On this wise they go their way talking, as far as the hold. There was
none therewithin save only the dwarf, for the five robber knights were
in their hold at the lower end of the forest. The dwarf took Lancelot's
horse, and stabled him, then went up into the hall above, and gave
himself up wholly to serving him.
"Sir," saith the damsel, "Allow yourself to be disarmed, and have full
assurance of safety."
"Damsel," saith he, "Small trouble is it for me to wear mine arms, and
lightly may I abide it."
"Sir," saith she, "Please God, you shall nor lie armed within yonder.
Never yet did knight so that harboured therein."
But the more the damsel presseth him to disarm, the more it misliketh
him, for the place seemeth him right dark and foul-seeming, wherefore
will he not disarm nor disgarnish himself.
"Sir," saith she, "Meseemeth you are suspicious of something, but no
call have you to misdoubt of aught here within, for the place is quite
safe. I know not whether you have enemies?"
"Damsel," saith Lancelot, "Never yet knew I knight that was loved of
everybody, yet sometimes might none tell the reason thereof."