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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Romance of Morien, by Jessie L. Weston
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Romance of Morien
+
+Author: Jessie L. Weston
+
+
+Release Date: July, 2005 [EBook #8447]
+This file was first posted on July 11, 2003
+Last Updated: May 10, 2013
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ROMANCE OF MORIEN ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Starner, David Widger, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+MORIEN
+
+A Metrical Romance Rendered Into English Prose From The Mediaeval Dutch
+
+Arthurian Romances No. IV.
+
+
+By Jessie L. Weston,
+
+With designs by Caroline Watts.
+
+
+Additional Arthurian Romances:
+
+I. Sir Gawain And The Green Knight.
+
+A Middle-English Romance retold in Modern Prose, with Introduction and
+Notes, by JESSIE L. WESTON. With Designs by M. M. CRAWFORD. 1898. 2s.
+net.
+
+II. Tristan And Iseult.
+
+Rendered into English from the German of Gottfried of Strassburg by
+JESSIE L. WESTON. With Designs by CAROLINE WATTS. Two vols. 1899. 4s.
+net.
+
+III. Guingamor, Lanval, Tyolet, Le Bisclaveret.
+
+Four Lays rendered into English Prose from the French of Marie de France
+and others by JESSIE L. WESTON. With Designs by CAROLINE WATTS. 1900.
+2s. net. [Illustration: They deemed they had seen the Foul Fiend
+himself]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+The metrical romance of which the following pages offer a prose
+translation is contained in the mediaeval Dutch version of the
+_Lancelot_, where it occupies upwards of five thousand lines, forming
+the conclusion of the first existing volume of that compilation. So far
+as our present knowledge extends, it is found nowhere else.
+
+Nor do we know the date of the original poem, or the name of the author.
+The Dutch MS. is of the commencement of the fourteenth century, and
+appears to represent a compilation similar to that with which Sir Thomas
+Malory has made us familiar, _i.e._, a condensed rendering of a number
+of Arthurian romances which in their original form were independent of
+each other. Thus, in the Dutch _Lancelot_ we have not only the latter
+portion of the _Lancelot_ proper, the _Queste_, and the _Morte Arthur_,
+the ordinary component parts of the prose _Lancelot_ in its most fully
+developed form, but also a portion of a _Perceval_ romance, having for
+its basis a version near akin to, if not identical with, the poem
+of Chretien de Troyes, and a group of episodic romances, some of
+considerable length, the majority of which have not yet been discovered
+elsewhere. [Footnote: _Cf_. my _Legend of Sir Lancelot du Lac_;
+Grimm Library, vol. xii., chapter ix., where a brief summary of the
+contents of the Dutch _Lancelot_ is given.]
+
+Unfortunately, the first volume of this compilation, which was
+originally in four parts, has been lost; consequently we are without any
+of the indications, so often to be found in the opening lines of similar
+compositions, as to the personality of the compiler, or the material at
+his disposal; but judging from those sections in which comparison is
+possible, the _Lancelot_, _Queste_, and _Morte Arthur_, the entire work
+is a translation, and a very faithful translation, of a French original.
+It is quite clear that the Dutch compiler understood his text well, and
+though possibly somewhat hampered by the necessity of turning prose into
+verse (this version, contrary to the otherwise invariable rule of the
+later _Lancelot_ romances, being rhymed), he renders it with remarkable
+fidelity. The natural inference, and that drawn by M. Gaston Paris,
+who, so far, appears to be the only scholar who has seriously occupied
+himself with this interesting version, is that those episodic romances,
+of which we possess no other copy, are also derived from a French
+source. Most probably, so far as these shorter romances are concerned,
+the originals would be metrical, not prose versions, as in the case of
+the _Lancelot_ sections.
+
+It is true that with regard to the romance here translated, _Morien_,
+the Dutch scholars responsible for the two editions in which it has
+appeared, MM. Jonckbloet and Te Winkel, the former the editor of the
+whole compilation, the latter of this section only, are both inclined to
+regard the poem as an original Dutch composition; but M. Gaston Paris,
+in his summary of the romance (_Histoire Litteraire_, vol. xxx. p. 247)
+rejects this theory as based on inadequate grounds. It must be admitted
+that an original Arthurian romance of the twelfth or thirteenth century,
+when at latest such a poem would be written, in a language other than
+French, is so far unknown to us; and although as a matter of fact the
+central _motif_ of the poem, the representation of a Moor as near akin
+to the Grail Winner, Sir Perceval, has not been preserved in any known
+French text, while it does exist in a famous German version, I for one
+find no difficulty in believing that the tradition existed in French,
+and that the original version of our poem was a metrical romance in that
+tongue.
+
+So far as the story of _Morien_ is concerned, the form is probably later
+than the tradition it embodies. In its present shape it is certainly
+posterior to the appearance of the Galahad _Queste_, to which it
+contains several direct references; such are the hermit's allusion to
+the predicted circumstances of his death, which are related in full in
+the _Queste_; the prophecy that Perceval shall "aid" in the winning
+of the Holy Grail, a quest of which in the earlier version he is sole
+achiever; and the explicit statements of the closing lines as to
+Galahad's arrival at Court, his filling the Siege Perilous, and
+achieving the Adventures of the Round Table. As the romance now stands
+it is an introduction to the _Queste_, with which volume iii. (volume
+ii. of the extant version) of the Dutch _Lancelot_ opens.
+
+But the opening lines of the present version show clearly that in
+one important point, at least, the story has undergone a radical
+modification. Was it the Dutch translator or his source who substituted
+Agloval, Perceval's brother, for the tradition which made Perceval
+himself the father of the hero? M. Gaston Paris takes the former view;
+but I am inclined to think that the alteration was already in the
+French source. The Grail of Sir Agloval's vision is the Grail of Castle
+Corbenic and the _Queste_; unless we are to consider this vision as the
+addition of the Dutch compiler (who, when we are in a position to test
+his work does not interpolate such additions), we must, I think, admit
+that the romance in the form in which it reached him was already at a
+stage in which Perceval could not, without violence to the then existing
+conception of his character, be considered as the father, or the
+brother, of Morien. To reconstruct the original story it would be
+necessary not merely to eliminate all mention of Agloval, as suggested
+by M. Gaston Paris, but the Grail references would also require
+modification. As it stands, the poem is a curious mixture of conflicting
+traditions.
+
+In this connection it appears to me that the evidence of the _Parzival_
+is of primary importance; the circumstances attending the birth of
+Feirefis are exactly parallel with those of Morien--in both a Christian
+knight wins the love of a Moorish princess; in both he leaves her before
+the birth of her son, in the one case with a direct, in the other with
+a conditional, promise to return, which promise is in neither instance
+kept; in both the lad, when grown to manhood, sets out to seek his
+father; in both he apparently makes a practice of fighting with every
+one whom he meets; in the one version he is brother, in the other son or
+nephew, to Perceval. The points of difference are that whereas Morien is
+black all over, save his teeth, Feirefis is parti-coloured, black and
+white--a curious conception, which seems to point to an earlier
+stage of thought; Morien is a Christian, Feirefis a heathen--the more
+probable version.
+
+It is easy to understand why the hero ceased to be considered Perceval's
+son--the opening lines of the poem describe the situation perfectly; but
+I do not think it has been sufficiently realised that precisely the same
+causes which would operate to the suppression of this relationship would
+equally operate to the suppression of that of the _Parzival_. Perceval,
+the virgin winner of the Grail, could not have a _liaison_ with a
+Moorish princess, but neither could Perceval's father, the direct
+descendant of Joseph of Arimathea, and hereditary holder of the Grail.
+The _Early History_ of that talisman, as related by Robert de Borron,
+once generally accepted, the relationship of _brother_ was as impossible
+as that of _son_.
+
+It seems clear that if a genuine tradition of a Moor as near kinsman to
+Perceval really existed--and I see no reason to doubt that it did--it
+must have belonged to the Perceval story prior to the development of
+the Grail tradition, _e.g._, to such a stage as that hinted at by the
+chess-board adventure of the "Didot" _Perceval_ and Gautier's poem, when
+the hero was as ready to take advantage of his _bonnes fortunes_ as
+other heroes of popular folk tales.
+
+Further, judging from these stories it would seem probable that the
+requisite modification began with the earlier generation, _i.e._,
+Perceval himself still retaining traces of his secular and folk-tale
+origin, while his father and mother have already been brought under the
+influence of the ecclesiasticised Grail tradition. That this would be
+the case appears only probable when we recall the vague and conflicting
+traditions as to the hero's parentage; it was Perceval himself, and not
+his father or his mother, who was the important factor in the tale;
+hence the change in his character was a matter of gradual evolution.
+Thus I am of opinion that the Moor as Perceval's brother is likely to be
+an earlier conception than the Moor as Perceval's son. It is, I think,
+noticeable that the romance containing this feature, the _Parzival_,
+also, contrary to the _Early History_ versions, connects him with the
+Grail through his mother, instead of through his father.
+
+The _Morien_ is for me a welcome piece of evidence in support of the
+theory that sees in the poem of Wolfram von Eschenbach the survival of
+a genuine variant of the _Perceval_ story, differing in important
+particulars from that preserved by Chretien de Troyes, and based upon a
+French original, now, unfortunately, lost.
+
+For this, if for no other reason, the poem would, it seems to me, be
+worth introducing to a wider circle of readers than that to which in its
+present form it can appeal. The students of old Dutch are few in number,
+and the bewildering extent of the _Lancelot_ compilation, amounting as
+it does, even in its incomplete state, to upwards of 90,000 lines, is
+sufficient in itself to deter many from its examination. _Morien_ in its
+original form is, and can be, known to but few. But not only does it
+represent a tradition curious and interesting in itself, it has other
+claims to attention; even in a translation it is by no means ill
+written; it is simple, direct, and the adventures are not drawn out
+to wearisome length by the introduction of unnecessary details. The
+characterisation too, is good; the hero is well realised, and Gawain,
+in particular, appears in a most favourable light, one far more in
+accordance with the earlier than with the later stage of Arthurian
+tradition; the contrast between his courteous self-restraint and the
+impetuous ardour of the young savage is well conceived, and the manner
+in which he and Gareth contrive to check and manage the turbulent
+youth without giving him cause for offence is very cleverly indicated.
+Lancelot is a much more shadowy personage; if, as suggested above, the
+original story took shape at a period before he had attained to his
+full popularity, and references to his valour were added later we can
+understand this. It is noticeable that the adventure assigned to him is
+much less original in character, and told with far less detail than that
+ascribed to Gawain.
+
+The romance as we have it presents, as remarked before, a curious
+mixture of earlier and later elements. None of the adventures it relates
+are preserved in any English text. Alike as a representative of a lost
+tradition, and for its own intrinsic merit it has seemed to me, though
+perhaps inferior in literary charm to the romances previously published
+in this series, to be yet not unworthy of inclusion among them.
+
+BOURNEMOUTH, _July_ 1901
+
+
+
+
+MORIEN
+
+_Herein doth the adventure tell of a knight who was named Morien. Some
+of the books give us to wit that he was Perceval's son, and some say
+that he was son to Agloval, who was Perceval's brother, so that he was
+nephew unto that good knight. Now we find it written for a truth that
+Perceval and Galahad alike died virgin knights in the quest of the Holy
+Grail; and for that cause I say of Perceval that in sooth he was not
+Morien's father, but that rather was Morien his brother's son. And of a
+Moorish princess was he begotten at that time when Agloval sought far
+and wide for Lancelot, who was lost, as ye have read here afore._
+
+_I ween that he who made the tale of Lancelot and set it in rhyme
+forgot, and was heedless of, the fair adventure of Morien. I marvel much
+that they who were skilled in verse and the making of rhymes did not
+bring the story to its rightful ending._ Now as at this time King Arthur
+abode in Britain, and held high court, that his fame might wax the
+greater; and as the noble folk sat at the board and ate, there came
+riding a knight; for 'twas the custom in Arthur's days that while the
+king held court no door, small nor great, should be shut, but all men
+were free to come and go as they willed.
+
+Thus the knight came riding where the high folk sat, and would fain have
+dismounted, but so sorely was he wounded that he might not do so. In
+sooth he was in evil case, for he had more than ten wounds, and from the
+least of them a man might scarce recover; he came in such guise that his
+weapons and his vesture and his steed, which was fair and tall, were
+all dyed red with his own blood. The knight was sad at heart and sorely
+wounded, yet he greeted, as best he might, all the lords then in the
+hall; but more he might not speak, for the pain of his wounds.
+
+Then my lord, Sir Gawain, who did full many a courtesy (for such was his
+wont all his life long), so soon as he saw the knight, sprang up with no
+delay, and lifted him from the saddle and set him upon the ground, but
+he might neither sit, nor walk, nor so much as stand upon his feet, but
+fell upon the earth.
+
+Then Sir Gawain bade them carry him softly on a couch to the side of the
+hall in the sight of the chief guests, that they might hear his tale.
+But since he might scarce speak he made him to be disarmed, and stripped
+to the skin, and wrapped in warm coverings and gave him a sop
+steeped in clear wine.
+
+Then Sir Gawain began to search his wounds, for in those days, so far
+as God suffered the sun to shine might no man find one so skilled in
+leech-craft, for that man whom he took in his care, were the life but
+left in him, would neither lack healing nor die of any wound.
+
+Then spake the knight who lay there: "Woe is me, for I may neither eat
+nor drink; my heart beginneth to sink, mine eyes fail me, methinks I am
+about to die! Yet might I live, and would God grant to me that all ye
+who sit here beside me might hear my words, I had fain spoken with the
+king, whom I sought as best I might, in that I would not be forsworn;
+needs must I come hither!"
+
+Then quoth Sir Gawain the good: "Sir Knight, have ye no dread of death
+as at this time, for I shall help you to a respite." He drew forth from
+his pouch a root that had this virtue, that it stayed the flow of blood
+and strengthened the feeble; he placed it in the knight's mouth, and
+bade him eat a little; therewith was his heart lightened, and he began
+to eat and to drink, and forgat somewhat of his pain.
+
+Erst when the service was ended came King Arthur to the knight as he
+lay, and said: "God give ye good-day, dear Sir Knight; tell me who hath
+wounded ye so sorely, and how came ye by your hurt? Did the knight who
+wrought such harm depart from ye unscathed?"
+
+Then spake the knight to the king, who stood before him: "That will I
+tell ye, for I am sworn and pledged thereto. 'Tis seven years past that
+I lost all my goods, and poverty pressed me so sorely that I knew not
+what I might do. Thus would I keep myself by robbery. My tithes had I
+sold, I had spent all my goods, and pledged all my heritage, so that of
+all that my father left when he departed from this world there remained
+to me nothing. Naught, not a straw, had I left. Yet had I given much in
+largesse, for I had frequented many a tourney and Table Round where I
+had scattered my goods; whosoever craved aught of me, whether for want
+or for reward, were he page, were he messenger, never did he depart
+empty-handed. Never did I fail any who besought aid of me. Thus I spent
+all my goods. Then must I fare through the land; and did I meet folk
+(though at first I shamed me) whomsoever I met, whether pilgrim or
+merchant, did he bear goods or money with him, so did I deal with him
+that I won it for myself. But little might escape me. I have done many
+an evil deed! Now is it three days past since, as I fared on my way, a
+knight met me, and I deemed his steed so good that I coveted it above
+all things, but when I laid hands upon the bridle and bade the knight
+dismount then was he ready with his sword and repaid me with such a blow
+that I forgot who I was and all that had befallen me; so fierce was the
+stroke he dealt me! And though I betook me to arms they profited me not
+a jot; his blows were so heavy, they weighed even as lead. He pierced
+through my harness, as ye may see in many places, smiting through flesh
+and bone. But from me did he receive no blow that might turn to his
+loss. Therefore must I yield myself to him, and swear by my troth, would
+I save my life, to come hither to ye as swiftly as I might, and delay no
+whit, but yield me your prisoner. And this have I now done, and I yield
+myself to your grace, Sir King, avowing my misdeeds that I have wrought
+in this world, whether in thought or deed."
+
+Then quoth the king: "Wit ye well who he was, and how he was hight, who
+sent ye hither? Of what fashion was his steed, and what tokens did he
+bear?"
+
+And the knight answered: "Of that ye would ask me may I tell ye naught,
+save only that the knight's steed and armour were red as blood, and he
+seemed to me of Wales by his speech, and by all I might discern of him.
+Thereto is he of such might that I ween his equal may scarce be found in
+Christendom; that may I also say in truth, since such ill chance befell
+me that I met with him when my intent was evil, and not good."
+
+Then King Arthur cried aloud that all might hear him, that the knight
+was surely none other than Sir Perceval. He tore his hair, and demeaned
+himself as one sorely vexed, and spake: "Though I be lord of riches yet
+may I say that I am friendless! This may I say forsooth; since I lost
+Perceval, and the ill chance befell me that he had the will and the
+desire to seek the Grail and the spear (which he may not find) many a
+wounded knight hath he sent as captive to my court, whom, for their
+misdoing, he hath vanquished by his might. Ever shall he be thanked
+therefor. Now have I no knight so valiant of mind that for my sake will
+seek Perceval and bring him to court. Yet I and my court and my country
+alike are shamed and dishonoured in that we have so long lacked his
+presence, and for this am I above measure sorrowful."
+
+Then spake Sir Kay the seneschal: "God-wot I shall fetch Perceval,
+whether he will or no, and bring hither to court him whom ye praise so
+highly, and believe me well, were he wrought of iron, by the God who
+made me I will bring him living or dead! Does this content ye, my lord
+king?"
+
+Then stood Arthur and laughed aloud, and likewise did all the knights
+who heard Sir Kay speak. And the king said: "Sir Kay, let this talk be;
+ye should of right be shamed when ye hear the Welshman's name! Have ye
+altogether forgot how ye boasted yourself aforetime, even as ye have now
+done, and then how ye met Perceval, whom ye had scarce sought? There
+were ye ill-counselled; ye thought to bring him without his will,
+but the knight was not so feeble, he gave ye a blow that brake your
+collar-bone and thrust ye from your steed, feet upward, with little
+honour! Had he so willed he had slain ye. Idle boasting is great shame.
