{"id":1751,"date":"2019-07-15T18:31:51","date_gmt":"2019-07-15T18:31:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/?post_type=chapter&p=1751"},"modified":"2019-07-15T19:48:25","modified_gmt":"2019-07-15T19:48:25","slug":"fytte-the-second","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/epcc-britlit1\/chapter\/fytte-the-second\/","title":{"raw":"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Fytte the Second","rendered":"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Fytte the Second"},"content":{"raw":"

Fytte the Second<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
    \r\n \t
  1. This hansel of adventures had Arthur at the beginning,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nin the young year, since he yearned to hear boasting.\r\nAlthough there was little news when they went to their seats,\r\nnow they are provided with stern work,[19]<\/a><\/sup> their hands quite full.\r\nGawain was glad to begin those games in the hall;\r\nbut it would not be surprising if the end were heavy;\r\nfor though men be merry in mind when they have much drink,\r\nyet a year runs full swiftly, and yields never the same;\r\nthe beginning full seldom matches the end.\r\nAnd so this Yule went by, and the year after it,\r\neach season in turn following the other.\r\nAfter Christmas came the crabbed Lent,\r\nthat tries the flesh with fish and more simple food.\r\nBut then the weather of the world quarrels with winter,\r\nand though the cold still clings, the clouds lift;\r\ncopiously descends the rain in warm showers,\r\nand falls upon the fair earth. Flowers show there;\r\ngreen are the garments both of fields and of groves;\r\nbirds hurry to build, and lustily they sing\r\nfor the solace of the soft summer, that follows\r\nthereafter.\r\n\u2060Blossoms swell into bloom\r\n\u2060in rows rich and rank;\r\n\u2060and lovely notes are heard\r\n\u2060in the beauteous wood.\r\n
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  2. After the season of summer with the soft winds,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nwhen Zephyrus blows on seeds and herbs,\r\nhappy is the plant that waxes then,\r\nwhen the dank dew drops from the leaves,\r\nto await the blissful glance of the bright sun.\r\nBut then harvest hastens and hardens it soon:\r\nwarns it to wax full ripe against the winter.\r\nHe drives with drought the dust to rise, \u2014\r\nfrom the face of the earth to fly full high.\r\nThe wild wind of the welkin wrestles with the sun.\r\nThe leaves fall from the bough and light on the ground.\r\nThe grass becomes all gray that erst was green.\r\nThen all ripes and rots that which formerly flourished;\r\nand thus runs the year in yesterdays many;\r\nand winter returns again without asking\r\nany man,[20]<\/a><\/sup>\r\n\u2060till the Michelmas moon\r\n\u2060has come in wintry wise.\r\n\u2060Then thinks Gawain full soon\r\n\u2060of his anxious voyage.\r\n
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  3. Yet till Allhallows day with Arthur he lingers;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nand Arthur made a feast on that festival for the hero's sake,\r\nwith great and gay revel of the Round Table.\r\nKnights full courteous and comely ladies\r\nall for love of that man were in sorrow;\r\nbut nevertheless they spoke only of mirth;\r\nand many a joyless one there made jests for his gentle sake.\r\nAfter meat he mournfully addresses his uncle,\r\nand speaks of his passage, and openly he says \u2014\r\n\"Now, liege lord of my life, leave I ask of you.\r\nYe know the cost of this case; I do not care\r\nto tell you even a trifle of its dangers;[21]<\/a><\/sup>\r\nbut I am ready to start for the fray no later than tomorrow morn,\r\nto seek the man in the green, as God will guide me.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\nThen the best of the castle gathered together,\r\nYwain and Erec, and others full many,\r\nSir Dodinel de Sauvage, the Duke of Clarence,\r\nLancelot and Lyonel and Lucan the Good,\r\nSir Bors and Sir Bedever, big men both,\r\nand many other proud ones, with Mador de la Port.\r\nAll this company of the court came nearer to the king,\r\nto counsel the knight, with care at their hearts.\r\nThere was much deep grief felt in the hall\r\nthat so worthy a one as Gawain should go on that errand,\r\nto endure a sorry dint and deal none himself with\r\nhis brand.\r\n\u2060But the knight ever made good cheer,\r\n\u2060and said, \"Why should I swerve\r\n\u2060from stern and strange destiny?\r\n\u2060What can a man do but try?\"\r\n
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  4. He lingered there all that day, and on the morn made ready.\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nEarly he asked for his arms, and they were all brought.\r\nFirst a carpet of Toulouse was stretched over the floor,\r\nand much was the gilt gear that gleamed upon it.\r\nThe brave man stepped thereon and handled the steel,\r\nclad in a doublet of costly Tars,\r\nand afterwards a well wrought hood, closed on top\r\nand bound within with a glistening white fur.\r\nThen they put the sabatons[22]<\/a><\/sup> upon the hero's feet,\r\nlapped his legs in steel with fair greaves,\r\nto which were attached well polished poleynes[23]<\/a><\/sup>\r\nfastened about his knees with knots of gold.\r\nFine cuisses then, that well enclosed\r\nhis thick, brawny thighs, they attached with thongs.\r\nNext the decorated burnie[24]<\/a><\/sup> of bright steel rings\r\nupon precious stuff encased the hero,\r\nand well burnished braces upon his two arms,\r\nwith elbow-pieces goodly and gay and gloves of plate,\r\nand all the goodly gear that might avail him at\r\nthat time,\r\n\u2060with rich coat armour,\r\n\u2060gold spurs well fastened,\r\n\u2060and a sure brand girt about\r\n\u2060his side by a silken sash.\r\n
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  5. When he was hasped in arms his harness was rich;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nthe least latchet or loop gleamed with gold.\r\nSo, harnessed as he was, he heard his mass,\r\noffered and adored at the high altar.\r\nThen he came to the king and his court;\r\ncourteously took his leave of lords and ladies;\r\nand they kissed him, and convoyed him, entrusting him to Christ.\r\nBy that time was Gringolet ready, and girt with a saddle\r\nthat gleamed full gaily with many gold fringes;\r\neverywhere nailed anew, prepared for that emergency.\r\nThe bridle, barred about, was bound with bright gold;\r\nthe decoration of the breastplate and of the fine housings,\r\nthe crupper and caparison, accorded with the saddle-bow,\r\nand all was adorned with rich red gold nails,\r\nthat glittered and gleamed like the gleam of the sun.\r\nThen he took the helm and quickly kissed it.\r\nIt was stoutly stapled and stuffed within;\r\nit was high on his head, hasped behind,\r\nwith a light urison[25]<\/a><\/sup> over the ventail,[26]<\/a><\/sup>\r\nembroidered and bound with the best gems\r\non a broad silken border; and birds on the seams\r\nlike painted popinjays[27]<\/a><\/sup> preening themselves here and there;\r\nturtle-doves and true-loves[28]<\/a><\/sup> thickly interlaced.\r\nAs many birds there were as had been in town for seven\r\nwinters.\r\n\u2060The circlet that\r\n\u2060surrounded his crown\r\n\u2060was even more precious \u2014\r\n\u2060a device of gleaming diamonds.\r\n
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  6. Then they showed him the shield, that was of sheer gules,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nwith the pentangle painted in pure gold.\r\nHe took it by the baldric and cast it about his neck;\r\nand it became the hero passing fair.\r\nAnd why the pentangle pertains to that noble prince\r\nI mean to tell you, though it should delay me.\r\nIt is a sign that Solomon set formerly\r\nas a token of truth, by its own right,\r\nfor it is a figure that holds five points,\r\nand each line overlaps and locks in another;\r\nand throughout it is endless; and the English call it\r\neverywhere, as I hear, the endless knot.\r\nTherefore it suits this knight and his clear arms,\r\nforever faithful in five things, and in each of them five ways.\r\nGawain was known for good and as refined gold,\r\ndevoid of every villainy, adorned with\r\nvirtues.\r\n\u2060Therefore, the new[29]<\/a><\/sup> pentangle\r\n\u2060he bore on shield and coat,\r\n\u2060as the man most true of speech,\r\n\u2060and the knight gentlest of behaviour.\r\n
