him as viceroy and regent. Such a man, staunch
and loyal, could scarcely be without enemies, and the harmless
pleasure he took in the chase during the King's absence was construed
by evil counsellors on the monarch's return as an unwarranted licence
with the royal rights of venery. The enemies of Eliduc so harped upon
the knight's supposed lack of reverence for the royal authority that
at length the King's patience gave way and in an outburst of wrath he
gave orders for Eliduc's banishment, without vouchsafing his former
friend and confidant the least explanation of this petulant action.

Dismayed by the sudden change in his fortunes, Eliduc returned to his
house, and there acquainted his friends and vassals with the King's
unjust decree. He told them that it was his intention to cross the sea
to the kingdom of Logres, to sojourn there for a space. He placed his
estates in the hands of his wife and begged of his vassals that they
would serve her loyally. Then, having settled his affairs, he took ten
knights of his household and started upon his journey. His wife,
Guildeluec, accompanied him for several miles, and on parting they
pledged good faith to one another.

In due time the cavalcade came to the seashore and took ship for the
realm of Logres. Near Exeter, in this land, dwelt an aged king who
had for his heir a daughter called Guillardun. This damsel had been
asked in marriage by a neighbouring prince, and as her father had
refused to listen to his proposals the disappointed suitor made war
upon him, spoiling and wasting his land. The old King, fearful for his
child's safety, had shut her up in a strong castle for her better
security and his own peace of mind.

Now Eliduc, coming to that land, heard the tale of the quarrel between
the King and his neighbour, and considered as to which side he should
take. After due deliberation he arranged to fight on the side of the
King, with whom he offered to take service. His offer was gratefully
accepted, and he had not been long in the royal host when he had an
opportunity of distinguishing himself. The town wherein he was lodged
with his knights was attacked by the enemy. He set his men in ambush
in a forest track by which it was known the enemy would approach the
town, and succeeded in routing them and in taking large numbers of
prisoners and much booty. This feat of arms raised him high in the
estimation of the King, who showed him much favour, and the Princess,
hearin