+An I hear ye make further boast of seeking knights I shall owe ye small
+thanks. Little would he heed your compelling! In such quest must another
+ride would I be comforted by the coming of this knight!"
+
+Quoth Sir Gawain, "Ye mind me of an old saying, Sir Kay, how if some men
+grow old, and God should spare them even to an hundred years, then would
+they be but the more foolish--such an one, methinks, are ye! Now believe
+ye my tale; did ye once find Perceval, an ye thought to say to him other
+than he chose to hear, by the Lord above us ye dare not do it for the
+king's crown, who is lord of this land, he would put ye to such great
+shame! Of long time, and full well, do I know his ways! When he is well
+entreated, and men do naught to vex him, then is he gentle as a lamb,
+but an ye rouse him to wrath then is he the fiercest wight of God's
+making--in such wise is he fashioned. Gentle and courteous is he to all
+the world, rich and poor, so long as men do him no wrong, but let his
+temper be changed, and nowhere shall ye find his fellow!"
+
+After this manner also spake Sir Lancelot, and all who were in the hall
+took up the word of Sir Gawain, and praised Perceval. But there were
+many in the court heavy at heart, and sore vexed with the king their
+lord for that he held them so cheap.
+
+Quoth the Father of Adventure, "By the might of our Lord, and by His
+name, who ruleth in heaven, henceforth I will not rest in one place more
+than one night or two, but will ride ever till I have found Perceval, or
+learnt certain tidings of his doings; and I will bring him to court an
+he be minded to ride with me--further will I not vaunt myself."
+
+Then spake Arthur, "God wot, here have I both joy and sorrow. Fain am I
+to behold Perceval, an such fortune befall me, and ill may I spare thee.
+Thus have I joy and sorrow. Yet, nephew, trow me well, I were loth to
+bid thee break thine oath; now, therefore, make ready as befits thee,
+and depart as swiftly as may be, and seek me Perceval."
+
+With these words up sprang Sir Lancelot of the Lake, and stepped
+forward, and spake, and said he would adventure himself and take what
+fortune should send, and go seek Perceval hither and thither through all
+lands; "And may I but find that proud knight, an it lieth in my power,
+hither will I bring him! Now will I make me ready, and ride hence
+without longer tarrying; methinks, from the king's word, an he have
+Perceval he shall be freed from care--so will I ride hence for his
+honour."
+
+Quoth Arthur the king: "Sir Lancelot, of this thing it behoves ye take
+better rede; lightly might it turn to my shame if all my knights rode
+forth, and I thereafter were beset with strife and warfare, as full oft
+hath chanced aforetime! So might it in sooth be mine undoing. It hath
+chanced afore this that I had lost crown and lands, save for my knights;
+by them have I been victorious!"
+
+Quoth Sir Lancelot: "By the Lord who made me, and who shall be
+Doom's-man at the last day, come what may thereof, since Sir Gawain
+rideth hence 'tis not I will bide behind! Rather will I try what may
+chance, and adventure all that God hath given me, for he sought me with
+all his power when I was in secret case, and brought me once more to
+court--for that do I owe him faith and fellowship."
+
+Then they all wept, wives and maidens, knights and squires, when they
+knew Sir Lancelot would ride thence.
+
+Sir Gawain, who forgat not the wounded knight and his need of healing,
+went to him as he lay, and bound up his wounds, and so tended him at
+that time that he was healed ere long--needs must he be healed, even
+against his will, on whom Sir Gawain laid hands. All they of the court
+were sad and sorry at their departing; that eve they ate but little, for
+thinking of the knights who should ride forth with the morning.
+
+But now will we be silent on their lamentations, and tell henceforth of
+Sir Gawain and Sir Lancelot, who rode both on their way.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The adventure doeth us to wit that in the morning, so soon as it was
+day, they rode forth together through many a waste land, over many a
+heath and high hill, adown many a valley to seek Sir Perceval, but
+little did it profit them, for of him might they learn naught. Thus were
+they sorely vexed.
+
+On the ninth day there came riding towards them a knight on a goodly
+steed, and well armed withal. He was all black, even as I tell ye: his
+head, his body, and his hands were all black, saving only his teeth. His
+shield and his armour were even those of a Moor, and black as a raven.
+He rode his steed at full gallop, with many a forward bound. When he
+beheld the knights, and drew nigh to them, and the one had greeted the
+other, he cried aloud to Sir Lancelot: "Knight, now give me to wit of
+one thing which I desire, or guard ye against my spear. The truth will I
+know. I shall tell ye herewith my custom; what knight soever I may meet,
+were he stronger than five men, and I knew it well, yet would I not hold
+my hand for fear or favour, but he should answer me, or I should fight
+against him. Now, Sir Knight, give me answer, by your troth, so truly as
+ye know, to that which I shall ask ye, and delay not, otherwise may ye
+well rue it!"
+
+Quoth Sir Lancelot: "I were liefer dead than that a knight should force
+me to do that to which I had no mind--so were the shame equal. Hold to
+your custom an ye will; I were more fain to fight than to let ye be, if
+but to fell your pride. I ask naught but peace, yet will I chastise your
+discourtesy, or die in that will!"
+
+The Moor, who was wroth with Sir Lancelot, abode not still, but reined
+back his steed, and laid his spear in rest as one who was keen to fight.
+Sir Gawain drew on one side, since the twain would fight, and thought in
+himself, as was right and courteous, that it were folly, and the custom
+of no good knight, for twain to fall on one man, since life stood not at
+stake. 'Twere time enough for him to take hand therein, and stand by his
+comrade, did he see him hard pressed. Therefore stood Sir Gawain still,
+as one who had no mind to fight, nor to break the laws of courtesy.
+Nevertheless he deemed that this was a devil rather than a man whom they
+had come upon! Had they not heard him call upon God no man had dared
+face him, deeming that he was the devil or one of his fellows out of
+hell, for that his steed was so great, and he was taller even than Sir
+Lancelot, and black withal, as I said afore.
+
+Thus came the two together, the Moor and Sir Lancelot; each had a great
+spear and brake it in two, as a reed, yet neither felled the other, but
+each abode upon his steed. Then each drew his sword from its sheath, and
+set to work therewith, and of a sooth, had not God Himself so willed it
+both had died there; so mighty were their strokes that by right no man
+should escape alive. Had it been midnight, and dark as night is wont to
+be, yet had ye seen the grass and the flowers by the light of the sparks
+that flew so thick from helmet and sword and fell upon the earth. The
+smith that wrought their weapons I say he wrought them not amiss, he
+merited a fairer reward than Arthur ever gave to any man for such
+desert.
+
+The knight and Sir Lancelot, neither would yield to the other till Sir
+Gawain parted them by his prayer, and made them withdraw each from the
+other, for great pity he deemed it should either there be slain; yet so
+fell were the blows that they smote, and so great their wrath withal,
+that he saw well did the strife endure but short while longer they had
+received such wounds as should be the death of one, or it might well be
+of both.
+
+When Sir Gawain had parted the twain, whom he saw to be weary enow, he
+spake to the Moor: "'Tis an ill custom this to which ye are given; ye
+shall here renounce it. Had ye but asked in courteous wise that which ye
+have a mind to know, this knight had hearkened, and had answered ye of
+right goodwill; he had not refused, that do I know well. Ye be both rash
+and foolish, and one of the twain, ye, or he, shall lose by it, and from
+that do I dissent, an ye show me not better reason therefore."
+
+Quoth the Moor: "How come ye to speak thus to me? Wot ye that I be
+afraid to fight against the twain of ye; or that I have held my hand
+through fear of death? Were the one of ye Sir Lancelot, and the other
+King Arthur's sister's son (these twain are wont to be praised above all
+in Arthur's court as I have ofttimes heard, though never have I seen
+them), yet would I not yield a foot to them!"
+
+Then thought Sir Gawain with himself, "We were foolish and unwise an we
+failed to show courtesy to one who praises us so highly."
+
+But Sir Lancelot had great lust either to win the fight or to play it to
+a loss, and Sir Gawain, who was well ware of this, prayed him straitly,
+by the love he bare to him, and to King Arthur his lord, that for their
+honour he should hold his peace awhile, and let him say his will: "And
+this I charge ye, by the faith ye owe to my lady, my uncle's wife."
+
+Sir Lancelot spake: "Of a sooth, an ye had not thus charged me I should
+have avenged myself or here been slain, in that this knight forced the
+strife upon me without cause, and loaded me with blows; but in that ye
+so conjure me, I am he that will harm no man for profit to myself save
+that he first attack me. And since it seemeth good to ye I will e'en lay
+the strife in respite. God grant me good counsel therein, since I do it
+not for cowardice, but for love of ye and for your prayer."
+
+Thus stood the three in the open, and Sir Gawain spake to the Moor: "Ye
+be foolish in that ye do such things--now, neither we nor ye are harmed,
+yet might ye lightly do that which should cost ye your life. Tell me
+what ye seek, and I will give ye good counsel withal. If I may I shall
+tell ye that which ye should courteously have asked of this knight, who
+never yet was so hardly bestead by any man that he fell from his steed."
+
+Quoth the Moor: "Ye say well. Now I pray ye by all who own the laws of
+knighthood, and by Sir Gawain afore all, since he is reckoned the best,
+he and Sir Lancelot, wherever it may be, in whatever need, far and wide
+throughout the world, of all men are these twain most praised (I myself
+know naught save that which I have heard tell), know ye aught of Sir
+Agloval, brother to Sir Perceval of Wales? Of him have I asked many,
+this long while past; I have ridden hither and thither this half year,
+and here and there have I sought him. For this have I dared many
+a peril, and here will I lie dead save that ye twain tell me, in
+friendship or in fight, if ye know aught of Sir Agloval. Now have we had
+enow of this talk; 'tis full time ye answer, or we take up our strife
+once again, and see the which of us hath the sooner his full."
+
+Sir Gawain hearkened, and smiled at the black knight's speech, and spake
+soothfastly: "Now tell me what ye will of Sir Agloval that ye thus seek
+him, and thereafter will I tell ye that which I know."
+
+And the Moor answered straightway: "So will I tell ye all. Sir Agloval
+is my father, 'twas he begat me. And more will I tell ye; it chanced
+aforetime as ye may now learn, when he came into the land of the Moors;
+there through his valiant deeds he won the heart of a maiden, she was my
+mother, by my troth. So far went the matter between them through their
+words and through his courtesy, and because he was so fair to look upon,
+that she gave him all his will--the which brought her small reward, and
+great sorrow. Each plighted their troth to the other ere she granted
+him her favours. Therein was she ill-counselled, for he forsook her
+thereafter--'tis more than fourteen years past; and when he parted from
+her she bare me, though he knew it not. He told her his quest, whereof
+he was sore troubled, and how it came about that he must needs leave
+her, and that will I now tell ye. My father was seeking a noble knight,
+who was lost as at that time, and who was hight Sir Lancelot. Still more
+may I tell ye; he told my mother that he and many of his fellows had
+sworn a great oath to seek Sir Lancelot, and their quest should endure
+two years or more an they found him not, or could learn no tidings of
+him. Nor should they tarry in any land more than one night or two. This
+vexed my father sorely, that for this cause, and to keep his oath, he
+must needs leave my mother. But ere he departed he sware to her that he
+would return when he had achieved his quest; but he kept not his oath.
+Thus have I sought him in many a court. All this did my lady mother tell
+me, and also of the troth-plight. Little good hath it done me that he be
+my father, and that he sware to my mother, ere he departed, that for her
+honour, and for her profit, he would return to her without fail. Doth he
+live, God send him mocking (this I pray in all humility), but an he be
+already dead, then may God forgive him his sins. I and my mother are
+disinherited, since that he hath deserted us, of great goods and of
+a fair heritage, that which fell to her from her father have we lost
+altogether. It hath been denied us by the law of the land. Thereto was I
+greatly shamed, for they called me fatherless, and I could shew naught
+against it, nor tell them who it was that begat me, since my father had
+thus fled. So did I cause myself to be dubbed knight, and sware a great
+oath (I were loth to break it) that never should I meet a knight but I
+would fight him, or he should tell me if he perchance knew any tidings
+of my father, that I might learn somewhat concerning him. Did I meet
+mine own brother, I would not break mine oath, nor my vow; and till now
+have I kept it well, nor broken it by my default. And here would I bid
+ye twain, if ye would part from me in friendship, that ye tell me what
+ye may know thereof, out and out, by your troth, and therewith end this
+talk. Otherwise let us end this matter even as we began it, for there
+liveth no knight under the sun for whom I would break mine oath, were it
+for my hurt, or for my profit."
+
+Then was there neither of the twain, Sir Gawain nor Sir Lancelot, but
+the tears fell from their eyes when they heard the knight's tale. Such
+pity had they for him, they waxed pale, and red, and discovered their
+faces, when they heard his plaint.
+
+Quoth Sir Lancelot: "By my good days, nevermore will I be wrathful, nor
+bear rancour against ye for any lack of courtesy; ye need no longer
+stand on guard against me, my heart is not evil towards ye, and we will
+counsel ye well."
+
+Then was the black knight blithe, and drew near to Sir Lancelot, and
+bared his head, which was black as pitch; that was the fashion of his
+land--Moors are black as burnt brands. But in all that men would praise
+in a knight was he fair; after his kind. Though he were black, what was
+he the worse? In him was naught unsightly; he was taller by half a foot
+than any knight who stood beside him, and as yet was he scarce more than
+a child! It pleased him so well when he heard them speak thus of Sir
+Agloval that he knelt him straightway on the earth; but Sir Gawain
+raised him up, and told him their tidings, how they were but as
+messengers, and belonged to the court of King Arthur, which was of high
+renown, and that they rode at that time seeking Sir Perceval and Sir
+Agloval, since the king desired them both. "And his mind is to see and
+speak with them; may we by any means persuade those noble knights we
+shall return straightway to the king's court, an it be so that they will
+ride with us (further will we not vaunt ourselves, 'tis of our good
+will, and their pleasure), thereby shall the king be the more honoured.
+They belong to the Round Table, and have done so of long time; both are
+of the king's court, and knights of high renown. Now an ye will work
+wisely, and shun your own harm, ye will mount, and ride to King Arthur's
+court, and delay not. I hope in God that Sir Agloval shall come thither
+within short space, or that ye shall hear tidings of him; for there come
+full oft tidings from afar. Go ye to court without tarrying, the king
+will receive ye well. Tell him, and give him to wit who ye be, and
+whence ye come, and the quest upon which ye ride; he will not let ye
+depart ere we come and bring with us your father, an God prosper us.
+Should ye ride thus through the land, and fight with every knight whom
+ye may meet, ye will need great good fortune to win every conflict
+without mischance or ill-hap! They who will be ever fighting, and ne'er
+avoid a combat, an they hold such custom for long, though at whiles they
+escape, yet shall they find their master, who will perforce change their
+mood! Now Sir Knight do our bidding, for your own honour's sake, and
+ride ye to court; grant us this grace, for ere ye have abode long time
+there I hope that ye shall behold your father or receive tidings of him.
+But till that time abide ye at the court, there shall ye be well at ease
+in many ways. Now promise us this; we shall seek your father, and may we
+find him, and God give us honour in our quest, then will we return as
+swiftly as may be, and rejoice ye and the king!"
+
+When the Moor heard these words he laughed with heart and mouth (his
+teeth were white as chalk, otherwise was he altogether black), and he
+spake, "God our Father reward ye, noble knights, for the good will and
+the honour ye have done me, and also for the great comfort wherewith ye
+have lightened mine heart that long hath been all too heavy. An my steed
+fail me not I shall ride whither ye bid me to this king whom ye praise
+so highly."
+
+With that he pledged to the knights hand and knighthood, and called
+God to witness that he would do their bidding, faithfully, and without
+dispute, so long as he might live.
+
+Then quoth Sir Lancelot: "Knight, an ye be in any need, when ye come
+into Arthur's land,--I ween 'tis all unknown to ye,--speak but of
+us twain whom ye see here and men shall do ye naught but honour and
+courtesy, where'er ye come, in any place. And when ye come to the king,
+ere ye tell him aught beside, say that ye have seen and have spoken with
+us; and trow me, without fail, ye shall be well received!" The Moor
+spake: "'Tis well said--God reward ye for this courtesy; but were it
+your will and pleasing to ye that I knew the names of ye two then
+i'sooth were I the blither withal!"
+
+Then straightway Sir Gawain did him to wit who they were, and how they
+were hight; and the Moor made no delay, but fell on his knees before
+them. Sir Gawain raised him up, but the Moor laid his hands together and
+spake, "God the Father of all, and Ruler of the World, grant that I may
+amend my misdoing to your honour. Sir Lancelot, very dear lord, I own
+myself right guilty, for I did evil, and naught else!"
+
+Sir Gawain spake: "Take ye not to heart that which has here chanced, it
+shall be naught the worse for ye."
+
+Sir Gawain and Sir Lancelot were both mounted upon their steeds. The
+Moor spake: "'Tis labour lost. Such good knights as ye be, since ye at
+this time fare to seek my father, by the power of our Lord I will not
+stay behind; 'twere shame an I did. I shall ride with ye twain!"
+
+Quoth Sir Gawain: "Then must ye lay aside all outrageousness, and ride
+peaceably on your way, and whatever knight shall meet ye, and greet ye
+courteously, him shall ye greet and let pass on his way without strife
+or contention; and be his friend an he hath done ye no wrong--this do
+I counsel ye straitly. But he that is fierce and fell towards ye or
+towards another, on him shall ye prove your prowess, and humble his
+pride, if ye may. And honour all women, and keep them from shame, first
+and last, as best ye may. Be courteous and of gentle bearing to all ye
+meet who be well-mannered toward ye, and he who hath no love for virtue
+against him spare neither sword, nor spear, nor shield!"
+
+The Moor spake: "Since that ye will it so, I will at your bidding
+forbear, otherwise might I rue it! May God be gracious to me."
+
+So rode they all three together till they came to a parting of the ways
+where stood a fair cross, and thereon letters red as blood. Sir Gawain
+was learned in clerkly lore, he read the letters wherein was writ that
+here was the border of Arthur's land, and let any man who came to the
+cross, and who bare the name of knight, bethink him well, since he
+might not ride far without strife and conflict, and the finding of such
+adventures as might lightly turn to his harm, or even to his death--the
+land was of such customs.
