Now Elose was greatly in favor with the Lady Lesolie so that she feared

her not, wherefore she still bore a very cheerful aspect. And she said:

"Lady, I know not wherefore I should take such sorrow as I see the

sorrow to be that you assume for Sir Sagron. I did not love him so much

that I should take more than reasonable grief when he suffered such

misfortune of battle as may befall any knight."

Then the Lady Lesolie's eyes sparkled very brightly with anger, and she

said: "Ha! Damsel! Thou goest beyond all measure of the liberty of

speech which I allow to thee. Mayhap I loved not Sir Sagron as he would

have had me, yet I honored him a very great deal, and now that he is

gone I know not who may defend the fountain in his stead. So, because

thou dost smile and take cheer in this time of trouble, thy presence is

displeasing to me, wherefore I would have thee gone from hence."

Then Elose said: "Very well, Lady, I will go as thou hast bidden me, but

I think thou wilt be sorry that thou didst not talk more with me and

that thou dost not inquire of me why I appear so cheerful as I do."

Therewith Elose turned as though to go forth from that place. But after

she had gone a little distance, the Lady Lesolie arose and followed her

to the door of the chamber and began coughing very softly. Then when

Elose turned, the lady beckoned to her and said, "Come hither!" and

Elose laughed and came. Then the lady said: "Thou art very saucy of

disposition, but nevertheless I love thee more than thou deservest. Now

tell me what it is that thou hast upon thy mind."

Then Elose said, "I will tell thee, but it must be where none may hear."

The lady said, "Come hither, then," and therewith she led Elose into a

place where they were altogether by themselves, and when they were come

there the Lady Lesolie said, "What is it, Elose?"

[Sidenote: _The damsel bespeaketh the Lady Lesolie._]

Then Elose said: "Lady, there is in this castle a knight who loveth thee

a very great deal, and this knight is exceedingly noble and of very

great skill at arms, and he is a king's son, and he is a knight of King

Arthur's court, and he is a knight of the Round Table. So great is the

love of this knight for thee that thou mightest demand anything of him.

Now it appeareth to me that since thou hast lost the knight who was our

champion, thou wouldst do well to call upon this knight to defend thee.

And if in good time thou shouldest choose him for thy lord, then it

would be much to thy pride and greatly to the joy of this land."

Now all this while the lady had been regarding Elose very steadfastly,

and when the maiden ended she said: "Who is this knight, and what is his

name and his degree?" Elose said: "Lady, thou hast heard of him a great

many times, for he is Sir Ewaine, the son of King Uriens of Gore and of

Queen Morgana le Fay." Then the lady said in a very strange voice:

"Elose, it is wonderful that a knight so famous as this should have been

in our castle and yet we knew nothing thereof. Now tell me, when was it

he came hither?" Then Elose was confused and said: "Lady, he hath only

been here a little while, for he did but come this morning."

Then the Lady Lesolie smiled very curiously, and she said: "Bring that

knight hither, that I may see him and speak with him." Then straightway

Elose went to where Sir Ewaine was. And Elose said: "Sir Ewaine, arise

and come with me, for my lady would have speech with thee."

So Sir Ewaine arose and went forth with Elose, and Elose brought him to

where the Lady Lesolie was. And Elose introduced Sir Ewaine to the Lady

Lesolie, and Sir Ewaine paid great homage to her for he beheld that she

was very wonderfully beautiful. The lady looked at Sir Ewaine very

steadily, and by and by she said, "Elose, this knight hath not the

appearance of one who is a traveller new arrived from a journey; rather

he appeareth like one who is fresh and well-bedight."

Then at first Elose was confused and wist not where to look. Then

presently the lady said: "Elose, I believe this was the knight who slew

Sir Sagron."

Then Elose looked very steadily into the lady's face, and anon she spake

boldly and without fear, and she said: "Well, lady, what then? So much

the better for thee if this knight overcame Sir Sagron, who was the best

knight in all this land. For if this knight overcame Sir Sagron, then is

he better than Sir Sagron, and so he is better to be the defender of the

Fountain."

Then the lady said: "Say no more, but go ye both away until I meditate

upon this for a while." And thereupon Elose and Sir Ewaine quitted the

apartment of the lady and went away to another part of the castle.

[Sidenote: _The damsel bringeth Sir Ewaine to the Lady of the

Fountain._]

After that they waited for word to come to them from the lady of the

castle, yet no word came for a long while. But when the evening had

come, the chatelaine sent a very courteous message to Sir Ewaine that it

would pleasure her to have him sup with her. So Sir Ewaine went upon

that command, and the lady received him very graciously and made place

for him beside her at the table, and they sat and ate and drank together

and talked of many things of court and field. And ever as they talked

together the Lady Lesolie regarded Sir Ewaine very closely, and she

perceived that he was very noble and haughty of appearance, and she wist

that he was greater champion than she had ever beheld before.

Then, by and by, she said of a sudden to Sir Ewaine: "Messire, dost thou

not think thou didst very ill to come hitherward to the destruction of

our peace?"

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine promiseth to defend the Fountain._]

Then Sir Ewaine spake very boldly, saying: "Lady, I am very sorry to

have caused thee grief, but I did only as any knight-adventurer would

do, taking my chance of battle and of death with him as he took his

chance with me. Yet now that the chance of war hath brought me hither, I

cannot repent me of anything that hath befallen me. For that chance hath

brought me into thy presence and hath made me acquainted with thee."

Then the lady said: "Well, Messire, what am I to do now that thou hast

slain the knight-champion of this place?" To the which Sir Ewaine made

reply: "Lady, if thou wilt take me for thy champion, I will serve thee

very faithfully and will ask no guerdon from thee. For I know of no

greater joy that could befall me than to be thy chosen champion." Then

the Lady Lesolie smiled and said: "Sir Ewaine, thou speakest very well,

and I believe that thy deeds are every whit as trustworthy as thy words.

So I will accept thee as my champion to do combat in my behalf and to

protect my fountain and myself for a year and a day. If by the end of

that time thou hast proved thyself to be entirely faithful, then I will

consider anything else that thou mayst have to say to me."

* * * * *

So Sir Ewaine abided at that place and he defended the Fountain so well

that no one came thither to assail it who was not overthrown, and from

all whom he thus overthrew, Sir Ewaine took horse and shield and sent

them away from that place afoot.

And Sir Ewaine dwelt in the Valley of the Fountain for nigh a year, and

in that time he and the Lady Lesolie of the Fountain were betrothed to

one another with intent to be wedded when the year was ended. And ever

Sir Ewaine loved the Lady of the Fountain more and more, and ever she

loved him more and more.

Yet oftentimes Sir Ewaine bethought him of the King's court and of his

friends thereat and at those times he would long for them with a very

great passion of desire. So it befell upon a day that Sir Ewaine and the

Lady Lesolie were in the garden of the castle and Sir Ewaine sat sunk in

deep and silent thought concerning those friends and that court. And

meanwhile the lady watched him askance. Then by and by she said: "What

is it that lieth upon thy mind, Messire, that causeth thee to take so

much thought to thyself?"

