Chương Chương 283 · Of the fourth day, and of many great feats of arms.

. Of the fourth day, and of many great feats of arms.

Here beginneth the fourth day. Then came into the field the King with

the Hundred Knights, and all they of Northgalis, and the Duke Chaleins

of Clarance, and King Marsil of Pomitain, and there came Safere,

Palomides’ brother, and there he told him tidings of his mother. And

his name was called the Earl, and so he appealed him afore King Arthur:

For he made war upon our father and mother, and there I slew him in

plain battle. So they went into the field, and the damosel with them;

and there came to encounter again them Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, and Sir

Ector de Maris. Sir Palomides encountered with Sir Bleoberis, and

either smote other down. And in the same wise did Sir Safere and Sir

Ector, and the two couples did battle on foot. Then came in Sir

Lamorak, and he encountered with the King with the Hundred Knights, and

smote him quite over his horse’s tail. And in the same wise he served

the King of Northgalis, and also he smote down King Marsil. And so or

ever he stint he smote down with his spear and with his sword thirty

knights. When Duke Chaleins saw Lamorak do so great prowess he would

not meddle with him for shame; and then he charged all his knights in

pain of death that none of you touch him; for it were shame to all good

knights an that knight were shamed.

Then the two kings gathered them together, and all they set upon Sir

Lamorak; and he failed them not, but rushed here and there, smiting on

the right hand and on the left, and raced off many helms, so that the

haut prince and Queen Guenever said they saw never knight do such deeds

of arms on horseback. Alas, said Launcelot to King Bagdemagus, I will

arm me and help Sir Lamorak. And I will ride with you, said King

Bagdemagus. And when they two were horsed they came to Sir Lamorak that

stood among thirty knights; and well was him that might reach him a

buffet, and ever he smote again mightily. Then came there into the

press Sir Launcelot, and he threw down Sir Mador de la Porte. And with

the truncheon of that spear he threw down many knights. And King

Bagdemagus smote on the left hand and on the right hand marvellously

well. And then the three kings fled aback. Therewithal then Sir

Galahalt let blow to lodging, and all the heralds gave Sir Lamorak the

prize. And all this while fought Palomides, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Safere,

Sir Ector on foot; never were there four knights evener matched. And

then they were departed, and had unto their lodging, and unarmed them,

and so they went to the great feast.

But when Sir Lamorak was come into the court Queen Guenever took him in

her arms and said: Sir, well have ye done this day. Then came the haut

prince, and he made of him great joy, and so did Dinadan, for he wept

for joy; but the joy that Sir Launcelot made of Sir Lamorak there might

no man tell. Then they went unto rest, and on the morn the haut prince

let blow unto the field.