"Sir," saith he, "Meseemeth you are without joy."
"Lucan," said the King, "Joy hath been somewhat far from me sithence
that the Queen hath been dead, and Gawain and the other knights have
held aloof from my court so that they deign come hither no longer.
Moreover, King Claudas warreth upon me and conquereth my lands so that
no power have I to rescue me for default of my knights."
"Sir," saith Lucan, "Herein is there nought whereof you have right to
accuse any save yourself alone. For you have done evil unto him that
hath served you, and good unto them that are traitors to you. You have
one of the best knights in the world and the most loyal in your prison,
wherefore all the other hold them aloof from your court. Lancelot had
served you well by his good will and by his good knighthood, nor never
had he done you any disservice whereof you might in justice have done
him such shame; nor never will your enemies withhold them from you nor
have dread of you save only through him and other your good knights.
And know of a truth that Lancelot and Messire Gawain are the best of
your court."
"Lucan," saith King Arthur, "So thought I ever again to have affiance
in him, I would make him be set forth of my prison, for well I know
that I have wrought discourteously toward him; and Lancelot is of a
great heart, wherefore would he not slacken of his despite for that
which hath been done unto him until such time as he should be avenged
thereof, for no king is there in the world, how puissant soever he be,
against whom he durst not well maintain his right."