And yet pride shall grow the greater, of the twain doth this story show.
Now the year of truce1 was ended, when the strife2 must needs be fought
Which the Landgrave unto King Arthur at Plimiz?l had brought.
At Schamfanzon he challenged Gawain to meet him at Barbig?l,5
Yet still unavenged was Kingrisein at the hand of Kingrimursel—
In sooth, Vergulacht, he rode there, and thither5 had come Gawain,
And the whole world was ‘ware of their kinship nor might strife be betwixt the twain;
For the murder, Count Eckunat did it, and Gawain must they guiltless hold,
At rest did they lay their quarrel and friends were those heroes bold.10
Then they parted for both would ride thence, Vergulacht and the knight7 Gawain,
Tho’ both for the Grail were seeking yet apart would they ride, those twain.
And many a joust8 must they ride now, for he who the Grail would see
Sword in hand must he draw anigh it, and swift must his seeking be!
Now all that befell to Gawain, the lot of that blameless knight15
Since he rode forth9 from fair Schamfanzon, if he oft on his way must fight,
Ye shall ask of those who there saw him, since naught10 may I tell ye here,
Yet hearken, and heed11 the story and the venture that draweth near.
One morning Gawain rode gaily12 o’er a grassy13 plain and green,
When a shield, in the sun fair shining, with lance-thrust pierced thro’ was seen,20
And a charger stood beside it that bare women’s riding-gear,
And the bridle14 and aye the housing were of costly15 stuff and dear—
And the charger and shield beside it were bound to a linden tree.
Then he thought, ‘Who shall be this woman? for valiant16 I ween is she,
Since she beareth a shield so knightly17—If she thinketh with me to fight,25
How, then, may I best withstand her? Were it better to here alight?
If too long she wrestle18 with me perchance I were overthrown20,
If hatred21 or love I shall win here I will fight her on foot alone;
Yea, e’en an she were Kamilla, who before Laurentium fought—
Did she live still to battle with me, as awhile she for honour sought,30
I would face her, nor fear her prowess, if here she my foe22 would be,
Tho’ ne’er with a maid have I foughten and the chance seemeth ill to me!’
Battle-hewn was the shield and dinted, as Gawain right well espied23
The nearer he rode unto it, and pierced with a lance-thrust wide.
Such token by joust is painted, little payment his skill should know35
Whose hand erst the shield had fashioned an he thought him to paint it so!
By the trunk of the mighty24 linden sat a maid on the grass so green,
And sore did she weep and bewail her, and joyless, I wot, her mien25.
Then around the tree rode Gawain, and lo! on her knee she bore
A knight, and she wept above him, and grieved with a sorrow sore.40
Fair greeting Sir Gawain proffered26, she thanked him and bowed her low,
And hoarse27 was her voice thro’ weeping and weakened thro’ force of woe28.
Then down to the ground sprang Gawain, for the knight he was like to choke,
Since the blood welled within his body, and unto the maid he spoke29,
And he asked if the knight were living, or should now in the death-throe be?45
And she spake, ‘He dieth surely, yet but now alive was he,
God hath sent thee unto my succour, now help me with word and deed,
Such wounds shalt thou oft have looked on, give counsel in this my need!’
‘Yea, gladly I’ll aid thee, Lady, from death shall thy knight be freed,
And healing I well might win him an there were but at hand a reed.50
Thou shalt see him, and hearken to him, nor his life shall be waxen less,
The wound is not all too dangerous, but the blood on his heart doth press.’
Then he stripped from a bough30 of the linden the bark, and did wind it round,
(No fool he in art of healing,) and he set it unto the wound,
And he bade the maiden31 suck it till the blood should toward her flow—55
And strength came again and hearing, and the voice of the knight they know,
And he looked on Gawain, and he thanked him, and said he should honoured be
In that from his woe he had freed him, and he asked of him, whence came he?
Rode he hither in search of knighthood? ‘From far Punturtois I came
In search of such knightly venture as should win for me meed of fame,60
Yet sorely must I bewail me for the ill that I here have won,
Sir Knight, an thy senses fail not, ’twere better this way to shun32!’
‘Such evil I little looked for—’Twas Lischois Giwellius
Who hath wounded me so sorely, and down from my charger thrust:
Fair was the joust and knightly, and he pierced me thro’ shield and side,65
On her steed this maiden helped me, and hither hath been my guide!’
Then he prayed Gawain to abide33 there, but he spake, he the place would see
Where such evil had chanced unto him, ‘If Logrois thus near shall be,
Perchance I shall yet o’ertake him, he shall answer to me, I trow,
For the deed he hath done, and his reason for vengeance35 on thee I’ll know!’70
But the wounded knight spake, ‘Not so, for true are the words I say,
And no child’s play shall be this journey, great perils37 beset39 the way.’
With the band from the maiden’s tresses Gawain the wound did bind40,
And spake o’er it spells of healing, and he bade them their comfort find
In God, since He cares for all men—With blood was their pathway red,75
And crimson41 the grass besprinkled as a stag had its life-blood shed;
Thus he rode not astray, and in short space did Logrois before him stand—
A fortress42 so fair and stately, its praise was in every land.
’Twas a stately Burg well builded, and it wound the hillside round,
From afar as a mighty circlet the fortress the summit crowned.80
E’en to-day men this honour give it, its wall shall be stormed in vain,
For it openeth its gates to no foeman, whose hatred soe’er it gain!
And a garden lay green around it, ’twas planted with trees so fair,
Olive, pomegranate, fig-tree, and the vine which its grapes doth bear,
And gaily they grew and flourished—as Gawain rode that garden bright85
He saw there what wrought43 him sorrow, yet filled him with all delight!
A streamlet gushed44 forth from the hillside, there he saw that which grieved him naught,
A lady so fair to look on that gladly her face he sought.
The flower was she of all women, save Kondwiramur alone
No fairer form nor feature might ever on earth be known.90
So sweet and so bright to look on, so courteous45 and royal of mien,
Orgelusé, was she, of Logrois, and men say that in her was seen
The charm that desire awakeneth, a balm for the eyes of care,
For no heart but was drawn46 toward her, and no mouth but would speak her fair!
Gawain gave her courteous greeting, and he spake, ‘If such grace I ?ain95
That thou willest I should alight here and awhile at thy side remain,
If I see that my presence please thee, then sorrow be far from me,
And joy in its stead dwell with me, no knight e’er might gladder be!
May I die if the truth I speak not, no woman e’er pleased me more—’
‘It is well, yet methinks I knew that,’ then the knight for a space she saw;100
And her sweet lips spake thus unto him, ‘Now make of thy praise an end,
For well might it work thee evil, and I care not that foe or friend,
Whoever he be that cometh, his judgment47 on me shall speak,
For sure if all lips shall praise me my fame it but waxeth weak!
If the wise praise me e’en as the foolish, the false as the pure and true,105
Then my fame shall be e’en as another’s, for the many shall drown the few.
But my praise do I hold, and but wisdom shall speak that which she doth know—
Who thou mayst be, Sir Knight, I know not, but ’tis time thou thy way shouldst go!’
‘Yet o’er thee will I speak my verdict, if thou dwellest anear my heart
Then thy dwelling48 is not within it, for without shalt thou have thy part.110
And say thou my love desirest, how hast thou rewarding won?
From the eyes swiftly shoot the glances, yet a sling49, when the work is done,
Smiteth gentler than looks which linger on that which doth sorrow wreak51,
Thy desire is but empty folly52, thou shouldst other service seek!
If thine hand for love’s sake shall battle, if adventure hath bidden thee115
By knighthood win love’s rewarding, yet thou winnest it not from me.
Nor honour shall be thy portion, but shame shalt thou win alone—
Now the truth have I spoken unto thee, ’twere best thou shouldst get thee gone!’
Then he quoth, ‘Truth thou speakest, Lady, since mine eyes thus mine heart have brought
In danger, for they beheld53 thee, and thy fetters54 around me wrought.120
But now, since I be thy captive, I prithee entreat55 me well,
Without thine own will hast thou done this, in silence I owned thy spell:
Thou shalt loose me, or thou shalt bind me, for my will it shall be as thine,
And gladly all woes56 I’ld suffer if so I might call thee mine!’
