A messenger,
sent by the seneschal, runs back at once to Meleagant, appraising
him of Lancelot's return. When he heard this news, he took
masons and carpenters who unwillingly or of their own free-will
executed his commands. He summoned the best artisans in the
land, and commanded them to build a tower, and exert themselves
to build it well. The stone was quarried by the seaside; for
near Gorre on this side there runs a big broad arm of the sea, in
the midst of which an island stood, as Meleagant well knew. He
ordered the stone to be carried thither and the material for the
construction of the tower. In less than fifty-seven days the
tower was completely built, high and thick and well-founded.
When it was completed, he had Lancelot brought thither by night,
and after putting him in the tower, he ordered the doors to be
walled up, and made all the masons swear that they would never
utter a word about this tower. It was his will that it should be
thus sealed up, and that no door or opening should remain, except
one small window. Here Lancelot was compelled to stay, and they
gave him poor and meagre fare through this little window at
certain hours, as the disloyal wretch had ordered and commanded
them.
(Vv. 6167-6220.) Now Meleagant has carried out all his purpose,
and he betakes himself to King Arthur's court: behold him now
arrived! And when he was before the King, he thus spoke with
pride and arrogance: "King, I have scheduled a battle to take
place in thy presence and in thy court.
Pages:
726
727
728
729
730
731
732
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741
742
743
744
745
746
747
748
749
750