From their point
of vantage they had seen the knight cross the bridge with trouble
and pain. Meleagant's colour changed with the rage and
displeasure he felt; for he knows now that he will be challenged
for the Queen; but his character was such that he feared no man,
however strong or formidable. If he were not base and disloyal,
there could no better knight be found; but he had a heart of
wood, without gentleness and pity. What enraged his son and
roused his ire, made the king happy and glad. The king knew of a
truth that he who had crossed the bridge was much better than any
one else. For no one would dare to pass over it in whom there
dwelt any of that evil nature which brings more shame upon those
who possess it than prowess brings of honour to the virtuous.
For prowess cannot accomplish so much as wickedness and sloth can
do: it is true beyond a doubt that it is possible to do more evil
than good.
(Vv. 3195-3318.) I could say more on these two heads, if it did
not cause me to delay. But I must turn to something else and
resume my subject, and you shall hear how the king speaks
profitably to his son: "Son," he says, "it was fortunate that
thou and I came to look out this window; our reward has been to
witness the boldest deed that ever entered the mind of man.
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