But all who had been bidden to the banquet said they could not hold the queen excused, or be her champions, for she had made the feast, and either by herself or servants must it have come.
"Alas!" said the queen, "I made this dinner for a good intent, and no evil, so God help me in my need."
"My lord the king," said Sir Mador, "I require you heartily as you be a righteous king give me a day when I may have justice."
"Well," said the king, "I give ye this day fifteen days, when ye shall be ready and armed in the meadow beside Westminster, and if there be a knight to fight with you, God speed the right, and if not, then must my queen be burnt."
When the king and queen were alone together he asked her how this case befell.
"I wot not how or in what manner," answered she.
"Where is Sir Lancelot?" said King Arthur, "for he would not grudge to do battle for thee."
"Sir," said she, "I cannot tell you, but all his kinsmen deem he is not in this realm."
"These be sad tidings," said the king; "I counsel ye to find Sir Bors, and pray him for Sir Lancelot's sake to do this battle for you."
So the queen departed and sent for Sir Bors to her chamber, and besought his succor.