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King Arthur had a custom that at the feast of Pentecost he would not go to meat until he had heard or seen a great marvel. And because of that custom all manner of strange adventures came before him at that feast.
So Sir Gawain, a little before noon of the day of Pentecost, saw from a window three men on horseback and a dwarf on foot, and one of the men was higher than the other two, by a foot and a half. Then Sir Gawain went unto the King and said, “Sir, go to your meat, for here at hand come strange adventures.”
Right so came into the hall two men and upon their shoulders there leaned the goodliest young man and the fairest that ever they all saw, and he was tall and large and broad in the shoulders and the fairest and largesthanded that ever man saw.
This young man said, “King Arthur, God bless you and all your fair fellowship. For this cause I am come hither, to pray you to give me three gifts and they shall not be unreasonably asked, but you may honorably grant them me. The first gift I will ask now and the other two I will ask this day twelvemonth.”
“Now ask,” said Arthur, “and ye shall have your asking.”
“Sir,” said the young man, “this is my petition, that ye will give me meat and drink for this twelvemonth, and at that day I will ask mine other two gifts.”
“My fair son,” said Arthur, “ask better, I counsel thee, for this is but simple asking; for my heart tells me that thou shalt prove a man of right great honor.”
“Sir,” said the young man, “be that as it may, I have asked that which I will ask.”
“Well,” said the King, “ye shall have meat and drink enough; I never refused that to friend or foe. But what is thy name?’’
“I cannot tell you,” said the young man.
“That is strange,” said the King, “that thou knowest not thy name, and thou art the goodliest young man that ever I saw.”
Then the King charged Sir Kay, the steward, that he should give the young man meat and drink of the best as though he were a lord’s son.
“There is no need of that,” said Sir Kay, “for I am sure he is of lowly birth. If he had come of gentlemen he would have asked of you horse and armor, but such as he is, so he asketh. And as he hath no name I shall name him Beaumains, that is, Fairhands, and into the kitchen I shall take him.”
Then was Sir Gawain wroth, and Sir Lancelot bade Sir Kay cease his mocking of the young man. But Sir Kay bade the young man sit down to meat with the boys of the kitchen, and there he ate sadly. And then Sir Lancelot bade him come to his chamber and there he should have meat and drink enough. And this Sir Lancelot did of his great gentleness and courtesy.And Sir Gawain proffered him meat and drink, but he refused them both and thus he was put into the kitchen.
So he endured all that twelvemonth and never displeased man nor child,but always he was meek and kindly. But ever when there was any justing of knights, that would he see if he might.
So it passed on till the feast of Pentecost. On that day there came a damsel into the hall and saluted the King and prayed for succor for her lady who was besieged in her castle.
“Who is your lady, and who besiegeth her?” asked the King.
“Sir King,” she said, “my lady’s name shall ye not know from me at this time, but the tyrant that besiegeth her and destroyeth her lands is called the Red Knight of the Red Lands.”
“I know him not,” said the King.
“Sir,” said Sir Gawain, “I know him well; men say that he hath seven men’s strength, and from him I escaped once barely with my life.”
“Fair damsel,” said the King, “there be knights here who would gladly seek to rescue your lady, but because you will not tell her name, none of my knights shall go with you.”
Then Beaumains came before the King and said, “Sir King, I have been this twelvemonth in your kitchen and now I will ask my two gifts.”
“Ask,” said the King, “and right gladly will I grant them.”
“Sir, these shall be my two gifts, first that ye will grant me to have this adventure.”
“Thou shalt have it,” said the King.
“Then, sir, this is the other gift, that ye shall bid Sir Lancelot to make me knight. And I pray you let him ride after me and make me knight when I ask him.”
“All this shall be done,” said the King.
“Fie on thee,” said the damsel; “shall I have none but one that is your kitchen boy?”
Then was she wroth and took her horse and departed.
And with that there came one to Beaumains and told him his horse and armor were come, and there was a dwarf ready with all things that he needed in the richest manner. So when he was armed there were few so goodly men as he was.
Then Sir Kay said all open in the hall, “I will ride after my boy of the kitchen, to see whether he will know me for his better.”
And as Beaumains overtook the damsel, right so came Sir Kay and said,“Beaumains, what, sir, know ye not me?”
“Yea,” said Beaumains, “I know you for an ungentle knight of the court,and therefore beware of me.”
