[Sidenote:  Sir Launcelot overthrows Sir Sagramore] Therewith he dressed his shield and his spear and Sir Sagramore dressed his shield and his spear, and when they were in all ways prepared they ran together at full tilt.  In that encounter Sir Sagramore’s spear broke, but Sir Launcelot struck so powerful a blow that he overthrew both horse and man into a ditch of water that was near-by.

Then Sir Ector de Maris said:  “Ha, surely some very ill chance has befallen Sir Sagramore for to be overthrown by Sir Kay.  Now I will go and have ado with him, for if the matter rests here there will be no living at court with the jests which will be made upon us.”

So he took horse and rode to where Sir Launcelot was, and he went at a very fast gallop.  When he had come near to Sir Launcelot he cried out:  “Have at thee, Sir Kay, for it is my turn next!” “Why should I have at thee?” said Sir Launcelot, “I have done thee no harm.”  “No matter,” said Sir Ector, “you can go no farther until you have had to do with me.”  “Well,” said Sir Launcelot, “if that is so, the sooner I have to do with thee, the sooner shall I be able to go upon my way.”

[Sidenote:  Sir Launcelot overthrows Sir Ector] Therewith each knight made himself ready and when they were in all ways prepared they came together with such force that Sir Launcelot’s spear went through Sir Ector’s shield and smote him upon the shoulder, and Sir Ector was thrown down upon the ground with such violence that he lay where he had fallen, without power to move.

Then said Sir Ewain to Sir Gawain where they stood together:  “That is the most wonderful thing that ever I beheld, for never did I think to behold Sir Kay bear himself in battle in such a fashion as that.  Now bide thee here and let me have a try at him.”  Therewith Sir Ewain mounted his horse and rode at Sir Launcelot, and there were no words spoken this time, but each knight immediately took his stand to do battle.  Then they ran their horses together, and Sir Launcelot gave Sir Ewain such a buffet that he was astonished, and for a little he knew not where he was, for his spear fell down out of his hand, and he bore his shield so low that Sir Launcelot might have slain him where he stood if he had been minded to do so.

[Sidenote:  Sir Ewain yields to Sir Launcelot] Then Sir Launcelot said:  “Sir Knight, I bid thee yield to me.”  And Sir Ewain said:  “I yield me.  For I do not believe that thou art Sir Kay but a bigger man than he shall ever be.  Wherefore I yield me.”  “Then that is well,” said Sir Launcelot.  “Now stand thou a little aside where thou mayst bring succor unto these other two knights, for I see that Sir Gawain has a mind to tilt with me.”