ds; and even
forthwithal so wounded as he is, it is marvel that he may endure this
long battle with that good knight.

CHAPTER VIII. How La Cote Male Taile was taken prisoner, and after
rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame four brethren.

THIS meanwhile Sir La Cote Male Taile sank right down upon the earth,
what for-wounded and what for-bled he might not stand. Then the other
knight had pity of him, and said: Fair young knight, dismay you not,
for had ye been fresh when ye met with me, as I was, I wot well that I
should not have endured so long as ye have done; and therefore for your
noble deeds of arms I shall show to you kindness and gentleness in all
that I may. And forthwithal this noble knight, Sir Plenorius, took him
up in his arms, and led him into his tower. And then he commanded him
the wine, and made to search him and to stop his bleeding wounds. Sir,
said La Cote Male Taile, withdraw you from me, and hie you to yonder
bridge again, for there will meet with you another manner knight than
ever was I. Why, said Plenorius, is there another manner knight behind
of your fellowship? Yea, said La Cote Male Taile, there is a much better
knight than I am. What is his name? said Plenorius. Ye shall not know
for me, said La Cote Male Taile. Well, said the knight, he shall be
encountered withal whatsomever he be.

Then Sir Plenorius heard a knight call that said: Sir Plenorius, where
art thou? either thou must deliver me the prisoner that thou hast led
unto thy tower, or else come and do battle with me. Then Plenorius
gat his horse, and came with a spear in his hand walloping toward Sir
Launcelot; and then they began to feutre their spears, and came together
as thunder, and smote either other so mightily that their horses fell
down under them. And then they avoided their horses, and pulled out
their swords, and like two bulls they lashed together with great strokes
and foins; but ever Sir Launcelot recovered ground upon him, and Sir
Plenorius traced to have gone about him. But Sir Launcelot would not
suffer that, but bare him backer and backer, till he came nigh his tower
gate. And then said Sir Launcelot: I know thee well for a good knight,
but wit thou well thy life and death is in my hand, and therefore yield
thee to me, and thy prisoner. The other answered no word, but struck
mightily upon Sir Launcelot's helm, that the fire sprang out of his
eyes. Then Sir Launcelot doubled his strokes so th