essire Gawain sithence tofore I entered into this
hermitage. But you have fallen into sore hatred on account of the four
robbers that were knights whom you hanged. For their kinsmen are
searching for you in this forest and in other, and are thieves like as
were the others, and they have their hold in this forest, wherein they
bestow their robberies and plunder. Wherefore I pray you greatly be on
your guard against them."

"So will I," saith Lancelot, "please God."

He lay the night in the hermitage, and departeth on the morrow after
that he hath heard mass and prayeth God grant he may find Perceval or
Messire Gawain. He goeth his way amidst the strange forests until that
he cometh to a strong castle that was builded right seemly. He Looketh
before him and seeth a knight that was issued thereout, and was riding
a great pace on a strong destrier, and carded a bird on his fist toward
the forest.

II.

When he saw Lancelot coming he drew up. "Sir," saith he, "Be welcome."

"Good adventure to you," saith Lancelot. "What castle is this?"

"Sir, it is the Castle of the Golden Circlet. And I go to meet the
knights and dames that come to the castle, for this day is the day
ordained for the adoration of the Golden Circlet."

"What is the Golden Circlet?" saith Lancelot.

"Sir, it is the Crown of Thorns," saith the knight, "that the Saviour
of the world had on His head when He was set upon the Rood. Wherefore
the Queen of this castle hath set it in gold and precious stones in
such sort that the knights and dames of this kingdom come to behold it
once in the year. But it is said that the knight that was first at the
Graal shall conquer it, and therefore is no strange knight allowed to
enter. But, so please you, I will lead you to mine own hold that is in
this forest."

"Right great thanks," saith Lancelot, "But as yet it is not time to
take lodging."

He taketh leave of the knight, and so departeth and looketh at the
castle, and saith that in right great worship should the knight be held
that by the valour of his chivalry shall conquer so noble a hallow as
is the Golden Circlet when it is kept safe in a place so strong. He
goeth his way right amidst the forest, and looketh forth before him and
seeth coming the damsel that hath the knight carried in the litter for
the dead.

"Damsel," saith Lancelot, "Be welcome."

"Sir, God give you good adventure! Sir," saith the damsel, "Greatly
ought I to hate the kn