saw such a face so perfectly formed, nor so
+fresh and delicately coloured.  And then it has pierced my heart
+to see her clutch her throat.  Surely, it is all too true that
+she is doing the worst she can.  And yet no crystal nor any
+mirror is so bright and smooth.  God!  why is she thus possessed,
+and why does she not spare herself?  Why does she wring her
+lovely hands and beat and tear her breast?  Would she not be
+marvellously fair to look upon when in happy mood, seeing that
+she is so fair in her displeasure?  Surely yes, I can take my
+oath on that.  Never before in a work of beauty was Nature thus
+able to outdo herself, for I am sure she has gone beyond the
+limits of any previous attempt.  How could it ever have happened
+then?  Whence came beauty so marvellous?  God must have made her
+with His naked hand that Nature might rest from further toil.  If
+she should try to make a replica, she might spend her time in
+vain without succeeding in her task.  Even God Himself, were He
+to try, could not succeed, I guess, in ever making such another,
+whatever effort He might put forth."
+
+(Vv. 1507-1588.)  Thus my lord Yvain considers her who is broken
+with her grief, and I suppose it would never happen again that
+any man in prison, like my lord Yvain in fear for his life, would
+ever be so madly in love as to make no request on his own behalf,
+when perhaps no one else will speak for him.  He stayed at the
+window until he saw the lady go away, and both the portcullises
+were lowered again.  Another might have grieved at this, who
+would prefer a free escape to tarrying longer where he was.  But
+to him it is quite indifferent whether they be shut or opened. 
+If they were open he surely would not go away, no, even were the
+lady to give him leave and pardon him freely for the death of her
+lord.  For he is detained by Love and Shame which rise up before
+him on either hand: he is ashamed to go away, for no one would
+believe in the success of his exploit; on the other hand, he has
+such a strong desire to see the lady at least, if he cannot
+obtain any other favour, that he feels little concern about his
+imprisonment.  He would rather die than go away.  And now the
+damsel returns, wishing to bear him company with her solace and
+gaiety, and to go and fetch for him whatever he may desire.  But
+she found him pensive and quite worn out with the love which had
+laid hold of him; whereupon she addressed him thus: "My lord
+Yvain, what sort of a time have you had to-day?"  "I have been
+pleasantly occupied," was his reply. "Pleasantly?  In God's name,
+is that the truth?  What?  How can one enjoy himself seeing that
+he is hunted to death, unless he courts and wishes it?"  "Of a
+truth," he says, "my gentle friend, I should by no means wish to
+die; and yet, as God beholds me, I was pleased, am pleased now,
+and always shall be pleased by what I saw."  "Well, let us say no
+more of that," she makes reply, "for I can understand well enough
+what is the meaning of such words.  I am not so foolish or
+inexperienced that I cannot understand such words as those; but
+come now after me, for I shall find some speedy means to release
+you from your confinement.  I shall surely set you free to-night
+or to-morrow, if you please.  Come now, I will lead you away."
+And he thus makes reply: "You may be sure that I will never
+escape secretly and like a thief.  When the people are all
+gathered out there in the streets, I can go forth more honourably
+than if I did so surreptitiously."  Then he followed her into the
+little room.  The damsel, who was kind, secured and bestowed upon
+him all that he desired.  And when the opportunity arose, she
+remembered what he had said to her how he had been pleased by
+what he saw when they were seeking him in the room with intent to
+kill him.
+
+(Vv. 1589-1652.)  The damsel stood in such favour with her lady
+that she had no fear of telling her anything, regardless of the
+consequences, for she was her confidante and companion.  Then,
+why should she be backward in comforting her lady and in giving
+her advice which should redound to her honour?  The first time
+she said to her privily: "My lady, I greatly marvel to see you
+act so extravagantly.  Do you think you can recover your lord by
+giving away thus to your grief?"  "Nay, rather, if I had my
+wish," says she, "I would now be dead of grief."  "And why?"  "In
+order to follow after him."  "After him?  God forbid, and give
+you again as good a lord, as is consistent with His might." 
+"Thou didst never speak such a lie as that, for He could never
+give me so good a lord again."  "He will give you a better one,
+if you will accept him, and I can prove it."  "Begone!  Peace!  I
+shall never find such a one."  "Indeed you shall, my lady, if you
+will consent.  Just tell me, if you will, who is going to defend
+your land when King Arthur comes next week to the margin of the
+spring?  You have already been apprised of this by letters sent
+you by the Dameisele Sauvage.  Alas, what a kind service she did
+for you!  you ought to be considering how you will defend your
+spring, and yet you cease not to weep!  If it please you, my dear
+lady, you ought not to delay.  For surely, all the knights you
+have are not worth, as you well know, so much as a single
+chamber-maid.  Neither shield nor lance will ever be taken in
+hand by the best of them.  You have plenty of craven servants,
+but there is not one of them brave enough to dare to mount a
+steed.  And the King is coming with such a host that his victory
+will be inevitable."  The lady, upon reflection, knows very well
+that she is giving her sincere advice, but she is unreasonable in
+one respect, as also are other women who are, almost without
+exception, guilty of their own folly, and refuse to accept what
+they really wish.  "Begone," she says; "leave me alone.  If I
+ever hear thee speak of this again it will go hard with thee,
+unless thou flee.  Thou weariest me with thy idle words."  "Very
+well, my lady," she says; "that you are a woman is evident, for
+woman will grow irate when she hears any one give her good
+advice."
+
+(Vv. 1653-1726.)  Then she went away and left her alone.  And the
+lady reflected that she had been in the wrong.  She would have
+been very glad to know how the damsel could ever prove that it
+would be possible to find a better knight than her lord had ever
+been.  She would be very glad to hear her speak, but now she has
+forbidden her.  With this desire in mind, she waited until she
+returned.  But the warning was of no avail, for she began to say
+to her at once: "My lady, is it seemly that you should thus
+torment yourself with grief?  For God's sake now control
+yourself, and for shame, at least, cease your lament.  It is not
+fitting that so great a lady should keep up her grief so long.
+Remember your honourable estate and your very gentle birth! 
+Think you that all virtue ceased with the death of your lord? 
+There are in the world a hundred as good or better men."  "May
+God confound me, if thou dost not lie!  Just name to me a single
+one who is reputed to be so excellent as my lord was all his
+life."  "If I did so you would be angry with me, and would fly
+into a passion and you would esteem me less."  "No, I will not, I
+assure thee."  "Then may it all be for your future welfare if you
+would but consent, and may God so incline your will!  I see no
+reason for holding my peace, for no one hears or heeds what we
+say.  Doubtless you will think I am impudent, but I shall freely
+speak my mind.  When two knights have met in an affray of arms
+and when one has beaten the other, which of the two do you think
+is the better?  For my part I award the prize to the victor.  Now
+what do you think?"  "It seems to me you are laying a trap for me
+and intend to catch me in my words."  "Upon my faith, you may
+rest assured that I am in the right, and I can irrefutably prove
+to you that he who defeated your lord is better than he was
+himself.  He beat him and pursued him valiantly until he
+imprisoned him in his house."  "Now," she replies, "I hear the
+greatest nonsense that was ever uttered.  Begone, thou spirit
+charged with evil!  Begone, thou foolish and tiresome girl! 
+Never again utter such idle words, and never come again into my
+presence to speak a word on his behalf!"  "Indeed, my lady, I
+knew full well that I should receive no thanks from you, and I
+said so before I spoke.  But you promised me you would not be
+displeased, and that you would not be angry with me for it.  But
+you have failed to keep your promise, and now, as it has turned
+out, you have discharged your wrath on me, and I have lost by not
+holding my peace."
+
+(Vv. 1727-1942.)  Thereupon she goes back to the room where my
+lord Yvain is waiting, comfortably guarded by her vigilance.  But
+he is ill at ease when he cannot see the lady, and he pays no
+attention, and hears no word of the report which the damsel
+brings to him.  The lady, too, is in great perplexity all night,
+being worried about how she should defend the spring; and she
+begins to repent of her action to the damsel, whom she had blamed
+and insulted and treated with contempt.  She feels very sure and
+certain that not for any reward or bribe, nor for any affection
+which she may bear him, would the maiden ever have mentioned him;
+and that she must love her more than him, and that she would
+never give her advice which would bring her shame or
+embarrassment: the maid is too loyal a friend for that.  Thus,
+lo!  the lady is completely changed: she fears now that she to
+whom she had spoken harshly will never love her again devotedly;
+and him whom she had repulsed, she now loyally and with good
+reason pardons, seeing that he had done her no wrong.  So she
+argues as if he were in her presence there, and thus she begins
+her argument: "Come," she says, "canst thou deny that my lord was
+killed by thee?"  "That," says he, "I cannot deny.  Indeed, I
+fully admit it."  "Tell me, then, the reason of thy deed.  Didst
+thou do it to injure me, prompted by hatred or by spite?"  "May
+death not spare me now, if I did it to injure you."  "In that
+case, thou hast done me no wrong, nor art thou guilty of aught
+toward him.  For he would have killed thee, if he could.  So it
+seems to me that I have decided well and righteously."  Thus, by
+her own arguments she succeeds in discovering justice, reason,
+and common sense, how that there is no cause for hating him; thus
+she frames the matter to conform with her desire, and by her own
+efforts she kindles her love, as a bush which only smokes with
+the flame beneath, until some one blows it or stirs it up.  If
+the damsel should come in now, she would win the quarrel for
+which she had been so reproached, and by which she had been so
+hurt.  And next morning, in fact, she appeared again, taking the
+subject up where she had let it drop.  Meanwhile, the lady bowed
+her head, knowing she had done wrong in attacking her.  But now
+she is anxious to make amends, and to inquire concerning the
+name, character, and lineage of the knight: so she wisely humbles
+herself, and says: "I wish to beg your pardon for the insulting
+words of pride which in my rage I spoke to you: I will follow
+your advice.  So tell me now, if possible, about the knight of
+whom you have spoken so much to me: what sort of a man is he, and
+of what parentage?  If he is suited to become my mate, and
+provided he be so disposed, I promise you to make him my husband
+and lord of my domain.  But he will have to act in such a way
+that no one can reproach me by saying: `This is she who took him
+who killed her lord.'"  "In God's name, lady, so shall it be. 
+You will have the gentlest, noblest, and fairest lord who ever
+belonged to Abel's line."  "What is his name?"  "My lord Yvain."
+"Upon my word, if he is King Urien's son he is of no mean birth,
+but very noble, as I well know."  "Indeed, my lady, you say the
+truth."  "And when shall we be able to see him?"  "In five days'
+time."  "That would be too long; for I wish he were already come.
+Let him come to-night, or to-morrow, at the latest."  "My lady, I
+think no one could fly so far in one day.  But I shall send one
+of my squires who can run fast, and who will reach King Arthur's
+court at least by to-morrow night, I think; that is the place we
+must seek for him."  "That is a very long time.  The days are
+long.  But tell him that to-morrow night he must be back here,
+and that he must make greater haste than usual.  If he will only
+do his best, he can do two days' journey in one.  Moreover,
+to-night the moon will shine; so let him turn night into day. 
+And when he returns I will give him whatever he wishes me to
+give."  "Leave all care of that to me; for you shall have him in
+your hands the day after to-morrow at the very latest.  Meanwhile
+you shall summon your men and confer with them about the
+approaching visit of the King.  In order to make the customary
+defence of your spring it behoves you to consult with them.  None
+of them will be so hardy as to dare to boast that he will present
+himself.  In that case you will have a good excuse for saving
+that it behoves you to marry again.  A certain knight, highly
+qualified, seeks your hand; but you do not presume to accept him
+without their unanimous consent.  And I warrant what the outcome
+will be: I know them all to be such cowards that in order to put
+on some one else the burden which would be too heavy for them,
+they will fall at your feet and speak their gratitude; for thus
+their responsibility will be at an end.  For, whoever is afraid
+of his own shadow willingly avoids, if possible, any meeting with
+lance or spear; for such games a coward has no use."  "Upon my
+word," the lady replies, "so I would have it, and so I consent,
+having already conceived the plan which you have expressed; so
+that is what we shall do.  But why do you tarry here?  Go,
+without delay, and take measures to bring him here, while I shall
+summon my liege-men."  Thus concluded their conference.  And the
+damsel pretends to send to search for my lord Yvain in his
+country; while every day she has him bathed, and washed, and
+groomed.  And besides this she prepares for him a robe of red
+scarlet stuff, brand new and lined with spotted fur.  There is
+nothing necessary for his equipment which she does not lend to
+him: a golden buckle for his neck, ornamented with precious
+stones which make people look well, a girdle, and a wallet made
+of rich gold brocade.  She fitted him out perfectly, then
+informed her lady that the messenger had returned, having done
+his errand well.  "How is that?" she says, "is he here?  Then let
+him come at once, secretly and privily, while no one is here with
+me.  See to it that no one else come in, for I should hate to see
+a fourth person here."  At this the damsel went away, and
+returned to her guest again.  However, her face did not reveal 
+the joy that was in her heart; indeed, she said that her lady
+knew that she had been sheltering him, and was very much incensed
+at her.  "Further concealment is useless now.  The news about you
+has been so divulged that my lady knows the whole story and is
+very angry with me, heaping me with blame and reproaches.  But
+she has given me her word that I may take you into her presence
+without any harm or danger.  I take it that you will have no
+objection to this, except for one condition (for I must not
+disguise the truth, or I should be unjust to you): she wishes to
+have you in her control, and she desires such complete possession
+of your body that even your heart shall not be at large."
+"Certainly," he said, "I readily consent to what will be no
+hardship to me.  I am willing to be her prisoner."  "So shall you
+be: I swear it by this right hand laid upon you!.  Now come and,
+upon my advice, demean yourself so humbly in her presence that
+your imprisonment may not be grievous.  Otherwise feel no
+concern.  I do not think that your restraint will be irksome."
+Then the damsel leads him off, now alarming, now reassuring him,
+and speaking to him mysteriously about the confinement in which
+he is to find himself; for every lover is a prisoner.  She is
+right in calling him a prisoner; for surely any one who loves is
+no longer free.
+
+(Vv. 1943-2036.)  Taking my lord Yvain by the hand, the damsel
+leads him where he will be dearly loved; but expecting to be ill
+received, it is not strange if he is afraid.  They found the lady
+seated upon a red cushion.  I assure you my lord Yvain was
+terrified upon entering the room, where he found the lady who
+spoke not a word to him.  At this he was still more afraid, being
+overcome with fear at the thought that he had been betrayed.  He
+stood there to one side so long that the damsel at last spoke up
+and said: "Five hundred curses upon the head of him who takes
+into a fair lady's chamber a knight who will not draw near, and
+who has neither tongue nor mouth nor sense to introduce himself."
+Thereupon, taking him by the arm, she thrust him forward with the
+words: "Come, step forward, knight, and have no fear that my lady
+is going to snap at you; but seek her good-will and give her
+yours.  I will join you in your prayer that she pardon you for
+the death of her lord, Esclados the Red."  Then my lord Yvain
+clasped his hands, and failing upon his knees, spoke like a lover
+with these words: "I will not crave your pardon, lady, but rather
+thank you for any treatment you may inflict on me, knowing that
+no act of yours could ever be distasteful to me."  "Is that so,
+sir?  And what if I think to kill you now?"  "My lady, if it
+please you, you will never hear me speak otherwise."  "I never
+heard of such a thing as this: that you put yourself voluntarily
+and absolutely within my power, without the coercion of any one."
+"My lady, there is no force so strong, in truth, as that which
+commands me to conform absolutely to your desire.  I do not fear
+to carry out any order you may be pleased to give.  And if I
+could atone for the death, which came through no fault of mine, I
+would do so cheerfully."  "What?" says she, "come tell me now and
+be forgiven, if you did no wrong in killing my lord?"  "Lady," he
+says, "if I may say it, when your lord attacked me, why was I
+wrong to defend myself?  When a man in self-defence kills another
+who is trying to kill or capture him, tell me if in any way he is
+to blame."  "No, if one looks at it aright.  And I suppose it
+would have been no use, if I had had you put to death.  But I
+should be glad to learn whence you derive the force that bids you
+to consent unquestioningly to whatever my will may dictate.  I
+pardon you all your misdeeds and crimes.  But be seated, and tell
+us now what is the cause of your docility?"  "My lady," he says,
+"the impelling force comes from my heart, which is inclined
+toward you.  My heart has fixed me in this desire."  "And what
+prompted your heart, my fair sweet friend?"  "Lady, my eyes."
+"And what the eyes?"  "The great beauty that I see in you."  "And
+where is beauty's fault in that?"  "Lady, in this: that it makes
+me love."  "Love?  And whom?"  "You, my lady dear."  "I?"  "Yes,
+truly."  "Really?  And how is that?"  "To such an extent that my
+heart will not stir from you, nor is it elsewhere to be found; to
+such an extent that I cannot think of anything else, and I
+surrender myself altogether to you, whom I love more than I love
+myself, and for whom, if you will, I am equally ready to die or
+live."  "And would you dare to undertake the defence of my spring
+for love of me?"  "Yes, my lady, against the world."  "Then you
+may know that our peace is made."
+
+(Vv. 2037-2048.)  Thus they are quickly reconciled.  And the
+lady, having previously consulted her lords, says: "We shall
+proceed from here to the hall where my men are assembled, who, in
+view of the evident need, have advised and counselled me to take
+a husband at their request.  And I shall do so, in view of the
+urgent need: here and now I give myself to you; for I should not
+refuse to accept as lord, such a good knight and a king's son."
+
+(Vv. 2049-2328.)  Now the damsel has brought about exactly what
+she had desired.  And my lord Yvain's mastery is more complete
+than could be told or described; for the lady leads him away to
+the hall, which was full of her knights and men-at-arms.  And my
+lord Yvain was so handsome that they all marvelled to look at
+him, and all, rising to their feet, salute and bow to my lord
+Yvain, guessing well as they did so: "This is he whom my lady
+will select.  Cursed be he who opposes him!  For he seems a
+wonderfully fine man.  Surely, the empress of Rome would be well
+married with such a man.  Would now that he had given his word to
+her, and she to him, with clasped hand, and that the wedding
+might take place to-day or tomorrow."  Thus they spoke among
+themselves.  At the end of the hall there was a seat, and there
+in the sight of all the lady took her place.  And my lord Yvain
+made as if he intended to seat himself at her feet; but she
+raised him up, and ordered the seneschal to speak aloud, so that
+his speech might be heard by all.  Then the seneschal began,
+being neither stubborn nor slow of speech: "My lords," he said,
+"we are confronted by war.  Every day the King is preparing with
+all the haste he can command to come to ravage our lands.  Before
+a fortnight shall have passed, all will have been laid waste,
+unless some valiant defender shall appear.  When my lady married
+first, not quite seven years ago, she did it on your advice.  Now
+her husband is dead, and she is grieved.  Six feet of earth is
+all he has, who formerly owned all this land, and who was indeed
+its ornament. (14)  It is a pity he lived so short a while.  A
+woman cannot bear a shield, nor does she know how to fight with
+lance.  It would exalt and dignify her again if she should marry
+some worthy lord.  Never was there greater need than now; do all
+of you recommend that she take a spouse, before the custom shall
+lapse which has been observed in this town for more than the past
+sixty years."  At this, all at once proclaim that it seems to
+them the right thing to do, and they all throw themselves at her
+feet.  They strengthen her desire by their consent; yet she
+hesitates to assert her wishes until, as if against her will, she
+finally speaks to the same intent as she would have done, indeed,
+if every one had opposed her wish: "My lords, since it is your
+wish, this knight who is seated beside me has wooed me and
+ardently sought my hand.  He wishes to engage himself in the
+defence of my rights and in my service, for which I thank him
+heartily, as you do also.  It is true I have never known him in
+person, but I have often heard his name.  Know that he is no less
+a man than the son of King Urien.  Beside his illustrious
+lineage, he is so brave, courteous, and wise that no one has
+cause to disparage him.  You have all already heard, I suppose,
+of my lord Yvain, and it is he who seeks my hand.  When the
+marriage is consummated, I shall have a more noble lord than I
+deserve."  They all say: "If you are prudent, this very day shall
+not go by without the marriage being solemnised.  For it is folly
+to postpone for a single hour an advantageous act."  They beseech
+her so insistently that she consents to what she would have done
+in any case.  For Love bids her do that for which she asks
+counsel and advice; but there is more honour for him in being
+accepted with the approval of her men.  To her their prayers are
+not unwelcome; rather do they stir and incite her heart to have
+its way.  The horse, already under speed, goes faster yet when it
+is spurred.  In the presence of all her lords, the lady gives
+herself to my lord Yvain.  From the hand of her chaplain he
+received the lady, Laudine de Landuc, daughter of Duke Laudunet,
+of whom they sing a lay.  That very day without delay he married
+her, and the wedding was celebrated.  There were plenty of mitres
+and croziers there, for the lady had summoned her bishops and
+abbots.  Great was the joy and rejoicing, there were many people,
+and much wealth was displayed--more than I could tell you of,
+were I to devote much thought to it.  It is better to keep silent
+than to be inadequate.  So my lord Yvain is master now, and the
+dead man is quite forgot.  He who killed him is now married to
+his wife, and they enjoy the marriage rights.  The people love
+and esteem their living lord more than they ever did the dead.
+They served him well at his marriage-feast, until the eve before
+the day when the King came to visit the marvellous spring and its
+stone, bringing with him upon this expedition his companions and
+all those of his household; not one was left behind.  And my lord
+Kay remarked: "Ah, what now has become of Yvain, who after his
+dinner made the boast that he would avenge his cousin's shame?
+Evidently he spoke in his cups.  I believe that he has run away.
+He would not dare to come back for anything.  He was very
+presumptuous to make such a boast.  He is a bold man who dares to
+boast of what no one would praise him for, and who has no proof
+of his great feats except the words of some false flatterer.
+There is a great difference between a coward and a hero; for the
+coward seated beside the fire talks loudly about himself, holding
+all the rest as fools, and thinking that no one knows his real
+character.  A hero would be distressed at hearing his prowess
+related by some one else.  And yet I maintain that the coward is
+not wrong to praise and vaunt himself, for he will find no one
+else to lie for him.  If he does not boast of his deeds, who
+will?  All pass over him in silence, even the heralds, who
+proclaim the brave, but discard the cowards."  When my lord Kay
+had spoken thus, my lord Gawain made this reply: "My lord Kay,
+have some mercy now!  Since my lord Yvain is not here, you do not
+know what business occupies him.  Indeed. he never so debased
+himself as to speak any ill of you compared with the gracious
+things he has said."  "Sire," says Kay, "I'll hold my peace. 
+I'll not say another word to-day, since I see you are offended by
+my speech."  Then the King, in order to see the rain, poured a
+whole basin full of water upon the stone beneath the pine, and at
+once the rain began to pour. It was not long before my lord Yvain
+without delay entered the forest fully armed, tiding faster than
+a gallop on a large, sleek steed, strong, intrepid, and fleet of
+foot.  And it was my lord Kay's desire to request the first
+encounter.  For, whatever the outcome might be, he always wished
+to begin the fight and joust the first, or else he would be much
+incensed.  Before all the rest, he requested the King to allow
+him to do battle first.  The King says: "Kay, since it is your
+wish, and since you are the first to make the request, the favour
+ought not to be denied."  Kay thanks him first, then mounts his
+steed.  If now my lord Yvain can inflict a mild disgrace upon
+him, he will be very glad to do so; for he recognises him by his
+arms. (15)  Each grasping his shield by the straps, they rush
+together.  Spurring their steeds, they lower the lances, which
+they hold tightly gripped.  Then they thrust them forward a
+little, so that they grasped them by the leather-wrapped handles,
+and so that when they came together they were able to deal such
+cruel blows that both lances broke in splinters clear to the
+handle of the shaft.  My lord Yvain gave him such a mighty blow
+that Kay took a summersault from out of his saddle and struck
+with his helmet on the ground.  My lord Yvain has no desire to
+inflict upon him further harm, but simply dismounts and takes his
+horse.  This pleased them all, and many said: "Ah, ah, see how
+you prostrate lie, who but now held others up to scorn!  And yet
+it is only right to pardon you this time; for it never happened
+to you before."  Thereupon my lord Yvain approached the King,
+leading the horse in his hand by the bridle, and wishing to make
+it over to him.  "Sire," says he, "now take this steed, for I
+should do wrong to keep back anything of yours."  "And who are
+you?" the King replies; "I should never know you, unless I heard
+your name, or saw you without your arms."  Then my lord told him
+who he was, and Kay was overcome with shame, mortified, humbled,
+and discomfited, for having said that he had run away.  But the
+others were greatly pleased, and made much of the honour he had
+won.  Even the King was greatly gratified, and my lord Gawain a
+hundred times more than any one else.  For he loved his company
+more than that of any other knight he knew.  And the King
+requested him urgently to tell him, if it be his will, how he had
+fared; for he was very curious to learn all about his adventure;
+so the King begs him to tell the truth.  And he soon told him all
+about the service and kindness of the damsel, not passing over a
+single word, not forgetting to mention anything.  And after this
+he invited the King and all his knights to come to lodge with
+him, saying they would be doing him great honour in accepting his
+hospitality.  And the King said that for an entire week he would
+gladly do him the honour and pleasure, and would bear him
+company.  And when my lord Yvain had thanked him, they tarry no
+longer there, but mount and take the most direct road to the
+town.  My lord Yvain sends in advance of the company a squire
+beating a crane-falcon, in order that they might not take the
+lady by surprise, and that her people might decorate the streets
+against the arrival of the King.  When the lady heard the news
+of the King's visit she was greatly pleased; nor was there any
+one who, upon hearing the news, was not happy and elated.  And
+the lady summons them all and requests them to go to meet him, to
+which they make no objection or remonstrance, all being anxious
+to do her will.
+
+(Vv. 2329-2414.)  (16) Mounted on great Spanish steeds, they all
+go to meet the King of Britain, saluting King Arthur first with
+great courtesy and then all his company.  "Welcome," they say,
+"to this company, so full of honourable men!  Blessed be he who
+brings them hither and presents us with such fair guests!"  At
+the King's arrival the town resounds with the joyous welcome
+which they give.  Silken stuffs are taken out and hung aloft as
+decorations, and they spread tapestries to walk upon and drape
+the streets with them, while they wait for the King's approach.
+And they make still another preparation, in covering the streets
+with awnings against the hot rays of the sun.  Bells, horns, and
+trumpets cause the town to ring so that God's thunder could not
+have been heard.  The maidens dance before him, flutes and pipes
+are played, kettle-drums, drums, and cymbals are beaten.  On
+their part the nimble youths leap, and all strive to show their
+delight.  With such evidence of their joy, they welcome the King
+fittingly.  And the Lady came forth, dressed in imperial garb a
+robe of fresh ermine--and upon her head she wore a diadem all
+ornamented with rubies.  No cloud was there upon her face, but it
+was so gay and full of joy that she was more beautiful, I think,
+than any goddess.  Around her the crowd pressed close, as they
+cried with one accord: "Welcome to the King of kings and lord of
+lords!"  The King could not reply to all before he saw the lady
+coming toward him to hold his stirrup.  However, he would not
+wait for this, but hastened to dismount himself as soon as he
+caught sight of her.  Then she salutes him with these words:
+"Welcome a hundred thousand times to the King, my lord, and
+blessed be his nephew, my lord Gawain!"  The King replies: "I
+wish all happiness and good luck to your fair body and your face,
+lovely creature!"  Then clasping her around the waist, the King
+embraced her gaily and heartily as she did him, throwing her arms
+about him.  I will say no more of how gladly she welcomed them,
+but no one ever heard of any people who were so honourably
+received and served.  I might tell you much of the joy should I
+not be wasting words, but I wish to make brief mention of an
+acquaintance which was made in private between the moon and the
+sun.  Do you know of whom I mean to speak?  He who was lord of
+the knights, and who was renowned above them all, ought surely to
+be called the sun.  I refer, of course, to my lord Gawain, for
+chivalry is enhanced by him just as when the morning sun sheds
+its rays abroad and lights all places where it shines.  And I
+call her the moon, who cannot be otherwise because of her sense
+and courtesy.  However, I call her so not only because of her
+good repute, but because her name is, in fact, Lunete.
+
+(Vv. 2415-2538.)  The damsel's name was Lunete, and she was a
+charming brunette, prudent, clever, and polite.  As her
+acquaintance grows with my lord Gawain, he values her highly and
+gives her his love as to his sweetheart, because she had saved
+from death his companion and friend; he places himself freely at
+her service.  On her part she describes and relates to him with
+what difficulty she persuaded her mistress to take my lord Yvain
+as her husband, and how she protected him from the hands of those
+who were seeking him; how he was in their midst but they did not
+see him.  My lord Gawain laughed aloud at this story of hers, and
+then he said: "Mademoiselle, when you need me and when you don't,
+such as I am, I place myself at your disposal.  Never throw me
+off for some one else when you think you can improve your lot.  I
+am yours, and do you be from now on my demoiselle!"  "I thank you
+kindly, sire," she said.  While the acquaintance of these two was
+ripening thus, the others, too, were engaged in flirting.  For
+there were perhaps ninety ladies there, each of whom was fair and
+charming, noble and polite, virtuous and prudent, and a lady of
+exalted birth, so the men could agreeably employ themselves in
+caressing and kissing them, and in talking to them and in gazing
+at them while they were seated by their side; that much
+satisfaction they had at least.  My lord Yvain is in high feather
+because the King is lodged with him.  And the lady bestows such
+attention upon them all, as individuals and collectively, that
+some foolish person might suppose that the charming attentions
+which she showed them were dictated by love.  But such persons
+may properly be rated as fools for thinking that a lady is in
+love with them just because she is courteous and speaks to some
+unfortunate fellow, and makes him happy and caresses him.  A fool
+is made happy by fair words, and is very easily taken in.  That
+entire week they spent in gaiety; forest and stream offered
+plenty of sport for any one who desired it.  And whoever wished
+to see the land which had come into the hands of my lord Yvain
+with the lady whom he had married, could go to enjoy himself at
+one of the castles which stood within a radius of two, three, or
+four leagues.  When the King had stayed as long as he chose, he
+made ready to depart.  But during the week they had all begged
+urgently, and with all the insistence at their command, that they
+might take away my lord Yvain with them.  "What?  Will you be one
+of those." said my lord Gawain to him, "who degenerate after
+marriage? (17)  Cursed be he by Saint Mary who marries and then
+degenerates!  Whoever has a fair lady as his mistress or his wife
+should be the better for it, and it is not right that her
+affection should be bestowed on him after his worth and
+reputation are gone.  Surely you, too, would have cause to regret
+her love if you grew soft, for a woman quickly withdraws her
+love, and rightly so, and despises him who degenerates in any way
+when he has become lord of the realm.  Now ought your fame to be
+increased!  Slip off the bridle and halter and come to the
+tournament with me, that no one may say that you are jealous.  
+Now you must no longer hesitate to frequent the lists, to share
+in the onslaught, and to contend with force, whatever effort it
+may cost!  Inaction produces indifference.  But, really, you must
+come, for I shall be in your company.  Have a care that our
+comradeship shall not fail through any fault of yours, fair
+companion; for my part, you may count on me.  It is strange how a
+man sets store by the life of ease which has no end.  Pleasures
+grow sweeter through postponement; and a little pleasure, when
+delayed, is much sweeter to the taste than great pleasure enjoyed
+at once.  The sweets of a love which develops late are like a
+fire in a green bush; for the longer one delays in lighting it
+the greater will be the heat it yields, and the longer will its
+force endure.  One may easily fall into habits which it is very
+difficult to shake off, for when one desires to do so, he finds
+he has lost the power.  Don't misunderstand my words, my friend:
+if I had such a fair mistress as you have, I call God and His
+saints to witness, I should leave her most reluctantly; indeed, I
+should doubtless be infatuated.  But a man may give another
+counsel, which he would not take himself, just as the preachers,
+who are deceitful rascals, and preach and proclaim the right but
+who do not follow it themselves."
+
+(Vv. 2539-2578.)  My lord Gawain spoke at such length and so
+urgently that he promised him that he would go; but he said that
+he must consult his lady and ask for her consent.  Whether it be
+a foolish or a prudent thing to do, he will not fail to ask her
+leave to return to Britain.  Then he took counsel with his wife,
+who had no inkling of the permission he desired, as he addressed
+her with these words: "My beloved lady, my heart and soul, my
+treasure, joy, and happiness, grant me now a favour which will
+redound to your honour and to mine."  The lady at once gives her
+consent. not knowing what his desire is, and says: "Fair lord,
+you may command me your pleasure, whatever it be."  Then my lord
+Yvain at once asks her for permission to escort the King and to
+attend at tournaments, that no one may reproach his indolence.
+And she replies: "I grant you leave until a certain date; but be
+sure that my love will change to hate if you stay beyond the term
+that I shall fix.  Remember that I shall keep my word; if you
+break your word I will keep mine.  If you wish to possess my
+love, and if you have any regard for me, remember to come back
+again at the latest a year from the present date a week after St.
+John's day; for to-day is the eighth day since that feast.  You
+will be checkmated of my love if you are not restored to me on
+that day."
+
+(Vv. 2579-2635.)  My lord Yvain weeps and sighs so bitterly that
+he can hardly find words to say: "My lady, this date is indeed a
+long way off.  If I could be a dove, whenever the fancy came to
+me, I should often rejoin you here.  And I pray God that in His
+pleasure He may not detain me so long away.  But sometimes a man
+intends speedily to return who knows not what the future has in
+store for him.  And I know not what will be my fate--perhaps
+some urgency of sickness or imprisonment may keep me back: you
+are unjust in not making an exception at least of actual
+hindrance."  "My lord," says she, "I will make that exception.
+And yet I dare to promise you that, if God deliver you from
+death, no hindrance will stand in your way so long as you
+remember me.  So put on your finger now this ring of mine, which
+I lend to you.  And I will tell you all about the stone: no true
+and loyal lover can be imprisoned or lose any blood, nor can any
+harm befall him, provided he carry it and hold it dear, and keep
+his sweetheart in mind.  You will become as hard as iron, and it
+will serve you as shield and hauberk.  I have never before been
+willing to lend or entrust it to any knight, but to you I give it
+because of my affection for you."  Now my lord Yvain is free to
+go, but he weeps bitterly on taking leave.  The King, however,
+would not tarry longer for anything that might be said: rather
+was he anxious to have the palfreys brought all equipped and
+bridled.  They acceded at once to his desire, bringing the
+palfreys forth, so that it remained only to mount.  I do not know
+whether I ought to tell you how my lord Yvain took his leave, and
+of the kisses bestowed on him, mingled with tears and steeped in
+sweetness.  And what shall I tell you about the King how the lady
+escorts him, accompanied by her damsels and seneschal?  All this
+would require too much time.  When he sees the lady's tears, the
+King implores her to come no farther, but to return to her abode.
+He begged her with such urgency that, heavy at heart, she turned
+about followed by her company.
+
+(Vv. 2639-2773.)  My lord Yvain is so distressed to leave his
+lady that his heart remains behind.  The King may take his body
+off, but he cannot lead his heart away.  She who stays behind
+clings so tightly to his heart that the King has not the power to
+take it away with him.  When the body is left without the heart
+it cannot possibly live on.  For such a marvel was never seen as
+the body alive without the heart.  Yet this marvel now came
+about: for he kept his body without the heart, which was wont to
+be enclosed in it, but which would not follow the body now.  The
+heart has a good abiding-place, while the body, hoping for a safe
+return to its heart, in strange fashion takes a new heart of
+hope, which is so often deceitful and treacherous.  He will never
+know in advance, I think, the hour when this hope will play him
+false, for if he overstays by single day the term which he has
+agreed upon, it will be hard for him to gain again his lady's
+pardon and goodwill.  Yet I think he will overstay the term, for
+my lord Gawain will not allow him to part from him, as together
+they go to joust wherever tournaments are held.  And as the year
+passes by my lord Yvain had such success that my lord Gawain
+strove to honour him, and caused him to delay so long that all
+the first year slipped by, and it came to the middle of August of
+the ensuing year, when the King held court at Chester, whither
+they had returned the day before from a tournament where my lord
+Yvain had been and where he had won the glory and the story tells
+how the two companions were unwilling to lodge in the town, but
+had their tents set up outside the city, and held court there.
+For they never went to the royal court, but the King came rather
+to join in theirs, for they had the best knights, and the
+greatest number, in their company.  Now King Arthur was seated in
+their midst, when Yvain suddenly had a thought which surprised
+him more than any that had occurred to him since he had taken
+leave of his lady, for he realised that he had broken his word,
+and that the limit of his leave was already exceeded.  He could
+hardly keep back his tears, but he succeeded in doing so from
+shame.  He was still deep in thought when he saw a damsel
+approaching rapidly upon a black palfrey with white forefeet.  As
+she got down before the tent no one helped her to dismount, and
+no one went to take her horse.  As soon as she made out the King,
+she let her mantle fall, and thus displayed she entered the tent
+and came before the King, announcing that her mistress sent
+greetings to the King, and to my lord Gawain and all the other
+knights, except Yvain, that disloyal traitor, liar, hypocrite,
+who had deserted her deceitfully.  "She has seen clearly the
+treachery of him who pretended he was a faithful lover while he
+was a false and treacherous thief.  This thief has traduced my
+lady, who was all unprepared for any evil, and to whom it never
+occurred that he would steal her heart away.  Those who love
+truly do not steal hearts away; there are, however, some men, by
+whom these former are called thieves, who themselves go about
+deceitfully making love, but in whom there is no real knowledge
+of the matter.  The lover takes his lady's heart, of course, but
+he does not run away with it; rather does he treasure it against
+those thieves who, in the guise of honourable men, would steal it
+from him.  But those are deceitful and treacherous thieves who
+vie with one another in stealing hearts for which they care
+nothing.  The true lover, wherever he may go, holds the heart
+dear and brings it back again.  But Yvain has caused my lady's
+death, for she supposed that he would guard her heart for her,
+and would bring it back again before the year elapsed.  Yvain,
+thou wast of short memory when thou couldst not remember to
+return to thy mistress within a year.  She gave thee thy liberty
+until St. John's day, and thou settest so little store by her
+that never since has a thought of her crossed thy mind.  My lady
+had marked every day in her chamber, as the seasons passed: for
+when one is in love, one is ill at ease and cannot get any
+restful sleep, but all night long must needs count and reckon up
+the days as they come and go.  Dost thou know how lovers spend
+their time?  They keep count of the time and the season.  Her
+complaint is not presented prematurely or without cause, and I am
+not accusing him in any way, but I simply say that we have been ~
+betrayed by him who married my lady.  Yvain, my mistress has no
+further care for thee, but sends thee word by me never to come
+back to her, and no longer to keep her ring.  She bids thee send
+it back to her by me, whom thou seest present here.  Surrender it
+now, as thou art bound to do."
+
+(Vv. 2774-3230.)  Senseless and deprived of speech, Yvain is
+unable to reply.  And the damsel steps forth and takes the ring
+from his finger, commending to God the King and all the others
+except him, whom she leaves in deep distress.  And his sorrow
+grows on him: he feels oppressed by what he hears, and is
+tormented by what he sees.  He would rather be banished alone in
+some wild land, where no one would know where to seek for him,
+and where no man or woman would know of his whereabouts any more
+than if he were in some deep abyss.  He hates nothing so much as
+he hates himself, nor does he know to whom to go for comfort in
+the death he has brought upon himself.  But he would rather go
+insane than not take vengeance upon himself, deprived, as he is,
+of joy through his own fault.  He rises from his place among the
+knights, fearing he will lose his mind if he stays longer in
+their midst.  On their part, they pay no heed to him, but let him
+take his departure alone.  They know well enough that he cares
+nothing for their talk or their society.  And he goes away until
+he is far from the tents and pavilions.  Then such a storm broke
+loose in his brain that he loses his senses; he tears his flesh
+and, stripping off his clothes, he flees across the meadows and
+fields, leaving his men quite at a loss, and wondering what has
+become of him. (18)  They go in search of him through all the
+country around--in the lodgings of the knights, by the
+hedgerows, and in the gardens--but they seek him where he is
+not to be found.  Still fleeing, he rapidly pursued his way until
+he met close by a park a lad who had in his hand a bow and five
+barbed arrows, which were very sharp and broad.  He had sense
+enough to go and take the bow and arrows which he held.  However,
+he had no recollection of anything that he had done.  He lies in
+wait for the beasts in the woods, killing them, and then eating
+the venison raw.  Thus he dwelt in the forest like a madman or a
+savage, until he came upon a little, low-lying house belonging to
+a hermit, who was at work clearing his ground.  When he saw him
+coming with nothing on, he could easily perceive that he was not
+in his right mind; and such was the case, as the hermit very well
+knew.  So, in fear, he shut himself up in his little house, and
+taking some bread and fresh water, he charitably set it outside
+the house on a narrow window-ledge.  And thither the other comes,
+hungry for the bread which he takes and eats.  I do not believe
+that he ever before had tasted such hard and bitter bread.  The
+measure of barley kneaded with the straw, of which the bread,
+sourer than yeast, was made, had not cost more than five sous;
+and the bread was musty and as dry as bark.  But hunger torments
+and whets his appetite, so that the bread tasted to him like
+sauce.  For hunger is itself a well mixed and concocted sauce for
+any food.  My lord Yvain soon ate the hermit's bread, which
+tasted good to him, and drank the cool water from the jar.  When
+he had eaten, he betook himself again to the woods in search of
+stags and does.  And when he sees him going away, the good man
+beneath his roof prays God to defend him and guard him lest he
+ever pass that way again.  But there is no creature, with
+howsoever little sense, that will not gladly return to a place
+where he is kindly treated.  So, not a day passed while he was in
+this mad fit that he did not bring to his door some wild game.
+Such was the life he led; and the good man took it upon himself
+to remove the skin and set a good quantity of the venison to
+cook; and the bread and the water in the jug was always standing
+on the window-ledge for the madman to make a meal.  Thus he had
+something to eat and drink: venison without salt or pepper, and
+good cool water from the spring.  And the good man exerted
+himself to sell the hide and buy bread made of barley, or oats,
+or of some other grain; so, after that, Yvain had a plentiful
+supply of bread and venison, which sufficed him for a long time,
+until one day he was found asleep in the forest by two damsels
+and their mistress, in whose service they were.  When they saw
+the naked man, one of the three ran and dismounted and examined
+him closely, before she saw anything about him which would serve
+to identify him.  If he had only been richly attired, as he had
+been many a time, and if she could have seen him then she would
+have known him quickly enough.  But she was slow to recognise
+him, and continued to look at him until at last she noticed a
+scar which he had on his face, and she recollected that my lord
+Yvain's face was scarred in this same way; she was sure of it,
+for she had often seen it.  Because of the scar she saw that it
+was he beyond any doubt; but she marvelled greatly how it came
+about that she found him thus poor and stripped.  Often she
+crosses herself in amazement, but she does not touch him or wake
+him up; rather does she mount her horse again, and going back to
+the others, tells them tearfully of her adventure.  I do not know
+if I ought to delay to tell you of the grief she showed; but thus
+she spoke weeping to her mistress: "My lady, I have found Yvain,
+who has proved himself to be the best knight in the world, and
+the most virtuous.  I cannot imagine what sin has reduced the
+gentleman to such a plight.  I think he must have had some
+misfortune, which causes him thus to demean himself, for one may
+lose his wits through grief.  And any one can see that he is not
+in his right mind, for it would surely never be like him to
+conduct himself thus indecently unless he had lost his mind.
+Would that God had restored to him the best sense he ever had,
+and would that he might then consent to render assistance to your
+cause!  For Count Alier, who is at war with you, has made upon
+you a fierce attack.  I should see the strife between you two
+quickly settled in your favour if God favoured your fortunes so
+that he should return to his senses and undertake to aid you in
+this stress."  To this the lady made reply: "Take care now!  For
+surely, if he does not escape, with God's help I think we can
+clear his head of all the madness and insanity.  But we must be
+on our way at once!  For I recall a certain ointment with which
+Morgan the Wise presented me, saying there was no delirium of the
+head which it would not cure."  Thereupon, they go off at once
+toward the town, which was hard by, for it was not any more than
+half a league of the kind they have in that country; and, as
+compared with ours, two of their leagues make one and four make
+two.  And he remains sleeping all alone, while the lady goes to
+fetch the ointment.  The lady opens a case of hers, and, taking
+out a box, gives it to the damsel, and charges her not to be too
+prodigal in its use: she should rub only his temples with it, for
+there is no use of applying it elsewhere; she should anoint only
+his temples with it, and the remainder she should carefully keep,
+for there is nothing the matter with him except in his brain. 
+She sends him also a robe of spotted fur, a coat, and a mantle of
+scarlet silk.  The damsel takes them, and leads in her right hand
+an excellent palfrey.  And she added to these, of her own store,
+a shirt, some soft hose, and some new drawers of proper cut. 
+With all these things she quickly set out, and found him still
+asleep where she had left him.  After putting her horse in an
+enclosure where she tied him fast, she came with the clothes and
+the ointment to the place where he was asleep.  Then she made so
+bold as to approach the madman, so that she could touch and
+handle him: then taking the ointment she rubbed him with it until
+none remained in the box, being so solicitous for his recovery
+that she proceeded to anoint him all over with it; and she used
+it so freely that she heeded not the warning of her mistress, nor
+indeed did she remember it.  She put more on than was needed, but
+in her opinion it was well employed.  She rubbed his temples and
+forehead, and his whole body down to the ankles.  She rubbed his
+temples and his whole body so much there in the hot sunshine that
+the madness and the depressing gloom passed completely out of his
+brain.  But she was foolish to anoint his body, for of that there
+was no need.  If she had had five measures of it she would
+doubtless have done the same thing.  She carries off the box, and
+takes hidden refuge by her horse.  But she leaves the robe
+behind, wishing that, if God calls him back to life, he may see
+it all laid out, and may take it and put it on.  She posts
+herself behind an oak tree until he had slept enough, and was
+cured and quite restored, having regained his wits and memory.
