fain am
I to find him, for, maugre what any may say, I may scarce believe that
he is so bad after all."

"Sir," saith Lancelot, "I will seek him for you, and you can come along
with me and it seemeth you good."

Meliot of Logres betaketh him back with Lancelot. They ride until they
happen by chance upon the Waste Manor where the King and Messire Gawain
were lodged; and they were armed, and were minded to go forth from
thence. But the seven knights guarded the issue, all armed. The King
and Messire Gawain saw that no good would it do them to remain there
within, wherefore they passed over the bridge and came perforce to the
place where the seven knights were watching for them. Thereupon, they
went toward them all armed and struck among them, and the knights
received them on the points of their lances.

XIX.

Thereupon, behold you! Lancelot and the knight with him, whom they had
not been looking for. Lancelot espied the King and Messire Gawain;
then the knights cried out and struck among them as a hawk striketh
amongst larks, and made them scatter on one side and the other.
Lancelot hath caught one at his coming, and smiteth him with his spear
through the body, and Meliot of Logres slayeth another. King Arthur
knew Lancelot, and right glad was he to see him safe and sound, as was
Messire Gawain likewise. Lancelot and Meliot of Logres made clear the
passage for them. The knights departed, for longer durst they not
abide. The damsel of the castle held a squire by the hand, that was
right passing comely. She knew Lancelot, and when she saw him she
called him.

XX.

"Lancelot, you slew this squire's brother, and, please God, either he
or another shall take vengeance thereof."

Lancelot holdeth his peace when he heareth the dame speak, and
departeth from the Waste Hold. Meliot of Logres knew Messire Gawain
and Messire Gawain him again, and great joy made they the one of the
other.

"Sir," saith Meliot, "I am come to lay plaint before you of Nabigant of
the Rock that challengeth me of the land whereof I am your man, and
saith that he will defend it against none but you only. Sir, the day
is full nigh, and if you come not to the day, I shall have lost my
quarrel, and you held me thereof in covenant what time I became your
man."

"Right fainly will I go," saith Messire Gawain.

He goeth his way thither accordingly by leave of the King and Lancelot,
and saith that he will return to them the speediest