PART V

The Story of Sir Ewaine and the Lady of the Fountain

_Here beginneth the story of Sir Ewaine; of how he went forth to search

for Sir Launcelot in company with Sir Percival of Gales; of how they two

met Sir Sagramore in a condition of great disrepute; and of how Sir

Ewaine undertook a very strange adventure, in which he succeeded, after

great danger to his life, in winning the most fair Lady of the Fountain

for his wife._

[Illustration: Sir Gawaine, Knight of the Fountain:]

[Illustration]

Chapter First

_How Sir Ewaine and Sir Percival departed together in quest of Sir

Launcelot, and how they met Sir Sagramore, who had failed in a certain

adventure. Also how Sir Sagramore told his story concerning that

adventure._

It hath already been told in this book how certain knights of King

Arthur's court--to wit, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Lionel, Sir Bors de

Ganis, Sir Gawaine, Sir Ewaine, Sir Percival, Sir Sagramore the Desirous

and Sir Agravaine went forth upon Queen Guinevere's command to search

for Sir Launcelot and to bring him back to the court of the King.

[Sidenote: _Sir Percival and Sir Ewaine ride forth together._]

Upon that quest, Sir Percival and Sir Ewaine rode together for the sake

of companionship. And they made agreement to travel together in that

wise until the fortunes of adventure should separate them.

So they rode side by side in very pleasant companionship, taking the way

that chance led them, yet everywhere seeking for news of Sir Launcelot,

of whom they could find no word of any sort.

In those days the world was very fresh and young, so that it was great

pleasure to journey in that wise, for anon they two rode beneath blue

skies and anon through gentle showers, anon up hill and anon down dale,

anon through countryside, anon through town, anon through forest and

anon through wold. Yea; in those days, when the world was young, all

things of life were so gay and joyous that it was little wonder that

good knights like those twain took delight in being abroad in that wise,

for so they might breathe more freely, out in the wider expanses of

God's world, and so the spirit within them might expand to a greater joy

of life than would be possible in court or in lady's bower.

So those two worthy gentlemen travelled as aforesaid in good-fellowship

together, journeying hither or yon for a fortnight, neither hearing

aught of Sir Launcelot, or meeting with any adventure whatsoever, and

lodging them at night at what place chance might happen to bring them.

[Sidenote: _They perceive a castle in a valley._]

At the end of that time--to wit, a fortnight--they came to a certain

high hill and from the summit thereof they beheld a valley that lay

stretched out beneath them. And they beheld a fair tall castle that

stood in the midst of that valley, and the castle was surrounded by a

little town and the town was surrounded by many fair fields and

plantations and orchards of fruit-trees. And at that time evening was

coming on apace, and all the golden sky was fading into a pale silver,

wonderfully clear and fine, with a single star, like a jewel, shining in

the midst of the bright yet fading firmament.

Then Sir Ewaine said: "Sir, let us go down to yonder place and seek

lodging at that fair castle, for meseems that must be a very pleasant

place to abide for the coming night." To the which Sir Percival replied,

"Let it be so, brother," and therewith they rode down into that valley

and to that castle. And when they had reached the castle, Sir Percival

blew his bugle horn very loud and clear, and straightway there came

several of the attendants of the castle who bade them welcome and led

them within the gateway thereof. There, when they had arrived, came the

major of the castle, and requested them that they would tell what was

their name and their degree, and when the two knights had announced

these there was great rejoicing that two such famous champions had come

thitherward. So several ran and took their horses in charge and others

came and assisted them to dismount and others again led them into the

castle and thence brought them each to a fair chamber, well bedight and

with a very cheerful outlook. Then came other attendants and assisted

each knight to disarm and to disrobe, and after that they brought each

to a bath of tepid water. Thereafter, when they had bathed and dried

themselves with fair linen towels, very soft and fragrant with lavender,

these same attendants brought them rich robes of silk and garments of

silk, and they dressed them and were at great ease and comfort.

For thus it was that good knights of old were received in such castles

and halls wheresoever they chose to abide in that adventurous wise.

[Sidenote: _Sir Percival and Sir Ewaine refresh themselves at the

castle._]

Now after Sir Ewaine and Sir Percival had refreshed themselves and

bathed themselves and had clad themselves as aforetold, there came to

them a certain dignitary of the castle, who brought them word that the

lord of the castle desired to have speech with them. So they two went

down with that attendant, and he brought them to the great hall of the

castle where was the lord thereof, standing to give them welcome. He was

a haughty and noble worthy with a long gray beard and he was clad in a

dark purple robe embroidered with silver. When he beheld Sir Ewaine and

Sir Percival coming into that place, he hastened to meet them and give

them greeting and welcome beyond stint. And he said: "Welcome, welcome,

fair lords! Thrice welcome to this castle! For certes it is a great

glory to us all to have you with us. Moreover, I may tell you that

already there is one of your fellows here at this place, and I believe

you will be very glad to see him."

Quoth Sir Ewaine, "Sir, who is it that is here?"

[Sidenote: _They hear news of Sir Sagramore._]

"It is Sir Sagramore who hath come hither," said the lord of the castle,

and at that Sir Ewaine and Sir Percival cried out with amazement. And

Sir Ewaine said, "How came Sir Sagramore hither, fair lord?"

"I will tell you," said the lord of the castle. "A little before you

came hitherward, there arrived at this place a knight riding without a

shield and seated upon a white mule. This knight requested rest and

refreshment for the night, and upon our asking him his name and degree,

he at first refused to tell, for shame of his condition; yet afterward

he declared that he was Sir Sagramore of King Arthur's court, and a

knight of the Round Table. He also declared that he had met with a sad

mischance and had lost his shield and his war-horse, wherefore he was

travelling in that wise as I have told you."

"Sir," quoth Sir Ewaine, "this is a very strange thing I hear, that Sir

Sagramore should be travelling in that unknightly wise. Wit you that as

Sir Sagramore is a knight of the Round Table, this matter concerns both

Sir Percival and myself very closely. Now I pray you for to let me have

speech with him, so that I may know why it is that he hath travelled in

that wise and without his knightly shield."

"It shall be as you command, Messire," said the lord of the castle,

"and so I will straightway send a messenger to Sir Sagramore with word

that you would have speech with him."

[Sidenote: _Sir Sagramore appeareth._]

So the lord of the castle sent the messenger as he said, and anon there

came Sir Sagramore to where they were. But when Sir Sagramore stood

before Sir Ewaine and Sir Percival, he hung his head full low, as though

not wishing to look those knights in the face because of shame that they

should find him there in such a condition. Then Sir Ewaine said to him:

"Sir, I pray you tell me how you came by such a mischance as this, so

that you ride without your shield and upon a white mule like to a

strolling demoiselle?"

"Messire," said Sir Sagramore, "I will tell you the whole story, for I

would have you know that it was through no disgrace but by mishap of

battle that I am come to this pass."

Quoth Sir Ewaine, "I may well believe that."

