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| author | pgww <pgww@lists.pglaf.org> | 2025-12-04 05:59:24 -0800 |
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| committer | pgww <pgww@lists.pglaf.org> | 2025-12-04 05:59:24 -0800 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes index 6833f05..d7b82bc 100644 --- a/.gitattributes +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -1,3 +1,4 @@ -* text=auto -*.txt text -*.md text +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/14568-0.txt b/14568-0.txt index 4c44970..4334ac4 100644 --- a/14568-0.txt +++ b/14568-0.txt @@ -967,7 +967,7 @@ SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T. VII. [A] Now wyl I of hor seruise say yow no more, - For veh wy3e may wel wit no wont þat þer were; + For vch wyȝe may wel wit no wont þat þer were; 132 [B] An oþer noyse ful newe ne3ed biliue, Þat þe lude my3t haf leue lif-lode to cach. For vneþe wat3 þe noyce not a whyle sesed, diff --git a/14568-h/14568-h.htm b/14568-h/14568-h.htm index 0f0ef1f..60c12ff 100644 --- a/14568-h/14568-h.htm +++ b/14568-h/14568-h.htm @@ -1,12 +1,10 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" -"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> <head> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> -<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Sir Gawayne and The Green Knight</title> +<meta charset="utf-8"> +<title>Sir Gawayne and The Green Knight | Project Gutenberg</title> -<style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> +<style> body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; } p {text-align: justify;} @@ -100,11 +98,11 @@ <h5> MDCCCLXIV. </h5> - <hr /> + <hr > <h5> JOHN CHILDS AND SON, PRINTERS. </h5> - <hr /> + <hr > <blockquote> <blockquote> <p> @@ -118,7 +116,7 @@ </p> </blockquote> </blockquote> - <hr /> + <hr > <h2> PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. </h2> @@ -167,7 +165,7 @@ the Early English Text Society any of his works which it may determine to re-edit.] </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <h2> INTRODUCTION. </h2> @@ -1090,7 +1088,7 @@ a large circle of readers many an equally interesting record of Early English minds. </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <h2> SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T. </h2> @@ -1102,7 +1100,7 @@ </h2> <div class="poem"> <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 91<i>a</i>.]<br />After the siege of Troy</span> + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 91<i>a</i>.]<br >After the siege of Troy</span> <p> Siþen þe sege & þe assaut wat3 sesed at Troye, </p> @@ -1617,7 +1615,7 @@ Now wyl I of hor seruise say yow no more, </p> <p> - For veh wy3e may wel wit no wont þat þ<i>er</i> were; + For vch wyȝe may wel wit no wont þat þ<i>er</i> were; </p> <span class="sidenote">Scarcely had the first course commenced,</span> <span class="linenum">132</span> @@ -2095,7 +2093,7 @@ <p> & sayde, "wy3e, welcu<i>m</i> iwys to þis place, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 94<i>b</i>.]<br />bids him welcome, and + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 94<i>b</i>.]<br >bids him welcome, and invites him to stay awhile.</span> <p> Þe hede of þis ostel Artho<i>ur</i> I hat, @@ -3460,7 +3458,7 @@ </h2> <div class="poem"> <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 99<i>a</i>.]<br />Thus arrayed the knight + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 99<i>a</i>.]<br >Thus arrayed the knight hears mass,</span> <p> When he wat3 hasped i<i>n</i> armes, his harnays wat3 ryche, @@ -3908,7 +3906,7 @@ <p> I<i>n</i> þe wyldrenesse of Wyrale; wonde þer bot lyte </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 100<i>b</i>]<br />There he finds but few + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 100<i>b</i>]<br >There he finds but few that loved God or man.</span> <p> Þat auþ<i>er</i> God oþ<i>er</i> gome wyth goud hert louied. @@ -4509,7 +4507,7 @@ <p> To lede a lortschyp i<i>n</i> lee of leude3 ful gode. </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 102<i>b</i>.]<br />The lord leads Gawayne to + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 102<i>b</i>.]<br >The lord leads Gawayne to a chamber, and assigns him a page to wait upon him.</span> <p> Þe lorde hy<i>m</i> charred to a chambre, & chefly cu<i>m</i>au<i>n</i>de3<sup>2</sup> @@ -4954,7 +4952,7 @@ <p> Toret & treieted w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> tryfle3 aboute, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 104.]<br />nose, and naked lips, all sour + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 104.]<br >nose, and naked lips, all sour and bleared.</span> <p> Þat no3t wat3 bare of þat burde bot þe blake bro3es. @@ -6014,7 +6012,7 @@ <p> I schulde keu<i>er</i> þe more comfort to karp yow wyth." </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 107b]<br />"Nay, beau sir," said that sweet + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 107b]<br >"Nay, beau sir," said that sweet one,</span> <p> "Nay, for soþe, beau s<i>ir</i>," sayd þat swete, @@ -6478,7 +6476,7 @@ <p> Þe<i>n</i> brek þay þe bale, þe bale3 out token, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 109.]<br />and take out the bowels.</span> + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 109.]<br >and take out the bowels.</span> <p> Lystily forlancy<i>n</i>g, & bere of þe knot; </p> @@ -6631,7 +6629,7 @@ </h2> <div class="poem"> <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 109<i>b</i>.]<br />The lord commands all his + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 109<i>b</i>.]<br >The lord commands all his household to assemble,</span> <span class="linenum">1372</span> <p> The<i>n</i>ne comau<i>n</i>ded þe lorde i<i>n</i> þ<i>a</i>t sale to @@ -8007,7 +8005,7 @@ <p> Hamlou<i>n</i>e3, & herkene3, bi hegge3 ful ofte; </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 114.]<br />The fox at last leaps over a + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 114.]<br >The fox at last leaps over a spinny,</span> <p> At þe last bi a littel dich he lepe3 ou<i>er</i> a spe<i>n</i>né, @@ -8163,7 +8161,7 @@ <p class="i4"> "A! mon, how may þ<i>o</i>u slepe, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 114<i>b</i>.]<br />this morning is so + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 114<i>b</i>.]<br >this morning is so clear?"</span> <p class="i4"> Þis morni<i>n</i>g is so clere?" @@ -9393,7 +9391,7 @@ </h2> <div class="poem"> <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 118<i>b</i>.]<br />Then was Gringolet + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 118<i>b</i>.]<br >Then was Gringolet arrayed,</span> <p> The<i>n</i>ne wat3 Gryngolet grayþe, þat gret wat3 & huge, @@ -9697,7 +9695,7 @@ <p> & I schal hy3 me hom a3ayn, & hete yow fyrre, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 119<i>b</i>.]<br />I swear by God and all + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 119<i>b</i>.]<br >I swear by God and all His saints, that I will never say that ever ye attempted to flee from any man."</span> <p> @@ -9860,7 +9858,7 @@ </h2> <div class="poem"> <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 120.]<br />Then he pursues his journey,</span> + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 120.]<br >Then he pursues his journey,</span> <span class="linenum">2160</span> <p> The<i>n</i>ne gyrde3 he to Gryngolet, & gedere3 þe rake, @@ -10161,7 +10159,7 @@ <p class="i8"> on snawe. </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 121.]<br />He meets Sir Gawayne without + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 121.]<br >He meets Sir Gawayne without obeisance.</span> <p class="i4"> S<i>ir</i> Gawayn þe kny3t con mete. @@ -10324,7 +10322,7 @@ <p> Þat neu<i>er</i> ar3ed for no here, by hylle ne be vale, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 121<i>b</i>.]<br />for thou fleest for fear + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 121<i>b</i>.]<br >for thou fleest for fear before thou feelest harm.</span> <span class="linenum">2272</span> <p> & now þ<i>o</i>u fles for ferde, er þ<i>o</i>u fele harme3; @@ -10481,7 +10479,7 @@ <p> He lyftes ly3tly his lome, & let hit dou<i>n</i> fayre, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 122.]<br />neck of Sir Gawayne.</span> + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 122.]<br >neck of Sir Gawayne.</span> <p> W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe barbe of þe bitte bi þe bare nek </p> @@ -10628,7 +10626,7 @@ <p> & roue þe wyth no rof, sore w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> ry3t I þe p<i>ro</i>fered, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 122<i>b</i>.]<br /> between us on the first + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 122<i>b</i>.]<br > between us on the first night.</span> <p> For þe forwarde that we fest i<i>n</i> þe fyrst ny3t, @@ -10782,7 +10780,7 @@ <p class="i8"> & care! </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 123.]<br /></span> + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 123.]<br ></span> <p class="i4"> I bi-knowe yow, kny3t, here stylle, </p> @@ -11093,7 +11091,7 @@ <p> Ho wayned me þis wonder, yo<i>ur</i> wytte3 to reue, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 124.]<br />hoping to grieve Guenever and + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 124.]<br >hoping to grieve Guenever and cause her death through fear.</span> <span class="linenum">2460</span> <p> For to haf greued Gayno<i>ur</i>, & gart hir to dy3e. @@ -11241,7 +11239,7 @@ <p> Þe chau<i>n</i>ce of þe chapel, þe chere of þe kny3t, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 124<i>b</i>.]<br />the love of the lady, and + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 124<i>b</i>.]<br >the love of the lady, and lastly of the lace.</span> <p> Þe luf of þe ladi, þe lace at þe last. @@ -11378,19 +11376,19 @@ </p> </div> </div> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> NOTES. </p> - <table border="0"> + <table style="border: none;"> <tr> <td> Line 8 </td> <td> - Ricchis turns, goes,<br /> The - king ...<br /> <i>Ricchis</i> his reynys and the Renke - metys:<br /> Girden to gedur with þere grete speires.—T.B. + Ricchis turns, goes,<br > The + king ...<br > <i>Ricchis</i> his reynys and the Renke + metys:<br > Girden to gedur with þere grete speires.—T.B. l. 1232. </td> </tr> @@ -11399,7 +11397,7 @@ 37 </td> <td> - <i> Þis kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse</i>.<br /> + <i> Þis kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse</i>.<br > <i>Camalot</i>, in Malory's "Morte Arthure," is said to be the same as Winchester. Ritson supposes it to be <i>Caer-went</i>, in Monmouthshire, and afterwards confounded with <i>Caer-wynt</i>, or <i>Winchester</i>. @@ -11413,8 +11411,8 @@ 65 </td> <td> - <i> Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte</i>.<br /> - Christmas celebrated anew, mentioned full often.<br /> Sir + <i> Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte</i>.<br > + Christmas celebrated anew, mentioned full often.<br > Sir F. Madden leaves the word <i>nayted</i> unexplained in his Glossary to "Syr Gawayne." </td> @@ -11467,10 +11465,10 @@ </td> <td> <i> As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor - lote3<br /> in hy3e</i>.<br /> + lote3<br > in hy3e</i>.<br > As all were fallen asleep so ceased their - words<br /> in haste - (suddenly).<br /> Sir F. Madden reads <i>slaked horlote3</i>, instead + words<br > in haste + (suddenly).<br > Sir F. Madden reads <i>slaked horlote3</i>, instead of <i>slaked hor lote3</i>, which, according to his glossary, signifies drunken vagabonds. He evidently takes <i>horlote3</i> to be another (and a very uncommon) form of <i>harlote3</i> = <i>harlots</i>. @@ -11478,9 +11476,9 @@ apply to the noble <i>Knights of the Round Table</i>. Moreover, <i>slaked</i> never, I think, means drunken. The general sense of the verb <i>slake</i> is to let loose, lessen, cease. Cf. lines 411-2, where <i>sloke</i>, - another form of <i>slake</i>, occurs with a similar meaning:<br /> - — <i>layt no fyrre; bot slokes</i>.<br /> - — seek no further, but stop (cease).<br /> + another form of <i>slake</i>, occurs with a similar meaning:<br > + — <i>layt no fyrre; bot slokes</i>.<br > + — seek no further, but stop (cease).<br > Sir F. Madden suggests <i>blows</i> as the explanation of <i>slokes</i>. It is, however, a <i>verb</i> in the imperative mood. </td> @@ -11499,8 +11497,8 @@ </td> <td> <i>barlay</i> = par loi. This word is exceedingly common in the T. - Book (see l. 3391).<br /> I bid you now, - <i>barlay</i>, with besines at all<br /> Þat ye + Book (see l. 3391).<br > I bid you now, + <i>barlay</i>, with besines at all<br > Þat ye set you most soverainly my suster to gete.—T.B. l. 2780. </td> </tr> @@ -11537,11 +11535,11 @@ 577 </td> <td> - <i>knaged</i>, fastened.<br /> The braunches - were borly, sum of bright gold,<br /> With - leuys full luffly, light of the same;<br /> With - burions aboue bright to beholde;<br /> And - fruit on yt fourmyt of fairest of shap,<br /> Of + <i>knaged</i>, fastened.<br > The braunches + were borly, sum of bright gold,<br > With + leuys full luffly, light of the same;<br > With + burions aboue bright to beholde;<br > And + fruit on yt fourmyt of fairest of shap,<br > Of mony kynd that was knyt, <i>knagged</i> aboue.—T.B. l. 4973. </td> </tr> @@ -11550,8 +11548,8 @@ 629 </td> <td> - <i>& ay quere hit is endele3</i>, etc.<br /> - And everywhere it is <i>endless</i>, etc.<br /> + <i>& ay quere hit is endele3</i>, etc.<br > + And everywhere it is <i>endless</i>, etc.<br > Sir F. Madden reads <i>emdele3</i>, i.e. with equal sides. </td> </tr> @@ -11594,7 +11592,7 @@ </td> <td> <i> Þat oþer wyth a gorger wat3 gered ouer þe - swyre</i>.<br /> The <i>gorger</i> or <i>wimple</i> is stated first to + swyre</i>.<br > The <i>gorger</i> or <i>wimple</i> is stated first to have appeared in Edward the First's reign, and an example is found on the monument of Aveline, Countess of Lancaster, who died in 1269. From the poem, however, it would seem that the <i>gorger</i> was confined @@ -11606,9 +11604,9 @@ 968 </td> <td> - <i>More lykker-wys on to lyk,<br /> Wat3 - þat scho had on lode.</i><br /> A more pleasant - one to like,<br /> Was that (one) she had under + <i>More lykker-wys on to lyk,<br > Wat3 + þat scho had on lode.</i><br > A more pleasant + one to like,<br > Was that (one) she had under her control. </td> </tr> @@ -11670,8 +11668,8 @@ </td> <td> <i>I nolde, bot if I hit negh my3t on nw3eres - morne,</i><br /> <i>For alle þe londe in-wyth - Logres,</i> etc.<br /> I would not [delay to set out], unless I might + morne,</i><br > <i>For alle þe londe in-wyth + Logres,</i> etc.<br > I would not [delay to set out], unless I might approach it on New Year's morn, for all the lands within England, etc. </td> </tr> @@ -11689,13 +11687,13 @@ 1160 </td> <td> - <i>slentyng of arwes</i>. Sir F. Madden reads <i>sleutyng</i>.<br /> + <i>slentyng of arwes</i>. Sir F. Madden reads <i>sleutyng</i>.<br > "Of drawyn swordis <i>sclentyng</i> to and - fra,<br /> The brycht mettale, and othir - armouris seir,<br /> Quharon the sonnys blenkis - betis cleir,<br /> Glitteris and schane, and - vnder bemys brycht,<br /> Castis ane new - twynklyng or a lemand lycht."<br /> (G. + fra,<br > The brycht mettale, and othir + armouris seir,<br > Quharon the sonnys blenkis + betis cleir,<br > Glitteris and schane, and + vnder bemys brycht,<br > Castis ane new + twynklyng or a lemand lycht."<br > (G. Douglas' Æneid, Vol. i, p. 421.) </td> </tr> @@ -11713,8 +11711,8 @@ </td> <td> <i>Þa3 I were burde bry3test, þe burde in - mynde hade</i>, etc.<br /> The sense requires us to read:<br /> <i>Þa3 - ho were burde bry3test, þe burne in mynde hade</i>, etc.<br /> i.e., + mynde hade</i>, etc.<br > The sense requires us to read:<br > <i>Þa3 + ho were burde bry3test, þe burne in mynde hade</i>, etc.<br > i.e., Though she were lady fairest, the knight in mind had, etc. </td> </tr> @@ -11724,15 +11722,15 @@ </td> <td> <i>Long sythen [seuered] for þe sounder þat - wi3t for-olde</i><br /> Long since separated from the <i>sounder</i> or - herd that fierce (one) for-aged (grew very old).<br /> "Now - to speke of the boore, the fyrste year he is<br /> A - pygge of the <i>sounder</i> callyd, as haue I blys;<br /> The - secounde yere an hogge, and soo shall he be,<br /> And - an hoggestere, whan he is of yeres thre;<br /> And - when he is foure yere, a boor shall he be,<br /> From - the <i>sounder</i> of the swyne thenne departyth he;<br /> A - synguler is he soo, for alone he woll go."<br /> (Book + wi3t for-olde</i><br > Long since separated from the <i>sounder</i> or + herd that fierce (one) for-aged (grew very old).<br > "Now + to speke of the boore, the fyrste year he is<br > A + pygge of the <i>sounder</i> callyd, as haue I blys;<br > The + secounde yere an hogge, and soo shall he be,<br > And + an hoggestere, whan he is of yeres thre;<br > And + when he is foure yere, a boor shall he be,<br > From + the <i>sounder</i> of the swyne thenne departyth he;<br > A + synguler is he soo, for alone he woll go."<br > (Book of St. Alban's, ed. 1496, sig. <i>d</i>., i.) </td> </tr> @@ -11741,9 +11739,9 @@ 1476 </td> <td> - <i>totes</i> = looks, toots.<br /> Sho went up - wightly by a walle syde.<br /> To the toppe of - a toure and <i>tot</i> ouer the water.—T.B. l. 862.<br /> + <i>totes</i> = looks, toots.<br > Sho went up + wightly by a walle syde.<br > To the toppe of + a toure and <i>tot</i> ouer the water.—T.B. l. 862.<br > </td> </tr> <tr> @@ -11759,8 +11757,8 @@ 1702 </td> <td> - <i>fnasted</i>, breathed.<br /> These balfull - bestes were, as the boke tellus,<br /> Full + <i>fnasted</i>, breathed.<br > These balfull + bestes were, as the boke tellus,<br > Full flaumond of fyre with <i>fnastyng</i> of logh.—T.B. l. 168. </td> </tr> @@ -11786,9 +11784,9 @@ 1719 </td> <td> - <i>Thenne wat3 hit lif vpon list</i>, etc.<br /> - Should we not read:<br /> <i>Thenne wat3 hit - list vpon lif</i>, etc.<br /> i.e., Then was there joy in life, etc. + <i>Thenne wat3 hit lif vpon list</i>, etc.<br > + Should we not read:<br > <i>Thenne wat3 hit + list vpon lif</i>, etc.<br > i.e., Then was there joy in life, etc. </td> </tr> <tr> @@ -11804,14 +11802,14 @@ 1869 </td> <td> - <i>Ho hat3 kyst þe kny3t so to3t</i>.<br /> - <i>She has kissed the knight so courteous</i>.<br /> Sir F. + <i>Ho hat3 kyst þe kny3t so to3t</i>.<br > + <i>She has kissed the knight so courteous</i>.<br > Sir F. Madden explains <i>to3t</i>, promptly. <i>To3t</i> seems to be the same as the Northumbrian <i>taght</i> in the following extract from - the "Morte Arthure":<br /> "There come in at - the fyrste course, before the kyng seluene,<br /> Bare - hevedys that ware bryghte, burnyste with sylver,<br /> Alle - with <i>taghte</i> mene and <i>towne</i> in togers fulle ryche."—(p. 15.)<br /> + the "Morte Arthure":<br > "There come in at + the fyrste course, before the kyng seluene,<br > Bare + hevedys that ware bryghte, burnyste with sylver,<br > Alle + with <i>taghte</i> mene and <i>towne</i> in togers fulle ryche."—(p. 15.)<br > The word <i>towne</i> (well-behaved) still exists in <i>wan-ton</i>, the original meaning of which was ill-mannered, ill-bred. </td> @@ -11846,7 +11844,7 @@ 2167 </td> <td> - <i>Þe skwe3 of þe scowtes skayued hym þo3t</i>.<br /> + <i>Þe skwe3 of þe scowtes skayued hym þo3t</i>.<br > The shadows of the hills appeared wild (desolate) to him. Sir F. Madden reads <i>skayned</i>, of which he gives no explanation. <i>Skayued</i> = <i>skayfed</i>, seems to be the N. Prov. English <i>scafe</i>, wild. @@ -11867,7 +11865,7 @@ 2211 </td> <td> - <i>Drede dot3 me no lote</i> =<br /> No + <i>Drede dot3 me no lote</i> =<br > No noise shall cause me to dread (fear). </td> </tr> @@ -11876,8 +11874,8 @@ 2357 </td> <td> - <i>& þer-for þat tappe ta þe</i>.<br /> - And therefore take thee that tap.<br /> <i>ta + <i>& þer-for þat tappe ta þe</i>.<br > + And therefore take thee that tap.<br > <i>ta þe</i> = take thee. Sir F. Madden reads <i>taþe = taketh</i>. See l. 413, where <i>to þe</i> rhymes with <i>sothe</i>. We have no imperatives in <i>th</i> in this poem. @@ -11911,7 +11909,7 @@ </tr> </table> <p> - <a name="yogh" id="yogh"> </a> + <a id="yogh"> </a> </p> <h1> Sir Gawayne @@ -11965,11 +11963,11 @@ <h5> MDCCCLXIV. </h5> - <hr /> + <hr > <h5> JOHN CHILDS AND SON, PRINTERS. </h5> - <hr /> + <hr > <h2> PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. </h2> @@ -12018,7 +12016,7 @@ the Early English Text Society any of his works which it may determine to re-edit.] </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <h2> INTRODUCTION. </h2> @@ -12941,7 +12939,7 @@ a large circle of readers many an equally interesting record of Early English minds. </p> - <hr /> + <hr > <h2> SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYȜT. </h2> @@ -12953,7 +12951,7 @@ </h2> <div class="poem"> <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 91<i>a</i>.]<br />After the siege of Troy</span> + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 91<i>a</i>.]<br >After the siege of Troy</span> <p> Siþen þe sege & þe assaut watȝ sesed at Troye, </p> @@ -13470,7 +13468,7 @@ Now wyl I of hor seruise say yow no more, </p> <p> - For veh wyȝe may wel wit no wont þat þ<i>er</i> were; + For vch wyȝe may wel wit no wont þat þ<i>er</i> were; </p> <span class="sidenote">Scarcely had the first course commenced,</span> <span class="linenum">132</span> @@ -13950,7 +13948,7 @@ <p> & sayde, "wyȝe, welcu<i>m</i> iwys to þis place, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 94<i>b</i>.]<br />bids him welcome, and + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 94<i>b</i>.]<br >bids him welcome, and invites him to stay awhile.</span> <p> Þe hede of þis ostel Artho<i>ur</i> I hat, @@ -15327,7 +15325,7 @@ </h2> <div class="poem"> <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 99<i>a</i>.]<br />Thus arrayed the knight + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 99<i>a</i>.]<br >Thus arrayed the knight hears mass,</span> <p> When he watȝ hasped i<i>n</i> armes, his harnays watȝ ryche, @@ -15781,7 +15779,7 @@ <p> I<i>n</i> þe wyldrenesse of Wyrale; wonde þer bot lyte </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 100<i>b</i>]<br />There he finds but few + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 100<i>b</i>]<br >There he finds but few that loved God or man.</span> <p> Þat auþ<i>er</i> God oþ<i>er</i> gome wyth goud hert louied. @@ -16387,7 +16385,7 @@ <p> To lede a lortschyp i<i>n</i> lee of leudeȝ ful gode. </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 102<i>b</i>.]<br />The lord leads Gawayne to + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 102<i>b</i>.]<br >The lord leads Gawayne to a chamber, and assigns him a page to wait upon him.</span> <p> Þe lorde hy<i>m</i> charred to a chambre, & chefly cu<i>m</i>au<i>n</i>deȝ<sup>2</sup> @@ -16835,7 +16833,7 @@ <p> Toret & treieted w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> tryfleȝ aboute, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 104.]<br />nose, and naked lips, all sour + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 104.]<br >nose, and naked lips, all sour and bleared.</span> <p> Þat noȝt watȝ bare of þat burde bot þe blake broȝes. @@ -17907,7 +17905,7 @@ <p> I schulde keu<i>er</i> þe more comfort to karp yow wyth." </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 107b]<br />"Nay, beau sir," said that sweet + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 107b]<br >"Nay, beau sir," said that sweet one,</span> <p> "Nay, for soþe, beau s<i>ir</i>," sayd þat swete, @@ -18376,7 +18374,7 @@ <p> Þe<i>n</i> brek þay þe bale, þe baleȝ out token, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 109.]<br />and take out the bowels.</span> + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 109.]<br >and take out the bowels.</span> <p> Lystily forlancy<i>n</i>g, & bere of þe knot; </p> @@ -18529,7 +18527,7 @@ </h2> <div class="poem"> <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 109<i>b</i>.]<br />The lord commands all his + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 109<i>b</i>.]<br >The lord commands all his household to assemble,</span> <span class="linenum">1372</span> <p> The<i>n</i>ne comau<i>n</i>ded þe lorde i<i>n</i> þ<i>a</i>t sale to @@ -19921,7 +19919,7 @@ <p> Hamlou<i>n</i>eȝ, & herkeneȝ, bi heggeȝ ful ofte; </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 114.]<br />The fox at last leaps over a + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 114.]<br >The fox at last leaps over a spinny,</span> <p> At þe last bi a littel dich he lepeȝ ou<i>er</i> a spe<i>n</i>né, @@ -20080,7 +20078,7 @@ <p class="i4"> "A! mon, how may þ<i>o</i>u slepe, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 114<i>b</i>.]<br />this morning is so + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 114<i>b</i>.]<br >this morning is so clear?"</span> <p class="i4"> Þis morni<i>n</i>g is so clere?" @@ -21326,7 +21324,7 @@ </h2> <div class="poem"> <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 118<i>b</i>.]<br />Then was Gringolet + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 118<i>b</i>.]<br >Then was Gringolet arrayed,</span> <p> The<i>n</i>ne watȝ Gryngolet grayþe, þat gret watȝ & @@ -21634,7 +21632,7 @@ <p> & I schal hyȝ me hom aȝayn, & hete yow fyrre, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 119<i>b</i>.]<br />I swear by God and all + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 119<i>b</i>.]<br >I swear by God and all His saints, that I will never say that ever ye attempted to flee from any man."</span> <p> @@ -21797,7 +21795,7 @@ </h2> <div class="poem"> <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 120.]<br />Then he pursues his journey,</span> + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 120.]<br >Then he pursues his journey,</span> <span class="linenum">2160</span> <p> The<i>n</i>ne gyrdeȝ he to Gryngolet, & gedereȝ þe rake, @@ -22103,7 +22101,7 @@ <p class="i8"> on snawe. </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 121.]<br />He meets Sir Gawayne without + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 121.]<br >He meets Sir Gawayne without obeisance.</span> <p class="i4"> S<i>ir</i> Gawayn þe knyȝt con mete. @@ -22266,7 +22264,7 @@ <p> Þat neu<i>er</i> arȝed for no here, by hylle ne be vale, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 121<i>b</i>.]<br />for thou fleest for fear + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 121<i>b</i>.]<br >for thou fleest for fear before thou feelest harm.</span> <span class="linenum">2272</span> <p> & now þ<i>o</i>u fles for ferde, er þ<i>o</i>u fele harmeȝ; @@ -22425,7 +22423,7 @@ <p> He lyftes lyȝtly his lome, & let hit dou<i>n</i> fayre, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 122.]<br />neck of Sir Gawayne.</span> + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 122.]<br >neck of Sir Gawayne.</span> <p> W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe barbe of þe bitte bi þe bare nek </p> @@ -22575,7 +22573,7 @@ <p> & roue þe wyth no rof, sore w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> ryȝt I þe p<i>ro</i>fered, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 122<i>b</i>.]<br /> between us on the first + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 122<i>b</i>.]<br > between us on the first night.</span> <p> For þe forwarde that we fest i<i>n</i> þe fyrst nyȝt, @@ -22730,7 +22728,7 @@ <p class="i8"> & care! </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 123.]<br /></span> + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 123.]<br ></span> <p class="i4"> I bi-knowe yow, knyȝt, here stylle, </p> @@ -23046,7 +23044,7 @@ <p> Ho wayned me þis wonder, yo<i>ur</i> wytteȝ to reue, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 124.]<br />hoping to grieve Guenever and + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 124.]<br >hoping to grieve Guenever and cause her death through fear.</span> <span class="linenum">2460</span> <p> For to haf greued Gayno<i>ur</i>, & gart hir to dyȝe. @@ -23195,7 +23193,7 @@ <p> Þe chau<i>n</i>ce of þe chapel, þe chere of þe knyȝt, </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 124<i>b</i>.]<br />the love of the lady, and + <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 124<i>b</i>.]<br >the love of the lady, and lastly of the lace.</span> <p> Þe luf of þe ladi, þe lace at þe last. @@ -23333,19 +23331,19 @@ </p> </div> </div> - <hr /> + <hr > <p> NOTES. </p> - <table border="0"> + <table style="border: none;"> <tr> <td> Line 8 </td> <td> - Ricchis turns, goes,<br /> The - king ...<br /> <i>Ricchis</i> his reynys and the Renke - metys:<br /> Girden to gedur with þere grete speires.—T.B. + Ricchis turns, goes,<br > The + king ...<br > <i>Ricchis</i> his reynys and the Renke + metys:<br > Girden to gedur with þere grete speires.—T.B. l. 1232. </td> </tr> @@ -23354,7 +23352,7 @@ 37 </td> <td> - <i> Þis kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse</i>.<br /> + <i> Þis kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse</i>.<br > <i>Camalot</i>, in Malory's "Morte Arthure," is said to be the same as Winchester. Ritson supposes it to be <i>Caer-went</i>, in Monmouthshire, and afterwards confounded with <i>Caer-wynt</i>, or <i>Winchester</i>. @@ -23368,8 +23366,8 @@ 65 </td> <td> - <i> Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte</i>.<br /> - Christmas celebrated anew, mentioned full often.<br /> Sir + <i> Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte</i>.<br > + Christmas celebrated anew, mentioned full often.<br > Sir F. Madden leaves the word <i>nayted</i> unexplained in his Glossary to "Syr Gawayne." </td> @@ -23423,10 +23421,10 @@ </td> <td> <i> As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor - loteȝ<br /> in hyȝe</i>.<br /> + loteȝ<br > in hyȝe</i>.<br > As all were fallen asleep so ceased their - words<br /> in haste - (suddenly).<br /> Sir F. Madden reads <i>slaked horloteȝ</i>, + words<br > in haste + (suddenly).<br > Sir F. Madden reads <i>slaked horloteȝ</i>, instead of <i>slaked hor loteȝ</i>, which, according to his glossary, signifies drunken vagabonds. He evidently takes <i>horloteȝ</i> to be another (and a very uncommon) form of <i>harloteȝ</i> = <i>harlots</i>. @@ -23434,9 +23432,9 @@ apply to the noble <i>Knights of the Round Table</i>. Moreover, <i>slaked</i> never, I think, means drunken. The general sense of the verb <i>slake</i> is to let loose, lessen, cease. Cf. lines 411-2, where <i>sloke</i>, - another form of <i>slake</i>, occurs with a similar meaning:<br /> - — <i>layt no fyrre; bot slokes</i>.<br /> - — seek no further, but stop (cease).<br /> + another form of <i>slake</i>, occurs with a similar meaning:<br > + — <i>layt no fyrre; bot slokes</i>.<br > + — seek no further, but stop (cease).<br > Sir F. Madden suggests <i>blows</i> as the explanation of <i>slokes</i>. It is, however, a <i>verb</i> in the imperative mood. </td> @@ -23455,8 +23453,8 @@ </td> <td> <i>barlay</i> = par loi. This word is exceedingly common in the T. - Book (see l. 3391).<br /> I bid you now, - <i>barlay</i>, with besines at all<br /> Þat ye + Book (see l. 3391).<br > I bid you now, + <i>barlay</i>, with besines at all<br > Þat ye set you most soverainly my suster to gete.—T.B. l. 2780. </td> </tr> @@ -23493,11 +23491,11 @@ 577 </td> <td> - <i>knaged</i>, fastened.<br /> The braunches - were borly, sum of bright gold,<br /> With - leuys full luffly, light of the same;<br /> With - burions aboue bright to beholde;<br /> And - fruit on yt fourmyt of fairest of shap,<br /> Of + <i>knaged</i>, fastened.<br > The braunches + were borly, sum of bright gold,<br > With + leuys full luffly, light of the same;<br > With + burions aboue bright to beholde;<br > And + fruit on yt fourmyt of fairest of shap,<br > Of mony kynd that was knyt, <i>knagged</i> aboue.—T.B. l. 4973. </td> </tr> @@ -23507,8 +23505,8 @@ </td> <td> <i>& ay quere hit is endeleȝ</i>, - etc.<br /> And everywhere it is <i>endless</i>, - etc.<br /> Sir F. Madden reads <i>emdeleȝ</i>, i.e. with equal + etc.<br > And everywhere it is <i>endless</i>, + etc.<br > Sir F. Madden reads <i>emdeleȝ</i>, i.e. with equal sides. </td> </tr> @@ -23551,7 +23549,7 @@ </td> <td> <i> Þat oþer wyth a gorger watȝ gered ouer - þe swyre</i>.<br /> The <i>gorger</i> or <i>wimple</i> is stated first + þe swyre</i>.<br > The <i>gorger</i> or <i>wimple</i> is stated first to have appeared in Edward the First's reign, and an example is found on the monument of Aveline, Countess of Lancaster, who died in 1269. From the poem, however, it would seem that the <i>gorger</i> was @@ -23563,9 +23561,9 @@ 968 </td> <td> - <i>More lykker-wys on to lyk,<br /> Watȝ - þat scho had on lode.</i><br /> A more pleasant - one to like,<br /> Was that (one) she had under + <i>More lykker-wys on to lyk,<br > Watȝ + þat scho had on lode.</i><br > A more pleasant + one to like,<br > Was that (one) she had under her control. </td> </tr> @@ -23627,8 +23625,8 @@ </td> <td> <i>I nolde, bot if I hit negh myȝt on nwȝeres - morne,</i><br /> <i>For alle þe londe in-wyth - Logres,</i> etc.<br /> I would not [delay to set out], unless I might + morne,</i><br > <i>For alle þe londe in-wyth + Logres,</i> etc.<br > I would not [delay to set out], unless I might approach it on New Year's morn, for all the lands within England, etc. </td> </tr> @@ -23646,13 +23644,13 @@ 1160 </td> <td> - <i>slentyng of arwes</i>. Sir F. Madden reads <i>sleutyng</i>.<br /> + <i>slentyng of arwes</i>. Sir F. Madden reads <i>sleutyng</i>.<br > "Of drawyn swordis <i>sclentyng</i> to and - fra,<br /> The brycht mettale, and othir - armouris seir,<br /> Quharon the sonnys blenkis - betis cleir,<br /> Glitteris and schane, and - vnder bemys brycht,<br /> Castis ane new - twynklyng or a lemand lycht."<br /> (G. + fra,<br > The brycht mettale, and othir + armouris seir,<br > Quharon the sonnys blenkis + betis cleir,<br > Glitteris and schane, and + vnder bemys brycht,<br > Castis ane new + twynklyng or a lemand lycht."<br > (G. Douglas' Æneid, Vol. i, p. 421.) </td> </tr> @@ -23670,9 +23668,9 @@ </td> <td> <i>Þaȝ I were burde bryȝtest, þe - burde in mynde hade</i>, etc.<br /> The sense requires us to read:<br /> + burde in mynde hade</i>, etc.<br > The sense requires us to read:<br > <i>Þaȝ ho were burde bryȝtest, þe - burne in mynde hade</i>, etc.<br /> i.e., Though she were lady fairest, + burne in mynde hade</i>, etc.<br > i.e., Though she were lady fairest, the knight in mind had, etc. </td> </tr> @@ -23682,15 +23680,15 @@ </td> <td> <i>Long sythen [seuered] for þe sounder þat wiȝt - for-olde</i><br /> Long since separated from the <i>sounder</i> or herd - that fierce (one) for-aged (grew very old).<br /> "Now - to speke of the boore, the fyrste year he is<br /> A - pygge of the <i>sounder</i> callyd, as haue I blys;<br /> The - secounde yere an hogge, and soo shall he be,<br /> And - an hoggestere, whan he is of yeres thre;<br /> And - when he is foure yere, a boor shall he be,<br /> From - the <i>sounder</i> of the swyne thenne departyth he;<br /> A - synguler is he soo, for alone he woll go."<br /> (Book + for-olde</i><br > Long since separated from the <i>sounder</i> or herd + that fierce (one) for-aged (grew very old).<br > "Now + to speke of the boore, the fyrste year he is<br > A + pygge of the <i>sounder</i> callyd, as haue I blys;<br > The + secounde yere an hogge, and soo shall he be,<br > And + an hoggestere, whan he is of yeres thre;<br > And + when he is foure yere, a boor shall he be,<br > From + the <i>sounder</i> of the swyne thenne departyth he;<br > A + synguler is he soo, for alone he woll go."<br > (Book of St. Alban's, ed. 1496, sig. <i>d</i>., i.) </td> </tr> @@ -23699,9 +23697,9 @@ 1476 </td> <td> - <i>totes</i> = looks, toots.<br /> Sho went up - wightly by a walle syde.<br /> To the toppe of - a toure and <i>tot</i> ouer the water.—T.B. l. 862.<br /> + <i>totes</i> = looks, toots.<br > Sho went up + wightly by a walle syde.<br > To the toppe of + a toure and <i>tot</i> ouer the water.—T.B. l. 862.<br > </td> </tr> <tr> @@ -23717,8 +23715,8 @@ 1702 </td> <td> - <i>fnasted</i>, breathed.<br /> These balfull - bestes were, as the boke tellus,<br /> Full + <i>fnasted</i>, breathed.<br > These balfull + bestes were, as the boke tellus,<br > Full flaumond of fyre with <i>fnastyng</i> of logh.—T.B. l. 168. </td> </tr> @@ -23745,8 +23743,8 @@ </td> <td> <i>Thenne watȝ hit lif vpon list</i>, - etc.<br /> Should we not read:<br /> <i>Thenne - watȝ hit list vpon lif</i>, etc.<br /> i.e., Then was there joy in + etc.<br > Should we not read:<br > <i>Thenne + watȝ hit list vpon lif</i>, etc.<br > i.e., Then was there joy in life, etc. </td> </tr> @@ -23763,14 +23761,14 @@ 1869 </td> <td> - <i>Ho hatȝ kyst þe knyȝt so toȝt</i>.<br /> - <i>She has kissed the knight so courteous</i>.<br /> Sir F. + <i>Ho hatȝ kyst þe knyȝt so toȝt</i>.<br > + <i>She has kissed the knight so courteous</i>.<br > Sir F. Madden explains <i>toȝt</i>, promptly. <i>Toȝt</i> seems to be the same as the Northumbrian <i>taght</i> in the following extract - from the "Morte Arthure":<br /> "There come in - at the fyrste course, before the kyng seluene,<br /> Bare - hevedys that ware bryghte, burnyste with sylver,<br /> Alle - with <i>taghte</i> mene and <i>towne</i> in togers fulle ryche."—(p. 15.)<br /> + from the "Morte Arthure":<br > "There come in + at the fyrste course, before the kyng seluene,<br > Bare + hevedys that ware bryghte, burnyste with sylver,<br > Alle + with <i>taghte</i> mene and <i>towne</i> in togers fulle ryche."—(p. 15.)<br > The word <i>towne</i> (well-behaved) still exists in <i>wan-ton</i>, the original meaning of which was ill-mannered, ill-bred. </td> @@ -23806,7 +23804,7 @@ 2167 </td> <td> - <i>Þe skweȝ of þe scowtes skayued hym þoȝt</i>.<br /> + <i>Þe skweȝ of þe scowtes skayued hym þoȝt</i>.<br > The shadows of the hills appeared wild (desolate) to him. Sir F. Madden reads <i>skayned</i>, of which he gives no explanation. <i>Skayued</i> = <i>skayfed</i>, seems to be the N. Prov. English <i>scafe</i>, wild. @@ -23827,7 +23825,7 @@ 2211 </td> <td> - <i>Drede dotȝ me no lote</i> =<br /> + <i>Drede dotȝ me no lote</i> =<br > No noise shall cause me to dread (fear). </td> </tr> @@ -23836,8 +23834,8 @@ 2357 </td> <td> - <i>& þer-for þat tappe ta þe</i>.<br /> - And therefore take thee that tap.<br /> <i>ta + <i>& þer-for þat tappe ta þe</i>.<br > + And therefore take thee that tap.<br > <i>ta þe</i> = take thee. Sir F. Madden reads <i>taþe = taketh</i>. See l. 413, where <i>to þe</i> rhymes with <i>sothe</i>. We have no imperatives in <i>th</i> in this poem. diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt index 6312041..b5dba15 100644 --- a/LICENSE.txt +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -1,4 +1,4 @@ -This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +This book, including all associated images, markup, improvements, metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. @@ -7,5 +7,5 @@ the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize -this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +this book outside of the United States should confirm copyright status under the laws that apply to them. @@ -1,2 +1,2 @@ Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for -eBook #14568 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14568) +book #14568 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14568) diff --git a/old/14568-0.txt b/old/14568-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 929bc39..0000000 --- a/old/14568-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5329 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Sir Gawayne and the Green Knight - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Sir Gawayne and the Green Knight - An Alliterative Romance-Poem (c. 1360 A.D.) - -Author: Anonymous - -Release Date: January 3, 2005 [eBook #14568] -[Most recently updated: April 22, 2021] - -Language: English, Middle (1100-1500) - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Ted Garvin, Keith Edkins and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team and David Widger - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SIR GAWAYNE AND THE GREEN KNIGHT *** - - - - -Sir Gawayne - -and - -The Green Knight: - - -AN ALLITERATIVE ROMANCE-POEM, -(AB. 1360 A.D.) - - -BY THE AUTHOR OF -"EARLY ENGLISH ALLITERATIVE POEMS." - - -RE-EDITED FROM COTTON. MS. NERO, A.x., IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM, -BY -RICHARD MORRIS, -EDITOR OF HAMPOLE'S "PRICKE OF CONSCIENCE," -"EARLY ENGLISH ALLITERATIVE POEMS," ETC.; -MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL OF THE PHILOLOGICAL SOCIETY. - - -SECOND EDITION, REVISED, 1869. - -LONDON -MDCCCLXIV. - -JOHN CHILDS AND SON, PRINTERS. - - - * * * * * - -PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. - -In re-editing the present romance-poem I have been saved all labour of -transcription by using the very accurate text contained in Sir F. Madden's -"Syr Gawayne." - -I have not only read his copy with the manuscript, but also the -proof-sheets as they came to hand, hoping by this means to give the reader -a text free from any errors of transcription. - -The present edition differs from that of the earlier one in having the -contractions of the manuscript expanded and side-notes added to the text to -enable the reader to follow with some degree of ease the author's pleasant -narrative of Sir Gawayne's adventures. - -The Glossary is taken from Sir F. Madden's "Syr Gawayne,"[1] to which, for -the better interpretation of the text, I have made several additions, and -have, moreover, glossed nearly all the words previously left unexplained. - -For a description of the Manuscript, and particulars relating to the -authorship and dialect of the present work, the reader is referred to the -preface to Early English Alliterative Poems. - -R.M. - - LONDON, - December 22, 1864. - - [Footnote 1: Sir F. Madden has most generously placed at the disposal of - the Early English Text Society any of his works which it may determine to - re-edit.] - - * * * * * - -INTRODUCTION. - -No Knight of the Round Table has been so highly honoured by the old -Romance-writers as Sir Gawayne, the son of Loth, and nephew to the renowned -Arthur. They delighted to describe him as Gawayne the good, a man matchless -on mould, the most gracious that under God lived, the hardiest of hand, the -most fortunate in arms, and the most polite in hall, whose knowledge, -knighthood, kindly works, doings, doughtiness, and deeds of arms were known -in all lands. - -When Arthur beheld the dead body of his kinsman lying on the ground bathed -in blood, he is said to have exclaimed, "O righteous God, this blood were -worthy to be preserved and enshrined in gold!" Our author, too, loves to -speak of his hero in similar terms of praise, calling him the knight -faultless in his five wits, void of every offence, and adorned with every -earthly virtue. He represents him as one whose trust was in the five -wounds, and in whom the five virtues which distinguished the true knight -were more firmly established than in any other on earth. - -The author of the present story, who, as we know from his religious poems, -had an utter horror of moral impurity, could have chosen no better subject -for a romance in which amusement and moral instruction were to be combined. -In the following tale he shows how the true knight, though tempted sorely -not once alone, but twice, nay thrice, breaks not his vow of chastity, but -turns aside the tempter's shafts with the shield of purity and arm of -faith, and so passes scatheless through the perilous defile of trial and -opportunity seeming safe. - -But while our author has borrowed many of the details of his story from the -"Roman de Perceval" by Chrestien de Troyes, he has made the narrative more -attractive by the introduction of several original and highly interesting -passages which throw light on the manners and amusements of our ancestors. - -The following elaborate descriptions are well deserving of especial -notice:-- - - I. The mode of completely arming a knight (ll. 568-589). - - II. The hunting and breaking the deer (ll. 1126-1359). - - III. The hunting and unlacing the wild boar (ll. 1412-1614). - - IV. A fox hunt (ll. 1675-1921). - -The following is an outline of the story of Gawayne's adventures, more or -less in the words of the writer himself:-- - - Arthur, the greatest of Britain's kings, holds the Christmas festival - at Camelot, surrounded by the celebrated knights of the Round Table, - noble lords, the most renowned under heaven, and ladies the loveliest - that ever had life (ll. 37-57). This noble company celebrate the New - Year by a religious service, by the bestowal of gifts, and the most - joyous mirth. Lords and ladies take their seats at the table--Queen - Guenever, the grey-eyed, gaily dressed, sits at the daïs, the high - table, or table of state, where too sat Gawayne and Ywain together with - other worthies of the Round Table (ll. 58-84, 107-115). Arthur, in mood - as joyful as a child, his blood young and his brain wild, declares that - he will not eat nor sit long at the table until some adventurous thing, - some uncouth tale, some great marvel, or some encounter of arms has - occurred to mark the return of the New Year (ll. 85-106). - - The first course was announced with cracking of trumpets, with the - noise of nakers and noble pipes. - - "Each two had dishes twelve, - Good beer and bright wine both." - - Scarcely was the first course served when another noise than that of - music was heard. There rushes in at the hall-door a knight of gigantic - stature--the greatest on earth--in measure high. He was clothed - entirely in green, and rode upon a green foal (ll. 116-178). Fair wavy - hair fell about the shoulders of the Green Knight, and a great beard - like a bush hung upon his breast (ll. 179-202). - - The knight carried no helmet, shield, or spear, but in one hand a holly - bough, and in the other an axe "huge and unmeet," the edge of which was - as keen as a sharp razor (ll. 203-220). Thus arrayed, the Green Knight - enters the hall without saluting any one. The first word that he - uttered was, "Where is the govenour of this gang? gladly would I see - him and with himself speak reason." To the knights he cast his eye, - looking for the most renowned. Much did the noble assembly marvel to - see a man and a horse of such a hue, green as the grass. Even greener - they seemed than green enamel on bright gold. Many marvels had they - seen, but none such as this. They were afraid to answer, but sat - stone-still in a dead silence, as if overpowered by sleep; - - "Not all from fear, but some for courtesy" (ll. 221-249). - - Then Arthur before the high daïs salutes the Green Knight, bids him - welcome, and entreats him to stay awhile at his Court. The knight says - that his errand is not to abide in any dwelling, but to seek the most - valiant of the heroes of the Round Table that he may put his courage to - the proof, and thus satisfy himself as to the fame of Arthur's court. - "I come," he says, "in peace, as ye may see by this branch that I bear - here. Had I come with hostile intentions, I should not have left my - hauberk, helmet, shield, sharp spear, and other weapons behind me. But - because I desire no war, 'my weeds are softer.' If thou be so bold as - all men say, thou wilt grant me the request I am about to make." "Sir - courteous knight," replies Arthur, "if thou cravest battle only, here - failest thou not to fight." "Nay," says the Green Knight, "I seek no - fighting. Here about on this bench are only beardless children. Were I - arrayed in arms on a high steed no man here would be a match for me - (ll. 250-282). But it is now Christmas time, and this is the New Year, - and I see around me many brave ones;--if any be so bold in his blood - that dare strike a stroke for another, I shall give him this rich axe - to do with it whatever he pleases. I shall abide the first blow just as - I sit, and will stand him a stroke, stiff on this floor, provided that - I deal him another in return. - - And yet give I him respite, - A twelvemonth and a day; - Now haste and let see tite (soon) - Dare any here-in ought say.'" - - If he astounded them at first, much more so did he after this speech, - and fear held them all silent. The knight, righting himself in his - saddle, rolls fiercely his red eyes about, bends his bristly green - brows, and strokes his beard awaiting a reply. But finding none that - would carp with him, he exclaims, "What! is this Arthur's house, the - fame of which has spread through so many realms? Forsooth, the renown - of the Round Table is overturned by the word of one man's speech, for - all tremble for dread without a blow being struck!" (ll. 283-313). With - this he laughed so loud that Arthur blushed for very shame, and waxed - as wroth as the wind. "I know no man," he says, "that is aghast at thy - great words. Give me now thy axe and I will grant thee thy request!" - Arthur seizes the axe, grasps the handle, and sternly brandishes it - about, while the Green Knight, with a stern cheer and a dry - countenance, stroking his beard and drawing down his coat, awaits the - blow (ll. 314-335). Sir Gawayne, the nephew of the king, beseeches his - uncle to let him undertake the encounter; and, at the earnest entreaty - of his nobles, Arthur consents "to give Gawayne the game" (ll. - 336-365). - - Sir Gawayne then takes possession of the axe, but, before the blow is - dealt, the Green Knight asks the name of his opponent. "In good faith," - answers the good knight, "Gawayne I am called, that bids thee to this - buffet, whatever may befall after, and at this time twelvemonth will - take from thee another, with whatever weapon thou wilt, and with no - wight else alive." "By Gog," quoth the Green Knight, "it pleases me - well that I shall receive at thy fist that which I have sought - here--moreover thou hast truly rehearsed the terms of the - covenant,--but thou shalt first pledge me thy word that thou wilt seek - me thyself, wheresoever on earth thou believest I may be found, and - fetch thee such wages as thou dealest me to-day before this company of - doughty ones." "Where should I seek thee?" replies Gawayne, "where is - thy place? I know not thee, thy court, or thy name. I wot not where - thou dwellest, but teach me thereto, tell me how thou art called, and I - shall endeavour to find thee,--and that I swear thee for truth and by - my sure troth." "That is enough in New Year," says the groom in green, - "if I tell thee when I have received the tap. When thou hast smitten - me, then smartly I will teach thee of my house, my home, and my own - name, so that thou mayest follow my track and fulfil the covenant - between us. If I spend no speech, then speedest thou the better, for - then mayest thou remain in thy own land and seek no further; but cease - thy talking[1] (ll. 366-412). Take now thy grim tool to thee and let us - see how thou knockest." "Gladly, sir, for sooth," quoth Gawayne, and - his axe he brandishes. - - [Footnote 1: This, I think, is the true explanation of slokes.] - - The Green Knight adjusts himself on the ground, bends slightly his - head, lays his long lovely locks over his crown, and lays bare his neck - for the blow. Gawayne then gripped the axe, and, raising it on high, - let it fall quickly upon the knight's neck and severed the head from - the body. The fair head fell from the neck to the earth, and many - turned it aside with their feet as it rolled forth. The blood burst - from the body, yet the knight never faltered nor fell; but boldly he - started forth on stiff shanks and fiercely rushed forward, seized his - head, and lifted it up quickly. Then he runs to his horse, the bridle - he catches, steps into his stirrups and strides aloft. His head by the - hair he holds in his hands, and sits as firmly in his saddle as if no - mishap had ailed him, though headless he was (ll. 413-439). He turned - his ugly trunk about--that ugly body that bled,--and holding the head - in his hand, he directed the face toward the "dearest on the dais." The - head lifted up its eyelids and looked abroad, and thus much spoke with - its mouth as ye may now hear: - - "Loke, Gawayne, thou be prompt to go as thou hast promised, and seek - till thou find me according to thy promise made in the hearing of these - knights. Get thee to the Green Chapel, I charge thee, to fetch such a - dint as thou hast dealt, to be returned on New Year's morn. As the - Knight of the Green Chapel I am known to many, wherefore if thou - seekest thou canst not fail to find me. Therefore come, or recreant be - called." With a fierce start the reins he turns, rushes out of the - hall-door, his head in his hand, so that the fire of the flint flew - from the hoofs of his foal. To what kingdom he belonged knew none - there, nor knew they from whence he had come. What then? - - "The king and Gawayne there - At that green (one) they laugh and grin." - - Though Arthur wondered much at the marvel, he let no one see that he - was at all troubled about it, but full loudly thus spake to his comely - queen with courteous speech: - - "Dear dame, to-day be never dismayed, well happens such craft at - Christmas time. I may now proceed to meat, for I cannot deny that I - have witnessed a wondrous adventure this day" (ll. 440-475). - - He looked upon Sir Gawayne and said, "Now, sir, hang up thine axe, for - enough has it hewn." So the weapon was hung up on high that all might - look upon it, and "by true title thereof tell the wonder." Then all the - knights hastened to their seats at the table, so did the king and our - good knight, and they were there served with all dainties, "with all - manner of meat and minstrelsy." - - Though words were wanting when they first to seat went, now are their - hands full of stern work, and the marvel affords them good subject for - conversation. But a year passes full quickly and never returns,--the - beginning is seldom like the end; wherefore this Christmas passed away - and the year after, and each season in turn followed after another (ll. - 476-520). Thus winter winds round again, and then Gawayne thinks of his - wearisome journey (ll. 521-535). On All-hallows day Arthur entertains - right nobly the lords and ladies of his court in honour of his nephew, - for whom all courteous knights and lovely ladies were in great grief. - Nevertheless they spoke only of mirth, and, though joyless themselves, - made many a joke to cheer the good Sir Gawayne (ll. 536-565). Early on - the morrow Sir Gawayne, with great ceremony, is arrayed in his armour - (ll. 566-589), and thus completely equipped for his adventure he first - hears mass, and afterwards takes leave of Arthur, the knights of the - Round Table, and the lords and ladies of the court, who kiss him and - commend him to Christ. He bids them all good day, as he thought, for - evermore (ll. 590-669); - - "Very much was the warm water that poured from eyes that day." - - Now rides our knight through the realms of England with no companion - but his foal, and no one to hold converse with save God alone. From - Camelot, in Somersetshire, he proceeds through Gloucestershire and the - adjoining counties into Montgomeryshire, and thence through North Wales - to Holyhead, adjoining the Isle of Anglesea (ll. 670-700), from which - he passes into the very narrow peninsula of Wirral, in Cheshire, where - dwelt but few that loved God or man. Gawayne enquires after the Green - Knight of the Green Chapel, but all the inhabitants declare that they - have never seen "any man of such hues of green." - - The knight thence pursues his journey by strange paths, over hill and - moor, encountering on his way not only serpents, wolves, bulls, bears, - and boars, but wood satyrs and giants. But worse than all those, - however, was the sharp winter, "when the cold clear water shed from the - clouds, and froze ere it might fall to the earth. Nearly slain with the - sleet he slept in his armour, more nights than enough, in naked rocks" - (ll. 701-729). - - Thus in peril and plight the knight travels on until Christmas-eve, and - to Mary he makes his moan that she may direct him to some abode. On the - morn he arrives at an immense forest, wondrously wild, surrounded by - high hills on every side, where he found hoary oaks full huge, a - hundred together. The hazel and the hawthorn intermingled were all - overgrown with moss, and upon their boughs sat many sad birds that - piteously piped for pain of the cold. Gawayne besought the Lord and - Mary to guide him to some habitation where he might hear mass (ll. - 730-762). Scarcely had he crossed himself thrice, when he perceived a - dwelling in the wood set upon a hill. It was the loveliest castle he - had ever beheld. It was pitched on a prairie, with a park all about it, - enclosing many a tree for more than two miles. It shone as the sun - through the bright oaks (ll. 763-772). - - Gawayne urges on his steed Gringolet, and finds himself at the "chief - gate." He called aloud, and soon there appeared a "porter" on the wall, - who demanded his errand. - - "Good sir," quoth Gawayne, "wouldst thou go to the high lord of this - house, and crave a lodging for me?" - - "Yea, by Peter!" replied the porter, "well I know that thou art welcome - to dwell here as long as thou likest." - - The drawbridge is soon let down, and the gates opened wide to receive - the knight. Many noble ones hasten to bid him welcome (ll. 773-825). - They take away his helmet, sword, and shield, and many a proud one - presses forward to do him honour. They bring him into the hall, where a - fire was brightly burning upon the hearth. Then the lord of the land[1] - comes from his chamber and welcomes Sir Gawayne, telling him that he is - to consider the place as his own. Our knight is next conducted to a - bright bower, where was noble bedding--curtains of pure silk, with - golden hems, and Tarsic tapestries upon the walls and the floors (ll. - 826-859). Here the knight doffed his armour and put on rich robes, - which so well became him, that all declared that a more comely knight - Christ had never made (ll. 860-883). - - [Footnote 1: Gawayne is now in the castle of the Green Knight, who, - divested of his elvish or supernatural character, appears to our - knight merely as a bold one with a beaver-hued beard.] - - A table is soon raised, and Gawayne, having washed, proceeds to meat. - Many dishes are set before him--"sews" of various kinds, fish of all - kinds, some baked in bread, others broiled on the embers, some boiled, - and others seasoned with spices. The knight expresses himself well - pleased, and calls it a most noble and princely feast. - - After dinner, in reply to numerous questions, he tells his host that he - is Gawayne, one of the Knights of the Round Table. When this was made - known great was the joy in the hall. Each one said softly to his - companion, "Now we shall see courteous behaviour and learn the terms of - noble discourse, since we have amongst us 'that fine father of - nurture.' Truly God has highly favoured us in sending us such a noble - guest as Sir Gawayne" (ll. 884-927). At the end of the Christmas - festival Gawayne desires to take his departure from the castle, but his - host persuades him to stay, promising to direct him to the Green Chapel - (about two miles from the castle), that he may be there by the - appointed time (ll. 1029-1082). - - A covenant is made between them, the terms of which were that the lord - of the castle should go out early to the chase, that Gawayne meanwhile - should lie in his loft at his ease, then rise at his usual hour, and - afterwards sit at table with his hostess, and that at the end of the - day they should make an exchange of whatever they might obtain in the - interim. "Whatever I win in the wood," says the lord, "shall be yours, - and what thou gettest shall be mine" (ll. 1083-1125). - - Full early before daybreak the folk uprise, saddle their horses, and - truss their mails. The noble lord of the land, arrayed for riding, eats - hastily a sop, and having heard mass, proceeds with a hundred hunters - to hunt the wild deer (ll. 1126-1177). - - All this time Gawayne lies in his gay bed. His nap is disturbed by a - little noise at the door, which is softly opened. He heaves up his head - out of the clothes, and, peeping through the curtains, beholds a most - lovely lady (the wife of his host). She came towards the bed, and the - knight laid himself down quickly, pretending to be asleep. The lady - stole to the bed, cast up the curtains, crept within, sat her softly on - the bed-side, and waited some time till the knight should awake. After - lurking awhile under the clothes considering what it all meant, Gawayne - unlocked his eyelids, and put on a look of surprise, at the same time - making the sign of the cross, as if afraid of some hidden danger (ll. - 1178-1207). "Good morrow, sir," said that fair lady, "ye are a careless - sleeper to let one enter thus. I shall bind you in your bed, of that be - ye sure." "Good morrow," quoth Gawayne, "I shall act according to your - will with great pleasure, but permit me to rise that I may the more - comfortably converse with you." "Nay, beau sir," said that sweet one, - "ye shall not rise from your bed, for since I have caught my knight I - shall hold talk with him. I ween well that ye are Sir Gawayne that all - the world worships, whose honour and courtesy are so greatly praised. - Now ye are here, and we are alone (my lord and his men being afar off, - other men, too, are in bed, so are my maidens), and the door is safely - closed, I shall use my time well while it lasts. Ye are welcome to my - person to do with it as ye please, and I will be your servant" (ll. - 1208-1240). - - Gawayne behaves most discreetly, for the remembrance of his forthcoming - adventure at the Green Chapel prevents him from thinking of love (ll. - 1205-1289). At last the lady takes leave of the knight by catching him - in her arms and kissing him (ll. 1290-1307). The day passes away - merrily, and at dusk the Lord of the castle returns from the chase. He - presents the venison to Gawayne according to the previous covenant - between them. Our knight gives his host a kiss as the only piece of - good fortune that had fallen to him during the day. "It is good," says - the other, "and would be much better if ye would tell me where ye won - such bliss" (ll. 1308-1394). "That was not in our covenant," replies - Gawayne, "so try me no more." After much laughing on both sides they - proceed to supper, and afterwards, while the choice wine is being - carried round, Gawayne and his host renew their agreement. Late at - night they take leave of each other and hasten to their beds. "By the - time that the cock had crowed and cackled thrice" the lord was up, and - after "meat and mass" were over the hunters make for the woods, where - they give chase to a wild boar who had grown old and mischievous (ll. - 1395-1467). - - While the sportsmen are hunting this "wild swine" our lovely knight - lies in his bed. He is not forgotten by the lady, who pays him an early - visit, seeking to make further trial of his virtues. She sits softly by - his side and tells him that he has forgotten what she taught him the - day before (ll. 1468-1486). "I taught you of kissing," says she; "that - becomes every courteous knight." Gawayne says that he must not take - that which is forbidden him. The lady replies that he is strong enough - to enforce his own wishes. Our knight answers that every gift not given - with a good will is worthless. His fair visitor then enquires how it is - that he who is so skilled in the true sport of love and so renowned a - knight, has never talked to her of love (ll. 1487-1524). "You ought," - she says, "to show and teach a young thing like me some tokens of - true-love's crafts; I come hither and sit here alone to learn of you - some game; do teach me of your wit while my lord is from home." Gawayne - replies that he cannot undertake the task of expounding true-love and - tales of arms to one who has far more wisdom than he possesses. Thus - did our knight avoid all appearance of evil, though sorely pressed to - do what was wrong (ll. 1525-1552). The lady, having bestowed two kisses - upon Sir Gawayne, takes her leave of him (ll. 1553-1557). - - At the end of the day the lord of the castle returns home with the - shields and head of the wild boar. He shows them to his guest, who - declares that "such a brawn of a beast, nor such sides of a swine," he - never before has seen. Gawayne takes possession of the spoil according - to covenant, and in return he bestows two kisses upon his host, who - declares that his guest has indeed been rich with "such chaffer" (ll. - 1558-1647). - - After much persuasion, Gawayne consents to stop at the castle another - day (ll. 1648-1685). Early on the morrow the lord and his men hasten to - the woods, and come upon the track of a fox, the hunting of which - affords them plenty of employment and sport (ll. 1686-1730). Meanwhile - our good knight sleeps soundly within his comely curtains. He is again - visited by the lady of the castle. So gaily was she attired, and so - "faultless of her features," that great joy warmed the heart of Sir - Gawayne. With soft and pleasant smiles "they smite into mirth," and are - soon engaged in conversation. Had not Mary thought of her knight, he - would have been in great peril (ll. 1731-1769). So sorely does the fair - one press him with her love, that he fears lest he should become a - traitor to his host. The lady enquires whether he has a mistress to - whom he has plighted his troth. The knight swears by St John that he - neither has nor desires one. This answer causes the dame to sigh for - sorrow, and telling him that she must depart, she asks for some gift, - if it were only a glove, by which she might "think on the knight and - lessen her grief" (ll. 1770-1800). Gawayne assures her that he has - nothing worthy of her acceptance; that he is on an "uncouth errand," - and therefore has "no men with no mails containing precious things," - for which he is truly sorry. - - Quoth that lovesome (one)-- - - "Though I had nought of yours, - Yet should ye have of mine. - - Thus saying, she offers him a rich ring of red gold "with a shining - stone standing aloft," that shone like the beams of the bright sun. The - knight refused the gift, as he had nothing to give in return. "Since ye - refuse my ring," says the lady, "because it seems too rich, and ye - would not be beholden to me, I shall give you my girdle that is less - valuable" (ll. 1801-1835). But Gawayne replies that he will not accept - gold or reward of any kind, though "ever in hot and in cold" he will be - her true servant. - - "Do ye refuse it," asks the lady, "because it seems simple and of - little value? Whoso knew the virtues that are knit therein would - estimate it more highly. For he who is girded with this green lace - cannot be wounded or slain by any man under heaven." The knight thinks - awhile, and it strikes him that this would be a "jewel for the - jeopardy" that he had to undergo at the Green Chapel. So he not only - accepts the lace, but promises to keep the possession of it a secret - (ll. 1836-1865). By that time the lady had kissed him thrice, and she - then takes "her leave and leaves him there." - - Gawayne rises, dresses himself in noble array, and conceals the "love - lace" where he might find it again. He then hies to mass, shrives him - of his misdeeds, and obtains absolution. On his return to the hall he - solaces the ladies with comely carols and all kinds of joy (ll. - 1866-1892). The dark night came, and then the lord of the castle, - having slain the fox, returns to his "dear home," where he finds a fire - brightly turning and his guest amusing the ladies (ll. 1893-1927). - Gawayne, in fulfilment of his agreement, kisses his host thrice.[1] "By - Christ," quoth the other knight, "ye have caught much bliss. I have - hunted all this day and nought have I got but the skin of this foul fox - (the devil have the goods!), and that is full poor for to pay for such - precious things" (ll. 1928-1951). - - After the usual evening's entertainment, Gawayne retires to rest. The - next morning, being New Year's day, is cold and stormy. Snow falls, and - the dales are full of drift. Our knight in his bed locks his eyelids, - but full little he sleeps. By each cock that crows he knows the hour, - and before day-break he calls for his chamberlain, who quickly brings - him his armour (ll. 1952-2014). While Gawayne clothed himself in his - rich weeds he forgot not the "lace, the lady's gift," but with it - doubly girded his loins. He wore it not for its rich ornaments, "but to - save himself when it behoved him to suffer," and as a safeguard against - sword or knife (ll. 2015-2046). - - Having thanked his host and all the renowned assembly for the great - kindness he had experienced at their hands, "he steps into stirrups and - strides aloft" (ll. 2047-2068). - - The drawbridge is let down, and the broad gates unbarred and borne open - upon both sides, and the knight, after commending the castle to Christ, - passes thereout and goes on his way accompanied by his guide, that - should teach him to turn to that place where he should receive the - much-dreaded blow. They climb over cliffs, where each hill had a hat - and a mist-cloak, until the next morn, when they find themselves on a - full high hill covered with snow. The servant bids his master remain - awhile, saying, "I have brought you hither at this time, and now ye are - not far from that noted place that ye have so often enquired after. The - place that ye press to is esteemed full perilous, and there dwells a - man in that waste the worst upon earth, for he is stiff and stern and - loves to strike, and greater is he than any man upon middle-earth, and - his body is bigger than the best four in Arthur's house. He keeps the - Green Chapel; there passes none by that place, however proud in arms, - that he does not 'ding him to death with dint of his hand.' He is a man - immoderate and 'no mercy uses,' for be it churl or chaplain that by the - chapel rides, monk or mass-priest, or any man else, it is as pleasant - to him to kill them as to go alive himself. Wherefore I tell thee - truly, 'come ye there, ye be killed, though ye had twenty lives to - spend. He has dwelt there long of yore, and on field much sorrow has - wrought. Against his sore dints ye may not defend you' (ll. 2069-2117). - Therefore, good Sir Gawayne, let the man alone, and for God's sake go - by some other path, and then I shall hie me home again. I swear to you - by - - [Footnote 1: He only in part keeps to his covenant, as he holds back - the love-lace.] - - God and all His saints that I will never say that ever ye attempted to - flee from any man." - - Gawayne thanks his guide for his well-meant kindness, but declares that - to the Green Chapel he will go, though the owner thereof be "a stern - knave," for God can devise means to save his servants. - - "Mary!" quoth the other, "since it pleases thee to lose thy life I will - not hinder thee. Have thy helmet on thy head, thy spear in thy hand, - and ride down this path by yon rock-side, till thou be brought to the - bottom of the valley. Then look a little on the plain, on thy left - hand, and thou shalt see in that slade the chapel itself, and the burly - knight that guards it (ll. 2118-2148). Now, farewell Gawayne the noble! - for all the gold upon ground I would not go with thee nor bear thee - fellowship through this wood 'on foot farther.'" Thus having spoken, he - gallops away and leaves the knight alone. - - Gawayne now pursues his journey, rides through the dale, and looks - about. He sees no signs of a resting-place, but only high and steep - banks, and the very shadows of the high woods seemed wild and - distorted. No chapel, however, could he discover. After a while he sees - a round hill by the side of a stream; thither he goes, alights, and - fastens his horse to the branch of a tree. He walks about the hill, - debating with himself what it might be. It had a hole in the one end - and on each side, and everywhere overgrown with grass, but whether it - was only an old cave or a crevice of an old crag he could not tell (ll. - 2149-2188). - - "Now, indeed," quoth Gawayne, "a desert is here; this oratory is ugly - with herbs overgrown. It is a fitting place for the man in green to - 'deal here his devotions after the devil's manner.' Now I feel it is - the fiend (the devil) in my five wits that has covenanted with me that - he may destroy me. This is a chapel of misfortune--evil betide it! It - is the most cursed kirk that ever I came in." With his helmet on his - head, and spear in his hand, he roams up to the rock, and then he hears - from that high hill beyond the brook a wondrous wild noise. Lo! it - clattered in the cliff as if one upon a grindstone were grinding a - scythe. It whirred like the water at a mill, and rushed and re-echoed, - terrible to hear. "Though my life I forgo," says Gawayne, "no noise - shall cause me to fear." - - Then he cried aloud, "Who dwells in this place, discourse with me to - hold? For now is good Gawayne going right here if any brave wight will - hie him hither, either now or never" (ll. 2189-2216). - - "Abide," quoth one on the bank above, over his head, "and thou shalt - have all in haste that I promised thee once." - - Soon there comes out of a hole in the crag, with a fell weapon a Danish - axe quite new, the "man in the green," clothed as at first as his legs, - locks and beard. But now he is on foot and walks on the earth. When he - reaches the stream, he hops over and boldly strides about. He meets Sir - Gawayne, who tells him that he is quite ready to fulfil his part of the - compact. "Gawayne," quoth that 'green gome' (man), "may God preserve - thee! Truly thou art welcome to my place, 'and thou hast timed thy - travel' as a true man should. Thou knowest the covenants made between - us, at this time twelve-month, that on New Year's day I should return - thee thy blow. We are now in this valley by ourselves, and can do as we - please (ll. 2217-2246). Have, therefore, thy helmet off thy head, and - 'have here thy pay.' Let us have no more talk than when thou didst - strike off my head with a single blow." - - "Nay, by God!" quoth Gawayne, "I shall not begrudge thee thy will for - any harm that may happen, but will stand still while thou strikest." - - Then he stoops a little and shows his bare neck, unmoved by any fear. - The Green Knight takes up his "grim tool," and with all his force - raises it aloft, as if he meant utterly to destroy him. As the axe came - gliding down Gawayne "shrank a little with the shoulders from the sharp - iron." The other withheld his weapon, and then reproved the prince with - many proud words. "Thou art not Gawayne that is so good esteemed, that - never feared for no host by hill nor by vale, for now thou fleest for - fear before thou feelest harm (ll. 2247-2272). Such cowardice of that - knight did I never hear. I never flinched nor fled when thou didst aim - at me in King Arthur's house. My head flew to my feet and yet I never - fled, wherefore I deserve to be called the better man." - - Quoth Gawayne, "I shunted once, but will do so no more, though my head - fall on the stones. But hasten and bring me to the point; deal me my - destiny, and do it out of hand, for I shall stand thee a stroke and - start no more until thine axe has hit me--have here my troth." "Have at - thee, then," said the other, and heaves the axe aloft, and looks as - savagely as if he were mad. He aims at the other mightily, but - withholds his hand ere it might hurt. Gawayne readily abides the blow - without flinching with any member, and stood still as a stone or a tree - fixed in rocky ground with a hundred roots. - - Then merrily the other did speak, "Since now thou hast thy heart whole - it behoves me to strike, so take care of thy neck." Gawayne answers - with great wroth, "Thrash on, thou fierce man, thou threatenest too - long; I believe thy own heart fails thee." - - "Forsooth," quoth the other, "since thou speakest so boldly, I will no - longer delay" (ll. 2273-2304). Then, contracting "both lips and brow," - he made ready to strike, and let fall his axe on the bare neck of Sir - Gawayne. "Though he hammered" fiercely, he only "severed the hide," - causing the blood to flow. When Gawayne saw his blood on the snow, he - quickly seized his helmet and placed it on his head. Then he drew out - his bright sword, and thus angrily spoke: "Cease, man, of thy blow, bid - me no more. I have received a stroke in this place without opposition, - but if thou givest me any more readily shall I requite thee, of that be - thou sure. Our covenant stipulates one stroke, and therefore now - cease." - - The Green Knight, resting on his axe, looks on Sir Gawayne, as bold and - fearless he there stood, and then with a loud voice thus addresses the - knight: "Bold knight, be not so wroth, no man here has wronged thee - (ll. 2305-2339); I promised thee a stroke, and thou hast it, so hold - thee well pleased. I could have dealt much worse with thee, and caused - thee much sorrow. Two blows I aimed at thee, for twice thou kissedst my - fair wife; but I struck thee not, because thou restoredst them to me - according to agreement. At the third time thou failedst, and therefore - I have given thee that tap. That woven girdle, given thee by my own - wife, belongs to me. I know well thy kisses, thy conduct also, and the - wooing of my wife, for I wrought it myself. I sent her to try thee, and - truly methinks thou art the most faultless man that ever on foot went. - Still, sir, thou wert wanting in good faith; but as it proceeded from - no immorality, thou being only desirous of saving thy life, the less I - blame thee." - - Gawayne stood confounded, the blood rushed into his face, and he shrank - within himself for very shame. "Cursed," he cried, "be cowardice and - covetousness both; in you are villany and vice, that virtue destroy." - Then he takes off the girdle and throws it to the knight in green, - cursing his cowardice and covetousness. The Green Knight, laughing, - thus spoke: "Thou hast confessed so clean, and acknowledged thy faults, - that I hold thee as pure as thou hadst never forfeited since thou wast - first born. I give thee, sir, the gold-hemmed girdle as a token of thy - adventure at the Green Chapel. Come now to my castle, and we shall - enjoy together the festivities of the New Year" (ll. 2340-2406). - - "Nay, forsooth," quoth the knight, "but for your kindness may God - requite you. Commend me to that courteous one your comely wife, who - with her crafts has beguiled me. But it is no uncommon thing for a man - to come to sorrow through women's wiles; for so was Adam beguiled with - one, and Solomon with many. Samson was destroyed by Delilah, and David - suffered much through Bathsheba. 'It were indeed great bliss for a - man to love them well and believe them not.' Since the greatest - upon earth were so beguiled, methinks I should be excused. But God - reward you for your girdle, which I will ever wear in remembrance of my - fault, and when pride shall exalt me, a look to this love-lace shall - lessen it (ll. 2407-2438). But since ye are the lord of yonder land, - from whom I have received so much honour, tell me truly your right - name, and I shall ask no more questions." - - Quoth the other, "I am called Bernlak de Hautdesert, through might of - Morgain la Fay, who dwells in my house. Much has she learnt of Merlin, - who knows all your knights at home. She brought me to your hall for to - essay the prowess of the Round Table. She wrought this wonder to - bereave you of your wits, hoping to have grieved Guenever and - affrighted her to death by means of the man that spoke with his head in - his hand before the high table. She is even thine aunt, Arthur's half - sister; wherefore come to thine aunt, for all my household love thee." - - Gawayne refuses to accompany the Green Knight, and so, with many - embraces and kind wishes, they separate--the one to his castle, the - other to Arthur's court. - - After passing through many wild ways, our knight recovers from the - wound in his neck, and at last comes safe and sound to the court of - King Arthur. Great then was the joy of all; the king and queen kiss - their brave knight, and make many enquiries about his journey. He tells - them of his adventures, hiding nothing--"the chance of the chapel, the - cheer of the knight, the love of the lady, and lastly of the lace." - Groaning for grief and shame he shows them the cut in his neck, which - he had received for his unfaithfulness (ll. 2439-2504). The king and - his courtiers comfort the knight--they laugh loudly at his adventures, - and unanimously agree that those lords and ladies that belonged to the - Round Table, and each knight of the brotherhood should ever after wear - a bright green belt for Gawayne's sake. And he upon whom it was - conferred honoured it evermore after. - - Thus in Arthur's time this adventure befell, whereof the "Brutus Books" - bear witness (ll. 2505-2530). - -I need not say that the Brutus Books we possess do not contain the -legend here set forth, though it is not much more improbable than some of -the statements contained in them. If the reader desires to know the -relation in which this and the like stories stand to the original Arthur -legends, he will find it discussed in Sir F. Madden's Preface to his -edition of "Syr Gawayne," which also contains a sketch of the very -different views taken of Sir Gawayne by the different Romance writers. - -Into this and other literary questions I do not enter here, as I -have nothing to add to Sir F. Madden's statements; but in the text of the -Poem I have differed from him in some few readings, which will be found -noticed in the Notes and Glossary. - -As the manuscript is fast fading, I am glad that the existence of the Early -English Text Society has enabled us to secure a wider diffusion of its -contents before the original shall be no longer legible. - -We want nothing but an increased supply of members to enable us to give to -a large circle of readers many an equally interesting record of Early -English minds. - - * * * * * - - -NOTE: The Old English "yogh" characters have been translated both -upper and lower-case yoghs to digit 3's. There are Unicode -allocations for these (in HTML Ȝ and ȝ) but at present -no font which implements these. Substiting the digit 3 seemed a -workable compromise which anybody can read. The linked html -"Old English 'yogh' file" uses Ȝ and ȝ representations, -and is included for users with specialist fonts. - - - * * * * * - - - - - -SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T. - -[FYTTE THE FIRST.] - - I. - - [A] Siþen þe sege & þe assaut wat3 sesed at Troye, [Fol. 91a.] - Þe bor3 brittened & brent to bronde3 & aske3, - Þe tulk þat þe trammes of tresoun þer wro3t, - 4 Wat3 tried for his tricherie, þe trewest on erthe; - Hit wat3 Ennias þe athel, & his highe kynde, - Þat siþen depreced prouinces, & patrounes bicome - Welne3e of al þe wele in þe west iles, - 8 [B] Fro riche Romulus to Rome ricchis hym swyþe, - With gret bobbaunce þat bur3e he biges vpon fyrst, - & neuenes hit his aune nome, as hit now hat; - Ticius to Tuskan [turnes,] & teldes bigynnes; - 12 Langaberde in Lumbardie lyftes vp homes; - [C] & fer ouer þe French flod Felix Brutus - On mony bonkkes ful brode Bretayn he sette3, - wyth wynne; - 16 [D] Where werre, & wrake, & wonder, - Bi syþe3 hat3 wont þer-inne, - [E] & oft boþe blysse & blunder - Ful skete hat3 skyfted synne. - -[Sidenote A: After the siege of Troy] -[Sidenote B: Romulus built Rome,] -[Sidenote C: and Felix Brutus founded Britain,] -[Sidenote D: a land of war and wonder,] -[Sidenote E: and oft of bliss and blunder.] - - II. - - 20 Ande quen þis Bretayn wat3 bigged bi þis burn rych, - [A] Bolde bredden þer-inne, baret þat lofden, - In mony turned tyme tene þat wro3ten; - Mo ferlyes on þis folde han fallen here oft - 24 [B] Þen in any oþer þat I wot, syn þat ilk tyme. - [C] Bot of alle þat here bult of Bretaygne kynges - Ay wat3 Arthur þe hendest; as I haf herde telle; - For-þi an aunter in erde I attle to schawe, [Fol. 91b.] - 28 Þat a selly in si3t summe men hit holden, - & an outtrage awenture of Arthure3 wondere3; - [D] If 3e wyl lysten þis laye bot on littel quile, - I schal telle hit, as-tit, as I in toun herde, - 32 with tonge; - As hit is stad & stoken, - In stori stif & stronge, - With lel letteres loken, - 36 In londe so hat3 ben longe. - -[Sidenote A: Bold men increased in the Land,] -[Sidenote B: and many marvels happened.] -[Sidenote C: Of all Britain's kings Arthur was the noblest.] -[Sidenote D: Listen a while and ye shall hear the story of an "outrageous - adventure."] - - III. - - [A] Þis kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse, - With mony luflych lorde, lede3 of þe best, - [B] Rekenly of þe rounde table alle þo rich breþer, - 40 With rych reuel ory3t, & rechles merþes; - Þer tournayed tulkes bi-tyme3 ful mony, - Iusted ful Iolilé þise gentyle kni3tes, - Syþen kayred to þe court, caroles to make. - 44 [C] For þer þe fest wat3 ilyche ful fiften dayes, - With alle þe mete & þe mirþe þat men couþe a-vyse; - Such glaumande gle glorious to here, - Dere dyn vp-on day, daunsyng on ny3tes, - 48 [D] Al wat3 hap vpon he3e in halle3 & chambre3, - With lorde3 & ladies, as leuest him þo3t; - With all þe wele of þe worlde þay woned þer samen, - [E] Þe most kyd kny3te3 vnder kryste seluen, - 52 & þe louelokkest ladies þat euer lif haden, - & he þe comlokest kyng þat þe court haldes; - For al wat3 þis fayre folk in her first age, - on sille; - 56 [F] Þe hapnest vnder heuen, - Kyng hy3est mon of wylle, - Hit were[1] now gret nye to neuen - So hardy a here on hille. - -[Sidenote A: Arthur held at Camelot his Christmas feast,] -[Sidenote B: with all the knights of the Round Table,] -[Sidenote C: full fifteen days.] -[Sidenote D: All was joy in hall and chamber,] -[Sidenote E: among brave knights and lovely ladies,] -[Sidenote F: the happiest under heaven.] -[Footnote 1: MS. werere.] - - IV. - - 60 [A] Wyle nw 3er wat3 so 3ep þat hit wat3 nwe cummen, - Þat day doubble on þe dece wat3 þe douth serued, - Fro þe kyng wat3 cummen with kny3tes in to þe halle, - Þe chauntre of þe chapel cheued to an ende; - 64 Loude crye wat3 þer kest of clerke3 & oþer, - Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte; [Fol. 92] - & syþen riche forth runnen to reche honde-selle, - [B] 3e3ed 3eres 3iftes on hi3, 3elde hem bi hond, - 68 Debated busyly aboute þo giftes; - Ladies la3ed ful loude, þo3 þay lost haden, - & he þat wan wat3 not wrothe, þat may 3e wel trawe. - [C] Alle þis mirþe þay maden to þe mete tyme; - 72 When þay had waschen, worþyly þay wenten to sete, - Þe best burne ay abof, as hit best semed; - [D] Whene Guenore ful gay, grayþed in þe myddes. - Dressed on þe dere des, dubbed al aboute, - 76 Smal sendal bisides, a selure hir ouer - Of tryed Tolouse, of Tars tapites in-noghe, - Þat were enbrawded & beten wyth þe best gemmes, - Þat my3t be preued of prys wyth penyes to bye, - 80 in daye; - [E] Þe comlokest to discrye, - Þer glent with y3en gray, - A semloker þat euer he sy3e, - 84 Soth mo3t no mon say. - -[Sidenote A: They celebrate the New Year with great joy.] -[Sidenote B: Gifts are demanded and bestowed.] -[Sidenote C: Lords and ladies take their seats at the table.] -[Sidenote D: Queen Guenever appears gaily dressed.] -[Sidenote E: A lady fairer of form might no one say he had ever before - seen.] - - V. - - [A] Bot Arthure wolde not ete til al were serued, - He wat3 so Ioly of his Ioyfnes, & sum-quat child gered, - His lif liked hym ly3t, he louied þe lasse - 88 [B] Auþer to lenge lye, or to longe sitte, - So bi-sied him his 3onge blod & his brayn wylde; - & also anoþer maner meued him eke, - Þat he þur3 nobelay had nomen, ho wolde neuer ete - 92 Vpon such a dere day, er hym deuised were - [C] Of sum auenturus þyng an vncouþe tale, - Of sum mayn meruayle, þat he my3t trawe, - Of[1] alderes, of armes, of oþer auenturus, - 96 Oþer sum segg hym bi-so3t of sum siker kny3t, - To Ioyne wyth hym in iustyng in Iopardé to lay, - Lede lif for lyf, leue vchon oþer, - As fortune wolde fulsun hom þe fayrer to haue. - 100 Þis wat3 [þe] kynges countenaunce where he in court were, - At vch farand fest among his fre meny, - in halle; [Fol. 92b.] - [D] Þer-fore of face so fere. - 104 He sti3tle3 stif in stalle, - Ful 3ep in þat nw 3ere, - Much mirthe he mas with alle. - -[Sidenote A: Arthur would not eat,] -[Sidenote B: nor would he long sit] -[Sidenote C: until he had witnessed a "wondrous adventure" of some kind.] -[Sidenote D: He of face so bold makes much mirth with all.] -[Footnote 1: Of of, in MS.] - - VI. - - [A] Thus þer stondes in stale þe stif kyng his-seluen, - 108 Talkkande bifore þe hy3e table of trifles ful hende - [B] There gode Gawan wat3 grayþed, Gwenore bisyde - [C] & Agrauayn a la dure mayn on þat oþer syde sittes - Boþe þe kynges sister sunes, & ful siker kni3tes; - 112 [D] Bischop Bawdewyn abof bi-gine3 þe table, - [E] & Ywan, Vryn son, ette wit hym-seluen; - Þise were di3t on þe des, & derworþly serued, - & siþen mony siker segge at þe sidborde3. - 116 [F] Þen þe first cors come with crakkyng of trumpes, - Wyth mony baner ful bry3t, þat þer-bi henged, - Nwe nakryn noyse with þe noble pipes, - Wylde werbles & wy3t wakned lote, - 120 Þat mony hert ful hi3e hef at her towches; - [G] Dayntes dryuen þer-wyth of ful dere metes, - Foysoun of þe fresche, & on so fele disches, - Þat pine to fynde þe place þe peple bi-forne - 124 For to sette þe syluener,[1] þat sere sewes halden, - on clothe; - Iche lede as he loued hym-selue - Þer laght with-outen loþe, - 128 [H] Ay two had disches twelue, - [I] Good ber, & bry3t wyn boþe. - -[Sidenote A: The king talks with his knights.] -[Sidenote B: Gawayne,] -[Sidenote C: Agravayn,] -[Sidenote D: Bishop Bawdewyn,] -[Sidenote E: and Ywain sit on the dais.] -[Sidenote F: The first course is served with cracking of trumpets.] -[Sidenote G: It consisted of all dainties in season.] -[Sidenote H: Each two had dishes twelve,] -[Sidenote I: good beer and bright wine both.] -[Footnote 1: svlueren (?) (dishes).] - - VII. - - [A] Now wyl I of hor seruise say yow no more, - For veh wy3e may wel wit no wont þat þer were; - 132 [B] An oþer noyse ful newe ne3ed biliue, - Þat þe lude my3t haf leue lif-lode to cach. - For vneþe wat3 þe noyce not a whyle sesed, - & þe fyrst cource in þe court kyndely serued, - 136 [C] Þer hales in at þe halle dor an aghlich mayster, - On þe most on þe molde on mesure hyghe; - Fro þe swyre to þe swange so sware & so þik, - [D] & his lyndes & his lymes so longe & so grete, - 140 Half etayn in erde I hope þat he were. [Fol. 93.] - [E] Bot mon most I algate mynn hym to bene, - & þat þe myriest in his muckel þat my3t ride; - [F] For of bak & of brest al were his bodi sturne, - 144 [G] Bot his wombe & his wast were worthily smale, - & alle his fetures fol3ande, in forme þat he hade, - ful clene; - For wonder of his hwe men hade, - 148 Set in his semblaunt sene; - He ferde as freke were fade, - & ouer-al enker grene. - -[Sidenote A: There was no want of anything.] -[Sidenote B: Scarcely had the first course commenced,] -[Sidenote C: when there rushes in at the hall-door a knight;] -[Sidenote D: the tallest on earth] -[Sidenote E: he must have been.] -[Sidenote F: His back and breast were great,] -[Sidenote G: but his belly and waist were small.] - - VIII. - - [A] Ande al grayþed in grene þis gome & his wedes, - 152 A strayt cote ful stre3t, þat stek on his sides, - A mere mantile abof, mensked with-inne, - With pelure pured apert þe pane ful clene, - With blyþe blaunner ful bry3t, & his hod boþe, - 156 Þat wat3 la3t fro his lokke3, & layde on his schulderes - Heme wel haled, hose of þat same grene, - [B] Þat spenet on his sparlyr, & clene spures vnder, - Of bry3t golde, vpon silk bordes, barred ful ryche - 160 & scholes vnder schankes, þere þe schalk rides; - & alle his vesture uerayly wat3 clene verdure, - Boþe þe barres of his belt & oþer blyþe stones, - Þat were richely rayled in his aray clene, - 164 [C] Aboutte hym-self & his sadel, vpon silk werke3, - Þat were to tor for to telle of tryfles þe halue, - Þat were enbrauded abof, wyth bryddes & fly3es, - With gay gaudi of grene, þe golde ay in myddes; - 168 Þe pendauntes of his payttrure, þe proude cropure - His molaynes, & alle þe metail anamayld was þenne - Þe steropes þat he stod on, stayned of þe same, - & his arsoun3 al after, & his aþel sturtes, - 172 Þat euer glemered[1] & glent al of grene stones. - [D] Þe fole þat he ferkkes on, fyn of þat ilke, - sertayn; - A grene hors gret & þikke, - 176 [E] A stede ful stif to strayne, - In brawden brydel quik, - To þe gome he wat3 ful gayn. [Fol. 93b.] - -[Sidenote A: He was clothed entirely in green.] -[Sidenote B: His spurs were of bright gold.] -[Sidenote C: His saddle was embroidered with birds and flies.] -[Sidenote D: The foal that he rode upon was green;] -[Sidenote E: it was a steed full stiff to guide.] -[Footnote 1: glemed (?).] - - IX. - - [A] Wel gay wat3 þis gome gered in grene, - 180 & þe here of his hed of his hors swete; - Fayre fannand fax vmbe-foldes his schulderes; - [B] A much berd as[1] a busk ouer his brest henges, - Þat wyth his hi3lich here, þat of his hed reches, - 184 Wat3 euesed al vmbe-torne, a-bof his elbowes, - Þat half his armes þer vnder were halched in þe wyse - Of a kynge3 capados, þat closes his swyre. - [C] Þe mane of þat mayn hors much to hit lyke, - 188 Wel cresped & cemmed wyth knottes ful mony, - Folden in wyth fildore aboute þe fayre grene, - Ay a herle of þe here, an oþer of golde; - [D] Þe tayl & his toppyng twynnen of a sute, - 192 & bounden boþe wyth a bande of a bry3t grene, - Dubbed wyth ful dere stone3, as þe dok lasted, - Syþen þrawen wyth a þwong a þwarle knot alofte, - Þer mony belle3 ful bry3t of brende golde rungen. - 196 [E] Such a fole vpon folde, ne freke þat hym rydes, - Wat3 neuer sene in þat sale wyth sy3t er þat tyme, - with y3e; - He loked as layt so ly3t, - 200 So sayd al þat hym sy3e, - [F] Hit semed as no mon my3t, - Vnder his dyntte3 dry3e. - -[Sidenote A: Gaily was the knight attired.] -[Sidenote B: His great beard, like a bush, hung on his breast.] -[Sidenote C: The horse's mane was decked with golden threads.] -[Sidenote D: Its tail was bound with a green band.] -[Sidenote E: Such a foal nor a knight were never before seen.] -[Sidenote F: It seemed that no man might endure his dints.] -[Footnote 1: as as, in MS.] - - X. - - [A] Wheþer hade he no helme ne hawb[e]rgh nauþer, - 204 Ne no pysan, ne no plate þat pented to armes, - Ne no schafte, ne no schelde, to schwne ne to smyte, - [B] Bot in his on honde he hade a holyn bobbe, - Þat is grattest in grene, when greue3 ar bare, - 208 [C] & an ax in his oþer, a hoge & vn-mete, - A spetos sparþe to expoun in spelle quo-so my3t; - Þe hede of an eln3erde þe large lenkþe hade, - Þe grayn al of grene stele & of golde hewen, - 212 [D] Þe bit burnyst bry3t, with a brod egge, - As wel schapen to schere as scharp rasores; - Þe stele of a stif staf þe sturne hit bi-grypte, - Þat wat3 wounden wyth yrn to þe wande3 ende, [Fol. 94.] - 216 [E] & al bigrauen with grene, in gracios[1] werkes; - A lace lapped aboute, þat louked at þe hede, - & so after þe halme halched ful ofte, - Wyth tryed tassele3 þerto tacched in-noghe, - 220 [F] On botoun3 of þe bry3t grene brayden ful ryche. - Þis haþel helde3 hym in, & þe halle entres, - Driuande to þe he3e dece, dut he no woþe, - [G] Haylsed he neuer one, bot he3e he ouer loked. - 224 Þe fyrst word þat he warp, "wher is," he sayd, - [H] "Þe gouernour of þis gyng? gladly I wolde - Se þat segg in sy3t, & with hym self speke - raysoun." - 228 To kny3te3 he kest his y3e, - & reled hym vp & doun, - [I] He stemmed & con studie, - Quo walt þer most renoun. - -[Sidenote A: The knight carried neither spear nor shield,] -[Sidenote B: In one hand was a holly bough,] -[Sidenote C: in the other an axe,] -[Sidenote D: the edge of which was as keen as a sharp razor,] -[Sidenote E: and the handle was encased in iron, curiously "graven with - green, in gracious works."] -[Sidenote F: Thus arrayed the Green Knight enters the hall,] -[Sidenote G: without saluting any one.] -[Sidenote H: He asks for the "governor" of the company,] -[Sidenote I: and looks for the most renowned.] -[Footnote 1: looks like gracons in MS.] - - XI. - - 232 [A] Ther wat3 lokyng on lenþe, þe lude to be-holde, - For vch mon had meruayle quat hit mene my3t, - Þat a haþel & a horse my3t such a hwe lach, - [B] As growe grene as þe gres & grener hit semed, - 236 Þen grene aumayl on golde lowande bry3ter; - Al studied þat þer stod, & stalked hym nerre, - [C] Wyth al þe wonder of þe worlde, what he worch schulde. - For fele sellye3 had þay sen, bot such neuer are, - 240 For-þi for fantoum & fayry3e þe folk þere hit demed; - [D] Þer-fore to answare wat3 ar3e mony aþel freke, - & al stouned at his steuen, & stonstil seten, - [E] In a swoghe sylence þur3 þe sale riche - 244 As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor lote3 - in hy3e; - I deme hit not al for doute, - [F] Bot sum for cortaysye, - 248 Bot let hym þat al schulde loute, - Cast vnto þat wy3e. - -[Sidenote A: Much they marvel to see a man and a horse] -[Sidenote B: as green as grass.] -[Sidenote C: Never before had they seen such a sight as this.] -[Sidenote D: They were afraid to answer,] -[Sidenote E: and were as silent as if sleep had taken possession of them;] -[Sidenote F: some from fear and others from courtesy.] - - XII. - - [A] Þenn Arþour bifore þe hi3 dece þat auenture byholde3, - & rekenly hym reuerenced, for rad was he neuer, - 252 & sayde, "wy3e, welcum iwys to þis place, - [B] Þe hede of þis ostel Arthour I hat, [Fol. 94b.] - Li3t luflych adoun, & lenge, I þe praye, - & quat so þy wylle is, we schal wyt after." - 256 [C] "Nay, as help me," quod þe haþel, "he þat on hy3e syttes, - To wone any quyle in þis won, hit wat3 not myn ernde; - Bot for þe los of þe lede is lyft vp so hy3e, - & þy bur3 & þy burnes best ar holden, - 260 Stifest vnder stel-gere on stedes to ryde, - [D] Þe wy3test & þe worþyest of þe worldes kynde, - Preue for to play wyth in oþer pure layke3; - & here is kydde cortaysye, as I haf herd carp, - 264 & þat hat3 wayned me hider, I-wyis, at þis tyme. - 3e may be seker bi þis braunch þat I bere here, - [E] Þat I passe as in pes, & no ply3t seche; - For had I founded in fere, in fe3tyng wyse, - 268 [F] I haue a hauberghe at home & a helme boþe, - A schelde, & a scharp spere, schinande bry3t, - Ande oþer weppenes to welde, I wene wel als, - Bot for I wolde no were, my wede3 ar softer. - 272 Bot if þou be so bold as alle burne3 tellen, - Þou wyl grant me godly þe gomen þat I ask, - bi ry3t." - [G] Arthour con onsware, - 276 & sayd, "sir cortays kny3t, - If þou craue batayl bare, - Here fayle3 þou not to fy3t." - -[Sidenote A: Arthur salutes the Green Knight.] -[Sidenote B: bids him welcome, and invites him to stay awhile.] -[Sidenote C: The knight says that he will not tarry.] -[Sidenote D: He seeks the most valiant that he may prove him.] -[Sidenote E: He comes in peace.] -[Sidenote F: At home, however, he has both shield and spear.] -[Sidenote G: Arthur assures him that he shall not fail to find an opponent - worthy of him.] - - XIII. - - [A] "Nay, frayst I no fy3t, in fayth I þe telle, - 280 [B] Hit arn aboute on þis bench bot berdle3 chylder; - If I were hasped in armes on a he3e stede, - [C] Here is no mon me to mach, for my3te3 so[1] wayke. - For-þy I craue in þis court a crystmas gomen, - 284 [D] For hit is 3ol & nwe 3er, & here ar 3ep mony; - If any so hardy in þis hous holde3 hym-seluen, - [E] Be so bolde in his blod, brayn in hys hede, - Þat dar stifly strike a strok for an oþer, - 288 I schal gif hym of my gyft þys giserne ryche, - [F] Þis ax, þat is heué in-nogh, to hondele as hym lykes, - & I schal bide þe fyrst bur, as bare as I sitte. [Fol. 95.] - If any freke be so felle to fonde þat I telle, - 292 Lepe ly3tly me to, & lach þis weppen, - I quit clayme hit for euer, kepe hit as his auen, - [G] & I schal stonde hym a strok, stif on þis flet, - Elle3 þou wyl di3t me þe dom to dele hym an oþer, - 296 barlay; - & 3et gif hym respite, - [H] A twelmonyth & a day;-- - Now hy3e, & let se tite - 300 Dar any her-inne o3t say." - -[Sidenote A: "I seek no fight," says the knight.] -[Sidenote B: "'Here are only beardless children.'] -[Sidenote C: Here is no man to match me.] -[Sidenote D: Here are brave ones many,] -[Sidenote E: if any be bold enough to 'strike a stroke for another,'] -[Sidenote F: this axe shall be his;] -[Sidenote G: but I shall give him a 'stroke' in return] -[Sidenote H: within a twelvemonth and a day."] -[Footnote 1: MS. fo.] - - XIV. - - [A] If he hem stowned vpon fyrst, stiller were þanne - Alle þe hered-men in halle, þe hy3 & þe lo3e; - [B] Þe renk on his rounce hym ruched in his sadel, - 304 & runisch-ly his rede y3en he reled aboute, - [C] Bende his bresed bro3e3, bly-cande grene, - [D] Wayued his berde for to wayte quo-so wolde ryse. - When non wolde kepe hym with carp he co3ed ful hy3e, - 308 Ande rimed hym ful richley, & ry3t hym to speke: - [E] "What, is þis Arþures hous," quod þe haþel þenne, - "Þat al þe rous rennes of, þur3 ryalmes so mony? - Where is now your sourquydrye & your conquestes, - 312 Your gry[n]del-layk, & your greme, & your grete wordes? - [F] Now is þe reuel & þe renoun of þe rounde table - Ouer-walt wyth a worde of on wy3es speche; - For al dares for drede, with-oute dynt schewed!" - 316 Wyth þis he la3es so loude, þat þe lorde greued; - [G] Þe blod schot for scham in-to his schyre face - & lere; - [H] He wex as wroth as wynde, - 320 So did alle þat þer were - Þe kyng as kene bi kynde, - Þen stod þat stif mon nere. - -[Sidenote A: Fear kept all silent.] -[Sidenote B: The knight rolled his red eyes about,] -[Sidenote C: and bent his bristly green brows.] -[Sidenote D: Waving his beard awhile, he exclaimed:] -[Sidenote E: "What! is this Arthur's court?] -[Sidenote F: Forsooth the renown of the Round Table is overturned 'with a - word of one man's speech.'"] -[Sidenote G: Arthur blushes for shame.] -[Sidenote H: He waxes as wroth as the wind.] - - XV. - - [A] Ande sayde, "haþel, by heuen þyn askyng is nys, - 324 & as þou foly hat3 frayst, fynde þe be-houes; - I know no gome þat is gast of þy grete wordes. - Gif me now þy geserne, vpon gode3 halue, - & I schal bayþen þy bone, þat þou boden habbes." - 328 Ly3tly lepe3 he hym to, & la3t at his honde; [Fol. 95b.] - Þen feersly þat oþer freke vpon fote ly3tis. - [B] Now hat3 Arthure his axe, & þe halme grype3, - & sturnely sture3 hit aboute, þat stryke wyth hit þo3t. - 332 Þe stif mon hym bifore stod vpon hy3t, - Herre þen ani in þe hous by þe hede & more; - [C] Wyth sturne schere[1] þer he stod, he stroked his berde, - & wyth a countenaunce dry3e he dro3 doun his cote, - 336 No more mate ne dismayd for hys mayn dinte3, - Þen any burne vpon bench hade bro3t hym to drynk - of wyne, - [D] Gawan, þat sate bi þe quene, - 340 To þe kyng he can enclyne, - "I be-seche now with sa3e3 sene, - Þis melly mot be myne." - -[Sidenote A: He assures the knight that no one is afraid of his great - words.] -[Sidenote B: Arthur seizes his axe.] -[Sidenote C: The knight, stroking his beard, awaits the blow, and with a - "dry countenance" draws down his coat.] