 Eric and Enid by Kretien Dutrois, Part 3. So thus they parted. Grieveret takes his way back alone while Eric resumes 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. By Lord Gowan had stepped into the King's tent, all tired out by a long ride. In front of the tent a white beach 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 rain. There the horse stood until Kay the senichal came by. He came up quickly, and as if to beguile the time took the steed and mounted. Without the interference of anyone he took the lance and the shield too, which were close by under the tree. Galloping along on the steed Kay rode along the valley until he came about by chance that Eric met him. Now Eric recognized the senichal, and he knew the arms and the horse, but Kay did not recognize 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 recognized by him, truly held her veil before her face, as if she were doing it because the sun's glare and the dust. Kay approached rapidly and straightway seized Eric's reign without so much as saluting him. Before he let him move he presumptuously asked him, Night says he, I wish to know who you are and whence you come. You must be mad to stop me thus says Eric, you shall not know that just now. And the other replies, be not angry, I may ask it for your good. I can see and make out clearly that you are wounded and hurt. If you come along with me you shall have a good lodging this night. I shall see that you are well cared for, honored, 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 honor. Eric 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 try you will repent of it. And however much it may be against you will, you shall both go. As the priest goes to the Council willy-nilly. Tonight 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 Eric'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 offense. 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 bridal, Vassal! Step aside. I consider you proud and imprudent. 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 drags off across the field more than an acre's width. Then turns about, and as a man with evil intent issues his challenge. Each rushes at the other. But because Kay was without armor, Eric added courteously and turned the point of his lance about and presented the blunt end instead. Even so he gave him such a blow high up on the broad expanse of a 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 bridal to a knee. He was about to lead it away when the wounded man, with all his wanted flattery, begs him to restore it courteously to him. With fair words he flatters and weedles him. Vassal says he, so help me God, that horse is not mine. Rather it does belong to that knight in whom dwells the greatest prowess in the world, my Lord Gow and 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. Eric makes answer. Take the horse, Vassal, and lead it away, since it belongs to my Lord Gowen it is not me that I should appropriate it. Kay takes the horse, remounts, and come to the royal tent, tells the king the whole truth, keeping nothing back. And the king summoned Gowen, saying, fair nephew Gowen, if ever you were true and courteous, go quickly after him, and ask him, and win some 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 Gowen mounts his steed, two squires following after him. They soon made Eric out, but did not recognise him. Gowen salutes him, and he Gowen. Their greetings were mutual. Then said my Lord Gowen with his wanted 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. Eric replied, I am greatly obliged to the king and queen, and to you, who are, it seems, both kind of heart and of gentle mean. 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 Gowen was a man of sense. He draws back and whispers in the ear of one of his 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, who he can ever hope to see, but who will not go out of his way for a lodging at the bidding of anyone. 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 Abhigu, and the queen afterwards mounted a white Norse pulfry. All this while my Lord Gowen did not cease to detain Eric. Until the latter said to him, yesterday I covered more ground than I shall do today. Sire, you annoy me, let me go. You have already disturbed a good part of my day. And my Lord Gowen 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 Eric sees them and perceives that his lodging is arranged for him. Ah, Gowen, he says, your shrewdness has outwitted me. By your great cunning you have kept me here. Since it has turned out that I shall tell you my name at once, further concealment would be useless. I am Eric, who was formerly your companion and friend. Gowen hears him and straightway embraces him. He raised up his helmet and unlaced his mouthpiece. Joyfully he clasps him in his embrace, while Eric embraces him in turn. Then Gowen leaves him saying, Desire, this news will give great pleasure to my Lord. He and my Lady will both be glad, and I must go before them to tell them of it. But first I must embrace and welcome and speak comfortably to my Lady Aneed, 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 Aneed 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. Gowen replies, this grieves me much. It is perfectly evident from his face, which is all pale and colorless. 