Percival, neither of whom could scarce contain himself.

"It is well, we know you, Sir Kay. Or, by our guardian saints we would
make you answer for your bitter tongue. But that we know it belies a
heart of kindness we would long since have found quarrel with you." So
spoke Sir Percival and Sir Gawaine nodded in assent.

"Stay not any quarrel for any seeming knowledge of me, kind friends,"
frowned back Sir Kay.

But the two knights moved away. Sir Kay was of great shame. And so to
cover it he turned to the stranger in great fury. "Come then to your
kennel, dog," he said.

Out flashed the sword of Sir Gawaine. Yet did Sir Launcelot withhold
him.

"Sir, I beg you to do me honor of feasting with us this day?"

"I thank you Sir Launcelot. Yet must I go with Sir Kay and do his
bidding. There do be knights well worth their places at the Round
Table. And I note right well that they set high example to those who
are still but lads and who are to become knights in good time. So to
you all I give my thanks."

Then followed the stranger after Sir Kay while the three knights and
Allan watched him go and marveled at his meekness.