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine longeth for the court of the King._]

Then Sir Ewaine aroused himself and said: "Lady, it is that I think much

of my friends and companions of the court of King Arthur. For now nigh

to a year hath passed and in all of that time I have heard no single

word of any of them."

Then the Lady Lesolie said, "Ewaine, art thou discontent with us at this

place?" He said: "Nay, lady, thou knowest I am very well content and

more than well content to be thus forever with thee. Yet ne'theless I

would that I might have word of my companions, for I know not how it

fareth with them. And furthermore, I would fain know whether they who

went in quest of Sir Launcelot with me have yet heard anything of that

noble and worthy champion."

Then the Lady Lesolie said: "Ah, Ewaine, I fear me that thou thinkest so

much of thy friends that thou wilt, in a little while, be discontent to

remain with us any longer." To which Sir Ewaine said: "Lady, thou

knowest very well that that could never be." And she said, "Art thou

sure of that?" "Yea," quoth Sir Ewaine, "I am well assured of it."

Then the Lady of the Fountain said: "Ewaine, I have it in my mind that

thou shalt go and visit thy friends at the court of the great king. For

after thou hast seen them and hast satisfied thyself, I believe that

thou wilt be better content to be here. So I lay it as my command upon

thee that thou shalt go to Camelot, and have converse once again with

thy friends and companions. Yet I would not have thee remain too long

away from us, wherefore I lay it as a further injunction upon thee that

thou shalt return hither as soon as possible, for we can ill spare our

champion who is so dear to us."

[Illustration]

[Illustration: The Lady of the Fountain:]

[Illustration]

Chapter Fourth

_How Sir Ewaine returned to the court of King Arthur, and how he forgot

the Lady Lesolie and his duty to the Fountain._

So it came about that the day after that day, Sir Ewaine took horse and

departed from the Valley of the Fountain as the Lady Lesolie had

commanded him to do; and he travelled alone, going from that place in

the same manner that he had come thither.

Now as he went upon his way in return to Camelot he must needs travel

upon that same road by which he came thitherward. So by and by he again

beheld that huge herdsman oaf who sat upon the mound as aforetold of,

guarding his cattle. When this being beheld Sir Ewaine he shouted to him

aloud in a great voice, "Hello, little man! Whither goest thou?" But to

him Sir Ewaine made no reply, but rode steadfastly upon his way.

Anon, and about the hour of noon, he came to within sight of that

wonderful valley wherein stood the enchanted castle of the Lady Vivien.

And Sir Ewaine rode down into the valley and toward the castle, and as

he drew nigh they of the castle were aware of his coming from afar.

So it was that as Sir Ewaine came nigh to the castle there issued forth

a multitude of people, who approached him singing and making joy and

giving him great voice of welcome. For ever they cried aloud: "Welcome,

O noble champion! Welcome! And welcome still again!"

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

So they met him and brought him as it were in triumph to the castle, and

when he had come nigh thereunto the Lady Vivien herself came forth to

add her welcome to his coming. And she wore a very smiling and cheerful

countenance, and she also cried, as did the others, "Welcome, Sir

Ewaine! Welcome! Thrice welcome!" and she said: "Messire, I well know

that thou didst come forth victorious from that adventure which thou

didst undertake against the Knight of the Fountain, wherefore it is that

I am rejoiced to see thee. For, as thou already must know, I bore no

very high regard for that knight whom thou didst overthrow."

Now Sir Ewaine was very well pleased with the welcome he found at that

place, for he did not suspect that the Lady Vivien, who smiled so kindly

upon him, nourished any thought of mischief against him. Wherefore he

suffered them all to bear him into the castle in triumph and to relieve

him of his armor and to bring him to a bath and to fit him with fine

soft raiment wherewith he might with a good appearance come before the

Lady Vivien in her bower.

After that Sir Ewaine went to where that lady was, and he sat with her

and talked in great amity with her. Yet he knew not that all that while

he talked with her she was planning mischief against him. So by and by,

still in great amity, they went to a place where a noble feast was

prepared, and there Sir Ewaine sat beside the Lady Vivien with great

pleasure in being thus near to her. Then, after a while, having in mind

those several mischiefs she had planned against the knights of King

Arthur and of the Round Table, he said to her: "Lady, you who are so

kind and fair to me, I know not why you do mischief against those

others, my companions, who are of King Arthur's court; and I know not

why you do mischief against the Lady Lesolie of the Fountain so as to

bring trouble upon that land. She hath done you no ill that you should

so practise evil against her."

Then the Lady Vivien assumed an appearance of great meekness and

contrition, and she said: "Messire, what you say is true, and I repent

me of all those evil things which I have done." And she said: "Would it

pleasure you if all enchantment should be removed from that fountain,

and if the land of the fountain should be left at peace?" Sir Ewaine

said, "Lady, it would pleasure me beyond measure." Then the Lady Vivien

said: "So it shall be, and I promise you very faithfully that that

enchantment shall be entirely removed from that land this very day

forward unto all time." Then she looked upon Sir Ewaine and smiled upon

him in such wise that he was bewitched with her smiling, and she said,

"Sir Ewaine, let there be peace betwixt us from this time forth for

aye!" and he said, "Lady, God knows I bear you no ill will and so there

is peace betwixt us."

Then the Lady Vivien said, "Sir, I would that thou wouldst accept a

pledge of peace from me." And he said, "What is that pledge?" Quoth she,

"I will show thee."

[Sidenote: _The Lady Vivien giveth Sir Ewaine the ring of

forgetfulness._]

Thereupon saying, she smote her hands together, and in answer there came

a fair young page clad in cloth of gold and with long, curling ringlets

of golden hair hanging down upon his shoulders. To this youth the lady

gave sundry commands, and he departed, returning anon bearing in his

hands a patten of gold and upon the patten was a fair white napkin of

fine linen, and upon the napkin a ring of gold very cunningly wrought,

and inset with a bright shining yellow stone. These the fair young page

brought to the Lady Vivien, kneeling upon one knee, and she took the

ring from the patten and gave it to Sir Ewaine, saying: "Sir, behold

this ring! This I give to thee to wear as a pledge of the amity that

lieth betwixt us." Therewith Sir Ewaine took the ring and set it upon

his finger.

Now that ring was enchanted with very potent spells. For it was a ring

of forgetfulness, so that whosoever wore it, that person would forget

whatever the Lady Vivien would have him disremember.

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine forgetteth the Lady Lesolie._]

So when Sir Ewaine set the ring upon his finger, that moment he forgot

all about the Lady of the Fountain. And he forgot all the pledges that

had passed betwixt himself and that lady, and he forgot all the other

things that belonged to that part of his life. But all else he

remembered: to wit, how he had undertaken that Adventure of the

Fountain, and how he had overthrown the knight-champion of the Fountain

and all other parts of his life.

