I have sixteen squires,’ he went on, ‘of whom six are cased in steel. Give me in addition four pages of gentle birth and breeding. These shall share fully in all my prizes. I am off to see the world – not the first time I have ranged abroad. If fortune watches over me perhaps I shall win the recognition of a good lady and then, if I am worthy and am allowed to serve her, reason tells me I shall not do better than conduct the affair in all sincerity. May God lead me along the paths of good fortune! When our father Gandin ruled your kingdom we used to ride in company, suffering many a doleful pang for love. You were a knight and thief in one, you knew how to woo and conceal! How I wish that I too had the trick of stealing love, had your skill, and found true favour in my partner!’

The King sighed, ‘Alas!’ he cried, ‘that I ever set eyes on you, for my heart that was whole you have cut in two with your jesting and still do, if we must part. My father left us both great wealth. I will mark you out an equal share, for I love you from my heart. Dazzling gems, red gold, men, weapons, mounts, clothes – accept as much from me as will let you travel as you please and maintain your name for generosity. Yours are the pick of manly virtues. Though you had been born of Gylstram, or had you hailed from Hromgla, I should always have given you that place in my affections which you now hold. You are my brother, never doubt it!’

‘It is your courtesy that makes you praise me so, my lord. Then help me in that measure. If you and my mother wish to give away your worldly goods my fortunes will rise not fall. But my heart is set on the heights! I do not know why it quickens so – here – as though it would burst. Oh where is my ambition taking me? I shall attempt it if I can. The day is approaching when I must leave.’

The King gave him all and more than he had asked: five chargers, picked and tried, strong, swift and spirited, the best in all his lands, numerous vessels of gold and many ingots. The King was pleased to fill him four sumpter-panniers with these things, and then, at his command, a pile of precious stones was added. When the panniers were full, the squires who were in charge of them were clothed in fine tunics and given good mounts. Then, when Gahmuret went into his mother’s presence and she clasped him in her arms so tight, grief would be checked no longer.

‘Fil li roy Gandin,’ said this womanly woman, ‘will you no longer stay with me? Oh, was it not I that bore you? And you are Gandin’s child no less. Is God blind where He should help or is He deaf that He does not lend an ear to me? Am I to bear fresh sorrows? I have buried my heart’s own vigour, my eyes’ sweet pleasure! If God means to rob me further, Judge though He be, then the talk I hear of His succouring us is all lies, seeing that He thus abandons me!’

‘God console you for my father, ma’am,’ replied the young Angevin, ‘there is good cause for you and me to lament him, but none for any man to bring sad news of me. I am for the wars in foreign parts to mend my fortunes. That, ma’am, is the turn my life has taken.’

‘Dear son,’ said the Queen, ‘since you are set on serving a great lady and winning her love, do not disdain these things of mine to help you on your way. Tell your chamberlains to receive from me four heavy sumpter-panniers containing broad silks entire that never knew the scissors, and many lengths of samite. Sweet son, if you would make me happy, name the day of your return.’

‘Madam, I do not even know what lands shall see me, only – whichever path I take on leaving you – you will have dealt by me nobly and as befits the honour of a knight. The King, too, has dismissed me in a way that calls for my dutiful thanks. I am sure you will cherish him the more, whatever comes of me.’

The story tells us that this dauntless hero had, from the love and friendship of a lady, received costly gifts to the value of a thousand marks. (Whenever Jew asks pawn today, he would not turn up his nose, but take them at that price.) A certain lady-love of his had sent them to him. There was profit in his service: women’s love and a kind reception.