battle rather than he himself, or else
perchance my lord Gawain would first ask for it. If either one of these
two should make request, the favour would never be refused him. But,
having no desire for their company, he resolves not to wait for them,
but to go off alone, if possible, whether it be to his gain or hurt. And
whoever may stay behind, he intends to be on the third day in the forest
of Broceliande, and there to seek if possibly he may find the narrow
wooded path for which he yearns eagerly, and the plain with the strong
castle, and the pleasure and delight of the courteous damsel, who is
so charming and fair, and with the damsel her worthy sire, who is so
honourable and nobly born that he strives to dispense honour. Then he
will see the bulls in the clearing, with the giant boor who watches
them. Great is his desire to see this fellow, who is so stout and big
and ugly and deformed, and as black as a smith. Then, too, he will see,
if possible, the stone and the spring itself, and the basin and the
birds in the pine-tree, and he will make it rain and blow. But of all
this he will not boast, nor, if he can help it, shall any one know
of his purpose until he shall have received from it either great
humiliation or great renown: then let the facts be known.

(Vv. 723-746.) My lord Yvain gets away from the court without any one
meeting him, and proceeds alone to his lodging place. There he found all
his household, and gave orders to have his horse saddled; then, calling
one of his squires who was privy to his every thought, he says: "Come
now, follow me outside yonder, and bring me my arms. I shall go out at
once through yonder gate upon my palfrey. For thy part, do not delay,
for I have a long road to travel. Have my steed well shod, and bring him
quickly where I am; then shalt thou lead back my palfrey. But take good
care, I adjure thee, if any one questions thee about me, to give him no
satisfaction. Otherwise, whatever thy confidence in me, thou need never
again count on my goodwill." "Sire," he says, "all will be well, for no
one shall learn anything from me. Proceed, and I shall follow you."

(Vv. 747-906.) My lord Yvain mounts at once, intending to avenge, if
possible, his cousin's disgrace before he returns. The squire ran for
the arms and steed; he mounted at once without delay, since he was
already equipped with shoes and nails. Then he followed his master's
track until he saw him standing mounted, waiting