Le Morte d'Arthur BOOK X CHAPTER XLIX

CHAPTER XLIX

Of the seventh battle, and how Sir Launcelot, being disguised
like a maid, smote down Sir Dinadan.

NOW beginneth the seventh battle.  There came in the
Duke Cambines, and there encountered with him Sir
Aristance, that was counted a good knight, and they met
so hard that either bare other down, horse and man.  Then
came there the Earl of Lambaile and helped the duke again
to horse.  Then came there Sir Ossaise of Surluse, and he
smote the Earl Lambaile down from his horse.  Then
began they to do great deeds of arms, and many spears
were broken, and many knights were cast to the earth.
Then the King of Northgalis and the Earl Ulbawes
smote together that all the judges thought it was like
mortal death.  This meanwhile Queen Guenever, and the
haut prince, and Sir Launcelot, made there Sir Dinadan
make him ready to joust.  I would, said Dinadan, ride
into the field, but then one of you twain will meet with me.
Per dieu, said the haut prince, ye may see how we sit here
as judges with our shields, and always mayest thou behold
whether we sit here or not.

So Sir Dinadan departed and took his horse, and met
with many knights, and did passing well.  And as he was
departed, Sir Launcelot disguised himself, and put upon
his armour a maiden's garment freshly attired.  Then Sir
Launcelot made Sir Galihodin to lead him through the
range, and all men had wonder what damosel it was.  And
so as Sir Dinadan came into the range, Sir Launcelot, that
was in the damosel's array, gat Galihodin's spear, and ran
unto Sir Dinadan.  And always Sir Dinadan looked up
thereas Sir Launcelot was, and then he saw one sit in the
stead of Sir Launcelot, armed.  But when Dinadan saw a
manner of a damosel he dread perils that it was Sir Launcelot
disguised, but Sir Launcelot came on him so fast that
he smote him over his horse's croup; and then with great
scorns they gat Sir Dinadan into the forest there beside,
and there they dispoiled him unto his shirt, and put upon
him a woman's garment, and so brought him into the
field: and so they blew unto lodging.  And every knight
went and unarmed them.  Then was Sir Dinadan brought
in among them all.  And when Queen Guenever saw Sir
Dinadan brought so among them all, then she laughed
that she fell down, and so did all that there were.  Well,
said Dinadan to Launcelot, thou art so false that I can
never beware of thee.  Then by all the assent they gave
Sir Launcelot the prize, the next was Sir Lamorak de Galis,
the third was Sir Palomides, the fourth was King Bagdemagus;
so these four knights had the prize, and there was
great joy, and great nobley in all the court.

And on the morn Queen Guenever and Sir Launcelot
departed unto King Arthur, but in no wise Sir Lamorak
would not go with them.  I shall undertake, said Sir
Launcelot, that an ye will go with us King Arthur shall
charge Sir Gawaine and his brethren never to do you hurt.
As for that, said Sir Lamorak, I will not trust Sir Gawaine
nor none of his brethren; and wit ye well, Sir Launcelot,
an it were not for my lord King Arthur's sake, I should
match Sir Gawaine and his brethren well enough.  But to
say that I should trust them, that shall I never, and
therefore I pray you recommend me unto my lord Arthur, and
unto all my lords of the Round Table.  And in what place
that ever I come I shall do you service to my power: and
sir, it is but late that I revenged that, when my lord
Arthur's kin were put to the worse by Sir Palomides.
Then Sir Lamorak departed from Sir Launcelot, and either
wept at their departing.