[Sidenote:  Sir Launcelot overthrows Sir Peris] Then Sir Peris of the Forest Sauvage looked this way and that with intent to escape, but he was aware that he could not escape from Sir Launcelot, wherefore he took his shield in hand and drew his sword and put himself into a position of defence; for, whereas he could not escape, he was, perforce, minded to do battle.  Then Sir Launcelot threw aside his spear, and he set his shield before him and he took his sword in his hand, and he drave his horse against Sir Peris.  And when he had come nigh to Sir Peris he raised himself in his stirrups and struck him such a buffet that I believe nothing in the world could withstand its force.  For though Sir Peris raised his shield against that blow, yet the sword of Sir Launcelot smote through the shield and it smote down the arm that held the shield, and it smote with such a terrible force upon the helm of Sir Peris that Sir Peris fell down from his horse and lay in a swoon without any motion at all.

Then Sir Launcelot leaped down from his horse and rushed off the helm of Sir Peris, and lifted his sword with intent to strike off his head.

Upon that the senses of Sir Peris came somewhat back to him, and he set his palms together and he cried out, though in a very weak voice:  “Spare me, Sir Knight!  I yield myself to thee!”

“Why should I spare thee?” said Sir Launcelot.

“Sir,” said Sir Peris, “I beseech thee, by thy knighthood, to spare me.”

“Well,” said Sir Launcelot, “since thou hast besought me upon my knighthood I cannot do else than spare thee.  But if I do spare thee, thou shalt have to endure such shame that any true knight in thy stead would rather die than be spared in such a manner.”

“Sir Knight,” said Sir Peris, “I am content with anything thou mayst do, so be that thou wilt spare my life.”

Upon this Sir Launcelot bade Sir Peris rise.  And he took the halter of Sir Peris’s horse, and he bound Sir Peris’s arms behind his back, and when he had done this he drove him up to his castle at the point of his lance.  And when they came to the castle he bade Sir Peris have open the castle; and Sir Peris did so; and thereupon Sir Launcelot and Sir Peris entered the castle and the damsel and the squire followed after them.

[Sidenote:  Sir Launcelot liberates the captive ladies] In that castle were fourteen ladies of high degree held captive for ransom; and some of these had been there for a considerable time, to their great discomfort.  All these were filled with joy when they were aware that Sir Launcelot had set them free.  So they came to Sir Launcelot and paid their court to him and gave him great thanks beyond measure.