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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/8447-8.txt b/8447-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..79d7413 --- /dev/null +++ b/8447-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3129 @@ +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: ISO-8859-1 + +*** 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 Mediĉval 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 mediĉval 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 Chrétien 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 Chrétien 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 deçeive 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 Gariët, 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 Gariët 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 Gariët 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 Gariët 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 Gariët 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 Gariët. 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 Gariët, "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 +Gariët 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 Gariët, 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 Gariët 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 Gariët 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 Gariët, "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 Gariët 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 Gariët 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 Gariët 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 Gariët 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 Gariët 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 Gariët 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 Gariët 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 Gariët 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 Gariët 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 Gariët, 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 Gariët: "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 Gariët: "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 Gariët 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 Gariët 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 +Gariët 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 Gariët 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 Gariët, 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 Gariët 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 Gariët, 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 Gariët 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 Gariët 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 Gariët 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 _rôle_ 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 Chrétien 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 Chrétien 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 Chrétien 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 Chrétien 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 Chrétien. 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. 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Weston, + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +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: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ROMANCE OF MORIEN *** + + + + +Text file produced by David Starner, David Widger, and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + MORIEN + </h1> + <h3> + A Metrical Romance Rendered Into English Prose From The Mediĉval Dutch + </h3> + <h3> + Arthurian Romances No. IV. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Jessie L. Weston, + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + With designs by Caroline Watts. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="middle"> + <p> + Additional Arthurian Romances: + </p> + <br /> + <p> + I. Sir Gawain And The Green Knight. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <br /> + <p> + II. Tristan And Iseult. + </p> + <p> + Rendered into English from the German of Gottfried of Strassburg by + JESSIE L. WESTON. With Designs by CAROLINE WATTS. Two vols. 1899. 4s. + net. + </p> + <br /> + <p> + III. Guingamor, Lanval, Tyolet, Le Bisclaveret. + </p> + <p> + 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] + </p> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> MORIEN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> AMEN. NOTES </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + The metrical romance of which the following pages offer a prose + translation is contained in the mediĉval Dutch version of the <i>Lancelot</i>, + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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>i.e.</i>, a condensed rendering of a + number of Arthurian romances which in their original form were independent + of each other. Thus, in the Dutch <i>Lancelot</i> we have not only the + latter portion of the <i>Lancelot</i> proper, the <i>Queste</i>, and the + <i>Morte Arthur</i>, the ordinary component parts of the prose <i>Lancelot</i> + in its most fully developed form, but also a portion of a <i>Perceval</i> + romance, having for its basis a version near akin to, if not identical + with, the poem of Chrétien de Troyes, and a group of episodic romances, + some of considerable length, the majority of which have not yet been + discovered elsewhere. [Footnote: <i>Cf</i>. my <i>Legend of Sir Lancelot + du Lac</i>; Grimm Library, vol. xii., chapter ix., where a brief summary + of the contents of the Dutch <i>Lancelot</i> is given.] + </p> + <p> + 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 <i>Lancelot</i>, <i>Queste</i>, and <i>Morte Arthur</i>, 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 <i>Lancelot</i> 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 <i>Lancelot</i> sections. + </p> + <p> + It is true that with regard to the romance here translated, <i>Morien</i>, + 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 (<i>Histoire Litteraire</i>, 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 <i>motif</i> 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. + </p> + <p> + So far as the story of <i>Morien</i> 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 <i>Queste</i>, 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 <i>Queste</i>; + 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 <i>Queste</i>, + with which volume iii. (volume ii. of the extant version) of the Dutch <i>Lancelot</i> + opens. + </p> + <p> + 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 + <i>Queste</i>; 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. + </p> + <p> + In this connection it appears to me that the evidence of the <i>Parzival</i> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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 <i>Parzival</i>. + Perceval, the virgin winner of the Grail, could not have a <i>liaison</i> + with a Moorish princess, but neither could Perceval's father, the direct + descendant of Joseph of Arimathea, and hereditary holder of the Grail. The + <i>Early History</i> of that talisman, as related by Robert de Borron, + once generally accepted, the relationship of <i>brother</i> was as + impossible as that of <i>son</i>. + </p> + <p> + 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, <i>e.g.