And so when the King was come with the Queen, and many knights of the Round Table, then the Queen was put there in the constable`s ward, and there was made a great fire about the iron stake, that an Sir Mador de la Port had the better she should be burnt; such a custom was used in those days, that neither for favor, nor for love, nor for affinity, there should be none other but right wise judgment as well upon a King as upon a knight, as well upon a Queen as upon another poor lady.So in the meanwhile came in Sir Mador de la Port, and took the oath before the King, that Queen Guenever did this treason unto his cousin, Sir Patrice, and unto his oath he would prove it with his body, hand for hand, who that would say the contrary thereto. Right so came Sir Bors de Ganis, and said “that as for Queen Guenever she is in the right, and that will I make good with my hands, that she is not culpable of this treason that is put upon her.” “Then make thee ready,” said Sir Mador, “and we shall soon prove whether thou be in the right or I.”
I promised my lord
“Sir,” said Sir Bors, “wit ye well I know thee for a good knight, not for then I shall not fear thee so greatly, but I trust unto Almighty God, my Maker, I shall be able enough to withstand thy malice; but thus much have I promised my lord, King Arthur, and my lady, the Queen, that I shall do battle for her in this case to the uttermost, only that there came a better knight than I am, and discharged me.” “Is that all?” said Sir Mador. “Either come thou off and do battle with me, or else say nay.” “Take your horse,” said Sir Bors, “and as I suppose ye shall not tarry long, but that ye shall be answered.” Then either departed to their tents, and made them ready to mount upon horseback as they thought best.And anon Sir Mador de la Port came into the field with his shield on his shoulder, and a spear in his hand, and so rode about the place, crying unto King Arthur, “Bid your champion come forth an he dare.” Then was Sir Bors ashamed, and took his horse, and came to the list end; and then was he ware whereas came out of a wood there fast by, a knight, all armed at all points, upon a white horse, with a strong shield and of strange arms; and he came riding all that he might run.
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