But when she, who was lingering at
the base of the tower, heard what he said, she did not delay, but
acted wisely and called him thus: "Lancelot," as loudly as she
could; "friend, up there, speak to one who is your friend!" But
inside he did not hear her words. Then she called out louder
yet, until he in his weakness faintly heard her, and wondered who
could be calling him. (27) He heard the voice and heard his name
pronounced, but he did not know who was calling him: he thinks it
must be a spirit. He looks all about him to see, I suppose, if
he could espy any one; but there is nothing to be seen but the
tower and himself. "God," says he, "what is that I heard? I
heard some one speak, but see nothing! Indeed, this is passing
marvellous, for I am not asleep, but wide awake. Of course, if
this happened in a dream, I should consider it an illusion; but I
am awake, and therefore I am distressed." Then with some trouble
he gets up, and with slow and feeble steps he moves toward the
little opening. Once there, he peers through it, up and down and
to either side. When he had looked out as best he might, he
caught sight of her who had hailed him. He did not recognise her
by sight. But she knew him at once and said: "Lancelot, I have
come from afar in search of you.
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