rt: there was a good knight that ought
this shield, and this knight had undertaken a great deed of arms to
enchieve it; and so it misfortuned him another strong knight met with
him by sudden adventure, and there they fought long, and either wounded
other passing sore; and they were so weary that they left that battle
even hand. So this knight that ought this shield saw none other way but
he must die; and then he commanded me to bear this shield to the court
of King Arthur, he requiring and praying some good knight to take this
shield, and that he would fulfil the quest that he was in. Now what say
ye to this quest? said King Arthur; is there any of you here that will
take upon him to wield this shield? Then was there not one that would
speak one word. Then Sir Kay took the shield in his hands. Sir knight,
said the damosel, what is your name? Wit ye well, said he, my name
is Sir Kay, the Seneschal, that wide-where is known. Sir, said that
damosel, lay down that shield, for wit ye well it falleth not for you,
for he must be a better knight than ye that shall wield this shield.
Damosel, said Sir Kay, wit ye well I took this shield in my hands by
your leave for to behold it, not to that intent; but go wheresomever
thou wilt, for I will not go with you.

Then the damosel stood still a great while and beheld many of those
knights. Then spake the knight, La Cote Male Taile: Fair damosel, I
will take the shield and that adventure upon me, so I wist I should know
whitherward my journey might be; for because I was this day made knight
I would take this adventure upon me. What is your name, fair young man?
said the damosel. My name is, said he, La Cote Male Taile. Well mayest
thou be called so, said the damosel, the knight with the evil-shapen
coat; but an thou be so hardy to take upon thee to bear that shield and
to follow me, wit thou well thy skin shall be as well hewn as thy coat.
As for that, said La Cote Male Taile, when I am so hewn I will ask you
no salve to heal me withal. And forthwithal there came into the court
two squires and brought him great horses, and his armour, and his
spears, and anon he was armed and took his leave. I would not by my
will, said the king, that ye took upon you that hard adventure. Sir,
said he, this adventure is mine, and the first that ever I took upon
me, and that will I follow whatsomever come of me. Then that damosel
departed, and La Cote Male Taile fast followed after. And within a while