In fulfilment of his oath as a knight of the Round Table Sir Launcelot
rode into many strange and wild countries and through many waters and
valleys. He slew Sir Turquine, who watched to destroy knights, and he
clove the head of another false traitor who attended to destroy and
distress ladies, damsels, and gentlewomen. Other wrongs besides these
he righted, and bravely withstood many a struggle.
Now on a day it chanced that he passed a deep forest, where, as often
before, he found strait lodging. But he was brave and strong, and
feared no hardship provided he did nothing contrary to his honour as a
worthy knight. As he was riding over a long bridge there started upon
him suddenly a passing foul churl, who struck his horse upon the nose
and asked Sir Launcelot why he rode over that bridge without licence.
"Why should I not ride this way?" said Sir Launcelot; "it is the way I
choose to ride."
"Thou shall not choose," said the churl, and began to beat him with his
great club shod with iron.
Sir Launcelot drew his sword, and made short work of this rough
porter. Then he rode right on to the end of the bridge, through the
fair village, where all the people in vain gave him warning, and on
straight into the green courtyard of the castle, which was
Tintagil, in Cornwall.
Anon there came upon him two great giants, with horrible clubs in their
hands. With shield and sword he soon laid on the earth one of these
giants. The other ran away for fear of the horrible strokes, and Sir
Launcelot entered the hall. Here he set free three-score gentlewomen, who for seven years had been prisoners of the two giants, working all manner of silk works for their food.
"Show me such cheer as ye have," said Sir Launcelot, "and what treasure
there is in this castle I give you for a reward for your grievance." Then soon he mounted his horse again, and rode away upon further adventure.
One night he came to the courtyard of an old gentleman, who lodged him
with a good will, and there he had good cheer for himself and his
horse. When time was his host brought him into a fair garret over the
gate to his bed. There Sir Launcelot unarmed him, set his armour
beside him, and went to bed, and anon fell asleep. Soon afterward
there came one on horseback, and knocked at the gate in great haste. When Sir Launcelot heard this, he arose up and looked out at the window, and saw by the moonlight three knights come after that one man; all three lashed on him at once with swords, and that one knight turned on them knightly again and defended himself.
"Truly," said Sir Launcelot, "yonder one knight shall I help, for it
were shame for me to see three knights on one, and if he be slain I am
partner in his death."
Therewith he took his armour and let himself down from the window by a
sheet to the four knights.
"Turn you knights unto me," cried Sir Launcelot aloud, "and leave your
fighting with that knight."
And then they all three left Sir Kay, for it was he who was so hard
bestead, and turned unto Sir Launcelot. And there began great battle, for they alighted, all three, and struck many great strokes at Sir Launcelot, and assailed him on every side. Sir Kay would have helped him, but Sir Launcelot suffered him not, and anon within six strokes he had struck all three to the earth. Sir Launcelot made them yield themselves to Sir Kay and promise to go next Whitsunday to the court as prisoners of Queen Guenever. So they were suffered to depart, and Sir Launcelot knocked at the gate with the pommel of his sword. The host came, and they entered, Sir Kay and he. "Sir," said the host, "I thought you were in your bed." "So I was," said Sir Launcelot, "but I arose and leaped out at my window to help an old fellow of mine."
When they came nigh the light, Sir Kay knew well that it was Sir
Launcelot, and therewith he kneeled down and thanked him for all his
kindness that he had holpen him from death.
"Sir," said Sir Launcelot, "I have done nothing but that I ought to do, and ye are welcome, and here shall ye repose you and take your rest."