l was
like as it were of gold, and it had about it a many costly precious
stones. The King saith that quarrel so costly cometh not from a poor
place. Lancelot and Messire Gawain say that never have they seen one
so rich. It struck so deep in the column that the iron point thereof
might not be seen, and a good part of the shaft was also hidden.
Thereupon, behold you, a damsel of surpassing great beauty that cometh,
sitting on a right costly mule, full well caparisoned. She had a
gilded bridle and gilded saddle, and was clad in a right rich cloth of
silk. A squire followed after her that drove her mule from behind.
She came before King Arthur as straight as she might, and saluted him
right worshipfully, and he made answer the best he might.

"Sir," saith she, "I am come to speak and demand a boon, nor will I
never alight until such time as you shall have granted it to me. For
such is my custom, and for this am I come to your court, whereof I have
heard such tidings and such witness in many places where I have been,
that I know you will not deny me herein."

V.

"Damsel, tell me what boon you would have of me?"

"Sir," saith she, "I would fain pray and beseech you that you bid the
knight that may draw forth this quarrel from this column go thither
where there is sore need of him."

"Damsel," saith the King, "Tell me the need."

"Sir," saith she, "I will tell it you plainly when I shall see the
knight that shall have drawn it forth."

"Damsel," saith the King, "Alight! Never, please God, shall you go
forth of my court denied of that you ask."

Lucan the Butler taketh her between his arms and setteth her to the
ground, and her mule is led away to be stabled. When the damsel had
washen, she was set in a seat beside Messire Ywain, that showed her
much honour and served her with a good will. He looked at her from
time to time, for she was fair and gentle and of good countenance.
When they had eaten at the tables, the damsel prayeth the King that he
will hasten them to do her business.

"Sir," saith she, "Many a good knight is there within yonder, and right
glad may he be that shall draw it forth, for I tell you a right good
knight is he, sith that none may achieve this business save he alone."

"Fair nephew," saith the King, "Now set your hand to this quarrel and
give it back to the damsel."

"Ha, sir," saith he, "Do me not shame! By the faith that I owe you, I
will not set my hand forward herein this d