Then Sir Ewaine looked at the Lady Vivien very strangely, like to one

who is newly awakened from a sleep, and he said, "What is it we were

speaking of anon?" And at that the Lady Vivien laughed and said, "Sir,

it matters not." Sir Ewaine said, "Meseems I have had a dream, but I

cannot remember what it was"; and then the Lady Vivien laughed again and

said, "Neither does it matter what was thy dream." And she said: "It

only matters that we are friends, and that thou wearest my pledge of

amity upon thy hand. Now I prithee never remove that ring from thy

finger, for from that moment the friendship that now exists shall cease

betwixt us." Sir Ewaine said: "This ring shall remain upon my finger for

aye, and I shall never take it from my finger even for a single moment."

So Sir Ewaine rested with great pleasure for that night at the castle of

the Lady Vivien, and, when the next morning was come, he departed from

the castle, betaking his way to the court of King Arthur.

For he said to himself: "Haply by this time they have some news of Sir

Launcelot. So I will straightway return to the court of the King and

learn if that be so."

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine returneth to the court of the King._]

Now Sir Ewaine, because he had forgotten all about his life at the

Valley of the Fountain, had no thought that he had been gone from that

court for a longer time than a fortnight, wherefore when he was come

amongst his friends again and when he found that wellnigh a year had

passed, he knew not what to think. "How is this," he said, "and what

hath befallen me? Surely there was something that was like to a dream

that I cannot remember. What is it that hath happened to me? I know not

what it is." So Sir Ewaine was ashamed that he should not be able to

remember what had happened to him for the year that had passed,

wherefore he held his peace and said nothing concerning the matter. But

ever Sir Ewaine feared lest he should betray to his friends that he had

forgotten a whole year of his life. So it was he said to himself: "After

that I have rested a little here at the court of the King I will set

forth again in quest of news of Sir Launcelot. For maybe by and by I may

be able to remember what I have forgotten of this year that hath

passed."

[Sidenote: _King Arthur rideth afield._]

But Sir Ewaine did not immediately depart from the court, and so it

chanced upon a certain day, the weather being very pleasant, King Arthur

went afield with certain of his court and Sir Ewaine was one of those.

That time it was early summer weather, and the breezes were soft and

balmy, and full of the odor of growing things. So when the heat of the

day was come the King ordained that a pavilion should be erected at a

certain spot that pleased him very well, and he and the Queen and their

courts sat in that pavilion at a fair feast which the attendants of the

court had prepared for them.

[Sidenote: _There cometh a damsel to the King's pavilion._]

Now whilst they so sat, there came of a sudden a bustle and a sound of

several voices talking without, and anon there came into the pavilion a

damsel very fair of face and with curling yellow hair. And the damsel

was clad in garments of yellow silk and she wore a frontlet of gold upon

her head, and she wore shoes of variegated leather with latchets of gold

upon her feet. And she was further adorned with necklaces of gold and

with armlets of gold, wherefore they who sat there were astonished at

the beauty of the damsel and at the suddenness of her coming.

(Now you are to know that maiden was the damsel Elose, and yet Sir

Ewaine knew her not because of the ring of forgetfulness which he wore.)

Then King Arthur arose where he sat, and he said: "Fair demoiselle,

whence come you and what would you here? Tell us, I pray, who are you

who cometh hither like to a fair vision from a dream."

Yet ever the damsel stood within the door of the pavilion, and because

of the dazzling brightness of the sunlight whence she had come she could

not at first see very well within the shadow of the tent. So she said,

"I pray you tell me, is Sir Ewaine at this place?"

To that King Arthur, much wondering, said, "Yea, lady, yonder he sits,"

and thereupon the damsel Elose beheld Sir Ewaine where he was.

[Sidenote: _The damsel Elose accuseth Sir Ewaine of treason._]

Then Elose entered farther into the pavilion and came to where Sir

Ewaine sat. Her eyes shone very bright with anger, and she said: "Sir

Ewaine, I denounce thee as a false knight and a traitor!"

Then Sir Ewaine looked upon the damsel with great astonishment, and

said, "Who art thou, lady, who dost accuse me of being false?"

Upon that the damsel cried out in a very shrill voice, "Thou knowest

very well who I am!"

But ever Sir Ewaine looked very steadily at her and almost he remembered

her, but he could not quite remember her because of that ring which he

wore. Wherefore he said, "Nay, I know thee not."

Then Elose smiled upon Sir Ewaine very bitterly, and she said: "Thou

didst not forget me when thou didst lay in peril of thy life in the

Castle of the Fountain; but now that thou art enjoying thyself with thy

fellows, it pleases thee to forget so poor an one as I, who preserved

thy life for thee. But that I could forgive thee if the need were to

forgive it; yet I cannot forgive thee that thou hast also forgotten that

dear lady, my mistress, unto whom thou didst pledge thy faith, and unto

whom thou art bound in fealty. Messire, thou hast a very short memory."

Then Sir Ewaine cried out in an exceedingly bitter voice like one in

great pain: "Lady, why say ye these things to me? I know you not."

Then Elose came very close to Sir Ewaine and she took his hand, and she

said, "Do you not know me now?" He said, "Nay, I know thee not." Upon

that the damsel raised her right hand with her glove in it, and she

smote Sir Ewaine upon the face with the glove so that the mark of her

glove lay upon his cheek. And Sir Ewaine made no defence against her

assault, but ever he gazed very steadfastly at her, and he said very

bitterly: "Lady, if thou wert a knight, thou wouldst not dare to do that

to me, for either thou wouldst pay for that blow with thy life, or else

I would wipe out the disgrace thereof with mine own blood."

But Elose laughed, and she went out from that pavilion and mounted her

horse and rode away, leaving Sir Ewaine with his head bowed full low

upon his breast as though he had been struck a mortal blow.

Then after the damsel had gone, King Arthur said, "Ewaine, who was that

lady?" And at that Sir Ewaine lifted his head and cried out with great

vehemence: "Sire, I know her not; nor can I remember that I have ever

seen her before."

At that King Arthur was silent and all those who were there looked

askance at Sir Ewaine and whispered together concerning those things

that had happened. And Sir Ewaine was aware of how they regarded him and

how they whispered together, yet he heeded them not, but ever sat with

his head bowed low with shame and humiliation. And ever he strove to

remember who that damsel was, but could not remember.

[Sidenote: _The King's court is adoubt concerning Sir Ewaine._]

So after that time there was much talk amongst those at the court

concerning that which had befallen in the King's pavilion. And many of

them said to one another: "How is it possible for a knight of honor and

of repute thus to forget one who had saved his life? And if he did

indeed remember her, what of honor hath he who would deny her before

those who know him?"

