Then the seneschal of Klamidé, from the table he sprung straightway, And he asked of his lord the tidings; and joyless was he that day, For he spake, 'I am born to sorrow; I have lost such a gallant host, No man that was born of woman, I think me shall more have lost. 650 And the load of such bitter sorrow lieth heavy upon my breast, And joy is to me a stranger, and gladness a fleeting guest! And grey am I grown for the anguish she hath wrought me, Kondwiramur,-- Yea, the sorrow of Pontius Pilate, and false Judas who evermore Must grieve for his faithless dealings, who did Christ unto death betray, 655 What of punishment God layeth on them that woe would I bear alway-- If so be that the Lady of Brobarz were my wife of goodwill and free, And mine arms held her fast, I had recked not what hereafter should chance to me. But, alas! for her love is withholden from the ruler of Iserterre, And my land and my folk henceforward for her sake shall sorrow bear. 660 Mine uncle's son, Mabonagrein, for her love long hath suffered pain; And by knightly hand constrainèd in thy court I, O king, draw rein! And well dost thou know in my kingdom much harm have I done to thee, Forget that, true knight and faithful, from thy hate do thou set me free Since here I abide, a captive--And this maiden my life shall shield, 665 Since I stand in her sight, her servant, and my pledge to her hand would yield!' Then of knightly heart King Arthur forgave him as he would pray, And with faithful words, and kindly, showed favour to him that day. Far and wide did they tell the tidings how the King of Brandigan Rode hither, and man and maiden in thronging crowds they ran. 670 Then the king he would crave a comrade, and he spake out with joyless mien, 'Commend me unto Sir Gawain, if thou deemest me worth, O Queen! Well I know that he would desire it, and if he thy word obey, Then he honoureth thee, and the Red Knight shall win praise at his hand to-day.' Then King Arthur he bade his nephew deal well with the captive king, 675 (Tho' I wot well, without his bidding, Sir Gawain had done this thing.) And the conquered knight, in whose dealings no falsehood had part or share, From the vassals and gallant heroes won a welcome both fit and fair.