Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot that had ridden long in a great forest,
and at the last he came into a low country, full of fair rivers and
meadows. And afore him he saw a long bridge, and three pavilions stood
thereon, of silk and sendal of divers hue. And without the pavilions
hung three white shields on truncheons of spears, and great long spears
stood upright by the pavilions, and at every pavilion’s door stood
three fresh squires, and so Sir Launcelot passed by them and spake no
word. When he was passed the three knights said them that it was the
proud Kay; He weeneth no knight so good as he, and the contrary is
ofttime proved. By my faith, said one of the knights, his name was Sir
Gaunter, I will ride after him and assay him for all his pride, and ye
may behold how that I speed. So this knight, Sir Gaunter, armed him,
and hung his shield upon his shoulder, and mounted upon a great horse,
and gat his spear in his hand, and walloped after Sir Launcelot. And
when he came nigh him, he cried, Abide, thou proud knight Sir Kay, for
thou shalt not pass quit. So Sir Launcelot turned him, and either
feutred their spears, and came together with all their mights, and Sir
Gaunter’s spear brake, but Sir Launcelot smote him down horse and man.
And when Sir Gaunter was at the earth his brethren said each one to
other, Yonder knight is not Sir Kay, for he is bigger than he. I dare
lay my head, said Sir Gilmere, yonder knight hath slain Sir Kay and
hath taken his horse and his harness. Whether it be so or no, said Sir
Raynold, the third brother, let us now go mount upon our horses and
rescue our brother Sir Gaunter, upon pain of death. We all shall have
work enough to match that knight, for ever meseemeth by his person it
is Sir Launcelot, or Sir Tristram, or Sir Pelleas, the good knight.
Then anon they took their horses and overtook Sir Launcelot, and Sir
Gilmere put forth his spear, and ran to Sir Launcelot, and Sir
Launcelot smote him down that he lay in a swoon. Sir knight, said Sir
Raynold, thou art a strong man, and as I suppose thou hast slain my two
brethren, for the which raseth my heart sore against thee, and if I
might with my worship I would not have ado with you, but needs I must
take part as they do, and therefore, knight, he said, keep thyself. And
so they hurtled together with all their mights, and all to-shivered
both their spears. And then they drew their swords and lashed together
eagerly. Anon therewith arose Sir Gaunter, and came unto his brother
Sir Gilmere, and bade him, Arise, and help we our brother Sir Raynold,
that yonder marvellously matched yonder good knight. Therewithal, they
leapt on their horses and hurtled unto Sir Launcelot.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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