Then she sent below two maidens, and she bade them to seek Gawain, And softly draw nigh unto him, nor pass from his side again Till they brought her full assurance how it went with the gallant knight, If perchance he should yet be living, or had found his death in fight. 360 So she gave to the twain commandment--Did they weep those maidens fair? Yea, both must weep full sorely for the grief that was here their share, When they found the hero lying, for his wounds they ran with blood Till the shield in blood was swimming--then they bent o'er the hero good, And with gentle hand the helmet one loosened from off his head, 365 And she saw a light foam gathered upon his lips so red, And she waited a space and hearkened, if perchance she might hear his breath, For but now had she thought him living, yet she deemed it might well be death. And his over-dress was of sable, and the mystic beasts it bore, Such as Ilinot the Breton as his badge with great honour wore. 370 (And courage and fame were his portion from his youth till his dying day.) From the coat with her ready fingers the sable she tore away, And she held it before his nostrils, for thus might she better know If yet he should live, since his breathing would stir the hair to and fro. And the breath was yet there, and straightway she bade her companion bring 375 Fair water, the gentle maiden did swift on her errand spring. Then the maid placed her ring so golden betwixt his teeth closed fast, And deft was her hand in the doing, and between his lips she passed, Drop by drop, e'en as he might take it, the water, and little space Ere he lifted once more his eyelids, and he looked on the maiden's face. 380 And he thanked them, those two sweet children, and offered them service meet-- Alas! that ye here should find me, unseemly laid at your feet! If ye will on this chance keep silence, for good will I count the deed, And courtesy shall ye honour if ye give to my words good heed!'