“Fair maiden,” said Sir Launcelot, “tell me your name and your father’s name, for I cannot give you my promise until I know who ye be.”

[Sidenote:  Sir Launcelot promises to aid King Bagdemagus] “Sir,” said the demoiselle, “I am called Elouise the Fair, and my father is King Bagdemagus.”  “Ha!” quoth Sir Launcelot, “I know your father, and I know that he is a good king and a very worthy knight besides.  If you did me no service whatsoever, I would, at your simple asking, were I free of this place, lend him such aid as it is in my power to give.”

At this the damsel took great joy and gave Sir Launcelot thanks beyond measure.  So they spoke together as to how that matter might be brought about so that Sir Launcelot should be brought to talk to King Bagdemagus.  And the damsel Elouise said:  “Let it be this way, Sir Launcelot.  Imprimis—­thou art to know that somewhat of a long distance to the westward of that place where thou didst fall asleep yesterday, there standeth a very large, fair abbey known as the Abbey of Saint James the Lesser.  This abbey is surrounded by an exceedingly noble estate that lieth all around about it so that no man that haps in that part of the country can miss it if he make inquiry for it.  Now I will go and take lodging at that abbey a little while after I leave this place.  So when it suits thee to do so, come thou thither and thou wilt find me there and I will bring thee to my father.”

“Very well,” said Sir Launcelot, “let it be that way.  I will come to that place in good time for the tournament.  Meantime, I prithee, rest in the assurance that I shall never forgot thy kindness to me this day, nor thy gracious behavior and speech unto me.  Wherefore I shall deem it not a duty but a pleasure to serve thee.”

[Sidenote:  The damsel bringeth Sir Launcelot to freedom] So, having arranged all these matters, the damsel Elouise opened the door of that room and led Sir Launcelot out thence; and she led him through various passages and down several long flights of steps, and so brought him at last unto a certain chamber, where was his armor.  Then the damsel helped Sir Launcelot to encase him in his armor, so that in a little while he was altogether armed as he had been when he fell asleep under that apple-tree.  Thereafter the damsel brought him out past the court-yard and unto the stable where was Sir Launcelot’s horse, and the horse knew him when he came.  So he saddled the horse by the light of a half-moon which sailed like a boat high up in the sky through the silver, floating clouds, and therewith he was ready to depart.  Then the damsel opened the gate and he rode out into the night, which was now drawing near the dawning of the day.

Thus Elouise the Fair aided Sir Launcelot to escape from that castle of enchantment, where else great ill might have befallen him.

* * * * *

And now it shall be told how Sir Launcelot did battle with Sir Turquine and of what happened thereat.