l to the earth; but the stroke was so great that it slanted
down to the earth and carved the horse's shoulder in two.
When Ector saw Gawaine down he drew him aside, and thought it no wisdom
for to abide him, and also for natural love, that he was his uncle. Thus
through his great hardiness he beat aback all the knights without. And
then they within came out and chased them all about. But when Galahad
saw there would none turn again he stole away privily, so that none wist
where he was become. Now by my head, said Gawaine to Ector, now are the
wonders true that were said of Launcelot du Lake, that the sword which
stuck in the stone should give me such a buffet that I would not have
it for the best castle in this world; and soothly now it is proved
true, for never ere had I such a stroke of man's hand. Sir, said Ector,
meseemeth your quest is done. And yours is not done, said Gawaine, but
mine is done, I shall seek no further. Then Gawaine was borne into a
castle and unarmed him, and laid him in a rich bed, and a leech found
that he might live, and to be whole within a month. Thus Gawaine and
Ector abode together, for Sir Ector would not away till Gawaine were
whole.
And the good knight, Galahad, rode so long till he came that night to
the Castle of Carboneck; and it befell him thus that he was benighted
in an hermitage. So the good man was fain when he saw he was a
knight-errant. Tho when they were at rest there came a gentlewoman
knocking at the door, and called Galahad, and so the good man came to
the door to wit what she would. Then she called the hermit: Sir Ulfin,
I am a gentlewoman that would speak with the knight which is with you.
Then the good man awaked Galahad, and bade him: Arise, and speak with
a gentlewoman that seemeth hath great need of you. Then Galahad went to
her and asked her what she would. Galahad, said she, I will that ye
arm you, and mount upon your horse and follow me, for I shall show you
within these three days the highest adventure that ever any knight saw.
Anon Galahad armed him, and took his horse, and commended him to God,
and bade the gentlewoman go, and he would follow thereas she liked.
CHAPTER II. How Sir Galahad rode with a damosel, and came to the ship
whereas Sir Bors and Sir Percivale were in.
SO she rode as fast as her palfrey might bear her, till that she came to
the sea, the which was called Collibe. And at the night they came unto
a castle in a valley, closed with a
|