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  7. First, he was found faultless in his five wits;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nand again the hero failed never in his five fingers;\r\nand all his affiance in this world was in the five wounds\r\nthat Christ received on the cross, as the creed tells;\r\nand wheresoever this man was hard bestead in the m\u00eal\u00e9e\r\nhis pious thought was in this above all other things \u2014\r\nto take all his strength from the five joys\r\nthat the courteous Queen of Heaven had of her child.\r\nFor this cause the knight had her image\r\ncomely painted in the greater half of his shield,\r\nthat when he looked down thereupon, his courage never abated.\r\nThe fifth five that I find that the hero used,\r\nwere generosity and fellowship above all things,\r\nhis purity and his courtesy that never swerved,\r\nand pity that passes all qualities. These very five\r\nwere more surely set upon that warrior than upon any other.\r\nNow all these[30]<\/a><\/sup> were established fivefold in this knight,\r\nand each one was fastened in another that had no end,\r\nand they were fastened on five points that never failed,\r\nnor met anywhere, nor sundered either, but finished always\r\nwithout end at each corner,\r\nwherever the game began or concluded.\r\nTherefore on his fair shield this knot was painted\r\nroyally with red gold upon red gules.\r\nThat is the true pentangle as the people properly\r\ncall it.\r\n\u2060Now was the gay Gawain armed.\r\n\u2060He caught up his lance right there,\r\n\u2060and with a good-day\r\n\u2060he went for evermore.\r\n
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  8. He spurred his steed with the spurs and sprang on his way\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nso swiftly that the stone struck out fire after him.\r\nAll who saw the gentle man sighed in heart,\r\nand the heroes said all together to each other\r\nin their love for that comely knight, \"By Christ, it is a shame\r\nthat thou, hero, must be lost, who art so noble of life.\r\nIn faith it is not easy to find his match upon the earth.\r\nTo have acted more warily would have been better counsel;\r\nand to have made yon dear one a duke;\r\nit would well become him to be a brilliant leader of people here.\r\nThis would have been better than to have him utterly destroyed,\r\ngiven over[31]<\/a><\/sup> to an elvish man for mere boasting pride.\r\nWho ever knew any king to take such counsel\r\nas to suffer knights to be so tricked for a Christmas game.\"\r\nMuch warm water welled from eyes\r\nwhen that seemly sire departed from the dwellings\r\nthat day.\r\n\u2060He made no stop,\r\n\u2060but wightly went his way;\r\n\u2060many a tiresome path he rode,\r\n\u2060as I heard the book tell.\r\n
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  9. Now rides this hero, Sir Gawain, through the realm of Logres\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nin God's behalf, though to him it seemed no play.\r\nOft alone companionless he lodged at night\r\nin places where he found not before him the fare that he liked.\r\nNo company had he but his foal by friths and downs,\r\nnor nobody but God to talk with by the way;\r\ntill that he approached nigh unto North Wales.\r\nHe kept all the isles of Anglesey on the left side,\r\nand fared over the fords by the forelands,\r\nover at the Holy Head, till he again took land\r\nin the wilderness of Wirrel. There dwelt but few\r\nthat loved either God or man with good heart.\r\nAnd ever as he fared he asked of men that he met\r\nif they had heard any talk of a green knight\r\nof the green chapel in any spot thereabout,\r\nand all nicked him with nay, that never in their life\r\nsaw they any man of such\r\ngreen hue.\r\n\u2060The knight took strange roads\r\n\u2060by many a rough bank.\r\n\u2060His cheer changed full oft\r\n\u2060ere he saw that chapel.\r\n
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  10. Many a cliff he overclimbed in strange countries;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nfar sundered from his friends, lonely he rode.\r\nAt each ford or water where the hero passed\r\nit were strange if he found not a foe before him,\r\nand that so foul and so fell that it behooved him to fight.\r\nSo many marvels in the mountains there the man found\r\nthat it were too tedious to tell of the tenth part.\r\nSometimes he warred with serpents, and with wolves also,\r\nsometimes with savages that dwelt in the cliffs;\r\nboth with bulls and bears, and boars sometimes;\r\nand giants that assailed him from the high fell.\r\nHad he not been doughty and stern, and served God,\r\ndoubtless he had been dead and slain full oft.\r\nBut the warfare tried him not so much but that the winter was worse,\r\nwhen the cold clear water shed from the clouds,\r\nand froze ere it might fall to the barren earth.\r\nNear slain with the sleet he slept in his iron\r\nmore nights than enough on naked rocks,\r\nwhere clattering from the crest the cold burn ran,\r\nand hung high over his head in hard icicles.\r\nThus in peril and pain and plights full hard\r\nthrough the country wanders this knight all alone till\r\nChristmas Eve.\r\n\u2060At that tide\r\n\u2060to Mary he made his moan\r\n\u2060that she might direct his riding\r\n\u2060and lead him to some dwelling.\r\n
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  11. Merrily on the morn he rides by a mount\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\ninto a forest full deep, that was strangely wild.\r\nHigh hills were on each side, and woods beneath\r\nof hoar oaks full huge, a hundred together.\r\nThe hazel and the hawthorn were twined all together,\r\ncovered everywhere with rough ragged moss,\r\nwith many unblithe birds upon bare twigs\r\nthat piteously piped there for pain of the cold.\r\nThe knight upon Gringolet rides all alone\r\nunder the boughs, through many a moss and mire,\r\nmourning for his trials, lest he should never survive\r\nto see the service of that Sire who on that very night\r\nwas born of a lady to quell our pain.\r\nAnd therefore sighing he said: \"I beseech thee, Lord,\r\nand Mary, that is mildest mother so dear,\r\nfor some harbour where I might properly hear mass\r\nand thy matins tomorrow. Meekly I ask it,\r\nand thereto earnestly I pray my pater and ave\r\nand creed.\"\r\n\u2060He rode in his prayer\r\n\u2060and lamented for his misdeeds.\r\n\u2060Oft-times he blessed himself,\r\n\u2060and said, \"Christ's cross speed me.\"\r\n
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  12. The hero had not crossed himself more than thrice\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nere he was aware in the wood of a dwelling on a hill,\r\nabove a clearing, on a mount, hidden under the boughs\r\nof many a huge tree about the ditches;\r\na castle the comeliest that ever knight owned,\r\nset on a prairie, a park all about,\r\nwith its beautiful palace, pinnacled full thick,\r\nand surrounded with many a tree for more than two miles.\r\nThe hero gazed at the castle on that one side\r\nas it shimmered and shone through the fair oaks.\r\nThen he humbly doffed his helm and devoutly he thanked\r\nJesus and St. Julian \u2014 who are both gentle \u2014\r\nwho courteously had directed him and harkened to his cry.\r\n\"Now bon hostel,\" quoth the man, \"I beseech you yet!\"\r\nThen he spurs Gringolet with his gilt heels,\r\nand he full fortunately takes the way to the chief road,\r\nthat soon brought the hero to the bridge-end\r\nin haste.\r\n\u2060The bridge was securely lifted,\r\n\u2060the gates locked fast;\r\n\u2060the walls were well arrayed;\r\n\u2060no wind blast did it fear.\r\n
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  13. The hero that sat on his horse, abode on the bank\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nof the deep double ditch that stretched to the place.\r\nThe wall sank in the water wondrous deep,\r\nand again a full huge height it towered aloft,\r\nof hard hewn stone up to the top courses,\r\ncorbelled under the battlement in the best manner;\r\nand above fine watch-towers ranged along,\r\nwith many good loop-holes that showed full clean.\r\nA better barbican that hero never looked upon.\r\nAnd farther within he beheld the high hall,\r\nwith towers set full thickly about,\r\nand fair and wondrous high filioles\r\nwith carved tops cunningly devised.\r\nChalk-white chimneys enough he saw\r\nthat gleamed full white on the battlements.\r\nSo many painted pinnacles were set everywhere,\r\nbuilt so thick among the crenellations of the castle,\r\nthat it verily appeared cut out of paper.\r\nFair enough it seemed to the noble knight on his horse\r\nif he could only attain the shelter within,\r\nto harbour in that hostel, while the holiday\r\nlasted.\r\n\u2060He called, and soon there appeared\r\n\u2060on the wall a right pleasant porter\r\n\u2060who took his message\r\n\u2060and greeted the knight errant.\r\n
