e 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.

CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a tournament, and how he
met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris.

WITH that came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he thrust in with his spear in
the thickest of the press, and there he smote down with one spear five
knights, and of four of them he brake their backs. And in that throng he
smote down the King of Northgalis, and brake his thigh in that fall. All
this doing of Sir Launcelot saw the three knights of Arthur's. Yonder is
a shrewd guest, said Sir Mador de la Porte, therefore have here once at
him. So they encountered, and Sir Launcelot bare him down horse and man,
so that his shoulder went out of lith. Now befalleth it to me to jous