When supper was made ready and the barons had washed, the king likewise
washed and seated himself. Napkins were spread before them; and the king
called to Idel and made him sit at his side. And Melion lay at the
king's feet,--well knew he all the barons. Oftentimes the king looked
down at him, and anon gave him a piece of bread the which he took and
began to eat. Then greatly the king marvelleth, and saith to King Idel:
"Look now, know ye of a sooth this wolf knoweth our ways." Then the king
gave him a piece of roast meat, and gladly the wolf ate it; whereat
Gawain saith: "Lords, look you, this wolf is out of all nature." And the
barons all say one to another that never saw they so courteous a wolf.
Thereupon the king let wine be set before the wolf in a basin, and so
soon as he seeth it, he drinketh it, and certes, he was full fain of it;
good plenty he drank of that wine, as the king well saw.
Now when they arose from meat and the barons had washed, they issued out
upon the sands. And always the wolf followed after the king, and might
not be kept from him, wheresoever he went. And when the king desired to
go to rest, he commanded that his bed be made ready. So he withdrew him
to sleep, for he was sore wearied; but with him went the wolf, and he
lay at the king's feet, nor might any man dispart them.
Passing glad was the king of Ireland in that Arthur had come to him;
great joy had he thereof. Early at dawn, he rose, and went to the haven
together with his barons. Straight to the haven they came riding, and
each company gave fair welcome to other. Arthur showed the king much
love, and did him much honour. When he saw him come before him, he would
not be proud, but raised him up and kissed him. And anon the horses were
made ready, and without any tarrying they mounted and rode towards the
city.
The king mounteth upon his palfrey, and good convoy he hath of his wolf,
who would not be disparted from him, but kept always at his stirrup.
Passing glad was the king of Ireland because of Arthur, and the company
was rich and mighty. So came they to Dublin, and lighted down from their
horses before the high palace. And when Arthur went up into the donjon
tower, the wolf held him by the lap of his garment; and when King Arthur
was seated, the wolf lay at his feet.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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