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  14. \"Good sir,\" quoth Gawain, \"would you go my errand\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nto the high lord of this house to crave harbour?\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\n\"Yea, by Peter,\" quoth the porter; \"and truly I trow\r\nthat ye are welcome, sir, to dwell while you like.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\nThen the man went again quickly,\r\nand a crowd of folk with him, to receive the knight.\r\nThey let down the great draw and eagerly poured out,\r\nand kneeled down on their knees upon the cold earth\r\nto welcome the hero as it seemed to them proper.\r\nThey opened up wide the broad gate for him\r\nand he raised them courteously, and rode over the bridge.\r\nSeveral attendants held his saddle while he alighted,\r\nand afterwards good men enough stabled his steed.\r\nThen knights and squires came down\r\nto bring this hero joyfully into the hall.\r\nWhen he lifted up his helm people enough hurried\r\nto take it at his hand, in order to serve the courteous one;\r\nhis sword and his shield they took too.\r\nThen he greeted full courteously the knights each one;\r\nand many a proud man pressed there to honour that prince.\r\nAll hasped in his high weeds, they led him to the hall,\r\nwhere a fair fire burned fiercely upon the hearth.\r\nThen the lord of the people came from his chamber\r\nto meet courteously the man on the floor.\r\nHe said, \"Ye are welcome to wield as you like\r\nwhat is here; all is your own to have at your will\r\nand commandment.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\n\u2060\"Gramercy,\" quoth Gawain.\r\n\u2060\"Christ reward you for it.\"\r\n\u2060Like glad heroes either\r\n\u2060folded the other in his arms.\r\n
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  15. Gawain looked on the man who greeted him so goodly,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nand thought it a bold hero that owned the castle,\r\na huge warrior for the nonce, and of great age.\r\nBroad and bright was his beard, and all beaver-hued.\r\nFirm-gaited was he on his stalwart limbs;\r\nwith a face as fierce as fire, and a free speech;\r\nand to the hero he seemed well suited indeed\r\nto govern a nation of good people.\r\n
    <\/div>\r\nThe lord turned to a chamber and promptly commanded\r\nto give Gawain a retinue to serve him in lowly wise;\r\nand there were ready at his bidding men enough,\r\nwho brought him to a bright bower where the bedding was\r\ncurtains of pure silk with clear gold hems,\r\nand covertures right curious with comely borders,\r\nadorned above with bright fur.\r\nCurtains running on ropes, red gold rings,\r\ntapestries of Toulouse and Tars hung on the wall,\r\nand under foot on the floor of the same pattern.\r\nThere with mirthful speeches the hero was despoiled\r\nof his burnie and of his bright weeds.\r\nQuickly men brought him rich robes\r\nthat he might pick and choose the best for his change.\r\nAs soon as he took one and was wrapped therein,\r\nthat sat upon him seemly with sailing skirts,\r\nthe hero by his visage verily seemed\r\nto well nigh every man in looks\r\nglowing and lovely is all his limbs;\r\nit seemed to them that Christ never made a\r\ncomelier knight.\r\n\u2060Wherever in the world he were,\r\n\u2060it seemed as if he might\r\n\u2060be a prince without peer\r\n\u2060in the field where fell men fight.\r\n
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  16. A chair before the chimney,[32]<\/a><\/sup> where charcoal burned,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nwas prepared for Sir Gawain richly with cloths\r\nand cushions, upon counterpanes that were both fine.\r\nAnd then a beauteous mantle was cast on the man,\r\nof a brown fabric richly embroidered,\r\nand fairly furred within with the best skins,\r\nall of ermine; the hood of the same.\r\nAnd he sat on that settle in seemly rich attire,\r\nand warmed him thoroughly; and then his cheer mended.\r\nSoon a table was raised up on trestles full fair,\r\nand set with a clean cloth that showed clear white,\r\nnapkins, salt-cellar, and silver spoons.\r\nThe hero washed when he would and went to his meat.\r\nMen served him seemly enough,\r\n\u2014 double fold as was proper \u2014\r\nwith pottages various and suitable, seasoned in the best manner;\r\nand many kinds of fish,\r\nsome baked in bread, some broiled on the coals,\r\nsome boiled, some in sauces savoured with spices;\r\nand always discourse so pleasant that it pleased the warrior.\r\nFull freely and often the hero called it a feast\r\nright courteously, when all the retainers together praised him as\r\ncourteous.[33]<\/a><\/sup>\r\n\u2060\"Do this penance now,\r\n\u2060and soon things will be better!\"\r\n\u2060Right mirthful was he\r\n\u2060for the wine that went to his head.\r\n
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  17. Then they questioned and inquired sparingly\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nin skilful queries put to the prince himself,\r\ntill he courteously acknowledged that he was of\r\nthe court which noble Arthur holds alone,\r\nwho is the rich, royal king of the Round Table;\r\nand that it was Gawain himself that sits in the house,\r\nby chance come for that Christmas.\r\nWhen the lord had learned that he had that hero,\r\nhe laughed aloud, so dear it seemed to him;\r\nand all the men in the castle made much joy\r\nat appearing promptly in the presence of him\r\nwho contains in his own person all worth and prowess\r\nand gracious traits, and is ever praised;\r\nabove all the men in the world his renown is the greatest.\r\nEach warrior said full softly to his companion \u2014\r\n\"Now shall we see courteous turns of behaviour,\r\nand the blameless forms of noble talking;\r\nwhat profit there is in speech may we learn without asking\r\nsince we have taken that fine father of nurture.\r\nGod has indeed given us his grace,\r\nwho grants us to have such a guest as Gawain,\r\non account of whose birth men sit and sing\r\nfor joy.\r\n\u2060This hero will now teach us\r\n\u2060what distinguished manners are;\r\n\u2060I think that those who hear him\r\n\u2060will learn how to make love.\"\r\n
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  18. When the dinner was done and the dear ones risen,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nthe time was nigh arrived at the night.\r\nChaplains took their way to the chapels,\r\nand rang full loudly, as they should,\r\nto the melodious evensong of the high time.\r\nThe Lord turns thither, and the lady also.\r\nInto a comely closet daintily she enters.\r\nGawain joyfully proceeds, and goes thither straightway.\r\nThe lord takes him by the mantle and leads him to his seat,\r\nrecognizes him openly and calls him by his name,\r\nand says he is the welcomest wight in the world.\r\nAnd Gawain thanked him thoroughly and either embraced the other,\r\nand they sat soberly together during the service.\r\nThen the lady desired to look on the knight,\r\nand came from her closet with many fair maidens.\r\nBut she was fairer than all the others in flesh and face,\r\nin skin and form, in complexion and demeanour \u2014\r\nmore beautiful than Guinevere, it seemed to the hero.\r\nHe walked through the chancel to greet that gracious one.\r\nAnother lady led her by the left hand,\r\nthat was older than she; an ancient lady it seemed,\r\nand one highly honoured by the knights about her;\r\nbut unlike to look on were the ladies,\r\nfor if the younger was fair, yellow was the other.\r\nRich red on the one bloomed everywhere;\r\nrough wrinkled cheeks rolled on the other.\r\nThe kerchiefs of the one broidered with many clear pearls,\r\nopenly displayed her breast and her bright throat,\r\nwhich shone clearer than snow that falls on the hills.\r\nThe other covered her neck with a gorget,\r\nthat wrapped her black chin in milk-white pleats.\r\nHer forehead was completely enveloped in silken folds,\r\nadorned and tricked[34]<\/a><\/sup> with small ornaments;\r\nand naught was bare of that lady but the black brows,\r\nthe two eyes, the nose, and the naked lips;\r\nand those were ugly to behold and oddly bleared.\r\nA gracious lady in the land one might call her\r\nforsooth!\r\n\u2060Her body was short and thick,\r\n\u2060her hips round[35]<\/a><\/sup> and broad.\r\n\u2060More pleasant to look on\r\n\u2060was the being she led.