he might
send thither. And they say, let him send Lancelot thither, for that he
is a worthy knight and a kingly, and much understandeth of war, and
hath in him as much loyalty as hath ever another that they know. The
King maketh him come before him.

II.

"Lancelot," saith the King, "Such affiance have I in you and in your
knighthood, that it is my will to send you to the furthest corner of my
land, to protect it, with the approval of my knights, wherefore I pray
and require you that you do your power herein as many a time have you
done already in my service. And I will give you in command forty
knights."

"Sir," saith Lancelot, "Against your will am I not minded to be, but in
your court are there other knights full as good, or better than I, whom
you might well send thither. But I would not that you should hold this
of cowardize in me, and right willingly will I do your pleasure, for
none ought I to serve more willingly than you."

The King giveth him much thanks of this that he saith. Lancelot
departeth from the court, and taketh forty knights with him, and so
cometh into the land of Albanie where King Madeglant hath arrived.
When they of the land knew that Lancelot was come, great joy had they
thereof in their hearts, for ofttimes had they heard tell of him and of
his good knighthood. They were all at his commandment, and received
him as their champion and protector.

III.

King Madeglant one day issued forth of his ships to do battle against
Lancelot and them of the land. Lancelot received him right stoutly,
and slew many of his folk, and the more part fled and would fain have
drawn them to their ships, but Lancelot and his people went after and
cut a part of them to pieces. King Madeglant, with as many of his men
as he might, betaketh himself to his own ship privily, and maketh put
to sea the soonest he may. They that might not come to the ships
remained on dry land, and were so cut up and slain. Madeglant went his
way discomfited. Of ten ships full of men that he had brought he took
back with him but two. The land was in peace and assured in safety.
Lancelot remained there of a long space. They of the country loved him
much and gave themselves great joy of his valour and his great bounty,
insomuch that most of them say ofttimes that they would fain have such
a knight as was he for king, by the goodwill of King Arthur, for that
the land is too far away; but and if he would set there a knig