all from me, and if that I come in any
of your marches, show me such cheer as ye have cause, and what treasure
that there in this castle is I give it you for a reward for your
grievance, and the lord that is owner of this castle I would he
received it as is right. Fair sir, said they, the name of this castle is
Tintagil, and a duke ought it sometime that had wedded fair Igraine, and
after wedded her Uther Pendragon, and gat on her Arthur. Well, said Sir
Launcelot, I understand to whom this castle longeth; and so he departed
from them, and betaught them unto God.

And then he mounted upon his horse, and rode into many strange and wild
countries, and through many waters and valleys, and evil was he lodged.
And at the last by fortune him happened, against a night, to come to a
fair courtelage, and therein he found an old gentlewoman that lodged him
with good will, and there he had good cheer for him and his horse. And
when time was, his host brought him into a fair garret, over the gate,
to his bed. There Sir Launcelot unarmed him, and set his harness by him,
and went to bed, and anon he fell asleep. So, soon after, there came
one on horseback, and knocked at the gate in great haste, and when Sir
Launcelot heard this, he arose up and looked out at the window, and saw
by the moonlight three knights came riding after that one man, and all
three lashed on him at once with swords, and that one knight turned on
them knightly again, and defended him. Truly, said Sir Launcelot, yonder
one knight shall I help, for it were shame for me to see three knights
on one, and if he be slain I am partner of his death; and therewith he
took his harness, and went out at a window by a sheet down to the four
knights, and then Sir Launcelot said on high, Turn you knights unto me,
and leave your fighting with that knight. And then they all three left
Sir Kay, and turned unto Sir Launcelot, and there began great battle,
for they alighted all three, and struck many great strokes at Sir
Launcelot, and assailed him on every side. Then Sir Kay dressed him for
to have holpen Sir Launcelot. Nay, sir, said he, I will none of your
help; therefore as ye will have my help, let me alone with them. Sir
Kay, for the pleasure of the knight, suffered him for to do his will,
and so stood aside. And then anon within six strokes, Sir Launcelot had
stricken them to the earth.

And then they all three cried: Sir knight, we yield us unto you as a man
of might makeles