remor the Impetuous,
who should not be forgotten, nor Bedoiier the Master of the Horse,
who was skilled at chess and trictrac, nor Bravain, nor King Lot, nor
Galegantin of Wales, nor Gronosis, versed in evil, who was son of Kay
the Seneschal, nor Labigodes the Courteous, nor Count Cadorcaniois, nor
Letron of Prepelesant, whose manners were so excellent, nor Breon the
son of Canodan, nor the Count of Honolan who had such a head of fine
fair hair; he it was who received the King's horn in an evil day; [118]
he never had any care for truth.

(Vv. 1751-1844.) When the stranger maiden saw all the knights arrayed
looking steadfastly at her, she bowed her head in embarrassment; nor was
it strange that her face blushed all crimson. But her confusion was so
becoming to her that she looked all the more lovely. When the King saw
that she was embarrassed, he did not wish to leave her side. Taking her
gently by the hand, he made her sit down on his right hand; and on his
left sat the Queen, speaking thus to the King the while. "Sire, in my
opinion he who can win such a fair lady by his arms in another land
ought by right to come to a royal court. It was well we waited for Erec;
for now you can bestow the kiss upon the fairest of the court. I should
think none would find fault with you! for none can say, unless he lie,
that this maiden is not the most charming of all the damsels here, or
indeed in all the world." The King makes answer: "That is no lie; and
upon her, if there is no remonstrance, I shall bestow the honour of the
White Stag." Then he added to the knights: "My lords, what say you? What
is your opinion? In body, in face, and in whatever a maid should have,
this one is the most charming and beautiful to be found, as I may say,
before you come to where Heaven and earth meet. I say it is meet that
she should receive the honour of the Stag. And you, my lords, what do
you think about it? Can you make any objection? If any one wishes to
protest, let him straightway speak his mind. I am King, and must keep
my word and must not permit any baseness, falsity, or arrogance. I must
maintain truth and righteousness. It is the business of a loyal king
to support the law, truth, faith, and justice. I would not in any wise
commit a disloyal deed or wrong to either weak or strong. It is not meet
that any one should complain of me; nor do I wish the custom and the
practice to lapse, which my family has been wont to foster. You, too,
would