SIR LAUNCELOT AND THE FALCON


Sir Launcelot rode on his way, by marsh and valley and hill, till
he chanced upon a fair castle, and saw fly from it, over his head,
a beautiful falcon, with the lines still hanging from her feet. And
as he looked, the falcon flew into a tree where she was held fast
by the lines becoming entangled about the boughs. Immediately, from
the castle there came running a fair lady, who cried: "O Launcelot,
Launcelot! As ye are the noblest of all knights, I pray you help me
to recover my falcon. For if my husband discover its loss, he will
slay me in his anger." "Who is your husband, fair lady?" asked Sir
Launcelot. "Sir Phelot, a knight of Northgalis, and he is of a
hasty temper; wherefore, I beseech you, help me." "Well, lady,"
said Sir Launcelot, "I will serve you if I may; but the tree is
hard to climb, for the boughs are few, and, in truth, I am no
climber. But I will do my best." So the lady helped Sir Launcelot
to unarm, and he led his horse to the foot of the tree, and
springing from its back, he caught at the nearest bough, and drew
himself up into the branches. Then he climbed till he reached the
falcon and, tying her lines to a rotten bough, broke it off, and
threw down bird and bough to the lady below. Forthwith, Sir Phelot
came from amongst the trees and said: "Ah! Sir Launcelot! Now at
length I have you as I would; for I have long sought your life."
And Sir Launcelot made answer: "Surely ye would not slay me, an
unarmed man; for that were dishonour to you. Keep my armour if ye
will; but hang my sword on a bough where I may reach it, and then
do with me as ye can." But Sir Phelot laughed mockingly and said:
"Not so, Sir Launcelot. I know you too well to throw away my
advantage; wherefore, shift as ye may." "Alas!" said Sir Launcelot,