Then she quoth, ‘Yea! so take me with thee, if thou countest upon thy gain,125
And the love that shall be thy guerdon, thou shalt mourn it in shame and pain.
I would know if a man thou shalt be who bravely for me would fight—
And yet, if thou prize thine honour, thou wilt57 flee from this strife, Sir Knight!
And should I yet further rede thee, and thou shouldst to my word say yea,
Then seek thou elsewhere a lady—For, if thou my love dost pray,130
Then joy and fair love’s rewarding fall never unto thy share,
But sorrow shall be thy portion if hence I with thee shall fare!’
Then answered Gawain, ‘Without service, who thinketh true love to win?
An one did so, then here I tell thee, ’twere counted to him for sin,
For true love ever asketh service, yea after as aye before!’135
Then she quoth, ‘Wilt thou do me service? shame waiteth for thee in store,
Tho’ thy life be a life of conflict—No coward as my knight I’ll own;
See thou yonder path, ’tis no highway, o’er the bridge doth it wend adown
To the garden, take thou the pathway, for there shalt thou find my steed—
Many folk shalt thou see and shalt hearken, but take thou of their words no heed,140
Nor stay for their dance or singing, for tambour, or harp58, or flute59,
But go thou to my horse, and loose it, that I go not with thee afoot!’
Gawain sprang from off his charger—Yet awhile he bethought him well
Where his steed might abide his coming: by the waters that rippling60 fell
Was no tree unto which to bind it, and he knew not if he this dame145
Might pray, would she hold his charger till once more with her own he came.
Then she quoth, ‘I see well what doth vex62 thee, thine horse shalt thou leave with me,
I will guard it until thy coming tho’ small good shall that be to thee!’
Then Gawain took his horse’s bridle, ‘Now hold this for me, I pray;’
‘Now indeed art thou dull and foolish,’ spake the lady, ‘where thou dost lay150
Thine hand, thinkest thou I’ll hold it? such deed would beseem me ill!’
Then the love-lorn knight spake gently, for fain would he do her will,
‘Further forward I never hold it!’ Then she quoth, ’I will hold it there,
And do thou my bidding swiftly, bring my steed and with thee I’ll fare;’
Then he thought this a joyful63 hearing, and straightway he left her side,155
And over the bridge so narrow to the garden gate he hied;
There saw he many a maiden, and knights64 so brave and young,
And within that goodly garden so gaily they danced and sung.
And Gawain he was clad so richly, with helmet and harness fair,
That all must bewail his coming for naught but true folk dwelt there.160
They cared for that lovely garden, on the greensward they stood or lay,
Or sat ‘neath the tents whose shadow was cool ‘gainst the sunlight’s ray.
Yet they ceased not to bemoan65 him, and to grieve for his sorrow sore,
Yea, man alike and maiden, and in this wise their plaint they bore,
‘Alas66! that our lady’s cunning will to danger this knight betray!165
Alas! that he fain will follow, for she rideth an evil way.’
And many stepped fair towards him, and their arms around him threw,
And bade him a friendly greeting—to an olive tree he drew,
For the steed was fast beneath it, so rich was its gear, I ween,
That the cost of the goodly trappings full thousand marks had been.170
And an old knight he stood beside it, well-trimmed was his beard and grey,
And upon a staff he leant him, and salt tears he wept alway.
And the tears, they were shed for Gawain, as he to the steed drew near,
Yet his words of kindly67 greeting fell soft on the hero’s ear.
Then he spake, ‘Wilt thou hearken counsel? Lay not on this steed thine hand,175
And herein shalt thou show thy wisdom—tho’ none here thy will withstand,
Yet, indeed, it were best to leave it! Accurst be our lady queen,
For of many a gallant69 hero, I wot, she the death hath been!’
Yet Gawain he would do her bidding—‘Then, alas! for woe draweth near,’
Spake the knight, and he loosed the halter, ”Twere best not to linger here,180
The steed shalt thou take, and shalt leave us, and may He Who made salt the sea,
In the hour of thy need, and thy peril38, thy strength and thy counsel be:
And see thou that our lady’s beauty, it bringeth thee not to shame,
She is sour in the midst of sweetness, ‘mid the sunlight a shower of rain.’
‘God grant it,’ then quoth Sir Gawain, and straightway he took his leave185
Of the old knight and of his comrades and sorely the folk did grieve.
And the horse went a narrow pathway, and it passed thro’ the garden gate,
And it crossed o’er the bridge, and he found her who there did his coming wait,
The queen of his heart, and the ruler was she of that land so fair,
Yet altho’ his heart fled towards her yet grief thro’ her deed it bare.190
Her hand ‘neath her chin soft-rounded had loosened the wimple’s fold,
And flung it aback on her head-gear,—(if a woman ye thus behold70,
Know ye that for strife she longeth and mischief71 she hath in mind)—
Would ye know how else she had robed her ye naught in my song shall find,
For how might I tell her raiment and name ye her robes aright,195
When mine eyes, on her fair face gazing, saw naught but her beauty bright?
As Gawain drew near the lady, she hailed him with scornful mien,
‘Now welcome, thou goose! for of all men most foolish art thou, I ween,
All too bent72 shalt thou be on my service, wert thou wise thou wouldst let it be—’
Then he quoth, ‘Yet shalt thou be gracious who now art so wroth with me,200
For so harshly thou dost chastise73 me thou in honour must make it good,
And my hand shall be fain to serve thee till thou winnest a milder mood;
Ask thou what of me thou willest—Shall I lift thee upon thy steed?’
But she quoth, ‘I will no such service, for methinks all too great such meed
For a hand that is yet unproven—Ask thou for a lesser74 grace!’205
On the flowery sward she turned her, and she looked not on Gawain’s face,
But she laid her hand on the bridle, and she light to the saddle sprung,
And she bade him to ride before her, and she spake with a mocking tongue,
‘Now indeed would it be great pity did I stray from so brave a knight,
By God’s grace will we keep together, so ride thou within my sight!’210
Now he who my rede would follow his peace shall he hold awhile,
Lest he speak but the word of folly, till he know if she wrought of guile75,
For as yet the truth ye know not, nor the thing that was in her heart.
And were it the time for vengeance, then I too might bear my part,
And take from this lady payment for the wrong she hath done Gawain;215
Nor of that she shall do hereafter shall aught unavenged remain.
But Orgelusé, that lovely lady, bare herself in no friendly wise,
For she rode in the track of Gawain, and so wrathful, I ween, her guise77
That were I in the stead of Gawain little comfort my soul might take
That she from my care would free me, and with fair love atonement make.220
Then they rode on an open moorland, and a herb did Sir Gawain see
Whose root had the power of healing, and down to the ground sprang he,
And dug up the root, and swiftly he sprang on his steed again.
And the lady she looked upon him, and she spake in a mocking vein78,
‘Now in sooth if this my companion can at one-while be leech79 and knight,225
For starvation he need not fear him if his salve-box he bear aright!’
Quoth Gawain, ”Neath a mighty linden a wounded knight I saw,
Methinks, if again I find him, this herb shall the poison draw
From his wounds, and new strength may give him!’ She spake, ‘Now I well were fain
To look on thy skill, for who knoweth what knowledge I thence may gain!’230
Now a squire80 he rode swift behind them, ’twas the lady’s messenger,
Fain was he to do her bidding—As the horse-hoofs they drew anear
Gawain would await his coming, and his steed for a space he held,
Yet he deemed him he saw a monster when first he the squire beheld,
For Malcréature did they call him, and Kondrie was his sister fair,235
And e’en such a face as the sister, I ween, did the brother bear.
From his mouth, as the tusks82 of a wild-boar, stood the teeth out to left and right,
Unlike was his face to a man’s face, and fearful in all men’s sight.
