To plead his absence with thee and the Princess,

And guard her glad way forth to Camelot.

I am that Launcelot, that knight-at-arms,

Who loveth Arthur more than maid or king.

Perchance if thou wilt trust her to my care,—

Here is great Arthur’s order.

[Presents a ring.

Leo. Welcome to Camelard, most noble knight,

Well ken we of thy name and nobleness.

It grieves us much great Arthur could not come,

And guest of our poor hospitality,

Receive our noble daughter at our hearth,

And lead her home from out our very doors.

This much perforce had willed a father’s pride.

This much had satisfied a father’s love.

But seeing Chance hath given us none of it,

We must be gracious to her messenger

And thank her for the safety she hath sent.

Tomorrow’s dawn we give into thy hands

[Pg 22]

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