art's head because it was in his quest. Then anon they delivered Sir
Gawaine under this promise, that he should bear the dead lady with him
in this manner; the head of her was hanged about his neck, and the whole
body of her lay before him on his horse's mane. Right so rode he forth
unto Camelot. And anon as he was come, Merlin desired of King Arthur
that Sir Gawaine should be sworn to tell of all his adventures, and
how he slew the lady, and how he would give no mercy unto the knight,
wherethrough the lady was slain. Then the king and the queen were
greatly displeased with Sir Gawaine for the slaying of the lady. And
there by ordinance of the queen there was set a quest of ladies on Sir
Gawaine, and they judged him for ever while he lived to be with all
ladies, and to fight for their quarrels; and that ever he should be
courteous, and never to refuse mercy to him that asketh mercy. Thus was
Gawaine sworn upon the Four Evangelists that he should never be against
lady nor gentlewoman, but if he fought for a lady and his adversary
fought for another. And thus endeth the adventure of Sir Gawaine that he
did at the marriage of King Arthur. Amen.

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the brachet, and of
his adventure by the way.

WHEN Sir Tor was ready, he mounted upon his horseback, and rode after
the knight with the brachet. So as he rode he met with a dwarf suddenly
that smote his horse on the head with a staff, that he went backward his
spear length. Why dost thou so? said Sir Tor. For thou shalt not pass
this way, but if thou joust with yonder knights of the pavilions. Then
was Tor ware where two pavilions were, and great spears stood out, and
two shields hung on trees by the pavilions. I may not tarry, said Sir
Tor, for I am in a quest that I must needs follow. Thou shalt not pass,
said the dwarf, and therewithal he blew his horn. Then there came one
armed on horseback, and dressed his shield, and came fast toward Tor,
and he dressed him against him, and so ran together that Tor bare him
from his horse. And anon the knight yielded him to his mercy. But, sir,
I have a fellow in yonder pavilion that will have ado with you anon.
He shall be welcome, said Sir Tor. Then was he ware of another knight
coming with great raundon, and each of them dressed to other, that
marvel it was to see; but the knight smote Sir Tor a great stroke in
midst of the shield that his spear all to-shivered. And Sir Tor smote
him