Thereupon, behold you, two knights that are carrying other two knights
dead. They alight and then set them in the chapel. And the dwarf
crieth out to them: "Now shall it be seen how you avenge your friends
of the enemy that fell upon you!"
The knight that had fled from the forest when Messire Gawain came
thither where the three lay dead, was come therewithin and knew
Lancelot, whereupon saith he: "Our mortal enemy are you, for by you
were these three knights slain."
"Well had they deserved it," saith Lancelot, "and in this chapel am I
in no peril of you, wherefore as at this time will I depart not hence,
for I know not the ways of the forest."
He was in the chapel until the day broke, when he issued forth thereof,
and sore it weighed upon him that his horse was still fasting. He
taketh his arms and is mounted. The dwarf crieth out aloud: "What
aileth you?" saith he to the two knights, "Will you let your mortal
enemy go thus?"
With that the two knights mount their horses and go to the two issues
of the grave-yard, thinking that Lancelot is fain to flee therefrom;
but no desire hath he thereof, wherefore he cometh to the knight that
was guarding the entrance whereby he had to issue out, and smiteth him
so stiffly that he thrusteth the point of his spear right through his
body. The other knight that was guarding the other entrance, that had
fled out of the forest before, had no mind to avenge his fellow, and
fled incontinent so fast as he might. And Lancelot taketh the horse of
the knight he had slain and driveth him before him, for he thinketh
that some knight may haply have need thereof. He rideth on until he
cometh to a hermitage in the forest where he alighteth and hath his
horses stabled, and the Hermit giveth them of the best he hath. And
Lancelot heard mass, and afterward are a little and fell on sleep.
Thereafter, behold you, a knight that cometh to the Hermit and seeth
Lancelot that was about to mount.
"Sir," saith he, "Whither go you?"
"Sir Knight," saith Lancelot, "thither shall I go where God may please;
but you, whitherward are you bound to go?"
"Sir, I go to see one of my brethren and my two sisters, for I have
been told that he hath fallen on such mishap as that he is called the
Poor Knight, whereof am I sore sorrowful."
"Certes," saith Lancelot, "poor he is, the more the pity! Howbeit, will
you do him a message from me?"
"Sir," saith the knight, "Right willingly!"
"Will you present him with this horse on my behalf, and tell him how
Lancelot that harboured with him hath sent it?"
"Sir," saith the knight, "Right great thanks, and blessed may you be,
for he that doth a kindness to a worshipful man loseth it not."
"Salute the two damsels for me," saith Lancelot.
"Sir, right willingly!"
The knight delivereth the horse to his squire, and taketh leave of
Lancelot.