Many began daily to ride to the walls of Joyous Gard, and by insult and evil names endeavoured to tempt forth the men of Sir Lancelot. Soon the young knights clamoured to King Arthur and Sir Gawaine to permit them to attack the walls, and reluctantly the king consented to call his council for next day to devise some means of breaking down the castle. Headstrong was the counsel given by the young knights at that meeting, and greatly did King Arthur sorrow to feel that, for love of his nephew, Sir Gawaine, he would be compelled to yield to their wild demands for further battle. Suddenly the door of the hall where sate the council was opened, and the porter of the gate appeared and approached the king. 'My lord,' he said, 'the holy Bishop of London and King Geraint of Devon crave audience of you.' Some of the fierce young knights scowled at the names and uttered cries of disgust. The king's face brightened, and before any could advise him against his will, he said: 'Bid them enter instantly.' 'The meddling priest and the petty king that knoweth not his mind!' sneered Sir Gawaine, looking fiercely about the room. 'I pray thee, uncle,' he said to the king, 'listen not to their womanish persuasions, if thou lovest me.' King Arthur did not answer, but looked towards the door impatiently. Through this there came first three priests and three armed men, and behind them stepped an old and reverend man, the hair beside his tonsure white as driven snow, and falling over his white robe edged with red, that showed his rank as bishop. Then, towering above him, a noble knightly figure, came Geraint of Devon, grown nobler still since those noble days when he had proved himself to be a strong leader indeed, while men had thought him soft and foolish. All rose to their feet in reverence to the bishop, and fondly did King Arthur welcome Geraint, for this wise knight had from the first opposed Sir Gawaine in this war, and had refused to fight against Sir Lancelot and the queen, though he abated not his service to the king. Dark was the look which Gawaine darted at Geraint, but quiet yet fearless was Geraint's answering gaze. 'What ye have to say,' said Gawaine angrily, 'say it quickly and begone. If ye are still of two minds, there seems no need to speak, and there is no need to bring a bishop to your aid.' 'Gawaine,' said King Geraint, and his voice was quiet, yet with a ring of menace in it, 'I think grief hath made you a little mad. Let the bishop speak, I pray ye. He hath a message for the king.' 'My lord,' said the bishop, 'I come from his Holiness the Pope.' At these words Sir Gawaine started forward, his hand upon his sword, as if he would willingly in his madness slay the holy priest.