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  19. When Gawain looked on that beauteous one who gazed graciously,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nhe took leave of the lord, and went toward them.\r\nThe elder he saluted, bowing full low;\r\nthe lovelier he took a little in his arms;\r\nhe kissed her comely, and knightly he greeted her.\r\nThey welcomed him, and he quickly asked\r\nto be their servant if it pleased them.\r\nThey took him between them and led him conversing\r\nto the fireplace in the parlour; and straightway they called\r\nfor spices, which men speeded to bring them unsparingly,\r\nand the pleasant wine therewith each time.\r\nThe lord leaped merrily up full often,\r\nand saw to it that the mirth never faltered.\r\nGaily he snatched off his hood and hung it on a spear,\r\nand exhorted them to win it as a prize \u2014 he to have it[36]<\/a><\/sup>\r\nwho should make the most mirth that Christmas tide.\r\n\"And I shall try, by my faith, with the help of my friends[37]<\/a><\/sup>\r\nto compete with the best, ere I lose my apparel.\"\r\nThus with laughing mien the lord makes merry\r\nin order to glad Sir Gawain with games in the hall\r\nthat night.\r\n\u2060When it came time\r\n\u2060the king commanded lights;\r\n\u2060Sir Gawain took his leave\r\n\u2060and went to his bed.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  20. On the morn when as every man knows\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nGod was born to die for us,\r\njoy waxes in every dwelling in the world for his sake.\r\nSo it did there on that day, with many dainties\r\nat meats and meals, right quaint dishes,\r\nand brave men on the dais dressed in their best.\r\nThe old ancient wife sits in the highest,\r\nthe courteous lord placed by her, as I trow;\r\nGawain and the gay lady together just in the middle,\r\nas the courses[38]<\/a><\/sup> properly come; and afterwards\r\nthe rest throughout all the hall, as it seemed to them,\r\neach man in his degree was properly served.\r\nThere was meat, there was mirth, there was much joy,\r\nthat it were arduous for me to tell thereof,\r\nthough to note it I took pains belike.[39]<\/a><\/sup>\r\nBut yet I know that Gawain and the lovely lady\r\ntook comfort in each other's company,\r\nin the choice play of their of their sharp wits,\r\nand the pure courtesy of their modest talk;\r\ntheir disport surpassed indeed that of any\r\nroyal game.\r\n\u2060Trumps and drums came\r\n\u2060playing loudly;\r\n\u2060each man minded his own business,\r\n\u2060and they two minded theirs.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  21. Much delight was taken there that day, and the second;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nand the third followed as pleasantly.\r\nThe joy of St. John's day was gentle to hear of;\r\nand it was the last of the festival, the people considered.\r\nThere were guests to go upon the grey morn;\r\ntherefore wondrous late they sat up and drank the wine,\r\ndanced full gayly with sweet carols.\r\nAt the last, when it was late, they took their leave,\r\neach good man to wend on his way.\r\nGawain gave his host good day; but the good man takes him,\r\nand leads him to his own chamber, by the fireplace;\r\nand there he draws him aside and properly thanks him\r\nfor the great worship that he had granted him\r\nin honouring his house on that high tide,\r\nin embellishing his castle with his good cheer.\r\n\"Indeed, sir, while I live I shall be the better\r\nthat Gawain has been my guest at God's own feast.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\n\"Gramercy, sir,\" quoth Gawain, \"in good faith the merit is yours;\r\nall the honour is your own, \u2014 the high King reward you;\r\nand I am your man to work your behest\r\nin high and in low as I am bound\r\nby right.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\n\u2060The lord eagerly strives\r\n\u2060to hold the knight longer;\r\n\u2060but Gawain answers him\r\n\u2060that he can in no wise.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  22. Then the hero asked of him full fairly\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nwhat extraordinary deed had driven him at that dear time\r\nfrom the king's court, to go all alone so boldly,\r\nere the holidays were wholly over.\r\n
    <\/div>\r\n\"For sooth, sir,\" quoth the hero, \"ye say but the truth;\r\na high errand and a hasty had me from these dwellings;\r\nfor I am summoned to such a place\r\nas I know not in the world whitherward to wend to find it.\r\nI would not for all the land in Logres fail\r\nto reach it on New Year's morn \u2014 so our Lord help me.\r\nTherefore, sir, this request I require of you here,\r\nthat ye tell me truly if ever ye heard tale\r\nof the green chapel, where in the world it stands,\r\nand of the knight green in colour that keeps it.\r\nThere was established by statute an agreement between us\r\nthat I should meet that man at that landmark if I could but survive.\r\nAnd of that same New Year there now lacks but little,\r\nand by God's Son I would gladlier look on that person \u2014\r\nif God would let me \u2014 than wield any possession in the world.\r\nTherefore, indeed \u2014 by your good will \u2014 it behooves me to wend;\r\nI have now at my disposal barely three days;\r\nand I were as fain fall dead as fail of mine errand.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\nThen laughing quoth the lord, \"Now it behooves thee to stay;\r\nfor I shall direct you to that spot by the time's end \u2014\r\nthe green chapel upon the ground. Grieve you no more;\r\nfor ye shall be in your bed, sir, at thine ease\r\nsome days yet, and set out on the first of the year\r\nand come to that place at mid-morn, to do what\r\nyou like.\r\n\u2060Stay till New Year's day;\r\n\u2060and rise and go then.\r\n\u2060One shall set you on your way;\r\n\u2060it is not two miles hence.\"\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  23. Then was Gawain full glad, and merrily he laughed;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\n\"Now I thank you especially for this above all other things;\r\nnow that my quest is achieved, I shall dwell at your will,\r\nand do whatever else ye decide.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\nThen the sire seized him and set him beside him,\r\nand let the ladies be fetched to please them the better.\r\nFair entertainment they had quietly among themselves;\r\nthe lord in his jovial, friendly demeanor behaved\r\nas a man out of[40]<\/a><\/sup> his wits that knew not what he did.\r\nThen he spake to the knight, crying loud,\r\n\"Ye have agree to do the deed that I bid.\r\nWill ye hold this hest here at once?\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\n\"Yea, sir, forsooth,\" said the true hero,\r\n\"while I stay in your castle I shall be obedient to your hest.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\n\"Since ye have travelled from afar,\" quoth the warrior,\r\n\"and then have sat late with me, ye are not well nourished,\r\nI know, either with sustenance or with sleep.\r\nYe shall linger in your loft and lie at your ease\r\ntomorrow till mass time; and go to meat\r\nwhen ye will with my wife, who shall sit with you\r\nand comfort you with her company till I\r\nreturn home;\r\n\u2060and I shall rise early\r\n\u2060and go hunting.\"\r\n\u2060Gawain grants all this,\r\n\u2060bowing courteously.\r\n
    <\/div><\/li>\r\n \t
  24. \"Yet further,\" quoth the hero, \"let us make an agreement.\u2060[ original<\/a> ]\r\nWhatsoever I win in the wood, it shall be yours;\r\nand whatsoever fortune ye achieve, exchange with me therefor.\r\nSweet sir, swap we so, swear truly,\r\nwhichever one of us gets the worse or the better.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\n\"By God,\" quoth Gawain the good, \"I consent thereto;\r\nand whatever game you like, agreeable it seems to me.\"\r\n
    <\/div>\r\n\"On this beverage just brought the bargain is made,\"\r\nsaid the lord of that people; and both laughed.\r\n
    <\/div>\r\nThen they drank and played and amused[41]<\/a><\/sup> themselves,\r\nthese lords and ladies, so long as it pleased them;\r\nand then with polite demeanour and many fair gestures,\r\nthey stood up and lingered a while, and talked quietly,\r\nkissed full comely, and took their leave.\r\nWith many a gay servant and gleaming torches\r\neach hero was brought to his bed full softly at\r\nthe last.\r\n\u2060Yet before they went to bed\r\n\u2060they oft rehearsed the covenants.\r\n\u2060The old lord of that people\r\n\u2060knew well how to keep up a jest.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    <\/h2>","rendered":"

