To be sure, he is my
son; but feel no concern, for unless he defeats you in battle, he
can never do you the slightest harm against my will." "Sire," he
says, "I thank you. But I am losing time here which I do not
wish to waste. I have no cause to complain, and have no wound
which is paining me. Take me where I can find him; for with such
arms as I have, I am ready to divert myself by giving and
receiving blows." "Friend, you had better wait two or three
weeks until your wounds are healed, for it would be well for you
to tarry here at least two weeks, and not on any account could I
allow it, or look on, while you fought in my presence with such
arms and with such an outfit." And he replies: "With your
permission, no other arms would be used than these, for I should
prefer to fight with them, and I should not ask for the slightest
postponement, adjournment or delay. However, in deference to
you, I will consent to wait until to-morrow; but despite what any
one may say, longer I will not wait." Then the king assured him
that all would be done as he wished; then he has the
lodging-place prepared, and insistently requests his men, who are
in the company, to serve him, which they do devotedly. And the
king, who would gladly have made peace, had it been possible,
went at once to his son and spoke to him like one who desires
peace and harmony, saying: "Fair son, be reconciled now with this
knight without a fight! He has not come here to disport himself
or to hunt or chase, but he comes in search of honour and to
increase his fame and renown, and I have seen that he stands in
great need of rest.
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