"that ever knight should be so unknightly. And you, madam, how
could ye so betray me?" "She did but as I commanded her," said Sir
Phelot.

Then Launcelot looked about him to see how he might help himself in
these straits, and espying above his head a great bare branch, he
tote it down. Then, ever watching his advantage, he sprang to the
ground on the far side of his horse, so that the horse was between
him and Sir Phelot. Sir Phelot rushed upon him with his sword, but
Sir Launcelot parried it with the bough, with which he dealt his
enemy such a blow on the head that Sir Phelot sank to the ground in
a swoon. Then Sir Launcelot seized his sword where it lay beside
his armour, and stooping over the fallen knight, unloosed his helm.
When the lady saw him do that, she shrieked and cried: "Spare his
life! spare his life, noble knight, I beseech you!" But Sir
Launcelot answered sternly: "A felon's death for him who does
felon's deeds. He has lived too long already," and with one blow,
he smote off his head. Then he armed himself, and mounting upon his
steed, rode away, leaving the lady to weep beside her lord.




BOOK III

SIR TRISTRAM