he had seen Sir Tristram or Sir Launcelot. So God me
help, said Sir Dinadan, I saw none of them sithen I
departed from Camelot. What knight is that, said Sir
Brandiles, that so suddenly departed from you, and rode
over yonder field? Sir, said he, it was a knight of
Cornwall, and the most horrible coward that ever bestrode
horse. What is his name? said all these knights. I wot
not, said Sir Dinadan. So when they had reposed them,
and spoken together, they took their horses and rode to a
castle where dwelt an old knight that made all knights-errant
good cheer. Then in the meanwhile that they were
talking came into the castle Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu,
and there was he welcome; and they all asked him whether
he had seen Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram. Sirs, he
answered, I saw him not sithen he departed from Camelot.
So as Sir Dinadan walked and beheld the castle, thereby in
a chamber he espied King Mark, and then he rebuked
him, and asked him why he departed so. Sir, said he, for
I durst not abide because they were so many. But how
escaped ye? said King Mark. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, they
were better friends than I weened they had been. Who
is captain of that fellowship? said the king. Then for to
fear him Sir Dinadan said that it was Sir Launcelot. O
Jesu, said the king, might I know Sir Launcelot by his
shield? Yea, said Dinadan, for he beareth a shield of
silver and black bends. All this he said to fear the king,
for Sir Launcelot was not in his fellowship. Now I pray
you, said King Mark, that ye will ride in my fellowship.
That is me loath to do, said Sir Dinadan, because ye forsook
my fellowship.