hether he were of
Arthur's court or not. As for my name they shall not wit, but tell them
I am a knight-errant as they are, and let them wit that I am no knight
of King Arthur's court; and so the squire rode again unto them and told
them his answer of him. By my head, said Sir Agravaine, he is one of the
strongest knights that ever I saw, for he hath overthrown three
noble knights, and needs we must encounter with him for shame. So Sir
Agravaine feutred his spear, and that other was ready, and smote him
down over his horse to the earth. And in the same wise he smote Sir
Uwaine les Avoutres and also Sir Griflet. Then had he served them all
but Sir Dinadan, for he was behind, and Sir Mordred was unarmed, and
Dagonet had his harness.

So when this was done, this strong knight rode on his way a soft pace,
and King Mark rode after him, praising him mickle; but he would answer
no words, but sighed wonderly sore, hanging down his head, taking no
heed to his words. Thus they rode well a three mile English, and then
this knight called to him a varlet, and bade him ride until yonder fair
manor, and recommend me to the lady of that castle and place, and pray
her to send me refreshing of good meats and drinks. And if she ask thee
what I am, tell her that I am the knight that followeth the glatisant
beast: that is in English to say the questing beast; for that beast
wheresomever he yede he quested in the belly with such a noise as it had
been a thirty couple of hounds. Then the varlet went his way and came to
the manor, and saluted the lady, and told her from whence he came.
And when she understood that he came from the knight that followed the
questing beast: O sweet Lord Jesu, she said, when shall I see that noble
knight, my dear son Palomides? Alas, will he not abide with me? and
therewith she swooned and wept, and made passing great dole. And then
also soon as she might she gave the varlet all that he asked. And the
varlet returned unto Sir Palomides, for he was a varlet of King Mark.
And as soon as he came, he told the knight's name was Sir Palomides. I
am well pleased, said King Mark, but hold thee still and say nothing.
Then they alighted and set them down and reposed them a while. Anon
withal King Mark fell asleep. When Sir Palomides saw him sound asleep he
took his horse and rode his way, and said to them: I will not be in the
company of a sleeping knight. And so he rode forth a great pace.

CHAPTER XIV. How King Mark