Then the lord of the castle said: "Messires, ere you talk of these

things I pray you to come to table and eat and drink and refresh

yourselves. After that we may listen with a better spirit to what this

knight has to tell us."

[Sidenote: _They all sit at feast together._]

So that which the lord of the castle said seemed very good to those

knights, wherefore they straightway went in to table in the hall and sat

down thereat. And the table was spread with all manner of meats, and

there was wine of divers sorts, both red and white, and they ate and

drank with much appetite and great good-will. Then when they were

satisfied as to their hunger, Sir Ewaine said to Sir Sagramore: "Now,

Messire, I pray you to tell us concerning that adventure which hath

befallen you."

Sir Sagramore said, "I will do so." Then he said:

[Sidenote: _Sir Sagramore telleth of his adventures._]

[Sidenote: _How Sir Sagramore came to a wonderful valley of

enchantment._]

"You must know that when I travelled forth errant in search of Sir

Launcelot, as several of my fellows did, I went forward upon my way,

making diligent inquiries concerning him, but still could get no news of

him. So I travelled onward in that wise, ever making inquiries as

aforesaid, until two days ago, what time in the evening I came to a

certain place a considerable distance to the east of this. There I found

myself in a valley that I verily believe must be the fairest valley in

the world. For in that valley I beheld a very pleasant expanse of

meadow-lands all abloom with flowers, and I beheld many glades of trees

of an even size, some abloom with blossoms and some full of fruit. And

there was a river of very clear water that flowed down through the

centre of the valley, and everywhere there were birds of curious

plumage that sang very bewitchingly, so from these things I wist that

this valley was very likely a place of enchantment. In the midst of that

valley I beheld a very noble castle that was of as wonderful an

appearance as the valley itself, so I rode forward into the valley and

approached the castle.

"As I drew near thereunto I beheld two youths clad in flame-colored

satin who shot at a mark with bows and arrows. And the hair of the

youths was yellow and curling, and each bore a frontlet of gold upon his

head, and they wore upon their feet shoes of embossed leather with

latchets of gold upon the insteps.

"These two youths, as I drew near, gave me very courteous greeting, and

besought me that I would declare to them my name and degree, and I did

so. Then they besought me that I would come with them to the castle, and

I went with them with great content of spirit; for it seemed to me that

this was likely to be a very fair and cheerful place to lodge

over-night. So I entered with those two youths into the castle, and

there came attendants and took my horse and there came others who

unarmed me and led me to a bath of tepid water. After that I descended

to the hall of that castle, and there I beheld that it was all hung with

tapestries and fabrics of divers sorts and of very rich and beautiful

designs.

[Sidenote: _Sir Sagramore meets the Lady Vivien._]

"In that hall there were twelve ladies who sat embroidering cloth of

satin at a window, and I think I have hardly ever seen any ladies who

were so beautiful as they. Immediately I entered that room these twelve

ladies arose, and she who was the fairest amongst them came forward and

gave me greeting. And immediately I knew that lady that she was the Lady

Vivien who beguiled the Enchanter Merlin to his undoing and his ruin.

Yet in this time, I do assure you, she has grown more beautiful than

ever she was before; for her hair, which was ruddy, is now like to pure

gold for brightness, and it was enmeshed in a golden net, and yet one

could not tell whether the net or the hair shone the more brightly. And

her eyes, which are perfectly black are as bright as jewels, and her

lips are like red corals and very fragrant, and her teeth are like to

rich pearls. Moreover, she was clad in garments of flame-colored satin,

and her neck and arms were adorned with ornaments of gold set with

jewels of a great many kinds and colors. And well ye wist, Messires,

that it was very difficult not to be altogether enchanted by her beauty

of face and appearance.

[Sidenote: _Sir Sagramore feasteth with the Lady Vivien._]

"Yet well knowing how this lady loved mischief, I was for a time very

ill at ease, not knowing whether or not she might be minded to cast some

evil spell upon me. Yet she made no sign of such intent, but spake me

very fair and gave me courteous greeting. And she took my hand and led

me into an adjoining apartment where there was a feast set with all

sorts of meats and wines, and we two took our places at the board side

by side. And as we feasted so together, there came some who sang and

others who made sweet music and I felt such great pleasure as I have

hardly ever felt in all of my life before. Meanwhile, as we sat at the

table, the Lady Vivien conversed with me upon such matters as she deemed

would be of entertainment to me. And she inquired of many lords and

ladies at the court of the King and spake well of them all. Then after a

considerable while she inquired of me whether it would be pleasant to me

to tell her upon what errand I was bound, and so I told her I was errant

in search of Sir Launcelot.

"'Ha!' quoth she, 'if thou wert in search of adventure, I could bring

you to one that would be well worth undertaking.'

"I said to her: 'Lady, though I am errant upon a certain business, yet I

am very ready to stay my affairs for a while if so be I may meet with an

adventure that may bring me any credit.'

[Sidenote: _The Lady Vivien telleth Sir Sagramore of an adventure._]

"At that the Lady Vivien laughed, and she said: 'Sir Sagramore, I know

not what credit you may obtain in this adventure, but I will tell you

what you are to do to enter into it. To-morrow I will ordain that one of

the youths who brought you hither shall conduct you to a certain path

that leads through the forest that lies beyond this valley. If you will

follow that path, you will by and by come to a mound of earth, and on

that mound you will very likely behold a man of gigantic stature who is

herdsman to a herd of cattle thereabouts. Ask him where is the enchanted

fountain, and he will direct you still farther upon the way.'

"I said to her: 'Lady, I am very much beholden to you for the

information you give me, and I will very gladly take up with this

adventure.' Upon this she laughed a very great deal and said: 'Sir

Knight, it may be that after you have passed through this adventure, you

will not be so pleased either with me or with yourself. Now I have this

to ask of you in return for my entertainment of to-night. My request is

that you will return hitherward to me after you have finished this

adventure so that I may see how it hath happened with you.' I said to

the lady, 'It shall be as you ask.'

[Sidenote: _Sir Sagramore departs upon the adventure._]

"So when the next morning had come I arose very early and donned mine

armor. And there came to me one of those youths aforetold of, and he

aided me to my horse and afterward guided me through that valley. So he

brought me to the borders of a woodland that lay beyond the valley and

there he showed me a path and bade me take that path and it would bring

me to that adventure I sought.

"Thereafter I followed that path, and after I had gone upon the way a

considerable distance I came, some time before midday, to that mound

whereof the lady had spoken.

"On the top of the mound there sat a man of gigantic size and so

hideously ugly that I never beheld his like in all of my life before

that time. This being called to me in a voice exceedingly loud and

rough, demanding of me whither I went and upon what business. Thereupon

I told him that I sought a certain magic fountain and that I would be

much beholden to him if he would direct me upon my way. Upon this he

laughed very boisterously, and after a while he said: 'Take that path

yonder through the glade. Follow that path until you come to a hill.

