🧚 Opening, part 11 · page 2

Then Sir Gariët gave courteous greeting to one whom he met, and asked who were this folk, and wherefore they fled thus in haste?44 And the goodman answered straight-way: "They deem that all is lost; the King cometh hither to this castle that standeth here, and the people of the land know not what they may do, they must lose their goods and all they possess.45 Here hath a great misfortune chanced, the ordeal hath gone over us; King Arthur hath been taken captive and we know not where he may be, he was waylaid and betrayed in a forest, whither he went to hunt, and we saw him never more.46 The King of Ireland hath seized upon all this land, he who would save his life must perforce yield to him, for he hath with him a mighty army and our folk are defenceless.47 We lack leaders--Sir Gawain and Sir Lancelot have both of them left the land, and thereof hath great shame come to us--we are without king, or leaders, or counsel."48

Quoth Morien: "This castle that standeth here, is there yet any man within?"49

The goodman said: "I tell ye there are ten knights within (and they have naught but death before them), and a great company of foot soldiers.50 Now must they reap that mischance which hath fallen upon the land.51 They might well have held the castle for a year to come, so strong is it, and they have within weapons and victuals, and men enough for the defence--it might scarce be taken by force so long as they had food, nor might any man lightly make his way therein.52 But methinks God hath forsaken us.53 The king hath sworn an oath that if need be he will besiege the castle seven years, and all they who withstand him, and whom he shall find within at his coming thither, shall lose their lives; this hath he made known to them.54 And their wives and their children, though their lives be spared, shall be deprived of their goods and their heritage.55 Thus, since we may not hope for aid, we are forsaking the castle and taking to flight."56

Quoth Sir Gawain: "Good friend, God reward ye for your tidings."57

Then Sir Gawain bethought him that 'twere best they rode within the castle which was a fair burg, and strong; and that they should there greet the knights and strangers who might be within, bidding them trust in God that He would bring their matter to a good ending.58 The knights were right well received, for all knew them well, and made great rejoicing over the coming of Sir Gawain and Sir Lancelot.59 Then did Sir Gawain give them to wit of the good knight Sir Morien, what he had done for them, and how he was one of the best knights the sun ever shone upon.60 Thus spake Sir Gawain.61

Then said Sir Morien: "'Tis good that we abide here within, and brave the venture for the sake of the king our lord. '62 Twere a sin and a disgrace to yield up the castle, we should better adventure our lives and see the matter to an end."63

Sir Gawain and Sir Lancelot took up the word and said: "He who faileth his king 'tis right that men speak shame of him thereafter throughout the world.64 Would ye have good fortune ye must await what cometh, and I have good hope that heaven shall shortly send us help.65 Here may we well win fame for ourselves and uphold the honour of our lord King Arthur.66 Though he be now a captive yet, an God will, he shall escape.67 My heart and my mind fore-tell me that will we but hold out here within it shall be to our honour!"68

Thus did Sir Gawain and Sir Lancelot admonish them, even as I tell ye, and when they had hearkened to their words those who were within, and had thought to depart, when they knew what was the mind of those knights, sware that never a knight nor squire, nor man-at-arms would give himself up, or forsake that good castle.69 Morien's counsel seemed to them good, and although he were not fair to look upon yet when he stood upon his feet it seemed to them that had he the chance he might put to the rout a whole army!70 Each man there gave his surety to abide with them at that time, nor to surrender through fear of death, but to hearken to other counsel.71

When all had sworn the oath, and given surety, then did they shut fast the portals upon all their food and all the aid they might win against the king and his army who were nigh at hand.72

Ere the day darkened came the king himself, in great wrath, and with him many knights who belonged to his household, and many other folk, warlike to behold, and came even to the castle.73 Then the king demanded of those who were within if they would yield up the burg, and thus save their lives.74 And they within answered that so long as life remained to them they would not give up the castle, or betray their rightful lord.75 Then swore the king an oath that an they yielded them not up straight-way they should in no wise escape the uttermost that he might do unto them.76 But for that they cared little, and made them ready for the defence.77 They thought to remain upon the battlements, and throw from the castle stones so great and so heavy that the king should be driven from the walls out on to the open field where he had pitched his tents.78

With that had the night fallen, and they who had come into the land set up tents and pavilions, and would lodge in the green-wood.79 When they of within saw that they took counsel together, and said did they leave them in peace that night the king would, doubtless, send for a greater force of knights and other folk, and assemble a mighty army, and it were better that they should now adventure themselves, and ride forth from the castle ere they were yet more outnumbered.80 Hereof had they bethought them ere yet they came to counsel.81

Sir Lancelot spake thus: "Flee we may not, nor dare we hope for aid, nor may we surrender the castle; in this way shall we profit better."82 Thus were they that night within the castle, neither with game nor with revel, but they held together as true knights and good comrades.83 They ate and drank of such victuals as they had, and never a man of them wavered as it drew nigh to the dawning; they were fain to do great deeds; each looked to his armour as one who will fight for his life, and gave his steed a feed of corn.84