I give you permission willingly." The
lady was seated about two spear-lengths away from him. And the
Count took his seat close beside her on a low stool. Prudent and
courteous, the lady turned toward him. "Alas," quoth he, "how
grieved I am to see you in such humble state! I am sorry and
feel great distress. But if you would believe my word, you could
have honour and great advantage, and much wealth would accrue to
you. Such beauty as yours is entitled to great honour and
distinction. I would make you my mistress, if it should please
you and be your will; you would be my mistress dear and lady over
all my land. When I deign to woo you thus, you ought not to
disdain my suit. I know and perceive that your lord does not
love and esteem you. If you will remain with me, you would be
mated with a worthy lord." "Sire," says Enide, "your proposal is
vain. It cannot be. Ah! better that I were yet unborn, or
burnt upon a fire of thorns and my ashes scattered abroad than
that I should ever in any wise be false to my lord, or conceive
any felony or treachery toward him. You have made a great
mistake in making such a proposal to me. I shall not agree to it
in any wise." The Count's ire began to rise. "You disdain to
love me, lady?" says he; "upon my word, you are too proud.
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