that side that was nearest to them, and they went towards it. Then
there came from out the wood five horsemen, eager, and bold, and
mighty, and strong, mounted upon chargers that were powerful, and
large of bone, and high-mettled, and proudly snorting, and both the
men and the horses were well equipped with arms. And when they drew
near to them, Enid heard them say, "Behold, here is a fine booty
coming to us, which we shall obtain easily and without labour, for we
shall have no trouble in taking all those horses and arms, and the
lady also, from yonder single knight, so doleful and sad."

Sorely grieved was the maiden upon hearing this discourse, so that
she knew not in the world what she should do. At last, however, she
determined to warn Geraint; so she turned her horse's head towards
him. "Lord," said she, "if thou hadst heard as I did what yonder
horsemen said concerning thee, thy heaviness would be greater than it
is." Angrily and bitterly did Geraint smile upon her, and he said,
"Thee do I hear doing everything that I forbade thee; but it may be
that thou will repent this yet." And immediately, behold, the men
met them, and victoriously and gallantly did Geraint overcome them
all five. And he placed the five suits of armour upon the five
saddles, and tied together the reins of the twelve horses, and gave
them in charge to Enid. "I know not," said he, "what good it is for
me to order thee; but this time I charge thee in an especial manner."
So the maiden went forward towards the wood, keeping in advance of
Geraint, as he had desired her; and it grieved him as much as his
wrath would permit, to see a maiden so illustrious as she having so
much trouble with the care of the horses. Then they reached the
wood, and it was both deep and vast; and in the wood night overtook
them. "Ah, maiden," said he, "it is vain to attempt proceeding
forward!" "Well, Lord," said she, "whatsoever thou wishest, we will