Part 14 (2/2)

And then they clung them fast; And yede into the castle hall To take the king's repast.

Anon there cometh in a dove By the window's open fold, And in her mouth was a rich censer, That shone like Ophir gold.

And therewithal was such savor As bloweth over sea From a land of many colored flowers And trees of spicery.

And therewithal was meat and drink, And a damsel pa.s.sing fair, Betwixt her hands of tulip-white, A golden cup did bear.

”O, Jesu,” said Sir Launcelot, ”What may this marvel mean?”

”That is,” said Pelles, ”richest thing That any man hath seen.”

”O, Jesu,” said Sir Launcelot, ”What may this sight avail?”

”Now wit ye well,” said King Pelles, ”That was the Holy Grail.”

Then by this sign King Pelles knew Elaine his fair daughter Should lie with Launcelot that night, And Launcelot with her.

And that this twain should get a child Before the night should fail, Who would be named Sir Galahad, And find the Holy Grail.

Then cometh one hight Dame Brisen With Pelles to confer, ”Now, wit ye well, Sir Launcelot Loveth but Guinevere.”

”But if ye keep him well in hand, The while I work my charms, The maid Elaine, ere spring of morn, Shall lie within his arms.”

Dame Brisen was the subtlest witch That was that time in life; She was as if Beelzebub Had taken her to wife.

Then did she cause one known of face To Launcelot to bring, As if it came from Guinevere, Her wonted signet ring.

”By Holy Rood, thou comest true, For well I know thy face.

Where is my lady?” asked the Knight, ”There in the Castle Case?”

”'Tis five leagues scarcely from this hall,”

Up spoke that man of guile.

”I go this hour,” said Launcelot, ”Though it were fifty mile.”

Then sped Dame Brisen to the king And whispered, ”An we thrive, Elaine must reach the Castle Case Ere Launcelot arrive.”

Elaine stole forth with twenty knights And a goodly company.

Sir Launcelot rode fast behind, Queen Guinevere to see.

Anon he reached the castle door.

Oh! fond and well deceived.

And there it seemed the queen's own train Sir Launcelot received.

”Where is the queen?” quoth Launcelot, ”For I am sore bestead,”

”Have not such haste,” said Dame Brisen, ”The queen is now in bed.”

”Then lead me thither,” saith he, ”And cease this j.a.pe of thine.”

”Now sit thee down,” said Dame Brisen, ”And have a cup of wine.”

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