Therewith Sir Kay put his spear in the rest and ran straight upon him, and Beaumains came as fast upon him with his sword and thrust him through the side, so that Sir Kay fell down as if he were dead, and Beaumains took Sir Kay’s shield and spear and rode on his way.
When Sir Lancelot overtook him, he proffered Sir Lancelot to just and they came together fiercely and fought for an hour, and Lancelot marveled at Beaumains’s strength, for he fought more like a giant than a knight. So Sir Lancelot said, “Beaumains, fight not so sore; your quarrel and mine is not so great but we may leave off.”
“That is truth,” said Beaumains, “but it doth me good to feel your might.Hope ye that I may any while stand a proved knight?”
“Yea,” said Lancelot, “do as ye have done, and I shall be your warrant.”
“Then I pray you,” said Beaumains, “give me the order of knighthood.”
“Then must ye tell me your name,” said Lancelot.
“Sir,” he said, “my name is Gareth, and I am brother unto Sir Gawain.”
“Ah, sir,” said Lancelot, “I am more glad of you than I was, for ever methought ye should be of great blood and that ye came not to the court for meat or drink.”
Then Sir Lancelot gave him the order of knighthood and departed from him and came to Sir Kay and made him to be borne home upon his shield,and he was healed of his wound.
But when Beaumains had overtaken the damsel, she said, “What dost thou here? Thou smellest of the kitchen; thy clothes be soiled with the grease and tallow that thou gainest in King Arthur’s kitchen. Therefore,turn again, dirty kitchen boy; I know thee well, for Sir Kay named thee Beaumains.”
“Damsel,” said Beaumains, “say to me what ye will; I will not go from you, whatever ye say, for I have undertaken to King Arthur to achieve your adventure, and so shall I finish it to the end or I shall die therefor.”
So thus as they rode in the wood, there came a man flying all that ever he might. “Whither wilt thou?” said Beaumains.
“O sir,” he said, “help me, for six thieves have taken my lord and bound him, so I am afraid lest they will slay him.”
“Bring me thither,” said Beaumains.
And so they rode together until they came where the knight was bound and then he rode unto the thieves and slew them all and unbound the knight. And the knight thanked him and prayed him to ride with him to his castle and he should reward him for his good deeds.
“Sir,” said Beaumains, “I will no reward have; I was this day made knight of noble Sir Lancelot and therefore I will no reward have but God reward me. Also I must follow this damsel.”
And when he came nigh her, she bade him ride from her.
“For thou smellest of the kitchen,” she said. Then the same knight which was rescued rode after the damsel and prayed them to lodge with him that night, and so that night they had good cheer and rest.
And on the morrow the damsel and Beaumains rode on their way until they came to a great forest. And there was a river and but one passage, and there were two knights to prevent their crossing. “What sayest thou,” said the damsel; “wilt thou match yonder knights or turn again?”
“Nay,” said Sir Beaumains, “I will not turn again if they were six more.”And therewith he rushed into the water, and they drew their swords and smote at each other, and Sir Beaumains slew both the knights.
“Alas,” said the damsel, “that a kitchen boy should have the fortune to destroy two such brave knights.”
“Damsel,” said Beaumains, “I care not what ye say, so that I may rescue your lady.”
“If you follow me,” said the damsel, “thou art but slain, for I see all that ever thou dost is but by chance and not by might of thy hands.”
“Well, damsel, ye may say what ye will, but wheresoever ye go, I will follow you.”
So Beaumains rode with that lady till evening, and ever she chid him and would not stop. And they came to a black plain and there was a black hawthorne and thereon hung a black shield and by it stood a black spear,great and long, and a great black horse covered with silk.
There sat a knight all armed in black armor and his name was the Knight of the Black Lands. And when the damsel came nigh he said, “Damsel,have ye brought this knight of King Arthur to be your champion?” “Nay,fair knight,” said she, “this is but a kitchen boy that was fed in King Arthur’s kitchen for alms.”
“Why Cometh he,” said the knight, “in such array? It is shame that he beareth you company.”
“Sir, I cannot be freed from him; through mishap I saw him slay two knights at the passage of the water, and other deeds he did before right marvelous and by chance.”
“I marvel,” said the Black Knight, “that any man that is of honor will fight with him.”
“They know him not,” said the damsel.
“That may be,” said the knight, “but this much I shall grant you; I shall put him down upon foot, and his horse and his armor he shall leave with me, for it were shame to me to do him any more harm.”
