Nor told her aught of his errand, nor whither his journey lay.
And in this wise she quoth to the porter, ‘Now, whatever the hour may be,
Be it day, be it night, when he cometh, send tidings thereof to me,
In secret would I speak with him; thou art wise, as full well I know!’5
Yet wroth was she still with the footman—Then she would to the Duchess go,
And win from her lips the answer, but ready was she of wit,
And the name that he bare, her hero, her mouth spake no word of it.
Gawain he would have her silent, in her hearing his prayer found grace,
And she spake not, nor might Arnivé learn aught of his name and race.10
Then the sound as of many trumpets3 thro’ the hall of the palace rang,
And joyful5 the blasts—Then rich carpets around on each wall they hang,
And no foot but fell on a carpet would it tread on the palace floor,
A poor man had surely feared him for the riches that there he saw.
And many a couch they stood there, around the stately hall,15
Soft were they as down, and rich cushions they laid upon each and all.
But Gawain with his toil6 was wearied, and he slept tho’ the sun was high,
And his wounds, with such skill they bound them, tho’ his love should beside him lie,
And he in his arms should hold her, he had gotten no hurt I ween.
And sounder his daylight’s slumber7 than his sleep of the night had been20
When his love had so sorely vexed9 him; he slept till the vesper bell,
Yet still in his sleep he battled for the lady he loved so well.
Then rich garments of fair silk fashioned, and heavy with broidered gold,
Did the chamberlain bear unto him—Then out quoth the hero bold,
‘More robes such as these, and as costly11, I ween, shalt thou hither bear,25
For Gowerzein’s Duke shall need them, and Florand, the hero fair,
For in many a land hath he battled, and hath won for him glory’s meed—
Now see that thou make them ready, and do my behest with speed!’
Then he prayed, by a squire12, the boatman send hither the captive knight13,
And Lischois did he send at his bidding by the hand of his daughter bright.30
And the maiden14 Bené brought him for the love that she bare Gawain,
And the good that he vowed15 to her father that morn when she wept amain,
And the knight he left her weeping, and rode on his toilsome way—
And the highest prize of his manhood it fell to his lot that day.
The Turkowit too had come there, and Gawain the twain did greet35
In all friendship, and then he prayed them beside him to take their seat
Till their robes should be brought unto them; and costly they needs must be,
For never was fairer raiment than the garb16 of those heroes three.
For one lived of yore named Sarant, (a city doth bear his name,)
From out of the land of Triande in the days that are gone he came.40
In the land of Queen Sekundillé stood a city so great and fair,
(E’en Nineveh or Akraton with its glories might scarce compare,)
And the city, men called it Thasmé; there Sarant won meed of fame,
Since he wove there a silk with cunning, Saranthasmé should be its name.
Think ye it was fair to look on? How might it be otherwise,45
For much gold must he give for the payment who would win to him such a prize.
Such robes ware17 these two and Gawain: then they gat them unto the hall,
And on one side the knights18 they sat them, on the other the ladies all,
And he who a woman’s beauty had wisdom to judge aright
Must reckon Gawain’s fair lady the first of these ladies bright.50
And the host and his guests so gallant19 they gazed on her radiant glow,
As they stood before Orgelusé; and her knights she again must know,
And her Turkowit, gallant Florand, and Lischois, the young and fair,
Were set free, without let or hindrance20, for the love that Gawain must bear
To the lovely lady of Logrois—Then their victor they thanked amain,55
Who was dull to all ill, yet had wisdom in all that might true love gain.
As the captives thus free were spoken, Gawain the four queens must see
As they stood by the side of the Duchess, and he spake in his courtesy,
And he bade the two knights go nearer, and with kiss greet those ladies bright,
The three younger queens, and joyful, I ween, was each gallant knight.60
And there was the maiden Bené, with Gawain had she sought the hall,
And I think me a joyful welcome she found there from each and all.
Then the host would no longer stand there, and the twain did he pray to sit
By the maidens22, as best should please them, and it grievèd them not one whit2,
Such counsel it grieveth no man! Then the gallant Gawain spake,65
‘Now which of these maids is Itonjé? Beside her my seat I’ld take!’
Thus in secret he spake to Bené, and she showed him the maiden fair,
‘She, with eyes so clear and shining, and red lips, and dusky hair!
Wouldst thou speak with the maid in secret? Then thy words be wise and few:’
Thus quoth Bené the wise in counsel, who Itonjé‘s love-tale knew,70
And knew that King Gramoflanz loved her, and did service for her heart’s love,
And his faith as a knight unstainèd would fain to the maiden prove.
Gawain sat him by the maiden, (as I heard so the tale I tell,)
And soft was his speech and gentle, and his words they beseemed him well.
And tho’ few were the years of Itonjé yet great was her courtesy,75
And well did she know how to bear her as a maiden of high degree.
And this question he asked the maiden, if a lover she aye had known?
And with wisdom she made him answer, ‘To whom might my love be shown,
For ne’er to a man have I spoken, since the day I first saw the light,
Save the words which thou now dost hearken as I speak unto thee, Sir Knight!’80
‘Yet mayst thou have heard the rumour24 of one who hath bravely fought,
And striven for prize of knighthood, and with dauntless heart hath sought
Fair service for fair rewarding?’ In such wise spake the knight Gawain;
But the maiden she quoth, ‘Nay, no hero hath striven my love to gain;
Yon lady, the Duchess of Logrois, hath many a gallant knight85
Who serve her for love, or for payment, and hither they come to fight,
And we of their jousts26 are witness, yet none shall have come so nigh
As thou hast, Sir Knight, and this conflict thy glory hath raised on high!’
Then he quoth to the lovely maiden, ‘Whose pathway shall she have crossed
With many a chosen hero? Say, who hath her favour lost?’90
‘That, Sir Knight, hath the valiant27 monarch28, King Gramoflanz, he who bore
From aforetime the crown of honour; so men say, and I know no more!’
Quoth Gawain, ‘Thou shalt know more of him, since he draweth the prize anear,
And with steadfast29 heart doth he seek it; from his lips I this tale did hear—
Of true heart would he do thee service, if such service shall be thy will,95
And help at thine hand he seeketh that thy love may his torment30 still.
It is well that a king face peril31, if his lady shall be a queen,
And thou art the maid whom he loveth, if King Lot hath thy father been;
Thou art she for whom his heart weepeth, if thy name shall Itonjé be,
And sorrow of heart dost thou give him—By my mouth would he plead with thee.’100
‘Now if thou be true and faithful of his woe32 wilt33 thou make an end,
And both would I serve right gladly—This ring he to thee doth send,
I prithee to take it, Lady! In sooth do I mean thee well,
And if thou wilt trust unto me no word of the tale I’ll tell!’
Then crimson34 she blushed, the maiden, and e’en as her lips were red105
So red grew her cheek, yet the blushes as they came so they swiftly sped.
And she stretched forth35 her hand so shyly toward the little ring of gold,
For e’en at a glance she knew it, and her hand did the token hold.
Then she spake, ‘Now, Sir Knight, I see well, if I freely to thee may speak,
That thou comest from him, whom, desiring, my heart doth for ever seek.110
My words shalt thou still hold secret, as courtesy biddeth thee,
This ring have I seen aforetime, for it oft hath been sent to me;
From the hand of the king it cometh, and I know it for token true,
From my hand did he first receive it. What sorrow so e’er he knew,
Of that do I hold me guiltless; what he asked, that in thought I gave,115
Had we met I had ne’er withholden the boon36 he from me did crave37.’
