suppose I
shall be big enough to draw him out of the biggest tower of his castle.

So then the king sent letters and writs throughout all England, both in
the length and the breadth, for to assummon all his knights. And so unto
Arthur drew many knights, dukes, and earls, so that he had a great host.
And when they were assembled, the king informed them how Sir Launcelot
had bereft him his queen. Then the king and all his host made them
ready to lay siege about Sir Launcelot, where he lay within Joyous Gard.
Thereof heard Sir Launcelot, and purveyed him of many good knights, for
with him held many knights; and some for his own sake, and some for
the queen's sake. Thus they were on both parties well furnished and
garnished of all manner of thing that longed to the war. But King
Arthur's host was so big that Sir Launcelot would not abide him in the
field, for he was full loath to do battle against the king; but Sir
Launcelot drew him to his strong castle with all manner of victual, and
as many noble men as he might suffice within the town and the castle.
Then came King Arthur with Sir Gawaine with an huge host, and laid a
siege all about Joyous Gard, both at the town and at the castle, and
there they made strong war on both parties. But in no wise Sir Launcelot
would ride out, nor go out of his castle, of long time; neither he would
none of his good knights to issue out, neither none of the town nor of
the castle, until fifteen weeks were past.

CHAPTER XI. Of the communication between King Arthur and Sir Launcelot,
and how King Arthur reproved him.

THEN it befell upon a day in harvest time, Sir Launcelot looked over
the walls, and spake on high unto King Arthur and Sir Gawaine: My lords
both, wit ye well all is in vain that ye make at this siege, for here
win ye no worship but maugre and dishonour; for an it list me to come
myself out and my good knights, I should full soon make an end of
this war. Come forth, said Arthur unto Launcelot, an thou durst, and
I promise thee I shall meet thee in midst of the field. God defend me,
said Sir Launcelot, that ever I should encounter with the most noble
king that made me knight. Fie upon thy fair language, said the king,
for wit you well and trust it, I am thy mortal foe, and ever will to my
death day; for thou hast slain my good knights, and full noble men of
my blood, that I shall never recover again. Also thou hast lain by my
queen, and holden her many winters, and sithen