deep and large. And when they were
there Sir Launcelot let call it the Joyous Isle; and there was he called
none otherwise but Le Chevaler Mal Fet, the knight that hath trespassed.
Then Sir Launcelot let make him a shield all of sable, and a queen
crowned in the midst, all of silver, and a knight clean armed kneeling
afore her. And every day once, for any mirths that all the ladies might
make him, he would once every day look toward the realm of Logris,
where King Arthur and Queen Guenever was. And then would he fall upon a
weeping as his heart should to-brast.

So it fell that time Sir Launcelot heard of a jousting fast by his
castle, within three leagues. Then he called unto him a dwarf, and he
bade him go unto that jousting. And or ever the knights depart, look
thou make there a cry, in hearing of all the knights, that there is one
knight in the Joyous Isle, that is the Castle of Bliant, and say his
name is Le Chevaler Mal Fet, that will joust against knights that will
come. And who that putteth that knight to the worse shall have a fair
maid and a gerfalcon.

CHAPTER VII. Of a great tourneying in the Joyous Isle, and how Sir
Pervivale and Sir Ector came thither, and Sir Percivale fought with him.

SO when this cry was made, unto Joyous Isle drew knights to the number
of five hundred; and wit ye well there was never seen in Arthur's days
one knight that did so much deeds of arms as Sir Launcelot did three
days together; for as the book maketh truly mention, he had the better
of all the five hundred knights, and there was not one slain of them.
And after that Sir Launcelot made them all a great feast.

And in the meanwhile came Sir Percivale de Galis and Sir Ector de Maris
under that castle that was called the Joyous Isle. And as they beheld
that gay castle they would have gone to that castle, but they might not
for the broad water, and bridge could they find none. Then they saw on
the other side a lady with a sperhawk on her hand, and Sir Percivale
called unto her, and asked that lady who was in that castle. Fair
knights, she said, here within this castle is the fairest lady in this
land, and her name is Elaine. Also we have in this castle the fairest
knight and the mightiest man that is I dare say living, and he called
himself Le Chevaler Mal Fet. How came he into these marches? said Sir
Percivale. Truly, said the damosel, he came into this country like a mad
man, with dogs and boys chasing him through the