With that he commendeth the damsel to God, and goeth his way in one direction and the damsel in another, and saith to herself that Perceval is the most marvellous knight of the world, that so often he discogniseth himself. For when one seeth him one may recognise him not. Messire Gawain rideth amidst the forest, and prayeth the Saviour lead him into such place as that he may find Perceval openly, in such sort that he may have his acquaintance and his love that so greatly he desireth.
BRANCH XIV.
TITLE I.
Herewithal the story is silent of Messire Gawain, and saith that Lancelot seeketh Perceval in like manner as did Messire Gawain, and rideth until that he cometh to the hermitage where he hanged the thieves. Joseus made right great joy of him. He asked him whether he knew any tidings of the son of the Widow Lady.
"I have seen him sithence that he came from King Arthur's court but once only, and whither he is gone I know not."
"Sir," saith Lancelot, "I would see him right fain. King Arthur sendeth for him by me."
"Sir," saith the hermit, "I know not when I may see him again, for when once he departeth hence he is not easy to find."
Lancelot entereth the chapel with the hermit, and seeth the shield that Perceval brought from King Arthur's court beside the altar.
"Sir," saith Lancelot, "I see his shield yonder. Hide him not from me."