Yvain, or the Knight With the Lion

Lunete is a close confidante to Laudine. She tells her mistress that there may be a knight protector who is even greater than her late husband. The maid has heard reports that King Arthur and his men will arrive shortly to inspect the magic fountain and they may decide to take it for themselves; thus, she needs a champion, and soon. Laudine resists these ideas and threatens to punish Lunete if she persists in them.

Alone, Laudine wonders if there might be a better man than her late husband. Lunete returns and declares that she can name a better knight but fears her lady will grow angry again. Laudine promises to listen. The maiden then says that, by the custom of chivalry, the winner of the contest between two knights ought to be considered the better man. Laudine becomes angry, but Lunete chides her for breaking her promise not to lose her temper. 

Lunete reports her progress to Yvain, but he is heedless, bereft at being separated from his new love. Meanwhile, Laudine begins to regret her anger toward her servant—who, after all, is a dear friend who only wants what’s best for her.