🧚 Opening, part 3 · page 2

Then was there neither of the twain, Sir Gawain nor Sir Lancelot, but the tears fell from their eyes when they heard the knight's tale.45 Such pity had they for him, they waxed pale, and red, and discovered their faces, when they heard his plaint.46

Quoth Sir Lancelot: "By my good days, nevermore will I be wrathful, nor bear rancour against ye for any lack of courtesy; ye need no longer stand on guard against me, my heart is not evil towards ye, and we will counsel ye well."47

Then was the black knight blithe, and drew near to Sir Lancelot, and bared his head, which was black as pitch; that was the fashion of his land--Moors are black as burnt brands.48 But in all that men would praise in a knight was he fair; after his kind.49 Though he were black, what was he the worse?50 In him was naught unsightly; he was taller by half a foot than any knight who stood beside him, and as yet was he scarce more than a child!51 It pleased him so well when he heard them speak thus of Sir Agloval that he knelt him straightway on the earth; but Sir Gawain raised him up, and told him their tidings, how they were but as messengers, and belonged to the court of King Arthur, which was of high renown, and that they rode at that time seeking Sir Perceval and Sir Agloval, since the king desired them both. "52 And his mind is to see and speak with them; may we by any means persuade those noble knights we shall return straightway to the king's court, an it be so that they will ride with us (further will we not vaunt ourselves, 'tis of our good will, and their pleasure), thereby shall the king be the more honoured.53 They belong to the Round Table, and have done so of long time; both are of the king's court, and knights of high renown.54 Now an ye will work wisely, and shun your own harm, ye will mount, and ride to King Arthur's court, and delay not.55 I hope in God that Sir Agloval shall come thither within short space, or that ye shall hear tidings of him; for there come full oft tidings from afar.56 Go ye to court without tarrying, the king will receive ye well.57 Tell him, and give him to wit who ye be, and whence ye come, and the quest upon which ye ride; he will not let ye depart ere we come and bring with us your father, an God prosper us.58 Should ye ride thus through the land, and fight with every knight whom ye may meet, ye will need great good fortune to win every conflict without mischance or ill-hap!59 They who will be ever fighting, and ne'er avoid a combat, an they hold such custom for long, though at whiles they escape, yet shall they find their master, who will perforce change their mood!60 Now Sir Knight do our bidding, for your own honour's sake, and ride ye to court; grant us this grace, for ere ye have abode long time there I hope that ye shall behold your father or receive tidings of him.61 But till that time abide ye at the court, there shall ye be well at ease in many ways.62 Now promise us this; we shall seek your father, and may we find him, and God give us honour in our quest, then will we return as swiftly as may be, and rejoice ye and the king!"63

When the Moor heard these words he laughed with heart and mouth (his teeth were white as chalk, otherwise was he altogether black), and he spake, "God our Father reward ye, noble knights, for the good will and the honour ye have done me, and also for the great comfort wherewith ye have lightened mine heart that long hath been all too heavy.64 An my steed fail me not I shall ride whither ye bid me to this king whom ye praise so highly."65

With that he pledged to the knights hand and knighthood, and called God to witness that he would do their bidding, faithfully, and without dispute, so long as he might live.66

Then quoth Sir Lancelot: "Knight, an ye be in any need, when ye come into Arthur's land,--I ween 'tis all unknown to ye,--speak but of us twain whom ye see here and men shall do ye naught but honour and courtesy, where'er ye come, in any place.67 And when ye come to the king, ere ye tell him aught beside, say that ye have seen and have spoken with us; and trow me, without fail, ye shall be well received!"68 The Moor spake: "'Tis well said--God reward ye for this courtesy; but were it your will and pleasing to ye that I knew the names of ye two then i'sooth were I the blither withal!"69

Then straightway Sir Gawain did him to wit who they were, and how they were hight; and the Moor made no delay, but fell on his knees before them.70 Sir Gawain raised him up, but the Moor laid his hands together and spake, "God the Father of all, and Ruler of the World, grant that I may amend my misdoing to your honour.71 Sir Lancelot, very dear lord, I own myself right guilty, for I did evil, and naught else!"72

Sir Gawain spake: "Take ye not to heart that which has here chanced, it shall be naught the worse for ye."73

Sir Gawain and Sir Lancelot were both mounted upon their steeds.74 The Moor spake: "'Tis labour lost.75 Such good knights as ye be, since ye at this time fare to seek my father, by the power of our Lord I will not stay behind; 'twere shame an I did.76 I shall ride with ye twain!"77

Quoth Sir Gawain: "Then must ye lay aside all outrageousness, and ride peaceably on your way, and whatever knight shall meet ye, and greet ye courteously, him shall ye greet and let pass on his way without strife or contention; and be his friend an he hath done ye no wrong--this do I counsel ye straitly.78 But he that is fierce and fell towards ye or towards another, on him shall ye prove your prowess, and humble his pride, if ye may.79 And honour all women, and keep them from shame, first and last, as best ye may.80 Be courteous and of gentle bearing to all ye meet who be well-mannered toward ye, and he who hath no love for virtue against him spare neither sword, nor spear, nor shield!"81

The Moor spake: "Since that ye will it so, I will at your bidding forbear, otherwise might I rue it!82 May God be gracious to me."83