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.
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