</i>, to such a stage as that hinted at by the + chess-board adventure of the "Didot" <i>Perceval</i> and Gautier's poem, + when the hero was as ready to take advantage of his <i>bonnes fortunes</i> + as other heroes of popular folk tales. + </p> + <p> + Further, judging from these stories it would seem probable that the + requisite modification began with the earlier generation, <i>i.e.</i>, + 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 <i>Parzival</i>, also, + contrary to the <i>Early History</i> versions, connects him with the Grail + through his mother, instead of through his father. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Morien</i> 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 <i>Perceval</i> story, differing in important + particulars from that preserved by Chrétien de Troyes, and based upon a + French original, now, unfortunately, lost. + </p> + <p> + 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 <i>Lancelot</i> 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. <i>Morien</i> 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + BOURNEMOUTH, <i>July</i> 1901 + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MORIEN + </h2> + <p> + <i>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> + </p> + <p> + <i>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.</i> 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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?" + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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?" + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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?" + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + Then they all wept, wives and maidens, knights and squires, when they knew + Sir Lancelot would ride thence. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + But now will we be silent on their lamentations, and tell henceforth of + Sir Gawain and Sir Lancelot, who rode both on their way. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + Then thought Sir Gawain with himself, "We were foolish and unwise an we + failed to show courtesy to one who praises us so highly." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + Sir Gawain spake: "Take ye not to heart that which has here chanced, it + shall be naught the worse for ye." + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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! + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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? + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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?" + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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! + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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?" + </p> + <p> + 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 deçeive 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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! + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + "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! + </p> + <p> + 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! + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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 Gariët, 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 Gariët 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. + </p> + <p> + '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 Gariët 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. + </p> + <p> + When Sir Gariët 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." + </p> + <p> + Sir Gariët 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 Gariët. 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." + </p> + <p> + Quoth Sir Gariët, "That will I tell ye." + </p> + <p> + 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 Gariët + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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 Gariët, 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + Then quoth Sir Gariët 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?" + </p> + <p> + And Sir Gawain spake, "He rode hence a while ago to seek Sir Perceval." + </p> + <p> + Sir Gariët 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + Then spake Sir Gariët, "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." + </p> + <p> + And Morien answered that were he fain to do. + </p> + <p> + Herewith they left speaking of this matter, and Sir Gariët 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. + </p> + <p> + When the meal was ended then Morien thought to ride on his way. But the + good knight Sir Gariët 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + With this was Sir Gariët 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 Gariët 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + Sir Gawain had chosen his road, and Sir Gariët 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!" + </p> + <p> + Then Sir Gariët 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 Gariët + 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 Gariët 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 Gariët ride with him and bear Morien company. