Then sate all down, the folk on their benches, and the clamour ceased before the monarch.  Then stood him up Arthur, noblest of kings, and he called to him seven sons of kings, earls and barons, and those that were boldest, and all the wisest men that dwelt in the folk, and went into a house that was fast inclosed, of old stone work—­strong men it wrought—­therein they gan to commune, his wise councillors, what answer he would give to Luces the emperor.  When all the nobles were come to bench then was it all still that dwelt in the hall; there was great awe with the mighty king; durst there no man speak, least the king would it punish.

Then stood there up Cador, the earl most rich here, and said these words before the rich king:  “I thank my Lord, who formed the daylight, to abide (have abode) this day, that is arrived to the folk, and this tiding that is come to our king; so that we need no more lie here inert!  For idleness is evil in each land; for idleness maketh man lose his manhood; idleness maketh knight lose his rights; idleness causeth many wicked crafts; idleness destroyeth many thousand men; through idle deeds little men well-speed.  For long we have lain still; our honour is the less!  But now I thank the Lord, who formed the daylight, that the Romanish folk are so fierce, and make their threat to come to our burghs, our king to bind, and to Rome him bring.  But if it is sooth that men say, as people it tell, that the Romanish people are so fierce, and are so bold, and so mischievous, that they will now come into our land, we shall prepare for them rueful tales; their fierceness shall turn to themselves to sorrow.  For never loved I long peace in my land; for through peace we are bound, and well nigh all in swoon.”

That heard Walwain, who was Arthur’s relative, and angered him much with Cador, who said these words; and thus answered Walwain the good:  “Cador, thou art a powerful man; thy counsels are not good; for good is peace and good is amity, whoso freely therewith holdeth, and God himself it made, through his divinity; for peace maketh a good man work good works, for all men are the better, and the land is the merrier.”

Then heard Arthur the dispute of these knights; and thus spake the mighty man with his fierce folk:  “Sit ye down quickly, my knights all, and each by his life listen my words!” All it was still that dwelt in the hall.  Then spake the bold king to his noble folk:  “My earls, my barons, my bold thanes, my doughty men, my dear friends; through you I have conquered under the sun, so that I am man most powerful, and fierce against my enemies; gold I have and treasure; of men I am ruler.  I won it not alone, but we did, all clean.  To many a fight I have led you, and ever ye were well skilled, so that many kingdoms stand in my hand.  Ye are good knights, brave men and active; that I have proved in well many lands” The yet spake him Arthur, noblest of kings:  “But now ye have heard,