{"id":1747,"date":"2019-07-15T17:29:17","date_gmt":"2019-07-15T17:29:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/?post_type=chapter&p=1747"},"modified":"2019-07-15T19:47:53","modified_gmt":"2019-07-15T19:47:53","slug":"fytte-the-first","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/chapter\/fytte-the-first\/","title":{"raw":"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Fytte the First","rendered":"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Fytte the First"},"content":{"raw":"

Fytte the First<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
    \r\n \t
  1. After the siege and the assault had ceased at Troy,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nthe city been destroyed and burned to brands and ashes,\r\nthe warrior who wrought there the trains of treason\r\nwas tried for his treachery, the truest on earth.[1]<\/a><\/sup>\r\nThis was Aeneas the noble; he and his high kindred\r\nafterwards conquered provinces, and became patrons\r\nof well nigh all the wealth in the West Isles.\r\nAs soon as rich Romulus turns him to Rome,\r\nwith great pride he at once builds that city,\r\nand names it with his own name, which it now has;\r\nTicius turns to Tuscany and founds dwellings;\r\nLongobard raises homes in Lombardy;\r\nand, far over the French flood, Felix Brutus\r\nestablishes Britain joyfully on many\r\nbroad banks,\r\n\u2060where war and waste and wonders\r\n\u2060by turns have since dwelt,\r\n\u2060and many a swift interchange\r\n\u2060of bliss and woe.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  2. And when this Britain was founded by this great hero,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nbold men loving strife bred therein,\r\nand many a time they wrought destruction.\r\nMore strange things have happened in this land\r\nsince these days than in any other that I know,\r\nbut of all the British kings that built here,\r\nArthur was ever the most courteous, as I have heard tell.\r\nTherefore, I mean to tell of an adventure in the world,\r\nwhich some count strange and extraordinary\r\neven among the wonders of Arthur.\r\nIf ye will listen to this lay but a little while,\r\nI will tell it forthright as I heard it told\r\nin town,\r\n\u2060as it is set down in story\r\n\u2060that cannot be changed,\r\n\u2060long written in the land\r\n\u2060in true words.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  3. This King lay royally at Camelot at Christmas tide\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nwith many fine lords, the best of men,\r\nall the rich brethren of the Round Table,\r\nwith right rich revel and careless mirth.\r\nThere full many heroes tourneyed betimes,\r\njousted full gaily; then returned these gentle knights\r\nto the court to make carols.[2]<\/a><\/sup>\r\nFor there the feast was held full fifteen days alike\r\nwith all the meat and the mirth that men could devise.\r\nSuch a merry tumult, glorious to hear;\r\njoyful din by day, dancing at night.\r\nAll was high joy in halls and chambers\r\nwith lords and ladies as pleased them best.\r\nWith all the weal in the world they dwelt there together,\r\nthe most famous knights save only Christ,\r\nthe loveliest ladies that ever had life,\r\nand he, the comeliest of kings, who holds the court.\r\nFor all this fair company were in their prime in\r\nthe hall,\r\n\u2060the happiest troop under heaven\r\n\u2060with the proudest of kings.\r\n\u2060Truly it would be hard to name anywhere\r\n\u2060so brave a band.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  4. When New Year was fresh and but newly come,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nthe court was served double on the dais.\r\nAs soon as the king with his knights was come into the hall,\r\nthe chanting in the chapel came to an end;\r\nloud was the cry there of clerks and others.\r\nNoel was celebrated anew, shouted full often;\r\nand afterwards the great ones ran about to take handsel;[3]<\/a><\/sup>\r\ncalled aloud for New Year's gifts;\r\nladies laughed full loud, though they had lost;\r\nand he that won was not wroth, that may ye well trow.\r\nAll this mirth they made till the meat time.\r\nWhen they had washed, worthily they went to their seats,\r\nthe best man ever above, as it best behoved.\r\nQueen Guinevere full beauteous was set in the midst,\r\nplaced on the rich dais adorned all about.\r\nFine silk at the sides, a canopy over her\r\nof precious cloth of Toulouse and tapestries of Tars,[4]<\/a><\/sup>\r\nthat were embroidered and set with the best gems that money\r\ncould buy.\r\n\u2060Truly no man could say\r\n\u2060that he ever beheld\r\n\u2060a comelier lady than she,\r\n\u2060with her dancing gray eyes.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  5. But Arthur would not eat till all were served.\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nHe was so merry in his mirth, and somewhat childlike in his manner;\r\nhis life pleased him well; he loved little\r\neither to lie long or to sit long,\r\nso busied him his young blood and his wild brain.\r\nAnd another custom moved him also,\r\nthat he through chivalry had taken up; he would never eat\r\nupon such a dear day before he was told\r\nan uncouth tale of some adventurous thing,\r\nof some great marvel that he could believe,\r\nof ancient heroes, of arms, or of other adventures;\r\nor unless some person demanded of him a sure knight\r\nto join with him in jousting, to incur peril,\r\nto risk life against life, trusting each in the other,\r\nleaving the victory to fortune.\r\nThis was the king's custom whenever he held court\r\nat each goodly feast among his free company in\r\nthe hall.\r\n\u2060And so with undaunted face\r\n\u2060he strides stoutly to his seat\r\n\u2060on that New Year,\r\n\u2060making great mirth with everybody.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  6. Thus the great king stands waiting before the high table,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\ntalking of trifles full courteously.\r\nThe good Gawain was placed there beside Guinevere,\r\nand Agravain of the Hard Hand sat on the other side,\r\nboth of them the king's sister's sons and full sure knights.\r\nBishop Baldwin at the top begins the table,\r\nand Ywain, Urien's son, ate by himself.\r\nThese were placed on the dais and honorably served,\r\nand after them many a good man at the side tables.\r\nThen the first course came in with blare of trumpets,\r\nwhich were hung with many a bright banner.\r\nA new noise of kettle-drums with the noble pipes,\r\nwild and stirring melodies wakened the echoes;\r\nthat many a heart heaved full high at their tones.\r\nDainties of precious meats followed,\r\nfoison of fresh viands, and on so many dishes\r\nthat it was difficult to find place before the people\r\nto set on the cloth the silver that held the several\r\ncourses.