This story saith that Briant would have been wroth with a will against
Orguelleux of the Launde, had it not been for the King, and Orguelleux
against him, for Orguelleux heeded no danger when anger and ill-will
carried him away. Therewithal the talk came to an end. When the King
learnt the tidings that Madeglant was discomfited and that the land of
Albanie was in peace, he sent word to Lancelot to return back. They of
the land were very sorrowful when he departed, for great affiance had
they in his chivalry. So he came back thither where King Arthur was.
All they of the land made a great joy, for well loved was he of many,
nor were there none that hated him save of envy alone. They told him
the tidings of King Claudas, and also in what manner Briant had spoken.
Lancelot took no notice outwardly, as he that well knew how to redress
all his grievances. He was at the court of a long while, for that King
Claudas was about to send over thither some one of his knights. Briant
of the Isles would fain that the King should have given him his leave,
for more he hated him than ever another knight in the court, sith he it
was that many a time had harmed him more than any other. By Briant's
counsel, King Claudas sent his knight to King Arthur's court, wherein
did he not wisely, for that he thereby renewed a matter whereof
afterward came right great mischief, as this title witnesseth.
II.
Madeglant of Oriande heard say that Lancelot was repaired back, and
that the land of Albanie was all void save for the folk of the country.
He maketh ready his navy at once and cometh back to the land in great
force. He burneth the land and layeth it waste on every side, and doth
far worse therein than he did aforetime. They of the land sent over to
King Arthur and told him of their evil plight, warning him that, and he
send them not succour betimes, they will leave the land and yield up
the castles, for that they might not hold them longer. He took
counsel, the King with his knights, whom he might send thither, and
they said that Lancelot had already been there and that now another
knight should be sent thither. The King sent thither Briant of the
Isles, and lent him forty knights. Briant, that loved not the King in
his heart, came into the land, but only made pretence of helping him to
defend it. One day fell out a battle betwixt Madeglant and Briant and
all their men. Briant was discomfited, and had many of his knights
killed. Madeglant and his people spread themselves over the land and
laid the towns in ruins and destroyed the castles, that were
disgarnished, and put to death all them that would not believe in their
gods, and cut off their heads.
III.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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