‘This day have I kissed Orgelusé, who thinketh his death to win,
I ween ’twas the kiss of Judas which all men count to him for sin!
And honour and faith forsook38 me, when the Turkowit, brave Florand,
And Gowerzein’s Duke, fair Lischois, I kissed here at thy command.120
From my heart I might not forgive them, for my true love they hate alway—
But speak thou no word to my mother.’ Thus the maiden Gawain did pray.
‘Sir Knight, it was thou didst pray me to take from their lips this kiss,
Tho’ no will for forgiveness had I, and my heart sickeneth sore for this!
If joy shall be e’er our portion, our help in thine hand shall be,125
And I know well, above all women, the king he desireth me;
And his will shall he have, for I love him o’er all men on earth that live—
God send thee good help and good counsel, that joy thou to us mayst give!’
Quoth Gawain, ‘How may that be, Lady? He beareth thee in his heart,
And in thine dost thou ever hold him, and yet are ye twain apart.130
If I knew how to give thee counsel that ye twain might in gladness dwell,
Of a sooth no pains would I spare me such rede unto thee to tell.’
Then she quoth, ‘Yet in truth shalt thou rule us, myself, and my gallant king,
And naught39 but thy help and God’s blessing40 our love to its goal may bring,
So that I, poor homeless maiden, his sorrow may put away,135
For his joy shall be set upon me! If so be I from truth ne’er stray,
What other can I desire here, or for what shall my true heart yearn41,
Save to give him the love he asketh, and his grief unto gladness turn?’
Gawain, he saw well that the maiden would fain to her love belong,
Yet her hatred42 towards the Duchess as aforetime was fierce and strong;140
Thus hatred and love did she bear here, and wrong had he done the maid
Who thus, of a true heart simply, her plaint had before him laid.
Since never a word had he told her how one mother had borne them both,
And King Lot he had been their father—Then he answered her, little loth,
He would do what he might to aid her, and in secret with gracious word145
She thanked him who brought her comfort, and her sorrow with kindness heard.
Now the hour it was come, and they brought there for the tables fair linen43 white,
And bread did they bear to the palace unto many a lady bright,
And there might ye see a severance44, for the knights they sat by one wall,
Apart from the maids; and their places Gawain gave to each and all.150
And the Turkowit sat beside him, and Lischois ate with Sangivé,
(And that fair queen was Gawain’s mother,) and Orgelusé by Arnivé.
And Gawain set his lovely sister by his side at that festal board,
And all did as he bade them gladly, for he was that castle’s lord.
My skill not the half doth tell me, no such master-cook am I,155
That I know the name of the viands45 they offered them courteously47;
The host, and each one of the ladies, their servers were maidens fair,
To the knights who sat over against them many squires48 did their portion bear.
For this was the seemly custom, that no squire, in his serving haste,
Brushed roughly against a maiden, but ever apart they paced—160
And whether ’twas wine, or ’twas viands, they offered unto the guests,
In naught was their courtesy harmèd, for so did men deem it best.
And a feast they to-day must look on such as no man before had seen,
Since vanquished49 by Klingsor’s magic both lady and knight had been.
Unknown were they yet to each other, tho’ one portal it shut them in,165
And never a man and a maiden might speech of each other win;
And a good thing Gawain he thought it that this folk should each other meet,
And much he rejoiced in their gladness, and his own lot it seemed him sweet;
Yet ever he looked in secret on his lady and love so fair,
And his heart it waxed hot within him, and love’s anguish50 he needs must bear.170
But the day drew near to its closing, and faint waxed the waning51 light,
And fair thro’ the clouds of heaven gleamed the messengers of the night,
Many stars so bright and golden, who speed on their silent way
When the night would seek for shelter in the realm of departing day;
And after her standard-bearers, with her host doth she swiftly tread—175
Now many a fair crown golden in the palace hung high o’erhead,
And with tapers53 they all were lighted around the stately hall,
And they bare unto every table a host of tapers tall;
And yet the story telleth that the Duchess she was so fair,
That ne’er was it night in her presence tho’ never a torch were there!180
For her glance was so bright and radiant it brought of itself the day;
And this tale of fair Orgelusé full oft have I heard men say.
He had spoken, methinks, untruly who said that he e’er had seen
A host so rich and joyous54, and joyous his guests, I ween;
And ever with eager gladness each knight and each gentle maid185
Looked well on each other’s faces, nor shrank from the glance afraid.
If friendship they here desirèd, or each other would better know,
Then naught of their joy would I grudge55 them, methinks it were better so!
Tho’ I wot well there none was a glutton56, yet still had they ate their fill,
And they bare on one side the tables, and Gawain asked, with right goodwill57,190
If here there should be a fiddler? and many a gallant squire
Was skilled on the strings58, and gladly would play at the host’s desire,
Yet were they not all too skilful59, and the dances were old alway,
Not new, as in fair Thuringia the dances they know to-day.
Then they thanked their host who, joyful, would give to their joy its vent,195
And many a lovely lady in his presence danced well content,
For goodly their dance to look on, and their ranks, with many a pair
Of knight and lady, mingled60, and grief fled from their faces fair.
And oft ’twixt two gentle maidens might be seen a noble knight,
And they who looked well upon them in their faces might read delight.200
And whatever knight bethought him, and would of his lady pray
Reward, if for love he served her, none said to his pleading Nay.
Thus they who were poor in sorrow, and rich in joy’s fairest dower,
With sweet words, by sweet lips spoken, made gladsome the passing hour.
Gawain and the Queen Arnivé, and Sangivé, the dance so fleet205
Would look on in peace, for they danced not; then the Duchess she took her seat
By the side of Gawain, and her white hand he held in his own a while,
And they spake of this thing and the other, with many a glance and smile;
He rejoiced that she thus had sought him, and his grief it waxed small and faint,
And his joy it grew strong and mighty61, nor vexed him with sorrow’s plaint.210
And great was the joy of the lady o’er the dance, and the merry feast,
Yet less was the sorrow of Gawain, and his joy o’er her joy increased.
Then spake the old Queen Arnivé, ‘Sir Knight, now methinks ’twere best
That thou get thee to bed, for sorely, I ween, shall thy wounds need rest
Has the Duchess perchance bethought her to care for thy couch this night,215
And tend thee herself, with such counsel and deed as shall seem her right?’
Quoth Gawain, ‘That thyself mayst ask her; I will do as shall please ye twain!’
Then the Duchess she spake in answer, ‘He shall in my charge remain.
Let this folk to their couch betake them, I will tend in such sort his rest
That never a loving lady dealt better by gallant guest;220
And the other twain, my princes, in the care of the knights shall be,
Florand, and the Duke of Gowerzein, for so seemeth it good to me.’
In short space the dance was ended, and the maidens in beauty bright
Sat here and there, and between them sat many a gallant knight;
And joy took her revenge on sorrow, and he who so sweetly spake225
Words of love, from his gentle lady must a gracious answer take.
Then the host must they hear, as he bade them the cup to the hall to bear,
And the wooers bemoaned63 his bidding; yet the host he wooed with them here,
And he bare of his love the burden, and the sitting he deemed too long,
For his heart by love’s power was tortured with anguish so fierce and strong.230
And they drank the night-drink, and sadly to each other they bade goodnight,
And the squires they must bear before them full many a taper52 bright.
And the two gallant guests did Gawain commend to them each and all,
And glad were the knights, and the heroes they led forth from out the hall.
