ir Launcelot to seek after some noble knights of King Arthur's
court for to rescue Sir Launcelot. And so Sir Launcelot was ordained,
for-by the treason of Queen Morgan le Fay to have slain Sir Launcelot,
and for that cause she ordained thirty knights to lie in await for Sir
Launcelot, and this damosel knew this treason. And for this cause the
damosel came for to seek noble knights to help Sir Launcelot. For that
night, or the day after, Sir Launcelot should come where these thirty
knights were. And so this damosel met with Sir Bors and Sir Ector and
with Sir Driant, and there she told them all four of the treason of
Morgan le Fay; and then they promised her that they would be nigh where
Sir Launcelot should meet with the thirty knights. And if so be they set
upon him we will do rescues as we can.

So the damosel departed, and by adventure the damosel met with Sir
Tristram and with Sir Dinadan, and there the damosel told them all the
treason that was ordained for Sir Launcelot. Fair damosel, said Sir
Tristram, bring me to that same place where they should meet with Sir
Launcelot. Then said Sir Dinadan: What will ye do? it is not for us to
fight with thirty knights, and wit you well I will not thereof; as to
match one knight two or three is enough an they be men, but for to match
fifteen knights that will I never undertake. Fie for shame, said Sir
Tristram, do but your part. Nay, said Sir Dinadan, I will not thereof
but if ye will lend me your shield, for ye bear a shield of Cornwall;
and for the cowardice that is named to the knights of Cornwall, by your
shields ye be ever forborne. Nay, said Sir Tristram, I will not depart
from my shield for her sake that gave it me. But one thing, said Sir
Tristram, I promise thee, Sir Dinadan, but if thou wilt promise me to
abide with me, here I shall slay thee, for I desire no more of thee but
answer one knight. And if thy heart will not serve thee, stand by and
look upon me and them. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, I promise you to look upon
and to do what I may to save myself, but I would I had not met with you.

So then anon these thirty knights came fast by these four knights, and
they were ware of them, and either of other. And so these thirty knights
let them pass, for this cause, that they would not wrath them, if case
be that they had ado with Sir Launcelot; and the four knights let them
pass to this intent, that they would see and behold what they would do
with Sir Launcelot. And so