Launcelot; and so many knights came in with King Arthur. And to make
short tale in conclusion, the King of Northgalis and the King of the
Hundred Knights were put to the worse; and because Sir Launcelot abode
and was the last in the field the prize was given him. But Sir Launcelot
would neither for king, queen, nor knight, have the prize, but where the
cry was cried through the field: Sir Launcelot, Sir Launcelot hath won
the field this day, Sir Launcelot let make another cry contrary: Sir
Tristram hath won the field, for he began first, and last he hath
endured, and so hath he done the first day, the second, and the third
day.

CHAPTER XXXV. How the prize of the third day was given to Sir Launcelot,
and Sir Launcelot gave it to Sir Tristram.

THEN all the estates and degrees high and low said of Sir Launcelot
great worship, for the honour that he did unto Sir Tristram; and for
that honour doing to Sir Tristram he was at that time more praised and
renowned than an he had overthrown five hundred knights; and all the
people wholly for this gentleness, first the estates both high and low,
and after the commonalty cried at once: Sir Launcelot hath won the field
whosoever say nay. Then was Sir Launcelot wroth and ashamed, and so
therewithal he rode to King Arthur. Alas, said the king, we are all
dismayed that Sir Tristram is thus departed from us. By God, said King
Arthur, he is one of the noblest knights that ever I saw hold spear or
sword in hand, and the most courteoust knight in his fighting; for full
hard I saw him, said King Arthur, when he smote Sir Palomides upon the
helm thrice, that he abashed his helm with his strokes, and also he
said: Here is a stroke for Sir Tristram, and thus thrice he said. Then
King Arthur, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Dodinas le Savage took their horses
to seek Sir Tristram, and by the means of Sir Persides he had told King
Arthur where Sir Tristram was in his pavilion. But when they came there,
Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan were gone.

Then King Arthur and Sir Launcelot were heavy, and returned again to the
Castle of Maidens making great dole for the hurt of Sir Tristram, and
his sudden departing. So God me help, said King Arthur, I am more heavy
that I cannot meet with him than for all the hurts that all my knights
have had at the tournament. Right so came Sir Gaheris and told King
Arthur how Sir Tristram had smitten down Sir Palomides, and it was
at Sir Palomides' own request. Alas, said