From the hilltop you will find before you a valley, and you will see in

the valley a fountain of water that flows into a small lake with many

lilies about the margin. At the fountain is a tall tree with

wide-spreading branches, and beneath the tree is a marble slab, and upon

the slab is a silver bowl attached to it by a chain of silver. Take some

of the water of that fountain into the silver bowl and fling it upon the

marble slab, and I believe you will find an adventure that will satisfy

your desires for a very long time to come.'

[Sidenote: _Sir Sagramore cometh to the valley of the fountain._]

[Sidenote: _Sir Sagramore poureth water upon the slab._]

"So spake that gigantic oaf. I took the path to which he directed me,

and I followed the path until I came to the hill, and I climbed the hill

and there I beheld the valley of which he spake. And I beheld the lake

of lilies of which he spake and I beheld the fountain that flowed into

the lake and I beheld the tree that overshadowed the fountain, so I

straightway rode down into the valley thereunto. And when I had come to

the tree I beheld the slab of stone and the bowl of silver just as that

gigantic herdsman had said that I would find them. Then I dipped the

silver bowl into the water as he had told me to do and I flung the water

of the fountain upon the marble slab.

"Then immediately a very singular thing happened, for lo! the earth

began to tremble and to shake, and the skies began, as it were, to

thunder, and all over the sky there spread a cloud of very great

blackness and density so that whilst it was still midday, it began to

grow dark like night-time. Then there came a great wind of such strength

that I thought it would blow me away, and after that there fell a rain

in such quantities and with such deluge that methought I would be

drowned by that rain. And the rain roared down in torrents everywhere

through that valley as it were a deluge. And, as the rain fell and the

thunder burst forth from the sky and the lightning flamed like living

fire, I heard, as from a very great distance, the sound of many voices

raised in lamentation.

"Then, by and by, the storm passed and the clouds disappeared and the

sun came forth with extraordinary brightness. Then lo! there happened

another singular thing, for presently there came a great multitude of

birds flying through the air, and they lodged in that tree above the

fountain, and they sang with such exquisite melody that methought that

my heart would break with the joy of their singing.

"Now whilst I sat there listening to those birds, I beheld where, a

great way off, there came a horseman riding with extraordinary rapidity

across the plain, and as he drew nigh I beheld that he was a knight

seated upon a black horse and clad all in black armor. This knight came

riding very violently toward where I was, and he called out in a very

fierce loud voice: 'Sir Knight, wherefore did you meddle with my

fountain. Know that you have brought a great deluge upon this land, and

for that I am come hither to punish you. Now defend yourself from my

anger, for it is very great.'

[Sidenote: _Sir Sagramore is overthrown by the Knight of the Fountain._]

"Therewith he made ready to assail me, and I upon my part immediately

put myself into a posture of defence, and dressed my shield and my

spear, and took post upon the meadow close to the fountain. After that I

ran a tilt against that knight and he ran against me, and he cast me out

of my saddle with such violence that methinks I have never before felt a

buffet like to that which I then received.

"Having thus cast me down, he paid no more heed to me than if I had been

a billet of wood, but he took from me my shield and he laid it upon the

saddle of my horse and he took my horse by the rein and rode away from

that place, leaving me still lying upon the ground. And in departing he

said not one single word to me. And indeed I do think, Messires, that I

was never so abashed in all my life before.

[Sidenote: _The Lady Vivien mocketh Sir Sagramore._]

"Then I remembered how that I had pledged myself to return to the Lady

Vivien, and at that I was more ashamed than ever. So, in obedience to

that promise, I had to make my way back whence I came on foot. When I

passed by where was that mound, the gigantic creature who sat thereon

made great mock of me. And when I reached the castle, the Lady Vivien

looked at me out of a window and laughed at me beyond measure. And when

I requested admission to the castle, she denied me entrance thereunto,

and when I besought her for to lend me a horse to ride upon my way, she

gave me instead a white mule for to bear me thence. So I returned

hitherward upon a white mule without any shield, and thus I have

confessed everything to you to the last word."

Such was the story of Sir Sagramore, and thereunto all those who were

there listened with great attention and with much amazement. Then Sir

Ewaine spake, saying: "That was a very great shame that was put upon

you, Messire; and I take it so greatly to heart that had I suffered it

in my own person methinks I could not feel much greater shame than I do.

For that which hath befallen you is, as it were, a despite put upon all

of us who are knights of the Round Table. Wherefore, being a fellow of

that company, your despite is my despite also. As for that mischievous

Lady Vivien, methinks that she is at the bottom of all this coil, and I

am much misled if this hath not all been devised by her to bring shame

upon you who are a knight of King Arthur's court and of the Round

Table."

Quoth Sir Percival, "That may very well be so, Messire."

Then Sir Ewaine said: "Well, Messires, as for me, I am of no mind to sit

down quietly under this affront."

"Sir," said Sir Sagramore, "what would you do?"

"I would do this," said Sir Ewaine. "I would go upon that same quest in

which you have failed, and if I succeed therein, then will the shame of

your mischance be wiped away from us all."

Thus spake Sir Ewaine with great feeling; for you are to know that those

noble knights of the Round Table were so closely knit into brotherly

fellowship that whatsoever ill thing befell to the injury of one was in

that same measure an injury to all, and that whatsoever quarrel was

taken up by one of that company, was a quarrel appertaining to all.

Wherefore it was the injury that had been done to Sir Sagramore was also

an injury done to Sir Ewaine, and so it was that Sir Ewaine felt himself

called upon to undertake that adventure in which Sir Sagramore had

failed as aforesaid.

Then Sir Ewaine said: "Now I prithee tell me where that path is that may

bring me to this adventure and to-morrow I will part from you and will

myself enter upon it. Meantime, do you both resume your quest of Sir

Launcelot, and if I should not prosper in this undertaking, I will

return hither and leave report of my happenings. Wherefore at this place

you may, at any time, easily hear what hath befallen me if you will come

hither."

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine departeth upon the Adventure of the Fountain._]

So Sir Sagramore gave Sir Ewaine such directions for that adventure as

were necessary and after that they all went to bed to rest them after

their travails of the day. And when the next morning had come and while

the dew still lay upon the grass, shining like to a thin veil of fine,

bright silver spread over the level meadow-lands, Sir Ewaine arose all

in the freshness of the early daytime and busked him whilst the rest of

the castle still lay fast asleep. And he donned his armor and went down

and aroused the sleeping groom and gave command that his horse should be

brought to him; and after the groom had apparelled his horse he mounted

and rode forth upon that way which Sir Sagramore had advised him would

lead him toward the castle of the Lady Vivien.

* * * * *

And now if you would know how Sir Ewaine prospered in that undertaking

which he had assumed, I pray you to read further in this history and you

shall hear how it befell with him.

