once.

(Vv. 1093-1146.) All Brittany is now astir. Never was such an army seen
as King Arthur brought together. When the ships came to set sail, it
seemed that the whole world was putting out to sea; for even the water
was hid from view, being covered with the multitude of ships. It is
certainly true that, to judge by the commotion, all Brittany is under
way. Now the ships have crossed the Channel, and the assembled host is
quartered on the shore. Alexander bethought himself to go and pray the
King to make him a knight, for if ever he should win renown it will be
in this war. Prompted by his desire, he takes his companions with him
to accomplish what he has in mind. On reaching the King's quarters, they
found him seated before his tent. When he saw the Greeks approaching, he
summoned them to him, saying: "Gentlemen, do not conceal what business
has brought you here." Alexander replied on behalf of all, and told him
his desire: "I have come," he says, "to request of you, as I ought to do
of my liege lord, on behalf of my companions and myself, that you should
make us knights." The King replies: "Very gladly; nor shall there be any
delay about it, since you have preferred your request." Then the
King commands that equipment shall be furnished for twelve knights.
Straightway the King's command is done. As each one asks for his
equipment, it is handed to him--rich arms and a good horse: thus each
one received his outfit. The arms and robes and horse were of equal
value for each of the twelve; but the harness for Alexander s body, if
it should be valued or sold, was alone worth as much as that of all the
other twelve. At the water's edge they stripped, and then washed and
bathed themselves. Not wishing that any other bath should be heated for
them, they washed in the sea and used it as their tub. [216]

(Vv. 1147-1196.) All this is known to the Queen, who bears Alexander no
ill will, but rather loves, esteems, and values him. She wishes to make
Alexander a gift, but it is far more precious than she thinks. She seeks
and delves in all her boxes until she finds a white silk shirt, well
made of delicate texture, and very soft. Every thread in the stitching
of it was of gold, or of silver at least. Soredamors had taken a hand in
the stitching of it here and there, and at intervals, in the sleeves and
neck, she had inserted beside the gold a strand of her own hair, to see
if any man could be found who, by close examination, could