When the meat was ready they sate to eat, and full plenteously were
they provided and right well were they served. Thereupon, behold,
cometh the squire that had opened the door for Messire Gawain, and
kneeleth before the Widow Lady.
"And what tidings?" saith she.
"Lady, there is to be a right great assembly of tourney in the valleys
that aforetime were ours. Already have they spread the Welsh booths,
and thither are come these two that are warring upon you and great
store other knights. And they have ordained that he which shall do
best at the assembly shall undertake the garrison of this castle in
such sort as that he shall hold it for his own alone against all other."
The Widow Lady beginneth to weep: "Sir," saith she to Messire Gawain,
"Now may you understand that the castle is not mine own, sith that
these knights say it is theirs as you hear."
"Certes, Lady," saith he, "Herein do they great dishonour and a sin."