"No offense take I, friend. So when you feel disposed I shall guide
your steps for audience with our good King."

The stranger, weak and spent, leaning mightily on his young friend
made his way to the great hall. And as we have recounted, though all
were struck by oddness and meanness of the stranger's clothes, yet
only Sir Kay made point to taunt him. Yet did he make no answer to
these taunts but waited with a great meekness for his turn before the
King. And that he should wait with such meekness was strange for he
seemed to be a high born knight.

There were many who sought audience with the King and it was long
before the stranger's turn came. Weak he still was, but he made no
complaint, and when others would crowd before him so that they could
speak the sooner to King Arthur, he did not chide them but permitted
it. At last Sir Launcelot came forward, for he had observed this and
made each of them find the place which was first theirs, so that the
stranger's turn came as it should. Weak though he was he walked with a
great firmness to the dais, and none there saw his poor clothes for
the fineness of him. The King turned to him and he nodded kindly.

"Speak, friend. In what way can we be of service to thee?"

"Sire," said the stranger, "I come to ask of thee three boons. One I
ask this day and on this day one year I shall come before you and
crave your favor for the other two."

"If the boon you ask, stranger, is aught we can grant, we shall do so
cheerfully, for on this day we heed all prayers."