PART II

The Story of Sir Gareth of Orkney

_And now followeth the history of Sir Gareth of Orkney, who came unknown

to the court of his uncle, King Arthur; who was there treated with great

indignity by Sir Kay the Seneschal; who was befriended by his brother,

Sir Gawaine, and who afterward went errant with a damsel hight Lynette,

meeting whilst with her several bel-adventures which shall hereinafter

be duly told of.

So if you would know how it fared with that young knight, you must cease

to consider the further adventures of Sir Launcelot at this place, and

must now read of those other adventures of this youth, who was the

youngest son of King Lot and Queen Margaise of Orkney. But after they

are ended, then shall the further history of the adventures of Sir

Launcelot be considered once more._

[Illustration: Sir Gareth of Orkney]

[Illustration]

Chapter First

_How Sir Gareth of Orkney came to the Castle of Kynkennedon where King

Arthur was holding court, and how it fared with him at that place._

[Sidenote: _Of Gareth of Orkney._]

The youngest son of King Lot of Orkney and of his Queen, who was the

Lady Margaise, sister of King Arthur, was a youth hight Gareth of

Orkney. This young, noble, high-born prince was the most beautiful of

all his royal race, for not only was he exceedingly tall and stalwart of

frame--standing a full head bigger than the biggest of any at his

father's court--and not only was he the strongest and the most agile and

the most skilful at all knightly sports, and not only was he gentle in

speech and exceedingly courteous in demeanor to all with whom he held

discourse, but he was so beautiful of countenance that I do not believe

that an angel of Paradise could be more fair to look upon than he. For

his hair was bright and ruddy, shining like to pure gold, his cheeks

were red and they and his chin were covered over with a soft and budding

bloom of beard like to a dust of gold upon his face; his eyes were blue

and shining and his neck and throat were round and white like to a

pillar of alabaster.

[Sidenote: _How they of the court praise Gareth._]

Now King Lot and Queen Margaise loved Gareth above any of their other

children, and so it befell that all those who dwelt at the King's court

took every occasion to praise young Gareth, both to his face and before

the faces of the King and Queen, his father and mother. For these would

sometimes say: "Lo! this youth sendeth forth such a glory of royal

beauty and grace and dignity from him that even were he clad in fustian

instead of cloth of gold yet would all the world know him to be of royal

strain as plainly as though he were clothed in royal attire fitting for

such a princely youth to wear. For, behold! the splendor of his royalty

lieth in his spirit and not in his raiment, and so it is that it shineth

forth from his countenance."

[Sidenote: _Queen Margaise bespeaketh Gareth._]

Now it came to pass that when Gareth was twenty years of age, his

mother, Queen Margaise, called him to her in her bower where she was

with her maidens, and she bade him to sit down beside her and he did as

she commanded, taking his place upon a couch spread with purple cloth

embroidered with silver lions whereon the Queen was sitting at that

time. Then Queen Margaise gazed long upon her beautiful son, and her

heart yearned over him with pride and glory because of his strength and

grace. And by and by she said: "My son, now that thou hast reached to

the fulness of thy stature and girth and art come to the threshold of

thy manhood, it is time for thee to win for thyself the glory of

knighthood such as shall become thee, earning it by such deeds as shall

be worthy of the royal race from which thou hast sprung. Accordingly, I

would now have it that thou shouldst go to the court of my brother, King

Arthur, and that thou shouldst there take thy stand with that noble and

worthy companionship of the Champions of the Round Table, of whom thy

brothers shine forth like bright planets in the midst of a galaxy of

stars. So I would have it that thou shouldst go to the court of the

great King, my brother, a week from to-day, and to that end I would have

it that thou shouldst go in charge of three of the noblest lords of this

court and in such a state of pomp and circumstance as may befit one who

is, as thou art, the son of a royal father and mother and the nephew of

that great King who is the overlord of this entire realm."

[Sidenote: _Gareth departeth for the court of King Arthur._]

Thus spake Queen Margaise, and in accordance with that saying Gareth set

forth a sennight from that time for the court of King Arthur. With him

there rode three very noble haughty lords of the court as the Queen had

ordained, and with these went esquires and attendants to the number of

threescore ten and four. In the midst of that company young Gareth rode

upon a cream white horse, and all the harness and furnishings of the

horse upon which he rode were of gold, and the saddle upon which he sat

was stamped with gold and riveted with rivets of gold, and Gareth

himself was clad all in cloth of gold, so, what with all of these and

his fair beautiful face in the bright sunlight (the day being

wonderfully clear and fair) the royal youth appeared to shine with such

a glistering splendor that it was as though a star of remarkable glory

had fallen from the heavens and had found lodgment in his person upon

the earth.

So it was that the young Gareth rode forth upon his way to the court of

his uncle, the King.

That evening, he and his company rested for the night in a glade of the

forest and there the attendants set up a pavilion of purple silk for

him. Around about this pavilion were other pavilions for those three

lords who accompanied him as his companions in the journey and for their

esquires and attendants.

Now that night Gareth lodged alone in his pavilion saving only that his

dwarf, Axatalese, lay within the tent nigh to the door thereof. And it

came to pass that Gareth could not sleep that night but lay awake,

looking into the darkness and thinking of many things. And he said to

himself: "Why is it that I should go thus in state to the court of the

King and in that wise to win his especial favor? Lo! It were better that

I should go as any other youth of birth and breeding rather than in this

royal estate. For, if I am worthy, as men say of me, then my worth shall

be made manifest by my deeds and not because of the state in which I

travel."

Thus Gareth communed within himself and he said: "I will go to the court

of mine uncle the King as a simple traveller and not as a prince

travelling in state."

So somewhat before the dawning of the day, he arose very softly and went

to where the dwarf lay, and he touched Axatalese upon the shoulder, and

he said, "Axatalese, awake." Thereupon the dwarf awoke and sat up and

looked about him in the darkness of the dawning, bewildered by the sleep

that still beclouded his brain.

Then Gareth said, still speaking in a whisper: "Listen to what I say,

but make no noise lest you arouse those who lay around about us." And

Axatalese said, "Lord, I listen, and I will be silent."

Then Gareth said: "Axatalese, arise and fetch me hither some garments of

plain green cloth, and aid me to clothe myself in those garments. Then

thou and I will go forward alone and without attendants to King Arthur's

court. For so I would come before the King in that guise and not

travelling in the estate of a prince who may claim his favor because of

the chance of birth. For I would have it that whatsoever good fortune I

win, that fortune should come to me by mine own endeavor, and not

because of the accident of birth."

Then Axatalese was greatly troubled, and he said: "Lord, think well of

what you do, for, lo! your mother, the Queen, hath provided this escort

for you; wherefore, haply, she will be very angry if you should do as

you say, and should depart from those whom she appointed to accompany

you."

"No matter," quoth Gareth; "let that be as it may, but do you as I tell

you and go you straightway, very quietly, and carry out my commands. And

see to it that no one shall be disturbed in your going or coming, for it

is my purpose that we two shall go privily away from this place and that

no one shall be aware of our going."

[Sidenote: _Gareth escapeth from his companions._]

So spake Gareth, and Axatalese was aware that his command must be

obeyed. So the dwarf went very quietly to do Gareth's bidding, and anon

he returned with the clothes of a certain one of the attendants, and the

clothes were of plain green cloth, and Gareth clad himself in that

simple raiment. Then he and the dwarf went forth from the pavilion and

they went to where the horses were, and they chose two of the horses and

saddled them and bridled them with saddles and harness and trappings of

plain leather, such as the least of the attendants might use--and in all

of that time no one of those in attendance upon Gareth was aware of what

he had done. Then Gareth and the dwarf rode away from that place and

still all the others slept, and they slept for a long while after.

And be it here said that when those three lords who were in charge of

Gareth awoke and found that he and Axatalese were gone, they were filled

with terror and dismay, for they wist not why he was gone nor whither,

and they dreaded the anger of the Queen, Gareth's mother. Then the chief

of those lords said: "Lo! here are we betrayed by this young prince and

his dwarf. For he hath left us and taken himself away, we know not

whither, and so we dare not return to the court of Orkney again. For

should we return without him they will assuredly punish us for suffering

him to depart, and that punishment may come even to the taking of our

lives."

