You
will meet with resistance as soon as you arrive. You will
sustain many a blow of sword and lance, and will have to return
full measure before you succeed in passing through." And when he
had completed the account, one of the gentleman's sons, who was a
knight, stepped forward, saying: "Sire, if you do not object, I
will go with this gentleman." Then one of the lads jumps up, and
says: "I too will go." And the father gladly gives them both
consent. Now the knight will not have to go alone, and he
expresses his gratitude, being much pleased with the company.
(Vv. 2199-2266.) Then the conversation ceases, and they take the
knight to bed, where he was glad to fall asleep. As soon as
daylight was visible he got up, and those who were to accompany
him got up too. The two knights donned their armour and took
their leave, while the young fellow started on ahead. Together
they pursued their way until they came at the hour of prime to
"the stony passage." In the middle of it they found a wooden
tower, where there was always a man on guard. Before they drew
near, he who was on the tower saw them and cried twice aloud:
"Woe to this man who comes!" And then behold! A knight issued
from the tower, mounted and armed with fresh armour, and escorted
on either side by servants carrying sharp axes.
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