holds me, I was pleased, am pleased
now, and always shall be pleased by what I saw." "Well, let us say no
more of that," she makes reply, "for I can understand well enough what
is the meaning of such words. I am not so foolish or inexperienced that
I cannot understand such words as those; but come now after me, for I
shall find some speedy means to release you from your confinement. I
shall surely set you free to-night or to-morrow, if you please. Come
now, I will lead you away." And he thus makes reply: "You may be sure
that I will never escape secretly and like a thief. When the people are
all gathered out there in the streets, I can go forth more honourably
than if I did so surreptitiously." Then he followed her into the little
room. The damsel, who was kind, secured and bestowed upon him all that
he desired. And when the opportunity arose, she remembered what he
had said to her how he had been pleased by what he saw when they were
seeking him in the room with intent to kill him.

(Vv. 1589-1652.) The damsel stood in such favour with her lady that she
had no fear of telling her anything, regardless of the consequences, for
she was her confidante and companion. Then, why should she be backward
in comforting her lady and in giving her advice which should redound to
her honour? The first time she said to her privily: "My lady, I greatly
marvel to see you act so extravagantly. Do you think you can recover
your lord by giving away thus to your grief?" "Nay, rather, if I had my
wish," says she, "I would now be dead of grief." "And why?" "In order to
follow after him." "After him? God forbid, and give you again as good a
lord, as is consistent with His might." "Thou didst never speak such a
lie as that, for He could never give me so good a lord again." "He will
give you a better one, if you will accept him, and I can prove it."
"Begone! Peace! I shall never find such a one." "Indeed you shall, my
lady, if you will consent. Just tell me, if you will, who is going to
defend your land when King Arthur comes next week to the margin of the
spring? You have already been apprised of this by letters sent you by
the Dameisele Sauvage. Alas, what a kind service she did for you! you
ought to be considering how you will defend your spring, and yet you
cease not to weep! If it please you, my dear lady, you ought not to
delay. For surely, all the knights you have are not worth, as you well
know, so much as a single chamber-maid. Neither s