he may.

XXI.

King Arthur and Lancelot go their way as fast as they may toward the
land that was King Fisherman's. Messire Gawain rideth until he cometh
to the land of Nabigant of the Rock. Meliot doeth Nabigant to wit that
Messire Gawain was come, and that he was ready to uphold his right by
him that was his champion. Nabigant was whole of the wound he gat at
the assembly, and held Messire Gawain of full small account for the
cowardize that he saw him do, and bid his knights not meddle betwixt
them two, for, and Messire Gawain had been four knights he thought to
vanquish them all. He issueth forth of his castle all armed, and is
come there where Messire Gawain awaited him. Messire Gawain seeth him
coming, and so draweth on one side, and Nabigant, that was stark
outrageous, setteth his spear in rest and cometh toward Messire Gawain
without another word, and smiteth him on the shield so that he maketh
his spear fly all in pieces. And Messire Gawain catcheth him right in
the midst of his breast, and pierceth him with his spear through the
thick of his heart, and he falleth to the ground dead; and the knights
run upon Messire Gawain; but he lightly delivereth himself of them, and
Meliot of Logres likewise. Messire Gawain entereth the castle by
force, doing battle against all the knights, and holdeth them in such a
pass as that he maketh them do homage to Meliot of Logres, and deliver
up to him the keys of the castle. He maketh them come to an assembly
from the whole of the land they had reft away from him, and thereafter
departeth and followeth after King Arthur. In the forest, he
overtaketh a damsel that was going on her way a great pace.

XXII.

"Damsel," saith Messire Gawain, "Lord God guide you, whither away so
fast?"

"Sir," saith she, "I am going to the greatest assembly of knights you
saw ever."

"What assembly?" saith Messire Gawain.

"Sir," saith she, "At the Palace Meadow, but the knight I am seeking is
he that won the Circlet of Gold at the Meadow of the Tent. Fair Sir,
can you give me any tidings of him?" saith she.

"Damsel," saith Messire Gawain, "What would you do herein?"

"Certes, Sir, I would right fain find him. My Lady, that kept the
Circlet of Gold for the son of the Widow Lady, that won it aforetime,
hath sent me to seek him."

"For what intent, damsel?" saith Messire Gawain.

"Sir, my Lady sendeth for him and beseecheth him by me, for the sake of
the Saviour of the World