Then wrathful, I ween, was Arnivé that the messenger said her Nay,

Nor told her aught of his errand, nor whither his journey lay.

And in this wise she quoth to the porter, ‘Now, whatever the hour may be,

Be it day, be it night, when he cometh, send tidings thereof to me,

In secret would I speak with him; thou art wise, as full well I know!’5

Yet wroth was she still with the footman—Then she would to the Duchess go,

And win from her lips the answer, but ready was she of wit,

And the name that he bare, her hero, her mouth spake no word of it.

Gawain he would have her silent, in her hearing his prayer found grace,

And she spake not, nor might Arnivé learn aught of his name and race.10

Then the sound as of many trumpets thro’ the hall of the palace rang,

And joyful the blasts—Then rich carpets around on each wall they hang,

And no foot but fell on a carpet would it tread on the palace floor,

A poor man had surely feared him for the riches that there he saw.

And many a couch they stood there, around the stately hall,15

Soft were they as down, and rich cushions they laid upon each and all.

But Gawain with his toil was wearied, and he slept tho’ the sun was high,

And his wounds, with such skill they bound them, tho’ his love should beside him lie,

And he in his arms should hold her, he had gotten no hurt I ween.

And sounder his daylight’s slumber than his sleep of the night had been20

When his love had so sorely vexed him; he slept till the vesper bell,

Yet still in his sleep he battled for the lady he loved so well.

Then rich garments of fair silk fashioned, and heavy with broidered gold,

Did the chamberlain bear unto him—Then out quoth the hero bold,

‘More robes such as these, and as costly, I ween, shalt thou hither bear,25

For Gowerzein’s Duke shall need them, and Florand, the hero fair,

For in many a land hath he battled, and hath won for him glory’s meed—

Now see that thou make them ready, and do my behest with speed!’

Then he prayed, by a squire, the boatman send hither the captive knight,

And Lischois did he send at his bidding by the hand of his daughter bright.30

And the maiden Bené brought him for the love that she bare Gawain,

And the good that he vowed to her father that morn when she wept amain,

And the knight he left her weeping, and rode on his toilsome way—

And the highest prize of his manhood it fell to his lot that day.

The Turkowit too had come there, and Gawain the twain did greet35

In all friendship, and then he prayed them beside him to take their seat

Till their robes should be brought unto them; and costly they needs must be,

For never was fairer raiment than the garb of those heroes three.

For one lived of yore named Sarant, (a city doth bear his name,)

From out of the land of Triande in the days that are gone he came.40

In the land of Queen Sekundillé stood a city so great and fair,

(E’en Nineveh or Akraton with its glories might scarce compare,)

And the city, men called it Thasmé; there Sarant won meed of fame,

Since he wove there a silk with cunning, Saranthasmé should be its name.

Think ye it was fair to look on? How might it be otherwise,45

For much gold must he give for the payment who would win to him such a prize.

Such robes ware these two and Gawain: then they gat them unto the hall,

And on one side the knights they sat them, on the other the ladies all,

And he who a woman’s beauty had wisdom to judge aright

Must reckon Gawain’s fair lady the first of these ladies bright.50

And the host and his guests so gallant they gazed on her radiant glow,

As they stood before Orgelusé; and her knights she again must know,

And her Turkowit, gallant Florand, and Lischois, the young and fair,

Were set free, without let or hindrance, for the love that Gawain must bear

To the lovely lady of Logrois—Then their victor they thanked amain,55

Who was dull to all ill, yet had wisdom in all that might true love gain.

As the captives thus free were spoken, Gawain the four queens must see

As they stood by the side of the Duchess, and he spake in his courtesy,

And he bade the two knights go nearer, and with kiss greet those ladies bright,

The three younger queens, and joyful, I ween, was each gallant knight.60

And there was the maiden Bené, with Gawain had she sought the hall,

And I think me a joyful welcome she found there from each and all.

Then the host would no longer stand there, and the twain did he pray to sit

By the maidens, as best should please them, and it grievèd them not one whit,

Such counsel it grieveth no man! Then the gallant Gawain spake,65

‘Now which of these maids is Itonjé? Beside her my seat I’ld take!’

Thus in secret he spake to Bené, and she showed him the maiden fair,

‘She, with eyes so clear and shining, and red lips, and dusky hair!

