ee and beside the margin of the lake. Having thus got
rid of his burden in that wise he then went away and left the wounded
knight lying alone in that place.

[Sidenote: _The lady of the castle perceiveth Sir Ewaine._]

Now that part of the park where Sir Ewaine lay was a very favorite spot
of the lady of the castle, who was wont to take the air and to walk with
her court of damsels beside the lake. So it befell that morning, it
being a very pleasant and cheerful day, that she walked thither with
those maidens in attendance upon her. So coming to that place, she
perceived from afar where Sir Ewaine lay beneath the oak tree in the
centre of the park. And when she saw him she said, "Who is yonder man
and what does he do here?"

Then one of the damsels went more near to where Sir Ewaine lay, and she
looked closely upon him and anon she said: "Lady, I believe this man is
dead, for he is all covered with blood, and I do not see him move or
breathe."

The lady said, "See if that be so," and therewith the damsel went closer
to Sir Ewaine and reached forth and she laid her hand upon his bosom.
Then she was aware that his heart beat, but only a little, and she knew
that there was life in him. So she said: "Nay, he is not dead, but in a
swoon that is like to death."

Then the lady came and also looked upon Sir Ewaine, and she was moved
with pity to behold that great and noble frame of a man lying there in
that way. Wherefore she said, "I am of a mind to save this man."

So after that she and her court retired to her castle, and when she was
come there she took a very precious casket of ointment from a cabinet
and gave it to that damsel who had touched Sir Ewaine. To her she said:
"Take this ointment, damsel, to where that man lieth in a swoon. For wit
you, this is a very potent oil to heal all manner of sickness and
weakness even if one be upon the edge of death. Pour a little of this
ointment upon the bosom of that man above his heart. Then rub it well
with thy hand, and by and by he will revive. Take thou also yonder horse
and some decent raiment fit for such a well-appearing man to wear, and
let the horse be nigh to him when he awakens. Then do thou observe him
from secret place, and bring me word of what he doeth."

[Sidenote: _A damsel of the castle bringeth succor to Sir Ewaine._]

So the damsel did all as the lady had commanded her to do; she took the
horse, and the raiment and the precious balm and went to where S