God! my lord
does not see them! Why, then, do I hesitate, crazed as I am? I
am indeed too chary of my words, when I have not already spoken
to him. I know well enough that those who are coming yonder are
intent upon some wicked deed. And God! how shall I speak to
him? He will kill me. Well, let him kill me! Yet I will not
fail to speak to him." Then she softly calls him: "Sire!"
"What?" says he, "what do you want?" "Your pardon, sire. I want
to tell you that five knights have emerged from yonder thicket,
of whom I am in mortal fear. Having noticed them, I am of the
opinion that they intend to fight with you. Four of them have
stayed behind, and the other comes toward you as fast as his
steed can carry him. I am afraid every moment lest he will
strike you. 'Tis true, the four have stayed behind; but still
they are not far away, and will quickly aid him, if need arise."
Erec replies: "You had an evil thought, when you transgressed my
command--a thing which I had forbidden you. And yet I knew all
the time that you did not hold me in esteem. Your service has
been ill employed; for it has not awakened my gratitude, but
rather kindled the more my ire. I have told you that once, and I
say it again. This once again I will pardon you; but another
time restrain yourself, and do not again turn around to watch me:
for in doing so you would be very foolish.
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