"My lord," said Tirant, "if you knew what was in it, you would be astonished."
"I would like very much to know about it," said the emperor.
"Its force," said Tirant, "is to do well. When I left my land a maiden gave it to me, and she is the most beautiful maiden in the world. I'm not speaking in offense of the princess here, or of the other ladies of honor."
The emperor said:
"It is true that no good feat of arms was ever accomplished unless it was for love."
"I promise you," said Tirant, "on my word as a knight, that in my first battle I will make friends and enemies marvel at it."
The emperor sat down to eat, as did the empress and her daughter, and the captain sat beside her. And he had the two knights sit at another table with all the ladies and maidens. Then they all ate with great pleasure, and especially Tirant who shared a plate with his lady.
CHAPTER V
THE BATTLEFIELD
Tirant then took his leave of all the ladies and the others there. When the three knights were outside the city they gave their chargers to the pages and mounted other horses. Within a short time they reached the soldiers. Each knight went to his squadron, and Tirant went from one squadron to another, directing them constantly to stay in order.