The Story of the Champions of the Round Table recounts the full and moving saga of three of Arthur's famous knights: Percival, Tristram, and Launcelot of the Lake.

Now, this castle is no place for thee, when I am away, therefore, when I go upon this business, I will take thee and Launcelot with me, and I will leave you both in safety at King Arthur's court with our other son, Sir Ector, until this war be ended and done."

In the morning Sir Ewain took Launcelot to the bath and bathed him, for such was the custom of those who were being prepared for knighthood.

Let Tristram yield his loyalty and honour For fair Isoud, and die inglorious, Let Launcelot in Guenever's embrace Forget the consecrated vows he swore, And bring dark desolation on the land, My knight must grow the greater through his love, The better for my favour, the more pure!

[Illustration: The Lady Nymue beareth away Launcelot into the Lake] Prologue.

Sir Sanpeur Is the unquestioned Launcelot at court; The King rests on him with unfailing trust In every valiant deed and feat of arms.

But at that the fallen knight embraced Sir Launcelot about the knees, crying out: "Spare my life!"

So, having arranged all these matters, the damsel Elouise opened the door of that room and led Sir Launcelot out thence; and she led him through various passages and down several long flights of steps, and so brought him at last unto a certain chamber, where was his armor.

Now I often think the prince in the fairy tale will ride past our Putney villa some summer's day, like Launcelot through the barley sheaves (I'll paint Launcelot when I've time, with the ripe ears reddened in the sun, and the light flashing off his harness), ride by and take Nina's heart away with him, and what will be left for me then?

And King Mark besought Sir Launcelot for to abide a while in Tintagel; but Sir Launcelot refused this hospitality, saying: "I have an adventure to do for the sake of my master, King Arthur, and I may not abide here at this present.

For I do not at any time forget that you are cousin unto Sir Launcelot of the Lake, and I honor Sir Launcelot above all men else in the world, and would rather have his friendship than that of any man living.