ch errant
knights were overthrown by the valor and the skill of the Knight of the
Fountain. And in every case where that knight adventurer was thus
overthrown, the Knight of the Fountain would take from him his horse and
his shield and would send him away upon foot, disarmed and ashamed.

So, because of the valor of the Knight of the Fountain, it came about in
course of time that a very noble and worthy court of chivalry became
established at the castle of the city of the Fountain, insomuch that the
renown of that court of the Fountain hath been handed down in the
histories of chivalry even to this day, when knighthood no longer
dwelleth upon the earth.

* * * * *

Such is the history of Sir Ewaine when he undertook the Adventure of the
Fountain whilst upon the quest of Sir Launcelot. And now if you choose
to read further you shall hear how Sir Percival and Sir Sagramore found
Sir Launcelot in the Island of Joy and of how Sir Launcelot returned to
his friends once more.

[Illustration]

PART VI

The Return of Sir Launcelot

_Here followeth the further history of Sir Launcelot of the Lake; of how
Sir Percival and Sir Ector de Maris found Sir Launcelot where he was
dwelling very peacefully and happily (albeit not with perfect content)
in the Island of Joy, of which you have heard mention in that which hath
gone before; of the notable affair-at-arms betwixt Sir Launcelot and Sir
Percival, and of how Sir Launcelot, with Elaine the Fair, returned with
Sir Percival and Sir Ector de Maris to the court of King Arthur.
Likewise you shall there read of what befell that noble company in the
Valley of the Fountain aforetold of.

All this history is of such a sort that it hath given me great pleasure
to write it; wherefore if so be it may give you a like sort of pleasure
to read it, then shall I be very well content with that which I have
done in my endeavor to set forth these several events aforesaid._

[Illustration: Sir Lamorack and Sir Percival receive their Mother's
Blessing:]

[Illustration]

Chapter First

_How Sir Percival met his brother, and how they two journeyed to the
priory where their mother dwelt and what befell them thereafter._

Now return we to Sir Percival and Sir Sagramore whom Sir Ewaine left (as
aforetold of) still sleeping in that castle whence we departed so early
in the morning--even before the break of day--to undertake the Adventure
of the F