"Sir King, give no ready credence to the lies of this traitor Arderay,
for well I know that you are an upright judge, turning neither for love
nor hate out of the narrow way. Grant me, therefore, time for counsel
with my friends, so that I may purge myself of this charge before you,
and in single combat with Arderay, the traitor, prove him to be a liar
before all your Court."
The King gave to both champions till three hours after noon that each
might take counsel with his friends, and bade that at such time they
should stand before him to fulfil their devoir. At the appointed hour
they came before the King. With Arderay for friend and witness came
Herbert the Count; but Amile found none to stand at his side, save only
Hildegarde, the Queen. So sweetly did the lady plead his cause that she
prevailed upon her lord to grant Amile such further respite for counsel
that he might seek Amis, his friend; yet nevertheless only on such
covenant that if Amile returned not on the appointed day the lady
should be banished ever from the royal bed.
Whilst Amile was on his way to take counsel with his friend, he chanced
on Amis, his comrade, who repaired to the Court of the King. So he
alighted from his steed, and kneeling at the feet of his companion,
said--
"Oh thou, my one hope of surety, I have not obeyed the charge you laid
upon me, and am truly blamed by reason of my dealings with the daughter
of the King. Therefore must I endure ordeal of battle with the false
Arderay."
"Let us leave here our companions," returned Amis, sighing, "and enter
in this wood to make the matter clear."