acquaintance with those assembled. "Sir Percival and Sir Launcelot
sent Breunor le Noire to you and me with him for aid. For King Mark,
furious at the sorry figure he makes has sworn vengeance and has laid
siege to those within his castle. Sir Launcelot sent us with this
message. That while they could perhaps make their escape yet they
thought that you would wish to come to their aid so that they need not
run from King Mark. For they wish to see that king, to look at him.
Half the jest they have played lies in that."

"That we will do, of course," replied Arthur. "And though we must
first return home to gather our men, yet we will do so quickly and
hurry just as quickly to the court of Cornwall. For we too, would like
to see Mark, and though we envy your party its good fortune, yet can
we share in the jest. Say you not so, friends?

"Aye, sire, that we do. Yet haste is indeed necessary." So spoke both
Pellimore and Gawaine.

"Methinks, it would be a right friendly act on your part, Arthur,
should you allow me and my men to accompany you. So then there will
be no need for you to first return home and thereby save time. For I
too," added Cadoris, "would like to call on Mark at this time."

"Come then," said King Arthur. "It would not be in us to refuse you.
Let us return to finish our food and both of you, we doubt not must be
right hungry by now."

So all of them returned to the dining hall. And Gawaine found room
next to him for Allan and Breunor le Noire.