Chapter Chapter 356 · How Sir Gawaine assayed to draw out the sword, and how an

. How Sir Gawaine assayed to draw out the sword, and how an

old man brought in Galahad.

Now, fair nephew, said the king unto Sir Gawaine, assay ye, for my

love. Sir, he said, save your good grace I shall not do that. Sir, said

the king, assay to take the sword and at my commandment. Sir, said

Gawaine, your commandment I will obey. And therewith he took up the

sword by the handles, but he might not stir it. I thank you, said the

king to Sir Gawaine. My lord Sir Gawaine, said Sir Launcelot, now wit

ye well this sword shall touch you so sore that ye shall will ye had

never set your hand thereto for the best castle of this realm. Sir, he

said, I might not withsay mine uncle’s will and commandment. But when

the king heard this he repented it much, and said unto Sir Percivale

that he should assay, for his love. And he said: Gladly, for to bear

Sir Gawaine fellowship. And therewith he set his hand on the sword and

drew it strongly, but he might not move it. Then were there no more

that durst be so hardy to set their hands thereto. Now may ye go to

your dinner, said Sir Kay unto the king, for a marvellous adventure

have ye seen. So the king and all went unto the court, and every knight

knew his own place, and set him therein, and young men that were

knights served them.

So when they were served, and all sieges fulfilled save only the Siege

Perilous, anon there befell a marvellous adventure, that all the doors

and windows of the palace shut by themself. Not for then the hall was

not greatly darked; and therewith they were all abashed both one and

other. Then King Arthur spake first and said: By God, fair fellows and

lords, we have seen this day marvels, but or night I suppose we shall

see greater marvels.

In the meanwhile came in a good old man, and an ancient, clothed all in

white, and there was no knight knew from whence he came. And with him

he brought a young knight, both on foot, in red arms, without sword or

shield, save a scabbard hanging by his side. And these words he said:

Peace be with you, fair lords. Then the old man said unto Arthur: Sir,

I bring here a young knight, the which is of king’s lineage, and of the

kindred of Joseph of Aramathie, whereby the marvels of this court, and

of strange realms, shall be fully accomplished.