When Dame Lionesse was come to the Isle of Avilion, that was the same
isle thereas her brother Sir Gringamore dwelt, then she told them all
how she had done, and what promise she had made to King Arthur. Alas,
said Sir Gareth, I have been so wounded with unhappiness sithen I came
into this castle that I shall not be able to do at that tournament like
a knight; for I was never thoroughly whole since I was hurt. Be ye of
good cheer, said the damosel Linet, for I undertake within these
fifteen days to make ye whole, and as lusty as ever ye were. And then
she laid an ointment and a salve to him as it pleased to her, that he
was never so fresh nor so lusty. Then said the damosel Linet: Send you
unto Sir Persant of Inde, and assummon him and his knights to be here
with you as they have promised. Also, that ye send unto Sir Ironside,
that is the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and charge him that he be
ready with you with his whole sum of knights, and then shall ye be able
to match with King Arthur and his knights. So this was done, and all
knights were sent for unto the Castle Perilous; and then the Red Knight
answered and said unto Dame Lionesse, and to Sir Gareth, Madam, and my
lord Sir Gareth, ye shall understand that I have been at the court of
King Arthur, and Sir Persant of Inde and his brethren, and there we
have done our homage as ye commanded us. Also Sir Ironside said, I have
taken upon me with Sir Persant of Inde and his brethren to hold part
against my lord Sir Launcelot and the knights of that court. And this
have I done for the love of my lady Dame Lionesse, and you my lord Sir
Gareth. Ye have well done, said Sir Gareth; but wit you well ye shall
be full sore matched with the most noble knights of the world;
therefore we must purvey us of good knights, where we may get them.
That is well said, said Sir Persant, and worshipfully.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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