assing out? That is King Ider, in truth." Thus they talk up in
the stand. "That shield was made at Limoges, whence it was brought by
Pilades, who is very ardent and keen to be always in the fight. That
shield, bridle, and breast-strap were made at Toulouse, and were brought
here by Kay of Estraus. The other came from Lyons on the Rhone, and
there is no better under heaven; for his great merit it was presented
to Taulas of the Desert, who bears it well and protects himself with
it skilfully. Yonder shield is of English workmanship and was made at
London; you see on it two swallows which appear as if about to fly; yet
they do not move, but receive many blows from the Poitevin lances of
steel; he who has it is poor Thoas." Thus they point out and describe
the arms of those they know; but they see nothing of him whom they had
held in such contempt, and, not remarking him in the fray, they suppose
that he has slipped away. When the Queen sees that he is not there, she
feels inclined to send some one to search for him in the crowd until he
be found. She knows of no one better to send in search of him than she
who yesterday performed her errand. So, straightway calling her, she
said to her: "Damsel, go and mount your palfrey! I send you to the same
knight as I sent you yesterday, and do you seek him until you find him.
Do not delay for any cause, and tell him again to do his 'worst'. And
when you have given him this message, mark well what reply he makes."
The damsel makes no delay, for she had carefully noticed the direction
he took the night before, knowing well that she would be sent to him
again. She made her way through the ranks until she saw the knight, whom
she instructs at once to do his "worst" again, if he desires the love
and favour of the Queen which she sends him. And he makes answer: "My
thanks to her, since such is her will." Then the damsel went away, and
the valets, sergeants, and squires begin to shout: "See this marvellous
thing! He of yesterday with the vermilion arms is back again. What
can he want? Never in the world was there such a vile, despicable, and
craven wretch! He is so in the power of cowardice that resistance is
useless on his part." And the damsel returns to the Queen, who detained
her and would not let her go until she heard what his response had been;
then she heartily rejoiced, feeling no longer any doubt that this is he
to whom she altogether belongs, and he is hers in like manner. Then she