Hereof ought the good knight to be loved that by the goodness of his
heart and the loyalty of his knighthood hath achieved all the emprises
he undertook, without reproach and without blame. Perceval hath ridden
until he hath overtaken the damsel that carried the rich cup of gold
and the knight that was along with her. Perceval saluteth him, and the
knight maketh answer, may he be blessed of God and of His sweet Mother.
"Fair Sir," saith Perceval, "Is this damsel of your company?"
Saith the knight, "Rather am I of hers. But we are going to an
assembly of knights that is to be under the White Tower to the intent
to prove which knight is most worth, and to him that shall have the
prize of the assembly shall be delivered this golden cup."
"By my head," saith Perceval, "That will be fair to see!"
He departeth from the knight and the damsel, and goeth his way a great
pace amidst the meadows under the White Tower, whither the knights were
coming from all parts, and many of them were already armed to issue
forth. So soon as it was known that the damsel with the cup was come
thither, the fellowships assembled on all sides, and great was the
clashing of arms. Perceval hurleth into the assembly in such sort that
many a knight he smiteth down and overthroweth at his coming, and he
giveth so many blows and so many receiveth that all they that behold
marvel much how he may abide. The assembly lasted until evensong, and
when it came to an end the damsel came to the knights and prayed and
required that they would declare to her by right judgment of arms which
had done the best. The more part said that he of the white shield had
surpassed them all in arms, and all agreed thereto. The damsel was
right glad, for well she knew that they spake truth. She cometh to
Perceval; "Sir," saith she, "I present you this cup of gold for your
good chivalry, and therefore is it meet and right you should know
whence the cup cometh. The elder Damsel of the Tent where the evil
custom was wont to be, sent it to Messire Gawain, and Messire Gawain
made much joy thereof. And it came to pass on such wise that Brundans,
the son of the sister of Briant of the Isles, slew Meliot of Logres,
the most courteous knight and the most valiant that was in the realm of
Logres, and thereof was Messire Gawain so sorrowful that he knew not
how to contain himself. For Meliot had twice rescued him from death,
and King Arthur once. He was liegeman of Messire Gawain. Wherefore he
prayeth and beseecheth you on his behalf that you receive not the cup
save you undertake to avenge him. For he was loved of all the court,
albeit he had haunted it but little. Brundans slew him in treason when
Meliot was unawares of him."
"Damsel," saith Perceval, "Were there no cup at all, yet natheless
should I be fain to do the will of Messire Gawain, for never might I
love the man that had deserved his hatred." He taketh the cup in his
hand. "Damsel," saith he, "I thank you much hereof, and God grant I
may reward you for the same."
"Sir," saith she, "Brundans is a right proud knight, and beareth a
shield party of vert and argent. He is minded never to change his
cognisance, for that his father bore the same."
Perceval called the knight that was of the damsel's company. "I
beseech you," saith he, "of guerdon and of service, that you bear this
cup for me to the hold of the Sick Knight, and tell his wife that the
Knight of the White Shield that was harboured there within hath sent it
her by you."
"Sir," saith the knight, "This will I do gladly to fulfil your will."
He taketh the cup to furnish out the conditions of the message, and so
departeth forthwith.