A short introduction reminds the reader that Arthur won Excalibur, and he will win a queen with enchanted disguises and various adventures.

King Arthur holds a feast at Carleon upon Usk. During the celebration, a messenger arrives from the west-country. King Leodegrance of Cameliard seeks Arthur’s aid in his conflict with King Ryence of North Wales. When Arthur learns that Ryence is trying to marry Guinevere to a terrible Duke, he becomes angry and storms out of the room.

Alone, Arthur thinks about how Guinevere came to him when he was wounded, furious that she might have to marry Duke Mordaunt. Arthur asks Merlin to prepare for a trip with him while Sir Ulfius and Sir Kay gather an army to aid Leodegrance at the castle Tintagalon. The next day, Arthur, Merlin, and the gathered knights travel to Tintagalon together. At Tintagalon, Arthur and Merlin walk in the garden and Arthur confesses his love for Guinevere. He asks Merlin to disguise him so he can observe Guinevere without being recognized. Merlin gives Arthur an enchanted cap, which causes Arthur to look like a country peasant.

In disguise, Arthur travels to Cameliard and admires the town.