[Illustration: Sir Ewaine poureth water on the slab:]

[Illustration]

Chapter Second

_How Sir Ewaine undertook that adventure in which Sir Sagramore had

failed, and how it sped with him thereafter._

Thus it was that Sir Ewaine departed upon that adventure whilst Sir

Percival and Sir Sagramore were still asleep, and no one wist of his

going saving only the groom. After he wended his way from that place

until he had come to the woodlands, and he entered the woodlands and

travelled therein for a long while, breaking his fast with the charcoal

burners whom he found there at a curious place. About the middle of the

morning he came to a high hill, and when he had climbed this hill he

beheld before him a very strangely beautiful valley, and he beheld that

in the midst of the valley there stood a wonderful castle, and he wist

that this must be the castle of the Lady Vivien of which Sir Sagramore

had aforetold of.

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine cometh to the castle of the Lady Vivien._]

And Sir Ewaine was astonished at the wonderful appearance of that castle

and the valley in which it stood. For this castle was bright and shining

as though of polished stone, and the roofs thereof were of bright red

tile variegated with dark green tiles and black tiles, laid in sundry

figures and patterns very strange to behold. And the valley in which the

castle stood was spread out with fair lawns and gardens and meadow-lands

and plantations of comely trees. And everywhere there were flowers

abloom in incredible quantities, and there were thousands of birds of

bright plumage that sang in the trees throughout the valley, so that the

multitudinous sounds of their singing came even to Sir Ewaine where he

sat so far distant. And ever those birds flitted like bright sparks of

color hither and thither through the foliage of the trees, and Sir

Ewaine had never beheld their like before in all of his life. So because

of the wonderfulness of all that he beheld, Sir Ewaine wist that this

must be a land of faery and enchantment with which the Lady Vivien had

surrounded her castle and herself and her court. So for a while Sir

Ewaine sat there observing all these things, and after a while he set

spurs to horse and rode down into that valley and toward the castle.

Now when Sir Ewaine had come pretty near to the castle, he beheld two

youths with golden hair, clad in garments of flame-colored satin, and he

knew that these must be the two fair youths of whom Sir Sagramore had

spoken. And he saw that those two youths were playing at ball under the

walls of the castle just as Sir Sagramore had beheld them when he had

visited that place.

These, when Sir Ewaine drew nigh, ceased their play, and he who was the

chief of the twain came forward and greeted that noble knight with great

courtesy, saying: "Sir Knight, you are very welcome to these parts where

not many ever come. For she who is the lady of this castle ever takes

pleasure in giving welcome to such as you who come thitherward. Now I

pray you of your courtesy to tell me who you are and upon what quest you

are bound and what is your degree, for I would fain announce you with

all dignity to the lady of the castle."

Quoth Sir Ewaine: "Fair youth, you are to know that I am a knight of

King Arthur's court, and that I am a fellow of the Round Table. My name

is Sir Ewaine, and I am King Uriens' son of Gore, my mother being Queen

Morgana le Fay. As for your lady, I know very well who she is, and that

she is none other than the Enchantress Vivien. Moreover, I know that she

is not at all above devising mischief against me because I am a knight

of King Arthur and of his Round Table. Yet I will that you bring me

before this lady, for I would fain have speech with her."

Upon this, so boldly said by Sir Ewaine, those two fair youths were

adoubt, wherefore they withdrew a little to one side and held

consultation together. Then he who had before spoken to Sir Ewaine spake

again, saying: "Messire, I trust you have it not in your mind to do any

ill to the lady of this castle, for unless we are well assured upon that

point we will not bring you to her."

"Rest ye easy," quoth Sir Ewaine; "I am a true knight, and mean no ill

to any lady, be she evil or good. Only I would have speech with her as

presently as may be."

Then the youth who was the speaker for the two said, "Sir, I will take

you to her."

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine cometh to the Lady Vivien._]

So forthwith that youth led the way into the enchanted castle and Sir

Ewaine followed closely after him. And after they had come unto the

castle and after Sir Ewaine had dismounted from his horse and after they

had traversed various spaces, the youth brought Sir Ewaine to where the

Lady Vivien was. And she was in her own fair bower with her eleven

damsels gathered about her.

[Sidenote: _The Lady Vivien giveth welcome to Sir Ewaine._]

Now the news of the coming of Sir Ewaine had gone before him, so that

when he came to the Lady Vivien she arose from her seat and went forward

to meet him and received him with her face all wreathed with smiles. And

she said: "Welcome! Welcome! Thrice welcome, Sir Ewaine! Now I pray you

to let my attendants conduct you to a fair room where you may bathe and

refresh yourself, for we would fain have you stay with us at this place

for a day or two or three if so be you will favor us so greatly."

But Sir Ewaine neither smiled nor made acknowledgment of any sort;

otherwise he spake with great sternness, saying: "Fair Lady, I know you

well, and I know that you have no very good will toward us who are of

King Arthur's court. I know that you continually devise mischief and

enchantments against all who come near you, and I well believe that

could you do so without danger to yourself, you would this moment

practise mischiefs against me. Nevertheless, I am not come hither to

chide you because of your shortcomings, for though all those things are

well known to me and to others, yet I leave it to God to judge you in

His own wisdom and am not come hither to be myself your judge. What I

have come for is this: not long since you sent my fellow, Sir Sagramore,

upon an adventure that brought great shame upon him. Now I pray you that

you will direct me to that same adventure so that I may undertake it,

for, if so be I have that good fortune, I would fain punish that

discourteous knight who so shamed my companion at arms."

Then the Lady Vivien laughed very high and shrill. "Sir," quoth she,

"you are very brave for to undertake that adventure wherein so good a

knight as Sir Sagramore failed so signally. Gladly will I direct you

upon your way, and all that I ask in return is that when you have sped

in that adventure, you will also return hither as did Sir Sagramore, so

that I may bestow a white mule upon you as I bestowed one to him."

To this Sir Ewaine bowed his head very gravely and said: "Be it so. Show

me the way to that adventure, and if I fail therein, then I will submit

myself to you so that you may humiliate me as you humiliated Sir

Sagramore."

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine entereth into the Adventure of the Fountain._]

Then the Lady Vivien called to her that youth who had afore spoken to

Sir Ewaine, and she bade him set Sir Ewaine upon the path that should

lead him to that adventure he sought. And after that Sir Ewaine left the

Lady Vivien without any further word and he took horse and departed

thence. And that fair youth with the golden hair went before Sir Ewaine

to the skirts of the forest that lay upon the other side of the valley

from that side upon which Sir Ewaine had entered it. Then the youth

showed Sir Ewaine a certain path that led into the forest and he said:

"Take that path, fair lord, and it will bring you to your adventure."

So Sir Ewaine took the path as the youth directed and he travelled upon

it for an hour or two and by and by he came to an open place in the

woodland. And in the midst of that open place there was a high mound of

earth covered with fair green grass and many sheep browsed upon the

slopes of the mound and coadjacent thereunto. And on the mound there sat

the being of whom Sir Sagramore had spoken, and Sir Ewaine was amazed at

his hideous aspect. For he was of giant stature and swarthy black, and

his hair was red as brick. His mouth gaped wide like a cavern and the

teeth within were sharp like the teeth of a wild beast.

