t the whole hall was filled with them. As soon as he had
entered, in the hearing of all, both young and old, the Queen told
what had happened, and said: "Lancelot, this insult has been done me
by Meleagant. In the presence of all who hear his words he says I have
lied, if you do not make him take it back. Last night, he asserted,
Kay lay with me, because he found my sheets, like his, all stained with
blood; and he says that he stands convicted, unless he will undertake
his own defence, or unless some one else will fight the battle on his
behalf." Lancelot says: "You need never use arguments with me. May it
not please God that either you or he should be thus discredited! I am
ready to fight and to prove to the extent of my power that he never
was guilty of such a thought. I am ready to employ my strength in his
behalf, and to defend him against this charge." Then Meleagant jumped up
and said: "So help me God, I am pleased and well satisfied with that:
no one need think that I object." And Lancelot said: "My lord king, I
am well acquainted with suits and laws, with trials and verdicts: in
a question of veracity an oath should be taken before the fight."
Meleagant at once replies: "I agree to take an oath; so let the relics
be brought at once, for I know well that I am right." And Lancelot
answers him: "So help me God, no one who ever knew Kay the seneschal
would doubt his word on such a point." Then they call for their horses,
and ask that their arms be brought. This is promptly done, and when
the valets had armed them, they were ready for the fight. Then the holy
relics are brought forth: Meleagant steps forward, with Lancelot by his
side, and both fall on their knees. Then Meleagant, laying his hands
upon the relics, swears unreservedly: "So help me God and this holy
relic, Kay the seneschal lay with the Queen in her bed last night
and, had his pleasure with her." "And I swear that thou liest," says
Lancelot, "and furthermore I swear that he neither lay with her nor
touched her. And may it please God to take vengeance upon him who has
lied, and may He bring the truth to light! Moreover, I will take another
oath and swear, whoever may dislike it or be displeased, that if I am
permitted to vanquish Meleagant to-day, I will show him no mercy, so
help me God and these relics here!" The king felt no joy when he heard
this oath.

(Vv. 5007-5198.) When the oaths had been taken, their horses were
brought forward, which were fai