Then another of those lords said: "Messire, those words are very true,

so let us not return unto the court of Orkney, but let us escape unto

some other part of the realm where the wrath of the King and Queen may

not reach us."

So it was as that lord said, for straightway they departed from that

place and went to a part of the realm where neither the King and Queen

of Orkney nor King Arthur might hear of them, and there they abode for

that time and for some time afterward.

[Sidenote: _How King Arthur sat at feast._]

Now at this time King Arthur was celebrating the Feast of Pentecost at

the Castle of Kynkennedon. With him sat all the great lords of his court

and all the Knights-companion of the Round Table who were not upon

adventure in some other part of the realm. As they so sat at high feast,

filling the hall with a great sound of merriment and good cheer,

commingled with the chanting of minstrels and the music of harps and

viols, there came one to where the King sat, and he said to him: "Lord,

there is a fellow without who demandeth to have speech with you, face to

face. Nor know we what to do in this case, for he will not be gainsaid,

but ever maketh that demand aforesaid."

Then King Arthur said: "Hah! say you so? Now what manner of man is he?

Is he a king or a duke or a high prince that he maketh such a demand as

that?" "Lord," said the messenger, "he is none of these, but only a

youth of twenty years, tall and very large of frame and beautiful of

face, and very proud and haughty in bearing. And he is clad like to a

yeoman in cloth of plain green, wherefore we know not what to think of

that demand he maketh to have speech with you." King Arthur said, "What

attendants hath he with him?" And the messenger said, "He hath no

attendants of any kind, saving only a dwarf who followeth after him."

Quoth the King: "Well, at this Feast of Pentecost far be it from me to

deny any man speech with me. So fetch this one hither that we may see

what manner of man he is."

[Sidenote: _Gareth cometh before the King._]

Therewith in obedience to the King's command, that attendant went forth

and anon he returned, bringing Gareth and the dwarf Axatalese with him.

And Gareth walked very proudly and haughtily up the hall and all who

looked upon him marvelled at his height and his girth and at the beauty

of his countenance. And many said: "Certes, that is a very

noble-appearing man to be clad in such plain raiment of green, for, from

his manner and his bearing, he would otherwise appear to be some

nobleman's son, or some one of other high degree."

So Gareth walked up the length of the hall with all gazing upon him, and

so he came and stood before the King and looked the King in the face,

regarding him very steadfastly and without any fear or awe--and few

there were who could so regard King Arthur.

Now Sir Kay the Seneschal stood behind the King's seat and when he

beheld how young Gareth fronted the King, look for look, he was very

wroth at the demeanor of that youth who stood thus before that royal

majesty. So he spoke aloud before all those who sat there in hall,

saying, to Gareth: "Sirrah, who are you who darest thus to stand with

such assurance in the presence of the Great King? Wit you it is not for

such as you to stand before such majesty, and have speech with it.

Rather you should veil your face and hang your head in that awful

presence."

Then Gareth looked at Sir Kay very calmly and he said, "Who are you who

speak such words to me?" and all were amazed at the haughtiness of his

tones and voice.

And King Arthur was also much astonished that a youth, clad thus like a

yeoman, should thus speak to a great lord of the court such as Sir Kay.

Wherefore the King wist not what to think of such a bearing. Then anon

he said: "Fair youth, whence come you and who are you who speaketh thus

so boldly to a great lord of our court and before our very face?" And

Gareth said: "Lord, I am one who hath come hither from a great distance

to crave two boons of you."

Quoth the King: "At this time, and at this Feast of Pentecost I may not

refuse any one a boon who asketh it of me. So, if these two boons are

fit for one of your condition to have, they shall be granted unto you."

[Sidenote: _Gareth asketh his boon._]

Then Gareth said: "Lord, this is the first boon that I would ask of

thee. I ask not for knighthood nor for courtly favor. All that I ask is

that thou wilt permit me to dwell here at court for a year and that thou

wilt provide me with lodging and with clothing and with meat and with

drink for that time. Then at the end of a year, if I have proved myself

patient to wait, I shall crave a second boon of thee."

Now many who were there heard what it was that strange youth asked as a

boon, and that he besought not knighthood or honor at the King's hands,

but bread and meat and drink and lodging, wherefore several of them

laughed a great deal at the nature of that boon. As for the King, he

smiled not, but he inclined his head very calmly and said: "Fair youth

if that is all the boon thou hast to ask of us at this time, then thou

shalt have thy will with all welcome." And he said: "Kay, see to it that

this youth hath his desires in these things, and that he hath lodging

and clothing and food and drink for an entire year from this time."

Then Sir Kay looked very scornfully upon Gareth and said: "It shall be

as you will. As for thee, fellow, I will see to it that thou art fed

until thou art as fat as any porker."

So spake Sir Kay, and when young Gareth heard the words his face flamed

red with wrath and the veins stood out upon his forehead like cords. But

he controlled his anger to calmness and anon he said: "Messire, you do

but hear my words, knowing nothing of the purpose that lyeth within my

mind. Wherefore then do you scorn me since you know naught of my

purpose?"

Then Sir Kay looked upon the youth with anger and he said: "Sirrah,

thou speaketh very saucily to those who are thy betters. Learn to bridle

thy tongue or otherwise it may be very ill with thee."

So spake Sir Kay, but Gareth answered him not. Otherwise he turned to

the King and bowed low, as though he had not heard the speech that Sir

Kay had uttered.

Then he turned and went away from the King's presence with the dwarf

Axatalese following close after him.

[Sidenote: _Sir Gawaine loveth Gareth._]

Now Sir Gawaine sat not far distant from the King and so he had heard

all that had passed. And he beheld the indignation of Gareth against Sir

Kay, and the heart of Sir Gawaine went out very strongly toward this

haughty and beautiful youth--albeit he wist not why it was that he felt

love for him, nor that Gareth was his own brother. So it befell that

after Gareth had departed from the King's presence in that wise, Sir

Gawaine arose and followed after him; and when he had come up with

Gareth he touched him upon the arm and said, "Come with me, fair youth."

And Gareth did so. So after that Sir Gawaine led Gareth to another

place, and when they were come thither he said to him: "Fair youth, I

prythee tell me who you are and whence you come, and why it is that you

asked such a boon as that from the King's Majesty."

Then Gareth looked upon Sir Gawaine and knowing that it was his brother

whom he gazed upon he loved him a very great deal. Ne'theless he

contained his love and said: "Messire, why ask you me that? See you not

from the raiment I wear who I am and what is my degree? As for the boon

which I asked, wit you that I asked it because I needed a roof to

shelter me and meat and drink to sustain my life."

Then Sir Gawaine was astonished at the pride and haughtiness of the

youth's reply, wherefore he said: "Fair youth, I know not what to think;

yet I well believe it was not for the sake of the food and drink and

lodging that thou didst so beseech that boon of the King, for methinks

that thou art very different from what thou appearest to be. Now I find

that my heart goeth out to thee with a very singular degree of love,

wherefore I am of a mind to take thee into my favor and to have thee

dwell near me at mine inn." And Gareth said to his brother, "Sir, thou

art very good to me."

[Sidenote: _Sir Gawaine traineth Gareth in knightly skill._]

So it was that after that time Sir Gawaine took Gareth into his favor

and did many acts of kindness unto the youth. And so Gareth dwelt nigh

to Sir Gawaine, and Sir Gawaine instructed him in the use of arms. And

ever Sir Gawaine was astonished that the youth should learn so quickly

and so well the arts of chivalry and of knighthood. For Sir Gawaine wist

not that Gareth had been taught many of these things, and that others

came easily to him by nature, because of the royal and knightly blood

from which he had sprung.

