eside his
illustrious lineage, he is so brave, courteous, and wise that no one
has cause to disparage him. You have all already heard, I suppose, of
my lord Yvain, and it is he who seeks my hand. When the marriage is
consummated, I shall have a more noble lord than I deserve." They all
say: "If you are prudent, this very day shall not go by without the
marriage being solemnised. For it is folly to postpone for a single hour
an advantageous act." They beseech her so insistently that she consents
to what she would have done in any case. For Love bids her do that for
which she asks counsel and advice; but there is more honour for him in
being accepted with the approval of her men. To her their prayers are
not unwelcome; rather do they stir and incite her heart to have its way.
The horse, already under speed, goes faster yet when it is spurred. In
the presence of all her lords, the lady gives herself to my lord Yvain.
From the hand of her chaplain he received the lady, Laudine de Landuc,
daughter of Duke Laudunet, of whom they sing a lay. That very day
without delay he married her, and the wedding was celebrated. There
were plenty of mitres and croziers there, for the lady had summoned her
bishops and abbots. Great was the joy and rejoicing, there were many
people, and much wealth was displayed--more than I could tell you of,
were I to devote much thought to it. It is better to keep silent than to
be inadequate. So my lord Yvain is master now, and the dead man is quite
forgot. He who killed him is now married to his wife, and they enjoy the
marriage rights. The people love and esteem their living lord more than
they ever did the dead. They served him well at his marriage-feast,
until the eve before the day when the King came to visit the marvellous
spring and its stone, bringing with him upon this expedition his
companions and all those of his household; not one was left behind. And
my lord Kay remarked: "Ah, what now has become of Yvain, who after his
dinner made the boast that he would avenge his cousin's shame? Evidently
he spoke in his cups. I believe that he has run away. He would not
dare to come back for anything. He was very presumptuous to make such a
boast. He is a bold man who dares to boast of what no one would praise
him for, and who has no proof of his great feats except the words of
some false flatterer. There is a great difference between a coward and a
hero; for the coward seated beside the fire talks loudly