+Then he sees that he is as naked as ivory, and feels much
+ashamed; but he would have been yet more ashamed had he known
+what had happened.  As it is, he knows nothing but that he is
+naked.  He sees the new robe lying before him, and marvels
+greatly how and by what adventure it had come there.  But he is
+ashamed and concerned, because of his nakedness, and says that he
+is dead and utterly undone if any one has come upon him there and
+recognised him.  Meanwhile, he clothes himself and looks out into
+the forest to see if any one was approaching.  He tries to stand
+up and support himself, but cannot summon the strength to walk
+away, for his sickness has so affected him that he can scarcely
+stand upon his feet.  Thereupon, the damsel resolves to wait no
+longer, but, mounting, she passed close by him, as if unaware of
+his presence.  Quite indifferent as to whence might come the
+help, which he needed so much to lead him away to some lodging-
+place, where he might recruit his strength, he calls out to her
+with all his might.  And the damsel, for her part, looks about
+her as if not knowing what the trouble is.  Confused, she goes
+hither and thither, not wishing to go straight up to him.  Then
+he begins to call again: "Damsel, come this way, here!"  And the
+damsel guided toward him her soft-stepping palfrey.  By this ruse
+she made him think that she knew nothing of him and had never
+seen him before; in so doing she was wise and courteous.  When
+she had come before him, she said: "Sir knight, what do you
+desire that you call me so insistently?"  "Ah," said he. "prudent
+damsel, I have found myself in this wood by some mishap--I know
+not what.  For God's sake and your belief in Him, I pray you to
+lend me, taking my word as pledge, or else to give me outright,
+that palfrey you are leading in your hand."  "Gladly, sire: but
+you must accompany me whither I am going."  "Which way?" says he.
+"To a town that stands near by, beyond the forest." "Tell me,
+damsel, if you stand in need of me."  "Yes," she says, "I do; but
+I think you are not very well.  For the next two weeks at least
+you ought to rest.  Take this horse, which I hold in my right
+hand, and we shall go to our lodging-place."  And he, who had no
+other desire, takes it and mounts, and they proceed until they
+come to a bridge over a swift and turbulent stream.  And the
+damsel throws into the water the empty box she is carrying,
+thinking to excuse herself to her mistress for her ointment by
+saying that she was so unlucky as to let the box fall into the
+water for, when her palfrey stumbled under her, the box slipped
+from her gasp, and she came near falling in too, which would have
+been still worse luck.  It is her intention to invent this story
+when she comes into her mistress' presence.  Together they held
+their way until they came to the town, where the lady detained my
+lord Yvain and asked her damsel in private for her box and
+ointment: and the damsel repeated to her the lie as she had
+invented it, not daring to tell her the truth.  Then the lady was
+greatly enraged, and said: "This is certainly a very serious
+loss, and I am sure and certain that the box will never be found
+again.  But since it has happened so, there is nothing more to be
+done about it.  One often desires a blessing which turns out to
+be a curse; thus I, who looked for a blessing and joy from this
+knight, have lost the dearest and most precious of my
+possessions.  However, I beg you to serve him in all respects."
+"Ah, lady, how wisely now you speak!  For it would be too bad to
+convert one misfortune into two."
+
+(Vv. 3131-3254.)  Then they say no more about the box, but
+minister in every way they can to the comfort of my lord Yvain,
+bathing him and washing his hair, having him shaved and clipped,
+for one could have taken up a fist full of hair upon his face.
+His every want is satisfied: if he asks for arms, they are
+furnished him: if he wants a horse, they provide him with one
+that is large and handsome, strong and spirited.  He stayed there
+until, upon a Tuesday, Count Alier came to the town with his men
+and knights, who started fires and took plunder.  Those in the
+town at once rose up and equipped themselves with arms.  Some
+armed and some unarmed, they issued forth to meet the plunderers,
+who did not deign to retreat before them, but awaited them in a
+narrow pass.  My lord Yvain struck at the crowd; he had had so
+long a rest that his strength was quite restored, and he struck a
+knight upon his shield with such force that he sent down in a
+heap, I think, the knight together with his horse.  The knight
+never rose again, for his backbone was broken and his heart burst
+within his breast.  My lord Yvain drew back a little to recover.
+Then protecting himself completely with his shield, he spurred
+forward to clear the pass.  One could not have counted up to four
+before one would have seen him cast down speedily four knights.
+Whereupon, those who were with him waxed more brave, for many a
+man of poor and timid heart, at the sight of some brave man who
+attacks a dangerous task before his eves, will be overwhelmed by
+confusion and shame, which will drive out the poor heart in his
+body and give him another like to a hero's for courage.  So these
+men grew brave and each stood his ground in the fight and attack.
+And the lady was up in the tower, whence she saw the fighting and
+the rush to win and gain possession of the pass, and she saw
+lying upon the ground many who were wounded and many killed, both
+of her own party and of the enemy, but more of the enemy than of
+her own.  For my courteous, bold, and excellent lord Yvain made
+them yield just as a falcon does the teal.  And the men and women
+who had remained within the town declared as they watched the
+strife: "Ah, what a valiant knight!  How he makes his enemies
+yield, and how fierce is his attack!  He was about him as a lion
+among the fallow deer, when he is impelled by need and hunger.
+Then, too, all our other knights are more brave and daring
+because of him, for, were it not for him alone, not a lance would
+have been splintered nor a sword drawn to strike.  When such an
+excellent man is found he ought to be loved and dearly prized.
+See now how he proves himself, see how he maintains his place,
+see how he stains with blood his lance and bare sword, see how he
+presses the enemy and follows them up, how he comes boldly to
+attack them, then gives away and turns about; but he spends
+little time in giving away, and soon returns to the attack.  See
+him in the fray again, how lightly he esteems his shield, which
+he allows to be cut in pieces mercilessly.  Just see how keen he
+is to avenge the blows which are dealt at him.  For, if some one
+should use all the forest of Argone (19) to make lances for him,
+I guess he would have none left by night.  For he breaks all the
+lances that they place in his socket, and calls for more.  And
+see how he wields the sword when he draws it!  Roland never
+wrought such havoc with Durendal against the Turks at Ronceval or
+in Spain! (20)  If he had in his company some good companions
+like himself, the traitor, whose attack we are suffering, would
+retreat today discomfited, or would stand his ground only to find
+defeat."  Then they say that the woman would be blessed who
+should be loved by one who is so powerful in arms, and who above
+all others may be recognised as a taper among candles, as a moon
+among the stars, and as the sun above the moon.  He so won the
+hearts of all that the prowess which they see in him made them
+wish that he had taken their lady to wife, and that he were
+master of the land.
+
+(Vv. 3255-3340.)  Thus men and women alike praised him, and in
+doing so they but told the truth.  For his attack on his
+adversaries was such that they vie with one another in flight.
+But he presses hard upon their heels, and all his companions
+follow him, for by his side they feel as safe as if they were
+enclosed in a high and thick stone wall.  The pursuit continues
+until those who flee become exhausted, and the pursuers slash at
+them and disembowel their steeds.  The living roll over upon the
+dead as they wound and kill each other.  They work dreadful
+destruction upon each other; and meanwhile the Count flees with
+my lord Yvain after him, until he comes up with him at the foot
+of a steep ascent, near the entrance of a strong place which
+belonged to the Count.  There the Count was stopped, with no one
+near to lend him aid; and without any excessive parley my lord
+Yvain received his surrender.  For as soon as he held him in his
+hands, and they were left just man to man, there was no further
+possibility of escape, or of yielding, or of self-defence; so the
+Count pledged his word to go to surrender to the lady of Noroison
+as her prisoner, and to make such peace as she might dictate. 
+And when he had accepted his word he made him disarm his head and
+remove the shield from about his neck, and the Count surrendered
+to him his sword.  Thus he won the honour of leading off the
+Count as his prisoner, and of giving him over to his enemies, who
+make no secret of their joy.  But the news was carried to the
+town before they themselves arrived.  While all come forth to
+meet them, the lady herself leads the way.  My lord Yvain holds
+his prisoner by the hand, and presents him to her.  The Count
+gladly acceded to her wishes and demands, and secured her by his
+word, oath, and pledges.  Giving her pledges, he swears to her
+that he will always live on peaceful terms with her, and will
+make good to her all the loss which she can prove, and will build
+up again the houses which he had destroyed.  When these things
+were agreed upon in accordance with the lady's wish, my lord
+Yvain asked leave to depart.  But she would not have granted him
+this permission had he been willing to take her as his mistress.
+or to marry her.  But he would not allow himself to be followed
+or escorted a single step, but rather departed hastily: in this
+case entreaty was of no avail.  So he started out to retrace his
+path, leaving the lady much chagrined, whose joy he had caused a
+while before.  When he will not tarry longer she is the more
+distressed and ill at ease in proportion to the happiness he had
+brought to her, for she would have wished to honour him, and
+would have made him, with his consent, lord of all her
+possessions, or else she would have paid him for his services
+whatever sum he might have named.  But he would not heed any word
+of man or woman.  Despite their grief he left the knights and the
+lady who vainly tried to detain him longer.
+
+(Vv. 3341-3484.)  Pensively my lord Yvain proceeded through a
+deep wood, until he heard among the trees a very loud and dismal
+cry, and he turned in the direction whence it seemed to come. 
+And when he had arrived upon the spot he saw in a cleared space a
+lion, and a serpent which held him by the tail, burning his hind-
+quarters with flames of fire.  My lord Yvain did not gape at this
+strange spectacle, but took counsel with himself as to which of
+the two he should aid.  Then he says that he will succour the
+lion, for a treacherous and venomous creature deserves to be
+harmed.  Now the serpent is poisonous, and fire bursts forth from
+its mouth--so full of wickedness is the creature.  So my lord
+Yvain decides that he will kill the serpent first.  Drawing his
+sword he steps forward, holding the shield before his face in
+order not to be harmed by the flame emerging from the creature's
+throat, which was larger than a pot.  If the lion attacks him
+next, he too shall have all the fight he wishes; but whatever may
+happen afterwards he makes up his mind to help him now.  For pity
+urges him and makes request that he should bear succour and aid
+to the gentle and noble beast.  With his sword, which cuts so
+clean, he attacks the wicked serpent, first cleaving him through
+to the earth and cutting him in two, then continuing his blows
+until he reduces him to tiny bits.  But he had to cut off a piece
+of the lion's tail to get at the serpent's head, which held the
+lion by the tail.  He cut off only so much as was necessary and
+unavoidable.  When he had set the lion free, he supposed that he
+would have to fight with him, and that the lion would come at
+him; but the lion was not minded so.  Just hear now what the lion
+did!  He acted nobly and as one well-bred; for he began to make
+it evident that he yielded himself to him, by standing upon his
+two hind-feet and bowing his face to the earth, with his fore-feet
+joined and stretched out toward him.  Then he fell on his
+knees again, and all his face was wet with the tears of humility.
+My lord Yvain knows for a truth that the lion is thanking him and
+doing him homage because of the serpent which he had killed,
+thereby delivering him from death.  He was greatly pleased by
+this episode.  He cleaned his sword of the serpent's poison and
+filth; then he replaced it in its scabbard, and resumed his way.
+And the lion walks close by his side, unwilling henceforth to
+part from him: he will always in future accompany him, eager to
+serve and protect him. (21)  He goes ahead until he scents in the
+wind upon his way some wild beasts feeding; then hunger and his
+nature prompt him to seek his prey and to secure his sustenance. 
+It is his nature so to do.  He started ahead a little on the
+trail, thus showing his master that he had come upon and detected
+the odour and scent of some wild game.  Then he looks at him and
+halts, wishing to serve his every wish, and unwilling to proceed
+against his will.  Yvain understands by his attitude that he is
+showing that he awaits his pleasure.  He perceives this and
+understands that if he holds back he will hold back too, and that
+if he follows him he will seize the game which he has scented.
+Then he incites and cries to him, as he would do to hunting-dogs.
+At once the lion directed his nose to the scent which he had
+detected, and by which he was not deceived, for he had not gone a
+bow-shot when he saw in a valley a deer grazing all alone.  This
+deer he will seize, if he has his way.  And so he did, at the
+first spring, and then drank its blood still warm.  When he had
+killed it he laid it upon his back and carried it back to his
+master, who thereupon conceived a greater affection for him, and
+chose him as a companion for all his life, because of the great
+devotion he found in him.  It was near nightfall now, and it
+seemed good to him to spend the night there, and strip from the
+deer as much as he cared to eat.  Beginning to carve it he splits
+the skin along the rib, and taking a steak from the loin he
+strikes from a flint a spark, which he catches in some dry brush-
+wood; then he quickly puts his steak upon a roasting spit to cook
+before the fire, and roasts it until it is quite cooked through.
+But there was no pleasure in the meal, for there was no bread, or
+wine, or salt, or cloth, or knife, or anything else.  While he
+was eating, the lion lay at his feet; nor a movement did he make,
+but watched him steadily until he had eaten all that he could eat
+of the steak.  What remained of the deer the lion devoured, even
+to the bones.  And while all night his master laid his head upon
+his shield to gain such rest as that afforded, the lion showed
+such intelligence that he kept awake, and was careful to guard
+the horse as it fed upon the grass, which yielded some slight
+nourishment.
+
+(Vv. 3485-3562.)  In the morning they go off together, and the
+same sort of existence, it seems, as they had led that night,
+they two continued to lead all the ensuing week, until chance
+brought them to the spring beneath the pine-tree.  There my lord
+Yvain almost lost his wits a second time, as he approached the
+spring, with its stone and the chapel that stood close by.  So
+great was his distress that a thousand times he sighed "alas!"
+and grieving fell in a swoon; and the point of his sharp sword,
+falling from its scabbard, pierced the meshes of his hauberk
+right in the neck beside the cheek.  There is not a mesh that
+does not spread, and the sword cuts the flesh of his neck beneath
+the shining mail, so that it causes the blood to start.  Then the
+lion thinks that he sees his master and companion dead.  You
+never heard greater grief narrated or told about anything than he
+now began to show.  He casts himself about, and scratches and
+cries, and has the wish to kill himself with the sword with which
+he thinks his master has killed himself.  Taking the sword from
+him with his teeth he lays it on a fallen tree, and steadies it
+on a trunk behind, so that it will not slip or give way, when he
+hurls his breast against it,  His intention was nearly
+accomplished when his master recovered from his swoon, and the
+lion restrained himself as he was blindly rushing upon death,
+like a wild boar heedless of where he wounds himself.  Thus my
+lord Yvain lies in a swoon beside the stone, but, on recovering,
+he violently reproached himself for the year during which he had
+overstayed his leave, and for which he had incurred his lady's
+hate, and he said: "Why does this wretch not kill himself who has
+thus deprived himself of joy?  Alas!  why do I not take my life?
+How can I stay here and look upon what belongs to my lady?  Why
+does the soul still tarry in my body?  What is the soul doing in
+so miserable a frame?  If it had already escaped away it would
+not be in such torment.  It is fitting to hate and blame and
+despise myself, even as in fact I do.  Whoever loses his bliss
+and contentment through fault or error of his own ought to hate
+himself mortally.  He ought to hate and kill himself.  And now,
+when no one is looking on, why do I thus spare myself?  Why do I
+not take my life?  Have I not seen this lion a prey to such grief
+on my behalf that he was on the point just now of thrusting my
+sword through his breast?  And ought I to fear death who have
+changed happiness into grief?  Joy is now a stranger to me.  Joy?
+What joy is that?  I shall say no more of that, for no one could
+speak of such a thing; and I have asked a foolish question.  That
+was the greatest joy of all which was assured as my possession,
+but it endured for but a little while.  Whoever loses such joy
+through his own misdeed is undeserving of happiness."
+
+(Vv. 3563-3898.)  While he thus bemoaned his fate, a lorn damsel
+in sorry plight, who was in the chapel, saw him and heard his
+words through a crack in the wall.  As soon as he was recovered
+from his swoon, she called to him: "God," said she, "who is that
+I hear?  Who is it that thus complains?"  And he replied: "And
+who are you?"  "I am a wretched one," she said, "the most
+miserable thing alive."  And he replied: "Be silent, foolish one!
+Thy grief is joy and thy sorrow is bliss compared with that in
+which I am cast down.  In proportion as a man becomes more
+accustomed to happiness and joy, so is he more distracted and
+stunned than any other man by sorrow when it comes.  A man of
+little strength can carry, through custom and habit, a weight
+which another man of greater strength could not carry for
+anything."  "Upon my word," she said, "I know the truth of that
+remark; but that is no reason to believe that your misfortune is
+worse than mine.  Indeed, I do not believe it at all, for it
+seems to me that you can go anywhere you choose to go, whereas I
+am imprisoned here, and such a fate is my portion that to-morrow
+I shall be seized and delivered to mortal judgment."  "Ah, God!"
+said he, "and for what crime?"  "Sir knight, may God never have
+mercy upon my soul, if I have merited such a fate!  Nevertheless,
+I shall tell you truly, without deception, why I am here in
+prison: I am charged with treason, and I cannot find any one to
+defend me from being burned or hanged to-morrow."  "In the first
+place," he replied, "I may say that my grief and woe are greater
+than yours, for you may yet be delivered by some one from the
+peril in which you are.  Is that not true:"  "Yes, but I know not
+yet by whom.  There are only two men in the world who would dare
+on my behalf to face three men in battle."  "What?  In God's
+name, are there three of them?"  "Yes, sire, upon my word.  There
+are three who accuse me of treachery."  "And who are they who are
+so devoted to you that either one of them would be bold enough to
+fight against three in your defence?"  "I will answer your
+question truthfully: one of them is my lord Gawain, and the other
+is my lord Yvain, because of whom I shall to-morrow be handed
+over unjustly to the martyrdom of death."  "Because of whom?" he
+asked, "what did you say?"  "Sire, so help me God, because of the
+son of King Urien."  "Now I understand your words, but you shall
+not die, without he dies too.  I myself am that Yvain, because of
+whom you are in such distress.  And you, I take it, are she who
+once guarded me safely in the hall, and saved my life and my body
+between the two portcullises, when I was troubled and distressed,
+and alarmed at being trapped.  I should have been killed or
+seized, had it not been for your kind aid.  Now tell me, my
+gentle friend, who are those who now accuse you of treachery, and
+have confined you in this lonely place?"  "Sire, I shall not
+conceal it from you, since you desire me to tell you all.  It is
+a fact that I was not slow in honestly aiding you.  Upon my
+advice my lady received you, after heeding my opinion and my
+counsel.  And by the Holy Paternoster, more for her welfare than
+for your own I thought I was doing it, and I think so still.  So
+much now I confess to you: it was her honour and your desire that
+I sought to serve, so help me God!  But when it became evident
+that you had overstayed the year when you should return to my
+mistress, then she became enraged at me, and thought that she had
+been deceived by putting trust in my advice.  And when this was
+discovered by the seneschal--a rascally, underhanded, disloyal
+wretch, who was jealous of me because in many matters my lady
+trusted me more than she trusted him, he saw that he could now
+stir up great enmity between me and her.  In full court and in
+the presence of all he accused me of having betrayed her in your
+favour.  And I had no counsel or aid except my own; but I knew
+that I had never done or conceived any treacherous act toward my
+lady, so I cried out, as one beside herself, and without the
+advice of any one, that I would present in my own defence one
+knight who should fight against three.  The fellow was not
+courteous enough to scorn to accept such odds, nor was I at
+liberty to retreat or withdraw for anything that might happen. 
+So he took me at my word, and I was compelled to furnish bail
+that I would present within forty days a knight to do battle
+against three knights.  Since then I have visited many courts; I
+was at King Arthur's court, but found no help from any there, nor
+did I find any one who could tell me any good news of you, for
+they knew nothing of your affairs."  "Pray tell me.  Where then
+was my good and gentle lord Gawain?  No damsel in distress ever
+needed his aid without its being extended to her."  "If I had
+found him at court, I could not have asked him for anything which
+would have been refused me; but a certain knight has carried off
+the Queen, so they told me; surely the King was mad to send her
+off in his company. (22)  I believe it was Kay who escorted her
+to meet the knight who has taken her away; and my lord Gawain in
+great distress has gone in search for her.  He will never have
+any rest until he finds her.  Now I have told you the whole truth
+of my adventure.  To-morrow I shall be put to a shameful death,
+and shall be burnt inevitably, a victim of your criminal
+neglect."  And he replies: "May God forbid that you should be
+harmed because of me!  So long as I live you shall not die!  You
+may expect me tomorrow, prepared to the extent of my power to
+present my body in your cause, as it is proper that I should do.
+But have no concern to tell the people who I am!  However the
+battle may turn out, take care that I be not recognised!"
+"Surely, sire, no pressure could make me reveal your name.  I
+would sooner suffer death, since you will have it so.  Yet, after
+all, I beg you not to return for my sake.  I would not have you
+undertake a battle which will be so desperate.  I thank you for
+your promised word that you would gladly undertake it, but
+consider yourself now released, for it is better that I should
+die alone than that I should see them rejoice over your death as
+well as mine; they would not spare my life after they had put you
+to death.  So it is better for you to remain alive than that we
+both should meet death."  "That is very ungrateful remark, my
+dear," says my lord Yvain; "I suppose that either you do not wish
+to be delivered from death, or else that you scorn the comfort I
+bring you with my aid.  I will not discuss the matter more, for
+you have surely done so much for me that I cannot fail you in any
+need.  I know that you are in great distress; but, if it be God's
+will, in whom I trust, they shall all three be discomfited.  So
+no more upon that score: I am going off now to find some shelter
+in this wood, for there is no dwelling near at hand."  "Sire,"
+she says, "may God give you both good shelter and good night, and
+protect you as I desire from everything that might do you harm!"
+Then my lord Yvain departs, and the lion as usual after him. 
+They journeyed until they came to a baron's fortified place,
+which was completely surrounded by a massive, strong, and high
+wall.  The castle, being extraordinarily well protected, feared
+no assault of catapult or storming-machine; but outside the walls
+the ground was so completely cleared that not a single hut or
+dwelling remained standing.  You will learn the cause of this a
+little later, when the time comes.  My lord Yvain made his way
+directly toward the fortified place, and seven varlets came out
+who lowered the bridge and advanced to meet him.  But they were
+terrified at sight of the lion, which they saw with him, and
+asked him kindly to leave the lion at the gate lest he should
+wound or kill them.  And he replies: "Say no more of that!  For I
+shall not enter without him.  Either we shall both find shelter
+here or else I shall stay outside; he is as dear to me as I am
+myself.  Yet you need have no fear of him!  For I shall keep him
+so well in hand that you may be quite confident."  They made
+answer: "Very well!"  Then they entered the town, and passed on
+until they met knights and ladies and charming damsels coming
+down the street, who salute him and wait to remove his armour as
+they say: "Welcome to our midst, fair sire!  And may God grant
+that you tarry here until you may leave with great honour and
+satisfaction!"  High and low alike extend to him a glad welcome,
+and do all they can for him, as they joyfully escort him into the
+town.  But after they had expressed their gladness they are
+overwhelmed by grief, which makes them quickly forget their joy,
+as they begin to lament and weep and beat themselves.  Thus, for
+a long space of time, they cease not to rejoice or make lament:
+it is to honour their guest that they rejoice, but their heart is
+not in what they do, for they are greatly worried over an event
+which they expect to take place on the following day, and they
+feel very sure and certain that it will come to pass before
+midday.  My lord Yvain was so surprised that they so often
+changed their mood, and mingled grief with their happiness, that
+he addressed the lord of the place on the subject.  "For God's
+sake," he said, "fair gentle sir, will you kindly inform me why
+you have thus honoured me, and shown at once such joy and such
+heaviness?"  "Yes, if you desire to know, but it would be better
+for you to desire ignorance and silence.  I will never tell you
+willingly anything to cause you grief.  Allow us to continue to
+lament, and do you pay no attention to what we do!"  "It would be
+quite impossible for me to see you sad and nor take it upon my
+heart, so I desire to know the truth, whatever chagrin may result
+to me."  "Well, then," he said, "I will tell you all.  I have
+suffered much from a giant, who has insisted that I should give
+him my daughter, who surpasses in beauty all the maidens in the
+world.  This evil giant, whom may God confound, is named Harpin
+of the Mountain.  Not a day passes without his taking all of my
+possessions upon which he can lay his hands.  No one has a better
+right than I to complain, and to be sorrowful, and to make
+lament.  I might well lose my senses from very grief, for I had
+six sons who were knights, fairer than any I knew in the world,
+and the giant has taken all six of them.  Before my eyes he
+killed two of them, and to-morrow he will kill the other four,
+unless I find some one who will dare to fight him for the
+deliverance of my sons, or unless I consent to surrender my
+daughter to him; and he says that when he has her in his
+possession he will give her over to be the sport of the vilest
+and lewdest fellows in his house, for he would scorn to take her
+now for himself.  That is the disaster which awaits me to-morrow,
+unless the Lord God grant me His aid.  So it is no wonder, fair
+sir, if we are all in tears.  But for your sake we strive for the
+moment to assume as cheerful a countenance as we can.  For he is
+a fool who attracts a gentleman to his presence and then does not
+honour him; and you seem to be a very perfect gentleman.  Now I
+have told you the entire story of our great distress.  Neither in
+town nor in fortress has the giant left us anything, except what
+we have here.  If you had noticed, you must have seen this
+evening that he has not left us so much as an egg, except these
+walls which are new; for he has razed the entire town.  When he
+had plundered all he wished, he set fire to what remained.  In
+this way he has done me many an evil turn."
+
+(Vv. 3899-3956.)  My lord Yvain listened to all that his host
+told him, and when he had heard it all he was pleased to answer
+him: "Sire, I am sorry and distressed about this trouble of
+yours; but I marvel greatly that you have not asked assistance at
+good King Arthur's court.  There is no man so mighty that he
+could not find at his court some who would be glad to try their
+strength with his."  Then the wealthy man reveals and explains to
+him that he would have had efficient help if he had known where
+to find my lord Gawain.  "He would not have failed me upon this
+occasion, for my wife is his own sister; but a knight from a
+strange land, who went to court to seek the King's wife, has led
+her away.  However, he could not have gotten possession of her by
+any means of his own invention, had it not been for Kay, who so
+befooled the King that he gave the Queen into his charge and
+placed her under his protection.  He was a fool, and she
+imprudent to entrust herself to his escort.  And I am the one who
+suffers and loses in all this; for it is certain that my
+excellent lord Gawain would have made haste to come here, had he
+known the facts, for the sake of his nephews and his niece.  But
+he knows nothing of it, wherefore I am so distressed that my
+heart is almost breaking, for he is gone in pursuit of him, to
+whom may God bring shame and woe for having led the Queen away."
+While listening to this recital my lord Yvain does not cease to
+sigh.  Inspired by the pity which he feels, he makes this reply:
+"Fair gentle sire, I would gladly undertake this perilous
+adventure, if the giant and your sons should arrive to-morrow in
+time to cause me no delay, for tomorrow at noon I shall be
+somewhere else, in accordance with a promise I have made."  "Once
+for all, fair sire," the good man said, "I thank you a hundred
+thousand times for your willingness."  And all the people of the
+house likewise expressed their gratitude.
+
+(Vv. 3957-4384.)  Just then the damsel came out of a room, with
+her graceful body and her face so fair and pleasing to look upon.
+She was very simple and sad and quiet as she came, for there was
+no end to the grief she felt: she walked with her head bowed to
+the ground.  And her mother, too, came in from an adjoining room,
+for the gentleman had sent for them to meet his guest.  They
+entered with their mantles wrapped about them to conceal their
+tears; and he bid them throw back their mantles, and hold up
+their heads, saying: "You ought not to hesitate to obey my
+behests, for God and good fortune have given us here a very well-
+born gentleman who assures me that he will fight against the
+giant.  Delay no longer now to throw yourselves at his feet!"
+"May God never let me see that!"  my lord Yvain hastens to
+exclaim; "surely it would not be proper under any circumstances
+for the sister and the niece of my lord Gawain to prostrate
+themselves at my feet.  May God defend me from ever giving place
+to such pride as to let them fall at my feet!  Indeed, I should
+never forget the shame which I should feel; but I should be very
+glad if they would take comfort until to-morrow, when they may
+see whether God will consent to aid them.  I have no other
+request to make, except that the giant may come in such good time
+that I be not compelled to break my engagement elsewhere; for I
+would not fail for anything to be present to-morrow noon at the
+greatest business I could ever undertake."  Thus he is unwilling
+to reassure them completely, for he fears that the giant may not
+come early enough to allow him to reach in time the damsel who is
+imprisoned in the chapel.  Nevertheless, he promises them enough
+to arouse good hope in them.  They all alike join in thanking
+him, for they place great confidence in his prowess, and they
+think he must be a very good man, when they see the lion by his
+side as confident as a lamb would be.  They take comfort and
+rejoice because of the hope they stake on him, and they indulge
+their grief no more.  When the time came they led him off to bed
+in a brightly lighted room; both the damsel and her mother
+escorted him, for they prized him dearly, and would have done so
+a hundred thousand times more had they been informed of his
+prowess and courtesy.  He and the lion together lay down there
+and took their rest.  The others dared not sleep in the room; but
+they closed the door so tight that they could not come out until
+the next day at dawn.  When the room was thrown open he got up
+and heard Mass, and then, because of the promise he had made, he
+waited until the hour of prime.  Then in the hearing of all he
+summoned the lord of the town and said: "My lord, I have no more
+time to wait, but must ask your permission to leave at once; I
+cannot tarry longer here.  But believe truly that I would gladly
+and willingly stay here yet awhile for the sake of the nephews
+and the niece of my beloved lord Gawain, if I did not have a
+great business on hand, and if it were not so far away."  At this
+the damsel's blood quivered and boiled with fear, as well as the
+lady's and the lord's.  They were so afraid he would go away that
+they were on the point of humbling themselves and casting
+themselves at his feet, when they recalled that he would not
+approve or permit their action.  Then the lord makes him an offer
+of all he will take of his lands or wealth, if only he will wait
+a little longer.  And he replied: "God forbid that ever I should
+take anything of yours!"  Then the damsel, who is in dismay,
+begins to weep aloud, and beseeches him to stay.  Like one
+distracted and prey to dread, she begs him by the glorious queen
+of heaven and of the angels, and by the Lord, not to go but to
+wait a little while; and then, too, for her uncle's sake, whom he
+says he knows, and loves, and esteems.  Then his heart is touched
+with deep pity when he hears her adjuring him in the name of him
+whom he loves the most, and by the mistress of heaven, and by the
+Lord, who is the very honey and sweet savour of pity.  Filled
+with anguish he heaved a sigh, for were the kingdom of Tarsus at
+stake he would not see her burned to whom he had pledged his aid.
+If he could not reach her in time, he would be unable to endure
+his life, or would live on without his wits on the other hand,
+the kindness of his friend, my lord Gawain, only increased his
+distress; his heart almost bursts in half at the thought that he
+cannot delay.  Nevertheless, he does not stir, but delays and
+waits so long that the giant came suddenly, bringing with him the
+knights: and hanging from his neck he carried a big square stake
+with a pointed end, and with this he frequently spurred them on.
+For their part they had no clothing on that was worth a straw,
+except some soiled and filthy shirts: and their feet and hands
+were bound with cords, as they came riding upon four limping
+jades, which were weak, and thin, and miserable.  As they came
+riding along beside a wood, a dwarf, who was puffed up like a
+toad, had tied the horses' tails together, and walked beside
+them, beating them remorselessly with a four-knotted scourge
+until they bled, thinking thereby to be doing something
+wonderful.  Thus they were brought along in shame by the giant
+and the dwarf.  Stopping in the plain in front of the city gate,
+the giant shouts out to the noble lord that he will kill his sons
+unless he delivers to him his daughter, whom he will surrender to
+his vile fellows to become their sport.  For he no longer loves
+her nor esteems her, that he should deign to abase himself to
+her.  She shall be constantly beset by a thousand lousy and
+ragged knaves, vacant wretches, and scullery boys, who all shall
+lay hands on her.  The worthy man is well-nigh beside himself
+when he hears how his daughter will be made a bawd, or else,
+before his very eyes, his four sons will be put to a speedy
+death.  His agony is like that of one who would rather be dead
+than alive.  Again and again he bemoans his fate, and weeps aloud
+and sighs.  Then my frank and gentle lord Yvain thus began to
+speak to him: "Sire, very vile and impudent is that giant who
+vaunts himself out there.  But may God never grant that he should
+have your daughter in his power!  He despises her and insults her
+openly.  It would be too great a calamity if so lovely a creature
+of such high birth were handed over to become the sport of boys.
+Give me now my arms and horse!  Have the drawbridge lowered, and
+let me pass.  One or the other must be cast down, either I or he,
+I know not which.  If I could only humiliate the cruel wretch who
+is thus oppressing you, so that he would release your sons and
+should come and make amends for the insulting words he has spoken
+to you, then I would commend you to God and go about my
+business."  Then they go to get his horse, and hand over to him
+his arms, striving so expeditiously that they soon have him quite
+equipped.  They delayed as little as they could in arming him.
+When his equipment was complete, there remained nothing but to
+lower the bridge and let him go.  They lowered it for him, and he
+went out.  But the lion would by no means stay behind.  All those
+who were left behind commended the knight to the Saviour, for
+they fear exceedingly lest their devilish enemy, who already had
+slain so many good men on the same field before their eyes, would
+do the same with him.  So they pray God to defend him from death,
+and return him to them safe and sound, and that He may give him
+strength to slay the giant.  Each one softly prays to God in
+accordance with his wish.  And the giant fiercely came at him,
+and with threatening words thus spake to him: "By my eyes, the
+man who sent thee here surely had no love for thee!  No better
+way could he have taken to avenge himself on thee.  He has chosen
+well his vengeance for whatever wrong thou hast done to him." 
+But the other, fearing naught, replies: "Thou treatest of what
+matters not.  Now do thy best, and I'll do mine.  Idle parley
+wearies me."  Thereupon my lord Yvain, who was anxious to depart,
+rides at him.  He goes to strike him on the breast, which was
+protected by a bear's skin, and the giant runs at him with his
+stake raised in air.  My lord Yvain deals him such a blow upon
+the chest that he thrusts through the skin and wets the tip of
+his lance in his body's blood by way of sauce.  And the giant
+belabours him with the stake, and makes him bend beneath the
+blows.  My lord Yvain then draws the sword with which he knew how
+to deal fierce blows.  He found the giant unprotected, for he
+trusted in his strength so much that he disdained to arm himself.
+And he who had drawn his blade gave him such a slash with the
+cutting edge, and not with the flat side, that he cut from his
+cheek a slice fit to roast.  Then the other in turn gave him such
+a blow with the stake that it made him sing in a heap upon his
+horse's neck.  Thereupon the lion bristles up, ready to lend his
+master aid, and leaps up in his anger and strength, and strikes
+and tears like so much bark the heavy bearskin the giant wore,
+and he tore away beneath the skin a large piece of his thigh,
+together with the nerves and flesh.  The giant escaped his
+clutches, roaring and bellowing like a bull, for the lion had
+badly wounded him.  Then raising his stake in both hands, he
+thought to strike him, but missed his aim, when the lion leaded
+backward so he missed his blow, and fell exhausted beside my lord
+Yvain, but without either of them touching the other.  Then my
+lord Yvain took aim and landed two blows on him.  Before he could
+recover himself he had severed with the edge of his sword the
+giant's shoulder from his body.  With the next blow he ran the
+whole blade of his sword through his liver beneath his chest; the
+giant falls in death's embrace.  And if a great oak tree should
+fall, I think it would make no greater noise than the giant made
+when he tumbled down.  All those who were on the wall would fain
+have witnessed such a blow.  Then it became evident who was the
+most fleet of foot, for all ran to see the game, just like hounds
+which have followed the beast until they finally come up with
+him.  So men and women in rivalry ran forward without delay to
+where the giant lay face downward.  The daughter comes running,
+and her mother too.  And the four brothers rejoice after the woes
+they have endured.  As for my lord Yvain they are very sure that
+they could not detain him for any reason they might allege, but
+they beseech him to return and stay to enjoy himself as soon as
+he shall have completed the business which calls him away.  And
+he replies that he cannot promise them anything, for as yet he
+cannot guess whether it will fare well or ill with him.  But thus
+much did he say to his host: that he wished that his four sons
+and his daughter should take the dwarf and go to my lord Gawain
+when they hear of his return, and should tell and relate to him
+how he has conducted himself.  For kind actions are of no use if
+you are not willing that they be known.  And they reply: "It is
+not right that such kindness as this should be kept hid: we shall
+do whatever you desire.  But tell us what we can say when we come
+before him.  Whose praises can we speak, when we know not what
+your name may be?"  And he answers them: "When you come before
+him, you may say thus much: that I told you `The Knight with the
+Lion' was my name.  And at the same time I must beg you to tell
+him from me that, if he does not recognise who I am, yet he knows
+me well and I know him.  Now I must be gone from here, and the
+thing which most alarms me is that I may too long have tarried
+here, for before the hour of noon be passed I shall have plenty
+to do elsewhere, if indeed I can arrive there in time."  Then,
+without further delay, he starts.  But first his host begged him
+insistently that he would take with him his four sons: for there
+was none of them who would not strive to serve him, if he would
+allow it.  But it did not please or suit him that any one should
+accompany him; so he left the place to them, and went away alone.
+And as soon as he starts, riding as fast as his steed can carry
+him, he heads toward the chapel.  The path was good and straight,
+and he knew well how to keep the road.  But before he could reach
+the chapel, the damsel had been dragged out and the pyre prepared
+upon which she was to be placed.  Clad only in a shift, she was
+held bound before the fire by those who wrongly attributed to her
+an intention she had never had.  My lord Yvain arrived, and,
+seeing her beside the fire into which she was about to be cast,
+he was naturally incensed.  He would be neither courteous nor
+sensible who had any doubt about that fact.  So it is true that
+he was much incensed; but he cherishes within himself the hope
+that God and the Right will be on his side.  In such helpers he
+confides; nor does he scorn his lion's aid.  Rushing quickly
+toward the crowd, he shouts: "Let the damsel be, you wicked folk!
+Having committed no crime, it is not right that she should be
+cast upon a pyre or into a furnace."  And they draw off on either
+side, leaving a passage-way for him.  But he yearns to see with
+his own eyes her whom his heart beholds in whatever place she may
+be.  His eyes seek her until he finds her, while he subdues and
+holds in check his heart, just as one holds in check with a
+strong curb a horse that pulls.  Nevertheless, he gladly gazes at
+her, and sighs the while; but he does not sigh so openly that his
+action is detected; rather does he stifle his sighs, though with
+difficulty.  And he is seized with pity at hearing, seeing, and
+perceiving the grief of the poor ladies, who cried: "Ah, God, how
+hast Thou forgotten us!  How desolate we shall now remain when we
+lose so kind a friend, who gave us such counsel and such aid, and
+interceded for us at court!  It was she who prompted madame to
+clothe us with her clothes of vair.  Henceforth the situation
+will change, for there will be no one to speak for us!  Cursed be
+he who is the cause of our loss!  For we shall fare badly in all
+this.  There will be no one to utter such advice as this: `My
+lady, give this vair mantle, this cloak, and this garment to such
+and such an honest dame!  Truly, such charity will be well
+employed, for she is in very dire need of them.'  No such words
+as these shall be uttered henceforth, for there is no one else
+who is frank and courteous; but every one solicits for himself
+rather than for some one else, even though he have no need."
+
+(Vv. 4385-4474.)  Thus they were bemoaning their fate; and my
+lord Yvain who was in their midst, heard their complaints, which
+were neither groundless nor assumed.  He saw Lunete on her knees
+and stripped to her shift, having already made confession, and
+besought God's mercy for her sins.  Then he who had loved her
+deeply once came to her and raised her up, saying: "My damsel,
+where are those who blame and accuse you?  Upon the spot, unless
+they refuse, battle will be offered them."  And she, who had
+neither seen nor looked at him before, said: "Sire. you come from
+God in this time of my great need!  The men who falsely accuse me
+are all ready before me here; if you had been a little later I
+should soon have been reduced to fuel and ashes.  You have come
+here in my defence, and may God give you the power to accomplish
+it in proportion as I am guiltless of the accusation which is
+made against me!"  The seneschal and his two brothers heard these
+words.  "Ah!" they exclaim, "woman, chary of uttering truth but
+generous with lies!  He indeed is mad who for thy words assumes
+so great a task.  The knight must be simple-minded who has come
+here to die for thee, for he is alone and there are three of us.
+My advice to him is that he turn back before any harm shall come
+to him."  Then he replies, as one impatient to begin: "Whoever is
+afraid, let him run away!  I am not so afraid of your three
+shields that I should go off defeated without a blow.  I should
+be indeed discourteous, if, while yet unscathed and in perfect
+case, I should leave the place and field to you.  Never, so long
+as I am alive and sound, will I run away before such threats. 
+But I advise thee to set free the damsel whom thou hast unjustly
+accused; for she tells me, and I believe her word, and she has
+assured me upon the salvation of her soul, that she never
+committed, or spoke, or conceived any treason against her
+mistress.  I believe implicitly what she has told me, and will
+defend her as best I can, for I consider the righteousness of her
+cause to be in my favour.  For, if the truth be known, God always
+sides with the righteous cause, for God and the Right are one;
+and if they are both upon my side, then I have better company and
+better aid than thou." (23)  Then the other responds imprudently
+that he may make every effort that pleases him and is convenient
+to do him injury, provided that his lion shall not do him harm. 
+And he replies that he never brought the lion to champion his
+cause, nor does he wish any but himself to take a hand: but if
+the lion attacks him, let him defend himself against him as best
+he can, for concerning him he will give no guarantee.  Then the
+other answers: "Whatever thou mayst say; unless thou now warn thy
+lion, and make him stand quietly to one side, there is no use of
+thy longer staying here, but begone at once, and so shalt thou be
+wise; for throughout this country every one is aware how this
+girl betrayed her lady, and it is right that she receive her due
+reward in fire and flame."  "May the Holy Spirit forbid!" says he
+who knows the truth; "may God not let me stir from here until I
+have delivered her!"  Then he tells the lion to withdraw and to
+lie down quietly, and he does so obediently.
+
+(Vv. 4475-4532.)  The lion now withdrew, and the parley and
+quarrel being ended between them two, they all took their
+distance for the charge.  The three together spurred toward him,
+and he went to meet them at a walk.  He did not wish to be
+overturned or hurt at this first encounter.  So he let them split
+their lances, while keeping his entire, making for them a target
+of his shield, whereon each one broke his lance.  Then he
+galloped off until he was separated from them by the space of an
+acre; but he soon returned to the business in hand, having no
+desire to delay.  On his coming up the second time, he reached
+the seneschal before his two brothers, and breaking his lance
+upon his body, he carried him to earth in spite of himself, and
+he gave him such a powerful blow that for a long while he lay
+stunned, incapable of doing him any harm.  And then the other two
+came at him with their swords bared, and both deal him great
+blows, but they receive still heavier blows from him.  For a
+single one of the blows he deals is more than a match for two of
+theirs; thus he defends himself so well that they have no
+advantage over him, until the seneschal gets up and does his best
+to injure him, in which attempt the others join, until they begin
+to press him and get the upper hand.  Then the lion, who is
+looking on, delays no longer to lend him aid; for it seems to him
+that he needs it now.  And all the ladies, who are devoted to the
+damsel, beseech God repeatedly and pray to Him earnestly not to
+allow the death or the defeat of him who has entered the fray on
+her account.  The ladies, having no other weapons, thus assist
+him with their prayers.  And the lion brings him such effective
+aid, that at his first attack, he strikes so fiercely the
+seneschal, who was now on his feet, that he makes the meshes fly
+from the hauberk like straw, and he drags him down with such
+violence that he tears the soft flesh from his shoulder and all
+down his side.  He strips whatever he touches, so that the
+entrails lie exposed.  The other two avenge this blow.
+
+(Vv. 4533-4634.)  Now they are all even on the field.  The
+seneschal is marked for death, as he turns and welters in the red
+stream of warm blood pouring from his body.  The lion attacks the
+others; for my lord Yvain is quite unable, though he did his best
+by beating or by threatening him, to drive him back; but the lion
+doubtless feels confident that his master does not dislike his
+aid, but rather loves him the more for it: so he fiercely attacks
+them, until they have reason to complain of his blows, and they
+wound him in turn and use him badly.  When my lord Yvain sees his
+lion wounded, his heart is wroth within his breast, and rightly
+so; but he makes such efforts to avenge him, and presses them so
+hard, that he completely reduces them; they no longer resist him,
+but surrender to him at discretion, because of the lion's help,
+who is now in great distress; for he was wounded everywhere, and
+had good cause to be in pain.  For his part, my lord Yvain was by
+no means in a healthy state, for his body bore many a wound.  But
+he is not so anxious about himself as about his lion, which is in
+distress.  Now he has delivered the damsel exactly in accordance
+with his wish, and the lady has very willingly dismissed the
+grudge that she bore her.  And those men were burned upon the
+pyre which had been kindled for the damsel's death; for it is
+right and just that he who has misjudged another, should suffer
+the same manner of death as that to which he had condemned the
+other.  Now Lunete is joyous and glad at being reconciled with
+her mistress, and together they were more happy than any one ever
+was before.  Without recognising him, all present offered to him,
+who was their lord, their service so long as life should last;
+even the lady, who possessed unknowingly his heart, begged him
+insistently to tarry there until his lion and he had quite
+recovered.  And he replied: "Lady, I shall not now tarry here
+until my lady removes from me her displeasure and anger: then the
+end of all my labours will come."  "Indeed," she said, "that
+grieves me.  I think the lady cannot be very courteous who
+cherishes ill-will against you.  She ought not to close her door
+against so valorous a knight as you, unless he had done her some
+great wrong."  "Lady,' he replies, "however great the hardship
+be, I am pleased by what ever may be her will.  But speak to me
+no more of that; for I shall say nothing of the cause or crime,
+except to those who are informed of it."  "Does any one know it,
+then, beside you two?"  "Yes, truly, lady."  "Well, tell us at
+least your name, fair sir; then you will be free to go."  "Quite
+free, my lady?  No, I shall not be free.  I owe more than I can
+pay.  Yet, I ought not to conceal from you my name.  You will
+never hear of `The Knight with the Lion' without hearing of me;
+for I wish to be known by that name."  "For God's sake, sir, what
+does that name mean?  For we never saw you before, nor have we
+ever heard mentioned this name of yours."  "My lady, you may from
+that infer that my fame is not widespread."  Then the lady says:
+"Once more, if it did not oppose your will, I would pray you to
+tarry here."  "Really, my lady, I should not dare, until I knew
+certainly that I had regained my lady's good-will."  "Well, then,
+go in God's name, fair sir; and, if it be His will, may He
+convert your grief and sorrow into joy."  "Lady," says he, "may
+God hear your prayer."  Then he added softly under his breath:
+"Lady, it is you who hold the key, and, though you know it not,
+you hold the casket in which my happiness is kept under lock."
+
+(Vv. 4635-4674.)  Then he goes away in great distress, and there
+is no one who recognises him save Lunete, who accompanied him a
+long distance.  Lunete alone keeps him company, and he begs her
+insistently never to reveal the name of her champion.  "Sire,"
+says she, "I will never do so."  Then he further requested her
+that she should not forget him, and that she should keep a place
+for him in his mistress' heart, whenever the chance arose.  She
+tells him to be at ease on that score; for she will never be
+forgetful, nor unfaithful, nor idle.  Then he thanks her a
+thousand times, and he departs pensive and oppressed, because of
+his lion that he must needs carry, being unable to follow him on
+foot.  He makes for him a litter of moss and ferns in his shield.
