or it was
the custom in those days that neither fear nor favour, love nor
kinship, should hinder right judgment. Then came Sir Mador de la
Porte, and made oath before the King that the Queen had done to death
his cousin Sir Patrise, and he would prove it on her Knight's body,
let who would say the contrary. Sir Bors likewise made answer that
Queen Guenevere had done no wrong, and that he would make good with
his two hands. 'Then get you ready,' said Sir Mador. 'Sir Mador,'
answered Sir Bors, 'I know you for a good Knight, but I trust to be
able to withstand your malice; and I have promised King Arthur and my
Lady the Queen that I will do battle for her to the uttermost, unless
there come forth a better Knight than I am.'

'Is that all?' asked Sir Mador; 'but you must either fight now or own
that you are beaten.'

'Take your horse,' said Sir Bors, 'for I shall not tarry long,' and
Sir Mador forthwith rode into the field with his shield on his
shoulder, and his spear in his hand, and he went up and down crying
unto King Arthur, 'Bid your champion come forth if he dare.' At that
Sir Bors was ashamed, and took his horse, and rode to the end of the
lists. But from a wood hard by appeared a Knight riding fast on a
white horse, bearing a shield full of strange devices. When he reached
Sir Bors he drew rein and said, 'Fair Knight, be not displeased, but
this battle must be to a better Knight than you. For I have come a
great journey to fight this fight, as I promised when I spoke with you
last, and I thank you heartily for your goodwill.' So Sir Bors went to
King Arthur and told him that a Knight had come who wished to do
battle for the Queen. 'What Knight is he?' asked the King.

'That I know not,' said Sir Bors; 'but he made a covenant with me to
be here this day, and now I am discharged,' said Sir Bors.

Then the King called to that Knight and asked him if he would fight
for the Queen. 'For that purpose I came hither,' replied he, 'and
therefore, Sir King, delay me no longer, for as soon as I have ended
this battle I must go hence, as I have many matters elsewhere. And
I would have you know that it is a dishonour to all the Knights of the
Round Table to let so noble a lady and so courteous a Queen as Queen
Guenevere be shamed amongst you.'

[Illustration: ARTHUR AND GUENEVERE KISS BEFORE ALL THE PEOPLE]

The Knights who were standing round looked at each other at these
words, and wondered much what man this was who to