em
through likewise. But the third turned upon him, and struck him with his
club, so that he split his shield, and crushed his shoulder, and opened
his wounds anew, and all his blood began to flow from him. But Geraint
drew his sword, and attacked the giant, and gave him a blow on the crown
of his head so severe, and fierce, and violent, that his head and his
neck were split down to his shoulders, and he fell dead. So Geraint left
him thus, and returned to Enid. And when he saw her, he fell down
lifeless from his horse. Piercing, and loud, and thrilling was the cry
that Enid uttered. And she came and stood over him where he had fallen.
And at the sound of her cries came the Earl of Limours, and the host that
journeyed with him, whom her lamentations brought out of their road. And
the Earl said to Enid, "Alas, Lady, what hath befallen thee?" "Ah! good
Sir," said she, "the only man I have loved, or ever shall love, is
slain." Then he said to the other, "And what is the cause of thy grief?"
"They have slain my beloved husband also," said she. "And who was it
that slew them?" "Some giants," she answered, "slew my best beloved, and
the other knight went in pursuit of them, and came back in the state thou
seest, his blood flowing excessively; but it appears to me that he did
not leave the giants without killing some of them, if not all." The Earl
caused the knight that was dead to be buried, but he thought that there
still remained some life in Geraint; and to see if he yet would live, he
had him carried with him in the hollow of his shield, and upon a bier.
And the two damsels went to the court; and when they arrived there,
Geraint was placed upon a litter-couch in front of the table that was in
the hall. Then they all took off their travelling gear, and the Earl
besought Enid to do the same, and to clothe herself in other garments. "I
will not, by Heaven," said she. "Ah! Lady," said he, "be not so
sorrowful for this matter." "It were hard to persuade me to be
otherwise," said she. "I will act towards thee in such wise, that thou
needest not be sorrowful, whether yonder knight live or die. Behold, a
good Earldom, together with myself, will I bestow on thee; be, therefore,
happy and joyful." "I declare to Heaven," said she, "that henceforth I
shall never be joyful while I live." "Come, then," said he, "and eat."
"No, by Heaven, I will not," she answered. "But by Heaven thou shalt,"
said he. So he took her