And Sir Tristram perceived that there were lights shining from several windows of that castle, and that all within was aglow with red as of a great fire in the hall of the castle; and at these signs of good cheer, his heart was greatly expanded with joy that he should not after all have to spend that night in the darkness and in the chill of the autumn wilds.

[Sidenote:  Sir Tristram comes to a friendly castle] So Sir Tristram set spurs to his good horse and rode up to the castle and made request for rest and refreshment for the night.  Then, after a little parley, the drawbridge was lowered, and the portcullis was raised, and he rode with a great noise into the stone-paved courtyard of the castle.

Thereupon there came several attendants of the castle, and took his horse and aided him to descend from the saddle; and then other attendants came and led him away into the castle and so to an apartment where there was a warm bath of tepid water, and where were soft towels and napkins of linen for to dry himself upon after he was bathed.  And when he had bathed and refreshed himself, there came still other attendants bearing soft warm robes for him in which to clothe himself after his journey; and Sir Tristram clothed himself and felt greatly at his ease, and was glad that he had come to that place.

For thus it was that worthy knights like Sir Tristram travelled the world in those days so long ago; and so they were received in castle and hall with great pleasure and hospitality.  For all folk knew the worth of these noble gentlemen and were glad to make them welcome whithersoever they went.  And so I have told to you how Sir Tristram travelled, that you might, perchance, find pleasure in the thought thereof.

[Sidenote:  Sir Tristram meets the lady of the castle] Now after Sir Tristram had refreshed himself and clothed himself as aforesaid, there came the steward of the castle and besought him that he would come to where the lady of the castle was awaiting him for to welcome him.  And Sir Tristram went with the steward, and the steward brought him where the lady sat at a table prepared for supper.  And Sir Tristram perceived that the lady was very beautiful, but that she was clad in the deep weeds of a widow.

When the lady perceived Sir Tristram, she arose and went to meet him, and gave him welcome, speaking in a voice both soft and very sweet.  “Messire,” quoth she, “I am grieved that there is no man here to welcome you in such a manner as is fitting.  But, alas! as you may see by the weeds in which I am clad, I am alone in the world and without any lord of the castle to do the courtesies thereof as is fitting.  Yet such as I am, I give you welcome with my entire heart.”

“Lady,” quoth Sir Tristram, “I give you gramercy for your courtesy.  And indeed I am grieved to see you in such sorrow as your dress foretells.  Now if there is any service I may render to you, I beseech you to call upon me for whatever aid I may give you.”