"
(Vv. 3491-3684.) The king understands that further advice and
prayers are of no avail, so reluctantly he leaves his son and,
taking a good, strong horse and handsome arms, he sends them to
him who well deserves them, together with a surgeon who was a
loyal and Christian man. There was in the world no more trusty
man, and he was more skilled in the cure of wounds than all the
doctors of Montpeilier. (19) That night he treated the knight as
best he could, in accordance with the king's command. Already
the news was known by the knights and damsels, the ladies and
barons of all the country-side, and all through the night until
daybreak strangers and friends were making long journeys from all
the country round. When morning came, there was such a press
before the castle that there was not room to move one's foot.
And the king, rising early in his distress about the battle, goes
directly to his son, who had already laced upon his head the
helmet which was of Poitiers make. No delay or peace is
possible, for though the king did his best, his efforts are of no
effect. In the middle of the castle-square, where all the people
are assembled, the battle will be fought in compliance with the
king's wish and command. The king sends at once for the stranger
knight, and he is conducted to the grounds which were filled with
people from the kingdom of Logres.
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