mosel Linet, that some men called the
damosel Savage, and she came riding upon an ambling mule; and there she
cried all on high, Sir Gawaine, Sir Gawaine, leave thy fighting with
thy brother Sir Gareth. And when he heard her say so he threw away his
shield and his sword, and ran to Sir Gareth, and took him in his arms,
and sithen kneeled down and asked him mercy. What are ye, said Sir
Gareth, that right now were so strong and so mighty, and now so suddenly
yield you to me? O Gareth, I am your brother Sir Gawaine, that for your
sake have had great sorrow and labour. Then Sir Gareth unlaced his helm,
and kneeled down to him, and asked him mercy. Then they rose both, and
embraced either other in their arms, and wept a great while or they
might speak, and either of them gave other the prize of the battle. And
there were many kind words between them. Alas, my fair brother, said Sir
Gawaine, perdy I owe of right to worship you an ye were not my brother,
for ye have worshipped King Arthur and all his court, for ye have sent
him[*5] more worshipful knights this twelvemonth than six the best of
the Round Table have done, except Sir Launcelot.

[*5] So W. de Worde; Caxton "me."

Then came the damosel Savage that was the Lady Linet, that rode with Sir
Gareth so long, and there she did staunch Sir Gareth's wounds and Sir
Gawaine's. Now what will ye do? said the damosel Savage; meseemeth that
it were well done that Arthur had witting of you both, for your horses
are so bruised that they may not bear. Now, fair damosel, said Sir
Gawaine, I pray you ride unto my lord mine uncle, King Arthur, and tell
him what adventure is to me betid here, and I suppose he will not tarry
long. Then she took her mule, and lightly she came to King Arthur that
was but two mile thence. And when she had told him tidings the king bade
get him a palfrey. And when he was upon his back he bade the lords and
ladies come after, who that would; and there was saddling and bridling
of queens' horses and princes' horses, and well was him that soonest
might be ready.

So when the king came thereas they were, he saw Sir Gawaine and Sir
Gareth sit upon a little hill-side, and then the king avoided his horse.
And when he came nigh Sir Gareth he would have spoken but he might not;
and therewith he sank down in a swoon for gladness. And so they stert
unto their uncle, and required him of his good grace to be of good
comfort. Wit ye well the king made great joy,