To this creature Sir Ewaine spake, saying, "Sirrah, whither shall I go

to find that Adventure of the Fountain?"

Upon this that giant being laughed like the pealing of thunder and he

said: "Ho! little man, have you come also to that adventure? The day

before yesterday one came hither and sped but ill, and so also, I doubt

not, it will fare with you. Take you yonder path, and I believe you will

come to that adventure all too soon for your own good."

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine cometh to the valley of the fountain._]

So Sir Ewaine took the path that that being directed, and so entering

the woodlands again he rode for a long while through the thick forests.

Then after a while he came to a hill and he ascended the hill, and when

he had reached the top thereof he found that the forest ceased and that

the open country lay spread out before him and he beheld a fair and

level valley lying beneath the hill. And he beheld that the valley was

very fertile with many fields and plantations of fair trees. And Sir

Ewaine beheld in that valley a lake and a fountain that flowed into the

lake and a tree that overshadowed the fountain, and he wist that this

was the place where Sir Sagramore had met with that adventure aforetold

of. So straightway he rode down into that valley and toward that place

where was the enchanted fountain overshadowed by the tree. And when he

reached that place he beheld the slab of stone and the silver bowl

chained to the slab by a silver chain just as Sir Sagramore had beheld

those things.

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine casteth water upon the slab._]

Then Sir Ewaine took the silver bowl into his hand and he dipped up

water therein from the fountain, and he flung the water upon the marble

slab as Sir Sagramore had done.

Then straightway it befell as it had with Sir Sagramore, for first the

earth began to tremble and to quake and then the sky began to thunder,

and then there arose a great cloud that overspread the sky, so that it

became all black like unto night time, although it was still the middle

of the day. Then there came the great wind, the like of which Sir Ewaine

had never before known in all his life, for it blew with such strength

of fury that he was afraid it would blow him away from that place. Then

there fell such a deluge of rain that he feared he would be drowned

therewith. And whilst the rain fell in that wise he heard a multitude of

voices in lamentation as though a great way off, just as Sir Sagramore

had heard these voices.

Anon the rain ceased and the clouds passed away, and the sun came forth

and shone with wonderful warmth and brightness, and thereupon a great

flock of small birds came flying to that tree and perched in the

branches thereof so that the tree was entirely filled with the multitude

of feathered creatures gathered there. And that multitude of birds began

to sing in such a wise, that when Sir Ewaine listened to that singing he

wist not whether he were in paradise or upon earth, so sweet and

piercing was the melody of their singing. And all these things befell

with Sir Ewaine as they had befallen aforetime with Sir Sagramore.

Now, whilst Sir Ewaine stood listening in that wise, all bewitched by

the singing of those birds, he was aware of one who came riding very

rapidly toward him across the plain. And as that rider drew nigh unto

Sir Ewaine, he beheld that he was a knight clad all in black armor and

seated upon a great charger which was entirely black and which was hung

with trappings as black as any raven. And the knight bore a shield which

was altogether black and without any device whatsoever. And he was of a

very terrible appearance, being huge of form and violent and fierce in

his advance.

This black knight, when he had come close to that place where Sir Ewaine

awaited him, cried out in a great voice: "Sir Knight, why didst thou

come hither to meddle with my fountain? Know thou that thou hast brought

a great deluge upon all this land so that thou hast wrought great damage

to us who are the people thereof. But now thou shalt pay very dearly for

the injury thou hast done. Prepare thyself straightway for battle!"

Unto this Sir Ewaine made reply: "Sir Knight, I wist not that in

throwing water upon yonder slab I was doing injury to thee or to any

one. Nevertheless, I am ready to meet thee in battle as thou dost make

demand." Therewith Sir Ewaine dressed his shield and his spear and took

his station in the meadow near the fountain and beside the lake, and put

himself in such array for defence as he was able.

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine doeth battle with the Knight of the Fountain._]

So when they both had prepared themselves in all ways they let go their

horses the one against the other, in very violent assault, rushing

together like a whirlwind. And so they met together in the midst of the

course with an uproar as of thunder; the one smiting against the other

with such violence that the spear of each was burst all into pieces unto

the very truncheon thereof. And in that assault both knights would

assuredly have been overthrown excepting for the wonderful address of

each. For each drave spur into steed and shouted aloud so that each

charger recovered his feet and fell not. Then each knight threw away the

truncheon of his spear and each drew his sword and straightway fell to

battle with might and main. And in that combat each knight gave the

other many sore buffets and, for a long while, no one could have told

how that encounter was like to go.

But at last Sir Ewaine waxed very furious with the opposition of that

other knight, wherefore he arose in his stirrups and lashed at that

black knight such a buffet that nor guard nor shield nor helm could

withstand the stroke. For under that blow the black Knight of the

Fountain reeled in his saddle as though he would fall from his horse.

Then he drooped his shield and hung his head full low and catched at the

horn of his saddle as though to stay himself from falling. Herewith Sir

Ewaine lashed another buffet at him, and with that blow the sword of Sir

Ewaine pierced through the helmet of the black knight and deep into his

brain pan and with that stroke the black knight received his mortal

hurt.

Then Sir Ewaine, perceiving that the black knight was so sorely hurt,

repented him of what he had done in the heat of his battle and stayed

his hand, though all too late. And he cried out: "Sir Knight, I fear me

that I have given thee a very woeful hurt. I repent me of that, so yield

thou thyself to me, and forthwith I will look to thy wound and will give

thee such ease as I may."

[Sidenote: _The Knight of the Fountain fleeth from Sir Ewaine._]

But to this the black Knight of the Fountain made no reply. Otherwise he

immediately wheeled his horse about, and set spurs to flank, and drove

away with all speed from that place. And so rapidly did he race away

from the field of battle that he appeared to fly, as it were, like to

the shadow of a bird across the plain.

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine pursueth the Black Knight._]

At first Sir Ewaine was altogether amazed at the suddenness of the

flight of the Black Knight, but presently he awoke and set spurs to his

horse and sped away in pursuit as fast as he could race his horse

forward. And ever Sir Ewaine pursued the Black Knight in that wise and

called upon him to stay, and ever the Black Knight fled all the more

rapidly away as though he heard not the voice of Sir Ewaine. And ever

though he strove, Sir Ewaine could not reach the Black Knight in his

flight.

Thus they sped as swift as the wind across the plain, the Black Knight

fleeing and Sir Ewaine pursuing, and by and by Sir Ewaine was aware that

they were approaching a walled town and a very tall and noble castle

with many high towers, and steep roofs that overlooked the houses of the

town. And Sir Ewaine perceived that many people were running hither and

thither about the castle as though in great disturbance, and that many

people were upon the walls of the town, watching the Black Knight and

him as they drew nigh. And ever the knight rode toward the gate of the

town and of the castle, speeding like the wind, and ever Sir Ewaine

pursued him without being able to overtake him. So, in a little while,

the Black Knight reached the drawbridge of the gate and he thundered

across the drawbridge and Sir Ewaine thundered after him.

