Chương Chương 284 · Of the Fifth day, and how Sir Lamorak behaved him.

. Of the Fifth day, and how Sir Lamorak behaved him.

Here beginneth the fifth day. So it befell that Sir Palomides came in

the morntide, and proffered to joust thereas King Arthur was in a

castle there besides Surluse; and there encountered with him a

worshipful duke, and there Sir Palomides smote him over his horse’s

croup. And this duke was uncle unto King Arthur. Then Sir Elise’s son

rode unto Palomides, and Palomides served Elise in the same wise. When

Sir Uwaine saw this he was wroth. Then he took his horse and

encountered with Sir Palomides, and Palomides smote him so hard that he

went to the earth, horse and man. And for to make a short tale, he

smote down three brethren of Sir Gawaine, that is for to say Mordred,

Gaheris, and Agravaine. O Jesu, said Arthur, this is a great despite of

a Saracen that he shall smite down my blood. And therewithal King

Arthur was wood wroth, and thought to have made him ready to joust.

That espied Sir Lamorak, that Arthur and his blood were discomfit; and

anon he was ready, and asked Palomides if he would any more joust. Why

should I not? said Palomides. Then they hurtled together, and brake

their spears, and all to-shivered them, that all the castle rang of

their dints. Then either gat a greater spear in his hand, and they came

so fiercely together; but Sir Palomides’ spear all to-brast and Sir

Lamorak’s did hold. Therewithal Sir Palomides lost his stirrups and lay

upright on his horse’s back. And then Sir Palomides returned again and

took his damosel, and Sir Safere returned his way.

So, when he was departed, King Arthur came to Sir Lamorak and thanked

him of his goodness, and prayed him to tell him his name. Sir, said

Lamorak, wit thou well, I owe you my service, but as at this time I

will not abide here, for I see of mine enemies many about me. Alas,

said Arthur, now wot I well it is Sir Lamorak de Galis. O Lamorak,

abide with me, and by my crown I shall never fail thee: and not so

hardy in Gawaine’s head, nor none of his brethren, to do thee any

wrong. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, wrong have they done me, and to you both.

That is truth, said the king, for they slew their own mother and my

sister, the which me sore grieveth: it had been much fairer and better

that ye had wedded her, for ye are a king’s son as well as they. O

Jesu, said the noble knight Sir Lamorak unto Arthur, her death shall I

never forget. I promise you, and make mine avow unto God, I shall

revenge her death as soon as I see time convenable. And if it were not

at the reverence of your highness I should now have been revenged upon

Sir Gawaine and his brethren. Truly, said Arthur, I will make you at

accord. Sir, said Lamorak, as at this time I may not abide with you,

for I must to the jousts, where is Sir Launcelot, and the haut prince

Sir Galahalt.

Then there was a damosel that was daughter to King Bandes. And there

was a Saracen knight that hight Corsabrin, and he loved the damosel,

and in no wise he would suffer her to be married; for ever this

Corsabrin noised her, and named her that she was out of her mind; and

thus he let her that she might not be married.