+When he has made a bed for him there, he lays him in it as gently
+as he can, and carries him thus stretched out full length on the
+inner side of his shield.  Thus, in his shield he bears him off,
+until he arrives before the gate of a mansion, strong and fair.
+Finding it closed, he called, and the porter opened it so
+promptly that he had no need to call but once.  He reaches out to
+take his rein, and greets him thus: "Come in, fair sire.  I offer
+you the dwelling of my lord, if it please you to dismount."  "I
+accept the offer gladly," he replies, "for I stand in great need
+of it, and it is time to find a lodging."
+
+(Vv. 4675-4702.)  Thereupon, he passed through the gate, and saw
+the retainers in a mass coming to meet him.  They greeted him and
+helped him from his horse, and laid down upon the pavement his
+shield with the lion on it.  And some, taking his horse, put it
+in a stable: while others very properly relieved him of his arms
+and took them.  Then the lord of the castle heard the news, and
+at once came down into the courtyard, and greeted him.  And his
+lady came down, too, with all her sons and daughters and a great
+crowd of other people, who all rejoiced to offer him a lodging.
+They gave him a quiet room, because they deemed that he was sick;
+but their good nature was put to a test when they allowed the
+lion to go with him.  His cure was undertaken by two maidens
+skilled in surgery, who were daughters of the lord.  I do not
+know how many days he stayed there, until he and his lion, being
+cured, were compelled to proceed upon their way.
+
+(Vv. 4703-4736.)  But within this time it came about that my lord
+of Noire Espine had a struggle with Death, and so fierce was
+Death's attack that he was forced to die.  After his death it
+happened that the elder of two daughters whom he had, announced
+that she would possess uncontested all the estates for herself
+during her entire lifetime, and that she would give no share to
+her sister.  And the other one said that she would go to King
+Arthur's court to seek help for the defence of her claim to the
+land.  When the former saw that her sister would by no means
+concede all the estates to her without contest, she was greatly
+concerned, and thought that, if possible, she would get to court
+before her.  At once she prepared and equipped herself, and
+without any tarrying or delay, she proceeded to the court.  The
+other followed her, and made all the haste she could; but her
+journey was all in vain, for her eider sister had already
+presented her case to my lord Gawain, and he had promised to
+execute her will.  But there was an agreement between them that
+if any one should learn of the facts from her, he would never
+again take arms for her, and to this arrangement she gave
+consent.
+
+(Vv. 4737-4758.)  Just then the other sister arrived at court,
+clad in a short mantle of scarlet cloth and fresh ermine.  It
+happened to be the third day after the Queen had returned from
+the captivity in which Maleagant had detained her with all the
+other prisoners; but Lancelot had remained behind, treacherously
+confined within a tower.  And on that very day, when the damsel
+came to court, news was received of the cruel and wicked giant
+whom the knight with the lion had killed in battle.  In his name,
+my lord Gawain was greeted by his nephews and niece, who told him
+in detail of all the great service and great deeds of prowess he
+had done for them for his sake, and how that he was well
+acquainted with him, though not aware of his identity.
+
+(Vv. 4759-4820.)  All this was heard by her, who was plunged
+thereby into great despair and sorrow and dejection; for, since
+the best of the knights was absent, she thought she would find no
+aid or counsel at the court.  She had already made several loving
+and insistent appeals to my lord Gawain; but he had said to her: 
+"My dear, it is useless to appeal to me; I cannot do it; I have
+another affair on hand, which I shall in no wise give up."  Then
+the damsel at once left him, and presented herself before the
+King.  "O King," said she, "I have come to thee and to thy court
+for aid.  But I find none, and I am very much mazed that I can
+get no counsel here.  Yet it would not be right for me to go away
+without taking leave.  My sister may know, however, that she
+might obtain by kindness whatever she desired of my property; but
+I will never surrender my heritage to her by force, if I can help
+it, and if I can find any aid or counsel."  "You have spoken
+wisely," said the King; "since she is present here, I advise,
+recommend, and urge her to surrender to you what is your right."
+Then the other, who was confident of the best knight in the
+world, replied: "Sire, may God confound me, if ever I bestow on
+her from my estates any castle, town, clearing, forest, land, or
+anything else.  But if any knight dares to take arms on her
+behalf and desires to defend her cause, let him step forth at
+once."  "Your offer to her is not fair; she needs more time," the
+King replied; "if she desires, she may have forty days to secure
+a champion, according to the practice of all courts."  To which
+the elder sister replied: "Fair King, my lord, you may establish
+your laws as it pleases you, and as seems good, nor is it my
+place to gainsay you, so I must consent to the postponement, if
+she desires it."  Whereupon, the other says that she does desire
+it, and she makes formal request for it.  Then she commended the
+King to God, and left the court resolving to devote her life to
+the search through all the land for the Knight with the Lion, who
+devotes himself to succouring women in need of aid.
+
+(Vv. 4821-4928.)  Thus she entered upon her quest, and traversed
+many a country without hearing any news of him, which caused her
+such grief that she fell sick.  But it was well for her that it
+happened so; for she came to the dwelling of a friend of hers, by
+whom she was dearly loved.  By this time her face showed clearly
+that she was not in good health.  They insisted upon detaining
+her until she told them of her plight; whereupon, another damsel
+took up the quest wherein she had been engaged, and continued the
+search on her behalf.  So while the one remained in this retreat,
+the other rode rapidly all day long, until the darkness of night
+came on, and caused her great anxiety. (24)  And her trouble was
+doubled when the rain came on with terrible violence, as if God
+Himself were doing His worst, while she was in the depths of the
+forest.  The night and the woods cause her great distress, but
+she is more tormented by the rain than by either the woods or the
+night.  And the road was so bad that her horse was often up to
+the girth in mud; any damsel might well be terrified to be in the
+woods, without escort, in such bad weather and in such darkness
+that she could not see the horse she was riding.  So she called
+on God first, and His mother next, and then on all the saints in
+turn, and offered up many a prayer that God would lead her out
+from this forest and conduct her to some lodging-place.  She
+continued in prayer until she heard a horn, at which she greatly
+rejoiced; for she thought now she would find shelter, if she
+could only reach the place.  So she turned in the direction of
+the sound, and came upon a paved road which led straight toward
+the horn whose sound she heard; for the horn had given three
+long, loud blasts.  And she made her way straight toward the
+sound, until she came to a cross which stood on the right side of
+the road, and there she thought that she might find the horn and
+the person who had sounded it.  So she spurred her horse in that
+direction, until she drew near a bridge, and descried the white
+walls and the barbican of a circular castle.  Thus, by chance she
+came upon the castle, setting her course by the sound which had
+led her thither.  She had been attracted by the sound of the horn
+blown by a watchman upon the walls.  As soon as the watchman
+caught sight of her, he called to her, then came down, and taking
+the key of the gate, opened it for her and said: "Welcome,
+damsel, whoe'er you be.  You shall be well lodged this night." 
+"I have no other desire than that," the damsel replied, as he let
+her in.  After the toil and anxiety she had endured that day, she
+was fortunate to find such a lodging-place; for she was very
+comfortable there.  After the meal the host addressed her, and
+inquired where she was going and what was her quest.  Whereupon,
+she thus replied: "I am seeking one whom I never saw, so far as I
+am aware, and never knew; but he has a lion with him, and I am
+told that, if I find him, I can place great confidence in him."
+"I can testify to that," the other said: "for the day before
+yesterday God sent him here to me in my dire need.  Blessed be
+the paths which led him to my dwelling.  For he made me glad by
+avenging me of a mortal enemy and killing him before my eyes.
+Outside yonder gate you may see to-morrow the body of a mighty
+giant, whom he slew with such ease that he hardly had to sweat."
+"For God's sake, sire," the damsel said, "tell me now the truth,
+if you know whither he went, and where he is."  "I don't know,"
+he said, "as God sees me here; but to-morrow I will start you on
+the road by which he went away from here."  "And may God," said
+she, "lead me where I may hear true news of him.  For if I find
+him, I shall be very glad."
+
+(Vv. 4929-4964.)  Thus they continued in long converse until at
+last they went to bed.  When the day dawned, the maid arose,
+being in great concern to find the object of her quest.  And the
+master of the house arose with all his companions, and set her
+upon the road which led straight to the spring beneath the pine.
+And she, hastening on her way toward the town, came and asked the
+first men whom she met, if they could tell her where she would
+find the lion and the knight who travelled in company.  And they
+told her that they had seen him defeat three knights in that very
+place.  Whereupon, she said at once: "For God's sake, since you
+have said so much, do not keep back from me anything that you can
+add."  "No," they replied; "we know nothing more than we have
+said, nor do we know what became of him.  If she for whose sake
+he came here, cannot give you further news, there will be no one
+here to enlighten you.  You will not have far to go, if you wish
+to speak with her; for she has gone to make prayer to God and to
+hear Mass in yonder church, and judging by the time she has been
+inside, her orisons have been prolonged."
+
+(Vv. 4965-5106.)  While they were talking thus, Lunete came out
+from the church, and they said: "There she is."  Then she went to
+meet her, and they greeted each other.  She asked Lunete at once
+for the information she desired; and Lunete said that she would
+have a palfrey saddled; for she wished to accompany her, and
+would take her to an enclosure where she had left him.  The other
+maiden thanked her heartily.  Lunete mounts the palfrey which is
+brought without delay, and, as they ride, she tells her how she
+had been accused and charged with treason, and how the pyre was
+already kindled upon which she was to be laid, and how he had
+come to help her in just the moment of her need.  While speaking
+thus, she escorted her to the road which led directly to the spot
+where my lord Yvain had parted from her.  When she had
+accompanied her thus far, she said: "Follow this road until you
+come to a place where, if it please God and the Holy Spirit, you
+will hear more reliable news of him than I can tell.  I very well
+remember that I left him either near here, or exactly here, where
+we are now; we have not seen each other since then, and I do not
+know what he has done.  When he left me, he was in sore need of a
+plaster for his wounds.  So I will send you along after him, and
+if it be God's will, may He grant that you find him to-night or
+to-morrow in good health.  Now go: I commend you to God.  I must
+not follow you any farther, lest my mistress be displeased with
+me."  Then Lunete leaves her and turns back; while the other
+pushed on until she found a house, where my lord Yvain had
+tarried until he was restored to health.  She saw people gathered
+before the gate, knights, ladies and men-at-arms, and the master
+of the house; she saluted them, and asked them to tell her, if
+possible, news of a knight for whom she sought.  "Who is he?"
+they ask. "I have heard it said that he is never without a lion."
+"Upon my word, damsel," the master says, "he has just now left
+us.  You can come up with him to-night, if you are able to keep
+his tracks in sight, and are careful not to lose any time."
+"Sire," she answers, "God forbid.  But tell me now in what
+direction I must follow him."  And they tell her: "This way,
+straight ahead," and they beg her to greet him on their behalf.
+But their courtesy was not of much avail; for, without giving any
+heed, she galloped off at once.  The pace seemed much too slow to
+her, though her palfrey made good time.  So she galloped through
+the mud just the same as where the road was good and smooth,
+until she caught sight of him with the lion as his companion.
+Then in her gladness she exclaims: "God, help me now.  At last I
+see him whom I have so long pursued, and whose trace I have long
+followed.  But if I pursue and nothing gain, what will it profit
+me to come up with him?  Little or nothing, upon my word.  If he
+does not join in my enterprise, I have wasted all my pains." 
+Thus saying, she pressed on so fast that her palfrey was all in a
+sweat; but she caught up with him and saluted him.  He thus at
+once replied to her: "God save you, fair one, and deliver you
+from grief and woe."  "The same to you, sire, who, I hope, will
+soon be able to deliver me."  Then she draws nearer to him, and
+says: "Sire, I have long searched for you.  The great fame of
+your merit has made me traverse many a county in my weary search
+for you.  But I continued my quest so long, thank God, that at
+last I have found you here.  And if I brought any anxiety with
+me, I am no longer concerned about it, nor do I complain or
+remember it now.  I am entirely relieved; my worry has taken
+flight the moment I met with you.  Moreover, the affair is none
+of mine: I come to you from one that is better than I, a woman
+who is more noble and excellent.  But if she be disappointed in
+her hopes of you, then she has been betrayed by your fair renown,
+for she has no expectation of other aid.  My damsel, who is
+deprived of her inheritance by a sister, expects with your help
+to win her suit; she will have none but you defend her cause.  No
+one can make her believe that any one else could bear her aid. 
+By securing her share of the heritage, you will have won and
+acquired the love of her who is now disinherited, and you will
+also increase your own renown.  She herself was going in search
+for you to secure the boon for which she hoped; no one else would
+have taken her place, had she not been detained by an illness
+which compels her to keep her bed.  Now tell me, please, whether
+you will dare to come, or whether you will decline."  "No," he
+says; "no man can win praise in a life of ease; and I will not
+hold back, but will follow you gladly, my sweet friend,
+whithersoever it may please you.  And if she for whose sake you
+have sought me out stands in some great need of me, have no fear
+that I shall not do all I can for her.  Now may God grant me the
+happiness and grace to settle in her favour her rightful claim."
+
+(Vv. 5107-5184.) (25)  Thus conversing, they two rode away until
+they approached the town of Pesme Avanture.  They had no desire
+to pass it by, for the day was already drawing to a close.  They
+came riding to the castle, when all the people, seeing them
+approach, called out to the knight: "Ill come, sire, ill come.
+This lodging-place was pointed out to you in order that you might
+suffer harm and shame.  An abbot might take his oath to that."
+"Ah," he replied, "foolish and vulgar folk, full of all mischief,
+and devoid of honour, why have you thus assailed me?"  "Why?  you
+will find out soon enough, if you will go a little farther.  But
+you shall learn nothing more until you have ascended to the
+fortress."  At once my lord Yvain turns toward the tower, and the
+crowd cries out, all shouting aloud at him: "Eh, eh, wretch,
+whither goest thou?  If ever in thy life thou hast encountered
+one who worked thee shame and woe, such will be done thee there,
+whither thou art going, as will never be told again by thee."  My
+lord Yvain, who is listening, says: "Base and pitiless people,
+miserable and impudent, why do you assail me thus, why do you
+attack me so?  What do you wish of me, what do you want, that you
+growl this way after me?"  A lady, who was somewhat advanced in
+years, who was courteous and sensible, said: "Thou hast no cause
+to be enraged: they mean no harm in what they say; but, if thou
+understoodest them aright, they are warning thee not to spend the
+night up there; they dare not tell thee the reason for this, but
+they are warning and blaming thee because they wish to arouse thy
+fears.  This they are accustomed to do in the case of all who
+come, so that they may not go inside.  And the custom is such
+that we dare not receive in our own houses, for any reason
+whatsoever, any gentleman who comes here from a distance.  The
+responsibility now is thine alone; no one will stand in thy way.
+If thou wishest, thou mayst go up now; but my advice is to turn
+back again."  "Lady," he says, "doubtless it would be to my
+honour and advantage to follow your advice; but I do not know
+where I should find a lodging-place to-night."  "Upon my word,"
+says she, "I'll say no more, for the concern is none of mine.  Go
+wherever you please.  Nevertheless, I should be very glad to see
+you return from inside without too great shame; but that could
+hardly be."  "Lady," he says, "may God reward you for the wish. 
+However, my wayward heart leads me on inside, and I shall do what
+my heart desires."  Thereupon, he approaches the gate,
+accompanied by his lion and his damsel.  Then the porter calls to
+him, and says: "Come quickly, come.  You are on your way to a
+place where you will be securely detained, and may your visit be
+accursed."
+
+(Vv. 5185-5346.)  The porter, after addressing him with this very
+ungracious welcome, hurried upstairs.  But my lord Yvain, without
+making reply, passed straight on, and found a new and lofty hall;
+in front of it there was a yard enclosed with large, round,
+pointed stakes, and seated inside the stakes he saw as many as
+three hundred maidens, working at different kinds of embroidery.
+Each one was sewing with golden thread and silk, as best she
+could.  But such was their poverty, that many of them wore no
+girdle, and looked slovenly, because so poor; and their garments
+were torn about their breasts and at the elbows, and their shifts
+were soiled about their necks.  Their necks were thin, and their
+faces pale with hunger and privation.  They see him, as he looks
+at them, and they weep, and are unable for some time to do
+anything or to raise their eyes from the ground, so bowed down
+they are with woe.  When he had contemplated them for a while, my
+lord Yvain turned about and moved toward the door; but the porter
+barred the way, and cried: "It is no use, fair master; you shall
+not get out now.  You would like to be outside: but, by my head,
+it is of no use.  Before you escape you will have suffered such
+great shame that you could not easily suffer more; so you were
+not wise to enter here, for there is no question of escaping
+now."  "Nor do I wish to do so, fair brother," said he; "but tell
+me, by thy father's soul, whence came the damsels whom I saw in
+the yard, weaving cloths of silk and gold.  I enjoy seeing the
+work they do, but I am much distressed to see their bodies so
+thin, and their faces so pale and sad. I imagine they would be
+fair and charming, if they had what they desire."  "I will tell
+you nothing," was the reply; "seek some one else to tell you."
+"That will I do, since there is no better way."  Then he searches
+until he finds the entrance of the yard where the damsels were at
+work: and coming before them, he greets them all, and sees tears
+flowing from their eyes, as they weep.  Then he says to them:
+"May it please God to remove from your hearts, and turn to joy,
+this grief, the cause of which I do not know."  One of them
+answers: "May you be heard by God, to whom you have addressed
+your prayer.  It shall not be concealed from you who we are, and
+from what land: I suppose that is what you wish to know."  "For
+no other purpose came I here," says he. (26)  "Sire, it happened
+a long while ago that the king of the Isle of Damsels went
+seeking news through divers courts and countries, and he kept on
+his travels like a dunce until he encountered this perilous
+place.  It was an unlucky hour when he first came here, for we
+wretched captives who are here receive all the shame and misery
+which we have in no wise deserved.  And rest assured that you
+yourself may expect great shame, unless a ransom for you be
+accepted.  But, at any rate, so it came about that my lord came
+to this town, where there are two sons of the devil (do not take
+it as a jest) who were born of a woman and an imp.  These two
+were about to fight with the king, whose terror was great, for he
+was not yet eighteen years old, and they would have been able to
+cleave him through like a tender lamb.  So the king, in his
+terror, escaped his fate as best he could, by swearing that he
+would send hither each year, as required, thirty of his damsels,
+and with this rent he freed himself.  And when he swore, it was
+agreed that this arrangement should remain in force as long as
+the two devils lived.  But upon the day when they should be
+conquered and defeated in battle, he would be relieved from this
+tribute, and we should be delivered who are now shamefully given
+over to distress and misery.  Never again shall we know what
+pleasure is.  But I spoke folly just now in referring to our
+deliverance, for we shall never more leave this place.  We shall
+spend our days weaving cloths of silk, without ever being better
+clad.  We shall always be poor and naked, and shall always suffer
+from hunger and thirst, for we shall never be able to earn enough
+to procure for ourselves any better food.  Our bread supply is
+very scarce--a little in the morning and less at night, for
+none of us can gain by her handiwork more than fourpence a day
+for her daily bread.  And with this we cannot provide ourselves
+with sufficient food and clothes.  For though there is not one of
+us who does not earn as much as twenty sous (27) a week, yet we
+cannot live without hardship.  Now you must know that there is
+not a single one of us who does not do twenty sous worth of work
+or more, and with such a sum even a duke would be considered
+rich.  So while we are reduced to such poverty, he, for whom we
+work, is rich with the product of our toil.  We sit up many
+nights, as well as every day, to earn the more, for they threaten
+to do us injury, when we seek some rest, so we do not dare to
+rest ourselves.  But why should I tell you more?  We are so
+shamefully treated and insulted that I cannot tell you the fifth
+part of it all.  But what makes us almost wild with rage is that
+we very often see rich and excellent knights, who fight with the
+two devils, lose their lives on our account.  They pay dearly for
+the lodging they receive, as you will do to-morrow.  For, whether
+you wish to do so or not, you will have to fight singlehanded and
+lose your fair renown with these two devils."  "May God, the true
+and spiritual, protect me," said my lord Yvain, "and give you
+back your honour and happiness, if it be His will.  I must go now
+and see the people inside there, and find out what sort of
+entertainment they will offer me."  "Go now, sire, and may He
+protect you who gives and distributes all good things."
+
+(Vv. 5347-5456.)  Then he went until he came to the hall where he
+found no one, good or bad, to address him.  Then he and his
+companion passed through the house until they came to a garden.
+They never spoke of, or mentioned, stabling their horses.  But
+what matters it?  For those who considered them already as their
+own had stabled them carefully.  I do not know whether their
+expectation was wise, for the horses' owners are still perfectly
+hale.  The horses, however, have oats and hay, and stand in
+litter up to their belly.  My lord Yvain and his company enter
+the garden.  There he sees, reclining upon his elbow upon a
+silken rug, a gentleman, to whom a maiden was reading from a
+romance about I know not whom.  There had come to recline there
+with them and listen to the romance a lady, who was the mother of
+the damsel, as the gentleman was her father; they had good reason
+to enjoy seeing and hearing her, for they had no other children.
+She was not yet sixteen years old, and was so fair and full of
+grace that the god of Love would have devoted himself entirely to
+her service, if he had seen her, and would never have made her
+fall in love with anybody except himself.  For her sake he would
+have become a man, and would lay aside his deity, and would smite
+his own body with that dart whose wound never heals unless some
+base physician attends to it.  It is not fitting that any one
+should recover until he meets with faithlessness.  Any one who is
+cured by other means is not honestly in love.  I could tell you
+so much about this wound, if you were pleased to listen to it,
+that I would not get through my tale to-day.  But there would be
+some one who would promptly say that I was telling you but an
+idle tale; for people don't fall in love nowadays, nor do they
+love as they used to do, so they do not care to hear of it. (28) 
+But hear now in what fashion and with what manner of hospitality
+my lord Yvain was received.  All those who were in the garden
+leaped to their feet when they saw him come, and cried out: "This
+way, fair sire.  May you and all you love be blessed with all
+that God can do or say."  I know not if they were deceiving him,
+but they receive him joyfully and act as if they are pleased that
+he should be comfortably lodged.  Even the lord's daughter serves
+him very honourably, as one should treat a worthy guest.  She
+relieves him of all his arms, nor was it the least attention she
+bestowed on him when she herself washed his neck and face.  The
+lord wishes that all honour should be shown him, as indeed they
+do.  She gets out from her wardrobe a folded shirt, white
+drawers, needle and thread for his sleeves, which she sews on,
+thus clothing him. (29)  May God want now that this attention and
+service may not prove too costly to him!  She gave him a handsome
+jacket to put on over his shirt, and about his neck she placed a
+brand new spotted mantle of scarlet stuff.  She takes such pains
+to serve him well that he feels ashamed and embarrassed.  But the
+damsel is so courteous and open-hearted and polite that she feels
+she is doing very little.  And she knows well that it is her
+mother's will that she shall leave nothing undone for him which
+she thinks may win his gratitude.  That night at table he was so
+well served with so many dishes that there were too many.  The
+servants who brought in the dishes might well have been wearied
+by serving them.  That night they did him all manner of honour,
+putting him comfortably to bed, and not once going near him again
+after he had retired.  His lion lay at his feet, as his custom
+was.  In the morning, when God lighted His great light for the
+world, as early as was consistent in one who was always
+considerate, my lord Yvain quickly arose, as did his damsel too.
+They heard Mass in a chapel, where it was promptly said for them
+in honour of the Holy Spirit.
+
+(Vv. 5457-5770.)  After the Mass my lord Yvain heard bad news,
+when he thought the time had come for him to leave and that
+nothing would stand in his way; but it could not be in accordance
+with his wish.  When he said: "Sire, if it be your will, and with
+your permission, I am going now," the master of the house
+replied: "Friend, I will not grant you permission yet.  There is
+a reason why I cannot do so, for there is established in this
+castle a very terrible practice which I am bound to observe.  I
+shall now cause to approach two great, strong fellows of mine,
+against whom, whether right or wrong, you must take arms.  If you
+can defend yourself against them, and conquer and slay them both,
+my daughter desires you as her lord, and the suzerainty of this
+town and all its dependencies awaits you."  "Sire," said he, "for
+all this I have no desire.  So may God never bestow your daughter
+upon me, but may she remain with you; for she is so fair and so
+elegant that the Emperor of Germany would be fortunate to win her
+as his wife."  "No more, fair guest," the lord replied: "there is
+no need of my listening to your refusal, for you cannot escape.
+He who can defeat the two, who are about to attack you, must by
+right receive my castle, and all my land, and my daughter as his
+wife.  There is no way of avoiding or renouncing the battle.  But
+I feel sure that your refusal of my daughter is due to cowardice,
+for you think that in this manner you can completely avoid the
+battle.  Know, however, without fail that you must surely fight.
+No knight who lodges here can possibly escape.  This is a settled
+custom and statute, which will endure yet for many a year, for my
+daughter will never be married until I see them dead or
+defeated."  "Then I must fight them in spite of myself.  But I
+assure you that I should very gladly give it up.  In spite of my
+reluctance, however, I shall accept the battle, since it is
+inevitable."  Thereupon, the two hideous, black sons of the devil
+come in, both armed with a crooked club of a cornelian cherry-
+tree, which they had covered with copper and wound with brass.
+They were armed from the shoulders to the knees, but their head
+and face were bare, as well as their brawny legs.  Thus armed,
+they advanced, bearing in their hands round shields, stout and
+light for fighting.  The lion begins to quiver as soon as he sees
+them, for he sees the arms they have, and perceives that they
+come to fight his master.  He is aroused, and bristles up at
+once, and, trembling with rage and bold impulse, he thrashes the
+earth with his tail, desiring to rescue his master before they
+kill him.  And when they see him they say: "Vassal, remove the
+lion from here that he may not do us harm.  Either surrender to
+us at once, or else, we adjure you, that lion must be put where
+he can take no part in aiding you or in harming us.  You must
+come alone to enjoy our sport, for the lion would gladly help
+you, if he could."  My lord Yvain then replies to them: "Take him
+away yourselves if you are afraid of him.  For I shall be well
+pleased and satisfied if he can contrive to injure you, and I
+shall be grateful for his aid."  They answer: "Upon my word that
+will not do; you shall never receive any help from him.  Do the
+best you can alone, without the help of any one.  You must fight
+single-handed against us two.  If you were not alone, it would be
+two against two; so you must follow our orders, and remove your
+lion from here at once, however much you may dislike to do so."
+"Where do you wish him to be?" he asks, "or where do you wish me
+to put him?"  Then they show him a small room, and say: "Shut him
+up in there."  "It shall be done, since it is your will."  Then
+he takes him and shuts him up.  And now they bring him arms for
+his body, and lead out his horse, which they give to him, and he
+mounts.  The two champions, being now assured about the lion,
+which is shut up in the room, come at him to injure him and do
+him harm.  They give him such blows with the maces that his
+shield and helmet are of little use, for when they hit him on the
+helmet they batter it in and break it; and the shield is broken
+and dissolved like ice, for they make such holes in it that one
+could thrust his fists through it: their onslaught is truly
+terrible.  And he--what does he do against these two devils?
+Urged on by shame and fear, he defends himself with all his
+strength.  He strains every nerve, and exerts himself to deal
+heavy, and telling blows; they lost nothing by his gifts, for he
+returned their attentions with double measure.  In his room, the
+lion's heart is heavy and sad, for he remembers the kind deed
+done for him by this noble man, who now must stand in great need
+of his service and aid.  If now he could escape from there, he
+would return him the kindness with full measure and full bushel,
+without any discount whatsoever.  He looks about in all
+directions, but sees no way of escape.  He hears the blows of the
+dangerous and desperate fight, and in his grief he rages and is
+beside himself.  He investigates, until he comes to the
+threshold, which was beginning to grow rotten; and he scratches
+at it until he can squeeze himself in as far as his haunches,
+when he sticks fast.  Meanwhile, my lord Yvain was hard pressed
+and sweating freely, for he found that the two fellows were very
+strong, fierce, and persistent.  He had received many a blow, and
+repaid it as best he could, but without doing them any harm, for
+they were well skilled in fencing, and their shields were not of
+a kind to be hacked by any sword, however sharp and well tempered
+it might be.  So my lord Yvain had good reason to fear his death,
+yet he managed to hold his own until the lion extricated himself
+by continued scratching beneath the threshold.  If the rascals
+are not killed now, surely they will never be.  For so long as
+the lion knows them to be alive, they can never obtain truce or
+peace with him.  He seizes one of them, and pulls him down to
+earth like a tree-trunk.  The wretches are terrified, and there
+is not a man present who does not rejoice.  For he whom the lion
+has dragged down will never be able to rise again, unless the
+other succours him.  He runs up to bring him aid, and at the same
+time to protect himself, lest the lion should attack him as soon
+as he had despatched the one whom he had thrown down; he was more
+afraid of the lion than of his master.  But my lord Yvain will be
+foolish now if he allows him longer life, when he sees him turn
+his back, and sees his neck bare and exposed; this chance turned
+out well for him.  When the rascal exposed to him his bare head
+and neck, he dealt him such a blow that he smote his head from
+his shoulders so quietly that the fellow never knew a word about
+it.  Then he dismounts, wishing to help and save the other one
+from the lion, who holds him fast.  But it is of no use, for
+already he is in such straits that a physician can never arrive
+in time; for the lion, coming at him furiously, so wounded him at
+the first attack, that he was in a dreadful state.  Nevertheless,
+he drags the lion back, and sees that he had torn his shoulder
+from its place.  He is in no fear of the fellow now, for his club
+has fallen from his hand, and he lies like a dead man without
+action or movement; still he has enough strength to speak, and he
+said as clearly as he could: "Please take your lion away, fair
+sire, that he may not do me further harm.  Henceforth you may do
+with me whatever may be your desire.  Whoever begs and prays for
+mercy, ought not to have his prayer refused, unless he addresses
+a heartless man.  I will no longer defend myself, nor will I ever
+get up from here with my own strength; so I put myself in your
+hands."  "Speak out then," he says, "if thou dost admit that thou
+art conquered and defeated."  "Sire," he says, "it is evident.  I
+am defeated in spite of myself, and I surrender, I promise you."
+"Then thou needest have no further fear of me, and my lion will
+leave thee alone."  Then he is surrounded by all the crowd, who
+arrive on the scene in haste.  And both the lord and his lady
+rejoice over him, and embrace him, and speak to him of their
+daughter, saying: "Now you will be the lord and master of us all,
+and our daughter will be your wife, for we bestow her upon you as
+your spouse."  "And for my part," he says. "I restore her to you.
+Let him who has her keep her.  I have no concern with her, though
+I say it not in disparagement.  Take it not amiss if I do not
+accept her, for I cannot and must not do so.  But deliver to me
+now, if you will, the wretched maidens in your possession.  The
+agreement, as you well know, is that they shall all go free."
+"What you say is true," he says: "and I resign and deliver them
+freely to you: there will be no dispute on that score.  But you
+will be wise to take my daughter with all my wealth, for she is
+fair, and charming, and sensible.  You will never find again such
+a rich marriage as this."  "Sire," he replies, "you do not know
+of my engagements and my affairs, and I do not dare to explain
+them to you.  But, you may be sure, when I refuse what would
+never be refused by any one who was free to devote his heart and
+intentions to such a fair and charming girl, that I too would
+willingly accept her hand if I could, or if I were free to accept
+her or any other maid.  But I assure you that I cannot do it: so
+let me depart in peace.  For the damsel, who escorted me hither,
+is awaiting me.  She has kept me company, and I would not
+willingly desert her whatever the future may have in store." 
+"You wish to go, fair sire?  But how?  My gate will never be
+opened for you unless my judgment bids me give the command;
+rather shall you remain here as my prisoner.  You are acting
+haughtily and making a mistake when you disdain to take my
+daughter at my request."  "Disdain, my lord?  Upon my soul, I do
+not disdain her.  Whatever the penalty may be, I cannot marry a
+wife or tarry here.  I shall follow the damsel who is my guide:
+for otherwise it cannot be.  But, with your consent, I will
+pledge you my right hand, and you may take my word, that, just as
+you see me now, I will return if possible, and then will accept
+your daughter's hand, whenever it may seem good ro you."
+"Confound any one," he says, "who asks you for your word or
+promise or pledge.  If my daughter pleases you, you will
+return quickly enough.  You will not return any sooner.  I think,
+for having given your word or sworn an oath.  Begone now.  I
+release you from all oaths and promises.  If you are detained by
+rain or wind, or by nothing at all, it is of no consequence to
+me.  I do not hold my daughter so cheap as to bestow her upon you
+forcibly.  Now go about your business.  For it is quite the same
+to me whether you go or whether you stay."
+
+(Vv. 5771-5871.)  Thereupon my lord Yvain turns away and delays
+no longer in the castle.  He escorted the poor and ill-clad
+wretches, who were now released from captivity, and whom the lord
+committed to his care.  These maidens feel that now they are
+rich, as they file out in pairs before him from the castle.  I do
+not believe that they would rejoice so much as they do now were
+He who created the whole world to descend to earth from Heaven.
+Now all those people who had insulted him in every possible way
+come to beseech him for mercy and peace, and escort him on his
+way.  He replies that he knows nothing of what they mean.  "I do
+not understand what you mean," he says; "but I have nothing
+against you.  I do not remember that you ever said anything that
+harmed me."  They are very glad for what they hear, and loudly
+praise his courtesy, and after escorting him a long distance,
+they all commend him to God.  Then the damsels, after asking his
+permission, separated from him.  When they left him, they all
+bowed to him, and prayed and expressed the wish that God might
+grant him joy and health, and the accomplishment of his desire,
+wherever in the future he should go.  Then he, who is anxious to
+be gone, says that he hopes God will save them all.  "Go," he
+says, "and may God conduct you into your countries safe and
+happy."  Then they continue their way joyfully; and my lord Yvain
+departs in the other direction.  All the days of that week he
+never ceases to hurry on under the escort of the maid, who was
+well acquainted with the road, and with the retired place where
+she had left the unhappy and disconsolate damsel who had been
+deprived of her inheritance.  But when she heard news of the
+arrival of the maiden and of the Knight with the Lion.  There
+never was such joy as she felt within her heart.  For now she
+thinks that, if she insists, her sister will cede her a part of
+her inheritance.  The damsel had long lain sick, and had just
+recovered from her malady.  It had seriously affected her, as was
+apparent from her face.  Straightway she went forth to meet them,
+greeting them and honouring them in every way she could.  There
+is no need to speak of the happiness that prevailed that night in
+the house.  No mention will be made of it, for the story would be
+too long to tell.  I pass over all that, until they mounted next
+morning and went away.  They rode until they saw the town where
+King Arthur had been staying for a fortnight or more.  And there,
+too, was the damsel who had deprived her sister of her heritage,
+for she had kept close to the court, waiting for the arrival of
+her sister, who now draws near.  But she does not worry much, for
+she does not think that her sister can find any knight who can
+withstand my lord Gawain's attack, and only one day of the forty
+yet remains.  If this single day had passed, she would have had
+the reasonable and legal right to claim the heritage for herself
+alone.  But more stands in the way than she thinks or believes.
+That night they spent outside the town in a small and humble
+house, where, in accordance with their desire, they were not
+recognised.  At the first sign of dawn the next morning they
+necessarily issue forth, but ensconce themselves in hiding until
+broad daylight.
+
+(Vv. 5872-5924.)  I know not how many days had passed since my
+lord Gawain had so completely disappeared that no one at court
+knew anything about him, except only the damsel in whose cause he
+was to fight.  He had concealed himself three or four leagues
+from the court, and when he returned he was so equipped that even
+those who knew him perfectly could not recognise him by the arms
+he bore.  The damsel, whose injustice toward her sister was
+evident, presented him at court in the sight of all, for she
+intended with his help to triumph in the dispute where she had no
+rights.  So she said to the King: "My lord, time passes.  The
+noon hour will soon be gone, and this is the last day.  As you
+see, I am prepared to defend my claim.  If my sister were going
+to return, there would be nothing to do but await her arrival.
+But I may praise God that she is not coming back again.  It is
+evident that she cannot better her affairs, and that her trouble
+has been for naught.  For my part, I have been ready all the time
+up to this last day, to prove my claim to what is mine.  I have
+proved my point entirely without a fight, and now I may
+rightfully go to accept my heritage in peace; for I shall render
+no accounting for it to my sister as long as I live, and she will
+lead a wretched and miserable existence."  Then the King, who
+well knew that the damsel was disloyally unjust toward her
+sister, said to her: "My dear, upon my word, in a royal court one
+must wait as long as the king's justice sits and deliberates upon
+the verdict.  It is not yet time to pack up, for it is my belief
+that your sister will yet arrive in time."  Before the King had
+finished, he saw the Knight with the Lion and the damsel with
+him.  They two were advancing alone, having slipped away from the
+lion, who had stayed where they spent the night.
+
+(Vv. 5925-5990.)  The King saw the damsel whom he did not fail to
+recognise, and he was greatly pleased and delighted to see her,
+for he was on her side of the quarrel, because he had regard for
+what was right.  Joyfully he cried out to her as soon as he
+could: "Come forward, fair one: may God save you!"  When the
+other sister hears these words, she turns trembling, and sees her
+with the knight whom she had brought to defend in her claim: then
+she turned blacker than the earth.  The damsel, after being
+kindly welcomed by all, went to where the King was sitting.  When
+she had come before him, she spoke to him thus: "God save the
+King and his household.  If my rights in this dispute can be
+settled by a champion, then it will be done by this knight who
+has followed me hither.  This frank and courteous knight had many
+other things to do elsewhere; but he felt such pity for me that
+he cast aside all his other affairs for the sake of mine.  Now,
+madame, my very dear sister, whom I love as much as my own heart,
+would do the right and courteous thing if she would let me have
+so much of what is mine by right that there might be peace
+between me and her; for I ask for nothing that is hers."  "Nor do
+I ask for anything that is thine," the other replied; "for thou
+hast nothing, and nothing shalt thou have.  Thou canst never talk
+so much as to gain anything by thy words.  Thou mayest dry up
+with grief."  Then the other, who was very polite and sensible
+and courteous, replied with the words: "Certainly I am sorry that
+two such gentlemen as these should fight on our behalf over so
+small a disagreement.  But I cannot disregard my claim, for I am
+in too great need of it.  So I should be much obliged to you if
+you would give me what is rightly mine."  "Surely," the other
+said, "any one would be a fool to consider thy demands.  May I
+burn in evil fire and flame if I give thee anything to ease thy
+life!  The banks of the Seine will meet, and the hour of prime
+will be called noon, before I refuse to carry out the fight."
+"May God and the right, which I have in this cause, and in which
+I trust and have trusted till the present time, aid him, who in
+charity and courtesy has offered himself in my service, though he
+knows not who I am, and though we are ignorant of each other's
+identity."
+
+(Vv. 5991-6148.)  So they talked until their conversation ceased,
+and then produced the knights in the middle of the court.  Then
+all the people crowd about, as people are wont to do when they
+wish to witness blows in battle or in joust.  But those who were
+about to fight did not recognise each other, though their
+relations were wont to be very affectionate.  Then do they not
+love each other now?  I would answer you both "yes" and "no." 
+And I shall prove that each answer is correct.  In truth, my lord
+Gawain loves Yvain and regards him as his companion, and so does
+Yvain regard him, wherever he may be.  Even here, if he knew who
+he was, he would make much of him, and either one of them would
+lay down his head for the other before he would allow any harm to
+come to him.  Is not that a perfect and lofty love?  Yes, surely.
+But, on the other hand, is not their hate equally manifest?  Yes;
+for it is a certain thing that doubtless each would be glad to
+have broken the other's head, and so to have injured him as to
+cause his humiliation.  Upon my word, it is a wondrous thing,
+that Love and mortal Hate should dwell together.  God!  How can
+two things so opposed find lodging in the same dwelling-place? 
+It seems to me they cannot live together; for one could not dwell
+with the other, without giving rise to noise and contention, as
+soon as each knew of the other's presence.  But upon the ground-
+floor there may be several apartments: for there are halls and
+sleeping-rooms.  It may be the same in this case: I think Love
+had ensconced himself in some hidden room, while Hate had betaken
+herself to the balconies looking on the high-road, because she
+wishes to be seen.  Just now Hate is in the saddle, and spurs and
+pricks forward as she can, to get ahead of Love who is indisposed
+to move.  Ah!  Love, what has become of thee?  Come out now, and
+thou shalt see what a host has been brought up and opposed to
+thee by the enemies of thy friends.  The enemies are these very
+men who love each other with such a holy love for love, which is
+neither false nor feigned, is a precious and a holy thing.  In
+this case Love is completely blind, and Hate, too, is deprived of
+sight.  For if Love had recognised these two men, he must have
+forbidden each to attack the other, or to do any thing to cause
+him harm.  In this respect, then, Love is blind and discomfited
+and beguiled; for, though he sees them, he fails to recognise
+those who rightly belong to him.  And though Hate is unable to
+tell why one of them should hate the other, yet she tries to
+engage them wrongfully, so that each hates the other mortally.
+You know, of course, that he cannot be said to love a man who
+would wish to harm him and see him dead.  How then?  Does Yvain
+wish to kill his friend, my lord Gawain?  Yes, and the desire is
+mutual.  Would, then, my lord Gawain desire to kill Yvain with
+his own hands, or do even worse than I have said?  Nay, not
+really, I swear and protest.  One would not wish to injure or
+harm the other, in return for all that God has done for man, or
+for all the empire of Rome.  But this, in turn, is a lie of mine,
+for it is plainly to be seen that, with lance raised high in
+rest, each is ready to attack the other, and there will be no
+restraint of the desire of each to wound the other with intent to
+injure him and work him woe.  Now tell me!  When one will have
+defeated the other, of whom can he complain who has the worst of
+it?  For if they go so far as to come to blows, I am very much
+afraid that they will continue the battle and the strife until
+victory be definitely decided.  If he is defeated, will Yvain be
+justified in saying that he has been harmed and wronged by a man
+who counts him among his friends, and who has never mentioned him
+but by the name of friend or companion?  Or, if it comes about
+perchance that Yvain should hurt him in turn, or defeat him in
+any way, will Gawain have the right to complain?  Nay, for he
+will not know whose fault it is.  In ignorance of each other's
+identity, they both drew off and took their distance.  At this
+first shock, their lances break, though they were stout, and made
+of ash.  Not a word do they exchange, for if they had stopped to
+converse their meeting would have been different.  In that case,
+no blow would have been dealt with lance or sword; they would
+have kissed and embraced each other rather than sought each
+other's harm.  For now they attack each other with injurious
+intent.  The condition of the swords is not improved, nor that of
+the helmets and shields, which are dented and split; and the
+edges of the swords are nicked and dulled.  For they strike each
+other violently, not with the fiat of the swords, but with the
+edge, and they deal such blows with the pommels upon the nose-
+guards and upon the neck, forehead and cheeks, that they are all
+marked black and blue where the blood collects beneath the skin.
+And their hauberks are so torn, and their shields so broken in
+pieces, that neither one escaped without wounds.  Their breath is
+almost exhausted with the labour of the strife; they hammer away
+at each other so lustily that every hyacinth and emerald set in 
+their helmets is crushed and smashed.  For they give each other
+such a battering with their pommels upon the helmets that they
+are quite stunned, as they almost beat out each other's brains.
+The eyes in their heads gleam like sparks, as, with stout square
+fists, and strong nerves, and hard bones, they strike each other
+upon the mouth as long as they can grip their swords, which are
+of great service to them in dealing their heavy blows.
+
+(Vv. 6149-6228.)  When they had for a long time strained
+themselves, until the helmets were crushed, and the hauberks'
+meshes were torn apart with the hammering of the swords, and the
+shields were split and cracked, they drew apart a little to give
+their pulse a rest and to catch their breath again.  However,
+they do not long delay, but run at each other again more fiercely
+than before.  And all declare that they never saw two more
+courageous knights.  "This fight between them is no jest, but
+they are in grim earnest.  They will never be repaid for their
+merits and deserts."  The two friends, in their bitter struggle,
+heard these words, and heard how the people were talking of
+reconciling the two sisters; but they had no success in placating
+the elder one.  And the younger one said she would leave it to
+the King, and would not gainsay him in anything.  But the elder
+one was so obstinate that even the Queen Guinevere and the
+knights and the King and the ladies and the townspeople side with
+the younger sister, and all join in beseeching the King to give
+her a third or a fourth part of the land in spite of the elder
+sister, and to separate the two knights who had displayed such
+bravery, for it would be too bad if one should injure the other
+or deprive him of any honour.  And the King replied that he would
+take no hand in making peace, for the elder sister is so cruel
+that she has no desire for it.  All these words were heard by the
+two, who were attacking each other so bitterly that all were
+astonished thereat; for the battle is waged so evenly that it is
+impossible to judge which has the better and which the worse.
+Even the two men themselves, who fight, and who are purchasing
+honour with agony, are filled with amazement and stand aghast,
+for they are so well matched in their attack, that each wonders
+who it can be that withstands him with such bravery.  They fight
+so long that the day draws on to night, while their arms grow
+weary and their bodies sore, and the hot, boiling blood flows
+from many a spot and trickles down beneath their hauberks: they
+are in such distress that it is no wonder if they wish to rest.
+Then both withdraw to rest themselves, each thinking within
+himself that, however long he has had to wait, he now at last has
+met his match.  For some time they thus seek repose, without
+daring to resume the fight.  They feel no further desire to
+fight, because of the night which is growing dark, and because of
+the respect they feel for each other's might.  These two
+considerations keep them apart, and urge them to keep the peace.
+But before they leave the field they will discover each other's
+identity, and joy and mercy will be established between them.