So those of the court spake together, and Sir Ewaine was aware that they

regarded him with disfavor and he was hurt to the quick by that

knowledge. So one day he came to King Arthur where he was, and he said:

"Lord, I am aware that I am held in disrepute in this court. Now I crave

thy leave to depart from hence at least for a season." And King Arthur

said: "Messire, I will not deny that many things displeasing to me are

said concerning thee. So if it be that thou art of a mind to quit us for

a while until thou art able to approve thy truth and thy honor, and

until thou hast disproved these things which thy calumniators say

against thee, thou hast my fair leave to depart according to thy

request."

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine departeth from the court._]

So Sir Ewaine took his departure from court, and his heart was filled

with bitterness and anger toward those who were one time his friends.

For he ever said to himself: "Why is it that they should contemn me

because I cannot remember that which I have forgot? For I cannot

remember me of that damsel."

Thus he rode upon his way in great bitterness of spirit and with anger

toward all the world, because that all the world appeared to be set

against him.

* * * * *

Now Sir Ewaine journeyed for a long time he knew not whither, for he

travelled somewhiles like to one in a dream.

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine cometh to a lonely hut._]

So it befell one day that he came to a thick woodland of great extent,

and there night overtook him and he wist not where he was nor how he

should be able to come out of that wilderness. And whilst he was

travelling thus in darkness and perplexity, he was suddenly aware of a

light shining at a distance, and he followed that light until he came to

a rude hut of the forest, which same stood in an open glade of no very

great extent. To this forest habitation came Sir Ewaine, and he smote

upon the door thereof with the butt of his spear and anon came one and

opened the door, and that one was an ancient and grisly beldame of a

most repulsive and forbidding appearance. When she beheld Sir Ewaine

before her at the door of the hut she would have shut the door again,

but he would not let her do so, but thrust his spear into the opening of

the door so that she could not close it.

Then that beldame, finding that he would not be denied, spake to him

very harshly, saying, "What would you here, Sir Knight?" Sir Ewaine

said, "I would have lodging for the night."

Then the hag laughed very loud and shrill, and she said: "Well, since

thou wilt not be denied, thou shalt have thy desire. Enter, and may thy

lodging be for long."

So Sir Ewaine dismounted from his horse, and turned it loose to graze

upon the grass by night. Meantime he himself entered the hut.

Here he beheld a great fire burning, with loud roaring in the chimney,

and over the fire he beheld a great cauldron, in which was seething a

stew of venison, the flavor of which filled the hut with a very savory

odor. And Sir Ewaine beheld a great table, whereon were many platters of

wood, and beholding these things spread as for a feast, he said, "Good

dame, I pray thee tell me who dwells here in this hut with thee?" The

beldame said, "My husband and my sons dwell here with me." Sir Ewaine

said, "Certes, thou hast a great family." And at that the beldame

laughed very violently and said, "Yea, that is true."

After that the hag ladled forth a mess of the stew into a wooden bowl,

and she poured forth a great flagon of strong ale and she set these

things upon the board with a hunch of black bread, and Sir Ewaine sat

him down and ate and drank with great appetite. Then, after he had thus

satisfied his hunger and his thirst he was very drowsy, wherefore he

laid aside his armor and stretched himself upon a wooden bench that

stood to one side and placed his helmet beneath his head and presently

was enwrapped in a sound sleep.

[Sidenote: _The thieves return to the hut._]

Now that hut was a den of thieves and that old hag was their housekeeper

and there were twenty and seven in all of those thieves. So about the

middle watch of the night that band of robbers returned with a

considerable booty which they had seized from a party of townsfolk who

were traversing a part of the forest that was not very far distant from

that place. These beholding Sir Ewaine where he was sleeping, withdrew a

little to one side and whispered together. And they whispered to the old

beldame, saying, "Who is yonder man, and what doth he here?" She said:

"He is an errant knight, who demanded housing awhile since. So here he

lieth now asleep and at your mercy to dispose of as you see fit."

Then the captain of the thieves came softly to where Sir Ewaine lay, and

he looked closely at him and he beheld the rich chain of gold about his

neck and he beheld the ring upon his finger that the Lady Vivien had

given him. After that he withdrew a little and whispered to his fellow:

"Here is a rich booty upon this sleeping knight. Now fetch hither cords

and let us bind him. After that we may rob him at our ease, and after

that again we may either slay him or else keep him here for a great

ransom."

[Sidenote: _The thieves bind Sir Ewaine._]

So some of the thieves brought a strong cord and they made a noose

thereof, and first they privily took away all Sir Ewaine's weapons from

him, and then they slipped the noose over his arms and in a trice and

ere he was fully awake they had bound him several times about the body

so that as to his hands and arms he was altogether helpless.

Thus Sir Ewaine was rudely awakened to find himself a captive in that

place.

But when he saw who it was had made him captive, he assumed all the

majesty of his high estate and he said: "Know ye what ye do? Wit ye that

he whom you have thus bound is a king's son and a knight of the Round

Table so that you have through me committed a very grievous offence."

Then several of those thieves were abashed at his words and at the great

nobility of his bearing, but the captain of the band who was a hardened

wretch, spake very boldly, saying: "It matters not who you are, only if

you be truly a king's son and a knight of such worship, then will your

ransom be all the greater." And he said: "First of all we will take this

rich golden bawble from about your neck, and then we will take the fair

golden ring from off your finger."

[Sidenote: _The thieves rob Sir Ewaine of the ring of forgetfulness._]

So the chief robber first took the chain from about Sir Ewaine's neck,

as he said, and then he drew the ring from his finger, and because Sir

Ewaine was bound he could in no wise prevent the robber chief from

taking those jewels from him in that way.

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine remembereth all._]

But lo! when the robber had plucked the ring from the finger of Sir

Ewaine, then in an instant the magic of forgetfulness departed from him,

and he remembered upon that instant all that had befallen him in the

Valley of the Fountain. And he remembered the Lady Lesolie of the

Fountain, and he remembered him of all the vows of faith he had plighted

to her. And he knew now of why Elose had come to him at the King's court

and had struck him in the face before them all; for he wist that the

damsel had come because she thought he had proved himself unfaithful and

false to her lady. So it was as though a sword of remembrance had been

struck through the heart of Sir Ewaine, wherefore he cried out in a loud

and piercing voice, "Betrayed! Betrayed! Betrayed!" saying that word

three times over. And the thieves wist not what he meant by those words,

but thought that he meant that he had been betrayed by the beldame, not

knowing that he meant that he had been betrayed by the Lady Vivien.

Then of a sudden in the fury of that remembrance of his own dishonor, it

was as though the strength of ten descended upon Sir Ewaine. Wherefore,

putting forth all his strength, he strained at his bonds so that they

cut into his flesh. And he strained even more and more violently at his

bonds until, of a sudden, they were burst and immediately he was free.

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine doeth battle with the thieves._]

After that Sir Ewaine looked about him, but could find no weapon to his

hand, wherefore he catched up the solid wooden bench whereon he had been

lying awhile since. And he whirled that bench about his head and he

smote with it upon the right hand and the left and he smote the thieves

down upon the one side and the other. And so great was his fury that

they bore back from before him in terror of his madness.

