Thereupon the Widow Lady ariseth up and her daughter likewise, and they
go over the bridge of the castle and see Messire Gawain that was yet
looking on the coffin within the chapel.
"Now haste!" saith the Lady; "At the tomb shall we be well able to see
whether it be he!"
They go to the chapel right speedily, and Messire Gawain seeth them
coming and alighteth. "Lady," saith he, "Welcome may you be, you and
your company."
The Lady answereth never a word until that they are come to the tomb.
When she findeth it not open she falleth down in a swoon. And Messire
Gawain is sore afraid when he seeth it. The Lady cometh back out of
her swoon and breaketh out into great lamentation.
"Sir," saith the damsel to Messire Gawain, "Welcome may you be! But now
sithence my mother supposed that you had been her son and made great
joy thereof, and now seeth she plainly that you are not he, whereof is
she sore sorrowful, for so soon as he shall return, this coffin
behoveth open, nor until that hour shall none know who it is that lieth
therein."
The Lady riseth up and taketh Messire Gawain by the hand. "Sir," saith
she, "What is your name?"
"Lady," saith he, "I am called Gawain, King Arthur's nephew."
"Sir," saith she, "You shall be he that is welcome both for the sake of
my son and for your own sake."
The Lady biddeth a squire lead his horse into the castle and carry his
shield and spear. Then they enter into the castle and lead Messire
Gawain into the hall, and make disarm him. After that, they fetch him
water to wash his hands and his face, for he was distained of the rust
of his habergeon. The Lady maketh apparel him in a rich robe of silk
and gold, and furred of ermine. The Widow Lady cometh forth of her
chamber and maketh Messire Gawain sit beside her. "Sir," saith she,
"Can you tell me any tidings of my son that I have not seen of this
long time past, and of whom at this present am I sore in need?"