there
should be none other but righteous judgment, as well upon a king as upon
a knight, and as well upon a queen as upon another poor lady.

So in this meanwhile came in Sir Mador de la Porte, and took his oath
afore the king, that the queen did this treason until his cousin Sir
Patrise, and unto his oath he would prove it with his body, hand for
hand, who that would say the contrary. Right so came in Sir Bors de
Ganis, and said: That as for Queen Guenever she is in the right, and
that will I make good with my hands that she is not culpable of this
treason that is put upon her. Then make thee ready, said Sir Mador, and
we shall prove whether thou be in the right or I. Sir Mador, said Sir
Bors, wit thou well I know you for a good knight. Not for then I shall
not fear you so greatly, but I trust to God I shall be able to withstand
your malice. But this much have I promised my lord Arthur and my lady
the queen, that I shall do battle for her in this case to the uttermost,
unless that there come a better knight than I am and discharge me. Is
that all? said Sir Mador, either come thou off and do battle with me, or
else say nay. Take your horse, said Sir Bors, and as I suppose, ye shall
not tarry long but ye shall be answered.

Then either departed to their tents and made them ready to horseback
as they thought best. And anon Sir Mador came into the field with his
shield on his shoulder and his spear in his hand; and so rode about the
place crying unto Arthur: Bid your champion come forth an he dare. Then
was Sir Bors ashamed and took his horse and came to the lists' end.
And then was he ware where came from a wood there fast by a knight all
armed, upon a white horse, with a strange shield of strange arms; and he
came riding all that he might run, and so he came to Sir Bors, and said
thus: Fair knight, I pray you be not displeased, for here must a better
knight than ye are have this battle, therefore I pray you withdraw you.
For wit ye well I have had this day a right great journey, and this
battle ought to be mine, and so I promised you when I spake with you
last, and with all my heart I thank you of your good will. Then Sir
Bors rode unto King Arthur and told him how there was a knight come that
would have the battle for to fight for the queen. What knight is he?
said the king. I wot not, said Sir Bors, but such covenant he made
with me to be here this day. Now my lord, said Sir Bors, here am I
discharged.

CHAPTER