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 mis