But I am in such terror of my
lord, the despicable Meleagant, that I would not dare to do it,
for he would kill my husband at once. It is not strange that I
am afraid of him, for, as you know, he is very bad." "Lady, if
you are afraid that I may not return to you at once after the
tournament, I will take an oath which I will never break, that
nothing will detain me from returning at once to my prison here
immediately after the tournament." Upon my word," said she, "I
will allow it upon one condition." "Lady, what condition is
that?" Then she replies: "Sire, upon condition that you wilt
swear to return to me, and promise that I shall have your love."
"Lady, I give you all the love I have, and swear to come back."
Then the lady laughs and says: "I have no cause to boast of such
a gift, for I know you have bestowed upon some one else the love
for which I have just made request. However, I do not disdain to
take so much of it as I can get. I shall be satisfied with what
I can have, and will accept your oath that you will be so
considerate of me as to return hither a prisoner."
(Vv. 5515-5594.) In accordance with her wish, Lancelot swears by
Holy Church that he will return without fail. And the lady at
once gives him the vermilion arms of her lord, and his horse
which was marvellously good and strong and brave.
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