    Fytte the Second<\/span><\/h2>\n
      \n
    1. This hansel of adventures had Arthur at the beginning,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nin the young year, since he yearned to hear boasting.
      \nAlthough there was little news when they went to their seats,
      \nnow they are provided with stern work,      [19]<\/a><\/sup> their hands quite full.
      \nGawain was glad to begin those games in the hall;
      \nbut it would not be surprising if the end were heavy;
      \nfor though men be merry in mind when they have much drink,
      \nyet a year runs full swiftly, and yields never the same;
      \nthe beginning full seldom matches the end.
      \nAnd so this Yule went by, and the year after it,
      \neach season in turn following the other.
      \nAfter Christmas came the crabbed Lent,
      \nthat tries the flesh with fish and more simple food.
      \nBut then the weather of the world quarrels with winter,
      \nand though the cold still clings, the clouds lift;
      \ncopiously descends the rain in warm showers,
      \nand falls upon the fair earth. Flowers show there;
      \ngreen are the garments both of fields and of groves;
      \nbirds hurry to build, and lustily they sing
      \nfor the solace of the soft summer, that follows
      \nthereafter.
      \n\u2060Blossoms swell into bloom
      \n\u2060in rows rich and rank;
      \n\u2060and lovely notes are heard
      \n\u2060in the beauteous wood.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    2. After the season of summer with the soft winds,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nwhen Zephyrus blows on seeds and herbs,
      \nhappy is the plant that waxes then,
      \nwhen the dank dew drops from the leaves,
      \nto await the blissful glance of the bright sun.
      \nBut then harvest hastens and hardens it soon:
      \nwarns it to wax full ripe against the winter.
      \nHe drives with drought the dust to rise, \u2014
      \nfrom the face of the earth to fly full high.
      \nThe wild wind of the welkin wrestles with the sun.
      \nThe leaves fall from the bough and light on the ground.
      \nThe grass becomes all gray that erst was green.
      \nThen all ripes and rots that which formerly flourished;
      \nand thus runs the year in yesterdays many;
      \nand winter returns again without asking
      \nany man,      [20]<\/a><\/sup>
      \n\u2060till the Michelmas moon
      \n\u2060has come in wintry wise.
      \n\u2060Then thinks Gawain full soon
      \n\u2060of his anxious voyage.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    3. Yet till Allhallows day with Arthur he lingers;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nand Arthur made a feast on that festival for the hero’s sake,
      \nwith great and gay revel of the Round Table.
      \nKnights full courteous and comely ladies
      \nall for love of that man were in sorrow;
      \nbut nevertheless they spoke only of mirth;
      \nand many a joyless one there made jests for his gentle sake.
      \nAfter meat he mournfully addresses his uncle,
      \nand speaks of his passage, and openly he says \u2014
      \n“Now, liege lord of my life, leave I ask of you.
      \nYe know the cost of this case; I do not care
      \nto tell you even a trifle of its dangers;      [21]<\/a><\/sup>
      \nbut I am ready to start for the fray no later than tomorrow morn,
      \nto seek the man in the green, as God will guide me.”<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n

