The Story of Sir Launcelot and His Companions (Esprios Classics)

Book excerpt: The Story of Sir Launcelot and His Companions is a 1907 novel by the American illustrator and writer Howard Pyle. The book consists of a large series of episodes in the legend of the chief knight of the Round Table, Sir Launcelot, and many of his friends, including the Lady Elaine, Sir Ewaine, and Sir Gareth. Queen Guinevere and others of the court are captured by Sir Mellegrans. Sir Lancelot, while going to save her, loses his horse due to attacking archers. His armor is too heavy to walk in, so he leaves it behind. The fastest option for Lancelot to reach Mellegrans' castle is to ride in a cart, causing much shame to him. Lancelot is successful in saving Guinevere, but continues to be ridiculed for riding in the cart. Annoyed, he leaves the court of the king for two years.