[Sidenote: _Sir Kay scorneth Gareth._]

And ever in the same measure that Sir Gawaine bestowed his favor upon

Gareth, in that degree Sir Kay scorned him. So it came to pass that when

Sir Kay would meet Gareth he would say to whomsoever was present at that

time, some such words as these: "Lo! you! this is our kitchen knave who

had no spirit to ask of the King's Majesty any higher boon than this,

that he be allowed to sup fat broth in the kitchen." So Sir Kay ever

called Gareth a kitchen knave, and so calling him he would maybe say,

"Sirrah, get thee upon the other side of me, for the wind bloweth toward

me and thou smellest vilely of the kitchen." And because Sir Kay

perceived that the hands of Gareth were soft and very white he named the

youth "Beaumains," saying, "Look you at this kitchen knave, how fat and

white are his hands from dwelling in lazy idleness." So Gareth was known

as "Beaumains" by all those who were of the King's court.

But when Sir Gawaine heard this talk of Sir Kay he remembered him of how

Sir Percival had been one time scorned by Sir Kay in such a manner as

this. And Sir Gawaine said: "Messire, let be, and torment not this

youth, lest evil befall thee. Remember how thou didst hold Sir Percival

in scorn when he was a youth, and how he struck thee such a buffet that

he nigh broke thy neck."

Then Sir Kay looked very sourly upon Sir Gawaine, and said, "This

Beaumains is not such as Sir Percival was when he was young." And Sir

Gawaine laughed and said, "Nevertheless, be thou warned in season."

* * * * *

So it was that Gareth dwelt for a year at the King's court, eating the

meat of idleness. And many laughed at him and made sport of him who

would have paid him court and honor had they known who he was and what

was his estate. Yet ever Gareth contained himself in patience, biding

his time until it should have come, and making no complaint of the

manner in which he was treated.

And now if you would hear how young Gareth won him honor and knighthood,

I pray you read that which followeth, for therein are those things told

of at some length.

[Illustration: The Damsel Lynette]

[Illustration]

Chapter Second

_How Gareth set forth upon an adventure with a young damsel hight

Lynette; how he fought with Sir Kay, and how Sir Launcelot made him a

knight. Also in this it is told of several other happenings that befell

Gareth, called Beaumains, at this time._

So passed a year as aforetold, and Gareth lodged with the household of

King Arthur and had food and drink as much as he desired. And in all

that time Gareth ate his food and drank his drink at a side table, for

Sir Kay would not permit him to sit at the same table with the lords and

knights and ladies of the King's court. For Sir Kay would say, "This

kitchen knave shall not eat at table with gentle folk but at a side

table by himself," and so Gareth fed at a table by himself. And ever Sir

Kay called Gareth "Beaumains" in scornful jest and all the court called

him "Beaumains" because Sir Kay did so.

[Sidenote: _King Arthur sitteth again at feast._]

Now at the end of that year when the Feast of Pentecost had come again,

King Arthur was holding his court at Caerleon-upon-Usk, and at the high

Feast of Pentecost there sat, as usual at the King's table, the lords

and the ladies of the court and all the Knights of the Round Table who

were not upon adventure that took them elsewhither.

[Sidenote: _A damsel appeareth before the King._]

As they so sat eating and drinking there came into the hall a slender

maiden of not more than sixteen years old. And the maiden was

exceedingly beautiful, for her hair was as black as ebony and was like

to threads of fine black silk for softness and brightness. And her eyes

were as black as jet and very bright and shining, and her face was like

ivory for clearness and whiteness and her lips were red like to coral

for redness. She was clad all in flame-colored satin, embroidered with

threads of gold and she wore a bright shining chaplet of gold about her

brows so that what with her raiment of flame-color and with her

embroidery and ornaments of shining gold, the maiden came up the hall

like to a fiery vision of beauty, insomuch that all turned to behold her

in passing, and many stood in their places that they might see her the

better.

[Sidenote: _The damsel asketh for a champion._]

Thus the damsel came up the hall until she had reached to that place

where King Arthur sat at the head of the feast, and when she had come

there she kneeled down and set her hands together as in prayer, palm to

palm. And King Arthur looked upon her and was pleased with her beauty,

and he said, "Damsel, what is it thou wouldst have of us?" The damsel

said: "Lord, I would have the aid of some good worthy knight of thy

court who should act as champion in behalf of my sister." And the King

said, "What ails thy sister?"

Quoth the damsel: "Lord, my sister is tormented by a very evil disposed

knight who maketh demand of her for wife. But my sister hateth this

knight and will have naught to do with him, wherefore he sitteth ever

before her castle and challengeth whomsoever cometh thitherward, and

will not suffer any one to go in to the castle or come out thence

without his permission. Now I come hither upon my sister's behalf to

seek a champion who shall liberate her from this duress."

Then said the King, "Who is thy sister and who is this knight who

tormenteth her?" To the which the damsel made reply: "I may not tell you

my sister's name, for she is very proud and haughty, and is very much

ashamed that she should be held in duress by that knight against her

will. But as for the knight who tormenteth her, I may tell you that he

is hight the Red Knight of the Red Lands."

Then King Arthur said: "I know not any such knight as that. Is there any

one of you hereabouts who knoweth him?" And Sir Gawaine said: "Lord, I

know him very well, for I met him one time in battle and it was such

hard ado for me to hold mine own against him that even to this day I

know not rightly whether he was better than I or whether I was better

than he." Then King Arthur said: "Fair damsel, that must be a very

strong and powerful knight, since Sir Gawaine speaketh of him in this

wise. But touching this affair of thy sister, know you not that it is

not likely that any knight of renown will be found to champion a lady of

whose name or degree he knoweth naught? If thou wilt tell the name of

thy sister and wilt declare her degree I doubt not there are many good

worthy knights of this court any one of whom would gladly champion her

cause."

So spake the King, but the damsel only shook her head and said, "Lord, I

may not tell my sister's name, for I am forbidden to do so."

Then the King said: "That is a pity for I fear me thou wilt not easily

find thee a champion in that case." And he said, "Damsel, what is thy

name?" And she said, "Sir, it is Lynette." The King said, "That is a

fair name and thou art very fair of face."

Then the King looked about him and he said: "Is there any knight in this

court who will undertake this adventure in behalf of that fair lady,

even though she will not declare her name and degree? If such there be,

he hath my free will and consent for to do so."

So spake the King, but no one immediately answered, for no one cared to

take up such a quarrel against so strong a knight, not knowing for whom

it was that that quarrel was to be taken up.

Now he whom all called Beaumains was at that time sitting at his side

table a little distance away, and he heard all that passed. Likewise he

observed how that no one arose to assume that adventure and at that he

was very indignant. For he said to himself: "This damsel is very fair,

and the case of her sister is a very hard case, and I wonder that no

good and well-approved knight will take that adventure upon him."

But still no one appeared to assume that quarrel of the unknown lady and

so, at last, Beaumains himself arose from where he sat, and came forward

before them all to where the King was and at that time the damsel was

still kneeling before the King.

[Sidenote: _Gareth asketh his second boon._]

Then the King beholding Beaumains standing there said, "Beaumains, what

is it thou wouldst have?" and Beaumains said: "Lord, I have now dwelt in

this court for a year from the time that I first came hither. That time

when I first stood before thee I besought two boons of thee and one of

them thou didst grant me and the other thou didst promise to grant me.

According to that first boon, I had since that time had lodging beneath

thy roof and food and drink from thy table, as much as ever I desired.

But now hath come the time when I would fain ask that other boon of

thee."

Then King Arthur wondered a very great deal, and he said, "Speak,

Beaumains, and ask what thou wilt and the boon is thine."

"Lord," said Beaumains, "this is the boon I would ask. I beseech thee

that thou wilt suffer me to assume this adventure upon behalf of that

lady who will not tell her name."

Now when they of the court who sat near to the King heard what boon it

was that the kitchen knave, Beaumains, besought of the King, a great

deal of laughter arose upon all sides, for it seemed to all to be a very

good jest that Beaumains should assume such an undertaking as that,

which no knight of the court chose to undertake. Only King Arthur did

not laugh. Otherwise he spake with great dignity saying: "Beaumains,

methinks thou knowest not what boon it is thou hast asked. Ne'theless,

be the peril thine. For since thou hast asked that boon, and since I

have passed my promise, I cannot refrain from granting that which thou

hast besought of me."