Wouldst thou speak with the maid in secret? Then thy words be wise and few:’

Thus quoth Bené the wise in counsel, who Itonjé‘s love-tale knew,70

And knew that King Gramoflanz loved her, and did service for her heart’s love,

And his faith as a knight unstainèd would fain to the maiden prove.

Gawain sat him by the maiden, (as I heard so the tale I tell,)

And soft was his speech and gentle, and his words they beseemed him well.

And tho’ few were the years of Itonjé yet great was her courtesy,75

And well did she know how to bear her as a maiden of high degree.

And this question he asked the maiden, if a lover she aye had known?

And with wisdom she made him answer, ‘To whom might my love be shown,

For ne’er to a man have I spoken, since the day I first saw the light,

Save the words which thou now dost hearken as I speak unto thee, Sir Knight!’80

‘Yet mayst thou have heard the rumour of one who hath bravely fought,

And striven for prize of knighthood, and with dauntless heart hath sought

Fair service for fair rewarding?’ In such wise spake the knight Gawain;

But the maiden she quoth, ‘Nay, no hero hath striven my love to gain;

Yon lady, the Duchess of Logrois, hath many a gallant knight85

Who serve her for love, or for payment, and hither they come to fight,

And we of their jousts are witness, yet none shall have come so nigh

As thou hast, Sir Knight, and this conflict thy glory hath raised on high!’

Then he quoth to the lovely maiden, ‘Whose pathway shall she have crossed

With many a chosen hero? Say, who hath her favour lost?’90

‘That, Sir Knight, hath the valiant monarch, King Gramoflanz, he who bore

From aforetime the crown of honour; so men say, and I know no more!’

Quoth Gawain, ‘Thou shalt know more of him, since he draweth the prize anear,

And with steadfast heart doth he seek it; from his lips I this tale did hear—

Of true heart would he do thee service, if such service shall be thy will,95

And help at thine hand he seeketh that thy love may his torment still.

It is well that a king face peril, if his lady shall be a queen,

And thou art the maid whom he loveth, if King Lot hath thy father been;

Thou art she for whom his heart weepeth, if thy name shall Itonjé be,

And sorrow of heart dost thou give him—By my mouth would he plead with thee.’100

‘Now if thou be true and faithful of his woe wilt thou make an end,

And both would I serve right gladly—This ring he to thee doth send,

I prithee to take it, Lady! In sooth do I mean thee well,

And if thou wilt trust unto me no word of the tale I’ll tell!’

Then crimson she blushed, the maiden, and e’en as her lips were red105

So red grew her cheek, yet the blushes as they came so they swiftly sped.

And she stretched forth her hand so shyly toward the little ring of gold,

For e’en at a glance she knew it, and her hand did the token hold.

Then she spake, ‘Now, Sir Knight, I see well, if I freely to thee may speak,

That thou comest from him, whom, desiring, my heart doth for ever seek.110

My words shalt thou still hold secret, as courtesy biddeth thee,

This ring have I seen aforetime, for it oft hath been sent to me;

From the hand of the king it cometh, and I know it for token true,

From my hand did he first receive it. What sorrow so e’er he knew,

Of that do I hold me guiltless; what he asked, that in thought I gave,115

Had we met I had ne’er withholden the boon he from me did crave.’

‘This day have I kissed Orgelusé, who thinketh his death to win,

I ween ’twas the kiss of Judas which all men count to him for sin!

And honour and faith forsook me, when the Turkowit, brave Florand,

And Gowerzein’s Duke, fair Lischois, I kissed here at thy command.120

From my heart I might not forgive them, for my true love they hate alway—

But speak thou no word to my mother.’ Thus the maiden Gawain did pray.

‘Sir Knight, it was thou didst pray me to take from their lips this kiss,

Tho’ no will for forgiveness had I, and my heart sickeneth sore for this!

If joy shall be e’er our portion, our help in thine hand shall be,125

And I know well, above all women, the king he desireth me;

And his will shall he have, for I love him o’er all men on earth that live—

God send thee good help and good counsel, that joy thou to us mayst give!’

Quoth Gawain, ‘How may that be, Lady? He beareth thee in his heart,

And in thine dost thou ever hold him, and yet are ye twain apart.130

If I knew how to give thee counsel that ye twain might in gladness dwell,

Of a sooth no pains would I spare me such rede unto thee to tell.’

