The judges were about to give sentence upon Launfal, when they saw two maidens come riding towards the palace, upon two white ambling palfreys.  Very sweet and dainty were these maidens, and richly clothed in garments of crimson sendal, closely girt and fashioned to their bodies.  All men, old and young, looked willingly upon them, for fair they were to see.  Gawain, and three knights of his company, went straight to Launfal, and showed him these maidens, praying him to say which of them was his friend.  But he answered never a word.  The maidens dismounted from their palfreys, and coming before the dais where the King was seated, spake him fairly, as they were fair.

“Sire, prepare now a chamber, hung with silken cloths, where it is seemly for my lady to dwell; for she would lodge with you awhile.”

This gift the King granted gladly.  He called to him two knights of his household, and bade them bestow the maidens in such chambers as were fitting to their degree.  The maidens being gone, the King required of his barons to proceed with their judgment, saying that he had sore displeasure at the slowness of the cause.

“Sire,” replied the barons, “we rose from Council, because of the damsels who entered in the hall.  We will at once resume the sitting, and give our judgment without more delay.”

The barons again were gathered together, in much thought and trouble, to consider this matter.  There was great strife and dissension amongst them, for they knew not what to do.  In the midst of all this noise and tumult, there came two other damsels riding to the hall on two Spanish mules.  Very richly arrayed were these damsels in raiment of fine needlework, and their kirtles were covered by fresh fair mantles, embroidered with gold.  Great joy had Launfal’s comrades when they marked these ladies.  They said between themselves that doubtless they came for the succour of the good knight.  Gawain, and certain of his company, made haste to Launfal, and said, “Sir, be not cast down.  Two ladies are near at hand, right dainty of dress, and gracious of person.  Tell us truly, for the love of God, is one of these your friend?”

But Launfal answered very simply that never before had he seen these damsels with his eyes, nor known and loved them in his heart.

The maidens dismounted from their mules, and stood before Arthur, in the sight of all.  Greatly were they praised of many, because of their beauty, and of the colour of their face and hair.  Some there were who deemed already that the Queen was overborne.

The elder of the damsels carried herself modestly and well, and sweetly told over the message wherewith she was charged.

“Sire, make ready for us chambers, where we may abide with our lady, for even now she comes to speak with thee.”