Launfal, under the feigned pretext of the illness of his father, takes leave of the king, and retires to Karlyoun, where he lives in great poverty. Having obtained the loan of a horse, one holyday, he rode into a fair forest, where, overcome by the heat, he lay down under the shade of a tree, and meditated on his wretched state. In this situation he is attracted by the approach of two fair damsels splendidly arrayed.
Their faces were white as snow on down, Their rode[64] was red, their eyne were brown; I saw never none swiche. That one bare of gold a basín, That other a towel white and fine, Of silk that was good and riche; Their kerchevès were welè skire (_clear_) Araid (_striped_) with richè goldè wire-- Launfal began to siche-- They comè to him over the hoth (_heath_), He was curteís, and against them goeth, And greet them mildeliche.
They greet him courteously in return, and invite him to visit their mistress, whose pavilion is at hand. Sir Launfal complies with the invitation, and they proceed to where the pavilion lies. Nothing could exceed this pavilion in magnificence. It was surmounted by an _erne_ or eagle, adorned with precious stones so rich, that the poet declares, and we believe, that neither Alexander nor Arthur possessed "none swiche jewel."
He foundè in the paviloun The kingès daughter of Oliroun, Dame Tryamour that hight; Her father was king of Faërie, Of occientè[65] fer and nigh, A man of mickle might.
The beauty of dame Tryamour was beyond conception.
For heat her cloathès down she dede Almostè to her girdle stede (_place_), Than lay she uncover't; She was as white as lily in May, Or snow that snoweth in winter's day: He seigh (_saw_) never none so pert (_lively_).
The redè rose, when she is new, Against her rode was naught of hew I dare well say in cert; Her hairè shone as goldè wire: May no man redè her attire, Ne naught well think in hert (_heart_).
This lovely dame bestows her heart on Sir Launfal, on condition of his fidelity. As marks of her affection, she gives him a never-failing purse and many other valuable presents, and dismisses him next morning with the assurance, that whenever he wished to see her, his wish would be gratified on withdrawing into a private room, where she would instantly be with him. This information is accompanied with a charge of profound secrecy on the subject of their loves.