go to the
jousts disguised, and he bethought him that if he wore a lady's token
in his helm, no one would recognise him, for all knew that never would
he consent to wear such things in joust or tournament, as was the
custom of many knights.

'Stay, fair damsel,' he said kindly, 'I will grant you to wear a token
of yours upon my helm. Therefore, bring it me.'

Instantly the face of Elaine shone with joy and pride as she looked up
quickly at the great steel-clad figure on the horse beside her. Then,
quickly running, she brought what she had in her mind he should wear.

'See,' she said, giving it into his hand, 'it is a sleeve of mine, of
scarlet samite, embroidered with great pearls.'

'I will wear it at the jousts, fair maiden,' said he, 'for the sake of
the kindness you and yours have shown me. And will you keep the shield
which is mine own against the time when I shall return? For I will take
thy brother's.'

'I will keep it in my own room,' said Elaine, 'and will see that it
doth not tarnish.'

Then Sir Lancelot and young Sir Lavaine rode forth, each bearing a
white shield, as if both were young knights who had not yet done some
deed, in memory whereof they could blazon a device upon their shields.

So they rode to Camelot, where they found the narrow streets of the
little town packed with the press of knights, dukes, earls and barons
come to take part in the jousts. Sir Lancelot got them lodgings with a
rich burgess, and so privily and closely did they keep the house that
none knew that they were there.

On the day of the jousts the trumpets began to blow in the field where
they should be held. King Arthur sat on a great scaffold which was
raised at one end, to judge who did best in the jousting. So great was
the press of folk, both noble and common, earls and chiefs, that many
did marvel to think that the realm of Britain held so many people.

The knights held themselves in two parties and went to either end of
the lists. Some called themselves the band of Arthur, and would fight
all comers; and among them was Sir Palomides, Sir Conn of Ireland, Sir
Sagramore, Sir Kay the seneschal, Sir Griflet, Sir Mordred, Sir
Gallernon, and Sir Saffre, all knights of the Round Table. On the other
side were the King of Northgales, the King of Swordlands, Sir Galahalt
the Proud, and other knights of the north. These were the smaller
party, yet were they very valiant knights.

Sir Lancelot made him ready with the others