Then Sir Kay came forward and he spake to the damsel, saying, "Fair

damsel, know you who this fellow is who asketh to be appointed champion

for to defend your lady sister?" and Lynette said, "Nay, I know not; but

I pray you tell me who he is."

"I will do so," quoth Sir Kay. "Wit you that this fellow is a kitchen

knave who came hither a year ago and besought as a royal boon from the

King that he should have meat and drink and lodging. Since then he hath

been well fed every day at a table I have set aside for him. So he hath

grown fat and proud and high of spirit and thinketh himself haply to be

a champion worthy to undertake such an adventure as that which he hath

besought leave to assume."

[Sidenote: _The damsel Lynette is angry._]

So said Sir Kay, and when the damsel Lynette heard his words her face

flamed all as red as fire and she turned to King Arthur and said: "My

Lord King, what shame and indignity is this that you would put upon me

and my sister? I came hither beseeching you for a champion to defend my

sister against her oppressor and instead of a champion you give me a

kitchen knave for that service."

"Lady," quoth King Arthur very calmly, "this Beaumains hath besought a

boon of me and I have promised him that favor. Accordingly, I must needs

fulfil my promise to him. But this I tell thee, that I believe him to be

very different from what he appeareth to be; and I tell thee that if he

faileth in this adventure which he hath assumed, then will I give thee

another champion that shall haply be more to thy liking than he."

But Lynette was very exceedingly wroth and she would not be appeased by

the King's words; yet she dared say no word of her indignation to the

King's Majesty. Accordingly she turned and went away from that place

very haughtily, looking neither to the one side nor to the other, but

gazing straight before her as she went out from that hall.

Then after she was gone Sir Gawaine came and stood before the King and

said: "Messire and Lord, I have faith that greater things shall come of

this adventure than any one hereabouts supposeth it possible to happen.

For Beaumains is no such kitchen knave as Sir Kay proclaimeth him to be,

but something very different from that, as Sir Kay himself shall mayhap

discover some day. For a year this Beaumains hath dwelt nigh me and I

have seen him do much that ye know not of. Now I pray you, Lord, to

suffer me to purvey him with armor fit for this undertaking and I

believe he will some time bring honor both to you and to me--to you

because you granted him this boon, to me because I provided him with

armor." Then King Arthur said to Sir Gawaine, "Messire, let it be as you

say."

[Sidenote: _Sir Gawaine armeth Beaumains._]

So Sir Gawaine took Beaumains away with him to his own lodging-place

and here he provided the youth with armor. And he provided him with a

shield and a sword and a good stout spear. And he provided him with a

fine horse, such as a knight who was to go errant might well care to

ride upon. Then when Beaumains was provided in all this way, Sir Gawaine

wished him God-speed and Beaumains took horse and departed after the

maiden Lynette. And Axatalese the dwarf rode with Beaumains upon a gray

mule, as his esquire.

Now by the time all this had been accomplished--to wit, the arming and

horsing of Beaumains--Lynette had gone so far upon her way that

Beaumains and Axatalese were compelled to ride for two leagues and more

at a very fast pace ere they could overtake her.

[Sidenote: _Lynette scorneth Beaumains._]

And when they did overtake her she was more angry than ever to behold

that misshapen dwarf accompanying the kitchen knave who was her

appointed champion. Wherefore when Beaumains had come nigh to her, she

cried out, "Sirrah, art thou Beaumains, the kitchen knave?" And Gareth

said, "Aye, I am he whom they call Beaumains." Then she cried out upon

him, "Return thee whence thou hast come for I will have none of thee!"

To this angry address Beaumains replied, speaking very mildly and with

great dignity: "Lady, the King hath appointed me to ride with you upon

this adventure, wherefore, with you, I must now do as I have been

commanded. For having embarked in this affair, I must needs give my

service to you, even if you should order me to do otherwise." "Well,"

quoth she, "if you will not do as I bid you, then I tell you this; that

I will straightway take a path that will lead you into such dangers as

you have no thought of, and from which you will be not at all likely to

escape with your life."

To this Beaumains replied, speaking still very calmly and with great

courtesy: "Lady, that shall be altogether as you ordain. And I venture

to say to you that no matter into what dangers you may bring me, still I

have great hope that I shall bring you out thence with safety and so be

of service to you and your lady sister. Wherefore, whithersoever you

lead, thither will I follow you."

Then Lynette was still more angry that Beaumains should be so calm and

courteous to her who was so angry and uncourteous to him, wherefore she

hardened her heart toward him and said: "Sirrah, since I cannot rid me

of you, I bid you ride upon the other side of the way, for methinks you

smell very strongly of the kitchen in which you have dwelt."

To these words Beaumains bowed his head with great dignity and said,

"Lady, it shall be as you command." And therewith he drew rein to the

other side of the highway to that upon which she rode. Then Lynette

laughed, and she said: "Ride a little farther behind me, for still

methinks I smell the savor of the kitchen." And Beaumains did as she

commanded and withdrew him still farther away from her.

* * * * *

[Sidenote: _Sir Kay followeth Beaumains._]

Now some while after Beaumains had ridden after Lynette as aforetold,

Sir Kay said to certain of those who were nigh him: "I am of a mind to

ride after our kitchen knave and to have a fall of him, for it would be

a very good thing to teach him such a lesson as he needs." So according

to that saying, Sir Kay went to his inn and donned his armor. And he

chose him a good stout spear and he took horse and rode away after

Beaumains with intent to do as he had said. So he rode at a good pace

and for a long time and by and by he beheld Lynette and Beaumains and

the dwarf where they rode along the highway at some distance before him.

Then Sir Kay called out in a great voice, saying: "Stay, Beaumains, turn

thou thitherward. For I am come to overthrow thee and to take that

damsel away from thee."

Then Lynette turned her head and beheld Sir Kay where he came, and with

that she pointed and said: "Look, thou kitchen knave, yonder cometh a

right knight in pursuit of thee. Now haply thou hadst best flee away ere

harm befall thee."

But to this address Beaumains paid no heed, otherwise he turned about

his horse and straightway put himself into array for defence. And as Sir

Kay drew nigh, Beaumains beheld the device upon his shield and knew who

was the knight who came thitherward and that it was Sir Kay who followed

after him and called upon him to stay.

Then Beaumains remembered him of all the many affronts that Sir Kay had

put upon him for all that year past and with that his anger grew very

hot within him. And he said to himself: "This is well met; for now my

time hath come. For either this is the day of satisfaction for me or

else it is the day in which I shall lay my dead body down beside the

highroad."

Meantime Sir Kay had come nigh, and finding that Beaumains had prepared

himself, he also made himself straightway ready for battle. Then Lynette

drew her palfrey to one side of the way and to a place whence she might

behold all that befell.

[Sidenote: _Sir Kay doeth battle with Beaumains._]

So when Beaumains and Sir Kay were in all ways prepared, each gave shout

and drave forward very violently to the assault. And they met in the

midst of that course and in that encounter the spear of Sir Kay held and

the spear of Beaumains, because it was not very well directed, was

broken into several pieces, so that he would have fallen only for the

address of horsemanship that Sir Gawaine had taught him in the year that

had passed.

But when Lynette beheld how that the spear of Beaumains was broken in

that wise, and how that he was nearly cast out of the saddle in that

encounter, she laughed very high and shrill. And she cried out in a loud

voice: "Hah! thou kitchen knave, if thou showest not better address than

that, thou wilt not be likely to succeed in this adventure that thou

hast undertaken."

Now Beaumains heard the high laughter of Lynette and the words that she

called out to him and with that he was more angry than ever. So

therewith he ground his teeth together, and, casting aside the stump of

his spear which he still held in his hand, he drew his sword and made at

Sir Kay with all his might and main. And he put aside Sir Kay's defence

with great violence, and having done so he rose up in his stirrups and

lashed a blow at Sir Kay that fell upon his helm like to a bolt of

lightning. For in that one blow Beaumains lashed forth all his rage and

the indignation of a whole year of the scorn of Sir Kay. And he launched

forth all the anger that he felt against the damsel Lynette who had also

scorned him.

