On the morrow, therefore, before daylight, the suitors returned once
again in great numbers, but first left their horses behind them in
their stables. Soon after daybreak they saw the three ladies ride out
from their courtyard, in obedience to the command which God had given
them, each one mounted upon her palfrey. Supposing that they were but
going out into the neighbouring meadows to take the clean air, they
followed behind, one and all, singing merry carols in their honour.
For so long as they were in the streets of the town the palfreys
moved slowly, but once out in the open country they began galloping.
The lovers tried still to follow them, but at last were forced to
drop off, and fell one by one along the wayside.
When they had covered some miles the palfreys stood still; and the
three ladies, seeing that they had come free of their pursuers,
resolved to give honour to God for his aid, and to this end to build
him a fair church.
Where? They did not know. But the thing was already decided in
Paradise, as you shall see.
For as soon as they were once again on their horses, the animals,
guided by God's holy spirit, set off at a high trot.
And leapt rivers, threaded forests, passed through towns, whereof the
gates opened of themselves to let them by, and closed again after,
bounded over walls and like obstacles.
And startled every one they met, all amazed to see go by, quick as
the wind, these three white horses and these three fair ladies.
And travelled in this way for a thousand leagues, or rather more.