Then Sir Epinogris, son of the King of Northumberland, a knight of the castle, encountered Sir Ewaine, and both broke off their spears short to their hands.  Then came Sir Palomedes from the castle, and met Sir Gawain, and they so hardly smote each other, that both knights and horses fell to the earth.  Then Sir Tristram, from the castle, encountered with Sir Bedivere, and smote him to the earth, horse and man.  Then the Knight of the Redlands and Sir Gareth met with Sir Bors and Sir Bleoberis; and the Knight of the Redlands and Sir Bors smote together so hard that their spears burst, and their horses fell grovelling to the ground.  And Sir Bleoberis brake his spear upon Sir Gareth, but himself was hurled upon the ground.  When Sir Galihodin saw that, he bade Sir Gareth keep him, but Sir Gareth lightly smote him to the earth.  Then Sir Galihud got a spear to avenge his brother, but was served in like manner.  And Sir Dinadam, and his brother La-cote-male-taile, and Sir Sagramour le Desirous, and Dodinas le Savage, he bore down all with one spear.

When King Anguish of Ireland saw this, he marvelled what that knight could be who seemed at one time green and at another blue; for so at every course he changed his colour that none might know him.  Then he ran towards him and encountered him, and Sir Gareth smote the king from his horse, saddle and all.  And in like manner he served the King of Scotland, and King Urience of Gore, and King Bagdemagus.

Then Sir Galahaut, the noble prince, cried out, “Knight of the many colours! thou hast jousted well; now make thee ready to joust with me.”  When Sir Gareth heard him, he took a great spear and met him swiftly.  And the prince’s spear broke off, but Sir Gareth smote him on the left side of the helm, so that he reeled here and there, and had fallen down had not his men recovered him.  “By my faith,” said King Arthur, “that knight of the many colours is a good knight.  I pray thee, Sir Lancelot du Lake, encounter with him.”  “Lord,” said Sir Lancelot, “by thy leave I will forbear.  I find it in my heart to spare him at this time, for he hath done enough work for one day; and when a good knight doth so well it is no knightly part to hinder him from this honour.  And peradventure his quarrel is here to-day, and he may be the best beloved of the Lady Lyones of all that be here; for I see well he paineth and forceth himself to do great deeds.  Therefore, as for me, this day he shall have the honour; for though I were able to put him from it, I would not.”  “You speak well and truly,” said the king.

Then after the tilting, they drew swords, and there began a great tournament, and there Sir Lancelot did marvellous deeds of arms, for first he fought with both Sir Tristram and Sir Carados, albeit they were the most perilous in all the world.  Then came Sir Gareth and put them asunder, but would not smite a stroke against Sir Lancelot, for by him he had been knighted.  Anon Sir Gareth’s helm had need