And one came from the land of Cornwall, Count Laiz he, and Tinal's son; And a noble lad was with him whose father his death had won 540 At Schoie-de-la-Kurt, Gandelus, the son, and Gurzgrei, the sire-- (Thro' that venture full many a maiden must weep for her heart's desire) And his aunt was the maid Liassé, and fair was the lad of face And of feature, for Love had touched them, and had wrought them with hand of grace, And fain were all men to see him--Six were there those twain beside, 545 Eight lads, all of noble bearing and birth, with Gawain did ride. And as kinsmen right well they loved him, and they served him for payment fair; What payment gave he? Meed of honour their guerdon, and tender care! Then Gawain quoth unto the children, ''Tis well, for I now have seen, Fair kinsmen, that ye had mourned me, if slain I perchance had been, 550 (And well might he see their sorrow, for as yet they mourned full sore,) Where were ye in hour of battle? Much sorrow for ye I bore.' Then they answered, and none spake falsely, 'As thou sat'st in the high hall place A hawk flew astray, and we ran thence, and joined for awhile the chase.' Then all they who sat or stood there, nor ceased for awhile their gaze, 555 Saw well that Gawain was a true knight, and a man whom all men might praise; Then the king gave the leave he prayed for, and he spake unto all farewell, Save the queen alone, and the Landgrave, he whom men called Kingrimursel. For the queen took the twain, and the children who followed as Gawain's squires, And she led them where gentle maidens should serve as she should require, 560 And in peace, as became fair maidens, each maid did her lady's will, And fair were the hands and gracious that did gracious tasks fulfil.