Then he drew himself up straight and stood erect before the king.
"King Arthur," he said, "may God bless you and your fellowship, and, above all, the fellowship of the Round Table. I am come hither to beg of you three gifts, promising that they shall not be unreasonable, and that you can honorably grant them without hurt or loss to yourself. The first I shall ask now, and the other two this day twelvemonth."
"Ask what you will," said Arthur. "You shall have your gift, if it be so easy to grant."
"This is my first petition, that you furnish me meat and drink sufficient for this year, and until the time has come to ask for my other gifts."
"My fair son," said Arthur, "I counsel you to ask more than this. If my judgment fail not, you are of good birth and fit for noble deeds."
"However that may be, I have asked all that I now desire."
"Well, well, you shall have meat and drink enough. I have never denied that to friend or foe. But what is your name?"
"Great sir, that I cannot tell you."
"There is a mystery here. A youth of so handsome face and vigorous form as you must be of noble parentage. But if you desire secrecy, I shall not press you."
Then Arthur bade Kay to take charge of the youth and see that he had the best fare of the castle, and to find out if he was a lord's son, if possible.