When Sir Beaumains heard him say thus, he said, “Sir Knight, thou art full liberal of my horse and armor. I let thee know it cost thee nought, and horse nor armor gettest thou none of mine unless thou win them with thy hands.”
Then in great wrath they came together as it had been thunder. When they had fought for an hour and a half the Black Knight fell down off his horse in a swoon and there he died. And Beaumains armed him in his armor and took his horse and rode after the damsel.
When she saw him come nigh, she said, “Away, kitchen boy, for the smell of thy clothes grieveth me. Alas, that a kitchen boy should by mishap slay so good a knight as thou hast done.”
“I warn you, fair damsel,” said Beaumains, “that I will not flee away nor leave your company for all that ye can say; ride on your way, for follow you I will, whatsoever happen.”
Thus as they rode together they saw a knight come driving by them all in green, both his horse and his armor, and when he came nigh the damsel, he asked her, “Is that my brother, the Black Knight, that ye have brought with you?”
“Nay, nay,” she said, “this kitchen boy hath slain your brother.”
“Ah! traitor,” said the Green Knight, “thou shalt die for slaying of my brother.”
“I defy thee,” said Beaumains, “for I slew him knightly and not shamefully.”
And then they ran together with all their might and fought a long while,and at last Beaumains gave the Green Knight such a buffet upon the helmet that he fell upon his knees. And then the Green Knight cried for mercy and prayed Sir Beaumains to slay him not.
“Fair Knight,” said the Green Knight, “save my life and I will forgive thee the death of my brother and forever be thy man, and thirty knights that follow me shall forever do you service.”
“Sir Knight,” said Beaumains, “all this availeth thee not unless this damsel speak with me for thy life.” And therewith he made a motion as if to slay him.
“Let be,” said the damsel, “slay him not, for if thou do thou shalt repent it.”
Then Beaumains said, “Sir Knight, I release thee at this damsel’s request.”
And then the Green Knight kneeled down and did him homage with his sword, and he said, “Ye shall lodge with me this night, and tomorrow I shall help you through this forest.” So they took their horses and rode to his manor.
And ever the damsel rebuked Beaumains and would not allow him to sit at her table. “I marvel,” said the Green Knight, “why ye rebuke this noble knight as ye do, for I warn you, damsel, he is a full noble knight and I know no knight is able to match him; therefore you do great wrong to rebuke him.”
And on the morrow they took their horses and rode on their way, and the Green Knight said, “My lord Beaumains, I and these thirty knights shall be always at your summons both early and late.”
“It is well said,” said Beaumains; “when I call upon you ye must yield you unto King Arthur and all your knights.”
“If ye so command us, we shall be ready at all times,” said the Green Knight. So then departed the Green Knight.
So within a while they saw a town as white as any snow, and the lord of the tower was in his castle and looked out at a window and saw a damsel and a knight. So he armed him hastily. And when he was on horseback,it was all red, both his horse and his armor. And when he came nigh he thought it was his brother, the Black Knight, and he cried aloud, “Brother,what do ye here?”
“Nay, nay,” said the damsel, “it is not he. This is but a kitchen boy. He hath killed thy brother, the Black Knight. Also I saw thy brother, the Green Knight, overcome by him. Now may ye be revenged on him.”
With this the knights came together with all their might and to fought furiously for two hours, so that it was wonder to see that strong battle. Yet at the last, Sir Beaumains struck the Red Knight to the earth. And the Red Knight cried mercy, saying, “Noble knight, slay me not, and I shall yield me to thee with sixty knights that be at my command. And I forgive thee all thou hast done to me, and the death of my brother, the Black Knight.”
“All this availeth not,” said Beaumains, “unless the damsel pray me to save thy life.” And therewith he made a motion as if to slay him.
“Let be,” said the damsel; “slay him not, for he is a noble knight.”
Then Beaumains bade the Red Knight stand up, and the Red Knight prayed them to see his castle and rest there that night. And upon the morn he came before Beaumains with his three score knights and offered him his homage and service.
“I thank you,” said Beaumains, “but this ye shall grant me: to come before my lord King Arthur and yield you unto him to be his knight, when I call upon you.”
“Sir,” said the Red Knight, “I will be ready at your summons.”
So Sir Beaumains departed and the damsel, and ever she rode chiding him.
“Damsel,” said Beaumains, “ye are uncourteous to rebuke me as ye do,for I have done you good service.”
“Well,” said she, “right soon ye shall meet a knight who shall pay thee all thy wages, for he is the greatest of the world, except King Arthur.”
