In the court of King Arthur was right great joy of the most part when
they heard that Lancelot was set forth of prison, but not a whit
rejoiced were Briant and his folk. The King commanded that Lancelot
should be well cared for and made whole again, and that all should be
at his commandment. The court was all overjoyed thereof, and they
said: now at last might the King make war in good assurance. Lancelot
was foremost in the King's court and more redoubted than was ever
another of the knights. Briant of the Isles came one day before the
King.
"Sir," saith he, "Behold, here is Lancelot that wounded me in your
service, wherefore I will that he know I am his enemy."
"Briant," saith Lancelot, "And if that you deserved it tofore, well may
you be sorry thereof, and sith that you wish to be mine enemy, your
friend will I not be. For well may I deem of your love according as I
have found it in you."
"Sir," saith Briant to the King, "You are my lord, and I am one you are
bound to protect. You know well that so rich am I in lands and so
puissant in friends that I may well despise mine enemy, nor will I not
remain at your court so long as Lancelot is therein. Say not that I
depart thence with any shame as toward myself. Rather thus go I hence
as one that will gladly avenge me, so I have place and freedom, and I
see plainly and know that you and your court love him far better than
you love me, wherefore behoveth me take thought thereof."
"Briant," saith the King, "Remain as yet, and I will make amends for
you to Lancelot, and I myself will make amends for him to you."