You must not dispute about the
privilege of lodging me, but rather consider how to lodge me in
such a place that it may be to your general advantage, and that I
may be advanced upon my way." Then each one exclaims at once:
"That is my house, or, No, it is mine," until the knight replies:
"Follow my advice and say nothing more; the wisest of you is
foolish to contend this way. You ought to be concerned to
further my affairs, and instead you are seeking to turn me aside.
If you had each individually done me all the honour and service
it is possible to do, and I had accepted your kindness, by all
the saints of Rome I swear that I could not be more obliged to
you than I am now for your good-will. So may God give me joy and
health, your good intentions please me as much as if each one of
you had already shown me great honour and kindness: so let the
will stand for the deed!" Thus he persuades and appeases them
all. Then they take him quickly along the road to a knight's
residence, where they seek to serve him: all rejoice to honour
and serve him throughout the evening until bedtime, for they hold
him very dear. Next morning, when the time came to separate,
each one offers and presents himself, with the desire to
accompany him; but it is not his will or pleasure that any one
shall go with him except the two whom he had brought with him.
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