And so afterward he hurled into the thickest press of them all and did there the most marvelous deeds of arms that ever man saw or heard speak of, and ever Sir Lavaine, the good knight, with him. And there Sir Lancelot with his sword smote down and pulled down more than thirty knights and the most part were of the Table Round; and Sir Lavaine did full well that day, for he smote down ten knights of the Table Round.
“I marvel,” said Sir Gawain, “what knight that is with the red sleeve.”
“Sir,” said King Arthur, “he will be known before he depart.”
And then the trumpets blew and the prize was given by heralds unto the knight with the white shield that bore the red sleeve. Then came the King with the Hundred Knights, the King of Northgalis and the King of Northumberland and Sir Galahad, the noble prince, and said unto Sir Lancelot, “Fair knight, God thee bless, for much have you done this day for us; therefore, we pray you that ye will come with us, that ye may receive the honor and the prize, as ye have honorably deserved it.”
“My fair lords,” said Sir Lancelot, “if I have deserved thanks, I have sore bought it; and that me repenteth, for I am like never to escape with my life; therefore, fair lords, I pray you that ye will [suffer me] to depart where me liketh, for I am sore hurt. I care for no honor, for I would more gladly repose me than to be lord of all the world.”
And therewithal he groaned piteously and rode away from them until he came to a wood. And when he saw that he was from the field nigh a mile, that he was sure he might not be seen, then he said, “O gentle knight, Sir Lavaine, help me that this spear were out of my side, for it slayeth me.”
“O mine own lord,” said Sir Lavaine, “I would fain do that might please you, but I dread me sore, if I pull out the spear, that ye shall be in peril of death.”
“I charge you,” said Sir Lancelot, “as ye love me, draw it out.”
And therewithal he descended from his horse and right so did Sir Lavaine; and forthwith Sir Lavaine drew the spear out of his side and he gave a great shriek and so swooned, pale and deadly.
“Alas,” said Sir Lavaine, “what shall I do?”