And the locks of his hair were shorter than those which from Kondrie hung
Adown on her mule83, stiff as bristles84, and sharp, from his head they sprung.240
And beside the river Ganges, in the land of Tribalibot,
Dwell such folk, if awhile ye hearken ye shall learn how befell their lot.
Now Adam, of all men father, from God did he learn such skill,
All beasts, wild and tame, he knew them, and he namèd them at his will.
And he knew the stars and their pathway, as they circle the silent sky,245
And the power of the seven planets, how they rule men from heaven high,
And he knew of all roots the virtue85, and the ill that was theirs of yore—
When his children were grown to manhood, and daughters and sons they bore,
From evil desires he warned them; and his daughters he oft did rede
Of certain roots to beware them, that wrought ill with the human seed,250
And would change their face, and their aspect, and dishonoured86 the race should be;
And he spake, ‘Then shall we be other than erst God did fashion me,
And therefore do ye, my children, give heed to the words I say,
Nor be blind to your bliss88, lest your children they wander too far astray.’
But the women, they did as women, in forbidden ways they went,255
And they wrought out the lust89 and the evil on which their desire was bent,
And the shape of men was changèd, such rewarding their fault must win,
And tho’ firm stood the will of Adam yet sorely he mourned their sin—
Now the fair Queen Sekundillé, her body, her crown, and land,
Feirefis had won as his guerdon by the power of his knightly hand,260
And there, in her far-off kingdom (no lie is the tale I tell)
Full many of this strange people since the days that are gone do dwell,
And their faces are ill to look on, and the birth-marks are strange they bear.
And once of the Grail men told her, and Anfortas’ kingdom fair,
That on earth was naught like to his riches, and a marvel90 she thought his land—265
(And the waters within her kingdom bare jewels instead of sand,
And many a golden mountain shall rear its crest91 on high.)
And the queen she thought, ‘How may I win speech of his majesty92,
Who ruleth the Grail?’ she bethought her, and rich presents she sent the king,
Of jewels fair, and beside them, they should to his kingdom bring270
Of this folk, so strange to look on, the twain of whom now I tell,
Kondrie and the squire, her brother—and in this wise the chance befell
(Much treasure beside she sent him whose cost might of none be told,)
That Anfortas, the gentle monarch93, who was courteous as he was bold,
For the love he bare Orgelusé sent this squire unto her grace,275
By the sin and the lust of women set apart from the human race!
Now this son of the herbs and the planets loud mocked at the gallant knight,
Who, courteous, would wait his coming; no charger he rode of might,
But a mare94 so feint and feeble and halting in every limb,
And oft to the ground it stumbled ‘neath its rider so harsh and grim.280
I wot well e’en Dame61 Jeschuté rode a better steed that day
When Parzival’s hand avenged4 her, and her shaming was put away!
The squire he looked well upon Gawain, and thus in his wrath76 he spake,
‘If thou be a knight, I think me, and my lady with thee wilt take
Thou shalt sorely repent95 the journey—A fool thou in truth must be,285
And such peril shall be thy guerdon as winneth great praise to thee,
If so be that thou canst withstand it—Yet, if but a servant thou,
Of buffets96 and blows, I think me, full soon wilt thou have enow!’
Then out quoth Gawain, ‘My knighthood such chastisement97 ne’er might feel,
’Tis good but for worthless youngsters who shrink from the touch of steel;290
But I hold me free of such insults, and e’en if it so shall be
That thou and this lovely lady your mock’ry shall pour on me,
Then one sure shall taste my vengeance, nor think thou that I wax wroth
For ill tho’ thou be to look on I hold thee but light in troth!’
With that by the hair he gripped him, and he swung him from off his horse,295
The squire glared wrathful on him, and his bristles, so sharp and coarse,
Took vengeance sore on Gawain, his hand did they cut and tear
Till the blood dripped crimson from it—then loud laughed the lady fair,
‘Now in sooth this is good to look on, to see ye twain in wrath!’
So rode the twain, the squire’s horse came halting upon their path.300
So came they unto the linden where the wounded knight they found,
On his side the herb of healing the hand of Gawain bound;
Quoth the knight, ‘Now, how went it with thee since first thou didst find me here?
Thou leadest with thee a lady who plotteth thine ill, I fear!
’Tis thro’ her I so sore am wounded; at the Perilous98 Ford99, I ween,305
Did she force such a joust upon me as well-nigh my death had been!
So, if thou thy life now lovest, I warn thee to let her be,
And turn thee aside, nor ride with her, but warning to take by me—
And yet may my wounds be healèd, if rest for awhile I gain,
And, Sir Knight, thereto canst thou help me!’ ‘That will I,’ quoth knight Gawain.310
Then the wounded knight spake further, ‘A spital shall stand near by,
And if I but now might reach it for awhile I in peace might lie,
Thou seest my lady’s palfrey, it can carry, methinks, the twain
If she rideth afore, I behind her, so help me its back to gain.’
From the bough of the mighty linden Sir Gawain he loosed the steed,315
And the bridle he took that the palfrey he might to the lady lead—
‘Away from me!’ cried the sick man, ‘thou treadest on me I trow!’
Then he led it apart, and the lady she followed so soft and slow,
For she knew what her lord did purpose; as the maid to her horse he swung,
Up started the knight, and swiftly on the charger of Gawain sprung!320
And, methinks, an ill deed he did there—With his lady he rode away,
And I ween that with sin was tainted100 the prize that he won that day!
Then sore did Gawain bemoan him, but the lady laughed loud and clear;
(And, were it a jest, he thought him such mirth were unfitting here,)
As his charger was taken from him her sweet lips in this wise spake,325
‘First wert thou a knight, then, in short space, I thee for a leech must take,
Now art thou become my footman! yet thou shouldst in no wise despair,
Such skill sure should bring thee comfort! Wouldst thou still in my favours share?’
‘Yea, Lady,’ then quoth Sir Gawain, ‘an I might thy favor hold,
The whole earth hath nothing fairer were the tale of its riches told;330
And of crownèd heads, and uncrownèd, of all who may joyful win
The highest meed of glory, did they bid me to share therein,
Yet still my heart would rede me to count all such gain as naught
If thy love were but weighed against it, such bliss had thy favour brought!
If thy love may not be my guerdon then a swift sad death I’ll die,335
’Tis thine own this thing that thou scornest when thou dealest thus mockingly.
Tho’ a free man born thou shalt hold me thy vassal101, if such thy will,
Call me knight, or slave, or servant, the name it shall please me still!
Yet, I think me, thou doest not rightly—When my service thou thus wilt shame
Thou drawest down sin upon thee, and thou shamest thine own fair fame.340
If my service doth bring me honour thou hast naught withal to scorn,
And such words shall but ill beseem thee tho’ they lightly by me be borne!’
Then back rode the knight, sore wounded, and he quoth, ‘Is it thou, Gawain?
For that which erewhile I owed thee here dost thou full payment gain,
Since thine hand in bitter conflict, me, thy foeman, did prisoner make345
And unto thine uncle Arthur thou didst me thy captive take,
And four weeks long must I dwell there, and four weeks long I fed
With the dogs—I shall ne’er forget it till the days of my life be sped!’
Then he quoth, ‘Is it thou, O Urian? If now thou art wroth with me,
Yet guiltless am I, the king’s favour at that time I won for thee,350
For thy folly so far betrayed thee that men spake thee an outcast knight,
And thy shield it was taken from thee, and forfeit102 thy name and right;
Since thou ill didst entreat a maiden, and the peace of the land didst break,
With a rope had the king repaid thee, but to him for thy life I spake!’
‘Howe’er that might be, here thou standest, and the proverb thou well mayst know,355
“Who saveth the life of another, that other shall have for foe.”
And I do as a wise man doeth—’Tis better a child should weep
Than a full-grown man, and bearded,—this charger mine hand shall keep!’
Then he spurred him amain, and he rode thence, as fast as his steed might fly,
And wroth was Gawain at his dealing103, and he spake out right angrily;360
‘Now it fell out in this wise, Lady, King Arthur his court did hold
At Dianasdron, and with him rode many a Breton bold.