And soon there was before them a city rich and fair, and between them and the city there was a fair meadow and therein were many pavilions fair to behold.
“Lo,” said the damsel, “yonder is a lord that owneth yonder city and his custom is, when the weather is fair, to just in this meadow. And ever there be about him five hundred knights and gentlemen of arms.”
“That goodly lord,” said Beaumains, “would I fain behold.”
“Thou shalt see him time enough,” said the damsel, and so as she rode near she saw the pavilion where he was. “Lo,” said she, “seest thou yonder pavilion that is all blue of color, and the lord’s name is Sir Persant, the lordliest knight that ever thou lookedst on?”
“It may well be,” said Beaumains, “but be he never so stout a knight, in this field I shall abide until I see him.”
“Sir,” she said, “I marvel what thou art; boldly thou speakest and boldly thou hast done, that have I seen; therefore I pray thee save thyself, for thou and thy horse are weary, and here I dread me sore lest ye catch some hurt.But I must tell you that Sir Persant is nothing in might unto the knight that laid the siege about my lady.”
“As for that,” said Sir Beaumains, “since I have come so nigh this knight,I will prove his might before I depart from him.”
“Oh,” said the damsel, “I marvel what manner of man ye be, for so shamefully did never woman treat knight as I have done you, and ever courteously ye have borne it. Alas, Sir Beaumains, forgive me all that I have said or done against thee.”
“With all my heart,” said he, “I forgive you, and now I think there is no knight living but I am able enough for him.”
When Sir Persant saw them in the field, he sent to them to know whether Beaumains came in war or in peace.
“Say to thy lord,” said Beaumains, “that shall be as he pleases.”
And so Sir Persant rode against him, and his armor and trappings were blue, and Beaumains saw him and made him ready, and their horses rushed together and they fought two hours and more. And at the last Beaumains smote Sir Persant that he fell to the earth. Then Sir Persant yielded him and asked mercy. With that came the damsel and prayed to save his life.
“I will gladly,” said Beaumains, “for it were pity this noble knight should die.”
“Now this shall I do to please you,” said Sir Persant, “ye shall have homage of me and an hundred knights to be always at your command.”
And so they went to Sir Persant’s pavilion to rest that night.
And on the morn the damsel and Sir Beaumains took their leave.
“Fair damsel,” said Sir Persant, “whither are ye leading this knight?”
“Sir,” she said, “this knight is seeking to rescue my sister, Dame Liones,who is besieged in the Castle Perilous.”
“Ah,” said Sir Persant, “she is besieged by the Red Knight to of the Red Lands, a man that is without mercy, and men say that he hath seven men’s strength. He hath been well nigh two years at this siege and he prolongeth the time, hoping to have Sir Lancelot to do battle with him, or Sir Tristam,or Sir Lamorak, or Sir Gawain.”
“My lord, Sir Persant,” said the damsel, “I require that ye make this gentleman a knight before he fight the Red Knight.”
“I will with all my heart,” said Sir Persant, “if it please him to take the order of knighthood from so simple a man as I am.”
“Sir,” said Beamnains, “I thank you for your goodwill, but the noble knight Sir Lancelot made me knight.”
“Ah,” said Sir Persant, “of a more renowned knight might ye not be made knight, for of all knights he may be called chief of knighthood; and so all the world saith that amongst three knights is knighthood divided. Sir Lancelot, Sir Tristam, and Sir Lamorak. Therefore, God speed ye well, for if ye conquer the Red Knight, ye shall be called the fourth of the world.”
“Sir,” said Beaumains, “I would fain be of good fame and knighthood and I will tell you both who I am. Truly then, my name is Gareth of Orkney, and King Lot was my father, and my mother is King Arthur’s sister, and Sir Gawain is my brother and Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and I am youngest of them all. And yet know not King Arthur nor Sir Gawain who I am.”
The lady that was besieged had word of her sister’s coming by the dwarf,and also how the knight who was coming to her rescue had passed all the perilous passages.
“Dwarf,” said the lady, “I am glad of these things. Go thou unto my sister and greet her well and commend me unto that gentle knight and pray him to eat and to drink and make him strong, and say ye that I thank him for his courtesy and goodness.”
So the dwarf departed and told Sir Beaumains all as ye have heard and returned to the castle again. And there met him the Red Knight of the Red Lands who asked him where he had been.
“Sir,” said the dwarf, “I have been with my lady’s sister of this castle, and she hath been at King Arthur’s court and brought a knight with her.”