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne beseeches the king to let him undertake the blow.] -[Footnote 1: chere (?).] - - XVI. - - "Wolde 3e, worþilych lorde," quod Gawan to þe kyng, - 344 [A] "Bid me bo3e fro þis benche, & stonde by yow þere, - Þat I wyth-oute vylanye my3t voyde þis table, - & þat my legge lady lyked not ille, - I wolde com to your counseyl, bifore your cort ryche. - 348 [B] For me þink hit not semly, as hit is soþ knawen, - Þer such an askyng is heuened so hy3e in your sale, - Þa33e 3our-self be talenttyf to take hit to your-seluen, - [C] Whil mony so bolde yow aboute vpon bench sytten, - 352 Þat vnder heuen, I hope, non ha3er er of wylle, - Ne better bodyes on bent, þer baret is rered; - [D] I am þe wakkest, I wot, and of wyt feblest, - & lest lur of my lyf, quo laytes þe soþe, - 356 Bot for as much as 3e ar myn em, I am only to prayse, - No bounté bot your blod I in my bodé knowe; - & syþen þis note is so nys, þat no3t hit yow falles, - & I haue frayned hit at yow fyrst, folde3 hit to me, - 360 & if I carp not comlyly, let alle þis cort rych, - bout blame." - [E] Ryche to-geder con roun, - & syþen þay redden alle same, - 364 To ryd þe kyng wyth croun, - & gif Gawan þe game. - -[Sidenote A: He asks permission to leave the table; he says,] -[Sidenote B: it is not meet that Arthur should be active in the matter,] -[Sidenote C: while so many bold ones sit upon bench.] -[Sidenote D: Although the weakest, he is quite ready to meet the Green - Knight.] -[Sidenote E: The nobles entreat Arthur to "give Gawayne the game."] - - XVII. - - Þen comaunded þe kyng þe kny3t for to ryse; [Fol. 96.] - & he ful radly vp ros, & ruchched hym fayre, - 368 [A] Kneled doun bifore þe kyng, & cache3 þat weppen; - & he luflyly hit hym laft, & lyfte vp his honde, - & gef hym godde3 blessyng, & gladly hym biddes - [B] Þat his hert & his honde schulde hardi be boþe. - 372 "Kepe þe cosyn," quod þe kyng, "þat þou on kyrf sette, - & if þou rede3 hym ry3t, redly I trowe, - Þat þou schal byden þe bur þat he schal bede after. - Gawan got3 to þe gome, with giserne in honde, - 376 & he baldly hym byde3, he bayst neuer þe helder - [C] Þen carppe3 to sir Gawan þe kny3t in þe grene, - "Refourme we oure for-wardes, er we fyrre passe. - Fyrst I eþe þe, haþel, how þat þou hattes, - 380 Þat þou me telle truly, as I tryst may?" - [D] "In god fayth," quod þe goode kny3t, "Gawan I hatte, - Þat bede þe þis buffet, quat-so bi-falle3 after, - & at þis tyme twelmonyth take at þe anoþer, - 384 Wyth what weppen so[1] þou wylt, & wyth no wy3 elle3, - on lyue." - Þat oþer on-sware3 agayn, - "Sir Gawan, so mot I þryue, - 388 [E] As I am ferly fayn. - Þis dint þat þou schal dryue." - -[Sidenote A: The king gives his nephew his weapon,] -[Sidenote B: and tells him to keep heart and hand steady.] -[Sidenote C: The Green Knight enquires the name of his opponent.] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne tells him his name, and declares that he is - willing to give and receive a blow.] -[Sidenote E: The other thereof is glad.] -[Footnote 1: MS. fo.] - - XVIII. - - [A] "Bigog," quod þe grene kny3t, "sir Gawan, melykes, - Þat I schal fange at þy fust þat I haf frayst here; - 392 & þou hat3 redily rehersed, bi resoun ful trwe, - Clanly al þe couenaunt þat I þe kynge asked, - Saf þat þou schal siker me, segge, bi þi trawþe, - Þat þou schal seche me þi-self, where-so þou hopes - 396 I may be funde vpon folde, & foch þe such wages - [B] As þou deles me to day, bifore þis douþe ryche." - [C] "Where schulde I wale þe," quod Gauan, "where is þy place? - I wot neuer where þou wonyes, bi hym þat me wro3t, - 400 Ne I know not þe, kny3t, þy cort, ne þi name. - [D] Bot teche me truly þer-to, & telle me howe þou hattes, - & I schal ware alle my wyt to wynne me þeder, - & þat I swere þe for soþe, & by my seker traweþ." [Fol. 96b.] - 404 "Þat is in-nogh in nwe 3er, hit nedes no more," - Quod þe gome in þe grene to Gawan þe hende, - [E] "3if I þe telle trwly, quen I þe tape haue, - & þou me smoþely hat3 smyten, smartly I þe teche - 408 Of my hous, & my home, & myn owen nome, - Þen may þou frayst my fare, & forwarde3 holde, - [F] & if I spende no speche, þenne spede3 þou þe better, - For þou may leng in þy londe, & layt no fyrre, - 412 bot slokes; - [G] Ta now þy grymme tole to þe, - & let se how þou cnoke3." - "Gladly sir, for soþe," - 416 Quod Gawan; his ax he strokes. - -[Sidenote A: "It pleases me well, Sir Gawayne," says the Green Knight, - "that I shall receive a blow from thy fist; but thou must swear that thou - wilt seek me,] -[Sidenote B: to receive the blow in return."] -[Sidenote C: "Where shall I seek thee?" says Sir Gawayne;] -[Sidenote D: "tell me thy name and abode and I will find thee."] -[Sidenote E: "When thou hast smitten me," says the knight, "then tell I - thee of my home and name;] -[Sidenote F: if I speak not at all, so much the better for thee.] -[Sidenote G: Take now thy grim tool, and let us see how thou knockest."] - - XIX. - - [A] The grene kny3t vpon grounde grayþely hym dresses, - A littel lut with þe hede, þe lere he discouere3, - [B] His longe louelych lokke3 he layd ouer his croun. - 420 Let þe naked nec to þe note schewe. - Gauan gripped to his ax, & gederes hit on hy3t, - Þe kay fot on þe folde he be-fore sette, - [C] Let hit doun ly3tly ly3t on þe naked, - 424 Þat þe scharp of þe schalk schyndered þe bones, - [D] & schrank þur3 þe schyire grece, & scade hit in twynne, - Þat þe bit of þe broun stel bot on þe grounde. - [E] Þe fayre hede fro þe halce hit [felle] to þe erþe, - 428 [F] Þat fele hit foyned wyth her fete, þere hit forth roled; - Þe blod brayd fro þe body, þat blykked on þe grene; - [G] & nawþer faltered ne fel þe freke neuer þe helder, - Bot styþly he start forth vpon styf schonkes, - 432 [H] & ru[n]yschly he ra3t out, þere as renkke3 stoden, - La3t to his lufly hed, & lyft hit vp sone; - & syþen bo3e3 to his blonk, þe brydel he cachche3, - [I] Steppe3 in to stel bawe & stryde3 alofte, - 436 [J] & his hede by þe here in his honde halde3; - & as sadly þe segge hym in his sadel sette, - As non vnhap had hym ayled, þa3 hedle3 he[1] we[re], - in stedde; - 440 [K] He brayde his bluk[2] aboute, - Þat vgly bodi þat bledde, [Fol. 97.] - Moni on of hym had doute, - Bi þat his resoun3 were redde. - -[Sidenote A: The Green Knight] -[Sidenote B: puts his long lovely locks aside and lays bare his neck.] -[Sidenote C: Sir Gawayne lets fall his axe] -[Sidenote D: and severs the head from the body.] -[Sidenote E: The head falls to the earth.] -[Sidenote F: Many kick it aside with their feet.] -[Sidenote G: The knight never falters;] -[Sidenote H: he rushes forth, seizes his head,] -[Sidenote I: steps into the saddle,] -[Sidenote J: holding the while the head in his hand by the hair,] -[Sidenote K: and turns his horse about.] -[Footnote 1: MS. ho.] -[Footnote 2: blunk (?).] - - XX. - - 444 For þe hede in his honde he halde3 vp euen, - [A] To-ward þe derrest on þe dece he dresse3 þe face, - & hit lyfte vp þe y3e-lydde3, & loked ful brode, - [B] & meled þus much with his muthe, as 3e may now here. - 448 "Loke, Gawan, þou be grayþe to go as þou hette3, - & layte as lelly til þou me, lude, fynde, - [C] As þou hat3 hette in þis halle, herande þise kny3tes; - [D] To þe grene chapel þou chose, I charge þe to fotte, - 452 Such a dunt as þou hat3 dalt disserued þou habbe3, - [E] To be 3ederly 3olden on nw 3eres morn; - Þe kny3t of þe grene chapel men knowen me mony; - [F] For-þi me forto fynde if þou frayste3, fayle3 þou neuer, - 456 [G] Þer-fore com, oþer recreaunt be calde þe be-houeus." - With a runisch rout þe rayne3 he torne3, - [H] Halled out at þe hal-dor, his hed in his hande, - Þat þe fyr of þe flynt fla3e fro fole houes. - 460 To quat kyth he be-com, knwe non þere, - Neuermore þen þay wyste fram queþen. he wat3 wonnen; - what þenne? - Þe kyng & Gawen þare, - 464 [I] At þat grene þay la3e & grenne, - 3et breued wat3 hit ful bare, - A meruayl among þo menne. - -[Sidenote A: The head lifts up its eyelids,] -[Sidenote B: and addresses Sir Gawayne; "Look thou, be ready to go as thou - hast promised,] -[Sidenote C: and seek till thou findest me.] -[Sidenote D: Get thee to the Green Chapel,] -[Sidenote E: there to receive a blow on New Year's morn.] -[Sidenote F: Fail thou never;] -[Sidenote G: come, or recreant be called."] -[Sidenote H: The Green Knight then rushes out of the hall, his head in his - hand.] -[Sidenote I: At that green one Arthur and Gawayne "laugh and grin."] - - XXI. - - [A] Þa3 Arþer þe hende kyng at hert hade wonder, - 468 He let no semblaunt be sene, bot sayde ful hy3e - To þe comlych quene, wyth cortays speche, - [B] "Dere dame, to day demay yow neuer; - Wel by-commes such craft vpon cristmasse, - 472 Laykyng of enterlude3, to la3e & to syng. - Among þise, kynde caroles of kny3te3 & ladye3; - [C] Neuer-þe-lece to my mete I may me wel dres, - For I haf sen a selly, I may not for-sake." - 476 He glent vpon sir Gawen, & gaynly he sayde, - [D] "Now sir, heng vp þyn ax, þat hat3 in-nogh hewen." - & hit wat3 don abof þe dece, on doser to henge, [Fol. 97b.] - Þer alle men for meruayl my3t on hit loke, - 480 & bi trwe tytel þer-of to telle þe wonder. - [E] Þenne þay bo3ed to a borde þise burnes to-geder, - Þe kyng & þe gode kny3t, & kene men hem serued - Of alle dayntye3 double, as derrest my3t falle, - 484 Wyth alle maner of mete & mynstralcie boþe; - Wyth wele walt þay þat day, til worþed an ende, - in londe. - [F] Now þenk wel, sir Gawan, - 488 For woþe þat þou ne wonde, - Þis auenture forto frayn, - Þat þou hat3 tan on honde. - -[Sidenote A: Arthur addresses the queen:] -[Sidenote B: "Dear dame, be not dismayed; such marvels well become the - Christmas festival;] -[Sidenote C: I may now go to meat.] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne, hang up thine axe.] -[Sidenote E: The king and his knights sit feasting at the board till day is - ended.] -[Sidenote F: Now beware, Sir Gawayne, lest thou fail to seek the adventure - that thou hast taken in hand.] - -[FYTTE THE SECOND.] - - I. - - [A] This hanselle hat3 Arthur of auenturus on fyrst, - 492 In 3onge 3er, for he 3erned 3elpyng to here, - Tha3 hym worde3 were wane, when þay to sete wenten; - Now ar þay stoken of sturne werk staf-ful her hond. - Gawan wat3 glad to be-gynne þose gomne3 in halle, - 496 Bot þa3 þe ende be heuy, haf 3e no wonder; - For þa3 men ben mery in mynde, quen þay han mayn drynk, - [B] A 3ere 3ernes ful 3erne, & 3elde3 neuer lyke, - Þe forme to þe fynisment folde3 ful selden. - 500 For-þi þis 3ol ouer-3ede, & þe 3ere after, - & vche sesoun serlepes sued after oþer; - [C] After crysten-masse com þe crabbed lentoun, - Þat frayste3 flesch wyth þe fysche & fode more symple - 504 Bot þenne þe weder of þe worlde wyth wynter hit þrepe3, - [D] Colde clenge3 adoun, cloude3 vp-lyften, - Schyre schede3 þe rayn in schowre3 ful warme, - Falle3 vpon fayre flat, flowre3 þere schewen, - 508 [E] Boþe grounde3 & þe greue3 grene ar her wede3, - [F] Brydde3 busken to bylde, & bremlych syngen, - [G] For solace of þe softe somer þat sues þer after, - bi bonk; - 512 [H] & blossume3 bolne to blowe, - Bi rawe3 rych & ronk, - [I] Þen note3 noble in-no3e, - Ar herde in wod so wlonk. [Fol. 98] - -[Sidenote A: This marvel serves to keep up a brisk conversation in Court.] -[Sidenote B: The year passes full quickly and never returns.] -[Sidenote C: After Christmas comes the "crabbed Lenten."] -[Sidenote D: Spring sets in and warm showers descend;] -[Sidenote E: the groves become green,] -[Sidenote F: birds build and sing,] -[Sidenote G: for joy of the summer that follows;] -[Sidenote H: blossoms begin to bloom,] -[Sidenote I: and noble notes are heard in the woods] - - II. - - 516 [A] After þe sesoun of somer wyth þe soft wynde3, - Quen 3eferus syfle3 hym-self on sede3 & erbe3, - [B] Wela-wynne is þe wort þat woxes þer-oute. - When þe donkande dewe drope3 of þe leue3, - 520 To bide a blysful blusch of þe bry3t sunne. - [C] Bot þen hy3es heruest, & hardenes hym sone. - Warne3 hym for þe wynter to wax ful rype; - [D] He dryues wyth dro3t þe dust for to ryse. - 524 Fro þe face of þe folde to fly3e ful hy3e; - Wroþe wynde of þe welkyn wrastele3 with þe sunne, - [E] Þe leue3 lancen fro þe lynde, & ly3ten on þe grounde, - [F] & al grayes þe gres, þat grene wat3 ere; - 528 Þenne al rype3 & rote3 þat ros vpon fyrst, - & þus 3irne3 þe 3ere in 3isterdaye3 mony, - [G] & wynter wynde3 a3ayn, as þe worlde aske3 - no sage. - 532 Til me3el-mas mone, - Wat3 cumen wyth wynter wage; - [H] Þen þenkke3 Gawan ful sone, - Of his anious uyage. - -[Sidenote A: Then the soft winds of summer,] -[Sidenote B: beautiful are the flowers wet with dew-drops.] -[Sidenote C: But harvest approaches soon,] -[Sidenote D: and drives the dust about.] -[Sidenote E: The leaves drop off the trees,] -[Sidenote F: the grass becomes gray, and all ripens and rots.] -[Sidenote G: Winter winds round again,] -[Sidenote H: and then Sir Gawayne thinks of his dread journey.] - - III. - - 536 [A] 3et quyl al-hal-day with Arþer he lenges, - & he made a fare on þat fest, for þe freke3 sake, - With much reuel & ryche of þe rounde table; - Kny3te3 ful cortays & comlych ladies, - 540 Al for luf of þat lede in longynge þay were, - Bot neuer-þe-lece ne þe later þay neuened bot merþe, - Mony ioyle3 for þat ientyle iape3 þer maden. - [B] For aftter mete, with mournyng he mele3 to his eme, - 544 & speke3 of his passage, & pertly he sayde, - [C] "Now, lege lorde of my lyf, leue I yow ask; - 3e knowe þe cost of þis cace, kepe I no more - To telle yow tene3 þer-of neuer bot trifel; - 548 [D] Bot I am boun to þe bur barely to morne, - To sech þe gome of þe grene, as god wyl me wysse." - Þenne þe best of þe bur3 bo3ed to-geder, - Aywan, & Errik, & oþer ful mony, - 552 Sir Doddinaual de Sauage, þe duk of Clarence, [Fol. 98b.] - Launcelot, & Lyonel, & Lucan þe gode, - Sir Boos, & sir Byduer, big men boþe, - [E] & mony oþer menskful, with Mador de la Port. - 556 Alle þis compayny of court com þe kyng nerre, - For to counseyl þe kny3t, with care at her hert; - [F] Þere wat3 much derue[1] doel driuen in þe sale, - Þat so worthe as Wawan schulde wende on þat ernde, - 560 To dry3e a delful dynt, & dele no more - wyth bronde. - Þe kny3t mad ay god chere, - & sayde, "quat schuld I wonde, - 564 [G] Of destines derf & dere, - What may mon do bot fonde?" - -[Sidenote A: On All-hallows day Arthur makes a feast for his nephew's - sake.] -[Sidenote B: After meat, Sir Gawayne thus speaks to his uncle:] -[Sidenote C: "Now, liege lord, I ask leave of you,] -[Sidenote D: for I am bound on the morn to seek the Green Knight."] -[Sidenote E: Many nobles, the best of the court, counsel and comfort him.] -[Sidenote F: Much sorrow prevails in the hall.] -[Sidenote G: Gawayne declares that he has nothing to fear.] -[Footnote 1: derne (?).] - - IV. - - [A] He dowelle3 þer al þat day, and dresse3 on þe morn, - Aske3 erly hys arme3, & alle were þay bro3t - 568 [B] Fyrst a tule tapit, ty3t ouer þe flet, - & miche wat3 þe gyld gere þat glent þer alofte; - [C] Þe stif mon steppe3 þeron, & þe stel hondole3, - [D] Dubbed in a dublet of a dere tars, - 572 & syþen a crafty capados, closed aloft, - Þat wyth a bry3t blaunner was bounden with-inne; - [E] Þenne set þay þe sabatoun3 vpon þe segge fote3, - His lege3 lapped in stel with luflych greue3, - 576 With polayne3 piched þer-to, policed ful clene, - Aboute his kne3 knaged wyth knote3 of golde; - [F] Queme quyssewes þen, þat coyntlych closed - His thik þrawen þy3e3 with þwonges to-tachched; - 580 [G] & syþen þe brawden bryne of bry3t stel rynge3, - Vmbe-weued þat wy3, vpon wlonk stuffe; - [H] & wel bornyst brace vpon his boþe armes, - With gode cowters & gay, & gloue3 of plate, - 584 & alle þe godlych gere þat hym gayn schulde - Þat tyde; - [I] Wyth ryche cote armure, - [J] His gold spore3 spend with pryde, - 588 [K] Gurde wyth a bront ful sure, - With silk sayn vmbe his syde. - -[Sidenote A: On the morn he asks for his arms.] -[Sidenote B: A carpet is spread on the floor,] -[Sidenote C: and he steps thereon.] -[Sidenote D: He is dubbed in a doublet of Tarsic silk, and a well-made - hood.] -[Sidenote E: They set steel slices on his feet, and lap his legs in steel - greaves.] -[Sidenote F: Fair cuisses enclose his thighs,] -[Sidenote G: and afterwards they put on the steel habergeon,] -[Sidenote H: well-burnished braces, elbow pieces, and gloves of plate.] -[Sidenote I: Over all this is placed the coat armour.] -[Sidenote J: His spurs are then fixed,] -[Sidenote K: and his sword is attached to his side by a silken girdle.] - - V. - - [A] When he wat3 hasped in armes, his harnays wat3 ryche, [Fol. 99a.] - Þe lest lachet ou[þ]er loupe lemed of golde; - 592 So harnayst as he wat3 he herkne3 his masse, - Offred & honoured at þe he3e auter; - [B] Syþen he come3 to þe kyng & to his cort fere3, - Lache3 lufly his leue at lorde3 & ladye3; - 596 & þay hym kyst & conueyed, bikende hym to kryst. - [C] Bi þat wat3 Gryngolet grayth, & gurde with a sadel, - Þat glemed ful gayly with mony golde frenges, - Ay quere naylet ful nwe for þat note ryched; - 600 Þe brydel barred aboute, with bry3t golde bounden; - [D] Þe apparayl of þe payttrure, & of þe proude skyrte3, - Þe cropore, & þe couertor, acorded wyth þe arsoune3; - & al wat3 rayled on red ryche golde nayle3, - 604 Þat al glytered & glent as glem of þe sunne. - [E] Þenne hentes he þe holme, & hastily hit kysses, - Þat wat3 stapled stifly, & stoffed wyth-inne: - Hit wat3 hy3e on his hede, hasped bihynde, - 608 [F] Wyth a ly3tli vrysoun ouer þe auentayle, - [G] Enbrawden & bounden wyth þe best gemme3, - On brode sylkyn borde, & brydde3 on seme3, - As papiaye3 paynted pernyng bitwene, - 612 Tortors & trulofe3 entayled so þyk, - As mony burde þer aboute had ben seuen wynter - in toune; - [H] Þe cercle wat3 more o prys, - 616 Þat vmbe-clypped hys croun, - Of diamaunte3 a deuys, - Þat boþe were bry3t & broun. - -[Sidenote A: Thus arrayed the knight hears mass,] -[Sidenote B: and afterwards takes leave of Arthur and his court.] -[Sidenote C: By that time his horse Gringolet was ready,] -[Sidenote D: the harness of which glittered like the "gleam of the sun."] -[Sidenote E: Then Sir Gawayne sets his helmet upon his head,] -[Sidenote F: fastened behind with a "urisoun,"] -[Sidenote G: richly embroidered with gems.] -[Sidenote H: The circle around the helmet was decked with diamonds.] - - VI. - - [A] Then þay schewed hym þe schelde, þat was of schyr goule3, - 620 Wyth þe pentangel de-paynt of pure golde hwe3; - He brayde3 hit by þe baude-ryk, aboute þe hals kestes, - Þat bisemed þe segge semlyly fayre. - [B] & quy þe pentangel apende3 to þat prynce noble, - 624 I am in tent yow to telle, þof tary hyt me schulde; - Hit is a syngne þat Salamon set sum-quyle, - In bytoknyng of trawþe, bi tytle þat hit habbe3, - For hit is a figure þat halde3 fyue poynte3, [Fol. 99b] - 628 & vche lyne vmbe-lappe3 & louke3 in oþer, - [C] & ay quere hit is endele3,[1] & Englych hit callen - Ouer-al, as I here, þe endeles knot. - For-þy hit acorde3 to þis kny3t, & to his cler arme3, - 632 For ay faythful in fyue & sere fyue syþe3, - [D] Gawan wat3 for gode knawen, & as golde pured, - Voyded of vche vylany, wyth vertue3[2] ennourned - in mote; - 636 For-þy þe pen-tangel nwe - He ber in schelde & cote, - [E] As tulk of tale most trwe, - & gentylest kny3t of lote. - -[Sidenote A: Then they show him his shield with the "pentangle" of pure - gold.] -[Sidenote B: The "pentangle" was devised by Solomon as a token of truth.] -[Sidenote C: It is called the endless knot] -[Sidenote D: It well becomes the good Sir Gawayne,] -[Sidenote E: a knight the truest of speech and the fairest of form.] -[Footnote 1: MS emdele3.] -[Footnote 2: MS verertue3] - - VII. - - 640 [A] Fyrst he wat3 funden fautle3 in his fyue wytte3, - & efte fayled neuer þe freke in his fyue fyngres, - [B] & alle his afyaunce vpon folde wat3 in þe fyue wounde3 - Þat Cryst ka3t on þe croys, as þe crede telle3; - 644 & quere-so-euer þys mon in melly wat3 stad, - His þro þo3t wat3 in þat, þur3 alle oþer þynge3, - Þat alle his forsnes he fong at þe fyue ioye3, - Þat þe hende heuen quene had of hir chylde; - 648 At þis cause þe kny3t comlyche hade - [C] In þe more half of his schelde hir ymage depaynted, - Þat quen he blusched þerto, his belde neuer payred. - Þe fyrst[1] fyue þat I finde þat þe frek vsed, - 652 Wat3 fraunchyse, & fela3schyp for-be[2] al þyng; - [D] His clannes & his cortaysye croked were neuer, - & pite, þat passe3 alle poynte3, þyse pure fyue - Were harder happed on þat haþel þen on any oþer. - 656 Now alle þese fyue syþe3, forsoþe, were fetled on þis kny3t, - & vchone halched in oþer, þat non ende hade, - & fyched vpon fyue poynte3, þat fayld neuer, - Ne samned neuer in no syde, ne sundred nouþ[er], - 660 With-outen ende at any noke [a]i quere fynde, - Where-euer þe gomen bygan, or glod to an ende. - [E] Þer-fore on his schene schelde schapen wat3 þe knot, - Þus alle wyth red golde vpon rede gowle3, - 664 Þat is þe pure pentaungel wyth þe peple called, [Fol. 100] - with lore. - Now grayþed is Gawan gay, - [F] & la3t his launce ry3t þore, - 668 & gef hem alle goud day, - He wende for euer more. - -[Sidenote A: He was found faultless in his five wits.] -[Sidenote B: His trust was in the five wounds.] -[Sidenote C: The image of the Virgin was depicted upon his shield.] -[Sidenote D: In cleanness and courtesy he was never found wanting,] -[Sidenote E: therefore was the endless knot fastened on his shield.] -[Sidenote F: Sir Gawayne seizes his lance and bids all "good day."] -[Footnote 1: MS fyft.] -[Footnote 2: for-bi (?).] - - VIII. - - [A] He sperred þe sted with þe spure3, & sprong on his way, - So stif þat þe ston fyr stroke out þer-after; - 672 [B] Al þat se3 þat semly syked in hert, - & sayde soþly al same segges til oþer, - Carande for þat comly, "bi Kryst, hit is scaþe, - Þat þou, leude, schal be lost, þat art of lyf noble! - 676 [C] To fynde hys fere vpon folde, in fayth is not eþe; - Warloker to haf wro3t had more wyt bene, - & haf dy3t 3onder dere a duk to haue worþed; - [D] A lowande leder of lede3 in londe hym wel seme3, - 680 & so had better haf ben þen britned to no3t, - [E] Hadet wyth an aluisch mon, for angarde3 pryde. - Who knew euer any kyng such counsel to take, - As kny3te3 in caueloun3 on cryst-masse gomne3!" - 684 [F] Wel much wat3 þe warme water þat waltered of y3en, - When þat semly syre so3t fro þo wone3 - þat[1] daye; - He made non abode, - 688 Bot wy3tly went hys way, - [G] Mony wylsum way he rode, - Þe bok as I herde say. - -[Sidenote A: He spurs his horse and goes on his way.] -[Sidenote B: All that saw that seemly one mourned in their hearts.] -[Sidenote C: They declared that his equal was not to be found upon earth.] -[Sidenote D: It would have been better for him to have been a leader of - men,] -[Sidenote E: than to die by the hands of "an elvish man."] -[Sidenote F: Much was the warm water that poured from eyes that day.] -[Sidenote G: Meanwhile many a weary way goes Sir Gawayne.] -[Footnote 1: MS. þad.] - - IX. - - [A] Now ride3 þis renk þur3 þe ryalme of Logres, - 692 Sir Gauan on Gode3 halue, þa3 hym no gomen þo3t; - Oft, leudle3 alone, he lenge3 on ny3te3, - Þer he fonde no3t hym byfore þe fare þat he lyked; - [B] Hade he no fere bot his fole, bi frythe3 & doune3, - 696 Ne no gome bot God, bi gate wyth to karp, - [C] Til þat he ne3ed ful noghe[1] in to þe Norþe Wale3; - Alle þe iles of Anglesay on lyft half he halde3, - & fare3 ouer þe forde3 by þe for-londe3, - 700 [D] Ouer at þe Holy-Hede, til he hade eft bonk - In þe wyldrenesse of Wyrale; wonde þer bot lyte - [E] Þat auþer God oþer gome wyth goud hert louied. [Fol. 100b] - & ay he frayned, as he ferde, at freke3 þat he met, - 704 [F] If þay hade herde any karp of a kny3t grene, - In any grounde þer-aboute, of þe grene chapel;[2] - & al nykked hym wyth nay, þat neuer in her lyue - [G] Þay se3e neuer no segge þat wat3 of suche hwe3 - 708 of grene. - Þe kny3t tok gates straunge, - In mony a bonk vnbene, - [H] His cher ful oft con chaunge, - 712 Þat chapel er he my3t sene. - -[Sidenote A: Now rides the knight through the realms of England.] -[Sidenote B: He has no companion but his horse.] -[Sidenote C: No men does he see till he approaches North Wales.] -[Sidenote D: From Holyhead he passes into Wirral.] -[Sidenote E: There he finds but few that loved God or man.] -[Sidenote F: He enquires after the Green Knight of the Green Chapel,] -[Sidenote G: but can gain no tidings of him.] -[Sidenote H: His cheer oft changed before he found the Chapel.] -[Footnote 1: nyghe (?).] -[Footnote 2: MS. clapel.] - - X. - - [A] Mony klyf he ouer-clambe in contraye3 straunge, - Fer floten fro his frende3 fremedly he ryde3; - [B] At vche warþe oþer water þer þe wy3e passed, - 716 He fonde a foo hym byfore, bot ferly hit were, - & þat so foule & so felle, þat fe3t hym by-hode; - [C] So mony meruayl hi mount þer þe mon fynde3, - Hit were to tore for to telle of þe tenþe dole. - 720 [D] Sumwhyle wyth worme3 he werre3, & with wolues als, - Sumwhyle wyth wodwos, þat woned in þe knarre3, - [E] Boþe wyth bulle3 & bere3, & bore3 oþer-quyle, - & etayne3, þat hym a-nelede, of þe he3e felle; - 724 [F] Nade he ben du3ty & dry3e, & dry3tyn had serued, - Douteles he hade ben ded, & dreped ful ofte. - [G] For werre wrathed hym not so much, þat wynter was wors, - When þe colde cler water fro þe cloude3 schadden, - 728 & fres er hit falle my3t to þe fale erþe; - Ner slayn wyth þe slete he sleped in his yrnes, - Mo ny3te3 þen in-noghe in naked rokke3, - Þer as claterande fro þe crest þe colde borne renne3, - 732 & henged he3e ouer his hede in hard ÿsse-ikkles. - [H] Þus in peryl, & payne, & plytes ful harde, - Bi contray carye3 þis kny3t, tyl kryst-masse euen, - al one; - 736 Þe kny3t wel þat tyde, - [I] To Mary made his mone. - Þat ho hym red to ryde, - & wysse hym to sum wone. [Fol. 101.] - -[Sidenote A: Many a cliff he climbed over;] -[Sidenote B: many a ford and stream he crossed, and everywhere he found a - foe.] -[Sidenote C: It were too tedious to tell the tenth part of his adventures] -[Sidenote D: with serpents, wolves, and wild men;] -[Sidenote E: with bulls, bears, and boars.] -[Sidenote F: Had he not been both brave and good, doubtless he had been - dead.] -[Sidenote G: The sharp winter was far worse than any war that ever troubled - him.] -[Sidenote H: Thus in peril he travels till Christmas-eve.] -[Sidenote I: To the Virgin Mary he prays to guide him to some abode.] - - XI. - - 740 [A] Bi a mounte on þe morne meryly he rydes, - Into a forest ful dep, þat ferly wat3 wylde, - Hi3e hille3 on vche a halue, & holt wode3 vnder, - [B] Of hore oke3 fill hoge a hundreth to-geder; - 744 Þe hasel & þe ha3-þorne were harled al samen, - With ro3e raged mosse rayled ay-where, - [C] With mony brydde3 vnblyþe vpon bare twyges, - Þat pitosly þer piped for pyne of þe colde. - 748 Þe gome vpon Gryngolet glyde3 hem vnder, - [D] Þur3 mony misy & myre, mon al hym one, - Carande for his costes, lest he ne keuer schulde, - To se þe seruy[1] of þat syre, þat on þat self ny3t - 752 Of a burde wat3 borne, oure baret to quelle; - [E] & þerfore sykyng he sayde, "I be-seche þe, lorde, - & Mary, þat is myldest moder so dere. - Of sum herber, þer he3ly I my3t here masse. - 756 Ande þy matyne3 to-morne, mekely I ask, - & þer-to prestly I pray my pater & aue, - & crede." - He rode in his prayere, - 760 & cryed for his mysdede, - [F] He sayned hym in syþes sere, - & sayde "cros Kryst me spede!" - -[Sidenote A: On the morn Sir Gawayne finds himself in a deep forest,] -[Sidenote B: where were old oaks many a hundred.] -[Sidenote C: Many sad birds upon bare twigs piped piteously for the cold.] -[Sidenote D: Through many a mire he goes, that he may celebrate the birth - of Christ.] -[Sidenote E: He beseeches the Virgin Mary to direct him to some lodging - where he may hear mass.] -[Sidenote F: Blessing himself, he says, "Cross of Christ, speed me!"] -[Footnote 1: seruyce (?).] - - XII. - - [A] Nade he sayned hym-self, segge, bot þrye, - 764 Er he wat3 war in þe wod of a won in a mote. - [B] Abof a launde, on a lawe, loken vnder bo3e3, - Of mony borelych bole, aboute bi þe diches; - [C] A castel þe comlokest þat euer kny3t a3te, - 768 Pyched on a prayere, a park al aboute, - With a pyked palays, pyned ful þik, - Þat vmbe-te3e mony tre mo þen two myle. - Þat holde on þat on syde þe haþel auysed, - 772 [D] As hit schemered & schon þur3 þe schyre oke3; - Þenne hat3 he hendly of his helme, & he3ly he þonke3 - Iesus & say[nt] Gilyan, þat gentyle ar boþe, - Þat cortaysly hade hym kydde, & his cry herkened. [Fol. 101b.] - 776 "Now bone hostel," coþe þe burne, "I be-seche yow 3ette!" - Þenne gedere3 he to Gryngolet with þe gilt hele3, - [E] & he ful chauncely hat3 chosen to þe chef gate, - Þat bro3t bremly þe burne to þe bryge ende, - 780 in haste; - [F] Þe bryge wat3 breme vp-brayde, - Þe 3ate3 wer stoken faste, - Þe walle3 were wel arayed, - 784 Hit dut no wynde3 blaste. - -[Sidenote A: Scarcely had he blessed himself thrice] -[Sidenote B: when he saw a dwelling in the wood, set on a hill,] -[Sidenote C: the comeliest castle that knight ever owned.] -[Sidenote D: It shone as the sun through the bright oaks.] -[Sidenote E: Sir Gawayne goes to the chief gate,] -[Sidenote F: and finds the draw-bridge raised, and the gates shut fast.] - - XIII. - - [A] Þe burne bode on bonk, þat on blonk houed, - Of þe depe double dich þat drof to þe place, - Þe walle wod in þe water wonderly depe, - 788 [B] Ande eft a ful huge he3t hit haled vpon lofte, - Of harde hewen ston vp to þe table3, - [C] Enbaned vnder þe abataylment, in þe best lawe; - & syþen garyte3 ful gaye gered bi-twene, - 792 Wyth mony luflych loupe, þat louked ful clene; - A better barbican þat burne blusched vpon neuer; - & innermore he be-helde þat halle ful hy3e, - [D] Towre telded bytwene trochet ful þik, - 796 Fayre fylyole3 þat fy3ed, & ferlyly long, - [E] With coruon coprounes, craftyly sle3e; - Chalk whyt chymnees þer ches he in-no3e, - Vpon bastel roue3, þat blenked ful quyte; - 800 So mony pynakle payntet wat3 poudred ay quere, - Among þe castel carnele3, clambred so þik, - Þat pared out of papure purely hit semed. - [F] Þe fre freke on þe fole hit fayr in-n[o]ghe þo3t, - 804 If he my3t keuer to com þe cloyster wyth-inne, - To herber in þat hostel, whyl halyday lested - auinant; - [G] He calde, & sone þer com - 808 A porter pure plesaunt, - On þe wal his ernd he nome, - & haylsed þe kny3t erraunt. - -[Sidenote A: The knight abides on the bank,] -[Sidenote B: and observes the "huge height,"] -[Sidenote C: with its battlements and watch towers.] -[Sidenote D: Bright and long were its round towers,] -[Sidenote E: with their well-made capitals.] -[Sidenote F: He thinks it fair enough if he might only come within the - cloister.] -[Sidenote G: He calls, and soon there comes a porter to know the knight's - errand.] - - XIV. - - [A] "Gode sir," quod Gawan, "wolde3 þou go myn ernde, - 812 To þe he3 lorde of þis hous, herber to craue?" - "3e, Peter," quod þe porter, "& purely I trowe,[1] [Fol. 102.] - [B] Þat 3e be, wy3e, welcum to won quyle yow lyke3." - Þen 3ede þat wy3e a3ayn awyþe, - 816 & folke frely hym wyth, to fonge þe kny3t; - [C] Þay let doun þe grete dra3t, & derely out 3eden, - & kneled doun on her knes vpon þe colde erþe, - To welcum þis ilk wy3, as worþy hom þo3t; - 820 [D] Þay 3olden hym þe brode 3ate, 3arked vp wyde, - & he hem raysed rekenly, & rod ouer þe brygge; - Sere segge3 hym sesed by sadel, quel[2] he ly3t, - [E] & syþen stabeled his stede stif men in-no3e. - 824 [F] Kny3te3 & swyere3 comen doun þenne, - For to bryng þis burne[3] wyth blys in-to halle; - [G] Quen he hef vp his helme, þer hi3ed in-noghe - For to hent hit at his honde, þe hende to seruen, - 828 His bronde & his blasoun boþe þay token. - Þen haylsed he ful hendly þo haþele3 vch one, - & mony proud mon þer presed, þat prynce to honour; - Alle hasped in his he3 wede to halle þay hym wonnen, - 832 Þer fayre fyre vpon flet fersly brenned. - [H] Þenne þe lorde of þe lede loute3 fro his chambre, - For to mete wyth menske þe mon on þe flor; - He sayde, "3e ar welcum to welde as yow lyke3, - 836 Þat here is, al is yowre awen, to haue at yowre wylle - & welde." - "Graunt mercy," quod Gawayn, - "Þer Kryst hit yow for-3elde," - 840 [I] As freke3 þat semed fayn, - Ayþer oþer in arme3 con felde. - -[Sidenote A: "Good sir," says Gawayne, "ask the high lord of this house to - grant me a lodging."] -[Sidenote B: "You are welcome to dwell here as long as you like," replied - the porter.] -[Sidenote C: The draw-bridge is let down,] -[Sidenote D: and the gate is opened wide to receive him.] -[Sidenote E: His horse is well stabled.] -[Sidenote F: Knights and squires bring Gawayne into the hall.] -[Sidenote G: Many a one hastens to take his helmet and sword.] -[Sidenote H: The lord of the country bids him welcome,] -[Sidenote I: and they embrace each other.] -[Footnote 1: trowoe, MS.] -[Footnote 2: quyle (?) or quen (?).] -[Footnote 3: buurne, MS.] - - XV. - - [A] Gawayn gly3t on þe gome þat godly hym gret, - [B] & þu3t hit a bolde burne þat þe bur3 a3te, - 844 A hoge haþel for þe none3, & of hyghe elde;[1] - [C] Brode bry3t wat3 his berde, & al beuer hwed, - Sturne stif on þe stryþþe on stal-worth schonke3, - [D] Felle face as þe fyre, & fre of hys speche; - 848 & wel hym semed for soþe, as þe segge þu3t, - To lede a lortschyp in lee of leude3 ful gode. - [E] Þe lorde hym charred to a chambre, & chefly cumaunde3[2] [Fol.] - To delyuer hym a leude, hym lo3ly to serue; [102b.] - 852 & þere were boun at his bode burne3 in-no3e, - [F] Þat bro3t hym to a bry3t boure, þer beddyng wat3 noble, - Of cortynes of clene sylk, wyth cler golde hemme3, - [G] & couertore3 ful curious, with comlych pane3, - 856 Of bry3t blaunnier a-boue enbrawded bisyde3, - Rudele3 rennande on rope3, red golde rynge3, - [H] Tapyte3 ty3t to þe wo3e, of tuly & tars, - & vnder fete, on þe flet, of fol3ande sute. - 860 [I] Þer he wat3 dispoyled, wyth speche3 of myerþe, - Þe burn of his bruny, & of his bry3t wede3; - [J] Ryche robes ful rad renkke3 hem[3] bro3ten, - For to charge, & to chaunge, & chose of þe best. - 864 Sone as he on hent, & happed þer-inne, - Þat sete on hym[4] semly, wyth saylande skyrte3, - [K] Þe ver by his uisage verayly hit semed - Wel ne3 to vche haþel alle on hwes, - 868 Lowande & lufly, alle his lymme3 vnder, - [L] Þat a comloker kny3t neuer Kryst made, - hem þo3t; - Wheþen in worlde he were, - 872 Hit semed as he my3t - Be prynce with-outen pere, - In felde þer felle men fy3t. - -[Sidenote A: Gawayne looks on his host;] -[Sidenote B: a big bold one he seemed.] -[Sidenote C: Beaver-hued was his broad beard,] -[Sidenote D: and his face as "fell as the fire."] -[Sidenote E: The lord leads Gawayne to a chamber, and assigns him a page to - wait upon him.] -[Sidenote F: In this bright bower was noble bedding;] -[Sidenote G: the curtains were of pure silk with golden hems;] -[Sidenote H: Tarsic tapestries covered the walls and the floor.] -[Sidenote I: Here the knight doffed his armour,] -[Sidenote J: and put on rich robes,] -[Sidenote K: which well became him.] -[Sidenote L: A more comely knight Christ never made.] -[Footnote 1: eldee, MS.] -[Footnote 2: clesly, MS.] -[Footnote 3: hym (?).] -[Footnote 4: MS. hyn.] - - XVI. - - [A] A cheyer by-fore þe chemné, þer charcole brenned, - 876 Wat3 grayþed for sir Gawan, grayþely with cloþe3, - Whyssynes vpon queldepoyntes, þa[t] koynt wer boþe; - [B] & þenne a mere mantyle wat3 on þat mon cast, - Of a broun bleeaunt, enbrauded ful ryche, - 880 & fayre furred wyth-inne with felle3 of þe best, - Alle of ermyn in erde, his hode of þe same; - & he sete in þat settel semlych ryche, - & achaufed hym chefly,[1] & þenne his cher mended. - 884 [C] Sone wat3 telded vp a tapit, on treste3 ful fayre, - [D] Clad wyth a clene cloþe, þat cler quyt schewed, - Sanap, & salure, & syluer-in spone3; - Þe wy3e wesche at his wylle, & went to his mete [Fol. 103.] - 888 Segge3 hym serued semly in-no3e, - [E] Wyth sere sewes & sete,[2] sesounde of þe best, - Double felde, as hit falle3, & fele kyn fische3; - [F] Summe baken in bred, summe brad on þe glede3, - 892 [G] Summe soþen, summe in sewe, sauered with spyces, - & ay sawes[3] so sle3e3, þat þe segge lyked. - Þe freke calde hit a fest ful frely & ofte, - [H] Ful hendely, quen alle þe haþeles re-hayted hym at one3 - 896 as hende; - "Þis penaunce now 3e take, - & eft hit schal amende;" - [I] Þat mon much merþe con make. - 900 For wyn in his hed þat wende. - -[Sidenote A: A chair is placed for Sir Gawayne before the fireplace.] -[Sidenote B: A mantle of fine linen, richly embroidered, is thrown over - him.] -[Sidenote C: A table is soon raised,] -[Sidenote D: and the knight, having washed, proceeded to meat.] -[Sidenote E: He is served with numerous dishes;] -[Sidenote F: with fish baked and broiled,] -[Sidenote G: or boiled and seasoned with spices.] -[Sidenote H: He calls it a full noble feast,] -[Sidenote I: and much mirth he makes, for the wine is in his head.] -[Footnote 1: MS. cefly.] -[Footnote 2: swete (?).] -[Footnote 3: sewes (?).] - - XVII. - - [A] Þenne wat3 spyed & spured vpon spare wyse. - Bi preue poynte3 of þat prynce, put to hym-seluen, - Þat he be-knew cortaysly of þe court þat he were, - 904 [B] Þat aþel Arthure þe hende halde3 hym one, - Þat is þe ryche ryal kyng of þe rounde table; - & hit wat3 Wawen hym-self þat in þat won sytte3, - Comen to þat krystmasse, as case hym þen lymped. - 908 [C] When þe lorde hade lerned þat he þe leude hade, - Loude la3ed he þerat, so lef hit hym þo3t, - [D] & alle þe men in þat mote maden much joye, - To apere in his presense prestly þat tyme, - 912 Þat alle prys, & prowes, & pured þewes - Apendes to hys persoun, & praysed is euer, - By-fore alle men vpon molde, his mensk is þe most. - [E] Vch segge ful softly sayde to his fere, - 916 [F] "Now schal we semlych se sle3te3 of þewe3, - & þe teccheles termes of talkyng noble, - Wich spede is in speche, vnspurd may we lerne, - [G] Syn we haf fonged þat fyne fader of nurture; - 920 God hat3 geuen vus his grace godly for soþe, - Þat such a gest as Gawan graunte3 vus to haue, - When burne3 blyþe of his burþe schal sitte - & synge. - 924 In menyng of manere3 mere, - Þis burne now schal vus bryng, [Fol. 103b.] - [H] I hope þat may hym here, - Schal lerne of luf-talkyng." - -[Sidenote A: Sir Gawayne, in answer to questions put to him,] -[Sidenote B: tells the prince that he is of Arthur's court.] -[Sidenote C: When this was made known,] -[Sidenote D: great was the joy in the hall.] -[Sidenote E: Each one said softly to his mate,] -[Sidenote F: "Now we shall see courteous manners and hear noble speech,] -[Sidenote G: for we have amongst us the 'father of nurture.'] -[Sidenote H: He that may him hear shall learn of love-talking."] - - XVIII. - - 928 [A] Bi þat þe diner wat3 done, & þe dere vp, - Hit wat3 ne3 at þe niy3t ne3ed þe tyme; - Chaplayne3[1] to þe chapeles chosen þe gate, - Rungen ful rychely, ry3t as þay schulden, - 932 [B] To þe hersum euensong of þe hy3e tyde. - Þe lorde loutes þerto, & þe lady als, - In-to a comly closet coyntly ho entre3; - Gawan glyde3 ful gay, & gos þeder sone; - 936 Þe lorde laches hym by þe lappe, & lede3 hym to sytte, - & couþly hym knowe3, & calle3 hym his nome, - & sayde he wat3 þe welcomest wy3e of þe worlde; - [C] & he hym þonkked þroly, & ayþer halched oþer. - 940 & seten soberly samen þe seruise-quyle; - Þenne lyst þe lady to loke on þe kny3t. - [D] Þenne com ho of hir closet, with mony cler burde3, - Ho wat3 þe fayrest in felle, of flesche & of lyre, - 944 & of compas, & colour, & costes of alle oþer, - [E] & wener þen Wenore, as þe wy3e þo3t. - He ches þur3 þe chaunsel, to cheryche þat hende; - [F] An oþer lady hir lad bi þe lyft honde, - 948 Þat wat3 alder þen ho, an auncian hit semed, - & he3ly honowred with haþele3 aboute. - [G] Bot yn-lyke on to loke þo ladyes were, - [H] For if þe 3onge wat3 3ep, 3ol3e wat3 þat oþer; - 952 Riche red on þat on rayled ay quere, - [I] Rugh ronkled cheke3 þat oþer on rolled; - Kerchofes of þat on wyth mony cler perle3 - [J] Hir brest & hir bry3t þrote bare displayed, - 956 Schon schyrer þen snawe, þat scheder[2] on hille3; - Þat oþer wyth a gorger wat3 gered ouer þe swyre, - Chymbled ouer hir blake chyn with mylk-quyte vayles, - [K] Hir frount folden in sylk, enfoubled ay quere, - 960 Toret & treieted with tryfle3 aboute, - [L] Þat no3t wat3 bare of þat burde bot þe blake bro3es. [Fol. 104.] - Þe tweyne y3en, & þe nase, þe naked lyppe3, - & þose were soure to se, & sellyly blered; - 964 A mensk lady on molde mon may hir calle, - for gode; - [M] Hir body wat3 schort & þik. - [N] Hir buttoke3 bay & brode, - 968 More lykker-wys on to lyk, - Wat3 þat scho hade on lode. - -[Sidenote A: After dinner the company go to the chapel,] -[Sidenote B: to hear the evensong of the great season.] -[Sidenote C: The lord of the castle and Sir Gawayne sit together during - service.] -[Sidenote D: His wife, accompanied by her maids, leaves her seat.] -[Sidenote E: She appeared even fairer than Guenever.] -[Sidenote F: An older lady (an ancient one she seemed) led her by the - hand.] -[Sidenote G: Very unlike were these two.] -[Sidenote H: if the young one was fair the other was yellow,] -[Sidenote I: and had rough and wrinkled cheeks.] -[Sidenote J: The younger had breast and throat "bare displayed."] -[Sidenote K: The ancient one exposed only her "black brows," her two eyes,] -[Sidenote L: nose, and naked lips, all sour and bleared.] -[Sidenote M: Her body was short and thick;] -[Sidenote N: her buttocks broad and round.] -[Footnote 1: MS. [claplayne3.]] -[Footnote 2: schedes (?).] - - XIX. - - [A] When Gawayn gly3t on þat gay, þat graciously loked, - Wyth leue la3t of þe lorde he went hem a3aynes; - 972 [B] Þe alder he haylses, heldande ful lowe, - Þe loueloker he lappe3 a lyttel in arme3, - [C] He kysses hir comlyly, & kny3tly he mele3; - Þay kallen hym of a quoyntaunce, & he hit quyk aske3 - 976 [D] To be her seruaunt sothly, if hem-self lyked. - Þay tan hym bytwene hem, wyth talkyng hym leden - [E] To chambre, to chemné, & chefly þay asken - [F] Spyce3, þat vn-sparely men speded hom to bryng, - 980 & þe wynne-lych wyne þer-with vche tyme. - Þe lorde luflych aloft lepe3 ful ofte, - Mynned merthe to be made vpon mony syþe3. - [G] Hent he3ly of his hode, & on a spere henged, - 984 & wayned hom to wynne þe worchip þer-of, - [H] Þat most myrþe my3t mene[1] þat crystenmas whyle; - "& i schal fonde, bi my fayth, to fylter wyth þe best, - Er me wont þe wede3, with help of my frende3." - 988 Þus wyth la3ande lote3 þe lorde hit tayt[2] make3, - [I] For to glade sir Gawayn with gomne3 in halle - þat ny3t; - Til þat hit wat3 tyme, - 992 Þe kyng comaundet ly3t, - [J] Sir Gawen his leue con nyme, - & to his bed hym di3t. - -[Sidenote A: With permission of the lord,] -[Sidenote B: Sir Gawayne salutes the elder,] -[Sidenote C: but the younger he kisses,] -[Sidenote D: and begs to be her servant.] -[Sidenote E: To chamber all go,] -[Sidenote F: where spices and wine are served.] -[Sidenote G: The lord takes off his hood and places it on a spear.] -[Sidenote H: He who makes most mirth is to win it.] -[Sidenote I: Night approaches, and then] -[Sidenote J: Sir Gawayne takes his leave and retires to rest.] -[Footnote 1: meue (?).] -[Footnote 2: layt (?).] - - XX. - - [A] On þe morne, as vch mon myne3 þat tyme, - 996 [B] [Þ]at dry3tyn for oure destyné to de3e wat3 borne, - Wele waxe3 in vche a won in worlde, for his sake; - [C] So did hit þere on þat day, þur3 dayntes mony; - Boþe at mes & at mele, messes ful quaynt [Fol. 104b.] -1000 Derf men vpon dece drest of þe best. - [D] Þe olde auncian wyf he3est ho sytte3; - Þe lorde lufly her by lent, as I trowe; - [E] Gawan & þe gay burde to-geder þay seten, -1004 Euen in-mydde3, as þe messe metely come; - & syþen þur3 al þe sale, as hem best semed, - [F] Bi vche grome at his degre grayþely wat3 serued. - Þer wat3 mete, þer wat3 myrþe, þer wat3 much ioye, -1008 Þat for to telle þerof hit me tene were, - & to poynte hit 3et I pyned me parauenture; - [G] Bot 3et I wot þat Wawen & þe wale burde - Such comfort of her compaynye ca3ten to-geder, -1012 Þur3 her dere dalyaunce of her derne worde3, - Wyth clene cortays carp, closed fro fylþe; - & hor play wat3 passande vche prynce gomen, - in vayres; -1016 [H] Trumpe3 & nakerys, - Much pypyng þer repayres, - Vche mon tented hys, - & þay two tented þayres. - -[Sidenote A: On Christmas morn,] -[Sidenote B: joy reigns in every dwelling in the world.] -[Sidenote C: So did it in the castle where our knight abode.] -[Sidenote D: The lord and "the old ancient wife" sit together.] -[Sidenote E: Gawayne sits by the wife of his host.] -[Sidenote F: It were too tedious to tell of the meat, the mirth, and the - joy that abounded everywhere.] -[Sidenote G: Gawayne and his beautiful companion derive much comfort from - each other's conversation.] -[Sidenote H: Trumpets and nakers give forth their sounds.] - - XXI. - -1020 [A] Much dut wat3 þer dryuen þat day & þat oþer, - & þe þryd as þro þronge in þerafter; - [B] Þe ioye of sayn Ione3 day wat3 gentyle to here, - & wat3 þe last of þe layk, leude3 þer þo3ten. -1024 Þer wer gestes to go vpon þe gray morne, - For-þy wonderly þay woke, & þe wyn dronken, - Daunsed ful dre3ly wyth dere carole3; - [C] At þe last, when hit wat3 late, þay lachen her leue, -1028 Vchon to wende on his way, þat wat3 wy3e stronge. - Gawan gef hym god-day, þe god mon hym lachche3, - Ledes hym to his awen chambre, þ[e] chymné bysyde, - [D] & þere he dra3e3 hym on-dry3e, & derely hym þonkke3, -1032 Of þe wynne worschip &[1] he hym wayned hade, - As to honour his hous on þat hy3e tyde, - & enbelyse his bur3 with his bele chere. - "I-wysse sir, quyl I leue, me worþe3 þe better, -1036 Þat Gawayn hat3 ben my gest, at Godde3 awen fest." [Fol. 105.] - "Grant merci[2] sir," quod Gawayn, "in god fayth hit is yowre3, - Al þe honour is your awen, þe he3e kyng yow 3elde; - & I am wy3e at your wylle, to worch youre hest, -1040 As I am halden þer-to, in hy3e & in lo3e, - bi ri3t." - [E] Þe lorde fast can hym payne, - To holde lenger þe kny3t, -1044 To hym answre3 Gawayn, - Bi non way þat he my3t. - -[Sidenote A: Great was the joy for three days.] -[Sidenote B: St. John's-day was the last of the Christmas festival.] -[Sidenote C: On the morrow many of the guests took their departure from the - castle.] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne is thanked by his host for the honour and pleasure - of his visit.] -[Sidenote E: He endeavours to keep the knight at his court.] -[Footnote 1: þat (?).] -[Footnote 2: nerci, in MS.] - - XXII. - - [A] Then frayned þe freke ful fayre at him-seluen, - Quat derne[1] dede had hym dryuen, at þat dere tyme, -1048 So kenly fro þe kynge3 kourt to kayre al his one, - Er þe halidaye3 holly were halet out of toun? - [B] "For soþe sir," quod þe segge, "3e sayn bot þe trawþe - A he3e ernde & a hasty me hade fro þo wone3, -1052 For I am sumned my selfe to sech to a place, - I wot[2] in worlde wheder warde to wende, hit to fynde; - I nolde, bot if I hit negh my3t on nw3eres morne, - For alle þe londe in-wyth Logres, so me oure lorde help! -1056 For-þy, sir, þis enquest I require yow here, - [C] Þat 3e me telle with trawþe, if euer 3e tale herde - Of þe grene chapel, quere hit on grounde stonde3, - & of þe kny3t þat hit kepes, of colour of grene? -1060 Þer wat3 stabled bi statut a steuen vus by-twene, - [D] To mete þat mon at þat mere, 3if I my3t last; - & of þat ilk nw3ere hot neked now wonte3, - & I wolde loke on þat lede, if God me let wolde, -1064 Gladloker, bi Godde3 sun, þen any god welde! - For-þi, I-wysse, bi 3owre wylle, wende me bi-houes, - [E] Naf I now to busy bot bare þre daye3, - & me als fayn to falle feye as fayly of myyn ernde." -1068 [F] Þenne la3ande quod þe lorde, "now leng þe by-houes, - For I schal teche yow to þa[t] terme bi þe tyme3 ende, - Þe grene chapayle vpon grounde, greue yow no more; - Bot 3e schal be in yowre bed, burne, at þyn ese, -1072 Quyle forth dayej, & ferk on pe fyrst of pe 3ere, - & cum to þat merk at mydmorn, to make quat yow like3 [Fol. 105b] - in spenne; - Dowelle3 whyle new 3eres daye, -1076 & rys, & rayke3 þenne, - [G] Mon schal yow sette in waye, - Hit is not two myle henne." - -[Sidenote A: He desires to know what had driven Sir Gawayne from Arthur's - court before the end of the Christmas holidays.] -[Sidenote B: The knight replies that "a high errand and a hasty one" had - forced him to leave the court.] -[Sidenote C: He asks his host whether he has ever heard of the Green - Chapel,] -[Sidenote D: for he has to be there on New Year's-day.] -[Sidenote E: He wonld as lief die as fail in his errand.] -[Sidenote F: The prince tells Sir Gawayne that he will teach him the way.] -[Sidenote G: The Green chapel is not more than two miles from the castle.] -[Footnote 1: derue (?).] -[Footnote 2: not (?).] - - XXIII. - - [A] Þenne wat3 Gawan ful glad, & gomenly he la3ed,-- -1080 "Now I þonk yow þryuandely þur3 alle oþer þynge, - [B] Now acheued is my chaunce, I schal at your wylle - Dowelle, & elle3 do quat 3e demen." - Þenne sesed hym þe syre, & set hym bysyde, -1084 [C] Let þe ladie3 be fette, to lyke hem þe better; - Þer wat3 seme solace by hem-self stille; - Þe lorde let for luf lote3 so myry, - As wy3 þat wolde of his wyte, ne wyst quat he my3t. -1088 Þenne he carped to þe kny3t, criande loude, - [D] "3e han demed to do þe dede þat I bidde; - Wyl 3e halde þis hes here at þys one3?" - "3e sir, for-soþe," sayd þe segge trwe, -1092 "Whyl I byde in yowre bor3e, be bayn to 3ow[r]e hest." - "For 3e haf trauayled," quod þe tulk, "towen fro ferre, - & syþen waked me wyth, 3e arn not wel waryst, - [E] Nauþer of sostnaunce ne of slepe, soþly I knowe; -1096 3e schal lenge in your lofte, & ly3e in your ese, - [F] To morn quyle þe messe-quyle, & to mete wende, - When 3e wyl, wyth my wyf, þat wyth yow schal sitte, - & comfort yow with compayny, til I to cort torne, -1100 3e lende; - & I schal erly ryse, - On huntyng wyl I wende." - [G] Gauayn grante3 alle þyse, -1104 Hym heldande, as þe hende. - -[Sidenote A: Then was Gawayne glad,] -[Sidenote B: and consents to tarry awhile at the castle.] -[Sidenote C: The ladies are brought in to solace him.] -[Sidenote D: The lord of the castle asks the knight to grant him one - request;] -[Sidenote E: That he will stay in his chamber during mass time,] -[Sidenote F: and then go to meat with his hostess.] -[Sidenote G: Gawayne accedes to his request.] - - XXIV. - - [A] "3et firre," quod þe freke, "a forwarde we make; - Quat-so-euer I wynne in þe wod, hit worþe3 to youre3, - [B] & quat chek so 3e acheue, chaunge me þer-forne; -1108 Swete, swap we so, sware with trawþe, - Queþer, leude, so lymp lere oþer better." - "Bi God," quod Gawayn þe gode, "I grant þer-tylle, - & þat yow lyst forto layke, lef hit me þynkes. [Fol. 106.] -1112 [C] "Who bringe3 vus þis beuerage, þis bargayn is maked:" - So sayde þe lorde of þat lede; þay la3ed vchone, - Þay dronken, & daylyeden, & dalten vnty3tel,[1] - Þise lorde3 & ladye3, quyle þat hem lyked; -1116 & syþen with frenkysch fare & fele fayre lote3 - Þay stoden, & stemed, & stylly speken, - Kysten ful comlyly, & ka3ten her leue. - [D] With mony leude ful ly3t, & lemande torches, -1120 Vche burne to his bed wat3 bro3t at þe laste, - ful softe; - To bed 3et er þay 3ede, - Recorded couenaunte3 ofte; -1124 Þe olde lorde of þat leude,[2] - Cowþe wel halde layk a-lofte. - -[Sidenote A: "Whatsoever," says the host, "I win in the wood shall be - yours,] -[Sidenote B: and what check you achieve shall be mine."] -[Sidenote C: A bargain is made between them.] -[Sidenote D: Night approaches and each "to his bed was brought at the - last."] -[Footnote 1: vntyl ny3te (?).] -[Footnote 2: lede (?).] - -[FYTTE THE THIRD.] - - I. - - [A] Ful erly bifore þe day þe folk vp-rysen, - Gestes þat go wolde, hor grome3 þay calden, -1128 [B] & þay busken vp bilyue, blonkke3 to sadel, - Tyffen he[r] takles, trussen her males, - Richen hem þe rychest, to ryde alle arayde, - Lepen vp ly3tly, lachen her brydeles, -1132 [C] Vche wy3e on his way, þer hym wel lyked. - [D] Þe leue lorde of þe londe wat3 not þe last, - A-rayed for þe rydyng, with renkke3 ful mony; - [E] Ete a sop hastyly, when he hade herde masse, -1136 With bugle to bent felde he buske3 by-lyue; - [F] By þat þat any day-ly3t lemed vpon erþe, - He with his haþeles on hy3e horsses weren. - [G] Þenne þise cacheres þat couþe, cowpled hor hounde3, -1140 Vnclosed þe kenel dore, & calde hem þer-oute, - [H] Blwe bygly in bugle3 þre bare mote; - Braches bayed þerfore, & breme noyse maked, - [I] & þay chastysed, & charred, on chasyng þat went; -1144 A hundreth of hunteres, as I haf herde telle, - of þe best; - [J] To trystors vewters 3od, - Couples huntes of kest, -1148 Þer ros for blaste3 gode, [Fol. 106b.] - [K] Gret rurd in þat forest. - -[Sidenote A: Before day-break folks uprise,] -[Sidenote B: saddle their horses, and truss their mails.] -[Sidenote C: Each goes where it pleases him best.] -[Sidenote D: The noble lord of the land arrays himself for riding.] -[Sidenote E: He eats a sop hastily and goes to mass.] -[Sidenote F: Before day-light he and his men are on their horses.] -[Sidenote G: Then the hounds are called out and coupled.] -[Sidenote H: Three short notes are blown by the bugles.] -[Sidenote I: A hundred hunters join in the chase.] -[Sidenote J: To the stations the "fewters" go,] -[Sidenote K: and the dogs are cast off.] - - II. - - [A] At þe fyrst quethe of þe quest quaked þe wylde; - Der drof in þe dale, doted for drede, -1152 Hi3ed to þe hy3e, bot heterly þay were - [B] Restayed with þe stablye, þat stoutly ascryed; - [C] Þay let þe hertte3 haf þe gate, with þe hy3e hedes, - Þe breme bukke3 also, with hor brode paume3; -1156 For þe fre lorde hade de-fende in fermysoun tyme, - Þat þer schulde no mon mene[1] to þe male dere. - [D] Þe hinde3 were halden in, with hay & war, - Þe does dryuen with gret dyn to þe depe slade3; -1160 Þer my3t mon se, as þay slypte, slentyng of arwes, - [E] At vche [þat] wende vnder wande wapped a flone, - Þat bigly bote on þe broun, with ful brode hede3, - [F] What! þay brayen, & bleden, bi bonkke3 þay de3en. -1164 & ay rachches in a res radly hem fol3es, - Huntere3 wyth hy3e horne hasted hem after, - [G] Wyth such a crakkande kry, as klyffes haden brusten; - What wylde so at-waped wy3es þat schotten, -1168 Wat3 al to-raced & rent, at þe resayt. - Bi þay were tened at þe hy3e, & taysed to þe wattre3, - Þe lede3 were so lerned at þe lo3e trysteres, - & þe gre-hounde3 so grete, þat geten hem bylyue, -1172 & hem to fylched, as fast as freke3 my3t loke, - þer ry3t. - [H] Þe lorde for blys abloy - Ful oft con launce & ly3t, -1176 [I] & drof þat day wyth Ioy - Thus to þe derk ny3t. - -[Sidenote A: Roused by the clamour the deer rush to the heights,] -[Sidenote B: but are soon driven back.] -[Sidenote C: The harts and bucks are allowed to pass,] -[Sidenote D: but the hinds and does are driven back to the shades.] -[Sidenote E: As they fly they are shot by the bowmen.] -[Sidenote F: The hounds and the hunters, with a loud cry, follow in - pursuit.] -[Sidenote G: Those that escaped the arrows are killed by the hounds.] -[Sidenote H: The lord waxes joyful in the chase,] -[Sidenote I: which lasted till the approach of night.] -[Footnote 1: meue (?).] - - III. - - [A] Þus layke3 þis lorde by lynde wode3 eue3, - & G. þe god mon, in gay bed lyge3, -1180 [B] Lurkke3 quyl þe day-ly3t lemed on þe wowes, - Vnder couertour ful clere, cortyned aboute; - & as in slomeryng he slode, sle3ly he herde - [C] A littel dyn at his dor, & derfly vpon; -1184 & he heue3 vp his hed out of þe cloþes, - A corner of þe cortyn he ca3t vp a lyttel, [Fol. 107.] - & wayte3 warly þider-warde, quat hit be my3t. - [D] Hit wat3 þe ladi, loflyest to be-holde, -1188 Þat dro3 þe dor after hir ful dernly[1] & stylle, - [E] & bo3ed to-warde þe bed; & þe burne schamed. - & layde hym doun lystyly, & let as he slepte. - [F] & ho stepped stilly. & stel to his bedde, -1192 [G] Kest vp þe cortyn, & creped with-inne, - & set hir ful softly on þe bed-syde, - & lenged þere selly longe, to loke quen he wakened. - Þe lede lay lurked a ful longe quyle, -1196 [H] Compast in his concience to quat þat cace my3t - Mene oþer amount, to meruayle hym þo3t; - Bot 3et he sayde in hym-self, "more semly hit were - To aspye wyth my spelle [in] space quat ho wolde." -1200 [I] þen he wakenede, & wroth, & to hir warde torned, - [J] & vn-louked his y3e-lydde3, & let as hym wondered, - & sayned hym, as bi his sa3e þe sauer to worthe, - with hande; -1204 Wyth chynne & cheke ful swete, - Boþe quit & red in-blande, - Ful lufly con ho lete, - Wyth lyppe3 smal la3ande. - -[Sidenote A: All this time Gawayne lies a-bed.] -[Sidenote B: under "coverture full clear".] -[Sidenote C: He hears a noise at his door.] -[Sidenote D: A lady, the loveliest to behold, enters softly.] -[Sidenote E: She approaches the bed.] -[Sidenote F: Gawayne pretends to be asleep.] -[Sidenote G: The lady casts up the curtain and sits on the bedside.] -[Sidenote H: Gawayne has much wonder thereat.] -[Sidenote I: He rouses himself up,] -[Sidenote J: unlocks his eyes, and looks as if he were astonished.] -[Footnote 1: deruly (?).] - - IV. - -1208 [A] "God moroun, sir Gawayn," sayde þat fayr lady, - "3e ar a sleper vn-sly3e, þat mon may slyde hider; - Now ar 3e tan astyt, bot true vus may schape, - [B] I schal bynde yow in your bedde, þat be 3e trayst:" -1212 Al la3ande þe lady lanced þo bourde3. - [C] "Goud moroun g[aye],"[1] quod Gawayn þe blyþe, - "Me schal worþe at your wille, & þat me wel lyke3, - For I 3elde me 3ederly, & 3e3e after grace, -1216 & þat is þe best, be my dome, for me by-houe3 nede;" - & þus he bourded a-3ayn with mony a blyþe la3ter. - [D] "Bot wolde 3e, lady louely, þen leue me grante, - & de-prece your prysoun, & pray hym to ryse, -1220 I wolde bo3e of þis bed, & busk me better, - I schulde keuer þe more comfort to karp yow wyth." - [E] "Nay, for soþe, beau sir," sayd þat swete, [Fol. 107b] - "3e schal not rise of your bedde, I rych yow better, -1224 [F] I schal happe yow here þat oþer half als, - & syþen karp wyth my kny3t þat I ka3t haue; - [G] For I wene wel, Iwysse, sir Wawen 3e are, - Þat alle þe worlde worchipe3, quere-so 3e ride; -1228 Your honour, your hendelayk is hendely praysed - [H] With lorde3, wyth ladyes, with alle þat lyf bere. - & now 3e ar here, iwysse, & we bot oure one; - [I] "My lorde & his lede3 ar on lenþe faren, -1232 [J] Oþer burne3 in her bedde, & my burde3 als, - [K] Þe dor drawen, & dit with a derf haspe; - [L] & syþen I haue in þis hous hym þat al lyke3, - I schal ware my whyle wel, quyl hit laste3, -1236 with tale; - [M] 3e ar welcum to my cors, - Yowre awen won to wale, - Me be-houe3 of fyne force, -1240 [N] Your seruaunt be & schale." - -[Sidenote A: "Good morrow", says the lady, "ye are a careless sleeper to - let one enter thus.] -[Sidenote B: I shall bind you in your bed, of that be ye sure."] -[Sidenote C: "Good morrow," says the knight, "I am well pleased to be at - your service;] -[Sidenote D: but permit me to rise and dress myself."] -[Sidenote E: "Nay, beau sir," said that sweet one,] -[Sidenote F: "I shall hold talk with you here.] -[Sidenote G: I know well that you are Gawayne that all the woild worships.] -[Sidenote H: We are by ourselves;] -[Sidenote I: My lord and his men are far off.] -[Sidenote J: Other men are in their beds, so are my maidens.] -[Sidenote K: The door is safely closed.] -[Sidenote L: Since I have him in house that every one likes, I shall use my - time well while it lasts.] -[Sidenote M: Ye are welcome to my body.] -[Sidenote N: I shall be your servant."] -[Footnote 1: This word is illegible in the MS.] - - V. - - "In god fayth," quod Gawayn, "gayn hit me þynkke3, - [A] Þa3 I be not now he þat 3e of speken; - To reche to such reuerence as 3e reherce here -1244 I am wy3e vn-worþy, I wot wel my-seluen; - Bi God, I were glad, & yow god þo3t, - [B] At sa3e oþer at seruyce þat I sette my3t - To þe plesaunce of your prys, hit were a pure ioye." -1248 "In god fayth, sir Gawayn," quod þe gay lady, - "Þe prys & þe prowes þat plese3 al oþer, - If I hit lakked, oþer set at ly3t, hit were littel daynté; - [C] Bot hit ar ladyes in-no3e, þat leuer wer nowþe -1252 Haf þe hende in hor holde, as I þe habbe here, - To daly witt derely your daynté worde3, - Keuer hem comfort, & colen her care3, - [D] Þen much of þe garysourn oþer golde þat[1] þay hauen; -1256 Bot I louue[2] þat ilk lorde þat þe lyfte halde3, - I haf hit holly in my honde þat al desyres, - þur3e grace." - Scho made hym so gret chere, -1260 Þat wat3 so fayr of face, [Fol. 108.] - [E] Þe kny3t with speches skere, - A[n]swared to vche a cace. - -[Sidenote A: "I am unworthy," says Sir Gawayne, "to reach to such reverence - as ye rehearse.] -[Sidenote B: I shall be glad, however, to please you by word, or service."] -[Sidenote C: "There are ladies," says his visitor, "who would prefer thy - company] -[Sidenote D: to much of the gold that they possess."] -[Sidenote E: The knight answers the lady's questions.] -[Footnote 1: MS. þat þat.] -[Footnote 2: louie or loune (?).] - - VI. - - [A] "Madame," quod þe myry mon, "Mary yow 3elde, -1264 For I haf founden, in god fayth, yowre fraunchis nobele, - & oþer ful much of oþer folk fongen hor dede3; - Bot þe daynté þat þay delen for my disert nysen, - Hit is þe worchyp of your-self, þat no3t hot wel conne3." -1268 [B] "Bi Mary," quod þe menskful, "me þynk hit anoþer; - For were I worth al þe wone of wymmen alyue, - & al þe wele of þe worlde were in my honde, - [C] & I schulde chepen & chose, to cheue me a lorde, -1272 For þe costes þat I haf knowen vpun þe kny3t here, - Of bewté, & debonerté, & blyþe semblaunt, - [D] & þat I haf er herkkened, & halde hit here trwee, - Þer schulde no freke vpon folde bifore yow be chosen." -1276 "I-wysse, worþy," quod þe wy3e, "3e haf waled wel better, - [E] Bot I am proude of þe prys þat 3e put on me, - & soberly your seruaunt my souerayn I holde yow, - & yowre kny3t I be-com, & Kryst yow for-3elde." -1280 Þus þay meled of much-quat, til myd-morn paste, - & ay þe lady let lyk, a[1] hym loued mych; - [F] Þe freke ferde with defence, & feted ful fayre. - Þa3 I were burde bry3test, þe burde in mynde hade, -1284 Þe lasse luf in his lode, for lur þat he so3t, - boute hone; - Þe dunte þat schulde[2] hym deue, - & nede3 hit most be done; -1288 [G] Þe lady þenn spek of leue. - He granted hir ful sone. - -[Sidenote A: Gawayne tells her that he prefers her conversation before that - of all others.] -[Sidenote B: The lady declares by Mary,] -[Sidenote C: that were she about to choose her a lord,] -[Sidenote D: she would select Gawayne before any man on earth.] -[Sidenote E: Gawayne tells her that he will become her own knight and - faithful servant.] -[Sidenote F: The remembrance of his adventure prevents him from thinking of - love.] -[Sidenote G: The lady takes leave of Sir Gawayne.] -[Footnote 1: and (?)] -[Footnote 2: sclulde, in MS.] - - VII. - - [A] Þenne ho gef hym god-day, & wyth a glent la3ed. - & as ho stod, ho stonyed hym wyth ful stor worde3: -1292 [B] "Now he þat spede3 vche spech, þis disport 3elde yow! - Bot þat 3e be Gawan, hit got3 in mynde." - "Quer-fore?" quod þe freke, & freschly he aske3, - Ferde lest he hade fayled in fourme of his castes; -1296 Bot þe burde hym blessed, & bi þis skyl sayde, - "So god as Gawayn gaynly is halden, [Fol. 108b.] - & cortaysye is closed so clene in hym-seluen, - [C] Couth not ly3tly haf lenged so long wyth a lady, -1300 Bot he had craued a cosse, bi his courtaysye, - Bi sum towch of summe tryfle, at sum tale3 ende." - [D] Þen quod Wowen, "I-wysse, worþe as yow lyke3, - I schal kysse at your comaundement, as a kny3t falle3, -1304 & fire[1] lest he displese yow, so[2] plede hit no more." - [E] Ho comes nerre with þat, & cache3 hym in arme3, - Loute3 luflych adoun, & þe leude kysse3; - Þay comly bykennen to Kryst ayþer oþer; -1308 Ho dos hir forth at þe dore, with-outen dyn more. - & he ryches hym to ryse, & rapes hym sone, - [F] Clepes to his chamberlayn, choses his wede, - Bo3e3 forth, quen he wat3 boun, blyþely to masse, -1312 & þenne he meued to his mete, þat menskly hym keped, - [G] & made myry al day til þe mone rysed, - with game; - With[3] neuer freke fayrer fonge, -1316 [H] Bitwene two so dyngne dame, - Þe alder & þe 3onge, - Much solace set þay same. - -[Sidenote A: With a laughing glance, she says,] -[Sidenote B: "I am doubtful whether ye be Gawayne.] -[Sidenote C: Were it he, surely, ere this, he would have craved a kiss."] -[Sidenote D: "I shall kiss," says the knight, "at your commandment."] -[Sidenote E: With that the lady catches him in her arms and kisses him.] -[Sidenote F: Gawayne then rises and goes to mass.] -[Sidenote G: He makes mirth all day till the moon rises,] -[Sidenote H: between the "two dames," the older and the younger.] -[Footnote 1: fere (?).] -[Footnote 2: fo, in MS.] -[Footnote 3: Was (?) Nas (?).] - - VIII. - - [A] And ay þe lorde of þe londe is lent on his gamne3, -1320 To hunt in holte3 & heþe, at hynde3 barayne, - Such a sowme he þer slowe bi þat þe sunne heldet, - Of dos & of oþer dere, to deme were wonder. - Þenne fersly þay flokked in folk at þe laste, -1324 [B] & quykly of þe quelled dere a querré þay maked; - Þe best bo3ed þerto, with burne3 in-noghe, - [C] Gedered þe grattest of gres þat þer were, - & didden hem derely vndo, as þe dede aske3; -1328 [D] Serched hem at þe asay, summe þat þer were, - Two fyngeres þay fonde of þe fowlest of alle; - [E] Syþen þay slyt þe slot, sesed þe erber, - [F] Schaued wyth a scharp knyf, & þe schyre knitten; -1332 Syþen rytte þay þe foure lymmes, & rent of þe hyde, - [G] Þen brek þay þe bale, þe bale3 out token, - [H] Lystily forlancyng, & bere of þe knot; [Fol. 109.] - Þay gryped to þe gargulun, & grayþely departed -1336 [I] Þe wesaunt fro þe wynt-hole, & walt out þe gutte3; - Þen scher þay out þe schuldere3 with her scharp knyue3, - [J] Haled hem by a lyttel hole, to haue hole sydes; - Siþen britned þay þe brest, & brayden hit in twynne, -1340 & eft at þe gargulun bigyne3 on þenne, - [K] Ryue3 hit vp radly, ry3t to þe by3t, - Voyde3 out þe a-vanters, & verayly þerafter - Alle þe ryme3 by þe rybbe3 radly þay lance; -1344 So ryde þay of by resoun bi þe rygge bone3, - Euenden to þe haunche, þat henged alle samen, - & heuen hit vp al hole, & hwen hit of þere, - & þat þayneme for þe noumbles, bi nome as I trowe, -1348 bi kynde; - [L] Bi þe by3t al of þe þy3es, - Þe lappe3 þay lance bi-hynde, - [M] To hewe hit in two þay hy3es, -1352 Bi þe bak-bon to vnbynde. - -[Sidenote A: Meanwhile the lord of the land and his men hunt in woods and - heaths.] -[Sidenote B: Quickly of the killed a "quarry" they make.] -[Sidenote C: Then they set about breaking the deer.] -[Sidenote D: They take away the assay or fat,] -[Sidenote E: then they slit the slot and remove the erber.] -[Sidenote F: They afterwards rip the four limbs and rend off the hide.] -[Sidenote G: They next open the belly] -[Sidenote H: and take out the bowels.] -[Sidenote I: They then separate the weasand from the windhole and throw out - the guts.] -[Sidenote J: The shoulders are cut out, and the breast divided into - halves.] -[Sidenote K: The numbles are next removed.] -[Sidenote L: By the fork of the thighs,] -[Sidenote M: the flaps are hewn in two by the backbone.] - - IX. - - [A] Boþe þe hede & þe hals þay hwen of þenne, - & syþen sunder þay þe syde3 swyft fro þe chyne, - & þe corbeles fee þay kest in a greue;[1] -1356 Þenn þurled þay ayþer þik side þur3, bi þe rybbe, - & henged þenne a[y]þer bi ho3es of þe fourche3, - Vche freke for his fee, as falle3 forto haue. - Vpon a felle of þe fayre best, fede þay þayr houndes, -1360 [B] Wyth þe lyuer & þe ly3te3, þe leþer of þe paunche3, - & bred baþed in blod, blende þer amonge3; - Baldely þay blw prys, bayed þayr rachche3, - [C] Syþen fonge þay her flesche folden to home, -1364 Strakande ful stoutly mony stif mote3. - Bi þat þe dayly3t wat3 done, þe douthe wat3 al wonen - In-to þe comly castel, þer þe kny3t bide3 - ful stille; -1368 Wyth blys & bry3t fyr bette, - Þe lord is comen þer-tylle, - [D] When Gawayn wyth hym mette, - Þer wat3 bot wele at wylle. - -[Sidenote A: After this the head and neck are cut off, and the sides - severed from the chine.] -[Sidenote B: With the liver, lights and paunches, they feed the hounds.] -[Sidenote C: Then they make for home.] -[Sidenote D: Gawayne goes out to meet his host.] -[Footnote 1: grene (?).] - - X. - -1372 [A] Thenne comaunded þe lorde in þat sale to samen alle þe meny,[Fol.] - Boþe þe ladyes on loghe to ly3t with her burdes, [109b.] - [B] Bi-fore alle þe folk on þe flette, freke3 he bedde3 - Verayly his venysoun to fech hym byforne; -1376 [C] & al godly in gomen Gaway[n] he called, - Teche3 hym to þe tayles of ful tayt bestes, - Schewe3 hym þe schyree grece schorne vpon rybbes. - [D] "How paye3 yow þis play? haf I prys wonnen? -1380 Haue I þryuandely þonk þur3 my craft serued?" - "3e I-wysse," quod þat oþer wy3e, "here is wayth fayrest - [E] Þat I se3 þis seuen 3ere in sesoun of wynter." - "& al I gif yow, Gawayn," quod þe gome þenne, -1384 "For by a-corde of couenaunt 3e craue hit as your awen." - "Þis is soth," quod þe segge, "I say yow þatilke, - &[1] I haf worthyly þis wone3 wyth-inne, - [F] I-wysse with as god wylle hit worþe3 to 3oure3." -1388 He hasppe3 his fayre hals his arme3 wyth-inne, - & kysses hym as comlyly as he[2] couþe awyse: - "Tas yow þere my cheuicaunce, I cheued no more, - I wowche hit saf fynly, þa3 feler hit were." -1392 "Hit is god," quod þe god mon, "grant mercy þerfore, - [G] Hit may be such, hit is þe better, &[1] 3e me breue wolde - Where 3e wan þis ilk wele, biwytte of hor[3] seluen?" - [H] "Þat wat3 not forward," quod he, "frayst me no more, -1396 For 3e haftan þat yow tyde3, trawe3e non oþer - 3e mowe." - Þay la3ed, & made hem blyþe, - [I] Wyth lote3 þat were to lowe, -1400 To soper þay 3ede asswyþe, - Wyth dayntes nwe in-nowe. - -[Sidenote A: The lord commands all his household to assemble,] -[Sidenote B: and the venison to be brought before him.] -[Sidenote C: He calls Gawayne,] -[Sidenote D: and asks him whether he does not deserve much praise for his - success in the chase.] -[Sidenote E: On the knight expressing himself satisfied, he is told to take - the whole according to a former agreement between them.] -[Sidenote F: Gawayne gives the knight a comely kiss in return.] -[Sidenote G: His host desires to know where he has gotten such weal.] -[Sidenote H: As this does not enter into the covenant, he gets no answer to - his question.] -[Sidenote I: They then proceed to supper, where were dainties new and - enough.] -[Footnote 1: And = an.] -[Footnote 2: ho, in MS.] -[Footnote 3: your (?).] - - XI. - - [A] And syþen by þe chymné in chamber þay seten. - [B] Wy3e3 þe walle wyn we3ed to hem oft, -1404 & efte in her bourdyng þay bayþen in þe morn, - To fylle þe same forwarde3 þat þay by-fore maden, - [C] Þat chaunce so bytyde3 hor cheuysaunce to chaunge, - What nwe3 so þay nome, at na3t quen þay metten -1408 Þay acorded of þe couenaunte3 byfore þe court alle; - Þe beuerage wat3 bro3t forth in bourde at þat tyme; [Fol. 110.] - [D] Þenne þay louelych le3ten leue at þe last, - Vche burne to his bedde busked bylyue. -1412 [E] Bi þat þe coke hade crowe3[1] & cakled bot þryse, - Þe lorde wat3 lopen of his bedde, [&] þe leude3 vch one, - So þat þe mete & þe masse wat3 metely delyuered; - Þe douthe dressed to þe wod, er any day sprenged, -1416 to chace; - [F] He3 with hunte & horne3, - Þur3 playne3 þay passe in space, - Vn-coupled among þo þorne3, -1420 Rache3 þat ran on race. - -[Sidenote A: By the hearth they sit.] -[Sidenote B: Wine is carried round.] -[Sidenote C: Again Sir Gawayne and his host renew their agreement.] -[Sidenote D: Then they take leave of each other and hasten to bed.] -[Sidenote E: Scarce had the cock cackled thrice when the lord was up.] -[Sidenote F: With his hunters and horns they pursue the chase.] -[Footnote 1: crowed (?).] - - XII. - - [A] Sone þay calle of a quest in aker syde, - Þe hunt re-hayted þe hounde3, þat hit fyrst mynged, - [B] Wylde worde3 hym warp wyth a wrast noyce; -1424 Þe hownde3 þat hit herde, hastid þider swyþe, - & fellen as fast to þe fuyt, fourty at ones; - Þenne such a glauerande glam of gedered rachche3 - Ros, þat þe rochere3 rungen aboute; -1428 Huntere3 hem hardened with horne & wyth muthe. - [C] Þen al in a semblé sweyed to-geder, - Bitwene a flosche in þat fryth, & a foo cragge; - In a knot, bi a clyffe, at þe kerre syde, -1432 Þer as þe rogh rocher vn-rydely wat3 fallen, - [Þay] ferden to þe fyndyng, & freke3 hem after; - [D] Þay vmbe-kesten þe knarre & þe knot boþe. - Wy3e3, whyl þay wysten wel wyt inne hem hit were, -1436 Þe best þat þer breued wat3 wyth þe blod hounde3. - [E] Þenne þay beten on þe buske3, & bede hym vp ryse, - & he vnsoundyly out so3t segge3 ouer-þwert, - [F] On þe sellokest swyn swenged out þere, -1440 Long sythen for[1] þe sounder þat wi3t for-olde, - For he wat3 b[este &] bor alþer grattest, - [And eue]re quen he gronyed, þenne greued mony, - [G] For [þre a]t þe fyrst þrast he þry3t to þe erþe, -1444 & [sped hym] forth good sped, boute spyt more, - [Ande þay] halowed hyghe ful hy3e & hay! hay! cryed - Haden horne3 to mouþe heterly rechated; [Fol. 110b.] - [H] Mony wat3 þe myry mouthe of men & of hounde3, -1448 Þat buskke3 after þis bor, with bost & wyth noyse, - To quelle; - Ful oft he byde3 þe baye, - & mayme3 þe mute Inn-melle, -1452 [I] He hurte3 of þe hounde3, & þay - Ful 3omerly 3aule & 3elle. - -[Sidenote A: The hunters cheer on the hounds,] -[Sidenote B: which fall to the scent forty at once.] -[Sidenote C: All come together by the side of a cliff.] -[Sidenote D: They look about on all sides,] -[Sidenote E: and beat on the bushes.] -[Sidenote F: Out there rushes a fierce wild boar,] -[Sidenote G: At the first thrust he fells three to the ground.] -[Sidenote H: Full quickly the hunters pursue him.] -[Sidenote I: However, he attacks the hounds, causing them to yowl and - yell.] -[Footnote 1: fro (?).] - - XIII. - - [A] Schalke3 to schote at hym schowen to þenne, - Haled to hym of her arewe3, hitten hym oft; -1456 Bot þe poynte3 payred at þe pyth þat py3t in his schelde3, - & þe barbe3 of his browe bite non wolde, - [B] Þa3 þe schauen schaft schyndered in pece3, - Þe hede hypped a3ayn, were-so-euer hit hitte; -1460 [C] Bot quon þe dynte3 hym dered of her dry3e stroke3, - Þen, brayn-wod for bate, on burne3 he rase3, - [D] Hurte3 hem ful heterly þer he forth hy3e3, - & mony ar3ed þerat, & on-lyte dro3en. -1464 Bot þe lorde on a ly3t horce launces hym after, - [E] As burne bolde vpon bent his bugle he blowe3, - He rechated, & r[ode][1] þur3 rone3 ful þyk, - Suande þis wy[ld]e swyn til þe sunne schafted. -1468 [F] Þis day wyth þis ilk dede þay dryuen on þis wyse, - Whyle oure luflych lede lys in his bedde, - [G] Gawayn grayþely at home, in gere3 ful ryche - of hewe; -1472 Þe lady no3t for3ate, - Com to hym to salue, - Ful erly ho wat3 hym ate, - His mode forto remwe. - -[Sidenote A: The bowmen send their arrows after this wild swine,] -[Sidenote B: but they glide off shivered in pieces.] -[Sidenote C: Enraged with the blows,] -[Sidenote D: he attacks the hunters.] -[Sidenote E: The lord of the land blows his bugle,] -[Sidenote F: and pursues the boar.] -[Sidenote G: All this time Gawayne lies a-bed.] -[Footnote 1: The MS. is here almost illegible.] - - XIV. - -1476 [A] Ho commes to þe cortyn, & at þe kny3t totes, - Sir Wawen her welcumed worþy on fyrst, - & ho hym 3elde3 a3ayn, ful 3erne of hir worde3, - [B] Sette3 hir sof[t]ly by his syde, & swyþely ho la3e3, -1480 & wyth a luflych loke ho layde[1] hym þyse worde3: - "Sir, 3if 3e be Wawen, wonder me þynkke3, - Wy3e þat is so wel wrast alway to god, - & conne3 not of compaynye þe coste3 vnder-take, -1484 & if mon kennes yow hom to knowe, 3e kest hom of your mynde;[Fol.] - [C] Þou hat3 for-3eten 3ederly þat 3isterday I ta3tte [111] - alder-truest token of talk þat I cowþe." - "What is þat?" quod þe wyghe, "I-wysse I wot neuer, -1488 If hit be sothe þat 3e breue, þe blame is myn awen." - [D] "3et I kende yow of kyssyng," quod þe clere þenne, - "Quere-so countenaunce is couþe, quikly to clayme, - Þat bicumes vche a kny3t, þat cortaysy vses." -1492 "Do way," quod þat derf mon, "my dere, þat speche, - [E] For þat durst I not do, lest I denayed were, - If I were werned, I were wrang I-wysse, 3if I profered." - "Ma fay," quod þe mere wyf, "3e may not be werned, -1496 [F] 3e ar stif in-noghe to constrayne wyth strenkþe, 3if yow lyke3, - 3if any were so vilanous þat yow denaye[2] wolde." - "3e, be God," quod Gawayn, "good is your speche, - Bot þrete is vn-þryuande in þede þer I lende, -1500 [G] & vche gift þat is geuen not with goud wylle; - I am at your comaundement, to kysse quen yow lyke3, - 3e may lach quen yow lyst, & leue quen yow þynkke3, - in space." -1504 [H] Þe lady loute3 a-doun, - & comlyly kysses his face, - Much speche þay þer expoun, - Of druryes greme & grace. - -[Sidenote A: The lady of the castle again visits Sir Gawayne.] -[Sidenote B: Softly she sits by his side,] -[Sidenote C: and tells the knight that he has forgotten what she taught him - the day before.] -[Sidenote D: "I taught you of kissing," she says, "that becomes every - knight."] -[Sidenote E: Gawayne says that he must not take that which is forbidden.] -[Sidenote F: He is told that he is strong enough to enforce it.] -[Sidenote G: The knight replies that every gift is worthless that is not - given willingly.] -[Sidenote H: The lady stoops down and kisses him.] -[Footnote 1: sayde (?).] -[Footnote 2: de vaye, in MS.] - - XV. - -1508 [A] "I woled[1] wyt at yow, wy3e," þat worþy þer sayde, - "& yow wrathed not þer-wyth, what were þe skylle, - Þat so 3ong & so 3epe, as 3e [ar] at þis tyme, - So cortayse, so kny3tyly, as 3e ar knowen oute, -1512 [B] & of alle cheualry to chose, þe chef þyng a-losed, - Is[2] þe lel layk of luf, þe lettrure of armes; - F[or] to telle of þis tenelyng of þis trwe kny3te3, - Hit is þe tytelet, token, & tyxt of her werkke3, -1516 How le[des] for her lele luf hor lyue3 han auntered, - Endured for her drury dulful stounde3, - & after wenged with her walour & voyded her care, - [C] & bro3t blysse in-to boure, with bountees hor awen. -1520 & 3e ar kny3t com-lokest kyd of your elde, - Your worde & your worchip walke3 ay quere, [Fol. 111b.] - & I haf seten by your-self here sere twyes, - [D] 3et herde I neuer of your hed helde no worde3 -1524 Þat euer longed to luf, lasse ne more; - [E] & 3e, þat ar so cortays & coynt of your hetes, - Oghe to a 3onke þynk 3ern to schewe, - & teche sum tokene3 of trweluf craftes. -1528 Why ar 3e lewed, þat alle þe los welde3, - Oþer elles 3e demen me to dille, your dalyaunce to herken? - for schame! - I com hider sengel, & sitte, -1532 To lerne at yow sum game, - [F] Dos, teche3 me of your wytte, - Whil my lorde is fro hame." - -[Sidenote A: "I would learn," she says, "why you, who are so young and - active,] -[Sidenote B: so skilled in the true sport of love,] -[Sidenote C: and so renowned a knight,] -[Sidenote D: have never talked to me of love.] -[Sidenote E: You ought to show a young thing like me some token of - 'true-love's crafts.'] -[Sidenote F: So teach me of your 'wit' while my lord is from home."] -[Footnote 1: wolde (?).] -[Footnote 2: In (?).] - - XVI. - - [A] "In goud fayþe," quod Gawayn, "God yow for3elde, -1536 Gret is þe gode gle, & gomen to me huge, - Þat so worþy as 3e wolde wynne hidere, - & pyne yow with so pouer a mon, as play wyth your kny3t, - With any skynne3 countenaunce, hit keuere3 me ese; -1540 [B] Bot to take þe toruayle[1] to my-self, to trwluf expoun, - & towche þe teme3 of tyxt, & tale3 of arme3, - To yow þat, I wot wel, welde3 more sly3t - Of þat art, bi þe half, or a hundreth of seche -1544 As I am, oþer euer schal, in erde þer I leue, - Hit were a fole fele-folde, my fre, by my trawþe. - [C] I wolde yowre wylnyng worche at my my3t, - As I am hy3ly bihalden, & euer-more wylle -1548 [D] Be seruaunt to your-seluen, so saue me dry3tyn!" - Þus hym frayned þat fre, & fondet hym ofte, - Forto haf wonnen hym to wo3e, what-so scho þo3t elle3, - [E] Bot he de fended hym so fayr, þat no faut semed, -1552 Ne non euel on nawþer halue, nawþer þay wysten, - bot blysse; - Þay la3ed & layked longe, - At þe last scho con hym kysse, -1556 [F] Hir leue fayre con scho fonge, - & went hir waye Iwysse. - -[Sidenote A: "It is a great pleasure to me," says Sir Gawayne, "to hear you - talk,] -[Sidenote B: but I cannot undertake the task to expound true-love and tales - of arms.] -[Sidenote C: I will, however, act according to your will,] -[Sidenote D: and ever be your servant."] -[Sidenote E: Thus Gawayne defends himself.] -[Sidenote F: The lady having kissed the knight, takes leave of him.] -[Footnote 1: tornayle (?).] - - XVII. - - [A] Then ruþes hym þe renk, & ryses to þe masse, - & siþen hor diner wat3 dy3t & derely serued. [Fol. 112.] -1560 [B] Þe lede with þe ladye3 layked alle day, - Bot þe lorde ouer þe londe3 launced ful ofte, - Swe3 his vncely swyn, þat swynge3 bi þe bonkke3, - [C] & bote þe best of his brache3 þe bakke3 in sunder; -1564 Þer he bode in his bay, tel[1] bawe-men hit breken, - & made[2] hym, maw-gref his bed, forto mwe vtter; - [D] So felle flone3 per flete, when þe folk gedered; - Bot 3et þe styffest to start bi stounde3 he made, -1568 Til at þe last he wat3 so mat, he my3t no more renne, - [E] Bot in þe hast þat he my3t, he to a hole wynne3, - Of a rasse, bi a rokk, þer renne3 þe boerne, - He gete þe bonk at his bak, bigyne3 to scrape, -1572 [F] Þe froþe femed[3] at his mouth vnfayre bi þe wyke3, - Whette3 his whyte tusche3; with hym þen irked - Alle þe burne3 so bolde, þat hym by stoden, - [G] To nye hym on-ferum, bot ne3e hym non durst -1576 for woþe; - He hade hurt so mony byforne, - Þat al þu3t[4] þenne ful loþe, - [H] Be more wyth his tusche3 torne, -1580 Þat breme wat3 [&] brayn-wod bothe. - -[Sidenote A: Gawayne rises, hears mass, and then dines.] -[Sidenote B: Meanwhile the lord pursues the wild boar,] -[Sidenote C: that bit the backs of his hounds asunder,] -[Sidenote D: and caused the stiffest of the hunters to start.] -[Sidenote E: The boar runs into a hole in a rock by the side of a brook.] -[Sidenote F: The froth foams at his mouth.] -[Sidenote G: None durst approach him,] -[Sidenote H: so many had he torn with his tusks.] -[Footnote 1: til (?).] -[Footnote 2: madee, in MS.] -[Footnote 3: fomed (?).] -[Footnote 4: þo3t (?).] - - XVIII. - - [A] Til þe kny3t com hym-self, kachande his blonk, - Sy3 hym byde at þe bay, his burne3 bysyde, - [B] He ly3tes luflych[1] adoun, leue3 his corsour, -1584 Brayde3 out a bry3t bront, & bigly forth stryde3, - Founde3 fast þur3 þe forth, þer þe felle byde3, - [C] Þe wylde wat3 war of þe wy3e with weppen in honde, - Hef hy3ly þe here, so hetterly he fnast, -1588 Þat fele ferde for þe freke3,[2] lest felle hym þe worre; - [D] Þe swyn sette3 hym out on þe segge euen, - Þat þe burne & þe bor were boþe vpon hepe3, - In þe wy3t-est of þe water, þe worre hade þat oþer; -1592 [E] For þe mon merkke3 hym wel, as þay mette fyrst, - Set sadly þe scharp in þe slot euen, - [F] Hit hym vp to þe hult, þat þe hert schyndered, - & he 3arrande hym 3elde, & 3edoun[3] þe water, -1596 ful tyt; - A hundreth hounde3 hym hent, [Fol. 112b.] - [G] Þat bremely con hym bite, - Burne3 him bro3t to bent, -1600 & dogge3 to dethe endite. - -[Sidenote A: The knight, seeing the boar at bay,] -[Sidenote B: alights from his horse,] -[Sidenote C: and seeks to attack him with his sword.] -[Sidenote D: The "swine sets out" upon the man,] -[Sidenote E: who, aiming well,] -[Sidenote F: wounds him in the pit of the stomach.] -[Sidenote G: The boar is soon bitten to death by a hundred hounds.] -[Footnote 1: MS. luslych.] -[Footnote 2: freke (?).] -[Footnote 3: 3ede doun (?).] - - XIX. - - [A] There wat3 blawyng of prys in mony breme home, - He3e halowing on hi3e, with haþele3 þat my3t; - [B] Brachetes bayed þat best, as bidden þe maystere3, -1604 Of þat chargeaunt chace þat were chef huntes. - [C] Þenne a wy3e þat wat3 wys vpon wod crafte3, - To vnlace þis bor lufly bigynne3; - [D] Fyrst he hewes of his hed, & on hi3e sette3, -1608 & syþen rende3 him al roghe bi þe rygge after, - [E] Brayde3 out þe boweles, brenne3 hom on glede, - With bred blent þer-with his braches rewarde3; - Syþen he britne3 out þe brawen in bry3t brode [s]chelde3, -1612 [F] & hat3 out þe hastlette3, as hi3tly biseme3; - [G] & 3et hem halche3 al hole þe halue3 to-geder, - & syþen on a stif stange stoutly hem henges. - Now with þis ilk swyn þay swengen to home; -1616 [H] Þe bores hed wat3 borne bifore þe burnes seluen, - Þat him for-ferde in þe forþe, þur3 forse of his honde, - so stronge; - Til he se3 sir Gawayne, -1620 In halle hym þo3t ful longe, - [I] He calde, & he com gayn, - His fee3 þer for to fonge. - -[Sidenote A: Then was there blowing of horns] -[Sidenote B: and baying of hounds.] -[Sidenote C: One wise in woodcraft begins to unlace the boar.] -[Sidenote D: First he hews off the head, then rends him by the back.] -[Sidenote E: He next removes the bowels, broils them on the ashes, and - therewith rewards his hounds.] -[Sidenote F: Then the hastlets are removed.] -[Sidenote G: The two halves are next bound together and hung upon a pole.] -[Sidenote H: The boar's head is borne before the knight, who hastens home.] -[Sidenote I: Gawayne is called to receive the spoil.] - - XX. - - [A] Þe lorde ful lowde with lote, & la3ed myry, -1624 When he se3e sir G: with solace he speke3; - Þe goude ladye3 were geten, & gedered þe meyny, - [B] He schewe3 hem þe schelde3, & schapes hem þe tale, - Of þe largesse, & þe lenþe, þe liþerne3 alse, -1628 Of þe were of þe wylde swyn, in wod þer he fled. - Þat oþer kny3t ful comly comended his dede3, - & praysed hit as gret prys, þat he proued hade; - [C] For suche a brawne of a best, þe bolde burne sayde, -1632 Ne such sydes of a swyn, segh he neuer are. - Þenne hondeled þay þe hoge hed, þe hende mon hit praysed, - & let lodly þerat þe lorde forte here: [Fol. 113.] - [D] "Now Gawayn," quod þe god mon, "þis gomen is your awen, -1636 Bi fyn for-warde & faste, faythely 3e knowe." - "Hit is sothe," quod þe segge, "& as siker trwe; - Alle my get I schal yow gif agayn, bi my trawþe." - [E] He [hent] þe haþel aboute þe halse, & hendely hym kysses, -1640 & efter-sones of þe same he serued hym þere. - "Now ar we euen," quod þe haþel, "in þis euen-tide, - Of alle þe couenauntes þat we knyt, syþen I com hider, - bi lawe;" -1644 [F] Þe lorde sayde, "bi saynt Gile, - 3e ar þe best þat I knowe, - 3e ben ryche in a whyle, - Such chaffer & 3e drowe." - -[Sidenote A: The lord of the land is well pleased when he sees Sir - Gawayne,] -[Sidenote B: He shows him the shields of the wild boar, and tells him of - its length and breadth.] -[Sidenote C: Such a "brawn of a beast," Sir Gawayne says, he never has - seen.] -[Sidenote D: Gawayne takes possession of it according to covenant,] -[Sidenote E: and in return kisses his host,] -[Sidenote F: who declares his guest to be the best he knows.] - - XXI. - -1648 [A] Þenne þay teldet table3 [on] trestes alofte, - [B] Kesten cloþe3 vpon, clere ly3t þenne - [C] Wakned bi wo3e3, waxen torches - Segge3 sette, & serued in sale al aboute; -1652 [D] Much glam & gle glent vp þer-inne, - Aboute þe fyre vpon flet, & on fele wyse, - [E] At þe soper & after, mony aþel songe3, - As coundutes of kryst-masse, & carole3 newe, -1656 With alle þe manerly merþe þat mon may of telle. - [F] & euer oure luflych kny3t þe lady bi-syde; - Such semblaunt to þat segge semly ho made, - [G] Wyth stille stollen countenaunce, þat stalworth to plese, -1660 Þat al for-wondered wat3 þe wy3e, & wroth with hym-seluen, - Bot he nolde not for his nurture nurne hir a-3ayne3, - Bot dalt with hir al in daynte, how-se-euer þe dede turned - to wrast; -1664 [H] Quen þay hade played in halle, - As longe as hor wylle hom last, - [I] To chambre he[1] con hym calle, - & to þe chem-ne þay past. - -[Sidenote A: Tables are raised aloft,] -[Sidenote B: cloths cast upon them,] -[Sidenote C: and torches are lighted.] -[Sidenote D: With much mirth and glee,] -[Sidenote E: supper is served in the hall,] -[Sidenote F: and ever our lovely knight by the lady sits,] -[Sidenote G: who does all she can to please her companion.] -[Sidenote H: When they had long played in the hall,] -[Sidenote I: they proceeded "to chamber."] -[Footnote 1: ho (?).] - - XXII. - -1668 [A] Ande þer þay dronken, & dalten, & demed eft nwe, - To norne on þe same note, on nwe3ere3 euen; - [B] Bot þe kny3t craued leue, to kayre on þe morn, - For hit wat3 ne3 at þe terme, þat he to[1] schulde. -1672 Þe lorde hym letted of þat, to lenge hym resteyed, [Fol. 113b.] - [C] & sayde, "as I am trwe segge, I siker my trawþe, - [D] Þou schal cheue to þe grene chapel, þy charres to make, - Leude, on nw3ere3 ly3t, longe bifore pryme: -1676 For-þy þow lye in þy loft, & lach þyn ese, - & I schal hunt in þis holt, & halde þe towche3, - Chaunge wyth þe cheuisaunce, bi þat I charre hider; - For I haf fraysted þe twys, & faythful I fynde þe, -1680 Now þrid tyme þrowe best þenk on þe morne, - Make we mery quyl we may, & mynne vpon Ioye, - For þe lur may mon lach, when so mon lyke3." - Þis wat3 grayþely graunted, & Gawayn is lenged, -1684 [E] Bliþe bro3t wat3 hym drynk, & þay to bedde 3eden, - with li3t; - [F] Sir G: lis & slepes, - Ful stille & softe al ni3t; -1688 [G] Þe lorde þat his crafte3 kepes, - Ful erly he wat3 di3t. - -[Sidenote A: There they drank and discoursed.] -[Sidenote B: Gawayne begs leave to depart on the morrow.] -[Sidenote C: His host swears to him,] -[Sidenote D: that he shall come to the Green Chapel on New Year's morn long - before prime.] -[Sidenote E: Our knight consents to remain for another night.] -[Sidenote F: Full still and softly he sleeps all night.] -[Sidenote G: Early in the morning the lord is up.] -[Footnote 1: te (?).] - - XXIII. - - [A] After messe a morsel[1] he & his men token, - Miry wat3 þe mornyng, his mounture he askes; -1692 [B] Alle þe haþeles þat on horse schulde helden hym after, - Were boun busked on hor blonkke3, bi-fore[2] þe halle 3ate3; - [C] Ferly fayre wat3 þe folde, for þe forst clenged, - In rede rudede vpon rak rises þe sunne, -1696 [D] & ful clere coste3[3] þe clowdes of þe welkyn. - Hunteres vnhardeled bi a holt syde, - Rocheres roungen bi rys, for rurde of her hornes; - [E] Summe fel in þe fute, þer þe fox bade, -1700 Trayle3 ofte a trayteres[4], bi traunt of her wyles; - A kenet kryes þerof, þe hunt on hym calles, - His fela3es fallen hym to, þat fnasted ful þike, - [F] Runnen forth in a rabel, in his ry3t fare; -1704 & he fyske3 hem by-fore, þay founden hym sone, - [G] & quen þay seghe hym with sy3t, þay sued hym fast, - Wre3ande h[ym] ful [w]eterly with a wroth noyse; - [H] & he trantes & tornayee3 þur3 mony tene greue; -1708 Hamloune3, & herkene3, bi hegge3 ful ofte; - [I] At þe last bi a littel dich he lepe3 ouer a spenné, [Fol. 114.] - Stele3 out ful stilly bi a strothe rande, - [J] Went haf wylt of þe wode, with wyle3 fro þe houndes, -1712 Þenne wat3 he went, er he wyst, to[5] a wale tryster, - [K] Þer þre þro at a þrich þrat hym at ones, - al graye; - [L] He blenched a3ayn bilyue, -1716 & stifly start onstray, - With alle þe wo on lyue, - [M] To þe wod he went away. - -[Sidenote A: After mass, a morsel he take with his men.] -[Sidenote B: Then were all on their horses before the hall-gates.] -[Sidenote C: It was a clear frosty morning.] -[Sidenote D: The hunters, dispersed by a wood's side,] -[Sidenote E: come upon the track of a fox,] -[Sidenote F: which is followed up by the hounds.] -[Sidenote G: They soon get sight of the game,] -[Sidenote H: and pursue him through many a rough grove.] -[Sidenote I: The fox at last leaps over a spinny,] -[Sidenote J: and by a rugged path seeks to get clear from the hounds.] -[Sidenote K: He comes upon one of the hunting stations, where he is - attacked by the dogs.] -[Sidenote L: However, he slips them,] -[Sidenote M: and makes again for the wood.] -[Footnote 1: MS. nnorsel.] -[Footnote 2: bi-forere, in MS.] -[Footnote 3: caste3 (?).] -[Footnote 4: trayveres (?).] -[Footnote 5: to to, in MS.] - - XXIV. - - [A] Thenne wat3 hit lif vpon list to lyþen þe hounde3, -1720 When alle þe mute hade hym met, menged to-geder, - Suche a sor3e at þat sy3t þay sette on his hede, - As alle þe clamberande clyffes hade clatered on hepes; - [B] Here he wat3 halawed, when haþele3 hym metten, -1724 Loude he wat3 3ayned, with 3arande speche; - [C] Þer he wat3 þreted, & ofte þef called, - & ay þe titleres at his tayl, þat tary he ne my3t; - Ofte he wat3 runnen at, when he out rayked, -1728 [D] & ofte reled in a3ayn, so reniarde wat3 wylé. - [E] & 3e he lad hem bi lag, mon, þe lorde & his meyny; - On þis maner bi þe mountes, quyle myd, ouer, vnder, - [F] Whyle þe hende kny3t at home holsumly slepe3, -1732 With-inne þe comly cortynes, on þe colde morne. - Bot þe lady for luf let not to slepe, - Ne þe purpose to payre, þat py3t in hir hert, - Bot ros hir vp radly, rayked hir þeder, -1736 [G] In a mery mantyle, mete to þe erþe, - Þat wat3 furred ful fyne with felle3, wel pured, - No hwe3 goud on hir hede, bot þe ha3er stones - Trased aboute hir tressour, be twenty in clusteres; -1740 [H] Hir þryuen face & hir þrote þrowen al naked, - Hir brest bare bifore, & bihinde eke. - [I] Ho come3 with-inne þe chambre dore, & closes hit hir after, - [J] Wayne3[1] vp a wyndow, & on þe wy3e calle3, -1744 & radly þus re-hayted hym, with hir riche worde3, - with[2] chere; - [K] "A! mon, how may þou slepe, - [L] Þis morning is so clere?" [Fol. 114b.] -1748 He wat3 in drowping depe, - Bot þenne he con hir here. - -[Sidenote A: Then was it fine sport to listen to the hounds,] -[Sidenote B: and the hallooing of the hunters.] -[Sidenote C: There the fox was threatened and called a thief.] -[Sidenote D: But Reynard was wily,] -[Sidenote E: and led them astray over mounts.] -[Sidenote F: Meanwhile the knight at home soundly sleeps within his comely - curtains.] -[Sidenote G: The lady of the castle, clothed in a rich mantle,] -[Sidenote H: her throat and bosom all bare,] -[Sidenote I: comes to Gawayne's chamber,] -[Sidenote J: opens a window, and says,] -[Sidenote K: "Ah! man, how canst thou sleep,] -[Sidenote L: this morning is so clear?"] -[Footnote 1: wayue3(?).] -[Footnote 2: bi, à sec. manu.] - - XXV. - - [A] In dre3 droupyng of dreme draueled þat noble, - As mon þat wat3 in mornyng of mony þro þo3tes, -1752 How þat destiné schulde þat day [dy3t] his wyrde, - At þe grene chapel, when he þe gome metes, - & bi-houes his buffet abide, with-oute debate more; - [B] Bot quen þat comly he keuered his wyttes, -1756 Swenges out of þe sweuenes, & sware3 with hast. - Þe lady luflych com la3ande swete, - [C] Felle ouer his fayre face, & fetly him kyssed; - He welcume3 hir worþily, with a wale chere; -1760 He se3 hir so glorious, & gayly atyred, - So fautles of hir fetures, & of so fyne hewes, - [D] Wi3t wallande Ioye warmed his hert; - With smoþe smylyng & smolt þay smeten in-to merþe, -1764 Þat al wat3 blis & bonchef, þat breke hem bi-twene, - & wynne, - Þay lanced wordes gode, - Much wele þen wat3 þer-inne, -1768 [E] Gret perile bi-twene hem stod, - Nif mare of hir kny3t mynne. - -[Sidenote A: The knight was then dreaming of his forthcoming adventure at - the Green Chapel.] -[Sidenote B: He awakes and speaks to his fair visitor,] -[Sidenote C: who sweetly kisses him.] -[Sidenote D: Great joy warms the heart of Sir Gawayne,] -[Sidenote E: and "great peril between them stood."] - - XXVI. - - [A] For þat prynce of pris de-presed hym so þikke. - Nurned hym so ne3e þe þred, þat nede hym bi-houed, -1772 Oþer lach þer hir luf, oþer lodly re-fuse; - He cared for his cortaysye, lest craþayn he were, - [B] & more for his meschef, 3if he schulde make synne, - & be traytor to þat tolke, þat þat telde a3t. -1776 "God schylde," quod þe schalk, "þat schal not be-falle!" - With luf-la3yng a lyt, he layd hym by-syde - Alle þe speche3 of specialté þat sprange of her mouthe. - Quod þat burde to þe burne, "blame 3e disserue, -1780 3if 3e luf not þat lyf þat 3e lye nexte, - Bifore alle þe wy3e3 in þe worlde, wounded in hert, - [C] Bot if 3e haf a lemman, a leuer, þat yow lyke3 better, - & folden fayth to þat fre, festned so harde, -1784 Þat yow lausen ne lyst, & þat I leue nouþe; [Fol. 115.] - And þat 3e telle me þat, now trwly I pray yow, - For alle þe lufe3 vpon lyue, layne not þe soþe, - for gile." -1788 [D] Þe kny3t sayde, "be sayn Ion," - & smeþely con he smyle, - "In fayth I welde ri3t non, - Ne non wil welde þe quile." - -[Sidenote A: The knight is sorely pressed.] -[Sidenote B: He fears lest he should become a traitor to his host.] -[Sidenote C: The lady inquire whether he has a mistress that he loves - better than her.] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne swears by St. John that he neither has nor desires - one.] - - XXVII. - -1792 "Þat is a worde," quod þat wy3t, "þat worst is of alle, - Bot I am swared for soþe, þat sore me þinkke3; - [A] Kysse me now coraly, & I schal cach heþen, - I may bot mourne vpon molde, as may þat much louyes." -1796 Sykande ho swe3e doun, & semly hym kyssed, - & siþen ho seueres hym fro, & says as ho stondes, - "Now, dere, at þis de-partyng, do me þis ese, - [B] Gif me sumquat of þy gifte, þi gloue if[1] hit were, -1800 [C] Þat I may mynne on þe mon, my mournyng to lassen." - "Now Iwysse," quod þat wy3e, "I wolde I hade here - Þe leuest þing for þy luf, þat I in londe welde, - [D] For 3e haf deserued, forsoþe, sellyly ofte -1804 More rewarde bi resoun, þen I reche my3t, - Bot to dele yow for drurye, þat dawed bot neked; - Hit is not your honour to haf at þis tyme - A gloue for a garysoun, of Gawayne3 gifte3, -1808 & I am here [on] an erande in erde3 vncouþe, - [E] & haue no men wyth no male3, with menskful þinge3; - Þat mislyke3 me, ladé, for luf at þis tyme,[2] - Iche tolke mon do as he is tan, tas to non ille, -1812 ne pine." - [F] "Nay, hende of hy3e honours," - Quod þat lufsum vnder lyne, - [G] "Þa3 I hade o3t[3] of youre3, -1816 3et schulde 3e haue of myne." - -[Sidenote A: She then kisses him, sighing for sorrow.] -[Sidenote B: She desires some gift,] -[Sidenote C: by which to remember him.] -[Sidenote D: Gawayne tells her that she is worthy of a better gift than he - can bestow.] -[Sidenote E: He has no men with mails containing precious things.] -[Sidenote F: Then says that lovesome,] -[Sidenote G: "Though I had nought of yours, yet should ye have of mine."] -[Footnote 1: of, in MS.] -[Footnote 2: tyne, in MS.] -[Footnote 3: no3t (?).] - - XXVIII. - - [A] Ho ra3t hym a riche rynk[1] of red golde werke3, - Wyth a starande ston, stondande alofte, - Þat bere blusschande beme3 as þe bry3t sunne; -1820 Wyt 3e wel, hit wat3 worth wele ful hoge. - [B] Bot þe renk hit renayed, & redyly he sayde, - "I wil no gifte3 for gode, my gay, at þis tyme; [Fol. 115b.] - [C] I haf none yow to norne, ne no3t wyl I take." -1824 Ho bede hit hym ful bysily, & he hir bode wernes, - & swere swyftel[y] his sothe, þat he hit sese nolde; - [D] & ho sore þat he forsoke, & sayde þer-after, - "If 3e renay my rynk, to ryche for hit seme3, -1828 3e wolde not so hy3ly halden be to me, - I schal gif yow my girdel, þat gaynes yow lasse." - Ho la3t a lace ly3tly, þat[2] leke vmbe hir syde3, - [E] Knit vpon hir kyrtel, vnder þe clere mantyle, -1832 Gered hit wat3 with grene sylke, & with golde schaped, - No3t bot arounde brayden, beten with fyngre3; - & þat ho bede to þe burne, & blyþely bi-so3t - [F] Þa3 hit vn-worþi were, þat he hit take wolde. -1836 & he nay þat he nolde neghe in no wyse, - [G] Nauþer golde ne garysoun, er God hym grace sende, - To acheue to þe chaunce þat he hade chosen þere. - "& þerfore, I pray yow, displese yow no3t, -1840 & lette3 be your bisinesse, for I bayþe hit yow neuer - to graunte; - I am derely to yow biholde, - Bi-cause of your sembelaunt, -1844 [H] & euer in hot & colde - To be your trwe seruaunt. - -[Sidenote A: She offers him a gold ring,] -[Sidenote B: but he refuses to accept it,] -[Sidenote C: as he has none to give in return.] -[Sidenote D: Very sorrowful was that fair one on account of his refusal.] -[Sidenote E: She takes off her "girdle,"] -[Sidenote F: and beseeches him to take it.] -[Sidenote G: Gawayne again refuses to accept anything,] -[Sidenote H: but promises, "ever in hot and in cold, to be her true - servant."] -[Footnote 1: ryng (?).] -[Footnote 2: þat þat, in MS.] - - XXIX. - - [A] "Now forsake 3e þis silke." sayde þe burde þenne, - "For hit is symple in hit-self. & so hit wel seme3? -1848 Lo! so hit is littel, & lasse hit is worþy; - [B] Bot who-so knew þe costes þat knit ar þer-inne, - He wolde hit prayse at more prys, parauenture; - [C] For quat gome so is gorde with þis grene lace, -1852 While he hit hade hemely halched aboute, - Þer is no haþel vnder heuen to-hewe hym þat my3t; - [D] For he my3t not he slayn, for sly3t vpon erþe." - Þen kest þe kny3t, & hit come to his hert, -1856 [E] Hit were a Iuel for þe Iopardé, þat hym iugged were, - When he acheued to þe chapel, his chek forto fech; - [F] My3[1] he haf slypped to þe vn-slayn, þe sle3t were noble. - Þenne ho þulged with hir þrepe, & þoled hir to speke, [Fol. 116.] -1860 & ho bere on hym þe belt, & bede hit hym swyþe, - [G] & he granted, & [ho] hym gafe with a goud wylle, - & biso3t hym, for hir sake, disceuer hit neuer, - Bot to lelly layne for[2] hir lorde; þe leude hym acorde3. -1864 Þat neuer wy3e schulde hit wyt, Iwysse, bot þay twayne, - for no3te; - He þonkked hir oft ful swyþe, - Ful þro with hert & þo3t. -1868 [H] Bi þat on þrynne syþe, - He hat3 kyst þe kny3t so to3t. - -[Sidenote A: "Do you refuse it," says the lady, because it is simple?] -[Sidenote B: Whoso knew the virtues that it possesses, would highly prize - it.] -[Sidenote C: For he who is girded with this green lace,] -[Sidenote D: cannot be wounded or slain."] -[Sidenote E: The knight thinks of his adventure at the Green Chapel.] -[Sidenote F: The lady presses him to accept the lace.] -[Sidenote G: He consents not only to take the girdle, but to keep the - possession of it a secret.] -[Sidenote H: By that time the lady has kissed him thrice.] -[Footnote 1: my3t (?).] -[Footnote 2: fro (?).] - - XXX. - - [A] Thenne lachche3 ho hir leue, & leue3 hym þere, - For more myrþe of þat mon mo3t ho not gete; -1872 [B] When ho[1] wat3 gon, sir G. gere3 hym sone, - Rises, & riches hym in araye noble, - [C] Lays vp þe luf-lace, þe lady hym ra3t, - Hid hit ful holdely, þer he hit eft fonde; -1876 Syþen cheuely to þe chapel choses he þe waye, - [D] Preuely aproched to a prest, & prayed hym þere - Þat he wolde lyfte[2] his lyf, & lern hym better, - How his sawle schulde be saued, when he schuld seye heþen. -1880 [E] Þere he schrof hym schyrly, & schewed his mysdede3, - Of þe more & þe mynne, & merci beseche3, - [F] & of absolucioun he on þe segge calles; - & he asoyled hym surely, & sette hym so clene, -1884 [G] As dome3-day schulde haf ben di3t on þe morn. - & syþen he mace hym as mery among þe fre ladyes, - [H] With comlych caroles, & alle kynnes ioye, - As neuer he did bot þat daye, to þe derk ny3t, -1888 with blys; - Vche mon hade daynte þare, - [I] Of hym, & sayde Iwysse, - [J] Þus myry he wat3 neuer are, -1892 Syn he com hider, er þis. - -[Sidenote A: Then she takes her leave.] -[Sidenote B: Gawayne then dresses himself,] -[Sidenote C: and conceals the love-lace about his person.] -[Sidenote D: He then hies to mass,] -[Sidenote E: and shrives him of his misdeeds.] -[Sidenote F: and prays for absolution.] -[Sidenote G: He returns to the hall, and makes himself so merry among the - ladies,] -[Sidenote H: with comely carols,] -[Sidenote I: that they said,] -[Sidenote J: "Thus merry was he never before since hither he came."] -[Footnote 1: he, in MS.] -[Footnote 2: lyste (?).] - - XXXI. - - [A] Now hym lenge in þat lee, þer luf hym bi-tyde; - 3et is þe lorde on þe launde, ledande his gomnes, - [B] He hat3 forfaren þis fox, þat he fol3ed longe; -1896 As he sprent ouer a spenné, to spye þe schrewe, - Þer as he herd þe howndes, þat hasted hym swyþe, [Fol. 116b.] - [C] Renaud com richchande þur3 a ro3e greue, - & alle þe rabel in a res, ry3t at his hele3. -1900 [D] Þe wy3e wat3 war of þe wylde, & warly abides, - & brayde3 out þe bry3t bronde, & at þe best caste3; - & he schunt for þe scharp, & schulde haf arered, - [E] A rach rapes hym to, ry3t er he my3t, -1904 & ry3t bifore þe hors fete þay fel on hym alle, - & woried me þis wyly wyth a wroth noyse. - [F] Þe lorde ly3te3 bilyue, & cache3 by[1] sone, - Rased hym ful radly out of þe rach mouþes, -1908 Halde3 he3e ouer his hede, halowe3 faste, - & þer bayen hym mony bray[2] hounde3; - [G] Huntes hy3ed hem þeder, with horne3 ful mony, - Ay re-chatande ary3t til þay þe renk se3en; -1912 Bi þat wat3 comen his compeyny noble, - Alle þat euer ber bugle blowed at ones, - [H] & alle þise oþer halowed, þat hade no hornes, - Hit wat3 þe myriest mute þat euer men herde, -1916 Þe rich rurd þat þer wat3 raysed for renaude saule, - with lote; - [I] Hor hounde3 þay þer rewarde, - Her[3] hede3 þay fawne & frote, -1920 [J] & syþen þay tan reynarde, - & tyrnen of his cote. - -[Sidenote A: Gawayne's host is still in the field.] -[Sidenote B: He has destroyed the fox.] -[Sidenote C: He spied Reynard coming through a "rough grove,"] -[Sidenote D: and tried to hit him with his sword.] -[Sidenote E: The fox "shunts," and is seized by one of the dogs.] -[Sidenote F: The lord takes him out of the hound's mouth.] -[Sidenote G: Hunters hasten thither with horns full many.] -[Sidenote H: It was the merriest meet that ever was heard.] -[Sidenote I: The hounds are rewarded,] -[Sidenote J: and then they take Reynard and "turn off his coat."] -[Footnote 1: hym (?).] -[Footnote 2: braþ (?).] -[Footnote 3: Her her, in MS.] - - XXXII. - - [A] & þenne þay helden to home, for hit wat3 nie3 ny3t, - Strakande ful stoutly in hor store horne3; -1924 [B] Þe lorde is ly3t at þe laste at hys lef home, - Fynde3 fire vpon flet, þe freke þer by-side, - Sir Gawayn þe gode, þat glad wat3 with alle, - [C] Among þe ladies for luf he ladde much ioye, -1928 He were a bleaunt of blwe, þat bradde to þe erþe, - His surkot semed hym wel, þat softe wat3 forred, - & his hode of þat ilke henged on his schulder, - [D] Blande al of blaunner were boþe al aboute. -1932 He mete3 me þis god mon in mydde3 þe flore, - & al with gomen he hym gret, & goudly he sayde, - "I schal fylle vpon fyrst oure forwarde3 nouþe, - Þat we spedly han spoken, þer spared wat3 no drynk;" [Fol. 117.] -1936 [E] Þen acoles he [þe] kny3t, & kysses hym þryes, - [F] As sauerly & sadly as he hem sette couþe. - [G] "Bi Kryst," quod þat oþer kny3t, "3e cach much sele, - In cheuisaunce of þis chaffer, 3if 3e hade goud chepe3." -1940 "3e of þe chepe no charg," quod chefly þat oþer, - "As is pertly payed þe chepe3 þat I a3te." - "Mary," quod þat oþer mon, "myn is bi-hynde, - [H] For I haf hunted al þis day, & no3t haf I geten, -1944 [I] Bot þis foule fox felle, þe fende haf þe gode3, - [J] & þat is ful pore, for to pay for suche prys þinges, - As 3e haf þry3t me here, þro suche þre cosses, - so gode." -1948 "I-no3," quod sir Gawayn, - "I þonk yow, bi þe rode;" - [K] & how þe fox wat3 slayn, - He tolde hym, as þay stode. - -[Sidenote A: The hunters then hasten home.] -[Sidenote B: The lord at last alights at his dear home,] -[Sidenote C: where he finds Gawayne amusing the ladies.] -[Sidenote D: The knight comes forward and welcomes his host,] -[Sidenote E: and according to covenant kisses him thrice.] -[Sidenote F: (See l. 1868.)] -[Sidenote G: "By Christ," says the other, "ye have had much bliss!"] -[Sidenote H: I have hunted all day and have gotten nothing,] -[Sidenote I: but the skin of this foul fox,] -[Sidenote J: a poor reward for three such kisses."] -[Sidenote K: He then tells him how the fox was slain.] - - XXXIII. - -1952 [A] With merþe & mynstralsye, wyth mete3 at hor wylle, - Þay maden as mery as any men mo3ten, - With la3yng of ladies, with lote3 of bordes; - Gawayn & þe gode mon so glad were þay boþe, -1956 Bot if þe douthe had doted, oþer dronken ben oþer, - Boþe þe mon & þe meyny maden mony iape3, - [B] Til þe sesoun wat3 se3en, þat þay seuer moste; - Burne3 to hor bedde be-houed at þe laste. -1960 [C] Þenne lo3ly his leue at þe lorde fyrst - Fochche3 þis fre mon, & fayre he hym þonkke3; - [D] "Of such a sellyly[1] soiorne, as I haf hade here, - Your honour, at þis hy3e fest, þe hy3e kyng yow 3elde! -1964 I 3ef yow me for on of youre3, if yowre-self lyke3, - For I mot nedes, as 3e wot, meue to morne; - [E] & 3e me take sum tolke, to teche, as 3e hy3t, - Þe gate to þe grene chapel, as god wyl me suffer -1968 To dele, on nw3ere3 day, þe dome of my wyrdes." - "In god fayþe," quod þe god mon. "wyth a goud wylle; - Al þat euer I yow hy3t, halde schal I rede." - [F] Þer asyngnes he a seruaunt, to sett hym in þe waye, -1972 & coundue hym by þe downe3, þat he no drechch had, [Fol. 117b.] - For to f[e]rk þur3 þe fryth, & fare at þe gaynest, - bi greue. - Þe lorde Gawayn con þonk, -1976 Such worchip he wolde hym weue; - [G] Þen at þo ladye3 wlonk. - Þe kny3t hat3 tan his leue. - -[Sidenote A: With much mirth and minstrelsy they made merry,] -[Sidenote B: until the time came for them to part.] -[Sidenote C: Gawayne takes leave of his host.] -[Sidenote D: and thanks him for his happy "sojourn."] -[Sidenote E: He asks for a man to teach him the way to the Green Chapel.] -[Sidenote F: A servant is assigned to him,] -[Sidenote G: and then he takes leave of the ladies,] -[Footnote 1: selly (?).] - - XXXIV. - - [A] With care & wyth kyssyng he carppe3 hem tille, -1980 & fele þryuande þonkke3 he þrat hom to haue, - & þay 3elden hym a3ay[n] 3eply þat ilk; - [B] Þay bikende hym to Kryst, with ful colde sykynge3. - [C] Syþen fro þe meyny he menskly de-partes; -1984 Vche mon þat he mette, he made hem a þonke, - For his seruyse, & his solace, & his sere pyne, - Þat þay wyth busynes had ben, aboute hym to serue; - & vche segge as sore, to seuer with hym þere, -1988 As þay hade wonde worþyly with þat wlonk euer. - [D] Þen with ledes & ly3t he wat3 ladde to his chambre, - & blybely bro3t to his bedde, to be at his rest; - 3if he ne slepe soundyly, say ne dar I, -1992 [E] For he hade muche on þe morn to mynne, 3if he wolde, - in þo3t; - [F] Let hym ly3e þere stille, - He hat3[1] nere þat he so3t, -1996 [G] & 3e wyl a whyle be stylle, - I schal telle yow how þay wro3t. - -[Sidenote A: kissing them sorrowfully.] -[Sidenote B: They commend him to Christ.] -[Sidenote C: He then departs, thanking each one he meets "for his service - and solace."] -[Sidenote D: He retires to rest but sleeps but little,] -[Sidenote E: for much has he to think of on the morrow.] -[Sidenote F: Let him there lie still.] -[Sidenote G: Be still awhile, and I shall tell how they wrought.] -[Footnote 1: wat3 (?).] - -[FYTTE THE FOURTH.] - - I. - - [A] Now ne3e3 þe nw3ere, & þe ny3t passe3, - Þe day dryue3 to þe derk, as dry3tyn bidde3; -2000 [B] Bot wylde wedere3 of þe worlde wakned þeroute, - Clowdes kesten kenly þe colde to þe erþe, - Wyth ny3e[1] in-noghe of þe norþe, þe naked to tene; - [C] Þe snawe snitered ful snart, þat snayped þe wylde; -2004 Þe werbelande wynde wapped fro þe hy3e, - [D] & drof vche dale ful of dryftes ful grete. - Þe leude lystened ful wel, þat le3 in his bedde, - [E] Þa3 he lowke3 his lidde3, ful lyttel he slepes; -2008 Bi vch kok þat crue, he knwe wel þe steuen. - De-liuerly he dressed vp, er þe day sprenged, [Fol. 118.] - For þere wat3 ly3t of a lau[m]pe, þat lemed in his chambre; - [F] He called to his chamberlayn, þat cofly hym swared, -2012 & bede hym bryng hym his bruny, & his blonk sadel; - Þat oþer ferke3 hym vp, & feche3 hym his wede3, - & grayþe3 me sir Gawayn vpon a grett wyse. - Fyrst he clad hym in his cloþe3, þe colde for to were; -2016 & syþen his oþer harnays, þat holdely wat3 keped, - Boþe his paunce, & his plate3, piked ful clene, - [G] Þe rynge3[2] rokked of þe roust, of his riche bruny; - & al wat3 fresch as vpon fyrst, & he wat3 fayn þenne -2020 to þonk; - He hade vpon vche pece, - Wypped ful wel & wlonk; - [H] Þe gayest in to Grece, -2024 Þe burne bede bryng his blonk. - -[Sidenote A: New Year's Day approaches.] -[Sidenote B: The weather is stormy.] -[Sidenote C: Snow falls.] -[Sidenote D: The dales are full of drift.] -[Sidenote E: Gawayne in his bed hears each cock that crows.] -[Sidenote F: He calls for his chamberlain, and bids him bring him his - armour.] -[Sidenote G: Men knock off the rust from his rich habergeon.] -[Sidenote H: The knight then calls for his steed.] -[Footnote 1: nywe (?).] -[Footnote 2: rynke3 (?).] - - II. - - [A] Whyle þe wlonkest wedes he warp on hym-seluen; - His cote, wyth be conysaunce of þe clere werke3, - Ennurned vpon veluet vertuuus[1] stone3, -2028 Aboute beten, & bounden, enbrauded seme3, - & fayre furred with-inne wyth fayre pelures. - [B] 3et laft he not þe lace, þe ladie3 gifte, - Þat for-gat not Gawayn, for gode of hym-seluen; -2032 Bi he hade belted þe bronde vpon his bal3e haunche3, - [C] Þenn dressed he his drurye double hym aboute; - Swyþe sweþled vmbe his swange swetely, þat kny3t, - Þe gordel of þe grene silke, þat gay wel bisemed, -2036 Vpon þat ryol red cloþe, þat ryche wat3 to schewe. - [D] Bot wered not þis ilk wy3e for wele þis gordel, - For pryde of þe pendaunte3, þa3 polyst þay were, - & þa3 þe glyterande golde glent vpon ende3, -2040 [E] Bot forto sauen hym-self, when suffer hym by-houed, - To byde bale with-oute dabate, of bronde hym to were, - oþer knyffe; - Bi þat þe bolde mon boun, -2044 Wynne3 þeroute bilyue, - [F] Alle þe meyny of renoun, - He þonkke3 ofte ful ryue. - -[Sidenote A: While he clothed himself in his rich weeds,] -[Sidenote B: he forgot not the "lace," the lady's gift,] -[Sidenote C: but with it doubly girded his loins.] -[Sidenote D: He wore it not for its rich ornaments,] -[Sidenote E: "but to save himself when it behoved him to suffer."] -[Sidenote F: All the renowned assembly he thanks full oft.] -[Footnote 1: vertuous (?).] - - III. - - [A] Thenne wat3 Gryngolet grayþe, þat gret wat3 & huge, [Fol. 118b.] -2048 & hade ben soiourned sauerly, & in a siker wyse, - [B] Hym lyst prik for poynt, þat proude hors þenne; - Þe wy3e wynne3 hym to, & wyte3 on his lyre, - & sayde soberly hym-self, & by his soth swere3, -2052 "Here is a meyny in þis mote, þat on menske þenkke3, - [C] Þe mon hem maynteines, ioy mot þay haue; - Þe leue lady, on lyue luf hir bityde; - 3if þay for charyté cherysen a gest, -2056 & halden honour in her honde, þe haþel hem 3elde, - Þat halde3 þe heuen vpon hy3e, & also yow alle! - & 3if I my3t lyf vpon londe lede any quyle, - I schuld rech yow sum rewarde redyly, if I my3t." -2060 [D] Þenn steppe3 he in-to stirop, & stryde3 alofte; - His schalk schewed hym his schelde, on schulder he hit la3t, - Gorde3 to Gryngolet, with his gilt hele3, - [E] & he starte3 on þe ston, stod he no lenger, -2064 to praunce; - His haþel on hors wat3 þenne, - Þat bere his spere & launce. - [F] "Þis kastel to Kryst I kenne, -2068 He gef hit ay god chaunce!" - -[Sidenote A: Then was Gringolet arrayed,] -[Sidenote B: full ready to prick on.] -[Sidenote C: Gawayne returns thanks for the honour and kindness shown to - him by all.] -[Sidenote D: He then steps into his saddle,] -[Sidenote E: and "starts on the stone" without more delay.] -[Sidenote F: "This castle to Christ I commend; may he give it ever good - chance!"] - - IV. - - [A] The brygge wat3 brayde doun, & þe brode 3ate3 - Vnbarred, & born open, vpon boþe halue; - [B] Þe burne blessed hym bilyue, & þe brede3 passed; -2072 Prayses þe porter, bifore þe prynce kneled, - Gef hym God & goud day, þat Gawayn he saue; - [C] & went on his way, with his wy3e one, - Þat schulde teche hym to tourne to þat tene place, -2076 Þer þe ruful race he schulde re-sayue. - Þay bo3en bi bonkke3, þer bo3e3 ar bare, - [D] Þay clomben bi clyffe3, þer clenge3 þe colde; - Þe heuen wat3 vp halt, bot vgly þer vnder, -2080 Mist muged on þe mor, malt on þe mounte3, - [E] Vch hille hade a hatte, a myst-hakel huge; - Broke3 byled, & breke, bi bonkke3 aboute, - Schyre schaterande on schore3, þer þay doun schowued. -2084 Welawylle wat3 þe way, þer þay bi wod schulden, [Fol. 119.] - [F] Til hit wat3 sone sesoun, þat þe sunne ryses, - þat tyde; - [G] Þay were on a hille ful hy3e, -2088 Þe quyte snaw lay bisyde; - [H] Þe burne þat rod hym by - Bede his mayster abide. - -[Sidenote A: The gates are soon opened.] -[Sidenote B: The knight passes thereout,] -[Sidenote C: and goes on his way accompanied by his guide.] -[Sidenote D: They climb by cliffs,] -[Sidenote E: where each "hill had a hat and a mist-cloak,"] -[Sidenote F: until daylight.] -[Sidenote G: They were then on a "hill full high."] -[Sidenote H: The servant bade his master abide, saying,] - - V. - - [A] "For I haf wonnen yow hider, wy3e, at þis tyme, -2092 & now nar 3e not fer fro þat note place, - [B] Þat 3e han spied & spuryed so specially after; - Bot I schal say yow for soþe, syþen I yow knowe, - & 3e ar a lede vpon lyue, þat I wel louy, -2096 Wolde 3e worch bi my wytte, 3e worþed þe better. - [C] Þe place þat 3e prece to, ful perelous is halden; - [D] Þer wone3 a wy3e in þat waste, þe worst vpon erþe; - For he is stiffe, & sturne, & to strike louies, -2100 & more he is þen any mon vpon myddelerde, - [E] & his body bigger þen þe best fowre. - Þat ar in Arþure3 hous, Hestor[1] oþer oþer. - He cheue3 þat chaunce at þe chapel grene; -2104 [F] Þer passes non bi þat place, so proude in his armes, - Þat he ne dynne3 hym to deþe, with dynt of his honde; - For he is a mon methles, & mercy non vses, - [G] For be hit chorle, oþer chaplayn, þat bi þe chapel rydes, -2108 Monk, oþer masse-prest, oþer any mon elles, - Hym þynk as queme hym to quelle, as quyk go hym seluen. - For-þy I say þe as soþe as 3e in sadel sitte, - Com 3e þere, 3e be kylled, [I] may þe kny3t rede, -2112 Trawe 3e me þat trwely, þa3 3e had twenty lyues - to spende; - [H] He hat3 wonyd here ful 3ore, - On bent much baret bende, -2116 [I] A3ayn his dynte3 sore, - 3e may not yow defende." - -[Sidenote A: "I have brought you hither,] -[Sidenote B: ye are not now far from the noted place.] -[Sidenote C: Full perilous is it esteemed.] -[Sidenote D: The lord of that 'waste' is stiff and stern.] -[Sidenote E: His body is bigger 'than the best four in Arthur's house.'] -[Sidenote F: None passes by the Green Chapel, 'that he does not ding to - death with dint of his hand.'] -[Sidenote G: For be it churl or chaplain, monk, mass-priest, 'or any man - else,' he kills them all.] -[Sidenote H: He has lived there full long.] -[Sidenote I: Against his dints sore ye may not defend you.] -[Footnote 1: Hector (?).] - - VI. - - [A] "For-þy, goude sir Gawayn, let þe gome one, - & got3 a-way sum oþer gate; vpon Godde3 halue; -2120 [B] Cayre3 bi sum oþer kyth, þer Kryst mot yow spede; - & I schal hy3 me hom a3ayn, & hete yow fyrre, - [C] Þat I schal swere bi God, & alle his gode hal3e3, [Fol. 119b.] - As help me God & þe halydam, & oþe3 in-noghe, -2124 Þat I schal lelly yow layne, & lance neuer tale, - Þat euer 3e fondet to fle, for freke þat I wyst." - "Grant merci;" quod Gawayn, & gruchyng he sayde, - "Wel worth þe wy3e, þat wolde3 my gode, -2128 & þat lelly me layne, I leue wel þou wolde3! - [D] Bot helde þou hit neuer so holde, & I here passed, - Founded for ferde for to fle, in fourme þat þou telle3, - I were a kny3t kowarde, I my3t not[1] be excused. -2132 [E] Bot I wy1 to þe chape1, for chaunce þat may falle, - & talk wyth þat ilk tulk þe tale þat me lyste, - Worþe hit wele, oþer wo, as þe wyrde lyke3 - hit hafe; -2136 [F] Þa3e he be a sturn knape, - To sti3tel, &[2] stad with staue, - [G] Ful wel con dry3tyn schape, - His seruaunte3 forto saue." - -[Sidenote A: Wherefore, good Sir Gawayne, let this man alone.] -[Sidenote B: Go by some other region,] -[Sidenote C: I swear by God and all His saints, that I will never say that - ever ye attempted to flee from any man."] -[Sidenote D: Gawayne replies that to shun this danger would mark him as a - "coward knight."] -[Sidenote E: To the Chapel, therefore, he will go,] -[Sidenote F: though the owner thereof were a stern knave.] -[Sidenote G: "Full well can God devise his servants for to save."] -[Footnote 1: mot, in MS.] -[Footnote 2: & &, in MS.] - - VII. - -2140 [A] "Mary!" quod þat oþer mon, "now þou so much spelle3, - Þat þou wylt þyn awen nye nyme to þy-seluen, - & þe lyst lese þy lyf, þe lette I ne kepe; - [B] Haf here þi helme on þy hede, þi spere in þi honde, -2144 & ryde me doun þis ilk rake, bi 3on rokke syde, - [C] Til þou be bro3t to þe boþem of þe brem valay; - [D] Þenne loke a littel on þe launde, on þi lyfte honde, - [E] & þou schal se in þat slade þe self chapel, -2148 & þe borelych burne on bent, þat hit kepe3. - Now fare3 wel on Gode3 half, Gawayn þe noble, - For alle þe golde vpon grounde I nolde go with þe, - Ne bere þe fela3schip þur3 þis fryth on fote fyrre." -2152 [F] Bi þat þe wy3e in þe wod wende3 his brydel, - Hit þe hors with þe hele3, as harde as he my3t, - Lepe3 hym ouer þe launde, & leue3 þe kny3t þere, - al one. -2156 [G] "Bi Godde3 self," quod Gawayn, - "I wyl nauþer grete ne grone, - [H] To Godde3 wylle I am ful bayn, - & to hym I haf me tone." - -[Sidenote A: "Mary!" quoth the other, "since it pleases thee to lose thy - life,] -[Sidenote B: take thy helmet on thy head, and thy spear in thy hand, and - ride down this path by yon rock-side,] -[Sidenote C: till thou come to the bottom of the valley;] -[Sidenote D: look a little to the left,] -[Sidenote E: and thou shalt see the Chapel itself and the man that guards - it."] -[Sidenote F: Having thus spoken the guide takes leave of the knight.] -[Sidenote G: "By God's self," says Sir Gawayne, "I will neither weep nor - groan.] -[Sidenote H: To God's will I am full ready."] - - VIII. - -2160 [A] Thenne gyrde3 he to Gryngolet, & gedere3 þe rake, [Fol. 120.] - Schowue3 in bi a schore, at a scha3e syde, - [B] Ride3 þur3 þe ro3e bonk, ry3t to þe dale; - & þenne he wayted hym aboute, & wylde hit hym þo3t, -2164 [C] & se3e no syngne of resette, bisyde3 nowhere, - Bot hy3e bonkke3 & brent, vpon boþe halue, - & ru3e knokled knarre3, with knorned stone3; - Þe skwe3 of þe scowtes skayued[1] hym þo3t. -2168 Þenne he houed, & wyth-hylde his hors at þat tyde, - & ofte chaunged his cher, þe chapel to seche; - [D] He se3 non suche in no syde, & selly hym þo3t, - Sone a lyttel on a launde, a lawe as hit we[re]; -2172 [E] A bal3 ber3, bi a bonke, þe brymme by-syde, - Bi a for3 of a flode, þat ferked þare; - Þe borne blubred þer-inne, as hit boyled hade. - [F] Þe kny3t kache3 his caple, & com to þe lawe, -2176 [G] Li3te3 doun luflyly, & at a lynde tache3 - Þe rayne, & his riche, with a ro3e braunche; - [H] Þen[n]e he bo3e3 to þe ber3e, aboute hit he walke, - D[e]batande with hym-self, quat hit be my3t. -2180 Hit hade a hole on þe ende, & on ayþer syde, - & ouer-growen with gresse in glodes ay where, - & al wat3 hol3 in-with, nobot an olde caue, - [I] Or a creuisse of an olde cragge, he couþe hit no3t deme -2184 with spelle, - "We,[2] lorde," quod þe gentyle kny3t, - "Wheþer þis be þe grene chapelle; - [J] He my3t aboute myd-ny3t, -2188 [Þ]e dele his matynnes telle!" - -[Sidenote A: Then he pursues his journey,] -[Sidenote B: rides through the dale, and looks about.] -[Sidenote C: He sees no sign of a resting-place, but only high and steep - banks.] -[Sidenote D: No chapel could he discern.] -[Sidenote E: At last he sees a hill by the side of a stream;] -[Sidenote F: thither he goes,] -[Sidenote G: alights and fastens his horse to a branch of a tree.] -[Sidenote H: He walks around the hill, debating with himself what it might - be,] -[Sidenote I: and at last finds an old cave in the crag.] -[Sidenote J: He prays that about midnight he may tell his matins.] -[Footnote 1: skayned (?).] -[Footnote 2: wel (?).] - - IX. - - [A] "Now i-wysse," quod Wowayn, "wysty is here; - Þis oritore is vgly, with erbe3 ouer-growen; - [B] Wel biseme3 þe wy3e wruxled in grene -2192 Dele here his deuocioun, on þe deuele3 wyse; - Now I fele hit is þe fende, in my fyue wytte3, - Þat hat3 stoken me þis steuen, to strye me here; - [C] Þis is a chapel of meschaunce, þat chekke hit by-tyde, -2196 Hit is þe corsedest kyrk, þat euer i com inne!" - With he3e helme on his hede, his launce in his honde, [Fol. 120b.] - [D] He rome3 vp to þe rokke of þo ro3 wone3; - Þene herde he of þat hy3e hil, in a harde roche, -2200 [E] Bi3onde þe broke, in a bonk, a wonder breme noyse, - [F] Quat! hit clatered in þe clyff, as hit cleue schulde, - As one vpon a gryndelston hade grounden a syþe; - [G] What! hit wharred, & whette, as water at a mulne, -2204 What! hit rusched, & ronge, rawþe to here. - Þenne "bi Godde," quod Gawayn, "þat gere as[1] I trowe, - Is ryched at þe reuerence, me renk to mete, - bi rote; -2208 Let God worche we loo, - [H] Hit helppe3 me not a mote, - My lif þa3 I for-goo, - Drede dot3 me no lote." - -[Sidenote A: "Truly," says Sir Gawayne, "a desert is here,] -[Sidenote B: a fitting place for the man in green to 'deal here his - devotions in devil fashion.'] -[Sidenote C: It is most cursed kirk that ever I entered."] -[Sidenote D: Roaming about he hears a loud noise,] -[Sidenote E: from beyond the brook.] -[Sidenote F: It clattered like the grinding of a scythe on a grindstone.] -[Sidenote G: It whirred like a mill-stream.] -[Sidenote H: "Though my life I forgo," says the knight, "no noise shall - terrify me."] -[Footnote 1: at, in MS.] - - X. - -2212 [A] Thenne þe kny3t con calle ful hy3e, - [B] "Who sti3tle3 in þis sted, me steuen to holde? - [C] For now is gode Gawayn goande ry3t here, - If any wy3e o3t wyl wynne hider fast, -2216 Oþer now, oþer neuer, his nede3 to spede." - [D] "Abyde," quod on on þe bonke, abouen ouer his hede, - "& þou schal haf al in hast, þat I þe hy3t ones." - 3et he rusched on þat rurde, rapely a þrowe, -2220 & wyth quettyng a-wharf, er he wolde ly3t; - [E] & syþen he keuere3 bi a cragge, & come3 of a hole, - Whyrlande out of a wro, wyth a felle weppen, - [F] A dene3 ax nwe dy3t, þe dynt with [t]o 3elde -2224 With a borelych bytte, bende by þe halme, - Fyled in a fylor, fowre fote large, - Hit wat3 no lasse, bi þat lace þat lemed ful bry3t. - [G] & þe gome in þe erene gered as fyrst, -2228 Boþe þe lyre & þe legge3, lokke3, & berde, - Saue þat fayre on his fote he founde3 on þe erþe, - Sette þe stele to þe stone, & stalked bysyde. - [H] When he wan to þe watter, þer he wade nolde, -2232 He hypped ouer on hys ax, & orpedly stryde3, - Bremly broþe on a bent, þat brode wat3 a-boute, - on snawe. - [I] Sir Gawayn þe kny3t con mete. [Fol. 121.] -2236 He ne lutte hym no þyng lowe, - [J] Þat oþer sayde, "now, sir swete, - Of steuen mon may þe trowe." - -[Sidenote A: Then cried he aloud,] -[Sidenote B: "Who dwells here discourse with me to hold?"] -[Sidenote C: Now is the good Gawayne going aright] -[Sidenote D: He hears a voice commanding him to abide where he is.] -[Sidenote E: Soon there comes out of a hole, with a fell weapon,] -[Sidenote F: a Danish axe, quite new,] -[Sidenote G: the "knight in green," clothed as before.] -[Sidenote H: When he reaches the stream, he hops over and strides about.] -[Sidenote I: He meets Sir Gawayne without obeisance.] -[Sidenote J: The other tells him that he is now ready for conversation] - - XI. - - [A] "Gawayn," quod þat grene gome, "God þe mot loke! -2240 I-wysse þou art welcom,[1] wy3e, to my place, - [B] & þou hat3 tymed þi trauayl as true[2] mon schulde; - [C] & þou knowe3 þe couenaunte3 kest vus by-twene, - At þis tyme twelmonyth þou toke þat þe falled, -2244 [D] & I schulde at þis nwe 3ere 3eply þe quyte. - [E] & we ar in þis valay, verayly oure one, - Here ar no renkes vs to rydde, rele as vus like3; - [F] Haf þy[3] helme of þy hede, & haf here þy pay; -2248 Busk no more debate þen I þe bede þenne, - "When þou wypped of my hede at a wap one." - [G] "Nay, bi God," quod Gawayn, "þat me gost lante, - I schal gruch þe no grwe, for grem þat falle3; -2252 Botsty3tel þe vpon on strok, & I schal stonde stylle, - & warp þe no wernyng, to worch as þe lyke3, - no whare." - [H] He lened with þe nek, & lutte, -2256 & schewed þat schyre al bare, - & lette as he no3t dutte, - [I] For drede he wolde not dare. - -[Sidenote A: "God preserve thee!" says the Green Knight,] -[Sidenote B: "as a true knight 'thou hast timed thy travel'] -[Sidenote C: Thou knowest the covenant between us,] -[Sidenote D: that on New Year's day I should return thy blow] -[Sidenote E: Here we are alone,] -[Sidenote F: Have off thy helmet and take thy pay at once."] -[Sidenote G: "By God," quoth Sir Gawayne, "I shall not begrudge thee thy - will."] -[Sidenote H: Then he shows his bare neck,] -[Sidenote I: and appears undaunted.] -[Footnote 1: welcon, in MS.] -[Footnote 2: truee in MS.] -[Footnote 3: MS. þy þy.] - - XII. - - [A] Then þe gome in þe grene grayþed hym swyþe, -2260 Gedere3 yp hys grymme tole, Gawayn to smyte; - [B] With alle þe bur in his body he ber hit on lofte, - Munt as ma3tyly, as marre hym he wolde; - Hade hit dryuen adoun, as dre3 as he atled, -2264 Þer hade ben ded of his dynt, þat do3ty wat3 euer. - Bot Gawayn on þat giserne glyfte hym bysyde, - [C] As hit com glydande adoun, on glode hym to schende, - [D] & schranke a lytel with þe schulderes, for þe scharp yrne. -2268 Þat oþer schalk wyth a schunt þe schene wythhalde3, - [E] & þenne repreued he þe prynce with mony prowde worde3: - [F] "Þou art not Gawayn," quod þe gome, "þat is so goud halden, - Þat neuer ar3ed for no here, by hylle ne be vale, -2272 [G] & now þou fles for ferde, er þou fele harme3; [Fol. 121b.] - Such cowardise of þat kny3t cowþe I neuer here. - [H] Nawþer fyked I, ne fla3e, freke, quen þou myntest, - Ne kest no kauelacion, in kynge3 hous Arthor, -2276 [I] My hede fla3 to my fote, & 3et fla3 I neuer; - & þou, er any harme hent, ar3e3 in hert, - [J] Wherfore þe better burne me burde be called - þer-fore." -2280 [K] Quod G:, "I schunt one3, - & so wyl I no more, - Bot pa3 my hede falle on þe stone3, - I con not hit restore. - -[Sidenote A: Then the man in green seizes his grim tool.] -[Sidenote B: With all his force he raises it aloft.] -[Sidenote C: As it came gliding down,] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne shrank a little with his shoulders.] -[Sidenote E: The other reproved him, saying,] -[Sidenote F: "Thou art not Gawayne that is so good esteemed,] -[Sidenote G: for thou fleest for fear before thou feelest harm.] -[Sidenote H: I never flinched when thou struckest.] -[Sidenote I: My head flew to my foot, yet I never fled,] -[Sidenote J: wherefore I ought to be called the better man."] -[Sidenote K: "I shunted once," says Gawayne, "but will no more.] - - XIII. - -2284 [A] Bot busk, burne, bi þi fayth, & bryng me to þe poynt, - Dele to me my destiné, & do hit out of honde, - For I schal stonde þe a strok, & start no more, - Til þyn ax haue me hitte, haf here my trawþe." -2288 [B] "Haf at þe þenne," quod þat oþer, & heue3 hit alofte, - & wayte3 as wroþely, as he wode were; - [C] He mynte3 at hym ma3tyly, bot not þe mon ryue3,[1] - With-helde heterly h[i]s honde, er hit hurt my3t. -2292 [D] Gawayn grayþely hit byde3, & glent with no membre, - Bot stode stylle as þe ston, oþer a stubbe auþer, - Þat raþeled is in roche grounde, with rote3 a hundreth. - Þen muryly efte con he mele, þe mon in þe grene, -2296 [E] "So now þou hat3 þi hert holle, hitte me bihou[e]s; - Halde þe now þe hy3e hode, þat Arþur þe ra3t, - & kepe þy kanel at þis kest, 3if hit keuer may." - G: ful gryndelly with greme þenne sayde, -2300 [F] "Wy þresch on, þou þro mon, þou þrete3 to longe, - I hope þat þi hert ar3e wyth þyn awen seluen." - "For soþe," quod þat oþer freke, "so felly þou speke3, - I wyl no lenger on lyte lette þin ernde, -2304 ri3t nowe." - [G] Þenne tas he[2] hym stryþe to stryke, - & frounses boþe lyppe & browe, - No meruayle þa3 hym myslyke, -2308 Þat hoped of no rescowe. - -[Sidenote A: Bring me to the point; deal me my destiny at once."] -[Sidenote B: "Have at thee, then," says the other.] -[Sidenote C: With that he aims at him a blow.] -[Sidenote D: Gawayne never flinches, but stands as still as a stone.] -[Sidenote E: "Now," says the Green Knight, "I must hit thee, since thy - heart is whole."] -[Sidenote F: "Thrash on," says the other.] -[Sidenote G: Then the Green Knight makes ready to strike.] -[Footnote 1: ? ryne3 = touches.] -[Footnote 2: he he, in MS.] - - XIV. - - [A] He lyftes ly3tly his lome, & let hit doun fayre, - [B] With þe barbe of þe bitte bi þe bare nek [Fol. 122.] - Þa3 he homered heterly, hurt hym no more, -2312 Bot snyrt hym on þat on syde, þat seuered þe hyde; - [C] Þe scharp schrank to þe flesche þur3 þe schyre grece, - Þat þe schene blod over his schulderes schot to þe erþe. - [D] & quen þe burne se3 þe blode blenk on þe snawe, -2316 He sprit forth spenne fote more þen a spere lenþe, - Hent heterly his helme, & on his hed cast, - Schot with his schuldere3 his fayre schelde vnder, - [E] Brayde3 out a bry3t sworde, & bremely he speke3; -2320 Neuer syn þat he wat3 burne borne of his moder, - Wat3 he neuer in þis worlde, wy3e half so blyþe:-- - [F] "Blynne, burne, of þy bur, bede me no mo; - I haf a stroke in þis sted with-oute stryf hent, -2324 [G] & if þow reche3 me any mo, I redyly schal quyte, - & 3elde 3ederly a3ayn, & þer to 3e tryst, - & foo; - [H] Bot on stroke here me falle3, -2328 Þe couenaunt schop ry3t so, - [Sikered][1] in Arþure3 halle3, - & þer-fore, hende, now hoo!" - -[Sidenote A: He let fall his loom on the bare] -[Sidenote B: neck of Sir Gawayne.] -[Sidenote C: The sharp weapon pierced the flesh so that the blood flowed.] -[Sidenote D: When the knight saw the blood on the snow,] -[Sidenote E: he unsheathed his sword, and thus spake:] -[Sidenote F: "Cease, man, of thy blow.] -[Sidenote G: If thou givest me any more, readily shall I requite thee.] -[Sidenote H: Our agreement stipulates only one stroke."] -[Footnote 1: Illegible.] - - XV. - - [A] The haþel heldet hym fro, & on his ax rested, -2332 Sette þe schaft vpon schore, & to be scharp lened, - [B] & loked to þe leude, þat on þe launde 3ede, - How þat do3ty dredles deruely þer stonde3, - Armed ful a3le3; in hert hit hym lyke3. -2336 þenn he mele3 muryly, wyth a much steuen, - [C] & wyth a r[a]ykande rurde he to þe renk sayde, - "Bolde burne, on þis bent be not so gryndel; - No mon here vn-manerly þe mys-boden habbe, -2340 Ne kyd, bot as couenaunde, at kynge3 kort schaped; - [D] I hy3t þe a strok, & þou hit hat3, halde þe wel payed, - I relece þe of þe remnaunt, of ry3tes alle oþer; - 3if[1] I deliuer had bene, a boffet, paraunter, -2344 [E] I couþe wroþeloker haf waret, [&] to þe haf wro3t anger.[2] - Fyrst I mansed þe muryly, with a mynt one, - [F] & roue þe wyth no rof, sore with ry3t I þe profered, - For þe forwarde that we fest in þe fyrst ny3t, [Fol. 122b.] -2348 & þou trystyly þe trawþe & trwly me halde3, - Al þe gayne þow me gef, as god mon shulde; - [G] Þat oþer munt for þe morne, mon, I þe profered, - Þou kyssedes my clere wyf, þe cosse3 me ra3te3, -2352 For boþe two here I þe bede bot two bare myntes, - boute scaþe; - [H] Trwe mon trwe restore, - Þenne þar mon drede no waþe; -2356 [I] At þe þrid þou fayled þore, - & þer-for þat tappe ta þe. - -[Sidenote A: The Green Knight rested on his axe,] -[Sidenote B: looked on Sir Gawayne, who appeared bold and fearless,] -[Sidenote C: and addressed him as follows: "Bold knight, be not so wroth,] -[Sidenote D: I promised thee a stroke and thou hast it, be satisfied.] -[Sidenote E: I could have dealt worse with thee.] -[Sidenote F: I menaced thee with one blow for the covenant between us on - the first night.] -[Sidenote G: Another I aimed at thee because thou kissedst my wife.] -[Sidenote H: A true man should restore truly, and then he need fear no - harm.] -[Sidenote I: Thou failedst at the third time, and therefore take thee that - tap. (See l. 1861.)] -[Footnote 1: uf, in MS.] -[Footnote 2: This word is doubtful.] - - XVI. - - [A] For hit is my wede þat þou were3, þat ilke wouen girdel, - Myn owen wyf hit þe weued, I wot wel forsoþe; -2360 [B] Now know I wel þy cosses, & þy costes als, - & þe wowyng of my wyf, I wro3t hit myseluen; - [C] I sende hir to asay þe, & sothly me þynkke3, - On þe fautlest freke, þat euer on fote 3ede; -2364 As perle bi þe quite pese is of prys more, - So is Gawayn, in god fayth, bi oþer gay kny3te3. - [D] Bot here you lakked a lyttel, sir, & lewte yow wonted, - Bot þat wat3 for no wylyde werke, ne wowyng nauþer, -2368 [E] Bot for 3e lufed your lyf, þe lasse I yow blame." - Þat oþer stif mon in study stod a gret whyle; - So agreued for greme he gryed with-inne, - [F] Alle þe blode of his brest blende in his face, -2372 Þat al he schrank for schome, þat þe schalk talked. - Þe forme worde vpon folde, þat þe freke meled,-- - [G] "Corsed worth cowarddyse & couetyse boþe! - In yow is vylany & vyse, þat vertue disstrye3." -2376 [H] Þenne he ka3t to þe knot, & þe kest lawse3, - Brayde broþely þe belt to þe burne seluen: - "Lo! þer þe falssyng, foule mot hit falle! - [I] For care of þy knokke cowardyse me ta3t -2380 To a-corde me with couetyse, my kynde to for-sake, - Þat is larges & lewte, þat longe3 to kny3te3. - [J] Now am I fawty, & falce, & ferde haf ben euer; - Of trecherye & vn-trawþe boþe bityde sor3e -2384 & care! - [K] I bi-knowe yow, kny3t, here stylle, [Fol. 123.] - Al fawty is my fare, - Lete3 me ouer-take your wylle, -2388 & efle I schal be ware." - -[Sidenote A: For my weed (woven by my wife) thou wearest.] -[Sidenote B: I know thy kisses and my wife's wooing.] -[Sidenote C: I sent her to try thee, and faultless I found thee.] -[Sidenote D: But yet thou sinnedst a little,] -[Sidenote E: for love of thy life."] -[Sidenote F: Gawayne stands confounded.] -[Sidenote G: "Cursed," he says, "be cowardice and covetousness both!"] -[Sidenote H: Then he takes off the girdle and throws it to the knight.] -[Sidenote I: He curses his cowardice,] -[Sidenote J: and confesses himself to have been guilty of untruth.] -[Sidenote K: ] - - XVII. - - [A] Thenne lo3e þat oþer leude, & luflyly sayde, - "I halde hit hardily[1] hole, þe harme þat I hade; - [B] Þou art confessed so clene, be-knowen of þy mysses, -2392 & hat3 þe penaunce apert, of þe poynt of myn egge, - [C] I halde þe polysed of þat ply3t, & pured as clene, - As þou hade3 neuer forfeted, syþen þou wat3 fyrst borne. - [D] & I gif þe, sir, þe gurdel þat is golde hemmed; -2396 For hit is grene as my goune, sir G:, 3e maye - Þenk vpon þis ilke þrepe, þer þou forth þrynge3 - Among prynces of prys, & þis a pure token - [E] Of þe chaunce of þe grene chapel, at cheualrous kny3te3; -2400 [F] & 3e schal in þis nwe 3er a3ayn to my wone3, - & we schyn reuel þe remnaunt of þis ryche fest, - ful bene." - Þer laþed hym fast þe lorde, -2404 & sayde, "with my wyf, I wene, - We schal yow wel acorde, - Þat wat3 your enmy kene." - -[Sidenote A: Then the other, laughing, thus spoke:] -[Sidenote B: "Thou art confessed so clean,] -[Sidenote C: that I hold thee as pure as if thou hadst never been guilty.] -[Sidenote D: I give thee, sir, the gold-hemmed girdle,] -[Sidenote E: as a token of thy adventure at the Green Chapel.] -[Sidenote F: Come again to my abode, and abide there for the remainder of - the festival."] -[Footnote 1: hardilyly, in MS.] - - XVIII. - - [A] "Nay, for soþe," quod þe segge, & sesed hys helme, -2408 & hat3 hit of hendely, & þe haþel þonkke3, - [B] "I haf soiorned sadly, sele yow bytyde, - & he 3elde hit yow 3are, þat 3arkke3 al menskes! - [C] & comaunde3 me to þat cortays, your comlych fere, -2412 Boþe þat on & þat oþer, myn honoured ladye3. - Þat þus hor kny3t wyth hor kest han koyntly bigyled. - [D] Bot hit is no ferly, þa3 a fole madde, - & þur3 wyles of wymmen be wonen to sor3e; -2416 [E] For so wat3 Adam in erde with one bygyled, - & Salamon with fele sere, & Samson eft sone3, - Dalyda dalt hym hys wyrde, & Dauyth þer-after - Wat3 blended with Barsabe, þat much bale þoled. -2420 Now þese were wrathed wyth her wyles, hit were a wynne huge, - [F] To luf hom wel, & leue hem not, a leude þat couþe, - For þes wer forne[1] þe freest þat fol3ed alle þe sele, [Fol.] - Ex-ellently of alle þyse oþer, vnder heuen-ryche, [123b.] -2424 þat mused; - & alle þay were bi-wyled, - With[2] wymmen þat þay vsed, - [G] Þa3 I be now bigyled, -2428 Me þink me burde be excused." - -[Sidenote A: "Nay, forsooth," says Gawayne,] -[Sidenote B: "I have sojourned sadly, but bliss betide thee!] -[Sidenote C: Commend me to your comely wife and that other lady who have - beguiled me.] -[Sidenote D: But it is no marvel for a man to be brought to grief through a - woman's wiles.] -[Sidenote E: Adam, Solomon, Samson, and David were beguiled by women.] -[Sidenote F: How could a man love them and believe them not?] -[Sidenote G: Though I be now beguiled, methinks I should be excused.] -[Footnote 1: forme (?)] -[Footnote 2: with wyth, in MS.] - - XIX. - - [A] "Bot your gordel," quod G: "God yow for-3elde! - Þat wyl I welde wyth good wylle, not for þe wynne golde, - Ne þe saynt, ne þe sylk, ne þe syde pendaundes, -2432 For wele, ne for worchyp, ne for þe wlonk werkke3, - [B] Bot in syngne of my surfet I schal se hit ofte; - When I ride in renoun, remorde to myseluen - Þe faut & þe fayntyse of þe flesche crabbed, -2436 How tender hit is to entyse teches of fylþe; - [C] & þus, quen pryde schal me pryk, for prowes of armes, - [D] Þe loke to þis luf lace schal leþe my hert. - Bot on I wolde yow pray, displeses yow neuer; -2440 Syn 3e be lorde of þe 3onde[r] londe, þer I haf lent inne, - Wyth yow wyth worschyp,--þe wy3e hit yow 3elde - Þat vp-halde3 þe heuen, & on hy3 sitte3,-- - [E] How norne 3e yowre ry3t nome, & þenne no more?" -2444 "Þat schal I telle þe trwly," quod þat oþer þenne, - [F] "Bernlak de Hautdesert I hat in þis londe, - Þur3 my3t of Morgne la Faye, þat in my hous lenges, - &[1] koyntyse of clergye, bi craftes wel lerned, -2448 Þe maystres of Merlyn, mony ho[2] taken; - For ho hat3 dalt drwry ful dere sum tyme, - With þat conable klerk, þat knowes alle your kny3te3 - at hame; -2452 Morgne þe goddes, - Þer-fore hit is hir name; - [G] Welde3 non so hy3e hawtesse, - Þat ho ne con make ful tame. - -[Sidenote A: But God reward you for your girdle.] -[Sidenote B: I will wear it in remembrance of my fault.] -[Sidenote C: And when pride shall prick me,] -[Sidenote D: a look to this lace shall abate it.] -[Sidenote E: But tell me your right name and I shall have done."] -[Sidenote F: The Green Knight replies, "I am called Bernlak de Hautdesert, - through might of Morgain la Fey, the pupil of Merlin.] -[Sidenote G: She can tame even the haughtiest.] -[Footnote 1: in (?).] -[Footnote 2: ho hat3 (?).] - - XX. - -2456 [A] Ho wayned me vpon þis wyse to your wynne halle, - For to assay þe surquidre, 3if hit soth were, - Þat rennes of þe grete renoun of þe Rounde Table; - Ho wayned me þis wonder, your wytte3 to reue, -2460 [B] For to haf greued Gaynour, & gart hir to dy3e. [Fol. 124.] - With gopnyng[1] of þat ilke gomen, þat gostlych speked, - With his hede in his honde, bifore þe hy3e table. - Þat is ho þat is at home, þe auncian lady; -2464 [C] Ho is euen þyn aunt, Arþure3 half suster, - Þe duches do3ter of Tyntagelle, þat dere Vter after - [D] Hade Arþur vpon, þat aþel is nowþe. - Þerfore I eþe þe, haþel, to com to þy naunt, -2468 Make myry in my hous, my meny þe louies, - & I wol þe as wel, wy3e, bi my faythe, - As any gome vnder God, for þy grete trauþe." - [E] & he nikked hym naye, he nolde bi no wayes; -2472 Þay acolen & kyssen, [bikennen] ayþer oþer - To þe prynce of paradise, & parten ry3t þere, - on coolde; - [F] Gawayn on blonk ful bene, -2476 To þe kynge3 bur3 buske3 bolde, - & þe kny3t in þe enker grene, - Whider-warde so euer he wolde. - -[Sidenote A: It was she who caused me to test the renown of the Round - Table,] -[Sidenote B: hoping to grieve Guenever and cause her death through fear.] -[Sidenote C: She is even thine aunt.] -[Sidenote D: Therefore come to her and make merry in my house."] -[Sidenote E: Gawayne refuses to return with the Green Knight.] -[Sidenote F: On horse full fair he bends to Arthur's hall.] -[Footnote 1: glopnyng (?).] - - XXI. - - [A] Wylde waye3 in þe worlde Wowen now ryde3, -2480 On Gryngolet, þat þe grace hade geten of his lyue; - [B] Ofte he herbered in house, & ofte al þeroute, - & mony a-venture in vale, & venquyst ofte, - Þat I ne ty3t, at þis tyme, in tale to remene. -2484 [C] Þe hurt wat3 hole, þat he hade hent in his nek, - [D] & þe blykkande belt he bere þeraboute, - A belef as a bauderyk, bounden bi his syde, - Loken vnder his lyfte arme, þe lace, with a knot, -2488 [E] In tokenyng he wat3 tane in tech of a faute; - [F] & þus he commes to þe court, kny3t al in sounde. - [G] Þer wakned wele in þat wone, when wyst þe grete, - Þat gode G: wat3 commen, gayn hit hym þo3t; -2492 [H] Þe kyng kysse3 þe kny3t, & þe whene alce, - & syþen mony syker kny3t, þat so3t hym to haylce, - [I] Of his fare þat hym frayned, & ferlyly he telles; - Biknowo3 alle þe costes of care þat he hade,-- -2496 Þe chaunce of þe chapel, þe chere of þe kny3t, - [J] Þe luf of þe ladi, þe lace at þe last. [Fol. 124b.] - Þe nirt in þe nek he naked hem schewed, - [K] Þat he la3t for his vnleute at þe leudes hondes, -2500 for blame; - He tened quen he schulde telle, - [L] He groned for gref & grame; - Þe blod in his face con melle, -2504 When he hit schulde schewe, for schame. - -[Sidenote A: Wild ways now Gawayne rides.] -[Sidenote B: Oft he harboured in house and oft thereout.] -[Sidenote C: The wound in his neck became whole.] -[Sidenote D: He still carried about him the belt,] -[Sidenote E: in token of his fault.] -[Sidenote F: Thus he comes to the Court of King Arthur.] -[Sidenote G: Great then was the joy of all.] -[Sidenote H: The king and his knights ask him concerning his journey.] -[Sidenote I: Gawayne tells them of his adventures,] -[Sidenote J: the love of the lady, and lastly of the lace.] -[Sidenote K: He showed them the cut in his neck.] -[Sidenote L: He groaned for grief and shame, and the blood rushed into his - face.] - - XXII. - - [A] "Lo! lorde," quod þe leude, & þe lace hondeled, - "Þis is þe bende of þis blame I bere [in] my nek, - Þis is þe laþe & þe losse, þat I la3t haue, -2508 [B] Of couardise & couetyse, þat I haf ca3t þare, - Þis is þe token of vn-trawþe, þat I am tan inne, - [C] & I mot nede3 hit were, wyle I may last; - For non may hyden his harme, bot vnhap ne may hit, -2512 For þer hit one3 is tachched, twynne wil hit neuer." - [D] Þe kyng comforte3 þe kny3t, & alle þe court als, - La3en loude þer-at, & luflyly acorden, - Þat lordes & ladis, þat longed to þe Table, -2516 [E] Vche burne of þe broþer-hede a bauderyk schulde haue, - A bende, a belef hym aboute, of a bry3t grene, - [F] & þat, for sake of þat segge, in swete to were. - For þat wat3 acorded þe renoun of þe Rounde Table, -2520 [G] & he honoured þat hit hade, euer-more after, - As hit is breued in þe best boke of romaunce. - [H] Þus in Arthurus day þis aunter bitidde, - Þe Brutus bokees þer-of beres wyttenesse; -2524 Syþen Brutus, þe bolde burne, bo3ed hider fyrst, - After þe segge & þe asaute wat3 sesed at Troye, - I-wysse; - Mony auntere3 here bi-forne, -2528 Haf fallen suche er þis: - [I] Now þat bere þe croun of þorne, - He bryng vus to his blysse! AMEN. - -[Sidenote A: "Lo!" says he, handling the lace, "this is the band of blame,] -[Sidenote B: a token of my cowardice and covetousness,] -[Sidenote C: I must needs wear it as long as I live."] -[Sidenote D: The king comforts the knight, and all the court too.] -[Sidenote E: Each knight of the brotherhood agrees to wear a bright green - belt,] -[Sidenote F: for Gawayne's sake,] -[Sidenote G: who ever more honoured it.] -[Sidenote H: Thus in Arthur's day this adventure befell.] -[Sidenote I: He that bore the crown of thorns bring us to His bliss!] - - * * * * * - -NOTES. - -Line 8 Ricchis turns, goes, - The king ... - Ricchis his reynys and the Renke metys: - Girden to gedur with þere grete speires.--T.B. l. 1232. - -37 Þis kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse. - Camalot, in Malory's "Morte Arthure," is said to be the same as - Winchester. Ritson supposes it to be Caer-went, in Monmouthshire, - and afterwards confounded with Caer-wynt, or Winchester. But - popular tradition here seems the best guide, which assigned the site - of Camalot to the ruins of a castle on a hill, near the church of - South Cadbury, in Somersetshire (Sir F. Madden). - -65 Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte. - Christmas celebrated anew, mentioned full often. - Sir F. Madden leaves the word nayted unexplained in his Glossary - to "Syr Gawayne." - -124 syluener = sylueren, i.e. silver dishes. - -139 lyndes = lendes, loins. - -142 in his muckel, in his greatness. - -184 Wat3 euesed al umbe-torne--? was trimmed, all cut evenly around; - umbe-torne may be an error for vmbe-corue = cut round. - -216 in gracios werkes. Sir F. Madden reads gracons for gracios, and - suggests Greek as the meaning of it. - -244-5 As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor lote3 - in hy3e. - As all were fallen asleep so ceased their words - in haste (suddenly). - Sir F. Madden reads slaked horlote3, instead of slaked hor lote3, - which, according to his glossary, signifies drunken vagabonds. - He evidently takes horlote3 to be another (and a very uncommon) form - of harlote3 = harlots. But harlot, or vagabond, would be a very - inappropriate term to apply to the noble Knights of the Round Table. - Moreover, slaked never, I think, means drunken. The general sense of - the verb slake is to let loose, lessen, cease. Cf. lines 411-2, - where sloke, another form of slake, occurs with a similar meaning: - -- layt no fyrre; - bot slokes. - -- seek no further, - but stop (cease). - Sir F. Madden suggests blows as the explanation of slokes. It - is, however, a verb in the imperative mood. - -286 Brayn. Mätzner suggests brayn-wod. - -296 barlay = par loi. This word is exceedingly common in the T. Book - (see l. 3391). - I bid you now, barlay, with besines at all - Þat ye set you most soverainly my suster to gete.--T.B. l. 2780. - -394 siker. Sir F. Madden reads swer. - -440 bluk. Sir F. Madden suggests blunk (horse). I am inclined to keep to - the reading of the MS., and explain bluk as = bulk = trunk. Cf. the - use of the word Blok in "Early English Alliterative Poems," - p. 100, l. 272. - -558 derue doel, etc. = great grief. Sir F. Madden reads derne, i.e. secret, - instead of derue (= derf). Cf. line 564. - -577 knaged, fastened. - The braunches were borly, sum of bright gold, - With leuys full luffly, light of the same; - With burions aboue bright to beholde; - And fruit on yt fourmyt of fairest of shap, - Of mony kynd that was knyt, knagged aboue.--T.B. l. 4973. - -629 & ay quere hit is endele3, etc. - And everywhere it is endless, etc. - Sir F. Madden reads emdele3, i.e. with equal sides. - -652 for-be = for-bi = surpassing, beyond. - -681 for Hadet read Halet = haled = exiled (?). See line 1049. - -806 auinant = auenaunt, pleasantly. Sir F. Madden reads amnant. - -954 of. Should we not read on (?). - -957 Þat oþer wyth a gorger wat3 gered ouer þe swyre. - The gorger or wimple is stated first to have appeared in Edward the - First's reign, and an example is found on the monument of Aveline, - Countess of Lancaster, who died in 1269. From the poem, however, it - would seem that the gorger was confined to elderly ladies (Sir F. - Madden). - -968 More lykker-wys on to lyk, - Wat3 þat scho had on lode. - - A more pleasant one to like, - Was that (one) she had under her control. - -988 tayt = lively, and hence pleasant, agreeable. - -1015 in vayres, in purity. - -1020 dut = dunt (?) = dint (?), referring to sword-sports. - -1022 sayn[t] Ione3 day. This is the 27th of December, and the last of the - feast. Sometimes the Christmas festivities were prolonged to New - Year's Day (Sir F. Madden). - -1047 derne dede = secret deed. I would prefer to read derue dede = - great deed. Cf. lines 558, 564. - -1053 I wot in worlde, etc. = I not (I know not) in worlde, etc. - -1054 I nolde, bot if I hit negh my3t on nw3eres morne, - For alle þe londe in-wyth Logres, etc. - I would not [delay to set out], unless I might approach it on New - Year's morn, for all the lands within England, etc. - -1074 in spenne = in space = in the interval = meanwhile. See line 1503. - -1160 slentyng of arwes. Sir F. Madden reads sleutyng. - "Of drawyn swordis sclentyng to and fra, - The brycht mettale, and othir armouris seir, - Quharon the sonnys blenkis betis cleir, - Glitteris and schane, and vnder bemys brycht, - Castis ane new twynklyng or a lemand lycht." - (G. Douglas' Æneid, Vol. i, p. 421.) - -1281 let lyk = appeared pleased. - -1283 Þa3 I were burde bry3test, þe burde in mynde hade, etc. - The sense requires us to read: - Þa3 ho were burde bry3test, þe burne in mynde hade, etc. - i.e., Though she were lady fairest, the knight in mind had, etc. - -1440 Long sythen [seuered] for þe sounder þat wi3t for-olde - Long since separated from the sounder or herd that fierce (one) - for-aged (grew very old). - "Now to speke of the boore, the fyrste year he is - A pygge of the sounder callyd, as haue I blys; - The secounde yere an hogge, and soo shall he be, - And an hoggestere, whan he is of yeres thre; - And when he is foure yere, a boor shall he be, - From the sounder of the swyne thenne departyth he; - A synguler is he soo, for alone he woll go." - (Book of St. Alban's, ed. 1496, sig. d., i.) - -1476 totes = looks, toots. - Sho went up wightly by a walle syde. - To the toppe of a toure and tot ouer the water.--T.B. l. 862. - -1623 A verb [? lalede = cried] seems wanting after lorde. - -1702 fnasted, breathed. - These balfull bestes were, as the boke tellus, - Full flaumond of fyre with fnastyng of logh.--T.B. l. 168. - -1710 a strothe rande = a rugged path. Cf. the phrases tene greue, l. 1707; - ro3e greue, l. 1898. - -1719 Thenne wat3 hit lif vpon list, etc. - Should we not read: - Thenne wat3 hit list vpon lif, etc. - i.e., Then was there joy in life, etc. - -1729 bi lag = be-lagh(?) = below (?). - -1780 lyf = lef(?), beloved (one). - -1869 Ho hat3 kyst þe kny3t so to3t. - She has kissed the knight so courteous. - Sir F. Madden explains to3t, promptly. To3t seems to be the same as - the Northumbrian taght in the following extract from the "Morte - Arthure": - "There come in at the fyrste course, before the kyng seluene, - Bare hevedys that ware bryghte, burnyste with sylver, - Alle with taghte mene and towne in togers fulle ryche."--(p. 15.) - The word towne (well-behaved) still exists in wan-ton, the - original meaning of which was ill-mannered, ill-bred. - -1909 bray hounde3 = braþ hounde3, i.e. fierce hounds. - -1995 He hat3 nere þat he so3t = He wat3 nere þat he so3t = He was near to - that which he sought. - -2160 gedere3 þe rake = takes the path or way. - -2167 Þe skwe3 of þe scowtes skayued hym þo3t. - The shadows of the hills appeared wild (desolate) to him. Sir F. - Madden reads skayned, of which he gives no explanation. - Skayued = skayfed, seems to be the N. Prov. English scafe, wild. - Scotch schaivie, wild, mad. O.N. skeifr. Sw. skef, awry, distorted. - -2204 ronge = clattered. - -2211 Drede dot3 me no lote = - No noise shall cause me to dread (fear). - -2357 & þer-for þat tappe ta þe. - And therefore take thee that tap. - ta þe = take thee. Sir F. Madden reads taþe = taketh. See l. 413, - where to þe rhymes with sothe. We have no imperatives in th in - this poem. - -2401 We schyn reuel, etc. Sir F. Madden reads wasch yn reuel. - But schyn = shall. See Glossary to "Alliterative Poems." - -2474 on-coolde = on-colde = coldly = sorrowfully. - -2489 in-sounde = soundly, well. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Sir Gawayne and the Green Knight<br /> -An Alliterative Romance-Poem (c. 1360 A.D.)</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Anonymous</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Release Date: January 3, 2005 [eBook #14568]<br /> -[Most recently updated: April 22, 2021]</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Language: English, Middle (1100-1500)</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Ted Garvin, Keith Edkins and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team and David Widger</div> -<div style='margin-top:2em;margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SIR GAWAYNE AND THE GREEN KNIGHT ***</div> - - <h1> - Sir Gawayne - </h1> - <h3> - and - </h3> - <h1> - The Green Knight: - </h1> - <h2> - AN ALLITERATIVE ROMANCE-POEM, - </h2> - <h4> - (AB. 1360 A.D.) - </h4> - <h4> - BY THE AUTHOR OF - </h4> - <h2> - "EARLY ENGLISH ALLITERATIVE POEMS." - </h2> - <h3> - RE-EDITED FROM COTTON. MS. NERO, A.x., IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM, - </h3> - <h4> - BY - </h4> - <h2> - RICHARD MORRIS, - </h2> - <h5> - EDITOR OF HAMPOLE'S "PRICKE OF CONSCIENCE," "EARLY ENGLISH ALLITERATIVE - POEMS," ETC.; - </h5> - <h5> - MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL OF THE PHILOLOGICAL SOCIETY. - </h5> - <h3> - SECOND EDITION, REVISED, 1869. - </h3> - <h2> - LONDON - </h2> - <h3> - PUBLISHED FOR THE EARLY ENGLISH TEXT SOCIETY - </h3> - <h3> - BY N. TRÜBNER & CO., 60, PATERNOSTER ROW, - </h3> - <h5> - MDCCCLXIV. - </h5> - <hr /> - <h5> - JOHN CHILDS AND SON, PRINTERS. - </h5> - <hr /> - <blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - NOTE: The Old English "yogh" characters have been translated both - upper and lower-case yoghs to digit 3's. There are Unicode allocations - for these (in HTML &#540; and &#541;) but at present no font - which implements these. Substiting the digit 3 seemed a workable - compromise which anybody can read. The linked html <a href="#yogh">"Old - English 'yogh' file"</a> uses &#540; and &#541; - representations, and is included for users with specialist fonts. - </p> - </blockquote> - </blockquote> - <hr /> - <h2> - PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. - </h2> - <p> - In re-editing the present romance-poem I have been saved all labour of - transcription by using the very accurate text contained in Sir F. Madden's - "Syr Gawayne." - </p> - <p> - I have not only read his copy with the manuscript, but also the - proof-sheets as they came to hand, hoping by this means to give the reader - a text free from any errors of transcription. - </p> - <p> - The present edition differs from that of the earlier one in having the - contractions of the manuscript expanded and side-notes added to the text - to enable the reader to follow with some degree of ease the author's - pleasant narrative of Sir Gawayne's adventures. - </p> - <p> - The Glossary is taken from Sir F. Madden's "Syr Gawayne,"<sup>1</sup> to - which, for the better interpretation of the text, I have made several - additions, and have, moreover, glossed nearly all the words previously - left unexplained. - </p> - <p> - For a description of the Manuscript, and particulars relating to the - authorship and dialect of the present work, the reader is referred to the - preface to <i>Early English Alliterative Poems</i>. - </p> - <p> - R.M. - </p> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p> - LONDON, - </p> - <p> - <i>December</i> 22, 1864. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <p> - [<sup>1</sup> Sir F. Madden has most generously placed at the disposal of - the Early English Text Society any of his works which it may determine to - re-edit.] - </p> - <hr /> - <h2> - INTRODUCTION. - </h2> - <p> - No Knight of the Round Table has been so highly honoured by the old - Romance-writers as Sir Gawayne, the son of Loth, and nephew to the - renowned Arthur. They delighted to describe him as Gawayne the good, a man - matchless on mould, the most gracious that under God lived, the hardiest - of hand, the most fortunate in arms, and the most polite in hall, whose - knowledge, knighthood, kindly works, doings, doughtiness, and deeds of - arms were known in all lands. - </p> - <p> - When Arthur beheld the dead body of his kinsman lying on the ground bathed - in blood, he is said to have exclaimed, "O righteous God, this blood were - worthy to be preserved and enshrined in gold!" Our author, too, loves to - speak of his hero in similar terms of praise, calling him the knight - faultless in his five wits, void of every offence, and adorned with every - earthly virtue. He represents him as one whose trust was in the five - wounds, and in whom the five virtues which distinguished the true knight - were more firmly established than in any other on earth. - </p> - <p> - The author of the present story, who, as we know from his religious poems, - had an utter horror of moral impurity, could have chosen no better subject - for a romance in which amusement and moral instruction were to be - combined. In the following tale he shows how the true knight, though - tempted sorely not once alone, but twice, nay thrice, breaks not his vow - of chastity, but turns aside the tempter's shafts with the shield of - purity and arm of faith, and so passes scatheless through the perilous - defile of trial and opportunity seeming safe. - </p> - <p> - But while our author has borrowed many of the details of his story from - the "Roman de Perceval" by Chrestien de Troyes, he has made the narrative - more attractive by the introduction of several original and highly - interesting passages which throw light on the manners and amusements of - our ancestors. - </p> - <p> - The following elaborate descriptions are well deserving of especial - notice:— - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - I. The mode of completely arming a knight (ll. 568-589). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - II. The hunting and breaking the deer (ll. 1126-1359). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - III. The hunting and unlacing the wild boar (ll. 1412-1614). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - IV. A fox hunt (ll. 1675-1921). - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - The following is an outline of the story of Gawayne's adventures, more or - less in the words of the writer himself:— - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - Arthur, the greatest of Britain's kings, holds the Christmas festival at - Camelot, surrounded by the celebrated knights of the Round Table, noble - lords, the most renowned under heaven, and ladies the loveliest that - ever had life (ll. 37-57). This noble company celebrate the New Year by - a religious service, by the bestowal of gifts, and the most joyous - mirth. Lords and ladies take their seats at the table—Queen - Guenever, the grey-eyed, gaily dressed, sits at the daïs, the high - table, or table of state, where too sat Gawayne and Ywain together with - other worthies of the Round Table (ll. 58-84, 107-115). Arthur, in mood - as joyful as a child, his blood young and his brain wild, declares that - he will not eat nor sit long at the table until some adventurous thing, - some uncouth tale, some great marvel, or some encounter of arms has - occurred to mark the return of the New Year (ll. 85-106). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - The first course was announced with cracking of trumpets, with the noise - of nakers and noble pipes. - </p> - </blockquote> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4"> - "Each two had dishes twelve, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Good beer and bright wine both." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <blockquote> - <p> - Scarcely was the first course served when another noise than that of - music was heard. There rushes in at the hall-door a knight of gigantic - stature—the greatest on earth—in measure high. He was - clothed entirely in green, and rode upon a green foal (ll. 116-178). - Fair wavy hair fell about the shoulders of the Green Knight, and a great - beard like a bush hung upon his breast (ll. 179-202). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - The knight carried no helmet, shield, or spear, but in one hand a holly - bough, and in the other an axe "huge and unmeet," the edge of which was - as keen as a sharp razor (ll. 203-220). Thus arrayed, the Green Knight - enters the hall without saluting any one. The first word that he uttered - was, "Where is the govenour of this gang? gladly would I see him and - with himself speak reason." To the knights he cast his eye, looking for - the most renowned. Much did the noble assembly marvel to see a man and a - horse of such a hue, green as the grass. Even greener they seemed than - green enamel on bright gold. Many marvels had they seen, but none such - as this. They were afraid to answer, but sat stone-still in a dead - silence, as if overpowered by sleep; - </p> - </blockquote> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4"> - "Not all from fear, but some for courtesy" (ll. 221-249). - </p> - </div> - </div> - <blockquote> - <p> - Then Arthur before the high daïs salutes the Green Knight, bids him - welcome, and entreats him to stay awhile at his Court. The knight says - that his errand is not to abide in any dwelling, but to seek the most - valiant of the heroes of the Round Table that he may put his courage to - the proof, and thus satisfy himself as to the fame of Arthur's court. "I - come," he says, "in peace, as ye may see by this branch that I bear - here. Had I come with hostile intentions, I should not have left my - hauberk, helmet, shield, sharp spear, and other weapons behind me. But - because I desire no war, 'my weeds are softer.' If thou be so bold as - all men say, thou wilt grant me the request I am about to make." "Sir - courteous knight," replies Arthur, "if thou cravest battle only, here - failest thou not to fight." "Nay," says the Green Knight, "I seek no - fighting. Here about on this bench are only beardless children. Were I - arrayed in arms on a high steed no man here would be a match for me (ll. - 250-282). But it is now Christmas time, and this is the New Year, and I - see around me many brave ones;—if any be so bold in his blood that - dare strike a stroke for another, I shall give him this rich axe to do - with it whatever he pleases. I shall abide the first blow just as I sit, - and will stand him a stroke, stiff on this floor, provided that I deal - him another in return. - </p> - </blockquote> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4"> - And yet give I him respite, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - A twelvemonth and a day; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Now haste and let see tite (soon) - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Dare any here-in ought say.'" - </p> - </div> - </div> - <blockquote> - <p> - If he astounded them at first, much more so did he after this speech, - and fear held them all silent. The knight, righting himself in his - saddle, rolls fiercely his red eyes about, bends his bristly green - brows, and strokes his beard awaiting a reply. But finding none that - would carp with him, he exclaims, "What! is this Arthur's house, the - fame of which has spread through so many realms? Forsooth, the renown of - the Round Table is overturned by the word of one man's speech, for all - tremble for dread without a blow being struck!" (ll. 283-313). With this - he laughed so loud that Arthur blushed for very shame, and waxed as - wroth as the wind. "I know no man," he says, "that is aghast at thy - great words. Give me now thy axe and I will grant thee thy request!" - Arthur seizes the axe, grasps the handle, and sternly brandishes it - about, while the Green Knight, with a stern cheer and a dry countenance, - stroking his beard and drawing down his coat, awaits the blow (ll. - 314-335). Sir Gawayne, the nephew of the king, beseeches his uncle to - let him undertake the encounter; and, at the earnest entreaty of his - nobles, Arthur consents "to give Gawayne the game" (ll. 336-365). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Sir Gawayne then takes possession of the axe, but, before the blow is - dealt, the Green Knight asks the name of his opponent. "In good faith," - answers the good knight, "Gawayne I am called, that bids thee to this - buffet, whatever may befall after, and at this time twelvemonth will - take from thee another, with whatever weapon thou wilt, and with no - wight else alive." "By Gog," quoth the Green Knight, "it pleases me well - that I shall receive at thy fist that which I have sought here—moreover - thou hast truly rehearsed the terms of the covenant,—but thou - shalt first pledge me thy word that thou wilt seek me thyself, - wheresoever on earth thou believest I may be found, and fetch thee such - wages as thou dealest me to-day before this company of doughty ones." - "Where should I seek thee?" replies Gawayne, "where is thy place? I know - not thee, thy court, or thy name. I wot not where thou dwellest, but - teach me thereto, tell me how thou art called, and I shall endeavour to - find thee,—and that I swear thee for truth and by my sure troth." - "That is enough in New Year," says the groom in green, "if I tell thee - when I have received the tap. When thou hast smitten me, then smartly I - will teach thee of my house, my home, and my own name, so that thou - mayest follow my track and fulfil the covenant between us. If I spend no - speech, then speedest thou the better, for then mayest thou remain in - thy own land and seek no further; but cease thy talking<sup>1</sup> (ll. - 366-412). Take now thy grim tool to thee and let us see how thou - knockest." "Gladly, sir, for sooth," quoth Gawayne, and his axe he - brandishes. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - [<sup>1</sup> This, I think, is the true explanation of <i>slokes</i>.] - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - The Green Knight adjusts himself on the ground, bends slightly his head, - lays his long lovely locks over his crown, and lays bare his neck for - the blow. Gawayne then gripped the axe, and, raising it on high, let it - fall quickly upon the knight's neck and severed the head from the body. - The fair head fell from the neck to the earth, and many turned it aside - with their feet as it rolled forth. The blood burst from the body, yet - the knight never faltered nor fell; but boldly he started forth on stiff - shanks and fiercely rushed forward, seized his head, and lifted it up - quickly. Then he runs to his horse, the bridle he catches, steps into - his stirrups and strides aloft. His head by the hair he holds in his - hands, and sits as firmly in his saddle as if no mishap had ailed him, - though headless he was (ll. 413-439). He turned his ugly trunk about—that - ugly body that bled,—and holding the head in his hand, he directed - the face toward the "dearest on the dais." The head lifted up its - eyelids and looked abroad, and thus much spoke with its mouth as ye may - now hear: - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Loke, Gawayne, thou be prompt to go as thou hast promised, and seek - till thou find me according to thy promise made in the hearing of these - knights. Get thee to the Green Chapel, I charge thee, to fetch such a - dint as thou hast dealt, to be returned on New Year's morn. As the - Knight of the Green Chapel I am known to many, wherefore if thou seekest - thou canst not fail to find me. Therefore come, or recreant be called." - With a fierce start the reins he turns, rushes out of the hall-door, his - head in his hand, so that the fire of the flint flew from the hoofs of - his foal. To what kingdom he belonged knew none there, nor knew they - from whence he had come. What then? - </p> - </blockquote> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4"> - "The king and Gawayne there - </p> - <p class="i4"> - At that green (one) they laugh and grin." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <blockquote> - <p> - Though Arthur wondered much at the marvel, he let no one see that he was - at all troubled about it, but full loudly thus spake to his comely queen - with courteous speech: - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Dear dame, to-day be never dismayed, well happens such craft at - Christmas time. I may now proceed to meat, for I cannot deny that I have - witnessed a wondrous adventure this day" (ll. 440-475). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - He looked upon Sir Gawayne and said, "Now, sir, hang up thine axe, for - enough has it hewn." So the weapon was hung up on high that all might - look upon it, and "by true title thereof tell the wonder." Then all the - knights hastened to their seats at the table, so did the king and our - good knight, and they were there served with all dainties, "with all - manner of meat and minstrelsy." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Though words were wanting when they first to seat went, now are their - hands full of stern work, and the marvel affords them good subject for - conversation. But a year passes full quickly and never returns,—the - beginning is seldom like the end; wherefore this Christmas passed away - and the year after, and each season in turn followed after another (ll. - 476-520). Thus winter winds round again, and then Gawayne thinks of his - wearisome journey (ll. 521-535). On All-hallows day Arthur entertains - right nobly the lords and ladies of his court in honour of his nephew, - for whom all courteous knights and lovely ladies were in great grief. - Nevertheless they spoke only of mirth, and, though joyless themselves, - made many a joke to cheer the good Sir Gawayne (ll. 536-565). Early on - the morrow Sir Gawayne, with great ceremony, is arrayed in his armour - (ll. 566-589), and thus completely equipped for his adventure he first - hears mass, and afterwards takes leave of Arthur, the knights of the - Round Table, and the lords and ladies of the court, who kiss him and - commend him to Christ. He bids them all good day, as he thought, for - evermore (ll. 590-669); - </p> - </blockquote> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4"> - "<i>Very much was the warm water that poured from eyes that day</i>." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <blockquote> - <p> - Now rides our knight through the realms of England with no companion but - his foal, and no one to hold converse with save God alone. From Camelot, - in Somersetshire, he proceeds through Gloucestershire and the adjoining - counties into Montgomeryshire, and thence through North Wales to - Holyhead, adjoining the Isle of Anglesea (ll. 670-700), from which he - passes into the very narrow peninsula of Wirral, in Cheshire, where - dwelt but few that loved God or man. Gawayne enquires after the Green - Knight of the Green Chapel, but all the inhabitants declare that they - have never seen "any man of such hues of green." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - The knight thence pursues his journey by strange paths, over hill and - moor, encountering on his way not only serpents, wolves, bulls, bears, - and boars, but wood satyrs and giants. But worse than all those, - however, was the sharp winter, "when the cold clear water shed from the - clouds, and froze ere it might fall to the earth. Nearly slain with the - sleet he slept in his armour, more nights than enough, in naked rocks" - (ll. 701-729). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Thus in peril and plight the knight travels on until Christmas-eve, and - to Mary he makes his moan that she may direct him to some abode. On the - morn he arrives at an immense forest, wondrously wild, surrounded by - high hills on every side, where he found hoary oaks full huge, a hundred - together. The hazel and the hawthorn intermingled were all overgrown - with moss, and upon their boughs sat many sad birds that piteously piped - for pain of the cold. Gawayne besought the Lord and Mary to guide him to - some habitation where he might hear mass (ll. 730-762). Scarcely had he - crossed himself thrice, when he perceived a dwelling in the wood set - upon a hill. It was the loveliest castle he had ever beheld. It was - pitched on a prairie, with a park all about it, enclosing many a tree - for more than two miles. It shone as the sun through the bright oaks - (ll. 763-772). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Gawayne urges on his steed Gringolet, and finds himself at the "chief - gate." He called aloud, and soon there appeared a "porter" on the wall, - who demanded his errand. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Good sir," quoth Gawayne, "wouldst thou go to the high lord of this - house, and crave a lodging for me?" - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Yea, by Peter!" replied the porter, "well I know that thou art welcome - to dwell here as long as thou likest." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - The drawbridge is soon let down, and the gates opened wide to receive - the knight. Many noble ones hasten to bid him welcome (ll. 773-825). - They take away his helmet, sword, and shield, and many a proud one - presses forward to do him honour. They bring him into the hall, where a - fire was brightly burning upon the hearth. Then the lord of the land<sup>1</sup> - comes from his chamber and welcomes Sir Gawayne, telling him that he is - to consider the place as his own. Our knight is next conducted to a - bright bower, where was noble bedding—curtains of pure silk, with - golden hems, and Tarsic tapestries upon the walls and the floors (ll. - 826-859). Here the knight doffed his armour and put on rich robes, which - so well became him, that all declared that a more comely knight Christ - had never made (ll. 860-883). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - [<sup>1</sup> Gawayne is now in the castle of the Green Knight, who, - divested of his elvish or supernatural character, appears to our knight - merely as a bold one with a beaver-hued beard.] - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - A table is soon raised, and Gawayne, having washed, proceeds to meat. - Many dishes are set before him—"sews" of various kinds, fish of - all kinds, some baked in bread, others broiled on the embers, some - boiled, and others seasoned with spices. The knight expresses himself - well pleased, and calls it a most noble and princely feast. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - After dinner, in reply to numerous questions, he tells his host that he - is Gawayne, one of the Knights of the Round Table. When this was made - known great was the joy in the hall. Each one said softly to his - companion, "Now we shall see courteous behaviour and learn the terms of - noble discourse, since we have amongst us 'that fine father of nurture.' - Truly God has highly favoured us in sending us such a noble guest as Sir - Gawayne" (ll. 884-927). At the end of the Christmas festival Gawayne - desires to take his departure from the castle, but his host persuades - him to stay, promising to direct him to the Green Chapel (about two - miles from the castle), that he may be there by the appointed time (ll. - 1029-1082). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - A covenant is made between them, the terms of which were that the lord - of the castle should go out early to the chase, that Gawayne meanwhile - should lie in his loft at his ease, then rise at his usual hour, and - afterwards sit at table with his hostess, and that at the end of the day - they should make an exchange of whatever they might obtain in the - interim. "Whatever I win in the wood," says the lord, "shall be yours, - and what thou gettest shall be mine" (ll. 1083-1125). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Full early before daybreak the folk uprise, saddle their horses, and - truss their mails. The noble lord of the land, arrayed for riding, eats - hastily a sop, and having heard mass, proceeds with a hundred hunters to - hunt the wild deer (ll. 1126-1177). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - All this time Gawayne lies in his gay bed. His nap is disturbed by a - little noise at the door, which is softly opened. He heaves up his head - out of the clothes, and, peeping through the curtains, beholds a most - lovely lady (the wife of his host). She came towards the bed, and the - knight laid himself down quickly, pretending to be asleep. The lady - stole to the bed, cast up the curtains, crept within, sat her softly on - the bed-side, and waited some time till the knight should awake. After - lurking awhile under the clothes considering what it all meant, Gawayne - unlocked his eyelids, and put on a look of surprise, at the same time - making the sign of the cross, as if afraid of some hidden danger (ll. - 1178-1207). "Good morrow, sir," said that fair lady, "ye are a careless - sleeper to let one enter thus. I shall bind you in your bed, of that be - ye sure." "Good morrow," quoth Gawayne, "I shall act according to your - will with great pleasure, but permit me to rise that I may the more - comfortably converse with you." "Nay, beau sir," said that sweet one, - "ye shall not rise from your bed, for since I have caught my knight I - shall hold talk with him. I ween well that ye are Sir Gawayne that all - the world worships, whose honour and courtesy are so greatly praised. - Now ye are here, and we are alone (my lord and his men being afar off, - other men, too, are in bed, so are my maidens), and the door is safely - closed, I shall use my time well while it lasts. Ye are welcome to my - person to do with it as ye please, and I will be your servant" (ll. - 1208-1240). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Gawayne behaves most discreetly, for the remembrance of his forthcoming - adventure at the Green Chapel prevents him from thinking of love (ll. - 1205-1289). At last the lady takes leave of the knight by catching him - in her arms and kissing him (ll. 1290-1307). The day passes away - merrily, and at dusk the Lord of the castle returns from the chase. He - presents the venison to Gawayne according to the previous covenant - between them. Our knight gives his host a kiss as the only piece of good - fortune that had fallen to him during the day. "It is good," says the - other, "and would be much better if ye would tell me where ye won such - bliss" (ll. 1308-1394). "That was not in our covenant," replies Gawayne, - "so try me no more." After much laughing on both sides they proceed to - supper, and afterwards, while the choice wine is being carried round, - Gawayne and his host renew their agreement. Late at night they take - leave of each other and hasten to their beds. "By the time that the cock - had crowed and cackled thrice" the lord was up, and after "meat and - mass" were over the hunters make for the woods, where they give chase to - a wild boar who had grown old and mischievous (ll. 1395-1467). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - While the sportsmen are hunting this "wild swine" our lovely knight lies - in his bed. He is not forgotten by the lady, who pays him an early - visit, seeking to make further trial of his virtues. She sits softly by - his side and tells him that he has forgotten what she taught him the day - before (ll. 1468-1486). "I taught you of kissing," says she; "that - becomes every courteous knight." Gawayne says that he must not take that - which is forbidden him. The lady replies that he is strong enough to - enforce his own wishes. Our knight answers that every gift not given - with a good will is worthless. His fair visitor then enquires how it is - that he who is so skilled in the true sport of love and so renowned a - knight, has never talked to her of love (ll. 1487-1524). "You ought," - she says, "to show and teach a young thing like me some tokens of - true-love's crafts; I come hither and sit here alone to learn of you - some game; do teach me of your wit while my lord is from home." Gawayne - replies that he cannot undertake the task of expounding true-love and - tales of arms to one who has far more wisdom than he possesses. Thus did - our knight avoid all appearance of evil, though sorely pressed to do - what was wrong (ll. 1525-1552). The lady, having bestowed two kisses - upon Sir Gawayne, takes her leave of him (ll. 1553-1557). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - At the end of the day the lord of the castle returns home with the - shields and head of the wild boar. He shows them to his guest, who - declares that "such a brawn of a beast, nor such sides of a swine," he - never before has seen. Gawayne takes possession of the spoil according - to covenant, and in return he bestows two kisses upon his host, who - declares that his guest has indeed been rich with "such chaffer" (ll. - 1558-1647). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - After much persuasion, Gawayne consents to stop at the castle another - day (ll. 1648-1685). Early on the morrow the lord and his men hasten to - the woods, and come upon the track of a fox, the hunting of which - affords them plenty of employment and sport (ll. 1686-1730). Meanwhile - our good knight sleeps soundly within his comely curtains. He is again - visited by the lady of the castle. So gaily was she attired, and so - "faultless of her features," that great joy warmed the heart of Sir - Gawayne. With soft and pleasant smiles "they smite into mirth," and are - soon engaged in conversation. Had not Mary thought of her knight, he - would have been in great peril (ll. 1731-1769). So sorely does the fair - one press him with her love, that he fears lest he should become a - traitor to his host. The lady enquires whether he has a mistress to whom - he has plighted his troth. The knight swears by St John that he neither - has nor desires one. This answer causes the dame to sigh for sorrow, and - telling him that she must depart, she asks for some gift, if it were - only a glove, by which she might "think on the knight and lessen her - grief" (ll. 1770-1800). Gawayne assures her that he has nothing worthy - of her acceptance; that he is on an "uncouth errand," and therefore has - "no men with no mails containing precious things," for which he is truly - sorry. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Quoth that lovesome (one)— - </p> - </blockquote> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4"> - "Though I had nought of yours, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Yet should ye have of mine. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <blockquote> - <p> - Thus saying, she offers him a rich ring of red gold "with a shining - stone standing aloft," that shone like the beams of the bright sun. The - knight refused the gift, as he had nothing to give in return. "Since ye - refuse my ring," says the lady, "because it seems too rich, and ye would - not be beholden to me, I shall give you my girdle that is less valuable" - (ll. 1801-1835). But Gawayne replies that he will not accept gold or - reward of any kind, though "ever in hot and in cold" he will be her true - servant. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Do ye refuse it," asks the lady, "because it seems simple and of little - value? Whoso knew the virtues that are knit therein would estimate it - more highly. For he who is girded with this green lace cannot be wounded - or slain by any man under heaven." The knight thinks awhile, and it - strikes him that this would be a "jewel for the jeopardy" that he had to - undergo at the Green Chapel. So he not only accepts the lace, but - promises to keep the possession of it a secret (ll. 1836-1865). By that - time the lady had kissed him thrice, and she then takes "her leave and - leaves him there." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Gawayne rises, dresses himself in noble array, and conceals the "love - lace" where he might find it again. He then hies to mass, shrives him of - his misdeeds, and obtains absolution. On his return to the hall he - solaces the ladies with comely carols and all kinds of joy (ll. - 1866-1892). The dark night came, and then the lord of the castle, having - slain the fox, returns to his "dear home," where he finds a fire - brightly turning and his guest amusing the ladies (ll. 1893-1927). - Gawayne, in fulfilment of his agreement, kisses his host thrice.<sup>1</sup> - "By Christ," quoth the other knight, "ye have caught much bliss. I have - hunted all this day and nought have I got but the skin of this foul fox - (the devil have the goods!), and that is full poor for to pay for such - precious things" (ll. 1928-1951). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - After the usual evening's entertainment, Gawayne retires to rest. The - next morning, being New Year's day, is cold and stormy. Snow falls, and - the dales are full of drift. Our knight in his bed locks his eyelids, - but full little he sleeps. By each cock that crows he knows the hour, - and before day-break he calls for his chamberlain, who quickly brings - him his armour (ll. 1952-2014). While Gawayne clothed himself in his - rich weeds he forgot not the "lace, the lady's gift," but with it doubly - girded his loins. He wore it not for its rich ornaments, "but to save - himself when it behoved him to suffer," and as a safeguard against sword - or knife (ll. 2015-2046). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Having thanked his host and all the renowned assembly for the great - kindness he had experienced at their hands, "he steps into stirrups and - strides aloft" (ll. 2047-2068). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - The drawbridge is let down, and the broad gates unbarred and borne open - upon both sides, and the knight, after commending the castle to Christ, - passes thereout and goes on his way accompanied by his guide, that - should teach him to turn to that place where he should receive the - much-dreaded blow. They climb over cliffs, where each hill had a hat and - a mist-cloak, until the next morn, when they find themselves on a full - high hill covered with snow. The servant bids his master remain awhile, - saying, "I have brought you hither at this time, and now ye are not far - from that noted place that ye have so often enquired after. The place - that ye press to is esteemed full perilous, and there dwells a man in - that waste the worst upon earth, for he is stiff and stern and loves to - strike, and greater is he than any man upon middle-earth, and his body - is bigger than the best four in Arthur's house. He keeps the Green - Chapel; there passes none by that place, however proud in arms, that he - does not 'ding him to death with dint of his hand.' He is a man - immoderate and 'no mercy uses,' for be it churl or chaplain that by the - chapel rides, monk or mass-priest, or any man else, it is as pleasant to - him to kill them as to go alive himself. Wherefore I tell thee truly, - 'come ye there, ye be killed, though ye had twenty lives to spend. He - has dwelt there long of yore, and on field much sorrow has wrought. - Against his sore dints ye may not defend you' (ll. 2069-2117). - Therefore, good Sir Gawayne, let the man alone, and for God's sake go by - some other path, and then I shall hie me home again. I swear to you by - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - [<sup>1</sup> He only in part keeps to his covenant, as he holds back - the <i>love-lace</i>.] - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - God and all His saints that I will never say that ever ye attempted to - flee from any man." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Gawayne thanks his guide for his well-meant kindness, but declares that - to the Green Chapel he will go, though the owner thereof be "a stern - knave," for God can devise means to save his servants. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Mary!" quoth the other, "since it pleases thee to lose thy life I will - not hinder thee. Have thy helmet on thy head, thy spear in thy hand, and - ride down this path by yon rock-side, till thou be brought to the bottom - of the valley. Then look a little on the plain, on thy left hand, and - thou shalt see in that slade the chapel itself, and the burly knight - that guards it (ll. 2118-2148). Now, farewell Gawayne the noble! for all - the gold upon ground I would not go with thee nor bear thee fellowship - through this wood 'on foot farther.'" Thus having spoken, he gallops - away and leaves the knight alone. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Gawayne now pursues his journey, rides through the dale, and looks - about. He sees no signs of a resting-place, but only high and steep - banks, and the very shadows of the high woods seemed wild and distorted. - No chapel, however, could he discover. After a while he sees a round - hill by the side of a stream; thither he goes, alights, and fastens his - horse to the branch of a tree. He walks about the hill, debating with - himself what it might be. It had a hole in the one end and on each side, - and everywhere overgrown with grass, but whether it was only an old cave - or a crevice of an old crag he could not tell (ll. 2149-2188). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Now, indeed," quoth Gawayne, "a desert is here; this oratory is ugly - with herbs overgrown. It is a fitting place for the man in green to - 'deal here his devotions after the devil's manner.' Now I feel it is the - fiend (the devil) in my five wits that has covenanted with me that he - may destroy me. This is a chapel of misfortune—evil betide it! It - is the most cursed kirk that ever I came in." With his helmet on his - head, and spear in his hand, he roams up to the rock, and then he hears - from that high hill beyond the brook a wondrous wild noise. Lo! it - clattered in the cliff as if one upon a grindstone were grinding a - scythe. It whirred like the water at a mill, and rushed and re-echoed, - terrible to hear. "Though my life I forgo," says Gawayne, "no noise - shall cause me to fear." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Then he cried aloud, "Who dwells in this place, discourse with me to - hold? For now is good Gawayne going right here if any brave wight will - hie him hither, either now or never" (ll. 2189-2216). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Abide," quoth one on the bank above, over his head, "and thou shalt - have all in haste that I promised thee once." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Soon there comes out of a hole in the crag, with a fell weapon a Danish - axe quite new, the "man in the green," clothed as at first as his legs, - locks and beard. But now he is on foot and walks on the earth. When he - reaches the stream, he hops over and boldly strides about. He meets Sir - Gawayne, who tells him that he is quite ready to fulfil his part of the - compact. "Gawayne," quoth that 'green gome' (man), "may God preserve - thee! Truly thou art welcome to my place, 'and thou hast timed thy - travel' as a true man should. Thou knowest the covenants made between - us, at this time twelve-month, that on New Year's day I should return - thee thy blow. We are now in this valley by ourselves, and can do as we - please (ll. 2217-2246). Have, therefore, thy helmet off thy head, and - 'have here thy pay.' Let us have no more talk than when thou didst - strike off my head with a single blow." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Nay, by God!" quoth Gawayne, "I shall not begrudge thee thy will for - any harm that may happen, but will stand still while thou strikest." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Then he stoops a little and shows his bare neck, unmoved by any fear. - The Green Knight takes up his "grim tool," and with all his force raises - it aloft, as if he meant utterly to destroy him. As the axe came gliding - down Gawayne "shrank a little with the shoulders from the sharp iron." - The other withheld his weapon, and then reproved the prince with many - proud words. "Thou art not Gawayne that is so good esteemed, that never - feared for no host by hill nor by vale, for now thou fleest for fear - before thou feelest harm (ll. 2247-2272). Such cowardice of that knight - did I never hear. I never flinched nor fled when thou didst aim at me in - King Arthur's house. My head flew to my feet and yet I never fled, - wherefore I deserve to be called the better man." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Quoth Gawayne, "I shunted once, but will do so no more, though my head - fall on the stones. But hasten and bring me to the point; deal me my - destiny, and do it out of hand, for I shall stand thee a stroke and - start no more until thine axe has hit me—have here my troth." - "Have at thee, then," said the other, and heaves the axe aloft, and - looks as savagely as if he were mad. He aims at the other mightily, but - withholds his hand ere it might hurt. Gawayne readily abides the blow - without flinching with any member, and stood still as a stone or a tree - fixed in rocky ground with a hundred roots. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Then merrily the other did speak, "Since now thou hast thy heart whole - it behoves me to strike, so take care of thy neck." Gawayne answers with - great wroth, "Thrash on, thou fierce man, thou threatenest too long; I - believe thy own heart fails thee." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Forsooth," quoth the other, "since thou speakest so boldly, I will no - longer delay" (ll. 2273-2304). Then, contracting "both lips and brow," - he made ready to strike, and let fall his axe on the bare neck of Sir - Gawayne. "Though he hammered" fiercely, he only "severed the hide," - causing the blood to flow. When Gawayne saw his blood on the snow, he - quickly seized his helmet and placed it on his head. Then he drew out - his bright sword, and thus angrily spoke: "Cease, man, of thy blow, bid - me no more. I have received a stroke in this place without opposition, - but if thou givest me any more readily shall I requite thee, of that be - thou sure. Our covenant stipulates one stroke, and therefore now cease." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - The Green Knight, resting on his axe, looks on Sir Gawayne, as bold and - fearless he there stood, and then with a loud voice thus addresses the - knight: "Bold knight, be not so wroth, no man here has wronged thee (ll. - 2305-2339); I promised thee a stroke, and thou hast it, so hold thee - well pleased. I could have dealt much worse with thee, and caused thee - much sorrow. Two blows I aimed at thee, for twice thou kissedst my fair - wife; but I struck thee not, because thou restoredst them to me - according to agreement. At the third time thou failedst, and therefore I - have given thee that tap. That woven girdle, given thee by my own wife, - belongs to me. I know well thy kisses, thy conduct also, and the wooing - of my wife, for I wrought it myself. I sent her to try thee, and truly - methinks thou art the most faultless man that ever on foot went. Still, - sir, thou wert wanting in good faith; but as it proceeded from no - immorality, thou being only desirous of saving thy life, the less I - blame thee." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Gawayne stood confounded, the blood rushed into his face, and he shrank - within himself for very shame. "Cursed," he cried, "be cowardice and - covetousness both; in you are villany and vice, that virtue destroy." - Then he takes off the girdle and throws it to the knight in green, - cursing his cowardice and covetousness. The Green Knight, laughing, thus - spoke: "Thou hast confessed so clean, and acknowledged thy faults, that - I hold thee as pure as thou hadst never forfeited since thou wast first - born. I give thee, sir, the gold-hemmed girdle as a token of thy - adventure at the Green Chapel. Come now to my castle, and we shall enjoy - together the festivities of the New Year" (ll. 2340-2406). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Nay, forsooth," quoth the knight, "but for your kindness may God - requite you. Commend me to that courteous one your comely wife, who with - her crafts has beguiled me. But it is no uncommon thing for a man to - come to sorrow through women's wiles; for so was Adam beguiled with one, - and Solomon with many. Samson was destroyed by Delilah, and David - suffered much through Bathsheba. <i>'It were indeed great bliss for a - man to love them well and believe them not.'</i> Since the greatest upon - earth were so beguiled, methinks I should be excused. But God reward you - for your girdle, which I will ever wear in remembrance of my fault, and - when pride shall exalt me, a look to this love-lace shall lessen it (ll. - 2407-2438). But since ye are the lord of yonder land, from whom I have - received so much honour, tell me truly your right name, and I shall ask - no more questions." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Quoth the other, "I am called Bernlak de Hautdesert, through might of - Morgain la Fay, who dwells in my house. Much has she learnt of Merlin, - who knows all your knights at home. She brought me to your hall for to - essay the prowess of the Round Table. She wrought this wonder to bereave - you of your wits, hoping to have grieved Guenever and affrighted her to - death by means of the man that spoke with his head in his hand before - the high table. She is even thine aunt, Arthur's half sister; wherefore - come to thine aunt, for all my household love thee." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Gawayne refuses to accompany the Green Knight, and so, with many - embraces and kind wishes, they separate—the one to his castle, the - other to Arthur's court. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - After passing through many wild ways, our knight recovers from the wound - in his neck, and at last comes safe and sound to the court of King - Arthur. Great then was the joy of all; the king and queen kiss their - brave knight, and make many enquiries about his journey. He tells them - of his adventures, hiding nothing—"the chance of the chapel, the - cheer of the knight, the love of the lady, and lastly of the lace." - Groaning for grief and shame he shows them the cut in his neck, which he - had received for his unfaithfulness (ll. 2439-2504). The king and his - courtiers comfort the knight—they laugh loudly at his adventures, - and unanimously agree that those lords and ladies that belonged to the - Round Table, and each knight of the brotherhood should ever after wear a - bright green belt for Gawayne's sake. And he upon whom it was conferred - honoured it evermore after. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Thus in Arthur's time this adventure befell, whereof the "Brutus Books" - bear witness (ll. 2505-2530). - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - I need not say that the <i>Brutus Books</i> we possess do not contain the - legend here set forth, though it is not much more improbable than some of - the statements contained in them. If the reader desires to know the - relation in which this and the like stories stand to the original Arthur - legends, he will find it discussed in Sir F. Madden's Preface to his - edition of "Syr Gawayne," which also contains a sketch of the very - different views taken of Sir Gawayne by the different Romance writers. - </p> - <p> - Into this and other <i>literary</i> questions I do not enter here, as I - have nothing to add to Sir F. Madden's statements; but in the text of the - Poem I have differed from him in some few readings, which will be found - noticed in the Notes and Glossary. - </p> - <p> - As the manuscript is fast fading, I am glad that the existence of the - Early English Text Society has enabled us to secure a wider diffusion of - its contents before the original shall be no longer legible. - </p> - <p> - We want nothing but an increased supply of members to enable us to give to - a large circle of readers many an equally interesting record of Early - English minds. - </p> - <hr /> - <h2> - SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T. - </h2> - <h2> - [FYTTE THE FIRST.] - </h2> - <h2> - I. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 91<i>a</i>.]<br />After the siege of Troy</span> - <p> - Siþen þe sege & þe assaut wat3 sesed at Troye, - </p> - <p> - Þe bor3 brittened & brent to bronde3 & aske3, - </p> - <p> - Þe tulk þat þe tra<i>m</i>mes of tresou<i>n</i> þ<i>er</i> wro3t, - </p> - <span class="linenum">4</span> - <p> - Wat3 tried for his tricherie, þe trewest on erthe; - </p> - <p> - Hit wat3 Ennias þe athel, & his high<i>e</i> kynde, - </p> - <p> - Þat siþen depreced p<i>ro</i>uinces, & patrou<i>n</i>es bicome - </p> - <p> - Welne3e of al þe wele i<i>n</i> þe west iles, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Romulus built Rome,</span> <span class="linenum">8</span> - <p> - Fro riche Romulus to Rome ricchis hy<i>m</i> swyþe, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gret bobbau<i>n</i>ce þat bur3e he biges vpon - fyrst, - </p> - <p> - & neuenes hit his aune nome, as hit now hat; - </p> - <p> - Ticius to Tuskan [turnes,] & teldes bigy<i>n</i>nes; - </p> - <span class="linenum">12</span> - <p> - Langaberde i<i>n</i> Lu<i>m</i>bardie lyftes vp homes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and Felix Brutus founded Britain,</span> - <p> - & fer ou<i>er</i> þe French flod Felix Brut<i>us</i> - </p> - <p> - On mony bonkkes ful brode Bretayn he sette3, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - wyth wy<i>n</i>ne; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">a land of war and wonder,</span> <span - class="linenum">16</span> - <p class="i4"> - Where werre, & wrake, & wonder, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bi syþe3 hat3 wont þ<i>er</i>-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and oft of bliss and blunder.</span> - <p class="i4"> - & oft boþe blysse & blu<i>n</i>der - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful skete hat3 skyfted sy<i>n</i>ne. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - II. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="linenum">20</span> - <p> - Ande quen þis Bretayn wat3 bigged bi þis burn rych, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Bold men increased in the Land,</span> - <p> - Bolde bredden þer-i<i>n</i>ne, baret þat lofden, - </p> - <p> - In mony turned tyme tene þat wro3ten; - </p> - <p> - Mo ferlyes on þis folde han fallen here oft - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and many marvels happened.</span> <span - class="linenum">24</span> - <p> - Þen in any oþ<i>er</i> þat I wot, syn þat ilk tyme. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Of all Britain's kings Arthur was the noblest.</span> - <p> - Bot of alle þat here bult of Bretaygne ky<i>n</i>ges - </p> - <p> - Ay wat3 Arthur þe hendest; as I haf herde telle; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 91<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - For-þi an au<i>n</i>t<i>er</i> in erde I attle to schawe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">28</span> - <p> - Þat a selly in si3t su<i>m</i>me men hit holden, - </p> - <p> - & an outtrage awenture of Arthure3 wond<i>er</i>e3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Listen a while and ye shall hear the story of an - "outrageous adventure."</span> - <p> - If 3e wyl lysten þis laye bot on littel quile, - </p> - <p> - I schal telle hit, as-tit, as I i<i>n</i> tou<i>n</i> herde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">32</span> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> tonge; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - As hit is stad & stoken, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - In stori stif & stronge, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> lel lett<i>er</i>es loken, - </p> - <span class="linenum">36</span> - <p class="i4"> - I<i>n</i> londe so hat3 ben longe. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - III. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur held at Camelot his Christmas feast,</span> - <p> - Þis ky<i>n</i>g lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony luflych lorde, lede3 of þe best, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">with all the knights of the Round Table,</span> - <p> - Rekenly of þe rou<i>n</i>de table alle þo rich breþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">40</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> rych reuel ory3t, & rechles m<i>er</i>þes; - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>er</i> to<i>ur</i>nayed tulkes bi-tyme3 ful mony, - </p> - <p> - Iusted ful Iolilé þise gentyle kni3tes, - </p> - <p> - Syþen kayred to þe court, caroles to make. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">full fifteen days.</span> <span class="linenum">44</span> - <p> - For þer þe fest wat3 ilyche ful fiften dayes, - </p> - <p> - With alle þe mete & þe mirþe þat me<i>n</i> couþe a-vyse; - </p> - <p> - Such glaumande gle glorio<i>us</i> to here, - </p> - <p> - Dere dyn vp-on day, dau<i>n</i>sy<i>n</i>g on ny3tes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">All was joy in hall and chamber,</span> <span - class="linenum">48</span> - <p> - Al wat3 hap vpon he3e i<i>n</i> halle3 & chambre3, - </p> - <p> - With lorde3 & ladies, as leuest hi<i>m</i> þo3t; - </p> - <p> - With all þe wele of þe worlde þay woned þ<i>er</i> samen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">among brave knights and lovely ladies,</span> - <p> - Þe most kyd kny3te3 vnder kryst<i>e</i> seluen, - </p> - <span class="linenum">52</span> - <p> - & þe louelokkest ladies þat eu<i>er</i> lif haden, - </p> - <p> - & he þe comlokest ky<i>n</i>g þat þe court haldes; - </p> - <p> - For al wat3 þis fayre folk i<i>n</i> her first age, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - on sille; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the happiest under heaven.</span> <span - class="linenum">56</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe hapnest vnder heuen, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ky<i>n</i>g hy3est mo<i>n</i> of wylle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Hit were<sup>1</sup> now gret nye to neue<i>n</i> - </p> - <p class="i4"> - So hardy a here o<i>n</i> hille. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. werere. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - IV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">They celebrate the New Year with great joy.