King Arthur proclaimed a great joust and a tournament that should be held at Camelot, that is Winchester; and the King said that he and the King of Scots would joust against all that would come against them. And when this proclamation was made, thither came many knights.
So King Arthur made him ready to depart to these jousts, but Sir Lancelot would not ride with the King, for he said he was suffering from a grievous wound. And so the King departed toward Winchester [with his fellowship] and by the way he lodged in a town called Astolat.
And upon the morn early Sir Lancelot departed and rode until he came to Astolat and there it happened in the evening, he came to the castle of an old baron, who was called Sir Bernard of Astolat. As Sir Lancelot entered into his lodging, King Arthur saw him and knew him full well.
“It is well,” said King Arthur unto the knights that were with him. “I have now seen one knight that will play his play at the jousts to which we are going. I [undertake he will do great marvels].”
“Who is that, we pray you tell us?” said many knights that were there at that time.
“Ye shall not know from me,” said the King, “at this time.”
And so the King smiled and went to his lodging.
So when Sir Lancelot was in his lodging and unarmed him in his chamber, the old baron came to him and welcomed him in the best manner, but the old knight knew not Sir Lancelot.
“Fair sir,” said Sir Lancelot to his host, “I would pray you to lend me a shield that were not openly known, for mine is well known.”
“Sir,” said his host, “ye shall have your desire for meseemeth ye be one of the [likeliest knights] of the world and therefore I shall show you friendship. Sir, I have two sons that were but late made knights and the elder is called Sir Torre and he was hurt that same day he was made knight, that he may not ride and his shield ye shall have, for that is not known, I dare say, but here, and in no place else. And my younger son is called Lavaine and if it please you, he shall ride with you unto the jousts and he is of age and strong and brave; for much [my heart giveth unto you] that ye be a noble knight. Therefore, I pray you tell me your name,” said Sir Bernard.