“Then I count her labor but lost, for though she had brought with her Sir Lancelot, Sir Tristam, Sir Lamorak, or Sir Gawain, I would think myself good enough for them all.”
“It may well be,” said the dwarf, “but this knight hath passed all the perilous passages and slain the Black Knight and won the Green Knight, the Red Knight, and the Blue Knight.”
“Then is he one of the four that I have named.”
“He is none of those,” said the dwarf.
“What is his name?” asked the Red Knight.
“That will I not tell you,” said the dwarf.
“I care not,” said the Red Knight, “what knight soever he be, he shall have a shameful death as many others have had.”
And then Beaumains and the damsel came to a plain and saw many tents and a fair castle, and as they came near they saw hanging upon great trees nigh forty goodly armed knights.
“Fair sir,” said the damsel, “all these knights came to this siege to rescue my sister, and when the Red Knight of the Red Lands had overcome them,he put them to this shameful death without mercy or pity.”
“Truly,” said Beaumains, “he useth shameful customs and it is marvel that none of the noble knights of my lord Arthur have dealt with him.”
And there was near by a sycamore tree and there hung a horn, and this Red Knight had hanged it up there, that if there came any errant knight he must blow that horn and then he would make him ready and come to him to do battle.
“Sir, I pray you,” said the damsel, “blow ye not the horn till it be later in the day, for his strength increaseth until noon, and at this time men say he hath seven men’s strength.”
“Ah, for shame, fair damsel, say ye so nevermore to me, for I will win honorably, or die knightly in the field.”
Therewith he blew the horn so eagerly that the castle rang with the sound.
Then the Red Knight armed him hastily, and all was blood red, his armor,spear, and shield.
“Sir,” said the damsel, “yonder is your deadly enemy and at yonder window is my sister.”
With that the Red Knight of the Red Lands called to Sir Beaumains, “Sir Knight, I warn thee that for this lady I have done many strong battles.”
“If thou hast so done,” said Beaumains, “it was but waste labor, and know, thou Red Knight of the Red Lands, I will rescue her or die.”
Then Sir Beaumains bade the damsel go from him, and then they put their spears in their rests and came together with all their might.
Then they fought till it was past noon and when they had rested a while they returned to the battle till evening, but at last Sir Beaumains smote the sword out of the Red Knight’s hand and smote him on the helmet, so that he fell to the earth.
Then the Red Knight said in a loud voice, “O noble knight, I yield me to thy mercy.”
But Sir Beaumains said, “I may not with honor save thy life, for the shameful deaths thou hast caused many good knights to die.”
“Sir,” said the Red Knight, “hold your hand and ye shall know the causes why I put them to so shameful a death.”
“Say on,” said Sir Beaumains.
“Sir, a lady prayed me that I would make her a promise by the faith of my knighthood that I would labor daily in arms, until I met Sir Lancelot or Sir Gawain, who, she said, had slain her brother, and this is the cause that I have put all these knights to death. And now I will tell thee that every day my strength increaseth till noon and all this time have I seven men’s strength.”
Then there came many earls and barons and noble knights and prayed Sir Beaumains to save his life.
“Sir,” they said, “it were fairer to take homage and let him hold his lands of you than to slay him; by his death ye shall have no advantage,and his misdeeds that be done may not be undone, and therefore he shall make amends to all parties and we all will become your men and do you homage.’’
“Fair lords,” said Beaumains, “I am loath to slay this knight; nevertheless he hath done shamefully, but insomuch as all that he did was at a lady’s request, I will release him upon this condition, that he go within the castle and yield him to the lady, and if she will forgive him, I will; and also when that is done that he go unto the court of King Arthur and there ask Sir Lancelot mercy and Sir Gawain, for the evil will he hath had against them.”
“Sir,” said the Red Knight, “all this will I do even as ye command.”
And so within a while the Red Knight went into the castle and promised to make amends for all that had been done against the lady. And then he departed unto the court of King Arthur and told openly how he was overcome and by whom.
Then said King Arthur and Sir Gawain, “We marvel much of what blood he is come, for he is a noble knight.”
“He is come of full noble blood,” said Sir Lancelot, “and as for his might and hardiness, there be but few now living so mighty as he is.”
So leave we Sir Beaumains and turn we unto King Arthur, that at the next feast of Pentecost held his feast, and there came the Green Knight with thirty knights and yielded them all unto King Arthur. And so there came the Red Knight, his brother, and yielded him unto King Arthur and threescore knights with him. Also there came the Blue Knight, brother to them, with an hundred knights and yielded them unto King Arthur.
