If thou hast undertaken to
fight some knight in single combat, yet shouldst thou not for
that reason fail to take a part of thy knights with thee to
betoken thy wealth and lordship. A king's son ought not to fare
alone. Fair son, have thy sumpters loaded now, and take thirty
or forty or more of thy knights, and see that silver and gold is
taken, and whatever a gentleman needs." Finally Erec makes reply
and tells him all in detail how he has planned his journey.
"Sire," says he, "it must be so. I shall take no extra horse,
nor have I any use for gold or silver, squire or sergeant; nor do
I ask for any company save that of my wife alone. But I pray
you, whatever may happen, should I die and she come back, to love
her and hold her dear for love of me and for my prayer, and give
her so long as she live, without contention or any strife, the
half of your land to be her own." Upon hearing his son's
request, the King said: "Fair son, I promise it. But I grieve
much to see thee thus go off without escort, and if I had my way,
thou shouldst not thus depart." "Sire, it cannot be otherwise.
I go now, and to God commend you. But keep in mind my
companions, and give them horses and arms and all that knight may
need." The King cannot keep back the tears when he is parted
from his son.
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