Hearken, oh gentles, to the tale I set before you, for thereof the Bretons already have made a Lay.  I will not do it harm by many words, and here is the commencement of the matter.  According to text and scripture, now I relate a certain adventure, which bechanced in the realm of Brittany, in days long gone before.

In that time when Arthur maintained his realm, the now in peace, the now in war, the King counted amongst his vassals a certain baron, named Oridial.  This knight was lord of Leon, and was very near to his prince’s heart, both in council chamber and in field.  From his wife he had gotten two children, the one a son and the other a fair daughter.  Nogent, he had called the damsel at the font, and the dansellon was named Gugemar—­no goodlier might be found in any realm.  His mother had set all her love upon the lad, and his father shewed him every good that he was able.  When the varlet was no more a child, Oridial sent him to the King, to be trained as a page in the courtesies of the Court.  Right serviceable was he in his station, and meetly praised of all.  The term of his service having come, and he being found of fitting years and knowledge, the King made him knight with his own hand, and armed him in rich harness, according to his wish.  So Gugemar gave gifts to all those about his person, and bidding farewell, took leave, and departed from the Court.  Gugemar went his way to Flanders, being desirous of advancement, for in that kingdom ever they have strife and war.  Neither in Loraine nor Burgundy, Anjou nor Gascony, might be found in that day a better knight than he, no, nor one his peer.  He had but one fault, since of love he took no care.  There was neither dame nor maiden beneath the sky, however dainty and kind, to whom he gave thought or heed, though had he required her love of any damsel, very willingly would she have granted his desire.  Many there were who prayed him for his love, but might have no kiss in return.  So seeing that he refrained his heart in this fashion, men deemed him a strange man, and one fallen into a perilous case.

In the flower of his deeds the good knight returned to his own land, that he might see again his father and lord, his mother and his sister, even as he very tenderly desired.  He lodged with them for the space of a long month, and at the end of that time had envy to hunt within the wood.  The night being come, Gugemar summoned his prickers and his squires, and early in the morning rode within the forest.  Great pleasure had Gugemar in the woodland, and much he delighted in the chase.  A tall stag was presently started, and the hounds being uncoupled, all hastened in pursuit—­the huntsmen before, and the good knight following after, winding upon his horn.  Gugemar rode at a great pace after the quarry, a varlet riding beside, bearing his bow, his arrows and his spear.  He followed so hotly that he over-passed the chase.  Gazing about him he marked, within a thicket, a doe hiding with her fawn.  Very white