ey would never take it in their lives;
for the isle on which the town stands stretches away four leagues or
more, and within the enclosure grows all that a rich town needs: fruit
and wheat and wine are found; and of wood and water there is no lack.
It fears no assault on any side, nor could anything reduce it to
starvation. King Evrain had it fortified, and he has possessed it all
his days unmolested, and will possess it all his life. But not because
he feared any one did he thus fortify it; but the town is more pleasing
so. For if it had no wall or tower, but only the stream that encircles
it, it would still be so secure and strong that it would have no fear
of the whole world." "God!" said Erec, "what great wealth! Let us go and
see the fortress, and we shall take lodging in the town, for I wish to
stop here." "Sire," said the other in great distress, "were it not
to disappoint you, we should not stop here. In the town there is a
dangerous passage." "Dangerous?" says Erec; "do you know about it?
Whatever it be, tell us about it; for very gladly would I know." "Sire,"
says he, "I should fear that you might suffer some harm there. I know
there is so much boldness and excellence in your heart that, were I to
tell you what I know of the perilous and hard adventure, you would wish
to enter in. I have often heard the story, and more than seven years
have passed since any one that went in quest of the adventure has come
back from the town; yet, proud, bold knights have come hither from many
a land. Sire, do not treat this as a jest: for you will never learn the
secret from me until you shall have promised me, by the love you have
sworn to me, that never by you will be undertaken this adventure, from
which no one escapes without receiving shame or death."

(Vv. 5447-5492.) Now Erec hears what pleases him, and begs Guivret not
to be grieved, saying: "Ah, fair sweet friend, permit that our lodging
be made in the town, and do not be disturbed. It is time to halt for the
night, and so I trust that it will not displease you; for if any honour
comes to us here you ought to be very glad. I appeal to you conceding
the adventure that you tell me just the name of it, and I'll not insist
upon the rest." "Sire." he says, "I cannot be silent and refuse the
information you desire. The name is very fair to say, but the execution
is very hard: for no one can come from it alive. The adventure, upon my
word, is called 'the Joy of the Court.'" "