I did everything
that had been prescribed: I called and searched for Lancelot,
with whom I was to fight, but I could not gain a sight of him: he
had fled and run away. When I came away, Gawain pledged his word
that, if Lancelot is not alive and does not return within the
time agreed upon, no further postponement will be asked, but that
he himself will fight the battle against me in place of Lancelot.
Arthur has no knight, as is well known, whose fame equals his,
but before the flowers bloom again, I shall see, when we come to
blows, whether his fame and his deeds are in accord: I only wish
it could be settled now!" "Son," says his father, "thou art
acting exactly like a fool. Any one, who knew it not before, may
learn of thy madness from thy own lips. A good heart truly
humbles itself, but the fool and the boastful never lose their
folly. Son, to thee I direct my words, for the traits of thy
character are so hard and dry, that there is no place for
sweetness or friendship. Thy heart is altogether pitiless: thou
art altogether in folly's grasp. This accounts for my slight
respect for thee, and this is what will cast thee down. If thou
art brave, there will be plenty of men to say so in time of need.
A virtuous man need not praise his heart in order to enhance his
deed; the deed itself will speak in its own praise.
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