And soon as Sir Launcelot came within the abbey yard, the daughter of
King Bagdemagus heard a great horse go on the pavement. And she then
arose and yede unto a window, and there she saw Sir Launcelot, and anon
she made men fast to take his horse from him and let lead him into a
stable, and himself was led into a fair chamber, and unarmed him, and
the lady sent him a long gown, and anon she came herself. And then she
made Launcelot passing good cheer, and she said he was the knight in
the world was most welcome to her. Then in all haste she sent for her
father Bagdemagus that was within twelve mile of that Abbey, and afore
even he came, with a fair fellowship of knights with him. And when the
king was alighted off his horse he yode straight unto Sir Launcelot’s
chamber and there he found his daughter, and then the king embraced Sir
Launcelot in his arms, and either made other good cheer.
Anon Sir Launcelot made his complaint unto the king how he was
betrayed, and how his brother Sir Lionel was departed from him he wist
not where, and how his daughter had delivered him out of prison;
Therefore while I live I shall do her service and all her kindred. Then
am I sure of your help, said the king, on Tuesday next coming. Yea,
sir, said Sir Launcelot, I shall not fail you, for so I have promised
my lady your daughter. But, sir, what knights be they of my lord
Arthur’s that were with the King of Northgalis? And the king said it
was Sir Mador de la Porte, and Sir Mordred and Sir Gahalantine that all
for-fared my knights, for against them three I nor my knights might
bear no strength. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, as I hear say that the
tournament shall be here within this three mile of this abbey, ye shall
send unto me three knights of yours, such as ye trust, and look that
the three knights have all white shields, and I also, and no painture
on the shields, and we four will come out of a little wood in midst of
both parties, and we shall fall in the front of our enemies and grieve
them that we may; and thus shall I not be known what knight I am.
So they took their rest that night, and this was on the Sunday, and so
the king departed, and sent unto Sir Launcelot three knights with the
four white shields. And on the Tuesday they lodged them in a little
leaved wood beside there the tournament should be. And there were
scaffolds and holes that lords and ladies might behold and to give the
prize. Then came into the field the King of Northgalis with eight score
helms. And then the three knights of Arthur’s stood by themselves. Then
came into the field King Bagdemagus with four score of helms. And then
they feutred their spears, and came together with a great dash, and
there were slain of knights at the first recounter twelve of King
Bagdemagus’ party, and six of the King of Northgalis’ party, and King
Bagdemagus’ party was far set aback.
CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a tournament, and how he
met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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