_How Sir Beaumains rode after to rescue his dwarf, and came into the
castle where he was._
Then Sir Beaumains put on his helm anon, and buckled his shield, and
took his horse and rode after him all that ever he might ride, through
marshes and fields and great dales, that many times his horse and he
plunged over the head in deep mires, for he knew not the way, but took
the gainest way in that fury, that many times he was like to perish.
And at the last him happened to come to a fair green way, and there he
met with a poor man of the country whom he saluted, and asked him
whether he met not with a knight upon a black horse and all black
harness, and a little dwarf sitting behind him with heavy cheer. Sir,
said this poor man, here by me came Sir Gringamore the knight, with
such a dwarf mourning as ye say, and therefore I counsel you not follow
him, for he is one of the most perilous knights of the world, and his
castle is here nigh hand but two mile, therefore we advise you ride not
after Sir Gringamore, but if ye owe him good will.
So leave we Sir Beaumains riding toward the castle, and speak we of Sir
Gringamore and the dwarf. Anon as the dwarf was come to the castle,
dame Liones and dame Linet her sister, asked the dwarf where was his
master born, and of what lineage he was come? And but if thou tell me,
said dame Liones, thou shalt never escape this castle, but ever here to
be prisoner. As for that, said the dwarf, I fear not greatly to tell
his name, and of what kin he is come. Wit ye well he is a king’s son,
and his mother is sister to king Arthur, and he is brother to the good
knight Sir Gawaine, and his name is Sir Gareth of Orkney. And now I
have told you his right name, I pray you, fair lady, let me go to my
lord again, for he will never out of this country until that he have me
again. And if he be angry he will do much harm or that he be stint, and
work you wrack in this country. As for that threatening, said Sir
Gringamore, be it as it be may, we will go to dinner. And so they
washed and went to meat, and made them merry and well at ease, and
because the lady Liones of the castle was there they made great joy.
Truly madam, said Linet unto her sister, well may he be a king’s son,
for he hath many good taches on him, for he is courteous and mild, and
the most suffering man that ever I met withall. For I dare say there
was never gentlewoman reviled man in so foul manner as I have rebuked
him; and at all times he gave me goodly and meek answers again. And as
they sat thus talking, there came Sir Gareth in at the gate with an
angry countenance, and his sword drawn in his hand, and cried aloud
that all the castle might hear it, saying, Thou traitor Sir Gringamore,
deliver me my dwarf again, or by the faith that I owe to the order of
knighthood, I shall do thee all the harm that I can. Then Sir
Gringamore looked out at a window and said, Sir Gareth of Orkney, leave
thy boasting words, for thou gettest not thy dwarf again. Thou coward
knight, said Sir Gareth, bring him with thee, and come and do battle
with me, and win him and take him. So will I do, said Sir Gringamore,
and me list, but for all thy great words thou gettest him not. Ah! fair
brother, said dame Liones, I would he had his dwarf again, for I would
he were not wroth, for now he hath told me all my desire I keep no more
of the dwarf. And also, brother, he hath done much for me, and
delivered me from the red knight of the red lawns, and therefore,
brother, I owe him my service afore all knights living. And wit ye well
that I love him before all other, and full fain I would speak with him.
But in no wise I would that he wist what I were, but that I were
another strange lady. Well, said Sir Gringamore, since I know now your
will, I will obey now unto him. And right therewithall he went down
unto Sir Gareth, and said, Sir, I cry you mercy, and all that I have
misdone I will amend it at your will. And therefore I pray you that ye
would alight, and take such cheer as I can make you in this castle.
Shall I have my dwarf? said Sir Gareth. Yea, sir, and all the pleasure
that I can make you; for as soon as your dwarf told me what ye were,
and of what blood ye are come, and what noble deeds ye have done in
these marches, then I repented of my deeds. And then Sir Gareth alight,
and there came his dwarf and took his horse. O my fellow, said Sir
Gareth, I have had many adventures for thy sake. And so Sir Gringamore
took him by the hand, and led him into the hall where his own wife was.