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine is wounded._]

So Sir Ewaine might have slain all those thieves (though there were a

score and seven of them in all) only for the captain of the band. He,

beholding the fury of Sir Ewaine, ran to where there was a javelin that

stood in a corner of that place. And he catched up the javelin and threw

it at Sir Ewaine; and the javelin pierced through the shoulder of Sir

Ewaine and pinned him fast to the wall of the hut.

Then Sir Ewaine wist that he was very sorely wounded, wherefore he

roared aloud. And he strove with the javelin and anon he wrenched

himself loose from the wall to which he had been pinned. Then he rushed

at the thieves with the javelin still pinned through his shoulder and

they made way before the terror of his onset.

Now as the robbers parted from before his onset, Sir Ewaine perceived

that there was a way for him to the door. Thereupon he cast himself upon

the door and he burst it open and fled away into the forest with the

javelin still transfixed in his shoulder.

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine escapeth._]

Therewith, perceiving that their captive was escaping from them, the

thieves rushed after Sir Ewaine and pursued him with great outcry. But

ever they were afraid of the violence of his anger (for he had slain or

broken the bones of eleven of them) wherefore they followed him not with

as good a will as they would else have done. Hence it befell that Sir

Ewaine made his escape from them and so got safe away into the cover of

the night and of the forest, though sorely and woefully wounded.

After he had thus escaped from that danger, Sir Ewaine knew not what to

do. For he was faint and bedizzied because of his wound and the agony

thereof. But he wist that he must free himself from that javelin,

wherefore he catched the haft of the weapon and he broke it in twain.

After that he plucked out the javelin by the point which had transfixed

his shoulder and with that a great issue of blood burst forth from the

wound so that Sir Ewaine was nigh to swooning therewith.

But he did not swoon, but bare up under the passion of pain that lay

upon him and from the issue of blood that followed what he had done.

Wherefore, after he had rested him for a while, he went forward through

the forest, tottering like a drunken man, now and then falling, and ever

anon arising again and betaking his way he knew not whither.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: A Damsel bringeth aid unto Sir Ewaine:]

[Illustration]

Chapter Fifth

_How Sir Ewaine was succored and brought back to life by a certain noble

lady, how he brought aid to that lady in a time of great trouble, and

how he returned once again to the Lady Lesolie of the Fountain._

Thus Sir Ewaine wandered for all that night he knew not whither, and

sometimes he fell and anon he would arise and go onward again. So

against the dawn of day, he began to approach the outskirts of the

forest and there, as he wandered painfully onward, he met a fagot-maker

who had a cart and who was coming, all early in the morning, into the

forest to chop fagots.

This fellow, beholding that figure of misery with a face like to wax and

a body all covered with blood, wist not whether it was ghost or mortal

man whom he beheld, wherefore he fell to crossing himself and pattering

prayers for fear. But Sir Ewaine spake, though in a very weak and

plaintive voice, saying: "Alas, good fellow! I pray you, for the sake of

God's mercy to take pity upon me and to bear me hence in your cart to

where I may secure aid and succor, else I must assuredly die all alone

in the forest."

Then the woodchopper was aware that Sir Ewaine was no ghost or spirit

left behind by the night, but that he was mortal man, and when he looked

upon that sad woeful figure, he was moved to great pity, and said:

"Alas, poor mortal, thou art in a sad plight indeed and so I will be

glad to aid thee as thou desirest."

[Sidenote: _The woodchopper giveth aid to Sir Ewaine._]

So after that the fagot-maker spread a soft thick bed of leaves in his

cart and laid the wounded knight thereon. And so he bore Sir Ewaine out

of the forest, with intent to take him to some place where he might be

cherished with care and attention.

Thus it was that a poor woodchopper of the forest lent aid and

assistance to one of the most noble knights of the Round Table and

nephew to King Arthur. As for that fellow, he wist not who it was to

whom he was giving aid, but only thought that it was some poor wretch

who had fallen amongst thieves, for Sir Ewaine had neither armor nor

weapons of any sort that might indicate how exalted was his estate, and

even his golden chain of knighthood had been stolen from him by those

thieves of the forest. Wherefore it was not possible for any one to know

that he was other than a poor wayfarer of the forest. So the

fagot-maker, unknowing who he was, bare that good knight out of the

forest, and Sir Ewaine lay fainting, and all covered with blood and nigh

to death, upon a bed of leaves in a poor woodchopper's cart.

Now when the fagot-maker had brought the wounded knight out of the

woodlands and into the open country, he turned to find how it fared with

him, for it seemed to the honest fellow that his burden was lying

wonderful still and quiet. So the fagot-maker called out, "Friend, what

cheer have you?" To this Sir Ewaine answered him not, for in the

meantime as they travelled onward he had fallen into a swoon and now he

lay like one who was dying or was dead.

Then the woodchopper came and looked upon the face of Sir Ewaine, and he

beheld that it was white like to death. And he could not see that Sir

Ewaine breathed, wherefore he thought that the wounded man was dead.

Thereat the poor knave was filled with great fear, for he said to

himself: "Of a surety if they find me thus with a dead man lying in my

cart, they will believe that I have committed a murder and they will

hale me before the judge and they will hang me." Wherefore, reasoning in

that wise, he began to cast about him how he might rid himself of that

which was within his cart so that he should not thus be found in company

with a dead man.

[Sidenote: _The woodchopper layeth Sir Ewaine beside a lake._]

Now at that time the cart chanced to be passing through a park

coadjacent to a castle, the towers and the roofs and the chimneys of

which might be seen through the leaves of the intervening trees. And at

that place there was a little lake of water with many flags and sweet

rushes growing around about the margin thereof, and this was a very

secret, quiet place, for no one was nigh at that still early hour of

day.

So here perceiving that no one could see what he would do, the

fagot-maker stopped his cart and lifted Sir Ewaine out thereof and still

he thought that the wounded man was dead. After that the woodchopper

laid Sir Ewaine down very gently upon a soft bed of moss under the

shadow of an oak tree and beside the margin of the lake. Having thus got

rid of his burden in that wise he then went away and left the wounded

knight lying alone in that place.

[Sidenote: _The lady of the castle perceiveth Sir Ewaine._]

Now that part of the park where Sir Ewaine lay was a very favorite spot

of the lady of the castle, who was wont to take the air and to walk with

her court of damsels beside the lake. So it befell that morning, it

being a very pleasant and cheerful day, that she walked thither with

those maidens in attendance upon her. So coming to that place, she

perceived from afar where Sir Ewaine lay beneath the oak tree in the

centre of the park. And when she saw him she said, "Who is yonder man

and what does he do here?"

Then one of the damsels went more near to where Sir Ewaine lay, and she

looked closely upon him and anon she said: "Lady, I believe this man is

dead, for he is all covered with blood, and I do not see him move or

breathe."

The lady said, "See if that be so," and therewith the damsel went closer

to Sir Ewaine and reached forth and she laid her hand upon his bosom.

Then she was aware that his heart beat, but only a little, and she knew

that there was life in him. So she said: "Nay, he is not dead, but in a

swoon that is like to death."

Then the lady came and also looked upon Sir Ewaine, and she was moved

with pity to behold that great and noble frame of a man lying there in

that way. Wherefore she said, "I am of a mind to save this man."

So after that she and her court retired to her castle, and when she was

come there she took a very precious casket of ointment from a cabinet

and gave it to that damsel who had touched Sir Ewaine. To her she said:

"Take this ointment, damsel, to where that man lieth in a swoon. For wit

you, this is a very potent oil to heal all manner of sickness and

weakness even if one be upon the edge of death. Pour a little of this

ointment upon the bosom of that man above his heart. Then rub it well

with thy hand, and by and by he will revive. Take thou also yonder horse

and some decent raiment fit for such a well-appearing man to wear, and

let the horse be nigh to him when he awakens. Then do thou observe him

from secret place, and bring me word of what he doeth."

[Sidenote: _A damsel of the castle bringeth succor to Sir Ewaine._]

So the damsel did all as the lady had commanded her to do; she took the

horse, and the raiment and the precious balm and went to where Sir

Ewaine lay in that deathly swoon. But when she came to anoint him with

the ointment, she poured not a little upon him, nor did she rub with her

hand the bosom of him who lay there; otherwise she poured the whole of

the balm upon Sir Ewaine's bosom, and then she went away to a little

distance and hid herself to observe what he would do.

So in a little she saw that the wounded man began to bestir himself and

move his arms this way and that. Anon he uplifted himself from where he

lay and gazed all about him, and so, being revived, remembered all that

he had aforetime forgotten. Then he groaned with great travail of soul,

for the memory of his dishonor came upon him and he still suffered a

grievous pain from that sore wound in his shoulder. Then anon he beheld

the horse near by and the garments that were beside the horse, and he

thought that maybe those things had been placed there for his use,

though who had been so kind to him he knew not. So he arose with great

pain and he took the clothes from the horse and he went to the lake and

bathed himself. After that he put on the clothes and mounted upon the

horse with intent to depart from that place.

Then the maiden, who had beheld all that he did, came forth from the

thicket where she had been hidden and whence she had observed him, and

when Sir Ewaine saw her he said, "Maiden, was it thou who purveyed me

with this horse and with these garments?" She said, "Nay, it was the

lady to whom this place belongs." Sir Ewaine said, "Who is that lady?"

And the maiden replied: "She is the widow of a very powerful lord, and

she hath saved thy life this day. For she sent me with an ointment with

which I bathed thee, and which gave thee strength to arise again. And

she sent thee that horse and those clothes which thou hast put on." Sir

Ewaine said: "Certes, she is most kind and charitable in her heart.

Perhaps some time I may do her a service that will be equal to this

service which she hath rendered to me."

Now the maiden did not suspect who it was with whom she spake, for his

face was white like milk, and very haggard and wild with pain and

weakness, so that his countenance showed none of that nobility that

belonged to him. And, as aforesaid, he had no armor, for the thieves had

taken away his armor and he had left it behind him in the hut whence he

had escaped. So the maiden had no cause to think that he was one of

great worship whom she beheld, so she said: "Good fellow, my lady hath

need enough of aid, but I do not believe that thou art one who may help

her in her trouble."

"Why dost thou think that?" quoth Sir Ewaine. "Thou shouldst not judge

of my ability from what thou seest, for I may be other than what I

appear to be."

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine declareth himself to the maiden._]

Then the damsel was greatly astonished at the dignity of manner with

which he spoke, for he spoke as one having authority and very calmly and

haughtily. So she began to misdoubt that this was some one else than she

had first thought him to be, wherefore she said, "I pray you, Sir, tell

me who you are?" To the which he replied: "I am Sir Ewaine of King

Arthur's court and of his Round Table, son to King Uriens of Gore and of

the Lady Queen Morgana surnamed le Fay."

At this proclamation the damsel was greatly astonished, wherefore she

cried out aloud: "Is it indeed possible that this is so, and that so

famous and so remarkable a knight should have come to such a pass as

that in which you were found?" and the damsel said: "Now the lady of

this castle will be very highly honored when she comes to know that she

hath lent succor to so noble and haughty a champion as you proclaim

yourself to be. Let us go to her so that you may tell her the story of

your misfortunes." And Sir Ewaine said: "So be it, and let us go."

So they both departed from that place and as they wended their way

thence Sir Ewaine said: "Now tell me, damsel, what is the need of help

that thy lady hath and concerning which thou didst speak to me anon?"

[Sidenote: _The damsel telleth Sir Ewaine concerning the lady of the

castle._]

The damsel said: "I will tell thee. The lady of this castle is a widow,

and at the death of her husband she had two very noble castles and two

great estates belonging to those castles. Those castles and that land

her lord bequeathed to her to have and to hold for her own. Now after

she was thus left a widow, it befell that a certain very proud and

haughty lord who was her neighbor, desired to make her his wife; but she

would not listen to his suit, having great love for that worthy knight

her husband who was dead. So she refused the knight who desired to wed

her and at that he was very angry. After that he came with a great array

of armed men, and he despoiled her of one of her estates by force. And

now, unless she should yield to him, he threatens to take away this

other estate whereon she dwelleth and which is all that she hath in the

world.

"So my lady is in a great pass and knoweth not what to do, having no

knight for to defend her; for all those who should defend her, fall away

from her in this time of trouble for fear of the anger of that lord who

seeks her hand."

"Certes, this is a sad story which thou tellest me," said Sir Ewaine,

"and indeed I will do what I may to help thy lady, who hath been so kind

to me."

Thus talking together, they two approached the castle, and the lady of

the castle, beholding them coming from a distance, was greatly surprised

to see the damsel conversing in that wise with the wounded man whom she

had been sent to succor.

Then when they were come to her the lady said to the damsel, "Didst thou

use that balm as I told thee to do?" And the damsel said, "Yea." The

lady said, "How much didst thou use thereof?" And the damsel said, "I

used it all."

[Sidenote: _The lady of the castle is affronted at the maiden._]

Then the lady when she heard how that the damsel had poured all of that

balm at one time upon Sir Ewaine, was much affronted and very angry with

her, and she said: "What is this that thou hast done? I cannot easily

forgive thee this, for thou hast wasted several score pounds worth of

the precious ointment upon a stranger whom we know not and who hath no

appearance of worship."

Unto her the maiden made reply: "Lady, be not offended at this, for wit

you that this stranger is of far greater worth than all the balm you

could pour upon him."

At these words the lady was much surprised, wherefore she said, "Who is

he that is of such great worth as thou sayst?" and the damsel replied:

"Lady, this is none other than Sir Ewaine, Knight of the Round Table and

nephew of King Arthur."