[Sidenote: _Beaumains smiteth down Sir Kay._]

So fierce and terrible was that blow he struck that I misdoubt that any

knight in all the world could have stood against it, far less could Sir

Kay stand against it. For straightway upon receiving that stroke the

senses of Sir Kay scattered all abroad and darkness fell roaring upon

his sight and he fell down from off his horse and lay there upon the

ground as though he was dead. Then Beaumains stood above him smiling

very grimly. And he said, "Well, Sir Kay, how like you that blow from

the hands of the kitchen knave?" but Sir Kay answered him not one word

as you may suppose.

Therewith, having so spoken, Beaumains dismounted from his horse and he

called the dwarf Axatalese to him and he said: "Axatalese, dismount from

thy mule and tie it to yonder bush and take thou the horse of this

knight and mount upon it instead." And Axatalese did as his master

commanded. And Beaumains said to Sir Kay when he still lay in his swoon,

"Sir Knight, I will borrow of you your spear, since I now have none of

mine own," and therewith he took the spear of Sir Kay into his hand. And

he took the shield of Sir Kay and hung it upon the pommel of the saddle

of the horse of Sir Kay that he had given to Axatalese, and after that

he mounted his own horse and rode away from that place, leaving Sir Kay

lying where he was in the middle of the way.

And Lynette also rode away and ever Beaumains followed her in silence.

So they rode for a while and then at last and by and by the damsel fell

alaughing in great measure. And she turned her to Beaumains, and said,

"Sirrah, thou kitchen knave, dost thou take pride to thyself?" and

Beaumains said, "Nay, Lady." She said: "See that thou takest no pride,

for thou didst but overcome that knight by the force of thy youth and

strength, whilst he broke thy spear and wellnigh cast thee out of thy

saddle because of his greater skill."

Then Beaumains bowed his head and said, "Lady, that may very well be."

At that Lynette laughed again, and she said, "Sirrah, thou art

forgetting thyself and thou ridest too near to me. Now I bid thee ride

farther away so that I may not smell the savor of the kitchen," and

Beaumains said, "As you command, so it shall be," and therewith he drew

rein to a little greater distance.

* * * * *

And here it may be told of Sir Kay that some while after Beaumains had

gone he bestirred himself and arose and looked about him, and for some

while he knew not what had befallen him nor where he was. Then anon he

remembered and he wist that he had suffered great shame and humiliation

at the hands of Beaumains the kitchen knave. And he saw that in that

encounter he had lost his shield and his spear and his horse and that

naught was left for him to ride upon saving only that poor gray mule

upon which the dwarf of Beaumains had been riding.

[Sidenote: _Sir Kay returneth to court, ashamed._]

Then Sir Kay wist not what to do, but there was naught else left for him

but to mount that mule and ride back again whence he had come. So he did

and when he reached the King's court there was such laughing and jesting

concerning his adventure that he scarce dared to lift his voice in

speech or to raise his face in the court for a week from that time. But

Sir Gawaine made no speech nor jest of the mishap that Sir Kay had

suffered, only he smiled very grimly and said, "Sir, you would have done

well to have hearkened to what I said to you," and Sir Kay, though at

most times he had bitter speech enough and to spare, had naught whatever

to say to Sir Gawaine in reply.

* * * * *

And now we turn again to Beaumains and Lynette as they rode onward upon

their way as aforetold.

[Sidenote: _They behold a white knight._]

For after that last speech of Lynette's, they went onward in silence,

and ever Lynette looked this way and that as though she wist not that

any such man as Beaumains was within the space of a league of that

place. So travelling they came, toward the sloping of the afternoon, to

a place nigh to the edge of a woodland where was a smooth and level

space of grass surrounded on all sides but one by the trees of the

forest. Here they beheld a knight who was just come out of the forest,

and he was clad all in white armor and he rode upon a white horse. And

the sun was shining so far aslant at that time that the light thereof

was very red, like to pure gold. And the beams of the sun fell upon the

skirts of the forest so that all the thick foliage of the woodland was

entirely bathed in that golden light. And the same light flashed upon

the polished armor of the knight and shone here and there very

gloriously as though several stars of singular radiance had fallen from

heaven and had catched upon that lonely knight-rider, who drew rein at

their approach and so sat watching their coming.

Then Lynette turned to Beaumains and she said: "Sir kitchen knave, look

you! yonder is a right knight with whom you may hardly hope to have ado.

Now turn you about and get you gone while there is yet time, otherwise

you may suffer harm at his hands."

To this Beaumains made no reply; otherwise, he rode forward very calmly

and when he had come pretty nigh he bespoke that single knight in a loud

clear voice, saying, "Sir Knight, I pray you do me battle."

At this address that knight aforesaid was very much astonished, and he

said: "Sir, what offence have I done to you that you should claim battle

of me in so curt a fashion? Gladly will I give you your will, but wit

you not that all courtesy is due from one knight to another upon such an

occasion?"

To this Beaumains made no reply, but turning his horse about he rode to

a little distance and there made him ready for the encounter that was

about to befall. For at that time his heart was so full of anger at the

scorn of Lynette that he could not trust himself with speech, and indeed

I verily believe that he knew not very well where he was or what he did.

Meantime the White Knight had also put himself into array for battle and

when all was prepared they immediately launched the one against the

other with such violence that the ground trembled and shook beneath

their charge.

So they met with great crashing and uproar in the midst of the course

and in that meeting the spear of Beaumains was broken into a great many

pieces and he himself was cast out of his saddle and down to the ground

with such violence that he was for a little while altogether stunned by

the force of his fall.

Then Lynette laughed so high and so shrill that Beaumains heard her even

in the midst of his swoon, and with that his spirit came back to him

again and straightway he leaped up to his feet and drew his sword. And

he cried out to the White Knight: "Sir Knight, come down from off thy

horse and do battle with me afoot, for never will I be satisfied with

this mischance that I have suffered."

Then the White Knight said: "Messire, how is this? I have no such cause

of battle with you as that." But all the more Beaumains cried out with

great vehemence, "Descend, Sir Knight, descend and fight me afoot."

"Well," quoth the White Knight, "since you will have it so, so it shall

be."

[Sidenote: _Beaumains doeth battle with the White Knight._]

Thereupon he voided his horse and drew his sword and straightway setting

his shield before him, he came forward to the assault of Beaumains. Then

immediately they met together, each lashing very fiercely at the other,

and so that battle began. And so it continued, each foining and tracing

this way and that like two wild bulls at battle, but ever lashing stroke

upon stroke at one another. Soon the armor of each was stained in places

with red, for each had suffered some wound or hurt at this place or at

that. Yet ever Beaumains fought with might and main, for he was so

strengthened by his passion of rage that rather would he have died than

yield in that battle.

So they fought with astounding fierceness for a considerable while, and

then, at last, the White Knight called out, "Sir, I pray you stay this

battle for a little," and with that Beaumains ceased his lashing and

stood leaning upon his sword, panting for breath.

And the White Champion also leaned upon his sword and panted, and anon

he said, "Sir, I pray you tell me your name. For I make my vow to you

that never have I met any knight who hath fought a greater battle than

you have fought this day--and yet I may tell you that I have fought with

a great many of the very best knights of this realm."

"Messire," quoth Beaumains, "I may not declare my name at this present,

for there are several good reasons why I will not do so. But though I

may not do as you demand of me, nevertheless I beseech you that you will

extend that favor unto me and will declare to me your name and your

degree."

"Well," said the White Knight, "never yet have I refused that courtesy

to any one who hath asked it of me. Wit ye then that I am called Sir

Launcelot of the Lake."