      Then the best of the castle gathered together,
      \nYwain and Erec, and others full many,
      \nSir Dodinel de Sauvage, the Duke of Clarence,
      \nLancelot and Lyonel and Lucan the Good,
      \nSir Bors and Sir Bedever, big men both,
      \nand many other proud ones, with Mador de la Port.
      \nAll this company of the court came nearer to the king,
      \nto counsel the knight, with care at their hearts.
      \nThere was much deep grief felt in the hall
      \nthat so worthy a one as Gawain should go on that errand,
      \nto endure a sorry dint and deal none himself with
      \nhis brand.
      \n\u2060But the knight ever made good cheer,
      \n\u2060and said, “Why should I swerve
      \n\u2060from stern and strange destiny?
      \n\u2060What can a man do but try?”<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    4. He lingered there all that day, and on the morn made ready.\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nEarly he asked for his arms, and they were all brought.
      \nFirst a carpet of Toulouse was stretched over the floor,
      \nand much was the gilt gear that gleamed upon it.
      \nThe brave man stepped thereon and handled the steel,
      \nclad in a doublet of costly Tars,
      \nand afterwards a well wrought hood, closed on top
      \nand bound within with a glistening white fur.
      \nThen they put the sabatons      [22]<\/a><\/sup> upon the hero’s feet,
      \nlapped his legs in steel with fair greaves,
      \nto which were attached well polished poleynes      [23]<\/a><\/sup>
      \nfastened about his knees with knots of gold.
      \nFine cuisses then, that well enclosed
      \nhis thick, brawny thighs, they attached with thongs.
      \nNext the decorated burnie      [24]<\/a><\/sup> of bright steel rings
      \nupon precious stuff encased the hero,
      \nand well burnished braces upon his two arms,
      \nwith elbow-pieces goodly and gay and gloves of plate,
      \nand all the goodly gear that might avail him at
      \nthat time,
      \n\u2060with rich coat armour,
      \n\u2060gold spurs well fastened,
      \n\u2060and a sure brand girt about
      \n\u2060his side by a silken sash.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    5. When he was hasped in arms his harness was rich;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nthe least latchet or loop gleamed with gold.
      \nSo, harnessed as he was, he heard his mass,
      \noffered and adored at the high altar.
      \nThen he came to the king and his court;
      \ncourteously took his leave of lords and ladies;
      \nand they kissed him, and convoyed him, entrusting him to Christ.
      \nBy that time was Gringolet ready, and girt with a saddle
      \nthat gleamed full gaily with many gold fringes;
      \neverywhere nailed anew, prepared for that emergency.
      \nThe bridle, barred about, was bound with bright gold;
      \nthe decoration of the breastplate and of the fine housings,
      \nthe crupper and caparison, accorded with the saddle-bow,
      \nand all was adorned with rich red gold nails,
      \nthat glittered and gleamed like the gleam of the sun.
      \nThen he took the helm and quickly kissed it.
      \nIt was stoutly stapled and stuffed within;
      \nit was high on his head, hasped behind,
      \nwith a light urison      [25]<\/a><\/sup> over the ventail,[26]<\/a><\/sup>
      \nembroidered and bound with the best gems
      \non a broad silken border; and birds on the seams
      \nlike painted popinjays      [27]<\/a><\/sup> preening themselves here and there;
      \nturtle-doves and true-loves      [28]<\/a><\/sup> thickly interlaced.
      \nAs many birds there were as had been in town for seven
      \nwinters.
      \n\u2060The circlet that
      \n\u2060surrounded his crown
      \n\u2060was even more precious \u2014
      \n\u2060a device of gleaming diamonds.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    6. Then they showed him the shield, that was of sheer gules,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nwith the pentangle painted in pure gold.
      \nHe took it by the baldric and cast it about his neck;
      \nand it became the hero passing fair.
      \nAnd why the pentangle pertains to that noble prince
      \nI mean to tell you, though it should delay me.
      \nIt is a sign that Solomon set formerly
      \nas a token of truth, by its own right,
      \nfor it is a figure that holds five points,
      \nand each line overlaps and locks in another;
      \nand throughout it is endless; and the English call it
      \neverywhere, as I hear, the endless knot.
      \nTherefore it suits this knight and his clear arms,
      \nforever faithful in five things, and in each of them five ways.
      \nGawain was known for good and as refined gold,
      \ndevoid of every villainy, adorned with
      \nvirtues.
      \n\u2060Therefore, the new      [29]<\/a><\/sup> pentangle
      \n\u2060he bore on shield and coat,
      \n\u2060as the man most true of speech,
      \n\u2060and the knight gentlest of behaviour.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    7. First, he was found faultless in his five wits;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nand again the hero failed never in his five fingers;
      \nand all his affiance in this world was in the five wounds
      \nthat Christ received on the cross, as the creed tells;
      \nand wheresoever this man was hard bestead in the m\u00eal\u00e9e
      \nhis pious thought was in this above all other things \u2014
      \nto take all his strength from the five joys
      \nthat the courteous Queen of Heaven had of her child.
      \nFor this cause the knight had her image
      \ncomely painted in the greater half of his shield,
      \nthat when he looked down thereupon, his courage never abated.
      \nThe fifth five that I find that the hero used,
      \nwere generosity and fellowship above all things,
      \nhis purity and his courtesy that never swerved,
      \nand pity that passes all qualities. These very five
      \nwere more surely set upon that warrior than upon any other.
      \nNow all these      [30]<\/a><\/sup> were established fivefold in this knight,
      \nand each one was fastened in another that had no end,
      \nand they were fastened on five points that never failed,
      \nnor met anywhere, nor sundered either, but finished always
      \nwithout end at each corner,
      \nwherever the game began or concluded.
      \nTherefore on his fair shield this knot was painted
      \nroyally with red gold upon red gules.
      \nThat is the true pentangle as the people properly
      \ncall it.
      \n\u2060Now was the gay Gawain armed.
      \n\u2060He caught up his lance right there,
      \n\u2060and with a good-day
      \n\u2060he went for evermore.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    8. He spurred his steed with the spurs and sprang on his way\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nso swiftly that the stone struck out fire after him.
      \nAll who saw the gentle man sighed in heart,
      \nand the heroes said all together to each other
      \nin their love for that comely knight, “By Christ, it is a shame
      \nthat thou, hero, must be lost, who art so noble of life.
      \nIn faith it is not easy to find his match upon the earth.
      \nTo have acted more warily would have been better counsel;
      \nand to have made yon dear one a duke;
      \nit would well become him to be a brilliant leader of people here.
      \nThis would have been better than to have him utterly destroyed,
      \ngiven over      [31]<\/a><\/sup> to an elvish man for mere boasting pride.
      \nWho ever knew any king to take such counsel
      \nas to suffer knights to be so tricked for a Christmas game.”
      \nMuch warm water welled from eyes
      \nwhen that seemly sire departed from the dwellings
      \nthat day.
      \n\u2060He made no stop,
      \n\u2060but wightly went his way;
      \n\u2060many a tiresome path he rode,
      \n\u2060as I heard the book tell.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    9. Now rides this hero, Sir Gawain, through the realm of Logres\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nin God’s behalf, though to him it seemed no play.
      \nOft alone companionless he lodged at night
      \nin places where he found not before him the fare that he liked.
      \nNo company had he but his foal by friths and downs,
      \nnor nobody but God to talk with by the way;
      \ntill that he approached nigh unto North Wales.
      \nHe kept all the isles of Anglesey on the left side,
      \nand fared over the fords by the forelands,
      \nover at the Holy Head, till he again took land
      \nin the wilderness of Wirrel. There dwelt but few
      \nthat loved either God or man with good heart.
      \nAnd ever as he fared he asked of men that he met
      \nif they had heard any talk of a green knight
      \nof the green chapel in any spot thereabout,
      \nand all nicked him with nay, that never in their life
      \nsaw they any man of such
      \ngreen hue.
      \n\u2060The knight took strange roads
      \n\u2060by many a rough bank.
      \n\u2060His cheer changed full oft
      \n\u2060ere he saw that chapel.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    10. Many a cliff he overclimbed in strange countries;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nfar sundered from his friends, lonely he rode.
      \nAt each ford or water where the hero passed
      \nit were strange if he found not a foe before him,
      \nand that so foul and so fell that it behooved him to fight.
      \nSo many marvels in the mountains there the man found
      \nthat it were too tedious to tell of the tenth part.
      \nSometimes he warred with serpents, and with wolves also,
      \nsometimes with savages that dwelt in the cliffs;
      \nboth with bulls and bears, and boars sometimes;
      \nand giants that assailed him from the high fell.
      \nHad he not been doughty and stern, and served God,
      \ndoubtless he had been dead and slain full oft.
      \nBut the warfare tried him not so much but that the winter was worse,
      \nwhen the cold clear water shed from the clouds,
      \nand froze ere it might fall to the barren earth.
      \nNear slain with the sleet he slept in his iron
      \nmore nights than enough on naked rocks,
      \nwhere clattering from the crest the cold burn ran,
      \nand hung high over his head in hard icicles.
      \nThus in peril and pain and plights full hard
      \nthrough the country wanders this knight all alone till
      \nChristmas Eve.
      \n\u2060At that tide
      \n\u2060to Mary he made his moan
      \n\u2060that she might direct his riding
      \n\u2060and lead him to some dwelling.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    11. Merrily on the morn he rides by a mount\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \ninto a forest full deep, that was strangely wild.
      \nHigh hills were on each side, and woods beneath
      \nof hoar oaks full huge, a hundred together.
      \nThe hazel and the hawthorn were twined all together,
      \ncovered everywhere with rough ragged moss,
      \nwith many unblithe birds upon bare twigs
      \nthat piteously piped there for pain of the cold.
      \nThe knight upon Gringolet rides all alone
      \nunder the boughs, through many a moss and mire,
      \nmourning for his trials, lest he should never survive
      \nto see the service of that Sire who on that very night
      \nwas born of a lady to quell our pain.
      \nAnd therefore sighing he said: “I beseech thee, Lord,
      \nand Mary, that is mildest mother so dear,
      \nfor some harbour where I might properly hear mass
      \nand thy matins tomorrow. Meekly I ask it,
      \nand thereto earnestly I pray my pater and ave
      \nand creed.”
      \n\u2060He rode in his prayer
      \n\u2060and lamented for his misdeeds.
      \n\u2060Oft-times he blessed himself,
      \n\u2060and said, “Christ’s cross speed me.”<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    12. The hero had not crossed himself more than thrice\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nere he was aware in the wood of a dwelling on a hill,
      \nabove a clearing, on a mount, hidden under the boughs
      \nof many a huge tree about the ditches;
      \na castle the comeliest that ever knight owned,
      \nset on a prairie, a park all about,
      \nwith its beautiful palace, pinnacled full thick,
      \nand surrounded with many a tree for more than two miles.
      \nThe hero gazed at the castle on that one side
      \nas it shimmered and shone through the fair oaks.
      \nThen he humbly doffed his helm and devoutly he thanked
      \nJesus and St. Julian \u2014 who are both gentle \u2014
      \nwho courteously had directed him and harkened to his cry.
      \n“Now bon hostel,” quoth the man, “I beseech you yet!”
      \nThen he spurs Gringolet with his gilt heels,
      \nand he full fortunately takes the way to the chief road,
      \nthat soon brought the hero to the bridge-end
      \nin haste.
      \n\u2060The bridge was securely lifted,
      \n\u2060the gates locked fast;
      \n\u2060the walls were well arrayed;
      \n\u2060no wind blast did it fear.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    13. The hero that sat on his horse, abode on the bank\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nof the deep double ditch that stretched to the place.
      \nThe wall sank in the water wondrous deep,
      \nand again a full huge height it towered aloft,
      \nof hard hewn stone up to the top courses,
      \ncorbelled under the battlement in the best manner;
      \nand above fine watch-towers ranged along,
      \nwith many good loop-holes that showed full clean.
      \nA better barbican that hero never looked upon.
      \nAnd farther within he beheld the high hall,
      \nwith towers set full thickly about,
      \nand fair and wondrous high filioles
      \nwith carved tops cunningly devised.
      \nChalk-white chimneys enough he saw
      \nthat gleamed full white on the battlements.
      \nSo many painted pinnacles were set everywhere,
      \nbuilt so thick among the crenellations of the castle,
      \nthat it verily appeared cut out of paper.
      \nFair enough it seemed to the noble knight on his horse
      \nif he could only attain the shelter within,
      \nto harbour in that hostel, while the holiday
      \nlasted.
      \n\u2060He called, and soon there appeared
      \n\u2060on the wall a right pleasant porter
      \n\u2060who took his message
      \n\u2060and greeted the knight errant.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    14. “Good sir,” quoth Gawain, “would you go my errand\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nto the high lord of this house to crave harbour?”<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n

