Any one who is looking for something better
does not know what he wants. And his pace is so easy and gentle
that a body is more comfortable and easy on his back than in a
boat." Then said Erec: "My dear, I have no objection to her
accepting this gift; indeed, I am pleased with the offer, and do
not wish her to refuse it." Then the damsel calls one of her
trusty servants, and says to him: "Go, friend, saddle my dappled
palfrey, and lead him here at once." And he carries out her
command: he puts on saddle and bridle and strives to make him
appear well. Then he jumps on the maned palfrey, which is now
ready for inspection. When Erec saw the animal, he did not spare
his praise, for he could see that he was very fine and gentle.
So he bade a servant lead him back and hitch him in the stable
beside his own horse. Then they all separated, after an evening
agreeably spent. The Count goes off to his own dwelling, and
leaves Erec with the vavasor, saying that he will bear him
company in the morning when he leaves. All that night they slept
well. In the morning, when the dawn was bright, Erec prepares to
start, commanding his horses to be saddled. His fair sweetheart,
too, awakes, dresses, and makes ready. The vavasor and his wife
rise too, and every knight and lady there prepares to escort the
damsel and the knight.
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