ot's return.
When he heard this news, he took masons and carpenters who unwillingly
or of their own free-will executed his commands. He summoned the best
artisans in the land, and commanded them to build a tower, and exert
themselves to build it well. The stone was quarried by the seaside; for
near Gorre on this side there runs a big broad arm of the sea, in the
midst of which an island stood, as Meleagant well knew. He ordered the
stone to be carried thither and the material for the construction of
the tower. In less than fifty-seven days the tower was completely built,
high and thick and well-founded. When it was completed, he had Lancelot
brought thither by night, and after putting him in the tower, he ordered
the doors to be walled up, and made all the masons swear that they would
never utter a word about this tower. It was his will that it should be
thus sealed up, and that no door or opening should remain, except one
small window. Here Lancelot was compelled to stay, and they gave him
poor and meagre fare through this little window at certain hours, as the
disloyal wretch had ordered and commanded them.

(Vv. 6167-6220.) Now Meleagant has carried out all his purpose, and he
betakes himself to King Arthur's court: behold him now arrived! And when
he was before the King, he thus spoke with pride and arrogance: "King, I
have scheduled a battle to take place in thy presence and in thy
court. But I see nothing of Lancelot who agreed to be my antagonist.
Nevertheless, as my duty is, in the hearing of all who are present here,
I offer myself to fight this battle. And if he is here, let him now step
forth and agree to meet me in your court a year from now. I know not if
any one has told you how this battle was agreed upon. But I see knights
here who were present at our conference, and who, if they would, could
tell you the truth. If he should try to deny the truth, I should employ
no hireling to take my place, but would prove it to him hand to hand."
The Queen, who was seated beside the King, draws him to her as she says:
"Sire, do you know who that knight is? It is Meleagant who carried me
away while escorted by Kay the seneschal; he caused him plenty of shame
and mischief too." And the King answered her: "Lady, I understand; I
know full well that it is he who held my people in distress." The Queen
says no more, but the King addresses Meleagant: "Friend," he says, "so
help me God, we are very sad because we know nothing o