In
this land they all say--the dark, the fair, and the ruddy--that
it is a great pity that you should renounce your arms; your
reputation has suffered from it. Every one used to say not long
ago that in all the world there was known no better or more
gallant knight. Now they all go about making game of you--old
and young, little and great--calling you a recreant. Do you
suppose it does not give me pain to hear you thus spoken of with
scorn? It grieves me when I hear it said, and yet it grieves me
more that they put the blame for it on me. Yes, I am blamed for
it, I regret to say, and they all assert it is because I have so
ensnared and caught you that you are losing all your merit, and
do not care for aught but me. You must choose another course, so
that you may silence this reproach and regain your former fame;
for I have heard too much of this reproach, and yet I did not
dare to disclose it to you. Many a time, when I think of it, I
have to weep for very grief. Such chagrin I felt just now that I
could not keep myself from saying that you were ill-starred."
"Lady," said he, "you were in the right, and those who blame me
do so with reason. And now at once prepare yourself to take the
road. Rise up from here, and dress yourself in your richest
robe, and order your saddle to be put on your best palfrey.
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