+
+This did Sir Gawain tell to the twain. Then they saw, by the parting of
+the ways, a hermit's cell, fairly builded, and the knights bethought
+them that they would turn them thither that they might hear and see, and
+know what the words boded.
+
+There saw they the hermit, who seemed to them a right good man; and they
+dismounted at his little window, and asked his tidings, if perchance a
+knight in red armour had passed that way? And the good man answered and
+said 'twas but the other day, afore noon, that he had seen two knights
+who were wondrous like unto each other. "Of a truth it seemed to me,
+by their features and by their gestures, that they should be brothers.
+Their steeds seemed beyond measure weary. They came that self-same road
+that cometh from that land that men here call Britain; they were both in
+seeming men of might, and the one had steed and armour that were even
+red as blood. They dismounted, both of them, at the foot of that cross
+ye see there. There many a judgment is given. There did a knight lose
+his life, he and his wife with him; well did they deserve that their
+memory should be held in honour by the friends of our Lord, for they
+made a right good ending! They had sought the shrine of a saint, with
+them they had money and steeds, beside other goods, as befitted folk of
+high degree. Here did they fall in with a company of robbers, who slew
+the good knight, and took his steed and his money, and all that he had.
+Of this was his wife so sorrowful that for grief and woe her heart
+brake, and so did they die here, the twain of them, even at the cross
+roads, where ye see the fair cross, where now many a judgment is spoken.
+'Twas made through the knight's will. Hither come folk stripped and
+bare-foot, doing penance for their sins; and they who pass ahorse or
+afoot have here had many a prayer granted. The knights of whom ye ask
+did there their orisons, as well became them, but I may not tell ye
+whither they went at their departing; in sooth I know naught, for I said
+my prayers here within and forgat them. But they were tall and strong,
+and the one wore red armour, and the other bare the badge of King
+Arthur."
+
+Then were the knights sorely grieved, and kindled as a coal for sorrow,
+in that they might not know, by any craft, whitherward they rode. Then
+they asked the manner of the land, and whither led the roads which they
+saw before them.
+
+Then answered the good hermit, "I will tell ye as best I may. The road
+by which ye came, that do ye know; and the road that runneth straight
+therefrom that will ye shun, an ye heed my counsel. 'Tis a land of
+ill-fame, where men follow evil customs; their best, 'tis but others'
+worst! He who will keep his horse, his weapons and his life will shun
+that road. And the right-hand way goeth to a wild waste land, wherein no
+man dwelleth; an I bethink me well 'tis over a year and a day since
+I saw man or woman come from thence. An it so befall that ye fare
+thitherward ye shall find such a marvel that would ye dare the venture,
+and amend the wrong it shall cost ye life and limb, that do I tell ye
+here. For there shall ye find the most fell beast ever man heard or read
+of; take ye good heed thereof, 'tis the Foul Fiend himself, that know I
+well, that roameth in the guise of a beast. Against him may no weapon
+serve, there was never spear so sharp nor sword so well tempered, as I
+know of a truth, that may harm that devil, but it will break or bend as
+hath full oft been proven in time past. Now hath the beast chosen his
+dwelling in a little forest, there will he abide all night, but the day
+he prowleth by straight and winding ways. He devoureth man and beast
+alike, nor may I tell ye the marvels I have heard concerning him. He
+hath laid waste a broad land, and driven thereout all the country-folk,
+so that none remain. Now have I told ye the truth concerning these two
+roads, and what may befall ye therein; for the third, it leadeth hereby
+to the sea coast; I know not what I may say more."
+
+Quoth Sir Lancelot: "By the Lord who made me, Sir Gawain, we must needs
+depart from each other here and now, would we find these knights. And
+I will dare that which I deem the most perilous venture. Ye shall ride
+straightway whichever road ye will, otherwise shall we lose the knights
+who were lately here, they shall not have ridden far as yet. And if it
+be that ye find them, then I charge and conjure ye, by my will and your
+valour, that if ye may, ye shall bring them with ye and return hither to
+this place. Do this, Sir Knight, for my prayer. And do the hermit to wit
+how matters have gone with ye, that he may tell me the truth thereof if
+peradventure I too come hither, and the knight shall go with ye, and God
+keep ye both since we be now come to this point. Do him honour as a good
+man and true, in whatsoever place ye may be, this I pray ye of your
+valour."
+
+Sir Gawain gave him answer: "Dear comrade, I am fain to do your bidding,
+and may God keep us in life and limb, and in worldly honour. Now choose
+ye first which road ye will take, for here will we abide no longer."
+
+Then said Sir Lancelot: "I ween that 'tis the most pressing need to go
+fight against the beast whereof the good man telleth us; methinks 'twere
+well that I ride thither."
+
+And the hermit answered: "Alas, Sir Knight, ye be so fair that I deem
+below the throne one might scarce find your equal, and will ye brave a
+venture which no man may achieve! The folk hath fled out of the land,
+none may withstand that beast, no shaft is so fell as the venom which
+he shooteth on all who near him; and the man whom it reacheth, and upon
+whom it shall light (I am he who lieth not), he dieth ere the third day
+be past, had he never a wound upon him. This hath been the worse for
+many. Then is the beast greater than a horse, and runneth more swiftly
+than any horse may. Ye are wise an ye shun the fiend. This do I tell ye
+beforehand. Had he not chosen his lair, and did he wander from the land,
+as well might be, by the Lord who made us he had laid the world waste!
+Ye would do well to turn back."
+
+But 'twas labour lost; not for all the riches that belonged to King
+Arthur would he have taken back his word and his covenant, for any
+prayer that might be made him, nor have yielded aught through fear.
+
+Then would the knights take leave of each other that they might depart.
+The Moor spake to the twain: "For what do ye take me? Am I a lesser or a
+weaker man than either of ye that Sir Gawain must needs ride with me?
+I will not have it so. There is no knight so bold but I dare well
+withstand him. I know well what is unfitting. Now say whither ye will
+betake ye, and send me what road ye will; I will dare the venture, be it
+never so perilous. By my knighthood, and by all who follow Christendom,
+I shall adventure alone, and take that which may chance."
+
+Then said Sir Gawain: "It liketh me ill that ye sware such an oath, yet
+since such is your will, take ye the road that leadeth to the sea (this
+seemeth to me the best), ride swiftly and spare not, but seek your
+father. And do in all things after my counsel; if any man meet ye, when
+ye have given him courteous greeting, ask him if he saw riding, or
+otherwise met with, two knights, the one of whom ware red armour, and
+the other bare King Arthur's badge. This shall ye first beseech of them.
+When ye come to the crossing, pray that men tell ye the truth, and
+ask for the sea-coast withal, wherever ye come. And if so be that men
+understand ye not then return straightway to this place, and follow the
+road which I shall take, swiftly, and with no delay. We might lightly
+depart so far from each other that we met not again. But follow me soon,
+and not too late; and do according as I counsel ye, and I tell ye truly,
+no harm shall befall ye."
+
+The Moor spake: "God reward ye." Then took they leave each of the other,
+and departed asunder. Now will I tell ye how it fared with Sir Gawain.
+
+The adventure telleth us forthwith that when prime was now already past
+Sir Gawain came to a wide and deep river. 'Twas a great stream, and
+deep, and the current ran swift and strong. Then Sir Gawain marked well,
+and took heed, how on the further side, in a land of which he knew
+naught, there came a knight riding on a fair steed, and armed as if for
+combat. Before him he drave captive a maiden. Sir Gawain beheld how
+he smote her, many a time and oft, blow upon blow, with his fist that
+weighed heavily for the mailed gauntlet that he ware. Pain enough did he
+make her bear for that she desired not to ride with him. He smote her
+many a time and oft with his shield as he would revenge himself upon her
+in unseemly fashion. The maiden ware a robe of green silk, that was rent
+in many places, 'twas the cruel knight had wrought the mischief. She
+rode a sorry hack, bare backed, and her matchless hair, which was yellow
+as silk, hung even to the horse's croup--but in sooth she had lost well
+nigh the half thereof, which that fell knight had afore torn out. 'Twas
+past belief, the maiden's sorrow and shame; how she scarce might bear to
+be smitten by the cruel knight; she wept and wrung her hands.
+
+This Sir Gawain beheld, and he deemed 'twere shame an he avenged not her
+wrong. He looked before and behind and saw no bridge, great or small, by
+which he might cross over, nor saw he living soul of whom he might ask,
+then did he delay no longer, but turned his bridle, and set his horse
+toward the river bank; he struck his spurs sharply and sprang into the
+midst of the stream. The good steed breasted the current, swimming as
+best it might and brought its master to the further side. 'Twas great
+marvel that they were not drowned, horse and man, for the river was
+deep, and the stream ran swiftly.
+
+When Sir Gawain came to the other side of the river, which was both wide
+and deep, then saw he a great company of folk riding after the knight
+who bare away the maiden by force, and thus misused her, but he wist not
+if it was to aid the knight that they thus followed him, or to wreak
+vengeance on him. He saw many men clad in hauberks, but they were as yet
+a good mile distant. Sir Gawain rode swiftly after the maiden who went
+afore, whom the knight thus mishandled, to avenge her wrong; and as he
+drew near so that she might see him, she smote her hands together more
+than before, and cried to Gawain, "Noble knight, for the honour of
+womanhood, save me! This knight doeth me undeserved shame. Did there
+come hither any friend of God who would help me in this my need, an he
+had slain his own father it should be forgiven him!"
+
+Her prayers and entreaties, her tears and lamentations, would have
+stirred any man to pity; she cried upon Sir Gawain as he came riding
+into the plain, to come to her aid and fell the knight's pride. As Sir
+Gawain heard her his heart was rent with sorrow and compassion and he
+spake to that evil knight: "Sir Knight, 'tis folly and discourtesy that
+which ye do to this maiden; were ye wise ye would forbear; even had the
+maiden wronged ye, ye should deal courteously; he hath small honour who
+thus smiteth a maiden."
+
+Then said the cruel knight: "For ye, fool and meddler, whether ye be
+knight or no, will I not stay my hand, nay, rather for your shame, will
+I chastise her the more; and should ye but speak another word to her I
+shall thrust ye straightway from your steed with my spear!"
+
+Quoth Sir Gawain: "Then were I but afoot Sir Knight! Natheless I
+counsel ye, an ye be wise, that ye spare the maiden. Ye will find me not
+so craven this day as to let ye harm her; I shall defend her and avenge
+her wrong if my life be risked upon it. But, Sir Knight, hearken to my
+prayer, for God and for your honour, and the sake of knighthood!"
+
+But that evil knight answered and said he would in no wise do this: "An
+ye get not hence, and fly, by heaven it shall be your doomsday! I have
+no need of your sermons."
+
+Quoth Sir Gawain: "An ye be so bold, lay but your hand again upon her,
+and I shall take so stern a pledge as, wist ye, shall dismay your heart,
+an it cost me my life. Let the maiden go in peace, or be on your guard
+against my spear, for I defy ye!"
+
+The other was high and scornful that Sir Gawain so threatened him. He
+thought to quell his pride, and rode against him straightway, and Sir
+Gawain, on his side, did even the same. They came together so keenly
+that both spears brake, and the crash might be heard afar; they came
+together so swiftly that the knight was thrust from his saddle, and fell
+to the ground, and he fell so heavily that he felt the smart in every
+limb, and lay in anguish from the fall--so stayed he prone upon the
+ground.
+
+Sir Gawain took the horse whereon the knight had ridden. He forgat not
+his courtesy, but gave it into the hand of the maiden, and drew forth
+his good sword. Therewith was the knight come to himself, and had taken
+his sword, and stood up as best he might. Evil was his thought, and
+he cried: "Vassal, how were ye so bold as to do me this hurt and this
+shame? My father is lord of this land, and after him shall it be mine.
+Think not to escape, 'tis folly that which ye do. Even to day shall ye
+be repaid by those who follow me, and chastised in such wise as ye would
+not have for all the riches King Arthur holds or ne'er may hold! My men
+will be here anon and ye shall not escape, for in this land hath no man
+power or might to withstand me."
+
+Sir Gawain spake: "That may I well believe, and therefore are ye so
+cruel and so outrageous. That one who is noble of birth, and rich
+withal, should be false of heart, by my troth, 'tis great pity and
+bringeth many to shame. Now ye are not yet at such a pass but that I may
+teach ye moderation ere ye part from me. Methinks that to-day ye shall
+rue the evil ye have done. I counsel ye, an ye be wise, that ye make
+known to me wherein this lady hath wronged ye. Hath she indeed deserved
+that ye be thus cruel, then 'tis a matter 'twixt ye twain, I meddle no
+further. But hath the maiden not deserved this, then hold your hand,
+and make peace with me, otherwise is your life forfeit were ye never so
+highly born. I take the maiden with me when I ride hence." The knight
+would not hearken, and the maiden spake: "Noble knight I will tell ye
+wherefore he doeth me this wrong. He would have me for his love, why
+should I deny the truth? 'Tis many a day since he first spake to me, but
+I would not hearken to him, other sorrows vexed me; poverty grieveth me
+sore; thereto have I griefs that I may not lightly tell. My father was a
+knight, and a good man, and of high birth in this land. Dear Sir Knight,
+I will tell thee openly, though it be shame. My father hath lain sick,
+seven year long, and hath lost his goods, and now lieth in sore straits;
+he may neither ride nor walk nor stand upon his feet, he suffereth much.
+Now have I nursed and tended and otherwise served my father--friends
+hath he few save myself, and I had fain stayed by him and kept him all
+my life, doing for him all that within me lay. To-day came this knight
+within our hold, which is sore broken down and ruined, and hath done me
+sore wrong. He took me thence by force, ere I was well aware, nor stayed
+his hand for God or man. Thus did he carry me away, and now he doeth
+me this shame. He hath left his folk behind that they may hinder my
+friends, lest they follow him to his hurt. I fear lest they be here
+anon. And should they find ye here ye may scarce escape. Would ye save
+your life, then, Sir Knight, make a swift end of this combat. I fear it
+dureth over long an ye will aid me, by our Lord's grace. So bethink ye,
+Sir Knight, what ye may do."
+
+Quoth Sir Gawain: "An ye be wise, Sir Knight, ye will now speak; here
+will I tarry no longer. Will ye right this maiden of the wrong ye have
+done her, or fight with me? The one or the other must ye do. An ye will,
+I will alight and meet ye afoot, or ye may mount your steed again, by
+covenant that ye flee not, nor escape, but abide your fortune."
+
+The knight made answer: "Now do ye hold me over feeble, an ye think I
+shall thus yield. Ye will do well to dismount straightway, an ye have
+lust to fight." He covered himself with his shield, and drew forth his
+sword from the scabbard. Sir Gawain dismounted, whether he liked it well
+or ill, and let his horse that men call the Gringalet, stand beside him;
+never a foot would that steed stir till its lord came, and once more
+laid hand on it. Forthwith they betook them to fight, and dealt each
+other fierce thrusts, with mighty and strong strokes, so that one saw
+their blood stream out through the mails of their hauberk, and the
+sparks sprang out when the helmets were smitten till they seemed to glow
+even as doth hot iron when it be thrust into the furnace, and waxeth red
+from the fire; so fierce were the blows which each dealt to the other.
+That which most sorely vexed Sir Gawain was that his sword scarce seemed
+worth a groat, the knight's armour was so good that Sir Gawain's weapon
+was stayed upon it. Though one saw the blood well through, yet had the
+hauberk never a score. This Sir Gawain deemed a great marvel. He fetched
+a mighty blow upward and smote the knight above the hauberk, in the
+neck, to the very middle of the throat. Therewith was the matter ended
+for him; his head fell forward upon his breast, and he fell dead beneath
+the blow.
+
+His friends and kinsmen had beheld from afar and came therewith, sore
+distressed and very wrath when they saw their lord thus lying dead upon
+the field. Sir Gawain, the good and the valiant, was once more mounted
+upon Gringalet. There might he fear no foe; the steed was so strong and
+so great, and even as his lord had need would the horse watch and follow
+every sign that he might give.
+
+Those who had come thither, and had, as it were, found Sir Gawain in the
+very act of slaying, were of one mind that they should beset him, behind
+and afore, on horse and afoot, and if it might be take his life. And Sir
+Gawain who saw that he was sore bestead, commended himself to the grace
+of God with a good heart and received his foes with drawn sword. With
+each blow that he smote he wounded one, or two, and wrought them much
+harm. None might withstand him, and he that wrought the most valiantly
+he abode there dead, or went hence so sorely wounded that he might never
+more find healing. Thus Gawain, the Father of Adventure, so daunted them
+with the blows that he smote that many drew aside and turned from the
+strife with deep wounds and wide. 'Twas a good cause for which Sir
+Gawain fought, and for which he desired vengeance, and for that did it
+fall to his profit. He brought many of them in sore stress, some of
+life, some of limb. With that there came riding a company of the
+maiden's folk, who were fain to avenge her shame. So soon as she beheld
+them, and they drew nigh, was she glad and blithe and drew aside from
+the strife where Sir Gawain did right manfully. The maiden turned to her
+own folk, and betook her with that company again to her father. They
+were right joyful that she was once more in their power, and they left
+Sir Gawain on the field where he was sore bestead--they durst not take
+part with him against their overlord, so greatly did they fear his kin.
+
+But Sir Gawain, who marked this not, went smiting blow after blow on
+all that came nigh him, and so blinded and drave them backward with his
+strokes that he was left alone on the field. So weary and so weak were
+they that they lay all along the road, discomfited, prone on the earth,
+as those who have sore need of rest. But few of them were whole, for Sir
+Gawain had so wounded them that men may well tell the tale from now even
+unto Doomsday!
+
+Then thought Sir Gawain within himself, since he had so long wielded his
+weapons and no man durst withstand him further he might find no better
+counsel than to fare on his way. He thanked God of true heart that he
+had thus won honour on this evil folk, and that he had escaped with his
+life, and free from mortal wound, he and his steed, and that God had
+thus protected them. Men say oft, and 'tis true, as was here well
+proven, that he who recks not of his ways, but doeth that which is
+displeasing alike to God and to the world, he was born in an evil hour.