Then she quoth, ‘Yet in truth shalt thou rule us, myself, and my gallant king,

And naught but thy help and God’s blessing our love to its goal may bring,

So that I, poor homeless maiden, his sorrow may put away,135

For his joy shall be set upon me! If so be I from truth ne’er stray,

What other can I desire here, or for what shall my true heart yearn,

Save to give him the love he asketh, and his grief unto gladness turn?’

Gawain, he saw well that the maiden would fain to her love belong,

Yet her hatred towards the Duchess as aforetime was fierce and strong;140

Thus hatred and love did she bear here, and wrong had he done the maid

Who thus, of a true heart simply, her plaint had before him laid.

Since never a word had he told her how one mother had borne them both,

And King Lot he had been their father—Then he answered her, little loth,

He would do what he might to aid her, and in secret with gracious word145

She thanked him who brought her comfort, and her sorrow with kindness heard.

Now the hour it was come, and they brought there for the tables fair linen white,

And bread did they bear to the palace unto many a lady bright,

And there might ye see a severance, for the knights they sat by one wall,

Apart from the maids; and their places Gawain gave to each and all.150

And the Turkowit sat beside him, and Lischois ate with Sangivé,

(And that fair queen was Gawain’s mother,) and Orgelusé by Arnivé.

And Gawain set his lovely sister by his side at that festal board,

And all did as he bade them gladly, for he was that castle’s lord.

My skill not the half doth tell me, no such master-cook am I,155

That I know the name of the viands they offered them courteously;

The host, and each one of the ladies, their servers were maidens fair,

To the knights who sat over against them many squires did their portion bear.

For this was the seemly custom, that no squire, in his serving haste,

Brushed roughly against a maiden, but ever apart they paced—160

And whether ’twas wine, or ’twas viands, they offered unto the guests,

In naught was their courtesy harmèd, for so did men deem it best.

And a feast they to-day must look on such as no man before had seen,

Since vanquished by Klingsor’s magic both lady and knight had been.

Unknown were they yet to each other, tho’ one portal it shut them in,165

And never a man and a maiden might speech of each other win;

And a good thing Gawain he thought it that this folk should each other meet,

And much he rejoiced in their gladness, and his own lot it seemed him sweet;

Yet ever he looked in secret on his lady and love so fair,

And his heart it waxed hot within him, and love’s anguish he needs must bear.170

But the day drew near to its closing, and faint waxed the waning light,

And fair thro’ the clouds of heaven gleamed the messengers of the night,

Many stars so bright and golden, who speed on their silent way

When the night would seek for shelter in the realm of departing day;

And after her standard-bearers, with her host doth she swiftly tread—175

Now many a fair crown golden in the palace hung high o’erhead,

And with tapers they all were lighted around the stately hall,

And they bare unto every table a host of tapers tall;

And yet the story telleth that the Duchess she was so fair,

That ne’er was it night in her presence tho’ never a torch were there!180

For her glance was so bright and radiant it brought of itself the day;

And this tale of fair Orgelusé full oft have I heard men say.

He had spoken, methinks, untruly who said that he e’er had seen

A host so rich and joyous, and joyous his guests, I ween;

And ever with eager gladness each knight and each gentle maid185

Looked well on each other’s faces, nor shrank from the glance afraid.

If friendship they here desirèd, or each other would better know,

Then naught of their joy would I grudge them, methinks it were better so!

Tho’ I wot well there none was a glutton, yet still had they ate their fill,

And they bare on one side the tables, and Gawain asked, with right goodwill,190

If here there should be a fiddler? and many a gallant squire

Was skilled on the strings, and gladly would play at the host’s desire,

Yet were they not all too skilful, and the dances were old alway,

Not new, as in fair Thuringia the dances they know to-day.

Then they thanked their host who, joyful, would give to their joy its vent,195

And many a lovely lady in his presence danced well content,

For goodly their dance to look on, and their ranks, with many a pair

Of knight and lady, mingled, and grief fled from their faces fair.

And oft ’twixt two gentle maidens might be seen a noble knight,

And they who looked well upon them in their faces might read delight.200

And whatever knight bethought him, and would of his lady pray

Reward, if for love he served her, none said to his pleading Nay.

Thus they who were poor in sorrow, and rich in joy’s fairest dower,

With sweet words, by sweet lips spoken, made gladsome the passing hour.

Gawain and the Queen Arnivé, and Sangivé, the dance so fleet205

Would look on in peace, for they danced not; then the Duchess she took her seat

By the side of Gawain, and her white hand he held in his own a while,

And they spake of this thing and the other, with many a glance and smile;

He rejoiced that she thus had sought him, and his grief it waxed small and faint,

And his joy it grew strong and mighty, nor vexed him with sorrow’s plaint.210

And great was the joy of the lady o’er the dance, and the merry feast,

Yet less was the sorrow of Gawain, and his joy o’er her joy increased.