These three brethren told King Arthur how they were overcome by a knight that a damsel had with her and called Beaumains.
“I wonder,” said the King, “what knight he is and of what lineage he is come.”
So, right as the King stood talking with these three brothers, there came Sir Lancelot and told the King that there was come a goodly lord and six hundred knights with him.
Then this lord saluted the King.
“Sir,” he said, “my name is the Red Knight of the Red Lands, and here I am sent by a knight that is called Beaumains, for he won me in battle hand for hand.”
“Ye are welcome,” said the King, “for ye have long been a great foe to me and my court, and now I trust to God I shall so treat you that ye shall be my friends.”
“Sir, both I and these knights shall always be at your summons to do you service.”
“Then I shall make thee a knight of the Table Round, but thou must be no more a murderer.”
“Sir, as to that, I have promised Sir Beaumains nevermore to use such customs and I must go unto Sir Lancelot and to Sir Gawain and ask them forgiveness of the evil will I had unto them.”
“They be here now,” said the King, “before thee; now may ye say to them what ye will.”
And then he kneeled down unto Sir Lancelot and Sir Gawain and prayed for forgiveness for the enmity that he had against them.
So then they went to meat, and as they sat at the meat there came in the Queen of Orkney with ladies and knights, a great number. And then Sir Gawain, Sir Agravaine, and Sir Gaheris arose and went to her and saluted her upon their knees and asked her blessing, for in fifteen years they had not seen her.
Then she spake to her brother. King Arthur, “Where is my young son, Sir Gareth? He was here a twelvemonth, and ye made a kitchen boy of him, which is shame to you all. Alas, where is my dear son that was my joy and my bliss?”
“O dear mother,” said Sir Gawain, “I knew him not.” “Nor I,” said the King, “but thank God he is proved an honorable knight as any now living of his years, and I shall never be glad until I find him.”
“Ah, brother,” said the Queen, “ye did yourself great shame when you kept my son in the kitchen.”
“Fair sister,” said the King, “I knew him not, nor did Sir Gawain. Also,sister, ye might have told me of his coming and then, if I had not done well to him, ye might have blamed me. For when he came to my court, he asked me three gifts and one he asked the same day; that was, that I would give him meat enough for that twelvemonth, and the other two gifts he asked that day a twelvemonth, and that was that he might have the adventure for the damsel, and the third was that Sir Lancelot should make him knight when he desired him. And so I granted him all his desire.”
“Sir,” said the Queen, “I sent him to you well armed and horsed, and with gold and silver plenty to spend.”
“It may be,” said the King, “but thereof saw we none, save the day he departed from us, when knights told me there came a dwarf hither suddenly and brought him armor and a good horse, and thereat we all had marvel from whence those riches came.”
“Brother,” said the Queen, “all that ye say I believe, but I marvel that Sir Kay did mock and scorn him and gave him that name Beaumains.”
“By the grace of God,” said Arthur, “he shall be found, so let all this pass and be merry, for he is proved to be a man of honor, and that is my joy.”
Then said Sir Gawain and his brethren to Arthur, “Sir, if ye will give us leave, we will go and seek our brother.”
“Nay,” said Sir Lancelot, “that shall ye not need, for by my advice the King shall send unto Dame Liones a messenger and pray that she will come to the court in all haste, and then she may give you best counsel where to find him.”
“That is well said of you,” said the King.
So the messenger was sent forth, and night and day he went until he came to the Castle Perilous. And the lady was there with her brother and Sir Gareth. When she understood the message she went and told them how King Arthur had sent for her.
“That is because of me,” said Sir Gareth. “I pray you do not let them know where I am. I know my mother is there and all my brethren and they will take upon them to seek me.”
So the lady departed and came to King Arthur, where she was nobly received, and there she was questioned by the King. And she answered that she could not tell where Sir Gareth was. But she said to Arthur, “Sir, I will have a tournament proclaimed to take place before my castle and the proclamation shall be this: that you, my lord Arthur, shall be there and your knights; and I will provide that my knights shall be against yours, and then I am sure ye shall hear of Sir Gareth.”
“That is well advised,” said King Arthur, and so she departed.
When the Lady Liones returned to her home, she told what she had done and the promise she had made to King Arthur. Then Sir Gareth sent unto Sir Persant, the Blue Knight, and summoned him and his knights. Then he sent unto the Red Knight and charged him that he be ready with all his knights.
