If you've got a fault in the world, Sandy, it is that you are a shade too archaic.

But it isn't any matter." "-- for I saw him once proved at a justs where many knights were gathered, and that time there might no man withstand him.

Ah, said Sir Gawaine, damsels, methinketh ye are to blame, for it is to suppose he that hung that shield there will not be long therefrom, and then may those knights match him on horseback, and that is more your worship than thus; for I will abide no longer to see a knight's shield dishonored.

And therewith Sir Uwaine and Sir Gawaine departed a little from them, and then were they ware where Sir Marhaus came riding on a great horse straight toward them.

And when the twelve damsels saw Sir Marhaus they fled into the turret as they were wild, so that some of them fell by the way.
Then the one of the knights of the tower dressed his shield, and said on high, Sir Marhaus defend thee.