s. As to that, said Sir Launcelot, I will not take
your yielding unto me. But so that ye will yield you unto Sir Kay the
Seneschal, on that covenant I will save your lives, and else not. Fair
knight, said they, that were we loath to do; for as for Sir Kay, we
chased him hither, and had overcome him had not ye been, therefore to
yield us unto him it were no reason. Well, as to that, said Launcelot,
advise you well, for ye may choose whether ye will die or live, for an
ye be yolden it shall be unto Sir Kay. Fair knight, then they said, in
saving of our lives we will do as thou commandest us. Then shall ye,
said Sir Launcelot, on Whitsunday next coming, go unto the court of King
Arthur, and there shall ye yield you unto Queen Guenever, and put you
all three in her grace and mercy, and say that Sir Kay sent you thither
to be her prisoners. Sir, they said, it shall be done by the faith of
our bodies, an we be living, and there they swore every knight upon his
sword. And so Sir Launcelot suffered them so to depart. And then Sir
Launcelot knocked at the gate with the pommel of his sword, and with
that came his host, and in they entered Sir Kay and he. Sir, said his
host, I weened ye had been in your bed. So I was, said Sir Launcelot,
but I rose and leapt out at my window for to help an old fellow of mine.
And so when they came nigh the light, Sir Kay knew well that it was
Sir Launcelot, and therewith he kneeled down and thanked him of all his
kindness that he had holpen him twice from the death. Sir, he said, I
have nothing done but that me ought for to do, and ye are welcome, and
here shall ye repose you and take your rest.

So when Sir Kay was unarmed, he asked after meat; so there was meat
fetched him, and he ate strongly. And when he had supped they went
to their beds and were lodged together in one bed. On the morn Sir
Launcelot arose early, and left Sir Kay sleeping, and Sir Launcelot took
Sir Kay's armour and his shield, and armed him, and so he went to the
stable, and took his horse, and took his leave of his host, and so he
departed. Then soon after arose Sir Kay and missed Sir Launcelot. And
then he espied that he had his armour and his horse. Now by my faith I
know well that he will grieve some of the court of King Arthur; for on
him knights will be bold, and deem that it is I, and that will beguile
them. And because of his armour and shield I am sure I shall ride in
peace. And then soon after departed Sir Kay and th