+
+(Vv. 6229-6526.)  My brave and courteous lord Yvain was the first
+to speak.  But his good friend was unable to recognise him by his
+utterance; for he was prevented by his low tone and by his voice
+which was hoarse, weak, and broken; for his blood was all stirred
+up by the blows he had received.  "My lord," he says, "the night
+comes on!  I think no blame or reproach will attach to us if the
+night comes between us.  But I am willing to admit, for my own
+part, that I feel great respect and admiration for you, and never
+in my life have I engaged in a battle which has made me smart so
+much, nor did I ever expect to see a knight whose acquaintance I
+should so yearn to make.  You know well how to land your blows
+and how to make good use of them: I have never known a knight who
+was so skilled in dealing blows.  It was against my will that I
+received all the blows you have bestowed on me to-day; I am
+stunned by the blows you have I struck upon my head."  "Upon my
+word," my lord Gawain replies, "you are not so stunned and faint
+but that I am as much so, or more.  And if I should tell you the
+simple truth, I think you would not be loath to hear it, for if I
+have lent you anything of mine, you have fully paid me back,
+principal and interest; for you were more ready to pay back than
+I was to accept the payment.  But however that may be, since you
+wish me to inform you of my name, it shall not be kept from you:
+my name is Gawain the son of King Lot."  As soon as my lord Yvain
+heard that, he was amazed and sorely troubled; angry and grief-
+stricken, he cast upon the ground his bloody sword and broken
+shield, then dismounted from his horse, and cried: "Alas, what
+mischance is this!  Through what unhappy ignorance in not
+recognising each other have we waged this battle!  For if I had
+known who you were, I should never have fought with you; but,
+upon my word, I should have surrendered without a blow."  "How is
+that?" my lord Gawain inquires, "who are you, then?"  "I am
+Yvain, who love you more than any man in the whole wide world,
+for you have always been fond of me and shown me honour in every
+court.  But I wish to make you such amends and do you such honour
+in this affair that I will confess myself to have been defeated."
+"Will you do so much for my sake?" my gentle lord Gawain asks
+him; "surely I should be presumptuous to accept any such amends
+from you.  This honour shall never be claimed as mine, but it
+shall be yours, to whom I resign it."  "Ah, fair sire, do not
+speak so.  For that could never be.  I am so wounded and
+exhausted that I cannot endure more."  "Surely, you have no cause
+to be concerned." his friend and companion replies; "but for my
+part, I am defeated and overcome; I say it not as a compliment;
+for there is no stranger in the world, to whom I would not say as
+much, rather than receive any more blows."  Thus saying, he got
+down from his horse, and they threw their arms about each other's
+neck, kissing each other, and each continuing to assert that it
+is he who has met defeat.  The argument is still in progress when
+the King and the knights come running up from every side, at the
+sight of their reconciliation; and great is their desire to hear
+how this can be, and who these men are who manifest such
+happiness.  The King says: "Gentlemen, tell us now who it is that
+has so suddenly brought about this friendship and harmony between
+you two, after the hatred and strife there has been this day?"
+Then his nephew, my lord Gawain, thus answers him: "My lord, you
+shall be informed of the misfortune and mischance which have been
+the cause of our strife.  Since you have tarried in order to hear
+and learn the cause of it, it is right to let you know the truth.
+I, Gawain, who am your nephew, did not recognise this companion
+of mine, my lord Yvain, until he fortunately, by the will of God,
+asked me my name.  After each had informed the other of his name,
+we recognised each other, but not until we had fought it out. 
+Our struggle already has been long; and if we had fought yet a
+little longer, it would have fared ill with me, for, by my head,
+he would have killed me, what with his prowess and the evil cause
+of her who chose me as her champion.  But I would rather be
+defeated than killed by a friend in battle."  Then my lord
+Yvain's blood was stirred, as he said to him in reply: "Fair dear
+sire, so help me God, you have no right to say so much.  Let my
+lord, The King, well know in this battle I am surely the one who
+has been defeated and overcome!"  "I am the one"  "No, I am."
+Thus each cries out, and both are so honest and courteous that
+each allows the victory and crown to be the other's prize, while
+neither one of them will accept it.  Thus each strives to
+convince the King and all the people that he has been defeated
+and overthrown.  But when he had listened to them for a while,
+the King terminated the dispute.  He was well pleased with what
+he heard and with the sight of them in each other's arms, though
+they had wounded and injured each other in several places.  "My
+lords," he says, "there is deep affection between you two.  You
+give clear evidence of that, when each insists that it is he who
+has been defeated.  Now leave it all to me!  For I think I can
+arrange it in such a way that it will redound to your honour, and
+every one will give consent."  Then they both promised him that
+they would do his will in every particular.  And the King says
+that he will decide the quarrel fairly and faithfully.  "Where is
+the damsel," he inquires, "who has ejected her sister from her
+land, and has forcibly and cruelly disinherited her?"  "My lord,"
+she answers, "here I am."  "Are you there?  Then draw near to me!
+I saw plainly some time ago that you were disinheriting her.  But
+her right shall no longer be denied; for you yourself have avowed
+the truth to me.  You must now resign her share to her."  "Sire,"
+she says, "if I uttered a foolish and thoughtless word, you ought
+not to take me up in it.  For God's sake, sire, do not be hard on
+me!  You are a king, and you ought to guard against wrong and
+error."  The King replies: "That is precisely why I wish to give
+your sister her rights; for I have never defended what is wrong.
+And you have surely heard how your knight and hers have left the
+matter in my hands.  I shall not say what is altogether pleasing
+to you; for your injustice is well known.  In his desire to
+honour the other, each one says that he has been defeated.  But
+there is no need to delay further: since the matter has been left
+to me, either you will do in all respects what I say, without
+resistance, or I shall announce that my nephew has been defeated
+in the fight.  That would be the worst thing that could happen to
+your cause, and I shall be sorry to make such a declaration."  In
+reality, he would not have said it for anything; but he spoke
+thus in order to see if he could frighten her into restoring the
+heritage to her sister; for he clearly saw that she never would
+surrender anything to her for any words of his unless she was
+influenced by force or fear.  In fear and apprehension, she
+replied to him: "Fair lord, I must now respect your desire,
+though my heart is very loath to yield.  Yet, however hard it may
+go with me, I shall do it, and my sister shall have what belongs
+to her.  I give her your own person as a pledge of her share in
+my inheritance, in order that she may be more assured of it."
+"Endow her with it, then, at once," the King replies; "let her
+receive it from your hands, and let her vow fidelity to you!  Do
+you love her as your vassal, and let her love you as her
+sovereign lady and as her sister."  Thus the King conducts the
+affair until the damsel takes possession of her land, and offers
+her thanks to him for it.  Then the King asked the valiant and
+brave knight who was his nephew to allow himself to be disarmed;
+and he requested my lord Yvain to lay aside his arms also; for
+now they may well dispense with them.  Then the two vassals lay
+aside their arms and separate on equal terms.  And while they are
+taking off their armour, they see the lion running up in search
+of his master.  As soon as he catches sight of him, he begins to
+show his joy.  Then you would have seen people draw aside, and
+the boldest among them takes to flight.  My lord Yvain cries out:
+"Stand still, all!  Why do you flee?  No one is chasing you. 
+Have no fear that yonder lion will do you harm.  Believe me,
+please, when I say that he is mine, and I am his, and we are both
+companions."  Then it was known of a truth by all those who had
+heard tell of the adventures of the lion and of his companion
+that this must be the very man who had killed the wicked giant.
+And my lord Gawain said to him: "Sir companion, so help me God,
+you have overwhelmed me with shame this day.  I did not deserve
+the service that you did me in killing the giant to save my
+nephews and my niece.  I have been thinking about you for some
+time, and I was troubled because it was said that we were
+acquainted as loving friends.  I have surely thought much upon
+the subject: but I could not hit upon the truth, and had never
+heard of any knight that I had known in any land where I had
+been, who was called `The Knight with the Lion.'"  While they
+chatted thus they took their armour off, and the lion came with
+no slow step to the place where his master sat, and showed such
+joy as a dumb beast could.  Then the two knights had to be
+removed to a sick-room and infirmary, for they needed a doctor
+and piaster to cure their wounds.  King Arthur, who loved them
+well, had them both brought before him, and summoned a surgeon
+whose knowledge of surgery was supreme.  He exercised his art in
+curing them, until he had healed their wounds as well and as
+quickly as possible.  When he had cured them both, my lord Yvain.
+who had his heart set fast on love, saw clearly that he could not
+live, but that he finally would die unless his lady took pity
+upon him; for he was dying for love of her; so he thought he
+would go away from the court alone, and would go to fight at the
+spring that belonged to her, where he would cause such a storm of
+wind and rain that she would be compelled perforce to make peace
+with him; otherwise, there would be no end to the disturbance of
+the spring, and to the rain and wind.
+
+(Vv. 6527-6658.)  As soon as my lord Yvain felt that he was cured
+and sound again, he departed without the knowledge of any one.
+But he had with him his lion, who never in his life wished to
+desert him.  They travelled until they saw the spring and made
+the rain descend.  Think not that this is a lie of mine, when I
+tell you that the disturbance was so violent that no one could
+tell the tenth part of it: for it seemed as if the whole forest
+must surely be engulfed.  The lady fears for her town, lest it,
+too, will crumble away; the walls totter, and the tower rocks so
+that it is on the verge of falling down.  The bravest Turk would
+rather be a captive in Persia than be shut up within those walls.
+The people are so stricken with terror that they curse all their
+ancestors, saying: "Confounded be the man who first constructed a
+house in this neighbourhood, and all those who built this town!
+For in the wide world they could not have found so detestable a
+spot, for a single man is able here to invade and worry and harry
+us."  "You must take counsel in this matter, my lady," says
+Lunete; "you will find no one who will undertake to aid you in
+this time of need unless you seek for him afar.  In the future we
+shall never be secure in this town, nor dare to pass beyond the
+walls and gate.  You know full well that, were some one to summon
+together all your knights for this cause, the best of them would
+not dare to step forward.  If it is true that you have no one to
+defend your spring, you will appear ridiculous and humiliated. 
+It will redound greatly to your honour, forsooth, if he who has
+attacked you shall retire without a fight!  Surely you are in a
+bad predicament if you do not devise some other plan to benefit
+yourself."  The lady replies: "Do thou, who art so wise, tell me
+what plan I can devise, and I will follow thy advice."  "Indeed,
+lady, if I had any plan, I should gladly propose it to you.  But
+you have great need of a wiser counsellor.  So I shall certainly
+not dare to intrude, and in common with the others I shall endure
+the rain and wind until, if it please God, I shall see some
+worthy man appear here in your court who will assume the
+responsibility and burden of the battle; but I do not believe
+that that will happen to-day, and we have not yet seen the worst
+of your urgent need."  Then the lady replies at once: "Damsel,
+speak now of something else!  Say no more of the people of my
+household; for I cherish no further expectation that the spring
+and its marble brim will ever be defended by any of them.  But,
+if it please God, let us hear now what is your opinion and plan;
+for people always say that in time of need one can test his
+friend." (30)  "My lady, if there is any one who thinks he could
+find him who slew the giant and defeated the three knights, he
+would do well to go to search for him.  But so long as he shall
+incur the enmity, wrath, and displeasure of his lady, I fancy
+there is not under heaven any man or woman whom he would follow,
+until he had been assured upon oath that everything possible
+would be done to appease the hostility which his lady feels for
+him, and which is so bitter that he is dying of the grief and
+anxiety it causes him."  And the lady said: "Before you enter
+upon the quest, I am prepared to promise you upon my word and to
+swear that, if he will return to me, I will openly and frankly do
+all I can to bring about his peace of mind."  Then Lunete replies
+to her: "Lady, have no fear that you cannot easily effect his
+reconciliation, when once it is your desire to do so; but, if you
+do not object, I will take your oath before I start."  "I have no
+objection," the lady says.  With delicate courtesy, Lunete
+procured at once for her a very precious relic, and the lady fell
+upon her knees.  Thus Lunete very courteously accepted her upon
+her oath.  In administering the oath, she forgot nothing which it
+might be an advantage to insert.  "Lady," she says, "now raise
+your hand!  I do not wish that the day after to-morrow you should
+lay any charge upon me; for you are not doing anything for me,
+but you are acting for your own good.  If you please now, you
+shall swear that you will exert yourself in the interests of the
+Knight with the Lion until he recover his lady's love as
+completely as he ever possessed it."  The lady then raised her
+right hand and said: "I swear to all that thou hast said, so help
+me God and His holy saint, that my heart may never fail to do all
+within my power.  If I have the strength and ability, I will
+restore to him the love and favour which with his lady he once
+enjoyed."
+
+(Vv. 6659-6716.)  Lunete has now done well her work; there was
+nothing which she had desired so much as the object which she had
+now attained.  They had already got out for her a palfrey with an
+easy pace.  Gladly and in a happy frame of mind Lunete mounts and
+rides away, until she finds beneath the pine-tree him whom she
+did not expect to find so near at hand.  Indeed, she had thought
+that she would have to seek afar before discovering him.  As soon
+as she saw him, she recognised him by the lion, and coming toward
+him rapidly, she dismounted upon the solid earth.  And my lord
+Yvain recognised her as soon as he saw her, and greeted her, as
+she saluted him with the words: "Sire, I am very happy to have
+found you so near at hand."  And my lord Yvain said in reply:
+"How is that?  Were you looking for me, then?"  "Yes, sire, and
+in all my life I have never felt so glad, for I have made my
+mistress promise, if she does not go back upon her word, that she
+will be again your lady as was once the case, and that you shall
+be her lord; this truth I make bold to tell."  My lord Yvain was
+greatly elated at the news he hears, and which he had never
+expected to hear again.  He could not sufficiently show his
+gratitude to her who had accomplished this for him.  He kisses
+her eyes, and then her face, saying: "Surely, my sweet friend, I
+can never repay you for this service.  I fear that ability and
+time will fail me to do you the honour and service which is your
+due."  "Sire, she replies, "have no concern, and let not that
+thought worry you!  For you will have an abundance of strength
+and time to show me and others your good will.  If I have paid
+this debt I owed, I am entitled to only so much gratitude as the
+man who borrows another's goods and then discharges the
+obligation.  Even now I do not consider that I have paid you the
+debt I owed."  "Indeed you have, as God sees me, more than five
+hundred thousand times.  Now, when you are ready, let us go.  But
+have you told her who I am?"  "No, I have not, upon my word.  She
+knows you only by the name of `The Knight with the Lion.'"
+
+(Vv. 6717-6758.)  Thus conversing they went along, with the lion
+following after them, until they all three came to the town.  
+They said not a word to any man or woman there, until they
+arrived where the lady was.  And the lady was greatly pleased as
+soon as she heard that the damsel was approaching, and that she
+was bringing with her the lion and the knight, whom she was very
+anxious to meet and know and see.  All clad in his arms, my lord
+Yvain fell at her feet upon his knees, while Lunete, who was
+standing by, said to her: "Raise him up, lady, and apply all your
+efforts and strength and skill in procuring that peace and pardon
+which no one in the world, except you, can secure for him."  Then
+the lady bade him rise, and said: "He may dispose of all my
+power!  I shall be very happy, if possible, to accomplish his
+wish and his desire."  "Surely, my lady," Lunete replied, "I
+would not say it if it were not true.  But all this is even more
+possible for you than I have said: but now I will tell you the
+whole truth, and you shall see: you never had and you never will
+have such a good friend as this gentleman.  God, whose will it is
+that there should be unending peace and love between you and him,
+has caused me to find him this day so near at hand.  In order to
+test the truth of this, I have only one thing to say: lady,
+dismiss the grudge you bear him!  For he has no other mistress
+than you.  This is your husband, my lord Yvain."
+
+(Vv. 6759-6776.)  The lady, trembling at these words, replied:
+"God save me!  You have caught me neatly in a trap!  You will
+make me love, in spite of myself, a man who neither loves nor
+esteems me.  This is a fine piece of work, and a charming way of
+serving me!  I would rather endure the winds and the tempests all
+my life: And if it were not a mean and ugly thing to break one's
+word, he would never make his peace or be reconciled with me.
+This purpose would have always lurked within me, as a fire
+smoulders in the ashes; but I do not wish to renew it now, nor do
+I care to refer to it, since I must be reconciled with him."
+
+(Vv. 6777-6798.)  My lord Yvain hears and understands that his
+cause is going well, and that he will be peacefully reconciled
+with her.  So he says: "Lady, one ought to have mercy on a
+sinner.  I have had to pay, and dearly to pay, for my mad act. 
+It was madness that made me stay away, and I now admit my guilt
+and sin.  I have been bold, indeed, in daring to present myself
+to you; but if you will deign to keep me now, I never again shall
+do you any wrong."  She replied: "I will surely consent to that;
+for if I did not do all I could to establish peace between you
+and me, I should be guilty of perjury.  So, if you please, I
+grant your request."  "Lady," says he, "so truly as God in this
+mortal life could not otherwise restore me to happiness, so may
+the Holy Spirit bless me five hundred times!"
+
+(Vv. 6799-6813.)  Now my lord Yvain is reconciled, and you may
+believe that, in spite of the trouble he has endured, he was
+never so happy for anything.  All has turned out well at last;
+for he is beloved and treasured by his lady, and she by him.  His
+troubles no longer are in his mind; for he forgets them all in
+the joy he feels with his precious wife.  And Lunete, for her
+part, is happy too: all her desires are satisfied when once she
+had made an enduring peace between my polite lord Yvain and his
+sweetheart so dear and so elegant.
+
+(Vv. 6814-6818.)  Thus Chretien concludes his romance of the
+Knight with the Lion; for I never heard any more told of it, nor
+will you ever hear any further particulars, unless some one
+wishes to add some lies.
+
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+NOTE: Endnotes supplied by Prof. Foerster are indicated by
+"(F.)"; all other endnotes are supplied by W.W. Comfort.
+
+(1)            "cele feste, qui tant coste,
+          Qu'an doit clamer la pantecoste."
+     This rhyme is frequently met in mediaeval narrative poems.
+     (F.)
+(2)  The contemporary degeneracy of lovers and of the art of love
+     is a favourite theme of mediaeval poets.
+(3)  Cf. "Roman de la Rose", 9661, for the stinking manure pit.
+     (F.)
+(4)  The forest of Broceliande is in Brittany, and in it Chretien
+     places the marvellous spring of Barenton, of which we read
+     in the sequel.  In his version the poet forgets that the sea
+     separates the court at Carduel from the forest of
+     Broceliande.  His readers, however, probably passed over
+     this "lapsus".  The most famous passage relating to this
+     forest and its spring is found in Wace, "Le Roman de Rou et
+     des dues de Normandie", vv. 6395-6420, 2 vols. (Heilbronn,
+     1877-79).  Cf. further the informing note by W.L. Holland,
+     "Chretien von Troies", p. 152 f. (Tubingen, 1854).
+(5)  This grotesque portrait of the "vilain" is perfectly
+     conventional in aristocratic poetry, and is also applied to
+     some Saracens in the epic poems.  Cf. W.W. Comfort in "Pub.
+     of the Modern Language Association of America", xxi. 494 f.,
+     and in "The Dublin Review", July 1911.
+(6)  For the description of the magic fountain, cf. W.A. Nitze,
+     "The Fountain Defended" in "Modern Philology", vii. 145-164;
+     G.L. Hamilton, "Storm-making Springs", etc., in "Romantic
+     Review", ii. 355-375; A.F. Grimme in "Germania", xxxiii. 38;
+     O.M. Johnston in "Transactions and Proceedings of the
+     American Philological Association", xxxiii., p. lxxxiii. f.
+(7)  Eugen Kolbing, "Christian von Troyes Yvain und die
+     Brandanuslegende" in "Ztsch. fur vergleichende
+     Literaturgeschichte" (Neue Folge, xi. Brand, 1897), pp. 442-
+     448, has pointed out other striking allusions in the Latin
+     "Navigatio S. Brandans" (ed. Wahlund, Upsala, 1900) and
+     elsewhere in Celtic legend to trees teeming with singing
+     birds, in which the souls of the blessed are incorporated. 
+     A more general reference to trees, animated by the souls of
+     the dead, is found in J.G. Frazer, "The Golden Bough" (2nd
+     ed. 1900), vol. I., p. 178 f.
+(8)  Cf. A. Tobler in "Ztsch. fur romanische Philologie", iv. 80-
+     85, who gives many other instances of boasting after meals. 
+     See next note.
+(9)  Noradin is the Sultan Nureddin Mahmud (reigned 1146-1173), a
+     contemporary of the poet; Forre is a legendary Saracen king
+     of Naples, mentioned in the epic poems (cf. E. Langlois,
+     "Table des noms propres de toute nature compris dans les
+     chansons de geste", Paris, 1904; Albert Counson, "Noms
+     epiques entres dans le vocabulaire commun" in "Romanische
+     Forschungen", xxiii. 401-413).  These names are mentioned
+     here in connection with the brave exploits which Christian
+     knights, while in their cups, may boast that they will
+     accomplish (F.).  This practice of boasting was called
+     indulging in "gabs" (=Eng. "gab"), a good instance of which
+     will be found in "Le Voyage de Charlemagne a Jeruslaem" (ed.
+     Koschwitz), v. 447 ff.
+(10) It is evident in this passage that Chretien's version is not
+     clear; the reader cannot be sure in what sort of an
+     apartment Yvain is secreted.  The passage is perfectly
+     clear, however, in the Welsh "Owein", as shown by A.C.L.
+     Brown in "Romanic Review", iii. 143-172, "On the Independent
+     Character of the Welsh `Owain'", where he argues
+     convincingly for an original older than either the extant
+     French of Welsh versions.
+(11) The damsel's surprise and fright at the sight of Yvain,
+     which puzzled Professor Foerster, is satisfactorily
+     explained by J. Acher in "Ztsch. fur franzosische Sprache
+     und Literatur", xxxv. 150.
+(12) For magic rings, cf. A. Hertel, "Verzauberte
+     Oertlichkeiten", etc. (Hanover, 1908); D.B. Easter, "The
+     Magic Elements in the romans d'aventure and the romans
+     bretons" (Baltimore, 1906).
+(13) Much has been written on the widespread belief that a dead
+     person's wounds would bleed afresh in the presence of his
+     murderer.  The passage in our text is interesting as being
+     the earliest literary reference to the belief.  Other
+     instances will be found in Shakespear ("King Richard III.,
+     Act. I., Sc. 2), Cervantes ("Don Quixote"), Scott
+     ("Ballads"), and Schiller ("Braut von Messina").  In the
+     15th and 16th centuries especially, the bleeding of the dead
+     became in Italy, Germany, France, and Spain an absolute or
+     contributory proof of guilt in the eyes of the law.  The
+     suspected culprit might be subjected to this ordeal as part
+     of the inquisitional method to determine guilt.  For
+     theories of the origin of this belief and of its use in
+     legal trials, as well as for more extended bibliography, cf.
+     Karl Lehmann in "Germanistische Abhandlungen fur Konrad von
+     Maurer" (Gottingen, 1893), pp. 21-45; C.V. Christensen,
+     "Baareproven" (Copenhagen, 1900).
+(14) W.L. Holland in his note for this passage recalls Schiller's
+     "Jungfrau von Orleans", Act III. Sc. 7, and Shakespeare,
+     first part of "King Henry IV.", Act V. Sc. 4:
+          "When that this body did contain a spirit,
+          A kingdom for it was too small a bound;
+          But now two paces of the vilest earth
+          Is room enough."
+(15) Foerster regards this excuse for Kay's defeat as ironical.
+(16) It is hoped that the following passage may have retained in
+     the translation some of the gay animation which clothes this
+     description of a royal entry into a mediaeval town.
+(17) This idea forms the dominating motive, it will be recalled,
+     in "Erec et Enide" (cf. note to "Erec", v. 2576).
+(18) The parallel between Yvain's and Roland's madness will occur
+     to readers of Ariosto's "Orlando Furioso", though in the
+     former case Yvain's madness seems to be rather a retribution
+     for his failure to keep his promise, while Roland's madness
+     arises from excess of love.
+(19) Argonne is the name of a hilly and well-wooded district in
+     the north-east of France, lying between the Meuse and the
+     Aisne.
+(20) An allusion to the well-known epic tradition embodied in the
+     "Chanson de Roland".  It was common for mediaeval poets to
+     give names to both the horses and the swords of their
+     heroes.
+(21) For the faithful lion in the Latin bestiaries and mediaeval
+     romances, see the long note of W.L. Holland, "Chretien von
+     Troies" (Tubingen, 1854), p. 161 f., and G. Baist in
+     Zeitschrift fur romanische Philologie, xxi. 402-405.  To the
+     examples there cited may be added the episodes in "Octavian"
+     (15th century), published in the "Romanische Bibliothek"
+     (Heilbronn, 1883).
+(22) This is the first of three references in this poem to the
+     abduction of Guinevere as fully narrated in the poem of
+     "Lancelot".  The other references are in v. 3918 and v.4740
+     f.
+(23) Yvain here states the theory of the judicial trial by
+     combat.  For another instance see "Lancelot", v. 4963 f. 
+     Cf. M. Pfeffer in "Ztsch. fur romanische Philogie", ix. 1-
+     74, and L. Jordan, id. Xxix. 385-401.
+(24) A similar description of a distressed damsel wandering at
+     night in a forest is found in "Berte aus grans pies", by
+     Adenet le Roi (13th century).
+(25) The lion is forgotten for the moment, but will appear again
+     v. 5446. (F.)
+(26) This entire passage belongs in the catagory of widespread
+     myths which tell of a tribute of youths or maidens paid to
+     some cruel monster, from which some hero finally obtains
+     deliverance.  Instances are presented in the adventures of
+     Theseus and Tristan.
+(27) The old French monetary table was as follows:
+     10 as = 1 denier; 12 deniers = 1 sol; 20 sous = 1 livre
+(28) It appears to be the poet's prerogative in all epochs of
+     social history to bemoan the degeneracy of true love in his
+     own generation.
+(29) The sleeves of shirts were detachable, and were sewed on
+     afresh when a clean garment was put on. (F.)
+(30) This was an axiom of feudal society, and occurs more
+     frequently in feudal literature than any other statement of
+     mediaeval social relations.
+
+
+
+LANCELOT
+or, The Knight of the Cart
+
+(Vv. 1-30.)  Since my lady of Champagne wishes me to undertake to
+write a romance, (1) I shall very gladly do so, being so devoted
+to her service as to do anything in the world for her, without
+any intention of flattery.  But if one were to introduce any
+flattery upon such an occasion, he might say, and I would
+subscribe to it, that this lady surpasses all others who are
+alive, just as the south wind which blows in May or April is more
+lovely than any other wind.  But upon my word, I am not one to
+wish to flatter my lady.  I will simply say: "The Countess is
+worth as many queens as a gem is worth of pearls and sards."  Nay
+I shall make no comparison, and yet it is true in spite of me; I
+will say, however, that her command has more to do with this work
+than any thought or pains that I may expend upon it.  Here
+Chretien begins his book about the Knight of the Cart.  The
+material and the treatment of it are given and furnished to him
+by the Countess, and he is simply trying to carry out her concern
+and intention.  Here he begins the story.
+
+(Vv. 31-172.)  Upon a certain Ascension Day King Arthur had come
+from Caerleon, and had held a very magnificent court at Camelot
+as was fitting on such a day. (2)  After the feast the King did
+not quit his noble companions, of whom there were many in the
+hall.  The Queen was present, too, and with her many a courteous
+lady able to converse in French.  And Kay, who had furnished the
+meal, was eating with the others who had served the food.  While
+Kay was sitting there at meat, behold there came to court a
+knight, well equipped and fully armed, and thus the knight
+appeared before the King as he sat among his lords.  He gave him
+no greeting, but spoke out thus: "King Arthur, I hold in
+captivity knights, ladies, and damsels who belong to thy dominion
+and  household; but it is not because of any intention to restore
+them to thee that I make reference to them here; rather do I wish
+to proclaim and serve thee notice that thou hast not the strength
+or the resources to enable thee to secure them again.  And be
+assured that thou shalt die before thou canst ever succour them."
+The King replies that he must needs endure what he has not the
+power to change; nevertheless, he is filled with grief.  Then the
+knight makes as if to go away, and turns about, without tarrying
+longer before the King; but after reaching the door of the hall,
+he does not go down the stairs, but stops and speaks from there
+these words: "King, if in thy court there is a single knight in
+whom thou hast such confidence that thou wouldst dare to entrust
+to him the Queen that he might escort her after me out into the
+woods whither I am going, I will promise to await him there, and
+will surrender to thee all the prisoners whom I hold in exile in
+my country if he is able to defend the Queen and if he succeeds
+in bringing her back again."  Many who were in the palace heard
+this challenge, and the whole court was in an uproar.  Kay, too,
+heard the news as he sat at meat with those who served.  Leaving
+the table, he came straight to the King, and as if greatly
+enraged, he began to say: "O King, I have served thee long,
+faithfully, and loyally; now I take my leave, and shall go away,
+having no desire to serve thee more."  The King was grieved at
+what he heard, and as soon as he could, he thus replied to him:
+"Is this serious, or a joke?"  And Kay replied: "O King, fair
+sire, I have no desire to jest, and I take my leave quite
+seriously.  No other reward or wages do I wish in return for the
+service I have given you.  My mind is quite made up to go away
+immediately."  "Is it in anger or in spite that you wish to go?"
+the King inquired; "seneschal, remain at court, as you have done
+hitherto, and be assured that I have nothing in the world which I
+would not give you at once in return for your consent to stay."
+"Sire," says Kay, "no need of that.  I would not accept for each
+day's pay a measure of fine pure gold."  Thereupon, the King in
+great dismay went off to seek the Queen.  "My lady," he says,
+"you do not know the demand that the seneschal makes of me.  He
+asks me for leave to go away, and says he will no longer stay at
+court; the reason of this I do not know.  But he will do at your
+request what he will not do for me.  Go to him now, my lady dear.
+Since he will not consent to stay for my sake, pray him to remain
+on your account, and if need be, fall at his feet, for I should
+never again be happy if I should lose his company." (3)  The King
+sends the Queen to the seneschal, and she goes to him.  Finding
+him with the rest, she went up to him, and said: "Kay, you may be
+very sure that I am greatly troubled by the news I have heard of
+you.  I am grieved to say that I have been told it is your
+intention to leave the King.  How does this come about?  What
+motive have you in your mind?  I cannot think that you are so
+sensible or courteous as usual.  I want to ask you to remain:
+stay with us here, and grant my prayer."  "Lady," he says, "I
+give you thanks; nevertheless, I shall not remain."  The Queen
+again makes her request, and is joined by all the other knights.
+And Kay informs her that he is growing tired of a service which
+is unprofitable.  Then the Queen prostrates herself at full
+length before his feet.  Kay beseeches her to rise, but she says
+that she will never do so until he grants her request.  Then Kay
+promises her to remain, provided the King and she will grant in
+advance a favour he is about to ask.  "Kay," she says, "he will
+grant it, whatever it may be.  Come now, and we shall tell him
+that upon this condition you will remain."  So Kay goes away with
+the Queen to the King's presence.  The Queen says: "I have had
+hard work to detain Kay; but I have brought him here to you with
+the understanding that you will do what he is going to ask."  The
+King sighed with satisfaction, and said that he would perform
+whatever request he might make.
+
+(Vv. 173-246.)  "Sire," says Kay, "hear now what I desire, and
+what is the gift you have promised me.  I esteem myself very
+fortunate to gain such a boon with your consent.  Sire, you have
+pledged your word that you would entrust to me my lady here, and
+that we should go after the knight who awaits us in the forest."
+Though the King is grieved, he trusts him with the charge, for he
+never went back upon his word.  But it made him so ill-humoured
+and displeased that it plainly showed in his countenance.  The
+Queen, for her part, was sorry too, and all those of the
+household say that Kay had made a proud, outrageous, and mad
+request.  Then the King took the Queen by the hand, and said: "My
+lady, you must accompany Kay without making objection."  And Kay
+said: "Hand her over to me now, and have no fear, for I shall
+bring her back perfectly happy and safe."  The King gives her
+into his charge, and he takes her off.  After them all the rest
+go out, and there is not one who is not sad.  You must know that
+the seneschal was fully armed, and his horse was led into the
+middle of the courtyard, together with a palfrey, as is fitting,
+for the Queen.  The Queen walked up to the palfrey, which was
+neither restive nor hard-mouthed.  Grieving and sad, with a sigh
+the Queen mounts, saying to herself in a low voice, so that no
+one could hear: "Alas, alas, if you only knew it, I am sure you
+would never allow me without interference to be led away a step."
+(4)  She thought she had spoken in a very low tone; but Count
+Guinable heard her, who was standing by when she mounted.  When
+they started away, as great a lament was made by all the men and
+women present as if she already lay dead upon a bier.  They do
+not believe that she will ever in her life come back.  The
+seneschal in his impudence takes her where that other knight is
+awaiting her.  But no one was so much concerned as to undertake
+to follow him; until at last my lord Gawain thus addressed the
+King his uncle: "Sire," he says, "you have done a very foolish
+thing, which causes me great surprise; but if you will take my
+advice, while they are still near by, I and you will ride after
+them, and all those who wish to accompany us.  For my part, I
+cannot restrain myself from going in pursuit of them at once.  It
+would not be proper for us not to go after them, at least far
+enough to learn what is to become of the Queen, and how Kay is
+going to comport himself."  "Ah, fair nephew," the King replied,
+"you have spoken courteously.  And since you have undertaken the
+affair, order our horses to be led out bridled and saddled that
+there may be no delay in setting out."
+
+(Vv. 247-398.)  The horses are at once brought out, all ready and
+with the saddles on.  First the King mounts, then my lord Gawain,
+and all the others rapidly.  Each one, wishing to be of the
+party, follows his own will and starts away.  Some were armed,
+but there were not a few without their arms.  My lord Gawain was
+armed, and he bade two squires lead by the bridle two extra
+steeds.  And as they thus approached the forest, they saw Kay's
+horse running out; and they recognised him, and saw that both
+reins of the bridle were broken.  The horse was running wild, the
+stirrup-straps all stained with blood, and the saddle-bow was
+broken and damaged.  Every one was chagrined at this, and they
+nudged each other and shook their heads.  My lord Gawain was
+riding far in advance of the rest of the party, and it was not
+long before he saw coming slowly a knight on a horse that was
+sore, painfully tired, and covered with sweat.  The knight first
+saluted my lord Gawain, and his greeting my lord Gawain returned.
+Then the knight, recognising my lord Gawain, stopped and thus
+spoke to him: "You see, sir, my horse is in a sweat and in such
+case as to be no longer serviceable.  I suppose that those two
+horses belong to you now, with the understanding that I shall
+return the service and the favour, I beg you to let me have one
+or the other of them, either as a loan or outright as a gift."
+And he answers him: "Choose whichever you prefer."  Then he who
+was in dire distress did not try to select the better or the
+fairer or the larger of the horses, but leaped quickly upon the
+one which was nearer to him, and rode him off.  Then the one he
+had just left fell dead, for he had ridden him hard that day, so
+that he was used up and overworked.  The knight without delay
+goes pricking through the forest, and my lord Gawain follows in
+pursuit of him with all speed, until he reaches the bottom of a
+hill.  And when he had gone some distance, he found the horse
+dead which he had given to the knight, and noticed that the
+ground had been trampled by horses, and that broken shields and
+lances lay strewn about, so that it seemed that there had been a
+great combat between several knights, and he was very sorry and
+grieved not to have been there.  However, he did not stay there
+long, but rapidly passed on until he saw again by chance the
+knight all alone on foot, completely armed, with helmet laced,
+shield hanging from his neck, and with his sword girt on.  He had
+overtaken a cart.  In those days such a cart served the same
+purpose as does a pillory now; and in each good town where there
+are more than three thousand such carts nowadays, in those times
+there was only one, and this, like our pillories, had to do
+service for all those who commit murder or treason, and those who
+are guilty of any delinquency, and for thieves who have stolen
+others' property or have forcibly seized it on the roads. 
+Whoever was convicted of any crime was placed upon a cart and
+dragged through all the streets, and he lost henceforth all his
+legal rights, and was never afterward heard, honoured, or
+welcomed in any court.  The carts were so dreadful in those days
+that the saying was then first used: "When thou dost see and meet
+a cart, cross thyself and call upon God, that no evil may befall
+thee."  The knight on foot, and without a lance, walked behind
+the cart, and saw a dwarf sitting on the shafts, who held, as a
+driver does, a long goad in his hand.  Then he cries out: "Dwarf,
+for God's sake, tell me now if thou hast seen my lady, the Queen,
+pass by here."  The miserable, low-born dwarf would not give him
+any news of her, but replied: "If thou wilt get up into the cart
+I am driving thou shalt hear to-morrow what has happened to the
+Queen."  Then he kept on his way without giving further heed. 
+The knight hesitated only for a couple of steps before getting
+in.  Yet, it was unlucky for him that he shrank from the
+disgrace, and did not jump in at once; for he will later rue his
+delay.  But common sense, which is inconsistent with love's
+dictates, bids him refrain from getting in, warning him and
+counselling him to do and undertake nothing for which he may reap
+shame and disgrace.  Reason, which dares thus speak to him,
+reaches only his lips, but not his heart; but love is enclosed
+within his heart, bidding him and urging him to mount at once
+upon the cart.  So he jumps in, since love will have it so,
+feeling no concern about the shame, since he is prompted by
+love's commands.  And my lord Gawain presses on in haste after
+the cart, and when he finds the knight sitting in it, his
+surprise is great.  "Tell me," he shouted to the dwarf, "if thou
+knowest anything of the Queen."  And he replied: "If thou art so
+much thy own enemy as is this knight who is sitting here, get in
+with him, if it be thy pleasure, and I will drive thee along with
+him."  When my lord Gawain heard that, he considered it great
+foolishness, and said that he would not get in, for it would be
+dishonourable to exchange a horse for a cart: "Go on, and
+wherever thy journey lies, I will follow after thee."
+
+(Vv. 399-462.)  Thereupon they start ahead, one mounted on his
+horse, the other two riding in the cart, and thus they proceed in
+company.  Late in the afternoon they arrive at a town, which, you
+must know, was very rich and beautiful.  All three entered
+through the gate; the people are greatly amazed to see the knight
+borne upon the cart, and they take no pains to conceal their
+feelings, but small and great and old and young shout taunts at
+him in the streets, so that the knight hears many vile and
+scornful words at his expense. (5)  They all inquire: "To what
+punishment is this knight to be consigned?  Is he to be rayed, or
+hanged, or drowned, or burned upon a fire of thorns?  Tell us,
+thou dwarf, who art driving him, in what crime was he caught?  Is
+he convicted of robbery?  Is he a murderer, or a criminal?"  And
+to all this the dwarf made no response, vouchsafing to them no
+reply.  He conducts the knight to a lodging-place; and Gawain
+follows the dwarf closely to a tower, which stood on the same
+level over against the town.  Beyond there stretched a meadow,
+and the tower was built close by, up on a lofty eminence of rock,
+whose face formed a sharp precipice.  Following the horse and
+cart, Gawain entered the tower.  In the hall they met a damsel
+elegantly attired, than whom there was none fairer in the land,
+and with her they saw coming two fair and charming maidens.  As
+soon as they saw my lord Gawain, they received him joyously and
+saluted him, and then asked news about the other knight: "Dwarf,
+of what crime is this knight guilty, whom thou dost drive like a
+lame man?"  He would not answer her question, but he made the
+knight get out of the cart, and then he withdrew, without their
+knowing whither he went.  Then my lord Gawain dismounts, and
+valets come forward to relieve the two knights of their armour.
+The damsel ordered two green mantles to be brought, which they
+put on.  When the hour for supper came, a sumptuous repast was
+set.  The damsel sat at table beside my lord Gawain.  They would
+not have changed their lodging-place to seek any other, for all
+that evening the damsel showed them gear honour, and provided
+them with fair and pleasant company.
+
+(Vv. 463-538.)  When they had sat up long enough, two long, high
+beds were prepared in the middle of the hall; and there was
+another bed alongside, fairer and more splendid than the rest;
+for, as the story testifies, it possessed all the excellence that
+one could think of in a bed.  When the time came to retire, the
+damsel took both the guests to whom she had offered her
+hospitality; she shows them the two fine, long, wide beds, and
+says: "These two beds are set up here for the accommodation of
+your bodies; but in that one yonder no one ever lay who did not
+merit it: it was not set up to be used by you."  The knight who
+came riding on the cart replies at once: "Tell me, he says, "for
+what cause this bed is inaccessible."  Being thoroughly informed
+of this, she answers unhesitatingly: "It is not your place to ask
+or make such an inquiry.  Any knight is disgraced in the land
+after being in a cart, and it is not fitting that he should
+concern himself with the matter upon which you have questioned
+me; and most of all it is not right that he should lie upon the
+bed, for he would soon pay dearly for his act.  So rich a couch
+has not been prepared for you, and you would pay dearly for ever
+harbouring such a thought."  He replies: "You will see about that
+presently." .... "Am I to see it?" .... "Yes." .... "It will soon
+appear." .... "By my head," the knight replies, "I know not who
+is to pay the penalty.  But whoever may object or disapprove, I
+intend to lie upon this bed and repose there at my ease."  Then
+he at once disrobed in the bed, which was long and raised half an
+ell above the other two, and was covered with a yellow cloth of
+silk and a coverlet with gilded stars.  The furs were not of
+skinned vair but of sable; the covering he had on him would have
+been fitting for a king.  The mattress was not made of straw or
+rushes or of old mats.  At midnight there descended from the
+rafters suddenly a lance, as with the intention of pinning the
+knight through the flanks to the coverlet and the white sheets
+where he lay. (6)  To the lance there was attached a pennon all
+ablaze.  The coverlet, the bedclothes, and the bed itself all
+caught fire at once.  And the tip of the lance passed so close to
+the knight's side that it cut the skin a little, without
+seriously wounding him.  Then the knight got up, put out the fire
+and, taking the lance, swung it in the middle of the hall, all
+this without leaving his bed; rather did he lie down again and
+slept as securely as at first.
+
+(Vv. 539-982.)  In the morning, at daybreak, the damsel of the
+tower had Mass celebrated on their account, and had them rise
+and dress.  When Mass had been celebrated for them, the knight
+who had ridden in the cart sat down pensively at a window, which
+looked out upon the meadow, and he gazed upon the fields below.
+The damsel came to another window close by, and there my lord
+Gawain conversed with her privately for a while about something,
+I know not what.  I do not know what words were uttered, but
+while they were leaning on the window-sill they saw carried along
+the river through the fields a bier, upon which there lay a
+knight, (7) and alongside three damsels walked, mourning
+bitterly.  Behind the bier they saw a crowd approaching, with a
+tall knight in front, leading a fair lady by the horse's rein. 
+The knight at the window knew that it was the Queen.  He
+continued to gaze at her attentively and with delight as long as
+she was visible.  And when he could no longer see her, he was
+minded to throw himself out and break his body down below.  And
+he would have let himself fall out had not my lord Gawain seen
+him, and drawn him back, saying: "I beg you, sire, be quiet now. 
+For God's sake, never think again of committing such a mad deed. 
+It is wrong for you to despise your life."  "He is perfectly
+right," the damsel says; "for will not the news of his disgrace
+be known everywhere?  Since he has been upon the cart, he has
+good reason to wish to die, for he would be better dead than
+alive.  His life henceforth is sure to be one of shame, vexation,
+and unhappiness."  Then the knights asked for their armour, and
+armed themselves, the damsel treating them courteously, with
+distinction and generosity; for when she had joked with the
+knight and ridiculed him enough, she presented him with a horse
+and lance as a token of her goodwill.  The knights then
+courteously and politely took leave of the damsel, first saluting
+her, and then going off in the direction taken by the crowd they
+had seen.  Thus they rode out from the town without addressing
+them.  They proceeded quickly in the direction they had seen
+taken by the Queen, but they did not overtake the procession,
+which had advanced rapidly.  After leaving the fields, the
+knights enter an enclosed place, and find a beaten road.  They
+advanced through the woods until it might be six o'clock, (8) and
+then at a crossroads they met a damsel, whom they both saluted,
+each asking and requesting her to tell them, if she knows,
+whither the Queen has been taken.  Replying intelligently, she
+said to them: "If you would pledge me your word, I could set you
+on the right road and path, and I would tell you the name of the
+country and of the knight who is conducting her; but whoever
+would essay to enter that country must endure sore trials, for
+before he could reach there he must suffer much."  Then my lord
+Gawain replies: "Damsel, so help me God, I promise to place all
+my strength at your disposal and service, whenever you please, if
+you will tell me now the truth."  And he who had been on the cart
+did not say that he would pledge her all his strength; but he
+proclaims, like one whom love makes rich, powerful and bold for
+any enterprise, that at once and without hesitation he will
+promise her anything she desires, and he puts himself altogether
+at her disposal.  "Then I will tell you the truth," says she. 
+Then the damsel relates to them the following story: "In truth,
+my lords, Meleagant, a tall and powerful knight, son of the King
+of Gorre, has taken her off into the kingdom whence no foreigner
+returns, but where he must perforce remain in servitude and
+banishment."  Then they ask her: "Damsel, where is this country? 
+Where can we find the way thither?"  She replies: "That you shall
+quickly learn; but you may be sure that you will meet with many
+obstacles and difficult passages, for it is not easy to enter
+there except with the permission of the king, whose name is
+Bademagu; however, it is possible to enter by two very perilous
+paths and by two very difficult passage-ways.  One is called the
+water-bridge, because the bridge is under water, and there is the
+same amount of water beneath it as above it, so that the bridge
+is exactly in the middle; and it is only a foot and a half in
+width and in thickness.  This choice is certainly to be avoided.
+and yet it is the less dangerous of the two.  In addition there
+are a number of other obstacles of which I will say nothing.  The
+other bridge is still more impracticable and much more perilous,
+never having been crossed by man.  It is just like a sharp sword,
+and therefore all the people call it `the sword-bridge'.  Now I
+have told you all the truth I know."  But they ask of her once
+again: "Damsel, deign to show us these two passages."  To which
+the damsel makes reply: "This road here is the most direct to the
+water-bridge, and that one yonder leads straight to the sword-
+bridge."  Then the knight, who had been on the cart, says: "Sire,
+I am ready to share with you without prejudice: take one of these
+two routes, and leave the other one to me; take whichever you
+prefer."  "In truth," my lord Gawain replies, "both of them are
+hard and dangerous: I am not skilled in making such a choice, and
+hardly know which of them to take; but it is not right for me to
+hesitate when you have left the choice to me: I will choose the
+water-bridge."  The other answers: "Then I must go
+uncomplainingly to the sword-bridge, which I agree to do."
