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Book 6 The Prologues Chapter 6
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How Sir Launcelot du Lake falls in love with King Bagdemagus daughter.
When Sir Launcelot got to the abbey yard, the daughter of King Bagdemagus heard a great horse go on the pavement. She arose up to a window there she saw Sir Launcelot, quickly. She made the servants take his horse from him and lead him into a stable, he himself was led into a fair chamber. They unarmed him, and the lady sent him a long gown, and anon met him there. Then she told Launcelot he was the knight in the world was most welcome to her. Then in all haste she sent for her father. King Bagdemagus, was within twelve miles of that Abbey. He came with a fair fellowship of knights with him and helped off his horse, he headed straight towards Sir Launcelot’s chamber. There he found his daughter. The king then embraced Sir Launcelot in his arms, and showed his good cheer. Sir Launcelot made his complaint to the king, of how he was betrayed, how his brother Sir Lionel was separated from him, he didn’t know where he was, and how his daughter had broken him out of prison. Launcelot said “I shall do any services she needs.” The king replied, “I am sure of your service, on the next Tuesday.” Sir Launcelot said, “yes I shall not fail you, and I promise your daughter.” What type of knights are Arutur’s Knights that were once with the Northgails? The king said it was Sir Mador de la Porte, Sir Mordred, and Sir Gahalantine that all left my knights, for against the three my knights and I bear no strength. Launcelot replied, I heard the tournament will be within three miles from here. I will need three of your knights; if you trust me you will send good ones. The three knights will all have white shields, one for me, and no paint on the shields. We will come out of a little wooded area between both parties; we shall fall in the front of our enemies and grieve them. They rested on that Sunday night, and the king departed. Then the king sent out for Sir Launcelot with three knights with four white shields. On Tuesday they lodged in a little wooded area near where the tournament should be held. There were scaffolds (tree stands) and holes that lords and ladies would sit and give the prize. Then the King of Northgalis with one hundred sixty great knights. The three knights of Arthur’s stood by themselves. All the while, King Bagdemagus with eighty great knights came into the field. Then they feutred their spears and came together with a great dash. There was a slain of knights at the first encounter twelve of King Bagdemagus’ party, six of the King of Northgalis’ party, and King Bagdemagus’ party took a great loss.
Written by Andy McNeely, Class of ‘08 | ||||||||||||
