way; how Sir
Gareth won the pass of the river against two strong knights, and how he
overcame the Black Knight of the Black Lands. Also how he saved a good
worthy knight from six thieves who held him in duress._

Now when the next morning had come, all bright and dewy and very clear
like to crystal, Lynette arose and departed from that forest priory
where she had lodged over-night, giving no news to Sir Gareth of her
going. And at that time the birds were singing everywhere with might and
main. Everywhere the May was abloom, the apple orchards were fragrant
with blossoms, and field and meadow-land were spread thick with a
variegated carpet of pretty wild flowers of divers colors, very fair to
see.

So Lynette rode alone, all through the dewy morn, amid these fair
meadow-lands and orchards belonging to the priory, making her way toward
the dark and shady belt of forest that surrounded those smooth and
verdant fields upon all sides. And ever she gazed behind her very slyly,
but beheld no one immediately following after her.

For it was some while ere Sir Gareth arose from his couch to find the
damsel gone. And when he did arise he was vexed beyond measure that she
had departed. So he donned his armor in all haste and as soon as might
be he followed hard after her, galloping his horse very violently
through those fair and blooming meadows aforesaid, with the dwarf
Axatalese following fast after him upon Sir Kay's war-horse.

[Sidenote: _Sir Gareth followeth Lynette again._]

So Sir Gareth made all speed, and by and by he perceived the damsel
where she was, and at that time she was just entering into the forest
shades. So he drove forward still more rapidly and anon he came up with
her and thereupon he saluted and said, "Save you, Lady!" Upon that
salutation Lynette looked about, as though in surprise, and said, "Hah,
thou kitchen knave, art thou there?" And Sir Gareth said, "Yea, Lady."
And Lynette said: "Methought thou hadst enough of adventure yestereve
when that same White Knight rolled thee down into the dust and beat thee
in a fair fight afterward." Sir Gareth said, "Lady, thou speakest bitter
words to me!" and Lynette laughed, and she said: "Well, Sir Knave, it
seems that I cannot speak words that are so bitter as to prevent thee
from following after me for I see that I am not to be free from thee in
spite of my will to that end." And then she said: "Now I bid thee to
ride a little farther away from me, for ev