\r\n\u2060Each man as he himself preferred\r\n\u2060partook without hesitation.\r\n\u2060Every two[5]<\/a><\/sup> had twelve dishes between them,\r\n\u2060good beer and bright wine both.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  7. Now will I tell you no more of their service,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nfor everybody must well understand that there was\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 no lack of opportunity for the people to take their food.[6]<\/a><\/sup>\r\nAnother noise full new suddenly drew nigh,\r\nfor scarcely had the music ceased a moment,\r\nand the first course been properly served in the court,\r\nthan there burst in at the hall door an awesome being,\r\nin height one of the tallest men in the world;\r\nfrom the neck to the waist so square and so thick was he,\r\nand his loins and his limbs so long and so great,\r\nthat half giant I believed him to have been,\r\nor, at any rate, the largest of men,\r\nand withal the handsomest in spite of his bulk, that ever rode;\r\nfor though his back and breast were so vast,\r\nyet his belly and waist were properly slim;\r\nand all his form according,\r\nfull fairly shaped.\r\n\u2060At the hue of his noble face\r\n\u2060men wondered;\r\n\u2060he carried himself in hostile fashion\r\n\u2060and was entirely green.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  8. All green was this man and his clothing;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\na straight coat sat tight to his sides;\r\na fair mantle above, adorned within;\r\nthe lining showed, with costly trimming\r\nof shining white fur; and such his hood also,\r\nthat was caught back from his locks and lay on his shoulders,\r\nthe hem well stretched;[7]<\/a><\/sup> hose of the same green,\r\nthat clung to his calf; and clean spurs under,\r\nof bright gold upon silk bands richly barred,\r\nand shoes[8]<\/a><\/sup> on his shanks as the hero rides.\r\nAnd all his vesture verily was clean verdure,\r\nboth the bars of his belt, and the other beauteous stones\r\nthat were set in fine array\r\nabout himself and his saddle, worked on silk.\r\nIt would be too difficult to tell the half of the trifles\r\nthat were embroidered there, with birds and flies,\r\nwith gay gauds of green, \u2014 the good over in the middle;\r\nthe pendants of the poitrel, the proud crupper,\r\nthe bits, \u2014 and all the metal was enamelled;\r\nthe stirrups that he stood on were coloured the same,\r\nand his saddle bow likewise, and his fine reins[9]<\/a><\/sup>\r\nthat glimmered and glinted all of green stones.\r\nThe horse that he rode on was of the same\r\ncolour too,\r\n\u2060a green horse, great and thick,\r\n\u2060a steed full stiff to guide,\r\n\u2060in gay embroidered bridle,\r\n\u2060and one right dear to his master.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  9. This hero was splendidly dressed in green;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nand the hair of his head matched that of his horse;[10]<\/a><\/sup>\r\nfair flowing locks enfolded his shoulders;\r\na beard as big as a bush hung over his breast;\r\nand it, together with his splendid hair that reached from his head,\r\nwas trimmed evenly all round above his elbows,\r\nso that half his arms were caught thereunder in the manner\r\nof a king's hood,[11]<\/a><\/sup> that covers his neck.\r\nThe mane of that great horse was much like it,\r\nvery curly and combed, with knots full many\r\nfolded in with gold wire about the fair green, \u2014\r\nalways one knot of the hair, another of gold.\r\nThe tail and the forelock were twined in the same way,\r\nand both bound with a band of bright green,\r\nset with full precious stones the whole length of the dock,\r\nand then tied up with a thong in a tight knot;\r\nwhere rang many bells full bright of burnished gold.\r\nSuch a steed in the world, such a hero as rides him,\r\nwas never beheld in that hall before\r\nthat time.\r\n\u2060His glances were like bright lightning,\r\n\u2060so said all that saw him.\r\n\u2060It seemed as if no man\r\n\u2060could endure under his blows.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  10. He had neither helm nor hauberk,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nnor gorget, armour nor breastplate,\r\nnor shaft nor shield to guard or to smite;\r\nbut in his one hand he had a holly twig,\r\nthat is greenest when groves are bare,\r\nand an axe in his other, a huge and prodigious one,\r\na weapon merciless almost beyond description;\r\nthe head had the vast length of an ellyard,\r\nthe blade all of green steel and of beaten gold;\r\nthe bit[12]<\/a><\/sup> brightly burnished, with a broad edge,\r\nas well shaped for cutting as sharp razors.\r\nThe stern warrior gripped it by[13]<\/a><\/sup> the steel of its stout staff,\r\nwhich was wound with iron to the end of the wood\r\nand all engraven with green in beauteous work.\r\nA lace was lapped about it, that was fastened at the head,\r\nand tied up often along the helve,\r\nwith many precious tassels attached\r\non rich embroidered buttons of the bright green.\r\nThis hero turns him in and enters the hall,\r\nriding straight to the high dais, fearless of mischief.\r\nHe greeted never a one, but looked loftily about,\r\nand the first word that he uttered was:\r\n\"Where is the governor of this company? Gladly I would\r\nsee that hero and speak\r\nwith him.\"\r\n\u2060He cast his eye on the knights\r\n\u2060and rode fiercely up and down,\r\n\u2060stopped and gan ponder\r\n\u2060who was there the most renowned.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  11. All gazed fixedly on the man,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nfor everybody marvelled what it might mean,\r\nthat a knight and a horse could have such a colour:\r\nas green grown as the grass, and greener, it seemed;\r\nshining brighter than green enamel on gold.\r\nAll were amazed who stood there, and stalked nearer to him,\r\nwith all the wonder in the world what he would do;\r\nfor many marvels had they seen, but such never before.\r\nTherefore for phantom and faery the folk there deemed it;\r\nand for that reason many a noble warrior was slow to answer,\r\nand all were astonished at his voice and sat\r\nstone still in a deep silence through the rich hall.\r\nTheir voices[14]<\/a><\/sup> sank as though they had suddenly\r\nfallen asleep.\r\n\u2060I deem, however, that it was not all for fear,\r\n\u2060but somewhat for courtesy.\r\n\u2060But now let him to whom all defer\r\n\u2060undertake the wight.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  12. Then Arthur before the high dais beheld that adventure,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nand saluted the stranger properly, for never was he afraid,\r\nand said, \"Sir, welcome indeed to this place.\r\nI am called Arthur, the head of this hostel.