I wish him clearly to understand that,
if he can maintain himself against thee, he need have no fear of
any one else." "I have listened to you in silence long enough,"
says Meleagant, "and you may say what you please. But little do
I care for all you say. I am not a hermit, nor so compassionate
and charitable, and I have no desire to be so honourable as to
give him what I most love. His task will not be performed so
quickly or so lightly; rather will it turn out otherwise than as
you and he expect. You and I need not quarrel because you aid
him against me. Even if he enjoys peace and a truce with you and
all your men, what matters that to me? My heart does not quail
on that account; rather, so help me God, I am glad that he need
not feel concern for any one here but me; I do not wish you to do
on my account anything which might be construed as disloyalty or
treachery. Be as compassionate as you please, but let me be
cruel." "What? Wilt thou not change thy mind?" "No," he says.
"Then I will say nothing more. I will leave thee alone to do thy
best and will go now to speak with the knight. I wish to offer
and present to him my aid and counsel in all respects; for I am
altogether on his side."
(Vv. 3319-3490.) Then the king goes down and orders them to
bring his horse.
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