, no business of his own can detain him, as soon as he sees
Lancelot, from dismounting and extending his arms to him, as he
embraces, salutes and kisses him. Now he is happy and at ease, when he
has found his companion. Now I will tell you the truth, and you must not
think I lie, that Gawain would not wish to be chosen king, unless he had
Lancelot with him. The King and all the rest now learn that, in spite of
all, Lancelot, for whom they so long have watched, has come back quite
safe and sound. Therefore they all rejoice, and the court, which so
long has looked for him, comes together to honour him. Their happiness
dispels and drives away the sorrow which formerly was theirs. Grief
takes flight and is replaced by an awakening joy. And how about the
Queen? Does she not share in the general jubilee? Yes, verily, she
first of all. How so? For God's sake, where, then, could she be keeping
herself? She was never so glad in her life as she was for his return.
And did she not even go to him? Certainly she did; she is so close to
him that her body came near following her heart. Where is her heart,
then? It was kissing and welcoming Lancelot. And why did the body
conceal itself? Why is not her joy complete? Is it mingled with anger or
hate? No, certainly, not at all; but it may be that the King or some of
the others who are there, and who are watching what takes place, would
have taken the whole situation in, if, while all were looking on, she
had followed the dictates of her heart. If common-sense had not banished
this mad impulse and rash desire, her heart would have been revealed and
her folly would have been complete. Therefore reason closes up and
binds her fond heart and her rash intent, and made it more reasonable,
postponing the greeting until it shall see and espy a suitable and more
private place where they would fare better than here and now. The King
highly honoured Lancelot, and after welcoming him, thus spoke: "I have
not heard for a long time news of any man which were so welcome as news
of you; yet I am much concerned to learn in what region and in what land
you have tarried so long a time. I have had search made for you up and
down, all the winter and summer through, but no one could find a trace
of you." "Indeed, fair sire," says Lancelot, "I can inform you in a few
words exactly how it has fared with me. The miserable traitor Meleagant
has kept me in prison ever since the hour of the deliverance of the
prisoner