" "In
truth, fair friend." the King replies, "I hear you speak great
nonsense. This is a very parlous thing, which has caused sorrow
to many a worthy man; you yourself will eventually be killed and
undone if you will not heed my counsel. But if you were willing
to take my word, I should advise you to desist from soliciting so
grievous a thing in which you would never succeed. Speak of it
no more! Hold your peace! It would be imprudent on your part
not to follow my advice. I am not at all surprised that you
desire honour and fame; but if I should see you harmed or injured
in your body I should be distressed at heart. And know well that
I have seen many a man ruined who solicited this joy. They were
never any the better for it, but rather did they all die and
perish. Before to-morrow's evening come you may expect a like
reward. If you wish to strive for the Joy, you shall do so,
though it grieve me sore. It is something from which you are
free to retreat and draw back if you wish to work your welfare.
Therefore I tell you, for I should commit treachery and do you
wrong were I not to tell you all the truth." Erec hears him and
admits that the King with reason counsels him. But the greater
the wonder and the more perilous the adventure, the more he
covets it and yearns for it, saying: "Sire, I can tell you that I
find you a worthy and a loyal man, and I can put no blame on you.
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