And the Duchess, with gracious kindness, wished fair rest to the princes twain,235
And then to their sleeping chambers64 forth wended the maiden train,
And as their fair breeding bade them, at the parting they curtseyed low:
Queen Sangivé and her fair daughters they too to their rest would go.
Then Bené, the maid, and Arnivé, they wrought65 with a willing hand
That the host he might sleep in comfort, nor the Duchess aside did stand,240
But she aided the twain, and Gawain was led of the helpers three
To a chamber10 fair where his slumber that even should joyful be.
Two couches alone did he see there, but no man to me hath told
Of their decking, for other matters, I ween, doth this story hold.
Quoth Arnivé unto the Duchess, ‘Now, Lady, think thou how best245
This knight whom thou broughtest hither, shall beneath this roof-tree rest,
If aid at thine hand he craveth, to grant it shall honour thee;
No more would I say, save this only, his wounds they shall bandaged be
With such skill he might bear his armour66—But if he bemoan62 his grief
Then methinks it were good and fitting that thou bring to his woe relief.250
If thou wakest anew his courage, then we all in his gladness share—
Now think thou no ill of my counsel, but have for thy knight good care!’
Then the Queen Arnivé left them, (yet leave had she craved67 before,)
And Bené she bare the taper, and Gawain he made fast the door.
If the twain to their love gave hearing? The tale how should I withhold,255
I would speak, were it not unseemly that love’s secrets aloud be told,
For courtesy doth forbid it; and he who would tell the tale
Worketh ill to himself, o’er love’s dealings true hands ever draw the veil.
Now betwixt his love and his lady had the joy of Gawain waxed small,
An the Duchess would have no pity, then healing might ne’er befall.260
They who sat in the seat of the wise men, and knew many a mystic word,
Kancor, and Thèbit, and Trebuchet, the smith who Frimutel’s sword
Once wrought, (’twas a wondrous68 weapon, and men of its marvels70 tell)—
Nay, all the skill of physicians, tho’ they meant to the hero well
And plied71 him with roots well mingled—Had a woman ne’er sought his side,265
Then vain were their skill, in his torment methinks had he surely died!
Fain would I make short the story, he the rightful root had found
That helped him unto his healing, and the chain of his grief unbound,
And brought light in the midst of his darkness—(Breton by his mother’s side
Was Gawain, and King Lot his father) thus the healing task he plied,270
And sweet balsam for bitter sorrow was his lot till the dawn of day.
Yet that which had wrought him comfort it was hid from the folk alway,
But all there, both knights and ladies, they beheld72 him so gay and glad
That their sorrow was put far from them and their heart was no longer sad.
Now list how he did the message whom Gawain he had sent afar,275
Yea unto the land of L?ver, unto Bems by the fair Korka,
For there he abode73, King Arthur, and his lady, the gracious queen,
With fair maids and a host of vassals74; this the lot of the squire had been.
’Twas yet in the early morning, when his message he fain had brought,
And the queen, in the chapel75 kneeling, on the page of her psalter thought;280
Then the squire bent76 his knee before her, and he gave her a token fair,
For she took from his hand a letter, and the cover must writing bear
That was writ77 by a hand she knew well, ere yet she the name might know,
From the squire, of him who had sent him, as she looked on him kneeling low.
Then the queen she spake to the letter, ‘Now blessed that hand shall be285
That wrote thee; for care was my portion since the day that mine eyes might see
The hand that hath writ this writing’—She wept, yet for joy was fain,
And she quoth to the squire, ‘Of a surety thy master shall be Gawain!’
‘Yea, Lady, he truly offers true service as aye of yore,
With never a thought of wavering, yet his joy it shall suffer sore,290
If so be thou wilt not upraise it; and never it stood so ill
With his honour as now it standeth—And more would he tell thee still,
In joy shall he live henceforward if comfort he gain from thee;
And I wot that yet more shall be written than what thou hast heard from me.’
Then she quoth, ‘I have truly read there the cause that hath brought thee here,295
And service I think to do him with many a woman dear,
Who to-day shall I ween be reckoned to have won to them beauty’s prize—
Save Parzival’s wife and another, Orgelusé, in all men’s eyes,
Thro’ Christendom none shall be fairer—Since far from King Arthur’s court
Gawain rode, sore grief and sorrow have made of my life their sport.300
And Meljanz de Lys hath told me he saw him in Barbig?l—
Alas78!’ quoth the queen, ‘that ever mine eyes saw thee, Plimiz?l!
What sorrow did there befall me! Since that day might I never greet
Kunnewaare of Lalande, she hath left me, my friend and companion sweet.
And the right of the good Round Table was broken by words of scorn,305
And four years and a half and six weeks have left us, I ween, forlorn,
Since the Grail Parzival rode seeking; and after him rode Gawain
To Askalon—Nor Jeschuté nor Hekuba come again
Since the day that they parted from me, and grief for my friends so true
Hath driven my peace far from me, nor joy since that day I knew!’310
And the queen spake much of her sorrow: then the squire would her counsel know,
‘Now do thou in this my bidding, in secret thou hence shalt go,
And wait till the sun be higher, and the folk all at court shall be,
Knights, servants, and gentle ladies, and vassals of all degree;
And then to the court ride swiftly, nor think who shall hold thy steed,315
But spring from its back, and hasten where the king shall thy coming heed79.
They will ask of thee news of venture, but thou, do thou act and speak
As one who from peril flieth, whom the flames would devouring80 seek,
And they may not prevail to hold thee, nor win from thy lips the tale,
But press thou thro’ them to the monarch, and to greet thee he will not fail.320
Then give to his hand the letter, and swiftly from it he’ll read
Thy tale, and thy lord’s desiring; I doubt not the prayer he’ll heed!’
‘And this will I further rede thee, make thou thy request to me
Where I sit, and, amid my ladies, thy dealings may hear and see;
And beseech81 us, as well thou knowest, for thy lord wouldst thou hearing gain.325
But say, for as yet I know not, where abideth the knight Gawain?’
‘Nay,’ quoth the squire, ‘I may not, ask not where my lord doth dwell,
But think, an thou wilt, that good fortune is his, and he fareth well!’
Then glad was the squire of her counsel, and he took from the queen his way
In such wise as ye here have hearkened, and he came, e’en as she did say.330
For e’en at the hour of noontide, not in secret but openly
He came to the court, and the courtiers his garments eyed curiously84,
And they thought that they well beseemed him, and were such as a squire should wear,
And his horse on each flank was wounded, where the spurs they had smitten85 fair.
And, e’en as the queen had taught him, he sprang straightway unto the ground,335
And a crowd of eager courtiers pressed, thronging86, his steed around.
Mantle87, sword, and spurs, e’en his charger might be lost, he would little care
But he gat thro’ the crowd to the heroes, and the knights they besought88 him there,
Brought he news of some gallant venture? For the custom was aye of yore,
That they ate not, nor man nor maiden, save unto the court they bore340
The news of some deed of knighthood, and the court might claim its right,
If so be ’twas a worthy89 venture, and one that beseemed a knight.
Quoth the squire, ‘Nay, I naught may tell ye, for my haste doth not brook90 delay,
Of your courtesy then forgive me, and lead to the king the way,
For ’tis meet that I first speak with him, and mine haste it doth work me ill;345
But my tale shall ye hear, and God teach ye to aid me with right goodwill!’
And so did his message urge him he thought not on the thronging crowd,
Till the eyes of the king beheld him, and greeting he spake aloud.
Then he gave to his hand the letter that bade to King Arthur’s heart,
As he read it, two guests, joy and sorrow, alike there the twain had part350
And he spake, ‘Hail! the fair day’s dawning, by whose light I have read this word,
And of thee, O son of my sister, true tidings at last have heard!