\r\nLight courteously down and tarry, I pray thee;\r\nand whatso thy will is we shall wit after.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\n\"Nay, so help me he that sits on high,\" quoth the hero.\r\n\"To dwell any time in this house was not my errand;\r\nbut because the fame of this people is lifted up so high,\r\nand thy town and thy men are held the best,\r\nthe stoutest in steel gear on steeds to ride,\r\nthe wightest and the worthiest of the world's kind,\r\nand proved opponents in other proper sports;\r\nand here courtesy is known, as I have heard tell, \u2014\r\nit is this that has enticed me hither certainly at this time.\r\nYou may be sure by this branch that I bear here\r\nthat I pass in peace and seek no quarrel;\r\nfor if I had set out with a company in fighting fashion,\r\nI have a hauberk at home and a helm both,\r\na shield and a sharp spear shining bright,\r\nand other weapons to wield, I ween well also;\r\nbut since I wished no war, my weeds are softer.\r\nNow if thou be as bold as all men tell,\r\nthou wilt grant me graciously the game that\r\nI ask.\"\r\n\u2060Arthur knew how to answer,\r\n\u2060and said: \"Sir courteous knight,\r\n\u2060if it is battle that thou cravest,\r\n\u2060thou shalt not fail of a fight here.\"\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  13. \"Nay, I demand no fight; in faith I tell thee\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nthere are but beardless children about on this bench.\r\nIf I were hasped in arms on a high steed\r\nthere is no man here to match me, their might is so weak.\r\nTherefore I crave in this court a Christmas game,\r\nfor it is Yule and New Year, and here are many gallants.\r\nIf there be a man in this house who holds himself so hardy,\r\nis so bold in his blood, so rash in his head,\r\nthat he dares stiffly strike one stroke for another,\r\nI shall give him as my gift this rich gisarm,\r\nthis axe, that is heavy enough, to handle as he likes;\r\nand I shall abide the first blow as bare as I sit.\r\nIf any warrior be wight enough to try what I propose,\r\nlet him leap lightly to me and take this weapon \u2014\r\nI quit-claim it forever, let him keep it as his own \u2014\r\nand I shall stand him a stroke firmly on this floor.\r\nAt another time, by our Lady, thou wilt grant me the boon of dealing him\r\nanother blow;\r\n\u2060I will give him respite\r\n\u2060of a twelvemonth and a day.\r\n\u2060Now hie, and let us see quickly\r\n\u2060if any herein dare say aught.\"\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  14. If he had astonished them at first, stiller were then\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nall the retainers in hall, the high and the low.\r\nThe warrior on his steed settled himself in his saddle,\r\nand fiercely his red eyes he reeled about;\r\nbent his thick brows, shining green;\r\nand waved his beard, awaiting whoso would rise.\r\nWhen none would answer him he coughed aloud,\r\nstretched himself haughtily and began to speak;\r\n\"What! Is this Arthur's house,\" said the hero then,\r\n\"that is famous through so many realms?\r\nWhere is now your pride and your conquests,\r\nyour fierceness, and your wrath and your great words?\r\nNow is the revel and the renown of the Round Table\r\novercome by the word of a single man;\r\nfor all tremble for dread without a blow shown.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\nWith this he laughed so loud that the lord grieved;\r\nthe blood shot for shame into his\r\nfair face.\r\n\u2060He waxed as wroth as the wind;\r\n\u2060and so did all that were there.\r\n\u2060The king so keen of mood\r\n\u2060then stood near that proud man.\r\n
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  15. \"Sir,\" said he, \"by heaven thy asking is foolish;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nand as thou hast demanded folly, it behooves thee to find it.\r\nI know no man that is aghast of thy great words.\r\nGive me now this gisarm, for God's sake,\r\nand I will grant thy boon that thou has bidden.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\nQuickly he leaped to him and caught at his hand;\r\nand the other alights fiercely on foot.\r\nNow Arthur has his axe, and grips the helve;\r\nhe whirls it sternly about as if he meant to strife with it.\r\nThe bold stranger stood upright before him,\r\nhigher than any in the house by a head and more;\r\nwith stern cheer he stood there, stroked his beard,\r\nand with cool countenance drew down his coat,\r\nno more afraid or dismayed for Arthur's great strokes\r\nthan if some one had brought him a drink of wine upon\r\nthe bench.\r\n\u2060Gawain, that sat by the queen,\r\n\u2060turned to the king:\r\n\u2060\"I beseech now with all courtesy\r\n\u2060that this affair might be mine.\r\n
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  16. \"Would ye, worthy lord,\" quoth Gawain to the king,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\n\"bid me step from this bench and stand by you there, \u2014\r\nthat I without rudeness might leave this table\r\nand that my liege lady liked it not ill \u2014\r\nI would come to your help before your rich court;\r\nfor methinks it is obviously unseemly\r\nthat such an asking is made so much of in your hall,\r\neven though ye yourself be willing to take it upon you,\r\nwhile so many bold ones sit about you on the bench;\r\nthan whom, I ween, none under heaven are higher of spirit,\r\nnor more mighty on the field where strike is reared.\r\nI am the weakest, I know, and feeblest of wit;\r\nand to tell the truth there would be the least loss in my life.\r\nI am only to praise forasmuch as ye are my uncle;\r\nno other nobility than your blood know I in my body.\r\nAnd since this adventure is so foolish, it belongs not to you;\r\nI have asked it of you first; give it to me.\r\nLet this great court decide[15]<\/a><\/sup> if I have not\r\nspoken well.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\n\u2060The heroes took counsel together\r\n\u2060and they all gave the same advice, \u2014\r\n\u2060to free the crowned king\r\n\u2060and give the game to Gawain.\r\n
