they here devised, and six kings made their party strong against
Arthur, and made great war long.

In the meanwhile brake the ambushment of King Ban and King Bors,
and Lionses and Phariance had the vanguard, and they two knights
met with King Idres and his fellowship, and there began a great
medley of breaking of spears, and smiting of swords, with slaying
of men and horses, and King Idres was near at discomforture.

That saw Agwisance the king, and put Lionses and Phariance in
point of death; for the Duke of Cambenet came on withal with a
great fellowship. So these two knights were in great danger of
their lives that they were fain to return, but always they
rescued themselves and their fellowship marvellously When King
Bors saw those knights put aback, it grieved him sore; then he
came on so fast that his fellowship seemed as black as Inde.
When King Lot had espied King Bors, he knew him well, then he
said, O Jesu, defend us from death and horrible maims! for I see
well we be in great peril of death; for I see yonder a king, one
of the most worshipfullest men and one of the best knights of the
world, is inclined unto his fellowship. What is he? said the
King with the Hundred Knights. It is, said King Lot, King Bors
of Gaul; I marvel how they came into this country without
<27>witting of us all. It was by Merlin's advice, said the
knight. As for him, said King Carados, I will encounter with
King Bors, an ye will rescue me when myster is. Go on, said they
all, we will do all that we may. Then King Carados and his host
rode on a soft pace, till that they came as nigh King Bors as
bow-draught; then either battle let their horse run as fast as
they might. And Bleoberis, that was godson unto King Bors, he