Sheltered by this good man, Sir Jaufry asked, and thus obtained from him, the secret of the knight with whom he had fought so long.
“Friend, what thou ask'st I'll tell thee in few words: this knight in sable armour is a fiend, evoked from realms of darkness by a hag, whom thou perchance hast met upon thy way. This hideous wretch once boasted as her spouse a monstrous giant, whose most wicked acts for twenty leagues around had spoiled the earth. As mortal, all-ferocious though he be, is ne'er without his peer, it happed this giant did return one night so grievously ill-used, that, at the end of three short days, he died. The hag, then, fearing for her own sad life and that of her two sons, called by her magic from the lower world that evil spirit who, for thirty years, these lands hath vexed. Meantime her sons have waxed in years and strength, and closely followed in their father's steps. Grown leprous, one, he dwelt within a house, built by his mother by the force of spells, whither his brother hath set out in haste, enraged and tost,—for that the rumour saith a knight of Arthur's court the wretch hath slain. An it be true, may Heaven, all powerful, defend that knight!”
“He will endeavour to defend himself,” quoth Jaufry smiling; “and the raged giant, if he held the wish, need not have gone so far to find him out: I am the man who did his brother slay, and by whose hand the wicked spell was burst.”
Eight days being fled, the hermit chanted mass, and at the altar prayed the holy saints to guide Sir Jaufry, and protect his life against the monster's wrath. Having devoutly joined him in the prayer, the son of Dovon, like a valiant knight, did joyously set out; and scarce had ridden for an hour's space when he beheld the giant swiftly come, bearing beneath his arm,—with the same ease as he had done a child,—a damsel, who did utter doleful cries. Her voice was hoarse from screaming out for help; her yellow hair, which sparkled in the sun, upon her shoulders all dishevelled fell like molten gold; her robe was tom, her eyes were swollen with tears; scarce, by Saint Mary! had she strength remaining to implore help of Jaufry.
The knight, with pity touched, heard not in vain the prayer. His shield advanced, his lance within the rest, he at the giant rode, and called aloud that he should loose the maid.
Letting her truly for an instant go, the giant ran towards the nearest tree, and pulling at the trunk, unearthed it, roots and all. Before, however, he had done so quite, Jaufry had plunged his lance into his side. Checked by the stroke, and trembling in the hand, the giant's blow lost half of its effect, yet ne'er the less it bore to mother earth both Jaufry and his steed. The knight full quickly leapt upon his feet; and with his ready sword struck at the monster with such vigorous hand, he sliced from off his flank a palm of flesh; and through the gaping wound one might behold his beating heart, whilst streams of blood poured through. Exhausted, tottering, still the giant overthrew the knight by striking with his fist upon his helm; but though his sword escaped from Jaufry's grasp, it was too late for harm,—the giant fainting fell. On this, the knight hewed off his monstrous feet; when, in all gentleness, the maid he raised, for she had kneeled at her preserver's side, and thus did say:
“Accept, my lord, a thousand grateful thanks; for more than life have you preserved for me, in saving me from him!”
“Damsel,” Sir Jaufry answered, “God for ever aid you! But explain how is't I find you here?”
“My lord, 'tis easy to relate the tale: but yesterday I in an orchard strayed, to which my mother had conducted me; it was our usual walk; when, as we left the gates, behold, yon giant suddenly appeared, seized me at once, and to his castle now was bearing me away, when you, sir knight, so happily stepped in.”
“I thank great Heaven, it was just in time! But where, I pray you, was your worthy sire, and where your brothers, when this giant came?”