Thereupon Messire Gawain issueth forth of the hall and findeth his
horse all made ready at the mounting-stage, together with his arms. He
goeth forth and findeth the bridges broad and long, and goeth his way a
great pace beside a great river that runneth in the midst of the
valley. And he seeth in a great forest a mighty rain and tempest, and
so strong a thunderstorm ariseth in the forest that it seemeth like all
the trees should be uprooted. So great is the rain and the tempest
that it compelleth him set his shield over his horse's head lest he be
drowned of the abundance of rain. In this mis-ease rideth he down
beside the river that runneth in the forest until he seeth in a launde
across the river a knight and a damsel right gaily appointed riding at
pleasure, and the knight carrieth a bird on his fist, and the damsel
hath a garland of flowers on her head. Two brachets follow the knight.
The sun shineth right fair on the meadow and the air is right clear and
fresh. Messire Gawain marvelleth much of this, that it raineth so
heavily on his way, whereas, in the meadow where the knight and the
damsel are riding, the sun shineth clear and the weather is bright and
calm. And he seeth them ride joyously. He can ask them naught for
they are too far away. Messire Gawain looketh about and seeth on the
other side the river a squire nearer to him than is the knight.
"Fair friend" saith Messire Gawain, "How is this that it raineth upon
me on this side the river, but on the other raineth it not at all?"
"Sir," saith the squire, "This have you deserved, for such is the
custom of the forest."
"Will this tempest that is over me last for ever?" saith Messire Gawain.
"At the first bridge you come to will it be stayed upon you," saith the
squire.