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  17. Then the king commanded Gawain to rise from the table;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nand he right quickly stood up and made himself ready,\r\nkneeled down before the king and took the weapon;\r\nand Arthur lovingly left it to him, lifted up his hand\r\nand gave him God's blessing, and gladly bade him\r\nbe hardy both of heart and of hand.\r\n\"Take care, cousin,\" quoth the king, \"that thou give him a cut;\r\nand if thou handle him properly, I readily believe\r\nthat thou shalt endure the blow which he shall give after.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\nGawain goes to the man with gisarm in hand;\r\nand he boldly awaits him, shrinking never a whit.\r\nThen speaks to Sir Gawain the knight in the green;\r\n\"Rehearse we our agreement before we go farther.\r\nFirst, I conjure thee, hero, how thou art called,\r\nthat thou tell me it truly, so that I may believe it.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\n\"In good faith,\" quoth the knight, \"Gawain am I called,\r\nwho give you this buffet, whatever befalls after;\r\nand at this time twelvemonth I am to take from thee another\r\nwith whatever weapon thou wilt, and from no wight else\r\nalive.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\n\u2060The other answers again,\r\n\u2060\"Sir Gawain, so thrive I\r\n\u2060as I am heartily glad\r\n\u2060that thou shalt give this blow.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  18. \"By Gog,\" quoth the green knight, \"Sir Gawain, it delights me\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nthat I am to get at thy fist what I have requested here;\r\nand thou hast readily and truly rehearsed\r\nthe whole of the covenant that I asked of the king,\r\nsave that thou shalt assure me, sir, by thy troth,\r\nthat thou wilt seek me thyself wheresoever thou thinkest\r\nI may be found upon the earth, and fetch for thyself such wages\r\nas thou dealest me today before this rich company.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\n\"Where should I seek thee?\" quoth Gawain. \"Where is thy place?\r\nI know never where thou livest, by him that wrought me;\r\nnor do I know thee, knight, thy court, nor thy name.\r\nBut tell me truly the way and how thou art called,\r\nand I will use all my wit to win my way thither, \u2014\r\nand that I swear thee, for a sooth, and by my sure troth.\r\n
    <\/div>\r\n\"New Year will suffice for that; no more is needed now,\"\r\nquoth the man in green to Gawain the courteous.\r\n\"To tell the truth, after I have received thy tap,\r\nand thou hast smitten me well, I shall promptly inform thee\r\nof my house and my home and mine own name.\r\nThen thou mayest inquire about my journey and hold promise;\r\nand if I speak no speech, then thou speedest the better,\r\nfor thou mayest linger at ease in thy land and seek\r\nno further.\r\n\u2060Take now thy grim tool to thee\r\n\u2060and let us see how thou knockest.\"\r\n\u2060\"Gladly, sir, for sooth,\"\r\n\u2060quoth Gawain as he strokes his axe.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  19. The green knight on the ground prepared himself properly.\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nWith the head a little bowed he disclosed the flesh.\r\nHis long, lovely locks he laid over his crown,\r\nand let the naked nape of his neck show for the blow.\r\nGawain gripped his axe and gathered it on high;\r\nthe left foot he set before on the ground,\r\nand let the axe light smartly down on the naked flesh,[16]<\/a><\/sup>\r\nso that the sharp edge severed the giant's bones,\r\nand shrank through the clear flesh[17]<\/a><\/sup> and sheared it in twain,\r\ntill the edge of the brown steel bit into the ground.\r\nThe fair head fell from the neck to the earth,\r\nand many pushed it with their feet where it rolled forth.\r\nThe blood burst from the body and glistened on the green.\r\nYet never faltered nor fell the hero for all that;\r\nbut stoutly he started up with firm steps,\r\nand fiercely he rushed forth where the heroes stood,\r\ncaught his lovely head, and lifted it up straightaway.\r\nThen he turned to his steed, seized the bridle,\r\nstepped into the steel bow and strode aloft,\r\nholding the head in his hand by the hair;\r\nand as soberly the man sat in his saddle\r\nas if no mishap had ailed him, though he was headless on\r\nthe spot.\r\n\u2060He turned his trunk about \u2014\r\n\u2060that ugly body that bled.\r\n\u2060Many a one of them thought\r\n\u2060that he had lost his reason.\r\n
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  20. For he held the head straight up in his hand;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nturned the face toward the highest on the dais;\r\nand it lifted up the eyelids and looked straight out,\r\nand spoke thus much with his mouth, as ye may now hear:\r\n\"Look Gawain, that thou be ready to go as thou has promised,\r\nand seek loyally, hero, till thou find me;\r\nas thou has promised in this hall in the hearing of these knights.\r\nTo the green chapel go thou, I charge thee, to receive\r\nsuch a blow as thou has dealt. Thou deservest\r\nto be promptly paid on New Year's morn.[18]<\/a><\/sup>\r\nAs the knight of the green chapel many men know me;\r\ntherefore, if thou strivest to find me, thou shalt never fail.\r\nAnd so come, or it behooves thee to be called recreant.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\nWith a wild rush he turned the reins,\r\nand flew out at the hall door \u2014 his head in his hand \u2014\r\nso that the fire of the flint flew from the foal's hoofs.\r\nTo what country he vanished knew none there;\r\nno more than they wist whence he\r\nwas come.\r\n\u2060The king and Gawain roared\r\n\u2060with laughter at that green man;\r\n\u2060but this adventure was reckoned\r\n\u2060a marvel among men.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  21. Though the courteous king wondered in his heart,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nhe let no semblance be seen, but said aloud\r\nto the comely queen with courteous speech,\r\n\"Dear dame, today be never dismayed;\r\nwell becoming are such tricks at Christmas,\r\nin lack of entertainment, to laugh and sing about\r\namong these pleasant carols of knights and ladies.\r\nNevertheless I may well go to my meat,\r\nfor I can not deny that I have seen a marvel.\"\r\nHe glanced at Sir Gawain and said cheerfully,\r\n\"Now, sir, hang up thine axe; it has hewn enough.\"\r\nAnd it was put above the dais to hang on the tapestry\r\nwhere all men might marvel at it,\r\nand by it avouch the wonderful happening.\r\nThen they turned to the board, these heroes together \u2014\r\nthe king and the good knight \u2014 and the keen men served them\r\ndouble of all dainties, as was most fitting;\r\nwith all manner of meat, and minstrelsy both.\r\nThey spent that day in joy until it came to\r\nan end.\r\n\u2060Now take care, Sir Gawain,\r\n\u2060that thou blench not for the pain\r\n\u2060to prosecute this adventure\r\n\u2060that thou has taken on hand.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>","rendered":"

    Fytte the First<\/span><\/h2>\n
      \n
    1. After the siege and the assault had ceased at Troy,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nthe city been destroyed and burned to brands and ashes,
      \nthe warrior who wrought there the trains of treason
      \nwas tried for his treachery, the truest on earth.      [1]<\/a><\/sup>
      \nThis was Aeneas the noble; he and his high kindred
      \nafterwards conquered provinces, and became patrons
      \nof well nigh all the wealth in the West Isles.