+Thereupon, they all three part, each one commending the others
+very courteously to God.  And when she sees them departing, she
+says: "Each one of you owes me a favour of my choosing, whenever
+I may choose to ask it.  Take care not to forget that."  "We
+shall surely not forget it, sweet friend," both the knights call
+out.  Then each one goes his own way, and he of the cart is
+occupied with deep reflections, like one who has no strength or
+defence against love which holds him in its sway.  His thoughts
+are such that he totally forgets himself, and he knows not
+whether he is alive or dead, forgetting even his own name, not
+knowing whether he is armed or not, or whither he is going or
+whence he came.  Only one creature he has in mind, and for her
+his thought is so occupied that he neither sees nor hears aught
+else. (9)  And his horse bears him along rapidly, following no
+crooked road, but the best and the most direct; and thus
+proceeding unguided, he brings him into an open plain.  In this
+plain there was a ford, on the other side of which a knight stood
+armed, who guarded it, and in his company there was a damsel who
+had come on a palfrey.  By this time the afternoon was well
+advanced, and yet the knight, unchanged and unwearied, pursued
+his thoughts.  The horse, being very thirsty, sees clearly the
+ford, and as soon as he sees it, hastens toward it.  Then he on
+the other side cries out: "Knight, I am guarding the ford, and
+forbid you to cross."  He neither gives him heed, nor hears his
+words, being still deep in thought.  In the meantime, his horse
+advanced rapidly toward the water.  The knight calls out to him
+that he will do wisely to keep at a distance from the ford, for
+there is no passage that way; and he swears by the heart within
+his breast that he will smite him if he enters the water.  But
+his threats are not heard, and he calls out to him a third time:
+"Knight, do not enter the ford against my will and prohibition;
+for, by my head, I shall strike you as soon as I see you in the
+ford."  But he is so deep in thought that he does not hear him. 
+And the horse, quickly leaving the bank, leaps into the ford and
+greedily begins to drink.  And the knight says he shall pay for
+this, that his shield and the hauberk he wears upon his back
+shall afford him no protection.  First, he puts his horse at a
+gallop, and from a gallop he urges him to a run, and he strikes
+the knight so hard that he knocks him down flat in the ford which
+he had forbidden him to cross.  His lance flew from his hand and
+the shield from his neck.  When he feels the water, he shivers,
+and though stunned, he jumps to his feet, like one aroused from
+sleep, listening and looking about him with astonishment, to see
+who it can be who has struck him.  Then face to face with the
+other knight, he said: "Vassal, tell me why you have struck me,
+when I was not aware of your presence, and when I had done you no
+harm."  "Upon my word, you had wronged me," the other says: "did
+you not treat me disdainfully when I forbade you three times to
+cross the ford, shouting at you as loudly as I could?  You surely
+heard me challenge you at least two or three times, and you
+entered in spite of me, though I told you I should strike you as
+soon as I saw you in the ford."  Then the knight replies to him:
+"Whoever heard you or saw you, let him be damned, so far as I am
+concerned.  I was probably deep in thought when you forbade me to
+cross the ford.  But be assured that I would make you reset it,
+if I could just lay one of my hands on your bridle."  And the
+other replies: "Why, what of that?  If you dare, you may seize my
+bridle here and now.  I do not esteem your proud threats so much
+as a handful of ashes."  And he replies: "That suits me
+perfectly.  However the affair may turn out, I should like to lay
+my hands on you."  Then the other knight advances to the middle
+of the ford, where the other lays his left hand upon his bridle,
+and his right hand upon his leg, pulling, dragging, and pressing
+him so roughly that he remonstrates, thinking that he would pull
+his leg out of his body.  Then he begs him to let go, saying:
+"Knight, if it please thee to fight me on even terms, take thy
+shield and horse and lance, and joust with me."  He answers:
+"That will I not do, upon my word; for I suppose thou wouldst run
+away as soon as thou hadst escaped my grip."  Hearing this, he
+was much ashamed, and said: "Knight, mount thy horse, in
+confidence for I will pledge thee loyally my word that I shall
+not flinch or run away."  Then once again he answers him: "First,
+thou wilt have to swear to that, and I insist upon receiving thy
+oath that thou wilt neither run away nor flinch, nor touch me,
+nor come near me until thou shalt see me on my horse; I shall be
+treating thee very generously, if, when thou art in my hands, I
+let thee go."  He can do nothing but give his oath; and when the
+other hears him swear, he gathers up his shield and lance which
+were floating in the ford and by this time had drifted well
+down-stream; then he returns and takes his horse.  After catching
+and mounting him, he seizes the shield by the shoulder-straps and
+lays his lance in rest.  Then each spurs toward the other as fast
+as their horses can carry them.  And he who had to defend the
+ford first attacks the other, striking him so hard that his lance
+is completely splintered.  The other strikes him in return so
+that he throws him prostrate into the ford, and the water closes
+over him.  Having accomplished that, he draws back and dismounts,
+thinking he could drive and chase away a hundred such.  While he
+draws from the scabbard his sword of steel, the other jumps up
+and draws his excellent flashing blade.  Then they clash again,
+advancing and covering themselves with the shields which gleam
+with gold.  Ceaselessly and without repose they wield their
+swords; they have the courage to deal so many blows that the
+battle finally is so protracted that the Knight of the Cart is
+greatly ashamed in his heart, thinking that he is making a sorry
+start in the way he has undertaken, when he has spent so much
+time in defeating a single knight.  If he had met yesterday a
+hundred such, he does not think or believe that they could have
+withstood him; so now he is much grieved and wroth to be in such
+an exhausted state that he is missing his strokes and losing
+time.  Then he runs at him and presses him so hard that the other
+knight gives way and flees.  However reluctant he may be, he
+leaves the ford and crossing free.  But the other follows him in
+pursuit until he falls forward upon his hands; then he of the
+cart runs up to him, swearing by all he sees that he shall rue
+the day when he upset him in the ford and disturbed his revery.
+The damsel, whom the knight had with him, upon hearing the
+threats, is in great fear, and begs him for her sake to forbear
+from killing him; but he tells her that he must do so, and can
+show him no mercy for her sake, in view of the shameful wrong
+that he has done him.  Then, with sword drawn, he approaches the
+knight who cries in sore dismay: "For God's sake and for my own,
+show me the mercy I ask of you."  And he replies: "As God may
+save me, no one ever sinned so against me that I would not show
+him mercy once, for God's sake as is right, if he asked it of me
+in God's name.  And so on thee I will have mercy; for I ought not
+to refuse thee when thou hast besought me.  But first, thou shalt
+give me thy word to constitute thyself my prisoner whenever I may
+wish to summon thee."  Though it was hard to do so, he promised
+him.  At once the damsel said: "O knight, since thou hast granted
+the mercy he asked of thee, if ever thou hast broken any bonds,
+for my sake now be merciful and release this prisoner from his
+parole.  Set him free at my request, upon condition that when the
+time comes, I shall do my utmost to repay thee in any way that
+thou shalt choose."  Then he declares himself satisfied with the
+promise she has made, and sets the knight at liberty.  Then she
+is ashamed and anxious, thinking that he will recognise her,
+which she did not wish.  But he goes away at once, the knight and
+the damsel commending him to God, and taking leave of him.  He
+grants them leave to go, while he himself pursues his way, until
+late in the afternoon he met a damsel coming, who was very fair
+and charming, well attired and richly dressed.  The damsel greets
+him prudently and courteously, and he replies: "Damsel, God grant
+you health and happiness."  Then the damsel said to him: "Sire,
+my house is prepared for you, if you will accept my hospitality,
+but you shall find shelter there only on condition that you will
+lie with me; upon these terms I propose and make the offer."  Not
+a few there are who would have thanked her five hundred times for
+such a gift; but he is much displeased, and made a very different
+answer: "Damsel, I thank you for the offer of your house, and
+esteem it highly, but, if you please, I should be very sorry to
+lie with you."  "By my eyes," the damsel says, "then I retract my
+offer."  And he, since it is unavoidable, lets her have her way,
+though his heart grieves to give consent.  He feels only
+reluctance now; but greater distress will be his when it is time
+to go to bed.  The damsel, too, who leads him away, will pass
+through sorrow and heaviness.  For it is possible that she will
+love him so that she will not wish to part with him.  As soon as 
+he had granted her wish and desire, she escorts him to a
+fortified place, than which there was none fairer in Thessaly;
+for it was entirely enclosed by a high wall and a deep moat, and
+there was no man within except him whom she brought with her.
+
+(Vv. 983-1042.)  Here she had constructed for her residence a
+quantity of handsome rooms, and a large and roomy hall.  Riding
+along a river bank, they approached their lodging-place, and a
+drawbridge was lowered to allow them to pass.  Crossing the
+bridge, they entered in, and found the hall open with its roof of
+tiles.  Through the open door they pass, and see a table laid
+with a broad white cloth, upon which the dishes were set, and the
+candles burning in their stands, and the gilded silver drinking-
+cups, and two pots of wine, one red and one white.  Standing
+beside the table, at the end of a bench, they found two basins of
+warm water in which to wash their hands, with a richly
+embroidered towel, all white and clean, with which to dry their
+hands.  No valets, servants, or squires were to be found or seen.
+The knight, removing his shield from about his neck, hangs it
+upon a hook, and, taking his lance, lays it above upon a rack.
+Then he dismounts from his horse, as does the damsel from hers.
+The knight, for his part, was pleased that she did not care to
+wait for him to help her to dismount.  Having dismounted, she
+runs directly to a room and brings him a short mantle of scarlet
+cloth which she puts on him.  The hall was by no means dark; for
+beside the light from the stars, there were many large twisted
+candles lighted there, so that the illumination was very bright.
+When she had thrown the mantle about his shoulders, she said to
+him: "Friend, here is the water and the towel; there is no one to
+present or offer it to you except me whom you see.  Wash your
+hands, and then sit down, when you feel like doing so.  The hour
+and the meal, as you can see, demand that you should do so."  He
+washes, and then gladly and readily takes his seat, and she sits
+down beside him, and they eat and drink together, until the time
+comes to leave the table.
+
+(Vv. 1043-1206.)  When they had risen from the table, the damsel
+said to the knight: "Sire, if you do not object, go outside and
+amuse yourself; but, if you please, do not stay after you think I
+must be in bed.  Feel no concern or embarrassment; for then you
+may come to me at once, if you will keep the promise you have
+made."  And he replies: "I will keep my word, and will return
+when I think the time has come."  Then he went out, and stayed in
+the courtyard until he thought it was time to return and keep the
+promise he had made.  Going back into the hall, he sees nothing
+of her who would be his mistress; for she was not there.  Not
+finding or seeing her, he said: "Wherever she may be, I shall
+look for her until I find her."  He makes no delay in his search,
+being bound by the promise he had made her.  Entering one of the
+rooms, he hears a damsel cry aloud, and it was the very one with
+whom he was about to lie.  At the same time, he sees the door of
+another room standing open, and stepping toward it, he sees right
+before his eyes a knight who had thrown her down, and was holding
+her naked and prostrate upon the bed.  She, thinking that he had
+come of course to help her, cried aloud: "Help, help, thou
+knight, who art my guest.  If thou dost not take this man away
+from me, I shall find no one to do so; if thou dost not succour
+me speedily, he will wrong me before thy eyes.  Thou art the one
+to lie with me, in accordance with thy promise; and shall this
+man by force accomplish his wish before thy eyes?  Gentle knight,
+exert thyself, and make haste to bear me aid."  He sees that the
+other man held the damsel brutally uncovered to the waist, and he
+is ashamed and angered to see him assault her so; yet it is not
+jealousy he feels, nor will he be made a cuckold by him.  At the
+door there stood as guards two knights completely armed and with
+swords drawn.  Behind them there stood four men-at-arms, each
+armed with an axe the sort with which you could split a cow down
+the back as easily as a root of juniper or broom.  The knight
+hesitated at the door, and thought: "God, what can I do?  I am
+engaged in no less an affair than the quest of Queen Guinevere. 
+I ought not to have the heart of a hare, when for her sake I have
+engaged in such a quest.  If cowardice puts its heart in me, and
+if I follow its dictates, I shall never attain what I seek.  I am
+disgraced, if I stand here; indeed, I am ashamed even to have
+thought of holding back.  My heart is very sad and oppressed: now
+I am so ashamed and distressed that I would gladly die for having
+hesitated here so long.  I say it not in pride: but may God have
+mercy on me if I do not prefer to die honourably rather than live
+a life of shame!  If my path were unobstructed, and if these men
+gave me leave to pass through without restraint, what honour
+would I gain?  Truly, in that case the greatest coward alive
+would pass through; and all the while I hear this poor creature
+calling for help constantly, and reminding me of my promise, and
+reproaching me with bitter taunts."  Then he steps to the door,
+thrusting in his head and shoulders; glancing up, he sees two
+swords descending.  He draws back, and the knights could not
+check their strokes: they had wielded them with such force that
+the swords struck the floor, and both were broken in pieces. 
+When he sees that the swords are broken, he pays less attention
+to the axes, fearing and dreading them much less. Rushing in
+among them, he strikes first one guard in the side and then
+another.  The two who are nearest him he jostles and thrusts
+aside, throwing them both down flat; the third missed his stroke
+at him, but the fourth, who attacked him, strikes him so that he
+cuts his mantle and shirt, and slices the white flesh on his
+shoulder so that the blood trickles down from the wound.  But he,
+without delay, and without complaining of his wound, presses on
+more rapidly, until he strikes between the temples him who was
+assaulting his hostess.  Before he departs, he will try to keep
+his pledge to her.  He makes him stand up reluctantly. 
+Meanwhile, he who had missed striking him comes at him as fast as
+he can and, raising his arm again, expects to split his head to
+the teeth with the axe.  But the other, alert to defend himself,
+thrusts the knight toward him in such a way that he receives the
+axe just where the shoulder joins the neck, so that they are
+cleaved apart.  Then the knight seizes the axe, wresting it
+quickly from him who holds it; then he lets go the knight whom he
+still held, and looks to his own defence; for the knights from
+the door, and the three men with axes are all attacking him
+fiercely.  So he leaped quickly between the bed and the wall, and
+called to them: "Come on now, all of you.  If there were thirty-
+seven of you, you would have all the fight you wish, with me so
+favourably placed; I shall never be overcome by you."  And the
+damsel watching him, exclaimed: "By my eyes, you need have no
+thought of that henceforth where I am."  Then at once she
+dismisses the knights and the men-at-arms, who retire from there
+at once, without delay or objection.  And the damsel continues:
+"Sire you have well defended me against the men of my household.
+Come now, and I'll lead you on."  Hand in hand they enter the
+hall, but he was not at all pleased, and would have willingly
+dispensed with her.
+
+(Vv. 1207-1292.)  In the midst of the hall a bed had been set up,
+the sheets of which were by no means soiled, but were white and
+wide and well spread out.  The bed was not of shredded straw or
+of coarse spreads.  But a covering of two silk cloths had been
+laid upon the couch.  The damsel lay down first, but without
+removing her chemise.  He had great trouble in removing his hose
+and in untying the knots.  He sweated with the trouble of it all;
+yet, in the midst of all the trouble, his promise impels and
+drives him on.  Is this then an actual force?  Yes, virtually so;
+for he feels that he is in duty bound to take his place by the
+damsel's side.  It is his promise that urges him and dictates his
+act.  So he lies down at once, but like her, he does not remove
+his shirt.  He takes good care not to touch her; and when he is
+in bed, he turns away from her as far as possible, and speaks not
+a word to her, like a monk to whom speech is forbidden.  Not once
+does he look at her, nor show her any courtesy.  Why not? 
+Because his heart does not go out to her.  She was certainly very
+fair and winsome, but not every one is pleased and touched by
+what is fair and winsome.  The knight has only one heart, and
+this one is really no longer his, but has been entrusted to some
+one else, so that he cannot bestow it elsewhere.  Love, which
+holds all hearts beneath its sway, requires it to be lodged in a
+single place.  All hearts?  No, only those which it esteems.  And
+he whom love deigns to control ought to prize himself the more.
+Love prized his heart so highly that it constrained it in a
+special manner, and made him so proud of this distinction that I
+am not inclined to find fault with him, if he lets alone what
+love forbids, and remains fixed where it desires.  The maiden
+clearly sees and knows that he dislikes her company and would
+gladly dispense with it, and that, having no desire to win her
+love, he would not attempt to woo her.  So she said: "My lord, if
+you will not feel hurt, I will leave and return to bed in my own
+room, and you will be more comfortable.  I do not believe that
+you are pleased with my company and society.  Do not esteem me
+less if I tell you what I think.  Now take your rest all night,
+for you have so well kept your promise that I have no right to
+make further request of you.  So I commend you to God; and shall
+go away."  Thereupon she arises: the knight does not object, but
+rather gladly lets her go, like one who is the devoted lover of
+some one else; the damsel clearly perceived this, and went to her
+room, where she undressed completely and retired, saying to
+herself: "Of all the knights I have ever known, I never knew a
+single knight whom I would value the third part of an angevin in
+comparison with this one.  As I understand the case, he has on
+hand a more perilous and grave affair than any ever undertaken by
+a knight; and may God grant that he succeed in it."  Then she
+fell asleep, and remained in bed until the next day's dawn
+appeared.
+
+(Vv. 1293-1368.)  At daybreak she awakes and gets up.  The knight
+awakes too, dressing, and putting on his arms, without waiting
+for any help.  Then the damsel comes and sees that he is already
+dressed.  Upon seeing him, she says: "May this day be a happy one
+for you."  "And may it be the same to you, damsel," the knight
+replies, adding that he is waiting anxiously for some one to
+bring out his horse.  The maiden has some one fetch the horse,
+and says: "Sire, I should like to accompany you for some distance
+along the road, if you would agree to escort and conduct me
+according to the customs and practices which were observed before
+we were made captive in the kingdom of Logres."  In those days
+the customs and privileges were such that, if a knight found a
+damsel or lorn maid alone, and if he cared for his fair name, he
+would no more treat her with dishonour than he would cut his own
+throat.  And if he assaulted her, he would be disgraced for ever
+in every court.  But if, while she was under his escort, she
+should be won at arms by another who engaged him in battle, then
+this other knight might do with her what he pleased without
+receiving shame or blame.  This is why the damsel said she would
+go with him, if he had the courage and willingness to safe guard
+her in his company, so that no one should do her any harm.  And
+he says to her: "No one shall harm you, I promise you, unless he
+harm me first."  "Then," she says, "I will go with you."  She
+orders her palfrey to be saddled, and her command is obeyed at
+once.  Her palfrey was brought together with the knight's horse.
+Without the aid of any squire, they both mount, and rapidly ride
+away.  She talks to him, but not caring for her words, he pays no
+attention to what she says.  He likes to think, but dislikes to
+talk.  Love very often inflicts afresh the wound it has given
+him.  Yet, he applied no poultice to the wound to cure it and
+make it comfortable, having no intention or desire to secure a
+poultice or to seek a physician, unless the wound becomes more
+painful.  Yet, there is one whose remedy he would gladly seek
+.... (10)  They follow the roads and paths in the right direction
+until they come to a spring, situated in the middle of a field,
+and bordered by a stone basin.  Some one had forgotten upon the
+stone a comb of gilded ivory.  Never since ancient times has wise
+man or fool seen such a comb.  In its teeth there was almost a
+handful of hair belonging to her who had used the comb.
+
+(Vv. 1369-1552.)  When the damsel notices the spring, and sees
+the stone, she does not wish her companion to see it; so she
+turns off in another direction.  And he, agreeably occupied with
+his own thoughts, does not at once remark that she is leading him
+aside; but when at last he notices it, he is afraid of being
+beguiled, thinking that she is yielding and is going out of the
+way in order to avoid some danger.  "See here, damsel," he cries,
+"you are not going right; come this way!  No one, I think, ever
+went straight who left this road."  "Sire, this is a better way
+for us," the damsel says, "I am sure of it."  Then he replies to
+her: "I don't know, damsel, what you think; but you can plainly
+see that the beaten path lies this way; and since I have started
+to follow it, I shall not turn aside.  So come now, if you will,
+for I shall continue along this way."  Then they go forward until
+they come near the stone basin and see the comb.  The knight
+says: "I surely never remember to have seen so beautiful a comb
+as this."  "Let me have it," the damsel says. "Willingly,
+damsel," he replies.  Then he stoops over and picks it up.  While
+holding it, he looks at it steadfastly, gazing at the hair until
+the damsel begins to laugh.  When he sees her doing so, he begs
+her to tell him why she laughs.  And she says: "Never mind, for I
+will never tell you."  "Why not?" he asks.  "Because I don't wish
+to do so."  And when he hears that, he implores her like one who
+holds that lovers ought to keep faith mutually: "Damsel, if you
+love anything passionately, by that I implore and conjure and beg
+you not to conceal from me the reason why you laugh."  "Your
+appeal is so strong," she says, "that I will tell you and keep
+nothing back.  I am sure, as I am of anything, that this comb
+belonged to the Queen.  And you may take my word that those are
+strands of the Queen's hair which you see to be so fair and light
+and radiant, and which are clinging in the teeth of the comb;
+they surely never grew anywhere else."  Then the knight replied:
+"Upon my word, there are plenty of queens and kings; what queen
+do you mean?"  And she answered: "In truth, fair sire, it is of
+King Arthur's wife I speak."  When he hears that, he has not
+strength to keep from bowing his head over his saddle-bow.  And
+when the damsel sees him thus, she is amazed and terrified,
+thinking he is about to fall.  Do not blame her for her fear, for
+she thought him in a faint.  He might as well have swooned, so
+near was he to doing so; for in his heart he felt such grief that
+for a long time he lost his colour and power of speech.  And the
+damsel dismounts, and runs as quickly as possible to support and
+succour him; for she would not have wished for anything to see
+him fall.  When he saw her, he felt ashamed, and said: "Why do
+you need to bear me aid?"  You must not suppose that the damsel
+told him why; for he would have been ashamed and distressed, and
+it would have annoyed and troubled him, if she had confessed to
+him the truth.  So she took good care not to tell the truth, but
+tactfully answered him: "Sire, I dismounted to get the comb; for
+I was so anxious to hold it in my hand that I could not longer
+wait."  Willing that she should have the comb, he gives it to
+her, first pulling out the hair so carefully that he tears none
+of it.  Never will the eye of man see anything receive such
+honour as when he begins to adore these tresses.  A hundred
+thousand times he raises them to his eyes and mouth, to his
+forehead and face: he manifests his joy in every way, considering
+himself rich and happy now.  He lays them in his bosom near his
+heart, between the shirt and the flesh.  He would not exchange
+them for a cartload of emeralds and carbuncles, nor does he think
+that any sore or illness can afflict him now; he holds in
+contempt essence of pearl, treacle, and the cure for pleurisy;
+(11) even for St. Martin and St. James he has no need; for he has
+such confidence in this hair that he requires no other aid.  But
+what was this hair like?  If I tell the truth about it, you will
+think I am a mad teller of lies.  When the mart is full at the
+yearly fair of St. Denis, (12) and when the goods are most
+abundantly displayed, even then the knight would not take all
+this wealth, unless he had found these tresses too.  And if you
+wish to know the truth, gold a hundred thousand times refined,
+and melted down as many times, would be darker than is night
+compared with the brightest summer day we have had this year, if
+one were to see the gold and set it beside this hair.  But why
+should I make a long story of it?  The damsel mounts again with
+the comb in her possession; while he revels and delights in the
+tresses in his bosom.  Leaving the plain, they come to a forest
+and take a short cut through it until they come to a narrow
+place, where they have to go in single file; for it would have
+been impossible to ride two horses abreast.  Just where the way
+was narrowest, they see a knight approach.  As soon as she saw
+him, the damsel recognised him, and said: "Sir knight, do you see
+him who yonder comes against us all armed and ready for a battle? 
+I know what his intention is: he thinks now that he cannot fail
+to take me off defenceless with him.  He loves me, but he is very
+foolish to do so.  In person, and by messenger, he has been long
+wooing me.  But my love is not within his reach, for I would not
+love him under any consideration, so help me God!  I would kill
+myself rather than bestow my love on him.  I do not doubt that he
+is delighted now, and is as satisfied as if he had me already in
+his power.  But now I shall see what you can do, and I shall see
+how brave you are, and it will become apparent whether your
+escort can protect me.  If you can protect me now, I shall not
+fail to proclaim that you are brave and very worthy."  And he
+answered her: "Go on, go on!" which was as much as to say: "I am
+not concerned; there is no need of your being worried about what
+you have said."
+
+(Vv. 1553-1660.)  While they were proceeding, talking thus, the
+knight, who was alone, rode rapidly toward them on the run.  He
+was the more eager to make haste, because he felt more sure of
+success; he felt that he was lucky now to see her whom he most
+dearly loves.  As soon as he approaches her, he greets her with
+words that come from his heart: "Welcome to her, whence-soever
+she comes, whom I most desire, but who has hitherto caused me
+least joy and most distress!"  It is not fitting that she should
+be so stingy of her speech as not to return his greeting, at
+least by word of mouth.  The knight is greatly elated when the
+damsel greets him; though she does not take the words seriously,
+and the effort costs her nothing.  Yet, if he had at this moment
+been victor in a tournament, he would not have so highly esteemed
+himself, nor thought he had won such honour and renown.  Being
+now more confident of his worth, he grasped the bridle rein, and
+said: "Now I shall lead you away: I have to-day sailed well on my
+course to have arrived at last at so good a port.  Now my
+troubles are at an end: after dangers, I have reached a haven;
+after sorrow, I have attained happiness; after pain, I have
+perfect health; now I have accomplished my desire, when I find
+you in such case that I can without resistance lead you away with
+me at once."  Then she says: "You have no advantage; for I am
+under this knight's escort."  "Surely, the escort is not worth
+much," he says, "and I am going to lead you off at once.  This
+knight would have time to eat a bushel of salt before he could
+defend you from me; I think I could never meet a knight from whom
+I should not win you.  And since I find you here so opportunely,
+though he too may do his best to prevent it, yet I will take you
+before his very eyes, however disgruntled he may be."  The other
+is not angered by all the pride he hears expressed, but without
+any impudence or boasting, he begins thus to challenge him for
+her: "Sire, don't be in a hurry, and don't waste your words, but
+speak a little reasonably.  You shall not be deprived of as much
+of her as rightly belongs to you.  You must know, however, that
+the damsel has come hither under my protection.  Let her alone
+now, for you have detained her long enough!"  The other gives
+them leave to burn him, if he does not take her away in spite of
+him.  Then the other says: "It would not be right for me to let
+you take her away; I would sooner fight with you.  But if we
+should wish to fight, we could not possibly do it in this narrow
+road.  Let us go to some level place--a meadow or an open
+field."  And he replies that that will suit him perfectly:
+"Certainly, I agree to that: you are quite right, this road is
+too narrow.  My horse is so much hampered here that I am afraid
+he will crush his flank before I can turn him around."  Then with
+great difficulty he turns, and his horse escapes without any
+wound or harm.  Then he says: "To be sure, I am much chagrined
+that we have not met in a favourable spot and in the presence of
+other men, for I should have been glad to have them see which is
+the better of us two.  Come on now, let us begin our search: we
+shall find in the vicinity some large, broad, and open space."
+Then they proceed to a meadow, where there were maids, knights,
+and damsels playing at divers games in this pleasant place.  They
+were not all engaged in idle sport, but were playing backgammon
+and chess or dice, and were evidently agreeably employed.  Most
+were engaged in such games as these; but the others there were
+engaged in sports, dancing, singing, tumbling, leaping, and
+wrestling with each other.
+
+(Vv. 1661-1840.)  A knight somewhat advanced in years was on the
+other side of the meadow, seared upon a sorrel Spanish steed. 
+His bridle and saddle were of gold, and his hair was turning
+grey.  One hand hung at his side with easy grace.  The weather
+being fine, he was in his shirt sleeves, with a short mantle of
+scarlet cloth and fur slung over his shoulders, and thus he
+watched the games and dances.  On the other side of the field,
+close by a path, there were twenty-three knights mounted on good
+Irish steeds.  As soon as the three new arrivals come into view,
+they all cease their play and shout across the fields: "See,
+yonder comes the knight who was driven in the cart!  Let no one
+continue his sport while he is in our midst.  A curse upon him
+who cares or deigns to play so long as he is here!"  Meanwhile he
+who loved the damsel and claimed her as his own, approached the
+old knight, and said: "Sire, I have attained great happiness; let
+all who will now hear me say that God has granted me the thing
+that I have always most desired; His gift would not have been so
+great had He crowned me as king, nor would I have been so
+indebted to Him, nor would I have so profited; for what I have
+gained is fair and good."  "I know not yet if it be thine," the
+knight replies to his son.  But the latter answers him: "Don't
+you know?  Can't you see it, then?  For God's sake, sire, have no
+further doubt, when you see that I have her in my possession.  In
+this forest, whence I come, I met her as she was on her way.  I
+think God had fetched her there for me, and I have taken her for
+my own."  "I do not know whether this will be allowed by him whom
+I see coming after thee; he looks as if he is coming to demand
+her of thee."  During this conversation the dancing had ceased
+because of the knight whom they saw, nor were they gaily playing
+any more because of the disgust and scorn they felt for him.  But
+the knight without delay came up quickly after the damsel, and
+said: "Let the damsel alone, knight, for you have no right to
+her!  If you dare, I am willing at once to fight with you in her
+defence."  Then the old knight remarked: "Did I not know it? 
+Fair son, detain the damsel no longer, but let her go."  He does
+not relish this advice, and swears that he will not give her up:
+"May God never grant me joy if I give her up to him!  I have her,
+and I shall hold on to her as something that is mine own.  The
+shoulder-strap and all the armlets of my shield shall first be
+broken, and I shall have lost all confidence in my strength and
+arms, my sword and lance, before I will surrender my mistress to
+him."  And his father says: "I shall not let thee fight for any
+reason thou mayest urge.  Thou art too confident of thy bravery.
+So obey my command."  But he in his pride replies: "What?  Am I a
+child to be terrified?  Rather will I make my boast that there is
+not within the sea-girt land any knight, wheresoever he may
+dwell, so excellent that I would let him have her, and whom I
+should not expect speedily to defeat."  The father answers: "Fair
+son, I do not doubt that thou dost really think so, for thou art
+so confident of thy strength.  But I do not wish to see thee
+enter a contest with this knight."  Then he replies: "I shall be
+disgraced if I follow your advice.  Curse me if I heed your
+counsel and turn recreant because of you, and do not do my utmost
+in the fight.  It is true that a man fares ill among his
+relatives: I could drive a better bargain somewhere else, for you
+are trying to take me in.  I am sure that where I am not known, I
+could act with better grace.  No one, who did not know me, would
+try to thwart my will; whereas you are annoying and tormenting
+me.  I am vexed by your finding fault with me.  You know well
+enough that when any one is blamed, he breaks out still more
+passionately.  But may God never give me joy if I renounce my
+purpose because of you; rather will I fight in spite of you!" 
+"By the faith I bear the Apostle St. Peter," his father says,
+"now I see that my request is of no avail.  I waste my time in
+rebuking thee; but I shall soon devise such means as shall compel
+thee against thy will to obey my commands and submit to them."
+Straightway summoning all the knights to approach, he bids them
+lay hands upon his son whom he cannot correct, saying: "I will
+have him bound rather than let him fight.  You here are all my
+men, and you owe me your devotion and service: by all the fiefs
+you hold from me, I hold you responsible, and I add my prayer. 
+It seems to me that he must be mad, and that he shows excessive
+pride, when he refuses to respect my will."  Then they promise to
+take care of him, and say that never, while he is in their
+charge, shall he wish to fight, but that he must renounce the
+damsel in spite of himself.  Then they all join and seize him by
+the arms and neck.  "Dost thou not think thyself foolish now?"
+his father asks; "confess the truth: thou hast not the strength
+or power to fight or joust, however distasteful and hard it may
+be for thee to admit it.  Thou wilt be wise to consent to my will
+and pleasure.  Dost thou know what my intention is?  In order
+somewhat to mitigate thy disappointment, I am willing to join
+thee, if thou wilt, in following the knight to-day and to-morrow,
+through wood and plain, each one mounted on his horse.  Perhaps
+we shall soon find him to be of such a character and bearing that
+I might let thee have thy way and fight with him."  To this
+proposal the other must perforce consent.  Like the man who has
+no alternative, he says that he will give in, provided they both
+shall follow him.  And when the people in the field see how this
+adventure has turned out, they all exclaim: "Did you see?  He who
+was mounted on the cart has gained such honour here that he is
+leading away the mistress of the son of my lord, and he himself
+is allowing it.  We may well suppose that he finds in him some
+merit, when he lets him take her off.  Now cursed a hundred times
+be he who ceases longer his sport on his account!  Come, let us
+go back to our games again."  Then they resume their games and
+dances.
+
+(Vv. 1841-1966.)  Thereupon the knight turns away, without longer
+remaining in the field, and the damsel accompanies him.  They
+leave in haste, while the father and his son ride after them
+through the mown fields until toward three o'clock, when in a
+very pleasant spot they come upon a church; beside the chancel
+there was a cemetery enclosed by a wall.  The knight was both
+courteous and wise to enter the church on foot and make his
+prayer to God, while the damsel held his horse for him until he
+returned.  When he had made his prayer, and while he was coming
+back, a very old monk suddenly presented himself; whereupon the
+knight politely requests him to tell him what this place is; for
+he does not know.  And he tells him it is a cemetery.  And the
+other says: "Take me in, so help you God!"  "Gladly, sire," and
+he takes him in.  Following the monk's lead, the knight beholds
+the most beautiful tombs that one could find as far as Dombes
+(13) or Pampelune; and on each tomb there were letters cut,
+telling the names of those who were destined to be buried there. 
+And he began in order to read the names, and came upon some which
+said: "Here Gawain is to lie, here Louis, and here Yvain."  After
+these three, he read the names of many others among the most
+famed and cherished knights of this or any other land.  Among the
+others, he finds one of marble, which appears to be new, and is
+more rich and handsome than all the rest.  Calling the monk, the
+knight inquired: "Of what use are these tombs here?"  And the
+monk replied: "You have already read the inscriptions; if you
+have understood, you must know what they say, and what is the
+meaning of the tombs."  "Now tell me, what is this large one
+for?"  And the hermit answered: "I will tell you.  That is a very
+large sarcophagus, larger than any that ever was made; one so
+rich and well-carved was never seen.  It is magnificent without,
+and still more so within.  But you need not be concerned with
+that, for it can never do you any good; you will never see inside
+of it; for it would require seven strong men to raise the lid of
+stone, if any one wished to open it.  And you may be sure that to
+raise it would require seven men stronger than you and I.  There
+is an inscription on it which says that any one who can lift this
+stone of his own unaided strength will set free all the men and
+women who are captives in the land, whence no slave or noble can
+issue forth, unless he is a native of that land.  No one has ever
+come back from there, but they are detained in foreign prisons;
+whereas they of the country go and come in and out as they
+please."  At once the knight goes to grasp the stone, and raises
+it without the slightest trouble, more easily than ten men would
+do who exerted all their strength.  And the monk was amazed, and
+nearly fell down at the sight of this marvellous thing; for he
+thought he would never see the like again, and said: "Sire, I am
+very anxious to know your name.  Will you tell me what it is?"
+"Not I," says the knight, "upon my word."  "I am certainly sorry,
+for that," he says; "but if you would tell me, you would do me a
+great favour, and might benefit yourself.  Who are you, and where
+do you come from?"  "I am a knight, as you may see, and I was
+born in the kingdom of Logre.  After so much information, I
+should prefer to be excused.  Now please tell me, for your part,
+who is to lie within this tomb."  "Sire, he who shall deliver all
+those who are held captive in the kingdom whence none escapes."
+And when he had told him all this, the knight commended him to
+God and all His saints.  And then, for the first time, he felt
+free to return to the damsel.  The old white-haired monk escorts
+him out of the church, and they resume their way.  While the
+damsel is mounting, however, the hermit relates to her all that
+the knight had done inside, and then he begged her to tell him.
+if she knew, what his name was; but she assured him that she did
+not know, but that there was one sure thing she could say,
+namely, that there was not such a knight alive where the four
+winds of heaven blow.
+
+(Vv. 1967-2022.)  Then the damsel takes leave of him, and rides
+swiftly after the knight.  Then those who were following them
+come up and see the hermit standing alone before the church.  The
+old knight in his shirt sleeves said: "Sire, tell us, have you
+seen a knight with a damsel in his company?"  And he replies: "I
+shall not be loath to tell you all I know, for they have just
+passed on from here.  The knight was inside yonder, and did a
+very marvellous thing in raising the stone from the huge marble
+tomb, quite unaided and without the least effort.  He is bent
+upon the rescue of the Queen, and doubtless he will rescue her,
+as well as all the other people.  You know well that this must be
+so, for you have often read the inscription upon the stone.  No
+knight was ever born of man and woman, and no knight ever sat in
+a saddle, who was the equal of this man."  Then the father turns
+to his son, and says: "Son, what dost thou think about him now?
+Is he not a man to be respected who has performed such a feat?
+Now thou knowest who was wrong, and whether it was thou or I.  I
+would not have thee fight with him for all the town of Amiens;
+and yet thou didst struggle hard, before any one could dissuade
+thee from thy purpose.  Now we may as well go back, for we should
+be very foolish to follow him any farther."  And he replies: "I
+agree to that.  It would be useless to follow him.  Since it is
+your pleasure, let us return."  They were very wise to retrace
+their steps.  And all the time the damsel rides close beside the
+knight, wishing to compel him to give heed to her.  She is
+anxious to learn his name, and she begs and beseeches him again
+and again to tell her, until in his annoyance he answers her:
+"Have I not already told you that I belong in King Arthur's
+realm?  I swear by God and His goodness that you shall not learn
+my name."  Then she bids him give her leave to go, and she will
+turn back, which request he gladly grants.
+
+(Vv. 2023-2198.)  Thereupon the damsel departs, and he rides on
+alone until it grew very late.  After vespers, about compline, as
+he pursued his way, he saw a knight returning from the wood where
+he had been hunting.  With helmet unlaced, he rode along upon his
+big grey hunter, to which he had tied the game which God had
+permitted him to take.  This gentleman came quickly to meet the
+knight, offering him hospitality.  "Sire," he says, "night will
+soon be here.  It is time for you to be reasonable and seek a
+place to spend the night.  I have a house of mine near at hand,
+whither I shall take you.  No one ever lodged you better than I
+shall do, to the extent of my resources: I shall be very glad, if
+you consent."  "For my part, I gladly accept," he says.  The
+gentleman at once sends his son ahead, to prepare the house and
+start the preparations for supper.  The lad willingly executes
+his command forthwith, and goes off at a rapid pace, while the
+others, who are in no haste, follow the road leisurely until they
+arrive at the house.  The gentleman's wife was a very
+accomplished lady; and he had five sons, whom he dearly loved,
+three of them mere lads, and two already knights; and he had two
+fair and charming daughters, who were still unmarried.  They were
+not natives of the land, but were there in durance, having been
+long kept there as prisoners away from their native land of
+Logres.  When the gentleman led the knight into his yard, the
+lady with her sons and daughters jumped up and ran to meet them,
+vying in their efforts to do him honour, as they greeted him and
+helped him to dismount.  Neither the sisters nor the five
+brothers paid much attention to their father, for they knew well
+enough that he would have it so. They honoured the knight and
+welcomed him; and when they had relieved him of his armour, one
+of his host's two daughters threw her own mantle about him,
+taking it from her own shoulders and throwing it about his neck.
+I do not need to tell how well he was served at supper; but when
+the meal was finished, they felt no further hesitation in
+speaking of various matters.  First, the host began to ask him
+who he was, and from what land, but he did not inquire about his
+name.  The knight promptly answered him: "I am from the kingdom
+of Logres, and have never been in this land before."  And when
+the gentleman heard that, he was greatly amazed, as were his wife
+and children too, and each one of them was sore distressed.  Then
+they began to say to him: "Woe that you have come here, fair
+sire, for only trouble will come of it!  For, like us, you will
+be reduced to servitude and exile."  "Where do you come from,
+then?" he asked.  "Sire, we belong in your country.  Many men
+from your country are held in servitude in this land.  Cursed be
+the custom, together with those who keep it up!  No stranger
+comes here who is not compelled to stay here in the land where he
+is detained.  For whoever wishes may come in, but once in, he has
+to stay.  About your own fate, you may be at rest, you will
+doubtless never escape from here."  He replies: "Indeed, I shall
+do so, if possible."  To this the gentleman replies: "How?  Do
+you think you can escape?"  "Yes, indeed, if it be God's will;
+and I shall do all within my power."  "In that case, doubtless
+all the rest would be set free; for, as soon as one succeeds in
+fairly escaping from this durance, then all the rest may go forth
+unchallenged."  Then the gentleman recalled that he had been told
+and informed that a knight of great excellence was making his way
+into the country to seek for the Queen, who was held by the
+king's son, Meleagant; and he said to himself: "Upon my word, I
+believe it is he, and I'll tell him so."  So he said to him:
+"Sire, do not conceal from me your business, if I promise to give
+you the best advice I know.  I too shall profit by any success
+you may attain.  Reveal to me the truth about your errand, that
+it may be to your advantage as well as mine.  I am persuaded that
+you have come in search of the Queen into this land and among
+these heathen people, who are worse than the Saracens."  And the
+knight replies: "For no other purpose have I come.  I know not
+where my lady is confined, but I am striving hard to rescue her,
+and am in dire need of advice.  Give me any counsel you can." 
+And he says: "Sire, you have undertaken a very grievous task. 
+The road you are travelling will lead you straight to the sword-
+bridge. (14)  You surely need advice.  If you would heed my
+counsel, you would proceed to the sword-bridge by a surer way,
+and I would have you escorted thither."  Then he, whose mind is
+fixed upon the most direct way, asks him: "Is the road of which
+you speak as direct as the other way?"  "No, it is not," he says;
+"it is longer, but more sure."  Then he says: "I have no use for
+it; tell me about this road I am following!"  "I am ready to do
+so," he replies; "but I am sure you will not fare well if you
+take any other than the road I recommend.  To-morrow you will
+reach a place where you will have trouble: it is called `the
+stony passage'.  Shall I tell you how bad a place it is to pass? 
+Only one horse can go through at a time; even two men could not
+pass abreast, and the passage is well guarded and defended.  You
+will meet with resistance as soon as you arrive.  You will
+sustain many a blow of sword and lance, and will have to return
+full measure before you succeed in passing through."  And when he
+had completed the account, one of the gentleman's sons, who was a
+knight, stepped forward, saying: "Sire, if you do not object, I
+will go with this gentleman."  Then one of the lads jumps up, and
+says: "I too will go."  And the father gladly gives them both
+consent.  Now the knight will not have to go alone, and he
+expresses his gratitude, being much pleased with the company.
+
+(Vv. 2199-2266.)  Then the conversation ceases, and they take the
+knight to bed, where he was glad to fall asleep.  As soon as
+daylight was visible he got up, and those who were to accompany
+him got up too.  The two knights donned their armour and took
+their leave, while the young fellow started on ahead.  Together
+they pursued their way until they came at the hour of prime to
+"the stony passage."  In the middle of it they found a wooden
+tower, where there was always a man on guard.  Before they drew
+near, he who was on the tower saw them and cried twice aloud:
+"Woe to this man who comes!"  And then behold!  A knight issued
+from the tower, mounted and armed with fresh armour, and escorted
+on either side by servants carrying sharp axes.  Then, when the
+other draws near the passage, he who defends it begins to heap
+him with abuse about the cart, saying: "Vassal, thou art bold and
+foolish, indeed, to have entered this country.  No man ought ever
+to come here who had ridden upon a cart, and may God withhold
+from him His blessing!"  Then they spur toward each other at the
+top of their horses' speed.  And he who was to guard the passage-
+way at once breaks his lance and lets the two pieces fall; the
+other strikes him in the neck, reaching him beneath the shield,
+and throws him over prostrate upon the stones.  Then the servants
+come forward with the axes, but they intentionally fail to strike
+him, having no desire to harm or damage him; so he does not deign
+to draw his sword, and quickly passes on with his companions. 
+One of them remarks to the other: "No one has ever seen so good a
+knight, nor has he any equal.  Is not this a marvellous thing,
+that he has forced a passage here?"  And the knight says to his
+brother: "Fair brother, for God's sake, make haste to go and tell
+our father of this adventure."  But the lad asserts and swears
+that he will not go with the message, and will never leave the
+knight until he has dubbed and knighted him; let his brother go
+with the message, if he is so much concerned.
+
+(Vv. 2267-2450.)  Then they go on together until about three
+o'clock, when they come upon a man, who asks them who they are.
+And they answer: "We are knights, busy about our own affairs."
+Then the man says to the knight: "Sire, I should be glad to offer
+hospitality to you and your companions here."  This invitation he
+delivers to him whom he takes to be the lord and master of the
+others.  And this one replies to him: "I could not seek shelter
+for the night at such an hour as this; for it is not well to
+tarry and seek one's ease when one has undertaken some great
+task.  And I have such business on hand that I shall not stop for
+the night for some time yet."  Then the man continues: "My house
+is not near here, but is some distance ahead.  It will be late
+when you reach there, so you may proceed, assured that you will
+find a place to lodge just when it suits you."  "In that case,"
+he says, "I will go thither."  Thereupon the man starts ahead as
+guide, and the knight follows along the path.  And when they had
+proceeded some distance, they met a squire who was coming along
+at a gallop, mounted upon a nag that was as fat and round as an
+apple.  And the squire calls our to the man: "Sire, sire, make
+haste!  For the people of Logres have attacked in force the
+inhabitants of this land, and war and strife have already broken
+out; and they say that this country has been invaded by a knight
+who has been in many battles, and that wherever he wishes to go,
+no one, however reluctantly, is able to deny him passage.  And
+they further say that he will deliver those who are in this
+country, and will subdue our people.  Now take my advice and make
+haste!"  Then the man starts at a gallop, and the others are
+greatly delighted at the words they have heard, for they are
+eager to help their side.  And the vavasor's son says: "Hear what
+this squire says!  Come and let us aid our people who are
+fighting their enemies!"  Meanwhile the man rides off, without
+waiting for them, and makes his way rapidly toward a fortress
+which stood upon a fortified hill; thither he hastens, till he
+comes to the gate, while the others spur after him.  The castle
+was surrounded by a high wall and moat.  As soon as they had got
+inside, a gate was lowered upon their heels, so that they could
+not get out again.  Then they say: "Come on, come on!  Let us not
+stop here!" and they rapidly pursue the man until they reach
+another gate which was not closed against them.  But as soon as
+the man had passed through, a portcullis dropped behind him. 
+Then the others were much dismayed to see themselves shut in, and
+they think they must be bewitched.  But he, of whom I have more
+to tell, wore upon his finger a ring, whose stone was of such
+virtue that any one who gazed at it was freed from the power of
+enchantment. (15)  Holding the ring before his eyes, he gazed at
+it, and said: "Lady, lady, so help me God, now I have great need
+of your succour!" (16)  This lady was a fairy, who had given it
+to him, and who had cared for him in his infancy.  And he had
+great confidence that, wherever he might be, she would aid and
+succour him.  But after appealing to her and gazing upon the
+ring, he realises that there is no enchantment here, but that
+they are actually shut in and confined.  Then they come to the
+barred door of a low and narrow postern gate.  Drawing their
+swords, they all strike it with such violence that they cut the
+bar.  As soon as they were outside the tower, they see that a
+fierce strife was already begun down in the meadows, and that
+there are at least a thousand knights engaged, beside the
+low-bred infantry.  While they were descending to the plain, the
+wise and moderate son of the vavasor remarked: "Sire, before we
+arrive upon the field, it would be wise for us, it seems to me,
+to find out and learn on which side our people are.  I do not
+know where they are placed, but I will go and find out, if you
+wish it so."  "I wish you would do so," he replies, "go quickly,
+and do not fail to come back again at once."  He goes and returns
+at once, saying: "It has turned out well for us, for I have
+plainly seen that these are our troops on this side of the
+field."  Then the knight at once rode into the fight and jousted
+with a knight who was approaching him, striking him in the eye
+with such violence that he knocked him lifeless to the ground. 