If in manhood I may but serve thee as kinsman91 and friend, if faith
Ever ruled my heart, ’twill be open to the word that Sir Gawain saith!’
Then he spake to the squire, ‘Now tell me if Sir Gawain be glad at heart?’355
‘Yea, sire, at thy will, with the joyful I ween shall he have his part,’
(And thus quoth the squire in his wisdom,) ‘yet his honour he sure shall lose,
And no man fresh joy may give him, if thine aid thou shalt here refuse.
At thy succour his gladness waxeth, and from out of dark sorrow’s door
Shall grief from his heart be banished92, if thou hearken his need so sore.360
As of yore doth he offer service to the queen, and it is his will
That the knights of the good Round Table as their comrade account him still,
And think on their faith, nor let him be ‘spoiled of his honour’s meed,
But pray thee his cry to hearken, and make to his aid good speed!’
Quoth King Arthur, ‘Dear friend and comrade, bear this letter unto the queen,365
Let her read therein, and tell us why our portion hath twofold been,
And at one while we joy and we sorrow. How King Gramoflanz is fain
In the pride of his heart, and his malice94, to work ill to my knight, Gawain;
He thinketh for sure that my nephew shall be Eidegast, whom he slew95,
Thence grief hath he won; deeper sorrow I’ld teach him, and customs new!’370
Then the squire he would pass where a welcome so kindly96 he did receive,
And he gave to the queen the letter, and many an eye must grieve,
And with crystal tears run over, as with sweet lips she read so clear
The words that within were written, and the need of Gawain they hear,
And his prayer did she read before them; nor long would the squire delay375
With skill to entreat97 the ladies, and aid at their hand to pray.
King Arthur, Sir Gawain’s uncle, he wrought with a hearty98 will
That his vassals might take the journey: nor did she abide82 her still,
Guinevere, the wise and the courteous46, for she prayed them make no delay,
Her ladies, but bravely deck them, and get on their stately way.380
Quoth Kay aloud in his anger, ‘If ever I dared believe
That so gallant a man as Gawain of Norway on earth should live
I would cry to him, “Come thou nearer!” Fetch him swift, else he swift will go,
As a squirrel away he flasheth, and is lost ere his place ye know!’
To the queen quoth the squire, ‘Now, Lady, my lord must I swiftly seek,385
His cause do I leave to thine honour!’ To her chamberlain did she speak,
‘See thou that this squire doth rest well, and look well unto his steed,
Is it hewn with spurs, find another, the best that shall serve his need.
And what else beside shall fail him, for his dress, or lest pledge he lose,
Make ready as he shall ask thee, and naught unto him refuse!’390
And she quoth, ‘Thou shalt say unto Gawain, I am ever to serve him fain,
Thy leave from the king will I care for, he greeteth thy lord again!’
Thus the king he was fain for the journey; and the feast it might now be served,
Since the right of the good Round Table by this venture was well observed;
And joy in their hearts awakened99, since this gallant knight Gawain395
Should be yet in life, and true tidings they might of his welfare gain.
And the knights of that noble order, that even were glad at heart,
And there sat the king, and those others who had in the ring their part,
And they sat and they ate with their monarch who fame by their strife100 had won,
And the news of this gallant venture wrought joy to them every one.400
Now the squire might betake him homewards, since his errand so well had sped,
He gat forth at the early dawning, ere the sun should be high o’erhead,
And the queen’s chamberlain he gave him a charger, and robes beside,
And gold lest his pledge be forfeit101, and glad on his way he hied,
For had he not won from King Arthur what should end his lord’s sorrow sore?405
And I know not the days of his journey, but in safety he came once more
To Chateau102 Merveil; then joyful was Arnivé, for as she bade
The porter bare news of his coming, how his steed he no whit had stayed,
But swiftly had done his errand. Then in secret she made her way
To where by the castle drawbridge the squire did his charger stay,410
And she asked him much of his journey, and why he in haste must ride?
Quoth the squire, ”Tis forbidden, Lady! my errand I needs must hide,
An oath have I sworn of silence, and my lord he might well be wroth
If to thee I should tell the tidings, for so should I break mine oath,
And a fool would he surely hold me! Ask himself what thou fain wouldst learn!’415
Yet she strove still with many a question from his purpose the squire to turn,
Then weary was he of her pleading, and in anger this word he spake,
‘Without cause dost thou here delay me, for I think not mine oath to break!’
So he went where he found his master, and the Turkowit brave Florand,
And Lischois, and the lady of Logrois, many ladies did with them stand,420
And the squire made his way to his master, and up stood the knight Gawain,
And he took him aside, and welcome he bade him in joyful strain,
‘Now tell unto me, my comrade, the tidings thou here hast brought,
If thy news be for joy or for sorrow, what speak they of me at court?’
‘And say, didst thou find King Arthur?’ quoth the squire, ‘My master, yea,425
The king, and the queen, and with them many brave knights I saw alway,
And they offer to thee their service, and they will at thy bidding come,
And they heard in such sort thy message, with such gladness, that every one,
Rich and poor, as one man were joyful when I spake, thou wert safe and well.
And the folk there were sure a marvel69! Their number I may not tell!430
And the Table Round, by thy message, was spread for the feast I ween;
And if knight e’er won fame by his valour, then I wot that thy fame hath been
Far greater than all who hearkened to the words that I spake of thee,
And it beareth the crown o’er all others, tho’ mighty their fame shall be!’
Then he told him all that befell there, how he spake with the gracious queen,435
And the counsel she gave unto him; and how he the folk had seen,
Those brave knights and gentle ladies; how Gawain should behold103 their face
At Ioflanz, before the combat, and the end of his day of grace.
And the sorrow of Gawain vanished, yet his joy in his heart he’ld hide,
Tho’ from grief did he pass to gladness; yet the squire must his oath abide440
And yet for a space keep silence—Forgotten was all his care,
And thither104 he went, and he sat him again by his lady fair,
And with joy he abode in the castle till King Arthur to his relief
Might come with his host—Now hearken to a story of love and grief:
Gawain he was ever joyful; one morn did it so befall445
That many a knight and lady were seen in that stately hall,
And Gawain sat apart in a window, and looked o’er the stream so wide,
And with many a tale of wonder sat Arnivé the knight beside.
To the queen spake the gallant hero, ‘Ah! hearken, my Lady dear,
If my questions they shall not vex8 thee, do thou to my words give ear450
And tell me the wondrous story, which as yet shall be hid from me—
That I live, and my life is joyful, I owe it to none but thee;
Tho’ my heart had the wit of manhood, yet the Duchess she held it fast,
But thou in such wise hast helped me that my sorrow is overpast;
Of my love, and my wounds had I died here, but with wisdom thy helpful hand455
Thou didst stretch to my aid, and hast loosed me for aye from my sorrow’s band.
I owe thee my life! My Lady of healing, now tell to me
The wonder that was, and the marvel that yet in this place shall be.
Say, wherefore by mighty magic hath Klingsor this palace made?
For surely my life had I lost here had thy wisdom not been mine aid!’460
Then out quoth the wise Arnivé, (and ne’er with such goodly fame
Of womanly faith and wisdom fair youth unto old age came,)
‘Sir Knight, these are but small marvels to the marvels his cunning hand,
And his skill in hidden magic, have wrought in full many a land.
He who counteth it shame unto us that into his power we fell,465
He sinneth for sure! His doings, Sir Knight, I to thee will tell.
