Geraint, son of Erbin
part 20
Thereupon, behold, one of the pages came after Gwalchmai to speak to him. So he sent him to apprise Arthur that Geraint was there wounded, and that he would not go to visit him, and that it was pitiable to see the plight that he was in. And this he did without Geraint's knowledge, inasmuch as he spoke in a whisper to the page.
"Entreat Arthur," said he, "to have his tent brought near to the road, for he will not meet him willingly, and it is not easy to compel him in the mood he is in."
So the page came to Arthur, and told him this. And he caused his tent to be removed unto the side of the road. And the maiden rejoiced in her heart. And Gwalchmai led Geraint onwards along the road, till they came to the place where Arthur was encamped, and the pages were pitching his tent by the road-side.
"Lord," said Geraint, "all hail unto thee."
"Heaven prosper thee; and who art thou?" said Arthur.
"It is Geraint," said Gwalchmai, "and of his own free will would he not come to meet thee."
"Verily," said Arthur, "he is bereft of his reason."
Then came Enid, and saluted Arthur.
"Heaven protect thee," said he. And thereupon he caused one of the pages to take her from her horse.
"Alas! Enid," said Arthur, what expedition is this?"
"I know not, Lord," said she, "save that it behoves me to journey by the same road that he journeys."
"My Lord," said Geraint, "with thy permission we will depart."
"Whither wilt thou go?" said Arthur.
"Thou canst not proceed now, unless it be unto thy death."
"He will not suffer himself to be invited by me," said Gwalchmai.
"But by me he will," said Arthur; "and, more-over, he does not go from here until he is healed."
"I had rather, Lord," said Geraint, "that thou wouldest let me go forth."
"That will I not, I declare to Heaven," said he.
Then he caused a maiden to be sent for to conduct Enid to the tent where Gwenhwyvar's chamber was. And Gwenhwyvar and all her women were joyful at her coming; and they took off her riding-dress, and placed other garments upon her. Arthur also called Kadyrieith, and ordered him to pitch a tent for Geraint and the physicians; and he enjoined him to provide him with abundance of all that might be requisite for him. And Kadyrieith did as he had commanded him. And Morgan Tud and his disciples were brought to Geraint.
And Arthur and his hosts remained there nearly a month, whilst Geraint was being healed. And when he was fully recovered, Geraint came to Arthur, and asked his permission to depart.
"I know not if thou art quite well."
"In truth I am, Lord," said Geraint. "I shall not believe thee concerning that, but the physicians that were with thee."
So Arthur caused the physicians to be summoned to him, and asked them if it were true.
"It is true Lord," said Morgan Tud.
So the next day Arthur permitted him to go forth, and he pursued his journey. And on the same day Arthur removed thence. And Geraint desired Enid to go on, and to keep before him, as she had formerly done. And she went forward along the high road. And as they journeyed thus, they heard an exceeding loud wailing near to them.
"Stay thou here," said he, "and I will go and see what is the cause of this wailing."
"I will," said she.
Then he went forward unto an open glade that was near the road. And in the glade he saw two horses, one having a man's saddle, and the other a woman's saddle upon it. And, behold, there was a knight lying dead in his armour, and a young damsel in a riding-dress standing over him, lamenting.
"Ah! Lady," said Geraint, " what hath befallen thee?"
"Behold," she answered, "I journeyed here with my beloved husband, when, lo! three giants came upon us, and without any cause in the world, they slew him."
"Which way went they hence?" said Geraint.
"Yonder by the high road," she replied.
So he returned to Enid.
"Go," said he, "to the lady that is below yonder, and await me there till I come."
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Pwyll