And so upon the morn early Sir Launcelot heard mass and brake his fast,
and so took his leave of the queen and departed. And then he rode so
much until he came to Astolat, that is Guildford; and there it happed
him in the eventide he came to an old baron’s place that hight Sir
Bernard of Astolat. And as Sir Launcelot entered into his lodging, King
Arthur espied him as he did walk in a garden beside the castle, how he
took his lodging, and knew him full well. It is well, said King Arthur
unto the knights that were with him in that garden beside the castle, I
have now espied one knight that will play his play at the jousts to the
which we be gone toward; I undertake he will do marvels. Who is that,
we pray you tell us? said many knights that were there at that time. Ye
shall not wit for me, said the king, as at this time. And so the king
smiled, and went to his lodging.
So when Sir Launcelot was in his lodging, and unarmed him in his
chamber, the old baron and hermit came to him making his reverence, and
welcomed him in the best manner; but the old knight knew not Sir
Launcelot. Fair sir, said Sir Launcelot to his host, I would pray you
to lend me a shield that were not openly known, for mine is well known.
Sir, said his host, ye shall have your desire, for meseemeth ye be one
of the likeliest knights of the world, and therefore I shall shew you
friendship. Sir, wit you well I have two sons that were but late made
knights, and the eldest hight Sir Tirre, and he was hurt that same day
he was made knight, that he may not ride, and his shield ye shall have;
for that is not known I dare say but here, and in no place else. And my
youngest son hight Lavaine, and if it please you, he shall ride with
you unto that jousts; and he is of his age strong and wight, for much
my heart giveth unto you that ye should be a noble knight, therefore I
pray you, tell me your name, said Sir Bernard. As for that, said Sir
Launcelot, ye must hold me excused as at this time, and if God give me
grace to speed well at the jousts I shall come again and tell you. But
I pray you, said Sir Launcelot, in any wise let me have your son, Sir
Lavaine, with me, and that I may have his brother’s shield. All this
shall be done, said Sir Bernard.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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