CHAPTER XIV

How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet into a castle, where he
found a dead knight, and how he after was required of
a damosel to heal her brother.

NOW leave we there and speak of Sir Launcelot that rode a great
while in a deep forest, where he saw a black brachet, seeking in
manner as it had been in the feute of an hurt deer.  And
therewith he rode after the brachet, and he saw lie on the ground
a large feute of blood.  And then Sir Launcelot rode after.  And
ever the brachet looked behind her, and so she went through a
great marsh, and ever Sir Launcelot followed.  And then was he
ware of an old manor, and thither ran the brachet, and so over
the bridge.  So Sir Launcelot rode over that bridge that was old
and feeble; and when he came in midst of a great hall, there he
saw lie a dead knight that was a seemly man, and that brachet
licked his wounds.  And therewithal came out a lady weeping and
wringing her hands; and then she said, O knight, too much sorrow
hast thou brought me.  Why say ye so? said Sir Launcelot, I did
never this knight no harm, for hither by feute of blood <200>this
brachet brought me; and therefore, fair lady, be not displeased
with me, for I am full sore aggrieved of your grievance.  Truly,
sir, she said, I trow it be not ye that hath slain my husband,
for he that did that deed is sore wounded, and he is never likely
to recover, that shall I ensure him.  What was your husband's
name? said Sir Launcelot.  Sir, said she, his name was called Sir
Gilbert the Bastard, one of the best knights of the world, and he
that hath slain him I know not his name.  Now God send you better
comfort, said Sir Launcelot; and so he departed and went into the
forest again, and there he met with a damosel, the which knew him
well, and she said aloud, Well be ye found, my lord; and now I
require thee, on thy knighthood, help my brother that is sore
wounded, and never stinteth bleeding; for this day he fought with
Sir Gilbert the Bastard and slew him in plain battle, and there
was my brother sore wounded, and there is a lady a sorceress that
dwelleth in a castle here beside, and this day she told me my
brother's wounds should never be whole till I could find a knight
that would go into the Chapel Perilous, and there he should find
a sword and a bloody cloth that the wounded knight was lapped in,
and a piece of that cloth and sword should heal my brother's
wounds, so that his wounds were searched with the sword and the
cloth.  This is a marvellous thing, said Sir Launcelot, but what
is your brother's name?  Sir, she said, his name was Sir Meliot
de Logres.  That me repenteth, said Sir Launcelot, for he is a
fellow of the Table Round, and to his help I will do my power. 
Then, sir, said she, follow even this highway, and it will bring
you unto the Chapel Perilous; and here I shall abide till God
send you here again, and, but you speed, I know no knight living
that may achieve that adventure



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