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 Eric 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 Eric near at hand. When Eric sees the King coming, he quickly dismounts and in need 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 Eric'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-brot which Morgan his sister had made. This plaster 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 plaster once a day, could fail to be completely cured and healed within a week. They brought to the King the plaster, which gave Eric great relief. When they had bathed, dried, and bound up his wounds, the King leads him and in need into his own royal tent, saying that he intends, out of love for Eric, to tarry in the forest a full fortnight, until he be completely restored to health. For this Eric 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. Tomorrow, 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. Eric 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. Soon after supper they ordered the beds to be made ready. The King, who held Eric dear, had him laid in a bed alone, for he did not wish that anyone should lie with him who might touch his wounds. That night he was well lodged. In another bed close by lay a knead with the Queen under a cover of ermine, and they all slept in great repose until the day broke the next morning. Next day, as soon as it is dawn, Eric arises, dresses and commands his horses to be saddled, and orders his arms to be brought to him. The Valleys run and bring them to him. Again the King and all the knights urge him to remain, but his treaty 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 a knead 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. Eric says 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 lamp he commends them all to God, and they, in turn, wish Eric well. Then a knee mounts and they ride away. 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 Eric 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 a need, 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 sucker. 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. Eric sees her and wondering greatly, fakes her to tell him why she cries and weeps so sore. The maiden cries in 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 night 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 sucker 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, Eric, 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 Eric started at a gallop and told her to await him there. The maiden commends him to the Lord and prays God very fervently that he should give him force by his command to discomfort those who intend evil toward her lover. Eric 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 the 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 wetted swords, but they both had clubs and scourges 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. Eric came along alone after them. He was very sad and distressed about the night whom he saw them treat so spitefully. Between two woods in an open field he came up with them and asks, Why, Lord, says he, for what crime do you treat this man and leave 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 goodwill 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. Eric 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, you have no more 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, Eric replies. If the sky fails and the earth melts then many a lark will be caught. Many men boast 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. Eric 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 spurred 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. Yes, 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 Eric 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 deed. Eric covers himself with his shield and the giant recovering himself thinks to strike again upon his head. But Eric 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-boat. He scatters his bowels upon the earth and the body falls full length split in two halves. The night weeps with joy and worshiping praises God who has sent him this aid. Then Eric unbounds him and 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 opt 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. Eric 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 succor 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 of your company. But I, feign, 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, that 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 some time find and search for you, when I shall go away from here. Eric replies, 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, 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 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 to 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 Eric 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 Eric presents him to her with the words, Grieve no longer, demacel. I am 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? Eric makes answer, my gentle lady, no recompense do I ask of you. To God I now commend you both for too long the things I have tarried here. Then he turns his horse about as away as fast as he can. Cadok of Tavriel with his damsel rides off in another direction and soon he told the news to King Arthur and the Queen. Eric continues to ride at great speed to the place where a need was awaiting him in great concern, thinking that surely he had completely deserted her, and he too was in great fear lest someone 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 a need was waiting for him. She spied 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 the hill he 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 a need saw him fall to earth full of fear at the sight of him she runs to him, like one who makes no concealment of her grief. Aloud she cries and rings her hands not a shred of her robe remains untorn across her breast. She begins to tear her hair and lacerate her tender face. 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, Who is me wretched need? I am the murderer of my Lord and 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 anyone 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. Aloud she says my Lord unhappy thou thou who never hast to appear for in thee was beauty seen and prowess was made manifest. Wisdom had given thee its heart and lagesse set a crown upon thee without which no one is esteemed. But what did I say? The grievous mistake I made in uttering the word which has killed my Lord that fatal poisoned word must justly be reproached and I recognize 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 dain 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 ought the sword which my Lord had gilden on to avenge his death I will not longer consume myself in distress in prayer and vain desire she draws the sword forth from its she and begins to consider it God who is full of mercy caused her to delay a little and while she pauses in review her sorrow and her misfortune behold there comes writing a pace account with numerous sweet sorrow has hurt the ladies 