ll this
wealth, unless he had found these tresses too. And if you wish to know
the truth, gold a hundred thousand times refined, and melted down as
many times, would be darker than is night compared with the brightest
summer day we have had this year, if one were to see the gold and set it
beside this hair. But why should I make a long story of it? The damsel
mounts again with the comb in her possession; while he revels and
delights in the tresses in his bosom. Leaving the plain, they come to
a forest and take a short cut through it until they come to a narrow
place, where they have to go in single file; for it would have been
impossible to ride two horses abreast. Just where the way was narrowest,
they see a knight approach. As soon as she saw him, the damsel
recognised him, and said: "Sir knight, do you see him who yonder comes
against us all armed and ready for a battle? I know what his intention
is: he thinks now that he cannot fail to take me off defenceless with
him. He loves me, but he is very foolish to do so. In person, and by
messenger, he has been long wooing me. But my love is not within his
reach, for I would not love him under any consideration, so help me God!
I would kill myself rather than bestow my love on him. I do not doubt
that he is delighted now, and is as satisfied as if he had me already
in his power. But now I shall see what you can do, and I shall see
how brave you are, and it will become apparent whether your escort can
protect me. If you can protect me now, I shall not fail to proclaim that
you are brave and very worthy." And he answered her: "Go on, go on!"
which was as much as to say: "I am not concerned; there is no need of
your being worried about what you have said."

(Vv. 1553-1660.) While they were proceeding, talking thus, the knight,
who was alone, rode rapidly toward them on the run. He was the more
eager to make haste, because he felt more sure of success; he felt that
he was lucky now to see her whom he most dearly loves. As soon as he
approaches her, he greets her with words that come from his heart:
"Welcome to her, whence-soever she comes, whom I most desire, but who
has hitherto caused me least joy and most distress!" It is not fitting
that she should be so stingy of her speech as not to return his
greeting, at least by word of mouth. The knight is greatly elated when
the damsel greets him; though she does not take the words seriously, and
the effort costs her nothing. Yet, i