at this judgment, for he had neither friend nor kindred in the land.  He would have been set in prison, but Gawain came first to offer himself as his surety, and with him, all the knights of his fellowship.  These gave into the King’s hand as pledge, the fiefs and lands that they held of his Crown.  The King having taken pledges from the sureties, Launfal returned to his lodging, and with him certain knights of his company.  They blamed him greatly because of his foolish love, and chastened him grievously by reason of the sorrow he made before men.  Every day they came to his chamber, to know of his meat and drink, for much they feared that presently he would become mad.

The lords of the household came together on the day appointed for this judgment.  The King was on his chair, with the Queen sitting at his side.  The sureties brought Launfal within the hall, and rendered him into the hands of his peers.  Right sorrowful were they because of his plight.  A great company of his fellowship did all that they were able to acquit him of this charge.  When all was set out, the King demanded the judgment of the Court, according to the accusation and the answer.  The barons went forth in much trouble and thought to consider this matter.  Many amongst them grieved for the peril of a good knight in a strange land; others held that it were well for Launfal to suffer, because of the wish and malice of their lord.  Whilst they were thus perplexed, the Duke of Cornwall rose in the council, and said,

“Lords, the King pursues Launfal as a traitor, and would slay him with the sword, by reason that he bragged of the beauty of his maiden, and roused the jealousy of the Queen.  By the faith that I owe this company, none complains of Launfal, save only the King.  For our part we would know the truth of this business, and do justice between the King and his man.  We would also show proper reverence to our own liege lord.  Now, if it be according to Arthur’s will, let us take oath of Launfal, that he seek this lady, who has put such strife between him and the Queen.  If her beauty be such as he has told us, the Queen will have no cause for wrath.  She must pardon Launfal for his rudeness, since it will be plain that he did not speak out of a malicious heart.  Should Launfal fail his word, and not return with the lady, or should her fairness fall beneath his boast, then let him be cast off from our fellowship, and be sent forth from the service of the King.”

This counsel seemed good to the lords of the household.  They sent certain of his friends to Launfal, to acquaint him with their judgment, bidding him to pray his damsel to the Court, that he might be acquitted of this blame.  The knight made answer that in no wise could he do this thing.  So the sureties returned before the judges, saying that Launfal hoped neither for refuge nor for succour from the lady, and Arthur urged them to a speedy ending, because of the prompting of the Queen.