And
Lancelot does not idly threaten him, but drives him rapidly
toward the tower where the Queen was stationed on the watch.
There upon the tower he did her the homage of his blows until he
came so close that, if he advanced another step, he would lose
sight of her. Thus Lancelot drove him back and forth repeatedly
in whatever direction he pleased, always stopping before the
Queen, his lady, who had kindled the flame which compels him to
fix his gaze upon her. And this same flame so stirred him
against Meleagant that he was enabled to lead and drive him
wherever he pleased. In spite of himself he drives him on like a
blind man or a man with a wooden leg. The king sees his son so
hard pressed that he is sorry for him and he pities him, and he
will not deny him aid and assistance if possible; but if he
wishes to proceed courteously, he must first beg the Queen's
permission. So he began to say to her: "Lady, since I have had
you in my power, I have loved you and faithfully served and
honoured you. I never consciously left anything undone in which
I saw your honour involved; now repay me for what I have done.
For I am about to ask you a favour which you should not grant
unless you do so willingly. I plainly see that my son is getting
the worst of this battle; I do not speak so because of the
chagrin I feel, but in order that Lancelot, who has him in his
power, may not kill him.
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