thur. Then the porter
went unto the duchess, and told her how there was a knight of King
Arthur's would have harbour. Let him in, said the duchess, for I will
see that knight, and for King Arthur's sake he shall not be harbourless.
Then she yode up into a tower over the gate, with great torchlight.

When Sir Gareth saw that torch-light he cried on high: Whether thou
be lord or lady, giant or champion, I take no force so that I may have
harbour this night; and if it so be that I must needs fight, spare me
not to-morn when I have rested me, for both I and mine horse be weary.
Sir knight, said the lady, thou speakest knightly and boldly; but wit
thou well the lord of this castle loveth not King Arthur, nor none of
his court, for my lord hath ever been against him; and therefore thou
were better not to come within this castle; for an thou come in this
night, thou must come in under such form, that wheresomever thou meet
my lord, by stigh or by street, thou must yield thee to him as prisoner.
Madam, said Sir Gareth, what is your lord, and what is his name? Sir,
my lord's name is the Duke de la Rowse. Well madam, said Sir Gareth, I
shall promise you in what place I meet your lord I shall yield me unto
him and to his good grace; with that I understand he will do me no harm:
and if I understand that he will, I will release myself an I can with my
spear and my sword. Ye say well, said the duchess; and then she let the
drawbridge down, and so he rode into the hall, and there he alighted,
and his horse was led into a stable; and in the hall he unarmed him
and said, Madam, I will not out of this hall this night; and when it
is daylight, let see who will have ado with me, he shall find me ready.
Then was he set unto supper, and had many good dishes. Then Sir Gareth
list well to eat, and knightly he ate his meat, and eagerly; there was
many a fair lady by him, and some said they never saw a goodlier man nor
so well of eating. Then they made him passing good cheer, and shortly
when he had supped his bed was made there; so he rested him all night.

And on the morn he heard mass, and brake his fast and took his leave at
the duchess, and at them all; and thanked her goodly of her lodging,
and of his good cheer; and then she asked him his name. Madam, he said,
truly my name is Gareth of Orkney, and some men call me Beaumains. Then
knew she well it was the same knight that fought for Dame Lionesse. So
Sir Gareth departed and rode up into a