Many folk, I ween, hath he troubled, his land is Terre de Lab?r:
From a wondrous race he springeth, whose marvels they aye endure,
For Virgil was his forefather105, in Naples his spells he wrought:
And in this wise his nephew Klingsor was to shame and to sorrow brought;’470
‘And the chief of his towns was Capua—such high fame was his, I ween,
That never in praise or in honour methinks had he shamèd been,
And all folk they spake of Duke Klingsor, and praised him, both man and maid,
Till in this wise he won dishonour106, and his glory to earth was laid.
In Sicily reigned107 a monarch, King Ibert, his life was blest475
With a fair wife, Iblis, none fairer e’er hung on a mother’s breast,
And Klingsor would do her service, till her love should be his reward,
And in shame did he win his guerdon from the hand of her rightful lord.’
‘If here I must tell his secret, forgiveness I first must pray,
For methinks it shall be a story that scarce fitteth my lips to say;480
With a stroke was he made magician, with the self-same stroke unmanned’—
Then loudly he laughed, Sir Gawain, as the tale he must understand.
‘In Kalot Enbolot’s castle he won him this lasting108 shame,
(I trow ’tis a mighty fortress109, and far lands shall know its fame,)
With his wife did the monarch find him, there lay Klingsor within her arm,485
And sorely must he repent110 him of his slumber so soft and warm,
For the hand of the king avenged111 him in such wise as he deemed his right;
And he left with his knife such token of shame on the traitor112 knight
That henceforward the love of woman it rejoiceth him never more!
And I wot well for his dishonour many folk shall have suffered sore.’490
‘(’Tis not in the land of Persia) in a city called Persida
Were magic spells first woven; it stands in a land afar,
And thither did Klingsor journey, and there did he learn such skill,
That with secrets of magic cunning he worketh whate’er he will.
For the ill that was wrought his body he beareth goodwill to none,495
But rejoiceth to work them evil, the more if they fame have won.’
‘E’en such peril beset113 one monarch—Ir?t was, I ween, his name,
And Rosch-Sabbins was his kingdom—At length to such pass he came,
That he bade him to take of that country what he would, so he peace would keep;
Then Klingsor he took of the monarch this mountain so high and steep,500
And the land for eight miles around it; on the summit did Klingsor rear
The wonder-work thou seest, and this palace we look on here.
And there faileth nor worldly riches, nor marvel of magic skill,
If for thirty years one besieged114 it, methinks ’twere provisioned still.
And power doth he hold o’er all spirits, ’twixt the earth and the heaven above,505
Both evil and good, save those only whom God doth from his power remove.’
‘Sir Knight, since thy deadly peril thou hast passed, nor thy death hast found,
He gives to thine hand his kingdom, this Burg, and the lands around,
No claim doth he make upon it; and peace doth he promise thee—
This he sware in the ears of his people, and a man of his word is he,510
That the knight who withstood the venture, this gift should be his for aye.
And all who from Christendom’s countries ‘neath the spell of his magic lay,
Be they woman, or man, or maiden, are thy vassals both one and all,
And many from lands of paynim with us ‘neath his power must fall.
Let this folk then now get them homewards, where yet for our loss they mourn,515
For to dwell in the land of the stranger, it maketh my heart forlorn
And He, who the stars hath counted, may He teach thee to give us aid,
And turn once again to rejoicing those hearts that are sore afraid!’
‘A child was born of a mother, who its mother’s mother shall be;
For the ice it came of the water; when the sunlight shineth free,520
Then nothing I ween shall hinder that water from ice be born—
Of my glad youth I often think me, tho’ now I must weep forlorn,
If my lot shall once more be joyful then the child from the child shall spring.
And thou, art thou wise and courteous, methinks well mayst work this thing!’
”Tis long since all joy forsook me! The skiff ‘neath its sail flies fast,525
But the man who doth sail within it hath swifter his voyage o’erpast.
If thou readest aright my riddle115 thy fame shall wax high and fleet,
For our joy canst thou make to blossom, and our song to ring clear and sweet.
And, bringers of joy, shall we journey into many a distant land,
Where the folk weep sore for our losing, and shall greet us with outstretched hand!’530
‘Of joy had I once full measure: a crownèd queen was I!
And my daughter amid her princes bare a crown too right royally,
And all men they deemed us worthy—Sir Knight, I wrought ill to none,
But alike, both man and maiden, from my hand due guerdon won.
And all men they knew, and they owned me one fit o’er the folk to reign,535
For I, so God gave me wisdom, ne’er brought to another pain.
Yet she who in gladness dwelleth, tho’ a fair praise she think to earn,
And the prayer of the poor she hearken, yet her joy to such grief may turn
That a poor lad may make her joyful—Sir Knight, here o’erlong I stay,
Yet there cometh no man who doth know me, and turneth my care away!’540
Then out quoth the gallant hero, ‘Lady, if life be mine,
Then gladness shall be thy portion, nor shalt thou in exile pine!’
Now this self-same day brought the coming of Arthur the Breton king,
The son of the sad Arnivé, whom kinship and faith did bring;
And many a fair new banner Gawain from the castle saw,545
And the field it was thick with the horsemen who near at his summons draw.
On the road that wound hence from Logrois came many a blazoned117 spear,
And Gawain, he was glad at their coming; for delay it oft teacheth fear,
Who waiteth o’erlong for succour, he doubteth ’twill come too late!
From such doubt had King Arthur freed him! Ah me! how he rode in state!550
Gawain, he would hold it secret, yet his eyes they were fain to weep,
Little good had they been for cisterns118, since the water they failed to keep.
And for love must he weep, for Arthur such love had toward him shown,
He had cherished him from his childhood, and had dealt with him as his own;
And the twain they had never wavered, but their faith to each other kept,555
And nor falsehood nor thought of doubting betwixt their two hearts had crept.
But Arnivé was ‘ware of his weeping, and quoth, ‘Now shalt thou begin
To joy with the shout of rejoicing, thus comfort we all shall win.
‘Gainst sorrow shouldst thou defend thee—See the host that now draweth nigh,
Methinks ’tis the Duchess’ army, with their coming shall joy wax high.’560
Now many a tent and banner they saw wind across the plain,
But one shield did they bear before them, and Arnivé beheld again,
And she knew, as of yore, the blazon116, and Isayé she called the name
Of the knight, he should be king’s marshal, and Uther Pendragon came!
But the shield it was borne by another, graceful119 of limb and tall,565
And she said, ‘He shall be queen’s marshal, and Maurin his name they call.’
But little she knew, Arnivé, that dead were both king and knight,
And Maurin, he held the office that afore was his father’s right.
To the bank in the meadow of conflict rode the host—They who served the queen
Found a resting-place for the ladies, and a fair camp it was I ween.570
By the side of a swift, clear streamlet they set up the tents so fair,
And, apart, many goodly circles for the king and his knights prepare.
And methinks they had left behind them, wherever the host must ride,
A mighty track of hoof-prints on the field and the roadways wide!
Gawain, by the mouth of Bené, his host Plippalinòt prayed575
To hold vessel120 and boat in safe keeping that no crossing that day be made.
And the maid from the hand of Gawain took the first gift of his rich store,
’Twas a swallow, the harp121 was costly, such as harpers in England bore.
Then joyful, she sought her father, and Gawain, he gave command
To shut fast the outer portals, since a host at the gate did stand;580
And old and young they listed the word that he courteous spake:
‘On the further side of the river an army its camp doth make,
And never, by land or by water, a mightier122 host I saw,
Would they fight, then I pray ye help me my knighthood to prove once more!’
