sought your life." And Sir Launcelot made answer: "Surely ye would not
slay me, an unarmed man; for that were dishonor to you. Keep my armor
if ye will; but hang my sword on a bough where I may reach it, and
then do with me as ye can." But Sir Phelot laughed mockingly and said:
"Not so, Sir Launcelot. I know you too well to throw away my
advantage; wherefore, shift as ye may." "Alas!" said Sir Launcelot,
"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 tore
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 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 armor, 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.




THE ADVENTURES OF SIR GARETH