CHAPTER XIII

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, subtily 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 alit and dressed him softly on his horse tofore him, for the truncheon of his spear was in his body; and Sir Galahad start 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