hes him insistently
to have him searched for, up and down throughout the land, without
postponement or delay. My lord Gawain and Kay and all the others join
in this prayer and request. "Leave this care to me, and speak no more
of it," the king replies, "for I have been ready to do so for some
time. Without need of request or prayer this search shall be made with
thoroughness." Everyone bows in sign of gratitude, and the king at once
sends messengers through his realm, sagacious and prudent men-at-arms,
who inquired for him throughout the land. They made inquiry for him
everywhere, but gained no certain news of him. Not finding any, they
come back to the place where the knights remain; then Gawain and Kay and
all the others say that they will go in search of him, fully armed and
lance in rest; they will not trust to sending some one else.

(Vv. 5257-5378.) One day after dinner they were all in the hall putting
on their arms, and the point had been reached where there was nothing to
do but start, when a valet entered and passed by them all until he came
before the Queen, whose cheeks were by no means rosy! For she was in
such mourning for Lancelot, of whom she had no news, that she had lost
all her colour. The valet greeted her as well as the king, who was by
her side, and then all the others and Kay and my lord Gawain. He held a
letter in his hand which he gave to the king, who took it. The king had
it read in the hearing of all by one who made no mistake in reading it.
The reader knew full well how to communicate to them what was written in
the parchment: he says that Lancelot sends greetings to the king as his
kind lord, and thanks him for the honour and kindness he has shown him,
and that he now places himself at the king's orders. And know that he
is now hale and hearty at King Arthur's court, and he bids him tell
the Queen to come thither, if she will consent, in company with my lord
Gawain and Kay. In proof of which, he affixed his signature which they
should recognise, as indeed they did. At this they were very happy and
glad; the whole court resounds with their jubilation, and they say they
will start next day as soon as it is light. So, when the day broke, they
make ready and prepare: they rise and mount and start. With great joy
and jubilee the king escorts them for a long distance on their way. When
he has conducted them to the frontier and has seen them safely across
the border, he takes leave of the Queen, an