you not tell me where I can find a place to
stay for to-night? And will you not sell me some armor? I have
but my sword."

Then the man looked up, and said:

"Your pardon, sir. We are all very busy here, for to-morrow we
hold a tournament, and our work is not half done. I cannot give
you armor, for we need all that we have in the town. As to
lodging, all the room is taken. However, perhaps Earl Iniol in
the castle will receive you."

Sir Geraint rode over to the gray old castle, and as the gate was
open, entered the ruined courtyard. Dismounting, he went into the
hall. Here he found the earl, an elderly man dressed in clothes
which had once been handsome, but were now old and worn. To him
Sir Geraint said:

"Good sir, I seek lodging for the night."

The old Earl Iniol answered:

"Sir, I was once rich and am now poor; nevertheless, I will
gladly give you the best I have."

As he spoke, some one in the castle began to sing. The voice was
very sweet. Sir Geraint thought he had never heard anyone sing so
wonderfully.

"That is my daughter Enid," said the earl.

Then he took Sir Geraint into a room in which sat an old lady in
a faded velvet gown. She was the earl's wife. By her side stood
Enid in a faded silk gown. She was as beautiful as her voice was
sweet, and after watching her, Sir Geraint said to himself:

"I already love this maiden."

He said nothing out loud, only looked at her. Earl Iniol spoke to
her:

"Enid, this good knight will stay with us. His horse is in the
courtyard; take it to the stall and give it corn. Then go into
the town and buy us some food."

Sir Geraint wished to put away his horse himself, but the old
earl said:

"Sir, we are very poor, but we cannot permit our guest to do any
work. I pray you, stay here."

So Enid took the horse to the stall. After that, she went into
the town and soon returned with meat and sweet cakes. Then,
because most of the rooms in the old castle were in ruins, she
cooked the meat in the same hall in which they were to eat. When
the meal was ready, she waited on her father and her mother and
Sir Geraint. The knight watched her and loved her more and more.

When they had risen from the table, he said to the earl:

"My lord, pray tell me what the people of this town mean when
they speak of the Sparrow-hawk."

The earl's face grew sad, as he said:

"That is the name given to the young knight who rules in this
town."

"Does he live in the fortre