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 she the count then dismounted from his horse and began to inquire of her concerning the night and whether she was his wife or his lady love both one and the other sire she says my sorrow is such I cannot tell what was 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 me that you should mourn but it is no use to be disconsolate for you may yet rise to high a state do not sink into apathy but comfort yourself that will be wise and God joy again your wondrous beauty holds good fortune in store for you and 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 honor leave off now this grief of yours which in your frenzy you display and she replies sire be gone 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 beer at where on to carry away the body with the lady to the town of l'amour's there the body shall be interred then will I espouse lady whether or not she give consent for never did I see anyone so fair nor desire anyone as I do her happy I am to have met with her now make quickly and without delay a proper beer for this dead night 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 crosswise upon this litter they laid Eric down that hitched two and need 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 l'amour's they escort the body until they come to the palace of the count all the people follow up after them ladies knights and towns people in the middle off the hall on the days they stretch 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 council with his barons privilege my lords he says upon the spot I wish to espouse this lady here we can plainly judge by her beauty but she is a 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 her force for she flatly refused to give consent but in spite of all the count buried her in accordance with his wish and when he had married her the constable at once had the table set in the palace and had the food prepared while already it was time for the evening meal after Vespers that day in May a need 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 place 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 the 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 are to be content take care you do not anger me eat now as I bid you do and she replies not high 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 days 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 today for further reproof to this she vouchsafe 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 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 she is wrong keep silence all lies 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 swear she will never be his and the Count springs up and strikes her again and she cries out aloud rich she says I care not what thou say to me or what thou do I fear not thy blows nor yet thy threats as thou wilt I shall never heed thy powers so much as to do thy bidding more or less even were thou with thy hands right now to snatch out my eyes or flay me alive in the midst of these words and disputes Eric 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 his grief and great his woe when he heard the voice of his wife he stepped to the floor from off the days 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 night spring from the tables persuaded that it is the devil who had made his way among them there of young or old their 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 he strives to make his escape and pushes and shoves as best he may he who is last in the surging throng would feign get into the foremost line thus they make good their escape in flight for one dares not stand upon another's going Eric ran to sees his shield hanging it about his neck by the strap while a need 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 man who thus expelled them but a devil or some enemy who had entered the dead body Eric 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 bridal and saddle this chance encounter pleased Eric well as he steps up quickly to the horse the boy in fear straight way builds him up Eric takes his seat between the saddle bows while a need seizing the stirrup springs up on to the horse's neck as Eric 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 Eric to take revenge at his table the count was slain while Eric 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 from this time on forever more 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 offense and the word you spoke then he kisses her again and clasps her tight now a need 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 meanwhile the news has traveled fast and there is nothing else so quick the news had reached we've read 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 wonder's fair that his old would have seemed her waiting maid counteringle of limours had found them both and had caused the corpse to be born away and wished himself to espouse the lady but she refused him when Grievert heard this news he was by no means pleased for once the thought of Eric occurred to him they 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 and 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 limours with helmets laced in harbours clad and from their necks the shields were hung thus under arms they all advanced until nearly midnight when Eric aspired them now he expects to be ensnared or killed or captured inevitably he makes a need dismount behind a thicket hedge no wonder 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 and 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 anyone 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 land so stretched who aspired him from afar they did not recognize each other for the moon had gone behind a shadow of a dark cloud Eric was weak and exhausted and his antagonist was quite recovered from his wounds and blows now Eric will be far from wise if he does not promptly make himself known he steps out from the hedge and Guivret and spurs toward him without speaking to him at all nor does Eric 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 in the other strong Guivret strikes him with such force that he carries him down his back a need who is in hiding when she sees her lord on the ground expects