thek" (Heilbronn, 1883).]

[Footnote 322: This is the first of three references in this poem to the
abduction of Guinevere as fully narrated in the poem of "Lancelot". The
other references are in v. 3918 and v.4740 f.]

[Footnote 323: Yvain here states the theory of the judicial trial by
combat. For another instance see "Lancelot", v. 4963 f. Cf. M. Pfeffer
in "Ztsch. fur romanische Philogie", ix. 1-74, and L. Jordan, id. Xxix.
385-401.]

[Footnote 324: A similar description of a distressed damsel wandering at
night in a forest is found in "Berte aus grans pies", by Adenet le Roi
(13th century).]

[Footnote 325: The lion is forgotten for the moment, but will appear
again v. 5446. (F.)]

[Footnote 326: This entire passage belongs in the catagory of widespread
myths which tell of a tribute of youths or maidens paid to some cruel
monster, from which some hero finally obtains deliverance. Instances
are presented in the adventures of Theseus and Tristan.]

[Footnote 327: The old French monetary table was as follows:

10 as = 1 denier; 12 deniers = 1 sol; 20 sous = 1 livre]

[Footnote 328: It appears to be the poet's prerogative in all epochs of
social history to bemoan the degeneracy of true love in his own
generation.]

[Footnote 329: The sleeves of shirts were detachable, and were sewed on
afresh when a clean garment was put on. (F.)]

[Footnote 330: This was an axiom of feudal society, and occurs more
frequently in feudal literature than any other statement of mediaeval
social relations.]

LANCELOT

or, The Knight of the Cart

(Vv. 1-30.) Since my lady of Champagne wishes me to undertake to write a
romance, [41] I shall very gladly do so, being so devoted to her
service as to do anything in the world for her, without any intention
of flattery. But if one were to introduce any flattery upon such an
occasion, he might say, and I would subscribe to it, that this lady
surpasses all others who are alive, just as the south wind which blows
in May or April is more lovely than any other wind. But upon my word, I
am not one to wish to flatter my lady. I will simply say: "The Countess
is worth as many queens as a gem is worth of pearls and sards." Nay I
shall make no comparison, and yet it is true in spite of me; I will say,
however, that her command has more to do with this work than any thought
or pains that I may expend upon it. Here Chretien begins his book about
the Knight of the Cart. The material