Nor ought you to wish to see him
killed; not because he has not wronged both you and him, but
because I make the request of you: so tell him, please, to stop
beating him. If you will, you can thus repay me for what I have
done for you." "Fair sire, I am willing to do so at your
request," the Queen replies; "had I mortal hatred for your son,
whom it is true I do not love, yet you have served me so well
that, to please you, I am quite willing that he should desist."
These words were not spoken privately, but Lancelot and
Meleagrant heard what was said. The man who is a perfect lover
is always obedient and quickly and gladly does his mistress'
pleasure. So Lancelot was constrained to do his Lady's will, for
he loved more than Pyramus, (21) if that were possible for any
man to do. Lancelot heard what was said, and as soon as the last
word had issued from her mouth, "since you wish him to desist, I
am willing that he should do so," Lancelot would not have
touched him or made a movement for anything, even if the other
had killed him. He does not touch him or raise his hand. But
Meleagant, beside himself with rage and shame when he hears that
it has been necessary to intercede in his behalf, strikes him
with all the strength he can muster.
Pages:
668
669
670
671
672
673
674
675
676
677
678
679
680
681
682
683
684
685
686
687
688
689
690
691
692