Her robe was of whitesamite lined with ermine; her white palfrey had a silver bit, while herbreastplate, stirrups, and saddle were of ivory, carved with figures ofladies and knights, and her white housings trailed on the ground.When she perceived the king, she responded to his salutation, and said,after she had lowered her wimple and displayed her face: "Sir, may Godbless the best of kings! I come to implore a boon, which it shall cost younothing to grant." "Damsel, even it should cost me dear, you should not berefused; what is it you would have me do?" "Sir, dub this varlet a knight,and array him in the arms he bringeth, whenever he desireth." "Your mercy,damsel! to bring me such a youth! Assuredly, I will dub him whenever hewill; but it shameth me to abandon my custom, for 'tis my wont to furnishwith garments and arms such as come thither to receive chivalry." The ladyreplied that she desired the youth to carry the arms she had intended himto wear, and if she were refused, she would address herself elsewhere. SirEwain said that so fair a youth ought not to be denied, and the kingyielded to her entreaty. She returned thanks, and bade the varlet retainthe mules and the charger, with the two squires; and after that, sheprepared to return as she had come, in spite of the urgency of the king,who had begged her to remain in his court.
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