With one voice did they make the promise—Then they asked of the Duchess fair,585
If the host should be hers? But she answered, ‘Believe me, of all men there
I know neither shield nor bearer; perchance he who wrought me ill
Hath entered my land, and thought him to bow Logrois unto his will.
He hath found it right well defended! My people might well defy,
From their tower and their battlements lofty, e’en such army as here doth lie!590
Hath he wrought there fresh deeds of knighthood, then King Gramoflanz sure hath thought
To revenge himself for the garland that my knight from his tree hath brought.
But whoever they be, I know well, they shall many a joust25 have seen,
And many a spear at Logrois by mine army hath splintered been.’
And never a lie had she spoken—For Arthur must peril face595
As he rode thro’ the land of Logrois; and many of Breton race
In knightly123 joust had fallen—But Arthur their ill repaid
In the self-same coin, and on both sides sore stress on the host was laid.
Battle-weary, so came they hither of whom one full oft must hear
That they sold their lives full dearly, and did never a foeman fear.600
And either side had suffered, both Garel and Gaherjet,
King Meljanz of Lys, and Iofreit, son of Idol124, in durance set
Ere even the end of the Tourney—From Logrois they captive bare
The Duke of Vermandois, Friam, and Count Richard, he of Nevers,
Who naught but one spear had needed ere he against whom he rode605
Had fallen ‘neath his stroke so mighty, and no man his joust abode.
With his own hand King Arthur made him his captive, this gallant knight;
Then, dauntless, they spurred them onward125, and the armies they met in fight,
And a forest, methinks, it cost them! For no man the jousts might know
That were ridden, a rain of splinters fell thick at each mighty blow;610
And the Bretons, they bore them bravely ‘gainst the Lady of Logrois’ host,
And Arthur himself the rear-guard would keep at sore conflict’s cost.
And in this wise they fought and they vexed them through the hours of the livelong day,
Till the greater part of the army outwearied with conflict lay.
And well might Gawain have told her, the Duchess, that to his aid615
They had ridden her land, then, I wot well, no strife had their way delayed,
But he would that no lips should tell her till her own eye the truth had seen—
Then he dealt as should well befit him had King Arthur his foeman been,
And made ready to march against him with rich tents and warlike gear.
And no man of them all repented126 that he came as a stranger here,620
For with open hand Sir Gawain his gifts upon all did shower
In such wise that ye might have deemed well he drew nigh to his dying hour.
And servant, and knight, and lady, they looked on his gifts so fair,
And all, with one mouth, they praised him who brought help in their sore
despair;625
And all, for his sake, were joyful—Then the hero he bade prepare
Strong chargers, and well-trained palfreys, such as well might a lady bear.
Nor the knights should be lacking armour—Strong squires in coat of mail
Were ready to do his bidding, nor should one of their number fail.
And in this wise he gave his orders, four knights he aside did take:630
His chamberlain one; and another, cup-bearer he fain would make;
The third he would make his steward127; and his marshal the fourth should be,
For this was his prayer, and the four knights said ‘Yea’ to him willingly.
At peace lay King Arthur’s army, and no greeting did Gawain send,
Yet I wot well it sorely grieved him! With the morning the host did wend,635
With the blast of many a trumpet4, their way unto Ioflanz’ plain,
And the rear-guard was armed, yet no foeman did they find in their path again.
Then Gawain took his office-bearers, and in this wise to them he spake,
The marshal, he bade him straightway to Ioflanz his way to take,
‘There a camp of my own prepare me—The host that thou here didst see640
Shall unto that plain have ridden, and its lord will I name to thee,
For ’tis well that thou too shouldst know him, he is Arthur, my kinsman true,
In whose court and whose care from my childhood I unto my manhood grew.
Now do this thing in which I trust thee, rule my journey in such a wise,
With such riches and pomp, that my coming be stately in all men’s eyes;645
But within the walls of this castle no word of the truth be told—
That the king for my sake cometh hither, this must thou for secret hold!’
So did they as Gawain bade them, and Plippalinòt he found
Little space had he now for leisure, since his lord was on journey bound.
For large and small his vessels128, both boat and skiff, must fare650
O’er the water, and troops well armèd, ahorse and afoot they bare.
And the marshal the squires and footmen on the track of the Bretons led,
And hither and thither riding behind them the army sped.
And they bare with them, so ’twas told me, the tent that in days of yore
Fair Iblis had sent to Klingsor, as pledge of the love she bore.655
By the sending of this love-token their secret to men was told,
And the favour they bare each other in the days that have waxen old.
And no cost had they spared who had wrought it, and no better was ever seen
Save the tent of Eisenhart only—Then apart on the grass so green
They set up the tent, and around it many others in goodly ring,660
And so great was the pomp and the riches that men deemed it a wondrous thing.
And they spake before King Arthur that the marshal of Gawain came,
And his lord the same day would follow, and encamp him upon the plain.
’Twas the talk of all the vassals—Then Gawain, from falsehood free,
Rode forth from his home and there followed a goodly company.665
And their train was so richly ordered that marvels I here might tell!
With church gear and chamber hangings the pack-steeds were burdened well;
And some were with harness laden129, and above the harness bare
Full many a crested130 helmet, and shield that was blazoned fair.
And many a gallant war-horse was led by the bridle131 rein93,670
And behind them both knight and lady rode close in the glittering train.
Would ye measure the length? a mile long, methinks, had it stretched, and more,
And Sir Gawain, I ween, forgat not that a gallant knight should draw
His rein by the side of each lady, and ever of love they spake,
Or one scant132 of wit had deemed them! And in this wise the road they take,675
The Turkowit, brave Florand, for companion upon his way
Had the daughter of Queen Arnivé, Sangivé of Norroway,
And Lischois, who was ne’er unready, he rode at sweet Kondrie’s side,
And by Gawain the maid Itonjé, his sister, perforce must ride.
At the same time the Queen Arnivé and the Duchess of fair Logrois680
Rode gaily133 the one by the other, for in such wise they made their choice.
Beyond the camp of King Arthur the tents of Gawain they lay,
And they who were fain to reach them thro’ the army must take their way.
’Twas a sight for all men to gaze at! Ere the folk to their journey’s end
Might come, of a courteous custom, to do honour unto his friend,685
Gawain by the tent of Arthur bade the first maiden take her stand,
Then the marshal so did his office that the second, to her right hand,
And the third beside the second, should unto each other ride,
And none of them all delayed them—So made they a circle wide,
Here the matrons, and there the maidens, and by each of them rode a knight690
Who would fain do the lady service, and would for her favours fight.
And thus round the tent of the monarch stood the ladies, a goodly ring,
And to Gawain, the rich in gladness, fair welcome would Arthur bring.
To the ground sprang Gawain and Arnivé, and her daughters with children twain,
The Lady of Logrois, and the heroes he o’erthrew on the grassy134 plain,695
Lischois and the gallant Florand; then unto those heroes brave
Stepped Arthur from his pavilion, and a kindly welcome gave;
And the queen, she greeted Gawain, and she welcomed him and his
Of true heart, and from many a lady, I ween, was there many a kiss!
Quoth Arthur unto his nephew, ‘Say, who shall thy comrades be?’700
Quoth Gawain, ‘A kiss of greeting from my lady I fain would see,
’Twere ill an she should refuse it, for noble are both I ween.’
Then Florand and the Duke of Gowerzein were kissed by the gracious queen.
