then he
departed unto the court of King Arthur, and there openly the Red Knight
of the Red Launds put him in the mercy of Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine,
and there he told openly how he was overcome and by whom, and also he
told all the battles from the beginning unto the ending. Jesu mercy,
said King Arthur and Sir Gawaine, we marvel much of what blood he is
come, for he is a noble knight. Have ye no marvel, said Sir Launcelot,
for ye shall right well wit that he is come of a full noble blood; and
as for his might and hardiness, there be but few now living that is so
mighty as he is, and so noble of prowess. It seemeth by you, said King
Arthur, that ye know his name, and from whence he is come, and of what
blood he is. I suppose I do so, said Launcelot, or else I would not have
given him the order of knighthood; but he gave me such charge at that
time that I should never discover him until he required me, or else it
be known openly by some other.

CHAPTER XIX How Beaumains came to the lady, and when he came to the
castle the gates were closed against him, and of the words that the lady
said to him.

NOW turn we unto Sir Beaumains that desired of Linet that he might see
her sister, his lady. Sir, she said, I would fain ye saw her. Then Sir
Beaumains all armed him, and took his horse and his spear, and rode
straight unto the castle. And when he came to the gate he found there
many men armed, and pulled up the drawbridge and drew the port close.

Then marvelled he why they would not suffer him to enter. And then he
looked up to the window; and there he saw the fair Lionesse that said on
high: Go thy way, Sir Beaumains, for as yet thou shalt not have wholly
my love, unto the time that thou be called one of the number of the
worthy knights. And therefore go labour in worship this twelvemonth,
and then thou shalt hear new tidings. Alas, fair lady, said Beaumains,
I have not deserved that ye should show me this strangeness, and I had
weened that I should have right good cheer with you, and unto my power
I have deserved thank, and well I am sure I have bought your love with
part of the best blood within my body. Fair courteous knight, said Dame
Lionesse, be not displeased nor over-hasty; for wit you well your great
travail nor good love shall not be lost, for I consider your great
travail and labour, your bounty and your goodness as me ought to do. And
therefore go on your way, and look that ye be of good comfort, for all