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "They counted themselves for lost, deeming that I were the devil, and were + sore afeard, and put out to sea. Now see, Sir Gariët, 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!" + </p> + <p> + Quoth Sir Gariët: "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 Gariët: "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!" + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + Thus they agreed together, and Sir Gariët 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. + </p> + <p> + Then Sir Gariët 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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 Gariët 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + Then Sir Gariët 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." + </p> + <p> + 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 Gariët, 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. + </p> + <p> + When they beheld each other they gave fair and courteous greeting, the one + to the other, and Sir Gariët 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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? + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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 Gariët, 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." + </p> + <p> + Then all thanked Morien, deeming that as at that time no better counsel + might be found; and Sir Gariët 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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 Gariët and Sir Perceval, who came + thither as at that time. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + Then Sir Gariët 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." + </p> + <p> + Quoth Morien: "This castle that standeth here, is there yet any man + within?" + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + Quoth Sir Gawain: "Good friend, God reward ye for your tidings." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + AMEN. NOTES + </h2> + <div class="middle"> + <p> + 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 <i>Perceval</i> + 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 <i>Lancelot</i>, Sir Lamorak to the <i>Tristan</i> tradition. So + far I have not met with the latter in any version of the prose <i>Lancelot</i>, + though Dr. Sommer in his <i>Studies on the Sources of Malory</i>, refers + to him as mentioned in that romance; in the <i>Tristan</i>, on the + contrary, he is a leading figure. The <i>Morien</i> story, as I have + remarked in the preface, has obviously been modified by the influence of + the later <i>Lancelot</i> legend, hence, probably, the <i>rôle</i> + assigned to Agloval. + </p> + <p> + 2. PAGE 20.—<i>Gawain as physician</i>. 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 <i>Lancelot et le cerf au + pied blanc</i> (D. L. vol. ii. 1. 22825) where Gawain instructs the + physician as to the proper treatment of Lancelot's wounds; and the <i>Parzival</i> + of Wolfram von Eschenbach (Book X. 1. 104) also refers to this + tradition. It is noticeable that Chrétien 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 Chrétien and Wolfram which, slight in itself, offers when + examined valuable evidence as to a difference of sources. + </p> + <p> + 3. PAGE 24.—<i>The boast of Sir Kay.</i> Arthur's reproof to Kay + is a reference to the well-known adventure related both by Chrétien and + Wolfram and found moreover in the <i>Peredur</i>. 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 <i>Lancelot</i>, + 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. + </p> + <p> + 4. PAGE 26.—<i>The Father of Adventure.</i> "Der Aventuren Fader." + The Middle English poem of <i>Sir Gawain and the Green Knight</i> (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, <i>par excellence</i> of the cycle, but I know no other instance + in which this characteristic is so quaintly and forcibly expressed. + </p> + <p> + 5. PAGE 28.—<i>In secret case</i>. 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 (<i>cf</i>. summary of + <i>D.L.</i> in <i>Legend of Sir Lancelot du Lac</i>. Grimm's Library + XII. pp. 236-7). + </p> + <p> + 6. PAGE 35.—<i>Sir Agloval, he is my father.</i> This should be + compared with the account of Gamuret's wooing and desertion of the + Moorish queen, Belakane, in Book I. of the <i>Parzival</i>; 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 <i>French</i>. + </p> + <p> + 7. PAGE 67,—<i>The slain and the slayer</i>. 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' <i>Chevalier + au lion</i> (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 <i>Nibelungenlied</i> where Kriemhild's suspicions + that Hagen is Siegfred's murderer are in this manner verified. + </p> + <p> + 8. PAGE 91.—<i>I have no call to flee, nor to fear death</i>. This + is evidently the hermit whom Lancelot in the <i>Queste</i> finds dead + under circumstances agreeing with those here hinted at. The story will + be found in Malory Book XV. + </p> + <p> + 9. PAGE 102.—<i>That cometh altogether from his sin against his + mother</i>. The reason here alleged for Perceval's failure to find the + Grail is that given by Chrétien and Wolfram, and is another indication + of the writer's familiarity with the early <i>Perceval</i> story. + </p> + <p> + 10. PAGE 116.—<i>Sir Agloval's explanation, (a) The Lancelot quest</i>. + 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 (<i>cf. Legend of Sir + Lancelot</i> pp. 161-2). + </p> + <p> + <i>(b) The lost heritage</i>. The fact that Perceval regains possession + of the heritage of which he has, before his birth, been deprived is + recorded in certain of the <i>Perceval</i> romances; the <i>Parzival</i> + of Wolfram von Eschenbach, the prose <i>Perceval li Gallois</i>, and the + English <i>Sir Percyvelle of Galles</i>, but it is not found in + Chrétien. It is clear, to a close observer, that the compiler of the + Dutch <i>Lancelot</i> knew the early <i>Perceval</i> tradition in a form + closer to the version of the German, than that of the French poet. Later + on, in the <i>Queste</i> section, he introduces a reference to this + inheritance, where none exists in the French versions I have examined (<i>cf. + Legend of Sir Lancelot</i> p. 174). + </p> + <p> + 11. PAGE 127.—<i>Lancelot's adventure with the beast.</i> This is + a condensed account of the well known story of <i>The Fahe Claimant</i>. + Two versions of this story have already been given in this series, the + dragon adventure in <i>Tristan</i> (No. II) and that of the stag in <i>Tyolet</i> + (No. III.); this is inferior to either, but appears to combine + characteristics of both. I have discussed it fully in Chapter III. of + the <i>Lancelot</i> studies, before referred to, and have there compared + it with the similar adventure also attributed to that knight in the + Dutch compilation. + </p> + <p> + 12. PAGE 128.—<i>Had it not been for a ring which Lancelot wore.</i> + This is evidently the ring given him by the Lady of the Lake, and + referred to in <i>The Charrette</i> (ll. 2348 et seq). It had the power + of detecting enchantments. + </p> + <p> + 13. PAGE 142.—<i>King Arthur—held captive the king, who had + erst made him a prisoner.</i> 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. + </p> + </div> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Romance of Morien, by Jessie L. 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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. 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