Of young or old there none remains, for
all were thrown in great dismay. Each one tries to outrun the
other in beating a hasty retreat. Soon they were all clear of
the palace, and cry aloud, both weak and strong: "Flee, flee,
here comes the corpse!" At the door the press is great: each one
strives to make his escape, and pushes and shoves as best he may.
He who is last in the surging throng would fain get into the
foremost line. Thus they make good their escape in flight, for
one dares not stand upon another's going. Erec ran to seize his
shield, hanging it about his neck by the strap, while Enide lays
hands upon the lance. Then they step out into the courtyard.
There is no one so bold as to offer resistance; for they did not
believe it could be a man who had thus expelled them, but a devil
or some enemy who had entered the dead body. Erec pursues them
as they flee, and finds outside in the castle-yard a stable-boy
in the act of leading his steed to the watering-place, all
equipped with bridle and saddle. This chance encounter pleased
Erec well: as he steps up quickly to the horse, the boy in fear
straightway yields him up. Erec takes his seat between the
saddle-bows, while Enide, seizing the stirrup, springs up on to
the horse's neck, as Erec, who bade her mount, commanded and
instructed her to do.
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