The poet will now for a while recount the adventures of Gawain; whom many have held to be as valiant a knight as Parzival. Book VII. tells how Gawain fell in with the army of King Meljanz of Lys, who would fain avenge himself on Duke Lippaut, whose daughter had scorned his love. How Gawain came to the beleaguered city of Beaurosch; how Obie scorned him; and how Obilot besought him to be her knight. How the heroes fought before the walls of Beaurosch, and of the valiant deeds of Gawain and the Red Knight. How Gawain took Meljanz of Lys captive; how Obilot made peace betwixt Obie and Meljanz, and how Gawain rode forth from Beaurosch. BOOK VII OBILOT Awhile shall this venture follow the knight, who to fly was fain From shame, nor with guile had dealings, that hero bold, Gawain. For many a one hath held him for as brave, yea, for braver knight Than Parzival, who the hero of this wonder-tale is hight. Yet he who his friend would ever with his words to the heavens upraise 5 Is slow to speak well of another, or to yield him his meed of praise; But him shall the people follow whose praises with truth are wrought, Else whatever he speak, or hath spoken, shall ne'er under roof be brought. Who shall shelter the word of wisdom if wise men their aid withhold? But a song that is woven of falsehood is best left in the outer cold, 10 Homeless, upon the snowdrift, that the mouth may wax chill and sore That hath spread for truth the story--such rewarding hath God in store As all true folk must wish him whose guerdon in toil is told-- Who is swift to such deeds, I wot me, but blame for reward shall hold, And if good men and true shall praise him, then folly doth rule their mind; 15 He will flee such who true shame knoweth, and in knighthood his rule would find.