Then into the tent they gat them, and to many the fair field wide
Was as if it were full of maidens, so close stood they, side by side.705
Then not as the heavy-footed sprang Arthur upon his steed,
And he turned to the knights and the ladies in the ring with a kindly heed,
And he rode from one to the other, and gracious the words he spake,
From the lips of the king so kindly each one must his welcome take.
For this was the will of Gawain that no man from hence should ride710
Till he himself rode with them, but courteous his coming bide83.
Then the king would dismount, and straightway he entered the tent again,
And he sat him beside his nephew, and straitly he prayed Gawain
To say who were these five ladies, whom hither the knight did bring.
Then Gawain he looked on the eldest135 and he spake to the Breton king,715
‘Didst thou know Uther Pendragon? ’Tis Arnivé, his queen and wife,
And well mayst thou look upon her, from the twain didst thou draw thy life.
And there standeth the Queen of Norway, and I am the son she bare,
And these twain they shall be my sisters; say, are they not maidens fair?’
Ah! then once again they kissed them, and sorrow and joy were seen720
Of all those who looked upon them, from Love this their lot had been;
And they laughed, and they cried together, and their lips spake of joy and woe,
And I ween that with tears of gladness their bright eyes must overflow136.
Then Arthur he spake to Gawain, ‘Nephew, unknown to me
Is the fifth of these lovely ladies, I prithee who may she be?’725
‘The Duchess, is she, of Logrois,’ quoth Gawain in his courtesy,
‘In her service have I come hither, and, so it was told to me,
Thou thyself hast sought her dwelling137, and how it rejoiced thee there,
Thou canst without shame declare us, as a widower138 dost thou fare.’
Quoth Arthur, ‘She doth, as her captive, thy kinsman Gaherjet hold,730
And Garel, who in many a conflict hath shown h’m a hero bold;
From my very side was he taken, one charge had we made so nigh
That almost we gained the portal, when lo! from the gate did fly
Meljanz of Lys! How he battled! On high flew a banner white
And the host who fought beneath it took captive my gallant knight.735
And the banner it bare a blazon of crimson, a bleeding heart,
And right through the midst was it pierced by the shaft139 of a sable140 dart141,
As one who to death is smitten—‘Lirivoin’ was the battle-cry
Of the army who fought beneath it, and their hand did the victory buy.
My nephew, Iofreit, was taken, and grief for his sake I know—740
Yestreen did I keep the rear-guard, and the chance it hath worked me woe!’
Sore mourned the king for his sorrow—quoth the Duchess, with courteous mien142,
‘Sire, I speak thee free of all shaming, I had greeted thee not, I ween.
Thou mayst well have wrought me evil, tho’ no wrong had I done to thee,
And I would that God’s wisdom teach thee that harm to make good to me.745
The knight to whose aid thou camest, if combat with me he dared,
Hath found me, methinks, defenceless, with side to the foeman bared.
If yet for such strife he lusteth, nor of conflict hath had his fill,
With never a sword or a weapon I think to withstand him still.’
Then Gawain, he quoth to King Arthur, ‘Wilt thou that we fill the plain750
With knights? For we well can do so—I think me such grace to gain
From the Duchess that all the captives from thine host she will swiftly free,
And, many a new spear bearing, her knighthood we here may see.’
‘Yea, such were my will,’ quoth Arthur; then the Duchess she gave command,
And many a gallant hero she summoned from Logrois’ land—755
And I wot well a host so goodly the earth ne’er had seen before—
Then Gawain, he prayed leave of the monarch, he would to his tent withdraw,
And the king’s will was e’en as Gawain’s, and all they who hither rode
With the knight, they turned their bridles143, and with him in his camp abode.
And his tent was so rich and so goodly, as befitted a gallant knight,760
That afar from its costly trappings had poverty taken flight.
And there rode unto his pavilion full many whose hearts were sore
For the weary days since he left them, and the love they to Gawain bore.
And the wounds of Kay had been healèd since he jousted144 by Plimiz?l,
And he looked on the wealth of Gawain, and with envy his heart was full,765
And he quoth, ‘Now, King Lot, his father, my monarch’s near of kin23,
Ne’er thought with such pomp to shame us, nor a camp of his own would win.’
(For ever did he bethink him how Gawain would no vengeance145 take
On the knight who so sorely smote146 him, when his right arm in joust he brake,)
‘God worketh for some His wonders,—Who gave Gawain this woman folk?’770
And the words they were scarce a friend’s words that Kay in his anger spoke21.
Of the honour his friend hath won him the true knight is ever glad,
But the faithless, aloud he crieth, and his heart ever waxeth sad
When the heart of his friend rejoiceth, and he needs must his gladness see.
Bliss147 and honour had fallen to Gawain; and, if one would more favoured be,775
I know not what thing he may wish for! Thus ever the evil mind
Is with envy filled, while the brave man his comfort and joy doth find
When honour shall seek his comrade, and shame from his face doth flee—
Gawain ne’er forgat his knighthood, and from falsehood was ever free;
And thus it was right and fitting that men on his bliss should gaze,780
And gladness and fair rejoicing henceforward should crown his days.
In what wise for the folk that followed did the knight of Norway care,
Alike for his knights and ladies? Not ill was, methinks, their fare.
And Arthur and all his people they looked on King Lot’s fair son,
And I trow well they greatly marvelled148 at the riches his hand had won.785
Now the evening meal was ended, and ’twas time for the folk to sleep,
And little I grudge their slumber! A guard thro’ the night they keep,
And lo! at the early morning, ere the dawning had waxed to-day,
Came a folk in goodly armour, and the men of Logrois were they.
And they read their helmet’s token by the light of the waning moon,790
On this side lay the host of Arthur, and his camp had they passed full soon,
And they came to the goodly circle where Gawain and his men should lie—
And, methinks, who such gallant succour by the might of his hand could buy
Were reckoned of men a hero! Then Gawain bade his Marshal find
A place for the host to camp on, but, such was their leader’s mind,795
He deemed it best that their circle apart from the rest should be,
And ’twas even the hour of noontide ere all were lodged149 fittingly.
Then Arthur, the noble monarch, a message would straightway send;
Unto Rosche Sabbins, and the city, a squire on his way should wend
To King Gramoflanz should he speak thus, ‘Since conflict the king doth pray,800
And he lusteth to fight my nephew, the strife shall he not delay,
For Sir Gawain is fain to meet him—But bid him to meet us here,
As a gallant man do we know him, were he other, ’twould cost him dear!’
And the messenger of King Arthur he rode on his errand fain—
Then forth, with Lischois and Sir Florand, rode the gallant knight, Gawain,805
And he prayed them to show them to him who from many a land afar
Had ridden for love’s high service, and had fought in his lady’s war.
And he met them and gave them greeting in such wise that the heroes knew
Sir Gawain for courteous lover, and faithful knight and true.
With that again he left them, and in secret his way he sped,810
And he gat him again to his chamber, and he armed him from foot to head;
He would know if his wounds were healèd so that never a scar should pain,
And his limbs would he test, since so many, both maiden and man were fain
To look on the strife, had they wisdom they should see if his dauntless hand
Might even to-day, as aforetime, the victor’s crown command.815
A squire did he bid to bring him his charger, Gringuljet,
And he sprang to the saddle lightly and the horse to a gallop150 set.
He would try both himself and his charger, if ready for strife the twain—
Ah! woe is me for his journey! so rode he upon the plain,
And so had his Fortune willed it, that a knight his bridle drew820
By the side of the river Sabbins, and ye know that knight so true,
And a rock, men well might call him, for manhood and courage high,
And no knight might stand before him, and falsehood his heart did fly.
