Sir Graelent was not abashed by the dame’s proud spirit, but wooed and prayed her gently and sweetly, promising that if she granted him her love he would serve her in all loyalty, and never depart therefrom all the days of his life.  The demoiselle hearkened to the words of Graelent, and saw plainly that he was a valiant knight, courteous and wise.  She thought within herself that should she send him from her, never might she find again so sure a friend.  Since, then, she knew him worthy of her love, she kissed him softly, and spoke to him in this manner, “Graelent, I will love you none the less truly, though we have not met until this day.  But one thing is needful that our love may endure.  Never must you speak a word by which this hidden thing may become known.  I will furnish you with deniers in your purse, with cloth of silk, with silver and with gold.  Night and day will I stay with you, and great shall be the love between us twain.  You shall see me riding at your side; you may talk and laugh with me at your pleasure, but I must never be seen of your comrades, nor must they know aught concerning your bride.  Graelent, you are loyal, brave, and courteous, and comely enough to the view.  For you I spread my snare at the fountain; for you shall I suffer heavy pains, as well I knew before I set forth on this adventure.  Now must I trust to your discretion, for if you speak vainly and boastfully of this thing then am I undone.  Remain now for a year in this country, which shall be for you a home that your lady loves well.  But noon is past, and it is time for you to go.  Farewell, and a messenger shortly shall tell you that which I would have you do.”

Graelent took leave of the lady, and she sweetly clasped and kissed him farewell.  He returned to his lodging, dismounted from his steed, and entering within a chamber, leaned from the casement, considering this strange adventure.  Looking towards the forest he saw a varlet issue therefrom riding upon a palfrey.  He drew rein before Graelent’s door, and taking his feet from the stirrup, saluted the knight.  So Graelent inquired from whence he rode, and of his name and business.

“Sir,” answered he, “I am the messenger of your lady.  She sends you this destrier by my hand, and would have me enter in your service, to pay your servitors their wages and to take charge of your lodging.”

When Graelent heard this message he thought it both good and fair.  He kissed the varlet upon the cheek, and accepting his gift, caused the destrier—­which was the noblest, the swiftest and the most speedy under the sun—­to be led to the stable.  Then the varlet carried his baggage to his master’s chamber, and took therefrom a large cushion and a rich coverlet which he spread upon the couch.  After this he drew thereout a purse containing much gold and silver, and stout cloth fitting for the knight’s apparel.  Then he sent for the host, and paying him what was owing, called upon him to witness that