Translation:The Fair Magelone/III
3: How Sir Peter Took Leave of His Parents
When Peter was mounting his horse, his father blessed him again, and said to him:
— My son, may good fortune accompany you at all times, and may you return to us one day safe and sound. Always remember the lessons I taught you when you were still a tender youth: seek out the good and shun the wicked; always abide by the rules of chivalry; do not disregard them even for an instant, for they were devised by the noblest men in their greatest hours; be always honest, even if you are cheated by others, for it is the touchstone of the honest man that even if he only rarely meets with law-abiding people, he nevertheless remains as honest as ever. Farewell!
Peter rode away, alone and without a squire in attendance, for he wished to remain anonymous wherever he went, as was the custom with young knights. The sun was shining brightly, and the fresh dew was glistening in the meadows. Peter was in good spirits and spurred on his steed, which cavorted bravely. It reminded him of an old song, which he sang aloud:
Forsooth! Bow and arrow
Are good for the enemy,
Always helpless,
The wretched man will weep;
But health blossoms for the noble man
Wherever the sun is shining.
The cliffs may be steep,
But Good Fortune is his friend.
After journeying for many days, Sir Peter arrived at the noble and distinguished city of Naples. On the way he had already heard much talk of the king and his extraordinarily beautiful daughter Magelone, so he was very anxious to meet them face to face. He alighted at an inn and asked for news; the innkeeper told him that a noble knight, Sir Henry of Capua, had arrived, and that a splendid tournament was to be held in his honour. Sir Peter also learned that foreign knights were permitted to enter the tournament, if they appeared in full armour in accordance with the rules governing such tournaments. Peter immediately decided that he would participate in the tournament and put his skill and strength to the test.