      \nAs soon as rich Romulus turns him to Rome,
      \nwith great pride he at once builds that city,
      \nand names it with his own name, which it now has;
      \nTicius turns to Tuscany and founds dwellings;
      \nLongobard raises homes in Lombardy;
      \nand, far over the French flood, Felix Brutus
      \nestablishes Britain joyfully on many
      \nbroad banks,
      \n\u2060where war and waste and wonders
      \n\u2060by turns have since dwelt,
      \n\u2060and many a swift interchange
      \n\u2060of bliss and woe.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    2. And when this Britain was founded by this great hero,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nbold men loving strife bred therein,
      \nand many a time they wrought destruction.
      \nMore strange things have happened in this land
      \nsince these days than in any other that I know,
      \nbut of all the British kings that built here,
      \nArthur was ever the most courteous, as I have heard tell.
      \nTherefore, I mean to tell of an adventure in the world,
      \nwhich some count strange and extraordinary
      \neven among the wonders of Arthur.
      \nIf ye will listen to this lay but a little while,
      \nI will tell it forthright as I heard it told
      \nin town,
      \n\u2060as it is set down in story
      \n\u2060that cannot be changed,
      \n\u2060long written in the land
      \n\u2060in true words.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    3. This King lay royally at Camelot at Christmas tide\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nwith many fine lords, the best of men,
      \nall the rich brethren of the Round Table,
      \nwith right rich revel and careless mirth.
      \nThere full many heroes tourneyed betimes,
      \njousted full gaily; then returned these gentle knights
      \nto the court to make carols.      [2]<\/a><\/sup>
      \nFor there the feast was held full fifteen days alike
      \nwith all the meat and the mirth that men could devise.
      \nSuch a merry tumult, glorious to hear;
      \njoyful din by day, dancing at night.
      \nAll was high joy in halls and chambers
      \nwith lords and ladies as pleased them best.
      \nWith all the weal in the world they dwelt there together,
      \nthe most famous knights save only Christ,
      \nthe loveliest ladies that ever had life,
      \nand he, the comeliest of kings, who holds the court.
      \nFor all this fair company were in their prime in
      \nthe hall,
      \n\u2060the happiest troop under heaven
      \n\u2060with the proudest of kings.
      \n\u2060Truly it would be hard to name anywhere
      \n\u2060so brave a band.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    4. When New Year was fresh and but newly come,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nthe court was served double on the dais.
      \nAs soon as the king with his knights was come into the hall,
      \nthe chanting in the chapel came to an end;
      \nloud was the cry there of clerks and others.
      \nNoel was celebrated anew, shouted full often;
      \nand afterwards the great ones ran about to take handsel;      [3]<\/a><\/sup>
      \ncalled aloud for New Year’s gifts;
      \nladies laughed full loud, though they had lost;
      \nand he that won was not wroth, that may ye well trow.
      \nAll this mirth they made till the meat time.
      \nWhen they had washed, worthily they went to their seats,
      \nthe best man ever above, as it best behoved.
      \nQueen Guinevere full beauteous was set in the midst,
      \nplaced on the rich dais adorned all about.
      \nFine silk at the sides, a canopy over her
      \nof precious cloth of Toulouse and tapestries of Tars,      [4]<\/a><\/sup>
      \nthat were embroidered and set with the best gems that money
      \ncould buy.
      \n\u2060Truly no man could say
      \n\u2060that he ever beheld
      \n\u2060a comelier lady than she,
      \n\u2060with her dancing gray eyes.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    5. But Arthur would not eat till all were served.\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nHe was so merry in his mirth, and somewhat childlike in his manner;
      \nhis life pleased him well; he loved little
      \neither to lie long or to sit long,
      \nso busied him his young blood and his wild brain.
      \nAnd another custom moved him also,
      \nthat he through chivalry had taken up; he would never eat
      \nupon such a dear day before he was told
      \nan uncouth tale of some adventurous thing,
      \nof some great marvel that he could believe,
      \nof ancient heroes, of arms, or of other adventures;
      \nor unless some person demanded of him a sure knight
      \nto join with him in jousting, to incur peril,
      \nto risk life against life, trusting each in the other,
      \nleaving the victory to fortune.
      \nThis was the king’s custom whenever he held court
      \nat each goodly feast among his free company in
      \nthe hall.
      \n\u2060And so with undaunted face
      \n\u2060he strides stoutly to his seat
      \n\u2060on that New Year,
      \n\u2060making great mirth with everybody.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    6. Thus the great king stands waiting before the high table,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \ntalking of trifles full courteously.
      \nThe good Gawain was placed there beside Guinevere,
      \nand Agravain of the Hard Hand sat on the other side,
      \nboth of them the king’s sister’s sons and full sure knights.
      \nBishop Baldwin at the top begins the table,
      \nand Ywain, Urien’s son, ate by himself.
      \nThese were placed on the dais and honorably served,
      \nand after them many a good man at the side tables.
      \nThen the first course came in with blare of trumpets,
      \nwhich were hung with many a bright banner.
      \nA new noise of kettle-drums with the noble pipes,
      \nwild and stirring melodies wakened the echoes;
      \nthat many a heart heaved full high at their tones.
      \nDainties of precious meats followed,
      \nfoison of fresh viands, and on so many dishes
      \nthat it was difficult to find place before the people
      \nto set on the cloth the silver that held the several
      \ncourses.
      \n\u2060Each man as he himself preferred
      \n\u2060partook without hesitation.
