Chapter IX

           Then,atthefollowingPentecost,washeldafeastoftheRoundTableatCaerleon,withhighsplendour;andalltheknightsthereofresortedtothecourt,andheldmanygamesandjousts.AndthereinSirLancelotincreasedinfameandworshipaboveallmen,forheoverthrewallcomers,andneverwasunhorsedorworsted,savebytreasonandenchantment.

           WhenQueenGuineverehadseenhiswondrousfeats,sheheldhimingreatfavour,andsmiledmoreonhimthanonanyotherknight.AndeversincehefirsthadgonetobringhertoKingArthur,hadLancelotthoughtonherasfairestofallladies,anddonehisbesttowinhergrace.Sothequeenoftensentforhim,andbadehimtellofhisbirthandstrangeadventures:howhewasonlysonofgreatKingBanofBrittany,andhow,onenight,hisfather,withhismotherHelenandhimself,fledfromhisburningcastle;howhisfather,groaningdeeply,felltothegroundanddiedofgriefandwounds,andhowhismother,runningtoherhusband,lefthimselfalone;how,ashethuslaywailing,cametheladyofthelake,andtookhiminherarmsandwentwithhimintothemidstofthewaters,where,withhiscousinsLionelandBorshehadbeencherishedallhischildhooduntilhecametoKingArthur’scourt;andhowthiswasthereasonwhymencalledhimLancelotduLake.

           AnonitwasordainedbyKingArthur,thatineveryyearatPentecostthereshouldbeheldafestivalofalltheknightsoftheRoundTableatCaerleon,orsuchotherplaceasheshouldchoose.Andatthosefestivalsshouldbetoldpubliclythemostfamousadventuresofanyknightduringthepastyear.