</span> - <span class="linenum">60</span> - <p> - Wyle nw 3er wat3 so 3ep þat h<i>i</i>t wat3 nwe cu<i>m</i>men, - </p> - <p> - Þat day doubble on þe dece wat3 þe douth serued, - </p> - <p> - Fro þe ky<i>n</i>g wat3 cu<i>m</i>men w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> kny3t<i>es</i> - i<i>n</i> to þe halle, - </p> - <p> - Þe chau<i>n</i>tre of þe chapel cheued to an ende; - </p> - <span class="linenum">64</span> - <p> - Loude crye wat3 þer kest of clerke3 & oþer, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 92]</span> - <p> - Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte; - </p> - <p> - & syþen riche forth ru<i>n</i>nen to reche honde-selle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gifts are demanded and bestowed.</span> - <p> - 3e3ed 3eres 3iftes on hi3, 3elde hem bi hond, - </p> - <span class="linenum">68</span> - <p> - Debated busyly aboute þo giftes; - </p> - <p> - Ladies la3ed ful loude, þo3 þay lost haden, - </p> - <p> - & he þat wan wat3 not wrothe, þ<i>a</i>t may 3e wel trawe. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Lords and ladies take their seats at the table.</span> - <p> - Alle þis mirþe þay maden to þe mete tyme; - </p> - <span class="linenum">72</span> - <p> - When þay had waschen, worþyly þay wenten to sete, - </p> - <p> - Þe best burne ay abof, as hit best semed; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Queen Guenever appears gaily dressed.</span> - <p> - Whene Guenore ful gay, grayþed i<i>n</i> þe myddes. - </p> - <p> - Dressed on þe dere des, dubbed al aboute, - </p> - <span class="linenum">76</span> - <p> - Smal sendal bisides, a selure hir ou<i>er</i> - </p> - <p> - Of tryed Tolouse, of Tars tapites i<i>n</i>-nogh<i>e</i>, - </p> - <p> - Þat were enbrawded & beten wyth þe best ge<i>m</i>mes, - </p> - <p> - Þat my3t be preued of prys wyth penyes to bye, - </p> - <span class="linenum">80</span> - <p class="i8"> - in daye; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A lady fairer of form might no one say he had - ever before seen.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe comlokest to discrye, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þer glent w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> y3en gray, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - A semloker þat eu<i>er</i> he sy3e, - </p> - <span class="linenum">84</span> - <p class="i4"> - Soth mo3t no mon say. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - V. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur would not eat,</span> - <p> - Bot Arthure wolde not ete til al were serued, - </p> - <p> - He wat3 so Ioly of his Ioyfnes, & su<i>m</i>-quat child gered, - </p> - <p> - His lif liked hy<i>m</i> ly3t, he louied þe lasse - </p> - <span class="sidenote">nor would he long sit</span> <span class="linenum">88</span> - <p> - Auþ<i>er</i> to lenge lye, or to longe sitte, - </p> - <p> - So bi-sied him his 3onge blod & his brayn wylde; - </p> - <p> - & also anoþ<i>er</i> maner meued hi<i>m</i> eke, - </p> - <p> - Þat he þur3 nobelay had nomen, ho wolde neu<i>er</i> ete - </p> - <span class="linenum">92</span> - <p> - Vpon such a dere day, er hy<i>m</i> deuised were - </p> - <span class="sidenote">until he had witnessed a "wondrous adventure" of - some kind.</span> - <p> - Of su<i>m</i> auentur<i>us</i> þy<i>n</i>g an vncouþe tale, - </p> - <p> - Of su<i>m</i> mayn m<i>er</i>uayle, þat he my3t trawe, - </p> - <p> - Of<sup>1</sup> alderes, of armes, of oþ<i>er</i> auentur<i>us</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">96</span> - <p> - Oþ<i>er</i> sum segg hy<i>m</i> bi-so3t of su<i>m</i> siker kny3t, - </p> - <p> - To Ioyne wyth hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> iusty<i>n</i>g in Iopardé to lay, - </p> - <p> - Lede lif for lyf, leue vchon oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - As fortune wolde fulsu<i>n</i> ho<i>m</i> þe fayrer to haue. - </p> - <span class="linenum">100</span> - <p> - Þis wat3 [þe] ky<i>n</i>ges cou<i>n</i>tenau<i>n</i>ce where he i<i>n</i> - co<i>ur</i>t were, - </p> - <p> - At vch farand fest amo<i>n</i>g his fre meny, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 92<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p class="i8"> - in halle; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He of face so bold makes much mirth with all.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þer-fore of face so fere. - </p> - <span class="linenum">104</span> - <p class="i4"> - He sti3tle3 stif in stalle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful 3ep i<i>n</i> þat nw 3ere, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Much mirthe he mas w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> alle. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> Of of, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The king talks with his knights.</span> - <p> - Thus þ<i>er</i> stondes i<i>n</i> stale þe stif ky<i>n</i>g - his-seluen, - </p> - <span class="linenum">108</span> - <p> - Talkkande bifore þe hy3e table of trifles ful hende - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne,</span> - <p> - There gode Gawan wat3 g<i>ra</i>yþed, Gwenore bisyde - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Agravayn,</span> - <p> - & Ag<i>ra</i>uayn a la dure mayn on þat oþ<i>er</i> syde sittes - </p> - <p> - Boþe þe ky<i>n</i>ges sist<i>er</i> su<i>n</i>es, & ful siker - kni3tes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Bishop Bawdewyn,</span> <span class="linenum">112</span> - <p> - Bischop Bawdewyn abof bi-gine3 þe table, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and Ywain sit on the dais.</span> - <p> - & Ywan, Vryn son, ette wit hy<i>m</i>-seluen; - </p> - <p> - Þise were di3t on þe des, & derworþly serued, - </p> - <p> - & siþen mony siker segge at þe sidborde3. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The first course is served with cracking of - trumpets.</span> <span class="linenum">116</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> þe first cors come with crakky<i>n</i>g of tru<i>m</i>pes, - </p> - <p> - Wyth mony baner ful bry3t, þat þer-bi henged, - </p> - <p> - Nwe nakryn noyse w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe noble pipes, - </p> - <p> - Wylde werbles & wy3t wakned lote, - </p> - <span class="linenum">120</span> - <p> - Þat mony hert ful hi3e hef at her towches; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It consisted of all dainties in season.</span> - <p> - Dayntes dryuen þer-wyth of ful dere metes, - </p> - <p> - Foysou<i>n</i> of þe fresche, & on so fele disches, - </p> - <p> - Þat pine to fynde þe place þe peple bi-forne - </p> - <span class="linenum">124</span> - <p> - For to sette þe syluen<i>er</i>,<sup>1</sup> þat sere sewes halden, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - on clothe; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Iche lede as he loued hy<i>m</i>-selue - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þer laght w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-outen loþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Each two had dishes twelve,</span> <span - class="linenum">128</span> - <p class="i4"> - Ay two had disches twelue, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">good beer and bright wine both.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Good ber, & bry3t wyn boþe. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> svlu<i>er</i>en (?) (dishes). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">There was no want of anything.</span> - <p> - Now wyl I of hor seruise say yow no more, - </p> - <p> - For veh wy3e may wel wit no wont þat þ<i>er</i> were; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Scarcely had the first course commenced,</span> - <span class="linenum">132</span> - <p> - An oþ<i>er</i> noyse ful newe ne3ed biliue, - </p> - <p> - Þat þe lude my3t haf leue lif-lode to cach. - </p> - <p> - For vneþe wat3 þe noyce not a whyle sesed, - </p> - <p> - & þe fyrst co<i>ur</i>ce i<i>n</i> þe co<i>ur</i>t kyndely serued, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">when there rushes in at the hall-door a knight;</span> - <span class="linenum">136</span> - <p> - Þer hales i<i>n</i> at þe halle dor an aghlich mayst<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - On þe most on þe molde on mesure hygh<i>e</i>; - </p> - <p> - Fro þe swyre to þe swange so sware & so þik, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the tallest on earth</span> - <p> - & his lyndes & his lymes so longe & so grete, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 93.]</span> <span class="linenum">140</span> - <p> - Half etayn i<i>n</i> erde I hope þat he were. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">he must have been.</span> - <p> - Bot mon most I algate my<i>n</i>n hy<i>m</i> to bene, - </p> - <p> - & þat þe myriest i<i>n</i> his muckel þat my3t ride; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His back and breast were great,</span> - <p> - For of bak & of brest al were his bodi sturne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but his belly and waist were small.</span> <span - class="linenum">144</span> - <p> - Bot his wombe & his wast were worthily smale, - </p> - <p> - & alle his fetures fol3ande, i<i>n</i> forme þat he hade, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - ful clene; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - For wonder of his hwe me<i>n</i> hade, - </p> - <span class="linenum">148</span> - <p class="i4"> - Set i<i>n</i> his semblau<i>n</i>t sene; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He ferde as freke were fade, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & ou<i>er</i>-al enker grene. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - VIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He was clothed entirely in green.</span> - <p> - Ande al grayþed i<i>n</i> grene þis gome & his wedes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">152</span> - <p> - A strayt cote ful stre3t, þat stek on his sides, - </p> - <p> - A mere mantile abof, mensked w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> pelure pured apert þe pane ful clene, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> blyþe blau<i>n</i>n<i>er</i> ful bry3t, & his - hod boþe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">156</span> - <p> - Þat wat3 la3t fro his lokke3, & layde on his schulderes - </p> - <p> - Heme wel haled, hose of þat same grene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His spurs were of bright gold.</span> - <p> - Þat spenet on his sparlyr, & clene spures vnder, - </p> - <p> - Of bry3t golde, vpon silk bordes, barred ful ryche - </p> - <span class="linenum">160</span> - <p> - & scholes vnder schankes, þere þe schalk rides; - </p> - <p> - & alle his vesture uerayly wat3 clene v<i>er</i>dure, - </p> - <p> - Boþe þe barres of his belt & oþ<i>er</i> blyþe stones, - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>a</i>t were richely rayled i<i>n</i> his aray clene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His saddle was embroidered with birds and flies.</span> - <span class="linenum">164</span> - <p> - Aboutte hy<i>m</i>-self & his sadel, vpon silk werke3, - </p> - <p> - Þat were to tor for to telle of tryfles þe halue, - </p> - <p> - Þat were enbrauded abof, wyth bryddes & fly3es, - </p> - <p> - With gay gaudi of grene, þe golde ay i<i>n</i> myddes; - </p> - <span class="linenum">168</span> - <p> - Þe pendau<i>n</i>tes of his payttrure, þe proude cropure - </p> - <p> - His molaynes, & alle þe metail anamayld was þe<i>n</i>ne - </p> - <p> - Þe steropes þat he stod on, stayned of þe same, - </p> - <p> - & his arsou<i>n</i>3 al after, & his aþel sturtes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">172</span> - <p> - Þat euer glem<i>er</i>ed<sup>1</sup> & glent al of grene stones. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The foal that he rode upon was green;</span> - <p> - Þe fole þat he ferkkes on, fyn of þat ilke, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - sertayn; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - A grene hors gret & þikke, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">it was a steed full stiff to guide.</span> <span - class="linenum">176</span> - <p class="i4"> - A stede ful stif to strayne, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - I<i>n</i> brawden brydel quik, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 93<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p class="i4"> - To þe gome he wat3 ful gayn. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> glemed (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - IX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Gaily was the knight attired.</span> - <p> - Wel gay wat3 þis gome gered i<i>n</i> grene, - </p> - <span class="linenum">180</span> - <p> - & þe here of his hed of his hors swete; - </p> - <p> - Fayre fannand fax vmbe-foldes his schulderes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His great beard, like a bush, hung on his breast.</span> - <p> - A much berd as<sup>1</sup> a busk ou<i>er</i> his brest henges, - </p> - <p> - Þat wyth his hi3lich here, þat of his hed reches, - </p> - <span class="linenum">184</span> - <p> - Wat3 euesed al vmbe-torne, a-bof his elbowes, - </p> - <p> - Þat half his armes þer vnder were halched i<i>n</i> þe wyse - </p> - <p> - Of a ky<i>n</i>ge3 capados, þat closes his swyre. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The horse's mane was decked with golden threads.</span> - <p> - Þe mane of þat mayn hors much to hit lyke, - </p> - <span class="linenum">188</span> - <p> - Wel cresped & ce<i>m</i>med wyth knottes ful mony, - </p> - <p> - Folden i<i>n</i> wyth fildore aboute þe fayre grene, - </p> - <p> - Ay a herle of þe here, an oþ<i>er</i> of golde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Its tail was bound with a green band.</span> - <p> - Þe tayl & his toppy<i>n</i>g twy<i>n</i>nen of a sute, - </p> - <span class="linenum">192</span> - <p> - & bou<i>n</i>den boþe wyth a bande of a bry3t grene, - </p> - <p> - Dubbed wyth ful dere stone3, as þe dok lasted, - </p> - <p> - Syþen þrawen wyth a þwong a þwarle knot alofte, - </p> - <p> - Þer mony belle3 ful bry3t of brende golde rungen. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Such a foal nor a knight were never before seen.</span> - <span class="linenum">196</span> - <p> - Such a fole vpon folde, ne freke þat hy<i>m</i> rydes, - </p> - <p> - Wat3 neu<i>er</i> sene i<i>n</i> þat sale wyth sy3t er þat tyme, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> y3e; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He loked as layt so ly3t, - </p> - <span class="linenum">200</span> - <p class="i4"> - So sayd al þat hy<i>m</i> sy3e, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It seemed that no man might endure his dints.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hit semed as no mon my3t, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Vnd<i>er</i> his dyntte3 dry3e. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> as as, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - X. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The knight carried neither spear nor shield,</span> - <p> - Wheþ<i>er</i> hade he no helme ne hawb[e]rgh nauþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">204</span> - <p> - Ne no pysan, ne no plate þat pented to armes, - </p> - <p> - Ne no schafte, ne no schelde, to schwne ne to smyte, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">In one hand was a holly bough,</span> - <p> - Bot i<i>n</i> his on honde he hade a holyn bobbe, - </p> - <p> - Þat is grattest i<i>n</i> grene, when greue3 ar bare, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">in the other an axe,</span> <span class="linenum">208</span> - <p> - & an ax i<i>n</i> his oþ<i>er</i>, a hoge & vn-mete, - </p> - <p> - A spetos sparþe to expou<i>n</i> i<i>n</i> spelle quo-so my3t; - </p> - <p> - Þe hede of an eln3erde þe large lenkþe hade, - </p> - <p> - Þe grayn al of grene stele & of golde hewen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the edge of which was as keen as a sharp razor,</span> - <span class="linenum">212</span> - <p> - Þe bit burnyst bry3t, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a brod egge, - </p> - <p> - As wel schapen to schere as scharp rasores; - </p> - <p> - Þe stele of a stif staf þe sturne hit bi-grypte, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 94.]</span> - <p> - Þat wat3 wou<i>n</i>den wyth yrn to þe wande3 ende, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and the handle was encased in iron, curiously - "graven with green, in gracious works."</span> <span class="linenum">216</span> - <p> - & al bigrauen w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> grene, i<i>n</i> g<i>ra</i>cios<sup>1</sup> - werkes; - </p> - <p> - A lace lapped aboute, þat louked at þe hede, - </p> - <p> - & so aft<i>er</i> þe halme halched ful ofte, - </p> - <p> - Wyth tryed tassele3 þerto tacched i<i>n</i>-noghe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Thus arrayed the Green Knight enters the hall,</span> - <span class="linenum">220</span> - <p> - On botou<i>n</i>3 of þe bry3t grene brayden ful ryche. - </p> - <p> - Þis haþel helde3 hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i>, & þe halle entres, - </p> - <p> - Driuande to þe he3e dece, dut he no woþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">without saluting any one.</span> - <p> - Haylsed he neu<i>er</i> one, bot he3e he ou<i>er</i> loked. - </p> - <span class="linenum">224</span> - <p> - Þe fyrst word þat he warp, "wher is," he sayd, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He asks for the "governor" of the company,</span> - <p> - "Þe gou<i>er</i>no<i>ur</i> of þis gy<i>n</i>g? gladly I wolde - </p> - <p> - Se þat segg i<i>n</i> sy3t, & w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hy<i>m</i> self - speke - </p> - <p class="i8"> - raysou<i>n</i>." - </p> - <span class="linenum">228</span> - <p class="i4"> - To kny3te3 he kest his y3e, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & reled hy<i>m</i> vp & dou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and looks for the most renowned.</span> - <p class="i4"> - He stemmed & con studie, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Quo walt þer most renou<i>n</i>. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> <i>looks like</i> graco<i>n</i>s <i>in MS</i>. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Much they marvel to see a man and a horse</span> - <span class="linenum">232</span> - <p> - Ther wat3 loky<i>n</i>g on lenþe, þe lude to be-holde, - </p> - <p> - For vch mo<i>n</i> had meruayle quat hit mene my3t, - </p> - <p> - Þat a haþel & a horse my3t such a hwe lach, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">as green as grass.</span> - <p> - As growe grene as þe gres & grener hit semed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">236</span> - <p> - Þen grene aumayl on golde lowande bry3te<i>r</i>; - </p> - <p> - Al studied þat þ<i>er</i> stod, & stalked hy<i>m</i> nerre, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Never before had they seen such a sight as this.</span> - <p> - Wyth al þe wonder of þe worlde, what he worch schulde. - </p> - <p> - For fele sellye3 had þay sen, bot such neu<i>er</i> are, - </p> - <span class="linenum">240</span> - <p> - For-þi for fantou<i>m</i> & fayry3e þe folk þere hit demed; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They were afraid to answer,</span> - <p> - Þer-fore to answare wat3 ar3e mony aþel freke, - </p> - <p> - & al stouned at his steuen, & stonstil seten, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and were as silent as if sleep had taken - possession of them;</span> - <p> - In a swogh<i>e</i> sylence þur3 þe sale riche - </p> - <span class="linenum">244</span> - <p> - As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor lote3 - </p> - <p class="i8"> - i<i>n</i> hy3e; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - I deme hit not al for doute, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">some from fear and others from courtesy.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Bot su<i>m</i> for cortaysye, - </p> - <span class="linenum">248</span> - <p class="i4"> - Bot let hy<i>m</i> þat al schulde loute, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Cast vnto þat wy3e. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur salutes the Green Knight.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>n Arþo<i>ur</i> bifore þe hi3 dece þat auenture byholde3, - </p> - <p> - & rekenly hy<i>m</i> reu<i>er</i>enced, for rad was he neu<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">252</span> - <p> - & sayde, "wy3e, welcu<i>m</i> iwys to þis place, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 94<i>b</i>.]<br />bids him welcome, and - invites him to stay awhile.</span> - <p> - Þe hede of þis ostel Artho<i>ur</i> I hat, - </p> - <p> - Li3t luflych adou<i>n</i>, & lenge, I þe praye, - </p> - <p> - & quat so þy wylle is, we schal wyt aft<i>er</i>." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight says that he will not tarry.</span> - <span class="linenum">256</span> - <p> - "Nay, as help me," q<i>uod</i> þe haþel, "he þat on hy3e syttes, - </p> - <p> - To wone any quyle i<i>n</i> þis won, hit wat3 not my<i>n</i> ernde; - </p> - <p> - Bot for þe los of þe lede is lyft vp so hy3e, - </p> - <p> - & þy bur3 & þy burnes best ar holden, - </p> - <span class="linenum">260</span> - <p> - Stifest vnder stel-gere on stedes to ryde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He seeks the most valiant that he may prove him.</span> - <p> - Þe wy3test & þe worþyest of þe worldes kynde, - </p> - <p> - Preue for to play wyth in oþ<i>er</i> pure layke3; - </p> - <p> - & here is kydde cortaysye, as I haf herd carp, - </p> - <span class="linenum">264</span> - <p> - & þat hat3 wayned me hider, I-wyis, at þis tyme. - </p> - <p> - 3e may be seker bi þis brau<i>n</i>ch þat I bere here, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He comes in peace.</span> - <p> - Þat I passe as i<i>n</i> pes, & no ply3t seche; - </p> - <p> - For had I fou<i>n</i>ded i<i>n</i> fere, i<i>n</i> fe3ty<i>n</i>g - wyse, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">At home, however, he has both shield and spear.</span> - <span class="linenum">268</span> - <p> - I haue a haubergh<i>e</i> at home & a helme boþe, - </p> - <p> - A schelde, & a scharp spere, schinande bry3t, - </p> - <p> - Ande oþ<i>er</i> weppenes to welde, I wene wel als, - </p> - <p> - Bot for I wolde no were, my wede3 ar soft<i>er</i>. - </p> - <span class="linenum">272</span> - <p> - Bot if þ<i>o</i>u be so bold as alle burne3 tellen, - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>o</i>u wyl g<i>ra</i>nt me godly þe gomen þat I ask, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - bi ry3t." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur assures him that he shall not fail to find - an opponent worthy of him.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Artho<i>ur</i> con onsware, - </p> - <span class="linenum">276</span> - <p class="i4"> - & sayd, "s<i>ir</i> cortays kny3t, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - If þ<i>o</i>u craue batayl bare, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Here fayle3 þ<i>o</i>u not to fy3t." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"I seek no fight," says the knight.</span> - <p> - "Nay, frayst I no fy3t, i<i>n</i> fayth I þe telle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"'Here are only beardless children.'</span> <span - class="linenum">280</span> - <p> - Hit arn aboute on þis bench bot berdle3 chylder; - </p> - <p> - If I were hasped i<i>n</i> armes on a he3e stede, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Here is no man to match me.</span> - <p> - Here is no mon me to mach, for my3te3 so<sup>1</sup> wayke. - </p> - <p> - For-þy I craue i<i>n</i> þis co<i>ur</i>t a crystmas gome<i>n</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Here are brave ones many,</span> <span - class="linenum">284</span> - <p> - For hit is 3ol & nwe 3er, & here ar 3ep mony; - </p> - <p> - If any so hardy i<i>n</i> þis ho<i>us</i> holde3 hy<i>m</i>-seluen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">if any be bold enough to 'strike a stroke for - another,'</span> - <p> - Be so bolde i<i>n</i> his blod, brayn i<i>n</i> hys hede, - </p> - <p> - Þat dar stifly strike a strok for an oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">288</span> - <p> - I schal gif hy<i>m</i> of my gyft þys giserne ryche, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">this axe shall be his;</span> - <p> - Þis ax, þat is heué i<i>n</i>-nogh, to hondel<i>e</i> as hy<i>m</i> - lykes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 95.]</span> - <p> - & I schal bide þe fyrst bur, as bare as I sitte. - </p> - <p> - If any freke be so felle to fonde þat I telle, - </p> - <span class="linenum">292</span> - <p> - Lepe ly3tly me to, & lach þis weppen, - </p> - <p> - I quit clayme hit for eu<i>er</i>, kepe hit as his auen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but I shall give him a 'stroke' in return</span> - <p> - & I schal stonde hy<i>m</i> a strok, stif on þis flet, - </p> - <p> - Elle3 þ<i>o</i>u wyl di3t me þe dom to dele hy<i>m</i> an oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">296</span> - <p class="i8"> - barlay; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & 3et gif hy<i>m</i> respite, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">within a twelvemonth and a day."</span> - <p class="i4"> - A twelmonyth & a day;— - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Now hy3e, & let se tite - </p> - <span class="linenum">300</span> - <p class="i4"> - Dar any her-i<i>n</i>ne o3t say." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. fo. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XIV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Fear kept all silent.</span> - <p> - If he hem stowned vpon fyrst, stiller were þa<i>n</i>ne - </p> - <p> - Alle þe hered-men i<i>n</i> halle, þe hy3 & þe lo3e; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight rolled his red eyes about,</span> - <p> - Þe renk on his rou<i>n</i>ce hy<i>m</i> ruched i<i>n</i> his sadel, - </p> - <span class="linenum">304</span> - <p> - & runisch-ly his rede y3en he reled aboute, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and bent his bristly green brows.</span> - <p> - Bende his bresed bro3e3, bly-cande grene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Waving his beard awhile, he exclaimed:</span> - <p> - Wayued his berde for to wayte quo-so wolde ryse. - </p> - <p> - When non wolde kepe hy<i>m</i> w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> carp he co3ed ful - hy3e, - </p> - <span class="linenum">308</span> - <p> - Ande rimed hy<i>m</i> ful richl<i>e</i>y, & ry3t hy<i>m</i> to - speke: - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"What! is this Arthur's court?</span> - <p> - "What, is þis Arþures ho<i>us</i>," q<i>uod</i> þe haþel þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - "Þat al þe ro<i>us</i> re<i>n</i>nes of, þur3 ryalmes so mony? - </p> - <p> - Where is now yo<i>ur</i> so<i>ur</i>quydrye & yo<i>ur</i> co<i>n</i>questes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">312</span> - <p> - Yo<i>ur</i> gry[n]del-layk, & yo<i>ur</i> greme, & yo<i>ur</i> - grete wordes? - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Forsooth the renown of the Round Table is - overturned 'with a word of one man's speech.'"</span> - <p> - Now is þe reuel & þe renou<i>n</i> of þe rou<i>n</i>de table - </p> - <p> - Ou<i>er</i>-walt wyth a worde of on wy3es speche; - </p> - <p> - For al dares for drede, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-oute dynt schewed!" - </p> - <span class="linenum">316</span> - <p> - Wyth þis he la3es so loude, þat þe lorde greued; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur blushes for shame.</span> - <p> - Þe blod schot for scham i<i>n</i>-to his schyre face - </p> - <p class="i8"> - & lere; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He waxes as wroth as the wind.</span> - <p class="i4"> - He wex as wroth as wynde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">320</span> - <p class="i4"> - So did alle þat þer were - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe ky<i>n</i>g as kene bi kynde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe<i>n</i> stod þat stif mon nere. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He assures the knight that no one is afraid of - his great words.</span> - <p> - Ande sayde, "haþel, by heuen þy<i>n</i> asky<i>n</i>g is nys, - </p> - <span class="linenum">324</span> - <p> - & as þ<i>o</i>u foly hat3 frayst, fynde þe be-houes; - </p> - <p> - I know no gome þat is gast of þy grete wordes. - </p> - <p> - Gif me now þy geserne, vpon gode3 halue, - </p> - <p> - & I schal bayþen þy bone, þat þ<i>o</i>u boden habbes." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 95<i>b</i>.]</span> <span class="linenum">328</span> - <p> - Ly3tly lepe3 he hy<i>m</i> to, & la3t at his honde; - </p> - <p> - Þen feersly þat oþ<i>er</i> freke vpon fote ly3tis. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur seizes his axe.</span> - <p> - Now hat3 Arthure his axe, & þe halme grype3, - </p> - <p> - & sturnely sture3 hit aboute, þat stryke wyth hit þo3t. - </p> - <span class="linenum">332</span> - <p> - Þe stif mon hy<i>m</i> bifore stod vpon hy3t, - </p> - <p> - Herre þen ani in þe ho<i>us</i> by þe hede & more; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight, stroking his beard, awaits the blow, - and with a "dry countenance" draws down his coat.</span> - <p> - Wyth sturne schere<sup>1</sup> þer he stod, he stroked his berde, - </p> - <p> - & wyth a cou<i>n</i>tenau<i>n</i>ce dry3e he dro3 dou<i>n</i> his - cote, - </p> - <span class="linenum">336</span> - <p> - No more mate ne dismayd for hys may<i>n</i> dinte3, - </p> - <p> - Þen any burne vpon bench hade bro3t hy<i>m</i> to drynk - </p> - <p class="i8"> - of wyne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne beseeches the king to let him - undertake the blow.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Gawan, þat sate bi þe quene, - </p> - <span class="linenum">340</span> - <p class="i4"> - To þe ky<i>n</i>g he can enclyne, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "I be-seche now w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> sa3e3 sene, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þis melly mot be myne." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> chere (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p> - "Wolde 3e, worþilych lorde," q<i>uod</i> Gawan to þe ky<i>n</i>g, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He asks permission to leave the table; he says,</span> - <span class="linenum">344</span> - <p> - "Bid me bo3e fro þis benche, & stonde by yow þere, - </p> - <p> - Þat I wyth-oute vylanye my3t voyde þis table, - </p> - <p> - & þat my legge lady lyked not ille, - </p> - <p> - I wolde com to yo<i>ur</i> cou<i>n</i>seyl, bifore yo<i>ur</i> cort - ryche. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">it is not meet that Arthur should be active in - the matter,</span> <span class="linenum">348</span> - <p> - For me þink hit not semly, as hit is soþ knawen, - </p> - <p> - Þer such an asky<i>n</i>g is heuened so hy3e i<i>n</i> yo<i>ur</i> - sale, - </p> - <p> - Þa33e 3o<i>ur</i>-self be talenttyf to take hit to yo<i>ur</i>-seluen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">while so many bold ones sit upon bench.</span> - <p> - Whil mony so bolde yow aboute vpon bench sytten, - </p> - <span class="linenum">352</span> - <p> - Þat vnder heuen, I hope, non ha3er er of wylle, - </p> - <p> - Ne bett<i>er</i> bodyes on bent, þer baret is rered; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Although the weakest, he is quite ready to meet - the Green Knight.</span> - <p> - I am þe wakkest, I wot, and of wyt feblest, - </p> - <p> - & lest lur of my lyf, quo laytes þe soþe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">356</span> - <p> - Bot for as much as 3e ar myn em, I am only to prayse, - </p> - <p> - No bou<i>n</i>té bot yo<i>ur</i> blod I in my bodé knowe; - </p> - <p> - & syþen þis note is so nys, þ<i>a</i>t no3t hit yow falles, - </p> - <p> - & I haue frayned hit at yow fyrst, folde3 hit to me, - </p> - <span class="linenum">360</span> - <p> - & if I carp not comlyly, let alle þis cort rych, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - bout blame." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The nobles entreat Arthur to "give Gawayne the - game."</span> - <p> - Ryche to-geder con rou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p> - & syþen þay redden alle same, - </p> - <span class="linenum">364</span> - <p> - To ryd þe ky<i>n</i>g wyth crou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p> - & gif Gawan þe game. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XVII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 96.]</span> - <p> - Þen comau<i>n</i>ded þe ky<i>n</i>g þe kny3t for to ryse; - </p> - <p> - & he ful radly vp ros, & ruchched hy<i>m</i> fayre, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The king gives his nephew his weapon,</span> - <span class="linenum">368</span> - <p> - Kneled dou<i>n</i> bifore þe ky<i>n</i>g, & cache3 þat weppen; - </p> - <p> - & he luflyly hit hy<i>m</i> laft, & lyfte vp his honde, - </p> - <p> - & gef hy<i>m</i> godde3 blessy<i>n</i>g, & gladly hy<i>m</i> - biddes - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and tells him to keep heart and hand steady.</span> - <p> - Þat his hert & his honde schulde hardi be boþe. - </p> - <span class="linenum">372</span> - <p> - "Kepe þe cosyn," q<i>uod</i> þe ky<i>n</i>g, "þat þ<i>o</i>u on kyrf - sette, - </p> - <p> - & if þou rede3 hy<i>m</i> ry3t, redly I trowe, - </p> - <p> - Þat þou schal byden þe bur þat he schal bede aft<i>er</i>. - </p> - <p> - Gawan got3 to þe gome, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> giserne i<i>n</i> honde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">376</span> - <p> - & he baldly hy<i>m</i> byde3, he bayst neu<i>er</i> þe helder - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The Green Knight enquires the name of his - opponent.</span> - <p> - Þen carppe3 to s<i>ir</i> Gawan þe kny3t i<i>n</i> þe grene, - </p> - <p> - "Refourme we oure for-wardes, er we fyrre passe. - </p> - <p> - Fyrst I eþe þe, haþel, how þat þou hattes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">380</span> - <p> - Þat þ<i>o</i>u me telle truly, as I tryst may?" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne tells him his name, and declares that - he is willing to give and receive a blow.</span> - <p> - "In god fayth," q<i>uod</i> þe goode kny3t, "Gawan I hatte, - </p> - <p> - Þat bede þe þis buffet, quat-so bi-falle3 aft<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - & at þis tyme twelmonyth take at þe anoþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">384</span> - <p> - Wyth what weppen so<sup>1</sup> þ<i>o</i>u wylt, & wyth no wy3 - elle3, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - on lyue." - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þat oþ<i>er</i> on-sware3 agayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "Sir Gawan, so mot I þryue, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The other thereof is glad.</span> <span - class="linenum">388</span> - <p class="i4"> - As I am ferly fayn. - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þis dint þat þ<i>o</i>u schal dryue." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. fo. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"It pleases me well, Sir Gawayne," says the Green - Knight, "that I shall receive a blow from thy fist; but thou must swear - that thou wilt seek me,</span> - <p> - "Bigog," q<i>uod</i> þe grene kny3t, "s<i>ir</i> Gawan, melykes, - </p> - <p> - Þat I schal fange at þy fust þat I haf frayst here; - </p> - <span class="linenum">392</span> - <p> - & þ<i>o</i>u hat3 redily rehersed, bi resou<i>n</i> ful trwe, - </p> - <p> - Clanly al þe couenau<i>n</i>t þat I þe ky<i>n</i>ge asked, - </p> - <p> - Saf þat þ<i>o</i>u schal siker me, segge, bi þi trawþe, - </p> - <p> - Þat þ<i>o</i>u schal seche me þi-self, where-so þ<i>o</i>u hopes - </p> - <span class="linenum">396</span> - <p> - I may be funde vpon folde, & foch þe such wages - </p> - <span class="sidenote">to receive the blow in return."</span> - <p> - As þ<i>o</i>u deles me to day, bifore þis douþe ryche." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Where shall I seek thee?" says Sir Gawayne;</span> - <p> - "Where schulde I wale þe," q<i>uod</i> Gauan, "where is þy place? - </p> - <p> - I wot neu<i>er</i> where þ<i>o</i>u wonyes, bi hy<i>m</i> þat me - wro3t, - </p> - <span class="linenum">400</span> - <p> - Ne I know not þe, kny3t, þy cort, ne þi name. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"tell me thy name and abode and I will find - thee."</span> - <p> - Bot teche me truly þer-to, & telle me howe þ<i>o</i>u hattes, - </p> - <p> - & I schal ware alle my wyt to wy<i>n</i>ne me þeder, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 96<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - & þat I swere þe for soþe, & by my seker traweþ." - </p> - <span class="linenum">404</span> - <p> - "Þat is in-nogh in nwe 3er, hit nedes no more," - </p> - <p> - Q<i>uod</i> þe gome i<i>n</i> þe grene to Gawan þe hende, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"When thou hast smitten me," says the knight, - "then tell I thee of my home and name;</span> - <p> - "3if I þe telle trwly, quen I þe tape haue, - </p> - <p> - & þ<i>o</i>u me smoþely hat3 smyten, smartly I þe teche - </p> - <span class="linenum">408</span> - <p> - Of my ho<i>us</i>, & my home, & myn owen nome, - </p> - <p> - Þen may þ<i>o</i>u frayst my fare, & forwarde3 holde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">if I speak not at all, so much the better for - thee.</span> - <p> - & if I spende no speche, þe<i>n</i>ne spede3 þ<i>o</i>u þe bett<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - For þ<i>o</i>u may leng i<i>n</i> þy londe, & layt no fyrre, - </p> - <span class="linenum">412</span> - <p class="i8"> - bot slokes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Take now thy grim tool, and let us see how thou - knockest."</span> - <p class="i4"> - Ta now þy gry<i>m</i>me tole to þe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & let se how þ<i>o</i>u cnoke3." - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "Gladly s<i>ir</i>, for soþe," - </p> - <span class="linenum">416</span> - <p class="i4"> - Q<i>uod</i> Gawan; his ax he strokes. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XIX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The Green Knight</span> - <p> - The grene kny3t vpon grou<i>n</i>de grayþely hy<i>m</i> dresses, - </p> - <p> - A littel lut w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe hede, þe lere he discou<i>er</i>e3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">puts his long lovely locks aside and lays bare - his neck.</span> - <p> - His longe louelych lokke3 he layd ou<i>er</i> his crou<i>n</i>. - </p> - <span class="linenum">420</span> - <p> - Let þe naked nec to þe note schewe. - </p> - <p> - Gauan gripped to his ax, & gederes hit on hy3t, - </p> - <p> - Þe kay fot on þe folde he be-fore sette, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne lets fall his axe</span> - <p> - Let hit dou<i>n</i> ly3tly ly3t on þe naked, - </p> - <span class="linenum">424</span> - <p> - Þat þe scharp of þe schalk schyndered þe bones, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and severs the head from the body.</span> - <p> - & schra<i>n</i>k þur3 þe schyire grece, & scade hit i<i>n</i> - twy<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - Þat þe bit of þe brou<i>n</i> stel bot on þe grou<i>n</i>de. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The head falls to the earth.</span> - <p> - Þe fayre hede fro þe halce hit [felle] to þe erþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Many kick it aside with their feet.</span> <span - class="linenum">428</span> - <p> - Þat fele hit foyned wyth her fete, þere hit forth roled; - </p> - <p> - Þe blod brayd fro þe body, þ<i>a</i>t blykked on þe grene; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight never falters;</span> - <p> - & nawþer falt<i>er</i>ed ne fel þe freke neu<i>er</i> þe helder, - </p> - <p> - Bot styþly he start forth vpon styf schonkes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">he rushes forth, seizes his head,</span> <span - class="linenum">432</span> - <p> - & ru[n]yschly he ra3t out, þere as renkke3 stoden, - </p> - <p> - La3t to his lufly hed, & lyft hit vp sone; - </p> - <p> - & syþen bo3e3 to his blonk, þe brydel he cachche3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">steps into the saddle,</span> - <p> - Steppe3 i<i>n</i> to stel bawe & stryde3 alofte, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">holding the while the head in his hand by the - hair,</span> <span class="linenum">436</span> - <p> - & his hede by þe here i<i>n</i> his honde halde3; - </p> - <p> - & as sadly þe segge hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> his sadel sette, - </p> - <p> - As non vnhap had hy<i>m</i> ayled, þa3 hedle3 he<sup>1</sup> we[re], - </p> - <p class="i8"> - i<i>n</i> stedde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and turns his horse about.</span> <span - class="linenum">440</span> - <p class="i4"> - He brayde his bluk<sup>2</sup> aboute, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 97.]</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat vgly bodi þat bledde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Moni on of hy<i>m</i> had doute, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bi þat his resou<i>n</i>3 were redde. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. ho. <sup>2</sup> blunk (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="linenum">444</span> - <p> - For þe hede in his honde he halde3 vp euen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The head lifts up its eyelids,</span> - <p> - To-ward þe derrest on þe dece he dresse3 þe face, - </p> - <p> - & hit lyfte vp þe y3e-lydde3, & loked ful brode, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and addresses Sir Gawayne; "Look thou, be ready - to go as thou hast promised,</span> - <p> - & meled þ<i>us</i> much w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his muthe, as 3e may - now here. - </p> - <span class="linenum">448</span> - <p> - "Loke, Gawan, þ<i>o</i>u be grayþe to go as þ<i>o</i>u hette3, - </p> - <p> - & layte as lelly til þ<i>o</i>u me, lude, fynde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and seek till thou findest me.</span> - <p> - As þ<i>o</i>u hat3 hette i<i>n</i> þis halle, herande þise kny3tes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Get thee to the Green Chapel,</span> - <p> - To þe grene chapel þ<i>o</i>u chose, I charge þe to fotte, - </p> - <span class="linenum">452</span> - <p> - Such a dunt as þ<i>o</i>u hat3 dalt disserued þ<i>o</i>u habbe3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">there to receive a blow on New Year's morn.</span> - <p> - To be 3ederly 3olden on nw 3eres morn; - </p> - <p> - Þe kny3t of þe grene chapel men knowen me mony; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Fail thou never;</span> - <p> - For-þi me forto fynde if þ<i>o</i>u frayste3, fayle3 þ<i>o</i>u neu<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">come, or recreant be called."</span> <span - class="linenum">456</span> - <p> - Þer-fore com, oþ<i>er</i> recreau<i>n</i>t be calde þe be-houe<i>us</i>." - </p> - <p> - With a runisch rout þe rayne3 he torne3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The Green Knight then rushes out of the hall, his - head in his hand.</span> - <p> - Halled out at þe hal-dor, his hed i<i>n</i> his hande, - </p> - <p> - Þat þe fyr of þe flynt fla3e fro fole houes. - </p> - <span class="linenum">460</span> - <p> - To quat kyth he be-com, knwe non þere, - </p> - <p> - Neu<i>er</i>more þen þay wyste fram queþen he wat3 wo<i>n</i>nen; - </p> - <p class="i8"> - what þe<i>n</i>ne? - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe ky<i>n</i>g & Gawen þare, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">At that green one Arthur and Gawayne "laugh and - grin."</span> <span class="linenum">464</span> - <p class="i4"> - At þat grene þay la3e & gre<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - 3et breued wat3 hit ful bare, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - A m<i>er</i>uayl amo<i>ng</i> þo me<i>n</i>ne. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XXI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur addresses the queen:</span> - <p> - Þa3 Arþ<i>er</i> þe hende ky<i>n</i>g at hert hade wonder, - </p> - <span class="linenum">468</span> - <p> - He let no semblau<i>n</i>t be sene, bot sayde ful hy3e - </p> - <p> - To þe comlych quene, wyth cortays speche, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Dear dame, be not dismayed; such marvels well - become the Christmas festival;</span> - <p> - "Dere dame, to day demay yow neu<i>er</i>; - </p> - <p> - Wel by-co<i>m</i>mes such craft vpon c<i>r</i>istmasse, - </p> - <span class="linenum">472</span> - <p> - Layky<i>n</i>g of ent<i>er</i>lude3, to la3e & to syng. - </p> - <p> - Amo<i>n</i>g þise, kynde caroles of kny3te3 & ladye3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I may now go to meat.</span> - <p> - Neu<i>er</i>-þe-lece to my mete I may me wel dres, - </p> - <p> - For I haf sen a selly, I may not for-sake." - </p> - <span class="linenum">476</span> - <p> - He glent vpon s<i>ir</i> Gawen, & gaynly he sayde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne, hang up thine axe.</span> - <p> - "Now s<i>ir</i>, heng vp þyn ax, þat hat3 i<i>n</i>-nogh hewen." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 97<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - & hit wat3 don abof þe dece, on doser to henge, - </p> - <p> - Þer alle men for m<i>er</i>uayl my3t on hit loke, - </p> - <span class="linenum">480</span> - <p> - & bi trwe tytel þ<i>er</i>-of to telle þe wonder. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The king and his knights sit feasting at the - board till day is ended.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne þay bo3ed to a borde þise burnes to-geder, - </p> - <p> - Þe ky<i>n</i>g & þe gode kny3t, & kene me<i>n</i> he<i>m</i> - serued - </p> - <p> - Of alle dayntye3 double, as derrest my3t falle, - </p> - <span class="linenum">484</span> - <p> - Wyth alle maner of mete & mynstralcie boþe; - </p> - <p> - Wyth wele walt þay þat day, til worþed an ende, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - in londe. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Now beware, Sir Gawayne, lest thou fail to seek - the adventure that thou hast taken in hand.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Now þenk wel, s<i>ir</i> Gawan, - </p> - <span class="linenum">488</span> - <p class="i4"> - For woþe þat þ<i>o</i>u ne wonde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þis auenture forto frayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þat þ<i>o</i>u hat3 tan on honde. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - [FYTTE THE SECOND.] - </h2> - <h2> - I. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">This marvel serves to keep up a brisk - conversation in Court.</span> - <p> - This hansell<i>e</i> hat3 Arthur of auenturus on fyrst, - </p> - <span class="linenum">492</span> - <p> - In 3onge 3er, for he 3erned 3elpy<i>n</i>g to here, - </p> - <p> - Tha3 hym worde3 were wane, when þay to sete wenten; - </p> - <p> - Now ar þay stoken of sturne werk staf-ful her hond. - </p> - <p> - Gawan wat3 glad to be-gy<i>n</i>ne þose gomne3 i<i>n</i> halle, - </p> - <span class="linenum">496</span> - <p> - Bot þa3 þe ende be heuy, haf 3e no wonder; - </p> - <p> - For þa3 men be<i>n</i> mery in my<i>n</i>de, quen þay han mayn drynk, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The year passes full quickly and never returns.</span> - <p> - A 3ere 3ernes ful 3erne, & 3elde3 neu<i>er</i> lyke, - </p> - <p> - Þe forme to þe fynisment folde3 ful selden. - </p> - <span class="linenum">500</span> - <p> - For-þi þis 3ol ou<i>er</i>-3ede, & þe 3ere aft<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - & vche sesou<i>n</i> serlepes sued after oþ<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">After Christmas comes the "crabbed Lenten."</span> - <p> - After crysten-masse com þe crabbed lentou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p> - Þat frayste3 flesch wyth þe fysche & fode more symple - </p> - <span class="linenum">504</span> - <p> - Bot þe<i>n</i>ne þe weder of þe worlde wyth wynter hit þrepe3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Spring sets in and warm showers descend;</span> - <p> - Colde clenge3 adou<i>n</i>, cloude3 vp-lyften, - </p> - <p> - Schyre schede3 þe rayn i<i>n</i> schowre3 ful warme, - </p> - <p> - Falle3 vpon fayre flat, flowre3 þere schewen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the groves become green,</span> <span - class="linenum">508</span> - <p> - Boþe grou<i>n</i>de3 & þe greue3 grene ar her wede3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">birds build and sing,</span> - <p> - Brydde3 busken to bylde, & bremlych sy<i>n</i>gen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">for joy of the summer that follows;</span> - <p> - For solace of þe softe som<i>er</i> þat sues þer aft<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - bi bonk; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">blossoms begin to bloom,</span> <span - class="linenum">512</span> - <p class="i4"> - & blossu<i>m</i>e3 bolne to blowe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bi rawe3 rych & ronk, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and noble notes are heard in the woods</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe<i>n</i> note3 noble i<i>n</i>-no3e, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 98]</span> - <p class="i4"> - Ar herde in wod so wlonk. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - II. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then the soft winds of summer,</span> <span - class="linenum">516</span> - <p> - After þe sesou<i>n</i> of som<i>er</i> wyth þe soft wynde3, - </p> - <p> - Quen 3efer<i>us</i> syfle3 hy<i>m</i>-self on sede3 & erbe3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">beautiful are the flowers wet with dew-drops.</span> - <p> - Wela-wy<i>n</i>ne is þe wort þat woxes þer-oute. - </p> - <p> - When þe donkande dewe drope3 of þe leue3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">520</span> - <p> - To bide a blysful blusch of þe bry3t su<i>n</i>ne. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">But harvest approaches soon,</span> - <p> - Bot þe<i>n</i> hy3es heruest, & hardenes hy<i>m</i> sone. - </p> - <p> - Warne3 hy<i>m</i> for þe wynter to wax ful rype; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and drives the dust about.</span> - <p> - He dryues wyth dro3t þe dust for to ryse. - </p> - <span class="linenum">524</span> - <p> - Fro þe face of þe folde to fly3e ful hy3e; - </p> - <p> - Wroþe wynde of þe welkyn wrastele3 w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe su<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The leaves drop off the trees,</span> - <p> - Þe leue3 lancen fro þe lynde, & ly3ten on þe grou<i>n</i>de, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the grass becomes gray, and all ripens and rots.</span> - <p> - & al grayes þe gres, þat grene wat3 ere; - </p> - <span class="linenum">528</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne al rype3 & rote3 þat ros vpon fyrst, - </p> - <p> - & þ<i>us</i> 3irne3 þe 3ere i<i>n</i> 3isterdaye3 mony, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Winter winds round again,</span> - <p> - & wynter wynde3 a3ayn, as þe worlde aske3 - </p> - <p class="i8"> - no sage. - </p> - <span class="linenum">532</span> - <p class="i4"> - Til me3el-mas mone, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Wat3 cu<i>m</i>en wyth wynter wage; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and then Sir Gawayne thinks of his dread journey.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þen þenkke3 Gawan ful sone, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Of his anio<i>us</i> uyage. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - III. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">On All-hallows day Arthur makes a feast for his - nephew's sake.</span> <span class="linenum">536</span> - <p> - 3et quyl al-hal-day w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> Arþ<i>er</i> he lenges, - </p> - <p> - & he made a fare on þ<i>a</i>t fest, for þe freke3 sake, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> much reuel & ryche of þe rou<i>n</i>de table; - </p> - <p> - Kny3te3 ful cortays & comlych ladies, - </p> - <span class="linenum">540</span> - <p> - Al for luf of þat lede i<i>n</i> longy<i>n</i>ge þay were, - </p> - <p> - Bot neu<i>er</i>-þe-lece ne þe lat<i>er</i> þay neuened bot m<i>er</i>þe, - </p> - <p> - Mony ioyle3 for þat ientyle iape3 þer maden. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">After meat, Sir Gawayne thus speaks to his uncle:</span> - <p> - For aftter mete, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mo<i>ur</i>ny<i>n</i>g he mele3 to - his eme, - </p> - <span class="linenum">544</span> - <p> - & speke3 of his passage, & pertly he sayde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Now, liege lord, I ask leave of you,</span> - <p> - "Now, lege lorde of my lyf, leue I yow ask; - </p> - <p> - 3e knowe þe cost of þis cace, kepe I no more - </p> - <p> - To telle yow tene3 þer-of neu<i>er</i> bot t<i>r</i>ifel; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">for I am bound on the morn to seek the Green - Knight."</span> <span class="linenum">548</span> - <p> - Bot I am bou<i>n</i> to þe bur barely to morne, - </p> - <p> - To sech þe gome of þe grene, as god wyl me wysse." - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne þe best of þe bur3 bo3ed to-geder, - </p> - <p> - Aywan, & Errik, & oþ<i>er</i> ful mony, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 98<i>b</i>.]</span> <span class="linenum">552</span> - <p> - S<i>ir</i> Doddinaual de Sauage, þe duk of Clarence, - </p> - <p> - Launcelot, & Lyonel, & Lucan þe gode, - </p> - <p> - S<i>ir</i> Boos, & sir Byduer, big me<i>n</i> boþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Many nobles, the best of the court, counsel and - comfort him.</span> - <p> - & mony oþ<i>er</i> menskful, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> Mador de la Port. - </p> - <span class="linenum">556</span> - <p> - Alle þis compayny of court com þe ky<i>n</i>g nerre, - </p> - <p> - For to cou<i>n</i>seyl þe kny3t, with care at her hert; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Much sorrow prevails in the hall.</span> - <p> - Þere wat3 much derue<sup>1</sup> doel driuen i<i>n</i> þe sale, - </p> - <p> - Þat so worthe as Wawan schulde wende on þat ernde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">560</span> - <p> - To dry3e a delful dynt, & dele no more - </p> - <p class="i8"> - wyth bronde. - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe kny3t mad ay god chere, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & sayde, "quat schuld I wonde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne declares that he has nothing to fear.</span> - <span class="linenum">564</span> - <p class="i4"> - Of destines derf & dere, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - What may mon do bot fonde?" - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> derne (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - IV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">On the morn he asks for his arms.</span> - <p> - He dowelle3 þer al þat day, and dresse3 on þe morn, - </p> - <p> - Aske3 erly hys arme3, & alle were þay bro3t - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A carpet is spread on the floor,</span> <span - class="linenum">568</span> - <p> - Fyrst a tule tapit, ty3t ou<i>er</i> þe flet, - </p> - <p> - & miche wat3 þe gyld gere þat glent þer alofte; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and he steps thereon.</span> - <p> - Þe stif mon steppe3 þeron, & þe stel hondole3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He is dubbed in a doublet of Tarsic silk, and a - well-made hood.</span> - <p> - Dubbed i<i>n</i> a dublet of a dere tars, - </p> - <span class="linenum">572</span> - <p> - & syþen a crafty capados, closed aloft, - </p> - <p> - Þat wyth a bry3t blau<i>n</i>ner was bou<i>n</i>den w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They set steel slices on his feet, and lap his - legs in steel greaves.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne set þay þe sabatou<i>n</i>3 vpon þe segge fote3, - </p> - <p> - His lege3 lapped i<i>n</i> stel w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> luflych greue3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">576</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> polayne3 piched þer-to, policed ful clene, - </p> - <p> - Aboute his kne3 knaged wyth knote3 of golde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Fair cuisses enclose his thighs,</span> - <p> - Queme quyssewes þe<i>n</i>, þat coyntlych closed - </p> - <p> - His thik þrawen þy3e3 w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þwonges to-tachched; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and afterwards they put on the steel habergeon,</span> - <span class="linenum">580</span> - <p> - & syþen þe brawden bryne of bry3t stel ry<i>n</i>ge3, - </p> - <p> - Vmbe-weued þat wy3, vpon wlonk stuffe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">well-burnished braces, elbow pieces, and gloves - of plate.</span> - <p> - & wel bornyst brace vpon his boþe armes, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gode cowters & gay, & gloue3 of plate, - </p> - <span class="linenum">584</span> - <p> - & alle þe godlych gere þat hy<i>m</i> gayn schulde - </p> - <p class="i8"> - Þat tyde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Over all this is placed the coat armour.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Wyth ryche cote armure, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His spurs are then fixed,</span> - <p class="i4"> - His gold spore3 spend w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> pryde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and his sword is attached to his side by a silken - girdle.</span> <span class="linenum">588</span> - <p class="i4"> - Gurde wyth a bront ful sure, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> silk sayn vmbe his syde. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - V. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 99<i>a</i>.]<br />Thus arrayed the knight - hears mass,</span> - <p> - When he wat3 hasped i<i>n</i> armes, his harnays wat3 ryche, - </p> - <p> - Þe lest lachet ou[þ]<i>er</i> loupe lemed of golde; - </p> - <span class="linenum">592</span> - <p> - So harnayst as he wat3 he herkne3 his masse, - </p> - <p> - Offred & hono<i>ur</i>ed at þe he3e auter; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and afterwards takes leave of Arthur and his - court.</span> - <p> - Syþen he come3 to þe ky<i>n</i>g & to his cort fere3, - </p> - <p> - Lache3 lufly his leue at lorde3 & ladye3; - </p> - <span class="linenum">596</span> - <p> - & þay hy<i>m</i> kyst & conueyed, bikende hy<i>m</i> to kryst. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">By that time his horse Gringolet was ready,</span> - <p> - Bi þat wat3 Gryngolet grayth, & gurde w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a sadel, - </p> - <p> - Þat glemed ful gayly w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony golde frenges, - </p> - <p> - Ay quere naylet ful nwe for þat note ryched; - </p> - <span class="linenum">600</span> - <p> - Þe brydel barred aboute, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> bry3t golde bou<i>n</i>den; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the harness of which glittered like the "gleam of - the sun."</span> - <p> - Þe apparayl of þe payttrure, & of þe proude skyrte3, - </p> - <p> - Þe cropore, & þe couertor, acorded wyth þe arsou<i>n</i>e3; - </p> - <p> - & al wat3 rayled on red ryche golde nayle3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">604</span> - <p> - Þat al glytered & glent as glem of þe su<i>n</i>ne. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then Sir Gawayne sets his helmet upon his head,</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne hentes he þe holme, & hastily hit kysses, - </p> - <p> - Þat wat3 stapled stifly, & stoffed wyth-i<i>n</i>ne: - </p> - <p> - Hit wat3 hy3e on his hede, hasped bihynde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">fastened behind with a "urisoun,"</span> <span - class="linenum">608</span> - <p> - Wyth a ly3tli vrysou<i>n</i> ou<i>er</i> þe auentayle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">richly embroidered with gems.</span> - <p> - Enbrawden & bou<i>n</i>den wyth þe best ge<i>m</i>me3, - </p> - <p> - On brode sylkyn borde, & brydde3 on seme3, - </p> - <p> - As papiaye3 paynted perny<i>n</i>g bitwene, - </p> - <span class="linenum">612</span> - <p> - Tortors & trulofe3 entayled so þyk, - </p> - <p> - As mony burde þer aboute had be<i>n</i> seue<i>n</i> wynt<i>er</i> - </p> - <p class="i8"> - i<i>n</i> tou<i>n</i>e; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The circle around the helmet was decked with - diamonds.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe cercle wat3 more o prys, - </p> - <span class="linenum">616</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat vmbe-clypped hys crou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Of diamau<i>n</i>te3 a deuys, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þat boþe were bry3t & brou<i>n</i>. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - VI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then they show him his shield with the - "pentangle" of pure gold.</span> - <p> - Then þay schewed hy<i>m</i> þe schelde, þat was of schyr goule3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">620</span> - <p> - Wyth þe pentangel de-paynt of pure golde hwe3; - </p> - <p> - He brayde3 hit by þe baude-ryk, aboute þe hals kest<i>es</i>, - </p> - <p> - Þat bisemed þe segge semlyly fayre. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The "pentangle" was devised by Solomon as a token - of truth.</span> - <p> - & quy þe pentangel apende3 to þat prynce noble, - </p> - <span class="linenum">624</span> - <p> - I am i<i>n</i> tent yow to telle, þof tary hyt me schulde; - </p> - <p> - Hit is a sy<i>n</i>gne þat Salamon set su<i>m</i>-quyle, - </p> - <p> - I<i>n</i> bytokny<i>n</i>g of trawþe, bi tytle þat hit habbe3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 99<i>b</i>]</span> - <p> - For hit is a figure þat halde3 fyue poynte3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">628</span> - <p> - & vche lyne vmbe-lappe3 & louke3 i<i>n</i> oþer, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It is called the endless knot</span> - <p> - & ay quere hit is endele3,<sup>1</sup> & Englych hit callen - </p> - <p> - Ou<i>er</i>-al, as I here, þe endeles knot. - </p> - <p> - For-þy hit acorde3 to þis kny3t, & to his cler arme3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">632</span> - <p> - For ay faythful i<i>n</i> fyue & sere fyue syþe3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It well becomes the good Sir Gawayne,</span> - <p> - Gawan wat3 for gode knawen, & as golde pured, - </p> - <p> - Voyded of vche vylany, wyth vertue3<sup>2</sup> e<i>n</i>no<i>ur</i>ned - </p> - <p class="i8"> - i<i>n</i> mote; - </p> - <span class="linenum">636</span> - <p class="i4"> - For-þy þe pen-tangel nwe - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He ber i<i>n</i> schelde & cote, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">a knight the truest of speech and the fairest of - form.</span> - <p class="i4"> - As tulk of tale most trwe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & gentylest kny3t of lote. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS emdele3. <sup>2</sup> MS v<i>er</i>ertue3 - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He was found faultless in his five wits.</span> - <span class="linenum">640</span> - <p> - Fyrst he wat3 funden fautle3 i<i>n</i> his fyue wytte3, - </p> - <p> - & efte fayled neu<i>er</i> þe freke i<i>n</i> his fyue fyngres, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His trust was in the five wounds.</span> - <p> - & alle his afyau<i>n</i>ce vpon folde wat3 i<i>n</i> þe fyue wou<i>n</i>de3 - </p> - <p> - Þat Cryst ka3t on þe croys, as þe crede telle3; - </p> - <span class="linenum">644</span> - <p> - & quere-so-eu<i>er</i> þys mon i<i>n</i> melly wat3 stad, - </p> - <p> - His þro þo3t wat3 i<i>n</i> þat, þur3 alle oþ<i>er</i> þy<i>n</i>ge3, - </p> - <p> - Þat alle his forsnes he fong at þe fyue ioye3, - </p> - <p> - Þat þe hende heuen quene had of hir chylde; - </p> - <span class="linenum">648</span> - <p> - At þis cause þe kny3t comlyche hade - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The image of the Virgin was depicted upon his - shield.</span> - <p> - I<i>n</i> þe more half of his schelde hir ymage depaynted, - </p> - <p> - Þat quen he blusched þerto, his belde neu<i>er</i> payred. - </p> - <p> - Þe fyrst<sup>1</sup> fyue þat I finde þat þe frek vsed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">652</span> - <p> - Wat3 frau<i>n</i>chyse, & fela3schyp for-be<sup>2</sup> al þy<i>n</i>g; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">In cleanness and courtesy he was never found - wanting,</span> - <p> - His clannes & his cortaysye croked were neu<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - & pite, þat passe3 alle poynte3, þyse pure fyue - </p> - <p> - Were harder happed on þat haþel þe<i>n</i> on any oþ<i>er</i>. - </p> - <span class="linenum">656</span> - <p> - Now alle þese fyue syþe3, forsoþe, were fetled on þis kny3t, - </p> - <p> - & vchone halched in oþ<i>er</i>, þat non ende hade, - </p> - <p> - & fyched vpon fyue poynte3, þat fayld neu<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - Ne samned neu<i>er</i> i<i>n</i> no syde, ne sundred nouþ[er], - </p> - <span class="linenum">660</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-outen ende at any noke [a]i quere fynde, - </p> - <p> - Where-eu<i>er</i> þe gomen bygan, or glod to an ende. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">therefore was the endless knot fastened on his - shield.</span> - <p> - Þer-fore on his schene schelde schapen wat3 þe knot, - </p> - <p> - Þus alle wyth red golde vpon rede gowle3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 100]</span> <span class="linenum">664</span> - <p> - Þat is þe pure pentaungel wyth þe peple called, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> lore. - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Now grayþed is Gawan gay, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne seizes his lance and bids all "good - day."</span> - <p class="i4"> - & la3t his lau<i>n</i>ce ry3t þore, - </p> - <span class="linenum">668</span> - <p class="i4"> - & gef hem alle goud day, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He wende for eu<i>er</i> more. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS fyft. <sup>2</sup> for-bi (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He spurs his horse and goes on his way.</span> - <p> - He sperred þe sted w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe spure3, & sprong on his - way, - </p> - <p> - So stif þat þe ston fyr stroke out þer-aft<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">All that saw that seemly one mourned in their - hearts.</span> <span class="linenum">672</span> - <p> - Al þat se3 þat semly syked i<i>n</i> hert, - </p> - <p> - & sayde soþly al same segges til oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - Carande for þat comly, "bi Kryst, hit is scaþe, - </p> - <p> - Þat þ<i>o</i>u, leude, schal be lost, þat art of lyf noble! - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They declared that his equal was not to be found - upon earth.</span> <span class="linenum">676</span> - <p> - To fynde hys fere vpon folde, i<i>n</i> fayth is not eþe; - </p> - <p> - Warloker to haf wro3t had more wyt bene, - </p> - <p> - & haf dy3t 3onder dere a duk to haue worþed; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It would have been better for him to have been a - leader of men,</span> - <p> - A lowande leder of lede3 i<i>n</i> londe hy<i>m</i> wel seme3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">680</span> - <p> - & so had bett<i>er</i> haf ben þe<i>n</i> britned to no3t, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">than to die by the hands of "an elvish man."</span> - <p> - Hadet wyth an aluisch mon, for angarde3 pryde. - </p> - <p> - Who knew eu<i>er</i> any ky<i>n</i>g such cou<i>n</i>sel to take, - </p> - <p> - As kny3te3 i<i>n</i> cauelou<i>n</i>3 on cryst-masse gomne3!" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Much was the warm water that poured from eyes - that day.</span> <span class="linenum">684</span> - <p> - Wel much wat3 þe warme water þ<i>a</i>t walt<i>er</i>ed of y3en, - </p> - <p> - When þat semly syre so3t fro þo wone3 - </p> - <p class="i8"> - þat<sup>1</sup> daye; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He made non abode, - </p> - <span class="linenum">688</span> - <p class="i4"> - Bot wy3tly went hys way, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Meanwhile many a weary way goes Sir Gawayne.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Mony wylsu<i>m</i> way he rode, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe bok as I herde say. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. þad. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - IX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Now rides the knight through the realms of - England.</span> - <p> - Now ride3 þis renk þur3 þe ryalme of Logres, - </p> - <span class="linenum">692</span> - <p> - S<i>ir</i> Gauan on Gode3 halue, þa3 hy<i>m</i> no gomen þo3t; - </p> - <p> - Oft, leudle3 alone, he lenge3 on ny3te3, - </p> - <p> - Þer he fonde no3t hy<i>m</i> byfore þe fare þat he lyked; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He has no companion but his horse.</span> - <p> - Hade he no fere bot his fole, bi frythe3 & dou<i>n</i>e3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">696</span> - <p> - Ne no gome bot God, bi gate wyth to karp, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">No men does he see till he approaches North - Wales.</span> - <p> - Til þat he ne3ed ful nogh<i>e</i><sup>1</sup> i<i>n</i> to þe Norþe - Wale3; - </p> - <p> - Alle þe iles of Anglesay on lyft half he halde3, - </p> - <p> - & fare3 ou<i>er</i> þe forde3 by þe for-londe3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">From Holyhead he passes into Wirral.</span> <span - class="linenum">700</span> - <p> - Ou<i>er</i> at þe Holy-Hede, til he hade eft bonk - </p> - <p> - I<i>n</i> þe wyldrenesse of Wyrale; wonde þer bot lyte - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 100<i>b</i>]<br />There he finds but few - that loved God or man.</span> - <p> - Þat auþ<i>er</i> God oþ<i>er</i> gome wyth goud hert louied. - </p> - <p> - & ay he frayned, as he ferde, at freke3 þat he met, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He enquires after the Green Knight of the Green - Chapel,</span> <span class="linenum">704</span> - <p> - If þay hade herde any karp of a kny3t grene, - </p> - <p> - I<i>n</i> any grou<i>n</i>de þer-aboute, of þe grene chapel;<sup>2</sup> - </p> - <p> - & al nykked hy<i>m</i> wyth nay, þat neu<i>er</i> i<i>n</i> her - lyue - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but can gain no tidings of him.</span> - <p> - Þay se3e neu<i>er</i> no segge þat wat3 of suche hwe3 - </p> - <span class="linenum">708</span> - <p class="i8"> - of grene. - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe kny3t tok gates straunge, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - I<i>n</i> mony a bonk vnbene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His cheer oft changed before he found the Chapel.</span> - <p class="i4"> - His cher ful oft con chau<i>n</i>ge, - </p> - <span class="linenum">712</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat chapel er he my3t sene. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> nygh<i>e</i> (?). <sup>2</sup> MS. clapel. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - X. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Many a cliff he climbed over;</span> - <p> - Mony klyf he ou<i>er</i>-clambe i<i>n</i> contraye3 strau<i>n</i>ge, - </p> - <p> - Fer floten fro his frende3 fremedly he ryde3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">many a ford and stream he crossed, and everywhere - he found a foe.</span> - <p> - At vche warþe oþer wat<i>er</i> þer þe wy3e passed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">716</span> - <p> - He fonde a foo hy<i>m</i> byfore, bot ferly hit were, - </p> - <p> - & þat so foule & so felle, þat fe3t hy<i>m</i> by-hode; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It were too tedious to tell the tenth part of his - adventures</span> - <p> - So mony m<i>er</i>uayl hi mou<i>n</i>t þ<i>er</i> þe mon fynde3, - </p> - <p> - Hit were to tore for to telle of þe tenþe dole. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">with serpents, wolves, and wild men;</span> <span - class="linenum">720</span> - <p> - Sumwhyle wyth worme3 he werre3, & w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> wolues als, - </p> - <p> - Su<i>m</i>whyle wyth wodwos, þat woned i<i>n</i> þe knarre3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">with bulls, bears, and boars.</span> - <p> - Boþe wyth bulle3 & bere3, & bore3 oþ<i>er</i>-quyle, - </p> - <p> - & etayne3, þat hy<i>m</i> a-nelede, of þe he3e felle; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Had he not been both brave and good, doubtless he - had been dead.</span> <span class="linenum">724</span> - <p> - Nade he ben du3ty & dry3e, & dry3tyn had serued, - </p> - <p> - Douteles he hade ben ded, & dreped ful ofte. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The sharp winter was far worse than any war that - ever troubled him.</span> - <p> - For werre wrathed hy<i>m</i> not so much, þat wy<i>n</i>t<i>er</i> was - wors, - </p> - <p> - When þe colde cler wat<i>er</i> fro þe cloude3 schadden, - </p> - <span class="linenum">728</span> - <p> - & fres er hit falle my3t to þe fale erþe; - </p> - <p> - Ner slayn wyth þe slete he sleped i<i>n</i> his yrnes, - </p> - <p> - Mo ny3te3 þe<i>n</i> i<i>n</i>-noghe i<i>n</i> naked rokke3, - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>er</i> as clat<i>er</i>ande fro þe crest þe colde borne re<i>n</i>ne3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">732</span> - <p> - & henged he3e ou<i>er</i> his hede i<i>n</i> hard ÿsse-ikkles. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Thus in peril he travels till Christmas-eve.</span> - <p> - Þus i<i>n</i> peryl, & payne, & plytes ful harde, - </p> - <p> - Bi contray carye3 þis kny3t, tyl kryst-masse euen, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - al one; - </p> - <span class="linenum">736</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe kny3t wel þat tyde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">To the Virgin Mary he prays to guide him to some - abode.</span> - <p class="i4"> - To Mary made his mone. - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þat ho hy<i>m</i> red to ryde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 101.]</span> - <p class="i4"> - & wysse hy<i>m</i> to su<i>m</i> wone. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">On the morn Sir Gawayne finds himself in a deep - forest,</span> <span class="linenum">740</span> - <p> - Bi a mou<i>n</i>te on þe morne meryly he rydes, - </p> - <p> - Into a forest ful dep, þat ferly wat3 wylde, - </p> - <p> - Hi3e hille3 on vche a halue, & holt wode3 vnder, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">where were old oaks many a hundred.</span> - <p> - Of hore oke3 fill hoge a hundreth to-geder; - </p> - <span class="linenum">744</span> - <p> - Þe hasel & þe ha3-þorne were harled al samen, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> ro3e raged mosse rayled ay-where, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Many sad birds upon bare twigs piped piteously - for the cold.</span> - <p> - With mony brydde3 vnblyþe vpon bare twyges, - </p> - <p> - Þat pitosly þer piped for pyne of þe colde. - </p> - <span class="linenum">748</span> - <p> - Þe gome vpon Gryngolet glyde3 hem vnder, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Through many a mire he goes, that he may - celebrate the birth of Christ.</span> - <p> - Þur3 mony misy & myre, mo<i>n</i> al hy<i>m</i> one, - </p> - <p> - Carande for his costes, lest he ne keu<i>er</i> schulde, - </p> - <p> - To se þe seruy<sup>1</sup> of þat syre, þat on þat self ny3t - </p> - <span class="linenum">752</span> - <p> - Of a burde wat3 borne, oure baret to quelle; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He beseeches the Virgin Mary to direct him to - some lodging where he may hear mass.</span> - <p> - & þerfore syky<i>n</i>g he sayde, "I be-seche þe, lorde, - </p> - <p> - & Mary, þat is myldest moder so dere. - </p> - <p> - Of su<i>m</i> herber, þer he3ly I my3t here masse. - </p> - <span class="linenum">756</span> - <p> - Ande þy matyne3 to-morne, mekely I ask, - </p> - <p> - & þer-to prestly I pray my pat<i>er</i> & aue, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - & crede." - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He rode i<i>n</i> his prayere, - </p> - <span class="linenum">760</span> - <p class="i4"> - & cryed for his mysdede, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Blessing himself, he says, "Cross of Christ, - speed me!"</span> - <p class="i4"> - He sayned hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> syþes sere, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & sayde "cros Kryst me spede!" - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> seruyce (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Scarcely had he blessed himself thrice</span> - <p> - Nade he sayned hy<i>m</i>-self, segge, bot þrye, - </p> - <span class="linenum">764</span> - <p> - Er he wat3 war i<i>n</i> þe wod of a won i<i>n</i> a mote. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">when he saw a dwelling in the wood, set on a - hill,</span> - <p> - Abof a lau<i>n</i>de, on a lawe, loken vnder bo3e3, - </p> - <p> - Of mony borelych bole, aboute bi þe diches; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the comeliest castle that knight ever owned.</span> - <p> - A castel þe comlokest þat eu<i>er</i> kny3t a3te, - </p> - <span class="linenum">768</span> - <p> - Pyched on a prayere, a park al aboute, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a pyked palays, pyned ful þik, - </p> - <p> - Þat vmbe-te3e mony tre mo þe<i>n</i> two myle. - </p> - <p> - Þat holde on þat on syde þe haþel auysed, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It shone as the sun through the bright oaks.</span> - <span class="linenum">772</span> - <p> - As hit schemered & schon þur3 þe schyre oke3; - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne hat3 he hendly of his helme, & he3ly he þonke3 - </p> - <p> - Iesus & say[nt] Gilyan, þat gentyle ar boþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 101<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - Þat cortaysly hade hy<i>m</i> kydde, & his cry herkened. - </p> - <span class="linenum">776</span> - <p> - "Now bone hostel," coþe þe burne, "I be-seche yow 3ette!" - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne gedere3 he to Gryngolet w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe gilt hele3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne goes to the chief gate,</span> - <p> - & he ful chau<i>n</i>cely hat3 chosen to þe chef gate, - </p> - <p> - Þat bro3t bremly þe burne to þe bryge ende, - </p> - <span class="linenum">780</span> - <p class="i8"> - i<i>n</i> haste; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and finds the draw-bridge raised, and the gates - shut fast.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe bryge wat3 breme vp-brayde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe 3ate3 wer stoken faste, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe walle3 were wel arayed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">784</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hit dut no wynde3 blaste. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The knight abides on the bank,</span> - <p> - Þe burne bode on bonk, þat on blonk houed, - </p> - <p> - Of þe depe double dich þat drof to þe place, - </p> - <p> - Þe walle wod i<i>n</i> þe wat<i>er</i> wonderly depe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and observes the "huge height,"</span> <span - class="linenum">788</span> - <p> - Ande eft a ful huge he3t hit haled vpon lofte, - </p> - <p> - Of harde hewen ston vp to þe table3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">with its battlements and watch towers.</span> - <p> - Enbaned vnder þe abataylme<i>n</i>t, i<i>n</i> þe best lawe; - </p> - <p> - & syþen garyte3 ful gaye gered bi-twene, - </p> - <span class="linenum">792</span> - <p> - Wyth mony luflych loupe, þat louked ful clene; - </p> - <p> - A bett<i>er</i> barbican þat burne blusched vpon neu<i>er</i>; - </p> - <p> - & i<i>n</i>nermore he be-helde þat halle ful hy3e, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Bright and long were its round towers,</span> - <p> - Towre telded bytwene trochet ful þik, - </p> - <span class="linenum">796</span> - <p> - Fayre fylyole3 þat fy3ed, & ferlyly long, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">with their well-made capitals.</span> - <p> - With coruon coprou<i>n</i>es, craftyly sle3e; - </p> - <p> - Chalk whyt chymnees þer ches he i<i>n</i>-no3e, - </p> - <p> - Vpon bastel roue3, þat blenked ful quyte; - </p> - <span class="linenum">800</span> - <p> - So mony pynakle payntet wat3 poudred ay quere, - </p> - <p> - Amo<i>n</i>g þe castel carnele3, clambred so þik, - </p> - <p> - Þat pared out of papure purely hit semed. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He thinks it fair enough if he might only come - within the cloister.</span> - <p> - Þe fre freke on þe fole hit fayr i<i>n</i>-n[o]ghe þo3t, - </p> - <span class="linenum">804</span> - <p> - If he my3t keu<i>er</i> to com þe cloyst<i>e</i>r wyth-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - To herber i<i>n</i> þat hostel, whyl halyday lested - </p> - <p class="i8"> - auinant; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He calls, and soon there comes a porter to know - the knight's errand.</span> - <p class="i4"> - He calde, & sone þer com - </p> - <span class="linenum">808</span> - <p class="i4"> - A porter pure plesau<i>n</i>t, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - On þe wal his ernd he nome, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & haylsed þe kny3t errau<i>n</i>t. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XIV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Good sir," says Gawayne, "ask the high lord of - this house to grant me a lodging."</span> - <p> - "Gode s<i>ir</i>," q<i>uod</i> Gawan, "wolde3 þ<i>o</i>u go my<i>n</i> - ernde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">812</span> - <p> - To þe he3 lorde of þis ho<i>us</i>, herber to craue?" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 102.]</span> - <p> - "3e, Pet<i>er</i>," q<i>uod</i> þe port<i>er</i>, "& purely I - trowe,<sup>1</sup> - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"You are welcome to dwell here as long as you - like," replied the porter.</span> - <p> - Þat 3e be, wy3e, welcu<i>m</i> to won quyle yow lyke3." - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> 3ede þ<i>a</i>t wy3e a3ayn awyþe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">816</span> - <p> - & folke frely hy<i>m</i> wyth, to fonge þe kny3t; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The draw-bridge is let down,</span> - <p> - Þay let dou<i>n</i> þe grete dra3t, & derely out 3eden, - </p> - <p> - & kneled dou<i>n</i> on her knes vpon þe colde erþe, - </p> - <p> - To welcu<i>m</i> þis ilk wy3, as worþy hom þo3t; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and the gate is opened wide to receive him.</span> - <span class="linenum">820</span> - <p> - Þay 3olden hy<i>m</i> þe brode 3ate, 3arked vp wyde, - </p> - <p> - & he hem raysed rekenly, & rod ou<i>er</i> þe brygge; - </p> - <p> - Sere segge3 hy<i>m</i> sesed by sadel, quel<sup>2</sup> he ly3t, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His horse is well stabled.</span> - <p> - & syþen stabeled his stede stif me<i>n</i> i<i>n</i>-no3e. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Knights and squires bring Gawayne into the hall.</span> - <span class="linenum">824</span> - <p> - Kny3te3 & swyere3 comen dou<i>n</i> þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - For to bry<i>n</i>g þis burne<sup>3</sup> wyth blys i<i>n</i>-to - halle; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Many a one hastens to take his helmet and sword.</span> - <p> - Quen he hef vp his helme, þer hi3ed i<i>n</i>-nogh<i>e</i> - </p> - <p> - For to hent hit at his honde, þe hende to seruen, - </p> - <span class="linenum">828</span> - <p> - His bronde & his blasou<i>n</i> boþe þay token. - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> haylsed he ful hendly þo haþele3 vch one, - </p> - <p> - & mony proud mon þer p<i>re</i>sed, þat pry<i>n</i>ce to hono<i>ur</i>; - </p> - <p> - Alle hasped i<i>n</i> his he3 wede to halle þay hy<i>m</i> wo<i>n</i>nen, - </p> - <span class="linenum">832</span> - <p> - Þer fayre fyre vpon flet fersly bre<i>n</i>ned. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of the country bids him welcome,</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne þe lorde of þe lede loute3 fro his chambre, - </p> - <p> - For to mete wyth menske þe mon on þe flor; - </p> - <p> - He sayde, "3e ar welcu<i>m</i> to welde as yow lyke3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">836</span> - <p> - Þat here is, al is yowre awen, to haue at yowre wylle - </p> - <p class="i8"> - & welde." - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "Grau<i>n</i>t mercy," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "Þer Kryst hit yow for-3elde," - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and they embrace each other.</span> <span - class="linenum">840</span> - <p class="i4"> - As freke3 þat semed fayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ayþ<i>er</i> oþ<i>er</i> i<i>n</i> arme3 co<i>n</i> felde. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> trowoe, MS. <sup>2</sup> quyle (?) or quen (?). <sup>3</sup> - buurne, MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne looks on his host;</span> - <p> - Gawayn gly3t on þe gome þat godly hy<i>m</i> gret, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">a big bold one he seemed.</span> - <p> - & þu3t hit a bolde burne þat þe bur3 a3te, - </p> - <span class="linenum">844</span> - <p> - A hoge haþel for þe none3, & of hygh<i>e</i> elde;<sup>1</sup> - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Beaver-hued was his broad beard,</span> - <p> - Brode bry3t wat3 his berde, & al beu<i>er</i> hwed, - </p> - <p> - Sturne stif on þe stryþþe on stal-worth schonke3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and his face as "fell as the fire."</span> - <p> - Felle face as þe fyre, & fre of hys speche; - </p> - <span class="linenum">848</span> - <p> - & wel hy<i>m</i> semed for soþe, as þe segge þu3t, - </p> - <p> - To lede a lortschyp i<i>n</i> lee of leude3 ful gode. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 102<i>b</i>.]<br />The lord leads Gawayne to - a chamber, and assigns him a page to wait upon him.</span> - <p> - Þe lorde hy<i>m</i> charred to a chambre, & chefly cu<i>m</i>au<i>n</i>de3<sup>2</sup> - </p> - <p> - To delyu<i>er</i> hym a leude, hym lo3ly to serue; - </p> - <span class="linenum">852</span> - <p> - & þere were bou<i>n</i> at his bode burne3 i<i>n</i>-no3e, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">In this bright bower was noble bedding;</span> - <p> - Þat bro3t hy<i>m</i> to a bry3t boure, þ<i>er</i> beddy<i>n</i>g wat3 - noble, - </p> - <p> - Of cortynes of clene sylk, wyth cler golde he<i>m</i>me3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the curtains were of pure silk with golden hems;</span> - <p> - & cou<i>er</i>tore3 ful curious, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> comlych pane3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">856</span> - <p> - Of bry3t blaunni<i>er</i> a-boue enbrawded bisyde3, - </p> - <p> - Rudele3 re<i>n</i>nande on rope3, red golde ry<i>n</i>ge3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Tarsic tapestries covered the walls and the - floor.</span> - <p> - Tapyte3 ty3t to þe wo3e, of tuly & tars, - </p> - <p> - & vnder fete, on þe flet, of fol3ande sute. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Here the knight doffed his armour,</span> <span - class="linenum">860</span> - <p> - Þer he wat3 dispoyled, wyth speche3 of my<i>er</i>þe, - </p> - <p> - Þe burn of his bruny, & of his bry3t wede3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and put on rich robes,</span> - <p> - Ryche robes ful rad renkke3 hem<sup>3</sup> bro3ten, - </p> - <p> - For to charge, & to chaunge, & chose of þe best. - </p> - <span class="linenum">864</span> - <p> - Sone as he on hent, & happed þ<i>er</i>-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - Þat sete on hym<sup>4</sup> semly, wyth saylande skyrte3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">which well became him.</span> - <p> - Þe ver by his uisage verayly hit semed - </p> - <p> - Wel ne3 to vche haþel alle on hwes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">868</span> - <p> - Lowande & lufly, alle his ly<i>m</i>me3 vnder, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A more comely knight Christ never made.</span> - <p> - Þat a comloker kny3t neue<i>r</i> Kryst made, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - hem þo3t; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Wheþen i<i>n</i> worlde he were, - </p> - <span class="linenum">872</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hit semed as he my3t - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Be prynce w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-outen pere, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - I<i>n</i> felde þ<i>er</i> felle me<i>n</i> fy3t. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> eldee, MS. <sup>2</sup> clesly, MS. <sup>3</sup> hym (?). - <sup>4</sup> MS. hyn. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">A chair is placed for Sir Gawayne before the - fireplace.</span> - <p> - A cheyer by-fore þe chemné, þ<i>er</i> charcole bre<i>n</i>ned, - </p> - <span class="linenum">876</span> - <p> - Wat3 grayþed for s<i>ir</i> Gawan, grayþely w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> cloþe3, - </p> - <p> - Whyssynes vpon queldepoynt<i>es</i>, þa[t] koy<i>n</i>t wer boþe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A mantle of fine linen, richly embroidered, is - thrown over him.</span> - <p> - & þe<i>n</i>ne a mere mantyle wat3 on þat mon cast, - </p> - <p> - Of a brou<i>n</i> bleeau<i>n</i>t, enbrauded ful ryche, - </p> - <span class="linenum">880</span> - <p> - & fayre furred wyth-i<i>n</i>ne w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> felle3 of þe - best, - </p> - <p> - Alle of ermyn i<i>n</i> erde, his hode of þe same; - </p> - <p> - & he sete i<i>n</i> þat settel semlych ryche, - </p> - <p> - & achaufed hy<i>m</i> chefly,<sup>1</sup> & þe<i>n</i>ne his - cher mended. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A table is soon raised,</span> <span - class="linenum">884</span> - <p> - Sone wat3 telded vp a tapit, on treste3 ful fayre, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and the knight, having washed, proceeded to meat.</span> - <p> - Clad wyth a clene cloþe, þat cler quyt schewed, - </p> - <p> - Sanap, & salure, & syluer-i<i>n</i> spone3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 103.]</span> - <p> - Þe wy3e wesche at his wylle, & went to his mete - </p> - <span class="linenum">888</span> - <p> - Segge3 hym serued semly i<i>n</i>-no3e, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He is served with numerous dishes;</span> - <p> - Wyth sere sewes & sete,<sup>2</sup> sesou<i>n</i>de of þe best, - </p> - <p> - Double felde, as hit falle3, & fele kyn fische3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">with fish baked and broiled,</span> - <p> - Su<i>m</i>me baken i<i>n</i> bred, su<i>m</i>me brad on þe glede3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">or boiled and seasoned with spices.</span> <span - class="linenum">892</span> - <p> - Su<i>m</i>me soþen, su<i>m</i>me i<i>n</i> sewe, sau<i>er</i>ed w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> - spyces, - </p> - <p> - & ay sawes<sup>3</sup> so sle3e3, þat þe segge lyked. - </p> - <p> - Þe freke calde hit a fest ful frely & ofte, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He calls it a full noble feast,</span> - <p> - Ful hendely, quen alle þe haþeles re-hayted hy<i>m</i> at one3 - </p> - <span class="linenum">896</span> - <p class="i8"> - as hende; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "Þis penau<i>n</i>ce now 3e take, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & eft hit schal amende;" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and much mirth he makes, for the wine is in his - head.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat mon much m<i>er</i>þe con make. - </p> - <span class="linenum">900</span> - <p class="i4"> - For wy<i>n</i> i<i>n</i> his hed þat wende. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. cefly. <sup>2</sup> swete (?). <sup>3</sup> sewes (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne, in answer to questions put to him,</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne wat3 spyed & spured vpon spare wyse. - </p> - <p> - Bi preue poynte3 of þat prynce, put to hy<i>m</i>-seluen, - </p> - <p> - Þat he be-knew cortaysly of þe court þat he were, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">tells the prince that he is of Arthur's court.</span> - <span class="linenum">904</span> - <p> - Þat aþel Arthure þe hende halde3 hy<i>m</i> one, - </p> - <p> - Þat is þe ryche ryal ky<i>n</i>g of þe rou<i>n</i>de table; - </p> - <p> - & hit wat3 Wawen hy<i>m</i>-self þat i<i>n</i> þat won sytte3, - </p> - <p> - Comen to þat krystmasse, as case hy<i>m</i> þen lymped. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">When this was made known,</span> <span - class="linenum">908</span> - <p> - When þe lorde hade lerned þat he þe leude hade, - </p> - <p> - Loude la3ed he þ<i>er</i>at, so lef hit hy<i>m</i> þo3t, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">great was the joy in the hall.</span> - <p> - & alle þe men i<i>n</i> þat mote maden much joye, - </p> - <p> - To apere i<i>n</i> his presense prestly þat tyme, - </p> - <span class="linenum">912</span> - <p> - Þat alle prys, & prowes, & pured þewes - </p> - <p> - Apendes to hys persou<i>n</i>, & praysed is eu<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - By-fore alle men vpon molde, his mensk is þe most. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Each one said softly to his mate,</span> - <p> - Vch segge ful softly sayde to his fere, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Now we shall see courteous manners and hear - noble speech,</span> <span class="linenum">916</span> - <p> - "Now schal we semlych se sle3te3 of þewe3, - </p> - <p> - & þe teccheles termes of talky<i>n</i>g noble, - </p> - <p> - Wich spede is i<i>n</i> speche, vnspurd may we lerne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">for we have amongst us the 'father of nurture.'</span> - <p> - Sy<i>n</i> we haf fonged þat fyne fader of nurture; - </p> - <span class="linenum">920</span> - <p> - God hat3 geuen v<i>us</i> his g<i>ra</i>ce godly for soþe, - </p> - <p> - Þat such a gest as Gawan grau<i>n</i>te3 v<i>us</i> to haue, - </p> - <p> - When burne3 blyþe of his burþe schal sitte - </p> - <p class="i8"> - & sy<i>n</i>ge. - </p> - <span class="linenum">924</span> - <p class="i4"> - I<i>n</i> meny<i>n</i>g of man<i>er</i>e3 mere, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 103<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þis burne now schal v<i>us</i> bry<i>n</i>g, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He that may him hear shall learn of - love-talking."</span> - <p class="i4"> - I hope þat may hy<i>m</i> here, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Schal lerne of luf-talky<i>n</i>g." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XVIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">After dinner the company go to the chapel,</span> - <span class="linenum">928</span> - <p> - Bi þat þe diner wat3 done, & þe dere vp, - </p> - <p> - Hit wat3 ne3 at þe niy3t ne3ed þe tyme; - </p> - <p> - Chaplayne3<sup>1</sup> to þe chapeles chosen þe gate, - </p> - <p> - Ru<i>n</i>gen ful rychely, ry3t as þay schulden, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">to hear the evensong of the great season.</span> - <span class="linenum">932</span> - <p> - To þe hersu<i>m</i> euensong of þe hy3e tyde. - </p> - <p> - Þe lorde loutes þerto, & þe lady als, - </p> - <p> - I<i>n</i>-to a comly closet coyntly ho entre3; - </p> - <p> - Gawan glyde3 ful gay, & gos þeder sone; - </p> - <span class="linenum">936</span> - <p> - Þe lorde laches hy<i>m</i> by þe lappe, & lede3 hy<i>m</i> to - sytte, - </p> - <p> - & couþly hy<i>m</i> knowe3, & calle3 hy<i>m</i> his nome, - </p> - <p> - & sayde he wat3 þe welcomest wy3e of þe worlde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of the castle and Sir Gawayne sit - together during service.</span> - <p> - & he hy<i>m</i> þonkked þroly, & ayþ<i>er</i> halched oþer. - </p> - <span class="linenum">940</span> - <p> - & seten soberly samen þe seruise-quyle; - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne lyst þe lady to loke on þe kny3t. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His wife, accompanied by her maids, leaves her - seat.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne com ho of hir closet, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony cler - burde3, - </p> - <p> - Ho wat3 þe fayrest i<i>n</i> felle, of flesche & of lyre, - </p> - <span class="linenum">944</span> - <p> - & of compas, & colo<i>ur</i>, & costes of alle oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">She appeared even fairer than Guenever.</span> - <p> - & wener þen Wenore, as þe wy3e þo3t. - </p> - <p> - He ches þur3 þe chau<i>n</i>sel, to cheryche þat hende; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">An older lady (an ancient one she seemed) led her - by the hand.</span> - <p> - An oþer lady hir lad bi þe lyft honde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">948</span> - <p> - Þat wat3 alder þen ho, an au<i>n</i>cian hit semed, - </p> - <p> - & he3ly honowred w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> haþele3 aboute. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Very unlike were these two.</span> - <p> - Bot yn-lyke on to loke þo ladyes were, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">if the young one was fair the other was yellow,</span> - <p> - For if þe 3onge wat3 3ep, 3ol3e wat3 þ<i>a</i>t oþ<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="linenum">952</span> - <p> - Riche red on þat on rayled ay quere, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and had rough and wrinkled cheeks.</span> - <p> - Rugh ronkled cheke3 þat oþ<i>er</i> on rolled; - </p> - <p> - Kerchofes of þat on wyth mony cler perle3 - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The younger had breast and throat "bare - displayed."</span> - <p> - Hir brest & hir bry3t þrote bare displayed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">956</span> - <p> - Schon schyrer þe<i>n</i> snawe, þat scheder<sup>2</sup> on hille3; - </p> - <p> - Þat oþ<i>er</i> wyth a gorger wat3 gered ou<i>er</i> þe swyre, - </p> - <p> - Chymbled ou<i>er</i> hir blake chyn w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mylk-quyte - vayles, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The ancient one exposed only her "black brows," - her two eyes,</span> - <p> - Hir frou<i>n</i>t folden i<i>n</i> sylk, enfoubled ay quere, - </p> - <span class="linenum">960</span> - <p> - Toret & treieted w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> tryfle3 aboute, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 104.]<br />nose, and naked lips, all sour - and bleared.</span> - <p> - Þat no3t wat3 bare of þat burde bot þe blake bro3es. - </p> - <p> - Þe tweyne y3en, & þe nase, þe naked lyppe3, - </p> - <p> - & þose were soure to se, & sellyly blered; - </p> - <span class="linenum">964</span> - <p> - A mensk lady on molde mo<i>n</i> may hir calle, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - for gode; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Her body was short and thick;</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hir body wat3 schort & þik. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">her buttocks broad and round.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hir buttoke3 bay & brode, - </p> - <span class="linenum">968</span> - <p class="i4"> - More lykker-wys on to lyk, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Wat3 þat scho hade on lode. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. [claplayne3.] <sup>2</sup> schedes (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XIX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">With permission of the lord,</span> - <p> - When Gawayn gly3t on þ<i>a</i>t gay, þ<i>a</i>t g<i>ra</i>cio<i>us</i>ly - loked, - </p> - <p> - Wyth leue la3t of þe lorde he went hem a3aynes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne salutes the elder,</span> <span - class="linenum">972</span> - <p> - Þe alder he haylses, heldande ful lowe, - </p> - <p> - Þe loueloker he lappe3 a lyttel i<i>n</i> arme3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but the younger he kisses,</span> - <p> - He kysses hir comlyly, & kny3tly he mele3; - </p> - <p> - Þay kallen hy<i>m</i> of a quoy<i>n</i>tau<i>n</i>ce, & he hit - quyk aske3 - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and begs to be her servant.</span> <span - class="linenum">976</span> - <p> - To be her seruau<i>n</i>t sothly, if hem-self lyked. - </p> - <p> - Þay tan hy<i>m</i> bytwene hem, wyth talky<i>n</i>g hy<i>m</i> leden - </p> - <span class="sidenote">To chamber all go,</span> - <p> - To chambre, to chemné, & chefly þay asken - </p> - <span class="sidenote">where spices and wine are served.</span> - <p> - Spyce3, þat vn-sparely me<i>n</i> speded hom to bry<i>n</i>g, - </p> - <span class="linenum">980</span> - <p> - & þe wy<i>n</i>ne-lych wyne þ<i>er</i>-w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> vche - tyme. - </p> - <p> - Þe lorde luflych aloft lepe3 ful ofte, - </p> - <p> - My<i>n</i>ned m<i>er</i>the to be made vpon mony syþe3. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord takes off his hood and places it on a - spear.</span> - <p> - Hent he3ly of his hode, & on a spere henged, - </p> - <span class="linenum">984</span> - <p> - & wayned hom to wy<i>n</i>ne þe worchip þer-of, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He who makes most mirth is to win it.</span> - <p> - Þat most myrþe my3t mene<sup>1</sup> þ<i>a</i>t crystenmas whyle; - </p> - <p> - "& i schal fonde, bi my fayth, to fylt<i>er</i> wyth þe best, - </p> - <p> - Er me wont þe wede3, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> help of my frende3." - </p> - <span class="linenum">988</span> - <p> - Þ<i>us</i> wyth la3ande lote3 þe lorde hit tayt<sup>2</sup> make3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Night approaches, and then</span> - <p> - For to glade s<i>ir</i> Gawayn w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gomne3 i<i>n</i> - halle - </p> - <p class="i8"> - þ<i>a</i>t ny3t; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Til þat hit wat3 tyme, - </p> - <span class="linenum">992</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe ky<i>n</i>g comau<i>n</i>det ly3t, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne takes his leave and retires to rest.</span> - <p class="i4"> - S<i>ir</i> Gawen his leue con nyme, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & to his bed hy<i>m</i> di3t. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> meue (?). <sup>2</sup> layt (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">On Christmas morn,</span> - <p> - On þe morne, as vch mon myne3 þat tyme, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">joy reigns in every dwelling in the world.</span> - <span class="linenum">996</span> - <p> - [Þ]at dry3tyn for oure destyné to de3e wat3 borne, - </p> - <p> - Wele waxe3 i<i>n</i> vche a won i<i>n</i> worlde, for his sake; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">So did it in the castle where our knight abode.</span> - <p> - So did hit þere on þat day, þur3 dayntes mony; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 104<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - Boþe at mes & at mele, messes ful quaynt - </p> - <span class="linenum">1000</span> - <p> - Derf men vpon dece drest of þe best. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord and "the old ancient wife" sit together.</span> - <p> - Þe olde au<i>n</i>cian wyf he3est ho sytte3; - </p> - <p> - Þe lorde lufly her by lent, as I trowe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne sits by the wife of his host.</span> - <p> - Gawan & þe gay burde to-geder þay seten, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1004</span> - <p> - Euen i<i>n</i>-mydde3, as þe messe metely come; - </p> - <p> - & syþen þur3 al þe sale, as hem best semed, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It were too tedious to tell of the meat, the - mirth, and the joy that abounded everywhere.</span> - <p> - Bi vche grome at his degre g<i>ray</i>þely wat3 serued. - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>er</i> wat3 mete, þer wat3 myrþe, þ<i>er</i> wat3 much ioye, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1008</span> - <p> - Þat for to telle þerof hit me tene were, - </p> - <p> - & to poynte hit 3et I pyned me p<i>ar</i>aue<i>n</i>ture; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne and his beautiful companion derive much - comfort from each other's conversation.</span> - <p> - Bot 3et I wot þat Wawen & þe wale burde - </p> - <p> - Such comfort of her compaynye ca3ten to-geder, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1012</span> - <p> - Þur3 her dere dalyau<i>n</i>ce of her derne worde3, - </p> - <p> - Wyth clene cortays carp, closed fro fylþe; - </p> - <p> - & hor play wat3 passande vche prynce gomen, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - i<i>n</i> vayres; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Trumpets and nakers give forth their sounds.</span> - <span class="linenum">1016</span> - <p class="i4"> - Tru<i>m</i>pe3 & nakerys, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Much pypy<i>n</i>g þ<i>er</i> repayres, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Vche mo<i>n</i> tented hys, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & þay two te<i>n</i>ted þayres. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XXI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Great was the joy for three days.</span> <span - class="linenum">1020</span> - <p> - Much dut wat3 þer dryuen þat day & þat oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - & þe þryd as þro þronge i<i>n</i> þeraft<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">St. John's-day was the last of the Christmas - festival.</span> - <p> - Þe ioye of sayn Ione3 day wat3 gentyle to here, - </p> - <p> - & wat3 þe last of þe layk, leude3 þer þo3ten. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1024</span> - <p> - Þer wer gestes to go vpon þe gray morne, - </p> - <p> - For-þy wonderly þay woke, & þe wyn dronken, - </p> - <p> - Dau<i>n</i>sed ful dre3ly wyth dere carole3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">On the morrow many of the guests took their - departure from the castle.</span> - <p> - At þe last, when hit wat3 late, þay lachen her leue, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1028</span> - <p> - Vchon to wende on his way, þat wat3 wy3e stronge. - </p> - <p> - Gawan gef hy<i>m</i> god-day, þe god mo<i>n</i> hy<i>m</i> lachche3, - </p> - <p> - Ledes hy<i>m</i> to his awen chambre, þ[e] chy<i>m</i>né bysyde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne is thanked by his host for the honour - and pleasure of his visit.</span> - <p> - & þere he dra3e3 hy<i>m</i> on-dry3e, & derely hy<i>m</i> - þonkke3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1032</span> - <p> - Of þe wy<i>n</i>ne worschip &<sup>1</sup> he hy<i>m</i> wayned - hade, - </p> - <p> - As to hono<i>ur</i> his ho<i>us</i> on þat hy3e tyde, - </p> - <p> - & enbelyse his bur3 w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his bele chere. - </p> - <p> - "I-wysse s<i>ir</i>, quyl I leue, me worþe3 þe better, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 105.]</span> <span class="linenum">1036</span> - <p> - Þat Gawayn hat3 ben my gest, at Godde3 awen fest." - </p> - <p> - "G<i>ra</i>nt merci<sup>2</sup> s<i>ir</i>," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "i<i>n</i> - god fayth hit is yowre3, - </p> - <p> - Al þe hono<i>ur</i> is yo<i>ur</i> awen, þe he3e ky<i>n</i>g yow - 3elde; - </p> - <p> - & I am wy3e at yo<i>ur</i> wylle, to worch yo<i>ur</i>e hest, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1040</span> - <p> - As I am halden þ<i>er</i>-to, i<i>n</i> hy3e & i<i>n</i> lo3e, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - bi ri3t." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He endeavours to keep the knight at his court.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lorde fast can hy<i>m</i> payne, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - To holde lenger þe kny3t, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1044</span> - <p class="i4"> - To hy<i>m</i> answre3 Gawayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bi non way þat he my3t. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> þat (?). <sup>2</sup> nerci, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He desires to know what had driven Sir Gawayne - from Arthur's court before the end of the Christmas holidays.</span> - <p> - Then frayned þe freke ful fayre at him-selue<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p> - Quat derne<sup>1</sup> dede had hy<i>m</i> dryuen, at þat dere tyme, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1048</span> - <p> - So kenly fro þe ky<i>n</i>ge3 kourt to kayre al his one, - </p> - <p> - Er þe halidaye3 holly were halet out of tou<i>n</i>? - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight replies that "a high errand and a - hasty one" had forced him to leave the court.</span> - <p> - "For soþe s<i>ir</i>," q<i>uod</i> þe segge, "3e sayn bot þe trawþe - </p> - <p> - A he3e ernde & a hasty me hade fro þo wone3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1052</span> - <p> - For I am su<i>m</i>ned my selfe to sech to a place, - </p> - <p> - I wot<sup>2</sup> i<i>n</i> worlde wheder warde to wende, hit to - fynde; - </p> - <p> - I nolde, bot if I hit negh my3t on nw3eres morne, - </p> - <p> - For alle þe londe i<i>n</i>-wyth Logres, so me oure lorde help! - </p> - <span class="linenum">1056</span> - <p> - For-þy, s<i>ir</i>, þis enquest I require yow here, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He asks his host whether he has ever heard of the - Green Chapel,</span> - <p> - Þat 3e me telle w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> trawþe, if eu<i>er</i> 3e tale - herde - </p> - <p> - Of þe grene chapel, quere hit on grou<i>n</i>de stonde3, - </p> - <p> - & of þe kny3t þat hit kepes, of colo<i>ur</i> of grene? - </p> - <span class="linenum">1060</span> - <p> - Þ<i>er</i> wat3 stabled bi statut a steuen v<i>us</i> by-twene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">for he has to be there on New Year's-day.</span> - <p> - To mete þat mon at þ<i>a</i>t mere, 3if I my3t last; - </p> - <p> - & of þat ilk nw3ere hot neked now wonte3, - </p> - <p> - & I wolde loke on þat lede, if God me let wolde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1064</span> - <p> - Gladloker, bi Godde3 su<i>n</i>, þe<i>n</i> any god welde! - </p> - <p> - For-þi, I-wysse, bi 3owre wylle, wende me bi-houes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He wonld as lief die as fail in his errand.</span> - <p> - Naf I now to busy bot bare þre daye3, - </p> - <p> - & me als fayn to falle feye as fayly of myy<i>n</i> ernde." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The prince tells Sir Gawayne that he will teach - him the way.</span> <span class="linenum">1068</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne la3ande q<i>uod</i> þe lorde, "now leng þe by-houes, - </p> - <p> - For I schal teche yow to þa[t] terme bi þe tyme3 ende, - </p> - <p> - Þe grene chapayle vpon grou<i>n</i>de, greue yow no more; - </p> - <p> - Bot 3e schal be i<i>n</i> yowre bed, burne, at þy<i>n</i> ese, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1072</span> - <p> - Quyle forth dayej, & ferk on pe fyrst of pe 3ere, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 105<i>b</i>]</span> - <p> - & cum to þat merk at mydmorn, to make quat yow like3 - </p> - <p class="i8"> - in spe<i>n</i>ne; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Dowelle3 whyle new 3eres daye, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1076</span> - <p class="i4"> - & rys, & rayke3 þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The Green chapel is not more than two miles from - the castle.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Mo<i>n</i> schal yow sette i<i>n</i> waye, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Hit is not two myle he<i>n</i>ne." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> derue (?). <sup>2</sup> not (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then was Gawayne glad,</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne wat3 Gawan ful glad, & gomenly he la3ed,— - </p> - <span class="linenum">1080</span> - <p> - "Now I þonk yow þryuandely þur3 alle oþ<i>er</i> þy<i>n</i>ge, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and consents to tarry awhile at the castle.</span> - <p> - Now acheued is my chau<i>n</i>ce, I schal at yo<i>ur</i> wylle - </p> - <p> - Dowelle, & elle3 do quat 3e demen." - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne sesed hy<i>m</i> þe syre, & set hy<i>m</i> bysyde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The ladies are brought in to solace him.</span> - <span class="linenum">1084</span> - <p> - Let þe ladie3 be fette, to lyke he<i>m</i> þe bett<i>er</i>; - </p> - <p> - Þer wat3 seme solace by hem-self stille; - </p> - <p> - Þe lorde let for luf lote3 so myry, - </p> - <p> - As wy3 þat wolde of his wyte, ne wyst quat he my3t. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1088</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne he carped to þe kny3t, criande loude, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of the castle asks the knight to grant - him one request;</span> - <p> - "3e han demed to do þe dede þat I bidde; - </p> - <p> - Wyl 3e halde þis hes here at þys one3?" - </p> - <p> - "3e s<i>ir</i>, for-soþe," sayd þe segge trwe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1092</span> - <p> - "Whyl I byde i<i>n</i> yowre bor3e, be bayn to 3ow[r]e hest." - </p> - <p> - "For 3e haf trauayled," q<i>uod</i> þe tulk, "towen fro ferre, - </p> - <p> - & syþen waked me wyth, 3e arn not wel waryst, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">That he will stay in his chamber during mass - time,</span> - <p> - Nauþ<i>er</i> of sostnau<i>n</i>ce ne of slepe, soþly I knowe; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1096</span> - <p> - 3e schal lenge i<i>n</i> yo<i>ur</i> lofte, & ly3e i<i>n</i> yo<i>ur</i> - ese, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and then go to meat with his hostess.</span> - <p> - To morn quyle þe messe-quyle, & to mete wende, - </p> - <p> - When 3e wyl, wyth my wyf, þat wyth yow schal sitte, - </p> - <p> - & comfort yow w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> compayny, til I to cort torne, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1100</span> - <p class="i8"> - 3e lende; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & I schal erly ryse, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - On hu<i>n</i>ty<i>n</i>g wyl I wende." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne accedes to his request.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Gauayn g<i>ra</i>nte3 alle þyse, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1104</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hy<i>m</i> heldande, as þe hende. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XXIV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Whatsoever," says the host, "I win in the wood - shall be yours,</span> - <p> - "3et firre," q<i>uod</i> þe freke, "a forwarde we make; - </p> - <p> - Quat-so-euer I wy<i>n</i>ne i<i>n</i> þe wod, hit worþe3 to yo<i>ur</i>e3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and what check you achieve shall be mine."</span> - <p> - & quat chek so 3e acheue, chau<i>n</i>ge me þer-forne; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1108</span> - <p> - Swete, swap we so, sware w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> trawþe, - </p> - <p> - Queþer, leude, so lymp lere oþ<i>er</i> bett<i>er</i>." - </p> - <p> - "Bi God," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn þe gode, "I <i>gra</i>nt þ<i>er</i>-tylle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 106.]</span> - <p> - & þat yow lyst forto layke, lef hit me þynk<i>es</i>. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A bargain is made between them.</span> <span - class="linenum">1112</span> - <p> - "Who bri<i>n</i>ge3 v<i>us</i> þis beu<i>er</i>age, þis bargayn is - maked:" - </p> - <p> - So sayde þe lorde of þat lede; þay la3ed vchone, - </p> - <p> - Þay dronken, & daylyeden, & dalten vnty3tel,<sup>1</sup> - </p> - <p> - Þise lorde3 & ladye3, quyle þat hem lyked; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1116</span> - <p> - & syþen w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> frenkysch fare & fele fayre lote3 - </p> - <p> - Þay stoden, & stemed, & stylly speken, - </p> - <p> - Kysten ful comlyly, & ka3ten her leue. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Night approaches and each "to his bed was brought - at the last."</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony leude ful ly3t, & lemande torches, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1120</span> - <p> - Vche burne to his bed wat3 bro3t at þe laste, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - ful softe; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - To bed 3et er þay 3ede, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Recorded couenau<i>n</i>te3 ofte; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1124</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe olde lorde of þat leude,<sup>2</sup> - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Cowþe wel halde layk a-lofte. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> vntyl ny3te (?). <sup>2</sup> lede (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - [FYTTE THE THIRD.] - </h2> - <h2> - I. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Before day-break folks uprise,</span> - <p> - Ful erly bifore þe day þe folk vp-rysen, - </p> - <p> - Gestes þat go wolde, hor grome3 þay calden, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">saddle their horses, and truss their mails.</span> - <span class="linenum">1128</span> - <p> - & þay busken vp bilyue, blonkke3 to sadel, - </p> - <p> - Tyffen he[r] takles, trussen her males, - </p> - <p> - Richen hem þe rychest, to ryde alle arayde, - </p> - <p> - Lepen vp ly3tly, lachen her brydeles, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Each goes where it pleases him best.</span> <span - class="linenum">1132</span> - <p> - Vche wy3e on his way, þer hy<i>m</i> wel lyked. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The noble lord of the land arrays himself for - riding.</span> - <p> - Þe leue lorde of þe londe wat3 not þe last, - </p> - <p> - A-rayed for þe rydy<i>n</i>g, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> renkke3 ful mony; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He eats a sop hastily and goes to mass.</span> - <p> - Ete a sop hastyly, when he hade herde masse, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1136</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> bugle to bent felde he buske3 by-lyue; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Before day-light he and his men are on their - horses.</span> - <p> - By þat þat any day-ly3t lemed vpon erþe, - </p> - <p> - He w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his haþeles on hy3e horsses weren. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then the hounds are called out and coupled.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne þise cacheres þat couþe, cowpled hor hou<i>n</i>de3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1140</span> - <p> - Vnclosed þe kenel dore, & calde hem þ<i>er</i>-oute, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Three short notes are blown by the bugles.</span> - <p> - Blwe bygly i<i>n</i> bugle3 þre bare mote; - </p> - <p> - Braches bayed þ<i>er</i>fore, & breme noyse maked, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A hundred hunters join in the chase.</span> - <p> - & þay chastysed, & charred, on chasy<i>n</i>g þat went; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1144</span> - <p> - A hundreth of hunt<i>er</i>es, as I haf herde telle, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - of þe best; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">To the stations the "fewters" go,</span> - <p class="i4"> - To trystors vewters 3od, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Couples huntes of kest, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 106<i>b</i>.]</span> <span class="linenum">1148</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þ<i>er</i> ros for blaste3 gode, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and the dogs are cast off.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Gret rurd i<i>n</i> þat forest. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - II. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Roused by the clamour the deer rush to the - heights,</span> - <p> - At þe fyrst quethe of þe quest quaked þe wylde; - </p> - <p> - Der drof i<i>n</i> þe dale, doted for drede, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1152</span> - <p> - Hi3ed to þe hy3e, bot het<i>er</i>ly þay were - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but are soon driven back.</span> - <p> - Restayed w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe stablye, þat stoutly ascryed; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The harts and bucks are allowed to pass,</span> - <p> - Þay let þe hertte3 haf þe gate, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe hy3e hedes, - </p> - <p> - Þe breme bukke3 also, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hor brode paume3; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1156</span> - <p> - For þe fre lorde hade de-fende i<i>n</i> fermysou<i>n</i> tyme, - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>a</i>t þ<i>er</i> schulde no mon mene<sup>1</sup> to þe male dere. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but the hinds and does are driven back to the - shades.</span> - <p> - Þe hinde3 were halden i<i>n</i>, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hay & war, - </p> - <p> - Þe does dryuen w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gret dyn to þe depe slade3; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1160</span> - <p> - Þer my3t mon se, as þay slypte, slenty<i>n</i>g of arwes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">As they fly they are shot by the bowmen.</span> - <p> - At vche [þat] wende vnder wande wapped a flone, - </p> - <p> - Þat bigly bote on þe brou<i>n</i>, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> ful brode hede3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The hounds and the hunters, with a loud cry, - follow in pursuit.</span> - <p> - What! þay brayen, & bleden, bi bonkke3 þay de3en. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1164</span> - <p> - & ay rachches i<i>n</i> a res radly hem fol3es, - </p> - <p> - Hu<i>n</i>tere3 wyth hy3e horne hasted hem aft<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Those that escaped the arrows are killed by the - hounds.</span> - <p> - Wyth such a crakkande kry, as klyffes haden brusten; - </p> - <p> - What wylde so at-waped wy3es þat schotten, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1168</span> - <p> - Wat3 al to-raced & rent, at þe resayt. - </p> - <p> - Bi þay were tened at þe hy3e, & taysed to þe wattre3, - </p> - <p> - Þe lede3 were so lerned at þe lo3e trysteres, - </p> - <p> - & þe gre-hou<i>n</i>de3 so grete, þat geten hem bylyue, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1172</span> - <p> - & hem to fylched, as fast as freke3 my3t loke, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - þ<i>er</i> ry3t. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord waxes joyful in the chase,</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lorde for blys abloy - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful oft con lau<i>n</i>ce & ly3t, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">which lasted till the approach of night.</span> - <span class="linenum">1176</span> - <p class="i4"> - & drof þat day wyth Ioy - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Thus to þe derk ny3t. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> meue (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - III. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">All this time Gawayne lies a-bed.</span> - <p> - Þ<i>us</i> layke3 þis lorde by lynde wode3 eue3, - </p> - <p> - & G. þe god mon, i<i>n</i> gay bed lyge3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">under "coverture full clear".</span> <span - class="linenum">1180</span> - <p> - Lurkke3 quyl þe day-ly3t lemed on þe wowes, - </p> - <p> - Vnder couerto<i>ur</i> ful clere, cortyned aboute; - </p> - <p> - & as i<i>n</i> slom<i>er</i>y<i>n</i>g he slode, sle3ly he herde - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He hears a noise at his door.</span> - <p> - A littel dyn at his dor, & derfly vpon; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1184</span> - <p> - & he heue3 vp his hed out of þe cloþes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 107.]</span> - <p> - A corner of þe cortyn he ca3t vp a lyttel, - </p> - <p> - & wayte3 warly þider-warde, quat hit be my3t. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A lady, the loveliest to behold, enters softly.</span> - <p> - Hit wat3 þe ladi, loflyest to be-holde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1188</span> - <p> - Þat dro3 þe dor aft<i>er</i> hir ful dernly<sup>1</sup> & stylle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">She approaches the bed.</span> - <p> - & bo3ed to-warde þe bed; & þe burne schamed. - </p> - <p> - & layde hy<i>m</i> dou<i>n</i> lystyly, & let as he slepte. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne pretends to be asleep.</span> - <p> - & ho stepped stilly. & stel to his bedde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady casts up the curtain and sits on the - bedside.</span> <span class="linenum">1192</span> - <p> - Kest vp þe cortyn, & creped w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - & set hir ful softly on þe bed-syde, - </p> - <p> - & lenged þere selly longe, to loke que<i>n</i> he wakened. - </p> - <p> - Þe lede lay lurked a ful longe quyle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne has much wonder thereat.</span> <span - class="linenum">1196</span> - <p> - Compast i<i>n</i> his concience to quat þat cace my3t - </p> - <p> - Mene oþ<i>er</i> amou<i>n</i>t, to m<i>er</i>uayle hy<i>m</i> þo3t; - </p> - <p> - Bot 3et he sayde i<i>n</i> hy<i>m</i>-self, "more semly hit were - </p> - <p> - To aspye wyth my spelle [in] space quat ho wolde." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He rouses himself up,</span> <span class="linenum">1200</span> - <p> - þen he wakenede, & wroth, & to hir warde torned, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">unlocks his eyes, and looks as if he were - astonished.</span> - <p> - & vn-louked his y3e-lydde3, & let as hy<i>m</i> wondered, - </p> - <p> - & sayned hy<i>m</i>, as bi his sa3e þe sau<i>er</i> to worthe, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hande; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1204</span> - <p class="i4"> - Wyth chy<i>n</i>ne & cheke ful swete, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Boþe quit & red i<i>n</i>-blande, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful lufly con ho lete, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Wyth lyppe3 smal la3ande. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> deruly (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - IV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Good morrow", says the lady, "ye are a careless - sleeper to let one enter thus.</span> <span class="linenum">1208</span> - <p> - "God morou<i>n</i>, s<i>ir</i> Gawayn," sayde þat fayr lady, - </p> - <p> - "3e ar a slep<i>er</i> vn-sly3e, þat mo<i>n</i> may slyde hider; - </p> - <p> - Now ar 3e tan astyt, bot t<i>r</i>ue v<i>us</i> may schape, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I shall bind you in your bed, of that be ye - sure."</span> - <p> - I schal bynde yow i<i>n</i> yo<i>ur</i> bedde, þat be 3e trayst:" - </p> - <span class="linenum">1212</span> - <p> - Al la3ande þe lady lanced þo bourde3. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Good morrow," says the knight, "I am well - pleased to be at your service;</span> - <p> - "Goud morou<i>n</i> g[aye],"<sup>1</sup> q<i>uod</i> Gawayn þe blyþe, - </p> - <p> - "Me schal worþe at yo<i>ur</i> wille, & þat me wel lyke3, - </p> - <p> - For I 3elde me 3ederly, & 3e3e aft<i>er</i> g<i>ra</i>ce, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1216</span> - <p> - & þat is þe best, be my dome, for me by-houe3 nede;" - </p> - <p> - & þus he bourded a-3ayn w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony a blyþe la3t<i>er</i>. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but permit me to rise and dress myself."</span> - <p> - "Bot wolde 3e, lady louely, þe<i>n</i> leue me g<i>ra</i>nte, - </p> - <p> - & de-prece yo<i>ur</i> prysou<i>n</i>, & pray hy<i>m</i> to - ryse, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1220</span> - <p> - I wolde bo3e of þis bed, & busk me bett<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - I schulde keu<i>er</i> þe more comfort to karp yow wyth." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 107b]<br />"Nay, beau sir," said that sweet - one,</span> - <p> - "Nay, for soþe, beau s<i>ir</i>," sayd þat swete, - </p> - <p> - "3e schal not rise of yo<i>ur</i> bedde, I rych yow bett<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"I shall hold talk with you here.</span> <span - class="linenum">1224</span> - <p> - I schal happe yow here þat oþ<i>er</i> half als, - </p> - <p> - & syþen karp wyth my kny3t þat I ka3t haue; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I know well that you are Gawayne that all the - woild worships.</span> - <p> - For I wene wel, Iwysse, s<i>ir</i> Wawen 3e are, - </p> - <p> - Þat alle þe worlde worchipe3, quere-so 3e ride; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1228</span> - <p> - Yo<i>ur</i> hono<i>ur</i>, yo<i>ur</i> hendelayk is hendely praysed - </p> - <span class="sidenote">We are by ourselves;</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> lorde3, wyth ladyes, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> alle þat - lyf bere. - </p> - <p> - & now 3e ar here, iwysse, & we bot oure one; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">My lord and his men are far off.</span> - <p> - "My lorde & his lede3 ar on lenþe faren, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Other men are in their beds, so are my maidens.</span> - <span class="linenum">1232</span> - <p> - Oþ<i>er</i> burne3 i<i>n</i> her bedde, & my burde3 als, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The door is safely closed.</span> - <p> - Þe dor drawen, & dit w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a derf haspe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Since I have him in house that every one likes, I - shall use my time well while it lasts.</span> - <p> - & syþen I haue i<i>n</i> þis ho<i>us</i> hy<i>m</i> þat al lyke3, - </p> - <p> - I schal ware my whyle wel, quyl hit laste3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1236</span> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> tale; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Ye are welcome to my body.</span> - <p class="i4"> - 3e ar welcu<i>m</i> to my cors, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Yowre awen won to wale, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Me be-houe3 of fyne force, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I shall be your servant."</span> <span - class="linenum">1240</span> - <p class="i4"> - Yo<i>ur</i> seruau<i>n</i>t be & schale." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> This word is illegible in the MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - V. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p> - "In god fayth," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "gay<i>n</i> hit me þynkke3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"I am unworthy," says Sir Gawayne, "to reach to - such reverence as ye rehearse.</span> - <p> - Þa3 I be not now he þat 3e of speken; - </p> - <p> - To reche to such reuerence as 3e reherce here - </p> - <span class="linenum">1244</span> - <p> - I am wy3e vn-worþy, I wot wel my-seluen; - </p> - <p> - Bi God, I were glad, & yow god þo3t, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I shall be glad, however, to please you by word, - or service."</span> - <p> - At sa3e oþ<i>er</i> at seruyce þat I sette my3t - </p> - <p> - To þe plesau<i>n</i>ce of yo<i>ur</i> prys, hit were a pure ioye." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1248</span> - <p> - "In god fayth, s<i>ir</i> Gawayn," q<i>uod</i> þe gay lady, - </p> - <p> - "Þe prys & þe prowes þat plese3 al oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - If I hit lakked, oþ<i>er</i> set at ly3t, hit were littel daynté; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"There are ladies," says his visitor, "who would - prefer thy company</span> - <p> - Bot hit ar ladyes i<i>n</i>-no3e, þat leu<i>er</i> wer nowþe - </p> - <span class="linenum">1252</span> - <p> - Haf þe hende i<i>n</i> hor holde, as I þe habbe here, - </p> - <p> - To daly w<i>i</i>t<i>t</i> derely yo<i>ur</i> daynté worde3, - </p> - <p> - Keu<i>er</i> hem comfort, & colen her care3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">to much of the gold that they possess."</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> much of þe garysour<i>n</i> oþ<i>er</i> golde þat<sup>1</sup> - þay hauen; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1256</span> - <p> - Bot I louue<sup>2</sup> þat ilk lorde þ<i>a</i>t þe lyfte halde3, - </p> - <p> - I haf hit holly i<i>n</i> my honde þ<i>a</i>t al desyres, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - þur3e grace." - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Scho made hy<i>m</i> so gret chere, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 108.]</span> <span class="linenum">1260</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat wat3 so fayr of face, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight answers the lady's questions.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe kny3t w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> speches skere, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - A[n]swared to vche a cace. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. þat þ<i>a</i>t. <sup>2</sup> louie or loune (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne tells her that he prefers her - conversation before that of all others.</span> - <p> - "Madame," q<i>uod</i> þe myry mon, "Mary yow 3elde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1264</span> - <p> - For I haf fou<i>n</i>den, i<i>n</i> god fayth, yowre frau<i>n</i>chis - nobele, - </p> - <p> - & oþ<i>er</i> ful much of oþ<i>er</i> folk fongen hor dede3; - </p> - <p> - Bot þe daynté þ<i>a</i>t þay delen for my disert nysen, - </p> - <p> - Hit is þe worchyp of yo<i>ur</i>-self, þ<i>a</i>t no3t hot wel co<i>n</i>ne3." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady declares by Mary,</span> <span - class="linenum">1268</span> - <p> - "Bi Mary," q<i>uod</i> þe menskful, "me þynk hit anoþ<i>er</i>; - </p> - <p> - For were I worth al þe wone of wy<i>m</i>men alyue, - </p> - <p> - & al þe wele of þe worlde were i<i>n</i> my honde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">that were she about to choose her a lord,</span> - <p> - & I schulde chepen & chose, to cheue me a lorde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1272</span> - <p> - For þe costes þat I haf knowen vpun þe kny3t here, - </p> - <p> - Of bewté, & debonerté, & blyþe semblau<i>n</i>t, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">she would select Gawayne before any man on earth.</span> - <p> - & þat I haf er herkkened, & halde hit here trwee, - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>er</i> schulde no freke vpon folde bifore yow be chosen." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1276</span> - <p> - "I-wysse, worþy," q<i>uod</i> þe wy3e, "3e haf waled wel bett<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne tells her that he will become her own - knight and faithful servant.</span> - <p> - Bot I am proude of þe prys þat 3e put on me, - </p> - <p> - & soberly yo<i>ur</i> seruau<i>n</i>t my sou<i>er</i>ayn I holde - yow, - </p> - <p> - & yowre kny3t I be-com, & Kryst yow for-3elde." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1280</span> - <p> - Þ<i>us</i> þay meled of much-quat, til myd-morn paste, - </p> - <p> - & ay þe lady let lyk, a<sup>1</sup> hy<i>m</i> loued mych; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The remembrance of his adventure prevents him - from thinking of love.</span> - <p> - Þe freke ferde w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> defence, & feted ful fayre. - </p> - <p> - Þa3 I were burde bry3test, þe burde i<i>n</i> mynde hade, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1284</span> - <p> - Þe lasse luf i<i>n</i> his lode, for lur þat he so3t, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - boute hone; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe dunte þat schulde<sup>2</sup> hy<i>m</i> deue, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & nede3 hit most be done; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady takes leave of Sir Gawayne.</span> <span - class="linenum">1288</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lady þe<i>n</i>n spek of leue. - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He g<i>ra</i>nted hir ful sone. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> and (?) <sup>2</sup> sclulde, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">With a laughing glance, she says,</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne ho gef hy<i>m</i> god-day, & wyth a glent la3ed. - </p> - <p> - & as ho stod, ho stonyed hy<i>m</i> wyth ful stor worde3: - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"I am doubtful whether ye be Gawayne.</span> - <span class="linenum">1292</span> - <p> - "Now he þat spede3 vche spech, þis disport 3elde yow! - </p> - <p> - Bot þat 3e be Gawan, hit got3 i<i>n</i> my<i>n</i>de." - </p> - <p> - "Quer-fore?" q<i>uod</i> þe freke, & freschly he aske3, - </p> - <p> - Ferde lest he hade fayled i<i>n</i> fo<i>ur</i>me of his castes; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1296</span> - <p> - Bot þe burde hy<i>m</i> blessed, & bi þis skyl sayde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 108<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - "So god as Gawayn gaynly is halden, - </p> - <p> - & cortaysye is closed so clene i<i>n</i> hy<i>m</i>-seluen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Were it he, surely, ere this, he would have - craved a kiss."</span> - <p> - Couth not ly3tly haf lenged so long wyth a lady, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1300</span> - <p> - Bot he had craued a cosse, bi his co<i>ur</i>taysye, - </p> - <p> - Bi su<i>m</i> towch of su<i>m</i>me tryfle, at su<i>m</i> tale3 ende." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"I shall kiss," says the knight, "at your - commandment."</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> q<i>uod</i> Wowen, "I-wysse, worþe as yow lyke3, - </p> - <p> - I schal kysse at yo<i>ur</i> comau<i>n</i>dement, as a kny3t falle3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1304</span> - <p> - & fire<sup>1</sup> lest he displese yow, so<sup>2</sup> plede hit - no more." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">With that the lady catches him in her arms and - kisses him.</span> - <p> - Ho comes nerre w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þat, & cache3 hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> - arme3, - </p> - <p> - Loute3 luflych adou<i>n</i>, & þe leude kysse3; - </p> - <p> - Þay comly byke<i>n</i>nen to Kryst ayþ<i>er</i> oþ<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1308</span> - <p> - Ho dos hir forth at þe dore, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-outen dyn more. - </p> - <p> - & he ryches hy<i>m</i> to ryse, & rapes hy<i>m</i> sone, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne then rises and goes to mass.</span> - <p> - Clepes to his chamberlayn, choses his wede, - </p> - <p> - Bo3e3 forth, quen he wat3 bou<i>n</i>, blyþely to masse, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1312</span> - <p> - & þe<i>n</i>ne he meued to his mete, þ<i>a</i>t me<i>n</i>skly hy<i>m</i> - keped, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He makes mirth all day till the moon rises,</span> - <p> - & made myry al day til þe mone rysed, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> game; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i><sup>3</sup> neu<i>er</i> freke fayrer fonge, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">between the "two dames," the older and the - younger.</span> <span class="linenum">1316</span> - <p class="i4"> - Bitwene two so dy<i>n</i>gne dame, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe alder & þe 3onge, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Much solace set þay same. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> fere (?). <sup>2</sup> fo, in MS. <sup>3</sup> Was (?) Nas - (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Meanwhile the lord of the land and his men hunt - in woods and heaths.</span> - <p> - And ay þe lorde of þe londe is lent on his gamne3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1320</span> - <p> - To hu<i>n</i>t i<i>n</i> holte3 & heþe, at hynde3 barayne, - </p> - <p> - Such a sowme he þ<i>er</i> slowe bi þat þe su<i>n</i>ne heldet, - </p> - <p> - Of dos & of oþ<i>er</i> dere, to deme were wonder. - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne fersly þay flokked i<i>n</i> folk at þe laste, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Quickly of the killed a "<i>quarry</i>" they - make.</span> <span class="linenum">1324</span> - <p> - & quykly of þe quelled dere a querré þay maked; - </p> - <p> - Þe best bo3ed þerto, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> burne3 i<i>n</i>-nogh<i>e</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then they set about <i>breaking</i> the deer.</span> - <p> - Gedered þe grattest of gres þat þer were, - </p> - <p> - & didden hem derely vndo, as þe dede aske3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They take away the <i>assay</i> or fat,</span> - <span class="linenum">1328</span> - <p> - Serched hem at þe asay, su<i>m</i>me þat þ<i>er</i> were, - </p> - <p> - Two fy<i>n</i>geres þay fonde of þe fowlest of alle; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">then they slit the <i>slot</i> and remove the <i>erber</i>.</span> - <p> - Syþe<i>n</i> þay slyt þe slot, sesed þe erber, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They afterwards rip the four limbs and rend off - the hide.</span> - <p> - Schaued wyth a scharp knyf, & þe schyre knitten; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1332</span> - <p> - Syþen rytte þay þe foure ly<i>m</i>mes, & rent of þe hyde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They next open the belly</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> brek þay þe bale, þe bale3 out token, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 109.]<br />and take out the bowels.</span> - <p> - Lystily forlancy<i>n</i>g, & bere of þe knot; - </p> - <p> - Þay gryped to þe gargulu<i>n</i>, & g<i>ra</i>yþely departed - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They then separate the <i>weasand</i> from the - windhole and throw out the guts.</span> <span class="linenum">1336</span> - <p> - Þe wesau<i>n</i>t fro þe wynt-hole, & walt out þe gutte3; - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> scher þay out þe schuldere3 w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> her scharp - knyue3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The shoulders are cut out, and the breast divided - into halves.</span> - <p> - Haled hem by a lyttel hole, to haue hole sydes; - </p> - <p> - Siþen britned þay þe brest, & brayden hit i<i>n</i> twy<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1340</span> - <p> - & eft at þe gargulu<i>n</i> bigyne3 on þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The <i>numbles</i> are next removed.</span> - <p> - Ryue3 hit vp radly, ry3t to þe by3t, - </p> - <p> - Voyde3 out þe a-vanters, & v<i>er</i>ayly þ<i>er</i>aft<i>er</i> - </p> - <p> - Alle þe ryme3 by þe rybbe3 radly þay lance; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1344</span> - <p> - So ryde þay of by resou<i>n</i> bi þe rygge bone3, - </p> - <p> - Euenden to þe haunche, þat henged alle samen, - </p> - <p> - & heuen hit vp al hole, & hwen hit of þere, - </p> - <p> - & þat þayneme for þe nou<i>m</i>bles, bi nome as I trowe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1348</span> - <p class="i8"> - bi kynde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">By the fork of the thighs,</span> - <p class="i4"> - Bi þe by3t al of þe þy3es, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lappe3 þay lance bi-hynde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the flaps are hewn in two by the backbone.</span> - <p class="i4"> - To hewe hit i<i>n</i> two þay hy3es, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1352</span> - <p class="i4"> - Bi þe bak-bon to vnbynde. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - IX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">After this the head and neck are cut off, and the - sides severed from the chine.</span> - <p> - Boþe þe hede & þe hals þay hwen of þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - & syþen sunder þay þe syde3 swyft fro þe chyne, - </p> - <p> - & þe corbeles fee þay kest i<i>n</i> a greue;<sup>1</sup> - </p> - <span class="linenum">1356</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>n þurled þay ayþer þik side þur3, bi þe rybbe, - </p> - <p> - & henged þe<i>n</i>ne a[y]þ<i>er</i> bi ho3es of þe fourche3, - </p> - <p> - Vche freke for his fee, as falle3 forto haue. - </p> - <p> - Vpon a felle of þe fayre best, fede þay þayr hou<i>n</i>des, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">With the liver, lights and paunches, they feed - the hounds.</span> <span class="linenum">1360</span> - <p> - Wyth þe lyu<i>er</i> & þe ly3te3, þe leþer of þe paunche3, - </p> - <p> - & bred baþed i<i>n</i> blod, blende þer amo<i>n</i>ge3; - </p> - <p> - Baldely þay blw prys, bayed þayr rachche3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then they make for home.</span> - <p> - Syþen fonge þay her flesche folden to home, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1364</span> - <p> - Strakande ful stoutly mony stif mote3. - </p> - <p> - Bi þat þe dayly3t wat3 done, þe douthe wat3 al wonen - </p> - <p> - I<i>n</i>-to þe comly castel, þer þe kny3t bide3 - </p> - <p class="i8"> - ful stille; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1368</span> - <p class="i4"> - Wyth blys & bry3t fyr bette, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lord is comen þ<i>er</i>-tylle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne goes out to meet his host.</span> - <p class="i4"> - When Gawayn wyth hy<i>m</i> mette, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þer wat3 bot wele at wylle. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> grene (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - X. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 109<i>b</i>.]<br />The lord commands all his - household to assemble,</span> <span class="linenum">1372</span> - <p> - The<i>n</i>ne comau<i>n</i>ded þe lorde i<i>n</i> þ<i>a</i>t sale to - samen alle þe meny, - </p> - <p> - Boþe þe ladyes on logh<i>e</i> to ly3t w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> her burdes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and the venison to be brought before him.</span> - <p> - Bi-fore alle þe folk on þe flette, freke3 he bedde3 - </p> - <p> - V<i>er</i>ayly his venysou<i>n</i> to fech hy<i>m</i> byforne; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He calls Gawayne,</span> <span class="linenum">1376</span> - <p> - & al godly i<i>n</i> gomen Gaway[n] he called, - </p> - <p> - Teche3 hy<i>m</i> to þe tayles of ful tayt bestes, - </p> - <p> - Schewe3 hy<i>m</i> þe schyree grece schorne vpon rybbes. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and asks him whether he does not deserve much - praise for his success in the chase.</span> - <p> - "How paye3 yow þis play? haf I prys wo<i>n</i>nen? - </p> - <span class="linenum">1380</span> - <p> - Haue I þryuandely þonk þur3 my craft serued?" - </p> - <p> - "3e I-wysse," q<i>uod</i> þat oþ<i>er</i> wy3e, "here is wayth fayrest - </p> - <span class="sidenote">On the knight expressing himself satisfied, he is - told to take the whole according to a former agreement between them.</span> - <p> - Þat I se3 þis seuen 3ere i<i>n</i> sesou<i>n</i> of wynt<i>er</i>." - </p> - <p> - "& al I gif yow, Gawayn," q<i>uod</i> þe gome þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1384</span> - <p> - "For by a-corde of couenau<i>n</i>t 3e craue hit as yo<i>ur</i> awen." - </p> - <p> - "Þis is soth," q<i>uod</i> þe segge, "I say yow þatilke, - </p> - <p> - &<sup>1</sup> I haf worthyly þis wone3 wyth-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne gives the knight a comely kiss in return.</span> - <p> - I-wysse w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> as god wylle hit worþe3 to 3o<i>ur</i>e3." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1388</span> - <p> - He hasppe3 his fayre hals his arme3 wyth-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - & kysses hy<i>m</i> as comlyly as he<sup>2</sup> couþe awyse: - </p> - <p> - "Tas yow þere my cheuicau<i>n</i>ce, I cheued no more, - </p> - <p> - I wowche hit saf fynly, þa3 feler hit were." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1392</span> - <p> - "Hit is god," q<i>uod</i> þe god mon, "g<i>ra</i>nt m<i>er</i>cy þ<i>er</i>fore, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His host desires to know where he has gotten such - weal.</span> - <p> - Hit may be such, hit is þe bett<i>er</i>, &<sup>1</sup> 3e me - breue wolde - </p> - <p> - Where 3e wan þis ilk wele, biwytte of hor<sup>3</sup> seluen?" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">As this does not enter into the covenant, he gets - no answer to his question.</span> - <p> - "Þat wat3 not forward," q<i>uod</i> he, "frayst me no more, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1396</span> - <p> - For 3e haftan þat yow tyde3, trawe3e non oþ<i>er</i> - </p> - <p class="i8"> - 3e mowe." - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þay la3ed, & made hem blyþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They then proceed to supper, where were dainties - new and enough.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Wyth lote3 þat were to lowe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1400</span> - <p class="i4"> - To soper þay 3ede asswyþe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Wyth dayntes nwe i<i>n</i>-nowe. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> And = an. <sup>2</sup> ho, in MS. <sup>3</sup> your (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">By the hearth they sit.</span> - <p> - And syþen by þe chymné i<i>n</i> chamber þay seten. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Wine is carried round.</span> - <p> - Wy3e3 þe walle wyn we3ed to hem oft, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1404</span> - <p> - & efte i<i>n</i> her bourdy<i>n</i>g þay bayþen i<i>n</i> þe morn, - </p> - <p> - To fylle þe same forwarde3 þat þay by-fore maden, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Again Sir Gawayne and his host renew their - agreement.</span> - <p> - Þat chau<i>n</i>ce so bytyde3 hor cheuysau<i>n</i>ce to chau<i>n</i>ge, - </p> - <p> - What nwe3 so þay nome, at na3t quen þay mette<i>n</i> - </p> - <span class="linenum">1408</span> - <p> - Þay acorded of þe couenau<i>n</i>te3 byfore þe co<i>ur</i>t alle; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 110.]</span> - <p> - Þe beuerage wat3 bro3t forth i<i>n</i> bourde at þat tyme; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then they take leave of each other and hasten to - bed.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne þay louelych le3ten leue at þe last, - </p> - <p> - Vche burne to his bedde busked bylyue. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Scarce had the cock cackled thrice when the lord - was up.</span> <span class="linenum">1412</span> - <p> - Bi þat þe coke hade crowe3<sup>1</sup> & cakled bot þryse, - </p> - <p> - Þe lorde wat3 lopen of his bedde, [&] þe leude3 vch one, - </p> - <p> - So þat þe mete & þe masse wat3 metely delyu<i>er</i>ed; - </p> - <p> - Þe douthe dressed to þe wod, er any day sprenged, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1416</span> - <p class="i8"> - to chace; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">With his hunters and horns they pursue the chase.</span> - <p class="i4"> - He3 w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hu<i>n</i>te & horne3, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þur3 playne3 þay passe i<i>n</i> space, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Vn-coupled amo<i>n</i>g þo þorne3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1420</span> - <p class="i4"> - Rache3 þat ran on race. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> crowed (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The hunters cheer on the hounds,</span> - <p> - Sone þay calle of a quest i<i>n</i> aker syde, - </p> - <p> - Þe hu<i>n</i>t re-hayted þe hou<i>n</i>de3, þat hit fyrst my<i>n</i>ged, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">which fall to the scent forty at once.</span> - <p> - Wylde worde3 hy<i>m</i> warp wyth a wrast noyce; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1424</span> - <p> - Þe hownde3 þat hit herde, hastid þider swyþe, - </p> - <p> - & fellen as fast to þe fuyt, fourty at ones; - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne such a glau<i>er</i>ande glam of gedered rachche3 - </p> - <p> - Ros, þat þe rochere3 ru<i>n</i>gen aboute; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1428</span> - <p> - Hu<i>n</i>tere3 hem hardened w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> horne & wyth - muthe. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">All come together by the side of a cliff.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> al i<i>n</i> a semblé sweyed to-geder, - </p> - <p> - Bitwene a flosche i<i>n</i> þat fryth, & a foo cragge; - </p> - <p> - In a knot, bi a clyffe, at þe kerre syde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1432</span> - <p> - Þ<i>er</i> as þe rogh rocher vn-rydely wat3 fallen, - </p> - <p> - [Þay] ferden to þe fyndy<i>n</i>g, & freke3 hem aft<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They look about on all sides,</span> - <p> - Þay vmbe-kesten þe knarre & þe knot boþe. - </p> - <p> - Wy3e3, whyl þay wysten wel wyt i<i>n</i>ne he<i>m</i> hit were, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1436</span> - <p> - Þe best þat þer breued wat3 wyth þe blod hou<i>n</i>de3. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and beat on the bushes.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne þay beten on þe buske3, & bede hy<i>m</i> vp ryse, - </p> - <p> - & he vnsou<i>n</i>dyly out so3t segge3 ou<i>er</i>-þwert, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Out there rushes a fierce wild boar,</span> - <p> - On þe sellokest swyn swenged out þere, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1440</span> - <p> - Long sythen for<sup>1</sup> þe sou<i>n</i>der þat wi3t for-olde, - </p> - <p> - For he wat3 b[este &] bor alþer grattest, - </p> - <p> - [And eue]re quen he gronyed, þe<i>n</i>ne greued mony, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">At the first thrust he fells three to the ground.</span> - <p> - For [þre a]t þe fyrst þrast he þry3t to þe erþe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1444</span> - <p> - & [sped hym] forth good sped, boute spyt more, - </p> - <p> - [Ande þay] halowed hygh<i>e</i> ful hy3e & hay! hay! cryed - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 110<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - Haden horne3 to mouþe heterly rechated; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Full quickly the hunters pursue him.</span> - <p> - Mony wat3 þe myry mouthe of men & of hou<i>n</i>de3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1448</span> - <p> - Þat buskke3 aft<i>er</i> þis bor, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> bost & wyth - noyse, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - To quelle; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful oft he byde3 þe baye, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & mayme3 þe mute I<i>n</i>n-melle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">However, he attacks the hounds, causing them to - yowl and yell.</span> <span class="linenum">1452</span> - <p class="i4"> - He hurte3 of þe hou<i>n</i>de3, & þay - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful 3omerly 3aule & 3elle. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> fro (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The bowmen send their arrows after this wild - swine,</span> - <p> - Schalke3 to schote at hy<i>m</i> schowen to þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - Haled to hym of her arewe3, hitten hym oft; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1456</span> - <p> - Bot þe poy<i>n</i>te3 payred at þe pyth þ<i>a</i>t py3t i<i>n</i> his - schelde3, - </p> - <p> - & þe barbe3 of his browe bite non wolde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but they glide off shivered in pieces.</span> - <p> - Þa3 þe schauen schaft schyndered i<i>n</i> pece3, - </p> - <p> - Þe hede hypped a3ayn, were-so-eu<i>er</i> hit hitte; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Enraged with the blows,</span> <span - class="linenum">1460</span> - <p> - Bot quon þe dynte3 hy<i>m</i> dered of her dry3e stroke3, - </p> - <p> - Þen, brayn-wod for bate, on burne3 he rase3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">he attacks the hunters.</span> - <p> - Hurte3 hem ful heterly þer he forth hy3e3, - </p> - <p> - & mony ar3ed þerat, & on-lyte dro3en. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1464</span> - <p> - Bot þe lorde on a ly3t horce lau<i>n</i>ces hym aft<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of the land blows his bugle,</span> - <p> - As burne bolde vpon bent his bugle he blowe3, - </p> - <p> - He rechated, & r[ode]<sup>1</sup> þur3 rone3 ful þyk, - </p> - <p> - Suande þis wy[ld]e swyn til þe su<i>n</i>ne schafted. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and pursues the boar.</span> <span class="linenum">1468</span> - <p> - Þis day wyth þis ilk dede þay dryuen on þis wyse, - </p> - <p> - Whyle oure luflych lede lys i<i>n</i> his bedde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">All this time Gawayne lies a-bed.</span> - <p> - Gawayn g<i>ra</i>yþely at home, i<i>n</i> gere3 ful ryche - </p> - <p class="i8"> - of hewe; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1472</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lady no3t for3ate, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Com to hy<i>m</i> to salue, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful erly ho wat3 hy<i>m</i> ate, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - His mode forto remwe. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> The MS. is here almost illegible. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XIV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The lady of the castle again visits Sir Gawayne.</span> - <span class="linenum">1476</span> - <p> - Ho co<i>m</i>mes to þe cortyn, & at þe kny3t totes, - </p> - <p> - S<i>ir</i> Wawen her welcu<i>m</i>ed worþy on fyrst, - </p> - <p> - & ho hy<i>m</i> 3elde3 a3ayn, ful 3erne of hir worde3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Softly she sits by his side,</span> - <p> - Sette3 hir sof[t]ly by his syde, & swyþely ho la3e3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1480</span> - <p> - & wyth a luflych loke ho layde<sup>1</sup> hy<i>m</i> þyse worde3: - </p> - <p> - "S<i>ir</i>, 3if 3e be Wawen, wonder me þynkke3, - </p> - <p> - Wy3e þat is so wel wrast alway to god, - </p> - <p> - & conne3 not of compaynye þe coste3 vnder-take, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 111]</span> <span class="linenum">1484</span> - <p> - & if mon ke<i>n</i>nes yow hom to knowe, 3e kest hom of yo<i>ur</i> - my<i>n</i>de; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and tells the knight that he has forgotten what - she taught him the day before.</span> - <p> - Þou hat3 for-3eten 3ederly þat 3ist<i>er</i>day I ta3tte - </p> - <p> - alder-truest token of talk þat I cowþe." - </p> - <p> - "What is þat?" q<i>uod</i> þe wygh<i>e</i>, "I-wysse I wot neu<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1488</span> - <p> - If hit be sothe þat 3e breue, þe blame is my<i>n</i> awen." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"I taught you of kissing," she says, "that - becomes every knight."</span> - <p> - "3et I kende yow of kyssy<i>n</i>g," q<i>uod</i> þe clere þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - "Quere-so cou<i>n</i>tenau<i>n</i>ce is couþe, quikly to clayme, - </p> - <p> - Þat bicu<i>m</i>es vche a kny3t, þat cortaysy vses." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1492</span> - <p> - "Do way," q<i>uod</i> þat derf mon, "my dere, þat speche, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne says that he must not take that which is - forbidden.</span> - <p> - For þat durst I not do, lest I denayed were, - </p> - <p> - If I were werned, I were wrang I-wysse, 3if I p<i>ro</i>fered." - </p> - <p> - "Ma fay," q<i>uod</i> þe mere wyf, "3e may not be werned, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He is told that he is strong enough to enforce - it.</span> <span class="linenum">1496</span> - <p> - 3e ar stif i<i>n</i>-nogh<i>e</i> to constrayne wyth strenkþe, 3if yow - lyke3, - </p> - <p> - 3if any were so vilano<i>us</i> þat yow denaye<sup>2</sup> wolde." - </p> - <p> - "3e, be God," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "good is yo<i>ur</i> speche, - </p> - <p> - Bot þrete is vn-þryuande i<i>n</i> þede þ<i>er</i> I lende, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight replies that every gift is worthless - that is not given willingly.</span> <span class="linenum">1500</span> - <p> - & vche gift þat is geuen not w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> goud wylle; - </p> - <p> - I am at yo<i>ur</i> comaundeme<i>n</i>t, to kysse quen yow lyke3, - </p> - <p> - 3e may lach quen yow lyst, & leue quen yow þynkke3, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - in space." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady stoops down and kisses him.</span> <span - class="linenum">1504</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lady loute3 a-dou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & comlyly kysses his face, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Much speche þay þ<i>er</i> expou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Of druryes greme & g<i>ra</i>ce. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> sayde (?). <sup>2</sup> de vaye, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"I would learn," she says, "why you, who are so - young and active,</span> <span class="linenum">1508</span> - <p> - "I woled<sup>1</sup> wyt at yow, wy3e," þat worþy þer sayde, - </p> - <p> - "& yow wrathed not þer-wyth, what were þe skylle, - </p> - <p> - Þat so 3ong & so 3epe, as 3e [ar] at þis tyme, - </p> - <p> - So cortayse, so kny3tyly, as 3e ar knowen oute, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">so skilled in the true sport of love,</span> - <span class="linenum">1512</span> - <p> - & of alle cheualry to chose, þe chef þy<i>n</i>g a-losed, - </p> - <p> - Is<sup>2</sup> þe lel layk of luf, þe lettrure of armes; - </p> - <p> - F[or] to telle of þis tenely<i>n</i>g of þis trwe kny3te3, - </p> - <p> - Hit is þe tytelet, token, & tyxt of her werkke3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1516</span> - <p> - How le[des] for her lele luf hor lyue3 han au<i>n</i>tered, - </p> - <p> - Endured for her drury dulful stou<i>n</i>de3, - </p> - <p> - & aft<i>er</i> wenged w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> her walo<i>ur</i> & - voyded her care, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and so renowned a knight,</span> - <p> - & bro3t blysse i<i>n</i>-to boure, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> bou<i>n</i>tees - hor awen. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1520</span> - <p> - & 3e ar kny3t com-lokest kyd of yo<i>ur</i> elde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 111<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - Yo<i>ur</i> worde & yo<i>ur</i> worchip walke3 ay quere, - </p> - <p> - & I haf seten by yo<i>ur</i>-self here sere twyes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">have never talked to me of love.</span> - <p> - 3et herde I neu<i>er</i> of yo<i>ur</i> hed helde no worde3 - </p> - <span class="linenum">1524</span> - <p> - Þat eu<i>er</i> longed to luf, lasse ne more; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">You ought to show a young thing like me some - token of 'true-love's crafts.'</span> - <p> - & 3e, þat ar so cortays & coy<i>n</i>t of yo<i>ur</i> hetes, - </p> - <p> - Ogh<i>e</i> to a 3onke þy<i>n</i>k 3ern to schewe, - </p> - <p> - & teche su<i>m</i> tokene3 of trweluf craftes. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1528</span> - <p> - Why ar 3e lewed, þat alle þe los welde3, - </p> - <p> - Oþ<i>er</i> elles 3e demen me to dille, yo<i>ur</i> dalyau<i>n</i>ce - to herken? - </p> - <p class="i8"> - for schame! - </p> - <p class="i4"> - I com hider sengel, & sitte, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1532</span> - <p class="i4"> - To lerne at yow su<i>m</i> game, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">So teach me of your 'wit' while my lord is from - home."</span> - <p class="i4"> - Dos, teche3 me of yo<i>ur</i> wytte, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Whil my lorde is fro hame." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> wolde (?). <sup>2</sup> In (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"It is a great pleasure to me," says Sir Gawayne, - "to hear you talk,</span> - <p> - "In goud fayþe," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "God yow for3elde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1536</span> - <p> - Gret is þe gode gle, & gomen to me huge, - </p> - <p> - Þat so worþy as 3e wolde wy<i>n</i>ne hidere, - </p> - <p> - & pyne yow w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> so pou<i>er</i> a mon, as play wyth - yo<i>ur</i> kny3t, - </p> - <p> - With any sky<i>n</i>ne3 cou<i>n</i>tenau<i>n</i>ce, hit keu<i>er</i>e3 - me ese; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but I cannot undertake the task to expound - true-love and tales of arms.</span> <span class="linenum">1540</span> - <p> - Bot to take þe toruayle<sup>1</sup> to my-self, to trwluf expou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p> - & towche þe teme3 of tyxt, & tale3 of arme3, - </p> - <p> - To yow þat, I wot wel, welde3 more sly3t - </p> - <p> - Of þat art, bi þe half, or a hu<i>n</i>dreth of seche - </p> - <span class="linenum">1544</span> - <p> - As I am, oþ<i>er</i> eu<i>er</i> schal, i<i>n</i> erde þer I leue, - </p> - <p> - Hit were a fole fele-folde, my fre, by my trawþe. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I will, however, act according to your will,</span> - <p> - I wolde yowre wylny<i>n</i>g worche at my my3t, - </p> - <p> - As I am hy3ly bihalden, & eu<i>er</i>-more wylle - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and ever be your servant."</span> <span - class="linenum">1548</span> - <p> - Be seruau<i>n</i>t to yo<i>ur</i>-seluen, so saue me dry3tyn!" - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>us</i> hy<i>m</i> frayned þat fre, & fondet hy<i>m</i> ofte, - </p> - <p> - Forto haf wo<i>n</i>nen hy<i>m</i> to wo3e, what-so scho þo3t elle3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Thus Gawayne defends himself.</span> - <p> - Bot he de fended hy<i>m</i> so fayr, þat no faut semed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1552</span> - <p> - Ne non euel on nawþ<i>er</i> halue, nawþ<i>er</i> þay wysten, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - bot blysse; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þay la3ed & layked longe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - At þe last scho con hy<i>m</i> kysse, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady having kissed the knight, takes leave of - him.</span> <span class="linenum">1556</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hir leue fayre con scho fonge, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & went hir waye Iwysse. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> tornayle (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne rises, hears mass, and then dines.</span> - <p> - Then ruþes hy<i>m</i> þe renk, & ryses to þe masse, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 112.]</span> - <p> - & siþen hor din<i>er</i> wat3 dy3t & derely serued. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Meanwhile the lord pursues the wild boar,</span> - <span class="linenum">1560</span> - <p> - Þe lede w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe ladye3 layked alle day, - </p> - <p> - Bot þe lorde ou<i>er</i> þe londe3 lau<i>n</i>ced ful ofte, - </p> - <p> - Swe3 his vncely swyn, þat swy<i>n</i>ge3 bi þe bonkke3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">that bit the backs of his hounds asunder,</span> - <p> - & bote þe best of his brache3 þe bakke3 i<i>n</i> su<i>n</i>der; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1564</span> - <p> - Þer he bode i<i>n</i> his bay, tel<sup>1</sup> bawe-men hit breken, - </p> - <p> - & made<sup>2</sup> hym, maw-gref his bed, forto mwe vtt<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and caused the stiffest of the hunters to start.</span> - <p> - So felle flone3 per flete, when þe folk gedered; - </p> - <p> - Bot 3et þe styffest to start bi stou<i>n</i>de3 he made, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1568</span> - <p> - Til at þe last he wat3 so mat, he my3t no more re<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The boar runs into a hole in a rock by the side - of a brook.</span> - <p> - Bot i<i>n</i> þe hast þat he my3t, he to a hole wy<i>n</i>ne3, - </p> - <p> - Of a rasse, bi a rokk, þ<i>er</i> re<i>n</i>ne3 þe boerne, - </p> - <p> - He gete þe bonk at his bak, bigy<i>n</i>e3 to scrape, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The froth foams at his mouth.</span> <span - class="linenum">1572</span> - <p> - Þe froþe femed<sup>3</sup> at his mouth vnfayre bi þe wyke3, - </p> - <p> - Whette3 his whyte tusche3; w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hy<i>m</i> þe<i>n</i> - irked - </p> - <p> - Alle þe burne3 so bolde, þat hy<i>m</i> by stoden, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">None durst approach him,</span> - <p> - To nye hy<i>m</i> on-ferum, bot ne3e hy<i>m</i> non durst - </p> - <span class="linenum">1576</span> - <p class="i8"> - for woþe; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He hade hurt so mony byforne, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þat al þu3t<sup>4</sup> þe<i>n</i>ne ful loþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">so many had he torn with his tusks.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Be more wyth his tusche3 torne, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1580</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat breme wat3 [&] bray<i>n</i>-wod both<i>e</i>. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> til (?). <sup>2</sup> madee, in MS. <sup>3</sup> fomed (?). - <sup>4</sup> þo3t (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The knight, seeing the boar at bay,</span> - <p> - Til þe kny3t com hy<i>m</i>-self, kachande his blonk, - </p> - <p> - Sy3 hy<i>m</i> byde at þe bay, his burne3 bysyde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">alights from his horse,</span> - <p> - He ly3t<i>es</i> luflych<sup>1</sup> adou<i>n</i>, leue3 his corso<i>ur</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1584</span> - <p> - Brayde3 out a bry3t bront, & bigly forth stryde3, - </p> - <p> - Fou<i>n</i>de3 fast þur3 þe forth, þer þe felle byde3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and seeks to attack him with his sword.</span> - <p> - Þe wylde wat3 war of þe wy3e w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> weppen i<i>n</i> - honde, - </p> - <p> - Hef hy3ly þe here, so hett<i>er</i>ly he fnast, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1588</span> - <p> - Þat fele ferde for þe freke3,<sup>2</sup> lest felle hy<i>m</i> þe - worre; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The "swine sets out" upon the man,</span> - <p> - Þe swyn sette3 hy<i>m</i> out on þe segge euen, - </p> - <p> - Þat þe burne & þe bor were boþe vpon hepe3, - </p> - <p> - In þe wy3t-est of þe wat<i>er</i>, þe worre hade þat oþ<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">who, aiming well,</span> <span class="linenum">1592</span> - <p> - For þe mon merkke3 hy<i>m</i> wel, as þay mette fyrst, - </p> - <p> - Set sadly þe scharp i<i>n</i> þe slot euen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">wounds him in the pit of the stomach.</span> - <p> - Hit hy<i>m</i> vp to þe hult, þat þe hert schyndered, - </p> - <p> - & he 3arrande hy<i>m</i> 3elde, & 3edou<i>n</i><sup>3</sup> þe - wat<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1596</span> - <p class="i8"> - ful tyt; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 112<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p class="i4"> - A hu<i>n</i>dreth hou<i>n</i>de3 hy<i>m</i> hent, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The boar is soon bitten to death by a hundred - hounds.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat bremely con hy<i>m</i> bite, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Burne3 hi<i>m</i> bro3t to bent, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1600</span> - <p class="i4"> - & dogge3 to dethe endite. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. luslych. <sup>2</sup> freke (?). <sup>3</sup> 3ede doun - (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XIX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then was there blowing of horns</span> - <p> - There wat3 blawy<i>n</i>g of prys i<i>n</i> mony breme home, - </p> - <p> - He3e halowi<i>n</i>g on hi3e, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> haþele3 þat my3t; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and baying of hounds.</span> - <p> - Brachetes bayed þat best, as bidden þe mayst<i>er</i>e3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1604</span> - <p> - Of þat chargeau<i>n</i>t chace þat were chef hu<i>n</i>tes. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">One wise in woodcraft begins to unlace the boar.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne a wy3e þat wat3 wys vpon wod crafte3, - </p> - <p> - To vnlace þis bor lufly bigy<i>n</i>ne3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">First he hews off the head, then rends him by the - back.</span> - <p> - Fyrst he hewes of his hed, & on hi3e sette3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1608</span> - <p> - & syþen rende3 him al rogh<i>e</i> bi þe rygge after, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He next removes the bowels, broils them on the - ashes, and therewith rewards his hounds.</span> - <p> - Brayde3 out þe boweles, bre<i>n</i>ne3 ho<i>m</i> on glede, - </p> - <p> - With bred blent þer-w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his braches rewarde3; - </p> - <p> - Syþen he britne3 out þe brawen i<i>n</i> bry3t brode [s]chelde3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then the hastlets are removed.</span> <span - class="linenum">1612</span> - <p> - & hat3 out þe hastlette3, as hi3tly biseme3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The two halves are next bound together and hung - upon a pole.</span> - <p> - & 3et hem halche3 al hole þe halue3 to-geder, - </p> - <p> - & syþen on a stif stange stoutly hem henges. - </p> - <p> - Now with þis ilk swyn þay swengen to home; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The boar's head is borne before the knight, who - hastens home.</span> <span class="linenum">1616</span> - <p> - Þe bores hed wat3 borne bifore þe burnes seluen, - </p> - <p> - Þat hi<i>m</i> for-ferde i<i>n</i> þe forþe, þur3 forse of his honde, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - so stronge; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Til he se3 s<i>ir</i> Gawayne, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1620</span> - <p class="i4"> - I<i>n</i> halle hy<i>m</i> þo3t ful longe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne is called to receive the spoil.</span> - <p class="i4"> - He calde, & he com gayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - His fee3 þ<i>er</i> for to fonge. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of the land is well pleased when he sees - Sir Gawayne,</span> - <p> - Þe lorde ful lowde w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> lote, & la3ed myry, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1624</span> - <p> - Whe<i>n</i> he se3e s<i>ir</i> G: w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> solace he speke3; - </p> - <p> - Þe goude ladye3 were geten, & gedered þe meyny, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He shows him the shields of the wild boar, and - tells him of its length and breadth.</span> - <p> - He schewe3 hem þe schelde3, & schapes hem þe tale, - </p> - <p> - Of þe largesse, & þe lenþe, þe liþ<i>er</i>ne3 alse, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1628</span> - <p> - Of þe were of þe wylde swyn, i<i>n</i> wod þer he fled. - </p> - <p> - Þat oþ<i>er</i> kny3t ful comly comended his dede3, - </p> - <p> - & praysed hit as gret prys, þat he proued hade; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Such a "brawn of a beast," Sir Gawayne says, he - never has seen.</span> - <p> - For suche a brawne of a best, þe bolde burne sayde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1632</span> - <p> - Ne such sydes of a swyn, segh he neu<i>er</i> are. - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne hondeled þay þe hoge hed, þe hende mo<i>n</i> hit - praysed, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 113.]</span> - <p> - & let lodly þerat þe lorde forte here: - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne takes possession of it according to - covenant,</span> - <p> - "Now Gawayn," q<i>uod</i> þe god mon, "þis gomen is yo<i>ur</i> awen, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1636</span> - <p> - Bi fyn for-warde & faste, faythely 3e knowe." - </p> - <p> - "Hit is sothe," q<i>uod</i> þe segge, "& as siker trwe; - </p> - <p> - Alle my get I schal yow gif agayn, bi my trawþe." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and in return kisses his host,</span> - <p> - He [hent] þe haþel aboute þe halse, & hendely hy<i>m</i> kysses, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1640</span> - <p> - & eft<i>er</i>-sones of þe same he serued hy<i>m</i> þere. - </p> - <p> - "Now ar we euen," q<i>uod</i> þe haþel, "in þis euen-tide, - </p> - <p> - Of alle þe couenau<i>n</i>tes þat we knyt, syþen I com hider, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - bi lawe;" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">who declares his guest to be the best he knows.</span> - <span class="linenum">1644</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lorde sayde, "bi saynt Gile, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - 3e ar þe best þat I knowe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - 3e ben ryche i<i>n</i> a whyle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Such chaffer & 3e drowe." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XXI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Tables are raised aloft,</span> <span - class="linenum">1648</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne þay teldet table3 [on] trestes alofte, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">cloths cast upon them,</span> - <p> - Kesten cloþe3 vpon, clere ly3t þe<i>n</i>ne - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and torches are lighted.</span> - <p> - Wakned bi wo3e3, waxen torches - </p> - <p> - Segge3 sette, & serued i<i>n</i> sale al aboute; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">With much mirth and glee,</span> <span - class="linenum">1652</span> - <p> - Much glam & gle glent vp þ<i>er</i>-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - Aboute þe fyre vpon flet, & on fele wyse, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">supper is served in the hall,</span> - <p> - At þe soper & aft<i>er</i>, mony aþel songe3, - </p> - <p> - As cou<i>n</i>dutes of kryst-masse, & carole3 newe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1656</span> - <p> - With alle þe man<i>er</i>ly m<i>er</i>þe þ<i>a</i>t mon may of telle. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and ever our lovely knight by the lady sits,</span> - <p> - & eu<i>er</i> oure luflych kny3t þe lady bi-syde; - </p> - <p> - Such semblau<i>n</i>t to þat segge semly ho made, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">who does all she can to please her companion.</span> - <p> - Wyth stille stollen cou<i>n</i>tenau<i>n</i>ce, þat stalworth to - plese, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1660</span> - <p> - Þat al for-wondered wat3 þe wy3e, & wroth w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hy<i>m</i>-seluen, - </p> - <p> - Bot he nolde not for his nurture nurne hir a-3ayne3, - </p> - <p> - Bot dalt w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hir al i<i>n</i> daynte, how-se-eu<i>er</i> - þe dede turned - </p> - <p class="i8"> - to wrast; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">When they had long played in the hall,</span> - <span class="linenum">1664</span> - <p class="i4"> - Quen þay hade played i<i>n</i> halle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - As longe as hor wylle hom last, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">they proceeded "to chamber."</span> - <p class="i4"> - To chambre he<sup>1</sup> con hy<i>m</i> calle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & to þe chem-ne þay past. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> ho (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">There they drank and discoursed.</span> <span - class="linenum">1668</span> - <p> - Ande þer þay dronken, & dalten, & demed eft nwe, - </p> - <p> - To norne on þe same note, on nwe3ere3 euen; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne begs leave to depart on the morrow.</span> - <p> - Bot þe kny3t craued leue, to kayre on þe morn, - </p> - <p> - For hit wat3 ne3 at þe terme, þat he to<sup>1</sup> schulde. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 113<i>b</i>.]</span> <span class="linenum">1672</span> - <p> - Þe lorde hy<i>m</i> letted of þat, to lenge hy<i>m</i> resteyed, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His host swears to him,</span> - <p> - & sayde, "as I am trwe segge, I siker my trawþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">that he shall come to the Green Chapel on New - Year's morn long before prime.</span> - <p> - Þ<i>o</i>u schal cheue to þe grene chapel, þy charres to make, - </p> - <p> - Leude, on nw3ere3 ly3t, longe bifore pryme: - </p> - <span class="linenum">1676</span> - <p> - For-þy þow lye i<i>n</i> þy loft, & lach þyn ese, - </p> - <p> - & I schal hu<i>n</i>t in þis holt, & halde þe towche3, - </p> - <p> - Chau<i>n</i>ge wyth þe cheuisau<i>n</i>ce, bi þat I charre hider; - </p> - <p> - For I haf fraysted þe twys, & faythful I fynde þe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1680</span> - <p> - Now þrid tyme þrowe best þenk on þe morne, - </p> - <p> - Make we mery quyl we may, & my<i>n</i>ne vpon Ioye, - </p> - <p> - For þe lur may mon lach, when so mon lyke3." - </p> - <p> - Þis wat3 grayþely grau<i>n</i>ted, & Gawayn is lenged, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Our knight consents to remain for another night.</span> - <span class="linenum">1684</span> - <p> - Bliþe bro3t wat3 hym drynk, & þay to bedde 3eden, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> li3t; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Full still and softly he sleeps all night.</span> - <p class="i4"> - S<i>ir</i> G: lis & slepes, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful stille & softe al ni3t; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Early in the morning the lord is up.</span> <span - class="linenum">1688</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lorde þat his crafte3 kepes, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful erly he wat3 di3t. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> te (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">After mass, a morsel he take with his men.</span> - <p> - Aft<i>er</i> messe a morsel<sup>1</sup> he & his men token, - </p> - <p> - Miry wat3 þe morny<i>n</i>g, his mou<i>n</i>ture he askes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then were all on their horses before the - hall-gates.</span> <span class="linenum">1692</span> - <p> - Alle þe haþeles þat on horse schulde helden hy<i>m</i> aft<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - Were bou<i>n</i> busked on hor blonkke3, bi-fore<sup>2</sup> þe halle - 3ate3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It was a clear frosty morning.</span> - <p> - Ferly fayre wat3 þe folde, for þe forst clenged, - </p> - <p> - I<i>n</i> rede rudede vpon rak rises þe su<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The hunters, dispersed by a wood's side,</span> - <span class="linenum">1696</span> - <p> - & ful clere coste3<sup>3</sup> þe clowdes of þe welkyn. - </p> - <p> - Hu<i>n</i>teres vnhardeled bi a holt syde, - </p> - <p> - Rocheres rou<i>n</i>gen bi rys, for rurde of her hornes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">come upon the track of a fox,</span> - <p> - Su<i>m</i>me fel i<i>n</i> þe fute, þer þe fox bade, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1700</span> - <p> - Trayle3 ofte a trayt<i>er</i>es<sup>4</sup>, bi trau<i>n</i>t of her - wyles; - </p> - <p> - A kenet kryes þerof, þe hu<i>n</i>t on hy<i>m</i> calles, - </p> - <p> - His fela3es fallen hy<i>m</i> to, þ<i>a</i>t fnasted ful þike, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">which is followed up by the hounds.</span> - <p> - Ru<i>n</i>nen forth i<i>n</i> a rabel, i<i>n</i> his ry3t fare; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1704</span> - <p> - & he fyske3 hem by-fore, þay fou<i>n</i>den hy<i>m</i> sone, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They soon get sight of the game,</span> - <p> - & quen þay segh<i>e</i> hy<i>m</i> wit<i>h</i> sy3t, þay sued hy<i>m</i> - fast, - </p> - <p> - Wre3ande h[y<i>m</i>] ful [w]eterly with a wroth noyse; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and pursue him through many a rough grove.</span> - <p> - & he trantes & tornayee3 þur3 mony tene greue; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1708</span> - <p> - Hamlou<i>n</i>e3, & herkene3, bi hegge3 ful ofte; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 114.]<br />The fox at last leaps over a - spinny,</span> - <p> - At þe last bi a littel dich he lepe3 ou<i>er</i> a spe<i>n</i>né, - </p> - <p> - Stele3 out ful stilly bi a strothe rande, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and by a rugged path seeks to get clear from the - hounds.</span> - <p> - Went haf wylt of þe wode, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> wyle3 fro þe hou<i>n</i>des, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1712</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne wat3 he went, er he wyst, to<sup>5</sup> a wale tryst<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He comes upon one of the hunting stations, where - he is attacked by the dogs.</span> - <p> - Þer þre þro at a þrich þrat hy<i>m</i> at ones, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - al graye; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">However, he slips them,</span> - <p class="i4"> - He blenched a3ayn bilyue, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1716</span> - <p class="i4"> - & stifly start onstray, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - With alle þe wo on lyue, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and makes again for the wood.</span> - <p class="i4"> - To þe wod he went away. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. nnorsel. <sup>2</sup> bi-forere, in MS. <sup>3</sup> - caste3 (?). <sup>4</sup> trayveres (?). <sup>5</sup> to to, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXIV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then was it fine sport to listen to the hounds,</span> - <p> - The<i>n</i>ne wat3 hit lif vpon list to lyþen þe hou<i>n</i>de3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1720</span> - <p> - When alle þe mute hade hy<i>m</i> met, menged to-geder, - </p> - <p> - Suche a sor3e at þat sy3t þay sette on his hede, - </p> - <p> - As alle þe clamberande clyffes hade clat<i>er</i>ed on hepes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and the hallooing of the hunters.</span> - <p> - Here he wat3 halawed, when haþele3 hy<i>m</i> metten, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1724</span> - <p> - Loude he wat3 3ayned, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> 3arande speche; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">There the fox was threatened and called a thief.</span> - <p> - Þer he wat3 þreted, & ofte þef called, - </p> - <p> - & ay þe titleres at his tayl, þat tary he ne my3t; - </p> - <p> - Ofte he wat3 ru<i>n</i>nen at, when he out rayked, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">But Reynard was wily,</span> <span class="linenum">1728</span> - <p> - & ofte reled i<i>n</i> a3ayn, so reniarde wat3 wylé. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and led them astray over mounts.</span> - <p> - & 3e he lad hem bi lag, mon, þe lorde & his meyny; - </p> - <p> - On þis man<i>er</i> bi þe mou<i>n</i>tes, quyle myd, ou<i>er</i>, - vnder, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Meanwhile the knight at home soundly sleeps - within his comely curtains.</span> - <p> - Whyle þe hende kny3t at home holsu<i>m</i>ly slepe3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1732</span> - <p> - With-i<i>n</i>ne þe comly corty<i>n</i>es, on þe colde morne. - </p> - <p> - Bot þe lady for luf let not to slepe, - </p> - <p> - Ne þe purpose to payre, þat py3t i<i>n</i> hir hert, - </p> - <p> - Bot ros hir vp radly, rayked hir þeder, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady of the castle, clothed in a rich mantle,</span> - <span class="linenum">1736</span> - <p> - In a mery mantyle, mete to þe erþe, - </p> - <p> - Þat wat3 furred ful fyne w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> felle3, wel pured, - </p> - <p> - No hwe3 goud on hir hede, bot þe ha3er stones - </p> - <p> - Trased aboute hir tresso<i>ur</i>, be twenty i<i>n</i> clust<i>er</i>es; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">her throat and bosom all bare,</span> <span - class="linenum">1740</span> - <p> - Hir þryuen face & hir þrote þrowen al naked, - </p> - <p> - Hir brest bare bifore, & bihinde eke. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">comes to Gawayne's chamber,</span> - <p> - Ho come3 w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne þe chambre dore, & closes - hit hir aft<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">opens a window, and says,</span> - <p> - Wayne3<sup>1</sup> vp a wyndow, & on þe wy3e calle3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1744</span> - <p> - & radly þ<i>us</i> re-hayted hy<i>m</i>, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hir - riche worde3, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i><sup>2</sup> chere; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Ah! man, how canst thou sleep,</span> - <p class="i4"> - "A! mon, how may þ<i>o</i>u slepe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 114<i>b</i>.]<br />this morning is so - clear?"</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þis morni<i>n</i>g is so clere?" - </p> - <span class="linenum">1748</span> - <p class="i4"> - He wat3 i<i>n</i> drowpi<i>n</i>g depe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bot þe<i>n</i>ne he con hir here. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> wayue3(?). <sup>2</sup> bi, à sec. manu. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The knight was then dreaming of his forthcoming - adventure at the Green Chapel.</span> - <p> - In dre3 droupy<i>n</i>g of dreme draueled þat noble, - </p> - <p> - As mon þat wat3 in morny<i>n</i>g of mony þro þo3tes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1752</span> - <p> - How þat destiné schulde þat day [dy3t] his wyrde, - </p> - <p> - At þe grene chapel, when he þe gome metes, - </p> - <p> - & bi-houes his buffet abide, with-oute debate more; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He awakes and speaks to his fair visitor,</span> - <p> - Bot quen þat comly he keu<i>er</i>ed his wyttes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1756</span> - <p> - Swenges out of þe sweuenes, & sware3 w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hast. - </p> - <p> - Þe lady luflych com la3ande swete, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">who sweetly kisses him.</span> - <p> - Felle ou<i>er</i> his fayre face, & fetly hi<i>m</i> kyssed; - </p> - <p> - He welcu<i>m</i>e3 hir worþily, with a wale chere; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1760</span> - <p> - He se3 hir so glorio<i>us</i>, & gayly atyred, - </p> - <p> - So fautles of hir fetures, & of so fyne hewes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Great joy warms the heart of Sir Gawayne,</span> - <p> - Wi3t wallande Ioye warmed his hert; - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> smoþe smyly<i>n</i>g & smolt þay smeten i<i>n</i>-to - m<i>er</i>þe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1764</span> - <p> - Þat al wat3 blis & bonchef, þat breke hem bi-twene, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - & wy<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þay lanced wordes gode, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Much wele þe<i>n</i> wat3 þ<i>er</i>-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and "great peril between them stood."</span> - <span class="linenum">1768</span> - <p class="i4"> - Gret p<i>er</i>ile bi-twene hem stod, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Nif mare of hir kny3t my<i>n</i>ne. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XXVI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The knight is sorely pressed.</span> - <p> - For þat prynce of pris de-presed hy<i>m</i> so þikke. - </p> - <p> - Nurned hy<i>m</i> so ne3e þe þred, þat nede hy<i>m</i> bi-houed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1772</span> - <p> - Oþ<i>er</i> lach þer hir luf, oþ<i>er</i> lodly re-fuse; - </p> - <p> - He cared for his cortaysye, lest craþayn he were, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He fears lest he should become a traitor to his - host.</span> - <p> - & more for his meschef, 3if he schulde make sy<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - & be traytor to þat tolke, þat þ<i>a</i>t telde a3t. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1776</span> - <p> - "God schylde," q<i>uod</i> þe schalk, "þat schal not be-falle!" - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> luf-la3y<i>ng</i> a lyt, he layd hy<i>m</i> by-syde - </p> - <p> - Alle þe speche3 of specialté þat sprange of her mouthe. - </p> - <p> - Q<i>uod</i> þat burde to þe burne, "blame 3e disserue, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1780</span> - <p> - 3if 3e luf not þat lyf þat 3e lye nexte, - </p> - <p> - Bifore alle þe wy3e3 i<i>n</i> þe worlde, wou<i>n</i>ded i<i>n</i> - hert, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady inquire whether he has a mistress that - he loves better than her.</span> - <p> - Bot if 3e haf a le<i>m</i>man, a leu<i>er</i>, þat yow lyke3 bett<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - & folden fayth to þat fre, festned so harde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 115.]</span> <span class="linenum">1784</span> - <p> - Þat yow lausen ne lyst, & þat I leue nouþe; - </p> - <p> - And þat 3e telle me þat, now trwly I pray yow, - </p> - <p> - For alle þe lufe3 vpon lyue, layne not þe soþe, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - for gile." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne swears by St. John that he neither - has nor desires one.</span> <span class="linenum">1788</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe kny3t sayde, "be sayn Ion," - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & smeþely con he smyle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "In fayth I welde ri3t non, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ne non wil welde þe quile." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XXVII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="linenum">1792</span> - <p> - "Þat is a worde," q<i>uod</i> þat wy3t, "þat worst is of alle, - </p> - <p> - Bot I am swared for soþe, þat sore me þinkke3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">She then kisses him, sighing for sorrow.</span> - <p> - Kysse me now coraly, & I schal cach heþen, - </p> - <p> - I may bot mo<i>ur</i>ne vpon molde, as may þat much louyes." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1796</span> - <p> - Sykande ho swe3e dou<i>n</i>, & semly hy<i>m</i> kyssed, - </p> - <p> - & siþen ho seu<i>e</i>res hy<i>m</i> fro, & says as ho - stondes, - </p> - <p> - "Now, dere, at þis de-party<i>n</i>g, do me þis ese, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">She desires some gift,</span> - <p> - Gif me sumquat of þy gifte, þi gloue if<sup>1</sup> hit were, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">by which to remember him.</span> <span - class="linenum">1800</span> - <p> - Þat I may my<i>n</i>ne on þe mon, my mo<i>ur</i>ny<i>n</i>g to - lassen." - </p> - <p> - "Now Iwysse," q<i>uod</i> þat wy3e, "I wolde I hade here - </p> - <p> - Þe leuest þi<i>n</i>g for þy luf, þat I in londe welde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne tells her that she is worthy of a better - gift than he can bestow.</span> - <p> - For 3e haf deserued, forsoþe, sellyly ofte - </p> - <span class="linenum">1804</span> - <p> - More rewarde bi resou<i>n</i>, þe<i>n</i> I reche my3t, - </p> - <p> - Bot to dele yow for drurye, þ<i>a</i>t dawed bot neked; - </p> - <p> - Hit is not yo<i>ur</i> hono<i>ur</i> to haf at þis tyme - </p> - <p> - A gloue for a garysou<i>n</i>, of Gawayne3 gifte3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1808</span> - <p> - & I am here [on] an erande i<i>n</i> erde3 vncouþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He has no men with mails containing precious - things.</span> - <p> - & haue no me<i>n</i> wyth no male3, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> menskful þi<i>n</i>ge3; - </p> - <p> - Þat mislyke3 me, ladé, for luf at þis tyme,<sup>2</sup> - </p> - <p> - Iche tolke mon do as he is tan, tas to non ille, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1812</span> - <p class="i8"> - ne pine." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then says that lovesome,</span> - <p class="i4"> - "Nay, hende of hy3e hono<i>ur</i>s," - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Q<i>uod</i> þat lufsu<i>m</i> vnder lyne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Though I had nought of yours, yet should ye have - of mine."</span> - <p class="i4"> - "Þa3 I hade o3t<sup>3</sup> of yo<i>ur</i>e3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1816</span> - <p class="i4"> - 3et schulde 3e haue of myne." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> of, in MS. <sup>2</sup> tyne, in MS. <sup>3</sup> no3t (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXVIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">She offers him a gold ring,</span> - <p> - Ho ra3t hy<i>m</i> a riche rynk<sup>1</sup> of red golde werke3, - </p> - <p> - Wyth a starande ston, stondande alofte, - </p> - <p> - Þat bere blusschande beme3 as þe bry3t su<i>n</i>ne; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1820</span> - <p> - Wyt 3e wel, hit wat3 worth wele ful hoge. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but he refuses to accept it,</span> - <p> - Bot þe renk hit renayed, & redyly he sayde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 115<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - "I wil no gifte3 for gode, my gay, at þis tyme; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">as he has none to give in return.</span> - <p> - I haf none yow to norne, ne no3t wyl I take." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1824</span> - <p> - Ho bede hit hy<i>m</i> ful bysily, & he hir bode wernes, - </p> - <p> - & swere swyftel[y] his sothe, þat he hit sese nolde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Very sorrowful was that fair one on account of - his refusal.</span> - <p> - & ho sore þat he forsoke, & sayde þ<i>er</i>-after, - </p> - <p> - "If 3e renay my rynk, to ryche for hit seme3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1828</span> - <p> - 3e wolde not so hy3ly halden be to me, - </p> - <p> - I schal gif yow my girdel, þat gaynes yow lasse." - </p> - <p> - Ho la3t a lace ly3tly, þat<sup>2</sup> leke vmbe hir syde3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">She takes off her "girdle,"</span> - <p> - Knit vpon hir kyrtel, vnder þe clere mantyle, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1832</span> - <p> - Gered hit wat3 w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> grene sylke, & w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> - golde schaped, - </p> - <p> - No3t bot arou<i>n</i>de brayden, beten w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> fyngre3; - </p> - <p> - & þat ho bede to þe burne, & blyþely bi-so3t - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and beseeches him to take it.</span> - <p> - Þa3 hit vn-worþi were, þat he hit take wolde. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1836</span> - <p> - & he nay þat he nolde negh<i>e</i> i<i>n</i> no wyse, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne again refuses to accept anything,</span> - <p> - Nauþer golde ne garysou<i>n</i>, er God hy<i>m</i> g<i>ra</i>ce sende, - </p> - <p> - To acheue to þe chau<i>n</i>ce þat he hade chosen þere. - </p> - <p> - "& þerfore, I pray yow, displese yow no3t, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1840</span> - <p> - & lette3 be yo<i>ur</i> bisinesse, for I bayþe hit yow neu<i>er</i> - </p> - <p class="i8"> - to grau<i>n</i>te; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - I am derely to yow biholde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bi-cause of yo<i>ur</i> sembelau<i>n</i>t, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but promises, "ever in hot and in cold, to be her - true servant."</span> <span class="linenum">1844</span> - <p class="i4"> - & eu<i>er</i> i<i>n</i> hot & colde - </p> - <p class="i4"> - To be yo<i>ur</i> trwe seruau<i>n</i>t. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> ryng (?). <sup>2</sup> þat þat, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXIX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Do you refuse it," says the lady, because it is - simple?</span> - <p> - "Now forsake 3e þis silke." sayde þe burde þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - "For hit is symple i<i>n</i> hit-self. & so hit wel seme3? - </p> - <span class="linenum">1848</span> - <p> - Lo! so hit is littel, & lasse hit is worþy; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Whoso knew the virtues that it possesses, would - highly prize it.