ad, and that he shows excessive pride,
when he refuses to respect my will." Then they promise to take care of
him, and say that never, while he is in their charge, shall he wish to
fight, but that he must renounce the damsel in spite of himself. Then
they all join and seize him by the arms and neck. "Dost thou not think
thyself foolish now?" his father asks; "confess the truth: thou hast not
the strength or power to fight or joust, however distasteful and hard it
may be for thee to admit it. Thou wilt be wise to consent to my will
and pleasure. Dost thou know what my intention is? In order somewhat to
mitigate thy disappointment, I am willing to join thee, if thou wilt, in
following the knight to-day and to-morrow, through wood and plain, each
one mounted on his horse. Perhaps we shall soon find him to be of such a
character and bearing that I might let thee have thy way and fight with
him." To this proposal the other must perforce consent. Like the man
who has no alternative, he says that he will give in, provided they
both shall follow him. And when the people in the field see how this
adventure has turned out, they all exclaim: "Did you see? He who was
mounted on the cart has gained such honour here that he is leading away
the mistress of the son of my lord, and he himself is allowing it. We
may well suppose that he finds in him some merit, when he lets him take
her off. Now cursed a hundred times be he who ceases longer his sport on
his account! Come, let us go back to our games again." Then they resume
their games and dances.

(Vv. 1841-1966.) Thereupon the knight turns away, without longer
remaining in the field, and the damsel accompanies him. They leave in
haste, while the father and his son ride after them through the mown
fields until toward three o'clock, when in a very pleasant spot they
come upon a church; beside the chancel there was a cemetery enclosed by
a wall. The knight was both courteous and wise to enter the church on
foot and make his prayer to God, while the damsel held his horse for him
until he returned. When he had made his prayer, and while he was coming
back, a very old monk suddenly presented himself; whereupon the knight
politely requests him to tell him what this place is; for he does not
know. And he tells him it is a cemetery. And the other says: "Take me
in, so help you God!" "Gladly, sire," and he takes him in. Following the
monk's lead, the knight beholds the most beautiful tombs that