Then spake the old Queen Arnivé, ‘Sir Knight, now methinks ’twere best

That thou get thee to bed, for sorely, I ween, shall thy wounds need rest

Has the Duchess perchance bethought her to care for thy couch this night,215

And tend thee herself, with such counsel and deed as shall seem her right?’

Quoth Gawain, ‘That thyself mayst ask her; I will do as shall please ye twain!’

Then the Duchess she spake in answer, ‘He shall in my charge remain.

Let this folk to their couch betake them, I will tend in such sort his rest

That never a loving lady dealt better by gallant guest;220

And the other twain, my princes, in the care of the knights shall be,

Florand, and the Duke of Gowerzein, for so seemeth it good to me.’

In short space the dance was ended, and the maidens in beauty bright

Sat here and there, and between them sat many a gallant knight;

And joy took her revenge on sorrow, and he who so sweetly spake225

Words of love, from his gentle lady must a gracious answer take.

Then the host must they hear, as he bade them the cup to the hall to bear,

And the wooers bemoaned his bidding; yet the host he wooed with them here,

And he bare of his love the burden, and the sitting he deemed too long,

For his heart by love’s power was tortured with anguish so fierce and strong.230

And they drank the night-drink, and sadly to each other they bade goodnight,

And the squires they must bear before them full many a taper bright.

And the two gallant guests did Gawain commend to them each and all,

And glad were the knights, and the heroes they led forth from out the hall.

And the Duchess, with gracious kindness, wished fair rest to the princes twain,235

And then to their sleeping chambers forth wended the maiden train,

And as their fair breeding bade them, at the parting they curtseyed low:

Queen Sangivé and her fair daughters they too to their rest would go.

Then Bené, the maid, and Arnivé, they wrought with a willing hand

That the host he might sleep in comfort, nor the Duchess aside did stand,240

But she aided the twain, and Gawain was led of the helpers three

To a chamber fair where his slumber that even should joyful be.

Two couches alone did he see there, but no man to me hath told

Of their decking, for other matters, I ween, doth this story hold.

Quoth Arnivé unto the Duchess, ‘Now, Lady, think thou how best245

This knight whom thou broughtest hither, shall beneath this roof-tree rest,

If aid at thine hand he craveth, to grant it shall honour thee;

No more would I say, save this only, his wounds they shall bandaged be

With such skill he might bear his armour—But if he bemoan his grief

Then methinks it were good and fitting that thou bring to his woe relief.250

If thou wakest anew his courage, then we all in his gladness share—

Now think thou no ill of my counsel, but have for thy knight good care!’

Then the Queen Arnivé left them, (yet leave had she craved before,)

And Bené she bare the taper, and Gawain he made fast the door.

If the twain to their love gave hearing? The tale how should I withhold,255

I would speak, were it not unseemly that love’s secrets aloud be told,

For courtesy doth forbid it; and he who would tell the tale

Worketh ill to himself, o’er love’s dealings true hands ever draw the veil.

Now betwixt his love and his lady had the joy of Gawain waxed small,

An the Duchess would have no pity, then healing might ne’er befall.260

They who sat in the seat of the wise men, and knew many a mystic word,

Kancor, and Thèbit, and Trebuchet, the smith who Frimutel’s sword

Once wrought, (’twas a wondrous weapon, and men of its marvels tell)—

Nay, all the skill of physicians, tho’ they meant to the hero well

And plied him with roots well mingled—Had a woman ne’er sought his side,265

Then vain were their skill, in his torment methinks had he surely died!

Fain would I make short the story, he the rightful root had found

That helped him unto his healing, and the chain of his grief unbound,

And brought light in the midst of his darkness—(Breton by his mother’s side

Was Gawain, and King Lot his father) thus the healing task he plied,270

And sweet balsam for bitter sorrow was his lot till the dawn of day.

Yet that which had wrought him comfort it was hid from the folk alway,

But all there, both knights and ladies, they beheld him so gay and glad

That their sorrow was put far from them and their heart was no longer sad.

Now list how he did the message whom Gawain he had sent afar,275

Yea unto the land of L?ver, unto Bems by the fair Korka,

For there he abode, King Arthur, and his lady, the gracious queen,

With fair maids and a host of vassals; this the lot of the squire had been.