Now as the knight had approached the gateway of the town the portcullis

had been lifted for to admit him, and so he rode through the gateway

with all speed. But when Sir Ewaine would have followed, the portcullis

was let fall for to keep him without.

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine is caught within the portcullis of the town._]

Yet so great was the fury of Sir Ewaine's chase and so closely did he

follow the Black Knight in pursuit that he was within the portcullis as

it fell. And the portcullis fell upon the horse of Sir Ewaine and smote

him just behind the saddle and cut him in twain, so that the half of the

horse fell within the portcullis and the other half of the horse fell

without the castle. And so violent was the blow of the falling of the

portcullis, and so sudden the fall of the horse, that Sir Ewaine was

flung down to the ground with so dreadful and terrible a shock that he

lay in a swoon as though he had been killed.

So as Sir Ewaine lay there, there came a number of those who were in

attendance at that part of the castle. These looked in through a wicket

of iron and beheld Sir Ewaine where he lay in that swoon in the space

between the portcullis and the inner gate. So when they beheld him lying

thus with the half of his dead horse, they said: "Behold! yonder is the

man who wounded our champion and who pursued him hither. Let him lie

where he is until that our champion tells us what we shall do unto him.

For lo! he is a prisoner here and cannot escape from our hands, and so

we have it in our power to do with him whatsoever we please."

Thus they said, not knowing that even at that time their champion was

lying very nigh to death because of the wound he had received at the

hands of Sir Ewaine.

So these went away from that place, leaving Sir Ewaine lying as though

dead in the swoon that his violent fall had caused him. But after a

while life came back to him and he opened his eyes and gazed about him,

and after that he made shift to arise, though with great pain. Then he

beheld that he was a prisoner at that place, and that he lay with the

half of his dead horse betwixt the portcullis and the inner gate of the

castle so that he could neither get into the castle nor out but was

there a prisoner like to a creature caught in a trap.

Then Sir Ewaine went to the wicket of the inner gate and he looked forth

through the iron bars of the wicket for to see what sort of a place it

was into which he had come. And he beheld that within the gate was the

street of the town. And he perceived that the street was very steep and

that it was cobbled with stones. And he beheld that the houses of the

town that stood upon either side of the street were built either of

brick or else of stone, and that they were fair and tall with

overhanging gables and with shining windows of glass and roofs of bright

red tiles. And he beheld that there were many booths and stores with

fair fabrics and merchandise displayed for sale. And he saw that there

were many people in the street but that all they were moving in one

direction as though in great agitation. And as he stood, so gazing, he

was aware of a great sound of lamentation that arose from all parts of

the town, wherefore he thought that maybe the knight whom he had chased

thither must now be lying nigh to death. At that he was much grieved,

for not only was that a very noble and valorous knight, but his death

would certes put Sir Ewaine himself into great jeopardy as soon as the

people of the castle should come to deal with him in that place where he

was now a prisoner.

* * * * *

And now followeth the history of the further adventures of Sir Ewaine as

it is told in the books of chivalry that relate to these happenings, so

I pray you to read that which followeth if that other which hath gone

before hath been pleasing to you.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: The Damsel Elose giveth a ring to Sir Ewaine:]

[Illustration]

Chapter Third

_How a damsel, hight Elose, who was in service with the Lady Lesolie of

the Fountain, brought succor to Sir Ewaine in his captivity._

So Sir Ewaine stood gazing out of the wicket of the gate as aforetold;

and he wist not what to do to save his life; for he knew he could do

naught but wait there until those who had to deal with him might come to

slay him.

Now, as he stood thuswise in great trouble of spirit, he was aware of a

damsel who came thitherward. And as that damsel approached, Sir Ewaine

perceived that she was very comely of appearance, and that she had

yellow curling hair and it seemed to Sir Ewaine that he had hardly ever

beheld a damsel more fair than she who approached his place of

captivity.

This damsel came close to the wicket where Sir Ewaine stood, and she

gazed upon his face and her own face was pitiful and kind, and neither

angry nor scornful. Then Sir Ewaine, beholding that her face was kind,

said to her: "Damsel, why do you come to gaze thus upon a poor captive

who is waiting for his death?"

[Sidenote: _The Damsel of the Fountain pitieth Sir Ewaine._]

To this the damsel made reply: "Alas, Sir Knight, I come hither because

I take great pity that a noble champion such as you appear to be should

be in so sad a case as this. For certes the people of this castle will

come to slay you in a very little while."

"Damsel," said Sir Ewaine, "thy pity is a great comfort to me, but it

would be a still greater comfort if thou couldst help me to escape from

this place."

To this the damsel made no reply. But presently she said: "Tell me, Sir

Knight, why did you do so grievous a hurt to our knight-champion who was

the defender of this land against those who would meddle with the

fountain to bring a deluge upon our land. Wit you that because of the

woeful buffets you gave him he lieth so near to death that he is like to

die in a few hours."

"Damsel," said Sir Ewaine, "to tell you the very truth, I meant not to

bring an injury upon this land, neither did I mean to visit so grievous

a hurt as I did upon that good worthy knight your champion. But first I

entered upon this adventure because a fellow of mine failed in it and

because I deemed that it behooved me to redeem with mine own hand the

honor he had lost to your champion. As for the hurts which he suffered

at my hand--wit you that when a knight fights in battle with another

knight, as I fought of late with your champion, that one knoweth not how

hard he smites until the mischief is done. So it was with me, and when I

smote I smote in the heat and the passion of battle. Then, when I

perceived that I had hurt him so sorely I pursued your knight with

intent to help him whom I had so sadly hurt. But ever your

knight-champion fled away from me, so that at last I pursued him in

anger; wherefore I rushed into this place without thinking, and so am

caught here a helpless prisoner."

Then the damsel said, "Sir Knight, I pray you tell me what is your name

and your degree?" To the which Sir Ewaine made reply: "My name is Sir

Ewaine and I am King Uriens' son of Gore, and my mother is Queen

Morgana, surnamed Le Fay."

Now when the damsel heard this announcement of the name and the degree

of Sir Ewaine, she made great admiration, crying out: "Is it then

possible that so famous a knight as thou art, and one so renowned in all

the world both of chivalry and of common history, shouldst be caught a

prisoner in this wise?" And she regarded Sir Ewaine through the aperture

of the gate with very great wonder, and by and by she regarded him with

still greater pity. Then after a little, she said: "Sir Knight Ewaine, I

take great sorrow that so worthy a knight as thou art shouldst suffer

harm. Now I am of a great mind for to help thee if thou wilt do my

bidding in all things that I shall ordain for thee to do. For if I

release thee from thy captivity, there are several things I would have

thee do upon my commandment."

