By this time eventide had come, when suddenly a hundred torches were set up on all sides of the barge, and gave a dazzling light, and at the same time came forth twelve fair damsels, and saluted King Arthur by his name, kneeling on their knees, and telling him that he was welcome, and should have their noblest cheer, for which the king thanked them courteously.  Then did they lead him and his fellows to a splendid chamber, where was a table spread with all the richest furniture, and costliest wines and viands; and there they served them with all kinds of wines and meats, till Arthur wondered at the splendour of the feast, declaring he had never in his life supped better, or more royally.  After supper they led him to another chamber, than which he had never beheld a richer, where he was left to rest.  King Urience, also, and Sir Accolon were each conducted into rooms of like magnificence.  And so they all three fell asleep, and being very weary slept deeply all that night.

[Illustration:  Came forth twelve fair damsels, and saluted King Arthur by his name.]

But when the morning broke, King Urience found himself in his own house in Camelot, he knew not how; and Arthur awaking found himself in a dark dungeon, and heard around him nothing but the groans of woful knights, prisoners like himself.  Then said King Arthur, “Who are ye, thus groaning and complaining?” And some one answered him, “Alas, we be all prisoners, even twenty good knights, and some of us have lain here seven years—­some more—­nor seen the light of day for all that time.”  “For what cause?” said King Arthur.  “Know ye not then yourself?” they answered—­“we will soon tell you.  The lord of this strong castle is Sir Damas, and is the falsest and most traitorous knight that liveth; and he hath a younger brother, a good and noble knight, whose name is Outzlake.  This traitor Damas, although passing rich, will give his brother nothing of his wealth, and save what Outzlake keepeth to himself by force, he hath no share of the inheritance.  He owneth, nevertheless, one fair rich manor, whereupon he liveth, loved of all men far and near.  But Damas is as altogether hated as his brother is beloved, for he is merciless and cowardly:  and now for many years there hath been war between these brothers, and Sir Outzlake evermore defieth Damas to come forth and fight with him, body to body, for the inheritance; and if he be too cowardly, to find some champion knight that will fight for him.  And Damas hath agreed to find some champion, but never yet hath found a knight to take his evil cause in hand, or wager battle for him.  So with a strong band of men-at-arms he lieth ever in ambush, and taketh captive every passing knight who may unwarily go near, and bringeth him into this castle, and desireth him either to fight Sir Outzlake, or to lie for evermore in durance.  And thus hath he dealt with all of us, for we all scorned to take up such a cause for such a false foul knight—­but rather one by one came here, where many a good knight hath died of hunger and disease.  But if one of us would fight, Sir Damas would deliver all the rest.”