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.