"A rash adventure, say I," and Merlin shook his head dolefully.
"You were ever a croaker, good Merlin," replied Sir Launcelot. "See not the thing so dolefully, I pray you."
"And think of the worth of what we accomplish," added Sir Galahad. "Here now comes the Gascon with his answer, I see. Let us listen to what he says."
"We bid you welcome to Gascony and pray you to come within. My master sends his greetings and awaits you."
They followed then their guide and so came within the great hall of state where Sir Dolphus awaited them.
"Come you from England?" he asked.
"That we do," replied Merlin, "and carry a message for the Duke."
"There is no Duke of Gascony. He is dead. But I, by the will of all the nobles of the land, rule in place. If you have message from England's king honor is mine to receive it."
"That message will I deliver right gladly. My king has long desired to come to Gascony and to other countries in France. So has he sent me forth to find first, how welcome will his visit be, second, as you may well understand, that such country as may come within his plans may worthy be his presence. For England's king must hold his honor and his presence at their royal worth.
"So come I to this brave land the which my king has heard well spoken and which he holds in high esteem. I find it sad news that he who reigned is dead, yet Gascony cannot suffer if you, most worshipful sir, rule instead."