      “Yea, by Peter,” quoth the porter; “and truly I trow
      \nthat ye are welcome, sir, to dwell while you like.”<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n

      Then the man went again quickly,
      \nand a crowd of folk with him, to receive the knight.
      \nThey let down the great draw and eagerly poured out,
      \nand kneeled down on their knees upon the cold earth
      \nto welcome the hero as it seemed to them proper.
      \nThey opened up wide the broad gate for him
      \nand he raised them courteously, and rode over the bridge.
      \nSeveral attendants held his saddle while he alighted,
      \nand afterwards good men enough stabled his steed.
      \nThen knights and squires came down
      \nto bring this hero joyfully into the hall.
      \nWhen he lifted up his helm people enough hurried
      \nto take it at his hand, in order to serve the courteous one;
      \nhis sword and his shield they took too.
      \nThen he greeted full courteously the knights each one;
      \nand many a proud man pressed there to honour that prince.
      \nAll hasped in his high weeds, they led him to the hall,
      \nwhere a fair fire burned fiercely upon the hearth.
      \nThen the lord of the people came from his chamber
      \nto meet courteously the man on the floor.
      \nHe said, “Ye are welcome to wield as you like
      \nwhat is here; all is your own to have at your will
      \nand commandment.”<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n

      \u2060”Gramercy,” quoth Gawain.
      \n\u2060”Christ reward you for it.”
      \n\u2060Like glad heroes either
      \n\u2060folded the other in his arms.<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    15. Gawain looked on the man who greeted him so goodly,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nand thought it a bold hero that owned the castle,
      \na huge warrior for the nonce, and of great age.
      \nBroad and bright was his beard, and all beaver-hued.
      \nFirm-gaited was he on his stalwart limbs;
      \nwith a face as fierce as fire, and a free speech;
      \nand to the hero he seemed well suited indeed
      \nto govern a nation of good people.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n

      The lord turned to a chamber and promptly commanded
      \nto give Gawain a retinue to serve him in lowly wise;
      \nand there were ready at his bidding men enough,
      \nwho brought him to a bright bower where the bedding was
      \ncurtains of pure silk with clear gold hems,
      \nand covertures right curious with comely borders,
      \nadorned above with bright fur.
      \nCurtains running on ropes, red gold rings,
      \ntapestries of Toulouse and Tars hung on the wall,
      \nand under foot on the floor of the same pattern.
      \nThere with mirthful speeches the hero was despoiled
      \nof his burnie and of his bright weeds.
      \nQuickly men brought him rich robes
      \nthat he might pick and choose the best for his change.
      \nAs soon as he took one and was wrapped therein,
      \nthat sat upon him seemly with sailing skirts,
      \nthe hero by his visage verily seemed
      \nto well nigh every man in looks
      \nglowing and lovely is all his limbs;
      \nit seemed to them that Christ never made a
      \ncomelier knight.
      \n\u2060Wherever in the world he were,
      \n\u2060it seemed as if he might
      \n\u2060be a prince without peer
      \n\u2060in the field where fell men fight.<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    16. A chair before the chimney,[32]<\/a><\/sup> where charcoal burned,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nwas prepared for Sir Gawain richly with cloths
      \nand cushions, upon counterpanes that were both fine.
      \nAnd then a beauteous mantle was cast on the man,
      \nof a brown fabric richly embroidered,
      \nand fairly furred within with the best skins,
      \nall of ermine; the hood of the same.
      \nAnd he sat on that settle in seemly rich attire,
      \nand warmed him thoroughly; and then his cheer mended.
      \nSoon a table was raised up on trestles full fair,
      \nand set with a clean cloth that showed clear white,
      \nnapkins, salt-cellar, and silver spoons.
      \nThe hero washed when he would and went to his meat.
      \nMen served him seemly enough,
      \n\u2014 double fold as was proper \u2014
      \nwith pottages various and suitable, seasoned in the best manner;
      \nand many kinds of fish,
      \nsome baked in bread, some broiled on the coals,
      \nsome boiled, some in sauces savoured with spices;
      \nand always discourse so pleasant that it pleased the warrior.
      \nFull freely and often the hero called it a feast
      \nright courteously, when all the retainers together praised him as
      \ncourteous.      [33]<\/a><\/sup>
      \n\u2060”Do this penance now,
      \n\u2060and soon things will be better!”
      \n\u2060Right mirthful was he
      \n\u2060for the wine that went to his head.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    17. Then they questioned and inquired sparingly\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nin skilful queries put to the prince himself,
      \ntill he courteously acknowledged that he was of
      \nthe court which noble Arthur holds alone,
      \nwho is the rich, royal king of the Round Table;
      \nand that it was Gawain himself that sits in the house,
      \nby chance come for that Christmas.
      \nWhen the lord had learned that he had that hero,
      \nhe laughed aloud, so dear it seemed to him;
      \nand all the men in the castle made much joy
      \nat appearing promptly in the presence of him
      \nwho contains in his own person all worth and prowess
      \nand gracious traits, and is ever praised;
      \nabove all the men in the world his renown is the greatest.
      \nEach warrior said full softly to his companion \u2014
      \n“Now shall we see courteous turns of behaviour,
      \nand the blameless forms of noble talking;
      \nwhat profit there is in speech may we learn without asking
      \nsince we have taken that fine father of nurture.
      \nGod has indeed given us his grace,
      \nwho grants us to have such a guest as Gawain,
      \non account of whose birth men sit and sing
      \nfor joy.
      \n\u2060This hero will now teach us
      \n\u2060what distinguished manners are;
      \n\u2060I think that those who hear him
      \n\u2060will learn how to make love.”<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    18. When the dinner was done and the dear ones risen,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nthe time was nigh arrived at the night.
      \nChaplains took their way to the chapels,
      \nand rang full loudly, as they should,
      \nto the melodious evensong of the high time.
      \nThe Lord turns thither, and the lady also.
      \nInto a comely closet daintily she enters.
      \nGawain joyfully proceeds, and goes thither straightway.
      \nThe lord takes him by the mantle and leads him to his seat,
      \nrecognizes him openly and calls him by his name,
      \nand says he is the welcomest wight in the world.
      \nAnd Gawain thanked him thoroughly and either embraced the other,
      \nand they sat soberly together during the service.
      \nThen the lady desired to look on the knight,
      \nand came from her closet with many fair maidens.
      \nBut she was fairer than all the others in flesh and face,
      \nin skin and form, in complexion and demeanour \u2014
      \nmore beautiful than Guinevere, it seemed to the hero.
      \nHe walked through the chancel to greet that gracious one.
      \nAnother lady led her by the left hand,
      \nthat was older than she; an ancient lady it seemed,
      \nand one highly honoured by the knights about her;
      \nbut unlike to look on were the ladies,
      \nfor if the younger was fair, yellow was the other.
      \nRich red on the one bloomed everywhere;
      \nrough wrinkled cheeks rolled on the other.
      \nThe kerchiefs of the one broidered with many clear pearls,
      \nopenly displayed her breast and her bright throat,
      \nwhich shone clearer than snow that falls on the hills.
      \nThe other covered her neck with a gorget,
      \nthat wrapped her black chin in milk-white pleats.
      \nHer forehead was completely enveloped in silken folds,
      \nadorned and tricked      [34]<\/a><\/sup> with small ornaments;
      \nand naught was bare of that lady but the black brows,
      \nthe two eyes, the nose, and the naked lips;
      \nand those were ugly to behold and oddly bleared.
      \nA gracious lady in the land one might call her
      \nforsooth!
      \n\u2060Her body was short and thick,
      \n\u2060her hips round      [35]<\/a><\/sup> and broad.
      \n\u2060More pleasant to look on
      \n\u2060was the being she led.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    19. When Gawain looked on that beauteous one who gazed graciously,\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nhe took leave of the lord, and went toward them.
      \nThe elder he saluted, bowing full low;
      \nthe lovelier he took a little in his arms;
      \nhe kissed her comely, and knightly he greeted her.
      \nThey welcomed him, and he quickly asked
      \nto be their servant if it pleased them.
      \nThey took him between them and led him conversing
      \nto the fireplace in the parlour; and straightway they called
      \nfor spices, which men speeded to bring them unsparingly,
      \nand the pleasant wine therewith each time.
      \nThe lord leaped merrily up full often,
      \nand saw to it that the mirth never faltered.
      \nGaily he snatched off his hood and hung it on a spear,
      \nand exhorted them to win it as a prize \u2014 he to have it      [36]<\/a><\/sup>
      \nwho should make the most mirth that Christmas tide.
      \n“And I shall try, by my faith, with the help of my friends      [37]<\/a><\/sup>
      \nto compete with the best, ere I lose my apparel.”
      \nThus with laughing mien the lord makes merry
      \nin order to glad Sir Gawain with games in the hall
      \nthat night.
      \n\u2060When it came time
      \n\u2060the king commanded lights;
      \n\u2060Sir Gawain took his leave
      \n\u2060and went to his bed.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    20. On the morn when as every man knows\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nGod was born to die for us,
      \njoy waxes in every dwelling in the world for his sake.
      \nSo it did there on that day, with many dainties
      \nat meats and meals, right quaint dishes,
      \nand brave men on the dais dressed in their best.
      \nThe old ancient wife sits in the highest,
      \nthe courteous lord placed by her, as I trow;
      \nGawain and the gay lady together just in the middle,
      \nas the courses      [38]<\/a><\/sup> properly come; and afterwards
      \nthe rest throughout all the hall, as it seemed to them,
      \neach man in his degree was properly served.
      \nThere was meat, there was mirth, there was much joy,
      \nthat it were arduous for me to tell thereof,
      \nthough to note it I took pains belike.      [39]<\/a><\/sup>
      \nBut yet I know that Gawain and the lovely lady
      \ntook comfort in each other’s company,
      \nin the choice play of their of their sharp wits,
      \nand the pure courtesy of their modest talk;
      \ntheir disport surpassed indeed that of any
      \nroyal game.
      \n\u2060Trumps and drums came
      \n\u2060playing loudly;
      \n\u2060each man minded his own business,
      \n\u2060and they two minded theirs.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    21. Much delight was taken there that day, and the second;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nand the third followed as pleasantly.
      \nThe joy of St. John’s day was gentle to hear of;
      \nand it was the last of the festival, the people considered.
      \nThere were guests to go upon the grey morn;
      \ntherefore wondrous late they sat up and drank the wine,
      \ndanced full gayly with sweet carols.
      \nAt the last, when it was late, they took their leave,
      \neach good man to wend on his way.
      \nGawain gave his host good day; but the good man takes him,
      \nand leads him to his own chamber, by the fireplace;
      \nand there he draws him aside and properly thanks him
      \nfor the great worship that he had granted him
      \nin honouring his house on that high tide,
      \nin embellishing his castle with his good cheer.
      \n“Indeed, sir, while I live I shall be the better
      \nthat Gawain has been my guest at God’s own feast.”<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n

