Patience, my lord, And I will tell you all. The dawn was breaking. The guard had just relieved us. It was then Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris summoned me On the King’s business. I knew not what it was. We went with them. They had no arms. We went; We came to the Queen’s door, and it was open. The Queen stood there, like one that waited us. There was a lamp burning above her head; Oh, very pale she seemed and very calm. “Do you come at my lord’s bidding?” so she asked. And then Sir Gareth bowed his head. He spoke No word, nor did Sir Gaheris; not a word. And we were awed by her, she was so calm. ARTHUR So calm! And after? MAN I am telling all. The Queen said “I am ready,” and so she passed Between Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris, And we about them followed. It was dark In the shadow by the walls. There was a mist, A summer mist. The dawn was far above. ARTHUR And then? MAN We were all sorrowful at heart, Knowing not---- ARTHUR To the issue! MAN Some one cried “Look where the Queen is taken to her death!” Men had thronged up, and women; the cry passed From lip to lip, “She is taken to her death.” And sudden like a lion burst on us Sir Launcelot. ARTHUR Ah! MAN I know not whence he came, Out of the mist; his sword flashed in his hand, But not so terrible as his eyes. They flamed, You would have thought that when he saw the Queen His very reason rushed right out of him. GAWAINE Ah, God defend my brothers! MAN He was mad, Blood-mad he seemed; he knew not what he did, He struck so sudden. GAWAINE My brothers! MAN Right and left His sword was like a score of blades flashing. I swear no man could have prevailed against him. ’Twas quicker than a hawk upon a hare. Myself was thrown down. He had caught the Queen, And borne her off--men say, to Joyous Gard. ARTHUR War! It is war! GAWAINE My brothers? Where are they? Speak, wretch. MAN I know not. GAWAINE Speak. MAN Oh, my good lord, Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris are dead. GAWAINE (_utters a great cry_) Launcelot slew them? MAN He knew not what he did. GAWAINE They had no arms! ARTHUR Woe is me! GAWAINE Launcelot! He saw them and he slew them! ARTHUR Woe is me! I let them go. Ah, Gawaine! GAWAINE