"Damsel, tell me what boon you would have of me?"
"Sir," saith she, "I would fain pray and beseech you that you bid the
knight that may draw forth this quarrel from this column go thither
where there is sore need of him."
"Damsel," saith the King, "Tell me the need."
"Sir," saith she, "I will tell it you plainly when I shall see the
knight that shall have drawn it forth."
"Damsel," saith the King, "Alight! Never, please God, shall you go
forth of my court denied of that you ask."
Lucan the Butler taketh her between his arms and setteth her to the
ground, and her mule is led away to be stabled. When the damsel had
washen, she was set in a seat beside Messire Ywain, that showed her
much honour and served her with a good will. He looked at her from
time to time, for she was fair and gentle and of good countenance.
When they had eaten at the tables, the damsel prayeth the King that he
will hasten them to do her business.
"Sir," saith she, "Many a good knight is there within yonder, and right
glad may he be that shall draw it forth, for I tell you a right good
knight is he, sith that none may achieve this business save he alone."
"Fair nephew," saith the King, "Now set your hand to this quarrel and
give it back to the damsel."
"Ha, sir," saith he, "Do me not shame! By the faith that I owe you, I
will not set my hand forward herein this day, nor ought you to be wroth
hereof. Behold, here have you Lancelot with you, and so many other
good knights, that little worship should I have herein were I to set
myself forward before them."
"Messire Ywain," saith the King, "Set your hand hereto! It may be that
you think too humbly of yourself herein."
"Sir," saith Messire Ywain, "Nought is there in the world that I would
not do for you, but as for this matter I pray you hold me excused."
"Sagramors, and you, Orguelleux of the Launde, what will you do?" saith
the King.
"Sir," say they, "When Lancelot hath made assay, we will do your
pleasure, but before him, so please you, we will not go."