Editiones Arnamagnæanæ. Series B - 01.10.1965, Blaðsíða 162

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and holds for them an rexcelíent (glorious) feast. Now Erex
asks (+ the king) where that place is (+ in the castle) which
is called Hardur Fagnadur and says that (+ to be) his mission
thither to make trial of himself there—if anything might turn
out to his fame. He asks for permission (+ for it), and ht
seems to him (considers it) a disgrace if it is denied. The king
answers thus: “I do not wish to conceal that from you, (+
Sir Erex,)” he says, “that this request has become the destruc-
tion of many a rman (good fellow), so that in these seven years
all have lost their lives. For that I rwish to (can) give you half
of my kingdom—that you never go to íthat (this) place. But if
neither (+ my) gifts nor Twords (friendship can) hinder your
journey, then do as you please.” Erex thanks the king for his
offer, but says he certainly Tshould (wishes to) know íwhat
(who) inhabits hhat (now this) place. Now hhe king (they)
becomes sad (+ at this) and (+ yet) most of all Evida. tJoy
is given up (men give up their joy), and Tmen (now) go to hest
(sleep).
Immediately in the morning Erex arms himself and leaps
64 on his horse. The king and all his retainers accompany him
to that place which he enquired about, and they part from him
there (+ then) with great lconcern (sorrow) Tand asked
(asking) God for mercy for him. Around this place was a
(+ high stone) wall and a gate with a strong iron door. It was
(+ shut, and yet) not locked, because a dwarf was watching
it and opened (+ immediately) for rthem—when men wished
[cf. note to text] (those men who wanted in). Outside Ton
(from) the wall were many (+ tall) poles (+ all around) and
on them men’s heads (+ annointed) with that ointment that they
could Tnever (not) decay. There rmany could see their (any
who wished could recognize his) dear friend. Now Erex rides
in through this gate—and his Hady (wife). (+ Inside) there
there was a beautiful field. There many a shield lay broken,
Tmany a (and) coat of mail rent (+ and helmet cloven). They
rode (+ now) toward a rvery (-y) beautiful garden. In it stood
a (+ land-)tent rall (-y) woven with gold with samite. In it
rwas (stood) a bed made of pure rgold (silver with excellent
65 ornaments). In it sat a woman so beautiful that Erex rthought
he (-y) had seen none more rbeautiful (handsome) except
Evida. They stop (+ now) at this sight. At this moment there
lcomes riding (rides) at them a (+ big and) strong knight in
full armor on a rsteed (good horse), and he begins rthus (-y)
his speech to Erex with abusive words—Ispeaking (and speaks)