led their life the
most part of that day. And fain would King Pelles have found the mean
to have had Sir Launcelot to have lain by his daughter, fair Elaine.
And for this intent: the king knew well that Sir Launcelot should get a
child upon his daughter, the which should be named Sir Galahad the good
knight, by whom all the foreign country should be brought out of danger,
and by him the Holy Greal should be achieved.

Then came forth a lady that hight Dame Brisen, and she said unto the
king: Sir, wit ye well Sir Launcelot loveth no lady in the world but all
only Queen Guenever; and therefore work ye by counsel, and I shall make
him to lie with your daughter, and he shall not wit but that he lieth
with Queen Guenever. O fair lady, Dame Brisen, said the king, hope ye to
bring this about? Sir, said she, upon pain of my life let me deal; for
this Brisen was one of the greatest enchantresses that was at that time
in the world living. Then anon by Dame Brisen's wit she made one to come
to Sir Launcelot that he knew well. And this man brought him a ring from
Queen Guenever like as it had come from her, and such one as she was
wont for the most part to wear; and when Sir Launcelot saw that token
wit ye well he was never so fain. Where is my lady? said Sir Launcelot.
In the Castle of Case, said the messenger, but five mile hence. Then Sir
Launcelot thought to be there the same might. And then this Brisen
by the commandment of King Pelles let send Elaine to this castle with
twenty-five knights unto the Castle of Case. Then Sir Launcelot against
night rode unto that castle, and there anon he was received worshipfully
with such people, to his seeming, as were about Queen Guenever secret.

So when Sir Launcelot was alighted, he asked where the queen was. So
Dame Brisen said she was in her bed; and then the people were avoided,
and Sir Launcelot was led unto his chamber. And then Dame Brisen brought
Sir Launcelot a cup full of wine; and anon as he had drunken that wine
he was so assotted and mad that he might make no delay, but withouten
any let he went to bed; and he weened that maiden Elaine had been Queen
Guenever. Wit you well that Sir Launcelot was glad, and so was that lady
Elaine that she had gotten Sir Launcelot in her arms. For well she knew
that same night should be gotten upon her Galahad that should prove the
best knight of the world; and so they lay together until underne of the'
morn; and all the windows and holes of th