Brewer's: Launfal

(Sir). Steward of King Arthur. He so greatly disliked Queen Gwennere, daughter of Ryon, King of Ireland, that he feigned illness and retired to Carlyoun, where he lived in great poverty. Having obtained the loan of a horse, he rode into a forest, and while he rested himself on the grass two damsels came to him, who invited him to rest in their lady's bower hard by. Sir Launfal accepted the invitation, and fell in love with the lady, whose name was Tryamour. Tryamour gave the knight an unfailing purse, and when he left told him if he ever wished to see her all he had to do was to retire into a private room, and she would instantly be with him. Sir Launfal now returned to court, and excited much attention by his great wealth; but having told Gwennere, who solicited his love, that she was not worthy to kiss the feet of his lady-love, the queen accused him to Arthur of insulting her person. Thereupon Arthur told him, unless he made good his word by producing this paragon of women, he should be burned alive. On the day appointed, Tryamour arrived; Launfal was set at liberty and accompanied his mistress to the isle of Oleron, and no man ever saw him more. (Thomas Chester: Sir Launfal, a metrical romance of Henry VI.'s time.)

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894

Laura

Launched into Eternity