Then the Red Knight answered and said, “Sir Gareth, ye shall understand that I have been at the court of King Arthur, and Sir Persant and his brethren, and there we have done our homage as ye commanded us. Also,I have taken upon me with Sir Persant and his brethren to hold part against my lord, Sir Lancelot, and the knights of that court. And this have I done for the love of you, my lord Sir Gareth.”
“Ye have well done,” said Sir Gareth, “but you must know you shall be matched with the most noble knights of the world; therefore we must provide us with good knights, wherever we may get them.”
So the proclamation was made in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and in Brittany, that men should come to the Castle Perilous and all the knights should have the choice whether to be on the one party with the knights of the castle or on the other party with King Arthur. And so there came many good knights and chose to be on the side of the castle and against King Arthur and his knights.
And there came with King Arthur many kings, princes, earls, barons,and other noble knights. Then Sir Gareth prayed Dame Liones and the Red Knight and Sir Persant that none should tell his name and that they should make no more of him than of the least knight that was there.
Upon the day of the tournament the heralds sounded the trumpets to call the knights to the field. After many noble knights had encountered.Sir Gareth came upon the field. All the knights that encountered him were overthrown.
“That knight is a good knight,” said King Arthur.
Wherefore the King called unto him Sir Lancelot and prayed him to encounter with that knight.
“Sir,” said Lancelot, “when a good knight doth so well upon some day, it is no good knight’s part to prevent him from receiving honor, and therefore,as for me, this day he shall have the honor; though it lay in my power to hinder him, I would not.”
Then betwixt many knights there was strong battle, and marvelous deeds of arms were done. And two knights, who were brothers, assailed Sir Lancelot at once, and he, as the noblest knight of the world, fought with them both, so that all men wondered at the nobility of Sir Lancelot. And then came in Sir Gareth and knew that it was Sir Lancelot that fought with the two strong knights. So Sir Gareth came with his good horse and hurled them apart, and no stroke would he smite Sir Lancelot.
Sir Lancelot saw this and thought it must be the good knight Sir Gareth,and Sir Gareth rode here and there and smote on the right hand and on the left hand, so that all men said he best did his duty.
“Now go,” said King Arthur unto the heralds, “and ride about him and see what manner of knight he is, for I have inquired of many knights this day that be of his party, and all say they know him not.”
And so a herald rode as near Sir Gareth as he could and there he saw written upon his helmet in gold, “Sir Gareth of Orkney.” Then the herald cried and many heralds with him, “This is Sir Gareth of Orkney.” Then all the Kings and knights pressed to behold him, and ever the heralds cried,“This is Sir Gareth of Orkney, King Lot’s son.”
When Sir Gareth saw that he was known, then he doubled his strokes and with great difficulty made his way out of the crowd, and rode into the forest. And then fell there a thunder and rain as though heaven and earth should go together.
Sir Gareth was not a little weary, for all that day he had but little rest,neither his horse nor he, and he rode in the forest until night came. And ever it lightened and thundered but at last by fortune he came to a castle.
Then Sir Gareth rode into the courtyard of the castle and prayed the porter to let him in. The porter answered, “Thou gettest no lodging here.”
“Fair sir, say not so, for I am a knight of King Arthur’s, and pray the lord or the lady of this castle to give me lodging for the love of King Arthur.”
Then the porter went unto the lady and told her there was a knight of King Arthur’s would have lodging.
“Let him enter,” said the lady, “for King Arthur’s sake.”
Then she went up into a tower over the gate with a great torchlight. When Sir Gareth saw the light he cried aloud, “Whether thou be lord or lady, giant or champion, I care not, so that I may have lodging this night; and if it so be that I must fight, spare me not tomorrow when I have rested, for both I and mine horse be weary.”
“Sir knight,” said the lady, “thou speakest knightly and boldly, but the lord of this castle loveth not King Arthur nor his court, and hath been against him for many years; therefore thou were better not to come within this castle, for if thou come in this night, then wherever thou meet my lord,thou must yield thee to him as prisoner.”
“Madam,” said Sir Gareth, “what is your lord’s name?”
“Sir, my lord’s name is the Duke de la Rowse.”
“Well, madam,” said Sir Gareth, “I promise you that in whatever place I meet your lord, I shall yield me unto him and to his good grace, if I understand he will do me no harm; and if I understand that he will, I will release myself if I can, with my spear and my sword.”
“Ye say well,” said the lady, and then she let the drawbridge down and he rode into the hall and there he alit, and his horse was led into a stable.And in the hall he unarmed him and said, “Madam, I will not go out of this hall this night, and when it is daylight, whoever will fight me shall find me ready.”
Then was he set unto supper and had many good dishes, and so when he had supped, he rested him all night. And on the morn he took his leave and thanked the lady for her lodging and good cheer, and then she asked him his name.
“Madam,” he said, “truly my name is Gareth of Orkney and some men call me Beaumains.”
So Sir Gareth departed and by fortune he came to a mountain and there he found a goodly knight, who said, “Abide, sir knight, and just with me.”
“What are ye called?” said Sir Gareth.
“My name is the Duke de la Rowse.”
“Ah, sir, I lodged in your castle and there I made promise unto your lady that I should yield me unto you.”
“Ah,” said the duke, “art thou that proud knight that offerest to fight with my knights? Make thee ready, for I will fight with you.”
So they did battle together more than an hour, and at last Sir Gareth smote the duke to earth and the duke yielded to him.
“Then must ye go,” said Sir Gareth, “unto King Arthur, my lord, at the next feast and say that I, Sir Gareth of Orkney, sent you unto him.”
“It shall be done,” said the duke, “and I will do homage to you, and a hundred knights with me, and all the days of my life do you service wherever you command me.”
So the duke departed and Sir Gareth stood there alone and then he saw an armed knight coming toward him. Then Sir Gareth mounted upon his horse and they ran together as it had been thunder. And so they fought two hours.At last came the damsel who rode with Sir Gareth so long, and she cried, “Sir Gawain, Sir Gawain, leave thy fighting with thy brother Sir Gareth.”
And when he heard her say so, he threw away his shield and his sword and ran to Sir Gareth and took him in his arms and then kneeled down and asked for mercy.
“Who are ye,” said Sir Gareth, “that right now were so strong and so mighty and now so suddenly yield you to me?”
“O Gareth, I am your brother, Gawain, that for your sake have had great sorrow and labor.”
Then Sir Gareth unlaced his helmet and kneeled down to him and asked for mercy. Then they rose and embraced each other and wept a great while and either of them gave the other the prize of the battle. And there were many kind words between them.
“Alas, my fair brother,” said Sir Gawain, “I ought of right to honor you,if ye were not my brother, for ye have honored King Arthur and all his court, for ye have sent him more honorable knights this twelvemonth than six of the best of the Round Table have done except Sir Lancelot.”
Then the damsel went to King Arthur, who was but two miles thence.And when she told him of Sir Gawain and Sir Gareth, the King mounted a horse and bade the lords and ladies come after, who that would, and there was saddling and bridling of queens’ horses and princes’ horses, and well was it for him that was soonest ready.
And when the King came nigh Sir Gareth, he made great joy and ever he wept as if he were a child. With that came Gareth’s mother and when she saw Gareth she might not weep, but suddenly fell down in a swoon and lay there a great while, as if she were dead. And then Sir Gareth comforted his mother in such wise that she recovered and made good cheer.
Then made Sir Lancelot great cheer of Sir Gareth, and he of him, for there was never knight that Sir Gareth loved so well as he did Sir Lancelot,and ever for the most part he would be in Sir Lancelot’s company.
And this Sir Gareth was a noble knight and a well-ruled and fairlanguaged.
wroth : angry
proffer : to offer
chid : found fault
rebuke : scold, blame
A) Answer the following questions.
1) What classes of people are mentioned in the story?
2) Did the people of all classes have equal opportunities?
3) Why do you think Gareth wished to keep his name and rank a secret?
4) By what test should the conduct of a person be judged?
5) How did Arthur, Lancelot, and Gawain judge Gareth?
6) What are some examples that show Gareth’s great character?
7) Why did Arthur begin the Knights of the Round Table?
8) Is it necessary to become a member of such an order if one wishes to right wrongs?
B) Who is it? Using the clues, name the characters from the story.
1) She was the Queen of Orkney - Gareth’s m _ _ _ _
2) He asked King Arthur for three gifts - B _ _ _ _ _ _ _
3) He took all his knights to a tournament - King A _ _ _ _
4) He was Sir Gareth’s brother - Sir G _ _ _ _
5) He earned his knighthood through ability - Sir G _ _ _ _
C) Summary — Write a short summary of this story.