ye must hold me excused for divers
causes; one is, I was but late in the quest of the Sangreal; and I thank
God of his great mercy, and never of my desert, that I saw in that my
quest as much as ever saw any sinful man, and so was it told me. And if
I had not had my privy thoughts to return to your love again as I do,
I had seen as great mysteries as ever saw my son Galahad, outher
Percivale, or Sir Bors; and therefore, madam, I was but late in that
quest. Wit ye well, madam, it may not be yet lightly forgotten the high
service in whom I did my diligent labour. Also, madam, wit ye well that
there be many men speak of our love in this court, and have you and me
greatly in await, as Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred; and madam, wit ye
well I dread them more for your sake than for any fear I have of them
myself, for I may happen to escape and rid myself in a great need, where
ye must abide all that will be said unto you. And then if that ye fall
in any distress through wilful folly, then is there none other remedy or
help but by me and my blood. And wit ye well, madam, the boldness of you
and me will bring us to great shame and slander; and that were me loath
to see you dishonoured. And that is the cause I take upon me more for
to do for damosels and maidens than ever I did to-fore, that men should
understand my joy and my delight is my pleasure to have ado for damosels
and maidens.

CHAPTER II. How the queen commanded Sir Launcelot to avoid the court,
and of the sorrow that Launcelot made.

ALL this while the queen stood still and let Sir Launcelot say what
he would. And when he had all said she brast out a-weeping, and so
she sobbed and wept a great while. And when she might speak she said:
Launcelot, now I well understand that thou art a false recreant knight
and a common lecher, and lovest and holdest other ladies, and by me thou
hast disdain and scorn. For wit thou well, she said, now I understand
thy falsehood, and therefore shall I never love thee no more. And never
be thou so hardy to come in my sight; and right here I discharge thee
this court, that thou never come within it; and I forfend thee my
fellowship, and upon pain of thy head that thou see me no more. Right
so Sir Launcelot departed with great heaviness, that unnethe he might
sustain himself for great dole-making.

Then he called Sir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Lionel, and told
them how the queen had forfended him the court, and so he was in wil