      \n\u2060Every two      [5]<\/a><\/sup> had twelve dishes between them,
      \n\u2060good beer and bright wine both.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    7. Now will I tell you no more of their service,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nfor everybody must well understand that there was\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 no lack of opportunity for the people to take their food.      [6]<\/a><\/sup>
      \nAnother noise full new suddenly drew nigh,
      \nfor scarcely had the music ceased a moment,
      \nand the first course been properly served in the court,
      \nthan there burst in at the hall door an awesome being,
      \nin height one of the tallest men in the world;
      \nfrom the neck to the waist so square and so thick was he,
      \nand his loins and his limbs so long and so great,
      \nthat half giant I believed him to have been,
      \nor, at any rate, the largest of men,
      \nand withal the handsomest in spite of his bulk, that ever rode;
      \nfor though his back and breast were so vast,
      \nyet his belly and waist were properly slim;
      \nand all his form according,
      \nfull fairly shaped.
      \n\u2060At the hue of his noble face
      \n\u2060men wondered;
      \n\u2060he carried himself in hostile fashion
      \n\u2060and was entirely green.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    8. All green was this man and his clothing;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \na straight coat sat tight to his sides;
      \na fair mantle above, adorned within;
      \nthe lining showed, with costly trimming
      \nof shining white fur; and such his hood also,
      \nthat was caught back from his locks and lay on his shoulders,
      \nthe hem well stretched;      [7]<\/a><\/sup> hose of the same green,
      \nthat clung to his calf; and clean spurs under,
      \nof bright gold upon silk bands richly barred,
      \nand shoes      [8]<\/a><\/sup> on his shanks as the hero rides.
      \nAnd all his vesture verily was clean verdure,
      \nboth the bars of his belt, and the other beauteous stones
      \nthat were set in fine array
      \nabout himself and his saddle, worked on silk.
      \nIt would be too difficult to tell the half of the trifles
      \nthat were embroidered there, with birds and flies,
      \nwith gay gauds of green, \u2014 the good over in the middle;
      \nthe pendants of the poitrel, the proud crupper,
      \nthe bits, \u2014 and all the metal was enamelled;
      \nthe stirrups that he stood on were coloured the same,
      \nand his saddle bow likewise, and his fine reins      [9]<\/a><\/sup>
      \nthat glimmered and glinted all of green stones.
      \nThe horse that he rode on was of the same
      \ncolour too,
      \n\u2060a green horse, great and thick,
      \n\u2060a steed full stiff to guide,
      \n\u2060in gay embroidered bridle,
      \n\u2060and one right dear to his master.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    9. This hero was splendidly dressed in green;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nand the hair of his head matched that of his horse;      [10]<\/a><\/sup>
      \nfair flowing locks enfolded his shoulders;
      \na beard as big as a bush hung over his breast;
      \nand it, together with his splendid hair that reached from his head,
      \nwas trimmed evenly all round above his elbows,
      \nso that half his arms were caught thereunder in the manner
      \nof a king’s hood,      [11]<\/a><\/sup> that covers his neck.
      \nThe mane of that great horse was much like it,
      \nvery curly and combed, with knots full many
      \nfolded in with gold wire about the fair green, \u2014
      \nalways one knot of the hair, another of gold.
      \nThe tail and the forelock were twined in the same way,
      \nand both bound with a band of bright green,
      \nset with full precious stones the whole length of the dock,
      \nand then tied up with a thong in a tight knot;
      \nwhere rang many bells full bright of burnished gold.
      \nSuch a steed in the world, such a hero as rides him,
      \nwas never beheld in that hall before
      \nthat time.
      \n\u2060His glances were like bright lightning,
      \n\u2060so said all that saw him.
      \n\u2060It seemed as if no man
      \n\u2060could endure under his blows.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    10. He had neither helm nor hauberk,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nnor gorget, armour nor breastplate,
      \nnor shaft nor shield to guard or to smite;
      \nbut in his one hand he had a holly twig,
      \nthat is greenest when groves are bare,
      \nand an axe in his other, a huge and prodigious one,
      \na weapon merciless almost beyond description;
      \nthe head had the vast length of an ellyard,
      \nthe blade all of green steel and of beaten gold;
      \nthe bit      [12]<\/a><\/sup> brightly burnished, with a broad edge,
      \nas well shaped for cutting as sharp razors.
      \nThe stern warrior gripped it by      [13]<\/a><\/sup> the steel of its stout staff,
      \nwhich was wound with iron to the end of the wood
      \nand all engraven with green in beauteous work.
      \nA lace was lapped about it, that was fastened at the head,
      \nand tied up often along the helve,
      \nwith many precious tassels attached
      \non rich embroidered buttons of the bright green.
      \nThis hero turns him in and enters the hall,
      \nriding straight to the high dais, fearless of mischief.
      \nHe greeted never a one, but looked loftily about,
      \nand the first word that he uttered was:
      \n“Where is the governor of this company? Gladly I would
      \nsee that hero and speak
      \nwith him.”
      \n\u2060He cast his eye on the knights
      \n\u2060and rode fiercely up and down,
      \n\u2060stopped and gan ponder
      \n\u2060who was there the most renowned.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    11. All gazed fixedly on the man,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nfor everybody marvelled what it might mean,
      \nthat a knight and a horse could have such a colour:
      \nas green grown as the grass, and greener, it seemed;
      \nshining brighter than green enamel on gold.
      \nAll were amazed who stood there, and stalked nearer to him,
      \nwith all the wonder in the world what he would do;
      \nfor many marvels had they seen, but such never before.
      \nTherefore for phantom and faery the folk there deemed it;
      \nand for that reason many a noble warrior was slow to answer,
      \nand all were astonished at his voice and sat
      \nstone still in a deep silence through the rich hall.
      \nTheir voices      [14]<\/a><\/sup> sank as though they had suddenly
      \nfallen asleep.
      \n\u2060I deem, however, that it was not all for fear,
      \n\u2060but somewhat for courtesy.
      \n\u2060But now let him to whom all defer
      \n\u2060undertake the wight.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    12. Then Arthur before the high dais beheld that adventure,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nand saluted the stranger properly, for never was he afraid,
      \nand said, “Sir, welcome indeed to this place.
      \nI am called Arthur, the head of this hostel.
