"Behold, sister," said the youths to the fairest and most exalted of
the maidens, "we have counsel for thee." "What may it be?" she
inquired. "Go to the youth that is in the upper chamber, and offer
to become his wife, or the lady of his love, if it seem well to him."
"That were indeed unfitting," said she. "Hitherto I have not been
the lady-love of any knight, and to make him such an offer before I
am wooed by him, that, truly, can I not do." "By our confession to
Heaven, unless thou actest thus, we will leave thee here to thy
enemies, to do as they will with thee." And through fear of this,
the maiden went forth; and shedding tears, she proceeded to the
chamber. And with the noise of the door opening, Peredur awoke; and
the maiden was weeping and lamenting. "Tell me, my sister," said
Peredur, "wherefore dost thou weep?" "I will tell thee, lord," said
she. "My father possessed these dominions as their chief, and this
palace was his, and with it he held the best earldom in the kingdom;
then the son of another earl sought me of my father, and I was not
willing to be given unto him, and my father would not give me against
my will, either to him or any earl in the world. And my father had
no child except myself. And after my father's death, these dominions
came into my own hands, and then was I less willing to accept him
than before. So he made war upon me, and conquered all my
possessions, except this one house. And through the valour of the
men whom thou hast seen, who are my foster-brothers, and the strength
of the house, it can never be taken while food and drink remain. And
now our provisions are exhausted; but, as thou hast seen, we have
been fed by the nuns, to whom the country is free. And at length
they also are without supply of food or liquor. And at no later date
than to-morrow, the earl will come against this place with all his
forces; and if I fall into his power, my fate will be no better than
to be given over to the grooms of his horses. Therefore, lord, I am