So when this was done, this strong knight rode on his way a soft pace,
and King Mark rode after him, praising him mickle; but he would answer
no words, but sighed wonderly sore, hanging down his head, taking no
heed to his words. Thus they rode well a three mile English, and then
this knight called to him a varlet, and bade him ride until yonder fair
manor, and recommend me to the lady of that castle and place, and pray
her to send me refreshing of good meats and drinks. And if she ask thee
what I am, tell her that I am the knight that followeth the glatisant
beast: that is in English to say the questing beast; for that beast
wheresomever he yede he quested in the belly with such a noise as it
had been a thirty couple of hounds. Then the varlet went his way and
came to the manor, and saluted the lady, and told her from whence he
came. And when she understood that he came from the knight that
followed the questing beast: O sweet Lord Jesu, she said, when shall I
see that noble knight, my dear son Palomides? Alas, will he not abide
with me? and therewith she swooned and wept, and made passing great
dole. And then also soon as she might she gave the varlet all that he
asked. And the varlet returned unto Sir Palomides, for he was a varlet
of King Mark. And as soon as he came, he told the knight’s name was Sir
Palomides. I am well pleased, said King Mark, but hold thee still and
say nothing. Then they alighted and set them down and reposed them a
while. Anon withal King Mark fell asleep. When Sir Palomides saw him
sound asleep he took his horse and rode his way, and said to them: I
will not be in the company of a sleeping knight. And so he rode forth a
great pace.
CHAPTER XIV. How King Mark and Sir Dinadan heard Sir Palomides making
great sorrow and mourning for La Beale Isoud.
Now turn we unto Sir Dinadan, that found these seven knights passing
heavy. And when he wist how that they sped, as heavy was he. My lord
Uwaine, said Dinadan, I dare lay my head it is Sir Lamorak de Galis. I
promise you all I shall find him an he may be found in this country.
And so Sir Dinadan rode after this knight; and so did King Mark, that
sought him through the forest. So as King Mark rode after Sir Palomides
he heard the noise of a man that made great dole. Then King Mark rode
as nigh that noise as he might and as he durst. Then was he ware of a
knight that was descended off his horse, and had put off his helm, and
there he made a piteous complaint and a dolorous, of love.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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