With the girl and the lion, Yvain went into the hall of the castle but found no one there, then out into a little garden where a young girl sat with her parents on a silken rug. The girl was reading to them out of some romance or other, with the book open on her lap.
When they saw the visitors they rose to their feet and began to welcome them. Yvain and his companions were taken into the Great Hall. They feasted on the most delicious food, with the graceful daughter waiting on Yvain all the time, making sure he had everything he could desire. Lying at his master's feet, the lion was fed tasty morsels of his own.After a night spent in soft and comfortable beds, Yvain and the girl went to chapel for Mass. Then Yvain thanked the host and his family, but said it was time for him and his companions to leave.
'I'm afraid I cannot allow that, friend', the lord replied. 'There are two strong fellows you must fight first. It is a custom of this castle. If you beat them, you can have my land and marry my daughter.'
'I thank you', Yvain replied. 'Your daughter is elegant and very beautiful. The Emperor of Germany himself would be lucky to win her as his wife. She should stay with you a little longer and marry a more worthy man, for I cannot marry her.'
'You refuse her?' the lord cried indignantly. 'How dare you insult my only child? You are just too scared to fight, that's all - but you have no choice. Here they are.'
At that, two huge devilish creatures ambled into the courtyard. Each carried a thick shield and a club made of cherry-wood with copper and brass wound around it.
What was a 'romance' in the Middle Ages?
