This history saith that the land of this King was full far away from
the land of King Arthur, and that needs must he pass two seas or ever
he should approach the first head of King Arthur's land. He arrived in
Albanie with great force of men with a great navy. When they of the
land knew it, they garnished them against him and defended their lands
the best they might; then they sent word to King Arthur that King
Madeglant was come in such manner into the land, with great plenty of
folk, and that he should come presently to succour them or send them a
knight so good as that he might protect them, and that in case he doth
not so, the land will be lost. When King Arthur understood these
tidings, it was not well with him. He asked his knights whom he might
send thither. And they say, let him send Lancelot thither, for that he
is a worthy knight and a kingly, and much understandeth of war, and
hath in him as much loyalty as hath ever another that they know. The
King maketh him come before him.