She alone had the disposition of her affairs. And the
king esteemed her all the more for the loyalty she showed. But
is it true, as I am told, that she is so angry with you that she
has publicly refused to speak with you?" "You have been told the
exact truth," Lancelot replies, "but for God's sake, can you tell
me why she is so displeased with me?" He replies that he does
not know, and that he is greatly surprised at it. "Well, let it
be as she pleases," says Lancelot, feeling his helplessness; "I
must now take my leave, and I shall go to seek my lord Gawain who
has entered this land, and who arranged with me that he would
proceed directly to the waterbridge." Then, leaving the room, he
appeared before the king and asked for leave to proceed in that
direction. And the king willingly grants him leave to go. Then
those whom Lancelot had set free and delivered from prison ask
him what they are to do. And he replies: "All those who desire
may come with me, and those who wish to stay with the Queen may
do so: there is no reason why they should accompany me." Then
all those, who so desire, accompany him, more glad and joyous
than is their wont. With the Queen remain her damsels who are
light of heart, and many knights and ladies too. But there is
not one of those who stay behind, who would not have preferred to
return to his own country to staying there.
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