King Arthur and the Knights of the Round TableMalory, Thomas, Sir
General
King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
Malory, Thomas, Sir
Arthurian romances
Then Sir Epinogris, son of the King of Northumberland, a knight of the
castle, encountered Sir Ewaine, and both broke off their spears short to
their hands. Then came Sir Palomedes from the castle, and met Sir
Gawain, and they so hardly smote each other, that both knights and
horses fell to the earth. Then Sir Tristram, from the castle,
encountered with Sir Bedivere, and smote him to the earth, horse and
man. Then the Knight of the Redlands and Sir Gareth met with Sir Bors
and Sir Bleoberis; and the Knight of the Redlands and Sir Bors smote
together so hard that their spears burst, and their horses fell
groveling to the ground. And Sir Bleoberis brake his spear upon Sir
Gareth, but himself was hurled upon the ground. When Sir Galihodin saw
that, he bade Sir Gareth keep him, but Sir Gareth lightly smote him to
the earth. Then Sir Galihud got a spear to avenge his brother, but was
served in like manner. And Sir Dinadam, and his brother
La-cote-male-taile, and Sir Sagramour le Desirous, and Dodinas le
Savage, he bore down all with one spear.
When King Anguish of Ireland saw this, he marveled what that knight
could be who seemed at one time green and at another blue; for so at
every course he changed his color that none might know him. Then he ran
towards him and encountered him, and Sir Gareth smote the king from his
horse, saddle and all. And in like manner he served the King of
Scotland, and King Urience of Gore, and King Bagdemagus.
Then Sir Galahaut, the noble prince, cried out, "Knight of the many
colors! thou hast jousted well; now make thee ready to joust with me."
When Sir Gareth heard him, he took a great spear and met him swiftly.
And the prince's spear broke off, but Sir Gareth smote him on the left
side of the helm, so that he reeled here and there, and had fallen down
had not his men recovered him. "By my faith," said King Arthur, "that
knight of the many colors is a good knight. I pray thee, Sir Lancelot
du Lake, encounter with him." "Lord," said Sir Lancelot, "by thy leave I
will forbear. I find it in my heart to spare him at this time, for he
hath done enough work for one day; and when a good knight doth so well
it is no knightly part to hinder him from this honor. And peradventure
his quarrel is here to-day, and he may be the best beloved of the Lady
Lyones of all that be here; for I see well he paineth and forceth
himself to do great deeds. Therefore, as for me, this day he shall have
the honor; for though I were able to put him from it, I would not." "You
speak well and truly," said the king.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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