For many times had King Arthur sent knights against Madeglant since
Lancelot was departed from the court, to the intent that they should
put to rebuke the enemies of his land, but never saw he one come back
from thence nought discomfited. The King of Oriande made much boast
that he would fulfil for his sister all that she had bidden him, for he
thought that King Arthur would yield himself up betimes unto him and
yield all his land likewise. The King greatly desired the return of
Lancelot, and said ofttimes that and he had been against his enemies as
nigh as the others he had sent they would not have durst so to fly
against him. In the midst of the dismay wherein was King Arthur,
Lancelot returned to the court, whereof was the King right joyous.
Lancelot knew that Messire Gawain and Messire Ywain were not there, and
that they held them aloof from the court more willingly than they
allowed on account of Briant of the Isles, that King Arthur believed in
more than ever a one of the others. He was minded to depart in like
sort, but the King would not let him, but said to him rather,
"Lancelot, I pray and beseech you, as him that I love much, that you
set your pains and your counsel on defending my land, for great
affiance have I in you."
"Sir," saith Lancelot, "My aid and my force shall fail you never; take
heed that yours fail not me."
"Of right ought I not to fail you," saith the King, "Nor will I never,
for I should fail myself thereby."