The Vision of Sir Launfal

Like the Prelude to Part First, the Prelude to Part Second contains a great deal of description, this time of winter, as opposed to simply continuing with the narrative of Launfal’s quest. This section mirrors the part of Prelude to Part First that begins, “And what is so rare as a day in June” (Line 33), but with a detailed evocation of a wintry scene.

This Prelude starts with a very long stanza, which opens directly with reference to a very cold wind coming down from a bleak mountain. There is seemingly no connection at all with Launfal, who left the castle on a sunny day. The description of the wintry day continues, detailing nature’s responses to the cold spell: “unleafed boughs and pastures bare” (Line 180). The focus stays on a “little brook” (Line 181), or stream, and personifies it, talking of how it builds a home under which to shelter from the cold. The brook builds “crystal spars” (Line 185) amongst other artistic creations of ice, within its halls, chambers, and roof. The closeness of nature to God is recalled again as the “gladness of heaven” (Line 198) is able to enter the stream’s icy realm. This homely image of nature’s resourcefulness contrasts sharply with the next lines: “No mortal builder's most rare device / Could match this winter-palace of ice” (Lines 203-04).

The speaker reminds us that what humans create cannot reach the heights of natural beauty. He goes on to refer to the summer day described earlier in the poem and how the “elfin builders of the frost” (Line 210) create an equally perfect day in winter.

In contrast to the outside of the castle described in Part First, a hall is described in the next stanza, which is warm and full of Christmas joy. The human inhabitants are full of “song and laughter” (Line 211), enjoying a log fire burning and the decorative ivy and holly—again, natural elements. However, the vocabulary used seems to hint at the destruction of nature by humankind: “imprisoned,” “hunted to death,” “startled,” and “fear” add a sinister edge to the otherwise merry scene.

The next stanza returns to Launfal, who is outside this warm and comfortable setting and feeling the “icy strings” (Line 228) of winter and its “dreary monotone” (Line 229). It seems he is on his journey but unable to enter the celebratory hall. He finds himself without a shelter from the cold. This is clarified by the repetition of “Shelterless” (Line 232), which he hears on the freezing wind.

The final short stanza tells how the “seneschal” (Line 233), or steward of the noble house with its hall, refuses Launfal, “the wanderer” (234), entry to his domain. Launfal is forced to sit outside all night watching the light of the fire within as it comes through the castle windows.