</span> - <p> - Bot who-so knew þe costes þat knit ar þer-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - He wolde hit prayse at more prys, parauenture; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">For he who is girded with this green lace,</span> - <p> - For quat gome so is gorde w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þis grene lace, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1852</span> - <p> - While he hit hade hemely halched aboute, - </p> - <p> - Þer is no haþel vnder heuen to-hewe hym þat my3t; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">cannot be wounded or slain."</span> - <p> - For he my3t not he slayn, for sly3t vpon erþe." - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> kest þe kny3t, & hit come to his hert, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight thinks of his adventure at the Green - Chapel.</span> <span class="linenum">1856</span> - <p> - Hit were a Iuel for þe Iopardé, þat hy<i>m</i> iugged were, - </p> - <p> - When he acheued to þe chapel, his chek forto fech; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady presses him to accept the lace.</span> - <p> - My3<sup>1</sup> he haf slypped to þe vn-slayn, þe sle3t were noble. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 116.]</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne ho þulged with hir þrepe, & þoled hir to speke, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1860</span> - <p> - & ho bere on hy<i>m</i> þe belt, & bede hit hy<i>m</i> swyþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He consents not only to take the girdle, but to - keep the possession of it a secret.</span> - <p> - & he g<i>ra</i>nted, & [ho] hy<i>m</i> gafe with a goud wylle, - </p> - <p> - & biso3t hy<i>m</i>, for hir sake, disceu<i>er</i> hit neu<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - Bot to lelly layne for<sup>2</sup> hir lorde; þe leude hy<i>m</i> - acorde3. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1864</span> - <p> - Þat neu<i>er</i> wy3e schulde hit wyt, Iwysse, bot þay twayne, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - for no3te; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He þonkked hir oft ful swyþe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful þro w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hert & þo3t. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">By that time the lady has kissed him thrice.</span> - <span class="linenum">1868</span> - <p class="i4"> - Bi þat on þry<i>n</i>ne syþe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He hat3 kyst þe kny3t so to3t. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> my3t (?). <sup>2</sup> fro (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then she takes her leave.</span> - <p> - The<i>n</i>ne lachche3 ho hir leue, & leue3 hy<i>m</i> þere, - </p> - <p> - For more myrþe of þat mon mo3t ho not gete; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne then dresses himself,</span> <span - class="linenum">1872</span> - <p> - When ho<sup>1</sup> wat3 gon, s<i>ir</i> G. gere3 hy<i>m</i> sone, - </p> - <p> - Rises, & riches hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> araye noble, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and conceals the love-lace about his person.</span> - <p> - Lays vp þe luf-lace, þe lady hy<i>m</i> ra3t, - </p> - <p> - Hid hit ful holdely, þ<i>er</i> he hit eft fonde; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1876</span> - <p> - Syþe<i>n</i> cheuely to þe chapel choses he þe waye, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He then hies to mass,</span> - <p> - Preuely aproched to a prest, & prayed hy<i>m</i> þere - </p> - <p> - Þat he wolde lyfte<sup>2</sup> his lyf, & lern hy<i>m</i> bett<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - How his sawle schulde be saued, when he schuld seye heþe<i>n</i>. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and shrives him of his misdeeds.</span> <span - class="linenum">1880</span> - <p> - Þere he schrof hy<i>m</i> schyrly, & schewed his mysdede3, - </p> - <p> - Of þe more & þe my<i>n</i>ne, & m<i>er</i>ci beseche3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and prays for absolution.</span> - <p> - & of absoluciou<i>n</i> he on þe segge calles; - </p> - <p> - & he asoyled hy<i>m</i> surely, & sette hy<i>m</i> so clene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He returns to the hall, and makes himself so - merry among the ladies,</span> <span class="linenum">1884</span> - <p> - As dome3-day schulde haf ben di3t on þe morn. - </p> - <p> - & syþen he mace hy<i>m</i> as mery amo<i>n</i>g þe fre ladyes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">with comely carols,</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> comlych caroles, & alle ky<i>n</i>nes ioye, - </p> - <p> - As neu<i>er</i> he did bot þat daye, to þe derk ny3t, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1888</span> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> blys; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Vche mon hade daynte þare, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">that they said,</span> - <p class="i4"> - Of hy<i>m</i>, & sayde Iwysse, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Thus merry was he never before since hither he - came."</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þ<i>us</i> myry he wat3 neu<i>er</i> are, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1892</span> - <p class="i4"> - Syn he com hider, er þis. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> he, in MS. <sup>2</sup> lyste (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXXI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne's host is still in the field.</span> - <p> - Now hy<i>m</i> lenge i<i>n</i> þat lee, þ<i>er</i> luf hy<i>m</i> - bi-tyde; - </p> - <p> - 3et is þe lorde on þe lau<i>n</i>de, ledande his gomnes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He has destroyed the fox.</span> - <p> - He hat3 forfaren þis fox, þ<i>a</i>t he fol3ed longe; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1896</span> - <p> - As he sprent ou<i>er</i> a spe<i>n</i>né, to spye þe schrewe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 116<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - Þer as he herd þe howndes, þat hasted hy<i>m</i> swyþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He spied Reynard coming through a "rough grove,"</span> - <p> - Renaud com richchande þur3 a ro3e greue, - </p> - <p> - & alle þe rabel i<i>n</i> a res, ry3t at his hele3. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and tried to hit him with his sword.</span> <span - class="linenum">1900</span> - <p> - Þe wy3e wat3 war of þe wylde, & warly abides, - </p> - <p> - & brayde3 out þe bry3t bronde, & at þe best caste3; - </p> - <p> - & he schu<i>n</i>t for þe scharp, & schulde haf arered, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The fox "shunts," and is seized by one of the - dogs.</span> - <p> - A rach rapes hy<i>m</i> to, ry3t er he my3t, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1904</span> - <p> - & ry3t bifore þe hors fete þay fel on hy<i>m</i> alle, - </p> - <p> - & woried me þis wyly wyth a wroth noyse. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord takes him out of the hound's mouth.</span> - <p> - Þe lorde ly3te3 bilyue, & cache3 by<sup>1</sup> sone, - </p> - <p> - Rased hy<i>m</i> ful radly out of þe rach mouþes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1908</span> - <p> - Halde3 he3e ou<i>er</i> his hede, halowe3 faste, - </p> - <p> - & þ<i>er</i> bayen hy<i>m</i> mony bray<sup>2</sup> hou<i>n</i>de3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Hunters hasten thither with horns full many.</span> - <p> - Hu<i>n</i>tes hy3ed hem þeder, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> horne3 ful mony, - </p> - <p> - Ay re-chatande ary3t til þay þe renk se3en; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1912</span> - <p> - Bi þat wat3 comen his compeyny noble, - </p> - <p> - Alle þat eu<i>er</i> ber bugle blowed at ones, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It was the merriest meet that ever was heard.</span> - <p> - & alle þise oþ<i>er</i> halowed, þat hade no hornes, - </p> - <p> - Hit wat3 þe myriest mute þat eu<i>er</i> me<i>n</i> herde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1916</span> - <p> - Þe rich rurd þat þ<i>er</i> wat3 raysed for renaude saule, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> lote; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The hounds are rewarded,</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hor hou<i>n</i>de3 þay þ<i>er</i> rewarde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Her<sup>3</sup> hede3 þay fawne & frote, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and then they take Reynard and "turn off his - coat."</span> <span class="linenum">1920</span> - <p class="i4"> - & syþen þay tan reynarde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & tyrnen of his cote. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> hy<i>m</i> (?). <sup>2</sup> braþ (?). <sup>3</sup> Her - her, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXXII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The hunters then hasten home.</span> - <p> - & þe<i>n</i>ne þay helden to home, for hit wat3 nie3 ny3t, - </p> - <p> - Strakande ful stoutly i<i>n</i> hor store horne3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord at last alights at his dear home,</span> - <span class="linenum">1924</span> - <p> - Þe lorde is ly3t at þe laste at hys lef home, - </p> - <p> - Fynde3 fire vpon flet, þe freke þ<i>er</i> by-side, - </p> - <p> - Sir Gawayn þe gode, þat glad wat3 w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> alle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">where he finds Gawayne amusing the ladies.</span> - <p> - Amo<i>n</i>g þe ladies for luf he ladde much ioye, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1928</span> - <p> - He were a bleau<i>n</i>t of blwe, þat bradde to þe erþe, - </p> - <p> - His surkot semed hy<i>m</i> wel, þat softe wat3 forred, - </p> - <p> - & his hode of þat ilke henged on his schulder, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight comes forward and welcomes his host,</span> - <p> - Blande al of blau<i>n</i>ner were boþe al aboute. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1932</span> - <p> - He mete3 me þis god mon i<i>n</i> mydde3 þe flore, - </p> - <p> - & al with gomen he hy<i>m</i> gret, & goudly he sayde, - </p> - <p> - "I schal fylle vpon fyrst oure forwarde3 nouþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 117.]</span> - <p> - Þat we spedly han spoken, þer spared wat3 no drynk;" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and according to covenant kisses him thrice.</span> - <span class="linenum">1936</span> - <p> - Þen acoles he [þe] kny3t, & kysses hy<i>m</i> þryes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">(See l. 1868.)</span> - <p> - As sauerly & sadly as he hem sette couþe. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"By Christ," says the other, "ye have had much - bliss!"</span> - <p> - "Bi Kryst," q<i>uod</i> þat oþ<i>er</i> kny3t, "3e cach much sele, - </p> - <p> - I<i>n</i> cheuisau<i>n</i>ce of þis chaffer, 3if 3e hade goud chepe3." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1940</span> - <p> - "3e of þe chepe no charg," q<i>uod</i> chefly þat oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - "As is pertly payed þe chepe3 þat I a3te." - </p> - <p> - "Mary," q<i>uod</i> þat oþ<i>er</i> mon, "myn is bi-hynde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I have hunted all day and have gotten nothing,</span> - <p> - For I haf hu<i>n</i>ted al þis day, & no3t haf I geten, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but the skin of this foul fox,</span> <span - class="linenum">1944</span> - <p> - Bot þis foule fox felle, þe fende haf þe gode3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">a poor reward for three such kisses."</span> - <p> - & þat is ful pore, for to pay for suche prys þi<i>n</i>ges, - </p> - <p> - As 3e haf þry3t me here, þro suche þre cosses, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - so gode." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1948</span> - <p class="i4"> - "I-no3," q<i>uod</i> s<i>ir</i> Gawayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "I þonk yow, bi þe rode;" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He then tells him how the fox was slain.</span> - <p class="i4"> - & how þe fox wat3 slayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He tolde hy<i>m</i>, as þay stode. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XXXIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">With much mirth and minstrelsy they made merry,</span> - <span class="linenum">1952</span> - <p> - With m<i>er</i>þe & mynstralsye, wyth mete3 at hor wylle, - </p> - <p> - Þay maden as mery as any me<i>n</i> mo3ten, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> la3y<i>n</i>g of ladies, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> lote3 - of bordes; - </p> - <p> - Gawayn & þe gode mo<i>n</i> so glad were þay boþe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1956</span> - <p> - Bot if þe douthe had doted, oþ<i>er</i> dronken ben oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - Boþe þe mon & þe meyny maden mony iape3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">until the time came for them to part.</span> - <p> - Til þe sesou<i>n</i> wat3 se3en, þat þay seu<i>er</i> moste; - </p> - <p> - Burne3 to hor bedde be-houed at þe laste. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne takes leave of his host.</span> <span - class="linenum">1960</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne lo3ly his leue at þe lorde fyrst - </p> - <p> - Fochche3 þis fre mon, & fayre he hy<i>m</i> þonkke3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and thanks him for his happy "sojourn."</span> - <p> - "Of such a sellyly<sup>1</sup> soiorne, as I haf hade here, - </p> - <p> - Yo<i>ur</i> hono<i>ur</i>, at þis hy3e fest, þe hy3e ky<i>n</i>g yow - 3elde! - </p> - <span class="linenum">1964</span> - <p> - I 3ef yow me for on of yo<i>ur</i>e3, if yowre-self lyke3, - </p> - <p> - For I mot nedes, as 3e wot, meue to morne; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He asks for a man to teach him the way to the - Green Chapel.</span> - <p> - & 3e me take su<i>m</i> tolke, to teche, as 3e hy3t, - </p> - <p> - Þe gate to þe grene chapel, as god wyl me suffer - </p> - <span class="linenum">1968</span> - <p> - To dele, on nw3ere3 day, þe dome of my wyrdes." - </p> - <p> - "In god fayþe," q<i>uod</i> þe god mon. "wyth a goud wylle; - </p> - <p> - Al þat eu<i>er</i> I yow hy3t, halde schal I rede." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A servant is assigned to him,</span> - <p> - Þer asy<i>n</i>gnes he a seruau<i>n</i>t, to sett hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> - þe waye, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 117<i>b</i>.]</span> <span class="linenum">1972</span> - <p> - & cou<i>n</i>due hy<i>m</i> by þe downe3, þat he no drechch had, - </p> - <p> - For to f[e]rk þur3 þe fryth, & fare at þe gaynest, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - bi greue. - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lorde Gawayn con þonk, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1976</span> - <p class="i4"> - Such worchip he wolde hy<i>m</i> weue; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and then he takes leave of the ladies,</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe<i>n</i> at þo ladye3 wlonk. - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe kny3t hat3 tan his leue. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> selly (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXXIV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">kissing them sorrowfully.</span> - <p> - With care & wyth kyssy<i>n</i>g he carppe3 hem tille, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1980</span> - <p> - & fele þryuande þonkke3 he þrat hom to haue, - </p> - <p> - & þay 3elden hy<i>m</i> a3ay[n] 3eply þat ilk; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They commend him to Christ.</span> - <p> - Þay bikende hy<i>m</i> to Kryst, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> ful colde syky<i>n</i>ge3. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He then departs, thanking each one he meets "for - his service and solace."</span> - <p> - Syþen fro þe meyny he menskly de-partes; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1984</span> - <p> - Vche mon þat he mette, he made hem a þonke, - </p> - <p> - For his seruyse, & his solace, & his sere pyne, - </p> - <p> - Þat þay wyth busynes had ben, aboute hy<i>m</i> to serue; - </p> - <p> - & vche segge as sore, to seu<i>er</i> w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hy<i>m</i> - þere, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1988</span> - <p> - As þay hade wonde worþyly w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þat wlonk eu<i>er</i>. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He retires to rest but sleeps but little,</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> ledes & ly3t he wat3 ladde to his - chambre, - </p> - <p> - & blybely bro3t to his bedde, to be at his rest; - </p> - <p> - 3if he ne slepe sou<i>n</i>dyly, say ne dar I, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">for much has he to think of on the morrow.</span> - <span class="linenum">1992</span> - <p> - For he hade muche on þe morn to my<i>n</i>ne, 3if he wolde, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - in þo3t; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Let him there lie still.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Let hy<i>m</i> ly3e þere stille, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He hat3<sup>1</sup> nere þat he so3t, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Be still awhile, and I shall tell how they - wrought.</span> <span class="linenum">1996</span> - <p class="i4"> - & 3e wyl a whyle be stylle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - I schal telle yow how þay wro3t. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> wat3 (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - [FYTTE THE FOURTH.] - </h2> - <h2> - I. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">New Year's Day approaches.</span> - <p> - Now ne3e3 þe nw3ere, & þe ny3t passe3, - </p> - <p> - Þe day dryue3 to þe derk, as dry3tyn bidde3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The weather is stormy.</span> <span - class="linenum">2000</span> - <p> - Bot wylde wedere3 of þe worlde wakned þeroute, - </p> - <p> - Clowdes kesten kenly þe colde to þe erþe, - </p> - <p> - Wyth ny3e<sup>1</sup> in-nogh<i>e</i> of þe norþe, þe naked to tene; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Snow falls.</span> - <p> - Þe snawe snitered ful snart, þat snayped þe wylde; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2004</span> - <p> - Þe werbelande wynde wapped fro þe hy3e, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The dales are full of drift.</span> - <p> - & drof vche dale ful of dryftes ful grete. - </p> - <p> - Þe leude lystened ful wel, þat le3 i<i>n</i> his bedde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne in his bed hears each cock that crows.</span> - <p> - Þa3 he lowke3 his lidde3, ful lyttel he slepes; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2008</span> - <p> - Bi vch kok þat crue, he knwe wel þe steuen. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 118.]</span> - <p> - De-liu<i>er</i>ly he dressed vp, er þe day sprenged, - </p> - <p> - For þere wat3 ly3t of a lau[m]pe, þat lemed i<i>n</i> his chambre; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He calls for his chamberlain, and bids him bring - him his armour.</span> - <p> - He called to his chamberlayn, þat cofly hy<i>m</i> swared, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2012</span> - <p> - & bede hy<i>m</i> bry<i>n</i>g hy<i>m</i> his bruny, & his - blonk sadel; - </p> - <p> - Þat oþ<i>er</i> ferke3 hy<i>m</i> vp, & feche3 hy<i>m</i> his - wede3, - </p> - <p> - & grayþe3 me s<i>ir</i> Gawayn vpon a grett wyse. - </p> - <p> - Fyrst he clad hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> his cloþe3, þe colde for to were; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2016</span> - <p> - & syþen his oþ<i>er</i> harnays, þat holdely wat3 keped, - </p> - <p> - Boþe his pau<i>n</i>ce, & his plate3, piked ful clene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Men knock off the rust from his rich habergeon.</span> - <p> - Þe ry<i>n</i>ge3<sup>2</sup> rokked of þe roust, of his riche bruny; - </p> - <p> - & al wat3 fresch as vpon fyrst, & he wat3 fayn þe<i>n</i>ne - </p> - <span class="linenum">2020</span> - <p class="i8"> - to þonk; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He hade vpon vche pece, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Wypped ful wel & wlonk; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight then calls for his steed.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe gayest i<i>n</i> to Grece, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2024</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe burne bede bry<i>n</i>g his blonk. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> nywe (?). <sup>2</sup> rynke3 (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - II. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">While he clothed himself in his rich weeds,</span> - <p> - Whyle þe wlonkest wedes he warp on hy<i>m</i>-seluen; - </p> - <p> - His cote, wyth be conysau<i>n</i>ce of þe clere werke3, - </p> - <p> - Ennurned vpon veluet v<i>er</i>tuu<i>us</i><sup>1</sup> stone3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2028</span> - <p> - Aboute beten, & bou<i>n</i>den, enbrauded seme3, - </p> - <p> - & fayre furred w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne wyth fayre pelures. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">he forgot not the "lace," the lady's gift,</span> - <p> - 3et laft he not þe lace, þe ladie3 gifte, - </p> - <p> - Þat for-gat not Gawayn, for gode of hy<i>m</i>-seluen; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2032</span> - <p> - Bi he hade belted þe bronde vpon his bal3e hau<i>n</i>che3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but with it doubly girded his loins.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>n dressed he his drurye double hy<i>m</i> aboute; - </p> - <p> - Swyþe sweþled vmbe his swange swetely, þat kny3t, - </p> - <p> - Þe gordel of þe grene silke, þat gay wel bisemed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2036</span> - <p> - Vpon þat ryol red cloþe, þat ryche wat3 to schewe. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He wore it not for its rich ornaments,</span> - <p> - Bot wered not þis ilk wy3e for wele þis gordel, - </p> - <p> - For pryde of þe pendau<i>n</i>te3, þa3 polyst þay were, - </p> - <p> - & þa3 þe glyt<i>er</i>ande golde glent vpon ende3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"but to save himself when it behoved him to - suffer."</span> <span class="linenum">2040</span> - <p> - Bot forto sau<i>en</i> hy<i>m</i>-self, when suffer hy<i>m</i> - by-houed, - </p> - <p> - To byde bale w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-oute dabate, of bronde hy<i>m</i> to - were, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - oþ<i>er</i> knyffe; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bi þat þe bolde mon bou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2044</span> - <p class="i4"> - Wy<i>n</i>ne3 þeroute bilyue, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">All the renowned assembly he thanks full oft.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Alle þe meyny of renou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He þonkke3 ofte ful ryue. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> v<i>er</i>tuo<i>us</i> (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - III. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 118<i>b</i>.]<br />Then was Gringolet - arrayed,</span> - <p> - The<i>n</i>ne wat3 Gryngolet grayþe, þat gret wat3 & huge, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2048</span> - <p> - & hade ben soio<i>ur</i>ned sau<i>er</i>ly, & i<i>n</i> a - siker wyse, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">full ready to prick on.</span> - <p> - Hy<i>m</i> lyst prik for poy<i>n</i>t, þat proude hors þe<i>n</i>ne; - </p> - <p> - Þe wy3e wy<i>n</i>ne3 hy<i>m</i> to, & wyte3 on his lyre, - </p> - <p> - & sayde soberly hy<i>m</i>-self, & by his soth swere3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2052</span> - <p> - "Here is a meyny i<i>n</i> þis mote, þat on menske þenkke3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne returns thanks for the honour and - kindness shown to him by all.</span> - <p> - Þe mon hem maynteines, ioy mot þay haue; - </p> - <p> - Þe leue lady, on lyue luf hir bityde; - </p> - <p> - 3if þay for charyté cherysen a gest, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2056</span> - <p> - & halden hono<i>ur</i> i<i>n</i> her honde, þe haþel he<i>m</i> - 3elde, - </p> - <p> - Þat halde3 þe heuen vpon hy3e, & also yow alle! - </p> - <p> - & 3if I my3t lyf vpon londe lede any quyle, - </p> - <p> - I schuld rech yow su<i>m</i> rewarde redyly, if I my3t." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He then steps into his saddle,</span> <span - class="linenum">2060</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>n steppe3 he i<i>n</i>-to stirop, & stryde3 alofte; - </p> - <p> - His schalk schewed hy<i>m</i> his schelde, on schulder he hit la3t, - </p> - <p> - Gorde3 to Gryngolet, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his gilt hele3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and "starts on the stone" without more delay.</span> - <p> - & he starte3 on þe ston, stod he no lenger, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2064</span> - <p class="i8"> - to prau<i>n</i>ce; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - His haþel on hors wat3 þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þat bere his spere & lau<i>n</i>ce. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"This castle to Christ I commend; may he give it - ever good chance!"</span> - <p class="i4"> - "Þis kastel to Kryst I ke<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2068</span> - <p class="i4"> - He gef hit ay god chau<i>n</i>ce!" - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - IV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The gates are soon opened.</span> - <p> - The brygge wat3 brayde dou<i>n</i>, & þe brode 3ate3 - </p> - <p> - Vnbarred, & born open, vpon boþe halue; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight passes thereout,</span> - <p> - Þe burne blessed hy<i>m</i> bilyue, & þe brede3 passed; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2072</span> - <p> - Prayses þe porter, bifore þe prynce kneled, - </p> - <p> - Gef hym God & goud day, þat Gawayn he saue; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and goes on his way accompanied by his guide.</span> - <p> - & went on his way, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his wy3e one, - </p> - <p> - Þat schulde teche hy<i>m</i> to to<i>ur</i>ne to þat tene place, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2076</span> - <p> - Þer þe ruful race he schulde re-sayue. - </p> - <p> - Þay bo3en bi bonkke3, þ<i>er</i> bo3e3 ar bare, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They climb by cliffs,</span> - <p> - Þay clomben bi clyffe3, þer clenge3 þe colde; - </p> - <p> - Þe heuen wat3 vp halt, bot vgly þer vnder, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2080</span> - <p> - Mist muged on þe mor, malt on þe mou<i>n</i>te3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">where each "hill had a hat and a mist-cloak,"</span> - <p> - Vch hille hade a hatte, a myst-hakel huge; - </p> - <p> - Broke3 byled, & breke, bi bonkke3 aboute, - </p> - <p> - Schyre schat<i>er</i>ande on schore3, þ<i>er</i> þay dou<i>n</i> - schowued. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 119.]</span> <span class="linenum">2084</span> - <p> - Welawylle wat3 þe way, þer þay bi wod schulden, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">until daylight.</span> - <p> - Til hit wat3 sone sesou<i>n</i>, þat þe su<i>n</i>ne ryses, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - þat tyde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They were then on a "hill full high."</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þay were on a hille ful hy3e, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2088</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe quyte snaw lay bisyde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The servant bade his master abide, saying,</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe burne þat rod hy<i>m</i> by - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bede his mayster abide. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - V. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"I have brought you hither,</span> - <p> - "For I haf wo<i>n</i>nen yow hider, wy3e, at þis tyme, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2092</span> - <p> - & now nar 3e not fer fro þat note place, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">ye are not now far from the noted place.</span> - <p> - Þat 3e han spied & spuryed so specially aft<i>er</i>; - </p> - <p> - Bot I schal say yow for soþe, syþen I yow knowe, - </p> - <p> - & 3e ar a lede vpon lyue, þat I wel louy, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2096</span> - <p> - Wolde 3e worch bi my wytte, 3e worþed þe bett<i>er</i>. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Full perilous is it esteemed.</span> - <p> - Þe place þat 3e prece to, ful perelo<i>us</i> is halden; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of that 'waste' is stiff and stern.</span> - <p> - Þer wone3 a wy3e i<i>n</i> þat waste, þe worst vpon erþe; - </p> - <p> - For he is stiffe, & sturne, & to strike louies, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2100</span> - <p> - & more he is þe<i>n</i> any mon vpon myddelerde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His body is bigger 'than the best four in - Arthur's house.'</span> - <p> - & his body bigger þe<i>n</i> þe best fowre. - </p> - <p> - Þat ar i<i>n</i> Arþure3 ho<i>us</i>, Hestor<sup>1</sup> oþ<i>er</i> - oþ<i>er</i>. - </p> - <p> - He cheue3 þat chau<i>n</i>ce at þe chapel grene; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">None passes by the Green Chapel, 'that he does - not ding to death with dint of his hand.'</span> <span class="linenum">2104</span> - <p> - Þer passes non bi þat place, so proude i<i>n</i> his armes, - </p> - <p> - Þat he ne dy<i>n</i>ne3 hy<i>m</i> to deþe, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> dynt of - his honde; - </p> - <p> - For he is a mon methles, & mercy non vses, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">For be it churl or chaplain, monk, mass-priest, - 'or any man else,' he kills them all.</span> - <p> - For be hit chorle, oþ<i>er</i> chaplayn, þat bi þe chapel rydes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2108</span> - <p> - Monk, oþ<i>er</i> masse-prest, oþ<i>er</i> any mon elles, - </p> - <p> - H<i>ym</i> þynk as queme hy<i>m</i> to quelle, as quyk go hy<i>m</i> - seluen. - </p> - <p> - For-þy I say þe as soþe as 3e i<i>n</i> sadel sitte, - </p> - <p> - Com 3e þere, 3e be kylled, [I] may þe kny3t rede, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2112</span> - <p> - Trawe 3e me þat trwely, þa3 3e had twenty lyues - </p> - <p class="i8"> - to spende; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He has lived there full long.</span> - <p class="i4"> - He hat3 wonyd here ful 3ore, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - On bent much baret bende, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Against his dints sore ye may not defend you.</span> - <span class="linenum">2116</span> - <p class="i4"> - A3ayn his dynte3 sore, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - 3e may not yow defende." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> Hector (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Wherefore, good Sir Gawayne, let this man alone.</span> - <p> - "For-þy, goude s<i>ir</i> Gawayn, let þe gome one, - </p> - <p> - & got3 a-way su<i>m</i> oþ<i>er</i> gate; vpon Godde3 halue; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Go by some other region,</span> <span - class="linenum">2120</span> - <p> - Cayre3 bi su<i>m</i> oþ<i>er</i> kyth, þer Kryst mot yow spede; - </p> - <p> - & I schal hy3 me hom a3ayn, & hete yow fyrre, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 119<i>b</i>.]<br />I swear by God and all - His saints, that I will never say that ever ye attempted to flee from - any man."</span> - <p> - Þat I schal swere bi God, & alle his gode hal3e3, - </p> - <p> - As help me God & þe halydam, & oþe3 i<i>n</i>-nogh<i>e</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2124</span> - <p> - Þat I schal lelly yow layne, & lance neu<i>er</i> tale, - </p> - <p> - Þat eu<i>er</i> 3e fondet to fle, for freke þat I wyst." - </p> - <p> - "G<i>ra</i>nt m<i>er</i>ci;" q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, & gruchy<i>ng</i> - he sayde, - </p> - <p> - "Wel worth þe wy3e, þat wolde3 my gode, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2128</span> - <p> - & þat lelly me layne, I leue wel þ<i>o</i>u wolde3! - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne replies that to shun this danger would - mark him as a "coward knight."</span> - <p> - Bot helde þ<i>o</i>u hit neu<i>er</i> so holde, & I here passed, - </p> - <p> - Fou<i>n</i>ded for ferde for to fle, i<i>n</i> fo<i>ur</i>me þat þ<i>o</i>u - telle3, - </p> - <p> - I were a kny3t kowarde, I my3t not<sup>1</sup> be excused. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">To the Chapel, therefore, he will go,</span> - <span class="linenum">2132</span> - <p> - Bot I wy1 to þe chape1, for chau<i>n</i>ce þat may falle, - </p> - <p> - & talk wyth þat ilk tulk þe tale þat me lyste, - </p> - <p> - Worþe hit wele, oþ<i>er</i> wo, as þe wyrde lyke3 - </p> - <p class="i8"> - hit hafe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">though the owner thereof were a stern knave.</span> - <span class="linenum">2136</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þa3e he be a sturn knape, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - To sti3tel, &<sup>2</sup> stad w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> staue, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Full well can God devise his servants for to - save."</span> - <p class="i4"> - Ful wel con dry3tyn schape, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - His seruau<i>n</i>te3 forto saue." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> mot, in MS. <sup>2</sup> & &, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Mary!" quoth the other, "since it pleases thee - to lose thy life,</span> <span class="linenum">2140</span> - <p> - "Mary!" q<i>uod</i> þat oþ<i>er</i> mon, "now þ<i>o</i>u so much - spelle3, - </p> - <p> - Þat þ<i>o</i>u wylt þyn awen nye nyme to þy-seluen, - </p> - <p> - & þe lyst lese þy lyf, þe lette I ne kepe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">take thy helmet on thy head, and thy spear in thy - hand, and ride down this path by yon rock-side,</span> - <p> - Haf here þi helme on þy hede, þi spere i<i>n</i> þi honde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2144</span> - <p> - & ryde me dou<i>n</i> þis ilk rake, bi 3on rokke syde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">till thou come to the bottom of the valley;</span> - <p> - Til þ<i>o</i>u be bro3t to þe boþem of þe brem valay; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">look a little to the left,</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne loke a littel on þe lau<i>n</i>de, on þi lyfte honde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and thou shalt see the Chapel itself and the man - that guards it."</span> - <p> - & þ<i>o</i>u schal se i<i>n</i> þat slade þe self chapel, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2148</span> - <p> - & þe borelych burne on bent, þat hit kepe3. - </p> - <p> - Now fare3 wel on Gode3 half, Gawayn þe noble, - </p> - <p> - For alle þe golde vpon grou<i>n</i>de I nolde go with þe, - </p> - <p> - Ne bere þe fela3schip þur3 þis fryth on fote fyrre." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Having thus spoken the guide takes leave of the - knight.</span> <span class="linenum">2152</span> - <p> - Bi þat þe wy3e i<i>n</i> þe wod wende3 his brydel, - </p> - <p> - Hit þe hors w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe hele3, as harde as he my3t, - </p> - <p> - Lepe3 hy<i>m</i> ou<i>er</i> þe lau<i>n</i>de, & leue3 þe kny3t - þere, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - al one. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"By God's self," says Sir Gawayne, "I will - neither weep nor groan.</span> <span class="linenum">2156</span> - <p class="i4"> - "Bi Godde3 self," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "I wyl nauþ<i>er</i> grete ne grone, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">To God's will I am full ready."</span> - <p class="i4"> - To Godde3 wylle I am ful bayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & to hy<i>m</i> I haf me tone." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - VIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 120.]<br />Then he pursues his journey,</span> - <span class="linenum">2160</span> - <p> - The<i>n</i>ne gyrde3 he to Gryngolet, & gedere3 þe rake, - </p> - <p> - Schowue3 i<i>n</i> bi a schore, at a scha3e syde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">rides through the dale, and looks about.</span> - <p> - Ride3 þur3 þe ro3e bonk, ry3t to þe dale; - </p> - <p> - & þe<i>n</i>ne he wayted hy<i>m</i> aboute, & wylde hit hy<i>m</i> - þo3t, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He sees no sign of a resting-place, but only high - and steep banks.</span> <span class="linenum">2164</span> - <p> - & se3e no sy<i>n</i>gne of resette, bisyde3 nowhere, - </p> - <p> - Bot hy3e bonkke3 & brent, vpon boþe halue, - </p> - <p> - & ru3e knokled knarre3, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> knorned stone3; - </p> - <p> - Þe skwe3 of þe scowtes skayued<sup>1</sup> hy<i>m</i> þo3t. - </p> - <span class="linenum">2168</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne he houed, & wyth-hylde his hors at þat tyde, - </p> - <p> - & ofte chau<i>n</i>ged his cher, þe chapel to seche; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">No chapel could he discern.</span> - <p> - He se3 non suche i<i>n</i> no syde, & selly hy<i>m</i> þo3t, - </p> - <p> - Sone a lyttel on a lau<i>n</i>de, a lawe as hit we[re]; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">At last he sees a hill by the side of a stream;</span> - <span class="linenum">2172</span> - <p> - A bal3 ber3, bi a bonke, þe bry<i>m</i>me by-syde, - </p> - <p> - Bi a for3 of a flode, þ<i>a</i>t ferked þare; - </p> - <p> - Þe borne blubred þer-i<i>n</i>ne, as hit boyled hade. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">thither he goes,</span> - <p> - Þe kny3t kache3 his caple, & com to þe lawe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">alights and fastens his horse to a branch of a - tree.</span> <span class="linenum">2176</span> - <p> - Li3te3 dou<i>n</i> luflyly, & at a lynde tache3 - </p> - <p> - Þe rayne, & his riche, with a ro3e brau<i>n</i>che; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He walks around the hill, debating with himself - what it might be,</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>[n]e he bo3e3 to þe ber3e, aboute hit he walke, - </p> - <p> - D[e]batande w<i>i</i>th hy<i>m</i>-self, quat hit be my3t. - </p> - <span class="linenum">2180</span> - <p> - Hit hade a hole on þe ende, & on ayþer syde, - </p> - <p> - & ou<i>er</i>-growen w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gresse i<i>n</i> glodes ay - where, - </p> - <p> - & al wat3 hol3 i<i>n</i>-w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>, nobot an olde caue, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and at last finds an old cave in the crag.</span> - <p> - Or a creuisse of an olde cragge, he couþe hit no3t deme - </p> - <span class="linenum">2184</span> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> spelle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "We,<sup>2</sup> lorde," q<i>uod</i> þe gentyle kny3t, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "Wheþer þis be þe grene chapelle; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He prays that about midnight he may tell his - matins.</span> - <p class="i4"> - He my3t aboute myd-ny3t, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2188</span> - <p class="i4"> - [Þ]e dele his maty<i>n</i>nes telle!" - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> skayned (?). <sup>2</sup> wel (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - IX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Truly," says Sir Gawayne, "a desert is here,</span> - <p> - "Now i-wysse," q<i>uod</i> Wowayn, "wysty is here; - </p> - <p> - Þis oritore is vgly, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> erbe3 ou<i>er</i>-growen; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">a fitting place for the man in green to 'deal - here his devotions in devil fashion.'</span> - <p> - Wel biseme3 þe wy3e wruxled i<i>n</i> grene - </p> - <span class="linenum">2192</span> - <p> - Dele here his deuociou<i>n</i>, on þe deuele3 wyse; - </p> - <p> - Now I fele hit is þe fende, i<i>n</i> my fyue wytte3, - </p> - <p> - Þat hat3 stoken me þis steuen, to strye me here; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It is most cursed kirk that ever I entered."</span> - <p> - Þis is a chapel of meschau<i>n</i>ce, þat chekke hit by-tyde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2196</span> - <p> - Hit is þe corsedest kyrk, þat eu<i>er</i> i com i<i>n</i>ne!" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 120<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - With he3e helme on his hede, his lau<i>n</i>ce i<i>n</i> his honde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Roaming about he hears a loud noise,</span> - <p> - He rome3 vp to þe rokke of þo ro3 wone3; - </p> - <p> - Þene herde he of þat hy3e hil, i<i>n</i> a harde roche, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">from beyond the brook.</span> <span - class="linenum">2200</span> - <p> - Bi3onde þe broke, i<i>n</i> a bonk, a wonder breme noyse, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It clattered like the grinding of a scythe on a - grindstone.</span> - <p> - Quat! hit clat<i>er</i>ed i<i>n</i> þe clyff, as hit cleue schulde, - </p> - <p> - As one vpon a gryndelston hade grou<i>n</i>den a syþe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It whirred like a mill-stream.</span> - <p> - What! hit wharred, & whette, as wat<i>er</i> at a mulne, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2204</span> - <p> - What! hit rusched, & ronge, rawþe to here. - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne "bi Godde," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "þat gere as<sup>1</sup> - I trowe, - </p> - <p> - Is ryched at þe reu<i>er</i>ence, me renk to mete, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - bi rote; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2208</span> - <p class="i4"> - Let God worche we loo, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Though my life I forgo," says the knight, "no - noise shall terrify me."</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hit helppe3 me not a mote, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - My lif þa3 I for-goo, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Drede dot3 me no lote." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> at, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - X. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then cried he aloud,</span> <span class="linenum">2212</span> - <p> - The<i>n</i>ne þe kny3t con calle ful hy3e, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Who dwells here discourse with me to hold?"</span> - <p> - "Who sti3tle3 i<i>n</i> þis sted, me steuen to holde? - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Now is the good Gawayne going aright</span> - <p> - For now is gode Gawayn goande ry3t here, - </p> - <p> - If any wy3e o3t wyl wy<i>n</i>ne hider fast, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2216</span> - <p> - Oþ<i>er</i> now, oþ<i>er</i> neu<i>er</i>, his nede3 to spede." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He hears a voice commanding him to abide where he - is.</span> - <p> - "Abyde," q<i>uod</i> on on þe bonke, abouen ou<i>er</i> his hede, - </p> - <p> - "& þ<i>o</i>u schal haf al i<i>n</i> hast, þat I þe hy3t ones." - </p> - <p> - 3et he rusched on þat rurde, rapely a þrowe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2220</span> - <p> - & wyth quetty<i>n</i>g a-wharf, er he wolde ly3t; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Soon there comes out of a hole, with a fell - weapon,</span> - <p> - & syþen he keu<i>er</i>e3 bi a cragge, & come3 of a hole, - </p> - <p> - Whyrlande out of a wro, wyth a felle weppen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">a Danish axe, quite new,</span> - <p> - A dene3 ax nwe dy3t, þe dynt w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> [t]o 3elde - </p> - <span class="linenum">2224</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a borelych bytte, bende by þe halme, - </p> - <p> - Fyled i<i>n</i> a fylor, fowre fote large, - </p> - <p> - Hit wat3 no lasse, bi þat lace þat lemed ful bry3t. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the "knight in green," clothed as before.</span> - <p> - & þe gome i<i>n</i> þe erene gered as fyrst, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2228</span> - <p> - Boþe þe lyre & þe legge3, lokke3, & berde, - </p> - <p> - Saue þat fayre on his fote he fou<i>n</i>de3 on þe erþe, - </p> - <p> - Sette þe stele to þe stone, & stalked bysyde. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">When he reaches the stream, he hops over and - strides about.</span> - <p> - When he wan to þe watter, þer he wade nolde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2232</span> - <p> - He hypped ou<i>er</i> on hys ax, & orpedly stryde3, - </p> - <p> - Bremly broþe on a bent, þat brode wat3 a-boute, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - on snawe. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 121.]<br />He meets Sir Gawayne without - obeisance.</span> - <p class="i4"> - S<i>ir</i> Gawayn þe kny3t con mete. - </p> - <span class="linenum">2236</span> - <p class="i4"> - He ne lutte hy<i>m</i> no þy<i>n</i>g lowe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The other tells him that he is now ready for - conversation</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat oþ<i>er</i> sayde, "now, s<i>ir</i> swete, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Of steuen mon may þe trowe." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"God preserve thee!" says the Green Knight,</span> - <p> - "Gawayn," q<i>uod</i> þat grene gome, "God þe mot loke! - </p> - <span class="linenum">2240</span> - <p> - I-wysse þ<i>o</i>u art welcom,<sup>1</sup> wy3e, to my place, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"as a true knight 'thou hast timed thy travel'</span> - <p> - & þ<i>o</i>u hat3 tymed þi trauayl as t<i>ru</i>e<sup>2</sup> mo<i>n</i> - schulde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Thou knowest the covenant between us,</span> - <p> - & þ<i>o</i>u knowe3 þe couenau<i>n</i>te3 kest v<i>us</i> - by-twene, - </p> - <p> - At þis tyme twelmonyth þ<i>o</i>u toke þ<i>a</i>t þe falled, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">that on New Year's day I should return thy blow</span> - <span class="linenum">2244</span> - <p> - & I schulde at þis nwe 3ere 3eply þe quyte. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Here we are alone,</span> - <p> - & we ar i<i>n</i> þis valay, v<i>er</i>ayly oure one, - </p> - <p> - Here ar no renkes vs to rydde, rele as v<i>us</i> like3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Have off thy helmet and take thy pay at once."</span> - <p> - Haf þy<sup>3</sup> helme of þy hede, & haf here þy pay; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2248</span> - <p> - Busk no more debate þ<i>en</i> I þe bede þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - "When þ<i>o</i>u wypped of my hede at a wap one." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"By God," quoth Sir Gawayne, "I shall not - begrudge thee thy will."</span> - <p> - "Nay, bi God," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "þ<i>a</i>t me gost lante, - </p> - <p> - I schal gruch þe no grwe, for grem þat falle3; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2252</span> - <p> - Botsty3tel þe vpon on strok, & I schal stonde stylle, - </p> - <p> - & warp þe no werny<i>n</i>g, to worch as þe lyke3, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - no whare." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then he shows his bare neck,</span> - <p class="i4"> - He lened w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe nek, & lutte, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2256</span> - <p class="i4"> - & schewed þat schyre al bare, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & lette as he no3t dutte, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and appears undaunted.</span> - <p class="i4"> - For drede he wolde not dare. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> welcon, in MS. <sup>2</sup> t<i>ru</i>ee in MS. <sup>3</sup> - MS. þy þy. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then the man in green seizes his grim tool.</span> - <p> - The<i>n</i> þe gome i<i>n</i> þe grene grayþed hy<i>m</i> swyþe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2260</span> - <p> - Gedere3 yp hys gry<i>m</i>me tole, Gawayn to smyte; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">With all his force he raises it aloft.</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> alle þe bur i<i>n</i> his body he ber hit on lofte, - </p> - <p> - Mu<i>n</i>t as ma3tyly, as marre hy<i>m</i> he wolde; - </p> - <p> - Hade hit dryuen adou<i>n</i>, as dre3 as he atled, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2264</span> - <p> - Þer hade ben ded of his dynt, þat do3ty wat3 eu<i>er</i>. - </p> - <p> - Bot Gawayn on þat giserne glyfte hy<i>m</i> bysyde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">As it came gliding down,</span> - <p> - As hit com glydande adou<i>n</i>, on glode hy<i>m</i> to schende, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne shrank a little with his shoulders.</span> - <p> - & schranke a lytel w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe schulderes, for þe scharp - yrne. - </p> - <span class="linenum">2268</span> - <p> - Þat oþ<i>er</i> schalk wyth a schu<i>n</i>t þe schene wythhalde3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The other reproved him, saying,</span> - <p> - & þe<i>n</i>ne repreued he þe prynce w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony - prowde worde3: - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Thou art not Gawayne that is so good esteemed,</span> - <p> - "Þ<i>o</i>u art not Gawayn," q<i>uod</i> þe gome, "þ<i>a</i>t is so - goud halden, - </p> - <p> - Þat neu<i>er</i> ar3ed for no here, by hylle ne be vale, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 121<i>b</i>.]<br />for thou fleest for fear - before thou feelest harm.</span> <span class="linenum">2272</span> - <p> - & now þ<i>o</i>u fles for ferde, er þ<i>o</i>u fele harme3; - </p> - <p> - Such cowardise of þat kny3t cowþe I neu<i>er</i> here. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I never flinched when thou struckest.</span> - <p> - Nawþ<i>er</i> fyked I, ne fla3e, freke, quen þ<i>o</i>u myntest, - </p> - <p> - Ne kest no kauelac<i>i</i>on, in ky<i>n</i>ge3 ho<i>us</i> Arthor, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">My head flew to my foot, yet I never fled,</span> - <span class="linenum">2276</span> - <p> - My hede fla3 to my fote, & 3et fla3 I neu<i>er</i>; - </p> - <p> - & þ<i>o</i>u, er any harme hent, ar3e3 i<i>n</i> hert, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">wherefore I ought to be called the better man."</span> - <p> - Wherfore þe better burne me burde be called - </p> - <p class="i8"> - þ<i>e</i>r-fore." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"I shunted once," says Gawayne, "but will no - more.</span> <span class="linenum">2280</span> - <p class="i4"> - Q<i>uod</i> G:, "I schu<i>n</i>t one3, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & so wyl I no more, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bot pa3 my hede falle on þe stone3, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - I con not hit restore. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Bring me to the point; deal me my destiny at - once."</span> <span class="linenum">2284</span> - <p> - Bot busk, burne, bi þi fayth, & bry<i>n</i>g me to þe poy<i>n</i>t, - </p> - <p> - Dele to me my destiné, & do hit out of honde, - </p> - <p> - For I schal stonde þe a strok, & start no more, - </p> - <p> - Til þy<i>n</i> ax haue me hitte, haf here my trawþe." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Have at thee, then," says the other.</span> - <span class="linenum">2288</span> - <p> - "Haf at þe þe<i>n</i>ne," q<i>uod</i> þ<i>a</i>t oþ<i>er</i>, & - heue3 hit alofte, - </p> - <p> - & wayte3 as wroþely, as he wode were; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">With that he aims at him a blow.</span> - <p> - He mynte3 at hy<i>m</i> ma3tyly, bot not þe mon ryue3,<sup>1</sup> - </p> - <p> - With-helde het<i>er</i>ly h[i]s honde, er hit hurt my3t. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne never flinches, but stands as still as a - stone.</span> <span class="linenum">2292</span> - <p> - Gawayn grayþely hit byde3, & glent w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> no membre, - </p> - <p> - Bot stode stylle as þe ston, oþ<i>er</i> a stubbe auþer, - </p> - <p> - Þat raþeled is i<i>n</i> roche grou<i>n</i>de, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> - rote3 a hundreth. - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> muryly efte con he mele, þe mon i<i>n</i> þe grene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Now," says the Green Knight, "I must hit thee, - since thy heart is whole."</span> <span class="linenum">2296</span> - <p> - "So now þ<i>o</i>u hat3 þi hert holle, hitte me bihou[e]s; - </p> - <p> - Halde þe now þe hy3e hode, þat Arþur þe ra3t, - </p> - <p> - & kepe þy kanel at þis kest, 3if hit keu<i>er</i> may." - </p> - <p> - G: ful gryndelly w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> greme þe<i>n</i>ne sayde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Thrash on," says the other.</span> <span - class="linenum">2300</span> - <p> - "Wy þresch on, þ<i>o</i>u þro mon, þ<i>o</i>u þrete3 to longe, - </p> - <p> - I hope þat þi hert ar3e wyth þyn awen seluen." - </p> - <p> - "For soþe," q<i>uod</i> þat oþ<i>er</i> freke, "so felly þ<i>o</i>u - speke3, - </p> - <p> - I wyl no leng<i>er</i> on lyte lette þin ernde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2304</span> - <p class="i8"> - ri3t nowe." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then the Green Knight makes ready to strike.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe<i>n</i>ne tas he<sup>2</sup> hy<i>m</i> stryþe to stryke, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & frou<i>n</i>ses boþe lyppe & browe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - No meruayle þa3 hy<i>m</i> myslyke, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2308</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat hoped of no rescowe. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> ? <i>ryne3</i> = touches. <sup>2</sup> he he, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XIV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He let fall his loom on the bare</span> - <p> - He lyftes ly3tly his lome, & let hit dou<i>n</i> fayre, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 122.]<br />neck of Sir Gawayne.</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe barbe of þe bitte bi þe bare nek - </p> - <p> - Þa3 he homered het<i>er</i>ly, hurt hy<i>m</i> no more, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2312</span> - <p> - Bot snyrt hy<i>m</i> on þat on syde, þat seu<i>er</i>ed þe hyde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The sharp weapon pierced the flesh so that the - blood flowed.</span> - <p> - Þe scharp schrank to þe flesche þur3 þe schyre grece, - </p> - <p> - Þat þe schene blod ov<i>er</i> his schulderes schot to þe erþe. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">When the knight saw the blood on the snow,</span> - <p> - & quen þe burne se3 þe blode blenk on þe snawe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2316</span> - <p> - He sprit forth spe<i>n</i>ne fote more þe<i>n</i> a spere lenþe, - </p> - <p> - Hent het<i>er</i>ly his helme, & on his hed cast, - </p> - <p> - Schot wit<i>h</i> his schuldere3 his fayre schelde vnder, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">he unsheathed his sword, and thus spake:</span> - <p> - Brayde3 out a bry3t sworde, & bremely he speke3; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2320</span> - <p> - Neu<i>er</i> syn þat he wat3 burne borne of his moder, - </p> - <p> - Wat3 he neu<i>er</i> i<i>n</i> þis worlde, wy3e half so blyþe:— - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Cease, man, of thy blow.</span> - <p> - "Bly<i>n</i>ne, burne, of þy bur, bede me no mo; - </p> - <p> - I haf a stroke i<i>n</i> þis sted w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-oute stryf hent, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">If thou givest me any more, readily shall I - requite thee.</span> <span class="linenum">2324</span> - <p> - & if þow reche3 me any mo, I redyly schal quyte, - </p> - <p> - & 3elde 3ederly a3ayn, & þ<i>er</i> to 3e tryst, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - & foo; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Our agreement stipulates only one stroke."</span> - <p class="i4"> - Bot on stroke here me falle3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2328</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe couenau<i>n</i>t schop ry3t so, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - [Sikered]<sup>1</sup> in Arþure3 halle3, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & þer-fore, hende, now hoo!" - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> Illegible. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The Green Knight rested on his axe,</span> - <p> - The haþel heldet hy<i>m</i> fro, & on his ax rested, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2332</span> - <p> - Sette þe schaft vpon schore, & to be scharp lened, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">looked on Sir Gawayne, who appeared bold and - fearless,</span> - <p> - & loked to þe leude, þat on þe launde 3ede, - </p> - <p> - How þat do3ty dredles deruely þer stonde3, - </p> - <p> - Armed ful a3le3; i<i>n</i> hert hit hy<i>m</i> lyke3. - </p> - <span class="linenum">2336</span> - <p> - þe<i>n</i>n he mele3 muryly, wyth a much steuen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and addressed him as follows: "Bold knight, be - not so wroth,</span> - <p> - & wyth a r[a]ykande rurde he to þe renk sayde, - </p> - <p> - "Bolde burne, on þis bent be not so gryndel; - </p> - <p> - No mon here vn-man<i>er</i>ly þe mys-boden habbe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2340</span> - <p> - Ne kyd, bot as couenau<i>n</i>de, at ky<i>n</i>ge3 kort schaped; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I promised thee a stroke and thou hast it, be - satisfied.</span> - <p> - I hy3t þe a strok, & þ<i>o</i>u hit hat3, halde þe wel payed, - </p> - <p> - I relece þe of þe remnau<i>n</i>t, of ry3tes alle oþ<i>er</i>; - </p> - <p> - 3if<sup>1</sup> I deliuer had bene, a boffet, parau<i>n</i>t<i>e</i>r, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I could have dealt worse with thee.</span> <span - class="linenum">2344</span> - <p> - I couþe wroþeloker haf waret, [&] to þe haf wro3t ang<i>er</i>.<sup>2</sup> - </p> - <p> - Fyrst I mansed þe muryly, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a mynt one, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I menaced thee with one blow for the covenant</span> - <p> - & roue þe wyth no rof, sore w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> ry3t I þe p<i>ro</i>fered, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 122<i>b</i>.]<br /> between us on the first - night.</span> - <p> - For þe forwarde that we fest i<i>n</i> þe fyrst ny3t, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2348</span> - <p> - & þ<i>o</i>u trystyly þe trawþe & trwly me halde3, - </p> - <p> - Al þe gayne þow me gef, as god mon shulde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Another I aimed at thee because thou kissedst my - wife.</span> - <p> - Þat oþ<i>er</i> mu<i>n</i>t for þe morne, mon, I þe profered, - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>o</i>u kyssedes my clere wyf, þe cosse3 me ra3te3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2352</span> - <p> - For boþe two here I þe bede bot two bare myntes, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - boute scaþe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A true man should restore truly, and then he need - fear no harm.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Trwe mon trwe restore, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe<i>n</i>ne þar mo<i>n</i> drede no waþe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Thou failedst at the third time, and therefore - take thee that tap. (See l. 1861.)</span> <span class="linenum">2356</span> - <p class="i4"> - At þe þrid þ<i>o</i>u fayled þore, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & þ<i>er</i>-for þat tappe ta þe. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> uf, in MS. <sup>2</sup> This word is doubtful. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">For my weed (woven by my wife) thou wearest.</span> - <p> - For hit is my wede þat þ<i>o</i>u were3, þ<i>a</i>t ilke wouen girdel, - </p> - <p> - Myn owen wyf hit þe weued, I wot wel forsoþe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I know thy kisses and my wife's wooing.</span> - <span class="linenum">2360</span> - <p> - Now know I wel þy cosses, & þy costes als, - </p> - <p> - & þe wowy<i>n</i>g of my wyf, I wro3t hit myseluen; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I sent her to try thee, and faultless I found - thee.</span> - <p> - I sende hir to asay þe, & sothly me þynkke3, - </p> - <p> - On þe fautlest freke, þat eu<i>er</i> on fote 3ede; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2364</span> - <p> - As perle bi þe quite pese is of prys more, - </p> - <p> - So is Gawayn, i<i>n</i> god fayth, bi oþ<i>er</i> gay kny3te3. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">But yet thou sinnedst a little,</span> - <p> - Bot here you lakked a lyttel, s<i>ir</i>, & lewte yow wonted, - </p> - <p> - Bot þat wat3 for no wylyde werke, ne wowy<i>n</i>g nauþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">for love of thy life."</span> <span - class="linenum">2368</span> - <p> - Bot for 3e lufed yo<i>ur</i> lyf, þe lasse I yow blame." - </p> - <p> - Þat oþ<i>er</i> stif mon i<i>n</i> study stod a gret whyle; - </p> - <p> - So agreued for greme he gryed w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne stands confounded.</span> - <p> - Alle þe blode of his brest blende i<i>n</i> his face, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2372</span> - <p> - Þat al he schrank for schome, þat þe schalk talked. - </p> - <p> - Þe forme worde vpon folde, þat þe freke meled,— - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Cursed," he says, "be cowardice and covetousness - both!"</span> - <p> - "Corsed worth cowarddyse & couetyse boþe! - </p> - <p> - I<i>n</i> yow is vylany & vyse, þat v<i>er</i>tue disstrye3." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then he takes off the girdle and throws it to the - knight.</span> <span class="linenum">2376</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne he ka3t to þe knot, & þe kest lawse3, - </p> - <p> - Brayde broþely þe belt to þe burne seluen: - </p> - <p> - "Lo! þer þe falssy<i>n</i>g, foule mot hit falle! - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He curses his cowardice,</span> - <p> - For care of þy knokke cowardyse me ta3t - </p> - <span class="linenum">2380</span> - <p> - To a-corde me w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> couetyse, my kynde to for-sake, - </p> - <p> - Þat is larges & lewte, þat longe3 to kny3te3. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and confesses himself to have been guilty of - untruth.</span> - <p> - Now am I fawty, & falce, & ferde haf ben eu<i>er</i>; - </p> - <p> - Of trecherye & vn-trawþe boþe bityde sor3e - </p> - <span class="linenum">2384</span> - <p class="i8"> - & care! - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 123.]<br /></span> - <p class="i4"> - I bi-knowe yow, kny3t, here stylle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Al fawty is my fare, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Lete3 me ou<i>er</i>-take yo<i>ur</i> wylle, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2388</span> - <p class="i4"> - & efle I schal be ware." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XVII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then the other, laughing, thus spoke:</span> - <p> - The<i>n</i>ne lo3e þat oþ<i>er</i> leude, & luflyly sayde, - </p> - <p> - "I halde hit hardily<sup>1</sup> hole, þe harme þat I hade; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Thou art confessed so clean,</span> - <p> - Þ<i>o</i>u art confessed so clene, be-knowen of þy mysses, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2392</span> - <p> - & hat3 þe penau<i>n</i>ce apert, of þe poy<i>n</i>t of myn egge, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">that I hold thee as pure as if thou hadst never - been guilty.</span> - <p> - I halde þe polysed of þat ply3t, & pured as clene, - </p> - <p> - As þ<i>o</i>u hade3 neu<i>er</i> forfeted, syþe<i>n</i> þ<i>o</i>u - wat3 fyrst borne. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I give thee, sir, the gold-hemmed girdle,</span> - <p> - & I gif þe, s<i>ir</i>, þe gurdel þat is golde he<i>m</i>med; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2396</span> - <p> - For hit is grene as my goune, s<i>ir</i> G:, 3e maye - </p> - <p> - Þenk vpon þis ilke þrepe, þ<i>er</i> þ<i>o</i>u forth þry<i>n</i>ge3 - </p> - <p> - Amo<i>n</i>g prynces of prys, & þis a pure token - </p> - <span class="sidenote">as a token of thy adventure at the Green Chapel.</span> - <p> - Of þe chau<i>n</i>ce of þe grene chapel, at cheualro<i>us</i> kny3te3; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Come again to my abode, and abide there for the - remainder of the festival."</span> <span class="linenum">2400</span> - <p> - & 3e schal i<i>n</i> þis nwe 3er a3ayn to my wone3, - </p> - <p> - & we schy<i>n</i> reuel þe remnau<i>n</i>t of þis ryche fest, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - ful bene." - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þer laþed hy<i>m</i> fast þe lorde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2404</span> - <p class="i4"> - & sayde, "w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> my wyf, I wene, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - We schal yow wel acorde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þat wat3 yo<i>ur</i> enmy kene." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> hardilyly, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Nay, forsooth," says Gawayne,</span> - <p> - "Nay, for soþe," q<i>uod</i> þe segge, & sesed hys helme, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2408</span> - <p> - & hat3 hit of hendely, & þe haþel þonkke3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"I have sojourned sadly, but bliss betide thee!</span> - <p> - "I haf soiorned sadly, sele yow bytyde, - </p> - <p> - & he 3elde hit yow 3are, þat 3arkke3 al me<i>n</i>skes! - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Commend me to your comely wife and that other - lady who have beguiled me.</span> - <p> - & comau<i>n</i>de3 me to þat cortays, yo<i>ur</i> comlych fere, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2412</span> - <p> - Boþe þat on & þat oþ<i>er</i>, myn hono<i>ur</i>ed ladye3. - </p> - <p> - Þat þ<i>us</i> hor kny3t wyth hor kest han koy<i>n</i>tly bigyled. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">But it is no marvel for a man to be brought to - grief through a woman's wiles.</span> - <p> - Bot hit is no ferly, þa3 a fole madde, - </p> - <p> - & þur3 wyles of wy<i>m</i>men be wonen to sor3e; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Adam, Solomon, Samson, and David were beguiled by - women.</span> <span class="linenum">2416</span> - <p> - For so wat3 Adam i<i>n</i> erde w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> one bygyled, - </p> - <p> - & Salamon w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> fele sere, & Samson eft sone3, - </p> - <p> - Dalyda dalt hy<i>m</i> hys wyrde, & Dauyth þer-aft<i>er</i> - </p> - <p> - Wat3 blended w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> Barsabe, þat much bale þoled. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">How could a man love them and believe them not?</span> - <span class="linenum">2420</span> - <p> - Now þese were wrathed wyth her wyles, h<i>i</i>t were a wy<i>n</i>ne - huge, - </p> - <p> - To luf hom wel, & leue hem not, a leude þat couþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 123<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - For þes wer forne<sup>1</sup> þe freest þat fol3ed alle þe sele, - </p> - <p> - Ex-ellently of alle þyse oþ<i>er</i>, vnder heuen-ryche, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2424</span> - <p class="i8"> - þat mused; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & alle þay were bi-wyled, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - With<sup>2</sup> wy<i>m</i>men þat þay vsed, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Though I be now beguiled, methinks I should be - excused.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þa3 I be now bigyled, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2428</span> - <p class="i4"> - Me þink me burde be excused." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> forme (?) <sup>2</sup> with wyth, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XIX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">But God reward you for your girdle.</span> - <p> - "Bot yo<i>ur</i> gordel," q<i>uod</i> G: "God yow for-3elde! - </p> - <p> - Þat wyl I welde wyth good wylle, not for þe wy<i>n</i>ne golde, - </p> - <p> - Ne þe saynt, ne þe sylk, ne þe syde pendau<i>n</i>des, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2432</span> - <p> - For wele, ne for worchyp, ne for þe wlonk werkke3, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I will wear it in remembrance of my fault.</span> - <p> - Bot i<i>n</i> sy<i>n</i>gne of my surfet I schal se hit ofte; - </p> - <p> - When I ride i<i>n</i> renou<i>n</i>, remorde to myseluen - </p> - <p> - Þe faut & þe fayntyse of þe flesche crabbed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2436</span> - <p> - How tender hit is to entyse teches of fylþe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">And when pride shall prick me,</span> - <p> - & þ<i>us</i>, quen pryde schal me pryk, for prowes of armes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">a look to this lace shall abate it.</span> - <p> - Þe loke to þis luf lace schal leþe my hert. - </p> - <p> - Bot on I wolde yow pray, displeses yow neu<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2440</span> - <p> - Syn 3e be lorde of þe 3onde[r] londe, þ<i>er</i> I haf lent i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - Wyth yow wyth worschyp,—þe wy3e hit yow 3elde - </p> - <p> - Þat vp-halde3 þe heu<i>en</i>, & on hy3 sitte3,— - </p> - <span class="sidenote">But tell me your right name and I shall have - done."</span> - <p> - How norne 3e yowre ry3t nome, & þe<i>n</i>ne no more?" - </p> - <span class="linenum">2444</span> - <p> - "Þat schal I telle þe trwly," q<i>uod</i> þ<i>a</i>t oþ<i>er</i> þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The Green Knight replies, "I am called Bernlak de - Hautdesert, through might of Morgain la Fey, the pupil of Merlin.</span> - <p> - "Bernlak de Hautdesert I hat i<i>n</i> þis londe, - </p> - <p> - Þur3 my3t of Morgne la Faye, þat i<i>n</i> my ho<i>us</i> lenges, - </p> - <p> - &<sup>1</sup> koyntyse of clergye, bi craftes wel lerned, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2448</span> - <p> - Þe maystres of M<i>er</i>lyn, mony ho<sup>2</sup> taken; - </p> - <p> - For ho hat3 dalt drwry ful dere su<i>m</i> tyme, - </p> - <p> - With þat conable klerk, þat knowes alle yo<i>ur</i> kny3te3 - </p> - <p class="i8"> - at hame; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2452</span> - <p class="i4"> - Morgne þe goddes, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þer-fore hit is hir name; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">She can tame even the haughtiest.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Welde3 non so hy3e hawtesse, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þat ho ne con make ful tame. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> in (?). <sup>2</sup> ho hat3 (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">It was she who caused me to test the renown of - the Round Table,</span> <span class="linenum">2456</span> - <p> - Ho wayned me vpon þis wyse to yo<i>ur</i> wy<i>n</i>ne halle, - </p> - <p> - For to assay þe surquidre, 3if hit soth were, - </p> - <p> - Þat re<i>n</i>nes of þe grete renou<i>n</i> of þe Rou<i>n</i>de Table; - </p> - <p> - Ho wayned me þis wonder, yo<i>ur</i> wytte3 to reue, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 124.]<br />hoping to grieve Guenever and - cause her death through fear.</span> <span class="linenum">2460</span> - <p> - For to haf greued Gayno<i>ur</i>, & gart hir to dy3e. - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gopny<i>n</i>g<sup>1</sup> of þat ilke gomen, þat - gostlych speked, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his hede i<i>n</i> his honde, bifore þe hy3e table. - </p> - <p> - Þat is ho þat is at home, þe au<i>n</i>cian lady; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">She is even thine aunt.</span> <span - class="linenum">2464</span> - <p> - Ho is euen þyn au<i>n</i>t, Arþure3 half suster, - </p> - <p> - Þe duches do3ter of Tyntagelle, þat dere Vt<i>er</i> aft<i>er</i> - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Therefore come to her and make merry in my - house."</span> - <p> - Hade Arþur vpon, þat aþel is nowþe. - </p> - <p> - Þerfore I eþe þe, haþel, to com to þy nau<i>n</i>t, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2468</span> - <p> - Make myry i<i>n</i> my ho<i>us</i>, my meny þe louies, - </p> - <p> - & I wol þe as wel, wy3e, bi my faythe, - </p> - <p> - As any gome vnder God, for þy grete trauþe." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne refuses to return with the Green Knight.</span> - <p> - & he nikked hy<i>m</i> naye, he nolde bi no wayes; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2472</span> - <p> - Þay acolen & kyssen, [bikennen] ayþer oþ<i>er</i> - </p> - <p> - To þe prynce of paradise, & parten ry3t þere, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - on coolde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">On horse full fair he bends to Arthur's hall.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Gawayn on blonk ful bene, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2476</span> - <p class="i4"> - To þe ky<i>n</i>ge3 bur3 buske3 bolde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & þe kny3t i<i>n</i> þe enker grene, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Whider-warde so eu<i>er</i> he wolde. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> glopnyng (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Wild ways now Gawayne rides.</span> - <p> - Wylde waye3 i<i>n</i> þe worlde Wowen now ryde3, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2480</span> - <p> - On Gryngolet, þat þe g<i>ra</i>ce hade geten of his lyue; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Oft he harboured in house and oft thereout.</span> - <p> - Ofte he herbered i<i>n</i> house, & ofte al þeroute, - </p> - <p> - & mony a-venture i<i>n</i> vale, & venquyst ofte, - </p> - <p> - Þat I ne ty3t, at þis tyme, i<i>n</i> tale to remene. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The wound in his neck became whole.</span> <span - class="linenum">2484</span> - <p> - Þe hurt wat3 hole, þat he hade hent i<i>n</i> his nek, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He still carried about him the belt,</span> - <p> - & þe blykkande belt he bere þeraboute, - </p> - <p> - A belef as a bauderyk, bou<i>n</i>den bi his syde, - </p> - <p> - Loken vnder his lyfte arme, þe lace, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a knot, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">in token of his fault.</span> <span - class="linenum">2488</span> - <p> - I<i>n</i> tokeny<i>n</i>g he wat3 tane i<i>n</i> tech of a faute; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Thus he comes to the Court of King Arthur.</span> - <p> - & þ<i>us</i> he co<i>m</i>mes to þe co<i>u</i>rt, kny3t al i<i>n</i> - sou<i>n</i>de. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Great then was the joy of all.</span> - <p> - Þer wakned wele i<i>n</i> þat wone, when wyst þe grete, - </p> - <p> - Þat gode G: wat3 co<i>m</i>men, gayn hit hym þo3t; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The king and his knights ask him concerning his - journey.</span> <span class="linenum">2492</span> - <p> - Þe ky<i>n</i>g kysse3 þe kny3t, & þe whene alce, - </p> - <p> - & syþen mony syker kny3t, þat so3t hy<i>m</i> to haylce, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne tells them of his adventures,</span> - <p> - Of his fare þat hy<i>m</i> frayned, & ferlyly he telles; - </p> - <p> - Biknowo3 alle þe costes of care þat he hade,— - </p> - <span class="linenum">2496</span> - <p> - Þe chau<i>n</i>ce of þe chapel, þe chere of þe kny3t, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 124<i>b</i>.]<br />the love of the lady, and - lastly of the lace.</span> - <p> - Þe luf of þe ladi, þe lace at þe last. - </p> - <p> - Þe nirt i<i>n</i> þe nek he naked hem schewed, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He showed them the cut in his neck.</span> - <p> - Þat he la3t for his vnleute at þe leudes hondes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2500</span> - <p class="i8"> - for blame; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He tened quen he schulde telle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He groaned for grief and shame, and the blood - rushed into his face.</span> - <p class="i4"> - He groned for gref & grame; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe blod i<i>n</i> his face con melle, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2504</span> - <p class="i4"> - When he hit schulde schewe, for schame. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XXII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Lo!" says he, handling the lace, "this is the - band of blame,</span> - <p> - "Lo! lorde," q<i>uod</i> þe leude, & þe lace hondeled, - </p> - <p> - "Þis is þe bende of þis blame I bere [in] my nek, - </p> - <p> - Þis is þe laþe & þe losse, þat I la3t haue, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">a token of my cowardice and covetousness,</span> - <span class="linenum">2508</span> - <p> - Of couardise & couetyse, þat I haf ca3t þare, - </p> - <p> - Þis is þe token of vn-trawþe, þat I am tan i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I must needs wear it as long as I live."</span> - <p> - & I mot nede3 hit were, wyle I may last; - </p> - <p> - For non may hyden his harme, bot vnhap ne may hit, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2512</span> - <p> - For þ<i>er</i> hit one3 is tachched, twy<i>n</i>ne wil hit neu<i>er</i>." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The king comforts the knight, and all the court - too.</span> - <p> - Þe ky<i>n</i>g comforte3 þe kny3t, & alle þe co<i>u</i>rt als, - </p> - <p> - La3en loude þ<i>er</i>-at, & luflyly acorden, - </p> - <p> - Þat lordes & ladis, þ<i>a</i>t longed to þe Table, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Each knight of the brotherhood agrees to wear a - bright green belt,</span> <span class="linenum">2516</span> - <p> - Vche burne of þe broþ<i>er</i>-hede a bauderyk schulde haue, - </p> - <p> - A bende, a belef hy<i>m</i> aboute, of a bry3t grene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">for Gawayne's sake,</span> - <p> - & þat, for sake of þat segge, i<i>n</i> swete to were. - </p> - <p> - For þat wat3 acorded þe renou<i>n</i> of þe Rou<i>n</i>de Table, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">who ever more honoured it.</span> <span - class="linenum">2520</span> - <p> - & he hono<i>ur</i>ed þat hit hade, eu<i>er</i>-more aft<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - As hit is breued i<i>n</i> þe best boke of romau<i>n</i>ce. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Thus in Arthur's day this adventure befell.</span> - <p> - Þ<i>us</i> i<i>n</i> Arthur<i>us</i> day þis au<i>n</i>t<i>er</i> - bitidde, - </p> - <p> - Þe Brut<i>us</i> boke<i>es</i> þ<i>er</i>-of beres wyttenesse; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2524</span> - <p> - Syþ<i>en</i> Brut<i>us</i>, þe bolde burne, bo3ed hider fyrst, - </p> - <p> - Aft<i>er</i> þe segge & þe asaute wat3 sesed at Troye, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - I-wysse; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Mony au<i>n</i>t<i>er</i>e3 here bi-forne, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2528</span> - <p class="i4"> - Haf fallen suche er þis: - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He that bore the crown of thorns bring us to His - bliss!</span> - <p class="i4"> - Now þat bere þe crou<i>n</i> of þorne, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He bry<i>n</i>g v<i>us</i> to his blysse! AMEN. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <hr /> - <p> - NOTES. - </p> - <table border="0"> - <tr> - <td> - Line 8 - </td> - <td> - Ricchis turns, goes,<br /> The - king ...<br /> <i>Ricchis</i> his reynys and the Renke - metys:<br /> Girden to gedur with þere grete speires.—T.B. - l. 1232. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 37 - </td> - <td> - <i> Þis kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse</i>.<br /> - <i>Camalot</i>, in Malory's "Morte Arthure," is said to be the same as - Winchester. Ritson supposes it to be <i>Caer-went</i>, in - Monmouthshire, and afterwards confounded with <i>Caer-wynt</i>, or <i>Winchester</i>. - But popular tradition here seems the best guide, which assigned the - site of Camalot to the ruins of a castle on a hill, near the church of - South Cadbury, in Somersetshire (Sir F. Madden). - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 65 - </td> - <td> - <i> Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte</i>.<br /> - Christmas celebrated anew, mentioned full often.<br /> Sir - F. Madden leaves the word <i>nayted</i> unexplained in his Glossary to - "Syr Gawayne." - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 124 - </td> - <td> - <i>syluener</i> = <i>sylueren</i>, i.e. silver dishes. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 139 - </td> - <td> - <i>lyndes</i> = <i>lendes</i>, loins. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 142 - </td> - <td> - <i>in his muckel</i>, in his greatness. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 184 - </td> - <td> - Wat3 euesed al umbe-torne—? was trimmed, all cut evenly around; - <i>umbe-torne</i> may be an error for <i>vmbe-corue</i> = cut round. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 216 - </td> - <td> - <i>in gracios werkes</i>. Sir F. Madden reads <i>gracons</i> for <i>gracios</i>, - and suggests <i>Greek</i> as the meaning of it. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 244-5 - </td> - <td> - <i> As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor - lote3<br /> in hy3e</i>.<br /> - As all were fallen asleep so ceased their - words<br /> in haste - (suddenly).<br /> Sir F. Madden reads <i>slaked horlote3</i>, instead - of <i>slaked hor lote3</i>, which, according to his glossary, - signifies drunken vagabonds. He evidently takes <i>horlote3</i> to be - another (and a very uncommon) form of <i>harlote3</i> = <i>harlots</i>. - But <i>harlot</i>, or vagabond, would be a very inappropriate term to - apply to the noble <i>Knights of the Round Table</i>. Moreover, <i>slaked</i> - never, I think, means drunken. The general sense of the verb <i>slake</i> - is to let loose, lessen, cease. Cf. lines 411-2, where <i>sloke</i>, - another form of <i>slake</i>, occurs with a similar meaning:<br /> - — <i>layt no fyrre; bot slokes</i>.<br /> - — seek no further, but stop (cease).<br /> - Sir F. Madden suggests <i>blows</i> as the explanation of <i>slokes</i>. - It is, however, a <i>verb</i> in the imperative mood. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 286 - </td> - <td> - <i>Brayn</i>. Mätzner suggests <i>brayn-wod</i>. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 296 - </td> - <td> - <i>barlay</i> = par loi. This word is exceedingly common in the T. - Book (see l. 3391).<br /> I bid you now, - <i>barlay</i>, with besines at all<br /> Þat ye - set you most soverainly my suster to gete.—T.B. l. 2780. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 394 - </td> - <td> - <i>siker</i>. Sir F. Madden reads <i>swer</i>. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 440 - </td> - <td> - <i>bluk</i>. Sir F. Madden suggests <i>blunk</i> (horse). I am - inclined to keep to the reading of the MS., and explain <i>bluk</i> as - = <i>bulk</i> = trunk. Cf. the use of the word <i>Blok</i> in "Early - English Alliterative Poems," p. 100, l. 272. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 558 - </td> - <td> - <i>derue doel</i>, etc. = great grief. Sir F. Madden reads <i>derne</i>, - i.e. secret, instead of <i>derue</i> (= <i>derf</i>). Cf. line 564. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 577 - </td> - <td> - <i>knaged</i>, fastened.<br /> The braunches - were borly, sum of bright gold,<br /> With - leuys full luffly, light of the same;<br /> With - burions aboue bright to beholde;<br /> And - fruit on yt fourmyt of fairest of shap,<br /> Of - mony kynd that was knyt, <i>knagged</i> aboue.—T.B. l. 4973. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 629 - </td> - <td> - <i>& ay quere hit is endele3</i>, etc.<br /> - And everywhere it is <i>endless</i>, etc.<br /> - Sir F. Madden reads <i>emdele3</i>, i.e. with equal sides. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 652 - </td> - <td> - <i>for-be</i> = <i>for-bi</i> = surpassing, beyond. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 681 - </td> - <td> - for <i>Hadet</i> read <i>Halet</i> = <i>haled</i> = exiled (?). See - line 1049. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 806 - </td> - <td> - <i>auinant</i> = <i>auenaunt</i>, pleasantly. Sir F. Madden reads <i>amnant</i>. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 954 - </td> - <td> - <i>of</i>. Should we not read <i>on</i> (?). - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 957 - </td> - <td> - <i> Þat oþer wyth a gorger wat3 gered ouer þe - swyre</i>.<br /> The <i>gorger</i> or <i>wimple</i> is stated first to - have appeared in Edward the First's reign, and an example is found on - the monument of Aveline, Countess of Lancaster, who died in 1269. From - the poem, however, it would seem that the <i>gorger</i> was confined - to elderly ladies (Sir F. Madden) - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 968 - </td> - <td> - <i>More lykker-wys on to lyk,<br /> Wat3 - þat scho had on lode.</i><br /> A more pleasant - one to like,<br /> Was that (one) she had under - her control. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 988 - </td> - <td> - <i>tayt</i> = lively, and hence pleasant, agreeable. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1015 - </td> - <td> - <i>in vayres</i>, in purity. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1020 - </td> - <td> - <i>dut</i> = <i>dunt</i> (?) = <i>dint</i> (?), referring to <i>sword-sports</i>. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1022 - </td> - <td> - <i>sayn[t] Ione3 day</i>. This is the 27th of December, and the last - of the feast. Sometimes the Christmas festivities were prolonged to - New Year's Day (Sir F. Madden). - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1047 - </td> - <td> - <i>derne dede</i> = secret deed. I would prefer to read <i>derue dede</i> - = great deed. Cf. lines 558, 564. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1053 - </td> - <td> - <i>I wot in worlde</i>, etc. = <i>I not</i> (I know not) <i>in worlde</i>, - etc. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1054 - </td> - <td> - <i>I nolde, bot if I hit negh my3t on nw3eres - morne,</i><br /> <i>For alle þe londe in-wyth - Logres,</i> etc.<br /> I would not [delay to set out], unless I might - approach it on New Year's morn, for all the lands within England, etc. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1074 - </td> - <td> - <i>in spenne</i> = <i>in space</i> = in the interval = meanwhile. See - line 1503. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1160 - </td> - <td> - <i>slentyng of arwes</i>. Sir F. Madden reads <i>sleutyng</i>.<br /> - "Of drawyn swordis <i>sclentyng</i> to and - fra,<br /> The brycht mettale, and othir - armouris seir,<br /> Quharon the sonnys blenkis - betis cleir,<br /> Glitteris and schane, and - vnder bemys brycht,<br /> Castis ane new - twynklyng or a lemand lycht."<br /> (G. - Douglas' Æneid, Vol. i, p. 421.) - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1281 - </td> - <td> - <i>let lyk</i> = appeared pleased. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1283 - </td> - <td> - <i>Þa3 I were burde bry3test, þe burde in - mynde hade</i>, etc.<br /> The sense requires us to read:<br /> <i>Þa3 - ho were burde bry3test, þe burne in mynde hade</i>, etc.<br /> i.e., - Though she were lady fairest, the knight in mind had, etc. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1440 - </td> - <td> - <i>Long sythen [seuered] for þe sounder þat - wi3t for-olde</i><br /> Long since separated from the <i>sounder</i> or - herd that fierce (one) for-aged (grew very old).<br /> "Now - to speke of the boore, the fyrste year he is<br /> A - pygge of the <i>sounder</i> callyd, as haue I blys;<br /> The - secounde yere an hogge, and soo shall he be,<br /> And - an hoggestere, whan he is of yeres thre;<br /> And - when he is foure yere, a boor shall he be,<br /> From - the <i>sounder</i> of the swyne thenne departyth he;<br /> A - synguler is he soo, for alone he woll go."<br /> (Book - of St. Alban's, ed. 1496, sig. <i>d</i>., i.) - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1476 - </td> - <td> - <i>totes</i> = looks, toots.<br /> Sho went up - wightly by a walle syde.<br /> To the toppe of - a toure and <i>tot</i> ouer the water.—T.B. l. 862.<br /> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1623 - </td> - <td> - A verb [? <i>lalede</i> = cried] seems wanting after <i>lorde</i>. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1702 - </td> - <td> - <i>fnasted</i>, breathed.<br /> These balfull - bestes were, as the boke tellus,<br /> Full - flaumond of fyre with <i>fnastyng</i> of logh.—T.B. l. 168. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1710 - </td> - <td> - <i>a strothe rande</i> = a rugged path. Cf. the phrases <i>tene greue</i>, - l. 1707; <i>ro3e greue</i>, l. 1898. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1729 - </td> - <td> - <i>bi lag</i> = <i>be-lagh</i>(?) = below (?). - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1719 - </td> - <td> - <i>Thenne wat3 hit lif vpon list</i>, etc.<br /> - Should we not read:<br /> <i>Thenne wat3 hit - list vpon lif</i>, etc.<br /> i.e., Then was there joy in life, etc. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1780 - </td> - <td> - <i>lyf</i> = <i>lef</i>(?), beloved (one). - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1869 - </td> - <td> - <i>Ho hat3 kyst þe kny3t so to3t</i>.<br /> - <i>She has kissed the knight so courteous</i>.<br /> Sir F. - Madden explains <i>to3t</i>, promptly. <i>To3t</i> seems to be the - same as the Northumbrian <i>taght</i> in the following extract from - the "Morte Arthure":<br /> "There come in at - the fyrste course, before the kyng seluene,<br /> Bare - hevedys that ware bryghte, burnyste with sylver,<br /> Alle - with <i>taghte</i> mene and <i>towne</i> in togers fulle ryche."—(p. 15.)<br /> - The word <i>towne</i> (well-behaved) still exists in <i>wan-ton</i>, - the original meaning of which was ill-mannered, ill-bred. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1909 - </td> - <td> - <i>bray hounde3</i> = <i>braþ hounde3</i>, i.e. fierce hounds. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1995 - </td> - <td> - <i>He hat3 nere þat he so3t</i> = <i>He wat3 nere þat he so3t</i> = He - was near to that which he sought. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 2160 - </td> - <td> - <i>gedere3 þe rake</i> = takes the path or way. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 2167 - </td> - <td> - <i>Þe skwe3 of þe scowtes skayued hym þo3t</i>.<br /> - The shadows of the hills appeared wild (desolate) to him. Sir F. - Madden reads <i>skayned</i>, of which he gives no explanation. <i>Skayued</i> - = <i>skayfed</i>, seems to be the N. Prov. English <i>scafe</i>, wild. - Scotch <i>schaivie</i>, wild, mad. O.N. <i>skeifr</i>. Sw. <i>skef</i>, - awry, distorted. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 2204 - </td> - <td> - <i>ronge</i> = clattered. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 2211 - </td> - <td> - <i>Drede dot3 me no lote</i> =<br /> No - noise shall cause me to dread (fear). - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 2357 - </td> - <td> - <i>& þer-for þat tappe ta þe</i>.<br /> - And therefore take thee that tap.<br /> <i>ta - þe</i> = take thee. Sir F. Madden reads <i>taþe = taketh</i>. See l. 413, - where <i>to þe</i> rhymes with <i>sothe</i>. We have no imperatives in - <i>th</i> in this poem. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 2401 - </td> - <td> - <i>We schyn reuel</i>, etc. Sir F. Madden reads <i>wasch yn reuel</i>. - But <i>schyn</i> = shall. See Glossary to "Alliterative Poems." - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 2474 - </td> - <td> - <i>on-coolde</i> = <i>on-colde</i> = <i>coldly</i> = sorrowfully. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 2489 - </td> - <td> - <i>in-sounde = soundly</i>, well. Cf. <i>in-blande</i> = together; <i>in-lyche</i>, - alike; <i>inmydde3</i>, amidst. - </td> - </tr> - </table> - <p> - <a name="yogh" id="yogh"> </a> - </p> - <h1> - Sir Gawayne - </h1> - <h3> - and - </h3> - <h1> - The Green Knight: - </h1> - <h2> - AN ALLITERATIVE ROMANCE-POEM, - </h2> - <h4> - (AB. 1360 A.D.) - </h4> - <h4> - BY THE AUTHOR OF - </h4> - <h2> - "EARLY ENGLISH ALLITERATIVE POEMS." - </h2> - <h3> - RE-EDITED FROM COTTON. MS. NERO, A.x., IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM, - </h3> - <h4> - BY - </h4> - <h2> - RICHARD MORRIS, - </h2> - <h5> - EDITOR OF HAMPOLE'S "PRICKE OF CONSCIENCE," "EARLY ENGLISH ALLITERATIVE - POEMS," ETC.; - </h5> - <h5> - MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL OF THE PHILOLOGICAL SOCIETY. - </h5> - <h3> - SECOND EDITION, REVISED, 1869. - </h3> - <h2> - LONDON - </h2> - <h3> - PUBLISHED FOR THE EARLY ENGLISH TEXT SOCIETY - </h3> - <h3> - BY N. TRÜBNER & CO., 60, PATERNOSTER ROW, - </h3> - <h5> - MDCCCLXIV. - </h5> - <hr /> - <h5> - JOHN CHILDS AND SON, PRINTERS. - </h5> - <hr /> - <h2> - PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. - </h2> - <p> - In re-editing the present romance-poem I have been saved all labour of - transcription by using the very accurate text contained in Sir F. Madden's - "Syr Gawayne." - </p> - <p> - I have not only read his copy with the manuscript, but also the - proof-sheets as they came to hand, hoping by this means to give the reader - a text free from any errors of transcription. - </p> - <p> - The present edition differs from that of the earlier one in having the - contractions of the manuscript expanded and side-notes added to the text - to enable the reader to follow with some degree of ease the author's - pleasant narrative of Sir Gawayne's adventures. - </p> - <p> - The Glossary is taken from Sir F. Madden's "Syr Gawayne,"<sup>1</sup> to - which, for the better interpretation of the text, I have made several - additions, and have, moreover, glossed nearly all the words previously - left unexplained. - </p> - <p> - For a description of the Manuscript, and particulars relating to the - authorship and dialect of the present work, the reader is referred to the - preface to <i>Early English Alliterative Poems</i>. - </p> - <p> - R.M. - </p> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p> - LONDON, - </p> - <p> - <i>December</i> 22, 1864. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <p> - [<sup>1</sup> Sir F. Madden has most generously placed at the disposal of - the Early English Text Society any of his works which it may determine to - re-edit.] - </p> - <hr /> - <h2> - INTRODUCTION. - </h2> - <p> - No Knight of the Round Table has been so highly honoured by the old - Romance-writers as Sir Gawayne, the son of Loth, and nephew to the - renowned Arthur. They delighted to describe him as Gawayne the good, a man - matchless on mould, the most gracious that under God lived, the hardiest - of hand, the most fortunate in arms, and the most polite in hall, whose - knowledge, knighthood, kindly works, doings, doughtiness, and deeds of - arms were known in all lands. - </p> - <p> - When Arthur beheld the dead body of his kinsman lying on the ground bathed - in blood, he is said to have exclaimed, "O righteous God, this blood were - worthy to be preserved and enshrined in gold!" Our author, too, loves to - speak of his hero in similar terms of praise, calling him the knight - faultless in his five wits, void of every offence, and adorned with every - earthly virtue. He represents him as one whose trust was in the five - wounds, and in whom the five virtues which distinguished the true knight - were more firmly established than in any other on earth. - </p> - <p> - The author of the present story, who, as we know from his religious poems, - had an utter horror of moral impurity, could have chosen no better subject - for a romance in which amusement and moral instruction were to be - combined. In the following tale he shows how the true knight, though - tempted sorely not once alone, but twice, nay thrice, breaks not his vow - of chastity, but turns aside the tempter's shafts with the shield of - purity and arm of faith, and so passes scatheless through the perilous - defile of trial and opportunity seeming safe. - </p> - <p> - But while our author has borrowed many of the details of his story from - the "Roman de Perceval" by Chrestien de Troyes, he has made the narrative - more attractive by the introduction of several original and highly - interesting passages which throw light on the manners and amusements of - our ancestors. - </p> - <p> - The following elaborate descriptions are well deserving of especial - notice:— - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - I. The mode of completely arming a knight (ll. 568-589). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - II. The hunting and breaking the deer (ll. 1126-1359). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - III. The hunting and unlacing the wild boar (ll. 1412-1614). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - IV. A fox hunt (ll. 1675-1921). - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - The following is an outline of the story of Gawayne's adventures, more or - less in the words of the writer himself:— - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - Arthur, the greatest of Britain's kings, holds the Christmas festival at - Camelot, surrounded by the celebrated knights of the Round Table, noble - lords, the most renowned under heaven, and ladies the loveliest that - ever had life (ll. 37-57). This noble company celebrate the New Year by - a religious service, by the bestowal of gifts, and the most joyous - mirth. Lords and ladies take their seats at the table—Queen - Guenever, the grey-eyed, gaily dressed, sits at the daïs, the high - table, or table of state, where too sat Gawayne and Ywain together with - other worthies of the Round Table (ll. 58-84, 107-115). Arthur, in mood - as joyful as a child, his blood young and his brain wild, declares that - he will not eat nor sit long at the table until some adventurous thing, - some uncouth tale, some great marvel, or some encounter of arms has - occurred to mark the return of the New Year (ll. 85-106). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - The first course was announced with cracking of trumpets, with the noise - of nakers and noble pipes. - </p> - </blockquote> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4"> - "Each two had dishes twelve, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Good beer and bright wine both." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <blockquote> - <p> - Scarcely was the first course served when another noise than that of - music was heard. There rushes in at the hall-door a knight of gigantic - stature—the greatest on earth—in measure high. He was - clothed entirely in green, and rode upon a green foal (ll. 116-178). - Fair wavy hair fell about the shoulders of the Green Knight, and a great - beard like a bush hung upon his breast (ll. 179-202). