I shall see that you are well
cared for, honoured and made comfortable: for you are in need of
rest. King Arthur and the Queen are close by here in a wood, lodged in
pavilions and tents. In all good faith, I advise you to come with me to
see the Queen and King, who will take much pleasure in you and will
show you great honour." Erec replies: "You say well; yet will I not
go thither for anything. You know not what my business is: I must yet
farther pursue my way. Now let me go; too long I stay. There is still
some daylight left." Kay makes answer: "You speak madness when you
decline to come. I trow you will repent of it. And however much it
may be against your will, you shall both go, as the priest goes to the
council, willy-nilly. To-night you will be badly served, if, unmindful
of my advice, you go there as strangers. Come now quickly, for I will
take you." At this word Erec's ire was roused. "Vassal," says he, "you
are mad to drag me thus after you by force. You have taken me quite off
my guard. I tell you you have committed an offence. For I thought to be
quite safe, and was not on my guard against you." Then he lays his hand
upon his sword and cries: "Hands off my bridle, vassal! Step aside. I
consider you proud and impudent. I shall strike you, be sure of that, if
you drag me longer after you. Leave me alone now." Then he lets him go,
and draws off across the field more than an acre's width; then turns
about and, as a man with evil intent, issues his challenge. Each
rushed at the other. But, because Kay was without armour, Erec acted
courteously and turned the point of his lance about and presented the
butt-end instead. Even so, he gave him such a blow high up on the broad
expanse of his shield that he caused it to wound him on the temple,
pinning his arm to his breast: all prone he throws him to the earth.
Then he went to catch the horse and hands him over by the bridle to
Enide. He was about to lead it away, when the wounded man with his
wonted flattery begs him to restore it courteously to him. With fair
words he flatters and wheedles him. "Vassal," says he, "so help me God,
that horse is not mine. Rather does it belong to that knight in whom
dwells the greatest prowess in the world, my lord Gawain the Bold. I
tell you so much on his behalf, in order that you may send it back to
him and thus win honour. So shall you be courteous and wise, and I shall
be your messenger." Erec makes answer: "Take the horse, vassal,