Edgware Road
Medieval Arthurian Legend
Chrétien de Troyes: The Knight of the Lion
12th century, Old French. Middle English translation, 14th century, British Library.
'We have not seen you before now, nor have we ever heard of you,' said the lady to her husband.
Everybody was eager to offer their services to Sir Yvain and to honour him. Nane of tham al wist bot Lunet that thai with thaire lord war met
– none of them except for Lunette had any idea that this knight was their lord. The lady, Lunette’s mistress and Yvain’s wife, invited him to come back with her and to stay for a while, until his wounds were healed. But he set not a straw by his wounds – he said. However, he was very concerned for his lion.
'Madam,' he said. 'Thank you but I cannot stay.'
'Sir, as you must leave us, tell me your name.'
'Madam,' he replied. 'I am called the Knight of the Lion.'
Sho said: 'We saw yow never or now, na never herd we speke of yow
– we have not seen you before now, nor have we ever heard of you.'
'I am not widely known in these parts,' he replied.
'Yes, you did hear correctly!' exclaimed Miranda. 'Sir Yvain's wife!'