to make further request of you. So I commend you
to God; and shall go away." Thereupon she arises: the knight does not
object, but rather gladly lets her go, like one who is the devoted lover
of some one else; the damsel clearly perceived this, and went to her
room, where she undressed completely and retired, saying to herself: "Of
all the knights I have ever known, I never knew a single knight whom I
would value the third part of an angevin in comparison with this one. As
I understand the case, he has on hand a more perilous and grave affair
than any ever undertaken by a knight; and may God grant that he succeed
in it." Then she fell asleep, and remained in bed until the next day's
dawn appeared.

(Vv. 1293-1368.) At daybreak she awakes and gets up. The knight awakes
too, dressing, and putting on his arms, without waiting for any help.
Then the damsel comes and sees that he is already dressed. Upon seeing
him, she says: "May this day be a happy one for you." "And may it be
the same to you, damsel," the knight replies, adding that he is waiting
anxiously for some one to bring out his horse. The maiden has some one
fetch the horse, and says: "Sire, I should like to accompany you for
some distance along the road, if you would agree to escort and conduct
me according to the customs and practices which were observed before we
were made captive in the kingdom of Logres." In those days the customs
and privileges were such that, if a knight found a damsel or lorn maid
alone, and if he cared for his fair name, he would no more treat her
with dishonour than he would cut his own throat. And if he assaulted
her, he would be disgraced for ever in every court. But if, while she
was under his escort, she should be won at arms by another who engaged
him in battle, then this other knight might do with her what he pleased
without receiving shame or blame. This is why the damsel said she would
go with him, if he had the courage and willingness to safe guard her in
his company, so that no one should do her any harm. And he says to her:
"No one shall harm you, I promise you, unless he harm me first." "Then,"
she says, "I will go with you." She orders her palfrey to be saddled,
and her command is obeyed at once. Her palfrey was brought together with
the knight's horse. Without the aid of any squire, they both mount, and
rapidly ride away. She talks to him, but not caring for her words, he
pays no attention to what she says. He likes to thin