"
(Vv. 6221-6458.) At this my lord Gawain gets up, much distressed
at what he hears: "Sire, there is nothing known of Lancelot in
all this land," he says; "but we shall send in search of him and,
if God will, we shall find him yet, before the end of the year is
reached, unless he be dead or in prison. And if he does not
appear, then grant me the battle, and I will fight for him: I
will arm myself in place of Lancelot, if he does not return
before that day." "Ah," says Meleagant, "for God's sake, my fair
lord King, grant him the boon. I join my request to his desire,
for I know no knight in all the world with whom I would more
gladly try my strength, excepting only Lancelot. But bear in
mind that, if I do not fight with one of them, I will accept no
exchange or substitution for either one." And the King says that
this is understood, if Lancelot does not return within the time.
Then Meleagant left the royal court and journeyed until he found
his father, King Bademagu. In order to appear brave and of
consideration in his presence, he began by making a great
pretence and by assuming an expression of marvellous cheer. That
day the king was holding a joyous court at his city of Bade; (26)
it was his birthday, which he celebrated with splendour and
generosity, and there were many people of divers sorts gathered
with him.
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