"Certes, sir," said Robert, "right willingly will I consent thereto."
"To that you pledge your word?" demanded the knight.
"Truly, sir, yes," answered Robert.
"Robert, thou hast served me very faithfully, and ever have I found thee skilled and true. Such as I am, that thou hast made of me; for by thine aid at the tourneys have I gained five hundred pounds of rent. 'Twas but a short time since that I had but five hundred; whereas now I have one thousand pounds from rent of land. This, therefore, I owe to thee, and I acquit me of my debt by giving thee my fair daughter, so thou art willing to take her at my hand."
"Ah, sir," cried Robert, "for the pity of God, say not thus. I am too low a man to snatch at so high a maiden, nor dare I pretend to one so rich and gracious as my demoiselle, since there is no knight in all the realm, whate'er his breeding, who would not count it honour to be her lord."
"Robert, know of a surety that never shall knight of this country call her his; but I will bestow her on thee, if thou refusest her not, and for her dowry shall she bring thee four hundred pounds from rent of my lands."
"Ah, sir," said Robert, "you are pleased to make a mock of me."
"Robert," said the knight, "be assured this is no jest."
"Ah, sir, neither my lady nor her mighty kin will endure to consent thereto."