      \nLight courteously down and tarry, I pray thee;
      \nand whatso thy will is we shall wit after.”<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n

      “Nay, so help me he that sits on high,” quoth the hero.
      \n“To dwell any time in this house was not my errand;
      \nbut because the fame of this people is lifted up so high,
      \nand thy town and thy men are held the best,
      \nthe stoutest in steel gear on steeds to ride,
      \nthe wightest and the worthiest of the world’s kind,
      \nand proved opponents in other proper sports;
      \nand here courtesy is known, as I have heard tell, \u2014
      \nit is this that has enticed me hither certainly at this time.
      \nYou may be sure by this branch that I bear here
      \nthat I pass in peace and seek no quarrel;
      \nfor if I had set out with a company in fighting fashion,
      \nI have a hauberk at home and a helm both,
      \na shield and a sharp spear shining bright,
      \nand other weapons to wield, I ween well also;
      \nbut since I wished no war, my weeds are softer.
      \nNow if thou be as bold as all men tell,
      \nthou wilt grant me graciously the game that
      \nI ask.”
      \n\u2060Arthur knew how to answer,
      \n\u2060and said: “Sir courteous knight,
      \n\u2060if it is battle that thou cravest,
      \n\u2060thou shalt not fail of a fight here.”<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    13. “Nay, I demand no fight; in faith I tell thee\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nthere are but beardless children about on this bench.
      \nIf I were hasped in arms on a high steed
      \nthere is no man here to match me, their might is so weak.
      \nTherefore I crave in this court a Christmas game,
      \nfor it is Yule and New Year, and here are many gallants.
      \nIf there be a man in this house who holds himself so hardy,
      \nis so bold in his blood, so rash in his head,
      \nthat he dares stiffly strike one stroke for another,
      \nI shall give him as my gift this rich gisarm,
      \nthis axe, that is heavy enough, to handle as he likes;
      \nand I shall abide the first blow as bare as I sit.
      \nIf any warrior be wight enough to try what I propose,
      \nlet him leap lightly to me and take this weapon \u2014
      \nI quit-claim it forever, let him keep it as his own \u2014
      \nand I shall stand him a stroke firmly on this floor.
      \nAt another time, by our Lady, thou wilt grant me the boon of dealing him
      \nanother blow;
      \n\u2060I will give him respite
      \n\u2060of a twelvemonth and a day.
      \n\u2060Now hie, and let us see quickly
      \n\u2060if any herein dare say aught.”<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    14. If he had astonished them at first, stiller were then\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nall the retainers in hall, the high and the low.
      \nThe warrior on his steed settled himself in his saddle,
      \nand fiercely his red eyes he reeled about;
      \nbent his thick brows, shining green;
      \nand waved his beard, awaiting whoso would rise.
      \nWhen none would answer him he coughed aloud,
      \nstretched himself haughtily and began to speak;
      \n“What! Is this Arthur’s house,” said the hero then,
      \n“that is famous through so many realms?
      \nWhere is now your pride and your conquests,
      \nyour fierceness, and your wrath and your great words?
      \nNow is the revel and the renown of the Round Table
      \novercome by the word of a single man;
      \nfor all tremble for dread without a blow shown.”<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n

      With this he laughed so loud that the lord grieved;
      \nthe blood shot for shame into his
      \nfair face.
      \n\u2060He waxed as wroth as the wind;
      \n\u2060and so did all that were there.
      \n\u2060The king so keen of mood
      \n\u2060then stood near that proud man.<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    15. “Sir,” said he, “by heaven thy asking is foolish;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nand as thou hast demanded folly, it behooves thee to find it.
      \nI know no man that is aghast of thy great words.
      \nGive me now this gisarm, for God’s sake,
      \nand I will grant thy boon that thou has bidden.”<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n

      Quickly he leaped to him and caught at his hand;
      \nand the other alights fiercely on foot.
      \nNow Arthur has his axe, and grips the helve;
      \nhe whirls it sternly about as if he meant to strife with it.
      \nThe bold stranger stood upright before him,
      \nhigher than any in the house by a head and more;
      \nwith stern cheer he stood there, stroked his beard,
      \nand with cool countenance drew down his coat,
      \nno more afraid or dismayed for Arthur’s great strokes
      \nthan if some one had brought him a drink of wine upon
      \nthe bench.
      \n\u2060Gawain, that sat by the queen,
      \n\u2060turned to the king:
      \n\u2060”I beseech now with all courtesy
      \n\u2060that this affair might be mine.<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    16. “Would ye, worthy lord,” quoth Gawain to the king,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \n“bid me step from this bench and stand by you there, \u2014
      \nthat I without rudeness might leave this table
      \nand that my liege lady liked it not ill \u2014
      \nI would come to your help before your rich court;
      \nfor methinks it is obviously unseemly
      \nthat such an asking is made so much of in your hall,
      \neven though ye yourself be willing to take it upon you,
      \nwhile so many bold ones sit about you on the bench;
      \nthan whom, I ween, none under heaven are higher of spirit,
      \nnor more mighty on the field where strike is reared.
      \nI am the weakest, I know, and feeblest of wit;
      \nand to tell the truth there would be the least loss in my life.
      \nI am only to praise forasmuch as ye are my uncle;
      \nno other nobility than your blood know I in my body.
      \nAnd since this adventure is so foolish, it belongs not to you;
      \nI have asked it of you first; give it to me.
      \nLet this great court decide      [15]<\/a><\/sup> if I have not
      \nspoken well.”<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n

      \u2060The heroes took counsel together
      \n\u2060and they all gave the same advice, \u2014
      \n\u2060to free the crowned king
      \n\u2060and give the game to Gawain.<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    17. Then the king commanded Gawain to rise from the table;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nand he right quickly stood up and made himself ready,
      \nkneeled down before the king and took the weapon;
      \nand Arthur lovingly left it to him, lifted up his hand
      \nand gave him God’s blessing, and gladly bade him
      \nbe hardy both of heart and of hand.
      \n“Take care, cousin,” quoth the king, “that thou give him a cut;
      \nand if thou handle him properly, I readily believe
      \nthat thou shalt endure the blow which he shall give after.”<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n

      Gawain goes to the man with gisarm in hand;
      \nand he boldly awaits him, shrinking never a whit.
