such sort that none durst contend against him, for he is taller by a before him, and the knights were still armed as they had been when foot than any knight ever you had, and of grisly cheer, and so is his manner will you lose all your knights betimes and God love you not well by the side of the Queen, and they had been served of the first meats. dragon that casteth forth fire and flame whensoever he will, so eager to the court of King Arthur from the quest they had achieved. The King the Fiery Dragon is entered into the head of your land, and is II. "None other, how strong soever he be, may stand against him, and, even sword three times bigger than the sword of ever another knight, and his Thereupon come two knights all armed, and each bore a dead knight as you see, hath he burnt and evil-entreated all other knights that and biting that none may long endure his encounter." cover them of his shield, and it hath on the outer side the head of a "Lords," saith the King, "How came these knights to be in so evil case?" "Sir," say they, "It is of good right you ought to know. The Knight of This High History saith that Messire Gawain and Lancelot were repaired spear is well as heavy as a man may carry. Two knights might lightly "Sir," say the knights, "This shame and this mischief is yours. In like BRANCH XVI. enough to give counsel herein forthwith of his mercy." their bodies were alive. made great joy thereof and the Queen. King Arthur sate one day at meat have withstood him." TITLE I. destroying knights and castles and whatsoever he may lay hands on, in