to be killed and badly used spring forth from the hedge she runs to help her lord if she grieved before now her anguish is greater coming up to Guivret she sees the horses rain and then said curse it be thou night for thou has attacked a weak and exhausted man who is in mortally wounded with such injustice that thou canst not find reason for thy deed if thou has been alone and helpless thou wouldst have rude this attack provided my lord had been in health now be generous and courteous and kindly let cease this battle which thou has begun for thy reputation would be no better for having killed or captured a night who has not the strength to suffer he has suffered so many blows of arms that he has 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 her only advantage will you get from telling me whoever he be tell me his name neither he nor you have ought to fear for you are both in safe hands then need learns that she is safe she answers him briefly in a word his name is Eric I ought not to lie for I see you are honest enough good intent we've read in his delight dismounts and goes to fall at Eric's feet where he was lying on the ground my lord he says I was going to seek for you on my way to the moors where I expected to find you dead it was told and recounted to me as true that Count O'Ringo had carried off to the moors 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 a 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 your friend but if I have done you any hurt through my failure to recognize you you surely ought to pardon me at this Eric sat up for he could do no more and said rise up my friend dissolved of the harm you have done me since you did not recognize me we've read gets up and Eric tells him how he has killed the Count while he sat at meet 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 and then how he came near to being caught and how he escaped through the town carrying his wife on his horse's neck all his adventure of his he told him then we've read said sire I have a castle here close by which is well placed in a helpful site for your comfort and benefit I wish to take you there tomorrow and have your wounds cared for I have two charming and sprightly sisters who are skillful in the care of wounds they will soon completely cure you tonight we shall let our company lodge here in the fields until morning for I think a little rest tonight will do you much good my advice is that we spend the night here Eric replies I am in favor 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 lodged as best they may among the bushes we've read 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 a need 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 Eric 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 has a high long bed constructed of quilted coverlets laid upon grass and reed which they found in abundance there they laid Eric and covered him up then Guivret opened a box and took out two patties as 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 today 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 Eric's side and so did a need who was much pleased by all that Guivret did both of them urged him to eat giving him wine mixed with water for unmixed it is a little too strong and heating Eric ate as a sick man eats and drank a little all he dared but he rested comfortably and slept all night until he found no noise or disturbance was made in the early morning they awoke and prepared again to mountain ride Eric was so devoted to his own horse that he would ride no other they gave to a need a mule for she had lost her pulfry 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 Eric was not cast down but rather assured them that he would recover completely before the third hour they reached Penaverk a strong castle well and handsomely situated there dwelt the two sisters of Guivret for the place was agreeable enough Guivret escorted Eric to a delightful airy room in a remote part of the castle his sisters at his request exerted themselves to cure Eric and Eric placed himself in their hands for they inspired him with perfect confidence first they removed the dead flesh that 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 a need was always with him being more than anyone 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 color 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 veyre one was a dark purple color and the other striped sent to him as a present by a cousin of his from Scotland a need had the purple gown trimmed with ermine which was very precious while Eric had the striped stuff with the fur which was no less valuable now Eric was strong and well cured and recovered now that a need was very happy and had everything she desired her great beauty returned to her for her greatest dress had affected her so much that she was very pale and won now she was embraced and kissed 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 but now they have their satisfaction each vies and seeking to please the other of their further sport I must not speak though well did 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 Greenbred in whom they had found a friend indeed for he had honored and served them in every way when he came to take leave Eric said Sire I do not wish to delay longer my departure for my own land everything to be prepared and collected in order that I may have all I need I shall wish to start tomorrow 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 honor 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 Robay or Cardwell to which we vret makes prompt reply Sire you shall not go off alone for I myself shall go with you and take companions with us if it be your pleasure Eric exceeds 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 their longer they all make ready and prepare in the early morning when they awake the saddles are placed upon the steeds before he leaves Eric goes to bid farewell to the damsels in their rooms and a need who was glad and full of joy there there follows him when their preparations for departure were made they took their leaves of the damsels Eric who is 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 a need who took the other's hand hand in hand they came up from