Happy I am to have met with her. Now make quickly and without
delay a proper bier for this dead knight. Halt not for the
trouble, nor from sloth." Then some of his men draw out their
swords and soon cut two saplings, upon which they laid branches
cross-wise. Upon this litter they laid Erec down; then hitched
two horses to it. Enide rides alongside, not ceasing to make
lament, and often fainting and falling back; but the horsemen
hold her tight, and try to support her with their arms, and raise
her up and comfort her. All the way to Limors they escort the
body, until they come to the palace of the Count. All the people
follow up after them--ladies, knights, and townspeople. In the
middle off the hall upon a dais they stretched the body out full
length, with his lance and shield alongside. The hall is full,
the crowd is dense. Each one is anxious to inquire what is this
trouble, what marvel here. Meanwhile the Count takes counsel
with his barons privily. "My lords," he says, "upon the spot I
wish to espouse this lady here. We can plainly judge by her
beauty and prudent mien that she is of very gentle rank. Her
beauty and noble bearing show that the honour of a kingdom or
empire might well be bestowed upon her. I shall never suffer
disgrace through her; rather I think to win more honour.
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