My advice is that
you dismount." Erec got down from his horse and said: "Fair
gentle friend, I thank you kindly: I will eat something, without
going farther." The young man knew well what to do: he helped
the lady from her horse, and the boys who had come with the
squire held the steeds. Then they go and sit down in the shade.
The squire relieves Erec of his helmet, unlaces the mouth-piece
from before his face; then he spreads out the cloth before them
on the thick tuff. He passes them the cake and wine, and
prepares and cuts a cheese. Hungry as they were, they helped
themselves, and gladly drank of the wine. The squire serves them
and omits no attention. When they had eaten and drunk their
fill, Erec was courteous and generous. "Friend," says he, "as a
reward, I wish to present you with one of my horses. Take the
one you like the best. And I pray it may be no hardship for you
to return to the town and make ready there a goodly lodging."
And he replies that he will gladly do whatever is his will. Then
he goes up to the horses and, untying them, chooses the dapple,
and speaks his thanks; for this one seems to be the best. Up he
springs by the left stirrup, and leaving them both there, he rode
off to the town at top speed, where he engaged suitable quarters.
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