r's going. Erec ran to seize his shield,
hanging it about his neck by the strap, while Enide lays hands upon the
lance. Then they step out into the courtyard. There is no one so bold as
to offer resistance; for they did not believe it could be a man who had
thus expelled them, but a devil or some enemy who had entered the
dead body. Erec pursues them as they flee, and finds outside in
the castle-yard a stable-boy in the act of leading his steed to the
watering-place, all equipped with bridle and saddle. This chance
encounter pleased Erec well: as he steps up quickly to the horse, the
boy in fear straightway yields him up. Erec takes his seat between the
saddle-bows, while Enide, seizing the stirrup, springs up on to the
horse's neck, as Erec, who bade her mount, commanded and instructed her
to do. The horse bears them both away; and finding open the town gate,
they make their escape without detention. In the town there was great
anxiety about the Count who had been killed; but there is no one,
however brave, who follows Erec to take revenge. At his table the Count
was slain; while Erec, who bears his wife away, embraces and kisses and
gives her cheer. In his arms he clasps her against his heart, and
says: "Sweet sister mine, my proof of you has been complete! Be no more
concerned in any wise, for I love you now more than ever I did before;
and I am certain and rest assured that you love me with a perfect love.
From this time on for evermore, I offer myself to do your will just as
I used to do before. And if you have spoken ill of me, I pardon you
and call you quit of both the offence and the word you spoke." Then he
kisses her again and clasps her tight. Now Enide is not ill at ease when
her lord clasps and kisses her and tells her again that he loves her
still. Rapidly through the night they ride, and they are very glad that
the moon shines bright.

(Vv. 4939-5058.) Meanwhile, the news has travelled fast, and there is
nothing else so quick. The news had reached Guivret the Little that a
knight wounded with arms had been found dead in the forest, and that
with him was a lady making moan, and so wondrous fair that Iseut would
have seemed her waiting-maid. Count Oringle of Limors had found them
both, and had caused the corpse to be borne away, and wished himself to
espouse the lady; but she refused him. When Guivret heard this news,
he was by no means pleased; for at once the thought of Erec occurred to
him. It came into