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And when it was told the kings that there were come messengers,
there were sent unto them two knights of worship, the one hight
Lionses, lord of the country of Payarne, and Sir Phariance a
worshipful knight. Anon they asked from whence they came, and
they said from King Arthur, king of England; so they took them in
their arms and made great joy each of other. But anon, as the
two kings wist they were messengers of Arthur's, there was made
no tarrying, but forthwith they spake with the knights, and
welcomed them in the faithfullest wise, and said they were most
welcome unto them before all the kings living; and therewith they
kissed the letters and delivered them. And when Ban and Bors
understood the letters, then they were more welcome than they
were before. And after the haste of the letters they gave them
this answer, that they would fulfil the desire of King Arthur's
writing, and Ulfius and Brastias, tarry there as long as they
would, they should have such cheer as might be made them in those
marches. Then Ulfius and Brastias told the kings of the
adventure at their passages of the eight knights. Ha! ah! said
Ban and Bors, they were my good friends. I would I had wist of
them; they should not have escaped so. So Ulfius and Brastias
had good cheer and great gifts, as much as they might bear away;
and had their answer by mouth and by writing, that those two
kings would come unto Arthur in all the haste that they might.
So the two knights rode on afore, and passed the sea, and came to
their lord, and told him how they had sped, whereof King Arthur
was passing glad. At what time suppose ye the two kings will be
here? Sir, said they, afore All Hallowmass. Then the king let
purvey for a great feast, and let cry a great jousts. And by All
Hallowmass the two kings were come over the sea with three