Let her alone
now, for you have detained her long enough!" The other gives
them leave to burn him, if he does not take her away in spite of
him. Then the other says: "It would not be right for me to let
you take her away; I would sooner fight with you. But if we
should wish to fight, we could not possibly do it in this narrow
road. Let us go to some level place--a meadow or an open
field." And he replies that that will suit him perfectly:
"Certainly, I agree to that: you are quite right, this road is
too narrow. My horse is so much hampered here that I am afraid
he will crush his flank before I can turn him around." Then with
great difficulty he turns, and his horse escapes without any
wound or harm. Then he says: "To be sure, I am much chagrined
that we have not met in a favourable spot and in the presence of
other men, for I should have been glad to have them see which is
the better of us two. Come on now, let us begin our search: we
shall find in the vicinity some large, broad, and open space."
Then they proceed to a meadow, where there were maids, knights,
and damsels playing at divers games in this pleasant place. They
were not all engaged in idle sport, but were playing backgammon
and chess or dice, and were evidently agreeably employed.
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