"I shall bring you to him; but only on covenant that you will come to my aid when I summon you."
"If it be in reason and uprightness, you may trust me," he replied.
"I saw him," she continued, "chase two knights into the stream that is called Mortaise, and follow them into the water. But they passed over, and his horse was drowned, and only by his great strength he got safe to land again."
"That I am very glad to hear. It would have been a sad day had that good knight been drowned."
"You look pale and thin," she remarked. "Have you eaten lately?"
"Not these three days," he answered. "Yet I spoke of late with a good man, whose words refreshed me as if I had partaken of rich viands."
"Ah, sir knight," she said, "beware of that old man. I know him better than you. He is a false enchanter, who seeks your harm. If you heed his words shame will be your lot, and you will die on this rock and be devoured by wild beasts. I am here to help you in your need, for I am not content to see so good a knight come to harm and disgrace."
"Who are you," asked Percivale, "that proffer me so great a kindness?"
"Once I was the richest woman in the world," she answered. "Now I am disinherited and in want."
"Then I pity you greatly. Who is it that has disinherited you?"