ght
who was opposed to him, unhorsing twenty knights within three days. His
valor and prowess won him the prize, which was a good sword, and a
golden circlet to be given to the fairest lady at the lists. This
circlet of gold he gave to the lady Ettard, whom he chose for the
sovereign of his heart and the lady he loved above all women. But she
was so proud and haughty that she returned him scorn for his love, and
though he has followed her to her home she will not listen to his suit,
or admit him in honor to her presence. He is lodged here near her, but
can gain sight of her only in a shameful way. Every week she sends
knights to fight with him, and when he has overcome them he suffers
them to take him prisoner that he may feast his eyes on the face of his
loved lady. But she does him great despite, for sometimes she has him
brought in tied to his horse's tail, and sometimes bound under the
horse, or in any other shameful manner she can think of. For all this he
will not leave, but makes himself a martyr to his love."

"He is a noble knight, and I greatly pity him," said Gawaine. "I shall
seek him to-morrow in the forest, and do what I can to help him."

In the morning he met Sir Pelleas, as he had promised, and heard from
him the story of his woe.

"If I loved her not so truly I should rather die a hundred times than
suffer such despite," he said. "But I trust that she will pity and love
me at last."

"Let me aid you, so far as I can," said Gawaine. "I promise to do my
utmost to gain you the love of your lady."

"Tell me who, and of what court, you are, my good friend?" asked
Pelleas.

"My name is Gawaine; I am nephew to King Arthur, and King Lot of Orkney
was my father."

"My name is Pelleas," answered the lovelorn knight. "I was born in the
Isles, and am lord of many isles, but never till this unhappy time have
I loved a lady. I pray you help me faithfully, for I get nothing from
her but vile rebuke. She will not even hold me as prisoner, that I might
see her daily, but robs me of my horse and armor, and has me thrust
despitefully from her gates. She lives in a strong castle near by, and
is lady of all this country. I fear you will not find it easy to obtain
entrance."

"I shall use art instead of strength," said Gawaine. "Lend me your horse
and armor, and I will ride to her castle and tell her I have slain you.
She will let me in at that. Once admitted, I shall do my best to win you
her love."

He plight