d thyself, I believe that
thou wilt be better content to be here. So I lay it as my command upon
thee that thou shalt go to Camelot, and have converse once again with
thy friends and companions. Yet I would not have thee remain too long
away from us, wherefore I lay it as a further injunction upon thee that
thou shalt return hither as soon as possible, for we can ill spare our
champion who is so dear to us."

[Illustration]

[Illustration: The Lady of the Fountain:]

[Illustration]

Chapter Fourth

_How Sir Ewaine returned to the court of King Arthur, and how he forgot
the Lady Lesolie and his duty to the Fountain._

So it came about that the day after that day, Sir Ewaine took horse and
departed from the Valley of the Fountain as the Lady Lesolie had
commanded him to do; and he travelled alone, going from that place in
the same manner that he had come thither.

Now as he went upon his way in return to Camelot he must needs travel
upon that same road by which he came thitherward. So by and by he again
beheld that huge herdsman oaf who sat upon the mound as aforetold of,
guarding his cattle. When this being beheld Sir Ewaine he shouted to him
aloud in a great voice, "Hello, little man! Whither goest thou?" But to
him Sir Ewaine made no reply, but rode steadfastly upon his way.

Anon, and about the hour of noon, he came to within sight of that
wonderful valley wherein stood the enchanted castle of the Lady Vivien.
And Sir Ewaine rode down into the valley and toward the castle, and as
he drew nigh they of the castle were aware of his coming from afar.

So it was that as Sir Ewaine came nigh to the castle there issued forth
a multitude of people, who approached him singing and making joy and
giving him great voice of welcome. For ever they cried aloud: "Welcome,
O noble champion! Welcome! And welcome still again!"

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine cometh to the castle of Vivien._]

So they met him and brought him as it were in triumph to the castle, and
when he had come nigh thereunto the Lady Vivien herself came forth to
add her welcome to his coming. And she wore a very smiling and cheerful
countenance, and she also cried, as did the others, "Welcome, Sir
Ewaine! Welcome! Thrice welcome!" and she said: "Messire, I well know
that thou didst come forth victorious from that adventure which thou
didst undertake against the Knight of the Fountain, wherefore it is that
I am rejoiced to see thee. For, as thou already