الفصل الفصل 55 · How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the brachet, and of

. How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the brachet, and of

his adventure by the way.

When Sir Tor was ready, he mounted upon his horseback, and rode after

the knight with the brachet. So as he rode he met with a dwarf suddenly

that smote his horse on the head with a staff, that he went backward

his spear length. Why dost thou so? said Sir Tor. For thou shalt not

pass this way, but if thou joust with yonder knights of the pavilions.

Then was Tor ware where two pavilions were, and great spears stood out,

and two shields hung on trees by the pavilions. I may not tarry, said

Sir Tor, for I am in a quest that I must needs follow. Thou shalt not

pass, said the dwarf, and therewithal he blew his horn. Then there came

one armed on horseback, and dressed his shield, and came fast toward

Tor, and he dressed him against him, and so ran together that Tor bare

him from his horse. And anon the knight yielded him to his mercy. But,

sir, I have a fellow in yonder pavilion that will have ado with you

anon. He shall be welcome, said Sir Tor. Then was he ware of another

knight coming with great raundon, and each of them dressed to other,

that marvel it was to see; but the knight smote Sir Tor a great stroke

in midst of the shield that his spear all to-shivered. And Sir Tor

smote him through the shield below of the shield that it went through

the cost of the knight, but the stroke slew him not. And therewith Sir

Tor alighted and smote him on the helm a great stroke, and therewith

the knight yielded him and besought him of mercy. I will well, said Sir

Tor, but thou and thy fellow must go unto King Arthur, and yield you

prisoners unto him. By whom shall we say are we thither sent? Ye shall

say by the knight that went in the quest of the knight that went with

the brachet. Now, what be your two names? said Sir Tor. My name is,

said the one, Sir Felot of Langduk; and my name is, said the other, Sir

Petipase of Winchelsea. Now go ye forth, said Sir Tor, and God speed

you and me. Then came the dwarf and said unto Sir Tor, I pray you give

me a gift. I will well, said Sir Tor, ask. I ask no more, said the

dwarf, but that ye will suffer me to do you service, for I will serve

no more recreant knights. Take an horse, said Sir Tor, and ride on with

me. I wot ye ride after the knight with the white brachet, and I shall

bring you where he is, said the dwarf. And so they rode throughout a

forest, and at the last they were ware of two pavilions, even by a

priory, with two shields, and the one shield was enewed with white, and

the other shield was red.