第 三百六十六 章 · Of the adventure that Melias had, and how Galahad

. Of the adventure that Melias had, and how Galahad

revenged him, and how Melias was carried into an abbey.

And then rode Melias into an old forest, and therein he rode two days

and more. And then he came into a fair meadow, and there was a fair

lodge of boughs. And then he espied in that lodge a chair, wherein was

a crown of gold, subtly wrought. Also there were cloths covered upon

the earth, and many delicious meats set thereon. Sir Melias beheld this

adventure, and thought it marvellous, but he had no hunger, but of the

crown of gold he took much keep; and therewith he stooped down and took

it up, and rode his way with it. And anon he saw a knight came riding

after him that said: Knight, set down that crown which is not yours,

and therefore defend you. Then Sir Melias blessed him and said: Fair

lord of heaven, help and save thy new-made knight. And then they let

their horses run as fast as they might, so that the other knight smote

Sir Melias through hauberk and through the left side, that he fell to

the earth nigh dead. And then he took the crown and went his way; and

Sir Melias lay still and had no power to stir.

In the meanwhile by fortune there came Sir Galahad and found him there

in peril of death. And then he said: Ah Melias, who hath wounded you?

therefore it had been better to have ridden the other way. And when Sir

Melias heard him speak: Sir, he said, for God’s love let me not die in

this forest, but bear me unto the abbey here beside, that I may be

confessed and have my rights. It shall be done, said Galahad, but where

is he that hath wounded you? With that Sir Galahad heard in the leaves

cry on high: Knight, keep thee from me. Ah sir, said Melias, beware,

for that is he that hath slain me. Sir Galahad answered: Sir knight,

come on your peril. Then either dressed to other, and came together as

fast as their horses might run, and Galahad smote him so that his spear

went through his shoulder, and smote him down off his horse, and in the

falling Galahad’s spear brake.

With that came out another knight out of the leaves, and brake a spear

upon Galahad or ever he might turn him. Then Galahad drew out his sword

and smote off the left arm of him, so that it fell to the earth. And

then he fled, and Sir Galahad pursued fast after him. And then he

turned again unto Sir Melias, and there he alighted and dressed him

softly on his horse to-fore him, for the truncheon of his spear was in

his body; and Sir Galahad stert up behind him, and held him in his

arms, and so brought him to the abbey, and there unarmed him and

brought him to his chamber. And then he asked his Saviour. And when he

had received Him he said unto Sir Galahad: Sir, let death come when it

pleaseth him. And therewith he drew out the truncheon of the spear out

of his body: and then he swooned.

Then came there an old monk which sometime had been a knight, and

beheld Sir Melias. And anon he ransacked him; and then he said unto Sir

Galahad: I shall heal him of his wound, by the grace of God, within the

term of seven weeks. Then was Sir Galahad glad, and unarmed him, and

said he would abide there three days. And then he asked Sir Melias how

it stood with him. Then he said he was turned unto helping, God be

thanked.