      “Gramercy, sir,” quoth Gawain, “in good faith the merit is yours;
      \nall the honour is your own, \u2014 the high King reward you;
      \nand I am your man to work your behest
      \nin high and in low as I am bound
      \nby right.”<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n

      \u2060The lord eagerly strives
      \n\u2060to hold the knight longer;
      \n\u2060but Gawain answers him
      \n\u2060that he can in no wise.<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    22. Then the hero asked of him full fairly\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nwhat extraordinary deed had driven him at that dear time
      \nfrom the king’s court, to go all alone so boldly,
      \nere the holidays were wholly over.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n

      “For sooth, sir,” quoth the hero, “ye say but the truth;
      \na high errand and a hasty had me from these dwellings;
      \nfor I am summoned to such a place
      \nas I know not in the world whitherward to wend to find it.
      \nI would not for all the land in Logres fail
      \nto reach it on New Year’s morn \u2014 so our Lord help me.
      \nTherefore, sir, this request I require of you here,
      \nthat ye tell me truly if ever ye heard tale
      \nof the green chapel, where in the world it stands,
      \nand of the knight green in colour that keeps it.
      \nThere was established by statute an agreement between us
      \nthat I should meet that man at that landmark if I could but survive.
      \nAnd of that same New Year there now lacks but little,
      \nand by God’s Son I would gladlier look on that person \u2014
      \nif God would let me \u2014 than wield any possession in the world.
      \nTherefore, indeed \u2014 by your good will \u2014 it behooves me to wend;
      \nI have now at my disposal barely three days;
      \nand I were as fain fall dead as fail of mine errand.”<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n

      Then laughing quoth the lord, “Now it behooves thee to stay;
      \nfor I shall direct you to that spot by the time’s end \u2014
      \nthe green chapel upon the ground. Grieve you no more;
      \nfor ye shall be in your bed, sir, at thine ease
      \nsome days yet, and set out on the first of the year
      \nand come to that place at mid-morn, to do what
      \nyou like.
      \n\u2060Stay till New Year’s day;
      \n\u2060and rise and go then.
      \n\u2060One shall set you on your way;
      \n\u2060it is not two miles hence.”<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    23. Then was Gawain full glad, and merrily he laughed;\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \n“Now I thank you especially for this above all other things;
      \nnow that my quest is achieved, I shall dwell at your will,
      \nand do whatever else ye decide.”<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n

      Then the sire seized him and set him beside him,
      \nand let the ladies be fetched to please them the better.
      \nFair entertainment they had quietly among themselves;
      \nthe lord in his jovial, friendly demeanor behaved
      \nas a man out of      [40]<\/a><\/sup> his wits that knew not what he did.
      \nThen he spake to the knight, crying loud,
      \n“Ye have agree to do the deed that I bid.
      \nWill ye hold this hest here at once?”<\/p>\n

    24. “Yet further,” quoth the hero, “let us make an agreement.\u2060[ original<\/a> ]
      \nWhatsoever I win in the wood, it shall be yours;
      \nand whatsoever fortune ye achieve, exchange with me therefor.
      \nSweet sir, swap we so, swear truly,
      \nwhichever one of us gets the worse or the better.”<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n

      “By God,” quoth Gawain the good, “I consent thereto;
      \nand whatever game you like, agreeable it seems to me.”<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n

      “On this beverage just brought the bargain is made,”
      \nsaid the lord of that people; and both laughed.<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n

      Then they drank and played and amused[41]<\/a><\/sup> themselves,
      \nthese lords and ladies, so long as it pleased them;
      \nand then with polite demeanour and many fair gestures,
      \nthey stood up and lingered a while, and talked quietly,
      \nkissed full comely, and took their leave.
      \nWith many a gay servant and gleaming torches
      \neach hero was brought to his bed full softly at
      \nthe last.
      \n\u2060Yet before they went to bed
      \n\u2060they oft rehearsed the covenants.
      \n\u2060The old lord of that people
      \n\u2060knew well how to keep up a jest.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      <\/h2>\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>