oved of all the court,
albeit he had haunted it but little. Brundans slew him in treason when
Meliot was unawares of him."

"Damsel," saith Perceval, "Were there no cup at all, yet natheless
should I be fain to do the will of Messire Gawain, for never might I
love the man that had deserved his hatred." He taketh the cup in his
hand. "Damsel," saith he, "I thank you much hereof, and God grant I
may reward you for the same."

"Sir," saith she, "Brundans is a right proud knight, and beareth a
shield party of vert and argent. He is minded never to change his
cognisance, for that his father bore the same."

Perceval called the knight that was of the damsel's company. "I
beseech you," saith he, "of guerdon and of service, that you bear this
cup for me to the hold of the Sick Knight, and tell his wife that the
Knight of the White Shield that was harboured there within hath sent it
her by you."

"Sir," saith the knight, "This will I do gladly to fulfil your will."

He taketh the cup to furnish out the conditions of the message, and so
departeth forthwith.

XXIV.

Perceval lay the night in the castle of the White Tower, and departed
thence on the morrow as he that would fain do somewhat whereof he might
deserve well of Messire Gawain. Many a time had he heard tell of
Meliot of Logres and of his chivalry and of his great valour. He was
entered into a forest, and had heard mass of a hermit, from whom he had
departed. He came to the Castle Perilous that was hard by there where
Meliot lay sick, lay wounded, when Lancelot brought him the sword and
the cloth wherewith he touched his wounds. He entered into the castle
and alighted. The damsel of the castle, that made great dole, came to
meet Perceval. "Damsel," saith he, "Wherefore are you so sorrowful?"

"Sir," saith she, "For a knight that I tended and healed herewithin,
whom Brundans hath killed in treason, and God thereof grant us
vengeance yet, for so courteous knight saw I never."

While she was speaking in this manner, forthwith behold you a damsel
that cometh.

"Ha, Sir," saith she to Perceval, "Mount you again and come to aid us,
for none other knight find I in this land nor in this forest but only
you all alone!"

"What need have you of my aid?" saith Perceval.

"A knight is carrying off my lady by force, that was going to the court
of King Arthur."

"Who is your lady?" saith Perceval.

"Sir, she is the younger Damsel of the Tent where Messire Ga