Quoth one of the squires to King Arthur, 'What my king did to thee of ill, That, Sire, shall he do no longer, for courteous shall he be still. But thou knowest well the old hatred, and 'twere better the king should stay Within his camp, I think me, than ride to thine host to-day. 670 Of the same mind is still the Duchess, that she counteth him for her foe, And maketh her plaint against him, as many a man doth know!' 'With but few folk shall he come hither,' quoth Arthur, 'the while I'll pray Of that high and noble lady that her anger she put away. And an escort good I'll send him, Beau-corps, my sister's son, 675 Shall meet him half-way, and his journey shall under my care be done. Nor as shame shall he look upon it, for brave men and true I'll send'-- Then leave did they take of King Arthur, and their way to the camp they wend. Alone did they leave the monarch, and Bené and the pages twain Rode swiftly unto Rosche Sabbins, on the further side of the plain. 680 'Twas the fairest day of his life-time, so thought the joyful king, When his squires and the maiden Bené such tidings to him might bring. And e'en as he hearkened to them his heart spake, in sooth to-day Good Fortune had thought upon him, and his sorrow was put away! Then he spake, 'He would come, right gladly,' and he chose to him comrades three, 685 A prince of his land was each one who bare the king company. Brandelidelein, his uncle, with his nephew was fain to ride, Affinamus of Clitiers, and Count Bernard of Riviers rode beside. And each man he chose another who should be for such journey meet, And twelve in all might ye reckon who rode hence the king to greet. 690 And many a squire went with them, and many a footman strong, Well armèd, as should befit them, did unto the train belong.