Page:Poet Lore, volume 34, 1923.djvu/93

And bring the unnamed hero to the court.
So meeting, Sir Gawaine, that else had been
Accounted the best knight in all the realm,
Was overcome by Lancelot, and held
In courteous treatment as became a knight;
But when he asked the name and rank of him
To whom he owed allegiance, Lancelot
Stood lost, to tell him. Then, from forest paths
That wound in sudden turn about a stream,
A dwarf came riding who revealed his name
As Lancelot du Lake. So, evermore
He has been called. Then Gawaine to the court
Conducted him, and he was made a knight.
Guinevere.—
And have you heard no rumours, Vivienne,
Where this knight errant wanders, or what cause
Detains him from our side? 'Twas not his wont
To show discourtesy unto his queen.
Enid.—
Why, Madam, he has richly shown his love
And duty, in the bounty he has sent
And captives of his lance to do you grace.
Such constancy you name—discourtesy!
Guinevere.—
We value those fair gifts, and yet meseems,
Enid, that gifts will not replace the man.
I would have both.
Viorenne (Assuming hesitance).—
Madam— I heard a tale—
Guinevere.—
Reveal it! Wherefore do you look on me
So doubtful? Naught can touch on Lancelot
We would not hear!
Vivienne.—
Your Grace commands. I speak.
On good authority, but yet the source
I cannot well disclose, the story rests.
Guinevere.—
Well, tell it! We will spare your 'broideries.
Vivienne.—
King Pelles has a hall in Corbenic,
That stands, a sentinel above the sea,