fastened the reins of all the horses together, so that he had
seven horses with him. And he mounted his own horse, and commanded the
maiden to drive forward the others. "It is no more use for me to speak
to thee than to refrain, for thou wilt not attend to my advice." "I will
do so, as far I am able, Lord," said she; "but I cannot conceal from thee
the fierce and threatening words which I may hear against thee, Lord,
from such strange people as those that haunt this wilderness." "I
declare to Heaven," said he, "that I desire nought but silence;
therefore, hold thy peace." {39} "I will, Lord, while I can." And the
maiden went on with the horses before her, and she pursued her way
straight onwards. And from the copse-wood already mentioned, they
journeyed over a vast and dreary open plain. And at a great distance
from them they beheld a wood, and they could see neither end nor boundary
to the wood, except on that side that was nearest to them, and they went
towards it. Then there came from out the wood five horsemen, eager, and
bold, and mighty, and strong, mounted upon chargers that were powerful,
and large of bone, and high-mettled, and proudly snorting, and both the
men and the horses were well equipped with arms. And when they drew near
to them, Enid heard them say, "Behold, here is a fine booty coming to us,
which we shall obtain easily and without labour, for we shall have no
trouble in taking all those horses and arms, and the lady also, from
yonder single knight, so doleful and sad."

Sorely grieved was the maiden upon hearing this discourse, so that she
knew not in the world what she should do. At last, however, she
determined to warn Geraint; so she turned her horse's head towards him.
"Lord," said she, "if thou hadst heard as I did what yonder horsemen said
concerning thee, thy heaviness would be greater than it is." Angrily and
bitterly did Geraint smile upon her, and he said, "Thee do I hear doing
everything that I forbade thee; but it may be that thou wilt repent this
yet." And immediately, behold, the men met them, and victoriously and
gallantly did Geraint overcome them all five. And he placed the five
suits of armour upon the five saddles, and tied together the reins of the
twelve horses, and gave them in charge to Enid. "I know not," said he,
"what good it is for me to order thee; but this time I charge thee in an
especial manner." So the maiden went forward towards the wood, keeping
in ad