s, by Sir Gawaine and his brethren. So God me help, said
Hermind, there was not one for one that slew him. That is truth, said
Sir Palomides, for they were four dangerous knights that slew him,
as Sir Gawaine, Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred, but Sir
Gareth, the fifth brother was away, the best knight of them all. And so
Sir Palomides told Hermind all the manner, and how they slew Sir Lamorak
all only by treason.
So Sir Palomides took his ship, and arrived up at the Delectable Isle.
And in the meanwhile Sir Hermind that was the king's brother, he arrived
up at the Red City, and there he told them how there was come a knight
of King Arthur's to avenge King Hermance's death: And his name is Sir
Palomides, the good knight, that for the most part he followeth the
beast Glatisant. Then all the city made great joy, for mickle had they
heard of Sir Palomides, and of his noble prowess. So let they ordain a
messenger, and sent unto the two brethren, and bade them to make them
ready, for there was a knight come that would fight with them both. So
the messenger went unto them where they were at a castle there beside;
and there he told them how there was a knight come of King Arthur's
court to fight with them both at once. He is welcome, said they; but
tell us, we pray you, if it be Sir Launcelot or any of his blood? He is
none of that blood, said the messenger. Then we care the less, said the
two brethren, for with none of the blood of Sir Launcelot we keep not to
have ado withal. Wit ye well, said the messenger, that his name is Sir
Palomides, that yet is unchristened, a noble knight. Well, said they, an
he be now unchristened he shall never be christened. So they appointed
to be at the city within two days.
And when Sir Palomides was come to the city they made passing great joy
of him, and then they beheld him, and saw that he was well made, cleanly
and bigly, and unmaimed of his limbs, and neither too young nor too old.
And so all the people praised him; and though he was not christened yet
he believed in the best manner, and was full faithful and true of his
promise, and well conditioned; and because he made his avow that he
would never be christened unto the time that he had achieved the
beast Glatisant, the which was a full wonderful beast, and a great
signification; for Merlin prophesied much of that beast. And also Sir
Palomides avowed never to take full christendom unto the time that he
had done seven battl
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