Then as messenger to his kingdom a maiden must take her way,
And this fool, for venture seeking, he crossed her path that day,
And both to the land were strangers—He burnt with unholy fire,365
And fierce with the maid he wrestled104 till he bent her to his desire.
As she cried for help we heard her—then the king “To arms” did call,
In a wood the thing had chanced thus, thither rode we one and all,
And I rode of all the foremost, and I saw the sinner’s track,
And I made him perforce my captive, and to Arthur I brought him back.’370
‘And the maiden she rode beside us, and sorely did she bemoan
That to force she must yield the guerdon that to service was due alone.
Of her maidenhood105 had he robbed her—Yet but lowly his fame shall stand
Who vaunteth himself the victor o’er a woman’s unarmèd hand—
And wrathful, I ween, was King Arthur, and he spake, ‘Ye my servants true,375
Ye shall hold this deed for accursèd, and the day of its doing rue36.
Alas! for the woful dawning and the light that this thing hath seen,
Alas! that I here am ruler, for the judgment is mine, I ween!’
And he spake to the weeping maiden, ‘Hast thou wisdom, thy cause then plead.’
She spake fearless, e’en as he bade her, and the knights they must list her rede.380
‘Then Prince Urian of Punturtois stood before the Breton king,
And against his life and his honour, her plaint did the maiden bring,
And she spake so that all might hear her, and with weeping words did pray
The king, for the sake of women, her shaming to put away.
And she prayed by the honour of women, and by the Round Table’s fame,385
And the right which as message-bearer she thought of all men to claim,
If he sat there that day for judgment he should judge her with judgment true,
And avenge3 her of this dishonour87 which her soul must for ever rue.
And she prayed they would do her justice, those knights of the Table Round,
Since in sooth she had lost a treasure which might never again be found,390
Her maidenhood fair and unstainèd! Then all men, with one accord,
Spake him guilty, and for his judgment called loudly upon their lord!’
‘Then an advocate spake for the captive, (Small honour was his I trow.)
And he spake as he might in his favour, yet it went with him ill enow,
For of life and of honour forfeit did they judge him, the headsman’s sword395
Should ne’er be his death, but a halter should they twine106 him of hempen108 cord.
Then loud in his woe he prayed me, since he yielded him to mine hand,
For mine honour should sure be stainèd if wrought were the king’s command.
Then I prayed of the weeping maiden, since she saw how that I in fight
Had avenged upon him her shaming, to pardon the traitor109 knight.400
For sure ’twas the spell of her beauty that had wrought upon him for sin,
And the love of her form so shapely—“For aye if a knight doth win
Sore peril for love of a woman, she should aid him, and hear his prayer,
So I prithee to cease thine anger, and have pity on his despair.”’
‘Then the king and his men I prayed them, by what service I e’er had done,405
They should loose me from stain of dishonour which I by his death had won,
And the knight should live, as I sware him.—Then the lady, his gracious queen,
I prayed by the bond of kinship, since my friend she hath ever been,
(From my childhood, King Arthur reared me and my love doth toward them flow,)
That she of her kindness help me—as I asked, it was even so,410
For she drew on one side the maiden, and she spake to her soft and kind,
And it was thro’ the queen, I wot me, that the knight did his pardon find.
Thus free from his guilt6 they spake him, yet his sin must he sorely rue,
For the life that was granted to him stern penance110 he needs must do.
With the hounds of the chase and the house-dogs from one trough he needs must eat415
For the space of four weeks, thus the maiden found avenging111 as it was meet!’
‘For this cause is he wroth with me, Lady’—‘Yet his judgment it went astray,
If my love ne’er shall be thy guerdon, in such wise I’ll his deed repay
That ere he shall leave my kingdom he shall count it to him for shame!
Since King Arthur avenged not the evil that was wrought on that maid’s fair fame420
It falleth unto mine office, and judge am I o’er ye twain,
Tho’ who ye may be I know not, yet I to this task am fain!
And well shall he be chastisèd for the wrong that he did the maid,
Not for thine, for I ween such evil is better by blows repaid.’
To the mare now Sir Gawain turned him, and lightly he caught the rein68,425
And the squire he followed after, and the lady she spake again,
And in Arabic spake she to him, and she gave him to know her will—
Now hearken unto my story, how Sir Gawain he fared but ill:
Then Malcréature, he left them—and Gawain his horse beheld,
Too feeble it was for battle, the squire, as his way he held430
Down the hill, from the peasant-owner had taken the sorry steed,
And Gawain for his charger must have it, tho’ but ill it might serve his need.
In mocking and hatred spake she, ‘Wilt still ride upon thy way?’
Quoth Gawain, ‘I will take my journey e’en in such wise as thou shalt say.’
She quoth, ‘Wilt abide my counsel? It shall reach thee I ween too late!’435
Quoth he, ‘Yet for that will I serve thee, tho’ o’er-long I thy rede shall wait!’
Quoth she, ‘Then a fool I think thee, for unless thou shalt leave this mind,
Then sorrow instead of gladness and repentance112 for joy thou’lt find!’
Then he quoth, of her love desirous, ‘Yet thy servant I still abide,
If joy be my lot or sorrow, be thy love and thy will my guide.440
Since thy love laid its spell upon me in thy bidding my law I see,
And ahorse or afoot I’ll follow, I care not where’er it be!’
So stood he beside the lady, and awhile he beheld the mare,
Who to joust with such steed had ridden his gold were o’er-keen to spare!
For the stirrups of hemp107 were twisted, and ne’er had this gallant knight445
Such saddle, I ween, bestridden, it would serve him but ill for fight.
For e’en as he looked upon it, he thought, ‘If on that I ride,
The girths sure will break asunder113, nor the saddle my weight abide!’
And so weak was the steed and ill-shapen, had one dared on its back to leap
Of a sooth would the back have broken—On foot he the road must keep!450
And in this guise he took his journey: the horse by the rein he held,
And his spear and his shield he carried; and the lady his grief beheld,
And she mocked him with ringing laughter, fain was she to work him woe—
Then his shield on the mare he fastened, and she spake, ‘In such guise wouldst go,
And carry thy wares114 thro’ my kingdom? A strange lot is mine, I ween,455
Since footman, and leech, and merchant in turn hath my comrade been!
Of the toll115 hadst thou best beware thee, or else, as thou goest thy way,
It may chance they who take the toll here on thy merchandise hands may lay!
And tho’ sharp, I ween, was her mocking yet her words was he fain to hear,
Nor rued116 he the bitter speeches that rang sweet to his longing117 ear.460
And as ever his eyes beheld her his sorrow it fled away,
For fair was she to his thinking as blossoms in month of May!
A delight of the eyes, and heart-sorrow, his gain and his loss was she,
And languishing118 joy did she quicken—Her freeman and captive he!
This hath many a master taught me, that Amor, and Cupid too,465
And Venus, of both the mother, make all men their deeds to rue;
For with darts119 and with fire they kindle121 desire in the longing heart,
But such love seemeth me but evil that is lighted by torch or dart120.
And the true heart it loveth ever, be its guerdon or joy or woe,
And in honour the love is rooted which alone shall abiding122 know!470
‘Gainst me have thy darts, O Cupid! I ween ever missed their mark,
Nor Amor with spear hath smote123 me, nor fell on my heart a spark
From the torch of thy mother Venus—Tho’ love ‘neath your rule shall be,
If love be my lot, not from passion but from faith shall it bloom for me!
And if I with wit and wisdom ‘gainst love’s spells might a hero aid,475
Gawain had I gladly aided, nor asked that I be repaid.
And yet no shame need he think it if love’s fetters him captive hold,
And if he of love be vanquished124, for her captives are aye the bold.
And yet so strong was he ever, and so knightly, to face the foe,
That ’tis pity so brave a hero by a woman should be laid low!480
Now well let us gaze upon thee, thou power which true love doth wield125,
Such joy hast thou taken from us that barren and reft the field,
And thou makest a road of sorrow across it, both long and wide,
And if thy goal had been other than the high heart I would not chide126.
