Part 12 (1/2)

In the little town there was a great deal of noise and bustle. At first Sir Geraint could not find any place to stay, for the houses were all full. He stopped before a servant who was scouring his master's armor, and asked what all the noise meant.

The servant said:

”The Sparrow-hawk,” and went on working.

Then he met an old man carrying a sack of corn, and asked him the same question. The old man made the same reply. Next Sir Geraint approached one who was making armor, and questioned him. Without looking up the man replied:

”Friend, he who works for the Sparrow-hawk has little time for answering questions.”

Sir Geraint was vexed, and said:

”I am weary of hearing of your Sparrow-hawk. I do not understand what you mean. Will you not tell me where I can find a place to stay for to-night? And will you not sell me some armor? I have but my sword.”

Then the man looked up, and said:

”Your pardon, sir. We are all very busy here, for to-morrow we hold a tournament, and our work is not half done. I cannot give you armor, for we need all that we have in the town. As to lodging, all the room is taken. However, perhaps Earl Iniol in the castle will receive you.”

Sir Geraint rode over to the gray old castle, and as the gate was open, entered the ruined courtyard. Dismounting, he went into the hall. Here he found the earl, an elderly man dressed in clothes which had once been handsome, but were now old and worn. To him Sir Geraint said:

”Good sir, I seek lodging for the night.”

The old Earl Iniol answered:

”Sir, I was once rich and am now poor; nevertheless, I will gladly give you the best I have.”

As he spoke, some one in the castle began to sing. The voice was very sweet. Sir Geraint thought he had never heard anyone sing so wonderfully.

”That is my daughter Enid,” said the earl.

Then he took Sir Geraint into a room in which sat an old lady in a faded velvet gown. She was the earl's wife. By her side stood Enid in a faded silk gown. She was as beautiful as her voice was sweet, and after watching her, Sir Geraint said to himself:

”I already love this maiden.”

He said nothing out loud, only looked at her. Earl Iniol spoke to her:

”Enid, this good knight will stay with us. His horse is in the courtyard; take it to the stall and give it corn. Then go into the town and buy us some food.”

Sir Geraint wished to put away his horse himself, but the old earl said:

”Sir, we are very poor, but we cannot permit our guest to do any work. I pray you, stay here.”

So Enid took the horse to the stall. After that, she went into the town and soon returned with meat and sweet cakes. Then, because most of the rooms in the old castle were in ruins, she cooked the meat in the same hall in which they were to eat. When the meal was ready, she waited on her father and her mother and Sir Geraint. The knight watched her and loved her more and more.

When they had risen from the table, he said to the earl:

”My lord, pray tell me what the people of this town mean when they speak of the Sparrow-hawk.”

The earl's face grew sad, as he said:

”That is the name given to the young knight who rules in this town.”