He did so
well that when the time came to leave the list, they admitted
freely on both sides that no one had equalled the knight with the
vermilion shield. All said this, and it was true. But when he
left, he allowed his shield and lance and trappings to fall where
he saw the thickest press, then he rode off hastily with such
secrecy that no one of all the host noticed that he had
disappeared. But he went straight back to the place whence he
had come, to keep his oath. When the tournament broke up, they
all searched and asked for him, but without success, for he fled
away, having no desire to be recognised. The knights are
disappointed and distressed, for they would have rejoiced to have
him there. But if the knights were grieved to have been deserted
thus, still greater was the damsels' grief when they learned the
truth, and they asserted by St. John that they would not marry at
all that year. If they can't have him whom they truly love, then
all the others may be dismissed. Thus the tourney was adjourned
without any of them choosing a husband. Meanwhile Lancelot
without delay repairs to his prison. But the seneschal arrived
two or three days before Lancelot, and inquired where he was.
And his wife, who had given to Lancelot his fair and well-
equipped vermilion arms, as well as his harness and his horse,
told the truth to the seneschal--how she had sent him where
there had been jousting at the tourney of Noauz.
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