"Lady," said Sir Ewaine, "I believe that you mean me well, and I believe

that you would not lay any command upon me that would be contrary to my

knightly honor or my integrity as a right knight of royal blood to

fulfill." And the damsel said: "Take no thought that I intend ill faith

against thee, Sir Ewaine, for instead I am of a mind to be thy friend in

this affair if so be thou wilt put thy trust in me."

Then Sir Ewaine said: "Lady, I yield myself to your will, and if you

will set me free from this captivity I will do whatsoever you ordain for

me to perform. But tell me, how mean ye for to bring me forth from this

peril unless you may get the keys of this gate from the porter

thereof?"

[Sidenote: _The damsel giveth succor to Sir Ewaine._]

"Sir," said the damsel, "I cannot get those keys but I have another way

than that to set you free. For wit you that though locks and bars be

strong, yet the power of enchantment is still stronger than they." With

this the damsel drew from her bosom a locket that hung there by a chain

of gold, and she opened the locket and she brought forth therefrom a

ring set with a clear red stone like to a pure ruby--bright--shining and

very brilliant. And she said, "See you this ring?" and Sir Ewaine said,

"Yea." "Well, Messire," said she, "this is a very wonderful ring, for it

hath had many potent spells set upon it by the magician Merlin, who gave

it in days gone by to my father, King Magnus of Leograns. So my father

gave it to me and it is the most precious thing of all my possessions.

For the property of this ring is of such a sort that if you turn the

stone inward upon your hand so as to hide it within your palm, then you

shall become invisible; and if you turn the stone out upon your hand

again, then you shall become visible as you were before. Take this ring,

Sir Ewaine, and when you have made yourself invisible by means of it,

then you shall escape from your enemies. After you have so escaped, come

you to the garden of this castle and I will be there. Do you come and

lay your hand upon my shoulder, and then I will know you are there.

After that I will then conduct you to a certain apartment where you

shall be privily lodged until this present danger hath passed."

Therewith speaking, the damsel gave the ring to Sir Ewaine and he took

it, giving her thanks beyond measure for her kindness to him. And

immediately he set the ring upon his finger and turned the stone inward

so as to hide it in his palm. Then lo! as soon as he had done that he

became immediately invisible to the eyes.

Then the damsel Elose fled away from that place, lest those who would

come to slay Sir Ewaine should find her there talking to him.

So, shortly after she had gone, there came a great party of armed men

with intent to slay Sir Ewaine, and some of these were armed and all

bore swords and guisarms. These came to the gate and flung it open, and

rushed into the space between it and the portcullis with a great tumult,

for they expected to find Sir Ewaine there and to slay him. But lo! he

was gone and they beheld nothing there but the half of his dead horse

and the saddle and the bridle and the trappings thereof. For there was

neither sight nor sign of him anywhere to be seen.

At that they were all amazed beyond measure to find their prisoner gone,

for they wist not how he could have escaped from that place. So they

raised a great tumult and some cried out to hurry hither and others to

hurry thither, and in the tumult and confusion Sir Ewaine passed out

from their midst and none of them were aware of his going.

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine escapeth from the gateway._]

After that Sir Ewaine went away from that place and into the town within

the walls. And he came to the castle of the town and no one saw him in

his going. And he entered the castle and the people of the castle saw

him not.

[Sidenote: _How Sir Ewaine entereth the garden of the castle._]

So, invisible to all, Sir Ewaine went to the privy garden of the castle,

and he perceived that that was a very pleasant place, with many shady

trees and with plats of flowers and with fountains and long straight

walks where the lady of the castle might take her pleasure when she

chose to be out of doors. And Sir Ewaine entered that garden and he

perceived that there were several damsels therein and that all they were

very sorrowful and downcast because that the knight-champion of that

place had been slain, and several of them wept. But amongst these

damsels was the damsel Elose, and she alone of all who were there was

cheerful and bore a smiling countenance.

Then Sir Ewaine went to her and laid his hand upon her shoulder as she

had bidden him to do, and thereupon she knew that he was there though

she could not see him. So straightway she arose and went forth from out

of the garden and Sir Ewaine followed her.

After that the damsel led Sir Ewaine to a certain part of the castle and

up a long flight of steps and so brought him to an apartment that was

immediately beneath the eaves of a certain part of the tower of the

castle.

And Sir Ewaine beheld that here was a large and noble apartment hung

with woven hangings representing pictures of battle and of court, and he

beheld that the floor was spread with finely woven fabrics of divers

sorts. And he saw that there were several large windows that overlooked

the streets of the town and a fair prospect beyond. And the breeze blew

into those windows very softly and pleasantly, and great flocks of

pigeons flew about in the air with noisy and clapping flight, and

numbers of other pigeons strutted on the tiles of the roof and bridled

and cooed to each other in the red sunlight of the waning day. So this

was a very pleasant place in which to dwell. And the damsel said to Sir

Ewaine, "Here shall you abide until my further purpose is ripe."

[Sidenote: _The damsel serveth Sir Ewaine._]

Then the damsel Elose brought an ewer full of tepid water and she poured

the water into a basin, and the ewer and the basin were both of them of

silver. And the damsel held the basin and Sir Ewaine bathed his hands

and his face, and after that she gave him a large napkin of fine white

linen and he dried his hands and his face thereon. So, when he was thus

refreshed she brought him food and drink, and Sir Ewaine ate and drank

with much appetite and was greatly uplifted in spirit. And by that time

the evening was come.

Now all this while Sir Ewaine was greatly astonished that the damsel

should be so kind to him, wherefore he said, "Damsel, why art thou so

kind to me?" To this she made reply: "Messire, I have a purpose in all

this, that by and by and in good season I will unfold to thee."

Then Sir Ewaine said to her: "I pray you, fair damsel, tell me now the

mystery of that fountain and of the knight who guarded it? For I am very

curious to know why there came that quaking of the earth and that

thundering and rain when I cast water upon the slab beside the

fountain."

"Sir," said Elose, "I will tell you that mystery." And so she did, as

followeth:

[Sidenote: _The damsel telleth Sir Ewaine of the enchantment of the

fountain._]

"You are to know," quoth she, "that somewhile ago there was appointed a

joust at a place not very distant from this. And to that joust there

went the lady of this castle who is hight the Lady Lesolie. Thither also

went the Lady Vivien, of whom thou either knowest or hast heard tell,

for she is one of the greatest and most mischievous enchantresses in all

of the world.

"At that jousting there was one knight who distinguished himself above

all others, and he was Sir Sagron surnamed Coeur de Fer. For that

noble knight won the battle of the joust, overthrowing all who came

against him without once suffering defeat himself. So to him was awarded

the prize of battle, which prize was a fillet of gold. This fillet the

victor had the right to bestow upon the lady whom he deemed the fairest

of all who were there.

"Now the Lady Vivien thought that she would be chosen by whomsoever won

that prize, for that day she had put on all the enchantments of beauty

that she possessed. Nevertheless, and in spite of these charms, Sir

Sagron bestowed the prize of beauty, not upon the Lady Vivien, but upon

the Lady Lesolie, who is the countess of this castle where we are.

