But Jaufry, as he gaily drew him nigh:
“Why weep, fair knights?” he said, with courtesy. “Go, madman, go,” did one of them reply; “for sure thy senses must have left thee quite, to ask us why we weep, when walls like these rise up on ev'ry side. There is not one of us who doth not grieve to see the yeoman's prisoner in thee. Unhappy was the day that saw thy birth. In person thou art tall and fair to view, yet soon like ours will torments be thy lot.” Quoth Jaufry, “Great is God; easy to Him can your deliverance be. Through Him my sword hath 'venged you on your foe, and now the yeoman lies deprived of feet. If, then, you see me in this weary spot, 'tis but to break your chains.”
Scarce had the words escaped from out his mouth, when loudly did they call:
“Happy the day which dawned upon thy birth; for thou hast saved us all, and swept our pain and martyrdom away!”
Then Jaufry bade the dwarf set free the knights; the manikin obeyed, and with a hammer broke in bits their chains. They all arose, and bowed their heads in token of submission, whilst they said:
“Lord, we are thy serfs; do with us as thou please, be it for good or evil, as is fit.”
“Good knights,” Sir Jaufry said, “whate'er of evil may henceforth betide you, none shall come from me. All that I ask of you is simply this, that ye betake you to King Arthur's court, and tell him all you know.”
“My lord,” they all exclaimed, “full willingly shall thy behest be done; but to the service rendered, add one more by telling us thy name.”
“Barons,” said Jaufry then, “tell him the son of Dovon burst your chains. Now quickly set ye out; and, mark, my friendship ne'er shall be bestowed, if that ye fail to tell the king each word.”
The dwarf meanwhile had gone to seek the arms and fetch the steeds to furnish forth the knights. Each donned his hauberk, mounted his good horse, and then with Jaufry parted from that spot. He led them to the great highway, and in their company rode full a league. In passing by, he pointed to the place where, cold and motionless, the yeoman lay: they stayed an instant to observe their foe, then went upon their road. A little further Jaufry got him down, and tightened more his goodly charger's girths; then, his impatience to fall in with Taulat reviving in full force: