ars what they say. He draws himself up a little and opens his eyes a
tiny bit. Now he realises what an evil deed he had begun to execute. He
makes the knights step back, and says: "My lords, I bid you all, both
strong and weak, high and low, that none of you be so bold as to dare
to advance a single step. All of you return now quickly! I have done
a villainous deed, and I repent me of my foul design. The lady who
outwitted me is very honourable, prudent, and courteous. Her beauty
fired me with love for her; because I desired her, I wished to kill her
lord and keep her back with me by force. I well deserved this woe, and
now it has come upon me. How abominably disloyal and treacherous I was
in my madness! Never was there a better knight born of mother than he.
Never shall he receive harm through me if I can in any way prevent it.
I command you all to retrace your steps." Back they go disconsolate,
carrying the lifeless seneschal on the shield reversed. The Count,
whose wound was not mortal, lived on for some time after. Thus was Erec
delivered.

(Vv. 3663-3930.) Erec goes off at full speed down a road between two
hedgerows--he and his wife with him. Both putting spurs to their
horses, they rode until they came to a meadow which had been mown. After
emerging from the hedged enclosure they came upon a drawbridge before a
high tower, which was all closed about with a wall and a broad and deep
moat. They quickly pass over the bridge, but had not gone far before the
lord of the place espied them from up in his tower. About this man I
can tell you the truth: that he was very small of stature, but very
courageous of heart. When he sees Erec cross the bridge, he comes down
quickly from his tower, and on a great sorrel steed of his he causes
a saddle to be placed, which showed portrayed a golden lion. Then he
orders to be brought his shield, his stiff, straight lance, a sharp
polished sword, his bright shining helmet, his gleaming hauberk, and
triple-woven greaves; for he has seen an armed knight pass before his
list against whom he wishes to strive in arms, or else this stranger
will strive against him until he shall confess defeat. His command
was quickly done: behold the horse now led forth; a squire brought him
around already bridled and with saddle on. Another fellow brings the
arms. The knight passed out through the gate, as quickly as possible,
all alone, without companion. Erec is riding along a hill-side, when
behold the