THE KNIGHT’S DILEMMA.
(FROM CHAUCER.)
ONE of the nobles of King Arthur’s court had grievously transgressed the laws of chivalry and knightly honor, and for this cause had he been condemned to suffer death. Great sorrow reigned among all the lords and dames, and Queen Guinevere, on bent knees, had sued the king’s pardon for the recreant knight. At length, after many entreaties, Arthur’s generous heart relented, and he gave the doomed life into the queen’s hands to do with it as she willed.
Then Guinevere, delighted at the success of her suit with her royal husband, sent for the knight to appear before her, in her own bower, where she sat among the ladies of her chamber.
When the knight, who was called Sir Ulric, had reached the royal lady’s presence, he would have thrown himself at her feet with many thanks for the dear boon which she had caused the king to grant him. But she motioned him to listen to what she had to say, before she would receive his gratitude.
