Beaumains, and up he leapt
lightly, and saw where Sir Gringamore rode his way with the dwarf, and
so Sir Gringamore rode out of his sight.

CHAPTER XX. How Sir Beaumains rode after to rescue his dwarf, and came
into the castle where he was.

THEN Sir Beaumains put on his helm anon, and buckled his shield, and
took his horse, and rode after him all that ever he might ride through
marshes, and fields, and great dales, that many times his horse and he
plunged over the head in deep mires, for he knew not the way, but took
the gainest way in that woodness, that many times he was like to perish.
And at the last him happened to come to a fair green way, and there
he met with a poor man of the country, whom he saluted and asked him
whether he met not with a knight upon a black horse and all black
harness, a little dwarf sitting behind him with heavy cheer. Sir, said
the poor man, here by me came Sir Gringamore the knight, with such a
dwarf mourning as ye say; and therefore I rede you not follow him, for
he is one of the periloust knights of the world, and his castle is
here nigh hand but two mile; therefore we advise you ride not after Sir
Gringamore, but if ye owe him good will.

So leave we Sir Beaumains riding toward the castle, and speak we of Sir
Gringamore and the dwarf. Anon as the dwarf was come to the castle, Dame
Lionesse and Dame Linet her sister, asked the dwarf where was his master
born, and of what lineage he was come. And but if thou tell me, said
Dame Lionesse, thou shalt never escape this castle, but ever here to be
prisoner. As for that, said the dwarf, I fear not greatly to tell his
name and of what kin he is come. Wit you well he is a king's son, and
his mother is sister to King Arthur, and he is brother to the good
knight Sir Gawaine, and his name is Sir Gareth of Orkney. And now I have
told you his right name, I pray you, fair lady, let me go to my lord
again, for he will never out of this country until that he have me
again. And if he be angry he will do much harm or that he be stint,
and work you wrack in this country. As for that threatening, said Sir
Gringamore, be it as it be may, we will go to dinner. And so they washed
and went to meat, and made them merry and well at ease, and because
the Lady Lionesse of the castle was there, they made great joy. Truly,
madam, said Linet unto her sister, well may he be a king's son, for he
hath many good tatches on him, for he is courteous and mild, and the