The knights are much comforted of the coming of Lancelot, but he is
much grieved that he findeth so many of them wounded. Meliant of the
Waste Manor is at the castle of the Hard Rock, and good fellow is it
betwixt him and Kay the Seneschal. He is right glad of the tidings he
hath heard, that Lancelot is come, and saith that he is the knight of
the world that most he hateth, and that he will avenge him of his
father and he may meet him. There come before the castle of Cardoil
one day threescore knights armed, and they seize upon their booty
betwixt the castle and the forest. Lancelot issueth forth all armed,
and seven of the best of the castle with him. He cometh upon them
after that they have led away their plunder. He overtaketh one knight
and smiteth him with his spear right through the body, and the other
knights make an onset upon the others and many to-brake their spears,
and much clashing was there of steel on armour; and there fell at the
assembly on one side and the other full a score knights, whereof some
were wounded right sore. Meliant of the Waste Manor espied Lancelot,
and right great joy made he of seeing him, and smiteth him so stout a
buffet on the shield that he to-breaketh his spear.