Page:Tirant lo Blanch; a study of its authorship, principal sources and historical setting (IA cu31924026512263).pdf/123

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reward him, but the pilgrim would accept nothing. The king asked him to reveal his name. The stranger replied that if he would accompany him out of the city, his wish should be granted. Aethelstan went with him and was amazed when he found out that the pilgrim was none other than Guy of Warwick. He asked him to remain with him, but the request was denied. Both weeping, they kissed each other and parted. Guy, in his pilgrim garb, went to the city of Warwick, where he presented himself before his wife, Felice, who gave him food without recognizing him. She asked him to come every day, and he should always receive food and drink from her; but he never returned. Going instead to visit a certain hermit, he found that the latter had died during his absence. Guy then decided to pass the remainder of his days in the deserted hermitage. One night an angel appeared to him and announced that on the morning of the eighteenth day he should exchange this world for heaven. When the period had almost expired he sent a messenger to Felice with the ring that she had given him when he set out on his pilgrimage. Recognizing the ring, she fell unconscious. After recovering, she immediately went to him. Guy kissed her tenderly and then passed away. A few days later Felice was buried at his side.

This part of the English romance was utilized by Martorell to form the foundation of the William of Warwick episode. He made changes and additions to suit his purpose, following the general plan, but inventing the details. The simple ring he describes as a complicated double ring; the Danish invasion as an incursion of the Moors; and the angel that appeared to the king as the Virgin and the Child. When the Danish champion is defeated, the Danes withdraw from England; but when the Moorish king is vanquished, the Moors do not leave the kingdom as they had agreed to do. Conse-