Fortune who had beckoned me has quickly
now withdrawn her hand. I should not mind that so much, alas, if
only I dared to address my lord. But I am mortified and
distressed because my lord has turned against me, I see it
clearly, since he will not speak to me. And I am not so bold as
to dare to look at him." While she thus laments, a knight who
lived by robbery issued forth from the woods. He had two
companions with him, and all three were armed. They covet the
palfrey which Enide rides. "My lords, do you know the news I
bring?" says he to his two companions. "If we do not now make a
haul, we are good-for-nothing cowards and are playing in bad
luck. Here comes a lady wondrous fair, whether married or not I
do not know, but she is very richly dressed. The palfrey and
saddle, with the breast-strap and reins, are worth a thousand
livres of Chartres. I will take the palfrey for mine, and the
rest of the booty you may have. I don't want any more for my
share. The knight shall not lead away the lady, so help me God.
For I intend to give him such a thrust as he will dearly pay. I
it was who saw him first, and so it is my right to go the first
and offer battle." They give him leave and he rides off,
crouching well beneath his shield, while the other two remain
aloof.
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