"Lancelot," saith the King, "Such affiance have I in you and in your
knighthood, that it is my will to send you to the furthest corner of my
land, to protect it, with the approval of my knights, wherefore I pray
and require you that you do your power herein as many a time have you
done already in my service. And I will give you in command forty
knights."
"Sir," saith Lancelot, "Against your will am I not minded to be, but in
your court are there other knights full as good, or better than I, whom
you might well send thither. But I would not that you should hold this
of cowardize in me, and right willingly will I do your pleasure, for
none ought I to serve more willingly than you."
The King giveth him much thanks of this that he saith. Lancelot
departeth from the court, and taketh forty knights with him, and so
cometh into the land of Albanie where King Madeglant hath arrived.
When they of the land knew that Lancelot was come, great joy had they
thereof in their hearts, for ofttimes had they heard tell of him and of
his good knighthood. They were all at his commandment, and received
him as their champion and protector.