But he still rode round about the fortress, expecting that some
one should come forth to inquire his business, and this did he, to and
fro, for a long space. As he was just minded to return from so fruitless
an adventure, he saw a cloud of dust at some distance, and presently he
beheld a knight galloping furiously towards him. Coming nigh, Sir
Lancelot was aware that a captive knight lay before him, bound hand and
foot, bleeding and sore wounded.
"Villain!" cried Sir Lancelot, "and unworthy the name of a true and
loyal knight, how darest thou do this insult and contumely to an enemy,
who, though fallen, is yet thine equal? I will make thee rue this foul
despite, and avenge the wrongs of my brethren of the Round Table."
"If thou be for so brave a meal," said Tarquin, "thou shalt have thy
fill, and that speedily. I will first cut off thy head, and then serve
up thy carcase to the Round Table; for both that and thee I do utterly
defy!"
"This is over-dainty food for thy sending," replied Sir Lancelot
hastily, and with that they couched their spears. The first rush was
over, but man and horse had withstood the shock.
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