But I see nothing of
Lancelot who agreed to be my antagonist. Nevertheless, as my
duty is, in the hearing of all who are present here, I offer
myself to fight this battle. And if he is here, let him now step
forth and agree to meet me in your court a year from now. I know
not if any one has told you how this battle was agreed upon. But
I see knights here who were present at our conference, and who,
if they would, could tell you the truth. If he should try to
deny the truth, I should employ no hireling to take my place, but
would prove it to him hand to hand." The Queen, who was seated
beside the King, draws him to her as she says: "Sire, do you know
who that knight is? It is Meleagant who carried me away while
escorted by Kay the seneschal; he caused him plenty of shame and
mischief too." And the King answered her: "Lady, I understand; I
know full well that it is he who held my people in distress."
The Queen says no more, but the King addresses Meleagant:
"Friend," he says, "so help me God, we are very sad because we
know nothing of Lancelot." "My lord King," says Meleagant,
"Lancelot told me that I should surely find him here. Nowhere
but in your court must I issue the call to this battle, and I
desire all your knights here to bear me witness that I summon him
to fight a year from to-day, as stipulated when we agreed to
fight.
Pages:
727
728
729
730
731
732
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741
742
743
744
745
746
747
748
749
750
751