the bedroom into the castle hall we vret urges them to mount it once without delay a need thinks the time will never come for them to mount they bring around to the block for her a good tempered palfry a soft stepper handsome and well shaped the palfry was a fine appearance and a good mount it was no less valuable than her own which had stayed behind at Le Mors that other one was dappled this one was sorrel but the head was of another color it was marked in such a way that one cheek was all white while the other was raven black between the two colors there was a line greener then a grapevine leaf which separated the white 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 precious purple cloth the saddle bows were of ivory on which was carved the story of how anias came from Troy how it carthage with great joy dido received him to her bed how anias deceived her and how for him she killed herself how anias captured larentum and all lombadi of which he was king all his life cunning was the workmanship and well carved all decorated with fine gold a skillful craftsman who made it spent more than seven years in carving it without touching any other piece of work or whether he sold it but he ought to have obtained a good price for it now that a need was presented with this palfry she was well compensated for the loss of her own the palfry, thus richly appareled was given to her and she mounted it gladly then the gentlemen and the squires quickly mounted too for their pleasure and sport we've read cause to be taken with them rich falcons both young and molted many a tersell and sparrow hawk and many a setter and greyhound they rode straight on from morn till eve more than 30 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 Eric stops to look at it and ask and find out if anyone 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 or water there is no lack it fears no assault on any side nor could anything reduce it to starvation king of rain had it fortified and he has possessed it all his days un molested and will possess it all his life but not because he feared anyone did he thus fortify it but the town is more pleasing so for 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 Eric 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 Eric 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 seven years have passed since anyone that went in in quest of the adventure has come back from the town yet proud bold nights 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 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 our death now Eric hears what pleases him and begs we fret 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 honor comes to us here you ought to be very glad I appeal to you conceding the adventure that you tell us the name of it and I will 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 Eric 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 lodging taken for great good shall 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 in return without mishap I clearly see that we must go in since otherwise it may not be let us again our lodging is secure for no night of high degree as I have heard it said and told can enter this castle with intent to lodge here but that King Ephraim offers to shelter him so gentlemen courteous is the king that he has given notice to all his townsmen appealing to their love for him that any gentlemen from afar should not find lodging in their houses so that he himself may do may wish to tarry here thus they proceed toward the castle passing the list and the drawbridge and when they pass the listing place the people who were gathered in the streets in crowds see Eric and all his beauty and apparently they think and believe that all the others are in his train marveling 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 marvelously they pity him one to another whispers low alas this night 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 to not receive shame and harm and leave his head there as a fourth then that he may hear their words they cry aloud God defend thee night from harm for thou art wondrously handsome and thy beauty is greatly to be pitied for tomorrow we shall see it quenched tomorrow thy death is come tomorrow thou shall surely die if God does not guard and defend thee he 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 one to him the hearts of all that knights, ladies, and maids alike fear his harm King Yvrain hears the news that the 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 Yvrain comes down the street to meet them and saluting them he cries welcome to this company both to the master and all his sweet welcome, gentlemen, dismount they dismounted and there were plenty to receive and take their horses nor was King Yvrain backward when he saw a need coming but he straight way saluted her and ran to help her to dismount taking her white and tender hand he led her up into the palace as required by courtesy and honored 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 Yvrain on its fine appearance hand in hand they entered the room the king escorting them and taking great care of them but why should I describe to you the paintings in the silk and 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 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 Eric 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 of rain 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 covered nothing else so much granted 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 I know well that I have seen many a man ruined who solicited this joy they were never any better for it but rather did they all die and perish before tomorrow'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 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 Eric 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 put no blame on you I wish to undertake this boom 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 I 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 honor that never did man win greater and may God as I desire grant you a joyous deliverance End of Part 3 Erich and a Need by Cretan Datois translated by W. W. Comfort Erich and a Need by Cretan Datois Part 3 translated by W. W. Comfort