+
+Now when Sir Gawain had won the fight, and God had shown him favour by
+granting him good knighthood and the discomfiting of his foes, the day
+was well past nones, and Sir Gawain, the bold, had neither eaten nor
+drunk, nor done aught save fight that day and receive great blows. He
+rode on his way sore perplexed and unknowing where he might seek for
+lodging. So long did he ride that he was ware how it drew towards
+evening, and therewith did he behold a castle. Never was a man more
+oppressed with hunger and thirst and weariness; and he thought in his
+heart that he could do naught better than ride thither, and see if by
+hap he might find lodging for the night.
+
+He found by the castle moat the lord of that burg and many of his
+folk with him; when he had dismounted on the turf he greeted them
+courteously, and the lord answered "God reward ye."
+
+Quoth Sir Gawain, "Were it your command, and your will and pleasure,
+right gladly would I abide here within this night! I know not otherwise
+how I may win shelter. I have ridden all this day, and have seen naught
+save wilderness and waste land, and there found I no man with whom I
+might abide the night."
+
+And the host spake, "So may good befall me in soul and body as I shall
+give to you in friendship, even to the uttermost, all that belongeth
+unto this even; lodging will I give ye, and food, ham and venison. My
+lodging is ever free, and ne'er refused to any knight who would fain be
+my guest. He hath safe conduct, good and sure, against all whom he may
+meet in this land, were it against mine own son, whom I love above all
+who own the laws of knighthood. My safe conduct is so well assured that
+whosoe'er should wrong my guest it should cost him his life and all that
+he had, had he not more than good fortune! This on my knighthood and by
+the Blessed Maid, Our Lady!"
+
+But Sir Gawain, the Father of Adventure, who was wont to be received
+with honour, wist not that the knight whom he had slain was son to the
+lord of the castle. Now first shall ye hear of marvellous adventures
+whereof some be good and some evil.
+
+Sir Gawain had come to that point that he deemed he was well assured of
+shelter for the night, nor was he on guard against his heavy mischance.
+The host, who would do his guest all honour, took the knight by the
+hand, and led him through three portals into a fair hall where he was
+received with courteous words. They disarmed him straightway, and
+stabled his steed right well. The host bade them take in ward Sir
+Gawain's armour and his sword; too far did they carry them! For that was
+he vexed and wrathful, and he would not it had so chanced for all his
+host's halls, were they of wroughten gold! For as they sat at table
+and ate and drank and had enow of all the earth might bear for the
+sustenance of man, and forgat thereby all sorrow, they heard sore
+wailing and lamentation, and the smiting together of hands, and knew not
+what it might mean. They heard folk who stood without the walls, at the
+master gate, who cried with loud voice, "Alas, alas! Undo and let us in!"
+
+Then Sir Gawain's mood was changed, and his heart forbade him that
+sorrow and mischief drew near. He changed colour and grew red. The
+lord gave command from within that they should ask what company stood
+without, and what tidings they bare. Then they sprang to the gate, and
+opened it, even as their lord bade.
+
+Then came they in, who stood without, bearing a bier, and making so
+great cry and lamentation that men heard it far and near through the
+open doorways. So came they into the hall, a great company of folk, and
+cried with a loud voice to the lord of the castle, "Alas, master, here
+lieth dead the best knight that one might find in the wide world, even
+your dear son. There liveth not his like on earth, so strong, so bold,
+so skilled in valiant deeds!"
+
+Then was all the burg aghast; and the host, the father of the knight who
+lay dead upon the bier, felt his heart die within him. Scarce might he
+find words; and he cried, "Who hath robbed him of life, mine own dear
+son, whom I loved above all the world? How came he by his death? I fear
+me 'twas by his own deed, for well I know that he was fierce of heart,
+and spared neither foe nor friend. I fear lest he have merited his
+death. Now do I conjure ye all here present, by God, our Righteous
+Father (so spake the lord of the castle) that ye speak, and make known
+to me the whole truth; fain would I hear how he came by his death, my
+dear son, who lieth here, and for whom my heart doth sorely grieve."
+
+Then said they all who brought the dead man thither, that forsooth 'twas
+a stranger knight who did this by his great valour; "Though we saw it
+not with our eyes, yet may we well bear witness to the death of many of
+our folk; and others are so sorely wounded that they may never more be
+healed. Man may scarce tell all the mischief wrought by that stranger
+knight who slew your son, the best knight on earth; nor may we tell who
+he might be." But Sir Gawain, who was there within, and knew well that
+he was guilty, saw that he might scarce escape either by will or by
+valour, since he had laid aside his weapons and stood all unarmed in his
+robes; thereof was he grieved at heart.
+
+As they stood and spake thus, sudden they saw the blood of the knight
+who lay there dead, and which afore was stanched, leap forth afresh, and
+run crimson down the hall. With this were they ware of Sir Gawain, their
+lord's guest, and all they who were there present said, the one taking
+up the tale of the other, that forsooth he who had slain the knight was
+within that hall, as might be seen of men, for the blood had ceased to
+flow a little after midday, nor had any man seen the wounds bleed since.
+Now was it open and manifest to all that he was there who had done the
+deed. Herein were they all of one mind who were there present, and they
+drew together and looked upon Sir Gawain the Father of Adventure, with
+fierce and cruel eyes.
+
+Sir Gawain saw many an unfriendly countenance turned towards him. They
+straitly prayed their lord that he would make the knight known to them;
+how he came thither; who he was, whence he came, and whither he went,
+and what might be his name?
+
+Then spake the host: "He is my guest, and he hath my safe conduct, good
+and fast, the while he is within; and be ye sure of this, that if any
+wrong him by word or deed, he shall rue it in such wise that it shall
+cost him goods and life. Nor will I change for prayer of man or woman.
+My surety that I will hold to every guest standeth so fast that no
+word I have spoken shall be broken with my knowledge or my will. Have
+patience and hold ye still, on peril of your lives and goods. I know so
+good counsel withal that I may speedily be ware of him who hath wrought
+this deed."
+
+Then he called together his folk to one side of the hall, and said that
+his oath and his safe conduct might in no wise be broken, for his son
+were thereby but ill-avenged, valiant knight though he was. He might
+well rue it if he slew his guest, for thereof should he have great shame
+wherever men told the tale. "I shall avenge him more discreetly, if I be
+well-assured of the truth that my guest hath indeed wrought this murder
+and this great outrage."
+
+He spake further to his folk: "Now do ye all my bidding. Ye shall abide
+here within this hall; no man shall follow me a foot, but do ye even as
+I command. I will lead my guest without, and ye shall close the door
+behind us. Doth the dead man cease to bleed, then shall we all be
+well-assured that he hath done the deed; and thereafter shall I take
+counsel how I may avenge my son, fittingly, and without shame." Then all
+agreed to his counsel, and held their peace.
+
+Thus came the host to where Sir Gawain stood, and spake: "Sir Knight,
+be not wroth that my folk entreat ye not better. We are in grief, as ye
+see, and therefore are ye the worse served. Now shall ye come with me,
+and I shall amend what hath here been lacking. My folk and my household
+make great lamentation, as ye see, and I with them. Now come with me,
+and tarry not; I will lead ye hence where ye may be at ease, and sleep
+softly till the daylight. Here would we make our moan."
+
+Sir Gawain thought within himself he was sorely over-matched within
+those (to be bare of weapons 'tis a heavy blow at need), and he knew
+well that the folk looked on him with unfriendly eyes, and that none
+were on his side, that might be seen from their mien; and therefore he
+thought within himself that there was no better counsel save to put
+himself in his host's grace, and do that which he bade him. He had no
+weapon upon him, and there were within of his host's folk full five
+hundred men whom he saw to be armed. Thus he went his way with his host,
+whether the adventure should turn to his harm or to his helping. The
+lord of the castle led him through the doorway, and his men locked it as
+they went forth.
+
+Then quoth the lord of those within: "Sir Knight and dear guest, I will
+that ye be right well entreated here within this night." He led him to
+a strong tower, wherein were fair beds. He bade them bear tapers before
+them, and all that he knew or could in any wise deem needful for Sir
+Gawain, his guest. The host, sorely mourning, bade them pour out clear
+wine, and make ready a fair couch whereon he might sleep even as he had
+the will thereto. He left with him squires enow, and turned him again to
+the castle.
+
+Then did they bear the dead man from where he lay, his wounds were
+stanched, and bled no whit. Then said all who saw it it booted not to
+seek another man, they were well assured 'twas their guest had slain
+him. The word ran through the hall; and the host turned him again to
+where he had left his guest, as if he marked naught. He made no sign to
+his folk, but locked the door of the tower so fast that none might come
+therein to Sir Gawain to do him harm, nor overpower him, so safely was
+he in his keeping. Also, I tell ye, he himself kept the keys of the
+strong tower wherein he had locked his guest. He would bethink him what
+'twere best to do ere he let him be slain or maimed; thus did he hold
+him within his fortress.
+
+What might Sir Gawain do? He must even abide his fate; he had come
+thither as guest, and now was he locked in a strong tower, within many
+doors, and in a strange place withal. He was bare of arms, and had he
+revealed himself and demanded his weapons they had scarce given them
+to him; rather had they slain him, and drawn blood-guiltiness upon
+themselves had not God protected him.
+
+Thus was Sir Gawain a captive, and knew not what he might do. 'Twixt
+constraint and ill-fortune the night seemed to him over long; though he
+feared him no whit yet he deemed his end was come. He knew well that the
+folk were evil-disposed and bare malice and rancour towards him for the
+sake of the dead man who lay there, in that they had seen his wounds
+bleed afresh, and had thereby known his slayer. Thus was his heart
+sorely troubled.
+
+Now leave we speaking of Sir Gawain. The host was within the hall, with
+his folk until daylight; with sorrow and lamentation did they pass the
+night, bemoaning their bitter loss. For though the knight had well
+deserved his death yet had he there many friends who lamented the loss
+that they had thereby suffered. They were loth to own that he was evil
+and cruel of heart.
+
+So soon as they saw the fair day light the host took counsel with his
+folk that they might advise him well by what means, and in what way,
+they might avenge themselves for their heavy loss. Said the host, their
+lord, did he let the guest, whom he held there captive, and who had
+smitten his son to death, depart in safety, "Men would say I were but
+a coward, and durst not avenge myself, and would speak scorn of me;
+so many have seen how the matter fell out that it may not well remain
+hidden. Yet should I slay my guest then from henceforward would they cry
+shame upon me in every land where the tale be told."
+
+Thus was he of two minds, and thought in his heart that to save himself
+from shame 'twere best to let his guest depart so soon as he arose,
+armed in all points as he came thither, and harm him in no wise, but
+bring him, unhurt by any man, without the borders of his land and his
+safe conduct, and there bid him farewell and return hither; while that
+his friends, who would fain see him avenged, waylaid Sir Gawain, and
+wrought their will upon him, and, if they would, slew him. Or if they
+took him captive they might deal with him as they thought best, either
+by burning him in the fire, to cool their rage, or by breaking him upon
+the wheel--as might seem best to them at the time. "Thus shall I put the
+shame from me, that neither near nor afar, now or henceforward, men
+make scorn of me. This seemeth to me the wisest rede in this matter,
+howsoe'er it stand!"
+
+This did he tell to his folk, and it pleased them well, and they spake
+with one mouth that he had found the best counsel. They made no further
+questioning, but armed themselves, and rode forth, as they who would
+waylay Sir Gawain, when his host had sent him on his way. Thus they went
+forth from thence a great company, and well armed. Very wrathful were
+they, and they went right willingly. The host who would follow them
+called to him his seneschal, who was cruel and cunning, and bade him
+carry his armour to their guest straightway, and deliver it to him as if
+he should ride thence as soon as he had arisen, and delay no whit.
+
+Straightway the seneschal betook him to a fair chamber (hearken ye to an
+evil tale!) where he found Sir Gawain's weapons and his good armour. He
+stole from Sir Gawain his good sword, that which he placed in its sheath
+was not worth twopence; he cut the straps of the harness well nigh in
+twain in the midst, and made a great score in the stirrup leathers
+so cunningly that no man might see or know aught thereof beneath the
+covering of the harness. And the saddle-girths did the traitor so handle
+that Sir Gawain was sore grieved there-for ere he had ridden a mile; he
+would not that it had so chanced for all King Arthur's kingdom--that
+shall ye hear anon.
+
+When the seneschal who had wrought this treason had brought Sir Gawain's
+weapons and his horse that had been well cared for that night--they
+deemed it should be theirs ere long, 'twas a strong steed and well
+standing, and since they thought to have their pleasure of it they
+gave it provender enow--the host bade them undo the door and hold Sir
+Gawain's steed there without. The harness was in place, whereof I have
+told ye that it was so traitorously handled; then came forth the knight,
+who had arisen, and clad himself in fair robes, and descended the
+stairway. Little thought had he of the treason which in short while
+befell him. The seneschal held in his hand the false sword, well hidden
+in its sheath, and the while Sir Gawain made him ready did he gird it at
+his side--for that was the knight thereafter unblithe.
+
+The while they thus made ready came the lord of the castle to Sir
+Gawain, and said: "Ye are early astir Sir Knight; how comes it that ye
+be thus hurried at this time? Scarce have ye slept, and arisen, ere
+ye would ride hence. Have ye heard Mass, and broken your fast ere ye
+depart?"
+
+Quoth Sir Gawain: "Dear mine host, I grieve that ye yet sorrow; so may
+God guard me and bring me to His grace when I die as I truly mourn for
+your mischance. I will it were yet to do!" Quoth Sir Gawain the bold:
+"Though 'twere hard and painful to me yet would I for seven years long
+wear haircloth next my body, wherever I fared, for this that ye have
+received me so well. Nevertheless be ye sure of a truth--I may not deny
+it this day for any man, how strong soever he might be, nor through fear
+of any that may hear me, foe or friend--but I must needs say in sooth
+your son had merited his death many a time and oft ere the day came that
+he died! Now may God have mercy upon him! And God reward ye for the
+great good, and the honour, that ye do to me, all ye here, in that I
+have been at your charges."
+
+Then was the host sore vexed, and he said: "I will do ye no harm for
+aught that hath chanced by ye; nevertheless, there be here many a man
+who had fain fallen upon ye, but I tell ye I will not that aught befall
+ye here; nor that my peace be broken, nor vengeance taken upon ye. I
+shall go with ye as ye ride hence, and ride with ye so far that ye be
+not led astray by any who remain behind. I were loth that harm befell
+ye."
+
+Sir Gawain spake: "For that may God, who ruleth over all, reward ye." He
+took the bridle in his hand and rode forth, the host nigh to him; and at
+his side went he who had betrayed him aforehand. Now cometh great sorrow
+upon Sir Gawain. He deemed that he had safe conduct, but he had lost
+from its sheath his sword, which had been stolen from him; and that
+which the seneschal had put in its place when he drew forth the good
+brand was more brittle than glass. Thereto had he cunningly handled the
+harness, girths and stirrup-leather, whereof Sir Gawain knew naught, and
+the lord of the castle had sent afore the strongest and most valiant
+of his folk, to waylay Sir Gawain, and to take his life, A man's heart
+might well fail him for doubt, and great fear, did he come in such a
+pass, and know no wile whereby he might escape.
+
+Sir Gawain, who knew naught of these tricks and snares rode on his way,
+discoursing of many things with his host, until they drew nigh to the
+place where his foes lay, ambushed in the thicket, who would fain slay
+him. When he came nigh to the place the host took leave of the knight,
+and turned him again towards the castle. Sir Gawain sat upon his steed
+and deemed that he should ride thence without strife or combat. As he
+laid his hand on the saddle-bow, and thrust his feet into the stirrups
+and thought to rise in the saddle, the girths brake asunder, the saddle
+turned over the left stirrup beneath the horse, and left him standing.
+Then Sir Gawain saw a great company of folk spring forth and come
+towards him with all their might. Some came from the ditches where they
+had lain hidden, some out of bushes, some out of thickets, and some came
+forth from the hollow ways. God confound traitors, since He may not mend
+them!
+
+Sir Gawain abode not still; he saw well that he was betrayed, and
+over-matched. He drew forth from its sheath the sword, which was little
+worth to him, and deemed he would defend himself, as he oft had done
+aforetime, against those who would harm him. But ere he might smite
+three blows that sword brake, as it were tin--this was an ill beginning
+would a man defend his life. This Sir Gawain saw, and was dismayed, he
+wist well that he was betrayed. They who would harm him came upon him
+from every side, a great company and fierce, all thirsting for his life;
+there was a great clash of swords; they thrust at him with their spears.
+His sword protected him not a whit--he who gave it to him God give him
+woe! It brake in twain at the hilt, and fell into the sand. Sir Gawain
+stood empty-handed, small chance had he of escape, and they who beset
+him were chosen men, over-strong and over-fierce, as was there well
+proven. Like as a wild boar defends himself against the hounds that
+pursue him, even so did Sir Gawain defend himself, but it helped him
+naught. They harmed him most who stood afar, and thrust at him with
+spears to sate their rage. There was among them no sword so good but had
+Sir Gawain held it, and smote with it three such blows as he was oft
+wont to deal with his own, it had broken, or bent, and profited them no
+whit. But of those things which had stood him in good stead many a time
+before, when he was hard beset, his good steed, and his sword, the which
+was a very haven, of these was he now robbed.
+
+Thus was Sir Gawain overcome, and me thinks 'twas little marvel! There
+lives no man so strong or so valiant but he may some time be vanquished
+by force, or by fraud. Sir Gawain must needs yield him; he was felled to
+the ground, yet were there some to whom it cost their life ere he was
+captive, and some it cost a limb, or twain, that might never more be
+healed; and he himself was so sore mis-handled that all he ware, whether
+it were armour or other clothing, was rent in many a place, so that the
+flesh might be seen. There lived on earth no man so wise that he might
+aid him in this stress, nor leech who might heal him; yet, an God will,
+he shall be healed of his smart and of his shame.