+Then the lad dismounts, and taking the dead knight's horse and
+arms, he arms himself with skill and cleverness.  When he was
+armed, he straightway mounts, taking the shield and the lance,
+which was heavy, stiff, and decorated, and about his waist he
+girt a sharp, bright, and flashing sword.  Then he followed his
+brother and lord into the fight.  The latter demeaned himself
+bravely in the melee for some time, breaking, splitting, and
+crushing shields, helmets and hauberks.  No wood or steel
+protected the man whom he struck; he either wounded him or
+knocked him lifeless from the horse.  Unassisted, he did so well
+that he discomfited all whom he met, while his companions did
+their part as well.  The people of Logres, not knowing him, are
+amazed at what they see, and ask the vavasor's sons about the
+stranger knight.  This reply is made to them: "Gentlemen, this is
+he who is to deliver us all from durance and misery, in which we
+have so long been confined, and we ought to do him great honour
+when, to set us free, he has passed through so many perils and is
+ready to face many more.  He has done much, and will do yet
+more."  Every one is overjoyed at hearing this welcome news.  The
+news travelled fast, and was noised about, until it was known by
+all.  Their strength and courage rise, so that they slay many of
+those still alive, and apparently because of the example of a
+single knight they work greater havoc than because of all the
+rest combined.  And if it had not been so near evening, all would
+have gone away defeated; but night came on so dark that they had
+to separate.
+
+(Vv. 2451-2614.)  When the battle was over, all the captives
+pressed about the knight, grasping his rein on either side, and
+thus addressing him: "Welcome, fair sire," and each one adds:
+"Sire, for the name of God, do not fail to lodge with me!"  What
+one says they all repeat, for young and old alike insist that he
+must lodge with them, saying: "You will be more comfortably
+lodged with me than with any one else."  Thus each one addresses
+him to his face, and in the desire to capture him, each one drags
+him from the rest, until they almost come to blows.  Then he
+tells them that they are very foolish and silly to struggle so.
+"Cease this wrangling among yourselves, for it does no good to me
+or you.  Instead of quarrelling among ourselves, we ought rather
+to lend one another aid.  You must not dispute about the
+privilege of lodging me, but rather consider how to lodge me in
+such a place that it may be to your general advantage, and that I
+may be advanced upon my way."  Then each one exclaims at once:
+"That is my house, or, No, it is mine," until the knight replies:
+"Follow my advice and say nothing more; the wisest of you is
+foolish to contend this way.  You ought to be concerned to
+further my affairs, and instead you are seeking to turn me aside.
+If you had each individually done me all the honour and service
+it is possible to do, and I had accepted your kindness, by all
+the saints of Rome I swear that I could not be more obliged to
+you than I am now for your good-will.  So may God give me joy and
+health, your good intentions please me as much as if each one of
+you had already shown me great honour and kindness: so let the
+will stand for the deed!"  Thus he persuades and appeases them
+all.  Then they take him quickly along the road to a knight's
+residence, where they seek to serve him: all rejoice to honour
+and serve him throughout the evening until bedtime, for they hold
+him very dear.  Next morning, when the time came to separate,
+each one offers and presents himself, with the desire to
+accompany him; but it is not his will or pleasure that any one
+shall go with him except the two whom he had brought with him.
+Accompanied by them alone, he resumed his journey.  That day they
+rode from morn till evening without encountering any adventure.
+When it was now very late, and while they were riding rapidly out
+of a forest, they saw a house belonging to a knight, and seated
+at the door they saw his wife, who had the bearing of a gentle
+lady.  As soon as she espied them coming, she rose to her feet to
+meet them, and greeted them joyfully with a smile: "Welcome!  I
+wish you to accept my house; this is your lodging; pray dismount"
+"Lady, since it is your will, we thank you, and will dismount; we
+accept your hospitality for the night."  When they had
+dismounted, the lady had the horses taken by members of her well-
+ordered household.  She calls her sons and daughters who come at
+once: the youths were courteous, handsome, and well-behaved, and
+the daughters were fair.  She bids the lads remove the saddles
+and curry the horses well; no one refused to do this, but each
+carried out her instructions willingly.  When she ordered the
+knights to be disarmed, her daughters step forward to perform
+this service.  They remove their armour, and hand them three
+short mantles to put on.  Then at once they take them into the
+house which was very handsome.  The master was not at home, being
+out in the woods with two of his sons.  But he presently
+returned, and his household, which was well-ordered, ran to meet
+him outside the door.  Quickly they untie and unpack the game he
+brings, and tell him the news: "Sire, sire, you do not know that
+you have three knights for guests."  "God be praised for that,"
+he says.  Then the knight and his two sons extend a glad welcome
+to their guests.  The rest of the household were not backward,
+for even the least among them prepared to perform his special
+task.  While some run to prepare the meal, others light the
+candles in profusion; still others get a towel and basins, and
+offer water for the hands: they are not niggardly in all this.
+When all had washed, they take their seats.  Nothing that was
+done there seemed to be any trouble or burdensome.  But at the
+first course there came a surprise in the form of a knight
+outside the door.  As he sat on his charger, all armed from head
+to feet, he looked prouder than a bull, and a bull is a yew proud
+beast.  One leg was fixed in the stirrup, but the other he had
+thrown over the mane of his horse's neck, to give himself a
+careless and jaunty air.  Behold him advancing thus, though no
+one noticed him until he came forward with the words: "I wish to
+know which is the man who is so foolish and proud a numskull that
+he has come to this country and intends to cross the sword-
+bridge.  All his pains will come to naught, and his expedition is
+in vain."  Then he, who felt no fear at all, thus replies with
+confidence: "I am he who intends to cross the bridge."  "Thou?
+Thou?  How didst thou dare to think of such a thing?  Before
+undertaking such a course, thou oughtest to have thought of the
+end that is in store for thee, and thou oughtest to have in mind
+the memory of the cart on which thou didst ride.  I know not
+whether thou feelest shame for the ride thou hadst on it, but no
+sensible man would have embarked on such an enterprise as this if
+he had felt the reproach of his action."
+
+(Vv. 2615-2690.)  Not a word does he deign to reply to what he
+hears the other say; but the master of the house and all the
+others express their surprise openly: "Ah, God, what a misfortune
+this is," each one of them says to himself; "cursed be the hour
+when first a cart was conceived or made!  For it is a very vile
+and hateful thing.  Ah, God, of what was he accused?  Why was he
+carried in a cart?  For what sin, or for what crime?  He will
+always suffer the reproach.  If he were only clear of this
+disgrace, no knight could be found in all the world, however his
+valour might be proved, who would equal the merit of this knight.
+If all good knights could be compared, and if the truth were to
+be known, you could find none so handsome or so expert."  Thus
+they expressed their sentiments.  Then he began his speech of
+impudence: "Listen, thou knight, who art bound for the sword-
+bridge!  If thou wishest, thou shalt cross the water very easily
+and comfortably.  I will quickly have thee ferried over in a
+skiff.  But once on the other side, I will make thee pay me toll,
+and I will take thy head, if I please to do so, or if not, thou
+shalt be held at my discretion."  And he replies that he is not
+seeking trouble, and that he will never risk his head in such an
+adventure for any consideration.  To which the other answers at
+once: "Since thou wilt not do this, whosesoever the shame and
+loss may be, thou must come outside with me and there engage me
+hand to hand."  Then, to beguile him. the other says: "If I could
+refuse, I would very gladly excuse myself; but in truth I would
+rather fight than be compelled to do what is wrong."  Before he
+arose from the table where they were sitting, he told the youths
+who were serving him, to saddle his horse at once, and fetch his
+arms and give them to him.  This order they promptly execute:
+some devote themselves to arming him, while others go to fetch
+his horse.  As he slowly rode along completely armed, holding his
+shield tight by the straps, you must know that he was evidently
+to be included in the list of the brave and fair.  His horse
+became him so well that it is evident he must be his own, and as
+for the shield he held by the straps and the helmet laced upon
+his head, which fitted him so well, you would never for a moment
+have thought that he had borrowed it or received it as a loan;
+rather, you would be so pleased with him that you would maintain
+that he had been thus born and raised: for all this I should like
+you to take my word.
+
+(Vv. 2691-2792.)  Outside the gate, where the battle was to be
+fought, there was a stretch of level ground well adapted for the
+encounter.  When they catch sight of each other, they spur hotly
+to the attack and come together with such a shock, dealing such
+blows with their lances, that they first bend, then buckle up,
+and finally fly into splinters.  With their swords they then hew
+away at their shields, helmets, and hauberks.  The wood is cut
+and the steel gives way, so that they wound each other in several
+places.  They pay each other such angry blows that it seems as if
+they had made a bargain.  The swords often descend upon the
+horses' croups, where they drink and feast upon their blood;
+their riders strike them upon the flanks until at last they kill
+them both.  And when both have fallen to earth, they attack each
+other afoot; and if they had cherished a mortal hatred, they
+could not have assailed each other more fiercely with their
+swords.  They deal their blows with greater frequency than the
+man who stakes his money at dice and never fails to double the
+stakes every time he loses; yet, this game of theirs was very
+different; for there were no losses here, but only fierce blows
+and cruel strife.  All the people came out from the house: the
+master, his lady, his sons and daughters; no man or woman, friend
+or stranger, stayed behind, but all stood in line to see the
+fight in progress in the broad, level field.  The Knight of the
+Cart blames and reproaches himself for faintheartedness when he
+sees his host watching him and notices all the others looking on.
+His heart is stirred with anger, for it seems to him that he
+ought long since to have beaten his adversary.  Then he strikes
+him, rushing in like a storm and bringing his sword down close by
+his head; he pushes and presses him so hard that he drives him
+from his ground and reduces him to such a state of exhaustion
+that he has little strength to defend himself.  Then the knight
+recalls how the other had basely reproached him about the cart;
+so he assails him and drubs him so soundly that not a string or
+strap remains unbroken about the neck-band of his hauberk, and he
+knocks the helmet and ventail from his head.  His wounds and
+distress are so great that he has to cry for mercy.  Just as the
+lark cannot withstand or protect itself against the hawk which
+outflies it and attacks it from above, so he in his helplessness
+and shame, must invoke him and sue for mercy.  And when he hears
+him beg for mercy, he ceases his attack and says: "Dost thou wish
+for mercy?"  He replies: "You have asked a very clever question;
+any fool could ask that.  I never wished for anything so much as
+I now wish for mercy."  Then he says to him: "Thou must mount,
+then, upon a cart.  Nothing thou couldst say would have any
+influence with me, unless thou mountest the cart, to atone for
+the vile reproaches thou didst address to me with thy silly
+mouth."  And the knight thus answers him: "May it never please
+God that I mount a cart!"  "No?" he asks; "then you shall die."
+"Sire, you can easily put me to death; but I beg and beseech you
+for God's sake to show me mercy and not compel me to mount a
+cart.  I will agree to anything, however grievous, excepting
+that.  I would rather die a hundred times than undergo such a
+disgrace.  In your goodness and mercy you can tell me nothing so
+distasteful that I will not do it."
+
+(Vv. 2793-2978.)  While he is thus beseeching him, behold across
+the field a maiden riding on a tawny mule, her head uncovered and
+her dress disarranged.  In her hand she held a whip with which
+she belaboured the mule; and in truth no horse could have
+galloped so fast as was the pace of the mule.  The damsel called
+out to the Knight of the Cart: "May God bless thy heart, Sir
+Knight, with whatever delights thee most!"  And he, who heard her
+gladly, says: "May God bless you, damsel, and give you joy and
+health!"  Then she tells him of her desire.  "Knight," she says,
+"in urgent need I have come from afar to thee to ask a favour,
+for which thou wilt deserve the best guerdon I can make to thee;
+and I believe that thou wilt yet have need of my assistance." 
+And he replies: "Tell me what it is you wish; and if I have it,
+you shall have it at once, provided it be not something
+extravagant."  Then she says: "It is the head of the knight whom
+thou hast just defeated; in truth, thou hast never dealt with
+such a wicked and faithless man.  Thou wilt be committing no sin
+or wrong, but rather doing a deed of charity, for he is the
+basest creature that ever was or ever shall be."  And when he who
+had been vanquished hears that she wishes him to be killed, he
+says to him: "Don't believe her, for she hates me; but by that
+God who was at once Father and Son, and who chose for His mother
+her who was His daughter and handmaiden, I beg you to have mercy
+upon me!"  "Ah, knight!" the maid exclaims, "pay no attention to
+what this traitor says!  May God give thee all the joy and honour
+to which thou dost aspire, and may He give thee good success in
+thy undertaking."  Then the knight is in a predicament, as he
+thinks and ponders over the question: whether to present to her
+the head she asks him to cut off, or whether he shall allow
+himself to be touched by pity for him. (17)  He wishes to respect
+the wishes of both her and him.  Generosity and pity each command
+him to do their will; for he was both generous and tender-
+hearted.  But if she carries off the head, then will pity be
+defeated and put to death; whereas, if she does not carry off the
+head, generosity will be discomfited.  Thus, pity and generosity
+hold him so confined and so distressed that he is tormented and
+spurred on by each of them in turn.  The damsel asks him to give
+her the head, and on the other hand the knight makes his request,
+appealing to his pity and kindness.  And, since he has implored
+him, shall he not receive mercy?  Yes, for it never happened
+that, when he had put down an enemy and compelled him to sue for
+mercy, he would refuse such an one his mercy or longer bear him
+any grudge.  Since this is his custom, he will not refuse his
+mercy to him who now begs and sues for it.  And shall she have
+the head she covets?  Yes, if it be possible. "Knight," he says,
+"it is necessary for thee to fight me again, and if thou dost
+care to defend thy head again, I will show thee such mercy as to
+allow thee to resume the helmet; and I will give thee time to arm
+thy body and thy head as well as possible.  But, if I conquer
+thee again, know that thou shalt surely die."  And he replies: "I
+desire nothing better than that, and ask for no further favour."
+"And I will give thee this advantage," he adds: "I will fight
+thee as I stand, without changing my present position."  Then the
+other knight makes ready, and they begin the fight again eagerly.
+But this time the knight triumphed more quickly than he had done
+at first.  And the damsel at once cries out: "Do not spare him,
+knight, for anything he may say to thee.  Surely he would not
+have spared thee, had he once defeated thee.  If thou heedest
+what he says, be sure that he will again beguile thee.  Fair
+knight, cut off the head of the most faithless man in the empire
+and kingdom, and give it to me!  Thou shouldst present it to me,
+in view of the guerdon I intend for thee.  For another day may
+well come when, if he can, he will beguile thee again with his
+words."  He, thinking his end is near, cries aloud to him for
+mercy; but his cry is of no avail, nor anything that he can say.
+The other drags him by the helmet, tearing all the fastening, and
+he strikes from his head the ventail and the gleaming coif.  Then
+he cries out more loudly still: "Mercy, for God's sake!  Mercy,
+sir!"  But the other answers: "So help me, I shall never again
+show thee pity, after having once let thee off."  "Ah," he says,
+"thou wouldst do wrong to heed my enemy and kill me thus."  While
+she, intent upon his death, admonishes him to cut off his head,
+and not to believe a word he says.  He strikes: the head flies
+across the sward and the body fails.  Then the damsel is pleased
+and satisfied.  Grasping the head by the hair, the knight
+presents it to the damsel, who takes it joyfully with the words:
+"May thy heart receive such delight from whatever it most desires
+as my heart now receives from what I most coveted.  I had only
+one grief in life, and that was that this man was still alive.  I
+have a reward laid up for thee which thou shalt receive at the
+proper time.  I promise thee that thou shalt have a worthy reward
+for the service thou hast rendered me.  Now I will go away, with
+the prayer that God may guard thee from harm."  Then the damsel
+leaves him, as each commends the other to God.  But all those who
+had seen the battle in the plain are overjoyed, and in their joy
+they at once relieve the knight of his armour, and honour him in
+every way they can.  Then they wash their hands again and take
+their places at the meal, which they eat with better cheer than
+is their wont.  When they had been eating for some time, the
+gentleman turned to his guest at his side, and said: "Sire, a
+long while ago we came hither from the kingdom of Logres.  We
+were born your countrymen, and we should like to see you win
+honour and fortune and joy in this country; for we should profit
+by it as well as you, and it would be to the advantage of many
+others, if you should gain honour and fortune in the enterprise
+you have undertaken in this land."  And he makes answer: "May God
+hear your desire."
+
+(Vv. 2979-3020.)  When the host had dropped his voice and ceased
+speaking, one of his sons followed him and said: "Sire, we ought
+to place all our resources at your service, and give them
+outright rather than promise them; if you have any need of our
+assistance, we ought not to wait until you ask for it.  Sire, be
+not concerned over your horse which is dead.  We have good strong
+horses here.  I want you to take anything of ours which you need,
+and you shall choose the best of our horses in place of yours."
+And he replies: "I willingly accept."  Thereupon, they have the
+beds prepared and retire for the night.  The next morning they
+rise early, and dress, after which they prepare to start.  Upon
+leaving, they fail in no act of courtesy, but take leave of the
+lady, her lord, and all the rest.  But in order to omit nothing,
+I must remark that the knight was unwilling to mount the borrowed
+steed which was standing ready at the door; rather, he caused him
+to be ridden by one of the two knights who had come with him,
+while he took the latter's horse instead, for thus it pleased him
+best to do.  When each was seated on his horse, they all asked 
+for leave to depart from their host who had served them so
+honourably.  Then they ride along the road until the day draws to
+a close, and late in the afternoon they reach the sword-bridge.
+
+(Vv. 3021-3194.)  At the end of this very difficult bridge they
+dismount from their steeds and gaze at the wicked-looking stream,
+which is as swift and raging, as black and turgid, as fierce and
+terrible as if it were the devil's stream; and it is so dangerous
+and bottomless that anything failing into it would be as
+completely lost as if it fell into the salt sea.  And the bridge,
+which spans it, is different from any other bridge; for there
+never was such a one as this.  If any one asks of me the truth,
+there never was such a bad bridge, nor one whose flooring was so
+bad.  The bridge across the cold stream consisted of a polished,
+gleaming sword; but the sword was stout and stiff, and was as
+long as two lances.  At each end there was a tree-trunk in which
+the sword was firmly fixed.  No one need fear to fall because of
+its breaking or bending, for its excellence was such that it
+could support a great weight.  But the two knights who were with
+the third were much discouraged; for they surmised that two lions
+or two leopards would be found tied to a great rock at the other
+end of the bridge.  The water and the bridge and the lions
+combine so to terrify them that they both tremble with fear, and
+say: "Fair sire, consider well what confronts you; for it is
+necessary and needful to do so.  This bridge is badly made and
+built, and the construction of it is bad.  If you do not change
+your mind in time, it will be too late to repent.  You must
+consider which of several alternatives you will choose.  Suppose
+that you once get across (but that cannot possibly come to pass,
+any more than one could hold in the winds and forbid them to
+blow, or keep the birds from singing, or re-enter one's mother's
+womb and be born again--all of which is as impossible as to
+empty the sea of its water); but even supposing that you got
+across, can you think and suppose that those two fierce lions
+that are chained on the other side will not kill you, and suck
+the blood from your veins, and eat your flesh and then gnaw your
+bones?  For my part, I am bold enough, when I even dare to look
+and gaze at them.  If you do not take care, they will certainly
+devour you.  Your body will soon be torn and rent apart, for they
+will show you no mercy.  So take pity on us now, and stay here in
+our company!  It would be wrong for you to expose yourself
+intentionally to such mortal peril."  And he, laughing, replies
+to them: "Gentlemen, receive my thanks and gratitude for the
+concern you feel for me: it comes from your love and kind hearts.
+I know full well that you would not like to see any mishap come
+to me; but I have faith and confidence in God, that He will
+protect me to the end.  I fear the bridge and stream no more than
+I fear this dry land; so I intend to prepare and make the
+dangerous attempt to cross.  I would rather die than turn back
+now."  The others have nothing more to say; but each weeps with
+pity and heaves a sigh.  Meanwhile he prepares, as best he may,
+to cross the stream, and he does a very marvellous thing in
+removing the armour from his feet and hands.  He will be in a
+sorry state when he reaches the other side.  He is going to
+support himself with his bare hands and feet upon the sword,
+which was sharper than a scythe, for he had not kept on his feet
+either sole or upper or hose.  But he felt no fear of wounds upon
+his hands or feet; he preferred to maim himself rather than to
+fall from the bridge and be plunged in the water from which he
+could never escape.  In accordance with this determination, he
+passes over with great pain and agony, being wounded in the
+hands, knees, and feet.  But even this suffering is sweet to him:
+for Love, who conducts and leads him on, assuages and relieves
+the pain.  Creeping on his hands, feet, and knees, he proceeds
+until he reaches the other side.  Then he recalls and recollects
+the two lions which he thought he had seen from the other side;
+but, on looking about, he does not see so much as a lizard or
+anything else to do him harm.  He raises his hand before his face
+and looks at his ring, and by this test he proves that neither of
+the lions is there which he thought he had seen, and that he had
+been enchanted and deceived; for there was not a living creature
+there.  When those who had remained behind upon the bank saw that
+he had safely crossed, their joy was natural; but they do not
+know of his injuries.  He, however, considers himself fortunate
+not to have suffered anything worse.  The blood from his wounds
+drips on his shirt on all sides.  Then he sees before him a
+tower, which was so strong that never had he seen such a strong
+one before: indeed, it could not have been a better tower.  At
+the window there sat King Bademagu, who was very scrupulous and
+precise about matters of honour and what was right, and who was
+careful to observe and practise loyalty above all else; and
+beside him stood his son, who always did precisely the opposite
+so far as possible, for he found his pleasure in disloyalty, and
+never wearied of villainy, treason, and felony.  From their point
+of vantage they had seen the knight cross the bridge with trouble
+and pain.  Meleagant's colour changed with the rage and
+displeasure he felt; for he knows now that he will be challenged
+for the Queen; but his character was such that he feared no man,
+however strong or formidable.  If he were not base and disloyal,
+there could no better knight be found; but he had a heart of
+wood, without gentleness and pity.  What enraged his son and
+roused his ire, made the king happy and glad.  The king knew of a
+truth that he who had crossed the bridge was much better than any
+one else.  For no one would dare to pass over it in whom there
+dwelt any of that evil nature which brings more shame upon those
+who possess it than prowess brings of honour to the virtuous. 
+For prowess cannot accomplish so much as wickedness and sloth can
+do: it is true beyond a doubt that it is possible to do more evil
+than good.
+
+(Vv. 3195-3318.)  I could say more on these two heads, if it did
+not cause me to delay.  But I must turn to something else and
+resume my subject, and you shall hear how the king speaks
+profitably to his son: "Son," he says, "it was fortunate that
+thou and I came to look out this window; our reward has been to
+witness the boldest deed that ever entered the mind of man.  Tell
+me now if thou art not well disposed toward him who has performed
+such a marvellous feat.  Make peace and be reconciled with him,
+and deliver the Queen into his hands.  Thou shalt gain no glory
+in battle with him, but rather mayst thou incur great loss.  Show
+thyself to be courteous and sensible, and send the Queen to meet
+him before he sees thee.  Show him honour in this land of thine,
+and before he asks it, present to him what he has come to seek.
+Thou knowest well enough that he has come for the Queen
+Guinevere.  Do not act so that people will take thee to be
+obstinate, foolish, or proud.  If this man has entered thy land
+alone, thou shouldst bear him company, for one gentleman ought
+not to avoid another, but rather attract him and honour him with
+courtesy.  One receives honour by himself showing it; be sure
+that the honour will be thine, if thou doest honour and service
+to him who is plainly the best knight in the world."  And he
+replies: "May God confound me, if there is not as good a knight,
+or even a better one than he!"  It was too bad that he did not
+mention himself, of whom he entertains no mean opinion.  And he
+adds: "I suppose you wish me to clasp my hands and kneel before
+him as his liegeman, and to hold my lands from him?  So help me
+God, I would rather become his man than surrender to him the
+Queen!  God forbid that in such a fashion I should deliver her to
+him!  She shall never be given up by me, but rather contested and
+defended against all who are so foolish as to dare to come in
+quest of her."  Then again the king says to him: "Son, thou
+wouldst act very courteously to renounce this pretension.  I
+advise thee and beg thee to keep the peace.  Thou knowest well
+that the honour will belong to the knight, if he wins the Queen
+from thee in battle.  He would doubtless rather win her in battle
+than as a gift, for it will thus enhance his fame.  It is my
+opinion that he is seeking her, not to receive her peaceably, but
+because he wishes to win her by force of arms.  So it would be
+wise on thy part to deprive him of the satisfaction of fighting
+thee.  I am sorry to see thee so foolish; but if thou dost not
+heed my advice, evil will come of it, and the ensuing misfortune
+will be worse for thee.  For the knight need fear no hostility
+from any one here save thee.  On behalf of myself and all my men,
+I will grant him a truce and security.  I have never yet done a
+disloyal deed or practised treason and felony, and I shall not
+begin to do so now on thy account any more than I would for any
+stranger.  I do not wish to flatter thee, for I promise that the
+knight shall not lack any arms, or horse or anything else he
+needs, in view of the boldness he has displayed in coming thus
+far.  He shall be securely guarded and well defended against all
+men here excepting thee.  I wish him clearly to understand that,
+if he can maintain himself against thee, he need have no fear of
+any one else."  "I have listened to you in silence long enough,"
+says Meleagant, "and you may say what you please.  But little do
+I care for all you say.  I am not a hermit, nor so compassionate
+and charitable, and I have no desire to be so honourable as to
+give him what I most love.  His task will not be performed so
+quickly or so lightly; rather will it turn out otherwise than as
+you and he expect.  You and I need not quarrel because you aid
+him against me.  Even if he enjoys peace and a truce with you and
+all your men, what matters that to me?  My heart does not quail
+on that account; rather, so help me God, I am glad that he need
+not feel concern for any one here but me; I do not wish you to do
+on my account anything which might be construed as disloyalty or
+treachery.  Be as compassionate as you please, but let me be
+cruel."  "What?  Wilt thou not change thy mind?"  "No," he says.
+"Then I will say nothing more.  I will leave thee alone to do thy
+best and will go now to speak with the knight.  I wish to offer
+and present to him my aid and counsel in all respects; for I am
+altogether on his side."
+
+(Vv. 3319-3490.)  Then the king goes down and orders them to
+bring his horse.  A large steed is brought to him, upon which he
+springs by the stirrup, and he rides off with some of his men:
+three knights and two squires he bade to go with him.  They did
+not stop their ride downhill until they came to the bridge, where
+they see him stanching his wounds and wiping the blood from them.
+The king expects to keep him as his guest for a long time while
+his wounds are healing; but he might as well expect to drain the
+sea.  The king hastens to dismount, and he who was grievously
+wounded, stood up at once to meet him, though he did not know
+him, and he gave no more evidence of the pain he felt in his feet
+and hands than if he had been actually sound.  The king sees that
+he is exerting himself, and quickly runs to greet him with the
+words: "Sire, I am greatly amazed that you have fallen upon us in
+this land.  But be welcome, for no one will ever repeat the
+attempt: it never happened in the past, and it will never happen
+in the future that any one should perform such a hardy feat or
+expose himself to such peril.  And know that I admire you greatly
+for having executed what no one before ever dared to conceive.
+You will find me very kindly disposed, and loyal and courteous
+toward you.  I am the king of this land, and offer you freely all
+my counsel and service; and I think I know pretty well what you
+have come here to seek.  You come, I am sure, to seek the Queen."
+"Sire," he replies, "your surmise is correct; no other cause
+brings me here."  "Friend, you must suffer hardship to obtain
+her," he replies; "and you are sorely wounded, as I see by the
+wounds and the flowing blood.  You will not find him who brought
+her hither so generous as to give her up without a struggle; but
+you must tarry, and have your wounds cared for until they are
+completely healed.  I will give you some of `the three Marys'
+ointment, (18) and something still better, if it can be found,
+for I am very solicitous about your comfort and your recovery. 
+And the Queen is so confined that no mortal man has access to her
+-- not even my son, who brought her here with him and who resents
+such treatment, for never was a man so beside himself and so
+desperate as he.  But I am well disposed toward you, and will
+gladly give you, so help me God, all of which you stand in need. 
+My son himself will not have such good arms but that I will give
+you some that are just as good, and a horse, too, such as you
+will need, though my son will be angry with me.  Despite the
+feelings of any one, I will protect you against all men.  You
+will have no cause to fear any one excepting him who brought the
+Queen here.  No man ever menaced another as I have menaced him,
+and I came near driving him from my land, in my displeasure
+because he will not surrender her to you.  To be sure, he is my
+son; but feel no concern, for unless he defeats you in battle, he
+can never do you the slightest harm against my will."  "Sire," he
+says, "I thank you.  But I am losing time here which I do not
+wish to waste.  I have no cause to complain, and have no wound
+which is paining me.  Take me where I can find him; for with such
+arms as I have, I am ready to divert myself by giving and
+receiving blows."  "Friend, you had better wait two or three
+weeks until your wounds are healed, for it would be well for you
+to tarry here at least two weeks, and not on any account could I
+allow it, or look on, while you fought in my presence with such
+arms and with such an outfit."  And he replies: "With your
+permission, no other arms would be used than these, for I should
+prefer to fight with them, and I should not ask for the slightest
+postponement, adjournment or delay.  However, in deference to
+you, I will consent to wait until to-morrow; but despite what any
+one may say, longer I will not wait."  Then the king assured him
+that all would be done as he wished; then he has the
+lodging-place prepared, and insistently requests his men, who are
+in the company, to serve him, which they do devotedly.  And the
+king, who would gladly have made peace, had it been possible,
+went at once to his son and spoke to him like one who desires
+peace and harmony, saying: "Fair son, be reconciled now with this
+knight without a fight!  He has not come here to disport himself
+or to hunt or chase, but he comes in search of honour and to
+increase his fame and renown, and I have seen that he stands in
+great need of rest.  If he had taken my advice, he would not have
+rashly undertaken, either this month or the next, the battle
+which he so greatly desires.  If thou makest over the Queen to
+him, dost thou fear any dishonour in the deed?  Have no fear of
+that, for no blame can attach to thee; rather is it wrong to keep
+that to which one has no rightful claim.  He would gladly have
+entered the battle at once, though his hands and feet are not
+sound, but cut and wounded."  Meleagant answers his father thus:
+"You are foolish to be concerned.  By the faith I owe St. Peter,
+I will not take your advice in this matter.  I should deserve to
+be drawn apart with horses, if I heeded your advice.  If he is
+seeking his honour, so do I seek mine; if he is in search of
+glory, so am I; if he is anxious for the battle, so am I a
+hundred times more so than he."  "I see plainly," says the king,
+"that thou art intent upon thy mad enterprise, and thou shalt
+have thy fill of it.  Since such is thy pleasure, to-morrow thou
+shalt try thy strength with the knight."  "May no greater
+hardship ever visit me than that!"  Meleagant replies; "I would
+much rather it were to-day than to-morrow.  Just see how much
+more downcast I am than is usual!  My eyes are wild, and my face
+is pale!  I shall have no joy or satisfaction or any cause for
+happiness until I am actually engaged with him."
+
+(Vv. 3491-3684.)  The king understands that further advice and
+prayers are of no avail, so reluctantly he leaves his son and,
+taking a good, strong horse and handsome arms, he sends them to
+him who well deserves them, together with a surgeon who was a
+loyal and Christian man.  There was in the world no more trusty
+man, and he was more skilled in the cure of wounds than all the
+doctors of Montpeilier. (19)  That night he treated the knight as
+best he could, in accordance with the king's command.  Already
+the news was known by the knights and damsels, the ladies and
+barons of all the country-side, and all through the night until
+daybreak strangers and friends were making long journeys from all
+the country round.  When morning came, there was such a press
+before the castle that there was not room to move one's foot. 
+And the king, rising early in his distress about the battle, goes
+directly to his son, who had already laced upon his head the
+helmet which was of Poitiers make.  No delay or peace is
+possible, for though the king did his best, his efforts are of no
+effect.  In the middle of the castle-square, where all the people
+are assembled, the battle will be fought in compliance with the
+king's wish and command.  The king sends at once for the stranger
+knight, and he is conducted to the grounds which were filled with
+people from the kingdom of Logres.  For just as people are
+accustomed to go to church to hear the organ on the annual feast-
+days of Pentecost or Christmas, so they had all assembled now.
+All the foreign maidens from King Arthur's realm had fasted three
+days and gone barefoot in their shifts, in order that God might
+endow with strength and courage the knight who was to fight his
+adversary on behalf of the captives.  Very early, before prime
+had yet been sounded, both of the knights fully armed were led to
+the place, mounted upon two horses equally protected.  Meleagant
+was very graceful, alert, and shapely; the hauberk with its fine
+meshes, the helmet, and the shield hanging from his neck--all
+these became him well.  All the spectators. however, favoured the
+other knight, even those who wished him ill, and they say that
+Meleagant is worth nothing compared with him.  As soon as they
+were both on the ground, the king comes and detains them as long
+as possible in an effort to make peace between them, but he is
+unable to persuade his son.  Then he says to them: "Hold in your
+horses until I reach the top of the tower.  It will be only a
+slight favour, if you will wait so long for me."  Then in
+sorrowful mood he leaves them and goes directly to the place
+where he knew he would find the Queen.  She had begged him the
+evening before to place her where she might have an unobstructed
+view of the battle; he had granted her the boon, and went now to
+seek and fetch her, for he was very anxious to show her honour
+and courtesy.  He placed her at one window, and took his place at
+another window on her right.  Beside them, there were gathered
+there many knights and prudent dames and damsels, who were
+natives of that land; and there were many others, who were
+captives, and who were intent upon their orisons and prayers.
+Those who were prisoners were praying for their lord, for to God
+and to him they entrusted their succour and deliverance.  Then
+the combatants without delay make all the people stand aside;
+then they clash the shields with their elbows, and thrust their
+arms into the straps, and spur at each other so violently that
+each sends his lance two arms' length through his opponent's
+shield, causing the lance to split and splinter like a flying
+spark.  And the horses meet head on, clashing breast to breast,
+and the shields and helmets crash with such a noise that it seems
+like a mighty thunder-clap; not a breast-strap, girth, rein or
+surcingle remains unbroken, and the saddle-bows, though strong,
+are broken to pieces.  The combatants felt no shame in falling to
+earth, in view of their mishaps, but they quickly spring to their
+feet, and without waste of threatening words rush at each other
+more fiercely than two wild boars, and deal great blows with
+their swords of steel like men whose hate is violent.  Repeatedly
+they trim the helmets and shining hauberks so fiercely that after
+the sword the blood spurts out.  They furnished an excellent
+battle, indeed, as they stunned and wounded each other with their
+heavy, wicked blows.  Many fierce, hard, long bouts they
+sustained with equal honour, so that the onlookers could discern
+no advantage on either side.  But it was inevitable that he who
+had crossed the bridge should be much weakened by his wounded
+hands.  The people who sided with him were much dismayed, for
+they notice that his strokes are growing weaker, and they fear he
+will get the worst of it; it seemed to them that he was
+weakening, while Meleagant was triumphing, and they began to
+murmur all around.  But up at the window of the tower there was a
+wise maiden who thought within herself that the knight had not
+undertaken the battle either on her account or for the sake of
+the common herd who had gathered about the list, but that his
+only incentive had been the Queen; and she thought that, if he
+knew that she was at the window seeing and watching him, his
+strength and courage would increase.  And if she had known his
+name, she would gladly have called to him to look about him. 
+Then she came to the Queen and said: "Lady, for God's sake and
+your own as well as ours, I beseech you to tell me, if you know,
+the name of yonder knight, to the end that it may be of some help
+to him."  "Damsel," the Queen replies, "you have asked me a
+question in which I see no hate or evil, but rather good intent;
+the name of the knight, I know, is Lancelot of the Lake." (20) 
+"God, how happy and glad at heart I am!" the damsel says.  Then
+she leans forward and calls to him by name so loudly that all the
+people hear: "Lancelot, turn about and see who is here taking
+note of thee!"
+
+(Vv. 3685-3954.)  When Lancelot heard his name, he was not slow
+to turn around: he turns and sees seated up there at the window
+of the tower her whom he desired most in the world to see.  From
+the moment he caught sight of her, he did not turn or take his
+eyes and face from her, defending himself with backhand blows.
+And Meleagant meanwhile attacked him as fiercely as he could,
+delighted to think that the other cannot withstand him now; and
+they of the country are well pleased too, while the foreigners
+are so distressed that they can no longer support themselves, and
+many of them fall to earth either upon their knees or stretched
+out prone; thus some are glad, and some distressed.  Then the
+damsel cried again from the window: "Ah, Lancelot, how is it that
+thou dost now conduct thyself so foolishly?  Once thou wert the
+embodiment of prowess and of all that is good, and I do not think
+God ever made a knight who could equal thee in valour and in
+worth.  But now we see thee so distressed that thou dealest back-
+hand blows and fightest thy adversary, behind thy back.  Turn, so
+as to be on the other side, and so that thou canst face toward
+this tower, for it will help thee to keep it in view."  Then
+Lancelot is so ashamed and mortified that he hates himself, for
+he knows full well that all have seen how, for some time past, he
+has had the worst of the fight.  Thereupon he leaps backward and
+so manoeuvres as to force Meleagant into a position between him
+and the tower.  Meleagant makes every effort to regain his former
+position.  But Lancelot rushes upon him, and strikes him so
+violently upon his body and shield whenever he tries to get
+around him, that he compels him to whirl about two or three times
+in spite of himself.  Lancelot's strength and courage grow,
+partly because he has love's aid, and partly because he never
+hated any one so much as him with whom he is engaged.  Love and
+mortal hate, so fierce that never before was such hate seen, make
+him so fiery and bold that Meleagant ceases to treat it as a jest
+and begins to stand in awe of him, for he had never met or known
+so doughty a knight, nor had any knight ever wounded or injured
+him as this one does.  He is glad to get away from him, and he
+winces and sidesteps, fearing his blows and avoiding them.  And
+Lancelot does not idly threaten him, but drives him rapidly
+toward the tower where the Queen was stationed on the watch.
+There upon the tower he did her the homage of his blows until he
+came so close that, if he advanced another step, he would lose
+sight of her.  Thus Lancelot drove him back and forth repeatedly
+in whatever direction he pleased, always stopping before the
+Queen, his lady, who had kindled the flame which compels him to
+fix his gaze upon her.  And this same flame so stirred him
+against Meleagant that he was enabled to lead and drive him
+wherever he pleased.  In spite of himself he drives him on like a
+blind man or a man with a wooden leg.  The king sees his son so
+hard pressed that he is sorry for him and he pities him, and he
+will not deny him aid and assistance if possible; but if he
+wishes to proceed courteously, he must first beg the Queen's
+permission.  So he began to say to her: "Lady, since I have had
+you in my power, I have loved you and faithfully served and
+honoured you.  I never consciously left anything undone in which
+I saw your honour involved; now repay me for what I have done.
+For I am about to ask you a favour which you should not grant
+unless you do so willingly.  I plainly see that my son is getting
+the worst of this battle; I do not speak so because of the
+chagrin I feel, but in order that Lancelot, who has him in his
+power, may not kill him.  Nor ought you to wish to see him
+killed; not because he has not wronged both you and him, but
+because I make the request of you: so tell him, please, to stop
+beating him.  If you will, you can thus repay me for what I have
+done for you."  "Fair sire, I am willing to do so at your
+request," the Queen replies; "had I mortal hatred for your son,
+whom it is true I do not love, yet you have served me so well
+that, to please you, I am quite willing that he should desist."
+These words were not spoken privately, but Lancelot and
+Meleagrant heard what was said.  The man who is a perfect lover
+is always obedient and quickly and gladly does his mistress'
+pleasure.  So Lancelot was constrained to do his Lady's will, for
+he loved more than Pyramus, (21) if that were possible for any
+man to do.  Lancelot heard what was said, and as soon as the last
+word had issued from her mouth, "since you wish him to desist, I
+am willing that he should do so,"  Lancelot would not have
+touched him or made a movement for anything, even if the other
+had killed him.  He does not touch him or raise his hand.  But
+Meleagant, beside himself with rage and shame when he hears that
+it has been necessary to intercede in his behalf, strikes him
+with all the strength he can muster.  And the king went down from
+the tower to upbraid his son, and entering the list he addressed
+him thus: "How now?  Is this becoming, to strike him when he is
+not touching thee?  Thou art too cruel and savage, and thy
+prowess is now out of place!  For we all know beyond a doubt that
+he is thy superior."  Then Meleagant, choking with shame, says to
+the king: "I think you must be blind!  I do not believe you see a
+thing.  Any one must indeed be blind to think I am not better
+than he."  "Seek some one to believe thy words!" the king
+replies, "for all the people know whether thou speakest the truth
+or a lie.  All of us know full well the truth."  Then the king
+bids his barons lead his son away, which they do at once in
+execution of his command: they led away Meleagant.  But it was
+not necessary to use force to induce Lancelot to withdraw, for
+Meleagant might have harmed him grievously, before he would have
+sought to defend himself.  Then the king says to his son: "So
+help me God, now thou must make peace and surrender the Queen. 
+Thou must cease this quarrel once for all and withdraw thy
+claim."  "That is great nonsense you have uttered!  I hear you
+speak foolishly.  Stand aside!  Let us fight, and do not mix in
+our affairs!"  But the king says he will take a hand, for he
+knows well that, were the fight to continue, Lancelot would kill
+his son.  "He kill me!  Rather would I soon defeat and kill him,
+if you would leave us alone and let us fight."  Then the king
+says: "So help me God, all that thou sayest is of no avail." 
+"Why is that?" he asks.  "Because I will not consent.  I will not
+so trust in thy folly and pride as to allow thee to be killed.  A
+man is a fool to court death, as thou dost in thy ignorance.  I
+know well that thou hatest me because I wish to save thy life. 
+God will not let me see and witness thy death, if I can help it,
+for it would cause me too much grief."  He talks to him and
+reproves him until finally peace and good-will are restored.  The
+terms of the peace are these: he will surrender the Queen to
+Lancelot, provided that the latter without reluctance will fight
+them again within a year of such time as he shall choose to
+summon him: this is no trial to Lancelot.  When peace is made,
+all the people press about, and it is decided that the battle
+shall be fought at the court of King Arthur, who holds Britain
+and Cornwall in his sway: there they decide that it shall be. 
+And the Queen has to consent, and Lancelot has to promise, that
+if Meleagant can prove him recreant, she shall come back with him
+again without the interference of any one.  When the Queen and
+Lancelot had both agreed to this, the arrangement was concluded,
+and they both retired and removed their arms.  Now the custom in
+the country was that when one issued forth, all the others might
+do so too.  All called down blessings upon Lancelot: and you may
+know that he must have felt great joy, as in truth he did.  All
+the strangers assemble and rejoice over Lancelot, speaking so as
+to be heard by him: "Sire, in truth we were joyful as soon as we
+heard your name, for we felt sure at once that we should all be
+set free."  There was a great crowd present at this glad scene,
+as each one strives and presses forward to touch him if possible. 
+Any one who succeeded in touching him was more delighted than he
+could tell.  There was plenty of joy, and of sorrow too; those
+who were now set free rejoiced unrestrainedly; but Meleagant and
+his followers have not anything they want, but are pensive,
+gloomy, and downcast.  The king turns away from the list, taking
+with him Lancelot, who begs him to take him to the Queen. "I
+shall not fail to do so," the king replies; "for it seems to me
+the proper thing to do.  And if you like, I will show you Kay the
+seneschal."  At this Lancelot is so glad that he almost falls at
+his feet.  Then the king took him at once into the hall, where
+the Queen had come to wait for him.
+
+(Vv. 3955-4030.)  When the Queen saw the king holding Lancelot by
+the hand, she rose before the king, but she looked displeased
+with clouded brow, and she spoke not a word.  "Lady, here is
+Lancelot come to see you," says the king; "you ought to be
+pleased and satisfied."  "I, sire?  He cannot please me.  I care
+nothing about seeing him."  "Come now, lady," says the king who
+was very frank and courteous, "what induces you to act like this?
+You are too scornful toward a man who has served you so
+faithfully that he has repeatedly exposed his life to mortal
+danger on this journey for your sake, and who has defended and
+rescued you from my son Meleagant who had deeply wronged you."
+"Sire, truly he has made poor use of his time.  I shall never
+deny that I feel no gratitude toward him."  Now Lancelot is
+dumbfounded; but he replies very humbly like a polished lover:
+"Lady, certainly I am grieved at this, but I dare not ask your
+reason."  The Queen listened as Lancelot voiced his
+disappointment, but in order to grieve and confound him, she
+would not answer a single word, but returned to her room.  And
+Lancelot followed her with his eyes and heart until she reached
+the door; but she was not long in sight, for the room was close
+by.  His eyes would gladly have followed her, had that been
+possible; but the heart, which is more lordly and masterful in
+its strength, went through the door after her, while the eyes
+remained behind weeping with the body.  And the king said privily
+to him: "Lancelot, I am amazed at what this means: and how it
+comes about that the Queen cannot endure the sight of you, and
+that she is so unwilling to speak with you.  If she is ever
+accustomed to speak with you, she ought not to be niggardly now
+or avoid conversation with you, after what you have done for her.
+Now tell me, if you know, why and for what misdeed she has shown
+you such a countenance."  "Sire, I did not notice that just now;
+but she will not look at me or hear my words, and that distresses
+and grieves me much."  "Surely," says the king, "she is in the
+wrong, for you have risked your life for her.  Come away now,
+fair sweet friend, and we shall go to speak with the seneschal."
+"I shall be glad to do so," he replies.  Then they both go to the
+seneschal.  As soon as Lancelot came where he was, the
+seneschal's first exclamation was:  "How thou hast shamed me!" 
+"I?  How so?" Lancelot inquires; "tell me what disgrace have I
+brought upon you?"  "A very great disgrace, for thou hast carried
+out what I could not accomplish, and thou hast done what I could
+not do."
