Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 20, 1909.djvu/331

Rh Borz and Lionel his cousins and his brother Estor were placed. The squire went immediately, and saw the number and strength of the knights who were come to the tournament. He stopped in the town till the evening, and returned then, and said to Lanç,—"Sir, there is a large number of knights inside and outside, and thy cousins and thy brother are inside, and so it is meet, inasmuch as they belong to the knights of the Table, and they must always be with king Artus." And Lançolot asked,—"Who are those outside?" The squire answered,—"Many people and plenty of knights, together with four kings,—King of Skoçia (Scotland), King of Erlandi (Ireland), King of Galwes (Wales), and King of Kornwalis. But the knights of the King of Logris, who are with King Artus, seem to be more noble and more powerful, though those outside are greater in number."

28. The next morning Lanç and his companions armed themselves, and went to the gathering. The squire remained in the village, for fear Lanç should be recognized through him. Coming to the field of Winçestre they found it full of tents (companies?) and arrays. King Artus did not allow the two brothers Messer Galwan and Gaherit (or Gaderit ) to arm themselves on that day, as he knew that Lanç was there and he dreaded their encounter, as some hatred might arise between them. The King ascended a tower to survey the tournament, and with him were Galwan and Gaherit and other knights. The tournament began to develop, and Lanç asked Adelfot whom they should join,—those inside or those outside. Adelfot answered,—"Whomsoever thou choosest." Lanç said,—"It seems to me that those inside are more powerful and greater knights than those outside. It would therefore bring us scant honour if we should join the stronger party. Far greater honour on the other hand would it bring us if we were to join the weaker