+
+They bound Sir Gawain's hands, and set him on a sorry hack, and to anger
+him they led beside him Gringalet, his steed. This they did that he
+might be the more sorrowful when he beheld his horse, which he had now
+lost, and his own life withal! For of this would they deprive him, and
+make him to die a shameful death; burn him they would, or break him upon
+the wheel, that they might wreak their vengeance upon him. There were
+among them knights and squires, the richest, and the most nobly born
+after the lord of the land; and all had sworn an oath that they would
+lead Sir Gawain to the cross-roads, at the entering in of their land for
+the greater shaming of King Arthur's Court. To this had they pledged
+themselves, that they would there slay him without respite or delay; and
+were it not that 'twere shame to themselves, and too great dishonour to
+one who bare the name of knight, they had hung him by the neck, on the
+border of the two lands, to shame King Arthur; so that all his folk
+who were of the knightly order, and dwelt at his court, and sought for
+adventure, should shun their land when they heard the tidings of the
+vengeance wrought by them upon knights-errant who would prove their
+fate within those borders.
+
+Thus it fell out that they brought Sir Gawain on the horse, sorely
+wounded and mishandled, within the nearness of half a mile, so that
+the knight knew he was nigh to the cell of the Hermit of whom at that
+self-same cross-road he had asked tidings of King Arthur's knights, and
+of that bad and evil land where many were brought to shame. And they who
+had brought him thither were of one mind that they should make a wheel,
+and break the knight upon it at the Cross by the parting of the ways
+whereof I have told ye afore.
+
+Now shall I leave speaking of this matter till I come again thereto,
+and will forthwith tell ye how it fared with Morien when the three
+had parted asunder, as I told ye afore (Sir Gawain, Morien, and Sir
+Lancelot, he was the third), since they would fain make proof of that
+which the Hermit had told them. Now will I tell ye of Morien ere that
+I end the tale of Sir Gawain. Now doth the adventure tell that Morien,
+that bold knight, rode the seaward way, and came safely to the passage
+of the ford nigh unto the open sea. And all the day he met no man of
+whom he might ask concerning his father; 'twas labour wasted, for all
+who saw him fled from him. Little good might his asking do him, since
+none who might walk or ride would abide his coming. But he saw there the
+hoof-prints of horses, which lay before him and were but newly made; by
+this he deemed that his father had passed that way but a short while
+before.
+
+Thus he followed the hoof-tracks to the passage of the sea. That night
+had he neither rest nor slumber, nor found he place where he might
+shelter, or where it seemed to him he might ask for food or lodging
+beneath a roof.
+
+The morning early, even as it dawned and men might see clearly and well
+(which comforted him much), he came safely ahorse to where one might
+make the crossing, but he saw never a soul; no man dwelt thereabout, for
+the robbers had laid waste the land, and driven away the folk so that
+none remained. 'Twas all heath and sand, and no land beside; there grew
+neither barley nor wheat. He saw and heard no man, nor did folk come and
+go there, but he saw ships at anchor, and shipmen therein, who were wont
+to take over those folk who would cross into Ireland.
+
+Morien came riding over the sea-sand, and cried with a loud voice
+shipward: "Ye who be within tell me that which I ask lest it be to your
+own loss, as also I would fain know for my own profit and rejoicing.
+Know ye if any within these few days past have carried a knight over the
+water?"
+
+But all they who lay in the ships, when they beheld Morien who had
+doffed his helm, were so afeard for him that they might neither hear nor
+understand question nor answer. They were altogether in fear of him,
+since he was so tall, and black withal. Each man turned his boat
+seaward, and put off from the shore, for Morien was to look upon even as
+if he were come out of hell. They deemed they had seen the Foul Fiend
+himself, who would fain deceive them, so they departed as swiftly as
+they might and would in no wise abide his coming. Then must Morien turn
+him again, for none would hearken to his speech nor tell him that which
+he fain would know; all were of one mind that 'twas the Devil, and none
+else, who rode there upon the sand, so they fled with one consent from
+the shore.
+
+Morien saw well that his labour was in vain, for would he make the
+crossing there was no man would abide his coming or receive him into his
+boat. Thus must he needs turn him back, and great lamentation did he
+make thereof. He saw the footprints where two horses had ridden afore
+him, and ever he hoped that 'twas his father who rode there, and that
+he had crossed the water, but he thought within himself: "What doth it
+profit a man to labour if he know it to be in vain? None will take me
+over the water since I am a Moor, and of other countenance than the
+dwellers in this land; this my journey is for naught. I may not do
+better than return to the Hermit, that good man, there where I parted
+from my comrades." He had neither eaten nor drunk since that he rode
+thence; his head was dazed with hunger and with grief. He looked behind
+and afore, and saw nowhere where food was in preparing, nor saw he man
+nor woman, nor creature that had life, upon the seashore.
+
+Then he rode swiftly upon the backward trail till he came once more
+to the parting of the ways; there found he carpenter-folk hewing and
+shaping timber, whereof they had made a great wheel. He saw a knight
+sitting upon the ground, in sore distress, naked and covered with blood;
+he had been brought thither to be broken upon the wheel, so soon as it
+might be made ready. Well might his heart misgive him!
+
+Morien who came thither saw the gleam of many a hauberk; there were
+armed folk enow! Others there were who were but in evil case, unarmed,
+and unclad, who were scarce whole. Their limbs were bandaged, some
+the arm, some the leg, some the head, and stained with blood. And Sir
+Gawain, who sat there sore mishandled, knew that well, and as Morien
+came nigh, he cried, so that all might hear: "Dear my comrade, ye be
+welcome. God give me joy of your coming hither! I am Gawain, your
+comrade; little did I foresee this mischance when we parted, you and I,
+at this cross-way! Have pity upon the sore stress in which ye see me.
+May God who hath power over us all strengthen ye well; would that He
+might here show forth His power!"
+
+When Morien who was hard beset by them who stood there heard this, never
+might one hear in book or song that any man smote such fierce blows as
+he smote with the sword which he drew forth. Do what he might with
+that sword it suffered neither dint nor scar; he smote straight to the
+mid-ward; nor was their harness so good that it might withstand him.
+Thereto helped his great strength, that he fought so fiercely against
+them who withstood him, and smote such ghastly wounds that nevermore
+might they be healed, nor salved by the hand of any leech. He clave many
+to the teeth, through helm and coif, so that they fell to the ground.
+And ever as he cast his eyes around and they lighted upon Sir Gawain,
+who was in such evil case, his courage waxed so great that were the
+Devil himself against him he had slain him even as a man; might he die,
+he had there lost his life. Sir Gawain sat by the wayside in sorry
+plight, with his hands bound; but the good knight Morien so drave aback
+the folk who had brought him thither that they had little thought for
+him. He defended him so well with his mighty blows that none might come
+at him to harm him; he felled them by twos and by threes, some under
+their horses, some beside them. The space began to widen round Sir
+Gawain and Morien; for all there deemed that he came forth from hell,
+and was hight Devil, in that he so quelled them and felled them
+underfoot that many hereafter spake thereof. That men thrust and smote
+at him troubled him little, therein was he like to his father, the noble
+knight Sir Agloval; he held parley with no man, but smote ever, blow
+after blow, on all who came nigh him. His blows were so mighty; did a
+spear fly towards him, to harm him, it troubled him no whit, but he
+smote it in twain as it were a reed; naught might endure before him.
+He ware a hauberk that bold overstrong hero, wherewith he was none
+too heavy laden, yet none might harm him with any weapon they brought
+thither. Then might ye see the blood run red upon the ground for the
+good knight's sword spared neither horse nor man. There might ye see
+lying heads and hands, arms and legs; some hewn from the body, some
+smitten in twain. They who might escape death fared little better, for
+good fortune had departed from them--thus many chose their end. He who
+came betimes to the conflict, and fled without waiting to see what might
+chance further, he was blithe! Thus were they put to rout, and either
+slain or driven from the field, or helpless of limb; some who came
+thither ahorse had lost their steeds, and must rue their journey. They
+might no longer ride, but must go hence afoot.
+
+Then Morien dismounted, and took Sir Gawain in his arms, and said full
+oft, "Alas, my comrade, how were ye thus betrayed? I fear physician may
+aid ye never more, ye have wounds so many and so sore."
+
+With that he had unbound his hands; and Sir Gawain said: "Of physician
+have I no need." He thanked God and Morien a hundredfold, that he was
+thus delivered from peril, and comforted in his need; his heart was
+light within him, and he said he should speedily mend might he but have
+repose for two days, and neither walk nor ride; by the help of God, and
+by leechcraft and the aid of certain herbs the virtue of which he knew
+well, so might he regain all his strength.
+
+Now had they left upon the field Gringalet and certain other steeds,
+the masters whereof were slain or had fled afar. Gringalet was bare of
+harness, he had lost his saddle as ye heard afore, and therefore no man
+had mounted him. He who had brought him thither had forgat him upon that
+field, his journey had been dearly bought and he lay there dead in the
+green grass. And Sir Gawain when he was ware of that was fain to forget
+all his pain. He arose from where he sat, and went towards his steed,
+and as he looked upon him his heart rose high within him, and he deemed
+that he was well-nigh healed. And even as he came Gringalet knew his
+lord, nor would flee from him, but came towards him, and for very
+friendship seized him with his teeth.
+
+Then did they abide no longer, but betook them to the hermit who had
+been sore afeard for all that he heard and saw through the window of his
+cell. He knew the two knights well, when he heard their tale, and how
+that they were even the same who had but lately passed his way, and he
+spake to the Father of Adventure: "Even so did I foretell ye when ye
+would ride toward that land, and I prayed ye to refrain. But that would
+ye not do, and so have ye come to harm therein! They who are fain to
+despise counsel ofttimes do so to their own mischief. But since it hath
+so befallen, think ye what may best profit ye, and abide overnight with
+me, here within; for an ye depart hence I know not where ye may find
+shelter. That evil beast whereof I spake when ye were here afore hath so
+laid waste the land that no man dwelleth herein. If I still dwell here
+'tis that I have no need to flee nor to fear death ere my day come,
+when as it hath been foretold and declared I shall break the rule of my
+order. A long tale is ill to hear, I will weary ye not, but see that
+naught be lacking to your ease. Ye shall stable your steeds, and abide
+this night within my chapel. That which I have will I give ye, for the
+love of God and the honour of knighthood." Then Sir Gawain and Morien
+his comrade thanked him much, and went their way to the chapel, where
+they abode throughout the day; each told to the other his adventures as
+they had befallen, neither more nor less. The hermit tended the horses
+well with all that was needful to them; he bade the lad who served him,
+as a good man doth his friend, bring forth all the store that he had
+within, and fetch water from the spring, and warm it to Sir Gawain's
+liking that he might therewith wash his limbs, and cleanse them from
+the blood. He had upon him no mortal wound, so good was his hauberk,
+otherwise had he lost his life from the blows he had received.
+
+With that came the hermit into the chapel, and spake, and told them how
+he had heard tidings from pilgrims who had come thither that the Red
+Knight and his companions had but late ridden the road that led toward
+the sea coast, though he had marked it not; 'twas but yesterday he had
+been told thereof.
+
+Then spake the knight Morien and said by his troth he had even followed
+the hoof prints of horses that were but newly made till he came to where
+one must needs cross over the water; "and then did I lose all sign of
+their further track; but howsoever I might pray, or call upon those who
+lay there in their ships, when they saw me they were terrified as hares,
+and would tell me nought, the fools, of that I asked them! One and all
+fled, and put them out to sea. Methinks they were afraid of me. But by
+the faith that I owe to God and Our Lady, and the honour of knighthood,
+it shall avail them naught that they thus refuse me; I shall turn again
+from here, and otherwise take my way; may I but find on shore one of
+those who were there, and who belongeth to the ships, in sooth he were
+born in an evil hour! An he carry me not over the water I will thrust
+him through with my spear, or deal him such a stroke with my sword, that
+he shall fall dead upon the earth. My heart forbode me that he who went
+before me was my father! But in all my journey I met no living soul of
+whom I might ask aught. Then I began to wax fearful, for hunger beset
+me, and therein I found neither man nor woman, nor aught but heather
+and waste land wherein I was a stranger. No man might I see or hear, no
+wheat or barley grew there; 'tis the truth I tell ye, thither cometh no
+man save that he desire to cross the wide water in the ships that there
+lie ready. Thus had I my pain for naught. But whatsoe'er befall me since
+that I have heard from our host, that good man, that my father in sooth
+rode that way I shall follow hard after, if so be that I may but cross
+over, and will but await tomorrow's dawn. Since that I have heard he
+rideth not so far ahead I may well overtake him, an my steed, which is
+so swift, and strong, and good, foil me not!"
+
+"God speed ye!" quoth Sir Gawain. Such was indeed his counsel, and he
+sore lamented his own evil plight. But ill had it chanced with him;
+within the castle had they stolen from him his good sword wherewith
+he should defend himself. God give him shame who stole it! His
+saddle-girth, his stirrup-leathers, were cut midway through; as he
+thought to sit upon his steed they brake clean in twain, and left him
+standing upon his feet. This did Sir Gawain tell them there, even as
+ye have heard aforetime. If his heart were heavy when he took count of
+this, 'twas small marvel!
+
+Then did they wash Sir Gawain's limbs, and he himself searched his
+wounds. So good a leech might no man find since the day of Mother Eve as
+was Sir Gawain; whatever wound he tended, 'twas healed even as ye looked
+upon it!
+
+That night had they all the comfort that the hermit might prepare till
+that they saw the fair day dawn and the sun begin to rise. Sir Gawain
+was somewhat troubled, since he lacked alike arms and clothing: also his
+wounds, which were sore, pained him the more. Nor did there live any
+near at hand whom he knew, and who might give them what was lacking.
+Neither bread, meat, nor wine had they; naught remained to the hermit,
+he had given the knights all his store. Morien's heart was set upon
+following his father, and Sir Gawain was of a mind to ride in quest of
+Sir Lancelot, and learn how it had fared with him. He was loth to delay
+or abide there, for he would fain, so soon as he might ride, fare in
+search of his comrade. Yet must he tarry a day ere he might mount his
+steed, such was his stress from the wounds he had received--sooth, it
+was a marvel that he escaped! And now food had failed them, and that was
+a sore lack. Even had they money or pledge to offer there dwelt none
+that side of the border, as they too well knew, but their bitter foes,
+who had fain wrought them woe. 'Twas seven miles and more hard riding,
+ere they might find village or fort in King Arthur's land. Hereof was
+Sir Gawain troubled. He might neither ride nor walk for his own aid.
+Thus both were ill at ease and sore oppressed.
+
+Morien was loth to remain, yet he thought it shame to forsake his
+comrade, Sir Gawain, and thus he abode with him in the chapel.
+
+Then as Morien stood by the window, it seemed to him that he saw a
+knight come riding in great haste, on a horse tall and swift; he was
+well armed, and seemed a goodly knight withal. Morien spake to Sir
+Gawain as he lay there. "What may this be? Here cometh a knight, and I
+know not whither he goeth!"
+
+Sir Gawain abode not still, but went as best he might to the window; he
+looked upon the knight, and deemed by his armour and the tokens whereby
+a man may be known of men, that 'twas his own brother, Sir Gariet, the
+son alike of his father and of his mother. He came riding, as one sore
+pressed, on that self-same road that led from Britain. The more Sir
+Gawain looked upon him the more he deemed he knew him; and when he came
+nigh to the Hermitage he knew well the arms that he bare. Then was Sir
+Gawain gladder at heart than I may tell ye, for Sir Gariet his brother,
+that strong and valiant knight, brought with him that of which they were
+sorely in need, bread and meat, and wine fresh and clear.
+
+'Twas sore need brought him hither, as ye shall now hear: They of
+Britain had lost King Arthur their lord, and were in sore danger of
+losing all their land, therefore had they sent Sir Gariet to seek Sir
+Gawain, and Sir Lancelot, since they twain were without peer, the most
+valiant knights of the court. Sir Perceval might well be accounted the
+third, but 'twas not for long that he practised knighthood; nevertheless
+he brought many into sore stress, even as ye have heard.
+
+When Sir Gariet had come before the hermitage, Sir Gawain came forth
+with haste from the chapel on to the road, as one who was blithe beyond
+measure when he beheld his brother; and he said, "God give ye good day,
+that ye come, brother, and that I see ye! Never was I so joyful of
+aught, since that I was born."
+
+Sir Gariet alighted on the turf when he saw his brother; and as he came
+nigh to him he took him in his arms saying: "Alas, brother, woe is me!
+How hath this so chanced? Methinks ye have suffered harm, and been in
+such sore strife that 'tis a marvel an ye be healed, and escape with
+life, ye seem to me in such evil case." Thus spake Sir Gariet. And Sir
+Gawain said, "I have never a limb but feeleth the smart of wounds, yet
+am I whole of heart, and shall heal myself right well. But let that tale
+be, and make known to me the errand upon which ye ride that ye be now
+come hither. Fain would I know the truth."
+
+Quoth Sir Gariet, "That will I tell ye."
+
+Thus went the twain into the chapel, where they found that good man,
+the hermit, and Morien, who was black of face and of limb. Then was Sir
+Gariet somewhat in fear, when he saw him so great of limb and of such
+countenance. This marked well his brother, Sir Gawain, and he gave him
+to wit of the knight, and of his name, who he was, and whence he came,
+ere he asked him aught; for he saw well that he somewhat misdoubted him
+when he saw the good knight Morien of such countenance.
+
+So sat they down together, and each bade the other welcome, and made
+much joy of their meeting. But Sir Gawain was more desirous than I may
+tell ye of knowing wherefore Sir Gariet, his brother, came thither, till
+he brought him to that point that he spake the truth concerning what had
+chanced to King Arthur, and told how the worst had befallen him. "King
+Arthur is taken captive! As he fared on a day to hunt in a great forest,
+as he was wont to do, there came upon him the greatest company of armed
+men that I may tell ye of, in these few words, who were all the King of
+the Saxons' men. They were in such force that they took King Arthur, who
+foresaw naught of this, and had but few folk with him, as he but went
+a-hunting. Thereof are his people sore troubled, and the queen above
+all--she is well nigh distraught in that the king is captive. She knows
+not whither the folk who took him in the forest have led him, or what
+may since have befallen him. Thereof is many a heart sorrowful. The
+forest standeth by the sea shore, whence came the folk who took the king
+by force, and led him whither they would. They who rode with King Arthur
+were unarmed, and defenceless; their strength was not worth a groat.
