Labour lost and in vain! [All exclaim, amazed.] For all my pains, the outrageous wight put great rebukes and mockage on me, and made sport at me, and miscalled me fool! [This produces a profound sensation.] And, an I bring him the true rede or ever I set me down to meat upon All-Hallowmass, my life is forfeit to him, and my lands, and fairest flower of my garland, my Queen!
[Sighs, and exclamations of sorrow are heard on all sides.]
The Damosel’s Knight.
[Weeping.] Alas, alas, that ever such a captive knight as I should have power by misadventure to bring sorrow upon the greatest king and most champion of all the world!
Sir Bleoberis.
[Starting up.] Shall our worshipful fellowship be shamed to the world’s end by a churlish Saracen that is an outrageous giant and no true knight? Let us gather a great host, well furnished and garnished of all manner of things that belong to the war, and let us do battle against him!
[This suggestion is greeted with general acclaim.]
Sir Bors.
Oh, well said! And as Sir Bleoberis has devised so let it be done!
Sir Meliogrance.