Now the knights entered and found place. Then followed the pages,
squires and after them such yeoman and varlets as could find room.
After each had found his place, came King Arthur leading his queen.
And as they entered, up rose the knights, their vassals, all that were
within the hall and raised a mighty shout.

"St. George and Merrie England. Long live King Arthur. Long live Queen
Guenever."

Then turned the King toward his loyal subjects and though his lips
were seen to move, none heard him for the clamor. So King Arthur
turned to seat his queen and then he himself sat down upon his throne,
high on the dais.

Then soon after even as bell tolled the hour, Arthur arose. No sign
had yet come of Launcelot and Gawaine. So now the herald slipped to
the door to cast again a hurried glance for perchance that they might
be within vision. And as he went noiselessly, so, too, a quiet fell
that the King's words might be heard. But now disturbing this quiet
came a great clattering. Arthur turned his eyes, frowning, at the
sudden noise. Yet came a greater turmoil, approaching horse's hoofs
were heard and then into the great hall thundered the steeds carrying
the noble figures of Launcelot and Gawaine, followed but a pace behind
by Allan the page.

Straight to the dais they came, the two knights. Allan, however,
turned, made hasty exit because he felt himself abashed to be observed
by so many eyes. On foot he entered once again and found place far in
the rear where few could observe him.