+Thereto have we another woe; the Irish King hath come into the land, and
+made war; one town hath he already won, and layeth siege to another. He
+hath made his boast that he will win all Arthur's land, hill and vale,
+castle and town (this is his intent), and bring all under his hand ere
+he quit our land. Of this is the queen sore afraid, and they who be with
+her, they look not to escape. Had ye, brother, been in the land, and
+Perceval, and Lancelot, then had we never come to such a pass, for there
+liveth no man so bold that he durst withstand ye three in any venture
+that might chance. Now hath my lady the queen taken counsel, and sent
+messengers far and near into every land to seek ye and Lancelot in this
+her sore need. And I be one of these messengers, and have ridden as
+swiftly as my steed might bear me from Arthur's Court hitherward, and
+ever have I sought tidings of ye, till at length men told me, and I knew
+that ye twain had come over to this cross, to this parting of the ways.
+And beyond the border did men tell me that would I ride hither I must
+fare for long upon the road ere I found a soul, man or woman, who lived,
+and was of the faith of Christendom. Against this did I prepare myself,
+and brought with me food, meat and bread, lest I had need thereof, and
+cool clear wine in two flasks that hang here by my saddle, that I might
+lay my hand on them when I had need thereto."
+
+Then laughed Sir Gawain the bold when he heard him speak of food, and
+said that he had come thither in a good hour since they had no victuals,
+much or little, nor drink there within, nor knew they where they might
+find any had he brought none with him. But God had thought upon them
+betimes, and Mary, His Blessed Mother.
+
+Then quoth Sir Gariet his brother, "Let us eat and drink, and begin our
+meal, as we have need to do--but where is Sir Lancelot, that I see
+him not here? Sir Gawain, brother, tell me, for fain would I know the
+truth?"
+
+And Sir Gawain spake, "He rode hence a while ago to seek Sir Perceval."
+
+Sir Gariet answered and said, "That ye vex yourselves thus to seek him,
+'tis labour lost, for tidings have come to court that Perceval hath
+become hermit, and doeth penance for his sins. He hath learnt the truth;
+did he seek till Doomsday that which he went forth to seek, the spear
+and the grail, he would find them not; that cometh altogether from his
+sin against his mother whereas he left her in the forest, and would
+no more remain with women--then did she die for sorrow. That sin hath
+hindered him, did he otherwise come upon them, of winning the spear and
+the grail. He must be pure and clean from all stain, from all sin (so is
+it now declared for truth) who would have the spear at his will, and the
+grail. For sorrow at this hath Perceval betaken himself to a hermitage,
+thereof have tidings come to court, even as he willed that it should be
+made known. And concerning his brother Sir Agloval, of him did they tell
+that he lay sick, with his uncle, sorely wounded; but the messenger did
+us to wit that he was like to be healed, that do I tell ye, Sir Gawain.
+Now let us eat, and go on our way to the queen with honour, that doth my
+lady require of ye and of Sir Lancelot, upon your faith to her. But I am
+sore vexed that he hath thus escaped me!"
+
+When Morien, the son of Sir Agloval, had heard and understood this tale,
+he asked forthwith if any there within could give him true tidings
+and make known to him the road to the hermitage whither his uncle had
+betaken himself, and where his father lay wounded; since he would fain
+know thereof.
+
+Their host quoth straightway, "He that had a boat at his will and a
+favouring wind might be there ere even." He said that he knew the
+hermit; "And 'twixt water and land 'tis a good fifteen mile thither,
+that do I know for a truth, for oft-times have I heard men speak thereof
+since I came hither. Now hearken to what I tell ye," (thus he spake to
+Morien) "over the arm of the sea, there where ye cross, neither more
+nor less, on the further shore is there a forest, to all seeming the
+greatest men may wot of, and the wildest--'tis long withal and wide. But
+as ye come thither, to one side, at the entering in of the forest, they
+who would seek it may find the hermitage within but a short distance,
+even as it were the mountance of a mile. Of this be ye sure, with never
+a doubt."
+
+"So help me God," quoth Morien, "an it fall out according to my will
+there shall I be ere even. And may I but see my father, an good luck
+befall me, I turn not from that goal, e'en if I find the man who gave me
+life, but ere I depart he shall keep the vow that he sware to my mother
+when he aforetime parted from her, and left her sorrowing sore, even
+that he would wed her, and make her his wife. Rather would I, ere even,
+be flayed with a sharp knife than refrain from this. Were he twofold my
+father he might well be in fear of death, should he fail to keep his
+oath, and ride with me to the Moorish land." He began to make ready as
+one who would straightway ride thence.
+
+Then spake Sir Gariet, "An God will, it shall fall out better than ye
+say, 'twixt ye and your father; we will eat and drink, and I rede ye, an
+ye be wise, ye shall bethink ye well ere ye do aught save good to your
+father. I conjure ye by the faith that ye owe to our Lady, and by the
+honour of knighthood, that ye do my bidding, and let your thoughts be
+of good, and not of evil, and hearken Sir Gawain's rede, thereof shall
+never harm befall ye--he shall give ye the best counsel."
+
+And Morien answered that were he fain to do.
+
+Herewith they left speaking of this matter, and Sir Gariet brought forth
+a napkin, white and clean, and spread it before the knights, as is meet
+for noble folk, and those worthy of honour. Then he brought forth more
+than seven loaves, white as snow, that he had with him, and laid them
+upon the napkin before the knights. He brought forth ham and venison
+that he had bidden make ready, there, where he had lain over night,
+since that men told him he drew near to the wilderness whither had gone
+the knights whom he sought, and who rode before him. Since he was upon
+their track he had risen long ere 'twas day, and now came thither with
+the sun-rising. He brought forth also clear wine, two good bottles full.
+He was not altogether dull in that he had so well bethought him, and
+brought food with him lest peradventure he have need thereof. 'Twas
+right welcome to them who now partook of it; and through these good
+victuals forgat they all their tribulation, as they ate and drank. They
+were above measure joyful, those three knights, at that time, and with
+them the hermit, for they would in no wise forget him, but he must eat
+and drink with them.
+
+When the meal was ended then Morien thought to ride on his way. But the
+good knight Sir Gariet said, "Sir Knight ye will do better to abide than
+to depart in this haste, in short while shall ye have trouble an ye seek
+your father. Follow ye our counsel; 'tis now high day, did ye come in
+safety to the ships it would be o'er late ere ye came to the other
+side."
+
+Quoth Sir Gawain his brother, as one wise in counsel, "Knight I will
+tell ye what ye shall do; from haste cometh seldom good that abideth to
+honour. Therefore tarry over night with us, since ye may not achieve
+your goal this day; and I will make ready my weapons as best I may; I
+must needs be better healed ere I have strength to ride whither I would.
+Tomorrow shall it fare better with me. Then will we ride, without delay,
+so soon as it be daylight. If God will I shall be more at ease in limbs
+and at heart, and I shall have less pain than I have as at this while. I
+have no mind to abide here behind ye, nor to hinder ye and cause ye to
+delay when ye would fain ride hence, as I know right well! Here have I
+foes nigh at hand, who have wrought me harm, and were ready to do yet
+more did they know me to be here, in this place."
+
+Then did Morien after his counsel, and abode there throughout the night,
+and told all the adventures that had befallen him. And Sir Gawain made
+ready his harness and his weapons, and scoured and polished them, and
+tested them where they were mishandled. But that which grieved him the
+most was his sorrow for his good sword which he had thus lost, for it
+was a sword of choice.
+
+What boots it to make long my tale? The morrow as the day dawned, and
+shed beauty over hill and vale, they rode forth together, and Sir Gawain
+the Father of Adventure with them. They would not spare themselves. Then
+said Sir Gawain he would fare in quest of Sir Lancelot who departed with
+him from court when he left King Arthur, since he might not well, for
+his honour, return without him. He wist not how it had gone with him;
+and would fain learn how his venture had fallen out and return in short
+space, would God prosper him, and bring Sir Lancelot with him to the aid
+of the queen. On this was his mind set, nor would he do otherwise, for
+any man's prayer.
+
+With this was Sir Gariet but ill-pleased; he said Sir Gawain would do
+better to return, and take the place of his uncle, and care for the land
+and comfort the folk. But this he would not do, howsoe'er he prayed him,
+but said he must first seek Sir Lancelot, and learn if harm had befallen
+him. Sir Gariet gave him his sword, which was good and bright; then took
+they leave, each of the other, for Sir Gawain would not return ere he
+had spoken with Sir Lancelot, saying that the good fellowship betwixt
+them twain should not be broken by his default; but that he would bring
+him again to the court of King Arthur, and keep his covenant.
+
+When they were thus made ready, armed and fittingly clad, they mounted
+their steeds as they who would ride on their way. They took leave of the
+good man, their host, and departed thence.
+
+Sir Gawain had chosen his road, and Sir Gariet and Sir Morien bare him
+company for a space, as it were the mountance of a mile. Each spake his
+mind to the other. Sir Gawain said he would return with Sir Lancelot as
+swiftly as he might, and put to shame the folk who had led his uncle
+captive; and he quoth, "Brother, tell this to my lady the queen, and
+bear her greeting in all good faith and loyalty. 'Tis not my will that
+ye ride further, nor tarry longer with me, since 'twill profit ye
+naught!"
+
+Then Sir Gariet and Sir Morien turned their bridle. They commended Sir
+Gawain to the care of God and all His saints, and so did he them. Each
+saw the other's tears spring from their eyes and run down even to their
+beards when they parted asunder. I may not tell ye how oft and how
+warmly Sir Gawain thanked Morien, that he had saved his life that day on
+the field, where he had of a surety been slain had not God and that good
+knight come to his aid. Now will I here cease speaking of Sir Gawain and
+tell of Sir Morien. The adventure doeth us to wit that when Sir Morien
+and Sir Gariet had parted from Sir Gawain, they rode once more to the
+crossways, for they had made a compact that they should not part before
+that they had found his father, Sir Agloval. Thus they rode both
+together, for Morien sware an oath that, would Sir Gariet ride with him,
+he would e'en pray his uncle and his father to come to the aid of the
+queen, King Arthur's wife, and help her to win back her land. On this
+covenant and on this behest would Sir Gariet ride with him and bear
+Morien company.
+
+As they came to the ships, Morien told him how it had fared with him
+before when he thought to make the crossing, and he said that he found
+no living soul among all that he saw there who would let him into his
+ship, since he seemed to them so huge, and black withal.
+
+"They counted themselves for lost, deeming that I were the devil, and
+were sore afeard, and put out to sea. Now see, Sir Gariet, what counsel
+ye may find, and how we may so contrive that we cross the water; doubt
+ye not that an they once behold me and know me they will straightway set
+sail again and put to sea. I fear me we may not cross over!"
+
+Quoth Sir Gariet: "By what ye tell me, methinks 'twere better that I
+ride on ahead, and hire me a ship. Ye shall follow on softly; and let me
+once come therein, and have my steed aboard and the boatman in my power,
+he shall not depart hence ere that ye be come thither. May my soul be
+lost if he do!" Further spake the knight Sir Gariet: "Even should he be
+beside himself when he first see ye, I shall not let him free ere he
+have taken us to the further shore, or I shall have from him such
+forfeit 'twere better for him to be sunken and drowned in the depths of
+the sea!"
+
+Then answered Morien: "Ye have found the best counsel that may be
+devised. Now ride ye without delay, and hire us a boat, good and strong,
+that may well carry us over the water. I shall abide behind, and wait
+till ye have done your part. I will do even as ye shall counsel!"
+
+Thus they agreed together, and Sir Gariet rode alone till he came to
+the ships, where he found a boat that pleased him well. He offered the
+boatman money enow to take him to the further side with no delay. He
+gave him the gold in his hand, and he made him ready and hoisted sail
+and rigging. Of this did he swiftly repent. Even as the steed was aboard
+and all was ready for the crossing came Morien riding, blacker than any
+son of man whom Christian eyes had e'er beheld. And the boatman was fain
+to flee when he beheld him and he drew nigh to him, for he had seen him
+aforetime. He deemed that he should surely die of fear, and scarce might
+move a limb.
+
+Then Sir Gariet asked him: "Sir boatman, what aileth thee? By Heaven, it
+availeth thee naught; thou shall ferry us over swiftly. Now make us no
+ado, or this shall be thy last day. By the Lord who made us, of what art
+thou afraid? This is not the devil! Hell hath he never seen! 'Tis but my
+comrade; let him in. I counsel thee straitly!"
+
+Then must the boatman obey, though he liked it but ill. He saw that
+better might not be: he might neither leap out of the boat nor otherwise
+escape. So soon as he had in his boat Morien, of whom he was sore
+afraid, in that he was so huge, and had shipped his steed, which was in
+seeming over-strong, he pushed the boat from shore and put out to sea.
+He feared him greatly, even as one who deems that he is lost.
+
+When Morien had sat himself down he did off his helmet of steel. Then
+the boatman deemed that he was a dead man, and prayed for mercy,
+beholding his face, for he though he might scarce be a Christian. Sir
+Gariet asked of him tidings, if there had passed that way two knights,
+of whom the one bestrode a red horse and wore red armour, and the other
+bare the badge of King Arthur. If he might tell him aught of them he
+besought him to do so; an he knew where they yet abode he would give him
+great thanks.
+
+The boatman said: "'Tis not long since that they were even in my boat;
+the one knight ware red armour and had with him a red steed, and the
+other was wounded and bare King Arthur's badge; and I know full well,"
+quoth the boatman, "the knights who bear that badge, by that same token
+shall ye yourself be one of King Arthur's knights. They would both cross
+over, and I ferried them to the further side. 'Twas to them an unknown
+land; that did I hear well from their speech. Methought that they were
+ill at ease, I wist not wherefore. I saw that the one wept so that the
+tears fell thick adown his face. And when I had brought them to the
+other side the knight, who was glad thereof, asked me if I knew where
+stood a hermitage wherein a hermit dwelt. That did I shew him--no more
+and no less."
+
+Thus fared they, having heard the tale and speaking of the twain, till
+that they touched the sand. Then did the boatman shew them the way they
+should ride thence to where the hermitage stood, and declared to them
+the road. Thus left they the boatman, who was much rejoiced to be safely
+quit of them. But the knights went on their way till they knew that they
+drew near to the hermitage, and came even unto it. Then they dismounted,
+and made fast their steeds before the door, and cried with a loud voice
+to those within: "Let us in! Open of your goodwill!" A lad came to the
+door and asked them what they desired, and if aught ailed them that they
+required aid.
+
+Then Sir Gariet spake, and said that an it were pleasing to them, they
+would fain have speech with the hermit and with Sir Agloval. And the
+messenger went his way to the twain, and told them how two knights stood
+without the gate. "The one is a goodly man to look upon and well armed,
+and so, forsooth, is the other, but his armour and his limbs, so far as
+I might see, were blacker than soot or pitch. I wot not if ye know aught
+of them or of their errand. They said that they would fain speak with
+ye, and they prayed me straitly, the twain of them, that I should come
+hither and tell ye this."
+
+Sir Agloval, who deemed this passing strange, went, as best he might,
+to the gate, and his uncle the hermit followed him with no delay. Sir
+Agloval looked through the wicket, and was ware of Sir Gariet, Sir
+Gawain's brother, and bethought him how that he belonged to King
+Arthur's court and was worthy of great honour, for though he were not so
+well known throughout the land as was his brother Sir Gawain, yet was he
+a strong knight and bold, and a doer of valiant deeds.
+
+When they beheld each other they gave fair and courteous greeting, the
+one to the other, and Sir Gariet spake. "May He who can do all things
+shew favour and honour to ye Sir Knight, and to all who be with ye there
+within!"
+
+Sir Agloval looked upon Morien, and marked right well the fashion of
+him, and marvelled within himself what manner of knight he might well be
+who bare such guise. And Morien stood before him and asked him if he yet
+remembered how, seeking for Sir Lancelot, he came into the land of the
+Moors, and how he there loved a maiden, and plighted to her his troth,
+and how she granted to him her favours ere he departed from her upon his
+quest. He asked him if he yet thought thereupon, how, when he departed
+from the land he pledged his word to her that he would return, so soon
+as might be, to the country of the Moors, for her profit and for her
+honour? Did he yet think upon this?
+
+Sir Agloval made answer: "Sir Knight, I make no denial, yet have I
+but seldom been at rest. I rode in quest of Sir Lancelot awhile; and
+thereafter had I but little respite, since I brought my brother to
+court, where he was held in high honour, and so soon as he was made
+knight must I ride forth with him upon a journey which he would in no
+wise delay; for he was fain to avenge the harm done to our father many a
+year agone--that must ye understand. My brother knew well that our foes
+had taken to themselves the heritage that should have been ours, when
+they drave my father forth. This would he avenge, and spare not, and
+herein had we much strife ere we might regain it; but now have we done
+so much that we have won back our heritage and slain all those who had
+possessed themselves of our land. That so many years have fled since I
+sware to the maiden that I would return to her, that came of necessity.
+Now have I failed to keep mine oath, and needs must that I bethink me
+well, and seek counsel in the matter. I know not, and have no true
+tidings, whether that lady of whom ye speak be living or dead; naught do
+I know thereof!"
+
+Quoth Morien: "But I shall tell ye more thereof! She to whom ye gave
+your troth yet liveth and is my mother, and ye, Sir Knight, are my
+father! If ye will come with me, at her prayer and mine, then will ye do
+well and courteously. Ye begat me upon her who should be your wife, had
+ye kept your oath. Now bethink ye well, and say if ye will come or no.
+When ye parted from my mother she bare me though she knew it not. Thus,
+Sir Knight, did the matter fall out."
+
+Sir Agloval made answer: "By Heaven Sir Knight, I believe ye, every
+whit. That which the lady claimeth from me, in that I have thus betrayed
+her and foresworn mine oath, that will I make good, by the help of God.
+I will yet win her grace. Come ye to me here within to mine uncle and my
+brother, they shall counsel us well when they hear our tale--so shall we
+be more at ease."