And yet so weak was his body that no burden it bare of wrong,
Yea, a hand’s-breadth had been too heavy, and a finger-length too long!825
And, I ween, of this gallant hero of old time ye oft must hear,
For my tale hath come to its root-tree, and draweth its goal anear.
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1
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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whit
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| n.一点，丝毫 | |
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3
trumpets
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| 喇叭( trumpet的名词复数 )； 小号； 喇叭形物； （尤指）绽开的水仙花 | |
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4
trumpet
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| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
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5
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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6
toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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7
slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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8
vex
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| vt.使烦恼，使苦恼 | |
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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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10
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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11
costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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12
squire
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| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
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13
knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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14
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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15
vowed
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| 起誓，发誓（vow的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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16
garb
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| n.服装，装束 | |
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ware
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| n.(常用复数)商品，货物 | |
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18
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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19
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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hindrance
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| n.妨碍，障碍 | |
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21
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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22
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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23
kin
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| n.家族，亲属，血缘关系；adj.亲属关系的，同类的 | |
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24
rumour
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| n.谣言，谣传，传闻 | |
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25
joust
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| v.马上长枪比武，竞争 | |
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26
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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27
valiant
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| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
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28
monarch
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| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
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29
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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30
torment
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| n.折磨；令人痛苦的东西(人)；vt.折磨；纠缠 | |
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31
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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32
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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33
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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34
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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35
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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36
boon
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| n.恩赐，恩物，恩惠 | |
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37
crave
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| vt.渴望得到，迫切需要，恳求，请求 | |
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38
forsook
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| forsake的过去式 | |
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39
naught
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| n.无，零 [=nought] | |
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40
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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41
yearn
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| v.想念；怀念；渴望 | |
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42
hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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43
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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44
severance
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| n.离职金；切断 | |
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45
viands
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| n.食品，食物 | |
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46
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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47
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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48
squires
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| n.地主，乡绅( squire的名词复数 ) | |
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49
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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50
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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51
waning
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| adj.（月亮）渐亏的，逐渐减弱或变小的n.月亏v.衰落( wane的现在分词 )；（月）亏；变小；变暗淡 | |
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52
taper
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| n.小蜡烛，尖细，渐弱；adj.尖细的；v.逐渐变小 | |
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53
tapers
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| （长形物体的）逐渐变窄( taper的名词复数 )； 微弱的光； 极细的蜡烛 | |
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54
joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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55
grudge
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| n.不满，怨恨，妒嫉；vt.勉强给，不情愿做 | |
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56
glutton
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| n.贪食者，好食者 | |
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57
goodwill
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| n.善意，亲善，信誉，声誉 | |
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58
strings
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| n.弦 | |
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59
skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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60
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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61
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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62
bemoan
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| v.悲叹，哀泣，痛哭；惋惜，不满于 | |
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63
bemoaned
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| v.为（某人或某事）抱怨( bemoan的过去式和过去分词 )；悲悼；为…恸哭；哀叹 | |
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64
chambers
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| n.房间( chamber的名词复数 )；（议会的）议院；卧室；会议厅 | |
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65
wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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66
armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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67
craved
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| 渴望，热望( crave的过去式 )； 恳求，请求 | |
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68
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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69
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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70
marvels
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| n.奇迹( marvel的名词复数 )；令人惊奇的事物（或事例）；不平凡的成果；成就v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的第三人称单数 ) | |
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71
plied
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| v.使用（工具）( ply的过去式和过去分词 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
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72
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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73
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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74
vassals
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| n.奴仆( vassal的名词复数 )；（封建时代）诸侯；从属者；下属 | |
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75
chapel
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| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
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76
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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77
writ
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| n.命令状，书面命令 | |
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78
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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79
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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80
devouring
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| 吞没( devour的现在分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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81
beseech
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| v.祈求，恳求 | |
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82
abide
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| vi.遵守；坚持；vt.忍受 | |
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83
bide
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| v.忍耐；等候；住 | |
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84
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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85
smitten
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| 猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去分词 ) | |
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86
thronging
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| v.成群，挤满( throng的现在分词 ) | |
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87
mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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88
besought
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| v.恳求，乞求（某事物）( beseech的过去式和过去分词 )；(beseech的过去式与过去分词) | |
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89
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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90
brook
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| n.小河，溪；v.忍受，容让 | |
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91
kinsman
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| n.男亲属 | |
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92
banished
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| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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93
rein
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| n.疆绳，统治，支配；vt.以僵绳控制，统治 | |
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94
malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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95
slew
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| v.（使）旋转；n.大量，许多 | |
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96
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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97
entreat
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| v.恳求，恳请 | |
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98
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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99
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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100
strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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101
forfeit
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| vt.丧失；n.罚金，罚款，没收物 | |
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102
chateau
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| n.城堡，别墅 | |
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103
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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104
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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105
forefather
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| n.祖先；前辈 | |
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106
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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107
reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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108
lasting
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| adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持 | |
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109
fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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110
repent
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| v.悔悟，悔改，忏悔，后悔 | |
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111
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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112
traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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113
beset
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| v.镶嵌；困扰，包围 | |
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114
besieged
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| 包围，围困，围攻( besiege的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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115
riddle
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| n.谜，谜语，粗筛；vt.解谜，给…出谜，筛，检查，鉴定，非难，充满于；vi.出谜 | |
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116
blazon
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| n.纹章，装饰；精确描绘；v.广布；宣布 | |
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117
blazoned
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| v.广布( blazon的过去式和过去分词 )；宣布；夸示；装饰 | |
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cisterns
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| n.蓄水池，储水箱( cistern的名词复数 )；地下储水池 | |
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119
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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120
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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harp
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| n.竖琴；天琴座 | |
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122
mightier
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| adj. 强有力的，强大的，巨大的 adv. 很，极其 | |
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123
knightly
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| adj. 骑士般的 adv. 骑士般地 | |
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124
idol
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| n.偶像，红人，宠儿 | |
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125
onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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126
repented
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| 对（自己的所为）感到懊悔或忏悔( repent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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127
steward
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| n.乘务员，服务员；看管人；膳食管理员 | |
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128
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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129
laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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130
crested
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| adj.有顶饰的，有纹章的，有冠毛的v.到达山顶（或浪峰）( crest的过去式和过去分词 )；到达洪峰，达到顶点 | |
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131
bridle
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| n.笼头，束缚；vt.抑制，约束；动怒 | |
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132
scant
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| adj.不充分的，不足的；v.减缩，限制，忽略 | |
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133
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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134
grassy
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| adj.盖满草的；长满草的 | |
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eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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136
overflow
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| v.(使)外溢，(使)溢出；溢出，流出，漫出 | |
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137
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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138
widower
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| n.鳏夫 | |
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139
shaft
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| n.(工具的)柄，杆状物 | |
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140
sable
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| n.黑貂；adj.黑色的 | |
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141
dart
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| v.猛冲，投掷；n.飞镖，猛冲 | |
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142
mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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143
bridles
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| 约束( bridle的名词复数 )； 限动器； 马笼头； 系带 | |
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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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145
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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146
smote
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| v.猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去式 ) | |
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bliss
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| n.狂喜，福佑，天赐的福 | |
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148
marvelled
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| v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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149
lodged
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| v.存放( lodge的过去式和过去分词 )；暂住；埋入；（权利、权威等）归属 | |
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150
gallop
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| v./n.(马或骑马等)飞奔；飞速发展 | |
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