" Lancelot says: "You need never use
arguments with me. May it not please God that either you or he
should be thus discredited! I am ready to fight and to prove to
the extent of my power that he never was guilty of such a
thought. I am ready to employ my strength in his behalf, and to
defend him against this charge." Then Meleagant jumped up and
said: "So help me God, I am pleased and well satisfied with that:
no one need think that I object." And Lancelot said: "My lord
king, I am well acquainted with suits and laws, with trials and
verdicts: in a question of veracity an oath should be taken
before the fight." Meleagant at once replies: "I agree to take
an oath; so let the relics be brought at once, for I know well
that I am right." And Lancelot answers him: "So help me God, no
one who ever knew Kay the seneschal would doubt his word on such
a point." Then they call for their horses, and ask that their
arms be brought. This is promptly done, and when the valets had
armed them, they were ready for the fight. Then the holy relics
are brought forth: Meleagant steps forward, with Lancelot by his
side, and both fall on their knees. Then Meleagant, laying his
hands upon the relics, swears unreservedly: "So help me God and
this holy relic, Kay the seneschal lay with the Queen in her bed
last night and, had his pleasure with her.
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