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Of the fifth day, and how Sir Lamorak behaved him. |
HERE beginneth the fifth day. So it befell that Sir Palamides came in the morn-tide and proffered to just there as king Arthur was, in a castle there beside Surluse; and there encountered with him a worshipful duke, and there Sir Palamides smote him over his horse croup. And this duke was uncle unto king Arthur. Then Sir Elise’s son rode unto Palamides, and Palamides served Elise in the same wise. When Sir Uwaine saw this, he was wroth. Then he took his horse, and encountered with Sir Palamides, and Palamides smote him so hard that he went to the earth, horse and man. And for to make a short tale, he smote down three brethren of Sir Gawaine’s, that is for to say, Mordred, Gaheris, and Agravaine. Truly, said Arthur, this is a great despite of a Saracen, that he shall smite down my blood. And therewithal king Arthur was wood wroth, and thought to have made him ready to just. That espied Sir Lamorak, that Arthur and his blood were discomfited. And anon he was ready, and asked Palamides if he would any more just. Why should I not? said Palamides. Then they hurtled together, and brake their spears and all to-shivered them, that all the castle rang of their dints. Then either gat a greater spear in his hand, and they came so fiercely together; but Sir Palamides’ spear all to-brast, and Sir Lamorak’s did hold. Therewithal Sir Palamides lost his stirrups and lay upright on his horse’s back. And then Sir Palamides returned again, and took his damsel, and Sir Safere returned his way. So when he was departed, king Arthur came to Sir Lamorak, and thanked him of his goodness, and prayed him to tell him his name. Sir, said Lamorak, wit you well, I owe you my service: but as at this time I will not abide here, for I see of mine enemies many about me. Alas, said Arthur, now wot I well it is Sir Lamorak de Galis. O, Lamorak, abide with me, and by my crown I shall never fail thee: and not so hardy in Gawaine’s head, nor none of his brethren, to do thee any wrong. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, wrong have they done me and to you both. That is truth, said king Arthur, for they slew their own mother and my sister, which me sore grieveth. It had been much fairer and better that ye had wedded her, for ye are a king’s son as well as they. Truly, said the noble knight Sir Lamorak unto Arthur, her death shall I never forget; I promise you and make mine avow I shall avenge her death as soon as I see time convenient. And if it were not at the reverence of your highness I should now have been revenged upon Sir Gawaine and his brethren. Truly, said Arthur, I will make you at accord. Sir, said Lamorak, as at this time I may not abide with you, for I must to the justs, where is Sir Launcelot and the haut prince Sir Galahalt.
Then there was a damsel that was daughter to king Bandes; and there was a Saracen knight that hight Corsabrin, and he loved the damsel, and in no wise he would suffer her to be married. For ever this Sir Corsabrin defamed her, and named her that she was out of her mind; and thus he let her that she might not be married.