The King sends seeking for Sir Launcelot. Three months ago he vanished, this man said; Vanished, and not a word of why or whither. But now the King’s returned, he’ll search the land Into its farthest corners for his friend.... (_pause_) Father, is it not strange Sir Launcelot vanished Just ere the King had so great need of him? SIR BERNARD Very strange. (_A pause._) LAVAINE Father, have you ever thought Perhaps our guest, this knight my sister found Pierced by an arrow among the forest leaves, Who will not tell his name, might be none other Than Launcelot himself? SIR BERNARD What starts your thought upon so wild a fancy? LAVAINE It is three months ago, the herald says, Sir Launcelot disappeared. Three months ago This knight was wounded and brought hither. Then, Another thing--but now I took him news Of the King’s victory; he was greatly stirred; But when I spoke of this new head of trouble Reared in the West, he started up and cried, “I must be gone: the King has need of me!” SIR BERNARD Sir Launcelot? It can hardly be, Lavaine. But he has borne him like a true, brave knight, And though he has kept his name unknown to us I’ll wager it is noble---- LAVAINE And a name Not less renowned than noble, I am sure. Father, King Arthur needs good men-at-arms, Needs every sword that’s loyal. If our guest Goes to the King now, let me ride with him To London; let me serve in the King’s wars. SIR BERNARD Your sword must win a wide renown, my son, Ere he has need of you. LAVAINE I’ll win renown; I’ll hew it from the world, as Launcelot did. SIR BERNARD Patience, my son! If any serves the King From this house, it shall be my eldest son First, and your brother bides with me---- LAVAINE Oh, Torre! A stay-at-home born! He’ll not leave his dogs. He’s for the country, and abhors the Court. TORRE _bursts in_. TORRE I have found him. Blind that I must have been Not to have guessed before! LAVAINE Found whom, Torre? TORRE (_at the window_). Look! Look! in the garden, walking with Elaine. God wither him! SIR BERNARD Our guest? What mean you, boy? TORRE Evermore by our sister’s side, and she Takes his corruption to her innocence Like syllables of Scripture. Would to heaven---- SIR BERNARD Cease raving, Torre. Our guest---- TORRE Who hides his name---- What name? Why hidden? I have found him out. LAVAINE Who is it? TORRE Launcelot! LAVAINE Did I not say it, father? TORRE You knew? LAVAINE