the request of Queen Guenever and of King Bagdemagus Sir
Launcelot came into the range, but he was disguised, and that was the
cause that few folk knew him; and there met with him Sir Ector de Maris,
his own brother, and either brake their spears upon other to their
hands. And then either gat another spear. And then Sir Launcelot smote
down Sir Ector de Maris, his own brother. That saw Sir Bleoberis, and
he smote Sir Launcelot such a buffet upon the helm that he wist not well
where he was. Then Sir Launcelot was wrothy and smote Sir Bleoberis so
sore upon the helm that his head bowed down backward. And he smote
eft another buffet, that he avoided his saddle; and so he rode by, and
thrust forth to the thickest. When the King of Northgalis saw Sir Ector
and Bleoberis lie on the ground then was he wroth, for they came on
his party against them of Surluse. So the King of Northgalis ran to
Sir Launcelot, and brake a spear upon him all to pieces. Therewith Sir
Launcelot overtook the King of Northgalis, and smote him such a buffet
on the helm with his sword that he made him to avoid his horse; and anon
the king was horsed again. So both the King Bagdemagus' and the King of
North-galis' party hurled to other; and then began a strong medley, but
they of Northgalis were far bigger.
When Sir Launcelot saw his party go to the worst he thrang into the
thickest press with a sword in his hand; and there he smote down on the
right hand and on the left hand, and pulled down knights and raced off
their helms, that all men had wonder that ever one knight might do such
deeds of arms. When Sir Meliagaunce, that was son unto King Bagdemagus,
saw how Sir Launcelot fared he marvelled greatly. And when he understood
that it was he, he wist well that he was disguised for his sake. Then
Sir Meliagaunce prayed a knight to slay Sir Launcelot's horse, either
with sword or with spear. At that time King Bagdemagus met with a knight
that hight Sauseise, a good knight, to whom he said: Now fair Sauseise,
encounter with my son Meliagaunce and give him large payment, for I
would he were well beaten of thy hands, that he might depart out of
this field. And then Sir Sauseise encountered with Sir Meliagaunce,
and either smote other down. And then they fought on foot, and there
Sauseise had won Sir Meliagaunce, had there not come rescues. So then
the haut prince blew to lodging, and every knight unarmed him and went
to the great feast.
Then in the meanwhil
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