+
+(Vv. 4031-4124.)  Then the king left them together in the room,
+and went out alone.  And Lancelot inquires of the seneschal if he
+has been badly off. "Yes," he answers, "and I still am so.  I was
+never more wretched than I am now.  And I should have died a long
+time ago, had it not been for the king, who in his compassion has
+shown me so much gentleness and kindness that he willingly let me
+lack nothing of which I stood in need; but I was furnished at
+once with ever)thing that I desired.  But opposed to the kindness
+which he showed me, was Meleagant his son, who is full of
+wickedness, and who summoned the physicians to him and bade them
+apply such ointments as would kill me.  Such a father and
+stepfather have I had!  For when the king had a good plaster
+applied to my wounds in his desire that I should soon be cured,
+his treacherous son, wishing to put me to death, had it promptly
+taken off and some harmful salve applied.  But I am very sure
+that the king was ignorant of this; he would not tolerate such
+base and murderous tricks.  But you do not know how courteous he
+has been to my lady: no frontier tower since the time that Noah
+built the ark was ever so carefully guarded, for he has guarded
+her so vigilantly that, though his son chafed under the
+restraint, he would nor let him see her except in the presence of
+the king himself.  Up to the present time the king in his mercy
+has shown her all the marks of consideration which she herself
+proposed.  She alone had the disposition of her affairs.  And the
+king esteemed her all the more for the loyalty she showed.  But
+is it true, as I am told, that she is so angry with you that she
+has publicly refused to speak with you?"  "You have been told the
+exact truth," Lancelot replies, "but for God's sake, can you tell
+me why she is so displeased with me?"  He replies that he does
+not know, and that he is greatly surprised at it.  "Well, let it
+be as she pleases," says Lancelot, feeling his helplessness; "I
+must now take my leave, and I shall go to seek my lord Gawain who
+has entered this land, and who arranged with me that he would
+proceed directly to the waterbridge."  Then, leaving the room, he
+appeared before the king and asked for leave to proceed in that
+direction.  And the king willingly grants him leave to go.  Then
+those whom Lancelot had set free and delivered from prison ask
+him what they are to do.  And he replies: "All those who desire
+may come with me, and those who wish to stay with the Queen may
+do so: there is no reason why they should accompany me."  Then
+all those, who so desire, accompany him, more glad and joyous
+than is their wont.  With the Queen remain her damsels who are
+light of heart, and many knights and ladies too.  But there is
+not one of those who stay behind, who would not have preferred to
+return to his own country to staying there.  But on my lord
+Gawain's account, whose arrival is expected, the Queen keeps
+them, saying that she will never stir until she has news of him.
+
+(Vv. 4125-4262.)  The news spreads everywhere that the Queen is
+free to go, and that all the other prisoners have been set at
+liberty and are free to go whenever it suits and pleases them.
+Wherever the people of the land gather together, they ask each
+other about the truth of this report, and never talk of anything
+else.  They are very much enraged that all the dangerous passes
+have been overcome, and that any one may come and go as he
+pleases.  But when the natives of the country, who had not been
+present at the battle, learned how Lancelot had been the victor,
+they all betook themselves to the place where they knew he must
+pass by, thinking that the king would be well pleased if they
+should seize Lancelot and hale him back to him.  All of his own
+men were without their arms, and therefore they were at a
+disadvantage when they saw the natives of the country coming
+under arms.  It was not strange that they seized Lancelot, who
+was without his arms.  They lead him back prisoner, his feet
+lashed together beneath his horse.  Then his own men say:
+"Gentlemen, this is an evil deed; for the king has given us his
+safe-conduct, and we are under his protection."  But the others
+reply: "We do not know how that may be; but as we have taken you,
+you must return with us to court."  The rumour, which swiftly
+flies and runs, reaches the king, that his men have seized
+Lancelot and put him to death.  When the king hears it, he is
+sorely grieved and swears angrily by his head that they who have
+killed him shall surely die for the deed; and that, if he can
+seize or catch them, it shall be their fate to be hanged, burned,
+or drowned.  And if they attempt to deny their deed, he will not
+believe what they say, for they have brought him such grief and
+shame that he would be disgraced were vengeance not to be exacted
+from them; but he will be avenged without a doubt.  The news of
+this spread until it reached the Queen, who was sitting at meat.
+She almost killed herself on hearing the false report about
+Lancelot, but she supposes it to be true, and therefore she is in
+such dismay that she almost loses the power to speak; but,
+because of those present, she forces herself to say: "In truth, I
+am sorry for his death, and it is no wonder that I grieve, for he
+came into this country for my sake, and therefore I should mourn
+for him."  Then she says to herself, so that the others should
+not hear, that no one need ask her to drink or eat, if it is true
+that he is dead, in whose life she found her own.  Then grieving
+she rises from the table, and makes her lament, but so that no
+one hears or notices her.  She is so beside herself that she
+repeatedly grasps her throat with the desire to kill herself; but
+first she confesses to herself, and repents with self-reproach,
+blaming and censuring herself for the wrong she had done him,
+who, as she knew, had always been hers, and would still be hers,
+if he were alive.  She is so distressed at the thought of her
+cruelty, that her beauty is seriously impaired.  Her cruelty and
+meanness affected her and marred her beauty more than all the
+vigils and fastings with which she afflicted herself.  When all
+her sins rise up before her, she gathers them together, and as
+she reviews them, she repeatedly exclaims: "Alas!  of what was I
+thinking when my lover stood before me and I should have welcomed
+him, that I would not listen to his words?  Was I not a fool,
+when I refused to look at or speak to him?  Foolish indeed?
+Rather was I base and cruel, so help me God.  I intended it as a
+jest, but he did not take it so, and has not pardoned me.  I am
+sure it was no one but me who gave him his death-blow.  When he
+came before me smiling and expecting that I would be glad to see
+him and would welcome him, and when I would not look at him, was
+not that a mortal blow?  When I refused to speak with him, then
+doubtless at one blow I deprived him of his heart and life. 
+These two strokes have killed him, I am sure; no other bandits
+have caused his death.  God!  can I ever make amends for this
+murder and this crime?  No, indeed; sooner will the rivers and
+the sea dry up.  Alas!  how much better I should feel, and how
+much comfort I should take, if only once before he died I had
+held him in my arms!  What?  Yes, certainly, quite unclad, in
+order the better to enjoy him.  If he is dead, I am very wicked
+not to destroy myself.  Why?  Can it harm my lover for me to live
+on after he is dead, if I take no pleasure in anything but in the
+woe I bear for him?  In giving myself up to grief after his
+death, the very woes I court would be sweet to me, if he were
+only still alive.  It is wrong for a woman to wish to die rather
+than to suffer for her lover's sake.  It is certainly sweet for
+me to mourn him long.  I would rather be beaten alive than die
+and be at rest."
+
+(Vv. 4263-4414.)  For two days the Queen thus mourned for him
+without eating or drinking, until they thought she too would die.
+There are plenty of people ready to carry bad news rather than
+good.  The news reaches Lancelot that his lady and sweetheart is
+dead.  You need have no doubt of the grief he felt; every one may
+feel sure that he was afflicted and overcome with grief.  Indeed,
+if you would know the truth, he was so downcast that he held his
+life in slight esteem.  He wished to kill himself at once, but
+first he uttered a brief lament.  He makes a running noose at one
+end of the belt he wore, and then tearfully communes thus with
+himself: "Ah, death, how hast thou spied me out and undone me,
+when in the bloom of health!  I am undone, and yet I feel no pain
+except the grief within my heart.  This is a terrible mortal
+grief.  I am willing that it should be so, and if God will, I
+shall die of it.  Then can I not die some other way, without
+God's consent?  Yes, if he will let me tie this noose around my
+neck.  I think I can compel death, even against her will, to take
+my life.  Death, who covets only those who fear her, will not
+come to me; but my belt will bring her within my power, and as
+soon as she is mine, she will execute my desire.  But, in truth,
+she will come too tardily for me, for I yearn to have her now!"
+Then he delays and hesitates no longer, but adjusts his head
+within the noose until it rests about his neck; and in order that
+he may not fail to harm himself, he fastens the end of the belt
+tightly about the saddle-bow, without attracting the attention of
+any one.  Then he let himself slide to earth, intending his horse
+to drag him until he was lifeless, for he disdains to live
+another hour.  When those who ride with him see him fallen to
+earth, they suppose him to be in a faint, for no one sees the
+noose which he had attached about his neck.  At once they caught
+him in their arms and, on raising him, they found the noose which
+he had put around his neck and with which he sought to kill
+himself.  They quickly cut the noose; but the noose had so hurt
+his throat that for some time he could not speak; the veins of
+his neck and throat are almost broken.  Now he could not harm
+himself, even had he wished to do so; however, he is grieved that
+they have laid hands on him, and he almost burns up with rage,
+for willingly would he have killed himself had no one chanced to
+notice him.  And now when he cannot harm himself, he cries: "Ah,
+vile and shameless death!  For God's sake, why hadst thou not the
+power and might to kill me before my lady died?  I suppose it was
+because thou wouldst not deign to do what might be a kindly deed.
+If thou didst spare me, it must be attributed to thy wickedness.
+Ah, what kind of service and kindness is that!  How well hast
+thou employed them here!  A curse upon him who thanks thee or
+feels gratitude for such a service!  I know not which is more my
+enemy: life, which detains me, or death, which will not slay me.
+Each one torments me mortally; and it serves me right, so help me
+God, that in spite of myself I should still live on.  For I ought
+to have killed myself as soon as my lady the Queen showed her
+hate for me; she did not do it without cause, but she had some
+good reason, though I know not what it is.  And if I had known
+what it was before her soul went to God, I should have made her
+such rich amends as would have pleased her and gained her mercy.
+God!  what could my crime have been?  I think she must have known
+that I mounted upon the cart.  I do not know what other cause she
+can have to blame me.  This has been my undoing.  If this is the
+reason of her hate, God!  what harm could this crime do?  Any one
+who would reproach me for such an act never knew what love is,
+for no one could mention anything which, if prompted by love,
+ought to be turned into a reproach.  Rather, everything that one
+can do for his lady-love is to be regarded as a token of his love
+and courtesy.  Yet, I did not do it for my `lady-love'.  I know
+not by what name to call her, whether `lady-love', or not.  I do
+not dare to call her by this name.  But I think I know this much
+of love: that if she loved me, she ought not to esteem me less
+for this crime, but rather call me her true lover, inasmuch as I
+regarded it as an honour to do all love bade me do, even to mount
+upon a cart.  She ought to ascribe this to love; and this is a
+certain proof that love thus tries his devotees and thus learns
+who is really his.  But this service did not please my lady, as I
+discovered by her countenance.  And yet her lover did for her
+that for which many have shamefully reproached and blamed him,
+though she was the cause of it; and many blame me for the part I
+have played, and have turned my sweetness into bitterness.  In
+truth, such is the custom of those who know so little of love,
+that even honour they wash in shame.  But whoever dips honour
+into shame, does not wash it, but rather sullies it.  But they,
+who maltreat him so, are quite ignorant of love; and he, who
+fears not his commands, boasts himself very superior to him.  For
+unquestionably he fares well who obeys the commands of love, and
+whatever he does is pardonable, but he is the coward who does not
+dare."
+
+(Vv. 4415-4440.)  Thus Lancelot makes his lament, and his men
+stand grieving by his side, keeping hold of him and guarding him.
+Then the news comes that the Queen is not dead.  Thereupon
+Lancelot at once takes comfort, and if his grief for her death
+had before been intense and deep, now his joy for her life was a
+hundred thousand times as great.  And when they arrived within
+six or seven leagues of the castle where King Bademagu was,
+grateful news of Lancelot was told him, how he was alive and was
+coming hale and hearty, and this news the king was glad to hear.
+He did a very courteous thing in going at once to appraise the
+Queen.  And she replies: "Fair sire, since you say so, I believe
+it is true, but I assure you that, if he were dead, I should
+never be happy again.  All my joy would be cut off, if a knight
+had been killed in my service."
+
+(Vv. 4441-4530.)  Then the king leaves her, and the Queen yearns
+ardently for the arrival of her lover and her joy.  She has no
+desire this time to bear him any grudge.  But rumour, which never
+rests but runs always unceasingly, again reaches the Queen to the
+effect that Lancelot would have killed himself for her sake, if
+he had had the chance.  She is happy at the thought that this is
+true, but she would not have had it happen so for anything, for
+her sorrow would have been too great.  Thereupon Lancelot arrived
+in haste. (22)  As soon as the king sees him, he runs to kiss and
+embrace him.  He feels as if he ought to fly, borne along by the
+buoyancy of his joy.  But his satisfaction is cut short by those
+who had taken and bound his guest, and the king tells them they
+have come in an evil hour, for they shall all be killed and
+confounded.  Then they made answer that they thought he would
+have it so.  "It is I whom you have insulted in doing your
+pleasure.  He has no reason to complain," the king replies; "you
+have not shamed him at all, but only me who was protecting him.
+However you look at it, the shame is mine.  But if you escape me
+now, you will see no joke in this."  When Lancelot hears his
+wrath, he puts forth every effort to make peace and adjust
+matters; when his efforts have met with success, the king takes
+him away to see the Queen.  This time the Queen did not lower her
+eyes to the ground, but she went to meet him cheerfully,
+honouring him all she could, and making him sit down by her side.
+Then they talked together at length of all that was upon their
+hearts, and love furnished them with so much to say that topics
+did not lack.  And when Lancelot sees how well he stands, and
+that all he says finds favour with the Queen, he says to her in
+confidence: "Lady, I marvel greatly why you received me with such
+a countenance when you saw me the day before yesterday, and why
+you would not speak a word to me: I almost died of the blow you
+gave me, and I had not the courage to dare to question you about
+it, as I now venture to do.  I am ready now, lady, to make
+amends, when you have told me what has been the crime which has
+caused me such distress."  Then the Queen replies: "What?  Did
+you not hesitate for shame to mount the cart?  You showed you
+were loath to get in, when you hesitated for two whole steps.
+That is the reason why I would neither address nor look at you."
+"May God save me from such a crime again," Lancelot replies, "and
+may God show me no mercy, if you were not quite right!  For God's
+sake, lady, receive my amends at once, and tell me, for God's
+sake, if you can ever pardon me."  "Friend, you are quite
+forgiven," the Queen replies; "I pardon you willingly."  "Thank
+you for that, lady," he then says; "but I cannot tell you here
+all that I should like to say; I should like to talk with you
+more at leisure, if possible."  Then the Queen indicates a window
+by her glance rather than with her finger, and says: "Come
+through the garden to-night and speak with me at yonder window,
+when every one inside has gone to sleep.  You will not be able to
+get in: I shall be inside and you outside: to gain entrance will
+be impossible.  I shall be able to touch you only with my lips or
+hand, but, if you please, I will stay there until morning for
+love of you.  Our bodies cannot be joined, for close beside me in
+my room lies Kay the seneschal, who is still suffering from his
+wounds.  And the door is not open, but is tightly closed and
+guarded well.  When you come, take care to let no spy catch sight
+of you."  "Lady," says he, "if I can help it, no spy shall see me
+who might think or speak evil of us."  Then, having agreed upon
+this plan, they separate very joyfully.
+
+(Vv. 4551-4650.)  Lancelot leaves the room in such a happy frame
+that all his past troubles are forgotten.  But he was so
+impatient for the night to come that his restlessness made the
+day seem longer than a hundred ordinary days or than an entire
+year.  If night had only come, he would gladly have gone to the
+trysting place.  Dark and sombre night at last won its struggle
+with the day, and wrapped it up in its covering, and laid it away
+beneath its cloak.  When he saw the light of day obscured, he
+pretended to be tired and worn, and said that, in view of his
+protracted vigils, he needed rest.  You, who have ever done the
+same, may well understand and guess that he pretends to be tired
+and goes to bed in order to deceive the people of the house; but
+he cared nothing about his bed, nor would he have sought rest
+there for anything, for he could not have done so and would not
+have dared, and furthermore he would not have cared to possess
+the courage or the power to do so.  Soon he softly rose, and was
+pleased to find that no moon or star was shining, and that in the
+house there was no candle, lamp, or lantern burning.  Thus he
+went out and looked about, but there was no one on the watch for
+him, for all thought that he would sleep in his bed all night.
+Without escort or company he quickly went out into the garden,
+meeting no one on the way, and he was so fortunate as to find
+that a part of the garden-wall had recently fallen down.  Through
+this break he passes quickly and proceeds to the window, where he
+stands, taking good care not to cough or sneeze, until the Queen
+arrives clad in a very white chemise.  She wore no cloak or coat,
+but had thrown over her a short cape of scarlet cloth and
+shrew-mouse fur.  As soon as Lancelot saw the Queen leaning on
+the window-sill behind the great iron bars, he honoured her with
+a gentle salute.  She promptly returned his greeting, for he was
+desirous of her, and she of him.  Their talk and conversation are
+not of vulgar, tiresome affairs.  They draw close to one another,
+until each holds the other's hand.  But they are so distressed at
+not being able to come together more completely, that they curse
+the iron bars.  Then Lancelot asserts that, with the Queen's
+consent, he will come inside to be with her, and that the bars
+cannot keep him out.  And the Queen replies: "Do you not see how
+the bars are stiff to bend and hard to break?  You could never so
+twist, pull or drag at them as to dislodge one of them."  "Lady,"
+says he, "have no fear of that.  It would take more than these
+bars to keep me out.  Nothing but your command could thwart my
+power to come to you.  If you will but grant me your permission,
+the way will open before me.  But if it is not your pleasure,
+then the way is so obstructed that I could not possibly pass
+through."  "Certainly," she says, "I consent.  My will need not
+stand in your way; but you must wait until I retire to my bed
+again, so that no harm may come to you, for it would be no joke
+or jest if the seneschal, who is sleeping here, should wake up on
+hearing you.  So it is best for me to withdraw, for no good could
+come of it, if he should see me standing here."  "Go then, lady,"
+he replies; "but have no fear that I shall make any noise.  I
+think I can draw out the bars so softly and with so little effort
+that no one shall be aroused."
+
+(Vv. 4651-4754.)  Then the Queen retires, and he prepares to
+loosen the window.  Seizing the bars, he pulls and wrenches them
+until he makes them bend and drags them from their places.  But
+the iron was so sharp that the end of his little finger was cut
+to the nerve, and the first joint of the next finger was torn;
+but he who is intent upon something else paid no heed to any of
+his wounds or to the blood which trickled down.  Though the
+window is not low, Lancelot gets through it quickly and easily.
+First he finds Kay asleep in his bed, then he comes to the bed of
+the Queen, whom he adores and before whom he kneels, holding her
+more dear than the relic of any saint.  And the Queen extends her
+arms to him and, embracing him, presses him tightly against her
+bosom, drawing him into the bed beside her and showing him every
+possible satisfaction; her love and her heart go out to him.  It
+is love that prompts her to treat him so; and if she feels great
+love for him, he feels a hundred thousand times as much for her.
+For there is no love at all in other hearts compared with what
+there is in his; in his heart love was so completely embodied
+that it was niggardly toward all other hearts.  Now Lancelot
+possesses all he wants, when the Queen voluntarily seeks his
+company and love, and when he holds her in his arms, and she
+holds him in hers.  Their sport is so agreeable and sweet, as
+they kiss and fondle each other, that in truth such a marvellous
+joy comes over them as was never heard or known.  But their joy
+will not be revealed by me, for in a story, it has no place. 
+Yet, the most choice and delightful satisfaction was precisely
+that of which our story must not speak.  That night Lancelot's
+joy and pleasure were very great.  But, to his sorrow, day comes
+when he must leave his mistress' side.  It cost him such pain to
+leave her that he suffered a real martyr's agony.  His heart now
+stays where the Queen remains; he has not the power to lead it
+away, for it finds such pleasure in the Queen that it has no
+desire to leave her: so his body goes, and his heart remains. 
+But enough of his body stays behind to spot and stain the sheets
+with the blood which has fallen from his fingers.  Full of sighs
+and tears, Lancelot leaves in great distress.  He grieves that no
+time is fixed for another meeting, but it cannot be.  Regretfully
+he leaves by the window through which he had entered so happily.
+He was so badly wounded in the fingers that they were in sorry,
+state; yet he straightened the bars and set them in their place
+again, so that from neither side, either before or behind, was it
+evident that any one had drawn out or bent any of the bars.  When
+he leaves the room, he bows and acts precisely as if he were
+before a shrine; then he goes with a heavy heart, and reaches his
+lodgings without being recognised by any one.  He throws himself
+naked upon his bed without awaking any one, and then for the
+first time he is surprised to notice the cuts in his fingers; but
+he is not at all concerned, for he is very sure that the wound
+was caused by dragging the window bars from the wall.  Therefore
+he was not at all worried, for he would rather have had both arms
+dragged from his body than not enter through the window.  But he
+would have been very angry and distressed, if he had thus injured
+and wounded himself under any other circumstances.
+
+(Vv. 4755-5006.)  In the morning, within her curtained room, the
+Queen had fallen into a gentle sleep; she had not noticed that
+her sheets were spotted with blood, but she supposed them to be
+perfectly white and clean and presentable.  Now Meleagant, as
+soon as he was dressed and ready, went to the room where the
+Queen lay.  He finds her awake, and he sees the sheets spotted
+with fresh drops of blood, whereupon he nudges his companions
+and, suspicious of some mischief, looks at the bed of Kay the
+seneschal, and sees that his sheets are blood-stained too, for
+you must know that in the night his wounds had begun to bleed
+afresh.  Then he said: "Lady, now I have found the evidence that
+I desired.  It is very true that any man is a fool to try to
+confine a woman: he wastes his efforts and his pains.  He who
+tries to keep her under guard loses her sooner than the man who
+takes no thought of her.  A fine watch, indeed, has been kept by
+my father, who is guarding you on my behalf!  He has succeeded in
+keeping you from me, but, in spite of him, Kay the seneschal has
+looked upon you last night, and has done what he pleased with
+you, as can readily be proved."  "What is that?" she asks. 
+"Since I must speak, I find blood on your sheets, which proves
+the fact.  I know it and can prove it, because I find on both
+your sheets and his the blood which issued from his wounds: the
+evidence is very strong."  Then the Queen saw on both beds the
+bloody sheets, and marvelling, she blushed with shame and said:
+"So help me God, this blood which I see upon my sheets was never
+brought here by Kay, but my nose bled during the night, and I
+suppose it must be from my nose."  In saying so, she thinks she
+tells the truth.  "By my head," says Meleagant, "there is nothing
+in what you say.  Swearing is of no avail, for you are taken in
+your guilt, and the truth will soon be proved."  Then he said to
+the guards who were present: "Gentlemen, do not move, and see to
+it that the sheets are not taken from the bed until I return.  I
+wish the king to do me justice, as soon as he has seen the
+truth."  Then he searched until he found him, and failing at his
+feet, he said: "Sire, come to see what you have failed to guard.
+Come to see the Queen, and you shall see the certain marvels
+which I have already seen and tested.  But, before you go, I beg
+you not to fail to be just and upright toward me.  You know well
+to what danger I have exposed myself for the Queen; yet, you are
+no friend of mine and keep her from me under guard.  This morning
+I went to see her in her bed, and I remarked that Kay lies with
+her every night.  Sire, for God's sake, be not angry, if I am
+disgruntled and if I complain.  For it is very humiliating for me
+to be hated and despised by one with whom Kay is allowed to lie."
+"Silence!" says the king; "I don't believe it."  "Then come, my
+lord, and see the sheets and the state in which Kay has left
+them.  Since you will not believe my words, and since you think I
+am lying, I will show you the sheets and the quilt covered with
+blood from Kay's wounds."  "Come now," says the king, "I wish to
+see for myself, and my eyes will judge of the truth."  Then the
+king goes directly to the room, where the Queen got up at his
+approach.  He sees that the sheets are blood-stained on her bed
+and on Kay's alike and he says: "Lady, it is going badly now, if
+what my son has said is true."  Then she replies: "So help me
+God, never even in a dream was uttered such a monstrous lie.  I
+think Kay the seneschal is courteous and loyal enough not to
+commit such a deed, and besides, I do not expose my body in the
+market-place, nor offer it of my own free will.  Surely, Kay is
+not the man to make an insulting proposal to me, and I have never
+desired and shall never desire to do such a thing myself." 
+"Sire, I shall be much obliged to you," says Meleagant to his
+father, "if Kay shall be made to atone for this outrage, and the
+Queen's shame thus be exposed.  It devolves upon you to see that
+justice is done, and this justice I now request and claim.  Kay
+has betrayed King Arthur, his lord, who had such confidence in
+him that he entrusted to him what he loved most in the world."
+"Let me answer, sire," says Kay, "and I shall exonerate myself.
+May God have no mercy upon my soul when I leave this world, if I
+ever lay with my lady!  Indeed, I should rather be dead than ever
+do my lord such an ugly wrong, and may God never grant me better
+health than I have now but rather kill me on the spot, if such a
+thought ever entered my mind!  But I know that my wounds bled
+profusely last night, and that is the reason why my sheets are
+stained with blood.  That is why your son suspects me, but surely
+he has no right to do so."  And Meleagant answers him: "So help
+me God, the devils and demons have betrayed you.  You grew too
+heated last night and, as a result of your exertions, your wounds
+have doubtless bled afresh.  There is no use in your denying it;
+we can see it, and it is perfectly evident.  It is right that he
+should atone for his crime, who is so plainly taken in his guilt.
+Never did a knight with so fair a name commit such iniquities as
+this, and yours is the shame for it."  "Sire, sire," says Kay to
+the king, "I will defend the Queen and myself against the
+accusation of your son.  He harasses and distresses me, though he
+has no ground to treat me so."  "You cannot fight," the king
+replies, "you are too ill."  "Sire, if you will allow it, I will
+fight with him, ill as I am, and will show him that I am not
+guilty of the crime which he imputes to me."  But the Queen,
+having secretly sent word to Lancelot, tells the king that she
+will present a knight who will defend the seneschal, if Meleagant
+dares to urge this charge.  Then Meleagant said at once: "There
+is no knight without exception, even were he a giant, whom I will
+not fight until one of us is defeated."  Then Lancelot came in,
+and with him such a rout of knights that the whole hall was
+filled with them.  As soon as he had entered, in the hearing of
+all, both young and old, the Queen told what had happened, and
+said: "Lancelot, this insult has been done me by Meleagant.  In
+the presence of all who hear his words he says I have lied, if
+you do not make him take it back.  Last night, he asserted, Kay
+lay with me, because he found my sheets, like his, all stained
+with blood; and he says that he stands convicted, unless he will
+undertake his own defence, or unless some one else will fight the
+battle on his behalf."  Lancelot says: "You need never use
+arguments with me.  May it not please God that either you or he
+should be thus discredited!  I am ready to fight and to prove to
+the extent of my power that he never was guilty of such a
+thought.  I am ready to employ my strength in his behalf, and to
+defend him against this charge."  Then Meleagant jumped up and
+said: "So help me God, I am pleased and well satisfied with that:
+no one need think that I object."  And Lancelot said: "My lord
+king, I am well acquainted with suits and laws, with trials and
+verdicts: in a question of veracity an oath should be taken
+before the fight."  Meleagant at once replies: "I agree to take
+an oath; so let the relics be brought at once, for I know well
+that I am right."  And Lancelot answers him: "So help me God, no
+one who ever knew Kay the seneschal would doubt his word on such
+a point."  Then they call for their horses, and ask that their
+arms be brought.  This is promptly done, and when the valets had
+armed them, they were ready for the fight.  Then the holy relics
+are brought forth: Meleagant steps forward, with Lancelot by his
+side, and both fall on their knees.  Then Meleagant, laying his
+hands upon the relics, swears unreservedly: "So help me God and
+this holy relic, Kay the seneschal lay with the Queen in her bed
+last night and, had his pleasure with her."  "And I swear that
+thou liest," says Lancelot, "and furthermore I swear that he
+neither lay with her nor touched her.  And may it please God to
+take vengeance upon him who has lied, and may He bring the truth
+to light!  Moreover, I will take another oath and swear, whoever
+may dislike it or be displeased, that if I am permitted to
+vanquish Meleagant to-day, I will show him no mercy, so help me
+God and these relics here!"  The king felt no joy when he heard
+this oath.
+
+(Vv. 5007-5198.)  When the oaths had been taken, their horses
+were brought forward, which were fair and good in every way. 
+Each man mounts his own home, and they ride at once at each other
+as fast as the steeds can carry them; and when the horses are in
+mid-career, the knights strike each other so fiercely that there
+is nothing left of the lances in their hands.  Each brings the
+other to earth; however, they are not dismayed, but they rise at
+once and attack each other with their sharp drawn swords.  The
+burning sparks fly in the air from their helmets.  They assail
+each other so bitterly with the drawn swords in their hands that,
+as they thrust and draw, they encounter each other with their
+blows and will not pause even to catch their breath.  The king in
+his grief and anxiety called the Queen, who had gone up in the
+tower to look out from the balcony: he begged her for God's sake,
+the Creator, to let them be separated.  "Whatever is your
+pleasure is agreeable to me," the Queen says honestly: "I shall
+not object to anything you do."  Lancelot plainly heard what
+reply the Queen made to the king's request, and from that time he
+ceased to fight and renounced the struggle at once.  But
+Meleagant does not wish to stop, and continues to strike and hew
+at him.  But the king rushes between them and stops his son, who
+declares with an oath that he has no desire for peace.  He wants
+to fight, and cares not for peace.  Then the king says to him:
+"Be quiet, and take my advice, and be sensible.  No shame or harm
+shall come to thee, if thou wilt do what is right and heed my
+words.  Dost thou not remember that thou hast agreed to fight him
+at King Arthur's court?  And dost thou not suppose that it would
+be a much greater honour for thee to defeat him there than
+anywhere else?"  The king says this to see if he can so influence
+him as to appease him and separate them.  And Lancelot, who was
+impatient to go in search of my lord Gawain, requests leave of
+the king and Queen to depart.  With their permission he goes away
+toward the water-bridge, and after him there followed a great
+company of knights.  But it would have suited him very well, if
+many of those who went had stayed behind.  They make long days'
+journeys until they approach the water-bridge, but are still
+about a league from it.  Before they came in sight of the bridge,
+a dwarf came to meet them on a mighty hunter, holding a scourge
+with which to urge on and incite his steed.  In accordance with
+his instructions, he at once inquired: "Which of you is Lancelot?
+Don't conceal him from me; I am of your party; tell me
+confidently, for I ask the question for your good."  Lancelot
+replies in his own behalf, and says: "I am he whom thou seekest
+and askest for."  "Ah," says the dwarf, "frank knight, leave
+these people, and trust in me.  Come along with me alone, for I
+will take thee to a goodly place.  Let no one follow thee for
+anything, but let them wait here; for we shall return presently."
+He, suspecting no harm in this, bids all his men stay there, and
+follows the dwarf who has betrayed him.  Meanwhile his men who
+wait for him may continue to expect him long in vain, for they,
+who have taken and seized him, have no desire to give him up. 
+And his men are in such a state of grief at his failure to return
+that they do not know what steps to take.  They all say
+sorrowfully that the dwarf has betrayed them.  It would be
+useless to inquire for him: with heavy hearts they begin to
+search, but they know not where to look for him with any hope of
+finding him.  So they all take counsel, and the most reasonable
+and sensible agree on this, it seems: to go to the passage of the
+water-bridge, which is close by, to see if they can find my lord
+Gawain in wood or plain, and then with his advice search for
+Lancelot.  Upon this plan they all agree without dissension.
+Toward the water-bridge they go, and as soon as they reach the
+bridge, they see my lord Gawain overturned and fallen from the
+bridge into the stream which is very deep.  One moment he rises,
+and the next he sinks; one moment they see him, and the next they
+lose him from sight.  They make such efforts that they succeed in
+raising him with branches, poles and hooks.  He had nothing but
+his hauberk on his back, and on his head was fixed his helmet,
+which was worth ten of the common sort, and he wore his iron
+greaves, which were all rusty with his sweat, for he had endured
+great trials, and had passed victoriously through many perils and
+assaults.  His lance, his shield, and horse were all behind on
+the other bank.  Those who have rescued him do not believe he is
+alive.  For his body was full of water, and until he got rid of
+it, they did not hear him speak a word.  But when his speech and
+voice and the passageway to his heart are free, and as soon, as
+what he said could be heard and understood, he tried to speak he
+inquired at once for the Queen, whether those present had any
+news of her.  And they replied that she is still with King 
+Bademagu, who serves her well and honourably.  "Has no one come
+to seek her in this land?" my lord Gawain then inquires of them.
+And they answer him: "Yes, indeed."  "Who?"  "Lancelot of the
+Lake," they say, "who crossed the sword-bridge, and rescued and
+delivered her as well as all the rest of us.  But we have been
+betrayed by a pot-bellied, humpbacked, and crabbed dwarf.  He has
+deceived us shamefully in seducing Lancelot from us, and we do
+not know what he has done with him."  "When was that?" my lord
+Gawain inquires.  "Sire, near here this very day this trick was
+played on us, while he was coming with us to meet you."  "And how
+has Lancelot been occupied since he entered this land?"  Then
+they begin to tell him all about him in detail, and then they
+tell him about the Queen, how she is waiting for him and
+asserting that nothing could induce her to leave the country,
+until she sees him or hears some credible news of him.  To them
+my lord Gawain replies: "When we leave this bridge, we shall go
+to search for Lancelot."  There is not one who does not advise
+rather that they go to the Queen at once, and have the king seek
+Lancelot, for it is their opinion that his son Meleagant has
+shown his enmity by having him cast into prison.  But if the king
+can learn where he is, he will certainly make him surrender him:
+they can rely upon this with confidence.
+
+(Vv. 5199-5256.)  They all agreed upon this plan, and started at
+once upon their way until they drew near the court where the
+Queen and king were.  There, too, was Kay the seneschal, and that
+disloyal man, full to overflowing of treachery, who has aroused
+the greatest anxiety for Lancelot on the part of the party which
+now arrives.  They feel they have been discomfited and betrayed,
+and they make great lament in their misery.  It is not a gracious
+message which reports this mourning to the Queen.  Nevertheless,
+she deports herself with as good a grace as possible.  She
+resolves to endure it, as she must, for the sake of my lord
+Gawain.  However, she does not so conceal her grief that it does
+not somewhat appear.  She has to show both joy and grief at once:
+her heart is empty for Lancelot, and to my lord Gawain she shows
+excessive joy.  Every one who hears of the loss of Lancelot is
+grief-stricken and distracted.  The king would have rejoiced at
+the coming of my lord Gawain and would have been delighted with
+his acquaintance; but he is so sorrowful and distressed over the
+betrayal of Lancelot that he is prostrated and full of grief. 
+And the Queen beseeches him insistently to have him searched for,
+up and down throughout the land, without postponement or delay.
+My lord Gawain and Kay and all the others join in this prayer and
+request.  "Leave this care to me, and speak no more of it," the
+king replies, "for I have been ready to do so for some time.
+Without need of request or prayer this search shall be made with
+thoroughness."  Everyone bows in sign of gratitude, and the king
+at once sends messengers through his realm, sagacious and prudent
+men-at-arms, who inquired for him throughout the land.  They made
+inquiry for him everywhere, but gained no certain news of him.
+Not finding any, they come back to the place where the knights
+remain; then Gawain and Kay and all the others say that they will
+go in search of him, fully armed and lance in rest; they will not
+trust to sending some one else.
+
+(Vv. 5257-5378.)  One day after dinner they were all in the hall
+putting on their arms, and the point had been reached where there
+was nothing to do but start, when a valet entered and passed by
+them all until he came before the Queen, whose cheeks were by no
+means rosy!  For she was in such mourning for Lancelot, of whom
+she had no news, that she had lost all her colour.  The valet
+greeted her as well as the king, who was by her side, and then
+all the others and Kay and my lord Gawain.  He held a letter in
+his hand which he gave to the king, who took it.  The king had it
+read in the hearing of all by one who made no mistake in reading
+it.  The reader knew full well how to communicate to them what
+was written in the parchment: he says that Lancelot sends
+greetings to the king as his kind lord, and thanks him for the
+honour and kindness he has shown him, and that he now places
+himself at the king's orders.  And know that he is now hale and
+hearty at King Arthur's court, and he bids him tell the Queen to
+come thither, if she will consent, in company with my lord Gawain
+and Kay.  In proof of which, he affixed his signature which they
+should recognise, as indeed they did.  At this they were very
+happy and glad; the whole court resounds with their jubilation,
+and they say they will start next day as soon as it is light. 
+So, when the day broke, they make ready and prepare: they rise
+and mount and start.  With great joy and jubilee the king escorts
+them for a long distance on their way.  When he has conducted
+them to the frontier and has seen them safely across the border,
+he takes leave of the Queen, and likewise of all the rest.  And
+when he comes to take his leave, the Queen is careful to express
+her gratitude for all the kindness he has shown to her, and
+throwing her arms about his neck, she offers and promises him her
+own service and that of her lord: no greater promise can she
+make.  And my lord Gawain promises his service to him, as to his
+lord and friend, and then Kay does likewise, and all the rest.
+Then the king commends them to God as they start upon their way.
+After these three, he bids the rest farewell, and then turns his
+face toward home.  The Queen and her company do not tarry a
+single day until news of them reaches the court.  King Arthur was
+delighted at the news of the Queen's approach, and he is happy
+and pleased at the thought that his nephew had brought about the
+Queen's return, as well as that of Kay and of the lesser folk.
+But the truth is quite different from what he thinks.  All the
+town is cleared as they go to meet them, and knights and vassals
+join in shouting as they approach: "Welcome to my lord Gawain,
+who has brought back the Queen and many another captive lady, and
+has freed for us many prisoners!"  Then Gawain answered them:
+"Gentlemen, I do not deserve your praise.  Do not trouble ever to
+say this again, for the compliment does not apply to me.  This
+honour causes me only shame, for I did not reach the Queen in
+time; my detention made me late.  But Lancelot reached there in
+time, and won such honour as was never won by any other knight."
+"Where is he, then, fair dear sire, for we do not see him here?"
+"Where?" echoes my lord Gawain; "at the court of my lord the
+King, to be sure.  Is he not?"  "No, he is not here, or anywhere
+else in this country.  Since my lady was taken away, we have had
+no news of him."  Then for the first time my lord Gawain realised
+that the letter had been forged, and that they had been betrayed
+and deceived: by the letter they had been misled.  Then they all
+begin to lament, and they come thus weeping to the court, where
+the King at once asks for information about the affair.  There
+were plenty who could tell him how much Lancelot had done, how
+the Queen and all the captives were delivered from durance by
+him, and by what treachery the dwarf had stolen him and drawn him
+away from them.  This news is not pleasing to the King, and he is
+very sorry and full of grief; but his heart is so lightened by
+the pleasure he takes in the Queen's return, that his grief
+concludes in joy.  When he has what he most desires, he cares
+little for the rest.
+
+(Vv. 5379-5514.)  While the Queen was out of the country, I
+believe, the ladies and the damsels who were disconsolate,
+decided among themselves that they would marry, soon, and they
+organised a contest and a tournament.  The lady of Noauz was
+patroness of it, with the lady of Pomelegloi.  They will have
+nothing to do with those who fare ill, but they assert that they
+will accept those who comport themselves well in the tournament.
+And they had the date of the contest proclaimed s long while in
+advance in all the countries near and far, in order that there
+might be more participants.  Now the Queen arrived before the
+date they had set, and as soon as the ladies heard of the Queen's
+return, most of them came at once to the King and besought him
+to grant them a favour and boon, which he did.  He promised to do
+whatever they wished, before he knew what their desire might be.
+Then they told him that they wished him to let the Queen come to
+be present at their contest.  And he who was not accustomed to
+forbid, said he was willing, if she wished ir so.  In happy mood
+they go to the Queen and say to her: "Lady, do not deprive us of
+the boon which the King has granted us."  Then she asks them:
+"What is that?  Don't fail to tell!"  Then they say to her: "If
+you will come to our tournament, he will not gainsay you nor
+stand in the way."  Then she said that she would come, since he
+was willing that she should.  Promptly the dames send word
+throughout the realm that they are going to bring the Queen on
+the day set for the tournament.  The news spread far and near,
+here and there, until it reached the kingdom whence no one used
+to return--but now whoever wished might enter or pass out
+unopposed.  The news travelled in this kingdom until it came to a
+seneschal of the faithless Meleagant   may an evil fire burn
+him!  This seneschal had Lancelot in his keeping, for to him he
+had been entrusted by his enemy Meleagant, who hated him with
+deadly hate.  Lancelot learned the hour and date of the
+tournament, and as soon as he heard of it, his eyes were not
+tearless nor was his heart glad.  The lady of the house, seeing
+Lancelot sad and pensive, thus spoke to him: "Sire, for God's
+sake and for your own soul's good, tell me truly," the lady said,
+"why you are so changed.  You won't eat or drink anything, and I
+see that you do not make merry or laugh.  You can tell me with
+confidence why you are so sad and troubled."  "Ah, lady, for
+God's sake, do not be surprised that I am sad!  Truly, I am very
+much downcast, since I cannot be present where all that is good
+in the world will be assembled: that is, at the tournament where
+there will be a gathering of the people who make the earth
+tremble.  Nevertheless, if it pleased you, and if God should
+incline your heart to let me go thither, you might rest assured
+that I should be careful to return to my captivity here."  "I
+would gladly do it," she replied, "if I did not see that my death
+and destruction would result.  But I am in such terror of my
+lord, the despicable Meleagant, that I would not dare to do it,
+for he would kill my husband at once.  It is not strange that I
+am afraid of him, for, as you know, he is very bad."  "Lady, if
+you are afraid that I may not return to you at once after the
+tournament, I will take an oath which I will never break, that
+nothing will detain me from returning at once to my prison here
+immediately after the tournament."  Upon my word," said she, "I
+will allow it upon one condition."  "Lady, what condition is
+that?"  Then she replies: "Sire, upon condition that you wilt
+swear to return to me, and promise that I shall have your love."
+"Lady, I give you all the love I have, and swear to come back."
+Then the lady laughs and says: "I have no cause to boast of such
+a gift, for I know you have bestowed upon some one else the love
+for which I have just made request.  However, I do not disdain to
+take so much of it as I can get.  I shall be satisfied with what
+I can have, and will accept your oath that you will be so
+considerate of me as to return hither a prisoner."
+
+(Vv. 5515-5594.)  In accordance with her wish, Lancelot swears by
+Holy Church that he will return without fail.  And the lady at
+once gives him the vermilion arms of her lord, and his horse
+which was marvellously good and strong and brave.  He mounts and
+leaves, armed with handsome, new arms, and proceeds until he
+comes to Noauz.  He espoused this side in the tournament, and
+took his lodging outside the town.  Never did such a noble man
+choose such a small and lowly lodging-place; but he did not wish
+to lodge where he might be recognised.  There were many good and
+excellent knights gathered within the town.  But there were many
+more outside, for so many had come on account of the presence of
+the Queen that the fifth part could not be accommodated inside.
+For every one who would have been there under ordinary
+circumstances, there were seven who would not have come excepting
+on the Queen's account.  The barons were quartered in tents,
+lodges, and pavilions for five leagues around.  Moreover, it was
+wonderful how many gentle ladies and damsels were there. 
+Lancelot placed his shield outside the door of his lodging-place,
+and then, to make himself more comfortable, he took off his arms
+and lay down upon a bed which he held in slight esteem; for it
+was narrow and had a thin mattress, and was covered with a coarse
+hempen cloth.  Lancelot had thrown himself upon the bed all
+disarmed, and as he lay there in such poor estate, behold! a
+fellow came in in his shirt-sleeves; he was a herald-at-arms, and
+had left his coat and shoes in the tavern as a pledge; so he came
+running barefoot and exposed to the wind.  He saw the shield
+hanging outside the door, and looked at it: but naturally he did
+not recognise it or know to whom it belonged, or who was the
+bearer of it.  He sees the door of the house standing open, and
+upon entering, he sees Lancelot upon the bed, and as soon as he
+saw him, he recognised him and crossed himself.  And Lancelot
+made a sign to him, and ordered him not to speak of him wherever
+he might go, for if he should tell that he knew him, it would be
+better for him to have his eyes put out or his neck broken.
+"Sire," the herald says, "I have always held you in high esteem,
+and so long as I live, I shall never do anything to cause you
+displeasure."  Then he runs from the house and cries aloud: "Now
+there has come one who will take the measure! (23)  Now there has
+come one who will take the measure!"  The fellow shouts this
+everywhere, and the people come from every side and ask him what
+is the meaning of his cry.  He is not so rash as to answer them,
+but goes on shouting the same words: "Now there has come one who
+will take the measure!"  This herald was the master of us all,
+when he taught us to use the phrase, for he was the first to make
+use of it.
+
+(Vv. 5595-5640.)  Now the crowd was assembled, including the
+Queen and all the ladies, the knights and the other people, and
+there were many men-at-arms everywhere, to the right and left. 
+At the place where the tournament was to be, there were some
+large wooden stands for the use of the Queen with her ladies and
+damsels.  Such fine stands were never seen before they were so
+long and well constructed.  Thither the ladies betook themselves
+with the Queen, wishing to see who would fare better or worse in
+the combat.  Knights arrive by tens, twenties, and thirties, here
+eighty and there ninety, here a hundred, there still more, and
+yonder twice as many yet; so that the press is so great in front
+of the stands and all around that they decide to begin the joust.
+As they assemble, armed and unarmed, their lances suggest the
+appearance of a wood, for those who have come to the sport
+brought so many lances that there is nothing in sight but lances,
+banners, and standards.  Those who are going to take part begin
+to joust, and they find plenty of their companions who had come
+with similar intent.  Still others prepare to perform other feats
+of chivalry.  The fields, meadows, and fallow lands are so full
+of knights that it is impossible to estimate how many of them are
+there.  But there was no sign of Lancelot at this first gathering
+of the knights; but later, when he entered the middle of the
+field, the herald saw him and could not refrain from crying out:
+"Behold him who will take the measure!  Behold him who will take
+the measure!"  And the people ask him who he is, but he will not
+tell them anything.
