nce into the hall. The knights set themselves without the door
and guard the issue, and Lancelot was within with them that were dead.
He sate himself down at the top of the hall to rest him, for he was
sore spent with the blows he had given and received. When he had
rested himself awhile, he riseth to his feet and seeth that they have
sate them down in the entrance to the hall. He mounteth up to the
windows and flingeth them down them that were dead within through the
windows. Just then the day appeared, fair and clear, and the birds
began to sing amidst the forest, whereof the hall was overshadowed. He
maketh fast the door of the hall and barreth it and shutteth the
knights without; and they say one to the other and swear it, that they
will not depart thence until they have taken him or famished him to
death. Little had Lancelot recked of their threats and he might have
had his horse at will, but he was not so sure of his stroke afoot as
a-horseback, as no knight never is. Him thinketh he may well abide the
siege as long as God shall please, for the hall was well garnished of
meat in right great joints. He is there within all alone, and the four
knights without that keep watch that he goeth not, but neither wish nor
will hath he to go forth afoot; but, and he had had his horse, the
great hardiment that he hath in him would have made that he should go
forth honourably, howsoever they without might have taken it and what
grievance soever they might have had thereof.

BRANCH XV.

TITLE I.

Here the story is silent of Lancelot, and talketh of Messire Gawain
that goeth to seek Perceval, and is right heavy for that twice hath he
found him when he knew him not. He cometh back again to the cross
whereas he told Lancelot he would await him so he should come thither
before him. He went and came to and fro by the forest more than eight
days to wait for him, but could hear no tidings. He would not return
to King Arthur's court, for had he gone thither in such case, he would
have had blame thereof. He goeth back upon the quest and saith that he
will never stint therein until he shall have found both Lancelot and
Perceval. He cometh to the hermitage of Joseus, and alighted of his
horse and found the young hermit Joseus, that received him well and
made full great joy of him. He harboured the night therewithin.
Messire Gawain asked him tidings of Perceval, and the hermit telleth
him he hath not seen him since befo