So then they withdrew them, either party from other, and every man made him ready in his best manner to do what he might. Then Sir Lancelot made him ready and put the red sleeve upon his head and fastened it fast; and so Sir Lancelot and Sir Lavaine departed out of Winchester and rode into a little leaved wood behind the party that held against King Arthur’s party, and there they held them still till the parties smote together.
And then came in the King of Scots and the King of Ireland on Arthur’s party and against them came the King of Northumberland, and the King with the Hundred Knights smote down the King of Ireland. So there began upon both parties. And there came in together many knights of the Table Round and beat back the King of Northumberland and the King of Northgalis.
When Sir Lancelot saw this, he said unto Sir Lavaine, “See, yonder is a company of good knights and they hold them together as boars that were chased with dogs.”
“That is truth,” said Sir Lavaine.
“Now,” said Sir Lancelot, “if ye will help me a little, ye shall see yonder fellowship that chaseth now these men on our side, that they shall go as fast backward as they went forward.”
“Sir, spare not,” said Sir Lavaine, “for I shall do what I may.”
Then Sir Lancelot and Sir Lavaine came in at the thickest of the press and there Sir Lancelot smote down five knights and all this he did with one spear; and Sir Lavaine smote down two knights. And then Sir Lancelot got another spear and there he smote down four knights and Sir Lavaine smote one.
And then Sir Lancelot drew his sword and there he smote on the right hand and on the left hand and by great force he unhorsed three knights; and then the knights of the Table Round withdrew them back, after they had gotten their horses as well as they might.
“Oh,” said Sir Gawain, “what knight is yonder that doth such, marvelous deeds of arms in that field?”