anked his host.

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in Sir Kay's harness, and
how he smote down a knight.

NOW turn we unto Sir Launcelot that had ridden long in a great forest,
and at the last he came into a low country, full of fair rivers and
meadows. And afore him he saw a long bridge, and three pavilions stood
thereon, of silk and sendal of divers hue. And without the pavilions
hung three white shields on truncheons of spears, and great long spears
stood upright by the pavilions, and at every pavilion's door stood three
fresh squires, and so Sir Launcelot passed by them and spake no word.
When he was passed the three knights said them that it was the proud
Kay; He weeneth no knight so good as he, and the contrary is ofttime
proved. By my faith, said one of the knights, his name was Sir Gaunter,
I will ride after him and assay him for all his pride, and ye may behold
how that I speed. So this knight, Sir Gaunter, armed him, and hung his
shield upon his shoulder, and mounted upon a great horse, and gat his
spear in his hand, and walloped after Sir Launcelot. And when he came
nigh him, he cried, Abide, thou proud knight Sir Kay, for thou shalt not
pass quit. So Sir Launcelot turned him, and either feutred their spears,
and came together with all their mights, and Sir Gaunter's spear brake,
but Sir Launcelot smote him down horse and man. And when Sir Gaunter was
at the earth his brethren said each one to other, Yonder knight is not
Sir Kay, for he is bigger than he. I dare lay my head, said Sir Gilmere,
yonder knight hath slain Sir Kay and hath taken his horse and his
harness. Whether it be so or no, said Sir Raynold, the third brother,
let us now go mount upon our horses and rescue our brother Sir Gaunter,
upon pain of death. We all shall have work enough to match that knight,
for ever meseemeth by his person it is Sir Launcelot, or Sir Tristram,
or Sir Pelleas, the good knight.

Then anon they took their horses and overtook Sir Launcelot, and Sir
Gilmere put forth his spear, and ran to Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot
smote him down that he lay in a swoon. Sir knight, said Sir Raynold,
thou art a strong man, and as I suppose thou hast slain my two brethren,
for the which raseth my heart sore against thee, and if I might with
my worship I would not have ado with you, but needs I must take part
as they do, and therefore, knight, he said, keep thyself. And so they
hurtled together with all their might