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

Then the lady of the castle cried out with astonishment and said, "Is

this true that I hear?" And Sir Ewaine said, "Yea, Lady." Then the lady

of the castle came to Sir Ewaine and took him by the hand, and said:

"Welcome, welcome, Sir Ewaine! Now this is a great honor that hath

befallen us at this place to have given aid and succor to a knight so

famous in chivalry as thou art."

"Lady," quoth Sir Ewaine, "you do me honor beyond my worth, and so you

put me under still greater obligations than I rested under afore this.

Now I am most desirous of repaying you in some measure for all the

kindness that you have visited upon me, wherefore, if it be sooth as I

have been informed by this maiden that you have need of such a

knight-champion at this place, then do I offer myself as such a

champion, trusting that I may be of aid to you and so repay to you in

some measure those favors which you have bestowed upon me."

At this the lady was rejoiced beyond all measure, and she said:

"Messire, I accept thy offer of championship with all gratitude and with

much pride, for indeed I believe it would not be possible to find in all

of the world a champion as haughty and as puissant as thou art."

So it came about that Sir Ewaine abided at the castle of that widowed

chatelaine for a long time, and until he was altogether healed of his

wound. And every day he grew more strong and sturdy of body and more

noble of appearance, so that all they of the castle took great pride in

having him there as their champion.

Now it befell upon a day that there came to this castle that evil-minded

lord of whom the damsel had spoken to Sir Ewaine, and this lord brought

with him six other knights, and all these seven knights pitched their

pavilions before the castle gates. And they mocked at those in the

castle and dared any one to come forth therefrom, for they knew not, as

you may believe, that Sir Ewaine was there as the champion of the

castle.

So when Sir Ewaine heard how that knight mocked at the people of the

castle, he was very wroth, wherefore he quickly made him ready, and

donned a suit of rich armor that the lady had provided for him. And he

mounted upon his horse, and so being in all wise prepared, he gave

command to uplift the portcullis and to let fall the drawbridge. Then he

rode forth from the castle, his horse's hoofs smiting the planks of the

drawbridge with a noise like to thunder as he rode. And all of the

people of the castle crowded out upon the walls, and when they beheld

him ride past in that wise, they shouted with a loud voice because that

such a champion was to defend the rights of their lady chatelaine.

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine doeth battle for the lady of the castle._]

But when the knight and his companions who had come against the lady of

the castle beheld that one champion ride forth in defence thereof, he

was greatly surprised, and wist not what to think. So presently he rode

forward to meet Sir Ewaine, and he said to him, "Sir, what knight art

thou?" Sir Ewaine said: "I am the champion of the lady of this castle,

and I come forth with intent to do battle in her behalf." Then that lord

said, "What is thy estate?" To the which, Sir Ewaine, speaking with

great pride and haughtiness, made reply: "It matters not that I tell

thee at this present, but I may assure thee of this, that mine is a

higher estate and a greater credit than thine own." Then the knight

said, "Wouldst thou fight against us who are seven?" And Sir Ewaine

said, "Yea, verily." And the knight said, "Thou art very foolish, but be

it so."

So Sir Ewaine withdrew himself a little, and made himself ready in all

wise for battle. Meantime that knight who had bespoken him withdrew to

his party and he said to a knight who was the champion of his party, "Go

thou forth against yon fellow." And the champion of that party did so.

Now that knight was the greatest and most powerful knight in all the

country in which he dwelt. And he was very huge of girth and thick of

limb, and so great had been his success at arms that he made sure that

he could easily be able to overthrow his opponent. Wherefore he made him

ready very proudly and took his station with great confidence. And when

he was in all wise prepared, he shouted aloud and launched his horse

against the horse of Sir Ewaine with full expectation that he would

overthrow his enemy.

So they two rushed together like thunder and so met in the very middle

of the course with such a crash of encounter that those who heard it

stood appalled at the sound. But in that encounter the spear of the

champion of that wicked lord's party broke all into splinters, but the

spear of Sir Ewaine held so that the other was cast to earth with such

force that he lay stunned and altogether devoid of life and motion.

[Sidenote: _How Sir Ewaine overthrew the enemies of the lady._]

Then when the other knights of that party beheld how their champion had

been overthrown so violently to earth, all they were greatly amazed at

the result of that encounter; for as was said, there was no knight in

all of that region who was so strong as that champion. Then they were

filled with rage, and dropping their lances in rest, they all rushed

upon Sir Ewaine together, with intent to overthrow him by force of

numbers and might of metal, and afterward to slay him when he was

unhorsed. But Sir Ewaine did not give them their will, but wheeled his

horse with great address and dexterity and in such a wise as to separate

those who thus came upon him in a body. Then suddenly he wheeled about

again, and ere they were prepared for attack, he smote down one knight

and then another and another, so that only three of those who assailed

him were left. With that the others were filled with a great terror of

the woeful buffets that Sir Ewaine struck, wherefore, without further

combat, they all three turned and fled. But ever Sir Ewaine pursued them

with great fury and he came nigh to one who was fleeing and smote him

down from his horse. And he came nigh to another and smote him down

also. Then last of all he overtook that lord who was the enemy of that

lady, and he smote him so sorely with his sword that he would have

fallen from his horse had not Sir Ewaine catched him ere he fell. Then

Sir Ewaine plucked that knight out of his saddle and he laid him across

the bow of his own saddle. So after having overthrown all those seven

knights in that wise, he rode back again into the castle bearing that

wicked lord lying across his saddle bow.

Now when those who stood upon the castle walls beheld what wonderful

battle their champion did, they were amazed beyond measure at his

prowess and they shouted aloud for joy at the victory of their champion

over their enemies. So Sir Ewaine rode into the castle, in the midst of

all that shouting and loud acclaim. And he came to where the lady was

standing in a balcony that overlooked the courtyard of the castle, and

he looked up to where she stood and he said: "Lady, lo! I have brought

you back your enemy in payment for that blessed balm with which you

brought me back to life."

[Sidenote: _The lady of the castle giveth praise to Sir Ewaine._]

Then the lady of the castle knew not what to do for joy. Wherefore she

came down from where she was and catched Sir Ewaine by the hand and

kissed it repeatedly. And she called upon Sir Ewaine as her savior, but

Sir Ewaine withdrew his hand in great confusion, and said: "Lady, do not

do so, for wit you I am a man who hath done a dishonorable thing. And

though I did that ill thing unwittingly, yet I am attainted because of

that which I did."

Then the lady said: "Sir, I will not believe that you were ever

dishonorable, and I would that you would remain always in this castle."

Then Sir Ewaine smiled and said: "I thank you for that wish. But it may

not be, for now that I have done my service in your behalf and have

brought your enemy to you to deal with at your pleasure, to-morrow I

must depart upon my way once more."

Then Sir Ewaine delivered the captive knight from the pommel of his

saddle into the hands of the lady, and afterward that wicked knight was

bound with many securities and hostages to good behavior, and so he

tormented that lady no more from that time forth unto the end of her

life.

