🧚 Opening, part 8

With that came the hermit into the chapel, and spake, and told them how he had heard tidings from pilgrims who had come thither that the Red Knight and his companions had but late ridden the road that led toward the sea coast, though he had marked it not; 'twas but yesterday he had been told thereof.1

Then spake the knight Morien and said by his troth he had even followed the hoof prints of horses that were but newly made till he came to where one must needs cross over the water; "and then did I lose all sign of their further track; but howsoever I might pray, or call upon those who lay there in their ships, when they saw me they were terrified as hares, and would tell me nought, the fools, of that I asked them!2 One and all fled, and put them out to sea.3 Methinks they were afraid of me.4 But by the faith that I owe to God and Our Lady, and the honour of knighthood, it shall avail them naught that they thus refuse me; I shall turn again from here, and otherwise take my way; may I but find on shore one of those who were there, and who belongeth to the ships, in sooth he were born in an evil hour!5 An he carry me not over the water I will thrust him through with my spear, or deal him such a stroke with my sword, that he shall fall dead upon the earth.6 My heart forbode me that he who went before me was my father!7 But in all my journey I met no living soul of whom I might ask aught.8 Then I began to wax fearful, for hunger beset me, and therein I found neither man nor woman, nor aught but heather and waste land wherein I was a stranger.9 No man might I see or hear, no wheat or barley grew there; 'tis the truth I tell ye, thither cometh no man save that he desire to cross the wide water in the ships that there lie ready.10 Thus had I my pain for naught.11 But whatsoe'er befall me since that I have heard from our host, that good man, that my father in sooth rode that way I shall follow hard after, if so be that I may but cross over, and will but await tomorrow's dawn.12 Since that I have heard he rideth not so far ahead I may well overtake him, an my steed, which is so swift, and strong, and good, foil me not!"13

"God speed ye!" quoth Sir Gawain.14 Such was indeed his counsel, and he sore lamented his own evil plight.15 But ill had it chanced with him; within the castle had they stolen from him his good sword wherewith he should defend himself.16 God give him shame who stole it!17 His saddle-girth, his stirrup-leathers, were cut midway through; as he thought to sit upon his steed they brake clean in twain, and left him standing upon his feet.18 This did Sir Gawain tell them there, even as ye have heard aforetime.19 If his heart were heavy when he took count of this, 'twas small marvel!20

Then did they wash Sir Gawain's limbs, and he himself searched his wounds.21 So good a leech might no man find since the day of Mother Eve as was Sir Gawain; whatever wound he tended, 'twas healed even as ye looked upon it!22

That night had they all the comfort that the hermit might prepare till that they saw the fair day dawn and the sun begin to rise.23 Sir Gawain was somewhat troubled, since he lacked alike arms and clothing: also his wounds, which were sore, pained him the more.24 Nor did there live any near at hand whom he knew, and who might give them what was lacking.25 Neither bread, meat, nor wine had they; naught remained to the hermit, he had given the knights all his store.26 Morien's heart was set upon following his father, and Sir Gawain was of a mind to ride in quest of Sir Lancelot, and learn how it had fared with him.27 He was loth to delay or abide there, for he would fain, so soon as he might ride, fare in search of his comrade.28 Yet must he tarry a day ere he might mount his steed, such was his stress from the wounds he had received--sooth, it was a marvel that he escaped!29 And now food had failed them, and that was a sore lack.30 Even had they money or pledge to offer there dwelt none that side of the border, as they too well knew, but their bitter foes, who had fain wrought them woe. '31 Twas seven miles and more hard riding, ere they might find village or fort in King Arthur's land.32 Hereof was Sir Gawain troubled.33 He might neither ride nor walk for his own aid.34 Thus both were ill at ease and sore oppressed.35

Morien was loth to remain, yet he thought it shame to forsake his comrade, Sir Gawain, and thus he abode with him in the chapel.36

Then as Morien stood by the window, it seemed to him that he saw a knight come riding in great haste, on a horse tall and swift; he was well armed, and seemed a goodly knight withal.37 Morien spake to Sir Gawain as he lay there. "38 What may this be?39 Here cometh a knight, and I know not whither he goeth!"40

Sir Gawain abode not still, but went as best he might to the window; he looked upon the knight, and deemed by his armour and the tokens whereby a man may be known of men, that 'twas his own brother, Sir Gariët, the son alike of his father and of his mother.41 He came riding, as one sore pressed, on that self-same road that led from Britain.42 The more Sir Gawain looked upon him the more he deemed he knew him; and when he came nigh to the Hermitage he knew well the arms that he bare.43 Then was Sir Gawain gladder at heart than I may tell ye, for Sir Gariët his brother, that strong and valiant knight, brought with him that of which they were sorely in need, bread and meat, and wine fresh and clear.44

'Twas sore need brought him hither, as ye shall now hear: They of Britain had lost King Arthur their lord, and were in sore danger of losing all their land, therefore had they sent Sir Gariët to seek Sir Gawain, and Sir Lancelot, since they twain were without peer, the most valiant knights of the court.45 Sir Perceval might well be accounted the third, but 'twas not for long that he practised knighthood; nevertheless he brought many into sore stress, even as ye have heard.46

When Sir Gariët had come before the hermitage, Sir Gawain came forth with haste from the chapel on to the road, as one who was blithe beyond measure when he beheld his brother; and he said, "God give ye good day, that ye come, brother, and that I see ye!47 Never was I so joyful of aught, since that I was born."48

Sir Gariët alighted on the turf when he saw his brother; and as he came nigh to him he took him in his arms saying: "Alas, brother, woe is me!49 How hath this so chanced?50 Methinks ye have suffered harm, and been in such sore strife that 'tis a marvel an ye be healed, and escape with life, ye seem to me in such evil case."51 Thus spake Sir Gariët.52 And Sir Gawain said, "I have never a limb but feeleth the smart of wounds, yet am I whole of heart, and shall heal myself right well.53 But let that tale be, and make known to me the errand upon which ye ride that ye be now come hither.54 Fain would I know the truth."55