Now the squire was not of such prowess as to meet so doughty a knight. Then said Sir Artegall: “This is a doubtful cause, which it were not well to try by arbitrament of battle. Will you therefore commit the matter to me, and abide by my judgment and sentence?”
To this they both consented. Then said Sir Artegall: “Since each of you denies that this lady came by her death through his deed, and each claims the living lady as his own, my judgment is that both the living and the dead shall be equally divided, and each shall have his part both of one and of the other. Also I decree that if either of you two shall reject this my sentence, he shall carry this head as a penance for twelve months, by way of witness that he brought about her death.”
Sir Sanglier gladly accepted the doom, but the squire was ill-content, for he really loved the dame who had been reft from him. “Nay,” said he, “I would rather by far that she should live, though I lose her.”
“’Tis well said, squire!” cried Sir Artegall, “and now I perceive that you are indeed guiltless in this matter. As for you, Sir Knight, who care so little for the living or the dead, take this head and carry it for a twelve months’ space, to be a witness of your shame and guilt.” Sir Sanglier was ill content with this sentence, and would have refused to abide by it. Only, when he saw Talus approaching with intent to compel him, he made his submission, for he knew by experience how great was his strength.
Then said the squire: “Oh, sir, you have done me such service as I can never repay. Let me therefore attend you as your squire, and that without fee or favour.”
“Not so,” Sir Artegall made answer, “I am well content to be as I am. Do you follow your own affairs. As for me, Talus here will be sufficient for my needs.”
CHAPTER XXVIII
OF OTHER ADVENTURES OF SIR ARTEGALL
As Sir Artegall, with Talus following, rode on, he met a dwarf who was travelling with all the speed that he could use. “Stay awhile,” he said, “for I have somewhat to ask of you.” And the dwarf, though somewhat loath, could not but yield. Now the dwarf’s name was Dony, and he served the fair Florimell. Not a little of his discourse, therefore, concerned the said Florimell. He told how Marinell was recovered of the grievous wound which Britomart had given him, and how he was to wed the fair Florimell.
“Say you so?” cried Artegall. “Tell me, therefore, when the marriage shall be, for I would fain be present at the celebration.”
“In three days’ time, as I am informed,” answered the dwarf, “and I too should be there, and the place is the castle by the seashore; only there is a hindrance in the way, for a little farther on from this place, a cruel Saracen keeps the bridge by which one must needs pass. Much harm has he done already to travellers, and men are fain to shun the way that lies thereby.”