+
+(Vv. 5641-6104.)  When Lancelot entered the tournament, he was as
+good as twenty of the best, and he began to fight so doughtily
+that no one could take his eyes from him, wherever he was.  On
+the Pomelegloi side there was a brave and valorous knight, and
+his horse was spirited and swifter than a wild stag.  He was the
+son of the Irish king, and fought well and handsomely.  But the
+unknown knight pleased them all more a hundred times.  In wonder
+they all make haste to ask: "Who is this knight who fights so
+well?"  And the Queen privily called a clever and wise damsel to
+her and said: "Damsel, you must carry a message, and do it
+quickly and with few words.  Go down from the stand, and approach
+yonder knight with the vermilion shield, and tell him privately
+that I bid him do his `worst'."  She goes quickly, and with
+intelligence executes the Queen's command.  She sought the knight
+until she came up close to him; then she said to him prudently
+and in a voice so low that no one standing by might hear: "Sire,
+my lady the Queen sends you word by me that you shall do your
+`worst'."  When he heard this, he replied: "Very willingly," like
+one who is altogether hers.  Then he rides at another knight as
+hard as his horse can carry him, and misses his thrust which
+should have struck him.  From that time till evening fell he
+continued to do as badly as possible in accordance with the
+Queen's desire.  But the other, who fought with him, did not miss
+his thrust, but struck him with such violence that he was roughly
+handled.  Thereupon he took to flight, and after that he never
+turned his horse's head toward any knight, and were he to die for
+it, he would never do anything unless he saw in it his shame,
+disgrace, and dishonour; he even pretends to be afraid of all the
+knights who pass to and fro.  And the very knights who formerly
+esteemed him now hurled jests and jibes at him.  And the herald
+who had been saying: "He will beat them all in turn!" is greatly
+dejected and discomfited when he hears the scornful jokes of
+those who shout: "Friend, say no more!  This fellow will not take
+any one's measure again.  He has measured so much that his
+yardstick is broken, of which thou hast boasted to us so much."
+Many say: "What is he going to do?  He was so brave just now; but
+now he is so cowardly that there is not a knight whom he dares to
+face.  The cause of his first success must have been that he
+never engaged at arms before, and he was so brave at his first
+attack that the most skilled knight dared not withstand him, for
+he fought like a wild man.  But now he has learned so much of
+arms that he will never wish to bear them again his whole life
+long.  His heart cannot longer endure the thought, for there is
+nothing more cowardly than his heart."  And the Queen, as she
+watches him, is happy and well-pleased, for she knows full well,
+though she does not say it, that this is surely Lancelot.  Thus
+all day long till evening he played his coward's part, and late
+in the afternoon they separated.  At parting there was a great
+discussion as to who had done the best.  The son of the Irish
+king thinks that without doubt or contradiction he has all the
+glory and renown.  But he is grievously mistaken, for there were
+plenty of others as good as he.  Even the vermilion knight so
+pleased the fairest and gentlest of the ladies and damsels that
+they had gazed at him more than at any other knight, for they had
+remarked how well he fought at first, and how excellent and brave
+he was; then he had become so cowardly that he dared not face a
+single knight, and even the worst of them could defeat and
+capture him at will.  But knights and ladies all agreed that on
+the morrow they should return to the list, and the damsels should
+choose as their lords those who should win honour in that day's
+fight: on this arrangement they all agree.  Then they turn toward
+their lodgings, and when they had returned, here and there men
+began to say: "What has become of the worst, the most craven and
+despised of knights?  Whither did he go?  Where is he concealed?
+Where is he to be found?  Where shall we search for him?  We
+shall probably never see him again.  For he has been driven off
+by cowardice, with which he is so filled that there is no greater
+craven in the world than he.  And he is not wrong, for a coward
+is a hundred times more at ease than a valorous fighting man.
+Cowardice is easy of entreaty, and that is the reason he has
+given her the kiss of peace and has taken from her all she has to
+give.  Courage never so debased herself as to lodge in his breast
+or take quarters near him.  But cowardice is altogether lodged
+with him, and she has found a host who will honour her and serve
+her so faithfully that he is willing to resign his own fair name
+for hers."  Thus they wrangle all night, vying with each other in
+slander.  But often one man maligns another, and yet is much
+worse himself than the object of his blame and scorn.  Thus,
+every one said what he pleased about him.  And when the next day
+dawned, all the people prepared and came again to the jousting
+place.  The Queen was in the stand again, accompanied by her
+ladies and damsels and many knights without their arms, who had
+been captured or defeated, and these explained to them the
+armorial bearings of the knights whom they most esteem.  Thus
+they talk among themselves: (24) "Do you see that knight yonder
+with a golden band across the middle of his red shield?  That is
+Governauz of Roberdic.  And do you see that other one, who has an
+eagle and a dragon painted side by side upon his shield?  That is
+the son of the King of Aragon, who has come to this land in
+search of glory and renown.  And do you see that one beside him,
+who thrusts and jousts so well, bearing a shield with a leopard
+painted on a green ground on one part, and the other half is
+azure blue?  That is Ignaures the well-beloved, a lover himself
+and jovial.  And he who bears the shield with the pheasants
+portrayed beak to beak is Coguillanz of Mautirec.  Do you see
+those two side by side, with their dappled steeds, and golden
+shields showing black lions?  One is named Semiramis, and the
+other is his companion; their shields are painted alike.  And do
+you see the one who has a shield with a gate painted on it,
+through which a stag appears to be passing out?  That is King
+Ider, in truth."  Thus they talk up in the stand.  "That shield
+was made at Limoges, whence it was brought by Pilades, who is
+very ardent and keen to be always in the fight.  That shield,
+bridle, and breast-strap were made at Toulouse, and were brought
+here by Kay of Estraus.  The other came from Lyons on the Rhone,
+and there is no better under heaven; for his great merit it was
+presented to Taulas of the Desert, who bears it well and protects
+himself with it skilfully.  Yonder shield is of English
+workmanship and was made at London; you see on it two swallows
+which appear as if about to fly; yet they do not move, but
+receive many blows from the Poitevin lances of steel; he who has
+it is poor Thoas."  Thus they point out and describe the arms of
+those they know; but they see nothing of him whom they had held
+in such contempt, and, not remarking him in the fray, they
+suppose that he has slipped away.  When the Queen sees that he is
+not there, she feels inclined to send some one to search for him
+in the crowd until he be found.  She knows of no one better to
+send in search of him than she who yesterday performed her
+errand.  So, straightway calling her, she said to her: "Damsel,
+go and mount your palfrey!  I send you to the same knight as I
+sent you yesterday, and do you seek him until you find him.  Do
+not delay for any cause, and tell him again to do his `worst'.
+And when you have given him this message, mark well what reply he
+makes."  The damsel makes no delay, for she had carefully noticed
+the direction he took the night before, knowing well that she
+would be sent to him again.  She made her way through the ranks
+until she saw the knight, whom she instructs at once to do his
+"worst" again, if he desires the love and favour of the Queen
+which she sends him.  And he makes answer: "My thanks to her,
+since such is her will."  Then the damsel went away, and the
+valets, sergeants, and squires begin to shout: "See this
+marvellous thing!  He of yesterday with the vermilion arms is
+back again.  What can he want?  Never in the world was there such
+a vile, despicable, and craven wretch!  He is so in the power of
+cowardice that resistance is useless on his part."  And the
+damsel returns to the Queen, who detained her and would not let
+her go until she heard what his response had been; then she
+heartily rejoiced, feeling no longer any doubt that this is he to
+whom she altogether belongs, and he is hers in like manner.  Then
+she bids the damsel quickly return and tell him that it is her
+command and prayer that he shall do his "best "; and she says she
+will go at once without delay.  She came down from the stand to
+where her valet with the palfrey was awaiting her.  She mounted
+and rode until she found the knight, to whom she said at once:
+"Sire, my lady now sends word that you shall do the `best' you
+can!"  And he replies: "Tell her now that it is never a hardship
+to do her will, for whatever pleases her is my delight."  The
+maiden was not slow in bearing back this message, for she thinks
+it will greatly please and delight the Queen.  She made her way
+as directly as possible to the stand, where the Queen rose and
+started to meet her, however, she did not go down, but waited for
+her at the top of the steps.  And the damsel came happy in the
+message she had to bear.  When she had climbed the steps and
+reached her side, she said: "Lady, I never saw so courteous g
+knight, for he is more than ready to obey every command you send
+to him, for, if the truth be known, he accepts good and evil with
+the same countenance.  "Indeed," says the Queen, "that may well
+be so."  Then she returns to the balcony to watch the knights.
+And Lancelot without delay seizes his shield by the leather
+straps, for he is kindled and consumed by the desire to show his
+prowess.  Guiding his horse's head, he lets him run between two
+lines.  All those mistaken and deluded men, who have spent a
+large part of the day and night in heaping him with ridicule,
+will soon be disconcerted.  For a long time they have had their
+sport and joke and fun.  The son of the King of Ireland held his
+shield closely gripped by the leather straps, as he spurs
+fiercely to meet him from the opposite direction.  They come
+together with such violence that the son of the Irish king having
+broken and splintered his lance, wishes no more of the
+tournament; for it was not moss he struck, but hard, dry boards.
+In this encounter Lancelot taught him one of his thrusts, when he
+pinned his shield to his arm, and his arm to his side, and
+brought him down from his horse to earth.  Like arrows the
+knights at once fly out, spurring and pricking from either side,
+some to relieve this knight, others to add to his distress. 
+While some thus try to aid their lords, many a saddle is left
+empty in the strife and fray.  But all that day Gawain took no
+hand at arms, though he was with the others there, for he took
+such pleasure in watching the deeds of him with the red painted
+arms that what the others did seemed to him pale in comparison.
+And the herald cheered up again, as he shouted aloud so that all
+could hear: "Here there has one come who will take the measure!
+To-day you shall see what he can do.  To-day his prowess shall
+appear."  Then the knight directs his steed and makes a very
+skilful thrust against a certain knight, whom he strikes so hard
+that he carries him a hundred feet or more from his horse.  His
+feats with sword and lance are so well performed that there is
+none of the onlookers who does not find pleasure in watching him.
+Many even of those who bear arms find pleasure and satisfaction
+in what he does, for it is great sport to see how he makes horses
+and knights tumble and fall.  He encounters hardly a single
+knight who is able to keep his seat, and he gives the horses he
+wins to those who want them.  Then those who had been making game
+of him said: "Now we are disgraced and mortified.  It was a great
+mistake for us to deride and vilify this man, for he is surely
+worth a thousand such as we are on this field; for he has
+defeated and outdone all the knights in the world, so that there
+is no one now that opposes him."  And the damsels, who amazed
+were watching him, all said that he might take them to wife; but
+they did not dare to trust in their beauty or wealth, or power or
+highness, for not for her beauty or wealth would this peerless
+knight deign to choose any one of them.  Yet, most of them are so
+enamoured of him that they say that, unless they marry him, they
+will not be bestowed upon any man this year.  And the Queen, who
+hears them boast, laughs to herself and enjoy the fun, for well
+she knows that if all the gold of Arabia should be set before
+him, yet he who is beloved by them all would not select the best,
+the fairest, or the most charming of the group.  One wish is
+common to them all--each wishes to have him as her spouse.  One
+is jealous of another, as if she were already his wife; and all
+this is because they see him so adroit that in their opinion no
+mortal man could perform such deeds as he had done.  He did so
+well that when the time came to leave the list, they admitted
+freely on both sides that no one had equalled the knight with the
+vermilion shield.  All said this, and it was true.  But when he
+left, he allowed his shield and lance and trappings to fall where
+he saw the thickest press, then he rode off hastily with such
+secrecy that no one of all the host noticed that he had
+disappeared.  But he went straight back to the place whence he
+had come, to keep his oath.  When the tournament broke up, they
+all searched and asked for him, but without success, for he fled
+away, having no desire to be recognised.  The knights are
+disappointed and distressed, for they would have rejoiced to have
+him there.  But if the knights were grieved to have been deserted
+thus, still greater was the damsels' grief when they learned the
+truth, and they asserted by St. John that they would not marry at
+all that year.  If they can't have him whom they truly love, then
+all the others may be dismissed.  Thus the tourney was adjourned
+without any of them choosing a husband.  Meanwhile Lancelot
+without delay repairs to his prison.  But the seneschal arrived
+two or three days before Lancelot, and inquired where he was. 
+And his wife, who had given to Lancelot his fair and well-
+equipped vermilion arms, as well as his harness and his horse,
+told the truth to the seneschal--how she had sent him where
+there had been jousting at the tourney of Noauz.  "Lady," the
+seneschal replies, "you could truly have done nothing worse than
+that.  Doubtless, I shall smart for this, for my lord Meleagant
+will treat me worse than the beach-combers' law would treat me
+were I a mariner in distress.  I shall be killed or banished the
+moment he hears the news, and he will have no pity for me." 
+"Fair sire, be not now dismayed," the lady said; "there is no
+occasion for the fear you feel.  There is no possibility of his
+detention, for he swore to me by the saints that he would return
+as soon as possible."
+
+(Vv. 6105-6166.) (25)  Then the seneschal mounts, and coming to
+his lord, tells him the whole story of the episode; but at the
+same time, he emphatically reassures him, telling how his wife
+had received his oath that he would return to his prison.  "He
+will not break his word, I know," says Meleagant: "and yet I am
+very much displeased at what your wife has done.  Not for any
+consideration would I have had him present at that tournament.
+But return now, and see to it that, when he comes back, he be so
+strictly guarded that he shall not escape from his prison or have
+any freedom of body: and send me word at once."  "Your orders
+shall be obeyed," says the seneschal.  Then he goes away and
+finds Lancelot returned as prisoner in his yard.  A messenger,
+sent by the seneschal, runs back at once to Meleagant, appraising
+him of Lancelot's return.  When he heard this news, he took
+masons and carpenters who unwillingly or of their own free-will
+executed his commands.  He summoned the best artisans in the
+land, and commanded them to build a tower, and exert themselves
+to build it well.  The stone was quarried by the seaside; for
+near Gorre on this side there runs a big broad arm of the sea, in
+the midst of which an island stood, as Meleagant well knew.  He
+ordered the stone to be carried thither and the material for the
+construction of the tower.  In less than fifty-seven days the
+tower was completely built, high and thick and well-founded. 
+When it was completed, he had Lancelot brought thither by night,
+and after putting him in the tower, he ordered the doors to be
+walled up, and made all the masons swear that they would never
+utter a word about this tower.  It was his will that it should be
+thus sealed up, and that no door or opening should remain, except
+one small window.  Here Lancelot was compelled to stay, and they
+gave him poor and meagre fare through this little window at
+certain hours, as the disloyal wretch had ordered and commanded
+them.
+
+(Vv. 6167-6220.)  Now Meleagant has carried out all his purpose,
+and he betakes himself to King Arthur's court: behold him now
+arrived!  And when he was before the King, he thus spoke with
+pride and arrogance: "King, I have scheduled a battle to take
+place in thy presence and in thy court.  But I see nothing of
+Lancelot who agreed to be my antagonist.  Nevertheless, as my
+duty is, in the hearing of all who are present here, I offer
+myself to fight this battle.  And if he is here, let him now step
+forth and agree to meet me in your court a year from now.  I know
+not if any one has told you how this battle was agreed upon.  But
+I see knights here who were present at our conference, and who,
+if they would, could tell you the truth.  If he should try to
+deny the truth, I should employ no hireling to take my place, but
+would prove it to him hand to hand."  The Queen, who was seated
+beside the King, draws him to her as she says: "Sire, do you know
+who that knight is?  It is Meleagant who carried me away while
+escorted by Kay the seneschal; he caused him plenty of shame and
+mischief too."  And the King answered her: "Lady, I understand; I
+know full well that it is he who held my people in distress." 
+The Queen says no more, but the King addresses Meleagant:
+"Friend," he says, "so help me God, we are very sad because we
+know nothing of Lancelot."  "My lord King," says Meleagant,
+"Lancelot told me that I should surely find him here.  Nowhere
+but in your court must I issue the call to this battle, and I
+desire all your knights here to bear me witness that I summon him
+to fight a year from to-day, as stipulated when we agreed to
+fight."
+
+(Vv. 6221-6458.)  At this my lord Gawain gets up, much distressed
+at what he hears: "Sire, there is nothing known of Lancelot in
+all this land," he says; "but we shall send in search of him and,
+if God will, we shall find him yet, before the end of the year is
+reached, unless he be dead or in prison.  And if he does not
+appear, then grant me the battle, and I will fight for him: I
+will arm myself in place of Lancelot, if he does not return
+before that day."  "Ah," says Meleagant, "for God's sake, my fair
+lord King, grant him the boon.  I join my request to his desire,
+for I know no knight in all the world with whom I would more
+gladly try my strength, excepting only Lancelot.  But bear in
+mind that, if I do not fight with one of them, I will accept no
+exchange or substitution for either one."  And the King says that
+this is understood, if Lancelot does not return within the time.
+Then Meleagant left the royal court and journeyed until he found
+his father, King Bademagu.  In order to appear brave and of
+consideration in his presence, he began by making a great
+pretence and by assuming an expression of marvellous cheer.  That
+day the king was holding a joyous court at his city of Bade; (26)
+it was his birthday, which he celebrated with splendour and
+generosity, and there were many people of divers sorts gathered
+with him.  All the palace was filled with knights and damsels,
+and among them was the sister of Meleagant, of whom I shall tell
+you, farther on, what is my thought and reason for mentioning her
+here.  But it is not fitting that I should explain it here, for I
+do not wish to confuse or entangle my material, but rather to
+treat it straight forwardly.  Now I must tell you that Meleagant
+in the hearing of all, both great and small, spoke thus to his
+father boastingly: "Father," he says, "so help me God, please
+tell me truly now whether he ought not to be well-content, and
+whether he is not truly brave, who can cause his arms to be
+feared at King Arthur's court?"  To this question his father
+replies at once: "Son," he says, "all good men ought to honour
+and serve and seek the company of one whose deserts are such."
+Then he flattered him with the request that he should not conceal
+why he has alluded to this, what he wishes, and whence he comes.
+"Sire, I know not whether you remember," Meleagant begins, "the
+agreements and stipulations which were recorded when Lancelot and
+I made peace.  It was then agreed, I believe, and in the presence
+of many we were told, that we should present ourselves at the end
+of a year at Arthur's court.  I went thither at the appointed
+time, ready equipped for my business there.  I did everything
+that had been prescribed: I called and searched for Lancelot,
+with whom I was to fight, but I could not gain a sight of him: he
+had fled and run away.  When I came away, Gawain pledged his word
+that, if Lancelot is not alive and does not return within the
+time agreed upon, no further postponement will be asked, but that
+he himself will fight the battle against me in place of Lancelot.
+Arthur has no knight, as is well known, whose fame equals his,
+but before the flowers bloom again, I shall see, when we come to
+blows, whether his fame and his deeds are in accord: I only wish
+it could be settled now!"  "Son," says his father, "thou art
+acting exactly like a fool.  Any one, who knew it not before, may
+learn of thy madness from thy own lips.  A good heart truly
+humbles itself, but the fool and the boastful never lose their
+folly.  Son, to thee I direct my words, for the traits of thy
+character are so hard and dry, that there is no place for
+sweetness or friendship.  Thy heart is altogether pitiless: thou
+art altogether in folly's grasp.  This accounts for my slight
+respect for thee, and this is what will cast thee down.  If thou
+art brave, there will be plenty of men to say so in time of need.
+A virtuous man need not praise his heart in order to enhance his
+deed; the deed itself will speak in its own praise.  Thy self-
+praise does not aid thee a whit to increase in any one's esteem;
+indeed, I hold thee in less esteem.  Son, I chasten thee; but to
+what end?  It is of little use to advise a fool.  He only wastes
+his strength in vain who tries to cure the madness of a fool, and
+the wisdom that one teaches and expounds is worthless, wasted and
+unemployed, unless it is expressed in works."  Then Meleagant was
+sorely enraged and furious.  I may truly say that never could you
+see a mortal man so full of anger as he was; the last bond
+between them was broken then, as he spoke to his father these
+ungracious words: "Are you in a dream or trance, when you say
+that I am mad to tell you how my matters stand?  I thought I had
+come to you as to my lord and my father; but that does not seem
+to be the case, for you insult me more outrageously than I think
+you have any right to do; moreover, you can give no reason for
+having addressed me thus."  "Indeed, I can."  "What is it, then?"
+"Because I see nothing in thee but folly and wrath.  I know very
+well what thy courage is like, and that it will cause thee great
+trouble yet.  A curse upon him who supposes that the elegant
+Lancelot, who is esteemed by all but thee, has ever fled from
+thee through fear.  I am sure that he is buried or confined in
+some prison whose door is barred so tight that he cannot escape
+without leave.  I should surely be sorely grieved if he were dead
+or in distress.  It would surely be too bad, were a creature so
+splendidly equipped, so fair, so bold, yet so serene, to perish
+thus before his time.  But, may it please God, this is not true."
+Then Bademagu said no more; but a daughter of his had listened
+attentively to all his words, and you must know that it was she
+whom I mentioned earlier in my tale, and who is not happy now to
+hear such news of Lancelot.  It is quite clear to her that he is
+shut up, since no one knows any news of him or his wanderings.
+"May God never look upon me, if I rest until I have some sure and
+certain news of him!"  Straightway, without making any noise or
+disturbance, she runs and mounts a fair and easy-stepping mule.
+But I must say that when she leaves the court, she knows not
+which way to turn.  However, she asks no advice in her
+predicament, but takes the first road she finds, and rides along
+at random rapidly, unaccompanied by knight or squire.  In her
+eagerness she makes haste to attain the object of her search.
+Keenly she presses forward in her quest, but it will not soon
+terminate.  She may not rest or delay long in any single place,
+if she wishes to carry out her plan, to release Lancelot from his
+prison, if she can find him and if it is possible.  But in my
+opinion, before she finds him she will have searched in many a
+land, after many a journey and many a quest, before she has any
+news of him.  But what would be the use of my telling you of her
+lodgings and her journeyings?  Finally, she travelled so far
+through hill and dale, up and down, that more than a month had
+passed, and as yet she had learned only so much as she knew
+before--that is, absolutely nothing.  One day she was crossing
+a field in a sad and pensive mood, when she saw a tower in the
+distance standing by the shore of an arm of the sea.  Not within
+a league around about was there any house, cottage, or dwelling-
+place.  Meleagant had had it built, and had confined Lancelot
+within.  But of all this she still was unaware.  As soon as she
+espied the tower, she fixed her attention upon it to the
+exclusion of all else.  And her heart gives her assurance that
+here is the object of her quest; now at last she has reached her
+goal, to which Fortune through many trials has at last directed
+her.
+
+(Vv. 6459-6656.)  The damsel draws so near to the tower that she
+can touch it with her hands.  She walks about, listening
+attentively, I suppose, if perchance she may hear some welcome
+sound.  She looks down and she gazes up, and she sees that the
+tower is strong and high and thick.  She is amazed to see no door
+or window, except one little narrow opening.  Moreover, there was
+no ladder or steps about this high, sheer tower.  For this reason
+she surmises that it was made so intentionally, and that Lancelot
+is confined inside.  But she resolves that before she tastes of
+food, she will learn whether this is so or not.  She thinks she
+will call Lancelot by name, and is about to do so when she is
+deterred by hearing from the tower a voice which was making a
+marvellously sad moan as it called on death.  It implores death
+to come, and complains of misery unbearable.  In contempt of the
+body and life, it weakly piped in a low, hoarse tone: "Ah,
+fortune, how disastrously thy wheel has turned for me!  Thou hast
+mocked me shamefully: a while ago I was up, but now I am down; I
+was well off of late, but now I am in a sorry state; not long
+since thou didst smile on me, but now thy eyes are filled with
+tears.  Alas, poor wretch, why didst thou trust in her, when so
+soon she has deserted thee!  Behold, in a very little while she
+has cast thee down from thy high estate!  Fortune, it was wrong
+of thee to mock me thus; but what carest thou!  Thou carest not
+how it may turn out.  Ah, sacred Cross!  All, Holy Ghost!  How am
+I wretched and undone!  How completely has my career been closed!
+Ah, Gawain, you who possess such worth, and whose goodness is
+unparalleled, surely I may well be amazed that you do not come to
+succour me.  Surely you delay too long and are not showing
+courtesy.  He ought indeed to receive your aid whom you used to
+love so devotedly!  For my part I may truly say that there is no
+lodging place or retreat on either side of the sea, where I would
+not have searched for you at least seven or ten years before
+finding you, if I knew you to be in prison.  But why do I thus
+torment myself?  You do not care for me even enough to take this
+trouble.  The rustic is right when he says that it is hard
+nowadays to find a friend!  It is easy to rest the true friend in
+time oś need.  Alas!  more than a year has passed since first I
+was put inside this tower.  I feel hurt, Gawain, that you have so
+long deserted me!  But doubtless you know nothing of all this,
+and I have no ground for blaming you.  Yes, when I think of it,
+this must be the case, and I was very wrong to imagine such a
+thing; for I am confident that not for all the world contains
+would you and your men have failed to come to release me from
+this trouble and distress, if you were aware of it.  If for no
+other reason, you would be bound to do this out of love for me,
+your companion.  But it is idle to talk about it--it cannot be.
+Ah, may the curse and the damnation of God and St. Sylvester rest
+upon him who has shut me up so shamefully!  He is the vilest man
+alive, this envious Meleagant, to treat me as evilly as
+possible!"  Then he, who is wearing out his life in grief, ceases
+speaking and holds his peace.  But when she, who was lingering at
+the base of the tower, heard what he said, she did not delay, but
+acted wisely and called him thus: "Lancelot," as loudly as she
+could; "friend, up there, speak to one who is your friend!"  But
+inside he did not hear her words.  Then she called out louder
+yet, until he in his weakness faintly heard her, and wondered who
+could be calling him. (27)  He heard the voice and heard his name
+pronounced, but he did not know who was calling him: he thinks it
+must be a spirit.  He looks all about him to see, I suppose, if
+he could espy any one; but there is nothing to be seen but the
+tower and himself.  "God," says he, "what is that I heard?  I
+heard some one speak, but see nothing!  Indeed, this is passing
+marvellous, for I am not asleep, but wide awake.  Of course, if
+this happened in a dream, I should consider it an illusion; but I
+am awake, and therefore I am distressed."  Then with some trouble
+he gets up, and with slow and feeble steps he moves toward the
+little opening.  Once there, he peers through it, up and down and
+to either side.  When he had looked out as best he might, he
+caught sight of her who had hailed him.  He did not recognise her
+by sight.  But she knew him at once and said: "Lancelot, I have
+come from afar in search of you.  Now, thank God, at last I have
+found you.  I am she who asked of you a boon as you were on your
+way to the sword-bridge, and you very gladly granted it at my
+request; it was the head I bade you cut from the conquered knight
+whom I hated so.  Because of this boon and this service you did
+me, I have gone to this trouble.  As a guerdon I shall deliver
+you from here."  "Damsel, many thanks to you," the prisoner then
+replied; "the service I did you will be well repaid if I am set
+at liberty.  If you can get me out of here, I promise and engage
+to be henceforth always yours, so help me the holy Apostle Paul!
+And as I may see God face to face, I shall never fail to obey
+your commands in accordance with your will.  You may ask for
+anything I have, and receive it without delay."  "Friend, have no
+fear that you will not be released from here.  You shall be
+loosed and set free this very day.  Not for a thousand pounds
+would I renounce the expectation of seeing you free before the
+datum of another day.  Then I shall take you to a pleasant place,
+where you may rest and take your ease.  There you shall have
+everything you desire, whatever it be.  So have no fear.  But
+first I must see if I can find some tool anywhere hereabouts with
+which you might enlarge this hole, at least enough to let you
+pass."  "God grant that you find something," he said, agreeing to
+this plan; "I have plenty of rope in here, which the rascals gave
+me to pull up my food--hard barley bread and dirty water, which
+sicken my stomach and heart."  Then the daughter of Bademagu
+sought and found a strong, stout, sharp pick, which she handed to
+him.  He pounded, and hammered and struck and dug,
+notwithstanding the pain it caused him, until he could get out
+comfortably.  Now he is greatly relieved and glad, you may be
+sure, to be out Of prison and to get away from the place where he
+has been so long confined.  Now he is at large in the open air.
+You may be sure that he would not go back again, were some one to
+gather in a pile and give to him all the gold there is scattered
+in the world.
+
+(Vv. 6657-6728.)  Behold Lancelot now released, but so feeble
+that he staggered from his weakness and disability.  Gently,
+without hurting him, she sets him before her on her mule, and
+then they ride off rapidly.  But the damsel purposely avoids the
+beaten track, that they may not be seen, and proceeds by a hidden
+path; for if she had travelled openly, doubtless some one would
+have recognised them and done them harm, and she would not have
+wished that to happen.  So she avoided the dangerous places and
+came to a mansion where she often makes her sojourn because of
+its beauty and charm.  The entire estate and the people on it
+belonged to her, and the place was well furnished, safe, and
+private.  There Lancelot arrived.  And as soon as he had come,
+and had laid aside his clothes, the damsel gently laid him on
+a lofty, handsome couch, then bathed and rubbed him so carefully
+that I could not describe half the care she took.  She handled
+and treated him as gently as if he had been her father.  Her
+treatment makes a new man of him, as she revives him with her
+cares.  Now he is no less fair than an angel and is more nimble
+and more spry than anything you ever saw.  When he arose, he was
+no longer mangy and haggard, but strong and handsome.  And the
+damsel sought out for him the finest robe she could find, with
+which she clothed him when he arose.  And he was glad to put it
+on, quicker than a bird in flight.  He kissed and embraced the
+maid, and then said to her graciously: "My dear, I have only God
+and you to thank for being restored to health again.  Since I owe
+my liberty to you, you may take and command at will my heart and
+body, my service and estate.  I belong to you in return for what
+you have done for me; but it is long since I have been at the
+court of my lord Arthur, who has shown me great honour; and there
+is plenty there for me to do.  Now, my sweet gentle friend, I beg
+you affectionately for leave to go; then, with your consent, I
+should feel free to go."  "Lancelot, fair, sweet dear friend, I
+am quite willing," the damsel says; "I desire your honour and
+welfare above everything everywhere."  Then she gives him a
+wonderful horse she has, the best horse that ever was seen, and
+he leaps up without so much as saying to the stirrups "by your
+leave": he was up without considering them.  Then to God, who
+never lies, they commend each other with good intent.
+
+(Vv. 6729-7004.)  Lancelot was so glad to be on the road that, if
+I should take an oath, I could not possibly describe the joy he
+felt at having escaped from his trap.  But he said to himself
+repeatedly that woe was the traitor, the reprobate, whom now he
+has tricked and ridiculed, "for in spite of him I have escaped."
+Then he swears by the heart and body of Him who made the world
+that not for all the riches and wealth from Babylon to Ghent
+would he let Meleagant escape, if he once got him in his power:
+for he has him to thank for too much harm and shame!  But events
+will soon turn out so as to make this possible; for this very
+Meleagant, whom he threatens and presses hard, had already come
+to court that day without being summoned by any one; and the
+first thing he did was to search until he found my lord Gawain.
+Then the rascally proven traitor asks him about Lancelot, whether
+he had been seen or found, as if he himself did not know the
+truth.  As a matter of fact, he did not know the truth, although
+he thought he knew it well enough.  And Gawain told him, as was
+true, that he had not been seen, and that he had not come. 
+"Well, since I don't find him," says Meleagant, "do you come and
+keep the promise you made me: I shall not longer wait for you."
+Then Gawain makes answer: "I will keep presently my word with
+you, if it please God in whom I place my trust.  I expect to
+discharge my debt to you.  But if it comes to throwing dice for
+points, and I should throw a higher number than you, so help me
+God and the holy faith, I'll not withdraw, but will keep on until
+I pocket all the stakes." (28)  Then without delay Gawain orders
+a rug to be thrown down and spread before him.  There was no
+snivelling or attempt to run away when the squires heard this
+command, but without grumbling or complaint they execute what he
+commands.  They bring the rug and spread it out in the place
+indicated; then he who had sent for it takes his seat upon it and
+gives orders to be armed by the young men who were standing
+unarmed before him.  There were two of them, his cousins or
+nephews, I know not which, but they were accomplished and knew
+what to do.  They arm him so skilfully and well that no one could
+find any fault in the world with them for any mistake in what
+they did.  When they finished arming him, one of them went to
+fetch a Spanish steed able to cross the fields, woods, hills, and
+valleys more swiftly than the good Bucephalus. (29)  Upon a horse
+such as you have heard Gawain took his seat--the admired and
+most accomplished knight upon whom the sign of the Cross was ever
+made.  Already he was about to seize his shield, when he saw
+Lancelot dismount before him, whom he was not expecting to see. 
+He looked at him in amazement, because he had come so
+unexpectedly; and, if I am not wrong, he was as much surprised as
+if he had fallen from the clouds.  However, no business of his
+own can detain him, as soon as he sees Lancelot, from dismounting
+and extending his arms to him, as he embraces, salutes and kisses
+him.  Now he is happy and at ease, when he has found his
+companion.  Now I will tell you the truth, and you must not think
+I lie, that Gawain would not wish to be chosen king, unless he
+had Lancelot with him.  The King and all the rest now learn that,
+in spite of all, Lancelot, for whom they so long have watched,
+has come back quite safe and sound.  Therefore they all rejoice,
+and the court, which so long has looked for him, comes together
+to honour him.  Their happiness dispels and drives away the
+sorrow which formerly was theirs.  Grief takes flight and is
+replaced by an awakening joy.  And how about the Queen?  Does she
+not share in the general jubilee?  Yes, verily, she first of all. 
+How so?  For God's sake, where, then, could she be keeping
+herself?  She was never so glad in her life as she was for his
+return.  And did she not even go to him?  Certainly she did; she
+is so close to him that her body came near following her heart. 
+Where is her heart, then?  It was kissing and welcoming Lancelot. 
+And why did the body conceal itself?  Why is not her joy
+complete?  Is it mingled with anger or hate?  No, certainly, not
+at all; but it may be that the King or some of the others who are
+there, and who are watching what takes place, would have taken
+the whole situation in, if, while all were looking on, she had
+followed the dictates of her heart.  If common-sense had not
+banished this mad impulse and rash desire, her heart would have
+been revealed and her folly would have been complete.  Therefore
+reason closes up and binds her fond heart and her rash intent,
+and made it more reasonable, postponing the greeting until it
+shall see and espy a suitable and more private place where they
+would fare better than here and now.  The King highly honoured
+Lancelot, and after welcoming him, thus spoke: "I have not heard
+for a long time news of any man which were so welcome as news of
+you; yet I am much concerned to learn in what region and in what
+land you have tarried so long a time.  I have had search made for
+you up and down, all the winter and summer through, but no one
+could find a trace of you."  "Indeed, fair sire," says Lancelot,
+"I can inform you in a few words exactly how it has fared with
+me.  The miserable traitor Meleagant has kept me in prison ever
+since the hour of the deliverance of the prisoners in his land,
+and has condemned me to a life of shame in a tower of his beside
+the sea.  There he put me and shut me in, and there I should
+still be dragging out my weary life, if it were not for a friend
+of mine, a damsel for whom I once performed a slight service.  In
+return for the little favour I did her, she has repaid me
+liberally: she has bestowed upon me great honour and blessing. 
+But I wish to repay without delay him for whom I have no love,
+who has sought out and devised for me this shame and injury.  He
+need not wait, for the sum is all ready, principal and interest;
+but God forbid that he find in it cause to rejoice!"  Then Gawain
+said to Lancelot: "Friend, it will be only a slight favour for
+me, who am in your debt, to make this payment for you.  Moreover,
+I am all ready and mounted, as you see.  Fair, sweet friend, do
+not deny me the boon I desire and request."  But Lancelot replies
+that he would rather have his eye plucked out, or even both of
+them, than be persuaded to do this: he swears it shall never be
+so.  He owes the debt and he will pay it himself: for with his
+own hand he promised it.  Gawain plainly sees that nothing he can
+say is of any avail, so he loosens and takes off his hauberk from
+his back, and completely disarms himself.  Lancelot at once arms
+himself without delay; for he is impatient to settle and
+discharge his debt.  Meleagant, who is amazed beyond measure at
+what he sees, has reached the end of his good fortunes, and is
+about to receive what is owing him.  He is almost beside himself
+and comes near fainting.  "Surely I was a fool," he says, "not to
+go, before coming here, to see if I still held imprisoned in my
+tower him who now has played this trick on me.  But, God, why
+should I have gone?  What cause had I to think that he could
+possibly escape?  Is not the wall built strong enough, and is not
+the tower sufficiently strong and high?  There was no hole or
+crevice in it, through which he could pass, unless he was aided
+from outside.  I am sure his hiding-place was revealed.  If the
+wall were worn away and had fallen into decay, would he not have
+been caught and injured or killed at the same time?  Yes, so help
+me God, if it had fallen down, he would certainly have been
+killed.  But I guess, before that wall gives away without being
+torn down, that all the water in the sea will dry up without
+leaving a drop and the world will come to an end.  No, that is
+not it: it happened otherwise: he was helped to escape, and could
+not have got out otherwise: I have been outwitted through some
+trickery.  At any rate, he has escaped; but if I had been on my
+guard, all this would never have happened, and he would never
+have come to court.  But it's too late now to repent.  The
+rustic, who seldom errs, pertinently remarks that it is too late
+to close the stable when the horse is out.  I know I shall now be
+exposed to great shame and humiliation, if indeed I do not suffer
+and endure something worse.  What shall I suffer and endure? 
+Rather, so long as I live, I will give him full measure, if it
+please God, in whom I trust."  Thus he consoles himself, and has
+no other desire than to meet his antagonist on the field.  And he
+will not have long to wait, I think, for Lancelot goes in search
+of him, expecting soon to conquer him.  But before the assault
+begins, the King bids them go down into the plain where the tower
+stands, the prettiest place this side of Ireland for a fight.  So
+they did, and soon found themselves on the plain below.  The King
+goes down too, and all the rest, men and women in crowds.  No one
+stays behind; but many go up to the windows of the tower, among
+them the Queen, her ladies and damsels, of whom she had many with
+her who were fair.
+
+(Vv. 7005-7119.)  In the field there stood a sycamore as fair as
+any tree could be; it was wide-spread and covered a large area,
+and around it grew a fine border of thick fresh grass which was
+green at all seasons of the year.  Under this fair and stately
+sycamore, which was planted back in Abel's time, there rises a
+clear spring of water which flows away hurriedly.  The bed of the
+spring is beautiful and as bright as silver, and the channel
+through which the water flows is formed, I think, of refined and
+tested gold, and it stretches away across the field down into a
+valley between the woods.  There it pleases the King to take his
+seat where nothing unpleasant is in sight.  After the crowd has
+drawn back at the King's command, Lancelot rushes furiously at
+Meleagant as at one whom he hates cordially, but before striking
+him, he shouted with a loud and commanding voice: "Take your
+stand, I defy you!  And take my word, this time you shall not be
+spared."  Then he spurs his steed and draws back the distance of
+a bow-shot.  Then they drive their horses toward each other at
+top speed, and strike each other so fiercely upon their resisting
+shields that they pierced and punctured them.  But neither one is
+wounded, nor is the flesh touched in this first assault.  They
+pass each other without delay, and come back at the top of their
+horses: speed to renew their blows on the strong, stout shields.
+Both of the knights are strong and brave, and both of the horses
+are stout and fast.  So mighty are the blows they deal on the
+shields about their necks that the lances passed clean through,
+without breaking or splintering, until the cold steel reached
+their flesh.  Each strikes the other with such force that both
+are borne to earth, and no breast-strap, girth, or stirrup could
+save them from falling backward over their saddle-bow, leaving
+the saddle without an occupant.  The horses run riderless over
+hill and dale, but they kick and bite each other, thus showing
+their mortal hatred.  As for the knights who fell to earth, they
+leaped up as quickly as possible and drew their swords, which
+were engraved with chiselled lettering.  Holding their shields
+before the face, they strive to wound each other with their
+swords of steel.  Lancelot stands in no fear of him, for he knew
+half as much again about fencing as did his antagonist, having
+learned it in his youth.  Both dealt such blows on the shield
+slung from their necks, and upon their helmets barred with gold,
+that they crushed and damaged them.  But Lancelot presses him
+hard and gives him a mighty blow upon his right arm which, though
+encased in mail, was unprotected by the shield, severing it with
+one clean stroke.  And when he felt the loss of his right arm, he
+said that it should be dearly sold.  If it is at all possible, he
+will not fail to exact the price; he is in such pain and wrath
+and rage that he is well-nigh beside himself, and he has a poor
+opinion of himself, if he cannot score on his rival now.  He
+rushes at him with the intent to seize him, but Lancelot
+forestalls his plan, for with his trenchant sword he deals his
+body such a cut as he will not recover from until April and May
+be passed.  He smashes his nose-guard against his teeth, breaking
+three of them in his mouth.  And Meleagant's rage is such that he
+cannot speak or say a word; nor does he deign to cry for mercy,
+for his foolish heart holds tight in such constraint that even
+now it deludes him still.  Lancelot approaches and, unlacing his
+helmet, cuts off his head.  Never more will this man trouble him;
+it is all over with him as he falls dead.  Not a soul who was
+present there felt any pity at the sight.  The King and all the
+others there are jubilant and express their joy.  Happier than
+they ever were before, they relieve Lancelot of his arms, and
+lead him away exultingly.
+
+(Vv. 7120-7134.)  My lords, if I should prolong my tale, it would
+be beside the purpose, and so I will conclude.  Godefroi de
+Leigni, the clerk, has written the conclusion of "the Cart"; but
+let no one find fault with him for having embroidered on
+Chretien's theme, for it was done with the consent of Chretien
+who started it.  Godefroi has finished it from the point where
+Lancelot was imprisoned in the tower.  So much he wrote; but he
+would fain add nothing more, for fear of disfiguring the tale.
+
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+NOTE: Endnotes supplied by Prof. Foerster are indicated by
+"(F.)"; all other endnotes are supplied by W.W. Comfort.
+
+(1)  Marie, daughter of Louis VII. of France and Eleanor of
+     Aquitaine, married in 1164, Henri I., Count of Champagne. 
+     On the poet's own statement below, she furnished him with
+     the subject matter ("maitere") and the manner of treatment
+     ("san") of this romance. (F.)
+(2)  The situation of Camelot has not been certainly determined. 
+     Foerster places it in Somersetshire, while F. Paris
+     identified it with Colchester in Essex. (F.)
+(3)  The high value here set upon Kay by king Arthur is worth
+     noting in view of the unfavourable light in which Chretien
+     usually portrays him.
+(4)  This enigmatic exclamation is addressed to the absent
+     Lancelot, who is the secret lover of Guinevere, and who,
+     though he long remains anonymous as "the Knight of the
+     Cart", is really the hero of the poem.
+(5)  It was not uncommon in old French romances and epic poems
+     for knights to be subjected to the mockery and raillery of
+     the vulgar townspeople (cf. "Aiol", 911-923; id. 2579-2733;
+     and even Moliere in "Monsieur de Pourceaugnac", f. 3).
+(6)  For magic beds with descending swords, see A. Hertel,
+     "Versauberte Oertlichkeiten", etc., p. 69 f. (Hanover,
+     1908).
+(7)  The wounded knight is the defeated seneschal.
+(8)  Mediaeval knights were such early risers as to cause us
+     astonishment!
+(9)  Lancelot has constantly in mind the Queen, for whose sake he
+     is enduring all this pain and shame.
+(10) i.e., the Queen.
+(11) Nothing can here be added to the tentative conjectures of
+     Foerster regarding the nature of these unknown remedies.
+(12) A great annual fair at Paris marked the festival, on June
+     11, of St. Denis, the patron saint of the city. (F.)
+(13) "Donbes" (=Dombes) is the reading chosen by Foerster from a
+     number of variants.  None of these variants has any
+     significance, but a place-name rhyming with "tonbes" in the
+     preceding verse is required.  Modern Dombes is the name of a
+     former principality in Burgundy, between the Rhone and the
+     Saone, while Pampelune is, of course, a Spanish city near
+     the French frontier. (F.)
+(14) The topography of the kingdom of Gorre, the land where dwell
+     the captives held by King Bademagu, is much confused.  One
+     would suppose at first that the stream traversed by the two
+     perilous bridges formed the frontier of the kingdom.  But
+     here (v.2102), before reaching such a frontier, the captives
+     are already met.  Foerster suggests that we may be here at a
+     sort of foreground or borderland which is defended by the
+     knight at the ford (v. 735 f.), and which, though not within
+     the limits of the kingdom, is nevertheless beneath the sway
+     of Bademagu.  In the sequel the stream with the perilous
+     bridges is placed immediately before the King's palace (cf.
+     Foerster's note and G. Paris in "Romania", xxi. 471 note).
+(15) For magic rings, see A. Hertel, op. cit., p. 62 f.
+(16) This "dame" was the fairy Vivian, "the lady of the lake".
+     (F.)
+(17) A good example of the moral dilemmas in which Chretien
+     delights to place his characters.  Under the displeasing
+     shell of allegory and mediaeval casuistry we have here the
+     germ of psychological analysis of motive.
+(18) The legendary origin of this ointment, named after Mary
+     Magdelene, Mary the mother of James, and Mary Salome, is
+     mentioned in the epic poem "Mort Aimeri de Narbonne" (ed.
+     "Anciens Textes", p. 86). (F.)
+(19) The universities of Montpellier and of Salerno were the
+     chief centres of medical study in the Middle Ages.  Salerno
+     is referred to in "Cliges", v. 5818.
+(20) The hero of the poem is here first mentioned by name.
+(21) The classic love-story of Pyramus and Thisbe, told by Ovid
+     et al., was a favourite in the Middle Ages.
+(22) Here he have the explanation of Guinevere's cold reception
+     of Lancelot; he had been faithless to the rigid code of
+     courtesy when he had hesitated for even a moment to cover
+     himself with shame for her sake.
+(23) The expression "or est venuz qui aunera", less literally
+     means "who will defeat the entire field".  Though Chretien
+     refers to the expression as a current proverb, only two
+     other examples of its use have been found.  (Cf. "Romania",
+     xvi. 101, and "Ztsch. fur romanische Philologie", xi. 430.) 
+     From this passage G. Paris surmised that Chretien himself
+     was a herald-at-arms ("Journal des Savants", 1902, p. 296),
+     but as Foerster says, the text hardly warrants the
+     supposition.
+(24) The evident satisfaction with which Chretien describes in
+     detail the bearings of the knights in the following passage
+     lends colour to Gaston Paris' conjecture that he was a
+     herald as well as a poet.
+(25) According to the statement made at the end of the poem by
+     the continuator of Chretien, Godefroi de Leigni, it must
+     have been at about this point that the continuator took up
+     the thread of the story.  It is not known why Chretien
+     dropped the poem where he did.
+(26) Bade = Bath. (F.)
+(27) The situation recalls that in "Aucassin et Nicolette", where
+     Aucassin confined in the tower hears his sweetheart calling
+     to him from outside.
+(28) The figure is, of course, taken from the game of throwing
+     dice for high points.  For an exhaustive account of dice-
+     playing derived from old French texts, cf. Franz Semrau,
+     "Wurfel und Wurfelspiel in alten Frankreich", "Beiheft" 23
+     of "Ztsch. fur romanische Philologie (Halle, 1910).
+(29) Alexander's horse.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Etext of Four Arthurian Romances by DeTroyes
+
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