heartily, and much to the embarrassment of the lovers begged his
daughter to cherish a closer friendship for Eliduc, whom he brought to
her notice as a right worthy knight. The pair withdrew somewhat from
the others, as if for the purpose of furthering the friendship which
the old King so ardently seemed to desire, and Eliduc thanked the
Princess for the gifts she had sent him by the chamberlain. Then the
Princess, taking advantage of her rank, told Eliduc that she desired
him for her husband, and that, did he refuse her, she would die
unwed.

"Lady," replied the knight, "I have great joy in your love, but have
you thought that I may not always tarry in this land? I am your
father's man until this war hath an end. Then shall I return unto mine
own country." But Guillardun, in a transport of love, told him she
would trust him entirely with her heart, and passing great was the
affection that grew between them.

Eliduc, in spite of his love for the Princess, had by no means
permitted his conduct of the war to flag. Indeed, if anything, he
redoubled his efforts, and pressed the foe so fiercely that at length
he was forced to submit. And now news came to him that his old master,
the King who had banished him from Brittany, was sore bestead by an
enemy and was searching for his former vice-regent on every hand, who
was so mighty a knight in the field and so sage at the council-board.
Turning upon the false lords who had spoken evil of his favourite, he
outlawed them from the land for ever. He sent messengers east and
west and across the seas in search of Eliduc, who when he heard the
news was much dismayed, so greatly did he love Guillardun. These twain
had loved with a pure and tender passion, and never by word or deed
had they sullied the affection they bore one another. Dearly did the
Princess hope that Eliduc might remain in her land and become her
lord, and little did she dream that he was wedded to a wife across the
seas. For his part Eliduc took close counsel with himself. He knew by
reason of the fealty he owed to his King that he must return to
Brittany, but he was equally aware that if he parted from Guillardun
one or other of them must die.

Deep was the chagrin of the King of Logres when he learned that Eliduc
must depart from his realm, but deeper far was his daughter's grief
when the knight came to bid her farewell. In moving words she urged
him to remain, and when she found that his loyalty was proof even
a