+
+With that he undid the wicket. 'Twould have done any heart good, who
+understood their speech, to see how Sir Agloval and Morien embraced and
+kissed each other. Any heart would have been the gladder who had
+seen and heard their gestures and their words, and in what love and
+friendship they betook themselves within, where they were right well
+received. Sir Agloval forthwith made known to his uncle and to Sir
+Perceval the true tale of his doings, and how that his son had come
+hither.
+
+When Sir Perceval heard this, never did knight receive so glad a welcome
+as that which he gave unto his nephew; so likewise did the hermit. 'Twas
+bliss and fair speech there betwixt those knights, and in their honour
+did they bring forth such food and drink as was there within, and
+did all they might for their comfort. That even was there naught but
+gladness; each made great joy of the other, and erst as the knights were
+weary did they get them to sleep, as men are wont to do, till the day
+brake, and the sun shone forth.
+
+The knights lay longer abed than did the hermit, who had said and sung
+his orisons and his Mass ere day had dawned, or that the knights had
+arisen and done on their garments. Then spake Morien to his father, even
+as ye shall hear, and said he would ride thence, and was fain to know,
+without contention, if he would come with him to his mother, and do that
+which he promised when he departed from her, for the sake of God and of
+his own honour, and for their profit. He told how they had been deprived
+of their rightful heritage which had fallen to his mother from her
+father. "'Twas altogether denied her by the law of the land; yet 'twas
+the shame rather than the loss that grieved her, in that men called her
+son fatherless, and she might bring no proof of her word, nor shew them
+to their face the man who had begotten me!"
+
+Then said Sir Agloval, his father: "I will tell ye out and out how the
+thing stands with me, and tell ye all my counsel. Believe me well, I
+will not lie to ye in one word." And Morien hearkened and answered that
+he believed him fully.
+
+Thus they abode that day with the hermit, and were better served, in all
+that men might prepare for them, than I may well tell ye; and Morien
+prayed his father straitly that he would delay not, but would tell him
+what was in his thought and in his intent. Thus did he urge his father,
+till Sir Agloval told him all his mind.
+
+He said that he beheld a vision in a dream; it seemed to him that he
+rode throughout the day in a land where he saw naught but wilderness and
+wood, and trees, many and fair. By whiles he rode through hail and snow,
+by whiles through noontide heat, so that he was sore vexed. Whiles he
+saw the sun shine bright, whiles it was as if the twilight fell. He saw
+all kinds of beasts run through the forest, and folk, young and old, go
+up and down the woods. All this did he see in his dream, but nowhere in
+all this land did he come to where he might find shelter. But as it drew
+towards evening, and the light failed, did he think to see a tower, so
+strongly builded that none by force might lightly win their way within;
+but no doorway might he see, only, as it were, another tower that stood
+there. Within this he beheld a stairway, that wound upward to a doorway
+at the end. The door seemed to him high as a church, and of wrought
+ironwork. Were a man sick he might well be healed by the light that
+streamed forth from within, for, as he saw and looked upon it, it seemed
+as it might well be Heaven. And every step of the stairway was of good
+red gold. And he thought within himself that since those steps were so
+fair he might well set foot thereon, and tell the tale of them, how many
+they might be, that hereafter he might speak of the great marvel he had
+seen. But as he had counted sixty, and would set foot upon the next, lo!
+he saw none of all those he had left below him, save that upon which he
+stood, and on which his foot was set, and above him he saw naught. And
+it seemed to him that the door was distant from the step as high as one
+might shoot with a bow. Thus might he go neither forward nor backward.
+Then he beheld, and on the ground beneath were serpents and wild bears,
+even as if they would tear him; they gnashed their teeth as if they
+would seize him, and gaped with their jaws as they would swallow him. It
+seemed to him as if they were even at his heels, and he saw the snakes
+and dragons all twist themselves upwards. "And as I was thus fearful the
+step brake beneath me, and I fell downwards." From his great discomfort
+and his fear of the dragons he awoke, and slept no more.
+
+The dream vexed him sorely whenever he thought thereon; he was angry and
+wroth, and wist not what the portent of the vision might be. But his
+heart forbode him that pain and mischief, and sore labour withal, drew
+nigh to him. Then it fell out that he met with a learned clerk, to whom
+he told the vision even as it had appeared to him; and when he had
+hearkened to his tale, and understood it well, he interpreted it in this
+wise: "Concerning our lands, great and small, that we thereof should be
+in great stress and fear ere we might win to them again; for strong were
+the castles and mighty the armies, therefore did the vision foretell
+ill to my brother and myself each and singly. And further he spake
+concerning my brother Perceval, and the Spear, and the Grail; for that
+golden stairway betokened the Holy Grail, and that Perceval should aid
+in the winning thereof, and in that service should he die. Thus did he
+foretell me. And the door that stood above and the stairway itself both
+alike betokened the heavenly kingdom, as might well be known by the
+light that shone within; and the steps that lay before it they betokened
+the days of Perceval's life. 'This I tell ye of a truth, each betokeneth
+a day, or a week, or it may be a month; but of this be ye sure, and
+doubt not, so long shall he live, and then shall he yield up his life.
+And that the steps brake beneath ye, 'twas for your sins; ye had
+well-nigh climbed them had not sin laid hold on ye. The bears, and the
+dragons, and the serpents that there lay in wait, know ye well that they
+gave sure and certain sign that the fiends deemed they had ye for their
+own in that hour, and would carry ye to Hell.'" Thus did the wise master
+make known to him his dream, and bade him thereof take warning and order
+his ways with wisdom, and that speedily, and delay not, for here should
+he abide no long time, but drew nigh to his end.
+
+"Dear son," quoth Sir Agloval, "then did my brother cease his quest for
+the Spear and the Grail, and the adventure on which he was bound, and
+came hither as swiftly as he might to mine uncle the hermit, and clothed
+himself in this habit, through that which the clerk foretold me. Thus
+are we here together, and my brother would fain amend his life. Nor am
+I yet whole; for I was wounded wellnigh to death, and bruised and
+mishandled, so that I had no power left, and am yet scarce healed. Thus
+would I abide here awhile with my brother and mine uncle, that my wounds
+might be tended, and that with them I might save my soul. Now ye will
+that I journey with ye to your mother in the Moorish land, and I were
+fain to ride thither were I but healed. Yet is there another matter. I
+would gladly go with ye, that may ye know of a truth, for your honour,
+and to do away your shame, were it not that I thus brought about my
+death; nevertheless, I have trust in mine uncle, who is so wise, that he
+shall make my peace with God, and bring me to eternal bliss. Now, son,
+bethink ye of our profit, yours and mine, according to that which has
+befallen me, and that ye have now heard even as I tell ye. Counsel me as
+it seemeth ye best; since that I be your father, according as matters
+went afore 'twixt me and your mother, it behoves ye well so to do."
+
+Then quoth Morien: "Were ye better healed I would ride gladly, but it
+becometh me well to shun aught that might do ye harm or mischief. I can
+give ye none other counsel than that ye abide here till ye be once more
+whole. King Arthur is captive and his land is beset and in sore stress.
+Here is his nephew Sir Gariet, who hath come hither with me, and now
+that I have learnt the truth I shall ride with him to court, to do him
+honour, and there abide till that ye be whole and healed; and I will
+return hither in the hour that I know ye be cured of your wounds and may
+keep the oath that ye sware to my mother, that ye be praised of men and
+in favour with God. So shall my mother once more be possessed of the
+lands of which she hath been disinherited, and which she hath this long
+time lacked. I shall depart and ye shall abide here, where may all good
+befall ye! I will aid the queen, and God grant that I may win such fame
+as shall be for the bettering of her cause and mine own honour and
+profit. I shall return, be ye sure of it, when the time is ripe, and
+shall ever think of ye as my father."
+
+Then all thanked Morien, deeming that as at that time no better counsel
+might be found; and Sir Gariet and Morien alike besought of Sir Perceval
+that he would ride with them, to aid the queen and release King Arthur,
+and bring comfort to his land. This he sware to do would his uncle grant
+him leave thereto. Then did they all, and Sir Agloval with them, so
+straitly pray the uncle that he granted their request, and never might
+ye see at any time folk so blithe as were these knights in that Sir
+Perceval would ride with them. Thus did they take their leave and wend
+on their way. But now will I leave speaking of them and tell how it
+fared with Sir Lancelot, who would slay the evil beast. Now doth the
+adventure tell us that when Sir Lancelot departed from Sir Gawain at the
+cross-roads he delayed not, but rode that same hour till he came to the
+waste land wherein the beast had wrought havoc. Now in that land there
+dwelt a maiden who had caused it to be made known far and wide that
+whosoever might slay that beast him would she take for her husband.
+Never might man behold a fairer maiden, and the land was all in her own
+power. Now there dwelt also therein a traitor, a knight who loved the
+maiden, but had little mind to risk his life for her; he kept close
+watch upon that beast if so be that any man should slay it that he might
+play the traitor, so should the slayer pay with his life for the deed,
+and he should spread abroad that he himself had, of a verity, slain the
+monster.
+
+Thus Sir Lancelot rode so far into the land that he came nigh to the
+place where he had heard that the fearful beast had made its lair. There
+did he see many a helm, and spear, and weapon of the knights it had
+slain, whose bones lay there stripped of flesh, which the monster had
+devoured; he might well be afraid! So soon as Lancelot might know where
+the beast was wont to lie, he made haste thitherward, and so soon as it
+was ware of his coming it came flying in such guise as it had been the
+Devil, and set upon Sir Lancelot straightway. It feared neither sword
+nor spear, nor armour, nor might of man. And Lancelot smote at the
+monster so that his spear brake in twain, yet had he not bruised it a
+whit, or pierced its hide; then he drew forth his sword and smote with
+great force, but he harmed it not, and it seized Lancelot by the throat
+and scored him in such wise that the knight was wroth thereof, for it
+tare a great rent through the hauberk even to the flesh, and wounded him
+sore. Many a time did Sir Lancelot strike and smite at the beast, but
+never a groat might he harm it; but the monster fell upon Sir Lancelot
+and scored him even to the feet, and dealt him many a wound, and
+breathed out venom upon him; had it not been for a ring which Sir
+Lancelot ware upon his finger he had fallen dead where he stood from the
+poison. Then the monster sprang towards him with gaping jaws, as it were
+fain to swallow him, and Lancelot watched his chance, and thrust his
+sword into its mouth, and clave the heart in sunder, and the beast gave
+a cry so terrible that 'twas heard a good two mile off.
+
+Then the traitor who spied all from afar, when he heard the cry delayed
+not, but rode swiftly towards the lair, for he knew well from the cry
+that the monster was slain. When he came to the place he found Sir
+Lancelot sitting, binding up his wounds, which were many and deep. The
+knight began to bemoan his plight, and went towards him saying that he
+would bind his wounds for him. That cowardly and wicked knight, he came
+even to Sir Lancelot's side, and snatched stealthily at his sword, and
+sprang backward and smote at him, wounding him so that he fell as one
+dead.
+
+When the false traitor saw this he deemed that he was dead, and left him
+lying, and went there, where the monster lay, and smote off the right
+foot, thinking to take it to the maiden of whom I have told ye, that he
+might therewith win her to wife.
+
+But in this while had Sir Gawain ridden so far that he had learned the
+truth how that Sir Lancelot had found the beast, and at this time he had
+followed upon his tracks and came unto the lair even as the traitor had
+wounded Sir Lancelot, and cut off the foot, and was mounted upon Sir
+Lancelot's steed, which that good knight, Sir Gawain, knew right well.
+
+So soon as he saw the stranger upon the steed, and Lancelot, who lay
+there wounded, he rode fast towards him, and drew out his good sword,
+and cried, "Abide ye still, Sir Murderer, for this beast have ye slain
+my comrade, that do I see right well." That false and cruel knight had
+fain ridden thence, but Sir Gawain was so nigh to him that he could not
+avoid, and smote at him so fiercely that he must needs abide, and draw
+bridle, and pray for mercy.
+
+Sir Gawain was of a mind to bring him to Sir Lancelot ere he made terms
+with him. Thus they came together, and Lancelot, who was now recovered
+from the swoon in which he had lain, and was ware of Sir Gawain, cried
+to him concerning the traitor who had smitten him all unarmed, "Dear
+comrade, slay him. I shall die the easier, knowing that he be already
+dead." As he spake thus, Sir Gawain made no more ado but smote off the
+traitor's head.
+
+Then did he forthwith go to bemoan his comrade, and quoth, "Sir Knight,
+may ye not be healed? Tell me now the truth; I will aid ye as I may."
+Then Sir Lancelot did him to wit how he had fared with the beast, and
+how the traitor had thereafter wounded him. "And this hath wrought me
+the greater harm; yet might I but find a place wherein to rest methinks
+I might well be healed."
+
+Then was Sir Gawain glad at heart, and he bound up his wounds forthwith
+with herbs of such virtue as should stay the bleeding; and he took Sir
+Lancelot and set him upon his steed, and turned him again towards the
+hermit's cell as best he might, for 'twas in both their minds that might
+they but come thither Sir Gawain should surely heal him. Thus did they
+ride until they had found the hermitage, and scarce had they come
+thither when they were ware of Morien with Sir Gariet and Sir Perceval,
+who came thither as at that time.
+
+Then was there joy and gladness manifold. The Hermit made ready food for
+his guests, and prepared a couch for Sir Lancelot as best he might. Each
+told the other how matters had fallen out with them, and Morien gave
+them to wit how it had fared with his father.
+
+That night were they well entreated by the hermit, but the morrow so
+soon as Sir Lancelot heard how it went with the queen, even should he
+gain the world thereby he had remained no longer, neither for wounds nor
+for weariness, for, he said, he was surely healed, and was fain to be at
+strife. Thus must they all ride forth, whether they would or no, with
+the early morning, for they might not lose a day. Sir Gawain would tend
+Sir Lancelot's wounds even as they rode on their way.
+
+Thus they journeyed till they heard true tidings of their lady, the
+queen; how that she was beset on all sides by the King of Ireland. He
+had burnt and laid waste so much men scarce knew the tale thereof, and
+the queen had he beset in a castle to which he himself laid siege. For
+he had sworn a great oath, nor would he lightly break it, that might
+he win the castle he should spare no man of all that were within, but
+should put such shame upon them, and on the queen, that men should speak
+thereof for all time. Thus had the king sworn by his crown, and by all
+that may bind a king, that he would do them bitter shame.
+
+When the knights of whom I tell ye came into Arthur's land they saw
+there a castle, around which ran a swift water, broad and deep. He who
+builded that burg was well counselled. The castle was of grey hewn
+stone. King Arthur had never a stronghold in the losing of which he had
+lost so much, and this was not yet lost. But the folk that were within
+had no more than a day's grace left to them, on the morrow must they
+fare forth, for would they defend it no quarter should be shown them,
+but they should be seethed or roasted alive. This had the king sworn and
+on the morrow would he come thither; he had laid waste the country and
+destroyed the churches, and made many widows and orphans; all the land
+was in terror for the harm thus wrought upon them. The knights who
+came thither saw the folk as they fled with all their goods and their
+foodstuff, they deemed theirs was a lost cause. They met many folk, men
+women and children who would flee the land; they drave their cattle
+before them and were laden with their goods; some were ahorse, some
+afoot, 'twas the best they might do to their thinking.
+
+Then Sir Gariet gave courteous greeting to one whom he met, and asked
+who were this folk, and wherefore they fled thus in haste? And the
+goodman answered straight-way: "They deem that all is lost; the King
+cometh hither to this castle that standeth here, and the people of the
+land know not what they may do, they must lose their goods and all they
+possess. Here hath a great misfortune chanced, the ordeal hath gone over
+us; King Arthur hath been taken captive and we know not where he may be,
+he was waylaid and betrayed in a forest, whither he went to hunt, and we
+saw him never more. The King of Ireland hath seized upon all this land,
+he who would save his life must perforce yield to him, for he hath with
+him a mighty army and our folk are defenceless. We lack leaders--Sir
+Gawain and Sir Lancelot have both of them left the land, and thereof
+hath great shame come to us--we are without king, or leaders, or
+counsel."
+
+Quoth Morien: "This castle that standeth here, is there yet any man
+within?"
+
+The goodman said: "I tell ye there are ten knights within (and they have
+naught but death before them), and a great company of foot soldiers.
+Now must they reap that mischance which hath fallen upon the land. They
+might well have held the castle for a year to come, so strong is it,
+and they have within weapons and victuals, and men enough for the
+defence--it might scarce be taken by force so long as they had food,
+nor might any man lightly make his way therein. But methinks God hath
+forsaken us. The king hath sworn an oath that if need be he will besiege
+the castle seven years, and all they who withstand him, and whom he
+shall find within at his coming thither, shall lose their lives; this
+hath he made known to them. And their wives and their children, though
+their lives be spared, shall be deprived of their goods and their
+heritage. Thus, since we may not hope for aid, we are forsaking the
+castle and taking to flight."
+
+Quoth Sir Gawain: "Good friend, God reward ye for your tidings."
+
+Then Sir Gawain bethought him that 'twere best they rode within the
+castle which was a fair burg, and strong; and that they should there
+greet the knights and strangers who might be within, bidding them trust
+in God that He would bring their matter to a good ending. The knights
+were right well received, for all knew them well, and made great
+rejoicing over the coming of Sir Gawain and Sir Lancelot. Then did Sir
+Gawain give them to wit of the good knight Sir Morien, what he had done
+for them, and how he was one of the best knights the sun ever shone
+upon. Thus spake Sir Gawain.
+
+Then said Sir Morien: "'Tis good that we abide here within, and brave
+the venture for the sake of the king our lord. 'Twere a sin and a
+disgrace to yield up the castle, we should better adventure our lives
+and see the matter to an end."
+
+Sir Gawain and Sir Lancelot took up the word and said: "He who faileth
+his king 'tis right that men speak shame of him thereafter throughout
+the world. Would ye have good fortune ye must await what cometh, and I
+have good hope that heaven shall shortly send us help. Here may we well
+win fame for ourselves and uphold the honour of our lord King Arthur.
