SCENE V.--_The Court.

_Enter_ VIVIEN _disguised as a strange maiden, followed by men bearing a great stone with a sword thrust in it_.

_Arthur._ Whence comest thou unto our Court, strange Maiden? And on what quest art thou sent?

_Vivien._ Nine days are past and gone, most noble King, Since thou didst advertise throughout the land The kingdom be opened for tests at Camelot And marvellous feats might here performed be. Wherefore I, knowing of that noble pride With which you hold the flower of your great Court For manhood’s purity, woman’s chastity, Have deigned to show before the world, great King, The truth whereof thou boastest.

_Arthur._ It is bold indeed, but Arthur keeps his word. What be the tests?

_Vivien._ First, here, to test thy knighthood’s purity, We bring a sword sunk fast in yonder stone By magic’s force, and he who plucks it forth Must be a knight who hath not known a woman, Save in the lawful mode of marriage bed. (_To Launcelot._) Wouldst try, pure Knight?

_Laun._ Yea, I would, doth great Arthur will, Though all the fiends of hell clutched nether end. Do other knights but make the trial first.

(_A number of knights come forward, try to pull the sword out of the stone but fail._

_Launcelot then places his feet on the stone and grasps the sword and pulls with all his might, but the sword remains fixed._)

_Arthur._ It is in sooth a marvel!

_Laun._ It seemeth grown therein, Yea, I will bend and strain until it comes. It will not! (_Stands to take a breath._)

_Guin._ It is enough!

_Vivien._ Wouldst thou try again pure Knight?

_Laun._ Yea I will try till I die, if it come not. (_Tries again, bends his whole strength, then staggers to his feet._) Methought the earth’s roots hung thereon. I am shamed!

_Arthur._ ’Tis enough!

_Vivien._ Wilt not try again, pure Knight?

_Laun._ (_With set face._) Yea, now for Camelot’s glory. Launcelot’s manhood pulls on this side, Hell on that.

(_Braces himself and gives one terrible tug, then falls back fainting._)

_Elaine._ ’Tis he! (_Rushes out and falls fainting on his breast. The Queen’s women lift her and bear her out._)

_Guin._ Great Heaven!

_Arthur._ ’Tis enough! away with it, Maiden, thy magic hath outdone our noblest worth.

_Vivien._ (_Scornfully._) Is there no pure man will make trial?

_Gwaine._ (_Emerges from the throng still dressed in scullions dress._) Yea, I will try, although I rend the stone. (_Leaps on to the stone and plucks the sword out with both hands, with a great pull, and waves it aloft with an exultant shout. The throng starts back._) How now, mighty King?

_Arthur._ ’Tis a great marvel!

_Laun._ (_Steps forth._) The man that hath done that must face Launcelot to the death,--to the death! (_Faces Gwaine and draws._)

_Guin._ My God! (_Her maids support her, she hides her face in her mantle._)

_Gwaine._ I would not slay thee.

_Laun._ Thou can’st not!--Keep you! (_They fight. Knights try to separate them._)

_Arthur._ Nay, back, more room! give them more room.

(_Continue fighting, each draws blood, but neither gives way._)

_Guin._ (_Aside to the maids._) Be he slain?

_A Maid._ Neither be slain, Madam.

_Arthur._ Enough! I say enough!

_Laun._ Sire!

_Gwaine._ Must we stop the exercise?

_Arthur._ It is enough, you are both brave knights.

_Laun._ Gwaine, thou art better than I.

_Gwaine._ Thou art the best I have met. Wilt thou take the hand of Gwaine?

_Laun._ Yea I will, though it hath pressed me hard.

_Arthur._ Clear the Court. (_Trumpets blow and the throng falls back._)