" Then the knight is in a predicament, as he
thinks and ponders over the question: whether to present to her
the head she asks him to cut off, or whether he shall allow
himself to be touched by pity for him. (17) He wishes to respect
the wishes of both her and him. Generosity and pity each command
him to do their will; for he was both generous and tender-
hearted. But if she carries off the head, then will pity be
defeated and put to death; whereas, if she does not carry off the
head, generosity will be discomfited. Thus, pity and generosity
hold him so confined and so distressed that he is tormented and
spurred on by each of them in turn. The damsel asks him to give
her the head, and on the other hand the knight makes his request,
appealing to his pity and kindness. And, since he has implored
him, shall he not receive mercy? Yes, for it never happened
that, when he had put down an enemy and compelled him to sue for
mercy, he would refuse such an one his mercy or longer bear him
any grudge. Since this is his custom, he will not refuse his
mercy to him who now begs and sues for it. And shall she have
the head she covets? Yes, if it be possible. "Knight," he says,
"it is necessary for thee to fight me again, and if thou dost
care to defend thy head again, I will show thee such mercy as to
allow thee to resume the helmet; and I will give thee time to arm
thy body and thy head as well as possible.
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