so doughty a knight,
nor had any knight ever wounded or injured him as this one does. He
is glad to get away from him, and he winces and sidesteps, fearing his
blows and avoiding them. And Lancelot does not idly threaten him, but
drives him rapidly toward the tower where the Queen was stationed on the
watch. There upon the tower he did her the homage of his blows until he
came so close that, if he advanced another step, he would lose sight
of her. Thus Lancelot drove him back and forth repeatedly in whatever
direction he pleased, always stopping before the Queen, his lady, who
had kindled the flame which compels him to fix his gaze upon her. And
this same flame so stirred him against Meleagant that he was enabled to
lead and drive him wherever he pleased. In spite of himself he drives
him on like a blind man or a man with a wooden leg. The king sees his
son so hard pressed that he is sorry for him and he pities him, and he
will not deny him aid and assistance if possible; but if he wishes to
proceed courteously, he must first beg the Queen's permission. So he
began to say to her: "Lady, since I have had you in my power, I have
loved you and faithfully served and honoured you. I never consciously
left anything undone in which I saw your honour involved; now repay
me for what I have done. For I am about to ask you a favour which you
should not grant unless you do so willingly. I plainly see that my son
is getting the worst of this battle; I do not speak so because of the
chagrin I feel, but in order that Lancelot, who has him in his power,
may not kill him. Nor ought you to wish to see him killed; not because
he has not wronged both you and him, but because I make the request of
you: so tell him, please, to stop beating him. If you will, you can thus
repay me for what I have done for you." "Fair sire, I am willing to do
so at your request," the Queen replies; "had I mortal hatred for your
son, whom it is true I do not love, yet you have served me so well that,
to please you, I am quite willing that he should desist." These words
were not spoken privately, but Lancelot and Meleagrant heard what was
said. The man who is a perfect lover is always obedient and quickly and
gladly does his mistress' pleasure. So Lancelot was constrained to do
his Lady's will, for he loved more than Pyramus, [421] if that were
possible for any man to do. Lancelot heard what was said, and as soon as
the last word had issued from her mouth, "since