For folly methinks and lightness love all too old shall be,485
Or shall we to childhood reckon the evil love worketh free?
For better are ways unseemly in youth, than if age forget
Its wisdom—much ill love worketh, unto which shall the blame be set?
For the mind of youth ever wavers, and changeth as changing winds,
And if love shall be thus unsteadfast, little praise may she hope to find.490
Nay128, better shall be my counsel, for the wise praise true love alone;
Yea, and maiden and man shall join me, and all who love’s power have known.
When true love unto true love answereth, undarkened by thought of guile,
And it vexeth them not that love turneth the key on their heart awhile,
For they fear not nor think of wavering, then high as the heaven above495
O’er the earth, o’er the love that changeth, is such true and steadfast127 love.
Yet, gladly as I would free him, to Frau Minne Gawain must bow,
And his joy shall awhile be darkened—Small profit my words, I trow,
And the wisdom I fain had taught him, for no man may love withstand,
And love alone giveth wisdom, and nerveth with strength the hand!500
And to Gawain she gave this penance, afoot must he wend his way
While his lady she rode beside him—To a woodland they came alway,
And he led the steed to a tree-trunk, and the shield that awhile it bare
He hung round his neck as befitting, and lightly bestrode the mare,
And scarcely the steed might bear him—Then they came to a builded land,505
And a castle so fair and stately he saw there before him stand,
And his heart and his eyes bare witness no fortress was like this hall,
So knightly and fair the palace, and so countless129 its turrets130 tall.
And many a maiden looked forth from its casements131, he thought to see
Four hundred and more, o’er all others, I ween, four might fairest be.510
Then the lady and her companion they rode a well-trodden road
To a water whose waves ran swiftly, and ships sailed the flood so broad.
By the landing there lay a meadow, where men jousts133 were wont134 to ride,
And the towers of that stately castle rose fair on the further side.
Then Gawain, that gallant hero, saw a knight who rode swift and near,515
As one who for combat lusted135, and he spared not or shield or spear.
Quoth the lady, fair Orgelusé, and haughty136 her tone and proud,
‘In what else thou mayst gainsay137 me in this be my truth allowed,
For other I ne’er have told thee save that shame shall thy portion be,
Now here, if thou canst, defend thee, since no better is left to thee.520
Methinks he who cometh hither shall fell thee beneath his thrust—
If thy garments perchance be riven, and thou bitest, ashamed, the dust,
Then those women above shall mourn thee, who look for some deed of fame,
Seest thou how they gaze from the lattice? How, then, if they see thy shame?’
Then the boatman across the water he came at the lady’s will,525
From the shore to the boat she stepped there, and Gawain it but pleased him ill;
For, mocking, fair Orgelusé spake thus to the gallant knight,
‘Thou com’st not with me, I leave thee on this shore as a pledge for fight!’
Then sadly his voice rang after, ‘Say, Lady, wilt leave me so?
Shall I never again behold thee?’ Then she spake, ‘I would have thee know530
If victory be thy portion thou shalt look on my face again,
Yet but small is the chance I think me.’ So sailed she from knight Gawain.
Then up rode Lischois Giwellius, ’twere a lie if I said he flew,
And yet little other did he for the earth scarce his footprints knew.
And for this must I praise the charger, who the greensward with such swift feet535
Had trodden—Gawain bethought him how he best might his foeman meet;
He thought, ‘Should I here await him afoot, or this steed bestride?
If his horse’s speed he check not he surely o’er me will ride,
And this fate must o’ertake his charger, to fall o’er my fallen steed;
But, if he for combat lusteth, afoot on this flowery mead540
Will I face him and give him battle, since battle he doth desire,
Tho’ never I win her favour who hath brought on me need so dire138.’
Fight they must, and they fought as heroes, he who came and he who did wait,
For jousting139 he made him ready, and the lance-point Gawain held straight,
And he rested it on the saddle, (for thus did he counsel take,)545
Then e’en as the joust was ridden the spears did in splinters break,
And the knights, the one as the other, they fell in that goodly fray140,
For the better charger stumbled and by Gawain its rider lay.
Then the twain to their feet upspringing their swords from the scabbard drew,
Since alike they were keen for combat, and their shields in pieces flew,550
For each hewed141 at the shield of the other till a hand’s breadth alone, I ween,
They held, for the pledge of conflict the shield it hath ever been.
Flashed the sword-blades, fire sprang from the helmets, a venture brave I trow
Was his who should here be victor, tho’ stern conflict he first must know.
Long space did they fight, those heroes, on the flowery meadow wide,555
And as smiths, who all day have laboured, as it weareth to eventide
Grow faint with their toil142 and weary with the mighty blows they smite50,
So weary and faint were those heroes who here did for honour fight.
But for this none methinks shall praise them, unwise do I hold the twain,
No cause had they here for battle, ’twas fame that they thought to gain;560
And strangers unto each other, each other’s life they sought,
And yet, had they made confession143, each owed to the other naught!
Now Gawain was a gallant wrestler144, and his foe to the ground would bring
If in spite of the sword he might grip him, and let but the mighty ring
Of his arms his foeman circle, he forced him where’er he would.565
Now must he with force defend him, and he fought as a hero good,
And his courage waxed ever higher, and the youth in his arms he caught,
And he bare him to earth beneath him tho’ e’en as a man he fought.
And he quoth, ‘Wilt thou live, thou hero, thou must yield thee unto mine hand!’
Yet Lischois, he was all unready to follow so stern command;570
For never his pledge had he given, and he deemed it a wondrous145 thing
That the hand of a knight should o’erthrow him, and him in such peril bring
That against his will he must yield him, who had ever the victor been,
For in sooth full many a combat his foeman o’erthrown had seen.
Full oft he from them had taken what he cared not to give again,575
Nay, rather his life would he forfeit; and he spake unto knight Gawain,
And he said, ‘Let what would befall him, his pledge to no man he’d give;’
Nay, death would he rather suffer, since no longer he cared to live!
Then sadly, he spake, the vanquished, ‘Thou hero, is victory thine?
So long as God bare me favour such honour was ever mine;580
But now hath my fame an ending, and thy right hand hath laid me low,
And if maiden and man must hearken to the tale of my overthrow19
Whose glory once rose to the heaven, then death shall my portion be
Ere my kinsmen146 shall hear the story, and shall sorrow and mourn for me!
Yet Gawain still prayed him yield him, but his will and his mind were so585
That he prayed God would rather take him, or slay147 him by this his foe.
Thought Gawain, ‘I am loth to kill him, if he swear but to do my will
Unharmed he may go’—yet the young knight withheld148 him his promise still.
Then, ere he his hand had given, the hero he bade him rise,
On the flowery mead132 they sat them: then Gawain he bethought him wise,590
(For his sorry steed it vexed149 him) the horse of his vanquished foe
With spur and with rein would he test there, if ’twere good for his need or no.
(’Twas armed as beseemed a warhorse, and the covering was fair to see,
Of velvet150 and silk was it fashioned, what trapping might better be?)
Since the venture such prize had brought him, who should hinder him in his need595
If for his own use he took it? so he vaulted151 upon the steed:
And he joyed in the free, swift movement, and he cried, ‘Now, how shall this be?
Of a sooth it is thou, Gringuljet, that false Urian stole from me.
He knoweth best how he took it, and shameful152 I count his deed.
Now, who thus for battle armed thee, since thou art of a truth my steed?600
Sure ’tis God who hath sent thee to me, and this fair gift shall end my woe.’
Then he sprang to the ground, and he sought him the token he well might know,
On its shoulder the Grail-Dove branded—In a joust did L?helein slay
Its rider, the knight of Prienlaskors, and the charger he bare away.
Then Orilus was its master, and he gave it to knight Gawain605
On Plimiz?l’s shore—greatly joyed he when the charger he won again.
Blithe153 was he, and high of courage, who awhile was sad and sore,
Yet love unto ruth constrained154 him, and the service so true he bore
To the lady who yet would shame him, and his thoughts ever toward her flew.