[Sidenote: _Beaumains knoweth Sir Launcelot._]

Now when Beaumains heard this that the White Knight said and when he

wist that it was none other than Sir Launcelot against whom he had been

fighting for that while, he was filled with great wonder and

astonishment and a sort of fear. So straightway he flung aside his sword

and he kneeled down before Sir Launcelot and set his palms together. And

he said: "Messire, what have I done, to do battle against you? Rather

would I have done battle against mine own brother than against you. Know

you that you are the man of all others whom I most revere and admire.

Now I pray you, Messire, if I have done well in your sight in this

battle which I have fought, that you grant me a boon that I have to ask

of you and of no other man."

Quoth Sir Launcelot: "What boon is it thou wouldst have? Ask it and if

it is meet that I grant it to thee, then assuredly it shall be thine. As

for that battle which thou hast done, let me tell thee of a truth that I

believe that I have never before met a stronger or a more worthy

champion than thou art. So now I prithee ask thy boon that I may have

the pleasure of granting it to thee."

Then Beaumains said: "Sir, it is this. Wit you that I am not yet made

knight, but am no more than a bachelor at arms. So if you think that I

am not unworthy of that honor, I pray you make me a knight at this

present and with your own hand."

"Sir," said Sir Launcelot, "that may not be until I know thy name and of

what degree and worthiness thou art. For it is not allowed for a knight

to make a knight of another man until first he is well assured of that

other's degree and estate, no matter what deed of arms that other may

have done. But if thou wilt tell me thy name and thy degree, then I

doubt not that I shall be rejoiced to make a knight of thee."

Unto this Beaumains said, "Sir, I will tell you my name and degree if so

be I may whisper it in your ear." And Sir Launcelot said, "Tell it to me

as you list and in such manner as may be pleasing to you." So Beaumains

set his lips to Sir Launcelot's ear and he told him his name and his

degree. And he told Sir Launcelot many things that had befallen him of

late, and Sir Launcelot was astonished beyond measure at all that he

heard. Then when Beaumains had told all these several things, Sir

Launcelot said: "Messire, I wonder no more that you should have done so

great battle as you did against me, seeing what blood you have in your

veins and of what royal race you are sprung. Gladly will I make you

knight, for I believe in time you will surpass even your own brothers in

glory of knighthood, wherefore I shall have great credit in having made

you a knight."

[Sidenote: _Sir Launcelot maketh Sir Gareth a knight._]

Therewith Sir Launcelot took his sword in his hand, and Beaumains

kneeled. And Sir Launcelot laid the blade thereof upon the shoulder of

Beaumains and so made him knight by accolade. And he said, "Rise, Sir

Gareth!" and Sir Gareth arose and stood upon his feet, and his heart was

so expanded with joy that it appeared to him that he had the strength of

ten men rather than one man in his single body.

Now the damsel Lynette had been observing all this from afar, and from

that distance she could hear naught of what one champion said to the

other, and she beheld what they did with very great wonderment and

perplexity. Anon came Sir Launcelot and Sir Gareth to where she was, and

when they were come near she said to Sir Launcelot, "Know you, Messire,

who is this with whom you walk?" And Sir Launcelot said, "Yea, damsel,

methinks I should know him." Lynette said: "I believe that you do not

know him, for I am well assured that he is a kitchen knave of King

Arthur's court. He hath followed me hither against my will, clad in

armor which I believe he hath no entitlement to wear, and I cannot drive

him from me."

Then Sir Launcelot laughed and he said: "Damsel, you know not what you

say. Peace! Be still, or else you will bring shame upon yourself."

Then Lynette regarded Sir Launcelot for a while very seriously and anon

she said, "Messire, I pray you tell me who you are who take me thus to

task." And at that Sir Launcelot laughed again and said: "Damsel, I will

not tell you my name, but mayhap if you ask my name of this worthy

gentleman who is with you, he will tell you what it is."

[Sidenote: _Sir Launcelot leaveth Sir Gareth._]

Then Sir Launcelot turned him to Sir Gareth and he said: "Friend, here I

must leave you, for I have business that taketh me in another direction.

So God save you and fare you well until we shall meet again. And if you

will keep upon yonder path and follow it, it will bring you by and by to

a fair priory of the forest, and there you and your damsel may have

lodging for the night."

Thereupon Sir Launcelot bowed in courtesy both to Sir Gareth and to the

damsel Lynette and so took his departure, wending his way whither he was

minded to go and so in a little was lost to sight.

Then Lynette and Sir Gareth and the dwarf also went their way, taking

that path that led to the priory of which Sir Launcelot had spoken; and

there they found lodgment for the night--the damsel at one place, Sir

Gareth at another.

* * * * *

And now if you would hear more concerning Sir Gareth and Lynette and of

what befell them, I pray you read further, for these things shall there

be duly set forth for your entertainment.

[Illustration: Sir Gareth doeth Battle with the Knight of the River

Ford.]

[Illustration]

Chapter Third

_How Sir Gareth and Lynette travelled farther upon their way; how Sir

Gareth won the pass of the river against two strong knights, and how he

overcame the Black Knight of the Black Lands. Also how he saved a good

worthy knight from six thieves who held him in duress._

Now when the next morning had come, all bright and dewy and very clear

like to crystal, Lynette arose and departed from that forest priory

where she had lodged over-night, giving no news to Sir Gareth of her

going. And at that time the birds were singing everywhere with might and

main. Everywhere the May was abloom, the apple orchards were fragrant

with blossoms, and field and meadow-land were spread thick with a

variegated carpet of pretty wild flowers of divers colors, very fair to

see.

So Lynette rode alone, all through the dewy morn, amid these fair

meadow-lands and orchards belonging to the priory, making her way toward

the dark and shady belt of forest that surrounded those smooth and

verdant fields upon all sides. And ever she gazed behind her very slyly,

but beheld no one immediately following after her.

For it was some while ere Sir Gareth arose from his couch to find the

damsel gone. And when he did arise he was vexed beyond measure that she

had departed. So he donned his armor in all haste and as soon as might

be he followed hard after her, galloping his horse very violently

through those fair and blooming meadows aforesaid, with the dwarf

Axatalese following fast after him upon Sir Kay's war-horse.

[Sidenote: _Sir Gareth followeth Lynette again._]

So Sir Gareth made all speed, and by and by he perceived the damsel

where she was, and at that time she was just entering into the forest

shades. So he drove forward still more rapidly and anon he came up with

her and thereupon he saluted and said, "Save you, Lady!" Upon that

salutation Lynette looked about, as though in surprise, and said, "Hah,

thou kitchen knave, art thou there?" And Sir Gareth said, "Yea, Lady."

And Lynette said: "Methought thou hadst enough of adventure yestereve

when that same White Knight rolled thee down into the dust and beat thee

in a fair fight afterward." Sir Gareth said, "Lady, thou speakest bitter

words to me!" and Lynette laughed, and she said: "Well, Sir Knave, it

seems that I cannot speak words that are so bitter as to prevent thee

from following after me for I see that I am not to be free from thee in

spite of my will to that end." And then she said: "Now I bid thee to

ride a little farther away from me, for even yet thou savorest very

strongly of the kitchen, and the savor thereof spoileth the fair savor

of the morning."

So spake Lynette, and thereupon Sir Gareth drew rein a little farther,

and so followed after her some distance away as he had done the day

before.

[Sidenote: _Lynette telleth Sir Gareth of the robber knights._]

After that they went a considerable ways in silence, and then by and by

Lynette turned her head toward Sir Gareth and spake, saying: "Sirrah,

knowest thou whither this path upon which we travel will lead us?" And

Sir Gareth said, "Nay, Lady, I know not." "Alas for thee," quoth

Lynette, "for I am to tell thee that this path leadeth toward a certain

ford of a river, which same ford is guarded by two strong and powerful

knights who are brothers. Of these two knights I heard yesternight at

the priory that they are very savage robbers, and that, of those who

would pass the ford of the river, some they slay and others they rob or

else make captive for the sake of ransom. Now I am making my way toward

that place where are these two knights in the belief that they may rid

me of thee. So be thou advised whilst there is yet time; withdraw thee

from this adventure and return whither thou hast come, or else, mayhap,

a very great deal of harm may befall thee."

