Then Sir Gawain, he rode towards them, and knightly and worshipful The greeting they gave unto him, not such as in Karidöl Once fell to the lot of Erec, when after his well-fought fight He had fain drawn near to King Arthur, and with him his lady bright, 60 Fair Enid, who graced his coming--But the dwarf Maliklisier With a scourge full hardly smote him, 'neath the eyes of Queen Guinevere. At Tulmein he took his vengeance, where, within the ring so wide To win the hawk, the heroes in deeds of valour vied. 'Twas Idêr, the son of Noit, a hero true and bold 65 Whom he else had slain, whom Erec did there in surety hold. But leave we all other venture, and hearken awhile to me, For in sooth never fairer welcome shall it fall to your lot to see. Yet, alas! for ill it wrought him, Gawain, King Lot's brave son-- An ye will I will cease my story ere the tale to its end be run, 70 And for pity's sake keep silence--Yet perchance it were best to tell The ill that thro' others' treason on a gallant spirit fell. And if I yet further pray ye this story strange to heed Then in sooth, e'en as I, right truly will ye mourn for its hero's need. Quoth the king, 'Sir Knight, thus I think me, thou shalt to the castle ride, 75 Thine _host_ will I be right gladly, tho' scarce may I be thy _guide_; Yet if this on my part shall vex thee the chase will I gladly leave!' Quoth Gawain, 'As it best may please thee, that do, nor for my sake grieve, Whate'er thou shalt do shall be well done--No grudge do I bear thee, Sire, But of right good-will I gladly will do as thou shalt require.' 80 Quoth the king of Askalon further, 'Schamfanzon thou well mayst see Sir Knight, there my sister dwelleth, who as yet but a maid shall be; And she hath in fullest measure such beauty as poets sing-- An thou as a grace shalt hold it, my knights unto her shall bring Such word she shall well entreat thee in my stead, till I come again. 85 And whenever I come, I think me, 'twill be sooner than thou art fain To look on my face, for gladly wilt thou spare me when thou shalt see My sweet sister, nor e'er bemoan thee, tho' my coming o'er late shall be!'