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - The knight carried no helmet, shield, or spear, but in one hand a holly - bough, and in the other an axe "huge and unmeet," the edge of which was - as keen as a sharp razor (ll. 203-220). Thus arrayed, the Green Knight - enters the hall without saluting any one. The first word that he uttered - was, "Where is the govenour of this gang? gladly would I see him and - with himself speak reason." To the knights he cast his eye, looking for - the most renowned. Much did the noble assembly marvel to see a man and a - horse of such a hue, green as the grass. Even greener they seemed than - green enamel on bright gold. Many marvels had they seen, but none such - as this. They were afraid to answer, but sat stone-still in a dead - silence, as if overpowered by sleep; - </p> - </blockquote> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4"> - "Not all from fear, but some for courtesy" (ll. 221-249). - </p> - </div> - </div> - <blockquote> - <p> - Then Arthur before the high daïs salutes the Green Knight, bids him - welcome, and entreats him to stay awhile at his Court. The knight says - that his errand is not to abide in any dwelling, but to seek the most - valiant of the heroes of the Round Table that he may put his courage to - the proof, and thus satisfy himself as to the fame of Arthur's court. "I - come," he says, "in peace, as ye may see by this branch that I bear - here. Had I come with hostile intentions, I should not have left my - hauberk, helmet, shield, sharp spear, and other weapons behind me. But - because I desire no war, 'my weeds are softer.' If thou be so bold as - all men say, thou wilt grant me the request I am about to make." "Sir - courteous knight," replies Arthur, "if thou cravest battle only, here - failest thou not to fight." "Nay," says the Green Knight, "I seek no - fighting. Here about on this bench are only beardless children. Were I - arrayed in arms on a high steed no man here would be a match for me (ll. - 250-282). But it is now Christmas time, and this is the New Year, and I - see around me many brave ones;—if any be so bold in his blood that - dare strike a stroke for another, I shall give him this rich axe to do - with it whatever he pleases. I shall abide the first blow just as I sit, - and will stand him a stroke, stiff on this floor, provided that I deal - him another in return. - </p> - </blockquote> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4"> - And yet give I him respite, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - A twelvemonth and a day; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Now haste and let see tite (soon) - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Dare any here-in ought say.'" - </p> - </div> - </div> - <blockquote> - <p> - If he astounded them at first, much more so did he after this speech, - and fear held them all silent. The knight, righting himself in his - saddle, rolls fiercely his red eyes about, bends his bristly green - brows, and strokes his beard awaiting a reply. But finding none that - would carp with him, he exclaims, "What! is this Arthur's house, the - fame of which has spread through so many realms? Forsooth, the renown of - the Round Table is overturned by the word of one man's speech, for all - tremble for dread without a blow being struck!" (ll. 283-313). With this - he laughed so loud that Arthur blushed for very shame, and waxed as - wroth as the wind. "I know no man," he says, "that is aghast at thy - great words. Give me now thy axe and I will grant thee thy request!" - Arthur seizes the axe, grasps the handle, and sternly brandishes it - about, while the Green Knight, with a stern cheer and a dry countenance, - stroking his beard and drawing down his coat, awaits the blow (ll. - 314-335). Sir Gawayne, the nephew of the king, beseeches his uncle to - let him undertake the encounter; and, at the earnest entreaty of his - nobles, Arthur consents "to give Gawayne the game" (ll. 336-365). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Sir Gawayne then takes possession of the axe, but, before the blow is - dealt, the Green Knight asks the name of his opponent. "In good faith," - answers the good knight, "Gawayne I am called, that bids thee to this - buffet, whatever may befall after, and at this time twelvemonth will - take from thee another, with whatever weapon thou wilt, and with no - wight else alive." "By Gog," quoth the Green Knight, "it pleases me well - that I shall receive at thy fist that which I have sought here—moreover - thou hast truly rehearsed the terms of the covenant,—but thou - shalt first pledge me thy word that thou wilt seek me thyself, - wheresoever on earth thou believest I may be found, and fetch thee such - wages as thou dealest me to-day before this company of doughty ones." - "Where should I seek thee?" replies Gawayne, "where is thy place? I know - not thee, thy court, or thy name. I wot not where thou dwellest, but - teach me thereto, tell me how thou art called, and I shall endeavour to - find thee,—and that I swear thee for truth and by my sure troth." - "That is enough in New Year," says the groom in green, "if I tell thee - when I have received the tap. When thou hast smitten me, then smartly I - will teach thee of my house, my home, and my own name, so that thou - mayest follow my track and fulfil the covenant between us. If I spend no - speech, then speedest thou the better, for then mayest thou remain in - thy own land and seek no further; but cease thy talking<sup>1</sup> (ll. - 366-412). Take now thy grim tool to thee and let us see how thou - knockest." "Gladly, sir, for sooth," quoth Gawayne, and his axe he - brandishes. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - [<sup>1</sup> This, I think, is the true explanation of <i>slokes</i>.] - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - The Green Knight adjusts himself on the ground, bends slightly his head, - lays his long lovely locks over his crown, and lays bare his neck for - the blow. Gawayne then gripped the axe, and, raising it on high, let it - fall quickly upon the knight's neck and severed the head from the body. - The fair head fell from the neck to the earth, and many turned it aside - with their feet as it rolled forth. The blood burst from the body, yet - the knight never faltered nor fell; but boldly he started forth on stiff - shanks and fiercely rushed forward, seized his head, and lifted it up - quickly. Then he runs to his horse, the bridle he catches, steps into - his stirrups and strides aloft. His head by the hair he holds in his - hands, and sits as firmly in his saddle as if no mishap had ailed him, - though headless he was (ll. 413-439). He turned his ugly trunk about—that - ugly body that bled,—and holding the head in his hand, he directed - the face toward the "dearest on the dais." The head lifted up its - eyelids and looked abroad, and thus much spoke with its mouth as ye may - now hear: - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Loke, Gawayne, thou be prompt to go as thou hast promised, and seek - till thou find me according to thy promise made in the hearing of these - knights. Get thee to the Green Chapel, I charge thee, to fetch such a - dint as thou hast dealt, to be returned on New Year's morn. As the - Knight of the Green Chapel I am known to many, wherefore if thou seekest - thou canst not fail to find me. Therefore come, or recreant be called." - With a fierce start the reins he turns, rushes out of the hall-door, his - head in his hand, so that the fire of the flint flew from the hoofs of - his foal. To what kingdom he belonged knew none there, nor knew they - from whence he had come. What then? - </p> - </blockquote> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4"> - "The king and Gawayne there - </p> - <p class="i4"> - At that green (one) they laugh and grin." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <blockquote> - <p> - Though Arthur wondered much at the marvel, he let no one see that he was - at all troubled about it, but full loudly thus spake to his comely queen - with courteous speech: - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Dear dame, to-day be never dismayed, well happens such craft at - Christmas time. I may now proceed to meat, for I cannot deny that I have - witnessed a wondrous adventure this day" (ll. 440-475). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - He looked upon Sir Gawayne and said, "Now, sir, hang up thine axe, for - enough has it hewn." So the weapon was hung up on high that all might - look upon it, and "by true title thereof tell the wonder." Then all the - knights hastened to their seats at the table, so did the king and our - good knight, and they were there served with all dainties, "with all - manner of meat and minstrelsy." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Though words were wanting when they first to seat went, now are their - hands full of stern work, and the marvel affords them good subject for - conversation. But a year passes full quickly and never returns,—the - beginning is seldom like the end; wherefore this Christmas passed away - and the year after, and each season in turn followed after another (ll. - 476-520). Thus winter winds round again, and then Gawayne thinks of his - wearisome journey (ll. 521-535). On All-hallows day Arthur entertains - right nobly the lords and ladies of his court in honour of his nephew, - for whom all courteous knights and lovely ladies were in great grief. - Nevertheless they spoke only of mirth, and, though joyless themselves, - made many a joke to cheer the good Sir Gawayne (ll. 536-565). Early on - the morrow Sir Gawayne, with great ceremony, is arrayed in his armour - (ll. 566-589), and thus completely equipped for his adventure he first - hears mass, and afterwards takes leave of Arthur, the knights of the - Round Table, and the lords and ladies of the court, who kiss him and - commend him to Christ. He bids them all good day, as he thought, for - evermore (ll. 590-669); - </p> - </blockquote> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4"> - "<i>Very much was the warm water that poured from eyes that day</i>." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <blockquote> - <p> - Now rides our knight through the realms of England with no companion but - his foal, and no one to hold converse with save God alone. From Camelot, - in Somersetshire, he proceeds through Gloucestershire and the adjoining - counties into Montgomeryshire, and thence through North Wales to - Holyhead, adjoining the Isle of Anglesea (ll. 670-700), from which he - passes into the very narrow peninsula of Wirral, in Cheshire, where - dwelt but few that loved God or man. Gawayne enquires after the Green - Knight of the Green Chapel, but all the inhabitants declare that they - have never seen "any man of such hues of green." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - The knight thence pursues his journey by strange paths, over hill and - moor, encountering on his way not only serpents, wolves, bulls, bears, - and boars, but wood satyrs and giants. But worse than all those, - however, was the sharp winter, "when the cold clear water shed from the - clouds, and froze ere it might fall to the earth. Nearly slain with the - sleet he slept in his armour, more nights than enough, in naked rocks" - (ll. 701-729). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Thus in peril and plight the knight travels on until Christmas-eve, and - to Mary he makes his moan that she may direct him to some abode. On the - morn he arrives at an immense forest, wondrously wild, surrounded by - high hills on every side, where he found hoary oaks full huge, a hundred - together. The hazel and the hawthorn intermingled were all overgrown - with moss, and upon their boughs sat many sad birds that piteously piped - for pain of the cold. Gawayne besought the Lord and Mary to guide him to - some habitation where he might hear mass (ll. 730-762). Scarcely had he - crossed himself thrice, when he perceived a dwelling in the wood set - upon a hill. It was the loveliest castle he had ever beheld. It was - pitched on a prairie, with a park all about it, enclosing many a tree - for more than two miles. It shone as the sun through the bright oaks - (ll. 763-772). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Gawayne urges on his steed Gringolet, and finds himself at the "chief - gate." He called aloud, and soon there appeared a "porter" on the wall, - who demanded his errand. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Good sir," quoth Gawayne, "wouldst thou go to the high lord of this - house, and crave a lodging for me?" - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Yea, by Peter!" replied the porter, "well I know that thou art welcome - to dwell here as long as thou likest." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - The drawbridge is soon let down, and the gates opened wide to receive - the knight. Many noble ones hasten to bid him welcome (ll. 773-825). - They take away his helmet, sword, and shield, and many a proud one - presses forward to do him honour. They bring him into the hall, where a - fire was brightly burning upon the hearth. Then the lord of the land<sup>1</sup> - comes from his chamber and welcomes Sir Gawayne, telling him that he is - to consider the place as his own. Our knight is next conducted to a - bright bower, where was noble bedding—curtains of pure silk, with - golden hems, and Tarsic tapestries upon the walls and the floors (ll. - 826-859). Here the knight doffed his armour and put on rich robes, which - so well became him, that all declared that a more comely knight Christ - had never made (ll. 860-883). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - [<sup>1</sup> Gawayne is now in the castle of the Green Knight, who, - divested of his elvish or supernatural character, appears to our knight - merely as a bold one with a beaver-hued beard.] - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - A table is soon raised, and Gawayne, having washed, proceeds to meat. - Many dishes are set before him—"sews" of various kinds, fish of - all kinds, some baked in bread, others broiled on the embers, some - boiled, and others seasoned with spices. The knight expresses himself - well pleased, and calls it a most noble and princely feast. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - After dinner, in reply to numerous questions, he tells his host that he - is Gawayne, one of the Knights of the Round Table. When this was made - known great was the joy in the hall. Each one said softly to his - companion, "Now we shall see courteous behaviour and learn the terms of - noble discourse, since we have amongst us 'that fine father of nurture.' - Truly God has highly favoured us in sending us such a noble guest as Sir - Gawayne" (ll. 884-927). At the end of the Christmas festival Gawayne - desires to take his departure from the castle, but his host persuades - him to stay, promising to direct him to the Green Chapel (about two - miles from the castle), that he may be there by the appointed time (ll. - 1029-1082). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - A covenant is made between them, the terms of which were that the lord - of the castle should go out early to the chase, that Gawayne meanwhile - should lie in his loft at his ease, then rise at his usual hour, and - afterwards sit at table with his hostess, and that at the end of the day - they should make an exchange of whatever they might obtain in the - interim. "Whatever I win in the wood," says the lord, "shall be yours, - and what thou gettest shall be mine" (ll. 1083-1125). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Full early before daybreak the folk uprise, saddle their horses, and - truss their mails. The noble lord of the land, arrayed for riding, eats - hastily a sop, and having heard mass, proceeds with a hundred hunters to - hunt the wild deer (ll. 1126-1177). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - All this time Gawayne lies in his gay bed. His nap is disturbed by a - little noise at the door, which is softly opened. He heaves up his head - out of the clothes, and, peeping through the curtains, beholds a most - lovely lady (the wife of his host). She came towards the bed, and the - knight laid himself down quickly, pretending to be asleep. The lady - stole to the bed, cast up the curtains, crept within, sat her softly on - the bed-side, and waited some time till the knight should awake. After - lurking awhile under the clothes considering what it all meant, Gawayne - unlocked his eyelids, and put on a look of surprise, at the same time - making the sign of the cross, as if afraid of some hidden danger (ll. - 1178-1207). "Good morrow, sir," said that fair lady, "ye are a careless - sleeper to let one enter thus. I shall bind you in your bed, of that be - ye sure." "Good morrow," quoth Gawayne, "I shall act according to your - will with great pleasure, but permit me to rise that I may the more - comfortably converse with you." "Nay, beau sir," said that sweet one, - "ye shall not rise from your bed, for since I have caught my knight I - shall hold talk with him. I ween well that ye are Sir Gawayne that all - the world worships, whose honour and courtesy are so greatly praised. - Now ye are here, and we are alone (my lord and his men being afar off, - other men, too, are in bed, so are my maidens), and the door is safely - closed, I shall use my time well while it lasts. Ye are welcome to my - person to do with it as ye please, and I will be your servant" (ll. - 1208-1240). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Gawayne behaves most discreetly, for the remembrance of his forthcoming - adventure at the Green Chapel prevents him from thinking of love (ll. - 1205-1289). At last the lady takes leave of the knight by catching him - in her arms and kissing him (ll. 1290-1307). The day passes away - merrily, and at dusk the Lord of the castle returns from the chase. He - presents the venison to Gawayne according to the previous covenant - between them. Our knight gives his host a kiss as the only piece of good - fortune that had fallen to him during the day. "It is good," says the - other, "and would be much better if ye would tell me where ye won such - bliss" (ll. 1308-1394). "That was not in our covenant," replies Gawayne, - "so try me no more." After much laughing on both sides they proceed to - supper, and afterwards, while the choice wine is being carried round, - Gawayne and his host renew their agreement. Late at night they take - leave of each other and hasten to their beds. "By the time that the cock - had crowed and cackled thrice" the lord was up, and after "meat and - mass" were over the hunters make for the woods, where they give chase to - a wild boar who had grown old and mischievous (ll. 1395-1467). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - While the sportsmen are hunting this "wild swine" our lovely knight lies - in his bed. He is not forgotten by the lady, who pays him an early - visit, seeking to make further trial of his virtues. She sits softly by - his side and tells him that he has forgotten what she taught him the day - before (ll. 1468-1486). "I taught you of kissing," says she; "that - becomes every courteous knight." Gawayne says that he must not take that - which is forbidden him. The lady replies that he is strong enough to - enforce his own wishes. Our knight answers that every gift not given - with a good will is worthless. His fair visitor then enquires how it is - that he who is so skilled in the true sport of love and so renowned a - knight, has never talked to her of love (ll. 1487-1524). "You ought," - she says, "to show and teach a young thing like me some tokens of - true-love's crafts; I come hither and sit here alone to learn of you - some game; do teach me of your wit while my lord is from home." Gawayne - replies that he cannot undertake the task of expounding true-love and - tales of arms to one who has far more wisdom than he possesses. Thus did - our knight avoid all appearance of evil, though sorely pressed to do - what was wrong (ll. 1525-1552). The lady, having bestowed two kisses - upon Sir Gawayne, takes her leave of him (ll. 1553-1557). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - At the end of the day the lord of the castle returns home with the - shields and head of the wild boar. He shows them to his guest, who - declares that "such a brawn of a beast, nor such sides of a swine," he - never before has seen. Gawayne takes possession of the spoil according - to covenant, and in return he bestows two kisses upon his host, who - declares that his guest has indeed been rich with "such chaffer" (ll. - 1558-1647). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - After much persuasion, Gawayne consents to stop at the castle another - day (ll. 1648-1685). Early on the morrow the lord and his men hasten to - the woods, and come upon the track of a fox, the hunting of which - affords them plenty of employment and sport (ll. 1686-1730). Meanwhile - our good knight sleeps soundly within his comely curtains. He is again - visited by the lady of the castle. So gaily was she attired, and so - "faultless of her features," that great joy warmed the heart of Sir - Gawayne. With soft and pleasant smiles "they smite into mirth," and are - soon engaged in conversation. Had not Mary thought of her knight, he - would have been in great peril (ll. 1731-1769). So sorely does the fair - one press him with her love, that he fears lest he should become a - traitor to his host. The lady enquires whether he has a mistress to whom - he has plighted his troth. The knight swears by St John that he neither - has nor desires one. This answer causes the dame to sigh for sorrow, and - telling him that she must depart, she asks for some gift, if it were - only a glove, by which she might "think on the knight and lessen her - grief" (ll. 1770-1800). Gawayne assures her that he has nothing worthy - of her acceptance; that he is on an "uncouth errand," and therefore has - "no men with no mails containing precious things," for which he is truly - sorry. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Quoth that lovesome (one)— - </p> - </blockquote> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4"> - "Though I had nought of yours, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Yet should ye have of mine. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <blockquote> - <p> - Thus saying, she offers him a rich ring of red gold "with a shining - stone standing aloft," that shone like the beams of the bright sun. The - knight refused the gift, as he had nothing to give in return. "Since ye - refuse my ring," says the lady, "because it seems too rich, and ye would - not be beholden to me, I shall give you my girdle that is less valuable" - (ll. 1801-1835). But Gawayne replies that he will not accept gold or - reward of any kind, though "ever in hot and in cold" he will be her true - servant. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Do ye refuse it," asks the lady, "because it seems simple and of little - value? Whoso knew the virtues that are knit therein would estimate it - more highly. For he who is girded with this green lace cannot be wounded - or slain by any man under heaven." The knight thinks awhile, and it - strikes him that this would be a "jewel for the jeopardy" that he had to - undergo at the Green Chapel. So he not only accepts the lace, but - promises to keep the possession of it a secret (ll. 1836-1865). By that - time the lady had kissed him thrice, and she then takes "her leave and - leaves him there." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Gawayne rises, dresses himself in noble array, and conceals the "love - lace" where he might find it again. He then hies to mass, shrives him of - his misdeeds, and obtains absolution. On his return to the hall he - solaces the ladies with comely carols and all kinds of joy (ll. - 1866-1892). The dark night came, and then the lord of the castle, having - slain the fox, returns to his "dear home," where he finds a fire - brightly turning and his guest amusing the ladies (ll. 1893-1927). - Gawayne, in fulfilment of his agreement, kisses his host thrice.<sup>1</sup> - "By Christ," quoth the other knight, "ye have caught much bliss. I have - hunted all this day and nought have I got but the skin of this foul fox - (the devil have the goods!), and that is full poor for to pay for such - precious things" (ll. 1928-1951). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - After the usual evening's entertainment, Gawayne retires to rest. The - next morning, being New Year's day, is cold and stormy. Snow falls, and - the dales are full of drift. Our knight in his bed locks his eyelids, - but full little he sleeps. By each cock that crows he knows the hour, - and before day-break he calls for his chamberlain, who quickly brings - him his armour (ll. 1952-2014). While Gawayne clothed himself in his - rich weeds he forgot not the "lace, the lady's gift," but with it doubly - girded his loins. He wore it not for its rich ornaments, "but to save - himself when it behoved him to suffer," and as a safeguard against sword - or knife (ll. 2015-2046). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Having thanked his host and all the renowned assembly for the great - kindness he had experienced at their hands, "he steps into stirrups and - strides aloft" (ll. 2047-2068). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - The drawbridge is let down, and the broad gates unbarred and borne open - upon both sides, and the knight, after commending the castle to Christ, - passes thereout and goes on his way accompanied by his guide, that - should teach him to turn to that place where he should receive the - much-dreaded blow. They climb over cliffs, where each hill had a hat and - a mist-cloak, until the next morn, when they find themselves on a full - high hill covered with snow. The servant bids his master remain awhile, - saying, "I have brought you hither at this time, and now ye are not far - from that noted place that ye have so often enquired after. The place - that ye press to is esteemed full perilous, and there dwells a man in - that waste the worst upon earth, for he is stiff and stern and loves to - strike, and greater is he than any man upon middle-earth, and his body - is bigger than the best four in Arthur's house. He keeps the Green - Chapel; there passes none by that place, however proud in arms, that he - does not 'ding him to death with dint of his hand.' He is a man - immoderate and 'no mercy uses,' for be it churl or chaplain that by the - chapel rides, monk or mass-priest, or any man else, it is as pleasant to - him to kill them as to go alive himself. Wherefore I tell thee truly, - 'come ye there, ye be killed, though ye had twenty lives to spend. He - has dwelt there long of yore, and on field much sorrow has wrought. - Against his sore dints ye may not defend you' (ll. 2069-2117). - Therefore, good Sir Gawayne, let the man alone, and for God's sake go by - some other path, and then I shall hie me home again. I swear to you by - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - [<sup>1</sup> He only in part keeps to his covenant, as he holds back - the <i>love-lace</i>.] - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - God and all His saints that I will never say that ever ye attempted to - flee from any man." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Gawayne thanks his guide for his well-meant kindness, but declares that - to the Green Chapel he will go, though the owner thereof be "a stern - knave," for God can devise means to save his servants. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Mary!" quoth the other, "since it pleases thee to lose thy life I will - not hinder thee. Have thy helmet on thy head, thy spear in thy hand, and - ride down this path by yon rock-side, till thou be brought to the bottom - of the valley. Then look a little on the plain, on thy left hand, and - thou shalt see in that slade the chapel itself, and the burly knight - that guards it (ll. 2118-2148). Now, farewell Gawayne the noble! for all - the gold upon ground I would not go with thee nor bear thee fellowship - through this wood 'on foot farther.'" Thus having spoken, he gallops - away and leaves the knight alone. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Gawayne now pursues his journey, rides through the dale, and looks - about. He sees no signs of a resting-place, but only high and steep - banks, and the very shadows of the high woods seemed wild and distorted. - No chapel, however, could he discover. After a while he sees a round - hill by the side of a stream; thither he goes, alights, and fastens his - horse to the branch of a tree. He walks about the hill, debating with - himself what it might be. It had a hole in the one end and on each side, - and everywhere overgrown with grass, but whether it was only an old cave - or a crevice of an old crag he could not tell (ll. 2149-2188). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Now, indeed," quoth Gawayne, "a desert is here; this oratory is ugly - with herbs overgrown. It is a fitting place for the man in green to - 'deal here his devotions after the devil's manner.' Now I feel it is the - fiend (the devil) in my five wits that has covenanted with me that he - may destroy me. This is a chapel of misfortune—evil betide it! It - is the most cursed kirk that ever I came in." With his helmet on his - head, and spear in his hand, he roams up to the rock, and then he hears - from that high hill beyond the brook a wondrous wild noise. Lo! it - clattered in the cliff as if one upon a grindstone were grinding a - scythe. It whirred like the water at a mill, and rushed and re-echoed, - terrible to hear. "Though my life I forgo," says Gawayne, "no noise - shall cause me to fear." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Then he cried aloud, "Who dwells in this place, discourse with me to - hold? For now is good Gawayne going right here if any brave wight will - hie him hither, either now or never" (ll. 2189-2216). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Abide," quoth one on the bank above, over his head, "and thou shalt - have all in haste that I promised thee once." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Soon there comes out of a hole in the crag, with a fell weapon a Danish - axe quite new, the "man in the green," clothed as at first as his legs, - locks and beard. But now he is on foot and walks on the earth. When he - reaches the stream, he hops over and boldly strides about. He meets Sir - Gawayne, who tells him that he is quite ready to fulfil his part of the - compact. "Gawayne," quoth that 'green gome' (man), "may God preserve - thee! Truly thou art welcome to my place, 'and thou hast timed thy - travel' as a true man should. Thou knowest the covenants made between - us, at this time twelve-month, that on New Year's day I should return - thee thy blow. We are now in this valley by ourselves, and can do as we - please (ll. 2217-2246). Have, therefore, thy helmet off thy head, and - 'have here thy pay.' Let us have no more talk than when thou didst - strike off my head with a single blow." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Nay, by God!" quoth Gawayne, "I shall not begrudge thee thy will for - any harm that may happen, but will stand still while thou strikest." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Then he stoops a little and shows his bare neck, unmoved by any fear. - The Green Knight takes up his "grim tool," and with all his force raises - it aloft, as if he meant utterly to destroy him. As the axe came gliding - down Gawayne "shrank a little with the shoulders from the sharp iron." - The other withheld his weapon, and then reproved the prince with many - proud words. "Thou art not Gawayne that is so good esteemed, that never - feared for no host by hill nor by vale, for now thou fleest for fear - before thou feelest harm (ll. 2247-2272). Such cowardice of that knight - did I never hear. I never flinched nor fled when thou didst aim at me in - King Arthur's house. My head flew to my feet and yet I never fled, - wherefore I deserve to be called the better man." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Quoth Gawayne, "I shunted once, but will do so no more, though my head - fall on the stones. But hasten and bring me to the point; deal me my - destiny, and do it out of hand, for I shall stand thee a stroke and - start no more until thine axe has hit me—have here my troth." - "Have at thee, then," said the other, and heaves the axe aloft, and - looks as savagely as if he were mad. He aims at the other mightily, but - withholds his hand ere it might hurt. Gawayne readily abides the blow - without flinching with any member, and stood still as a stone or a tree - fixed in rocky ground with a hundred roots. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Then merrily the other did speak, "Since now thou hast thy heart whole - it behoves me to strike, so take care of thy neck." Gawayne answers with - great wroth, "Thrash on, thou fierce man, thou threatenest too long; I - believe thy own heart fails thee." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Forsooth," quoth the other, "since thou speakest so boldly, I will no - longer delay" (ll. 2273-2304). Then, contracting "both lips and brow," - he made ready to strike, and let fall his axe on the bare neck of Sir - Gawayne. "Though he hammered" fiercely, he only "severed the hide," - causing the blood to flow. When Gawayne saw his blood on the snow, he - quickly seized his helmet and placed it on his head. Then he drew out - his bright sword, and thus angrily spoke: "Cease, man, of thy blow, bid - me no more. I have received a stroke in this place without opposition, - but if thou givest me any more readily shall I requite thee, of that be - thou sure. Our covenant stipulates one stroke, and therefore now cease." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - The Green Knight, resting on his axe, looks on Sir Gawayne, as bold and - fearless he there stood, and then with a loud voice thus addresses the - knight: "Bold knight, be not so wroth, no man here has wronged thee (ll. - 2305-2339); I promised thee a stroke, and thou hast it, so hold thee - well pleased. I could have dealt much worse with thee, and caused thee - much sorrow. Two blows I aimed at thee, for twice thou kissedst my fair - wife; but I struck thee not, because thou restoredst them to me - according to agreement. At the third time thou failedst, and therefore I - have given thee that tap. That woven girdle, given thee by my own wife, - belongs to me. I know well thy kisses, thy conduct also, and the wooing - of my wife, for I wrought it myself. I sent her to try thee, and truly - methinks thou art the most faultless man that ever on foot went. Still, - sir, thou wert wanting in good faith; but as it proceeded from no - immorality, thou being only desirous of saving thy life, the less I - blame thee." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Gawayne stood confounded, the blood rushed into his face, and he shrank - within himself for very shame. "Cursed," he cried, "be cowardice and - covetousness both; in you are villany and vice, that virtue destroy." - Then he takes off the girdle and throws it to the knight in green, - cursing his cowardice and covetousness. The Green Knight, laughing, thus - spoke: "Thou hast confessed so clean, and acknowledged thy faults, that - I hold thee as pure as thou hadst never forfeited since thou wast first - born. I give thee, sir, the gold-hemmed girdle as a token of thy - adventure at the Green Chapel. Come now to my castle, and we shall enjoy - together the festivities of the New Year" (ll. 2340-2406). - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Nay, forsooth," quoth the knight, "but for your kindness may God - requite you. Commend me to that courteous one your comely wife, who with - her crafts has beguiled me. But it is no uncommon thing for a man to - come to sorrow through women's wiles; for so was Adam beguiled with one, - and Solomon with many. Samson was destroyed by Delilah, and David - suffered much through Bathsheba. <i>'It were indeed great bliss for a - man to love them well and believe them not.'</i> Since the greatest upon - earth were so beguiled, methinks I should be excused. But God reward you - for your girdle, which I will ever wear in remembrance of my fault, and - when pride shall exalt me, a look to this love-lace shall lessen it (ll. - 2407-2438). But since ye are the lord of yonder land, from whom I have - received so much honour, tell me truly your right name, and I shall ask - no more questions." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Quoth the other, "I am called Bernlak de Hautdesert, through might of - Morgain la Fay, who dwells in my house. Much has she learnt of Merlin, - who knows all your knights at home. She brought me to your hall for to - essay the prowess of the Round Table. She wrought this wonder to bereave - you of your wits, hoping to have grieved Guenever and affrighted her to - death by means of the man that spoke with his head in his hand before - the high table. She is even thine aunt, Arthur's half sister; wherefore - come to thine aunt, for all my household love thee." - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Gawayne refuses to accompany the Green Knight, and so, with many - embraces and kind wishes, they separate—the one to his castle, the - other to Arthur's court. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - After passing through many wild ways, our knight recovers from the wound - in his neck, and at last comes safe and sound to the court of King - Arthur. Great then was the joy of all; the king and queen kiss their - brave knight, and make many enquiries about his journey. He tells them - of his adventures, hiding nothing—"the chance of the chapel, the - cheer of the knight, the love of the lady, and lastly of the lace." - Groaning for grief and shame he shows them the cut in his neck, which he - had received for his unfaithfulness (ll. 2439-2504). The king and his - courtiers comfort the knight—they laugh loudly at his adventures, - and unanimously agree that those lords and ladies that belonged to the - Round Table, and each knight of the brotherhood should ever after wear a - bright green belt for Gawayne's sake. And he upon whom it was conferred - honoured it evermore after. - </p> - </blockquote> - <blockquote> - <p> - Thus in Arthur's time this adventure befell, whereof the "Brutus Books" - bear witness (ll. 2505-2530). - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - I need not say that the <i>Brutus Books</i> we possess do not contain the - legend here set forth, though it is not much more improbable than some of - the statements contained in them. If the reader desires to know the - relation in which this and the like stories stand to the original Arthur - legends, he will find it discussed in Sir F. Madden's Preface to his - edition of "Syr Gawayne," which also contains a sketch of the very - different views taken of Sir Gawayne by the different Romance writers. - </p> - <p> - Into this and other <i>literary</i> questions I do not enter here, as I - have nothing to add to Sir F. Madden's statements; but in the text of the - Poem I have differed from him in some few readings, which will be found - noticed in the Notes and Glossary. - </p> - <p> - As the manuscript is fast fading, I am glad that the existence of the - Early English Text Society has enabled us to secure a wider diffusion of - its contents before the original shall be no longer legible. - </p> - <p> - We want nothing but an increased supply of members to enable us to give to - a large circle of readers many an equally interesting record of Early - English minds. - </p> - <hr /> - <h2> - SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYȜT. - </h2> - <h2> - [FYTTE THE FIRST.] - </h2> - <h2> - I. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 91<i>a</i>.]<br />After the siege of Troy</span> - <p> - Siþen þe sege & þe assaut watȝ sesed at Troye, - </p> - <p> - Þe borȝ brittened & brent to brondeȝ & askeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Þe tulk þat þe tra<i>m</i>mes of tresou<i>n</i> þ<i>er</i> wroȝt, - </p> - <span class="linenum">4</span> - <p> - Watȝ tried for his tricherie, þe trewest on erthe; - </p> - <p> - Hit watȝ Ennias þe athel, & his high<i>e</i> kynde, - </p> - <p> - Þat siþen depreced p<i>ro</i>uinces, & patrou<i>n</i>es bicome - </p> - <p> - Welneȝe of al þe wele i<i>n</i> þe west iles, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Romulus built Rome,</span> <span class="linenum">8</span> - <p> - Fro riche Romulus to Rome ricchis hy<i>m</i> swyþe, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gret bobbau<i>n</i>ce þat burȝe he biges vpon - fyrst, - </p> - <p> - & neuenes hit his aune nome, as hit now hat; - </p> - <p> - Ticius to Tuskan [turnes,] & teldes bigy<i>n</i>nes; - </p> - <span class="linenum">12</span> - <p> - Langaberde i<i>n</i> Lu<i>m</i>bardie lyftes vp homes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and Felix Brutus founded Britain,</span> - <p> - & fer ou<i>er</i> þe French flod Felix Brut<i>us</i> - </p> - <p> - On mony bonkkes ful brode Bretayn he setteȝ, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - wyth wy<i>n</i>ne; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">a land of war and wonder,</span> <span - class="linenum">16</span> - <p class="i4"> - Where werre, & wrake, & wonder, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bi syþeȝ hatȝ wont þ<i>er</i>-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and oft of bliss and blunder.</span> - <p class="i4"> - & oft boþe blysse & blu<i>n</i>der - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful skete hatȝ skyfted sy<i>n</i>ne. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - II. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="linenum">20</span> - <p> - Ande quen þis Bretayn watȝ bigged bi þis burn rych, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Bold men increased in the Land,</span> - <p> - Bolde bredden þer-i<i>n</i>ne, baret þat lofden, - </p> - <p> - In mony turned tyme tene þat wroȝten; - </p> - <p> - Mo ferlyes on þis folde han fallen here oft - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and many marvels happened.</span> <span - class="linenum">24</span> - <p> - Þen in any oþ<i>er</i> þat I wot, syn þat ilk tyme. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Of all Britain's kings Arthur was the noblest.</span> - <p> - Bot of alle þat here bult of Bretaygne ky<i>n</i>ges - </p> - <p> - Ay watȝ Arthur þe hendest; as I haf herde telle; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 91<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - For-þi an au<i>n</i>t<i>er</i> in erde I attle to schawe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">28</span> - <p> - Þat a selly in siȝt su<i>m</i>me men hit holden, - </p> - <p> - & an outtrage awenture of Arthureȝ wond<i>er</i>eȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Listen a while and ye shall hear the story of an - "outrageous adventure."</span> - <p> - If ȝe wyl lysten þis laye bot on littel quile, - </p> - <p> - I schal telle hit, as-tit, as I i<i>n</i> tou<i>n</i> herde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">32</span> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> tonge; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - As hit is stad & stoken, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - In stori stif & stronge, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> lel lett<i>er</i>es loken, - </p> - <span class="linenum">36</span> - <p class="i4"> - I<i>n</i> londe so hatȝ ben longe. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - III. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur held at Camelot his Christmas feast,</span> - <p> - Þis ky<i>n</i>g lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony luflych lorde, ledeȝ of þe best, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">with all the knights of the Round Table,</span> - <p> - Rekenly of þe rou<i>n</i>de table alle þo rich breþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">40</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> rych reuel oryȝt, & rechles m<i>er</i>þes; - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>er</i> to<i>ur</i>nayed tulkes bi-tymeȝ ful mony, - </p> - <p> - Iusted ful Iolilé þise gentyle kniȝtes, - </p> - <p> - Syþen kayred to þe court, caroles to make. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">full fifteen days.</span> <span class="linenum">44</span> - <p> - For þer þe fest watȝ ilyche ful fiften dayes, - </p> - <p> - With alle þe mete & þe mirþe þat me<i>n</i> couþe a-vyse; - </p> - <p> - Such glaumande gle glorio<i>us</i> to here, - </p> - <p> - Dere dyn vp-on day, dau<i>n</i>sy<i>n</i>g on nyȝtes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">All was joy in hall and chamber,</span> <span - class="linenum">48</span> - <p> - Al watȝ hap vpon heȝe i<i>n</i> halleȝ & chambreȝ, - </p> - <p> - With lordeȝ & ladies, as leuest hi<i>m</i> þoȝt; - </p> - <p> - With all þe wele of þe worlde þay woned þ<i>er</i> samen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">among brave knights and lovely ladies,</span> - <p> - Þe most kyd knyȝteȝ vnder kryst<i>e</i> seluen, - </p> - <span class="linenum">52</span> - <p> - & þe louelokkest ladies þat eu<i>er</i> lif haden, - </p> - <p> - & he þe comlokest ky<i>n</i>g þat þe court haldes; - </p> - <p> - For al watȝ þis fayre folk i<i>n</i> her first age, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - on sille; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the happiest under heaven.</span> <span - class="linenum">56</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe hapnest vnder heuen, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ky<i>n</i>g hyȝest mo<i>n</i> of wylle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Hit were<sup>1</sup> now gret nye to neue<i>n</i> - </p> - <p class="i4"> - So hardy a here o<i>n</i> hille. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. werere. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - IV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">They celebrate the New Year with great joy.</span> - <span class="linenum">60</span> - <p> - Wyle nw ȝer watȝ so ȝep þat h<i>i</i>t watȝ nwe cu<i>m</i>men, - </p> - <p> - Þat day doubble on þe dece watȝ þe douth serued, - </p> - <p> - Fro þe ky<i>n</i>g watȝ cu<i>m</i>men w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> knyȝt<i>es</i> - i<i>n</i> to þe halle, - </p> - <p> - Þe chau<i>n</i>tre of þe chapel cheued to an ende; - </p> - <span class="linenum">64</span> - <p> - Loude crye watȝ þer kest of clerkeȝ & oþer, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 92]</span> - <p> - Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte; - </p> - <p> - & syþen riche forth ru<i>n</i>nen to reche honde-selle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gifts are demanded and bestowed.</span> - <p> - Ȝeȝed ȝeres ȝiftes on hiȝ, ȝelde hem bi - hond, - </p> - <span class="linenum">68</span> - <p> - Debated busyly aboute þo giftes; - </p> - <p> - Ladies laȝed ful loude, þoȝ þay lost haden, - </p> - <p> - & he þat wan watȝ not wrothe, þ<i>a</i>t may ȝe wel - trawe. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Lords and ladies take their seats at the table.</span> - <p> - Alle þis mirþe þay maden to þe mete tyme; - </p> - <span class="linenum">72</span> - <p> - When þay had waschen, worþyly þay wenten to sete, - </p> - <p> - Þe best burne ay abof, as hit best semed; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Queen Guenever appears gaily dressed.</span> - <p> - Whene Guenore ful gay, grayþed i<i>n</i> þe myddes. - </p> - <p> - Dressed on þe dere des, dubbed al aboute, - </p> - <span class="linenum">76</span> - <p> - Smal sendal bisides, a selure hir ou<i>er</i> - </p> - <p> - Of tryed Tolouse, of Tars tapites i<i>n</i>-nogh<i>e</i>, - </p> - <p> - Þat were enbrawded & beten wyth þe best ge<i>m</i>mes, - </p> - <p> - Þat myȝt be preued of prys wyth penyes to bye, - </p> - <span class="linenum">80</span> - <p class="i8"> - in daye; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A lady fairer of form might no one say he had - ever before seen.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe comlokest to discrye, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þer glent w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> yȝen gray, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - A semloker þat eu<i>er</i> he syȝe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">84</span> - <p class="i4"> - Soth moȝt no mon say. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - V. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur would not eat,</span> - <p> - Bot Arthure wolde not ete til al were serued, - </p> - <p> - He watȝ so Ioly of his Ioyfnes, & su<i>m</i>-quat child - gered, - </p> - <p> - His lif liked hy<i>m</i> lyȝt, he louied þe lasse - </p> - <span class="sidenote">nor would he long sit</span> <span class="linenum">88</span> - <p> - Auþ<i>er</i> to lenge lye, or to longe sitte, - </p> - <p> - So bi-sied him his ȝonge blod & his brayn wylde; - </p> - <p> - & also anoþ<i>er</i> maner meued hi<i>m</i> eke, - </p> - <p> - Þat he þurȝ nobelay had nomen, ho wolde neu<i>er</i> ete - </p> - <span class="linenum">92</span> - <p> - Vpon such a dere day, er hy<i>m</i> deuised were - </p> - <span class="sidenote">until he had witnessed a "wondrous adventure" of - some kind.</span> - <p> - Of su<i>m</i> auentur<i>us</i> þy<i>n</i>g an vncouþe tale, - </p> - <p> - Of su<i>m</i> mayn m<i>er</i>uayle, þat he myȝt trawe, - </p> - <p> - Of<sup>1</sup> alderes, of armes, of oþ<i>er</i> auentur<i>us</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">96</span> - <p> - Oþ<i>er</i> sum segg hy<i>m</i> bi-soȝt of su<i>m</i> siker knyȝt, - </p> - <p> - To Ioyne wyth hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> iusty<i>n</i>g in Iopardé to lay, - </p> - <p> - Lede lif for lyf, leue vchon oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - As fortune wolde fulsu<i>n</i> ho<i>m</i> þe fayrer to haue. - </p> - <span class="linenum">100</span> - <p> - Þis watȝ [þe] ky<i>n</i>ges cou<i>n</i>tenau<i>n</i>ce where he i<i>n</i> - co<i>ur</i>t were, - </p> - <p> - At vch farand fest amo<i>n</i>g his fre meny, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 92<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p class="i8"> - in halle; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He of face so bold makes much mirth with all.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þer-fore of face so fere. - </p> - <span class="linenum">104</span> - <p class="i4"> - He stiȝtleȝ stif in stalle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful ȝep i<i>n</i> þat nw ȝere, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Much mirthe he mas w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> alle. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> Of of, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The king talks with his knights.</span> - <p> - Thus þ<i>er</i> stondes i<i>n</i> stale þe stif ky<i>n</i>g - his-seluen, - </p> - <span class="linenum">108</span> - <p> - Talkkande bifore þe hyȝe table of trifles ful hende - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne,</span> - <p> - There gode Gawan watȝ g<i>ra</i>yþed, Gwenore bisyde - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Agravayn,</span> - <p> - & Ag<i>ra</i>uayn a la dure mayn on þat oþ<i>er</i> syde sittes - </p> - <p> - Boþe þe ky<i>n</i>ges sist<i>er</i> su<i>n</i>es, & ful siker kniȝtes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Bishop Bawdewyn,</span> <span class="linenum">112</span> - <p> - Bischop Bawdewyn abof bi-gineȝ þe table, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and Ywain sit on the dais.</span> - <p> - & Ywan, Vryn son, ette wit hy<i>m</i>-seluen; - </p> - <p> - Þise were diȝt on þe des, & derworþly serued, - </p> - <p> - & siþen mony siker segge at þe sidbordeȝ. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The first course is served with cracking of - trumpets.</span> <span class="linenum">116</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> þe first cors come with crakky<i>n</i>g of tru<i>m</i>pes, - </p> - <p> - Wyth mony baner ful bryȝt, þat þer-bi henged, - </p> - <p> - Nwe nakryn noyse w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe noble pipes, - </p> - <p> - Wylde werbles & wyȝt wakned lote, - </p> - <span class="linenum">120</span> - <p> - Þat mony hert ful hiȝe hef at her towches; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It consisted of all dainties in season.</span> - <p> - Dayntes dryuen þer-wyth of ful dere metes, - </p> - <p> - Foysou<i>n</i> of þe fresche, & on so fele disches, - </p> - <p> - Þat pine to fynde þe place þe peple bi-forne - </p> - <span class="linenum">124</span> - <p> - For to sette þe syluen<i>er</i>,<sup>1</sup> þat sere sewes halden, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - on clothe; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Iche lede as he loued hy<i>m</i>-selue - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þer laght w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-outen loþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Each two had dishes twelve,</span> <span - class="linenum">128</span> - <p class="i4"> - Ay two had disches twelue, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">good beer and bright wine both.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Good ber, & bryȝt wyn boþe. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> svlu<i>er</i>en (?) (dishes). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">There was no want of anything.</span> - <p> - Now wyl I of hor seruise say yow no more, - </p> - <p> - For veh wyȝe may wel wit no wont þat þ<i>er</i> were; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Scarcely had the first course commenced,</span> - <span class="linenum">132</span> - <p> - An oþ<i>er</i> noyse ful newe neȝed biliue, - </p> - <p> - Þat þe lude myȝt haf leue lif-lode to cach. - </p> - <p> - For vneþe watȝ þe noyce not a whyle sesed, - </p> - <p> - & þe fyrst co<i>ur</i>ce i<i>n</i> þe co<i>ur</i>t kyndely serued, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">when there rushes in at the hall-door a knight;</span> - <span class="linenum">136</span> - <p> - Þer hales i<i>n</i> at þe halle dor an aghlich mayst<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - On þe most on þe molde on mesure hygh<i>e</i>; - </p> - <p> - Fro þe swyre to þe swange so sware & so þik, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the tallest on earth</span> - <p> - & his lyndes & his lymes so longe & so grete, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 93.]</span> <span class="linenum">140</span> - <p> - Half etayn i<i>n</i> erde I hope þat he were. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">he must have been.</span> - <p> - Bot mon most I algate my<i>n</i>n hy<i>m</i> to bene, - </p> - <p> - & þat þe myriest i<i>n</i> his muckel þat myȝt ride; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His back and breast were great,</span> - <p> - For of bak & of brest al were his bodi sturne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but his belly and waist were small.</span> <span - class="linenum">144</span> - <p> - Bot his wombe & his wast were worthily smale, - </p> - <p> - & alle his fetures folȝande, i<i>n</i> forme þat he hade, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - ful clene; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - For wonder of his hwe me<i>n</i> hade, - </p> - <span class="linenum">148</span> - <p class="i4"> - Set i<i>n</i> his semblau<i>n</i>t sene; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He ferde as freke were fade, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & ou<i>er</i>-al enker grene. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - VIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He was clothed entirely in green.</span> - <p> - Ande al grayþed i<i>n</i> grene þis gome & his wedes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">152</span> - <p> - A strayt cote ful streȝt, þat stek on his sides, - </p> - <p> - A mere mantile abof, mensked w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> pelure pured apert þe pane ful clene, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> blyþe blau<i>n</i>n<i>er</i> ful bryȝt, & - his hod boþe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">156</span> - <p> - Þat watȝ laȝt fro his lokkeȝ, & layde on his - schulderes - </p> - <p> - Heme wel haled, hose of þat same grene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His spurs were of bright gold.</span> - <p> - Þat spenet on his sparlyr, & clene spures vnder, - </p> - <p> - Of bryȝt golde, vpon silk bordes, barred ful ryche - </p> - <span class="linenum">160</span> - <p> - & scholes vnder schankes, þere þe schalk rides; - </p> - <p> - & alle his vesture uerayly watȝ clene v<i>er</i>dure, - </p> - <p> - Boþe þe barres of his belt & oþ<i>er</i> blyþe stones, - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>a</i>t were richely rayled i<i>n</i> his aray clene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His saddle was embroidered with birds and flies.</span> - <span class="linenum">164</span> - <p> - Aboutte hy<i>m</i>-self & his sadel, vpon silk werkeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Þat were to tor for to telle of tryfles þe halue, - </p> - <p> - Þat were enbrauded abof, wyth bryddes & flyȝes, - </p> - <p> - With gay gaudi of grene, þe golde ay i<i>n</i> myddes; - </p> - <span class="linenum">168</span> - <p> - Þe pendau<i>n</i>tes of his payttrure, þe proude cropure - </p> - <p> - His molaynes, & alle þe metail anamayld was þe<i>n</i>ne - </p> - <p> - Þe steropes þat he stod on, stayned of þe same, - </p> - <p> - & his arsou<i>n</i>ȝ al after, & his aþel sturtes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">172</span> - <p> - Þat euer glem<i>er</i>ed<sup>1</sup> & glent al of grene stones. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The foal that he rode upon was green;</span> - <p> - Þe fole þat he ferkkes on, fyn of þat ilke, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - sertayn; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - A grene hors gret & þikke, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">it was a steed full stiff to guide.</span> <span - class="linenum">176</span> - <p class="i4"> - A stede ful stif to strayne, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - I<i>n</i> brawden brydel quik, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 93<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p class="i4"> - To þe gome he watȝ ful gayn. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> glemed (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - IX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Gaily was the knight attired.</span> - <p> - Wel gay watȝ þis gome gered i<i>n</i> grene, - </p> - <span class="linenum">180</span> - <p> - & þe here of his hed of his hors swete; - </p> - <p> - Fayre fannand fax vmbe-foldes his schulderes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His great beard, like a bush, hung on his breast.</span> - <p> - A much berd as<sup>1</sup> a busk ou<i>er</i> his brest henges, - </p> - <p> - Þat wyth his hiȝlich here, þat of his hed reches, - </p> - <span class="linenum">184</span> - <p> - Watȝ euesed al vmbe-torne, a-bof his elbowes, - </p> - <p> - Þat half his armes þer vnder were halched i<i>n</i> þe wyse - </p> - <p> - Of a ky<i>n</i>geȝ capados, þat closes his swyre. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The horse's mane was decked with golden threads.</span> - <p> - Þe mane of þat mayn hors much to hit lyke, - </p> - <span class="linenum">188</span> - <p> - Wel cresped & ce<i>m</i>med wyth knottes ful mony, - </p> - <p> - Folden i<i>n</i> wyth fildore aboute þe fayre grene, - </p> - <p> - Ay a herle of þe here, an oþ<i>er</i> of golde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Its tail was bound with a green band.</span> - <p> - Þe tayl & his toppy<i>n</i>g twy<i>n</i>nen of a sute, - </p> - <span class="linenum">192</span> - <p> - & bou<i>n</i>den boþe wyth a bande of a bryȝt grene, - </p> - <p> - Dubbed wyth ful dere stoneȝ, as þe dok lasted, - </p> - <p> - Syþen þrawen wyth a þwong a þwarle knot alofte, - </p> - <p> - Þer mony belleȝ ful bryȝt of brende golde rungen. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Such a foal nor a knight were never before seen.</span> - <span class="linenum">196</span> - <p> - Such a fole vpon folde, ne freke þat hy<i>m</i> rydes, - </p> - <p> - Watȝ neu<i>er</i> sene i<i>n</i> þat sale wyth syȝt er þat - tyme, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> yȝe; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He loked as layt so lyȝt, - </p> - <span class="linenum">200</span> - <p class="i4"> - So sayd al þat hy<i>m</i> syȝe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It seemed that no man might endure his dints.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hit semed as no mon myȝt, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Vnd<i>er</i> his dyntteȝ dryȝe. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> as as, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - X. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The knight carried neither spear nor shield,</span> - <p> - Wheþ<i>er</i> hade he no helme ne hawb[e]rgh nauþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">204</span> - <p> - Ne no pysan, ne no plate þat pented to armes, - </p> - <p> - Ne no schafte, ne no schelde, to schwne ne to smyte, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">In one hand was a holly bough,</span> - <p> - Bot i<i>n</i> his on honde he hade a holyn bobbe, - </p> - <p> - Þat is grattest i<i>n</i> grene, when greueȝ ar bare, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">in the other an axe,</span> <span class="linenum">208</span> - <p> - & an ax i<i>n</i> his oþ<i>er</i>, a hoge & vn-mete, - </p> - <p> - A spetos sparþe to expou<i>n</i> i<i>n</i> spelle quo-so myȝt; - </p> - <p> - Þe hede of an elnȝerde þe large lenkþe hade, - </p> - <p> - Þe grayn al of grene stele & of golde hewen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the edge of which was as keen as a sharp razor,</span> - <span class="linenum">212</span> - <p> - Þe bit burnyst bryȝt, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a brod egge, - </p> - <p> - As wel schapen to schere as scharp rasores; - </p> - <p> - Þe stele of a stif staf þe sturne hit bi-grypte, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 94.]</span> - <p> - Þat watȝ wou<i>n</i>den wyth yrn to þe wandeȝ ende, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and the handle was encased in iron, curiously - "graven with green, in gracious works."</span> <span class="linenum">216</span> - <p> - & al bigrauen w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> grene, i<i>n</i> g<i>ra</i>cios<sup>1</sup> - werkes; - </p> - <p> - A lace lapped aboute, þat louked at þe hede, - </p> - <p> - & so aft<i>er</i> þe halme halched ful ofte, - </p> - <p> - Wyth tryed tasseleȝ þerto tacched i<i>n</i>-noghe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Thus arrayed the Green Knight enters the hall,</span> - <span class="linenum">220</span> - <p> - On botou<i>n</i>ȝ of þe bryȝt grene brayden ful ryche. - </p> - <p> - Þis haþel heldeȝ hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i>, & þe halle entres, - </p> - <p> - Driuande to þe heȝe dece, dut he no woþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">without saluting any one.</span> - <p> - Haylsed he neu<i>er</i> one, bot heȝe he ou<i>er</i> loked. - </p> - <span class="linenum">224</span> - <p> - Þe fyrst word þat he warp, "wher is," he sayd, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He asks for the "governor" of the company,</span> - <p> - "Þe gou<i>er</i>no<i>ur</i> of þis gy<i>n</i>g? gladly I wolde - </p> - <p> - Se þat segg i<i>n</i> syȝt, & w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hy<i>m</i> - self speke - </p> - <p class="i8"> - raysou<i>n</i>." - </p> - <span class="linenum">228</span> - <p class="i4"> - To knyȝteȝ he kest his yȝe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & reled hy<i>m</i> vp & dou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and looks for the most renowned.</span> - <p class="i4"> - He stemmed & con studie, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Quo walt þer most renou<i>n</i>. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> <i>looks like</i> graco<i>n</i>s <i>in MS</i>. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Much they marvel to see a man and a horse</span> - <span class="linenum">232</span> - <p> - Ther watȝ loky<i>n</i>g on lenþe, þe lude to be-holde, - </p> - <p> - For vch mo<i>n</i> had meruayle quat hit mene myȝt, - </p> - <p> - Þat a haþel & a horse myȝt such a hwe lach, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">as green as grass.</span> - <p> - As growe grene as þe gres & grener hit semed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">236</span> - <p> - Þen grene aumayl on golde lowande bryȝte<i>r</i>; - </p> - <p> - Al studied þat þ<i>er</i> stod, & stalked hy<i>m</i> nerre, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Never before had they seen such a sight as this.</span> - <p> - Wyth al þe wonder of þe worlde, what he worch schulde. - </p> - <p> - For fele sellyeȝ had þay sen, bot such neu<i>er</i> are, - </p> - <span class="linenum">240</span> - <p> - For-þi for fantou<i>m</i> & fayryȝe þe folk þere hit demed; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They were afraid to answer,</span> - <p> - Þer-fore to answare watȝ arȝe mony aþel freke, - </p> - <p> - & al stouned at his steuen, & stonstil seten, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and were as silent as if sleep had taken - possession of them;</span> - <p> - In a swogh<i>e</i> sylence þurȝ þe sale riche - </p> - <span class="linenum">244</span> - <p> - As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor loteȝ - </p> - <p class="i8"> - i<i>n</i> hyȝe; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - I deme hit not al for doute, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">some from fear and others from courtesy.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Bot su<i>m</i> for cortaysye, - </p> - <span class="linenum">248</span> - <p class="i4"> - Bot let hy<i>m</i> þat al schulde loute, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Cast vnto þat wyȝe. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur salutes the Green Knight.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>n Arþo<i>ur</i> bifore þe hiȝ dece þat auenture byholdeȝ, - </p> - <p> - & rekenly hy<i>m</i> reu<i>er</i>enced, for rad was he neu<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">252</span> - <p> - & sayde, "wyȝe, welcu<i>m</i> iwys to þis place, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 94<i>b</i>.]<br />bids him welcome, and - invites him to stay awhile.</span> - <p> - Þe hede of þis ostel Artho<i>ur</i> I hat, - </p> - <p> - Liȝt luflych adou<i>n</i>, & lenge, I þe praye, - </p> - <p> - & quat so þy wylle is, we schal wyt aft<i>er</i>." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight says that he will not tarry.</span> - <span class="linenum">256</span> - <p> - "Nay, as help me," q<i>uod</i> þe haþel, "he þat on hyȝe syttes, - </p> - <p> - To wone any quyle i<i>n</i> þis won, hit watȝ not my<i>n</i> - ernde; - </p> - <p> - Bot for þe los of þe lede is lyft vp so hyȝe, - </p> - <p> - & þy burȝ & þy burnes best ar holden, - </p> - <span class="linenum">260</span> - <p> - Stifest vnder stel-gere on stedes to ryde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He seeks the most valiant that he may prove him.</span> - <p> - Þe wyȝtest & þe worþyest of þe worldes kynde, - </p> - <p> - Preue for to play wyth in oþ<i>er</i> pure laykeȝ; - </p> - <p> - & here is kydde cortaysye, as I haf herd carp, - </p> - <span class="linenum">264</span> - <p> - & þat hatȝ wayned me hider, I-wyis, at þis tyme. - </p> - <p> - Ȝe may be seker bi þis brau<i>n</i>ch þat I bere here, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He comes in peace.</span> - <p> - Þat I passe as i<i>n</i> pes, & no plyȝt seche; - </p> - <p> - For had I fou<i>n</i>ded i<i>n</i> fere, i<i>n</i> feȝty<i>n</i>g - wyse, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">At home, however, he has both shield and spear.</span> - <span class="linenum">268</span> - <p> - I haue a haubergh<i>e</i> at home & a helme boþe, - </p> - <p> - A schelde, & a scharp spere, schinande bryȝt, - </p> - <p> - Ande oþ<i>er</i> weppenes to welde, I wene wel als, - </p> - <p> - Bot for I wolde no were, my wedeȝ ar soft<i>er</i>. - </p> - <span class="linenum">272</span> - <p> - Bot if þ<i>o</i>u be so bold as alle burneȝ tellen, - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>o</i>u wyl g<i>ra</i>nt me godly þe gomen þat I ask, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - bi ryȝt." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur assures him that he shall not fail to find - an opponent worthy of him.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Artho<i>ur</i> con onsware, - </p> - <span class="linenum">276</span> - <p class="i4"> - & sayd, "s<i>ir</i> cortays knyȝt, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - If þ<i>o</i>u craue batayl bare, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Here fayleȝ þ<i>o</i>u not to fyȝt." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"I seek no fight," says the knight.</span> - <p> - "Nay, frayst I no fyȝt, i<i>n</i> fayth I þe telle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"'Here are only beardless children.'</span> <span - class="linenum">280</span> - <p> - Hit arn aboute on þis bench bot berdleȝ chylder; - </p> - <p> - If I were hasped i<i>n</i> armes on a heȝe stede, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Here is no man to match me.</span> - <p> - Here is no mon me to mach, for myȝteȝ so<sup>1</sup> wayke. - </p> - <p> - For-þy I craue i<i>n</i> þis co<i>ur</i>t a crystmas gome<i>n</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Here are brave ones many,</span> <span - class="linenum">284</span> - <p> - For hit is ȝol & nwe ȝer, & here ar ȝep mony; - </p> - <p> - If any so hardy i<i>n</i> þis ho<i>us</i> holdeȝ hy<i>m</i>-seluen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">if any be bold enough to 'strike a stroke for - another,'</span> - <p> - Be so bolde i<i>n</i> his blod, brayn i<i>n</i> hys hede, - </p> - <p> - Þat dar stifly strike a strok for an oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">288</span> - <p> - I schal gif hy<i>m</i> of my gyft þys giserne ryche, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">this axe shall be his;</span> - <p> - Þis ax, þat is heué i<i>n</i>-nogh, to hondel<i>e</i> as hy<i>m</i> - lykes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 95.]</span> - <p> - & I schal bide þe fyrst bur, as bare as I sitte. - </p> - <p> - If any freke be so felle to fonde þat I telle, - </p> - <span class="linenum">292</span> - <p> - Lepe lyȝtly me to, & lach þis weppen, - </p> - <p> - I quit clayme hit for eu<i>er</i>, kepe hit as his auen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but I shall give him a 'stroke' in return</span> - <p> - & I schal stonde hy<i>m</i> a strok, stif on þis flet, - </p> - <p> - Elleȝ þ<i>o</i>u wyl diȝt me þe dom to dele hy<i>m</i> an oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">296</span> - <p class="i8"> - barlay; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & ȝet gif hy<i>m</i> respite, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">within a twelvemonth and a day."</span> - <p class="i4"> - A twelmonyth & a day;— - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Now hyȝe, & let se tite - </p> - <span class="linenum">300</span> - <p class="i4"> - Dar any her-i<i>n</i>ne oȝt say." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. fo. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XIV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Fear kept all silent.</span> - <p> - If he hem stowned vpon fyrst, stiller were þa<i>n</i>ne - </p> - <p> - Alle þe hered-men i<i>n</i> halle, þe hyȝ & þe loȝe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight rolled his red eyes about,</span> - <p> - Þe renk on his rou<i>n</i>ce hy<i>m</i> ruched i<i>n</i> his sadel, - </p> - <span class="linenum">304</span> - <p> - & runisch-ly his rede yȝen he reled aboute, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and bent his bristly green brows.</span> - <p> - Bende his bresed broȝeȝ, bly-cande grene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Waving his beard awhile, he exclaimed:</span> - <p> - Wayued his berde for to wayte quo-so wolde ryse. - </p> - <p> - When non wolde kepe hy<i>m</i> w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> carp he coȝed - ful hyȝe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">308</span> - <p> - Ande rimed hy<i>m</i> ful richl<i>e</i>y, & ryȝt hy<i>m</i> - to speke: - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"What! is this Arthur's court?</span> - <p> - "What, is þis Arþures ho<i>us</i>," q<i>uod</i> þe haþel þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - "Þat al þe ro<i>us</i> re<i>n</i>nes of, þurȝ ryalmes so mony? - </p> - <p> - Where is now yo<i>ur</i> so<i>ur</i>quydrye & yo<i>ur</i> co<i>n</i>questes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">312</span> - <p> - Yo<i>ur</i> gry[n]del-layk, & yo<i>ur</i> greme, & yo<i>ur</i> - grete wordes? - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Forsooth the renown of the Round Table is - overturned 'with a word of one man's speech.'"</span> - <p> - Now is þe reuel & þe renou<i>n</i> of þe rou<i>n</i>de table - </p> - <p> - Ou<i>er</i>-walt wyth a worde of on wyȝes speche; - </p> - <p> - For al dares for drede, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-oute dynt schewed!" - </p> - <span class="linenum">316</span> - <p> - Wyth þis he laȝes so loude, þat þe lorde greued; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur blushes for shame.</span> - <p> - Þe blod schot for scham i<i>n</i>-to his schyre face - </p> - <p class="i8"> - & lere; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He waxes as wroth as the wind.</span> - <p class="i4"> - He wex as wroth as wynde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">320</span> - <p class="i4"> - So did alle þat þer were - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe ky<i>n</i>g as kene bi kynde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe<i>n</i> stod þat stif mon nere. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He assures the knight that no one is afraid of - his great words.</span> - <p> - Ande sayde, "haþel, by heuen þy<i>n</i> asky<i>n</i>g is nys, - </p> - <span class="linenum">324</span> - <p> - & as þ<i>o</i>u foly hatȝ frayst, fynde þe be-houes; - </p> - <p> - I know no gome þat is gast of þy grete wordes. - </p> - <p> - Gif me now þy geserne, vpon godeȝ halue, - </p> - <p> - & I schal bayþen þy bone, þat þ<i>o</i>u boden habbes." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 95<i>b</i>.]</span> <span class="linenum">328</span> - <p> - Lyȝtly lepeȝ he hy<i>m</i> to, & laȝt at his honde; - </p> - <p> - Þen feersly þat oþ<i>er</i> freke vpon fote lyȝtis. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur seizes his axe.</span> - <p> - Now hatȝ Arthure his axe, & þe halme grypeȝ, - </p> - <p> - & sturnely stureȝ hit aboute, þat stryke wyth hit þoȝt. - </p> - <span class="linenum">332</span> - <p> - Þe stif mon hy<i>m</i> bifore stod vpon hyȝt, - </p> - <p> - Herre þen ani in þe ho<i>us</i> by þe hede & more; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight, stroking his beard, awaits the blow, - and with a "dry countenance" draws down his coat.</span> - <p> - Wyth sturne schere<sup>1</sup> þer he stod, he stroked his berde, - </p> - <p> - & wyth a cou<i>n</i>tenau<i>n</i>ce dryȝe he droȝ dou<i>n</i> - his cote, - </p> - <span class="linenum">336</span> - <p> - No more mate ne dismayd for hys may<i>n</i> dinteȝ, - </p> - <p> - Þen any burne vpon bench hade broȝt hy<i>m</i> to drynk - </p> - <p class="i8"> - of wyne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne beseeches the king to let him - undertake the blow.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Gawan, þat sate bi þe quene, - </p> - <span class="linenum">340</span> - <p class="i4"> - To þe ky<i>n</i>g he can enclyne, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "I be-seche now w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> saȝeȝ sene, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þis melly mot be myne." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> chere (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p> - "Wolde ȝe, worþilych lorde," q<i>uod</i> Gawan to þe ky<i>n</i>g, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He asks permission to leave the table; he says,</span> - <span class="linenum">344</span> - <p> - "Bid me boȝe fro þis benche, & stonde by yow þere, - </p> - <p> - Þat I wyth-oute vylanye myȝt voyde þis table, - </p> - <p> - & þat my legge lady lyked not ille, - </p> - <p> - I wolde com to yo<i>ur</i> cou<i>n</i>seyl, bifore yo<i>ur</i> cort - ryche. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">it is not meet that Arthur should be active in - the matter,</span> <span class="linenum">348</span> - <p> - For me þink hit not semly, as hit is soþ knawen, - </p> - <p> - Þer such an asky<i>n</i>g is heuened so hyȝe i<i>n</i> yo<i>ur</i> - sale, - </p> - <p> - Þaȝȝe ȝo<i>ur</i>-self be talenttyf to take hit to yo<i>ur</i>-seluen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">while so many bold ones sit upon bench.</span> - <p> - Whil mony so bolde yow aboute vpon bench sytten, - </p> - <span class="linenum">352</span> - <p> - Þat vnder heuen, I hope, non haȝer er of wylle, - </p> - <p> - Ne bett<i>er</i> bodyes on bent, þer baret is rered; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Although the weakest, he is quite ready to meet - the Green Knight.</span> - <p> - I am þe wakkest, I wot, and of wyt feblest, - </p> - <p> - & lest lur of my lyf, quo laytes þe soþe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">356</span> - <p> - Bot for as much as ȝe ar myn em, I am only to prayse, - </p> - <p> - No bou<i>n</i>té bot yo<i>ur</i> blod I in my bodé knowe; - </p> - <p> - & syþen þis note is so nys, þ<i>a</i>t noȝt hit yow falles, - </p> - <p> - & I haue frayned hit at yow fyrst, foldeȝ hit to me, - </p> - <span class="linenum">360</span> - <p> - & if I carp not comlyly, let alle þis cort rych, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - bout blame." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The nobles entreat Arthur to "give Gawayne the - game."</span> - <p> - Ryche to-geder con rou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p> - & syþen þay redden alle same, - </p> - <span class="linenum">364</span> - <p> - To ryd þe ky<i>n</i>g wyth crou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p> - & gif Gawan þe game. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XVII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 96.]</span> - <p> - Þen comau<i>n</i>ded þe ky<i>n</i>g þe knyȝt for to ryse; - </p> - <p> - & he ful radly vp ros, & ruchched hy<i>m</i> fayre, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The king gives his nephew his weapon,</span> - <span class="linenum">368</span> - <p> - Kneled dou<i>n</i> bifore þe ky<i>n</i>g, & cacheȝ þat - weppen; - </p> - <p> - & he luflyly hit hy<i>m</i> laft, & lyfte vp his honde, - </p> - <p> - & gef hy<i>m</i> goddeȝ blessy<i>n</i>g, & gladly hy<i>m</i> - biddes - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and tells him to keep heart and hand steady.</span> - <p> - Þat his hert & his honde schulde hardi be boþe. - </p> - <span class="linenum">372</span> - <p> - "Kepe þe cosyn," q<i>uod</i> þe ky<i>n</i>g, "þat þ<i>o</i>u on kyrf - sette, - </p> - <p> - & if þou redeȝ hy<i>m</i> ryȝt, redly I trowe, - </p> - <p> - Þat þou schal byden þe bur þat he schal bede aft<i>er</i>. - </p> - <p> - Gawan gotȝ to þe gome, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> giserne i<i>n</i> - honde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">376</span> - <p> - & he baldly hy<i>m</i> bydeȝ, he bayst neu<i>er</i> þe helder - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The Green Knight enquires the name of his - opponent.</span> - <p> - Þen carppeȝ to s<i>ir</i> Gawan þe knyȝt i<i>n</i> þe grene, - </p> - <p> - "Refourme we oure for-wardes, er we fyrre passe. - </p> - <p> - Fyrst I eþe þe, haþel, how þat þou hattes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">380</span> - <p> - Þat þ<i>o</i>u me telle truly, as I tryst may?" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne tells him his name, and declares that - he is willing to give and receive a blow.</span> - <p> - "In god fayth," q<i>uod</i> þe goode knyȝt, "Gawan I hatte, - </p> - <p> - Þat bede þe þis buffet, quat-so bi-falleȝ aft<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - & at þis tyme twelmonyth take at þe anoþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">384</span> - <p> - Wyth what weppen so<sup>1</sup> þ<i>o</i>u wylt, & wyth no wyȝ - elleȝ, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - on lyue." - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þat oþ<i>er</i> on-swareȝ agayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "Sir Gawan, so mot I þryue, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The other thereof is glad.</span> <span - class="linenum">388</span> - <p class="i4"> - As I am ferly fayn. - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þis dint þat þ<i>o</i>u schal dryue." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. fo. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"It pleases me well, Sir Gawayne," says the Green - Knight, "that I shall receive a blow from thy fist; but thou must swear - that thou wilt seek me,</span> - <p> - "Bigog," q<i>uod</i> þe grene knyȝt, "s<i>ir</i> Gawan, melykes, - </p> - <p> - Þat I schal fange at þy fust þat I haf frayst here; - </p> - <span class="linenum">392</span> - <p> - & þ<i>o</i>u hatȝ redily rehersed, bi resou<i>n</i> ful trwe, - </p> - <p> - Clanly al þe couenau<i>n</i>t þat I þe ky<i>n</i>ge asked, - </p> - <p> - Saf þat þ<i>o</i>u schal siker me, segge, bi þi trawþe, - </p> - <p> - Þat þ<i>o</i>u schal seche me þi-self, where-so þ<i>o</i>u hopes - </p> - <span class="linenum">396</span> - <p> - I may be funde vpon folde, & foch þe such wages - </p> - <span class="sidenote">to receive the blow in return."</span> - <p> - As þ<i>o</i>u deles me to day, bifore þis douþe ryche." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Where shall I seek thee?" says Sir Gawayne;</span> - <p> - "Where schulde I wale þe," q<i>uod</i> Gauan, "where is þy place? - </p> - <p> - I wot neu<i>er</i> where þ<i>o</i>u wonyes, bi hy<i>m</i> þat me wroȝt, - </p> - <span class="linenum">400</span> - <p> - Ne I know not þe, knyȝt, þy cort, ne þi name. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"tell me thy name and abode and I will find - thee."</span> - <p> - Bot teche me truly þer-to, & telle me howe þ<i>o</i>u hattes, - </p> - <p> - & I schal ware alle my wyt to wy<i>n</i>ne me þeder, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 96<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - & þat I swere þe for soþe, & by my seker traweþ." - </p> - <span class="linenum">404</span> - <p> - "Þat is in-nogh in nwe ȝer, hit nedes no more," - </p> - <p> - Q<i>uod</i> þe gome i<i>n</i> þe grene to Gawan þe hende, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"When thou hast smitten me," says the knight, - "then tell I thee of my home and name;</span> - <p> - "ȝif I þe telle trwly, quen I þe tape haue, - </p> - <p> - & þ<i>o</i>u me smoþely hatȝ smyten, smartly I þe teche - </p> - <span class="linenum">408</span> - <p> - Of my ho<i>us</i>, & my home, & myn owen nome, - </p> - <p> - Þen may þ<i>o</i>u frayst my fare, & forwardeȝ holde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">if I speak not at all, so much the better for - thee.</span> - <p> - & if I spende no speche, þe<i>n</i>ne spedeȝ þ<i>o</i>u þe - bett<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - For þ<i>o</i>u may leng i<i>n</i> þy londe, & layt no fyrre, - </p> - <span class="linenum">412</span> - <p class="i8"> - bot slokes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Take now thy grim tool, and let us see how thou - knockest."</span> - <p class="i4"> - Ta now þy gry<i>m</i>me tole to þe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & let se how þ<i>o</i>u cnokeȝ." - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "Gladly s<i>ir</i>, for soþe," - </p> - <span class="linenum">416</span> - <p class="i4"> - Q<i>uod</i> Gawan; his ax he strokes. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XIX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The Green Knight</span> - <p> - The grene knyȝt vpon grou<i>n</i>de grayþely hy<i>m</i> dresses, - </p> - <p> - A littel lut w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe hede, þe lere he discou<i>er</i>eȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">puts his long lovely locks aside and lays bare - his neck.</span> - <p> - His longe louelych lokkeȝ he layd ou<i>er</i> his crou<i>n</i>. - </p> - <span class="linenum">420</span> - <p> - Let þe naked nec to þe note schewe. - </p> - <p> - Gauan gripped to his ax, & gederes hit on hyȝt, - </p> - <p> - Þe kay fot on þe folde he be-fore sette, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne lets fall his axe</span> - <p> - Let hit dou<i>n</i> lyȝtly lyȝt on þe naked, - </p> - <span class="linenum">424</span> - <p> - Þat þe scharp of þe schalk schyndered þe bones, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and severs the head from the body.</span> - <p> - & schra<i>n</i>k þurȝ þe schyire grece, & scade hit i<i>n</i> - twy<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - Þat þe bit of þe brou<i>n</i> stel bot on þe grou<i>n</i>de. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The head falls to the earth.</span> - <p> - Þe fayre hede fro þe halce hit [felle] to þe erþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Many kick it aside with their feet.</span> <span - class="linenum">428</span> - <p> - Þat fele hit foyned wyth her fete, þere hit forth roled; - </p> - <p> - Þe blod brayd fro þe body, þ<i>a</i>t blykked on þe grene; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight never falters;</span> - <p> - & nawþer falt<i>er</i>ed ne fel þe freke neu<i>er</i> þe helder, - </p> - <p> - Bot styþly he start forth vpon styf schonkes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">he rushes forth, seizes his head,</span> <span - class="linenum">432</span> - <p> - & ru[n]yschly he raȝt out, þere as renkkeȝ stoden, - </p> - <p> - Laȝt to his lufly hed, & lyft hit vp sone; - </p> - <p> - & syþen boȝeȝ to his blonk, þe brydel he cachcheȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">steps into the saddle,</span> - <p> - Steppeȝ i<i>n</i> to stel bawe & strydeȝ alofte, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">holding the while the head in his hand by the - hair,</span> <span class="linenum">436</span> - <p> - & his hede by þe here i<i>n</i> his honde haldeȝ; - </p> - <p> - & as sadly þe segge hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> his sadel sette, - </p> - <p> - As non vnhap had hy<i>m</i> ayled, þaȝ hedleȝ he<sup>1</sup> - we[re], - </p> - <p class="i8"> - i<i>n</i> stedde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and turns his horse about.</span> <span - class="linenum">440</span> - <p class="i4"> - He brayde his bluk<sup>2</sup> aboute, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 97.]</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat vgly bodi þat bledde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Moni on of hy<i>m</i> had doute, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bi þat his resou<i>n</i>ȝ were redde. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. ho. <sup>2</sup> blunk (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="linenum">444</span> - <p> - For þe hede in his honde he haldeȝ vp euen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The head lifts up its eyelids,</span> - <p> - To-ward þe derrest on þe dece he dresseȝ þe face, - </p> - <p> - & hit lyfte vp þe yȝe-lyddeȝ, & loked ful brode, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and addresses Sir Gawayne; "Look thou, be ready - to go as thou hast promised,</span> - <p> - & meled þ<i>us</i> much w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his muthe, as ȝe - may now here. - </p> - <span class="linenum">448</span> - <p> - "Loke, Gawan, þ<i>o</i>u be grayþe to go as þ<i>o</i>u hetteȝ, - </p> - <p> - & layte as lelly til þ<i>o</i>u me, lude, fynde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and seek till thou findest me.</span> - <p> - As þ<i>o</i>u hatȝ hette i<i>n</i> þis halle, herande þise knyȝtes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Get thee to the Green Chapel,</span> - <p> - To þe grene chapel þ<i>o</i>u chose, I charge þe to fotte, - </p> - <span class="linenum">452</span> - <p> - Such a dunt as þ<i>o</i>u hatȝ dalt disserued þ<i>o</i>u habbeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">there to receive a blow on New Year's morn.</span> - <p> - To be ȝederly ȝolden on nw ȝeres morn; - </p> - <p> - Þe knyȝt of þe grene chapel men knowen me mony; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Fail thou never;</span> - <p> - For-þi me forto fynde if þ<i>o</i>u fraysteȝ, fayleȝ þ<i>o</i>u - neu<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">come, or recreant be called."</span> <span - class="linenum">456</span> - <p> - Þer-fore com, oþ<i>er</i> recreau<i>n</i>t be calde þe be-houe<i>us</i>." - </p> - <p> - With a runisch rout þe rayneȝ he torneȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The Green Knight then rushes out of the hall, his - head in his hand.</span> - <p> - Halled out at þe hal-dor, his hed i<i>n</i> his hande, - </p> - <p> - Þat þe fyr of þe flynt flaȝe fro fole houes. - </p> - <span class="linenum">460</span> - <p> - To quat kyth he be-com, knwe non þere, - </p> - <p> - Neu<i>er</i>more þen þay wyste fram queþen he watȝ wo<i>n</i>nen; - </p> - <p class="i8"> - what þe<i>n</i>ne? - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe ky<i>n</i>g & Gawen þare, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">At that green one Arthur and Gawayne "laugh and - grin."</span> <span class="linenum">464</span> - <p class="i4"> - At þat grene þay laȝe & gre<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - ȝet breued watȝ hit ful bare, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - A m<i>er</i>uayl amo<i>ng</i> þo me<i>n</i>ne. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XXI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur addresses the queen:</span> - <p> - Þaȝ Arþ<i>er</i> þe hende ky<i>n</i>g at hert hade wonder, - </p> - <span class="linenum">468</span> - <p> - He let no semblau<i>n</i>t be sene, bot sayde ful hyȝe - </p> - <p> - To þe comlych quene, wyth cortays speche, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Dear dame, be not dismayed; such marvels well - become the Christmas festival;</span> - <p> - "Dere dame, to day demay yow neu<i>er</i>; - </p> - <p> - Wel by-co<i>m</i>mes such craft vpon c<i>r</i>istmasse, - </p> - <span class="linenum">472</span> - <p> - Layky<i>n</i>g of ent<i>er</i>ludeȝ, to laȝe & to syng. - </p> - <p> - Amo<i>n</i>g þise, kynde caroles of knyȝteȝ & ladyeȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I may now go to meat.</span> - <p> - Neu<i>er</i>-þe-lece to my mete I may me wel dres, - </p> - <p> - For I haf sen a selly, I may not for-sake." - </p> - <span class="linenum">476</span> - <p> - He glent vpon s<i>ir</i> Gawen, & gaynly he sayde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne, hang up thine axe.</span> - <p> - "Now s<i>ir</i>, heng vp þyn ax, þat hatȝ i<i>n</i>-nogh hewen." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 97<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - & hit watȝ don abof þe dece, on doser to henge, - </p> - <p> - Þer alle men for m<i>er</i>uayl myȝt on hit loke, - </p> - <span class="linenum">480</span> - <p> - & bi trwe tytel þ<i>er</i>-of to telle þe wonder. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The king and his knights sit feasting at the - board till day is ended.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne þay boȝed to a borde þise burnes to-geder, - </p> - <p> - Þe ky<i>n</i>g & þe gode knyȝt, & kene me<i>n</i> he<i>m</i> - serued - </p> - <p> - Of alle dayntyeȝ double, as derrest myȝt falle, - </p> - <span class="linenum">484</span> - <p> - Wyth alle maner of mete & mynstralcie boþe; - </p> - <p> - Wyth wele walt þay þat day, til worþed an ende, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - in londe. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Now beware, Sir Gawayne, lest thou fail to seek - the adventure that thou hast taken in hand.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Now þenk wel, s<i>ir</i> Gawan, - </p> - <span class="linenum">488</span> - <p class="i4"> - For woþe þat þ<i>o</i>u ne wonde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þis auenture forto frayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þat þ<i>o</i>u hatȝ tan on honde. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - [FYTTE THE SECOND.] - </h2> - <h2> - I. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">This marvel serves to keep up a brisk - conversation in Court.</span> - <p> - This hansell<i>e</i> hatȝ Arthur of auenturus on fyrst, - </p> - <span class="linenum">492</span> - <p> - In ȝonge ȝer, for he ȝerned ȝelpy<i>n</i>g to - here, - </p> - <p> - Thaȝ hym wordeȝ were wane, when þay to sete wenten; - </p> - <p> - Now ar þay stoken of sturne werk staf-ful her hond. - </p> - <p> - Gawan watȝ glad to be-gy<i>n</i>ne þose gomneȝ i<i>n</i> - halle, - </p> - <span class="linenum">496</span> - <p> - Bot þaȝ þe ende be heuy, haf ȝe no wonder; - </p> - <p> - For þaȝ men be<i>n</i> mery in my<i>n</i>de, quen þay han mayn - drynk, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The year passes full quickly and never returns.</span> - <p> - A ȝere ȝernes ful ȝerne, & ȝeldeȝ neu<i>er</i> - lyke, - </p> - <p> - Þe forme to þe fynisment foldeȝ ful selden. - </p> - <span class="linenum">500</span> - <p> - For-þi þis ȝol ou<i>er</i>-ȝede, & þe ȝere aft<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - & vche sesou<i>n</i> serlepes sued after oþ<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">After Christmas comes the "crabbed Lenten."</span> - <p> - After crysten-masse com þe crabbed lentou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p> - Þat fraysteȝ flesch wyth þe fysche & fode more symple - </p> - <span class="linenum">504</span> - <p> - Bot þe<i>n</i>ne þe weder of þe worlde wyth wynter hit þrepeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Spring sets in and warm showers descend;</span> - <p> - Colde clengeȝ adou<i>n</i>, cloudeȝ vp-lyften, - </p> - <p> - Schyre schedeȝ þe rayn i<i>n</i> schowreȝ ful warme, - </p> - <p> - Falleȝ vpon fayre flat, flowreȝ þere schewen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the groves become green,</span> <span - class="linenum">508</span> - <p> - Boþe grou<i>n</i>deȝ & þe greueȝ grene ar her wedeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">birds build and sing,</span> - <p> - Bryddeȝ busken to bylde, & bremlych sy<i>n</i>gen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">for joy of the summer that follows;</span> - <p> - For solace of þe softe som<i>er</i> þat sues þer aft<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - bi bonk; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">blossoms begin to bloom,</span> <span - class="linenum">512</span> - <p class="i4"> - & blossu<i>m</i>eȝ bolne to blowe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bi raweȝ rych & ronk, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and noble notes are heard in the woods</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe<i>n</i> noteȝ noble i<i>n</i>-noȝe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 98]</span> - <p class="i4"> - Ar herde in wod so wlonk. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - II. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then the soft winds of summer,</span> <span - class="linenum">516</span> - <p> - After þe sesou<i>n</i> of som<i>er</i> wyth þe soft wyndeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Quen ȝefer<i>us</i> syfleȝ hy<i>m</i>-self on sedeȝ - & erbeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">beautiful are the flowers wet with dew-drops.</span> - <p> - Wela-wy<i>n</i>ne is þe wort þat woxes þer-oute. - </p> - <p> - When þe donkande dewe dropeȝ of þe leueȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">520</span> - <p> - To bide a blysful blusch of þe bryȝt su<i>n</i>ne. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">But harvest approaches soon,</span> - <p> - Bot þe<i>n</i> hyȝes heruest, & hardenes hy<i>m</i> sone. - </p> - <p> - Warneȝ hy<i>m</i> for þe wynter to wax ful rype; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and drives the dust about.</span> - <p> - He dryues wyth droȝt þe dust for to ryse. - </p> - <span class="linenum">524</span> - <p> - Fro þe face of þe folde to flyȝe ful hyȝe; - </p> - <p> - Wroþe wynde of þe welkyn wrasteleȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe su<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The leaves drop off the trees,</span> - <p> - Þe leueȝ lancen fro þe lynde, & lyȝten on þe grou<i>n</i>de, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the grass becomes gray, and all ripens and rots.</span> - <p> - & al grayes þe gres, þat grene watȝ ere; - </p> - <span class="linenum">528</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne al rypeȝ & roteȝ þat ros vpon fyrst, - </p> - <p> - & þ<i>us</i> ȝirneȝ þe ȝere i<i>n</i> ȝisterdayeȝ - mony, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Winter winds round again,</span> - <p> - & wynter wyndeȝ aȝayn, as þe worlde askeȝ - </p> - <p class="i8"> - no sage. - </p> - <span class="linenum">532</span> - <p class="i4"> - Til meȝel-mas mone, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Watȝ cu<i>m</i>en wyth wynter wage; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and then Sir Gawayne thinks of his dread journey.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þen þenkkeȝ Gawan ful sone, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Of his anio<i>us</i> uyage. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - III. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">On All-hallows day Arthur makes a feast for his - nephew's sake.</span> <span class="linenum">536</span> - <p> - Ȝet quyl al-hal-day w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> Arþ<i>er</i> he lenges, - </p> - <p> - & he made a fare on þ<i>a</i>t fest, for þe frekeȝ sake, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> much reuel & ryche of þe rou<i>n</i>de table; - </p> - <p> - Knyȝteȝ ful cortays & comlych ladies, - </p> - <span class="linenum">540</span> - <p> - Al for luf of þat lede i<i>n</i> longy<i>n</i>ge þay were, - </p> - <p> - Bot neu<i>er</i>-þe-lece ne þe lat<i>er</i> þay neuened bot m<i>er</i>þe, - </p> - <p> - Mony ioyleȝ for þat ientyle iapeȝ þer maden. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">After meat, Sir Gawayne thus speaks to his uncle:</span> - <p> - For aftter mete, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mo<i>ur</i>ny<i>n</i>g he meleȝ - to his eme, - </p> - <span class="linenum">544</span> - <p> - & spekeȝ of his passage, & pertly he sayde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Now, liege lord, I ask leave of you,</span> - <p> - "Now, lege lorde of my lyf, leue I yow ask; - </p> - <p> - ȝe knowe þe cost of þis cace, kepe I no more - </p> - <p> - To telle yow teneȝ þer-of neu<i>er</i> bot t<i>r</i>ifel; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">for I am bound on the morn to seek the Green - Knight."</span> <span class="linenum">548</span> - <p> - Bot I am bou<i>n</i> to þe bur barely to morne, - </p> - <p> - To sech þe gome of þe grene, as god wyl me wysse." - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne þe best of þe burȝ boȝed to-geder, - </p> - <p> - Aywan, & Errik, & oþ<i>er</i> ful mony, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 98<i>b</i>.]</span> <span class="linenum">552</span> - <p> - S<i>ir</i> Doddinaual de Sauage, þe duk of Clarence, - </p> - <p> - Launcelot, & Lyonel, & Lucan þe gode, - </p> - <p> - S<i>ir</i> Boos, & sir Byduer, big me<i>n</i> boþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Many nobles, the best of the court, counsel and - comfort him.</span> - <p> - & mony oþ<i>er</i> menskful, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> Mador de la Port. - </p> - <span class="linenum">556</span> - <p> - Alle þis compayny of court com þe ky<i>n</i>g nerre, - </p> - <p> - For to cou<i>n</i>seyl þe knyȝt, with care at her hert; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Much sorrow prevails in the hall.</span> - <p> - Þere watȝ much derue<sup>1</sup> doel driuen i<i>n</i> þe sale, - </p> - <p> - Þat so worthe as Wawan schulde wende on þat ernde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">560</span> - <p> - To dryȝe a delful dynt, & dele no more - </p> - <p class="i8"> - wyth bronde. - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe knyȝt mad ay god chere, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & sayde, "quat schuld I wonde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne declares that he has nothing to fear.</span> - <span class="linenum">564</span> - <p class="i4"> - Of destines derf & dere, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - What may mon do bot fonde?" - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> derne (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - IV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">On the morn he asks for his arms.</span> - <p> - He dowelleȝ þer al þat day, and dresseȝ on þe morn, - </p> - <p> - Askeȝ erly hys armeȝ, & alle were þay broȝt - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A carpet is spread on the floor,</span> <span - class="linenum">568</span> - <p> - Fyrst a tule tapit, tyȝt ou<i>er</i> þe flet, - </p> - <p> - & miche watȝ þe gyld gere þat glent þer alofte; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and he steps thereon.</span> - <p> - Þe stif mon steppeȝ þeron, & þe stel hondoleȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He is dubbed in a doublet of Tarsic silk, and a - well-made hood.</span> - <p> - Dubbed i<i>n</i> a dublet of a dere tars, - </p> - <span class="linenum">572</span> - <p> - & syþen a crafty capados, closed aloft, - </p> - <p> - Þat wyth a bryȝt blau<i>n</i>ner was bou<i>n</i>den w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They set steel slices on his feet, and lap his - legs in steel greaves.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne set þay þe sabatou<i>n</i>ȝ vpon þe segge foteȝ, - </p> - <p> - His legeȝ lapped i<i>n</i> stel w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> luflych greueȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">576</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> polayneȝ piched þer-to, policed ful clene, - </p> - <p> - Aboute his kneȝ knaged wyth knoteȝ of golde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Fair cuisses enclose his thighs,</span> - <p> - Queme quyssewes þe<i>n</i>, þat coyntlych closed - </p> - <p> - His thik þrawen þyȝeȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þwonges - to-tachched; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and afterwards they put on the steel habergeon,</span> - <span class="linenum">580</span> - <p> - & syþen þe brawden bryne of bryȝt stel ry<i>n</i>geȝ, - </p> - <p> - Vmbe-weued þat wyȝ, vpon wlonk stuffe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">well-burnished braces, elbow pieces, and gloves - of plate.</span> - <p> - & wel bornyst brace vpon his boþe armes, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gode cowters & gay, & gloueȝ of plate, - </p> - <span class="linenum">584</span> - <p> - & alle þe godlych gere þat hy<i>m</i> gayn schulde - </p> - <p class="i8"> - Þat tyde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Over all this is placed the coat armour.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Wyth ryche cote armure, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His spurs are then fixed,</span> - <p class="i4"> - His gold sporeȝ spend w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> pryde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and his sword is attached to his side by a silken - girdle.