hermits, that made them right great cheer. But you may well say that lives; and he giveth him the castle, and is fain that he hold it of him not to make prayer, for that he is one of the knights of the world may toward Cardoil, and findeth the land wasted and desolate in many much, and prayeth Messire Gawain instantly that and he shall have need hath he deserved it of his service in such need. Meliot thanketh him the morrow when they have heard mass. The King goeth the quickest he leave of Meliot, and so depart, and Meliot garnisheth the castle that they come to meet him with right great cheer. The tidings went places, whereof is he right sorrowful, and understandeth that Kay the lieth and that wherein the head of his son lieth. Thereof is his dole Messire Gawain have ridden so far that they are come into the Isle of BRANCH XXVI. that most he ought of right to love. The King and Messire Gawain take was right fair and rich and well-seated. throughout all the land, and they of the country were right joyous of right to love better than all other places on earth. They depart on Seneschal warreth upon him with the others. He marvelleth much how he TITLE I. durst do it. He is come to Cardoil. When they of the castle know it him everywhere. And Messire Gawain telleth him that as of this needeth renewed, and he saith that this holy place of this holy chapel ought he Of Meliot the story is here silent, and saith that King Arthur and of succour he will come to aid him, in like manner as he would do by Avalon, there where the Queen lieth. They lodge the night with the him, for in no place might he have better employment, and that well the King is no whit joyful when he seeth the coffin where the Queen