astle of Content smiled in amusement, that Elaine, the
beautiful, should fancy her charms were on the wane. But he was ever eager
to gratify the slightest wish of this only child of his, and so he gave
his ready consent._

_"Indeed, Elaine," he answered, "and if thou choosest, thou shalt go, but
these despised knights shall attend thee, and also our new fool, who hath
come from afar to make merry in our court. His motley is of an unfamiliar
pattern, his quips and jests savour not so much of antiquity, and his
songs are pleasing. He shall lighten the rigours of thy journey and cheer
thee when thou art sad."_

_"But, father, I do not choose to have the fool."_

_"Say no more, Elaine, for if thou goest, thou shall have the fool. It is
most fitting that in thy retinue there shouldst be more than one to wear
the cap and bells, and it is in my mind to consider this quest of thine
somewhat more than mildly foolish. Unnumbered brave and faithful knights
are at thy feet and yet thou canst not choose, but must needs fare onward
in search of a stranger to be thy lord and master."_

_Elaine raised her hand. "As thou wilt, father," she said, submissively.
"Thou canst not understand the way of a maid. Bid thy fool to prepare
himself quickly for a long journey, since we start at sunset."_

_"But why at sunset, daughter? The way is long. Mayst not thy mission wait
until sunrise?"_

_"Nay, father, for it is my desire to sleep to-night upon the ground. The
tapestried walls of my chamber stifle me and I would fain lie in the fresh
air with only the green leaves for my canopy and the stars for my taper
lights."_

_"As thou wilt, Elaine, but my heart is sad at the prospect of losing
thee. Thou art my only child, the image of thy dead mother, and my old
eyes shall be misty for the sight of thee long before my gallant knights
bring thee back again."_

_"So shall I gain some hours, father," she answered. "Perhaps my sunset
journeying shall bring my return a day nearer. Cross me not in this wish,
father, for it is my fancy to go."_

_So it was that the cavalcade was made ready and Elaine and her company
left the Castle of Content at sunset. Two couriers rode at the head, to
see that the way was clear, and with a silver bugle to warn travellers to
stand aside until the Lady Elaine and her attendants had passed._

_Upon a donkey, caparisoned in a most amusing manner, rode Le Jongleur,
the new fool of whom the Lord of the Castle of Cont