Graelent was born in Brittany of a gentle and noble house, very comely of person and very frank of heart.  The King who held Brittany in that day, made mortal war upon his neighbours, and commanded his vassals to take arms in his quarrel.  Amongst these came Graelent, whom the King welcomed gladly, and since he was a wise and hardy knight greatly was he honoured and cherished by the Court.  So Graelent strove valiantly at tourney and at joust, and pained himself mightily to do the enemy all the mischief that he was able.  The Queen heard tell the prowess of her knight, and loved him in her heart for reason of his feats of arms and of the good men spoke of him.  So she called her chamberlain apart, and said, “Tell me truly, hast thou not often heard speak of that fair knight, Sir Graelent, whose praise is in all men’s mouths?”

“Lady,” answered the chamberlain, “I know him for a courteous gentleman, well spoken of by all.”

“I would he were my friend,” replied the lady, “for I am in much unrest because of him.  Go thou, and bid him come to me, so he would be worthy of my love.”  “Passing gracious and rich is your gift, lady, and doubtless he will receive it with marvellous joy.  Why, from here to Troy there is no priest even, however holy, who in looking on your face would not lose Heaven in your eyes.”

Thereupon the chamberlain took leave of the Queen, and seeking Graelent within his lodging saluted him courteously, and gave him the message, praying him to come without delay to the palace.

“Go before, fair friend,” answered the knight, “for I will follow you at once.”

So when the chamberlain was gone Graelent caused his grey horse to be saddled, and mounting thereon, rode to the castle, attended by his squire.  He descended without the hall, and passing before the King entered within the Queen’s chamber.  When the lady saw him she embraced him closely, and cherished and honoured him sweetly.  Then she made the knight to be seated on a fair carpet, and to his face praised him for his exceeding comeliness.  But he answered her very simply and courteously, saying nothing but what was seemly to be said.  Then the Queen kept silence for a great while, considering whether she should require him to love her for the love of love; but at the last, made bold by passion, she asked if his heart was set on any maid or dame.

“Lady,” said he, “I love no woman, for love is a serious business, not a jest.  Out of five hundred who speak glibly of love, not one can spell the first letter of his name.  With such it is idleness, or fulness of bread, or fancy, masking in the guise of love.  Love requires of his servants chastity in thought, in word and in deed.  If one of two lovers is loyal, and the other jealous and false, how may their friendship last, for Love is slain!  But sweetly and discreetly love passes from person to person, from heart to heart, or it is nothing worth.  For what the lover would, that would the beloved; what she would ask of him that should he go before to grant.  Without accord such as this, love is but a bond and a constraint.  For above all things Love means sweetness, and truth, and measure; yea, loyalty to the loved one and to your word.  And because of this I dare not meddle with so high a matter.”