'Fair damsel,' replied Sir Lancelot, 'heavy is my grief to refuse you, but I have not turned my mind to marriage.'
'Alas,' said Elaine, and smiled sadly, 'then there is no more to be said.'
'Fair maid, I would that you will seek some knight more worthy of you,' said Sir Lancelot. 'When I am gone, do you set your heart upon some friend or kinsman; and for all the kindness ye have shown me, I will settle upon you a thousand pounds yearly.'
'Oh, of all this,' said the Lily Maid, 'I will have none; for if ye will not love me, wit ye well, Sir Lancelot, my happy days are done.'
'Say it not, fair maid,' said the knight, 'for many years and much love should be yours.'
But with a cry Elaine fell to the ground in a swoon, and her gentlewomen bore her into her chamber and sorrowed over her.
In great heaviness Sir Lancelot would depart, and went to his horse to mount it; and Sir Lavaine went with him.
'What would you do?' asked Sir Lancelot of him.
'What should I do,' said Sir Lavaine, 'but follow you, unless you drive me from you?'
'I cannot do that, so come with me,' said Sir Lancelot.