It is
useless to try to escape." But the fellow has no desire to turn
about, and continues to flee with might and main. Following and
overtaking him, Erec hits him squarely on his painted shield, and
throws him over on the other side. To these three robbers he
gives no further heed: one he has killed, another wounded, and of
the third he got rid by throwing him to earth from his steed. He
took the horses of all three and tied them together by the
bridles. In colour they were not alike: the first was white as
milk, the second black and not at all bad looking, while the
third was dappled all over. He came back to the road where Enide
was awaiting him. He bade her lead and drive the three horses in
front of her, warning her harshly never again to be so bold as to
speak a single word unless he give her leave. She makes answer:
"I will never do so, fair sire, if it be your will." Then they
ride on, and she holds her peace.
(Vv. 2925-3085.) They had not yet gone a league when before them
in a valley there came five other knights, with lances in rest,
shields held close in to the neck, and their shining helmets
laced up tight; they, too, were on plunder bent. All at once
they saw the lady approach in charge of the three horses, and
Erec who followed after.
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