at he cast aside all his other
affairs for the sake of mine. Now, madame, my very dear sister, whom I
love as much as my own heart, would do the right and courteous thing if
she would let me have so much of what is mine by right that there might
be peace between me and her; for I ask for nothing that is hers." "Nor
do I ask for anything that is thine," the other replied; "for thou hast
nothing, and nothing shalt thou have. Thou canst never talk so much as
to gain anything by thy words. Thou mayest dry up with grief." Then the
other, who was very polite and sensible and courteous, replied with the
words: "Certainly I am sorry that two such gentlemen as these should
fight on our behalf over so small a disagreement. But I cannot disregard
my claim, for I am in too great need of it. So I should be much obliged
to you if you would give me what is rightly mine." "Surely," the other
said, "any one would be a fool to consider thy demands. May I burn in
evil fire and flame if I give thee anything to ease thy life! The banks
of the Seine will meet, and the hour of prime will be called noon,
before I refuse to carry out the fight." "May God and the right, which
I have in this cause, and in which I trust and have trusted till the
present time, aid him, who in charity and courtesy has offered himself
in my service, though he knows not who I am, and though we are ignorant
of each other's identity."

(Vv. 5991-6148.) So they talked until their conversation ceased, and
then produced the knights in the middle of the court. Then all the
people crowd about, as people are wont to do when they wish to witness
blows in battle or in joust. But those who were about to fight did
not recognise each other, though their relations were wont to be very
affectionate. Then do they not love each other now? I would answer you
both "yes" and "no." And I shall prove that each answer is correct. In
truth, my lord Gawain loves Yvain and regards him as his companion, and
so does Yvain regard him, wherever he may be. Even here, if he knew who
he was, he would make much of him, and either one of them would lay down
his head for the other before he would allow any harm to come to him. Is
not that a perfect and lofty love? Yes, surely. But, on the other hand,
is not their hate equally manifest? Yes; for it is a certain thing that
doubtless each would be glad to have broken the other's head, and so
to have injured him as to cause his humiliation. Upon my word, it