Then up sprang proud Lischois lightly, and his good sword he gripped anew,610
For it lay where Gawain had cast it when he wrested156 it from his hand:
And the ladies look down on the heroes, as for combat once more they stand.
The shields were so hacked157 and riven that the knights they must cast them by,
And, shieldless, to strife betake them, and they bare them right gallantly158.
And a crowd of fair maidens159 o’er them from the palace window saw615
The strife that below was foughten: and fierce anger awoke once more,
For too nobly born I wot me was each man that he might brook160
That his fame should be lightly yielded, and maids on his shaming look.
And helmet and sword were smitten161, for shields ‘gainst cold death were they,
He who saw the heroes strive there had mourned for their toil that day.620
Lischois Giwellius bare him, that fair youth, as knight so brave,
True courage, and deeds undaunted, the counsel his high heart gave.
And many a swift blow dealt he, as quick on Gawain he sprung,
And lightly avoided from him, and his blade round his head he swung.
But Gawain stood firm and undaunted, and he thought him, ‘Now, let me hold625
Thee once in mine arms, I’ll repay thee thy dealings, thou hero bold!’
And fiery162 sparks might ye look on, and the flash of the glittering blade
Well wielded163 by hand of hero—Nor one in his station stayed,
For they pressed each one on the other, backward, forward, to either side,
Yet this conflict so fierce, I wot me, did ne’er of revenge betide,630
And no hatred they bare to each other—Then the arms of Gawain at last
He clasped round his gallant foeman, and the knight to the ground he cast.
And I think, an I friendship sware here, I would shrink from such fond embrace,
E’en tho’ brotherhood164 it were sealing—Nor with ye would such clasp find grace!
Then Gawain he bade him yield him, yet Lischois, who against his will635
Had striven when first he felled him, was all unready still.
And he quoth, ‘Wherefore thus delay thee, ’tis needless, take thou my life,
For better to die than to yield me—Since I wot well that in this strife
The fame that was mine aforetime hath vanished beneath thy blow,
Of God must I be accursèd, since my glory such goal doth know!640
For the love of fair Orgelusé have I served her with knightly hand,
And many a knight have I felled here, for none might my arm withstand.
Now shalt thou be heir to my glory, for it falleth to thee of right
If thou, who my fame hath ended, here endeth my life, Sir Knight.’
But King Lot’s son he thought in this wise, ‘To this deed have I little mind,645
My name, it shall gain small honour if this man here his death shall find,
If for no sin of his I slay him, who is true and valiant knight—
’Twas her love that spurred him ‘gainst me, for whose favour I too would fight;
’Tis her beauty that doth constrain155 me, ’tis she that doth work me woe,
Then why not, for the sake of my lady, show mercy to this my foe?650
If perchance for mine own I win her, if mine own such bliss may be,
Then he cannot take her from me since stronger am I than he!
And if o’er our strife she watcheth, then she must of a surety own
That I, who for love would serve her, true service and good have shown!’
Then out spake the gallant Gawain, ‘I were loth thy life to take,655
But hence will I let thee, scatheless165, for fair Orgelusé‘s sake!’
Weary were they, small wonder, then the fallen knight arose,
And down on the grassy meadow apart sat those gallant foes166.
Then the master boatman stepped forth from the water unto the land,
And a grey and yearling falcon167 he carried upon his hand.660
This right was his o’er the meadow, who jousted168 upon the plain,
The charger of him who was vanquished he did as his tribute gain.
From his hand, who was there the victor, should he take, as a gift, the steed,
And bowing, thank him fairly, nor stint169 of his praise the meed.
And such payment he oft had taken on the flowery meadow green,665
Nor otherwise had his living; save at whiles, when such chance had been,
That a bird in his falcon’s clutches had fluttered in grief and pain.
Nor plough drave he thro’ those furrows170, for enough did he deem his gain.
And son of a folk so knightly was he born to a knight’s estate,
And courteous, I ween, his bearing who there on Gawain did wait.670
So came he unto the hero, and with courteous word and fair
He prayed of his hand the tribute, and the steed that should be his share.
Quoth Gawain, the gallant hero, ‘No merchant methinks I be
To pay here or toll or tribute, from such tax do I hold me free!’
Then he spake out, the master boatman, ‘Sir Knight, since full many a maid675
Hath seen thee stand here the victor, by thee be my tribute paid.
My right o’er the plain must thou own here, in knightly joust thine hand
Hath won for mine own this charger; nor thy fame shall the lower stand,
For he, whom thine hand o’erthrew here, the world with his praises rung,
And with truth, unto this day’s dawning, have men of his glory sung;680
But now he of God is stricken, and his joy hath an ending found,
But thou, in his stead, I think me, with honour and fame art crowned!’
Quoth Gawain, ‘He first o’erthrew me, and I but that deed repaid.
If tribute for joust be due here, by him be that tribute paid!
Look well on this mare, he won it, thou canst take it if such thy will.685
The charger that standeth by me, as mine own will I claim it still—
Tho’ never a steed be thy portion, on that steed I hence will go,
Thou speakest of right, wouldst thou take it, then first I would have thee know
(Yea, thou thyself wilt own it) ’tis unfitting I take my way
Afoot, and right sore ’twould grieve me if that charger were thine alway!690
For to-day in the early morning it was mine without doubt or fear,
And childish thou art if thou thinkest thus lightly to win it here!
’Twas Duke Orilus, the Burgundian, who gave me the steed of old,
Which Urian stole this morning, and the tale thou for truth shalt hold.
And the foal of a mule shalt thou win thee ere thy prize be this steed of mine—695
Yet a fair gift in sooth will I give thee, for the steed shall the knight be thine,
Thou accountest him honour-worthy—if he say thee or yea or nay,
And if well or ill it doth please him I abide by my word alway!’
Then joyful I ween was the boatman, and with smiling lips he spake,
‘Now methinks that a gift so costly it hath ne’er been my lot to take,700
And I deem myself all unworthy—Yet, Sir Knight, be he mine indeed,
Then the guerdon is more than I asked for and o’er my deserts my meed.
For his praises they rang so clearly that five hundred steeds all told,
Swift-footed and strong for battle, too low for his price I’ld hold!
If a rich man thou thus wilt make me, then this thing shalt thou do for me,705
To my boat shalt thou captive bring him, that I hold him as pledge from thee.’
King Lot’s son he spake in answer, ‘Yea this will I do, and more,
To thy boat first, and then from out it will I lead him within thy door,
And there will I yield him captive’—‘And there will I welcome thee!’
Spake the boatman, and low he bowed him, and thanks spake he fair and free.710
And he quoth, ‘Dear my lord and master, if it please thee to be my guest,
And abide in my house till the morning, then softly I’ll bid thee rest.
Nor won boatman e’er higher honour, and blest be the eventide
That seeth a knight so gallant ‘neath the shade of my roof-tree bide34.’
Then out quoth Gawain, ‘That will I, for in truth I had prayed this grace,715
For weary am I with battle, and fain would I rest a space.
She who to this sorrow led me, her sweetness she maketh sour,
And heart’s joy shall be dear to purchase, and sorrow doth crown each hour,
And the guerdon for this her service unlike to herself shall be—
Alas! I had found a treasure, yet but loss hath it brought to me!720
And one breast thro’ that loss now sinketh that awhile swelled171 so proud and high,
When joy was from God my portion, for a heart did beneath it lie.
Now I think me that heart hath vanished, and where shall I comfort seek?
Shall I helpless abide that Frau Minne her wrath upon me shall wreak?
Yea, had she the heart of a woman she would give me my joy again725
Who maketh her sweetness bitter, and turneth my bliss to pain!’
Then the boatman he heard how he wrestled with sorrow, by love constrained,
And he quoth, ‘So is here the custom, in the forest as on the plain,
As far as Klingsor ruleth, be he coward or valiant knight,
“Sad to day, to-morrow joyful,” So it goeth for peace or fight.730
Perchance the truth thou knowst not? This land is a wonder-land,
And ever by day and by night-time if good luck shall not aid thine hand
Little good may thy manhood do thee! See thou how the sun sinks low,
I think me, Sir Knight, it were better that we should to my vessel172 go!’
