elot did not come, Sir Meliagraunce
called ever on King Arthur to burn the Queen, or else bring forth Sir
Lancelot, for he deemed full well that he had Sir Lancelot safe in his
dungeon. The King and Queen were sore distressed that Sir Lancelot was
missing, and knew not where to look for him, and what to do. Then
stepped forth Sir Lavaine and said, 'My lord Arthur, you know well
that some ill-fortune has happened to Sir Lancelot, and if he is not
dead, he is either sick or in prison. Therefore I beseech you, let me
do battle instead of my lord and master for my lady the Queen.'

'I thank you heartily, gentle Knight,' answered Arthur, 'for I am sure
that Sir Meliagraunce accuses the Queen falsely, and there is not one
of the ten Knights who would not fight for her were it not for his
wounds. So do your best, for it is plain that some evil has been
wrought on Sir Lancelot.' Sir Lavaine was filled with joy when the
King gave him leave to do battle with Sir Meliagraunce, and rode
swiftly to his place at the end of the lists. And just as the heralds
were about to cry 'Lesses les aler!' Sir Lancelot dashed into the
middle on his white horse. 'Hold and abide!' commanded the King, and
Sir Lancelot rode up before him, and told before them all how Sir
Meliagraunce had treated him. When the King and Queen and all the
Lords heard Sir Lancelot's tale, their hearts stirred within them with
anger, and the Queen took her seat by the King, in great trust of her
champion. Sir Lancelot and Sir Meliagraunce prepared themselves for
battle, and took their spears, and came together as thunder, and Sir
Lancelot bore Sir Meliagraunce right over his horse. Then Sir Lancelot
jumped down, and they fought on foot, till in the end Sir Meliagraunce
was smitten to the ground by a blow on his head from his enemy. 'Most
noble Knight, save my life,' cried he, 'for I yield myself unto you,
and put myself into the King's hands and yours.' Sir Lancelot did not
know what to answer, for he longed above anything in the world to have
revenge upon him; so he looked at the Queen to see whether she would
give him any sign of what she would have done. The Queen wagged her
head in answer, and Sir Lancelot knew by that token that she would
have him dead, and he understood, and bade Sir Meliagraunce get up,
and continue the fight. 'Nay,' said Sir Meliagraunce, 'I will never
rise till you accept my surrender.' 'Listen,' answered Sir Lancelot.
'I will leave my head and l