Editiones Arnamagnæanæ. Series B - 01.10.1965, Blaðsíða 148
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because he promises (+ swift) death to each (+ of those men)
who wanted to foilow him, and therefore no +ne (man) dared
do that.
He rides rthrough (now to) that forest which is called Hervida.
There there lay Tout of doors [i.e. as outlaws] (in wait) eight
robbers Twho killed men and plundered property (and they
plundered and killed any man who traveled about there), and
thus the Thighway (-ways) was laid waste there, and that was
for many Tgreat (a man) harm. Erex now bids his lady ride
before him and ínot fear that “fudur” [cf. note to text] or
any danger which (pay no attention—whatever danger) comes
about and not talk to him. They ride now for a long time
through the forest (+ right) until Tthey ride so that (+) they
33 see a castle and out in front of it three (+ armed) knights
rall sitting (-y) on good horses, and they are amusing them-
selves. Erex (+ now) knows that they are robbers. When those
who were in the castle saw his journey, they call (+ loudly)
to their companions Tand say they see a well-equipped knight
(that a knight is riding to the castle) and with him a beautiful
(+ and lovely) girl. Then one (+ of them) spoke: “Upon my
word,” The says (~) ,“I shall Thave his lady (now take pos-
session of his sweetheart), because I am your hnaster (chieftain)
—therefore I have the right Tas the first one (first) to choose from
our booty.” The second spoke: “I rshall (wish to) have his
sword.” The third spoke: “I shall have his coat of mail.”
The fourth spoke: “I shall have his shield and íspear (“bliat”).”
The fifth spoke: “I shall have his helmet, banner, and purse.”
The sixth spoke: “I shall have aU his clothes.” (+ Then) the
seventh (+ also) spoke: “I shall have his horse and saddle-
harness.” Then the eighth spoke: “Youare Tsharing(assigning)
things Tunfairly (unjustly) and wrongly with me, Tand (now)
because I am getting no property (+ here), then I shall have
34 his right hand, foot, and his life besides.” Now these three
who were ready ride forward at Erex, and those others Twho
were in the castle (+) put on their armor meanwhile (+ in
the castle) and prepare to give aid to their companions if it is
necessary.
Now Evida sees where these three knights are riding and
acting rthreateningly (rather hostilely). She remembers (+
now) the silence which was commanded her, but nevertheless
she can do nothing else because of her love for Erex than turn
back Tnow (+) and ftells (tell) him, because she Twas (had
ridden) off far out ahead. She gets reproach from him ifor it