ak strangers and friends were making long journeys from all
the country round. When morning came, there was such a press before the
castle that there was not room to move one's foot. And the king, rising
early in his distress about the battle, goes directly to his son, who
had already laced upon his head the helmet which was of Poitiers make.
No delay or peace is possible, for though the king did his best, his
efforts are of no effect. In the middle of the castle-square, where all
the people are assembled, the battle will be fought in compliance with
the king's wish and command. The king sends at once for the stranger
knight, and he is conducted to the grounds which were filled with people
from the kingdom of Logres. For just as people are accustomed to go
to church to hear the organ on the annual feast-days of Pentecost or
Christmas, so they had all assembled now. All the foreign maidens from
King Arthur's realm had fasted three days and gone barefoot in their
shifts, in order that God might endow with strength and courage the
knight who was to fight his adversary on behalf of the captives. Very
early, before prime had yet been sounded, both of the knights fully
armed were led to the place, mounted upon two horses equally protected.
Meleagant was very graceful, alert, and shapely; the hauberk with its
fine meshes, the helmet, and the shield hanging from his neck--all these
became him well. All the spectators, however, favoured the other knight,
even those who wished him ill, and they say that Meleagant is worth
nothing compared with him. As soon as they were both on the ground, the
king comes and detains them as long as possible in an effort to make
peace between them, but he is unable to persuade his son. Then he says
to them: "Hold in your horses until I reach the top of the tower. It
will be only a slight favour, if you will wait so long for me." Then in
sorrowful mood he leaves them and goes directly to the place where he
knew he would find the Queen. She had begged him the evening before to
place her where she might have an unobstructed view of the battle; he
had granted her the boon, and went now to seek and fetch her, for he
was very anxious to show her honour and courtesy. He placed her at one
window, and took his place at another window on her right. Beside them,
there were gathered there many knights and prudent dames and damsels,
who were natives of that land; and there were many others, who were
captives, and