’Twas yet in the early morning, when his message he fain had brought,

And the queen, in the chapel kneeling, on the page of her psalter thought;280

Then the squire bent his knee before her, and he gave her a token fair,

For she took from his hand a letter, and the cover must writing bear

That was writ by a hand she knew well, ere yet she the name might know,

From the squire, of him who had sent him, as she looked on him kneeling low.

Then the queen she spake to the letter, ‘Now blessed that hand shall be285

That wrote thee; for care was my portion since the day that mine eyes might see

The hand that hath writ this writing’—She wept, yet for joy was fain,

And she quoth to the squire, ‘Of a surety thy master shall be Gawain!’

‘Yea, Lady, he truly offers true service as aye of yore,

With never a thought of wavering, yet his joy it shall suffer sore,290

If so be thou wilt not upraise it; and never it stood so ill

With his honour as now it standeth—And more would he tell thee still,

In joy shall he live henceforward if comfort he gain from thee;

And I wot that yet more shall be written than what thou hast heard from me.’

Then she quoth, ‘I have truly read there the cause that hath brought thee here,295

And service I think to do him with many a woman dear,

Who to-day shall I ween be reckoned to have won to them beauty’s prize—

Save Parzival’s wife and another, Orgelusé, in all men’s eyes,

Thro’ Christendom none shall be fairer—Since far from King Arthur’s court

Gawain rode, sore grief and sorrow have made of my life their sport.300

And Meljanz de Lys hath told me he saw him in Barbig?l—

Alas!’ quoth the queen, ‘that ever mine eyes saw thee, Plimiz?l!

What sorrow did there befall me! Since that day might I never greet

Kunnewaare of Lalande, she hath left me, my friend and companion sweet.

And the right of the good Round Table was broken by words of scorn,305

And four years and a half and six weeks have left us, I ween, forlorn,

Since the Grail Parzival rode seeking; and after him rode Gawain

To Askalon—Nor Jeschuté nor Hekuba come again

Since the day that they parted from me, and grief for my friends so true

Hath driven my peace far from me, nor joy since that day I knew!’310

And the queen spake much of her sorrow: then the squire would her counsel know,

‘Now do thou in this my bidding, in secret thou hence shalt go,

And wait till the sun be higher, and the folk all at court shall be,

Knights, servants, and gentle ladies, and vassals of all degree;

And then to the court ride swiftly, nor think who shall hold thy steed,315

But spring from its back, and hasten where the king shall thy coming heed.

They will ask of thee news of venture, but thou, do thou act and speak

As one who from peril flieth, whom the flames would devouring seek,

And they may not prevail to hold thee, nor win from thy lips the tale,

But press thou thro’ them to the monarch, and to greet thee he will not fail.320

Then give to his hand the letter, and swiftly from it he’ll read

Thy tale, and thy lord’s desiring; I doubt not the prayer he’ll heed!’

‘And this will I further rede thee, make thou thy request to me

Where I sit, and, amid my ladies, thy dealings may hear and see;

And beseech us, as well thou knowest, for thy lord wouldst thou hearing gain.325

But say, for as yet I know not, where abideth the knight Gawain?’

‘Nay,’ quoth the squire, ‘I may not, ask not where my lord doth dwell,

But think, an thou wilt, that good fortune is his, and he fareth well!’

Then glad was the squire of her counsel, and he took from the queen his way

In such wise as ye here have hearkened, and he came, e’en as she did say.330

For e’en at the hour of noontide, not in secret but openly

He came to the court, and the courtiers his garments eyed curiously,

And they thought that they well beseemed him, and were such as a squire should wear,

And his horse on each flank was wounded, where the spurs they had smitten fair.

And, e’en as the queen had taught him, he sprang straightway unto the ground,335

And a crowd of eager courtiers pressed, thronging, his steed around.

Mantle, sword, and spurs, e’en his charger might be lost, he would little care

But he gat thro’ the crowd to the heroes, and the knights they besought him there,

Brought he news of some gallant venture? For the custom was aye of yore,

That they ate not, nor man nor maiden, save unto the court they bore340

The news of some deed of knighthood, and the court might claim its right,

If so be ’twas a worthy venture, and one that beseemed a knight.

