your
great doing is changed sith this day in the morn. Damosel, why say you
so? said Launcelot. I say you sooth, said the damosel, for ye were this
day the best knight of the world, but who should say so now, he should
be a liar, for there is now one better than ye, and well it is proved by
the adventures of the sword whereto ye durst not set to your hand; and
that is the change and leaving of your name. Wherefore I make unto you a
remembrance, that ye shall not ween from henceforth that ye be the best
knight of the world. As touching unto that, said Launcelot, I know well
I was never the best. Yes, said the damosel, that were ye, and are
yet, of any sinful man of the world. And, Sir king, Nacien, the hermit,
sendeth thee word, that thee shall befall the greatest worship that
ever befell king in Britain; and I say you wherefore, for this day the
Sangreal appeared in thy house and fed thee and all thy fellowship of
the Round Table. So she departed and went that same way that she came.

CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur had all the knights together for to joust in
the meadow beside Camelot or they departed.

Now, said the king, I am sure at this quest of the Sangreal shall all
ye of the Table Round depart, and never shall I see you again whole
together; therefore I will see you all whole together in the meadow of
Camelot to joust and to tourney, that after your death men may speak of
it that such good knights were wholly together such a day. As unto that
counsel and at the king's request they accorded all, and took on their
harness that longed unto jousting. But all this moving of the king
was for this intent, for to see Galahad proved; for the king deemed he
should not lightly come again unto the court after his departing. So
were they assembled in the meadow, both more and less. Then Sir
Galahad, by the prayer of the king and the queen, did upon him a noble
jesseraunce, and also he did on his helm, but shield would he take none
for no prayer of the king. And then Sir Gawaine and other knights prayed
him to take a spear. Right so he did; and the queen was in a tower with
all her ladies, for to behold that tournament. Then Sir Galahad dressed
him in midst of the meadow, and began to break spears marvellously, that
all men had wonder of him; for he there surmounted all other knights,
for within a while he had defouled many good knights of the Table Round
save twain, that was Sir Launcelot and Sir Percivale.

CHAPTER