the facts, for the sake of his nephews and his niece. But he knows
nothing of it, wherefore I am so distressed that my heart is almost
breaking, for he is gone in pursuit of him, to whom may God bring shame
and woe for having led the Queen away." While listening to this recital
my lord Yvain does not cease to sigh. Inspired by the pity which he
feels, he makes this reply: "Fair gentle sire, I would gladly undertake
this perilous adventure, if the giant and your sons should arrive
to-morrow in time to cause me no delay, for tomorrow at noon I shall
be somewhere else, in accordance with a promise I have made." "Once
for all, fair sire," the good man said, "I thank you a hundred thousand
times for your willingness." And all the people of the house likewise
expressed their gratitude.

(Vv. 3957-4384.) Just then the damsel came out of a room, with her
graceful body and her face so fair and pleasing to look upon. She was
very simple and sad and quiet as she came, for there was no end to the
grief she felt: she walked with her head bowed to the ground. And her
mother, too, came in from an adjoining room, for the gentleman had sent
for them to meet his guest. They entered with their mantles wrapped
about them to conceal their tears; and he bid them throw back their
mantles, and hold up their heads, saying: "You ought not to hesitate
to obey my behests, for God and good fortune have given us here a very
well-born gentleman who assures me that he will fight against the giant.
Delay no longer now to throw yourselves at his feet!" "May God never let
me see that!" my lord Yvain hastens to exclaim; "surely it would not be
proper under any circumstances for the sister and the niece of my lord
Gawain to prostrate themselves at my feet. May God defend me from ever
giving place to such pride as to let them fall at my feet! Indeed, I
should never forget the shame which I should feel; but I should be
very glad if they would take comfort until to-morrow, when they may see
whether God will consent to aid them. I have no other request to make,
except that the giant may come in such good time that I be not compelled
to break my engagement elsewhere; for I would not fail for anything
to be present to-morrow noon at the greatest business I could ever
undertake." Thus he is unwilling to reassure them completely, for he
fears that the giant may not come early enough to allow him to reach
in time the damsel who is imprisoned in the chapel. Neverthe