Then Lischois he was led by Gawain, and never a word he spake,735
And the boatman he followed after and the steed by its rein did take.
So sailed they across the water, and they came to the further coast,
And the boatman he prayed Sir Gawain, ‘Be thou in mine house the host.’
And so rich was the house and stately, that scarce in King Arthur’s land,
E’en in Nantes that noble city, did a fairer dwelling stand.740
And he led Lischois thro’ the doorway173, and he gave him unto the care
Of the host and his folk—Then the boatman spake thus to his daughter fair,
‘Fair times and a goodly lodging174 be the lot of this noble knight
Who standeth here, go thou with him, for I deem me it shall be right,
And tend him as best shall seem thee, nor stint thou in aught thy care,745
For great good hath he brought unto us, and ’tis meet he thy grace should share!’
To his son’s care he gave the charger—-Then the maiden her sire’s behest
Fulfilled as right well became her, for she led the noble guest
To a chamber175 fair, where the flooring was hid ‘neath a carpet green
Of rushes and fresh-plucked blossoms, as the way of the land had been.750
There the gentle maid unarmed him—quoth Gawain, ‘God show grace to thee,
For had not thy sire thus bade thee too great were thy care for me!’
And she quoth, ‘For my father’s bidding I do not this deed, Sir Knight,
But rather that this my service may find favour before thy sight.’
Then a squire, the host’s son, must bear there soft cushions, a goodly store,755
And along the wall he laid them, and over against the door.
And a carpet he spread before them that Gawain he might seat him there;
And as one who knew well his office a cushion so rich he bare,
With a covering of crimson sendal, that down on the couch he laid;
And a seat like unto the other for the host he beside it made.760
Came another squire and he carried fresh linen176 the board to spread,
(For thus gave the host commandment,) and he bare with the linen bread.
And the hostess she followed after, and she looked well upon Gawain,
And she gave him a heartfelt greeting, and she spake, ‘Now such grace we gain
From thine hand we are rich henceforward as we never have been before,765
Sir Knight, sure our good luck waketh since such fortune it hither bore!’
Then when they had brought him water, and the host sat beside his guest,
With courteous mien Sir Gawain this prayer to his host addrest,
‘Now I pray let this maid eat with me,’ ‘Sir Knight, ne’er was she allowed
To sit with knights, or eat with them, lest she wax of their grace too proud.770
And yet so much do we owe thee, loth were I to say thee nay.
So, daughter, sit thou beside him, and as he shall speak obey!’
Then she blushed for shame all rosy177, yet she did as her father bade,
And down on the couch by Gawain sat Bené the gracious maid.
(And two stalwart sons had the boatman beside that maiden sweet)775
Three game-birds, I ween, that even were slain178 by the falcon fleet,
And all three did they bear unto Gawain, and a broth81 with herbs beside,
And the maiden she courteous served him as she sat by the hero’s side;
For she carved for him dainty morsels179, and laid them on bread so white
With her slender hands, and gently she spake to the stranger knight,780
‘Wilt thou send a bird to my mother? for else hath she none, I ween.’
Then gladly he told the maiden his will e’en as hers had been
In this thing as in all other—to the hostess the bird they bare,
And they honoured the hand of the hero, nor the boatman his thanks would spare.
Purslain and lettuce180 brought they, in vinegar steeped, I ween785
Had he sought here his strength to nourish little good might such food have been;
And if one should o’er-long feed on it then the colour it waxeth pale,
Such pallor as truth betrayeth, if the mouth to its speaking fail.
And if with false red it be hidden, it fadeth, and bringeth shame,
But she who is true and steadfast she winneth the higher fame.790
If one by goodwill181 were nourished, then Gawain, he right well had fed,
To her child naught the mother grudgeth, and as free gave the host his bread.
Then they bare away the tables, and the hostess she bade him rest,
And bedding I ween in plenty they brought for the gallant guest.
And one was of down, and the covering above it of velvet green,795
Yet the velvet was none of the richest tho’ fair had its fashion been.
And a cushion must serve for cover, beneath it should Gawain lie;
Nor the silk had with gold been purchased, ’twas won in far Araby.
Of silk, too, the cunning stitching, and the linen was fair, and white
As snow that they laid above it, and a pillow they brought the knight.800
And a cloak of her own she lent him, for wrapping, that maiden fair,
’Twas new, and of ermine fashioned, and such as a prince might wear.
Then leave the host courteous prayed him ere he laid himself down to sleep,
And men say that alone with Sir Gawain the maiden her watch did keep,
And I think if he more had prayed her she never had said him Nay—805
Then he slept, for he well might slumber182, God keep him till dawn of day!
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1
truce
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| n.休战，(争执，烦恼等的)缓和；v.以停战结束 | |
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2
strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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3
avenge
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| v.为...复仇，为...报仇 | |
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4
avenged
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| v.为…复仇，报…之仇( avenge的过去式和过去分词 )；为…报复 | |
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5
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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6
guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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8
joust
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| v.马上长枪比武，竞争 | |
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9
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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10
naught
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| n.无，零 [=nought] | |
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11
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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12
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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13
grassy
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| adj.盖满草的；长满草的 | |
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14
bridle
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| n.笼头，束缚；vt.抑制，约束；动怒 | |
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15
costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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16
valiant
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| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
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17
knightly
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| adj. 骑士般的 adv. 骑士般地 | |
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18
wrestle
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| vi.摔跤，角力；搏斗；全力对付 | |
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19
overthrow
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| v.推翻，打倒，颠覆；n.推翻，瓦解，颠覆 | |
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20
overthrown
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| adj. 打翻的，推倒的，倾覆的 动词overthrow的过去分词 | |
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21
hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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22
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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23
espied
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| v.看到( espy的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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24
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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25
mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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26
proffered
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| v.提供，贡献，提出( proffer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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27
hoarse
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| adj.嘶哑的，沙哑的 | |
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28
woe
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| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
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29
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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30
bough
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| n.大树枝，主枝 | |
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31
maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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32
shun
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| vt.避开，回避，避免 | |
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33
abide
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| vi.遵守；坚持；vt.忍受 | |
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34
bide
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| v.忍耐；等候；住 | |
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35
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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36
rue
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| n.懊悔，芸香，后悔；v.后悔，悲伤，懊悔 | |
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37
perils
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| 极大危险( peril的名词复数 )； 危险的事（或环境） | |
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38
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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39
beset
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| v.镶嵌；困扰，包围 | |
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40
bind
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| vt.捆，包扎；装订；约束；使凝固；vi.变硬 | |
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41
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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42
fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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43
wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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44
gushed
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| v.喷，涌( gush的过去式和过去分词 )；滔滔不绝地说话 | |
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45
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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46
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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47
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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48
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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49
sling
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| vt.扔；悬挂；n.挂带；吊索，吊兜；弹弓 | |
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50
smite
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| v.重击；彻底击败；n.打；尝试；一点儿 | |
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51
wreak
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| v.发泄；报复 | |
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52
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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53
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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54
fetters
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| n.脚镣( fetter的名词复数 )；束缚v.给…上脚镣，束缚( fetter的第三人称单数 ) | |
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55
entreat
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| v.恳求，恳请 | |
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56
woes
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| 困境( woe的名词复数 )； 悲伤； 我好苦哇； 某人就要倒霉 | |
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57
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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58
harp
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| n.竖琴；天琴座 | |
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59
flute
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| n.长笛；v.吹笛 | |
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60
rippling
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| 起涟漪的，潺潺流水般声音的 | |
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61
dame
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| n.女士 | |
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62
vex
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| vt.使烦恼，使苦恼 | |
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63
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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64
knights
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| 骑士； （中古时代的）武士( knight的名词复数 )； 骑士； 爵士； （国际象棋中）马 | |
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65
bemoan
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| v.悲叹，哀泣，痛哭；惋惜，不满于 | |
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66
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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67
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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68
rein
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| n.疆绳，统治，支配；vt.以僵绳控制，统治 | |
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69
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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70
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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71
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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72
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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73
chastise
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| vt.责骂，严惩 | |
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74
lesser
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| adj.次要的，较小的；adv.较小地，较少地 | |
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75
guile
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| n.诈术 | |
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76
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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77
guise
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| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
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78
vein
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| n.血管，静脉；叶脉，纹理；情绪；vt.使成脉络 | |
