he 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