Herewithal the story is silent of Messire Gawain, and saith that
Lancelot seeketh Perceval in like manner as did Messire Gawain, and
rideth until that he cometh to the hermitage where he hanged the
thieves. Joseus made right great joy of him. He asked him whether he
knew any tidings of the son of the Widow Lady.
"I have seen him sithence that he came from King Arthur's court but
once only, and whither he is gone I know not."
"Sir," saith Lancelot, "I would see him right fain. King Arthur
sendeth for him by me."
"Sir," saith the hermit, "I know not when I may see him again, for when
once he departeth hence he is not easy to find."
Lancelot entereth the chapel with the hermit, and seeth the shield that
Perceval brought from King Arthur's court beside the altar.
"Sir," saith Lancelot, "I see his shield yonder. Hide him not from me."
"I will not do so," saith the hermit. "This shield, truly, is his, but
he took with him another from hence, of gold with a green cross."
"And know you no tidings of Messire Gawain?"
"I have not seen Messire Gawain sithence tofore I entered into this
hermitage. But you have fallen into sore hatred on account of the four
robbers that were knights whom you hanged. For their kinsmen are
searching for you in this forest and in other, and are thieves like as
were the others, and they have their hold in this forest, wherein they
bestow their robberies and plunder. Wherefore I pray you greatly be on
your guard against them."
"So will I," saith Lancelot, "please God."
He lay the night in the hermitage, and departeth on the morrow after
that he hath heard mass and prayeth God grant he may find Perceval or
Messire Gawain. He goeth his way amidst the strange forests until that
he cometh to a strong castle that was builded right seemly. He Looketh
before him and seeth a knight that was issued thereout, and was riding
a great pace on a strong destrier, and carded a bird on his fist toward
the forest.