rushing and hurling, as Sir
Launcelot thrang here and there, it mishapped him to slay Gaheris and
Sir Gareth, the noble knight, for they were unarmed and unware. For as
the French book saith, Sir Launcelot smote Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris
upon the brain-pans, wherethrough they were slain in the field; howbeit
in very truth Sir Launcelot saw them not, and so were they found dead
among the thickest of the press.

Then when Sir Launcelot had thus done, and slain and put to flight all
that would withstand him, then he rode straight unto Dame Guenever, and
made a kirtle and a gown to be cast upon her; and then he made her to
be set behind him, and prayed her to be of good cheer. Wit you well the
queen was glad that she was escaped from the death. And then she thanked
God and Sir Launcelot; and so he rode his way with the queen, as the
French book saith, unto Joyous Gard, and there he kept her as a noble
knight should do; and many great lords and some kings sent Sir Launcelot
many good knights, and many noble knights drew unto Sir Launcelot.
When this was known openly, that King Arthur and Sir Launcelot were at
debate, many knights were glad of their debate, and many were full heavy
of their debate.

CHAPTER IX. Of the sorrow and lamentation of King Arthur for the death
of his nephews and other good knights, and also for the queen, his wife.

SO turn we again unto King Arthur, that when it was told him how and in
what manner of wise the queen was taken away from the fire, and when he
heard of the death of his noble knights, and in especial of Sir Gaheris
and Sir Gareth's death, then the king swooned for pure sorrow. And when
he awoke of his swoon, then he said: Alas, that ever I bare crown upon
my head! for now have I lost the fairest fellowship of noble knights
that ever held Christian king together. Alas, my good knights be slain
away from me: now within these two days I have lost forty knights, and
also the noble fellowship of Sir Launcelot and his blood, for now I may
never hold them together no more with my worship. Alas that ever this
war began. Now fair fellows, said the king, I charge you that no man
tell Sir Gawaine of the death of his two brethren; for I am sure, said
the king, when Sir Gawaine heareth tell that Sir Gareth is dead he will
go nigh out of his mind. Mercy Jesu, said the king, why slew he Sir
Gareth and Sir Gaheris, for I dare say as for Sir Gareth he loved Sir
Launcelot above all men earthly. T