He loves me much, and I love
him more, and our love cannot be greater. Never yet could I
withhold my love from him, nor should I do so. For is not my
lord the son of a king? For did he not take me when I was poor
and naked? Through him has such honour come to me that never was
any such vouchsafed to a poor helpless girl. And if it please
you, I will tell you without lying how I came to be thus raised
up; for never will I be slow to tell the story." Then she told
and related to her how Erec came to Lalut; for she had no desire
to conceal it. She told her the adventure word for word, without
omission. But I pass over it now, because he who tells a story
twice makes his tale now tiresome. While they were thus
conversing, one lady slipped away alone, who sent and told it all
to the gentlemen, in order to increase and heighten their
pleasure too. All those who heard it rejoiced at this news. And
when Mabonagrain knew it he was delighted for his sweetheart
because now she was comforted. And she who bore them quickly the
news made them all happy in a short space. Even the King was
glad for it; although he was very happy before, yet now he is
still happier, and shows Erec great honour. Enide leads away her
fair cousin, fairer than Helen, more graceful and charming.
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