as it is right. Then spake Sir Galahad, the haut prince, and the King
with the Hundred Knights: We suppose that knight is mischieved, and that
he is never like to see you nor none of us all, and that is the greatest
pity that ever we wist of any knight. Alas, said Arthur, how may this
be, is he so hurt? What is his name? said King Arthur. Truly, said
they all, we know not his name, nor from whence he came, nor whither he
would. Alas, said the king, this be to me the worst tidings that came
to me this seven year, for I would not for all the lands I wield to know
and wit it were so that that noble knight were slain. Know ye him? said
they all. As for that, said Arthur, whether I know him or know him not,
ye shall not know for me what man he is, but Almighty Jesu send me good
tidings of him. And so said they all. By my head, said Sir Gawaine, if
it so be that the good knight be so sore hurt, it is great damage and
pity to all this land, for he is one of the noblest knights that ever I
saw in a field handle a spear or a sword; and if he may be found I shall
find him, for I am sure he nis not far from this town. Bear you well,
said King Arthur, an ye may find him, unless that he be in such a plight
that he may not wield himself. Jesu defend, said Sir Gawaine, but wit I
shall what he is, an I may find him.

Right so Sir Gawaine took a squire with him upon hackneys, and rode all
about Camelot within six or seven mile, but so he came again and could
hear no word of him. Then within two days King Arthur and all the
fellowship returned unto London again. And so as they rode by the way it
happed Sir Gawaine at Astolat to lodge with Sir Bernard thereas was Sir
Launcelot lodged. And so as Sir Gawaine was in his chamber to repose him
Sir Bernard, the old baron, came unto him, and his daughter Elaine,
to cheer him and to ask him what tidings, and who did best at that
tournament of Winchester. So God me help, said Sir Gawaine, there were
two knights that bare two white shields, but the one of them bare a red
sleeve upon his head, and certainly he was one of the best knights that
ever I saw joust in field. For I dare say, said Sir Gawaine, that one
knight with the red sleeve smote down forty knights of the Table Round,
and his fellow did right well and worshipfully. Now blessed be God, said
the Fair Maiden of Astolat, that that knight sped so well, for he is
the man in the world that I first loved, and truly he shall be last that
ever I