Chapter Chapter 359 · How King Arthur had all the knights together for to joust

. How King Arthur had all the knights together for to joust

in the meadow beside Camelot or they departed.

Now, said the king, I am sure at this quest of the Sangreal shall all

ye of the Table Round depart, and never shall I see you again whole

together; therefore I will see you all whole together in the meadow of

Camelot to joust and to tourney, that after your death men may speak of

it that such good knights were wholly together such a day. As unto that

counsel and at the king’s request they accorded all, and took on their

harness that longed unto jousting. But all this moving of the king was

for this intent, for to see Galahad proved; for the king deemed he

should not lightly come again unto the court after his departing. So

were they assembled in the meadow, both more and less. Then Sir

Galahad, by the prayer of the king and the queen, did upon him a noble

jesseraunce, and also he did on his helm, but shield would he take none

for no prayer of the king. And then Sir Gawaine and other knights

prayed him to take a spear. Right so he did; and the queen was in a

tower with all her ladies, for to behold that tournament. Then Sir

Galahad dressed him in midst of the meadow, and began to break spears

marvellously, that all men had wonder of him; for he there surmounted

all other knights, for within a while he had defouled many good knights

of the Table Round save twain, that was Sir Launcelot and Sir

Percivale.