be in Messire Gawain's company. In
truth, he is the King in the world that I love best."

The damsel looketh at King Arthur, but wotteth not a whir that it is
he, and full well is she pleased with the seeming and countenance of
him. As for the King, lightly might he have trusted that he should
have her as his lady-love so long as he remained with her; but there is
much to say betwixt his semblant and his thought, for he showeth good
semblant toward the damsel, that hath over much affiance therein, but
his thought is on Queen Guenievre in what place soever he may be. For
nought loveth he so well as her.

VI.

The damsels made stable the horses and purvey for the bodies of the
knights right richly at night, and they lay in two right rich beds in
the midst of the hall, and their arms were all set ready before. The
damsels would not depart until such time as they were asleep. The
harness of the knights that came to the assembly came on the morrow
from all parts. They set up their booths and stretched their tents all
round about the launde of the forest. King Arthur and Messire Gawain
were risen in the morning and saw the knights come from all parts. The
elder damsel cometh to Messire Gawain and saith unto him, "Sir," saith
she, "I will that you bear to-day red arms that I will lend you, for
the love of me, and take heed that they be well employed, and I desire
that you should not be known by your arms; rather let it be said that
you are the Red Knight, and you shall allow it accordingly."

"Damsel, Gramercy greatly!" saith Messire Gawain, "I will do my
endeavour in arms the best I may for love of you."

The younger damsel cometh to King Arthur; "Sir," saith she, "My sister
hath made her gift and I will make mine. I have a suit of arms of
gold, the richest that knight may wear, that I will lend you, for
methinketh they will be better employed on you than on ever another
knight; so I pray you that you remember me at the assembly in like
manner as I shall ofttimes remember you."

VII.

"Damsel," saith the King, "Gramercy! No knight is there that should
see you but ought to have you in remembrance in his heart for your
courtesy and your worth."

The knights were come about the tents. The King and Messire Gawain
were armed and had made caparison their horses right richly. The
damsel that should give the Golden Circlet was come. Nabigant of the
Rock had brought great fellowships of knights together with