Chivalry -- Fiction; Knights and knighthood -- Fiction; Romances, Spanish -- Translations into English
Four days Galaor rode with the Damsel, and so wrathful was he for
this fall that whatever Knight encountered him in that time felt the
effects, and many were slain for the act of another. At length they saw
a fair fortress, built above a vale; the Damsel told him there was no
other place near where he could lodge that night, and they made up to
it. At the gate they found many men and Dames and Damsels, so that it
seemed to be the house of a good man, and among them was a Knight of
seventy years, with a cloak of scarlet skin, who courteously bade him
welcome. Sir, quoth Galaor, you welcome us so well, that, tho' we found
another host, we would not leave your hospitality. Then were they led
into a hall, and supper was given them right honourably; and, when the
cloths were removed, the old Knight went to Galaor and asked him if
the Damsel was to be his bedfellow. He replied, no; and two Damsels
then conducted her to her chamber, while he was shewn a rich bed for
himself. Here rest yourself, said his host: God knows the pleasure I
have in entertaining you, and all Errant Knights, for I myself have
been one, and have two sons who are the like, but both now are badly
wounded, for there came by a Knight who dismounted them both, and they
greatly ashamed of their foil rode after him, and came up to him by a
river as he was about to cross it in a boat; and they would have made
him do battle with the sword, since they knew how he could joust. The
Knight, who was in haste, would have declined the battle, but my sons
prevented him from entering the boat. A Lady who was in the boat then
said to them, that they were discourteous in detaining her Knight
against her will; but they said, he must needs do battle. Let it be,
then, said the Lady, that he shall fight with the better of you twain,
and if he conquer him that shall suffice. Not so, they answered; if one
failed, the other would prove his fortune. The Knight then grew angry,
and cried, come both, since you will not let me proceed! and one after
the other he sent them from their horses, utterly confounded; then
crossed the river and went his way. I went afterwards to bring home
my sons, for they were sorely wounded: you shall see with what wounds,
such as never before were given by any Knight. He then sent for the
armour which they had worn, and it was so cut through with the sword
that Galaor greatly marvelled, and asked what arms the Knight bore.—A
vermilion shield with two grey lions, and another on his helmet, and
he rides a roan horse. Know you who he is? cried Galaor. No, said the
old Knight. It is the same Knight whom I am seeking, quoth Galaor, and,
if I find him, I will revenge your two sons and myself, or die. Sir
friend, quoth his host, I would counsel you to forbear the attempt, for
as for what my sons have suffered they brought it on themselves; and
then he bade him good night.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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