t
therewith to save her lord. Well she knows how to deceive a fool, when
she puts her mind upon it. Better it were to lie to him than that her
lord should be cut off. The Count now rose from her side, and commends
her to God a hundred times. But of little use to him will be the faith
which she has pledged to him. Erec knew nothing at all of this that they
were plotting to work his death; but God will be able to lend him aid,
and I think He will do so. Now Erec is in great peril, and does not know
that he must be on his guard. The Count's intentions are very base in
planning to steal away his wife and kill him when he is without defence.
In treacherous guise he takes his leave: "To God I commend you," says
he, and Erec replies: "And so do I you, sire." Thus they separated.
Already a good part of the night was passed. Out of the way, in one of
the rooms, two beds were made upon the floor. In one of them Erec lays
him down, in the other Enide went to rest. Full of grief and anxiety,
she never closed her eyes that night, but remained on watch for her
lord's sake; for from what she had seen of the Count, she knew him to be
full of wickedness. She knows full well that if he once gets possession
of her lord, he will not fail to do him harm. He may be sure of being
killed: so for his sake she is in distress. All night she must needs
keep her vigil; but before the dawn, if she can bring it about, and if
her lord will take her word, they will be ready to depart.

(Vv. 3459-3662.) Erec slept all night long securely until daylight. Then
Enide realised and suspected that she might hesitate too long. Her heart
was tender toward her lord, like a good and loyal lady. Her heart was
neither deceitful nor false. So she rises and makes ready, and drew near
to her lord to wake him up. "Ah, sire," says she, "I crave your
pardon. Rise quickly now, for you are betrayed beyond all doubt, though
guiltless and free from any crime. The Count is a proven traitor, and
if he can but catch you here, you will never get away without his having
cut you in pieces. He hates you because he desires me. But if it please
God, who knows all things, you shall be neither slain nor caught. Last
evening he would have killed you had I not assured him that I would be
his mistress and his wife. You will see him return here soon: he wants
to seize me and keep me here and kill you if he can find you." Now Erec
learns how loyal his wife is to him. "Lady," says he, "have o