Perceval lay the night in the castle of the White Tower, and departed
thence on the morrow as he that would fain do somewhat whereof he might
deserve well of Messire Gawain. Many a time had he heard tell of
Meliot of Logres and of his chivalry and of his great valour. He was
entered into a forest, and had heard mass of a hermit, from whom he had
departed. He came to the Castle Perilous that was hard by there where
Meliot lay sick, lay wounded, when Lancelot brought him the sword and
the cloth wherewith he touched his wounds. He entered into the castle
and alighted. The damsel of the castle, that made great dole, came to
meet Perceval. "Damsel," saith he, "Wherefore are you so sorrowful?"
"Sir," saith she, "For a knight that I tended and healed herewithin,
whom Brundans hath killed in treason, and God thereof grant us
vengeance yet, for so courteous knight saw I never."
While she was speaking in this manner, forthwith behold you a damsel
that cometh.
"Ha, Sir," saith she to Perceval, "Mount you again and come to aid us,
for none other knight find I in this land nor in this forest but only
you all alone!"
"What need have you of my aid?" saith Perceval.
"A knight is carrying off my lady by force, that was going to the court
of King Arthur."
"Who is your lady?" saith Perceval.
"Sir, she is the younger Damsel of the Tent where Messire Gawain
overthrew the evil customs. For God's sake, hasten you, for he
revileth her sore for her love of the King and of Messire Gawain."
Perceval remounteth forthwith and issueth forth of the castle on the
spur. The damsel bringeth him on as fast as the knight can go. They
had not ridden far before they came a-nigh, and Perceval heard the
damsel crying aloud for mercy, and the knight said that mercy upon her
he would not have, and so smote her on the head and neck with the fiat
of his sword.