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79
leech
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| n.水蛭，吸血鬼，榨取他人利益的人；vt.以水蛭吸血；vi.依附于别人 | |
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80
squire
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| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
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81
broth
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| n.原(汁)汤(鱼汤、肉汤、菜汤等) | |
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82
tusks
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| n.（象等动物的）长牙( tusk的名词复数 )；獠牙；尖形物；尖头 | |
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83
mule
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| n.骡子，杂种，执拗的人 | |
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84
bristles
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| 短而硬的毛发，刷子毛( bristle的名词复数 ) | |
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85
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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86
dishonoured
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| a.不光彩的，不名誉的 | |
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87
dishonour
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| n./vt.拒付（支票、汇票、票据等）；vt.凌辱，使丢脸；n.不名誉，耻辱，不光彩 | |
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88
bliss
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| n.狂喜，福佑，天赐的福 | |
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89
lust
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| n.性(淫)欲；渴(欲)望；vi.对…有强烈的欲望 | |
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90
marvel
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| vi.(at)惊叹vt.感到惊异；n.令人惊异的事 | |
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91
crest
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| n.顶点；饰章；羽冠；vt.达到顶点；vi.形成浪尖 | |
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92
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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93
monarch
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| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
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94
mare
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| n.母马，母驴 | |
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95
repent
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| v.悔悟，悔改，忏悔，后悔 | |
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96
buffets
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| （火车站的）饮食柜台( buffet的名词复数 )； （火车的）餐车； 自助餐 | |
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97
chastisement
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| n.惩罚 | |
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98
perilous
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| adj.危险的，冒险的 | |
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99
Ford
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| n.浅滩，水浅可涉处；v.涉水，涉过 | |
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100
tainted
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| adj.腐坏的；污染的；沾污的；感染的v.使变质( taint的过去式和过去分词 )；使污染；败坏；被污染，腐坏，败坏 | |
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101
vassal
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| n.附庸的；属下；adj.奴仆的 | |
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102
forfeit
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| vt.丧失；n.罚金，罚款，没收物 | |
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103
dealing
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| n.经商方法，待人态度 | |
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104
wrestled
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| v.（与某人）搏斗( wrestle的过去式和过去分词 )；扭成一团；扭打；（与…）摔跤 | |
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105
maidenhood
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| n. 处女性, 处女时代 | |
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106
twine
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| v.搓，织，编饰；（使）缠绕 | |
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107
hemp
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| n.大麻；纤维 | |
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108
hempen
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| adj. 大麻制的, 大麻的 | |
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109
traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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110
penance
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| n.（赎罪的）惩罪 | |
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111
avenging
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| adj.报仇的，复仇的v.为…复仇，报…之仇( avenge的现在分词 )；为…报复 | |
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112
repentance
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| n.懊悔 | |
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113
asunder
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| adj.分离的，化为碎片 | |
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114
wares
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| n. 货物, 商品 | |
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115
toll
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| n.过路(桥)费；损失，伤亡人数；v.敲(钟) | |
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116
rued
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| v.对…感到后悔( rue的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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117
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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118
languishing
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| a. 衰弱下去的 | |
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119
darts
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| n.掷飞镖游戏；飞镖( dart的名词复数 )；急驰，飞奔v.投掷，投射( dart的第三人称单数 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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120
dart
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| v.猛冲，投掷；n.飞镖，猛冲 | |
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121
kindle
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| v.点燃，着火 | |
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122
abiding
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| adj.永久的，持久的，不变的 | |
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123
smote
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| v.猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去式 ) | |
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124
vanquished
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| v.征服( vanquish的过去式和过去分词 )；战胜；克服；抑制 | |
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125
wield
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| vt.行使，运用，支配；挥，使用(武器等) | |
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126
chide
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| v.叱责；谴责 | |
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127
steadfast
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| adj.固定的，不变的，不动摇的；忠实的；坚贞不移的 | |
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128
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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129
countless
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| adj.无数的，多得不计其数的 | |
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130
turrets
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| （六角）转台( turret的名词复数 )； （战舰和坦克等上的）转动炮塔； （摄影机等上的）镜头转台； （旧时攻城用的）塔车 | |
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131
casements
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| n.窗扉( casement的名词复数 ) | |
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132
mead
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| n.蜂蜜酒 | |
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133
jousts
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| （骑士）骑着马用长矛打斗( joust的名词复数 )； 格斗，竞争 | |
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134
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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135
lusted
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| 贪求（lust的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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136
haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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137
gainsay
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| v.否认，反驳 | |
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138
dire
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| adj.可怕的，悲惨的，阴惨的，极端的 | |
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139
jousting
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| （骑士）骑马用长矛比武( joust的现在分词 ) | |
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140
fray
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| v.争吵；打斗；磨损，磨破；n.吵架；打斗 | |
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141
hewed
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| v.（用斧、刀等）砍、劈( hew的过去式和过去分词 )；砍成；劈出；开辟 | |
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142
toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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143
confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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144
wrestler
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| n.摔角选手，扭 | |
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145
wondrous
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| adj.令人惊奇的，奇妙的；adv.惊人地；异乎寻常地；令人惊叹地 | |
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146
kinsmen
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| n.家属，亲属( kinsman的名词复数 ) | |
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147
slay
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| v.杀死，宰杀，杀戮 | |
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148
withheld
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| withhold过去式及过去分词 | |
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149
vexed
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| adj.争论不休的；（指问题等）棘手的；争论不休的问题；烦恼的v.使烦恼( vex的过去式和过去分词 )；使苦恼；使生气；详细讨论 | |
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150
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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151
vaulted
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| adj.拱状的 | |
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152
shameful
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| adj.可耻的，不道德的 | |
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153
blithe
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| adj.快乐的，无忧无虑的 | |
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154
constrained
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| adj.束缚的,节制的 | |
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155
constrain
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| vt.限制，约束；克制，抑制 | |
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156
wrested
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| （用力）拧( wrest的过去式和过去分词 )； 费力取得； （从…）攫取； （ 从… ） 强行取去… | |
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157
hacked
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| 生气 | |
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158
gallantly
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| adv. 漂亮地，勇敢地，献殷勤地 | |
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159
maidens
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| 处女( maiden的名词复数 )； 少女； 未婚女子； （板球运动）未得分的一轮投球 | |
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160
brook
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| n.小河，溪；v.忍受，容让 | |
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161
smitten
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| 猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去分词 ) | |
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162
fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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163
wielded
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| 手持着使用（武器、工具等）( wield的过去式和过去分词 )； 具有； 运用（权力）； 施加（影响） | |
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164
brotherhood
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| n.兄弟般的关系，手中情谊 | |
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165
scatheless
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| adj.无损伤的，平安的 | |
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166
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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167
falcon
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| n.隼，猎鹰 | |
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168
jousted
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| （骑士）骑马用长矛比武( joust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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169
stint
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| v.节省，限制，停止；n.舍不得化，节约，限制；连续不断的一段时间从事某件事 | |
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170
furrows
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| n.犁沟( furrow的名词复数 )；（脸上的）皱纹v.犁田，开沟( furrow的第三人称单数 ) | |
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171
swelled
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| 增强( swell的过去式和过去分词 )； 肿胀； （使）凸出； 充满（激情） | |
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172
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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173
doorway
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| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
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174
lodging
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| n.寄宿，住所；(大学生的)校外宿舍 | |
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175
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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176
linen
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| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
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177
rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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178
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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179
morsels
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| n.一口( morsel的名词复数 )；（尤指食物）小块，碎屑 | |
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180
lettuce
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| n.莴苣；生菜 | |
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181
goodwill
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| n.善意，亲善，信誉，声誉 | |
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182
slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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