William of Borganda [84] was a noble knight of Provence in the days of
Count Raymond Berenger [85].
One day it came to pass that some knights were boasting [86] and
William boasted that there was no nobleman in Provence whom he had not
knocked from his saddle, and then he said that there was no woman in
Provence who deserved the honour of a tournament [87]. And this he said
in the Count’s presence. And the Count answered: does that include me
too? William replied: yes, you, my lord; I say it to you.
He sent for his horse, saddled and well caparisoned, attached his
spurs, and set his feet in the stirrups, and when he was ready, he
turned to the Count and said: you sir, I neither include nor accept
[88]. And he mounted his horse and spurred it and went off. The Count
was so sore grieved that he did not return to the court.
One day some ladies were gathered together for a splendid banquet; and
they sent for William of Borganda, and the Countess was there and they
said: now tell us, William, why you have so insulted the ladies of
Provence? It shall cost you dear.
Each one of them had a stick hidden away.
The one who acted as spokeswoman said: lo! William for your folly it
behoves you to die.
And William spoke, and said, seeing that he was taken unawares in such
a fashion: I beg you, ladies, by your courtesy that you grant me one
favour. The ladies answered: ask, save that you ask not to escape.
Then William spoke and said: ladies, I beg you of your courtesy that
whoever among you be the greatest hussy be the first to strike me.
Then they looked at one another: no one was found willing to deal the
first blow, and so on that occasion he got away unscathed [89].