dam,' answered Sir Lancelot, 'you understand full well that I was
never glad of slander nor noise, but there is neither King, Queen nor
Knight alive, save yourself, Madam, and my lord Arthur, that should
hinder me from giving Sir Meliagraunce a cold heart before I departed
hence.'

'That I know well,' said the Queen, 'but what would you have more?
Everything shall be ordered as you will.'

'Madam,' replied Sir Lancelot, 'as long as you are pleased, that is
all I care for,' so the Queen led Sir Lancelot into her chamber, and
commanded him to take off his armour, and then took him to where her
ten Knights were lying sore wounded. And their souls leapt with joy
when they saw him, and he told them how falsely Sir Meliagraunce had
dealt with him, and had set archers to slay his horse, so that he was
fain to place himself in a cart. Thus they complained each to the
other, and would have avenged themselves on Sir Meliagraunce but for
the peace made by the Queen. And in the evening came Sir Lavaine,
riding in great haste, and Sir Lancelot was glad that he was come.

Now Sir Lancelot was right when he feared to trust Sir Meliagraunce,
for that Knight only sought to work ill both to him and to the Queen,
for all his fair words. And first he began to speak evil of the Queen
to Sir Lancelot, who dared him to prove his foul words, and it was
settled between them that a combat should take place in eight days in
the field, near Westminster. 'And now,' said Sir Meliagraunce, 'since
it is decided that we must fight together, I beseech you, as you are a
noble Knight, do me no treason nor villainy in the meantime.'

'Any Knight will bear me witness,' answered Sir Lancelot, 'that never
have I broken faith with any man, nor borne fellowship with those that
have done so.' 'Then let us go to dinner,' said Sir Meliagraunce, 'and
afterwards you may all ride to Westminster. Meanwhile would it please
you to see the inside of this castle?' 'That I will gladly,' said Sir
Lancelot, and they went from chamber to chamber, till they reached the
floor of the castle, and as he went Sir Lancelot trod on a trap, and
the board rolled, and he fell down in a cave which was filled with
straw, and Sir Meliagraunce departed and no man knew where Sir
Lancelot might be. The Queen bethought herself that he was wont to
disappear suddenly, and as Sir Meliagraunce had first removed Sir
Lavaine's horse from the place where it had been tethered, the Knights
agreed w