and gentle and beautiful a countenance as that which he then looked
upon. And Sir Percival said: "Lady, now that I see thee I wonder not
that Sir Launcelot hath remained thus hidden away from the sight of all
of us for these two years past. For if this island wherein ye dwell is a
fair paradise then certes art thou a very fitting queen to that
dwelling-place."

So spake Sir Percival, and after he had spoken the Lady Elaine smiled
very kindly upon him and she said: "Messire, your words are very fair
and they flatter me far beyond my deserving. Great is your renown
amongst us and I declare that you are very welcome to this place. Now I
pray you put aside your armor and bathe and refresh yourself, and after
that we shall all take gentle sport together."

Sir Percival said: "Lady, gladly would I stay with you at this present.
But there is awaiting me at another place not far distant from this one
whom Sir Launcelot will be even more glad to behold than he was glad to
behold me. Now I pray you, suffer me first to go and bring that one
hither and then will we both remain with you in greater joy of your
company."

Quoth Sir Launcelot, "Who is it that could give me more pleasure to see
than you, Sir Percival?"

"Sir," said Sir Percival, "it is your own brother, Sir Ector. For I left
him upon the other side of the water of this lake whilst I came hither
alone to try my fortune with you. Now I pray you let me go to him and
bring him hitherward so that we may all rejoice together."

Then Sir Launcelot cried out: "This is indeed joy upon joy. Now I pray
you, Sir Percival, go and bring him!" Therewith Sir Percival departed to
fetch Sir Ector thither in accordance with that saying.

So Sir Percival rode down through the meadow of the island to the margin
of the lake, and when he had come there the ferryman ferried him across
the water as they had brought him across before. And Sir Percival found
Sir Ector waiting for him, who, when he beheld Sir Percival coming,
said: "Sir, what fortune had you in your adventure?" Quoth Sir Percival:
"Oh, friend! that fortune which I had was greater than you or I could
have deemed to be possible."

At these words Sir Ector was greatly astonished, and he said: "What
great fortune is this of which thou speakest?" and Sir Percival said: "I
will tell thee. Whom thinkest thou I have found upon this adventure?
None other than thine own brother, Sir Launcelot, for he it is who is
the lord of this ca