gold, and had a rich clasp at his neck wherein were many rich stones, he see. of you, that you must needs die in such manner, and that your death may hall, clad in a short red jerkin; and he was girt with a rich girdle of the mounting-stage, and putteth his shield from his neck and his spear dole. And they say to a knight: "Ha, God, sore grief and pity is this The knights and ladies swoon over him as he departeth. Lancelot hath "Sir," saith he to the knight, "What is your pleasure?" "Sir, needs must you cut me off my head with this axe, for of this to be better and more ancient than all the others. He bideth awhile churches all lying waste, and the markets and exchanges all empty. He He alighteth and maketh his horse fast to a ring of silver that was on Thereupon, lo you, the knight that cometh down into the midst of the knight was of great comeliness and young of age. Lancelot seeth him And the knight saith to him, "Sir, alight!" weapon hath my death been adjudged, but and you will not, I will cut XII. adjudged you such a death." heard all this and much marvelleth he thereof, but nought thereof may "Certes," saith Lancelot, "Willingly." and on his head had he a great cap of gold, and he held great axe. The not be respited! Sore hatred ought we to bear toward him that hath off your own therewith." rideth amidst the streets, and findeth a great palace that seemeth him before it and heareth within how knights and ladies are making great from his hand. coming, and looketh upon him right fainly when he seeth him appear.