damsels marvelled much thereof, as did the damsel herself
to whom the brachet made such joy, for never since that he was brought
into the hall had they seen him rejoice of any. The Queen asked her
whether she knew him.

"Certes, Lady, no, for never, so far as I know, have I seen him before."

The brachet will not leave her, but will be always on her lap, nor can
she move anywhither but he followeth her. The damsel is long time in
the court in this manner, albeit as she that had sore need of succour
she remained in the chapel every day after that the Queen was come
forth, and wept right tenderly before the image of the Saviour, and
prayed right sweetly that His Mother would counsel her, for that she
had been left in sore peril of losing her castle. The Queen asked her
one day who her brother was.

"Lady," saith she, "one of the best knights of the world, whereof have
I heard witness. But he departed from my father's and mother's hostel
a right young squire. My father is since dead, and my Lady mother is
left without help and without counsel, wherefore hath a certain man
reaved her of her land and her castles and slain her men. The very
castle wherein she hath her hold would he have seized long agone had it
not been for Messire Gawain that made it be safe-guarded against her
enemies for a year. The term is now ended and my Lady mother is in
dread lest she shall lose her castle, for none other hold hath she.
Wherefore is it that she hath sent me to seek for my brother, for she
hath been told that he is a good knight, and for that I may not find
him am I come to this court to beseech of King Arthur succour of the
knight that shall bear away the shield, for I have heard tell that he
is the Best knight of the world; and, for the bounty that is in him
will he therefore have pity on me."

"Damsel," saith the Queen, "Would that you had found him, for great joy
would it be unto me that your mother were succoured, and God grant that
he that ought to bear the shield come quickly, and grant him courage
that he be fain to succour your mother."

"So shall he be, please God, for never was good knight that was without
pity."

III.

The Queen hath much pity of the damsel, for she was of right great
beauty, and well might it be seen by her cheer and her semblant that no
joy had she. She had told the Queen her name and the name of her
father and mother, and the Queen told her that many a time had she
heard tell of Alain