"What? He wanted to praise his lady? For God's sake!"
He looked closely at the foreign knight, and saw that his young face was full of sadness, he also perceived with astonishment that the knight had a rope made of hairs round his neck.
"Why does he wear that rope?" asked Zbyszko.
"I could not find out, because they do not understand our language, Brother Rotgier can say a few words, but not very well either. But I think that this young knight has made a vow to wear that rope until he has accomplished some knightly deed. During the day, he wears it outside of his armor, but during the night, on the bare flesh."
"Sanderus!" called Zbyszko, suddenly "At your service," answered the German, approaching "Ask this knight, who is the most virtuous and the most beautiful girl in the world."
Sanderus repeated the question in German.
"Ulryka von Elner!" answered Fulko de Lorche.
Then he raised his eyes and began to sigh. Zbyszko hearing this answer, was indignant, and reined in his stallion; but before he could reply, Jendrek of Kropiwnica, pushed his horse between him and the foreigner, and said: "You shall not quarrel here!"
Zbyszko turned to Sanderus and said: "Tell him that I say that he is in love with an owl."
"Noble knight, my master says that you are in love with an owl!" repeated Sanderus, like an echo.
At this Sir de Lorche dropped his reins, drew the iron gauntlet from his right hand and threw it in the snow in front of Zbyszko, who motioned to the Czech to lift it with the point of his spear.
Jendrek of Kropiwnica, turned toward Zbyszko with a threatening face, and said: "You shall not fight; I shall permit neither of you."
"I did not challenge him; he challenged me."
"But you called his lady an owl. Enough of this! I also know how to use a sword."
"But I do not wish to fight with you."
"You will be obliged to, because I have sworn to defend the other knight."
"Then what shall I do?" asked Zbyszko.
"Wait; we are near Ciechanow."
"But what will the German think?"
"Your servant must explain to him that he cannot fight here; that first you must receive the prince's permission, and he, the comthur's."
"Bah! suppose they will not give permission."
"Then you will find each other. Enough of this talk."