_Of the third day, and how Sir Palamides justed with Sir Lamorak, and
other things._
Now beginneth the third day of justing, and at that day king Bagdemagus
made him ready, and there came against him king Marsil, that had in
gift an island of Sir Galahalt the haut prince; and this island had the
name Pomitain. Then it befell that king Bagdemagus and king Marsil of
Pomitain met together with spears, and king Marsil had such a buffet
that he fell over his horse croup. Then there came in a knight of king
Marsil, to revenge his lord: and king Bagdemagus smote him down, horse
and man, to the earth. So there came an earl that hight Arrouse, and
Sir Breuse, and an hundred knights with them of Pomitain, and the king
of Northgalis was with them; and all these were against them of
Surluse. And then there began great battle, and many knights were cast
under horse feet. And ever king Bagdemagus did best, for he first
began, and ever he held on. Gaheris, Gawaine’s brother, smote ever at
the face of king Bagdemagus: and at the last king Bagdemagus hurtled
down Gaheris, horse and man. Then, by adventure, Sir Palamides, the
good knight, met with Sir Blamor de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis’ brother, and
there either smote other with great spears, that both their horses and
knights fell to the earth. But Sir Blamor had such a fall that he had
almost broken his neck; for the blood brast out at nose, mouth, and his
ears; but at the last he recovered well by good surgeons. Then there
came in duke Chaleins of Clarance, and in his governance there came a
knight that hight Elis la Noire; and there encountered with him king
Bagdemagus, and he smote Elis that he made him to avoid his saddle. So
the duke Chaleins of Clarance did there great deeds of arms; and of so
late as he came in the third day there was no man did so well, except
king Bagdemagus and Sir Palamides; that the prize was given that day
unto king Bagdemagus. And then they blew unto lodging, and unarmed
them, and went to the feast. Right so there came Sir Dinadan, and
mocked and jested with king Bagdemagus, that all knights laughed at
him; for he was a fine jester, and well loving all good knights. So
anon as they had dined there came a varlet, bearing four spears on his
back, and he came to Palamides and said thus: Here is a knight by hath
sent you the choice of four spears, and requireth you for your lady’s
sake to take that one half of these spears, and just with him in the
field. Tell him, said Palamides, I will not fail him. When Sir Galahalt
wist of this, he bad Palamides make him ready. So the queen Guenever,
the haut prince, and Sir Launcelot, they were set upon scaffolds to
give the judgment of these two knights.
Then Sir Palamides and the strange knight ran so eagerly together that
their spears brake to their hands. Anon withal either of them look a
great spear in his hand and all to-shivered them in pieces. And then
either took a greater spear. And then the knight smote down Sir
Palamides, horse and man, to the earth. And as he would have passed
over him, the strange knight’s horse stumbled, and fell down upon
Palamides. Then they drew their swords, and lashed together wonderly
sore a great while. Then the haut prince and Sir Launcelot said they
saw never two knights fight better than they did. But ever the strange
knight doubled his strokes, and put Palamides aback. Therewith the haut
prince cried, Ho; and then they went to lodging. And when they were
unarmed they knew it was the noble knight Sir Lamorak. When Sir
Launcelot knew that it was Sir Lamorak he made much of him; for above
all earthly men he loved him best except Sir Tristram. Then queen
Guenever commended him, and so did all other good knights make much of
him, except Sir Gawaine’s brethren. Then queen Guenever said unto Sir
Launcelot, Sir, I require you that and ye just any more, that ye just
with none of the blood of my lord Arthur. So he promised he would not
as at that time.