he
which we be gone toward; I undertake he will do marvels. Who is that,
we pray you tell us? said many knights that were there at that time. Ye
shall not wit for me, said the king, as at this time. And so the king
smiled, and went to his lodging.

So when Sir Launcelot was in his lodging, and unarmed him in his
chamber, the old baron and hermit came to him making his reverence,
and welcomed him in the best manner; but the old knight knew not Sir
Launcelot. Fair sir, said Sir Launcelot to his host, I would pray you
to lend me a shield that were not openly known, for mine is well known.
Sir, said his host, ye shall have your desire, for meseemeth ye be one
of the likeliest knights of the world, and therefore I shall shew you
friendship. Sir, wit you well I have two sons that were but late made
knights, and the eldest hight Sir Tirre, and he was hurt that same day
he was made knight, that he may not ride, and his shield ye shall have;
for that is not known I dare say but here, and in no place else. And my
youngest son hight Lavaine, and if it please you, he shall ride with
you unto that jousts; and he is of his age strong and wight, for much my
heart giveth unto you that ye should be a noble knight, therefore I
pray you, tell me your name, said Sir Bernard. As for that, said Sir
Launcelot, ye must hold me excused as at this time, and if God give me
grace to speed well at the jousts I shall come again and tell you. But
I pray you, said Sir Launcelot, in any wise let me have your son, Sir
Lavaine, with me, and that I may have his brother's shield. All this
shall be done, said Sir Bernard.

This old baron had a daughter that was called that time the Fair Maiden
of Astolat. And ever she beheld Sir Launcelot wonderfully; and as the
book saith, she cast such a love unto Sir Launcelot that she could never
withdraw her love, wherefore she died, and her name was Elaine le Blank.
So thus as she came to and fro she was so hot in her love that she
besought Sir Launcelot to wear upon him at the jousts a token of hers.
Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, an if I grant you that, ye may say
I do more for your love than ever I did for lady or damosel. Then he
remembered him he would go to the jousts disguised. And because he had
never fore that time borne no manner of token of no damosel, then he
bethought him that he would bear one of her, that none of his blood
thereby might know him, and then he said: Fair maiden, I will grant you
to w