r or worse
in the combat. Knights arrive by tens, twenties, and thirties, here
eighty and there ninety, here a hundred, there still more, and yonder
twice as many yet; so that the press is so great in front of the stands
and all around that they decide to begin the joust. As they assemble,
armed and unarmed, their lances suggest the appearance of a wood, for
those who have come to the sport brought so many lances that there is
nothing in sight but lances, banners, and standards. Those who are going
to take part begin to joust, and they find plenty of their companions
who had come with similar intent. Still others prepare to perform other
feats of chivalry. The fields, meadows, and fallow lands are so full of
knights that it is impossible to estimate how many of them are there.
But there was no sign of Lancelot at this first gathering of the
knights; but later, when he entered the middle of the field, the herald
saw him and could not refrain from crying out: "Behold him who will take
the measure! Behold him who will take the measure!" And the people ask
him who he is, but he will not tell them anything.

(Vv. 5641-6104.) When Lancelot entered the tournament, he was as good as
twenty of the best, and he began to fight so doughtily that no one could
take his eyes from him, wherever he was. On the Pomelegloi side there
was a brave and valorous knight, and his horse was spirited and swifter
than a wild stag. He was the son of the Irish king, and fought well
and handsomely. But the unknown knight pleased them all more a hundred
times. In wonder they all make haste to ask: "Who is this knight who
fights so well?" And the Queen privily called a clever and wise damsel
to her and said: "Damsel, you must carry a message, and do it quickly
and with few words. Go down from the stand, and approach yonder knight
with the vermilion shield, and tell him privately that I bid him do his
'worst'." She goes quickly, and with intelligence executes the Queen's
command. She sought the knight until she came up close to him; then
she said to him prudently and in a voice so low that no one standing by
might hear: "Sire, my lady the Queen sends you word by me that you shall
do your 'worst'." When he heard this, he replied: "Very willingly," like
one who is altogether hers. Then he rides at another knight as hard as
his horse can carry him, and misses his thrust which should have struck
him. From that time till evening fell he continued to do as bad