And then the eleven kings and knights put them on a heap all together, as men adread and out of all comfort.

But there was no man might pass them, they held them so hard together both behind and before, that King Arthur had marvel of their deeds of arms, and was passing wroth.

Ah, Sir Arthur, said King Ban and King Bors, blame them not, for they do as good men ought to do.

For by my faith, said King Ban, they are the best fighting men, and knights of most prowess, that ever I saw or heard speak of, and those eleven kings are men of great worship; and if they were longing unto you there were no king under the heaven had such eleven knights, and of such worship.

I may not love them, said Arthur, they would destroy me.