"Now when the Lady Vivien saw that she was passed over by Sir Sagron,

she took great affront with Lady Lesolie who had been chosen, and vowed

vengeance upon her.

"So afterward by her enchantments she had that slab of stone laid by the

fountain and she ordained that whensoever any one should cast the water

of the fountain upon the slab then there would come a great deluge to

this land. Thereafter she established herself not very far distant from

this valley of the fountain, and whenever a knight cometh by her castle,

that knight she sets upon the adventure of the fountain.

[Sidenote: _Of Sir Sagron of the Fountain._]

"Meantime Sir Sagron had offered himself as champion of the fountain,

undertaking to defend it if the Lady Lesolie would upon her part consent

to wed him and make him lord of this domain. To this the lady was

constrained to say yea. So it was ordained that if Sir Sagron would

defend the fountain without fail or default for the space of a year and

a day, after that time she would give herself and all her domain to him

as the lord thereof. So Sir Sagron hath ever since defended the fountain

with great honor until to-day, when you overcame him in battle, and

pursued him hither wounded unto death. Had he defended a fortnight

longer, he had won his suit with the Lady Lesolie and would have been

lord of this land. But now he will to-morrow awake in Paradise.

"This, Sir Ewaine, is the story of the mystery of the fountain, and now

I tell thee I know not who will defend it unless haply it is thou who

wilt do so."

"Fair damsel," quoth Sir Ewaine, "how may I look to defend the fountain

who will immediately be slain if it be known that I am here?"

To this the damsel laughed and said: "Sir Ewaine, all that may come

about if fortune be with me in these matters I am about to undertake."

Now by this time the darkness being come, the damsel lit two tapers of

perfumed wax, and thereafter she conducted Sir Ewaine into another

apartment. There he beheld a couch, very soft and comfortable and spread

with a coverlet of crimson satin. And the damsel Elose said: "Sir

Ewaine, doubtless thou art aweary. If that be so, here thou mayst rest

thyself and be at ease." And therewith she set down the candles of wax

upon a table and quitted the room and Sir Ewaine was left alone.

And Sir Ewaine was very weary, wherefore he laid aside his armor and

disrobed himself and laid himself down upon that fair soft bed with

great joy of comfort. And straightway thereafter he fell asleep as

though he were a little weary child.

Now about the twelfth hour of the night and whilst Sir Ewaine lay thus

asleep, he became aware of a great disturbance--the sound of weeping and

a great outcry of lamentation that filled the entire silence of the

night.

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine beholdeth the funeral at night._]

Anon came the damsel Elose, and she said: "Sir Ewaine, the knight Sir

Sagron is dead whom thou wounded yesterday, and now they are bearing him

to the church. Come and see!" So Sir Ewaine arose quickly and covered

himself with a cloak, and he went with the damsel to a certain window

that overlooked a street of the town. From that window and beneath him

he beheld a great concourse of people that filled the entire street.

Many of those were clad in armor of proof and others bare torches so

that the entire night was aflame with the light thereof. And there were

many women who rode upon horseback beside the armed knights. And all of

this great assembly of people were crying out in lamentation so that it

was as though all the hollow beneath the space of heaven were full of

the voice of their sorrow. With this lamentation of many voices were

mingled the sound of trumpets and the chaunting of priests and acolytes

who recited the services for the dead. In the midst of all the press

there was a bier, and over the bier there had been spread a veil of

white linen and upon the bier there lay stretched the knight-champion of

that place with his hands crossed upon his sword. All about the bier

were many people carrying long candles of wax, and these also added

their lamentation to the voices of those others who lamented.

Then when Sir Ewaine beheld this spectacle he said: "Woe is me, Elose,

this is surely a very sorry sight to behold! Now I grieve me greatly

that I am the cause of this, for I meant not to slay that knight. Yet in

the heat of battle who may stay the hand for to measure the stroke that

one giveth to his enemy?"

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine beholdeth the Lady Lesolie of the Fountain._]

Then anon as Sir Ewaine still gazed upon that scene, he beheld that a

lady followed after the bier, and he saw that her hair was hanging loose

and that she was in great disarray. But maugre that, it appeared to him

that she was the most beautiful lady his eyes had ever looked upon. Then

Sir Ewaine said to Elose, who was looking out of the window beside him,

"What fair lady is that who followeth the bier of the dead knight?" To

the which she made answer: "That is the lady of this castle, and she is

making sorrow for the knight her champion who is slain."

Then Sir Ewaine gazed and gazed at that lady for as long as he could see

her, and when she had gone by, he said: "Elose, certes that lady is the

most beautiful dame that ever mine eyes looked upon. Now I tell thee

truly that I do not wonder that your knight-champion was willing for to

serve her for a whole year with faithfulness; for I would willingly

serve for even a longer time than that to win her good regard."

At this Elose laughed with great good will. "Is it so with you, Sir

Knight?" quoth she, "and do you then find that your heart is inclined

toward this lady?" And Sir Ewaine said, "Yea, it is even so with me."

Elose said: "And wouldst thou be pleased, Sir Ewaine, if I could devise

it in such wise that the lady of this castle should look kindly upon

thee?" And again Sir Ewaine said, "Yea."

Then Elose smiled very cheerfully upon Sir Ewaine and she said: "Well,

Messire, let be till to-morrow and then we shall see what that day shall

bring forth."

[Sidenote: _The damsel Elose serveth Sir Ewaine in the morning._]

So when the next morning had come, Sir Ewaine arose greatly refreshed,

and by and by Elose came to him with food with which to break his fast.

And after he had broken his fast she brought a bowl of ivory with tepid

water, and she brought a razor with a heft of ivory studded with gold,

and she hung a fine linen towel upon her shoulder and she shaved Sir

Ewaine so that his face was both fresh and clean. After that she brought

him fine raiment--an undervest of soft cambric linen and a surcoat and

hose of azure silk embroidered with silver, and a cloak with a clasp of

gold, and with pears of silver hanging from the corners thereof. And she

brought a circlet of gold for his head, such as became the son of a

king. Then she looked upon Sir Ewaine and he was very comely.

After all this had been done in that wise, Elose left Sir Ewaine and

went to where was the Lady Lesolie, and the lady sat alone in her bower

in great sorrow that her knight-champion was dead. But Elose entered

that place with a very cheerful countenance, and she said, "Lady, what

cheer?"

[Sidenote: _The Lady Lesolie rebuketh the damsel._]

Then the Lady Lesolie looked upon Elose with great indignation because

of her cheerful aspect, and she said: "Damsel, I am much displeased that

thou shouldst appear so cheerful and gay of spirit when thou beholdest

me in such sorrow. And I think very ill of thee that thou who art the

best beloved of all my damsels hast not come nigh me in all this time

for to offer me cheer or comfort in mine affliction."