Chapter Chapter 107 · How Sir Launcelot was received of King Bagdemagus’

. How Sir Launcelot was received of King Bagdemagus’

daughter, and how he made his complaint to her father.

And soon as Sir Launcelot came within the abbey yard, the daughter of

King Bagdemagus heard a great horse go on the pavement. And she then

arose and yede unto a window, and there she saw Sir Launcelot, and anon

she made men fast to take his horse from him and let lead him into a

stable, and himself was led into a fair chamber, and unarmed him, and

the lady sent him a long gown, and anon she came herself. And then she

made Launcelot passing good cheer, and she said he was the knight in

the world was most welcome to her. Then in all haste she sent for her

father Bagdemagus that was within twelve mile of that Abbey, and afore

even he came, with a fair fellowship of knights with him. And when the

king was alighted off his horse he yode straight unto Sir Launcelot’s

chamber and there he found his daughter, and then the king embraced Sir

Launcelot in his arms, and either made other good cheer.

Anon Sir Launcelot made his complaint unto the king how he was

betrayed, and how his brother Sir Lionel was departed from him he wist

not where, and how his daughter had delivered him out of prison;

Therefore while I live I shall do her service and all her kindred. Then

am I sure of your help, said the king, on Tuesday next coming. Yea,

sir, said Sir Launcelot, I shall not fail you, for so I have promised

my lady your daughter. But, sir, what knights be they of my lord

Arthur’s that were with the King of Northgalis? And the king said it

was Sir Mador de la Porte, and Sir Mordred and Sir Gahalantine that all

for-fared my knights, for against them three I nor my knights might

bear no strength. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, as I hear say that the

tournament shall be here within this three mile of this abbey, ye shall

send unto me three knights of yours, such as ye trust, and look that

the three knights have all white shields, and I also, and no painture

on the shields, and we four will come out of a little wood in midst of

both parties, and we shall fall in the front of our enemies and grieve

them that we may; and thus shall I not be known what knight I am.

So they took their rest that night, and this was on the Sunday, and so

the king departed, and sent unto Sir Launcelot three knights with the

four white shields. And on the Tuesday they lodged them in a little

leaved wood beside there the tournament should be. And there were

scaffolds and holes that lords and ladies might behold and to give the

prize. Then came into the field the King of Northgalis with eight score

helms. And then the three knights of Arthur’s stood by themselves. Then

came into the field King Bagdemagus with four score of helms. And then

they feutred their spears, and came together with a great dash, and

there were slain of knights at the first recounter twelve of King

Bagdemagus’ party, and six of the King of Northgalis’ party, and King

Bagdemagus’ party was far set aback.