hite-shielded companions, placed
himself in ambush in a leafy grove near where the lists were raised.
Around the field were rows of benches where the spectators might sit,
and richly-adorned seats for the lords and ladies who were to adjudge
the combat and award the prize of skill and valor.

Then into the lists rode the King of Northgalis, with a following of
fourscore knights, and attended by the three knights of Arthur's court,
who stood apart by themselves. Into the opposite side of the lists rode
King Bagdemagus, with as many knights in his train.

When all were in place the signal for the onset was given, and the
knights put their spears in rest and rode together with a great rush,
and with such fatal fortune that twelve of the party of Bagdemagus and
six of that of Northgalis were slain at the first encounter, while the
knights of King Bagdemagus were driven back in disorder.

At this critical juncture Lancelot and his companions broke from their
concealment and rode into the lists, forcing their horses into the thick
of the press. Then Lancelot did deeds of such marvellous strength and
skill that all men deeply wondered who could be the valiant knight of
the white shield. For with one spear he smote down five knights, with
such force that four of them broke their backs in the fall. Then turning
on the King of Northgalis, he hurled him from his horse and broke his
thigh.

The three knights of Arthur's court, who had not yet joined in the fray,
saw this, and rode forward.

"A shrewd guest that," said Mador. "Let me have at him."

But his fortune was not equal to his hopes, for Lancelot bore down horse
and man, so that Mador's shoulder was put out of joint by the fall.

"Now is my turn," said Mordred.

He rode fiercely on Lancelot, who turned nimbly and met him in full
career, Mordred's spear shivering unto his hand when it struck the firm
white shield. But Lancelot gave him so shrewd a buffet that the bow of
his saddle broke, and he was flung over his horse's tail with such
violence that his helmet went more than a foot into the earth. Fortune
saved him from a broken neck, but he lay long in a swoon.

Then Gahalatine and Lancelot rode together with all their force, the
spears of both breaking, but both keeping their seats. They now drew
their swords, and struck each other many a keen blow. At length
Lancelot, with a burst of wrath, smote Gahalatine so fierce a stroke on
the helm that blood burst from his