"Lady," quoth Sir Gareth, "were there twenty knights instead of two at

that ford and were each of those twenty ten times as strong as either of

the two are likely to be, yet would I follow after thee to the end of

this adventure. Mayhap it may be my good fortune to rid the world of

these two evil knights."

Then Lynette lifted up her eyes toward Heaven. "Alas," quoth she, "I see

that never will I be rid of this kitchen knave until all the pride is

beaten out of his body." And after that they rode their way without

saying anything more at that time.

Anon, and when the sun had risen pretty high toward the middle of the

morning, they came out of the forest and into a fair open plain of

considerable extent. Here Sir Gareth perceived that there was a smooth

wide river that flowed down through the midst of the plain. And he

perceived that the road ran toward the river and crossed it by a

shallow gravelly ford. And he perceived that upon the other side of the

river was a tall, grim, and very forbidding castle that stood on high

and overlooked the ford, and so he wist that this must be the ford

guarded by those two knights of whom Lynette had spoken.

So as they drew nearer to the ford, Sir Gareth beheld a pillar of stone

beside the way, and he saw that a great bugle horn of brass was chained

fast to this pillar. Then Lynette pointed to the bugle horn and she

said: "Sir Kitchen Knave, seest thou yon bugle horn? Thou had best not

blow upon that horn for if thou dost thou will arouse those two knights

who guard this ford and they will come forth from the castle and it will

certes fare very ill with thee."

[Sidenote: _Sir Gareth challengeth the robber knights._]

Then Sir Gareth said, "Say you so, Lady?" Therewith he went straight to

where the horn hung by its chain, and he seized it in both hands and

blew upon it so violently that it was as though the brazen horn would be

burst with his blowing. For the sound thereof flew far and wide, and

came echoing back from the distant walls of the castle as though the

trump of doom had been sounded in those parts.

Therewith, and after a little while, the portcullis of the castle was

uplifted and the drawbridge let fall and there issued forth two knights

very large and stout of frame and very forbidding of appearance. These

two knights rode down toward the ford and when they had come nigh to it

he who was the bigger of the two drave down to the edge of the water and

called across to Sir Gareth, "Who are you who dareth to blow so loudly

upon our bugle horn?" And to him Sir Gareth replied: "Sir, I blew upon

that horn to let you know that I was here and that I come with intent to

rid the world of you, if so be God shall be with me in mine endeavor."

At that the knight upon the other bank was so enraged that he cast aside

his spear and drew his sword and drave straightway into the waters of

the ford, splashing with a noise like to thunder. And Sir Gareth also

cast aside his spear and drew his sword and drave into the ford with

great violence.

[Sidenote: _Sir Gareth overthroweth the knight of the ford._]

So they met in the midst of the river and the knight of the ford lashed

at Sir Gareth a most terrible and vehement blow, which stroke Sir Gareth

put aside with great skill so that it harmed him not. Then Sir Gareth

upon his part lifted himself on high and lashed at the knight so woful

and terrible a blow that his horse tottered under the stroke and the

knight himself catched at the pommel of his saddle to save himself from

falling. Then Sir Gareth lashed at him another stroke and with that the

knight swooned away into darkness and fell out of his saddle and into

the water. And the river where he fell was very deep so that when he

sank beneath the water he did not rise again, although Sir Gareth waited

some while for him to do so.

[Sidenote: _Sir Gareth overthroweth the second knight._]

Then Sir Gareth, perceiving how that he had finished this enemy, drave

his horse very violently across the ford, and to the farther bank, and

the knight who was there upon that side of the river drave down against

Sir Gareth with his spear in rest with intent to thrust him through the

body. But Sir Gareth was aware of his coming and so when the knight of

the river was immediately upon him, he put aside the point of the spear

with his shield with great skill and address. Then he rode up the length

of the spear and when he had come nigh enough he rose up in his stirrup

and lashed at the knight of the river so dreadful deadly a blow that nor

shield nor helm could withstand that stroke. For the sword of Sir Gareth

clave through the shield of the knight, and it clave through the helm

and deep into his brain-pan. And with that the knight of the river fell

headlong from his saddle and lay upon the ground without life or motion

wherewith to rise again. Then Sir Gareth leaped very nimbly out of his

saddle and ran to him to finish the work that he had begun. And Sir

Gareth plucked away the helm of the knight and looked into his face and

therewith beheld that his work was very well done, for already that

fallen knight was in the act of yielding up the ghost.

Then Sir Gareth wiped his sword and drave it back again into its sheath;

and he remounted his horse and rode very quietly back to where the

damsel waited for him upon the farther bank. And the damsel looked at

Sir Gareth very strangely but Sir Gareth regarded her not at all.

So Sir Gareth brought Lynette safely across the ford and afterward they

rode on their way as they had aforetime done--the damsel in the lead and

Sir Gareth and Axatalese following after at a distance.

[Sidenote: _Lynette mocketh at Sir Gareth._]

So after they had ridden a long while the damsel turned her about in the

saddle and looked at Sir Gareth and she said, "Hah, Beaumains, dost thou

take pride in what thou hast done?" And Sir Gareth said, "Nay, Lady; God

forbid that I should take pride in any such thing as that." Quoth

Lynette: "I am glad that thou dost not take pride in it; for I beheld

thy battle from afar and I saw how fortune favored thee. For the first

of those two knights, his horse stumbled in the river and so he fell

into the water and was drowned; and thou didst strike the second knight

with thy sword ere he was well prepared for his defence and so thou wert

able to slay him."

"Lady," quoth Sir Gareth very calmly, "that which thou sayest doth not

in anywise change the circumstances of what I did. For now my work is

done and so I leave it to God His mercy to judge whether I did that

thing well or whether I did it ill." "Hah," said Lynette, "meseemeth

you speak very saucily for a kitchen knave." And Sir Gareth said, still

speaking very calmly, "Think you so, Lady?" And Lynette said, "Yea," and

she said, "I see that thou still ever forgettest my commands, for thou

art riding so nigh to me that methinks I smell the kitchen. Now I

prythee draw a little farther away." And Sir Gareth said, "Damsel, it

shall be as you command." And therewith he drew rein so as to ride at a

little greater distance, and Lynette laughed to see him do so.

Now some little while about the prime of the day they came to a certain

grassy place of considerable extent, and at that place was a black

hawthorn bush, very aged and gnarled and full of thorns that stood alone

beside the highroad, and as they drew nigh to it they perceived that

there was hung upon the thorn bush a great black shield bearing the

device of the red gryphon, and they saw that a great black spear,

bearing a black pennon with the device of a red gryphon leaned beside

the shield. And they beheld that near by the bush was a noble black

horse with trappings and housings all of black, and the horse cropped

the grass that grew at that place.

[Sidenote: _They behold the black knight at his meal._]

All this they beheld, and as they came still nearer they perceived that

upon the other side of the hawthorn bush there was a knight clad all in

black armor, and they saw that the knight sat beside a great flat stone

and ate his midday meal that lay spread out upon the stone. And the

knight was unaware of their coming but ever ate with great appetite of

the food that was spread before him.

Then Lynette drew rein while they were yet at some distance and she

laughed and pointed toward the hawthorn bush, behind which sat the

knight, and she said: "Sir Kitchen Knave, look you yonder and behold

that knight. Seest thou the device upon his shield? I know that device

very well and so I may tell thee that that knight is hight Sir Perard

and that he is brother of Sir Percevant of Hind, and that he is a very

strong, worthy, noble knight and one of great renown in deeds of arms.

This is a very different sort of knight from those thou didst overcome

at the ford of the river, wherefore be thou advised by me and turn thee

about and get thee gone ere yonder knight seest thee, or else harm will

certainly befall thee."

Quoth Sir Gareth: "Damsel, having followed you so far and through

several dangers it is not very likely that I shall turn back at this,

even if there be as much peril in it as you say."

"Very well," said Lynette, "then if ill befall thee thou art to blame

thyself therefor and not blame me." Therewith speaking, she tightened

the rein of her palfrey and so rode forward toward that hawthorn bush

aforesaid.

