Now the custom in
the country was that when one issued forth, all the others might
do so too. All called down blessings upon Lancelot: and you may
know that he must have felt great joy, as in truth he did. All
the strangers assemble and rejoice over Lancelot, speaking so as
to be heard by him: "Sire, in truth we were joyful as soon as we
heard your name, for we felt sure at once that we should all be
set free." There was a great crowd present at this glad scene,
as each one strives and presses forward to touch him if possible.
Any one who succeeded in touching him was more delighted than he
could tell. There was plenty of joy, and of sorrow too; those
who were now set free rejoiced unrestrainedly; but Meleagant and
his followers have not anything they want, but are pensive,
gloomy, and downcast. The king turns away from the list, taking
with him Lancelot, who begs him to take him to the Queen. "I
shall not fail to do so," the king replies; "for it seems to me
the proper thing to do. And if you like, I will show you Kay the
seneschal." At this Lancelot is so glad that he almost falls at
his feet. Then the king took him at once into the hall, where
the Queen had come to wait for him.
(Vv. 3955-4030.) When the Queen saw the king holding Lancelot by
the hand, she rose before the king, but she looked displeased
with clouded brow, and she spoke not a word.
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