Quoth the squire, ‘Nay, I naught may tell ye, for my haste doth not brook delay,

Of your courtesy then forgive me, and lead to the king the way,

For ’tis meet that I first speak with him, and mine haste it doth work me ill;345

But my tale shall ye hear, and God teach ye to aid me with right goodwill!’

And so did his message urge him he thought not on the thronging crowd,

Till the eyes of the king beheld him, and greeting he spake aloud.

Then he gave to his hand the letter that bade to King Arthur’s heart,

As he read it, two guests, joy and sorrow, alike there the twain had part350

And he spake, ‘Hail! the fair day’s dawning, by whose light I have read this word,

And of thee, O son of my sister, true tidings at last have heard!

If in manhood I may but serve thee as kinsman and friend, if faith

Ever ruled my heart, ’twill be open to the word that Sir Gawain saith!’

Then he spake to the squire, ‘Now tell me if Sir Gawain be glad at heart?’355

‘Yea, sire, at thy will, with the joyful I ween shall he have his part,’

(And thus quoth the squire in his wisdom,) ‘yet his honour he sure shall lose,

And no man fresh joy may give him, if thine aid thou shalt here refuse.

At thy succour his gladness waxeth, and from out of dark sorrow’s door

Shall grief from his heart be banished, if thou hearken his need so sore.360

As of yore doth he offer service to the queen, and it is his will

That the knights of the good Round Table as their comrade account him still,

And think on their faith, nor let him be ‘spoiled of his honour’s meed,

But pray thee his cry to hearken, and make to his aid good speed!’

Quoth King Arthur, ‘Dear friend and comrade, bear this letter unto the queen,365

Let her read therein, and tell us why our portion hath twofold been,

And at one while we joy and we sorrow. How King Gramoflanz is fain

In the pride of his heart, and his malice, to work ill to my knight, Gawain;

He thinketh for sure that my nephew shall be Eidegast, whom he slew,

Thence grief hath he won; deeper sorrow I’ld teach him, and customs new!’370

Then the squire he would pass where a welcome so kindly he did receive,

And he gave to the queen the letter, and many an eye must grieve,

And with crystal tears run over, as with sweet lips she read so clear

The words that within were written, and the need of Gawain they hear,

And his prayer did she read before them; nor long would the squire delay375

With skill to entreat the ladies, and aid at their hand to pray.

King Arthur, Sir Gawain’s uncle, he wrought with a hearty will

That his vassals might take the journey: nor did she abide her still,

Guinevere, the wise and the courteous, for she prayed them make no delay,

Her ladies, but bravely deck them, and get on their stately way.380

Quoth Kay aloud in his anger, ‘If ever I dared believe

That so gallant a man as Gawain of Norway on earth should live

I would cry to him, “Come thou nearer!” Fetch him swift, else he swift will go,

As a squirrel away he flasheth, and is lost ere his place ye know!’

To the queen quoth the squire, ‘Now, Lady, my lord must I swiftly seek,385

His cause do I leave to thine honour!’ To her chamberlain did she speak,

‘See thou that this squire doth rest well, and look well unto his steed,

Is it hewn with spurs, find another, the best that shall serve his need.

And what else beside shall fail him, for his dress, or lest pledge he lose,

Make ready as he shall ask thee, and naught unto him refuse!’390

And she quoth, ‘Thou shalt say unto Gawain, I am ever to serve him fain,

Thy leave from the king will I care for, he greeteth thy lord again!’

Thus the king he was fain for the journey; and the feast it might now be served,

Since the right of the good Round Table by this venture was well observed;

And joy in their hearts awakened, since this gallant knight Gawain395

Should be yet in life, and true tidings they might of his welfare gain.

And the knights of that noble order, that even were glad at heart,

And there sat the king, and those others who had in the ring their part,

And they sat and they ate with their monarch who fame by their strife had won,

And the news of this gallant venture wrought joy to them every one.400

Now the squire might betake him homewards, since his errand so well had sped,

He gat forth at the early dawning, ere the sun should be high o’erhead,

And the queen’s chamberlain he gave him a charger, and robes beside,

And gold lest his pledge be forfeit, and glad on his way he hied,

For had he not won from King Arthur what should end his lord’s sorrow sore?405

And I know not the days of his journey, but in safety he came once more

To Chateau Merveil; then joyful was Arnivé, for as she bade

The porter bare news of his coming, how his steed he no whit had stayed,

But swiftly had done his errand. Then in secret she made her way

To where by the castle drawbridge the squire did his charger stay,410

And she asked him much of his ............