* * * * *

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine departeth from the castle as a pilgrim._]

Now when the next day was come Sir Ewaine appeared before the lady of

the castle and besought her that she would take back the armor she had

given him and that in place of that armor she would purvey him the dress

of a pilgrim. So that lady did as she was asked, and when she had done

so Sir Ewaine clad himself as a pilgrim and departed from the castle of

that chatelaine.

And Sir Ewaine wandered hither and thither as a pilgrim for several

weeks; and after much journeying he came at last to that valley where

dwelt the Lady of the Fountain. For ever his will led him thitherward,

and so it came about that at last he beheld that town and castle once

more. And when he beheld that place and when he brought to mind all that

had befallen him of good and of ill thereat the tears arose into his

eyes so that all things that he beheld swam as in a flood of water.

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine returneth to the Castle of the Fountain._]

Then by and by he went toward that Castle of the Fountain and when he

had come thereunto, he knocked upon the postern door and besought those

who opened to him that he might have speech with the lady of the castle.

So anon he was shown into the apartment where the lady was, and Elose

was with her, and several others of the damsels of her court.

Now the hood of the cloak that Sir Ewaine wore, and the pilgrim's hat,

so concealed his face that no one who was there knew who he was.

Wherefore the Lady Lesolie, speaking as to a stranger, said, "Sir, what

wouldst thou have of me?" And Sir Ewaine answered saying: "Lady, I come

hither to bear to you a message from one who has unwittingly done you a

great injury."

Upon this the lady cried out very vehemently: "Sir, if you come from

that recreant knight, Sir Ewaine, then you may return unto him again

who hath sent you hither." To which Sir Ewaine said, "Lady, I cannot

return unto him, for it would be impossible."

At these words the Lady Lesolie's countenance fell, and for a while she

spake not. Then after a while she said, "Dost thou bring ill news of

him?" And Sir Ewaine said: "I know not whether the news be ill unto thee

or not, but some while ago I beheld that unfortunate knight where he lay

dying in a park beside a lake of water."

Then the Lady of the Fountain pressed her handkerchief to her lips as

though to check an outcry, and after a little while she said, "Good Sir,

tell me what you know." Sir Ewaine said, "I will do so." And he said:

"You are to know that when Sir Ewaine left this court to return to the

court of King Arthur, he fell in with the Enchantress Vivien, who gave

him a ring of forgetfulness so that he disremembered all that had

happened to him at your court. Afterward there came a young damsel from

this place who put him to shame before all those who were his companions

at the court of King Arthur. This that damsel did because she thought

that Sir Ewaine was unfaithful to you. But he was not unfaithful and so

he was shamed for no good reason. Now after being thus shamed before all

the court of King Arthur in that wise, this woeful knight departed from

his friends because he could not bear to dwell in his humiliation before

them. So he left all those his friends and journeyed afar, and in his

journeyings he fell among thieves, and these finding him unarmed, bound

him whilst he slept, and robbed him and wounded him to death. So it was

that I beheld him lying by the wayside, pierced through with a javelin

and dying of that wound, and so have I come thither to tell you of this

story."

Now when the Lady of the Fountain heard what that pilgrim had to say,

she shrieked with great violence and immediately swooned away and fell

upon the ground.

Then several of her maidens ran to her and these served her until by and

by she revived from her swoon. Yet when she was thus recovered she

straightway fell to smiting her hands together and crying aloud in a

very bitter agony of spirit: "Woe is me that I should have disbelieved

in the honor of that noble and worthy knight, for now because of my

disbelief in him I perceive that I have lost him forever. For so hath

died the best and truest knight that ever lived in all of the world."

Saying this, she fell to weeping in great measure, and Elose strove to

comfort her, also weeping, but the lady would not be comforted. Then Sir

Ewaine said, "Lady, hast thou yet such a kind regard for the knight as

this?" And the Lady Lesolie said with great passion: "Yea, truly, and so

I always shall have, for methinks that never such another knight as he

lived in this world."

[Sidenote: _Sir Ewaine declareth himself to the Lady of the Fountain._]

Then Sir Ewaine said: "Lady, you understood not my words. Sir Ewaine is

not dead, and if you will you may easily have him here again." She said,

"How know you that?" Then Sir Ewaine cast off his hood and laid aside

his hat and said: "Lady, I am that man; and if I have deceived thee in

this, it is that I may again behold thy face that is so dear to me--yea,

that is dearer than all the world besides." So saying, Sir Ewaine

kneeled before the lady and embraced her about the knees, and she

stooped and embraced his head and both of them wept with a great passion

of love and joy. And so they were reconciled to one another.

And in that reconciliation there was much rejoicing, for all the town

was bedraped with silken scarves and banners by day and illuminated by

night because of joy for the return of the champion-defender of the

Fountain. And there was feasting and drinking at the castle of the

Fountain, and there was jousting from day to day for seven days, and in

those joustings the knights of the court of the Fountain under the lead

of Sir Ewaine defended their chivalry with such skill and valor that

none of those that came against them were able to withstand them, but

all those companies of knights-contestant were defeated, to the great

glory of the Lady Lesolie of the Fountain.

Then after seven days of this rejoicing, Sir Ewaine was wedded with

great pomp of circumstance to the Lady of the Fountain. And of that

wedding it is to be recorded in the history of these things that Sir

Ewaine and the Lady Lesolie rode to the minster upon milk-white horses,

and that they were all clad in white samite embroidered with silver and

inset with so many precious stones of all sorts and kinds that they

glistened in the sunlight as though they were two figures of living

fire. And it is recorded that tenscore damsels of wonderful beauty, clad

all in white, preceded them upon the way, and spread the way with

flowers, chaunting the while in voices of great rejoicing.

Thus Sir Ewaine was wedded at the castle of the Fountain, and after that

he dwelt in the land of the Fountain with great peace and good content.

And Sir Ewaine ever defended the Fountain as he had aforetime, so that

the fame of the Knight of the Fountain was known throughout the length

and breadth of the land and in every court of chivalry. And many knights

undertook the Adventure of the Fountain but in every case such errant

knights were overthrown by the valor and the skill of the Knight of the

Fountain. And in every case where that knight adventurer was thus

overthrown, the Knight of the Fountain would take from him his horse and

his shield and would send him away upon foot, disarmed and ashamed.

So, because of the valor of the Knight of the Fountain, it came about in

course of time that a very noble and worthy court of chivalry became

established at the castle of the city of the Fountain, insomuch that the

renown of that court of the Fountain hath been handed down in the

histories of chivalry even to this day, when knighthood no longer

dwelleth upon the earth.

* * * * *

Such is the history of Sir Ewaine when he undertook the Adventure of the

Fountain whilst upon the quest of Sir Launcelot. And now if you choose

to read further you shall hear how Sir Percival and Sir Sagramore found

Sir Launcelot in the Island of Joy and of how Sir Launcelot returned to

his friends once more.

[Illustration]