horseman attacked him furiously, being wroth at the death of his
companion. But with one thrust Geraint overthrew him also, and
killed him as he had done the other. Then the third set upon him,
and he killed him in like manner. And thus also he slew the fourth.
Sad and sorrowful was the maiden as she saw all this. Geraint
dismounted from his horse, and took the arms of the men he had slain,
and placed them upon their saddles, and tied together the reins of
their horses, and he mounted his horse again. "Behold what thou must
do," said he; "take the four horses, and drive them before thee, and
proceed forward, as I bade thee just now. And say not one word unto
me, unless I speak first unto thee. And I declare unto Heaven," said
he, "if thou doest not thus, it will be to thy cost." "I will do, as
far as I can, Lord," said she, "according to thy desire." Then they
went forward through the forest; and when they left the forest, they
came to a vast plain, in the centre of which was a group of thickly
tangled copse-wood; and from out thereof they beheld three horsemen
coming towards them, well equipped with armour, both they and their
horses. Then the maiden looked steadfastly upon them; and when they
had come near, she heard them say one to another, "Behold, here is a
good arrival for us; here are coming for us four horses and four
suits of armour. We shall easily obtain them spite of yonder
dolorous knight, and the maiden also will fall into our power."
"This is but too true," said she to herself, "for my husband is tired
with his former combat. The vengeance of Heaven will be upon me,
unless I warn him of this." So the maiden waited until Geraint came
up to her. "Lord," said she, "dust thou not hear the discourse of
yonder men concerning thee?" "What was it?" asked he. "They say to
one another, that they will easily obtain all this spoil." "I
declare to Heaven," he answered, "that their words are less grievous
to me than that thou wilt not be silent, and abide by my counsel."