e where Gawaine and Gareth sat upon a
little hill-side, and here he sprang from his horse and embraced Gareth
as though he were his own son. Quickly behind him came his sister
Morgause, who fell into a swoon when she saw her dear young son. And the
other knights and ladies came up in all haste, and great was the joy
that all felt. After congratulations had passed, and the two brothers
been removed to a place where their wounds could be attended to, the
Dame Lioness was sent for, and came at the utmost speed, with her
brother Sir Gringamore and forty knights.

Among all the ladies there she was the fairest and peerless. And when
Gareth saw her, so loving were the looks and joyous the words between
them, that all who beheld it were filled with delight.

Eight days passed before Gareth and his brother recovered from their
wounds. Then Arthur came to him, with Guenever, and Morgause, and others
of high degree, and asked him if he would have the Lady Lioness for his
wife.

"My lord, I love her above all ladies living."

"Now, fair lady, what say you?" asked the king.

"Most noble king," replied Lioness, with blushing face, "my lord Gareth
is more to me than any king or prince that was ever christened. If I may
not have him, none will I ever have. My first love is he, and my last he
shall be."

"And if I have you not as my wife," broke in Gareth, "never shall lady
living give joy to my heart."

"What, nephew," said the king, "is the wind in that door? Then not for
my crown would I sever two such loving hearts, but would much prefer to
increase than to distress your love."

And words to the same effect said Gareth's mother.

Then provision was made for a brilliant and joyous wedding, the king
advising that it should take place on the Michaelmas following, at
Kinkenadon by the seaside, where is a plentiful country. And so it was
cried in all places through the realm.

Dame Lioness and the damsel Linet, with Sir Gringamore, now rode to
their castle, where she gave Gareth a jewelled ring and received one
from him, while Arthur gave her a rich bee of gold. Then Arthur and his
following rode towards Kinkenadon. Gareth soon followed, and joined
Arthur on his way.

Oh, the great cheer that Lancelot now made of Gareth, and Gareth of him;
for there was never knight that Gareth loved as he did Lancelot. But he
cared less for his brother Gawaine, who was revengeful, and disposed to
murder where he hated, a feeling which the