" Thus
they expressed their sentiments. Then he began his speech of
impudence: "Listen, thou knight, who art bound for the sword-
bridge! If thou wishest, thou shalt cross the water very easily
and comfortably. I will quickly have thee ferried over in a
skiff. But once on the other side, I will make thee pay me toll,
and I will take thy head, if I please to do so, or if not, thou
shalt be held at my discretion." And he replies that he is not
seeking trouble, and that he will never risk his head in such an
adventure for any consideration. To which the other answers at
once: "Since thou wilt not do this, whosesoever the shame and
loss may be, thou must come outside with me and there engage me
hand to hand." Then, to beguile him. the other says: "If I could
refuse, I would very gladly excuse myself; but in truth I would
rather fight than be compelled to do what is wrong." Before he
arose from the table where they were sitting, he told the youths
who were serving him, to saddle his horse at once, and fetch his
arms and give them to him. This order they promptly execute:
some devote themselves to arming him, while others go to fetch
his horse. As he slowly rode along completely armed, holding his
shield tight by the straps, you must know that he was evidently
to be included in the list of the brave and fair.
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