+Though he be now a captive yet, an God will, he shall escape. My heart
+and my mind fore-tell me that will we but hold out here within it
+shall be to our honour!"
+
+Thus did Sir Gawain and Sir Lancelot admonish them, even as I tell ye,
+and when they had hearkened to their words those who were within,
+and had thought to depart, when they knew what was the mind of those
+knights, sware that never a knight nor squire, nor man-at-arms would
+give himself up, or forsake that good castle. Morien's counsel seemed to
+them good, and although he were not fair to look upon yet when he stood
+upon his feet it seemed to them that had he the chance he might put to
+the rout a whole army! Each man there gave his surety to abide with them
+at that time, nor to surrender through fear of death, but to hearken to
+other counsel.
+
+When all had sworn the oath, and given surety, then did they shut fast
+the portals upon all their food and all the aid they might win against
+the king and his army who were nigh at hand.
+
+Ere the day darkened came the king himself, in great wrath, and with him
+many knights who belonged to his household, and many other folk, warlike
+to behold, and came even to the castle. Then the king demanded of those
+who were within if they would yield up the burg, and thus save their
+lives. And they within answered that so long as life remained to them
+they would not give up the castle, or betray their rightful lord. Then
+swore the king an oath that an they yielded them not up straight-way
+they should in no wise escape the uttermost that he might do unto them.
+But for that they cared little, and made them ready for the defence.
+They thought to remain upon the battlements, and throw from the castle
+stones so great and so heavy that the king should be driven from the
+walls out on to the open field where he had pitched his tents.
+
+With that had the night fallen, and they who had come into the land set
+up tents and pavilions, and would lodge in the green-wood. When they of
+within saw that they took counsel together, and said did they leave them
+in peace that night the king would, doubtless, send for a greater force
+of knights and other folk, and assemble a mighty army, and it were
+better that they should now adventure themselves, and ride forth from
+the castle ere they were yet more outnumbered. Hereof had they bethought
+them ere yet they came to counsel.
+
+Sir Lancelot spake thus: "Flee we may not, nor dare we hope for aid, nor
+may we surrender the castle; in this way shall we profit better." Thus
+were they that night within the castle, neither with game nor with
+revel, but they held together as true knights and good comrades. They
+ate and drank of such victuals as they had, and never a man of them
+wavered as it drew nigh to the dawning; they were fain to do great
+deeds; each looked to his armour as one who will fight for his life, and
+gave his steed a feed of corn.
+
+What boots it to make long my tale? With the dawning of the day were
+they of within ready, each man well armed and mounted on a good steed.
+They rode out betimes, and bade undo the gates. Thus did they ride forth
+in all their strength.
+
+They who kept shield-watch without were ware of them, and led their
+company against them, but it harmed them naught. Morien's weapons were
+so strong; 'twas he led the vanguard, nor would he yield an inch when
+he began the strife. Never might one behold mortal man who smote such
+strokes. They fought their way through that camp. Sir Gawain, Sir
+Perceval, and Sir Lancelot smote many to death, and came even to the
+king's tents, and seized their weapons, shields, and spears, ere his
+folk might come at their arms. They knew not what had befallen them. No
+quarter would the knights give. They who were with the king slept sound
+in their ranks, and were sore afeard when they awoke and beheld the
+armed men who beset them with stern intent; they had many a sore wound
+ere they fled from the field.
+
+They took the king by main force; there was no man at his side but was
+glad and blithe might he escape with his life. The king must yield
+himself a prisoner, thereto did need compel him, otherwise had he been
+slain and all his folk with him.
+
+They led the king within the castle, and shut him fast in a tower.
+Never had they so welcome a guest, nor one at whose coming they were so
+blithe. They on the field must escape as best they might. Little did
+they reck of all they brought with them; he might win it who had a mind
+thereto. When the fight was ended King Arthur's men had taken captive
+much folk and the King of Ireland. Matters had gone well for them. They
+held there within that which they deemed many would buy dearly, nor
+count the gold therefor, nor might they well tell how they had lost it.
+But 'twas their dread of Morien's mighty blows, and of Sir Lancelot, Sir
+Gawain, and Sir Perceval, who, on the field, had brought many in sore
+terror and dread of death.
+
+So brought they their guests within the walls, and shut fast their
+gates, and hung out their shields, as men who might well defend
+themselves. Then when men beheld Sir Gawain's badge, and Sir Lancelot's
+pennon beside it, tidings of the combat ran far and wide through the
+land. The king's folk who lay there were sore vexed thereat. So soon as
+they who had besieged the queen heard what had chanced they drew off
+their forces; and all they who served the king, and who came with him
+into the lands, were greatly shamed, and desired of Sir Gawain in what
+wise they might make peace.
+
+Sir Gawain took counsel with his comrades, and this was their rede, that
+they must bring King Arthur there before their eyes ere they might make
+terms for their lord, the king. "Then shall we have such good counsel on
+all points that peace may thereby be made."
+
+Wherefore should I make my tale over long? Little as they liked it they
+must needs bring King Arthur thither, and thereby make terms for the
+king, their lord. When the tidings ran through the land that the King of
+Ireland was captive, and that King Arthur was brought thither to treat
+with him, then was there so great a gathering of Britons that they
+surrounded Arthur, and took him from the men of Ireland, and brought him
+with armed hand into the castle despite them all. Thus did it fall out
+well for King Arthur, since he thus escaped, and held captive the king
+who had erstwhile made him a prisoner.
+
+Now shall ye hear of the King of Ireland, who lay thus in the prison of
+the knights. When he heard and beheld with his eyes that King Arthur was
+in very deed free, then did he betake himself to him straight-way, and
+offered him goods and gold that he might be set at liberty, and he sware
+that he would be the king's man, and hold all his lands henceforward
+from him, and would depart from the kingdom with all his folk. Thus must
+the king, being captive, stand at King Arthur's pleasure to pay him such
+ransom as he might think good. Of him will I speak no more.
+
+Now was King Arthur so blithe thereof that he bid hold a great court,
+that he might give largesse to all who desired. Thither came many, but
+none were there of such renown, or who had wrought such valiant deeds,
+as Sir Perceval and Morien. The reward that Arthur gave them was
+exceeding great. Sir Gawain told the king all the matter of Morien and
+of his father, and the chance that had parted them. All this did he tell
+afore the folk, wherefore was Morien much gazed upon. Now will I leave
+this tale and tell ye how Morien rode again to his father, whom he had
+left sick with his uncle, as I gave ye to wit afore.
+
+The adventure maketh known that when the strife was ended, and Arthur's
+land once more at peace, Morien bethought him that he would make his
+father be wedded to the lady, his mother; and he prayed his uncle
+to journey with him if he would, and Sir Perceval was right willing
+thereto. Further, said Sir Gawain and Sir Lancelot, that they twain
+would ride with them for honour and for good fellowship. For this did
+Morien thank them much. Thus they departed and went their way towards
+the hermitage. They rode blithely in company, telling of many things
+that had chanced here and elsewhere, until they came to the seashore,
+where they took ship and crossed over; and when they had passed the
+water they came straightway to Perceval's uncle, who received them with
+right goodwill.
+
+By this was Sir Agloval whole, who had been wounded, and Morien asked
+him straightway if he were rightly healed, and would now keep the oath
+which he had aforetime sworn unto his mother. Sir Agloval answered that
+he was whole and sound, and ready thereto. "The troth that I swear to
+your mother will I keep what time as it shall please ye. As God is my
+witness I be altogether ready to do this."
+
+Quoth Sir Perceval, "Then wherefore delay? Your son is so good a knight,
+and stout a warrior, that ye may well thank heaven that ye begat him.
+Make you ready straightway, and we will fare with ye. Sir Gawain and Sir
+Lancelot be come hither in faith and good fellowship, and with us will
+they journey to the Moorish land."
+
+Then was there no longer delaying, but they made them ready for the
+journey, and went their way with Sir Morien, who knew the road better
+than any man of them all. They rode so long that they came thither; and
+when they of the land heard tell how that Morien had brought his father
+with him they assembled themselves together, and some were for refusing
+them entry into the kingdom, since they would fain keep the heritage for
+themselves. But when Morien heard this he waxed so wrathful that he drew
+his sword and rode among them where there was the greatest press,
+and slew there fifteen of the nobles who were fain to deny him his
+inheritance.
+
+When the others knew of this they came to him and besought his grace,
+and yielded to him all his heritage, and gave it into the hand of his
+mother, and became her men, to hold their lands henceforward from her.
+When this was done, and they had proclaimed her queen over all the
+kingdom of the Moors, then did they hold the bridal feast of Sir Agloval
+and the queen, and thus were they wedded to each other. There was bliss
+and great rejoicing fourteen days, even till nightfall did they hold
+high feast with open doors; never a portal was shut. There was feasting
+and great merriment; there were all well served with everything on earth
+that they might desire. Many rich gifts were given, good steeds, raiment
+of fair colours, many shillings, many pounds, great plenty of all things
+by which men may the more blithely live. The minstrels and the heralds
+received great largesse, for there was gold enow; each had that which he
+desired.
+
+There would Sir Gawain and Sir Lancelot abide till that the feast was
+ended; be ye sure that Sir Perceval and Sir Agloval the bridegroom
+prayed them thus to honour the bridal, and this they did, in right
+courteous wise. No man of them all, were he poor or rich, but had enough
+and to spare.
+
+What more shall I say hereof? When the feast was ended, and all the
+nobles departed, and all had taken leave, then was it in the mind of Sir
+Gawain, Sir Lancelot, and Sir Perceval to betake them straightway to
+King Arthur's court, for 'twas nigh to Pentecost, and the king (thus
+do I read the tale) would hold high court (greater was never held) on
+behalf of Galahad, Sir Lancelot's son, for that this hero should then
+come to court, and receive the honour of knighthood. And thereof did the
+tale wax great; how that he should achieve the quest of the Grail, and
+all the adventures, small and great, which appertained to the Round
+Table, for 'twas said that he should sit in the Perilous Seat, wherein
+durst never man sit. To behold these marvels would many a man come to
+court, for the king had bidden all the great folk of the land thither,
+and many a knight of praise had obeyed his command.
+
+And for this cause would not Sir Lancelot and Sir Gawain and Sir
+Perceval remain afar, but took their leave of Sir Agloval and of Morien
+and of his mother, and rode on their way till they came to King Arthur
+at Camelot, where he abode, as it pleased him well to do when he would
+fain be at peace. And when the king heard of the coming of these three
+knights, then was he right joyful at that time; and when he learnt
+concerning Sir Agloval, how his wedding feast had been held, and of the
+valiant deeds that Morien had done in his own land, then were king and
+queen alike glad at heart.
+
+Here will I leave this tale and speak further concerning the Grail,
+and the winning thereof. That shall ye find set forth in the book that
+followeth hereafter; the other part, that which concerneth Lancelot,
+here cometh to an end. Now do I pray God in words straitly, that He have
+mercy upon me when my life shall come to an end, and bring my soul to
+His heavenly kingdom. May He grant this my prayer!
+
+
+
+
+AMEN. NOTES
+
+1. INTRODUCTION.--In the preface I have dwelt with some fulness on the
+interesting questions connected with these opening lines; here it
+will be sufficient to point out that in the earlier versions of the
+_Perceval_ story the hero is either the only, or the sole surviving, son
+of his parents. The introduction of a brother, as a definite character,
+belongs to the later stages of Arthurian tradition. The brothers vary in
+number and name, but the most noted are Sir Agloval and Sir Lamorak, who
+appear to belong to distinct lines of development, Sir Agloval belonging
+mainly to the _Lancelot_, Sir Lamorak to the _Tristan_ tradition. So far
+I have not met with the latter in any version of the prose _Lancelot_,
+though Dr. Sommer in his _Studies on the Sources of Malory_, refers to
+him as mentioned in that romance; in the _Tristan_, on the contrary,
+he is a leading figure. The _Morien_ story, as I have remarked in the
+preface, has obviously been modified by the influence of the later
+_Lancelot_ legend, hence, probably, the _role_ assigned to Agloval.
+
+2. PAGE 20.--_Gawain as physician_. The representation of Gawain as
+an expert in medical skill is an interesting feature which appears to
+belong to early tradition. The references in the poem before us are the
+most copious and explicit, but we also find the same accomplishment
+referred to in the romance of _Lancelot et le cerf au pied blanc_ (D. L.
+vol. ii. 1. 22825) where Gawain instructs the physician as to the proper
+treatment of Lancelot's wounds; and the _Parzival_ of Wolfram von
+Eschenbach (Book X. 1. 104) also refers to this tradition. It is
+noticeable that Chretien de Troyes in the parallel passage of his poem
+has no such allusion, nor can I recall any passage in the works of that
+poet which indicates any knowledge, on his part, of this characteristic
+of Gawain. This is one of the points of variance between Chretien and
+Wolfram which, slight in itself, offers when examined valuable evidence
+as to a difference of sources.
+
+3. PAGE 24.--_The boast of Sir Kay._ Arthur's reproof to Kay is a
+reference to the well-known adventure related both by Chretien and
+Wolfram and found moreover in the _Peredur_. The hero, thrown into a
+love-trance by the sight of blood-drops on the snow, gives no answer to
+the challenge addressed to him successively by Segramore and Kay,
+and being rudely attacked by these knights overthrows them both. The
+allusion to this incident, which is not related in the prose _Lancelot_,
+shows clearly that while, on the whole, he is harmonising his romance
+with the indications of the later traditions, the writer is yet quite
+conversant with the earlier forms.
+
+4. PAGE 26.--_The Father of Adventure._ "Der Aventuren Fader." The
+Middle English poem of _Sir Gawain and the Green Knight_ (No. 1 of this
+Series) speaks of the knight in somewhat similar terms as "the fine
+father of courtesy." Gawain was from the first the adventurous hero,
+_par excellence_ of the cycle, but I know no other instance in which
+this characteristic is so quaintly and forcibly expressed.
+
+5. PAGE 28.--_In secret case_. The original words are "in hemeliker
+stede." To which particular adventure of Lancelot this refers it is not
+easy to decide; on more than one occasion he disappears from court, and
+the knights headed by Gawain, ride in quest of him. Perhaps this refers
+to his imprisonment by Morgain le Fay (_cf_. summary of _D.L._ in
+_Legend of Sir Lancelot du Lac_. Grimm's Library XII. pp. 236-7).
+
+6. PAGE 35.--_Sir Agloval, he is my father._ This should be compared
+with the account of Gamuret's wooing and desertion of the Moorish queen,
+Belakane, in Book I. of the _Parzival_; also with the meeting of the
+unknown brothers in Book XV. of the same poem. It is perhaps worth
+noticing as indicative of the source of the tradition that Wolfram
+distinctly states that his Moor speaks in _French_.
+
+7. PAGE 67,--_The slain and the slayer_. The belief that the blood of
+a corpse would flow afresh, did the murderer approach it, was very
+prevalent in the middle ages. In Chretien de Troyes' _Chevalier au lion_
+(ll. 1177 et seq.) we find a similar situation, complicated by the fact
+that Yvain (the slayer) protected by a magic ring is invisible to the
+bystanders. The best known instance, however, is probably that of the
+_Nibelungenlied_ where Kriemhild's suspicions that Hagen is Siegfred's
+murderer are in this manner verified.
+
+8. PAGE 91.--_I have no call to flee, nor to fear death_. This is
+evidently the hermit whom Lancelot in the _Queste_ finds dead under
+circumstances agreeing with those here hinted at. The story will be
+found in Malory Book XV.
+
+9. PAGE 102.--_That cometh altogether from his sin against his mother_.
+The reason here alleged for Perceval's failure to find the Grail is that
+given by Chretien and Wolfram, and is another indication of the writer's
+familiarity with the early _Perceval_ story.
+
+10. PAGE 116.--_Sir Agloval's explanation, (a) The Lancelot quest_. The
+special quest here referred to is that undertaken in search of Lancelot
+when he fled from court in a frenzy, induced by Guinevere's jealousy of
+King Pelles' daughter. During this quest Agloval visits his mother, sees
+Perceval, and brings him to court (_cf. Legend of Sir Lancelot_ pp.
+161-2).
+
+_(b) The lost heritage_. The fact that Perceval regains possession
+of the heritage of which he has, before his birth, been deprived is
+recorded in certain of the _Perceval_ romances; the _Parzival_ of
+Wolfram von Eschenbach, the prose _Perceval li Gallois_, and the English
+_Sir Percyvelle of Galles_, but it is not found in Chretien. It is
+clear, to a close observer, that the compiler of the Dutch _Lancelot_
+knew the early _Perceval_ tradition in a form closer to the version of
+the German, than that of the French poet. Later on, in the _Queste_
+section, he introduces a reference to this inheritance, where none
+exists in the French versions I have examined (_cf. Legend of Sir
+Lancelot_ p. 174).
+
+11. PAGE 127.--_Lancelot's adventure with the beast._ This is a
+condensed account of the well known story of _The Fahe Claimant_. Two
+versions of this story have already been given in this series, the
+dragon adventure in _Tristan_ (No. II) and that of the stag in _Tyolet_
+(No. III.); this is inferior to either, but appears to combine
+characteristics of both. I have discussed it fully in Chapter III. of
+the _Lancelot_ studies, before referred to, and have there compared it
+with the similar adventure also attributed to that knight in the Dutch
+compilation.
+
+12. PAGE 128.--_Had it not been for a ring which Lancelot wore._ This is
+evidently the ring given him by the Lady of the Lake, and referred to
+in _The Charrette_ (ll. 2348 et seq). It had the power of detecting
+enchantments.
+
+13. PAGE 142.--_King Arthur--held captive the king, who had erst made
+him a prisoner._ There seems to be a confusion here; from Gariet's
+account it was the King of the Saxons who captured Arthur; here he
+has disappeared and everything is attributed to the King of Ireland.
+Probably they were allies; but it is also possible that confusion may
+have arisen from the fact that the King of Dublin was at one time, as in
+the Tristan legend, a Viking, and the poet has not distinguished clearly
+between the nationalities of these sea-robbers. If so, it would seem to
+indicate an early date for this particular story.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Romance of Morien, by Jessie L. Weston
+
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+
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