So they departed from him in great wrath, and left him sorrowfully grieving in his dungeon.
At noon the damsel came to him and brought his dinner, and asked him as before, “What cheer?”
“Truly, fair damsel,” said Sir Lancelot, “in all my life never so ill.”
“Sir,” replied she, “I grieve to see ye so, but if ye do as I advise, I can help ye out of this distress, and will do so if you promise me a boon.”
“Fair damsel,” said Sir Lancelot, “right willingly will I grant it thee, for sorely do I dread these four witch-queens, who have destroyed and slain many a good knight with their enchantments.”
Then said the damsel, “Sir, wilt thou promise me to help my father on next Tuesday, for he hath a tournament with the King of Northgales, and last Tuesday lost the field through three knights of King Arthur’s court, who came against him. And if next Tuesday thou wilt aid him, to-morrow, before daylight, by God’s grace, I will deliver thee.”
“Fair maiden,” said Sir Lancelot, “tell me thy father’s name and I will answer thee.”
“My father is King Bagdemagus,” said she.
“I know him well,” replied Sir Lancelot, “for a noble king and a good knight; and by the faith of my body I will do him all the service I am able on that day.”
“Grammercy to thee, Sir knight,” said the damsel.