      \nThen speaks to Sir Gawain the knight in the green;
      \n“Rehearse we our agreement before we go farther.
      \nFirst, I conjure thee, hero, how thou art called,
      \nthat thou tell me it truly, so that I may believe it.”<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n

      “In good faith,” quoth the knight, “Gawain am I called,
      \nwho give you this buffet, whatever befalls after;
      \nand at this time twelvemonth I am to take from thee another
      \nwith whatever weapon thou wilt, and from no wight else
      \nalive.”<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n

      \u2060The other answers again,
      \n\u2060”Sir Gawain, so thrive I
      \n\u2060as I am heartily glad
      \n\u2060that thou shalt give this blow.<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    18. “By Gog,” quoth the green knight, “Sir Gawain, it delights me\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nthat I am to get at thy fist what I have requested here;
      \nand thou hast readily and truly rehearsed
      \nthe whole of the covenant that I asked of the king,
      \nsave that thou shalt assure me, sir, by thy troth,
      \nthat thou wilt seek me thyself wheresoever thou thinkest
      \nI may be found upon the earth, and fetch for thyself such wages
      \nas thou dealest me today before this rich company.”<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n

      “Where should I seek thee?” quoth Gawain. “Where is thy place?
      \nI know never where thou livest, by him that wrought me;
      \nnor do I know thee, knight, thy court, nor thy name.
      \nBut tell me truly the way and how thou art called,
      \nand I will use all my wit to win my way thither, \u2014
      \nand that I swear thee, for a sooth, and by my sure troth.<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n

      “New Year will suffice for that; no more is needed now,”
      \nquoth the man in green to Gawain the courteous.
      \n“To tell the truth, after I have received thy tap,
      \nand thou hast smitten me well, I shall promptly inform thee
      \nof my house and my home and mine own name.
      \nThen thou mayest inquire about my journey and hold promise;
      \nand if I speak no speech, then thou speedest the better,
      \nfor thou mayest linger at ease in thy land and seek
      \nno further.
      \n\u2060Take now thy grim tool to thee
      \n\u2060and let us see how thou knockest.”
      \n\u2060”Gladly, sir, for sooth,”
      \n\u2060quoth Gawain as he strokes his axe.<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    19. The green knight on the ground prepared himself properly.\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nWith the head a little bowed he disclosed the flesh.
      \nHis long, lovely locks he laid over his crown,
      \nand let the naked nape of his neck show for the blow.
      \nGawain gripped his axe and gathered it on high;
      \nthe left foot he set before on the ground,
      \nand let the axe light smartly down on the naked flesh,      [16]<\/a><\/sup>
      \nso that the sharp edge severed the giant’s bones,
      \nand shrank through the clear flesh      [17]<\/a><\/sup> and sheared it in twain,
      \ntill the edge of the brown steel bit into the ground.
      \nThe fair head fell from the neck to the earth,
      \nand many pushed it with their feet where it rolled forth.
      \nThe blood burst from the body and glistened on the green.
      \nYet never faltered nor fell the hero for all that;
      \nbut stoutly he started up with firm steps,
      \nand fiercely he rushed forth where the heroes stood,
      \ncaught his lovely head, and lifted it up straightaway.
      \nThen he turned to his steed, seized the bridle,
      \nstepped into the steel bow and strode aloft,
      \nholding the head in his hand by the hair;
      \nand as soberly the man sat in his saddle
      \nas if no mishap had ailed him, though he was headless on
      \nthe spot.
      \n\u2060He turned his trunk about \u2014
      \n\u2060that ugly body that bled.
      \n\u2060Many a one of them thought
      \n\u2060that he had lost his reason.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    20. For he held the head straight up in his hand;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nturned the face toward the highest on the dais;
      \nand it lifted up the eyelids and looked straight out,
      \nand spoke thus much with his mouth, as ye may now hear:
      \n“Look Gawain, that thou be ready to go as thou has promised,
      \nand seek loyally, hero, till thou find me;
      \nas thou has promised in this hall in the hearing of these knights.
      \nTo the green chapel go thou, I charge thee, to receive
      \nsuch a blow as thou has dealt. Thou deservest
      \nto be promptly paid on New Year’s morn.      [18]<\/a><\/sup>
      \nAs the knight of the green chapel many men know me;
      \ntherefore, if thou strivest to find me, thou shalt never fail.
      \nAnd so come, or it behooves thee to be called recreant.”<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n

      With a wild rush he turned the reins,
      \nand flew out at the hall door \u2014 his head in his hand \u2014
      \nso that the fire of the flint flew from the foal’s hoofs.
      \nTo what country he vanished knew none there;
      \nno more than they wist whence he
      \nwas come.
      \n\u2060The king and Gawain roared
      \n\u2060with laughter at that green man;
      \n\u2060but this adventure was reckoned
      \n\u2060a marvel among men.<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    21. Though the courteous king wondered in his heart,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nhe let no semblance be seen, but said aloud
      \nto the comely queen with courteous speech,
      \n“Dear dame, today be never dismayed;
      \nwell becoming are such tricks at Christmas,
      \nin lack of entertainment, to laugh and sing about
      \namong these pleasant carols of knights and ladies.
      \nNevertheless I may well go to my meat,
      \nfor I can not deny that I have seen a marvel.”
      \nHe glanced at Sir Gawain and said cheerfully,
      \n“Now, sir, hang up thine axe; it has hewn enough.”
      \nAnd it was put above the dais to hang on the tapestry
      \nwhere all men might marvel at it,
      \nand by it avouch the wonderful happening.
      \nThen they turned to the board, these heroes together \u2014
      \nthe king and the good knight \u2014 and the keen men served them
      \ndouble of all dainties, as was most fitting;
      \nwith all manner of meat, and minstrelsy both.
      \nThey spent that day in joy until it came to
      \nan end.
      \n\u2060Now take care, Sir Gawain,
      \n\u2060that thou blench not for the pain
      \n\u2060to prosecute this adventure
      \n\u2060that thou has taken on hand.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t

      Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
      Public domain content<\/div>