Now when they had come a little more close to that place, the Black

Knight, Sir Perard, was aware of their coming and looked up and beheld

them. Then, seeing that it was an armed knight and a damsel that were

coming thitherward, Sir Perard arose very slowly and with great dignity

and set his helm upon his head, and so he made him ready for whatsoever

might befall. Then when he had so prepared himself he came out into the

road for to meet them. Then when Sir Gareth and the damsel were come

pretty nigh, Sir Perard bespake Sir Gareth, saying: "Sir Knight, I pray

you of your courtesy for to tell me who you are and whither you go?"

Quoth Sir Gareth: "I may not tell you who I am, but ask you this damsel

and she will tell you."

Then Sir Perard was greatly surprised at that reply and he said, "Is

this a jest?" And he said: "Damsel, since I am directed to you, I pray

of you tell to me the name and the degree of this knight."

Upon this Lynette fell alaughing in great measure and she said:

"Messire, since you ask me that thing, I have to tell you that this

fellow is a certain kitchen knave, hight Beaumains, who hath followed me

hither from the court of King Arthur, and I have to tell you further

that many times I have bid him begone and leave me, but he will not do

so, but continually followeth after me."

"Fair damsel," quoth the Black Knight, speaking with great dignity, "you

are pleased to jest with me, for this is no kitchen knave I trow but a

very good worshipful knight of whom you are pleased to say such things."

Then Sir Gareth spake very sternly, saying, "Messire, I will not have

you or any man gainsay what this lady sayeth." And the Black Knight,

still speaking with great dignity, said: "How may I do otherwise than

gainsay her, seeing that you wear armor that is indented with the marks

of battle? For who ever heard of a kitchen knave wearing such armor?"

"Ne'theless," quoth Sir Gareth, "either you must acknowledge what this

lady sayeth of me, or else you must do battle with me so that I may

defend what she sayeth."

"Sir," said the Black Knight, "in that case I will do battle with you,

for I cannot accept the saying of this lady."

[Sidenote: _Sir Gareth doeth battle with the Black Knight._]

So therewith Sir Perard took down his shield from off the blackthorn

bush and he took his spear into his hand and whistled his horse to him.

And he mounted his horse and made him in all ways ready for battle.

Meanwhile Sir Gareth waited very composedly and with great calmness of

bearing until the other was in all wise prepared. Then Sir Perard said,

"I am ready, Messire." And therewith each knight drew rein and withdrew

to such a distance as was fitting for a course to an assault. Then when

this was accomplished, each knight shouted to his steed and each charged

forward against the other with a terrible speed and violence. So they

met in the midst of the course with a crash that might have been heard

for two furlongs. In that meeting the spear of each knight was broken

into many pieces, even to the hand that held it, and the horse of each

staggered back and would haply have fallen had not the knight rider

brought him to foot again with shout and prick of spur and with great

address of horsemanship. Then each knight voided his horse and each drew

his sword and therewith rushed to an assault at arms. And each smote the

other again and again and yet again, lashing such blows that it sounded

as though several blacksmiths were smiting amain upon their anvils, and

for a while neither knight had any advantage over the other, but each

fought for that time a well-matched battle. Then of a sudden Lynette

cried out very shrilly: "Sir Perard! Sir Perard! Noble, worthy knight!

Wilt thou suffer a kitchen knave to have his will of thee?"

So she cried out very loud and shrill and Sir Gareth heard the words she

uttered. Then a great anger came upon him so that he was uplifted by it,

as though the strength of several had entered into his body. So

straightway he redoubled his battle to twice what it had been before,

giving stroke upon stroke, so that the Black Knight was forced to bear

back before the fierceness and violence of his assault. Then Sir Gareth

perceived that Sir Perard began to weary a very great deal in that fight

and to bear his defences full low, and therewith he redoubled his blows

and smote Sir Perard upon the helm so fiercely that his brains swam like

water and his head hung low upon his breast.

Then, perceiving how that Sir Perard fainted, Sir Gareth ran to him and

catched him by the helm and dragged him down upon his knees, and he

rushed off the helm of Sir Perard, and catched him by the hair and

dragged down his neck so that he might have slain him had he chosen to

do so.

Then Sir Perard, perceiving how near death was to him, catched Sir

Gareth about the knees, and cried out on high, "Messire, spare my life,

for so thou hast it at thy mercy." Quoth Sir Gareth, "Sir Knight, I will

not spare thy life unless this lady beseech it of me."

Then Lynette cried out: "Fie upon thee, thou saucy varlet! Who art thou

that I should ask a favor of thee?"

[Sidenote: _Lynette asketh the life of the Black Knight._]

Then Sir Perard cried out, "Fair Lady, I beseech thee that thou beg my

life at the hands of this knight," and thereupon Lynette said: "Fie upon

it that it must needs be so. But indeed I cannot suffer so worshipful a

knight as thou art, Sir Perard, to be slain by the hand of a kitchen

knave. So, Sirrah Beaumains, I bid thee stay thy hand and spare this

knight his life."

Upon this speech, Sir Gareth released his hold upon Sir Perard and said,

"Arise, Sir Knight, for I will spare thy life upon this lady's behest."

And therewith Sir Perard arose and stood upon his feet. And Sir Perard

said: "Sir, thou hast conquered me in fair battle and for that reason I

have yielded me to thee. Now, I prythee tell me, hast thou any commands

that thou wouldst lay upon me?" Quoth Sir Gareth: "Yea, Messire, I have

a command to lay upon you and this is that command: It is that you

straightway go to the court of King Arthur and pay your duty unto him.

And you are to say unto King Arthur that Beaumains, the kitchen knave,

hath sent you unto him. And I pray you give him news of me and tell him

it fareth well with me." And Sir Perard said, "Messire, it shall be done

according to your bidding." And Sir Gareth said, "See that it is so."

Now in all these things that Sir Gareth did and said he ever bore

himself with such dignity and haughtiness that a knight of ten years'

standing would not have acted with more dignity than he. And after he

had settled those affairs in that wise, he turned to Lynette and

addressed himself to her, saying, "Lady, if so be thou art now ready to

depart I am ready to accompany thee," and with that the damsel took her

departure and Sir Gareth and Axatalese followed after her. So they left

that place of battle and soon after they had gone Sir Perard departed

upon his way to the court of King Arthur as he had been commanded to do

by Sir Gareth as aforesaid.

Now after Lynette and Sir Gareth had ridden some while in silence,

Lynette turned her face and looked upon Sir Gareth. And she said, "Sir

Kitchen Knave, I would I knew who thou really art." To the which Sir

Gareth answered very calmly, "Thou hast declared several times who I am

and that I am a kitchen knave from King Arthur's court." Then Lynette

laughed and she said, "True, I had nigh forgot." And she said, "Ride not

so near to me for still, I believe, thou savorest of the kitchen." And

thereupon Sir Gareth withdrew to that same distance he had assumed

before.

[Sidenote: _They behold one fleeing from the forest._]

Now somewhile toward the approach of eventide, Sir Gareth and Lynette

and Axatalese came away from that part of the country and to where the

forest began again. And it befell that as they approached the forest

they beheld of a sudden one who came spurring out of the woodlands

riding upon a white horse, driving very furiously and at full speed.

This rider when he was come nigh suddenly drew rein, and flinging

himself from the saddle he ran to Sir Gareth and catched him by the

stirrup, crying out: "Sir Knight! Sir Knight! I crave you of your

worship that you will lend your aid in a case of woful need!" Then Sir

Gareth beheld that this one who had come to him in this wise was an

esquire, clad in green and yellow and that he was one of good appearance

and of quality. And Sir Gareth said: "Fair Friend, I prythee tell me

what service it is that thou wouldst have of me?"

"Sir," cried that esquire, "my master, who is a knight of these marches,

is beset within the forest yonder by several thieves and I fear they

will slay him unless help cometh to him in short order." Sir Gareth

said, "Where is your master?" And the esquire said, "Follow me and I

will bring you to him."

[Sidenote: _Sir Gareth driveth to rescue the wounded knight._]