</span> <span class="linenum">588</span> - <p class="i4"> - Gurde wyth a bront ful sure, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> silk sayn vmbe his syde. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - V. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 99<i>a</i>.]<br />Thus arrayed the knight - hears mass,</span> - <p> - When he watȝ hasped i<i>n</i> armes, his harnays watȝ ryche, - </p> - <p> - Þe lest lachet ou[þ]<i>er</i> loupe lemed of golde; - </p> - <span class="linenum">592</span> - <p> - So harnayst as he watȝ he herkneȝ his masse, - </p> - <p> - Offred & hono<i>ur</i>ed at þe heȝe auter; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and afterwards takes leave of Arthur and his - court.</span> - <p> - Syþen he comeȝ to þe ky<i>n</i>g & to his cort fereȝ, - </p> - <p> - Lacheȝ lufly his leue at lordeȝ & ladyeȝ; - </p> - <span class="linenum">596</span> - <p> - & þay hy<i>m</i> kyst & conueyed, bikende hy<i>m</i> to kryst. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">By that time his horse Gringolet was ready,</span> - <p> - Bi þat watȝ Gryngolet grayth, & gurde w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a - sadel, - </p> - <p> - Þat glemed ful gayly w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony golde frenges, - </p> - <p> - Ay quere naylet ful nwe for þat note ryched; - </p> - <span class="linenum">600</span> - <p> - Þe brydel barred aboute, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> bryȝt golde bou<i>n</i>den; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the harness of which glittered like the "gleam of - the sun."</span> - <p> - Þe apparayl of þe payttrure, & of þe proude skyrteȝ, - </p> - <p> - Þe cropore, & þe couertor, acorded wyth þe arsou<i>n</i>eȝ; - </p> - <p> - & al watȝ rayled on red ryche golde nayleȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">604</span> - <p> - Þat al glytered & glent as glem of þe su<i>n</i>ne. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then Sir Gawayne sets his helmet upon his head,</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne hentes he þe holme, & hastily hit kysses, - </p> - <p> - Þat watȝ stapled stifly, & stoffed wyth-i<i>n</i>ne: - </p> - <p> - Hit watȝ hyȝe on his hede, hasped bihynde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">fastened behind with a "urisoun,"</span> <span - class="linenum">608</span> - <p> - Wyth a lyȝtli vrysou<i>n</i> ou<i>er</i> þe auentayle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">richly embroidered with gems.</span> - <p> - Enbrawden & bou<i>n</i>den wyth þe best ge<i>m</i>meȝ, - </p> - <p> - On brode sylkyn borde, & bryddeȝ on semeȝ, - </p> - <p> - As papiayeȝ paynted perny<i>n</i>g bitwene, - </p> - <span class="linenum">612</span> - <p> - Tortors & trulofeȝ entayled so þyk, - </p> - <p> - As mony burde þer aboute had be<i>n</i> seue<i>n</i> wynt<i>er</i> - </p> - <p class="i8"> - i<i>n</i> tou<i>n</i>e; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The circle around the helmet was decked with - diamonds.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe cercle watȝ more o prys, - </p> - <span class="linenum">616</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat vmbe-clypped hys crou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Of diamau<i>n</i>teȝ a deuys, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þat boþe were bryȝt & brou<i>n</i>. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - VI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then they show him his shield with the - "pentangle" of pure gold.</span> - <p> - Then þay schewed hy<i>m</i> þe schelde, þat was of schyr gouleȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">620</span> - <p> - Wyth þe pentangel de-paynt of pure golde hweȝ; - </p> - <p> - He braydeȝ hit by þe baude-ryk, aboute þe hals kest<i>es</i>, - </p> - <p> - Þat bisemed þe segge semlyly fayre. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The "pentangle" was devised by Solomon as a token - of truth.</span> - <p> - & quy þe pentangel apendeȝ to þat prynce noble, - </p> - <span class="linenum">624</span> - <p> - I am i<i>n</i> tent yow to telle, þof tary hyt me schulde; - </p> - <p> - Hit is a sy<i>n</i>gne þat Salamon set su<i>m</i>-quyle, - </p> - <p> - I<i>n</i> bytokny<i>n</i>g of trawþe, bi tytle þat hit habbeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 99<i>b</i>]</span> - <p> - For hit is a figure þat haldeȝ fyue poynteȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">628</span> - <p> - & vche lyne vmbe-lappeȝ & loukeȝ i<i>n</i> oþer, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It is called the endless knot</span> - <p> - & ay quere hit is endeleȝ,<sup>1</sup> & Englych hit - callen - </p> - <p> - Ou<i>er</i>-al, as I here, þe endeles knot. - </p> - <p> - For-þy hit acordeȝ to þis knyȝt, & to his cler armeȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">632</span> - <p> - For ay faythful i<i>n</i> fyue & sere fyue syþeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It well becomes the good Sir Gawayne,</span> - <p> - Gawan watȝ for gode knawen, & as golde pured, - </p> - <p> - Voyded of vche vylany, wyth vertueȝ<sup>2</sup> e<i>n</i>no<i>ur</i>ned - </p> - <p class="i8"> - i<i>n</i> mote; - </p> - <span class="linenum">636</span> - <p class="i4"> - For-þy þe pen-tangel nwe - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He ber i<i>n</i> schelde & cote, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">a knight the truest of speech and the fairest of - form.</span> - <p class="i4"> - As tulk of tale most trwe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & gentylest knyȝt of lote. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS emdeleȝ. <sup>2</sup> MS v<i>er</i>ertueȝ - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He was found faultless in his five wits.</span> - <span class="linenum">640</span> - <p> - Fyrst he watȝ funden fautleȝ i<i>n</i> his fyue wytteȝ, - </p> - <p> - & efte fayled neu<i>er</i> þe freke i<i>n</i> his fyue fyngres, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His trust was in the five wounds.</span> - <p> - & alle his afyau<i>n</i>ce vpon folde watȝ i<i>n</i> þe fyue - wou<i>n</i>deȝ - </p> - <p> - Þat Cryst kaȝt on þe croys, as þe crede telleȝ; - </p> - <span class="linenum">644</span> - <p> - & quere-so-eu<i>er</i> þys mon i<i>n</i> melly watȝ stad, - </p> - <p> - His þro þoȝt watȝ i<i>n</i> þat, þurȝ alle oþ<i>er</i> - þy<i>n</i>geȝ, - </p> - <p> - Þat alle his forsnes he fong at þe fyue ioyeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Þat þe hende heuen quene had of hir chylde; - </p> - <span class="linenum">648</span> - <p> - At þis cause þe knyȝt comlyche hade - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The image of the Virgin was depicted upon his - shield.</span> - <p> - I<i>n</i> þe more half of his schelde hir ymage depaynted, - </p> - <p> - Þat quen he blusched þerto, his belde neu<i>er</i> payred. - </p> - <p> - Þe fyrst<sup>1</sup> fyue þat I finde þat þe frek vsed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">652</span> - <p> - Watȝ frau<i>n</i>chyse, & felaȝschyp for-be<sup>2</sup> - al þy<i>n</i>g; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">In cleanness and courtesy he was never found - wanting,</span> - <p> - His clannes & his cortaysye croked were neu<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - & pite, þat passeȝ alle poynteȝ, þyse pure fyue - </p> - <p> - Were harder happed on þat haþel þe<i>n</i> on any oþ<i>er</i>. - </p> - <span class="linenum">656</span> - <p> - Now alle þese fyue syþeȝ, forsoþe, were fetled on þis knyȝt, - </p> - <p> - & vchone halched in oþ<i>er</i>, þat non ende hade, - </p> - <p> - & fyched vpon fyue poynteȝ, þat fayld neu<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - Ne samned neu<i>er</i> i<i>n</i> no syde, ne sundred nouþ[er], - </p> - <span class="linenum">660</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-outen ende at any noke [a]i quere fynde, - </p> - <p> - Where-eu<i>er</i> þe gomen bygan, or glod to an ende. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">therefore was the endless knot fastened on his - shield.</span> - <p> - Þer-fore on his schene schelde schapen watȝ þe knot, - </p> - <p> - Þus alle wyth red golde vpon rede gowleȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 100]</span> <span class="linenum">664</span> - <p> - Þat is þe pure pentaungel wyth þe peple called, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> lore. - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Now grayþed is Gawan gay, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne seizes his lance and bids all "good - day."</span> - <p class="i4"> - & laȝt his lau<i>n</i>ce ryȝt þore, - </p> - <span class="linenum">668</span> - <p class="i4"> - & gef hem alle goud day, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He wende for eu<i>er</i> more. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS fyft. <sup>2</sup> for-bi (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He spurs his horse and goes on his way.</span> - <p> - He sperred þe sted w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe spureȝ, & sprong on - his way, - </p> - <p> - So stif þat þe ston fyr stroke out þer-aft<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">All that saw that seemly one mourned in their - hearts.</span> <span class="linenum">672</span> - <p> - Al þat seȝ þat semly syked i<i>n</i> hert, - </p> - <p> - & sayde soþly al same segges til oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - Carande for þat comly, "bi Kryst, hit is scaþe, - </p> - <p> - Þat þ<i>o</i>u, leude, schal be lost, þat art of lyf noble! - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They declared that his equal was not to be found - upon earth.</span> <span class="linenum">676</span> - <p> - To fynde hys fere vpon folde, i<i>n</i> fayth is not eþe; - </p> - <p> - Warloker to haf wroȝt had more wyt bene, - </p> - <p> - & haf dyȝt ȝonder dere a duk to haue worþed; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It would have been better for him to have been a - leader of men,</span> - <p> - A lowande leder of ledeȝ i<i>n</i> londe hy<i>m</i> wel semeȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">680</span> - <p> - & so had bett<i>er</i> haf ben þe<i>n</i> britned to noȝt, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">than to die by the hands of "an elvish man."</span> - <p> - Hadet wyth an aluisch mon, for angardeȝ pryde. - </p> - <p> - Who knew eu<i>er</i> any ky<i>n</i>g such cou<i>n</i>sel to take, - </p> - <p> - As knyȝteȝ i<i>n</i> cauelou<i>n</i>ȝ on cryst-masse - gomneȝ!" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Much was the warm water that poured from eyes - that day.</span> <span class="linenum">684</span> - <p> - Wel much watȝ þe warme water þ<i>a</i>t walt<i>er</i>ed of yȝen, - </p> - <p> - When þat semly syre soȝt fro þo woneȝ - </p> - <p class="i8"> - þat<sup>1</sup> daye; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He made non abode, - </p> - <span class="linenum">688</span> - <p class="i4"> - Bot wyȝtly went hys way, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Meanwhile many a weary way goes Sir Gawayne.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Mony wylsu<i>m</i> way he rode, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe bok as I herde say. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. þad. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - IX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Now rides the knight through the realms of - England.</span> - <p> - Now rideȝ þis renk þurȝ þe ryalme of Logres, - </p> - <span class="linenum">692</span> - <p> - S<i>ir</i> Gauan on Godeȝ halue, þaȝ hy<i>m</i> no gomen þoȝt; - </p> - <p> - Oft, leudleȝ alone, he lengeȝ on nyȝteȝ, - </p> - <p> - Þer he fonde noȝt hy<i>m</i> byfore þe fare þat he lyked; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He has no companion but his horse.</span> - <p> - Hade he no fere bot his fole, bi frytheȝ & dou<i>n</i>eȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">696</span> - <p> - Ne no gome bot God, bi gate wyth to karp, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">No men does he see till he approaches North - Wales.</span> - <p> - Til þat he neȝed ful nogh<i>e</i><sup>1</sup> i<i>n</i> to þe - Norþe Waleȝ; - </p> - <p> - Alle þe iles of Anglesay on lyft half he haldeȝ, - </p> - <p> - & fareȝ ou<i>er</i> þe fordeȝ by þe for-londeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">From Holyhead he passes into Wirral.</span> <span - class="linenum">700</span> - <p> - Ou<i>er</i> at þe Holy-Hede, til he hade eft bonk - </p> - <p> - I<i>n</i> þe wyldrenesse of Wyrale; wonde þer bot lyte - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 100<i>b</i>]<br />There he finds but few - that loved God or man.</span> - <p> - Þat auþ<i>er</i> God oþ<i>er</i> gome wyth goud hert louied. - </p> - <p> - & ay he frayned, as he ferde, at frekeȝ þat he met, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He enquires after the Green Knight of the Green - Chapel,</span> <span class="linenum">704</span> - <p> - If þay hade herde any karp of a knyȝt grene, - </p> - <p> - I<i>n</i> any grou<i>n</i>de þer-aboute, of þe grene chapel;<sup>2</sup> - </p> - <p> - & al nykked hy<i>m</i> wyth nay, þat neu<i>er</i> i<i>n</i> her - lyue - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but can gain no tidings of him.</span> - <p> - Þay seȝe neu<i>er</i> no segge þat watȝ of suche hweȝ - </p> - <span class="linenum">708</span> - <p class="i8"> - of grene. - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe knyȝt tok gates straunge, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - I<i>n</i> mony a bonk vnbene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His cheer oft changed before he found the Chapel.</span> - <p class="i4"> - His cher ful oft con chau<i>n</i>ge, - </p> - <span class="linenum">712</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat chapel er he myȝt sene. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> nygh<i>e</i> (?). <sup>2</sup> MS. clapel. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - X. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Many a cliff he climbed over;</span> - <p> - Mony klyf he ou<i>er</i>-clambe i<i>n</i> contrayeȝ strau<i>n</i>ge, - </p> - <p> - Fer floten fro his frendeȝ fremedly he rydeȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">many a ford and stream he crossed, and everywhere - he found a foe.</span> - <p> - At vche warþe oþer wat<i>er</i> þer þe wyȝe passed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">716</span> - <p> - He fonde a foo hy<i>m</i> byfore, bot ferly hit were, - </p> - <p> - & þat so foule & so felle, þat feȝt hy<i>m</i> by-hode; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It were too tedious to tell the tenth part of his - adventures</span> - <p> - So mony m<i>er</i>uayl hi mou<i>n</i>t þ<i>er</i> þe mon fyndeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Hit were to tore for to telle of þe tenþe dole. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">with serpents, wolves, and wild men;</span> <span - class="linenum">720</span> - <p> - Sumwhyle wyth wormeȝ he werreȝ, & w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> - wolues als, - </p> - <p> - Su<i>m</i>whyle wyth wodwos, þat woned i<i>n</i> þe knarreȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">with bulls, bears, and boars.</span> - <p> - Boþe wyth bulleȝ & bereȝ, & boreȝ oþ<i>er</i>-quyle, - </p> - <p> - & etayneȝ, þat hy<i>m</i> a-nelede, of þe heȝe felle; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Had he not been both brave and good, doubtless he - had been dead.</span> <span class="linenum">724</span> - <p> - Nade he ben duȝty & dryȝe, & dryȝtyn had - serued, - </p> - <p> - Douteles he hade ben ded, & dreped ful ofte. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The sharp winter was far worse than any war that - ever troubled him.</span> - <p> - For werre wrathed hy<i>m</i> not so much, þat wy<i>n</i>t<i>er</i> was - wors, - </p> - <p> - When þe colde cler wat<i>er</i> fro þe cloudeȝ schadden, - </p> - <span class="linenum">728</span> - <p> - & fres er hit falle myȝt to þe fale erþe; - </p> - <p> - Ner slayn wyth þe slete he sleped i<i>n</i> his yrnes, - </p> - <p> - Mo nyȝteȝ þe<i>n</i> i<i>n</i>-noghe i<i>n</i> naked rokkeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>er</i> as clat<i>er</i>ande fro þe crest þe colde borne re<i>n</i>neȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">732</span> - <p> - & henged heȝe ou<i>er</i> his hede i<i>n</i> hard - ÿsse-ikkles. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Thus in peril he travels till Christmas-eve.</span> - <p> - Þus i<i>n</i> peryl, & payne, & plytes ful harde, - </p> - <p> - Bi contray caryeȝ þis knyȝt, tyl kryst-masse euen, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - al one; - </p> - <span class="linenum">736</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe knyȝt wel þat tyde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">To the Virgin Mary he prays to guide him to some - abode.</span> - <p class="i4"> - To Mary made his mone. - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þat ho hy<i>m</i> red to ryde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 101.]</span> - <p class="i4"> - & wysse hy<i>m</i> to su<i>m</i> wone. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">On the morn Sir Gawayne finds himself in a deep - forest,</span> <span class="linenum">740</span> - <p> - Bi a mou<i>n</i>te on þe morne meryly he rydes, - </p> - <p> - Into a forest ful dep, þat ferly watȝ wylde, - </p> - <p> - Hiȝe hilleȝ on vche a halue, & holt wodeȝ vnder, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">where were old oaks many a hundred.</span> - <p> - Of hore okeȝ fill hoge a hundreth to-geder; - </p> - <span class="linenum">744</span> - <p> - Þe hasel & þe haȝ-þorne were harled al samen, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> roȝe raged mosse rayled ay-where, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Many sad birds upon bare twigs piped piteously - for the cold.</span> - <p> - With mony bryddeȝ vnblyþe vpon bare twyges, - </p> - <p> - Þat pitosly þer piped for pyne of þe colde. - </p> - <span class="linenum">748</span> - <p> - Þe gome vpon Gryngolet glydeȝ hem vnder, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Through many a mire he goes, that he may - celebrate the birth of Christ.</span> - <p> - Þurȝ mony misy & myre, mo<i>n</i> al hy<i>m</i> one, - </p> - <p> - Carande for his costes, lest he ne keu<i>er</i> schulde, - </p> - <p> - To se þe seruy<sup>1</sup> of þat syre, þat on þat self nyȝt - </p> - <span class="linenum">752</span> - <p> - Of a burde watȝ borne, oure baret to quelle; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He beseeches the Virgin Mary to direct him to - some lodging where he may hear mass.</span> - <p> - & þerfore syky<i>n</i>g he sayde, "I be-seche þe, lorde, - </p> - <p> - & Mary, þat is myldest moder so dere. - </p> - <p> - Of su<i>m</i> herber, þer heȝly I myȝt here masse. - </p> - <span class="linenum">756</span> - <p> - Ande þy matyneȝ to-morne, mekely I ask, - </p> - <p> - & þer-to prestly I pray my pat<i>er</i> & aue, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - & crede." - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He rode i<i>n</i> his prayere, - </p> - <span class="linenum">760</span> - <p class="i4"> - & cryed for his mysdede, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Blessing himself, he says, "Cross of Christ, - speed me!"</span> - <p class="i4"> - He sayned hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> syþes sere, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & sayde "cros Kryst me spede!" - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> seruyce (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Scarcely had he blessed himself thrice</span> - <p> - Nade he sayned hy<i>m</i>-self, segge, bot þrye, - </p> - <span class="linenum">764</span> - <p> - Er he watȝ war i<i>n</i> þe wod of a won i<i>n</i> a mote. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">when he saw a dwelling in the wood, set on a - hill,</span> - <p> - Abof a lau<i>n</i>de, on a lawe, loken vnder boȝeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Of mony borelych bole, aboute bi þe diches; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the comeliest castle that knight ever owned.</span> - <p> - A castel þe comlokest þat eu<i>er</i> knyȝt aȝte, - </p> - <span class="linenum">768</span> - <p> - Pyched on a prayere, a park al aboute, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a pyked palays, pyned ful þik, - </p> - <p> - Þat vmbe-teȝe mony tre mo þe<i>n</i> two myle. - </p> - <p> - Þat holde on þat on syde þe haþel auysed, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It shone as the sun through the bright oaks.</span> - <span class="linenum">772</span> - <p> - As hit schemered & schon þurȝ þe schyre okeȝ; - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne hatȝ he hendly of his helme, & heȝly he - þonkeȝ - </p> - <p> - Iesus & say[nt] Gilyan, þat gentyle ar boþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 101<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - Þat cortaysly hade hy<i>m</i> kydde, & his cry herkened. - </p> - <span class="linenum">776</span> - <p> - "Now bone hostel," coþe þe burne, "I be-seche yow ȝette!" - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne gedereȝ he to Gryngolet w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe gilt - heleȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne goes to the chief gate,</span> - <p> - & he ful chau<i>n</i>cely hatȝ chosen to þe chef gate, - </p> - <p> - Þat broȝt bremly þe burne to þe bryge ende, - </p> - <span class="linenum">780</span> - <p class="i8"> - i<i>n</i> haste; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and finds the draw-bridge raised, and the gates - shut fast.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe bryge watȝ breme vp-brayde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe ȝateȝ wer stoken faste, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe walleȝ were wel arayed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">784</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hit dut no wyndeȝ blaste. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The knight abides on the bank,</span> - <p> - Þe burne bode on bonk, þat on blonk houed, - </p> - <p> - Of þe depe double dich þat drof to þe place, - </p> - <p> - Þe walle wod i<i>n</i> þe wat<i>er</i> wonderly depe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and observes the "huge height,"</span> <span - class="linenum">788</span> - <p> - Ande eft a ful huge heȝt hit haled vpon lofte, - </p> - <p> - Of harde hewen ston vp to þe tableȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">with its battlements and watch towers.</span> - <p> - Enbaned vnder þe abataylme<i>n</i>t, i<i>n</i> þe best lawe; - </p> - <p> - & syþen garyteȝ ful gaye gered bi-twene, - </p> - <span class="linenum">792</span> - <p> - Wyth mony luflych loupe, þat louked ful clene; - </p> - <p> - A bett<i>er</i> barbican þat burne blusched vpon neu<i>er</i>; - </p> - <p> - & i<i>n</i>nermore he be-helde þat halle ful hyȝe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Bright and long were its round towers,</span> - <p> - Towre telded bytwene trochet ful þik, - </p> - <span class="linenum">796</span> - <p> - Fayre fylyoleȝ þat fyȝed, & ferlyly long, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">with their well-made capitals.</span> - <p> - With coruon coprou<i>n</i>es, craftyly sleȝe; - </p> - <p> - Chalk whyt chymnees þer ches he i<i>n</i>-noȝe, - </p> - <p> - Vpon bastel roueȝ, þat blenked ful quyte; - </p> - <span class="linenum">800</span> - <p> - So mony pynakle payntet watȝ poudred ay quere, - </p> - <p> - Amo<i>n</i>g þe castel carneleȝ, clambred so þik, - </p> - <p> - Þat pared out of papure purely hit semed. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He thinks it fair enough if he might only come - within the cloister.</span> - <p> - Þe fre freke on þe fole hit fayr i<i>n</i>-n[o]ghe þoȝt, - </p> - <span class="linenum">804</span> - <p> - If he myȝt keu<i>er</i> to com þe cloyst<i>e</i>r wyth-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - To herber i<i>n</i> þat hostel, whyl halyday lested - </p> - <p class="i8"> - auinant; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He calls, and soon there comes a porter to know - the knight's errand.</span> - <p class="i4"> - He calde, & sone þer com - </p> - <span class="linenum">808</span> - <p class="i4"> - A porter pure plesau<i>n</i>t, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - On þe wal his ernd he nome, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & haylsed þe knyȝt errau<i>n</i>t. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XIV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Good sir," says Gawayne, "ask the high lord of - this house to grant me a lodging."</span> - <p> - "Gode s<i>ir</i>," q<i>uod</i> Gawan, "woldeȝ þ<i>o</i>u go my<i>n</i> - ernde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">812</span> - <p> - To þe heȝ lorde of þis ho<i>us</i>, herber to craue?" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 102.]</span> - <p> - "ȝe, Pet<i>er</i>," q<i>uod</i> þe port<i>er</i>, "& purely I - trowe,<sup>1</sup> - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"You are welcome to dwell here as long as you - like," replied the porter.</span> - <p> - Þat ȝe be, wyȝe, welcu<i>m</i> to won quyle yow lykeȝ." - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> ȝede þ<i>a</i>t wyȝe aȝayn awyþe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">816</span> - <p> - & folke frely hy<i>m</i> wyth, to fonge þe knyȝt; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The draw-bridge is let down,</span> - <p> - Þay let dou<i>n</i> þe grete draȝt, & derely out ȝeden, - </p> - <p> - & kneled dou<i>n</i> on her knes vpon þe colde erþe, - </p> - <p> - To welcu<i>m</i> þis ilk wyȝ, as worþy hom þoȝt; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and the gate is opened wide to receive him.</span> - <span class="linenum">820</span> - <p> - Þay ȝolden hy<i>m</i> þe brode ȝate, ȝarked vp wyde, - </p> - <p> - & he hem raysed rekenly, & rod ou<i>er</i> þe brygge; - </p> - <p> - Sere seggeȝ hy<i>m</i> sesed by sadel, quel<sup>2</sup> he lyȝt, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His horse is well stabled.</span> - <p> - & syþen stabeled his stede stif me<i>n</i> i<i>n</i>-noȝe. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Knights and squires bring Gawayne into the hall.</span> - <span class="linenum">824</span> - <p> - Knyȝteȝ & swyereȝ comen dou<i>n</i> þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - For to bry<i>n</i>g þis burne<sup>3</sup> wyth blys i<i>n</i>-to - halle; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Many a one hastens to take his helmet and sword.</span> - <p> - Quen he hef vp his helme, þer hiȝed i<i>n</i>-nogh<i>e</i> - </p> - <p> - For to hent hit at his honde, þe hende to seruen, - </p> - <span class="linenum">828</span> - <p> - His bronde & his blasou<i>n</i> boþe þay token. - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> haylsed he ful hendly þo haþeleȝ vch one, - </p> - <p> - & mony proud mon þer p<i>re</i>sed, þat pry<i>n</i>ce to hono<i>ur</i>; - </p> - <p> - Alle hasped i<i>n</i> his heȝ wede to halle þay hy<i>m</i> wo<i>n</i>nen, - </p> - <span class="linenum">832</span> - <p> - Þer fayre fyre vpon flet fersly bre<i>n</i>ned. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of the country bids him welcome,</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne þe lorde of þe lede louteȝ fro his chambre, - </p> - <p> - For to mete wyth menske þe mon on þe flor; - </p> - <p> - He sayde, "ȝe ar welcu<i>m</i> to welde as yow lykeȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">836</span> - <p> - Þat here is, al is yowre awen, to haue at yowre wylle - </p> - <p class="i8"> - & welde." - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "Grau<i>n</i>t mercy," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "Þer Kryst hit yow for-ȝelde," - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and they embrace each other.</span> <span - class="linenum">840</span> - <p class="i4"> - As frekeȝ þat semed fayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ayþ<i>er</i> oþ<i>er</i> i<i>n</i> armeȝ co<i>n</i> felde. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> trowoe, MS. <sup>2</sup> quyle (?) or quen (?). <sup>3</sup> - buurne, MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne looks on his host;</span> - <p> - Gawayn glyȝt on þe gome þat godly hy<i>m</i> gret, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">a big bold one he seemed.</span> - <p> - & þuȝt hit a bolde burne þat þe burȝ aȝte, - </p> - <span class="linenum">844</span> - <p> - A hoge haþel for þe noneȝ, & of hygh<i>e</i> elde;<sup>1</sup> - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Beaver-hued was his broad beard,</span> - <p> - Brode bryȝt watȝ his berde, & al beu<i>er</i> hwed, - </p> - <p> - Sturne stif on þe stryþþe on stal-worth schonkeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and his face as "fell as the fire."</span> - <p> - Felle face as þe fyre, & fre of hys speche; - </p> - <span class="linenum">848</span> - <p> - & wel hy<i>m</i> semed for soþe, as þe segge þuȝt, - </p> - <p> - To lede a lortschyp i<i>n</i> lee of leudeȝ ful gode. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 102<i>b</i>.]<br />The lord leads Gawayne to - a chamber, and assigns him a page to wait upon him.</span> - <p> - Þe lorde hy<i>m</i> charred to a chambre, & chefly cu<i>m</i>au<i>n</i>deȝ<sup>2</sup> - </p> - <p> - To delyu<i>er</i> hym a leude, hym loȝly to serue; - </p> - <span class="linenum">852</span> - <p> - & þere were bou<i>n</i> at his bode burneȝ i<i>n</i>-noȝe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">In this bright bower was noble bedding;</span> - <p> - Þat broȝt hy<i>m</i> to a bryȝt boure, þ<i>er</i> beddy<i>n</i>g - watȝ noble, - </p> - <p> - Of cortynes of clene sylk, wyth cler golde he<i>m</i>meȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the curtains were of pure silk with golden hems;</span> - <p> - & cou<i>er</i>toreȝ ful curious, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> comlych - paneȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">856</span> - <p> - Of bryȝt blaunni<i>er</i> a-boue enbrawded bisydeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Rudeleȝ re<i>n</i>nande on ropeȝ, red golde ry<i>n</i>geȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Tarsic tapestries covered the walls and the - floor.</span> - <p> - Tapyteȝ tyȝt to þe woȝe, of tuly & tars, - </p> - <p> - & vnder fete, on þe flet, of folȝande sute. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Here the knight doffed his armour,</span> <span - class="linenum">860</span> - <p> - Þer he watȝ dispoyled, wyth specheȝ of my<i>er</i>þe, - </p> - <p> - Þe burn of his bruny, & of his bryȝt wedeȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and put on rich robes,</span> - <p> - Ryche robes ful rad renkkeȝ hem<sup>3</sup> broȝten, - </p> - <p> - For to charge, & to chaunge, & chose of þe best. - </p> - <span class="linenum">864</span> - <p> - Sone as he on hent, & happed þ<i>er</i>-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - Þat sete on hym<sup>4</sup> semly, wyth saylande skyrteȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">which well became him.</span> - <p> - Þe ver by his uisage verayly hit semed - </p> - <p> - Wel neȝ to vche haþel alle on hwes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">868</span> - <p> - Lowande & lufly, alle his ly<i>m</i>meȝ vnder, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A more comely knight Christ never made.</span> - <p> - Þat a comloker knyȝt neue<i>r</i> Kryst made, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - hem þoȝt; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Wheþen i<i>n</i> worlde he were, - </p> - <span class="linenum">872</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hit semed as he myȝt - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Be prynce w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-outen pere, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - I<i>n</i> felde þ<i>er</i> felle me<i>n</i> fyȝt. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> eldee, MS. <sup>2</sup> clesly, MS. <sup>3</sup> hym (?). - <sup>4</sup> MS. hyn. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">A chair is placed for Sir Gawayne before the - fireplace.</span> - <p> - A cheyer by-fore þe chemné, þ<i>er</i> charcole bre<i>n</i>ned, - </p> - <span class="linenum">876</span> - <p> - Watȝ grayþed for s<i>ir</i> Gawan, grayþely w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> - cloþeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Whyssynes vpon queldepoynt<i>es</i>, þa[t] koy<i>n</i>t wer boþe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A mantle of fine linen, richly embroidered, is - thrown over him.</span> - <p> - & þe<i>n</i>ne a mere mantyle watȝ on þat mon cast, - </p> - <p> - Of a brou<i>n</i> bleeau<i>n</i>t, enbrauded ful ryche, - </p> - <span class="linenum">880</span> - <p> - & fayre furred wyth-i<i>n</i>ne w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> felleȝ of - þe best, - </p> - <p> - Alle of ermyn i<i>n</i> erde, his hode of þe same; - </p> - <p> - & he sete i<i>n</i> þat settel semlych ryche, - </p> - <p> - & achaufed hy<i>m</i> chefly,<sup>1</sup> & þe<i>n</i>ne his - cher mended. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A table is soon raised,</span> <span - class="linenum">884</span> - <p> - Sone watȝ telded vp a tapit, on tresteȝ ful fayre, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and the knight, having washed, proceeded to meat.</span> - <p> - Clad wyth a clene cloþe, þat cler quyt schewed, - </p> - <p> - Sanap, & salure, & syluer-i<i>n</i> sponeȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 103.]</span> - <p> - Þe wyȝe wesche at his wylle, & went to his mete - </p> - <span class="linenum">888</span> - <p> - Seggeȝ hym serued semly i<i>n</i>-noȝe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He is served with numerous dishes;</span> - <p> - Wyth sere sewes & sete,<sup>2</sup> sesou<i>n</i>de of þe best, - </p> - <p> - Double felde, as hit falleȝ, & fele kyn fischeȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">with fish baked and broiled,</span> - <p> - Su<i>m</i>me baken i<i>n</i> bred, su<i>m</i>me brad on þe gledeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">or boiled and seasoned with spices.</span> <span - class="linenum">892</span> - <p> - Su<i>m</i>me soþen, su<i>m</i>me i<i>n</i> sewe, sau<i>er</i>ed w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> - spyces, - </p> - <p> - & ay sawes<sup>3</sup> so sleȝeȝ, þat þe segge lyked. - </p> - <p> - Þe freke calde hit a fest ful frely & ofte, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He calls it a full noble feast,</span> - <p> - Ful hendely, quen alle þe haþeles re-hayted hy<i>m</i> at oneȝ - </p> - <span class="linenum">896</span> - <p class="i8"> - as hende; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "Þis penau<i>n</i>ce now ȝe take, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & eft hit schal amende;" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and much mirth he makes, for the wine is in his - head.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat mon much m<i>er</i>þe con make. - </p> - <span class="linenum">900</span> - <p class="i4"> - For wy<i>n</i> i<i>n</i> his hed þat wende. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. cefly. <sup>2</sup> swete (?). <sup>3</sup> sewes (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne, in answer to questions put to him,</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne watȝ spyed & spured vpon spare wyse. - </p> - <p> - Bi preue poynteȝ of þat prynce, put to hy<i>m</i>-seluen, - </p> - <p> - Þat he be-knew cortaysly of þe court þat he were, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">tells the prince that he is of Arthur's court.</span> - <span class="linenum">904</span> - <p> - Þat aþel Arthure þe hende haldeȝ hy<i>m</i> one, - </p> - <p> - Þat is þe ryche ryal ky<i>n</i>g of þe rou<i>n</i>de table; - </p> - <p> - & hit watȝ Wawen hy<i>m</i>-self þat i<i>n</i> þat won sytteȝ, - </p> - <p> - Comen to þat krystmasse, as case hy<i>m</i> þen lymped. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">When this was made known,</span> <span - class="linenum">908</span> - <p> - When þe lorde hade lerned þat he þe leude hade, - </p> - <p> - Loude laȝed he þ<i>er</i>at, so lef hit hy<i>m</i> þoȝt, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">great was the joy in the hall.</span> - <p> - & alle þe men i<i>n</i> þat mote maden much joye, - </p> - <p> - To apere i<i>n</i> his presense prestly þat tyme, - </p> - <span class="linenum">912</span> - <p> - Þat alle prys, & prowes, & pured þewes - </p> - <p> - Apendes to hys persou<i>n</i>, & praysed is eu<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - By-fore alle men vpon molde, his mensk is þe most. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Each one said softly to his mate,</span> - <p> - Vch segge ful softly sayde to his fere, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Now we shall see courteous manners and hear - noble speech,</span> <span class="linenum">916</span> - <p> - "Now schal we semlych se sleȝteȝ of þeweȝ, - </p> - <p> - & þe teccheles termes of talky<i>n</i>g noble, - </p> - <p> - Wich spede is i<i>n</i> speche, vnspurd may we lerne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">for we have amongst us the 'father of nurture.'</span> - <p> - Sy<i>n</i> we haf fonged þat fyne fader of nurture; - </p> - <span class="linenum">920</span> - <p> - God hatȝ geuen v<i>us</i> his g<i>ra</i>ce godly for soþe, - </p> - <p> - Þat such a gest as Gawan grau<i>n</i>teȝ v<i>us</i> to haue, - </p> - <p> - When burneȝ blyþe of his burþe schal sitte - </p> - <p class="i8"> - & sy<i>n</i>ge. - </p> - <span class="linenum">924</span> - <p class="i4"> - I<i>n</i> meny<i>n</i>g of man<i>er</i>eȝ mere, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 103<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þis burne now schal v<i>us</i> bry<i>n</i>g, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He that may him hear shall learn of - love-talking."</span> - <p class="i4"> - I hope þat may hy<i>m</i> here, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Schal lerne of luf-talky<i>n</i>g." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XVIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">After dinner the company go to the chapel,</span> - <span class="linenum">928</span> - <p> - Bi þat þe diner watȝ done, & þe dere vp, - </p> - <p> - Hit watȝ neȝ at þe niyȝt neȝed þe tyme; - </p> - <p> - Chaplayneȝ<sup>1</sup> to þe chapeles chosen þe gate, - </p> - <p> - Ru<i>n</i>gen ful rychely, ryȝt as þay schulden, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">to hear the evensong of the great season.</span> - <span class="linenum">932</span> - <p> - To þe hersu<i>m</i> euensong of þe hyȝe tyde. - </p> - <p> - Þe lorde loutes þerto, & þe lady als, - </p> - <p> - I<i>n</i>-to a comly closet coyntly ho entreȝ; - </p> - <p> - Gawan glydeȝ ful gay, & gos þeder sone; - </p> - <span class="linenum">936</span> - <p> - Þe lorde laches hy<i>m</i> by þe lappe, & ledeȝ hy<i>m</i> to - sytte, - </p> - <p> - & couþly hy<i>m</i> knoweȝ, & calleȝ hy<i>m</i> his - nome, - </p> - <p> - & sayde he watȝ þe welcomest wyȝe of þe worlde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of the castle and Sir Gawayne sit - together during service.</span> - <p> - & he hy<i>m</i> þonkked þroly, & ayþ<i>er</i> halched oþer. - </p> - <span class="linenum">940</span> - <p> - & seten soberly samen þe seruise-quyle; - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne lyst þe lady to loke on þe knyȝt. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His wife, accompanied by her maids, leaves her - seat.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne com ho of hir closet, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony cler burdeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Ho watȝ þe fayrest i<i>n</i> felle, of flesche & of lyre, - </p> - <span class="linenum">944</span> - <p> - & of compas, & colo<i>ur</i>, & costes of alle oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">She appeared even fairer than Guenever.</span> - <p> - & wener þen Wenore, as þe wyȝe þoȝt. - </p> - <p> - He ches þurȝ þe chau<i>n</i>sel, to cheryche þat hende; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">An older lady (an ancient one she seemed) led her - by the hand.</span> - <p> - An oþer lady hir lad bi þe lyft honde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">948</span> - <p> - Þat watȝ alder þen ho, an au<i>n</i>cian hit semed, - </p> - <p> - & heȝly honowred w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> haþeleȝ aboute. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Very unlike were these two.</span> - <p> - Bot yn-lyke on to loke þo ladyes were, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">if the young one was fair the other was yellow,</span> - <p> - For if þe ȝonge watȝ ȝep, ȝolȝe watȝ þ<i>a</i>t - oþ<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="linenum">952</span> - <p> - Riche red on þat on rayled ay quere, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and had rough and wrinkled cheeks.</span> - <p> - Rugh ronkled chekeȝ þat oþ<i>er</i> on rolled; - </p> - <p> - Kerchofes of þat on wyth mony cler perleȝ - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The younger had breast and throat "bare - displayed."</span> - <p> - Hir brest & hir bryȝt þrote bare displayed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">956</span> - <p> - Schon schyrer þe<i>n</i> snawe, þat scheder<sup>2</sup> on hilleȝ; - </p> - <p> - Þat oþ<i>er</i> wyth a gorger watȝ gered ou<i>er</i> þe swyre, - </p> - <p> - Chymbled ou<i>er</i> hir blake chyn w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mylk-quyte - vayles, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The ancient one exposed only her "black brows," - her two eyes,</span> - <p> - Hir frou<i>n</i>t folden i<i>n</i> sylk, enfoubled ay quere, - </p> - <span class="linenum">960</span> - <p> - Toret & treieted w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> tryfleȝ aboute, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 104.]<br />nose, and naked lips, all sour - and bleared.</span> - <p> - Þat noȝt watȝ bare of þat burde bot þe blake broȝes. - </p> - <p> - Þe tweyne yȝen, & þe nase, þe naked lyppeȝ, - </p> - <p> - & þose were soure to se, & sellyly blered; - </p> - <span class="linenum">964</span> - <p> - A mensk lady on molde mo<i>n</i> may hir calle, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - for gode; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Her body was short and thick;</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hir body watȝ schort & þik. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">her buttocks broad and round.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hir buttokeȝ bay & brode, - </p> - <span class="linenum">968</span> - <p class="i4"> - More lykker-wys on to lyk, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Watȝ þat scho hade on lode. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. [claplayneȝ.] <sup>2</sup> schedes (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XIX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">With permission of the lord,</span> - <p> - When Gawayn glyȝt on þ<i>a</i>t gay, þ<i>a</i>t g<i>ra</i>cio<i>us</i>ly - loked, - </p> - <p> - Wyth leue laȝt of þe lorde he went hem aȝaynes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne salutes the elder,</span> <span - class="linenum">972</span> - <p> - Þe alder he haylses, heldande ful lowe, - </p> - <p> - Þe loueloker he lappeȝ a lyttel i<i>n</i> armeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but the younger he kisses,</span> - <p> - He kysses hir comlyly, & knyȝtly he meleȝ; - </p> - <p> - Þay kallen hy<i>m</i> of a quoy<i>n</i>tau<i>n</i>ce, & he hit - quyk askeȝ - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and begs to be her servant.</span> <span - class="linenum">976</span> - <p> - To be her seruau<i>n</i>t sothly, if hem-self lyked. - </p> - <p> - Þay tan hy<i>m</i> bytwene hem, wyth talky<i>n</i>g hy<i>m</i> leden - </p> - <span class="sidenote">To chamber all go,</span> - <p> - To chambre, to chemné, & chefly þay asken - </p> - <span class="sidenote">where spices and wine are served.</span> - <p> - Spyceȝ, þat vn-sparely me<i>n</i> speded hom to bry<i>n</i>g, - </p> - <span class="linenum">980</span> - <p> - & þe wy<i>n</i>ne-lych wyne þ<i>er</i>-w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> vche - tyme. - </p> - <p> - Þe lorde luflych aloft lepeȝ ful ofte, - </p> - <p> - My<i>n</i>ned m<i>er</i>the to be made vpon mony syþeȝ. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord takes off his hood and places it on a - spear.</span> - <p> - Hent heȝly of his hode, & on a spere henged, - </p> - <span class="linenum">984</span> - <p> - & wayned hom to wy<i>n</i>ne þe worchip þer-of, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He who makes most mirth is to win it.</span> - <p> - Þat most myrþe myȝt mene<sup>1</sup> þ<i>a</i>t crystenmas whyle; - </p> - <p> - "& i schal fonde, bi my fayth, to fylt<i>er</i> wyth þe best, - </p> - <p> - Er me wont þe wedeȝ, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> help of my frendeȝ." - </p> - <span class="linenum">988</span> - <p> - Þ<i>us</i> wyth laȝande loteȝ þe lorde hit tayt<sup>2</sup> - makeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Night approaches, and then</span> - <p> - For to glade s<i>ir</i> Gawayn w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gomneȝ i<i>n</i> - halle - </p> - <p class="i8"> - þ<i>a</i>t nyȝt; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Til þat hit watȝ tyme, - </p> - <span class="linenum">992</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe ky<i>n</i>g comau<i>n</i>det lyȝt, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne takes his leave and retires to rest.</span> - <p class="i4"> - S<i>ir</i> Gawen his leue con nyme, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & to his bed hy<i>m</i> diȝt. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> meue (?). <sup>2</sup> layt (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">On Christmas morn,</span> - <p> - On þe morne, as vch mon myneȝ þat tyme, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">joy reigns in every dwelling in the world.</span> - <span class="linenum">996</span> - <p> - [Þ]at dryȝtyn for oure destyné to deȝe watȝ borne, - </p> - <p> - Wele waxeȝ i<i>n</i> vche a won i<i>n</i> worlde, for his sake; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">So did it in the castle where our knight abode.</span> - <p> - So did hit þere on þat day, þurȝ dayntes mony; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 104<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - Boþe at mes & at mele, messes ful quaynt - </p> - <span class="linenum">1000</span> - <p> - Derf men vpon dece drest of þe best. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord and "the old ancient wife" sit together.</span> - <p> - Þe olde au<i>n</i>cian wyf heȝest ho sytteȝ; - </p> - <p> - Þe lorde lufly her by lent, as I trowe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne sits by the wife of his host.</span> - <p> - Gawan & þe gay burde to-geder þay seten, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1004</span> - <p> - Euen i<i>n</i>-myddeȝ, as þe messe metely come; - </p> - <p> - & syþen þurȝ al þe sale, as hem best semed, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It were too tedious to tell of the meat, the - mirth, and the joy that abounded everywhere.</span> - <p> - Bi vche grome at his degre g<i>ray</i>þely watȝ serued. - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>er</i> watȝ mete, þer watȝ myrþe, þ<i>er</i> watȝ - much ioye, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1008</span> - <p> - Þat for to telle þerof hit me tene were, - </p> - <p> - & to poynte hit ȝet I pyned me p<i>ar</i>aue<i>n</i>ture; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne and his beautiful companion derive much - comfort from each other's conversation.</span> - <p> - Bot ȝet I wot þat Wawen & þe wale burde - </p> - <p> - Such comfort of her compaynye caȝten to-geder, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1012</span> - <p> - Þurȝ her dere dalyau<i>n</i>ce of her derne wordeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Wyth clene cortays carp, closed fro fylþe; - </p> - <p> - & hor play watȝ passande vche prynce gomen, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - i<i>n</i> vayres; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Trumpets and nakers give forth their sounds.</span> - <span class="linenum">1016</span> - <p class="i4"> - Tru<i>m</i>peȝ & nakerys, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Much pypy<i>n</i>g þ<i>er</i> repayres, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Vche mo<i>n</i> tented hys, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & þay two te<i>n</i>ted þayres. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XXI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Great was the joy for three days.</span> <span - class="linenum">1020</span> - <p> - Much dut watȝ þer dryuen þat day & þat oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - & þe þryd as þro þronge i<i>n</i> þeraft<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">St. John's-day was the last of the Christmas - festival.</span> - <p> - Þe ioye of sayn Ioneȝ day watȝ gentyle to here, - </p> - <p> - & watȝ þe last of þe layk, leudeȝ þer þoȝten. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1024</span> - <p> - Þer wer gestes to go vpon þe gray morne, - </p> - <p> - For-þy wonderly þay woke, & þe wyn dronken, - </p> - <p> - Dau<i>n</i>sed ful dreȝly wyth dere caroleȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">On the morrow many of the guests took their - departure from the castle.</span> - <p> - At þe last, when hit watȝ late, þay lachen her leue, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1028</span> - <p> - Vchon to wende on his way, þat watȝ wyȝe stronge. - </p> - <p> - Gawan gef hy<i>m</i> god-day, þe god mo<i>n</i> hy<i>m</i> lachcheȝ, - </p> - <p> - Ledes hy<i>m</i> to his awen chambre, þ[e] chy<i>m</i>né bysyde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne is thanked by his host for the honour - and pleasure of his visit.</span> - <p> - & þere he draȝeȝ hy<i>m</i> on-dryȝe, & derely - hy<i>m</i> þonkkeȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1032</span> - <p> - Of þe wy<i>n</i>ne worschip &<sup>1</sup> he hy<i>m</i> wayned - hade, - </p> - <p> - As to hono<i>ur</i> his ho<i>us</i> on þat hyȝe tyde, - </p> - <p> - & enbelyse his burȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his bele chere. - </p> - <p> - "I-wysse s<i>ir</i>, quyl I leue, me worþeȝ þe better, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 105.]</span> <span class="linenum">1036</span> - <p> - Þat Gawayn hatȝ ben my gest, at Goddeȝ awen fest." - </p> - <p> - "G<i>ra</i>nt merci<sup>2</sup> s<i>ir</i>," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "i<i>n</i> - god fayth hit is yowreȝ, - </p> - <p> - Al þe hono<i>ur</i> is yo<i>ur</i> awen, þe heȝe ky<i>n</i>g yow - ȝelde; - </p> - <p> - & I am wyȝe at yo<i>ur</i> wylle, to worch yo<i>ur</i>e hest, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1040</span> - <p> - As I am halden þ<i>er</i>-to, i<i>n</i> hyȝe & i<i>n</i> loȝe, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - bi riȝt." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He endeavours to keep the knight at his court.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lorde fast can hy<i>m</i> payne, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - To holde lenger þe knyȝt, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1044</span> - <p class="i4"> - To hy<i>m</i> answreȝ Gawayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bi non way þat he myȝt. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> þat (?). <sup>2</sup> nerci, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He desires to know what had driven Sir Gawayne - from Arthur's court before the end of the Christmas holidays.</span> - <p> - Then frayned þe freke ful fayre at him-selue<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p> - Quat derne<sup>1</sup> dede had hy<i>m</i> dryuen, at þat dere tyme, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1048</span> - <p> - So kenly fro þe ky<i>n</i>geȝ kourt to kayre al his one, - </p> - <p> - Er þe halidayeȝ holly were halet out of tou<i>n</i>? - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight replies that "a high errand and a - hasty one" had forced him to leave the court.</span> - <p> - "For soþe s<i>ir</i>," q<i>uod</i> þe segge, "ȝe sayn bot þe - trawþe - </p> - <p> - A heȝe ernde & a hasty me hade fro þo woneȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1052</span> - <p> - For I am su<i>m</i>ned my selfe to sech to a place, - </p> - <p> - I wot<sup>2</sup> i<i>n</i> worlde wheder warde to wende, hit to - fynde; - </p> - <p> - I nolde, bot if I hit negh myȝt on nwȝeres morne, - </p> - <p> - For alle þe londe i<i>n</i>-wyth Logres, so me oure lorde help! - </p> - <span class="linenum">1056</span> - <p> - For-þy, s<i>ir</i>, þis enquest I require yow here, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He asks his host whether he has ever heard of the - Green Chapel,</span> - <p> - Þat ȝe me telle w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> trawþe, if eu<i>er</i> ȝe - tale herde - </p> - <p> - Of þe grene chapel, quere hit on grou<i>n</i>de stondeȝ, - </p> - <p> - & of þe knyȝt þat hit kepes, of colo<i>ur</i> of grene? - </p> - <span class="linenum">1060</span> - <p> - Þ<i>er</i> watȝ stabled bi statut a steuen v<i>us</i> by-twene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">for he has to be there on New Year's-day.</span> - <p> - To mete þat mon at þ<i>a</i>t mere, ȝif I myȝt last; - </p> - <p> - & of þat ilk nwȝere hot neked now wonteȝ, - </p> - <p> - & I wolde loke on þat lede, if God me let wolde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1064</span> - <p> - Gladloker, bi Goddeȝ su<i>n</i>, þe<i>n</i> any god welde! - </p> - <p> - For-þi, I-wysse, bi ȝowre wylle, wende me bi-houes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He wonld as lief die as fail in his errand.</span> - <p> - Naf I now to busy bot bare þre dayeȝ, - </p> - <p> - & me als fayn to falle feye as fayly of myy<i>n</i> ernde." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The prince tells Sir Gawayne that he will teach - him the way.</span> <span class="linenum">1068</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne laȝande q<i>uod</i> þe lorde, "now leng þe by-houes, - </p> - <p> - For I schal teche yow to þa[t] terme bi þe tymeȝ ende, - </p> - <p> - Þe grene chapayle vpon grou<i>n</i>de, greue yow no more; - </p> - <p> - Bot ȝe schal be i<i>n</i> yowre bed, burne, at þy<i>n</i> ese, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1072</span> - <p> - Quyle forth dayej, & ferk on pe fyrst of pe ȝere, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 105<i>b</i>]</span> - <p> - & cum to þat merk at mydmorn, to make quat yow likeȝ - </p> - <p class="i8"> - in spe<i>n</i>ne; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Dowelleȝ whyle new ȝeres daye, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1076</span> - <p class="i4"> - & rys, & raykeȝ þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The Green chapel is not more than two miles from - the castle.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Mo<i>n</i> schal yow sette i<i>n</i> waye, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Hit is not two myle he<i>n</i>ne." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> derue (?). <sup>2</sup> not (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then was Gawayne glad,</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne watȝ Gawan ful glad, & gomenly he laȝed,— - </p> - <span class="linenum">1080</span> - <p> - "Now I þonk yow þryuandely þurȝ alle oþ<i>er</i> þy<i>n</i>ge, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and consents to tarry awhile at the castle.</span> - <p> - Now acheued is my chau<i>n</i>ce, I schal at yo<i>ur</i> wylle - </p> - <p> - Dowelle, & elleȝ do quat ȝe demen." - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne sesed hy<i>m</i> þe syre, & set hy<i>m</i> bysyde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The ladies are brought in to solace him.</span> - <span class="linenum">1084</span> - <p> - Let þe ladieȝ be fette, to lyke he<i>m</i> þe bett<i>er</i>; - </p> - <p> - Þer watȝ seme solace by hem-self stille; - </p> - <p> - Þe lorde let for luf loteȝ so myry, - </p> - <p> - As wyȝ þat wolde of his wyte, ne wyst quat he myȝt. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1088</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne he carped to þe knyȝt, criande loude, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of the castle asks the knight to grant - him one request;</span> - <p> - "Ȝe han demed to do þe dede þat I bidde; - </p> - <p> - Wyl ȝe halde þis hes here at þys oneȝ?" - </p> - <p> - "Ȝe s<i>ir</i>, for-soþe," sayd þe segge trwe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1092</span> - <p> - "Whyl I byde i<i>n</i> yowre borȝe, be bayn to ȝow[r]e - hest." - </p> - <p> - "For ȝe haf trauayled," q<i>uod</i> þe tulk, "towen fro ferre, - </p> - <p> - & syþen waked me wyth, ȝe arn not wel waryst, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">That he will stay in his chamber during mass - time,</span> - <p> - Nauþ<i>er</i> of sostnau<i>n</i>ce ne of slepe, soþly I knowe; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1096</span> - <p> - Ȝe schal lenge i<i>n</i> yo<i>ur</i> lofte, & lyȝe i<i>n</i> - yo<i>ur</i> ese, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and then go to meat with his hostess.</span> - <p> - To morn quyle þe messe-quyle, & to mete wende, - </p> - <p> - When ȝe wyl, wyth my wyf, þat wyth yow schal sitte, - </p> - <p> - & comfort yow w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> compayny, til I to cort torne, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1100</span> - <p class="i8"> - ȝe lende; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & I schal erly ryse, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - On hu<i>n</i>ty<i>n</i>g wyl I wende." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne accedes to his request.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Gauayn g<i>ra</i>nteȝ alle þyse, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1104</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hy<i>m</i> heldande, as þe hende. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XXIV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Whatsoever," says the host, "I win in the wood - shall be yours,</span> - <p> - "Ȝet firre," q<i>uod</i> þe freke, "a forwarde we make; - </p> - <p> - Quat-so-euer I wy<i>n</i>ne i<i>n</i> þe wod, hit worþeȝ to yo<i>ur</i>eȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and what check you achieve shall be mine."</span> - <p> - & quat chek so ȝe acheue, chau<i>n</i>ge me þer-forne; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1108</span> - <p> - Swete, swap we so, sware w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> trawþe, - </p> - <p> - Queþer, leude, so lymp lere oþ<i>er</i> bett<i>er</i>." - </p> - <p> - "Bi God," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn þe gode, "I <i>gra</i>nt þ<i>er</i>-tylle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 106.]</span> - <p> - & þat yow lyst forto layke, lef hit me þynk<i>es</i>. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A bargain is made between them.</span> <span - class="linenum">1112</span> - <p> - "Who bri<i>n</i>geȝ v<i>us</i> þis beu<i>er</i>age, þis bargayn - is maked:" - </p> - <p> - So sayde þe lorde of þat lede; þay laȝed vchone, - </p> - <p> - Þay dronken, & daylyeden, & dalten vntyȝtel,<sup>1</sup> - </p> - <p> - Þise lordeȝ & ladyeȝ, quyle þat hem lyked; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1116</span> - <p> - & syþen w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> frenkysch fare & fele fayre loteȝ - </p> - <p> - Þay stoden, & stemed, & stylly speken, - </p> - <p> - Kysten ful comlyly, & kaȝten her leue. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Night approaches and each "to his bed was brought - at the last."</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony leude ful lyȝt, & lemande torches, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1120</span> - <p> - Vche burne to his bed watȝ broȝt at þe laste, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - ful softe; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - To bed ȝet er þay ȝede, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Recorded couenau<i>n</i>teȝ ofte; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1124</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe olde lorde of þat leude,<sup>2</sup> - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Cowþe wel halde layk a-lofte. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> vntyl nyȝte (?). <sup>2</sup> lede (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - [FYTTE THE THIRD.] - </h2> - <h2> - I. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Before day-break folks uprise,</span> - <p> - Ful erly bifore þe day þe folk vp-rysen, - </p> - <p> - Gestes þat go wolde, hor gromeȝ þay calden, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">saddle their horses, and truss their mails.</span> - <span class="linenum">1128</span> - <p> - & þay busken vp bilyue, blonkkeȝ to sadel, - </p> - <p> - Tyffen he[r] takles, trussen her males, - </p> - <p> - Richen hem þe rychest, to ryde alle arayde, - </p> - <p> - Lepen vp lyȝtly, lachen her brydeles, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Each goes where it pleases him best.</span> <span - class="linenum">1132</span> - <p> - Vche wyȝe on his way, þer hy<i>m</i> wel lyked. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The noble lord of the land arrays himself for - riding.</span> - <p> - Þe leue lorde of þe londe watȝ not þe last, - </p> - <p> - A-rayed for þe rydy<i>n</i>g, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> renkkeȝ ful - mony; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He eats a sop hastily and goes to mass.</span> - <p> - Ete a sop hastyly, when he hade herde masse, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1136</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> bugle to bent felde he buskeȝ by-lyue; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Before day-light he and his men are on their - horses.</span> - <p> - By þat þat any day-lyȝt lemed vpon erþe, - </p> - <p> - He w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his haþeles on hyȝe horsses weren. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then the hounds are called out and coupled.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne þise cacheres þat couþe, cowpled hor hou<i>n</i>deȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1140</span> - <p> - Vnclosed þe kenel dore, & calde hem þ<i>er</i>-oute, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Three short notes are blown by the bugles.</span> - <p> - Blwe bygly i<i>n</i> bugleȝ þre bare mote; - </p> - <p> - Braches bayed þ<i>er</i>fore, & breme noyse maked, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A hundred hunters join in the chase.</span> - <p> - & þay chastysed, & charred, on chasy<i>n</i>g þat went; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1144</span> - <p> - A hundreth of hunt<i>er</i>es, as I haf herde telle, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - of þe best; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">To the stations the "fewters" go,</span> - <p class="i4"> - To trystors vewters ȝod, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Couples huntes of kest, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 106<i>b</i>.]</span> <span class="linenum">1148</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þ<i>er</i> ros for blasteȝ gode, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and the dogs are cast off.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Gret rurd i<i>n</i> þat forest. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - II. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Roused by the clamour the deer rush to the - heights,</span> - <p> - At þe fyrst quethe of þe quest quaked þe wylde; - </p> - <p> - Der drof i<i>n</i> þe dale, doted for drede, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1152</span> - <p> - Hiȝed to þe hyȝe, bot het<i>er</i>ly þay were - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but are soon driven back.</span> - <p> - Restayed w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe stablye, þat stoutly ascryed; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The harts and bucks are allowed to pass,</span> - <p> - Þay let þe hertteȝ haf þe gate, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe hyȝe - hedes, - </p> - <p> - Þe breme bukkeȝ also, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hor brode paumeȝ; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1156</span> - <p> - For þe fre lorde hade de-fende i<i>n</i> fermysou<i>n</i> tyme, - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>a</i>t þ<i>er</i> schulde no mon mene<sup>1</sup> to þe male dere. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but the hinds and does are driven back to the - shades.</span> - <p> - Þe hindeȝ were halden i<i>n</i>, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hay & - war, - </p> - <p> - Þe does dryuen w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gret dyn to þe depe sladeȝ; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1160</span> - <p> - Þer myȝt mon se, as þay slypte, slenty<i>n</i>g of arwes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">As they fly they are shot by the bowmen.</span> - <p> - At vche [þat] wende vnder wande wapped a flone, - </p> - <p> - Þat bigly bote on þe brou<i>n</i>, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> ful brode hedeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The hounds and the hunters, with a loud cry, - follow in pursuit.</span> - <p> - What! þay brayen, & bleden, bi bonkkeȝ þay deȝen. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1164</span> - <p> - & ay rachches i<i>n</i> a res radly hem folȝes, - </p> - <p> - Hu<i>n</i>tereȝ wyth hyȝe horne hasted hem aft<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Those that escaped the arrows are killed by the - hounds.</span> - <p> - Wyth such a crakkande kry, as klyffes haden brusten; - </p> - <p> - What wylde so at-waped wyȝes þat schotten, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1168</span> - <p> - Watȝ al to-raced & rent, at þe resayt. - </p> - <p> - Bi þay were tened at þe hyȝe, & taysed to þe wattreȝ, - </p> - <p> - Þe ledeȝ were so lerned at þe loȝe trysteres, - </p> - <p> - & þe gre-hou<i>n</i>deȝ so grete, þat geten hem bylyue, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1172</span> - <p> - & hem to fylched, as fast as frekeȝ myȝt loke, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - þ<i>er</i> ryȝt. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord waxes joyful in the chase,</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lorde for blys abloy - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful oft con lau<i>n</i>ce & lyȝt, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">which lasted till the approach of night.</span> - <span class="linenum">1176</span> - <p class="i4"> - & drof þat day wyth Ioy - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Thus to þe derk nyȝt. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> meue (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - III. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">All this time Gawayne lies a-bed.</span> - <p> - Þ<i>us</i> laykeȝ þis lorde by lynde wodeȝ eueȝ, - </p> - <p> - & G. þe god mon, i<i>n</i> gay bed lygeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">under "coverture full clear".</span> <span - class="linenum">1180</span> - <p> - Lurkkeȝ quyl þe day-lyȝt lemed on þe wowes, - </p> - <p> - Vnder couerto<i>ur</i> ful clere, cortyned aboute; - </p> - <p> - & as i<i>n</i> slom<i>er</i>y<i>n</i>g he slode, sleȝly he - herde - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He hears a noise at his door.</span> - <p> - A littel dyn at his dor, & derfly vpon; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1184</span> - <p> - & he heueȝ vp his hed out of þe cloþes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 107.]</span> - <p> - A corner of þe cortyn he caȝt vp a lyttel, - </p> - <p> - & wayteȝ warly þider-warde, quat hit be myȝt. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A lady, the loveliest to behold, enters softly.</span> - <p> - Hit watȝ þe ladi, loflyest to be-holde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1188</span> - <p> - Þat droȝ þe dor aft<i>er</i> hir ful dernly<sup>1</sup> & - stylle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">She approaches the bed.</span> - <p> - & boȝed to-warde þe bed; & þe burne schamed. - </p> - <p> - & layde hy<i>m</i> dou<i>n</i> lystyly, & let as he slepte. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne pretends to be asleep.</span> - <p> - & ho stepped stilly. & stel to his bedde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady casts up the curtain and sits on the - bedside.</span> <span class="linenum">1192</span> - <p> - Kest vp þe cortyn, & creped w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - & set hir ful softly on þe bed-syde, - </p> - <p> - & lenged þere selly longe, to loke que<i>n</i> he wakened. - </p> - <p> - Þe lede lay lurked a ful longe quyle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne has much wonder thereat.</span> <span - class="linenum">1196</span> - <p> - Compast i<i>n</i> his concience to quat þat cace myȝt - </p> - <p> - Mene oþ<i>er</i> amou<i>n</i>t, to m<i>er</i>uayle hy<i>m</i> þoȝt; - </p> - <p> - Bot ȝet he sayde i<i>n</i> hy<i>m</i>-self, "more semly hit were - </p> - <p> - To aspye wyth my spelle [in] space quat ho wolde." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He rouses himself up,</span> <span class="linenum">1200</span> - <p> - þen he wakenede, & wroth, & to hir warde torned, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">unlocks his eyes, and looks as if he were - astonished.</span> - <p> - & vn-louked his yȝe-lyddeȝ, & let as hy<i>m</i> - wondered, - </p> - <p> - & sayned hy<i>m</i>, as bi his saȝe þe sau<i>er</i> to - worthe, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hande; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1204</span> - <p class="i4"> - Wyth chy<i>n</i>ne & cheke ful swete, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Boþe quit & red i<i>n</i>-blande, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful lufly con ho lete, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Wyth lyppeȝ smal laȝande. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> deruly (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - IV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Good morrow", says the lady, "ye are a careless - sleeper to let one enter thus.</span> <span class="linenum">1208</span> - <p> - "God morou<i>n</i>, s<i>ir</i> Gawayn," sayde þat fayr lady, - </p> - <p> - "Ȝe ar a slep<i>er</i> vn-slyȝe, þat mo<i>n</i> may slyde - hider; - </p> - <p> - Now ar ȝe tan astyt, bot t<i>r</i>ue v<i>us</i> may schape, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I shall bind you in your bed, of that be ye - sure."</span> - <p> - I schal bynde yow i<i>n</i> yo<i>ur</i> bedde, þat be ȝe trayst:" - </p> - <span class="linenum">1212</span> - <p> - Al laȝande þe lady lanced þo bourdeȝ. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Good morrow," says the knight, "I am well - pleased to be at your service;</span> - <p> - "Goud morou<i>n</i> g[aye],"<sup>1</sup> q<i>uod</i> Gawayn þe blyþe, - </p> - <p> - "Me schal worþe at yo<i>ur</i> wille, & þat me wel lykeȝ, - </p> - <p> - For I ȝelde me ȝederly, & ȝeȝe aft<i>er</i> g<i>ra</i>ce, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1216</span> - <p> - & þat is þe best, be my dome, for me by-houeȝ nede;" - </p> - <p> - & þus he bourded a-ȝayn w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony a blyþe laȝt<i>er</i>. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but permit me to rise and dress myself."</span> - <p> - "Bot wolde ȝe, lady louely, þe<i>n</i> leue me g<i>ra</i>nte, - </p> - <p> - & de-prece yo<i>ur</i> prysou<i>n</i>, & pray hy<i>m</i> to - ryse, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1220</span> - <p> - I wolde boȝe of þis bed, & busk me bett<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - I schulde keu<i>er</i> þe more comfort to karp yow wyth." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 107b]<br />"Nay, beau sir," said that sweet - one,</span> - <p> - "Nay, for soþe, beau s<i>ir</i>," sayd þat swete, - </p> - <p> - "Ȝe schal not rise of yo<i>ur</i> bedde, I rych yow bett<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"I shall hold talk with you here.</span> <span - class="linenum">1224</span> - <p> - I schal happe yow here þat oþ<i>er</i> half als, - </p> - <p> - & syþen karp wyth my knyȝt þat I kaȝt haue; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I know well that you are Gawayne that all the - woild worships.</span> - <p> - For I wene wel, Iwysse, s<i>ir</i> Wawen ȝe are, - </p> - <p> - Þat alle þe worlde worchipeȝ, quere-so ȝe ride; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1228</span> - <p> - Yo<i>ur</i> hono<i>ur</i>, yo<i>ur</i> hendelayk is hendely praysed - </p> - <span class="sidenote">We are by ourselves;</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> lordeȝ, wyth ladyes, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> alle - þat lyf bere. - </p> - <p> - & now ȝe ar here, iwysse, & we bot oure one; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">My lord and his men are far off.</span> - <p> - "My lorde & his ledeȝ ar on lenþe faren, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Other men are in their beds, so are my maidens.</span> - <span class="linenum">1232</span> - <p> - Oþ<i>er</i> burneȝ i<i>n</i> her bedde, & my burdeȝ als, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The door is safely closed.</span> - <p> - Þe dor drawen, & dit w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a derf haspe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Since I have him in house that every one likes, I - shall use my time well while it lasts.</span> - <p> - & syþen I haue i<i>n</i> þis ho<i>us</i> hy<i>m</i> þat al lykeȝ, - </p> - <p> - I schal ware my whyle wel, quyl hit lasteȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1236</span> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> tale; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Ye are welcome to my body.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Ȝe ar welcu<i>m</i> to my cors, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Yowre awen won to wale, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Me be-houeȝ of fyne force, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I shall be your servant."</span> <span - class="linenum">1240</span> - <p class="i4"> - Yo<i>ur</i> seruau<i>n</i>t be & schale." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> This word is illegible in the MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - V. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p> - "In god fayth," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "gay<i>n</i> hit me þynkkeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"I am unworthy," says Sir Gawayne, "to reach to - such reverence as ye rehearse.</span> - <p> - Þaȝ I be not now he þat ȝe of speken; - </p> - <p> - To reche to such reuerence as ȝe reherce here - </p> - <span class="linenum">1244</span> - <p> - I am wyȝe vn-worþy, I wot wel my-seluen; - </p> - <p> - Bi God, I were glad, & yow god þoȝt, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I shall be glad, however, to please you by word, - or service."</span> - <p> - At saȝe oþ<i>er</i> at seruyce þat I sette myȝt - </p> - <p> - To þe plesau<i>n</i>ce of yo<i>ur</i> prys, hit were a pure ioye." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1248</span> - <p> - "In god fayth, s<i>ir</i> Gawayn," q<i>uod</i> þe gay lady, - </p> - <p> - "Þe prys & þe prowes þat pleseȝ al oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - If I hit lakked, oþ<i>er</i> set at lyȝt, hit were littel daynté; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"There are ladies," says his visitor, "who would - prefer thy company</span> - <p> - Bot hit ar ladyes i<i>n</i>-noȝe, þat leu<i>er</i> wer nowþe - </p> - <span class="linenum">1252</span> - <p> - Haf þe hende i<i>n</i> hor holde, as I þe habbe here, - </p> - <p> - To daly w<i>i</i>t<i>t</i> derely yo<i>ur</i> daynté wordeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Keu<i>er</i> hem comfort, & colen her careȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">to much of the gold that they possess."</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> much of þe garysour<i>n</i> oþ<i>er</i> golde þat<sup>1</sup> - þay hauen; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1256</span> - <p> - Bot I louue<sup>2</sup> þat ilk lorde þ<i>a</i>t þe lyfte haldeȝ, - </p> - <p> - I haf hit holly i<i>n</i> my honde þ<i>a</i>t al desyres, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - þurȝe grace." - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Scho made hy<i>m</i> so gret chere, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 108.]</span> <span class="linenum">1260</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat watȝ so fayr of face, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight answers the lady's questions.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe knyȝt w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> speches skere, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - A[n]swared to vche a cace. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. þat þ<i>a</i>t. <sup>2</sup> louie or loune (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne tells her that he prefers her - conversation before that of all others.</span> - <p> - "Madame," q<i>uod</i> þe myry mon, "Mary yow ȝelde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1264</span> - <p> - For I haf fou<i>n</i>den, i<i>n</i> god fayth, yowre frau<i>n</i>chis - nobele, - </p> - <p> - & oþ<i>er</i> ful much of oþ<i>er</i> folk fongen hor dedeȝ; - </p> - <p> - Bot þe daynté þ<i>a</i>t þay delen for my disert nysen, - </p> - <p> - Hit is þe worchyp of yo<i>ur</i>-self, þ<i>a</i>t noȝt hot wel co<i>n</i>neȝ." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady declares by Mary,</span> <span - class="linenum">1268</span> - <p> - "Bi Mary," q<i>uod</i> þe menskful, "me þynk hit anoþ<i>er</i>; - </p> - <p> - For were I worth al þe wone of wy<i>m</i>men alyue, - </p> - <p> - & al þe wele of þe worlde were i<i>n</i> my honde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">that were she about to choose her a lord,</span> - <p> - & I schulde chepen & chose, to cheue me a lorde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1272</span> - <p> - For þe costes þat I haf knowen vpun þe knyȝt here, - </p> - <p> - Of bewté, & debonerté, & blyþe semblau<i>n</i>t, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">she would select Gawayne before any man on earth.</span> - <p> - & þat I haf er herkkened, & halde hit here trwee, - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>er</i> schulde no freke vpon folde bifore yow be chosen." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1276</span> - <p> - "I-wysse, worþy," q<i>uod</i> þe wyȝe, "ȝe haf waled wel - bett<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne tells her that he will become her own - knight and faithful servant.</span> - <p> - Bot I am proude of þe prys þat ȝe put on me, - </p> - <p> - & soberly yo<i>ur</i> seruau<i>n</i>t my sou<i>er</i>ayn I holde - yow, - </p> - <p> - & yowre knyȝt I be-com, & Kryst yow for-ȝelde." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1280</span> - <p> - Þ<i>us</i> þay meled of much-quat, til myd-morn paste, - </p> - <p> - & ay þe lady let lyk, a<sup>1</sup> hy<i>m</i> loued mych; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The remembrance of his adventure prevents him - from thinking of love.</span> - <p> - Þe freke ferde w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> defence, & feted ful fayre. - </p> - <p> - Þaȝ I were burde bryȝtest, þe burde i<i>n</i> mynde hade, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1284</span> - <p> - Þe lasse luf i<i>n</i> his lode, for lur þat he soȝt, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - boute hone; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe dunte þat schulde<sup>2</sup> hy<i>m</i> deue, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & nedeȝ hit most be done; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady takes leave of Sir Gawayne.</span> <span - class="linenum">1288</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lady þe<i>n</i>n spek of leue. - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He g<i>ra</i>nted hir ful sone. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> and (?) <sup>2</sup> sclulde, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">With a laughing glance, she says,</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne ho gef hy<i>m</i> god-day, & wyth a glent laȝed. - </p> - <p> - & as ho stod, ho stonyed hy<i>m</i> wyth ful stor wordeȝ: - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"I am doubtful whether ye be Gawayne.</span> - <span class="linenum">1292</span> - <p> - "Now he þat spedeȝ vche spech, þis disport ȝelde yow! - </p> - <p> - Bot þat ȝe be Gawan, hit gotȝ i<i>n</i> my<i>n</i>de." - </p> - <p> - "Quer-fore?" q<i>uod</i> þe freke, & freschly he askeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Ferde lest he hade fayled i<i>n</i> fo<i>ur</i>me of his castes; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1296</span> - <p> - Bot þe burde hy<i>m</i> blessed, & bi þis skyl sayde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 108<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - "So god as Gawayn gaynly is halden, - </p> - <p> - & cortaysye is closed so clene i<i>n</i> hy<i>m</i>-seluen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Were it he, surely, ere this, he would have - craved a kiss."</span> - <p> - Couth not lyȝtly haf lenged so long wyth a lady, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1300</span> - <p> - Bot he had craued a cosse, bi his co<i>ur</i>taysye, - </p> - <p> - Bi su<i>m</i> towch of su<i>m</i>me tryfle, at su<i>m</i> taleȝ - ende." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"I shall kiss," says the knight, "at your - commandment."</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> q<i>uod</i> Wowen, "I-wysse, worþe as yow lykeȝ, - </p> - <p> - I schal kysse at yo<i>ur</i> comau<i>n</i>dement, as a knyȝt - falleȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1304</span> - <p> - & fire<sup>1</sup> lest he displese yow, so<sup>2</sup> plede hit - no more." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">With that the lady catches him in her arms and - kisses him.</span> - <p> - Ho comes nerre w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þat, & cacheȝ hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> - armeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Louteȝ luflych adou<i>n</i>, & þe leude kysseȝ; - </p> - <p> - Þay comly byke<i>n</i>nen to Kryst ayþ<i>er</i> oþ<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1308</span> - <p> - Ho dos hir forth at þe dore, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-outen dyn more. - </p> - <p> - & he ryches hy<i>m</i> to ryse, & rapes hy<i>m</i> sone, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne then rises and goes to mass.</span> - <p> - Clepes to his chamberlayn, choses his wede, - </p> - <p> - Boȝeȝ forth, quen he watȝ bou<i>n</i>, blyþely to - masse, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1312</span> - <p> - & þe<i>n</i>ne he meued to his mete, þ<i>a</i>t me<i>n</i>skly hy<i>m</i> - keped, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He makes mirth all day till the moon rises,</span> - <p> - & made myry al day til þe mone rysed, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> game; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i><sup>3</sup> neu<i>er</i> freke fayrer fonge, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">between the "two dames," the older and the - younger.</span> <span class="linenum">1316</span> - <p class="i4"> - Bitwene two so dy<i>n</i>gne dame, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe alder & þe ȝonge, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Much solace set þay same. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> fere (?). <sup>2</sup> fo, in MS. <sup>3</sup> Was (?) Nas - (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Meanwhile the lord of the land and his men hunt - in woods and heaths.</span> - <p> - And ay þe lorde of þe londe is lent on his gamneȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1320</span> - <p> - To hu<i>n</i>t i<i>n</i> holteȝ & heþe, at hyndeȝ - barayne, - </p> - <p> - Such a sowme he þ<i>er</i> slowe bi þat þe su<i>n</i>ne heldet, - </p> - <p> - Of dos & of oþ<i>er</i> dere, to deme were wonder. - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne fersly þay flokked i<i>n</i> folk at þe laste, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Quickly of the killed a "<i>quarry</i>" they - make.</span> <span class="linenum">1324</span> - <p> - & quykly of þe quelled dere a querré þay maked; - </p> - <p> - Þe best boȝed þerto, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> burneȝ i<i>n</i>-nogh<i>e</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then they set about <i>breaking</i> the deer.</span> - <p> - Gedered þe grattest of gres þat þer were, - </p> - <p> - & didden hem derely vndo, as þe dede askeȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They take away the <i>assay</i> or fat,</span> - <span class="linenum">1328</span> - <p> - Serched hem at þe asay, su<i>m</i>me þat þ<i>er</i> were, - </p> - <p> - Two fy<i>n</i>geres þay fonde of þe fowlest of alle; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">then they slit the <i>slot</i> and remove the <i>erber</i>.</span> - <p> - Syþe<i>n</i> þay slyt þe slot, sesed þe erber, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They afterwards rip the four limbs and rend off - the hide.</span> - <p> - Schaued wyth a scharp knyf, & þe schyre knitten; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1332</span> - <p> - Syþen rytte þay þe foure ly<i>m</i>mes, & rent of þe hyde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They next open the belly</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> brek þay þe bale, þe baleȝ out token, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 109.]<br />and take out the bowels.</span> - <p> - Lystily forlancy<i>n</i>g, & bere of þe knot; - </p> - <p> - Þay gryped to þe gargulu<i>n</i>, & g<i>ra</i>yþely departed - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They then separate the <i>weasand</i> from the - windhole and throw out the guts.</span> <span class="linenum">1336</span> - <p> - Þe wesau<i>n</i>t fro þe wynt-hole, & walt out þe gutteȝ; - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> scher þay out þe schuldereȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> her - scharp knyueȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The shoulders are cut out, and the breast divided - into halves.</span> - <p> - Haled hem by a lyttel hole, to haue hole sydes; - </p> - <p> - Siþen britned þay þe brest, & brayden hit i<i>n</i> twy<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1340</span> - <p> - & eft at þe gargulu<i>n</i> bigyneȝ on þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The <i>numbles</i> are next removed.</span> - <p> - Ryueȝ hit vp radly, ryȝt to þe byȝt, - </p> - <p> - Voydeȝ out þe a-vanters, & v<i>er</i>ayly þ<i>er</i>aft<i>er</i> - </p> - <p> - Alle þe rymeȝ by þe rybbeȝ radly þay lance; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1344</span> - <p> - So ryde þay of by resou<i>n</i> bi þe rygge boneȝ, - </p> - <p> - Euenden to þe haunche, þat henged alle samen, - </p> - <p> - & heuen hit vp al hole, & hwen hit of þere, - </p> - <p> - & þat þayneme for þe nou<i>m</i>bles, bi nome as I trowe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1348</span> - <p class="i8"> - bi kynde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">By the fork of the thighs,</span> - <p class="i4"> - Bi þe byȝt al of þe þyȝes, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lappeȝ þay lance bi-hynde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the flaps are hewn in two by the backbone.</span> - <p class="i4"> - To hewe hit i<i>n</i> two þay hyȝes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1352</span> - <p class="i4"> - Bi þe bak-bon to vnbynde. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - IX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">After this the head and neck are cut off, and the - sides severed from the chine.</span> - <p> - Boþe þe hede & þe hals þay hwen of þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - & syþen sunder þay þe sydeȝ swyft fro þe chyne, - </p> - <p> - & þe corbeles fee þay kest i<i>n</i> a greue;<sup>1</sup> - </p> - <span class="linenum">1356</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>n þurled þay ayþer þik side þurȝ, bi þe rybbe, - </p> - <p> - & henged þe<i>n</i>ne a[y]þ<i>er</i> bi hoȝes of þe fourcheȝ, - </p> - <p> - Vche freke for his fee, as falleȝ forto haue. - </p> - <p> - Vpon a felle of þe fayre best, fede þay þayr hou<i>n</i>des, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">With the liver, lights and paunches, they feed - the hounds.</span> <span class="linenum">1360</span> - <p> - Wyth þe lyu<i>er</i> & þe lyȝteȝ, þe leþer of þe pauncheȝ, - </p> - <p> - & bred baþed i<i>n</i> blod, blende þer amo<i>n</i>geȝ; - </p> - <p> - Baldely þay blw prys, bayed þayr rachcheȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then they make for home.</span> - <p> - Syþen fonge þay her flesche folden to home, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1364</span> - <p> - Strakande ful stoutly mony stif moteȝ. - </p> - <p> - Bi þat þe daylyȝt watȝ done, þe douthe watȝ al wonen - </p> - <p> - I<i>n</i>-to þe comly castel, þer þe knyȝt bideȝ - </p> - <p class="i8"> - ful stille; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1368</span> - <p class="i4"> - Wyth blys & bryȝt fyr bette, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lord is comen þ<i>er</i>-tylle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne goes out to meet his host.</span> - <p class="i4"> - When Gawayn wyth hy<i>m</i> mette, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þer watȝ bot wele at wylle. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> grene (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - X. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 109<i>b</i>.]<br />The lord commands all his - household to assemble,</span> <span class="linenum">1372</span> - <p> - The<i>n</i>ne comau<i>n</i>ded þe lorde i<i>n</i> þ<i>a</i>t sale to - samen alle þe meny, - </p> - <p> - Boþe þe ladyes on logh<i>e</i> to lyȝt w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> her - burdes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and the venison to be brought before him.</span> - <p> - Bi-fore alle þe folk on þe flette, frekeȝ he beddeȝ - </p> - <p> - V<i>er</i>ayly his venysou<i>n</i> to fech hy<i>m</i> byforne; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He calls Gawayne,</span> <span class="linenum">1376</span> - <p> - & al godly i<i>n</i> gomen Gaway[n] he called, - </p> - <p> - Techeȝ hy<i>m</i> to þe tayles of ful tayt bestes, - </p> - <p> - Scheweȝ hy<i>m</i> þe schyree grece schorne vpon rybbes. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and asks him whether he does not deserve much - praise for his success in the chase.</span> - <p> - "How payeȝ yow þis play? haf I prys wo<i>n</i>nen? - </p> - <span class="linenum">1380</span> - <p> - Haue I þryuandely þonk þurȝ my craft serued?" - </p> - <p> - "Ȝe I-wysse," q<i>uod</i> þat oþ<i>er</i> wyȝe, "here is - wayth fayrest - </p> - <span class="sidenote">On the knight expressing himself satisfied, he is - told to take the whole according to a former agreement between them.</span> - <p> - Þat I seȝ þis seuen ȝere i<i>n</i> sesou<i>n</i> of wynt<i>er</i>." - </p> - <p> - "& al I gif yow, Gawayn," q<i>uod</i> þe gome þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1384</span> - <p> - "For by a-corde of couenau<i>n</i>t ȝe craue hit as yo<i>ur</i> - awen." - </p> - <p> - "Þis is soth," q<i>uod</i> þe segge, "I say yow þatilke, - </p> - <p> - &<sup>1</sup> I haf worthyly þis woneȝ wyth-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne gives the knight a comely kiss in return.</span> - <p> - I-wysse w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> as god wylle hit worþeȝ to ȝo<i>ur</i>eȝ." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1388</span> - <p> - He hasppeȝ his fayre hals his armeȝ wyth-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - & kysses hy<i>m</i> as comlyly as he<sup>2</sup> couþe awyse: - </p> - <p> - "Tas yow þere my cheuicau<i>n</i>ce, I cheued no more, - </p> - <p> - I wowche hit saf fynly, þaȝ feler hit were." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1392</span> - <p> - "Hit is god," q<i>uod</i> þe god mon, "g<i>ra</i>nt m<i>er</i>cy þ<i>er</i>fore, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His host desires to know where he has gotten such - weal.</span> - <p> - Hit may be such, hit is þe bett<i>er</i>, &<sup>1</sup> ȝe me - breue wolde - </p> - <p> - Where ȝe wan þis ilk wele, biwytte of hor<sup>3</sup> seluen?" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">As this does not enter into the covenant, he gets - no answer to his question.</span> - <p> - "Þat watȝ not forward," q<i>uod</i> he, "frayst me no more, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1396</span> - <p> - For ȝe haftan þat yow tydeȝ, traweȝe non oþ<i>er</i> - </p> - <p class="i8"> - ȝe mowe." - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þay laȝed, & made hem blyþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They then proceed to supper, where were dainties - new and enough.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Wyth loteȝ þat were to lowe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1400</span> - <p class="i4"> - To soper þay ȝede asswyþe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Wyth dayntes nwe i<i>n</i>-nowe. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> And = an. <sup>2</sup> ho, in MS. <sup>3</sup> your (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">By the hearth they sit.</span> - <p> - And syþen by þe chymné i<i>n</i> chamber þay seten. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Wine is carried round.</span> - <p> - Wyȝeȝ þe walle wyn weȝed to hem oft, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1404</span> - <p> - & efte i<i>n</i> her bourdy<i>n</i>g þay bayþen i<i>n</i> þe morn, - </p> - <p> - To fylle þe same forwardeȝ þat þay by-fore maden, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Again Sir Gawayne and his host renew their - agreement.</span> - <p> - Þat chau<i>n</i>ce so bytydeȝ hor cheuysau<i>n</i>ce to chau<i>n</i>ge, - </p> - <p> - What nweȝ so þay nome, at naȝt quen þay mette<i>n</i> - </p> - <span class="linenum">1408</span> - <p> - Þay acorded of þe couenau<i>n</i>teȝ byfore þe co<i>ur</i>t alle; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 110.]</span> - <p> - Þe beuerage watȝ broȝt forth i<i>n</i> bourde at þat tyme; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then they take leave of each other and hasten to - bed.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne þay louelych leȝten leue at þe last, - </p> - <p> - Vche burne to his bedde busked bylyue. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Scarce had the cock cackled thrice when the lord - was up.</span> <span class="linenum">1412</span> - <p> - Bi þat þe coke hade croweȝ<sup>1</sup> & cakled bot þryse, - </p> - <p> - Þe lorde watȝ lopen of his bedde, [&] þe leudeȝ vch one, - </p> - <p> - So þat þe mete & þe masse watȝ metely delyu<i>er</i>ed; - </p> - <p> - Þe douthe dressed to þe wod, er any day sprenged, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1416</span> - <p class="i8"> - to chace; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">With his hunters and horns they pursue the chase.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Heȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hu<i>n</i>te & horneȝ, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þurȝ playneȝ þay passe i<i>n</i> space, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Vn-coupled amo<i>n</i>g þo þorneȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1420</span> - <p class="i4"> - Racheȝ þat ran on race. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> crowed (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The hunters cheer on the hounds,</span> - <p> - Sone þay calle of a quest i<i>n</i> aker syde, - </p> - <p> - Þe hu<i>n</i>t re-hayted þe hou<i>n</i>deȝ, þat hit fyrst my<i>n</i>ged, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">which fall to the scent forty at once.</span> - <p> - Wylde wordeȝ hy<i>m</i> warp wyth a wrast noyce; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1424</span> - <p> - Þe howndeȝ þat hit herde, hastid þider swyþe, - </p> - <p> - & fellen as fast to þe fuyt, fourty at ones; - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne such a glau<i>er</i>ande glam of gedered rachcheȝ - </p> - <p> - Ros, þat þe rochereȝ ru<i>n</i>gen aboute; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1428</span> - <p> - Hu<i>n</i>tereȝ hem hardened w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> horne & wyth - muthe. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">All come together by the side of a cliff.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> al i<i>n</i> a semblé sweyed to-geder, - </p> - <p> - Bitwene a flosche i<i>n</i> þat fryth, & a foo cragge; - </p> - <p> - In a knot, bi a clyffe, at þe kerre syde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1432</span> - <p> - Þ<i>er</i> as þe rogh rocher vn-rydely watȝ fallen, - </p> - <p> - [Þay] ferden to þe fyndy<i>n</i>g, & frekeȝ hem aft<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They look about on all sides,</span> - <p> - Þay vmbe-kesten þe knarre & þe knot boþe. - </p> - <p> - Wyȝeȝ, whyl þay wysten wel wyt i<i>n</i>ne he<i>m</i> hit - were, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1436</span> - <p> - Þe best þat þer breued watȝ wyth þe blod hou<i>n</i>deȝ. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and beat on the bushes.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne þay beten on þe buskeȝ, & bede hy<i>m</i> vp - ryse, - </p> - <p> - & he vnsou<i>n</i>dyly out soȝt seggeȝ ou<i>er</i>-þwert, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Out there rushes a fierce wild boar,</span> - <p> - On þe sellokest swyn swenged out þere, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1440</span> - <p> - Long sythen for<sup>1</sup> þe sou<i>n</i>der þat wiȝt for-olde, - </p> - <p> - For he watȝ b[este &] bor alþer grattest, - </p> - <p> - [And eue]re quen he gronyed, þe<i>n</i>ne greued mony, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">At the first thrust he fells three to the ground.</span> - <p> - For [þre a]t þe fyrst þrast he þryȝt to þe erþe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1444</span> - <p> - & [sped hym] forth good sped, boute spyt more, - </p> - <p> - [Ande þay] halowed hygh<i>e</i> ful hyȝe & hay! hay! cryed - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 110<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - Haden horneȝ to mouþe heterly rechated; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Full quickly the hunters pursue him.</span> - <p> - Mony watȝ þe myry mouthe of men & of hou<i>n</i>deȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1448</span> - <p> - Þat buskkeȝ aft<i>er</i> þis bor, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> bost & - wyth noyse, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - To quelle; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful oft he bydeȝ þe baye, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & maymeȝ þe mute I<i>n</i>n-melle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">However, he attacks the hounds, causing them to - yowl and yell.</span> <span class="linenum">1452</span> - <p class="i4"> - He hurteȝ of þe hou<i>n</i>deȝ, & þay - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful ȝomerly ȝaule & ȝelle. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> fro (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The bowmen send their arrows after this wild - swine,</span> - <p> - Schalkeȝ to schote at hy<i>m</i> schowen to þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - Haled to hym of her areweȝ, hitten hym oft; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1456</span> - <p> - Bot þe poy<i>n</i>teȝ payred at þe pyth þ<i>a</i>t pyȝt i<i>n</i> - his scheldeȝ, - </p> - <p> - & þe barbeȝ of his browe bite non wolde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but they glide off shivered in pieces.</span> - <p> - Þaȝ þe schauen schaft schyndered i<i>n</i> peceȝ, - </p> - <p> - Þe hede hypped aȝayn, were-so-eu<i>er</i> hit hitte; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Enraged with the blows,</span> <span - class="linenum">1460</span> - <p> - Bot quon þe dynteȝ hy<i>m</i> dered of her dryȝe strokeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Þen, brayn-wod for bate, on burneȝ he raseȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">he attacks the hunters.</span> - <p> - Hurteȝ hem ful heterly þer he forth hyȝeȝ, - </p> - <p> - & mony arȝed þerat, & on-lyte droȝen. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1464</span> - <p> - Bot þe lorde on a lyȝt horce lau<i>n</i>ces hym aft<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of the land blows his bugle,</span> - <p> - As burne bolde vpon bent his bugle he bloweȝ, - </p> - <p> - He rechated, & r[ode]<sup>1</sup> þurȝ roneȝ ful þyk, - </p> - <p> - Suande þis wy[ld]e swyn til þe su<i>n</i>ne schafted. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and pursues the boar.</span> <span class="linenum">1468</span> - <p> - Þis day wyth þis ilk dede þay dryuen on þis wyse, - </p> - <p> - Whyle oure luflych lede lys i<i>n</i> his bedde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">All this time Gawayne lies a-bed.</span> - <p> - Gawayn g<i>ra</i>yþely at home, i<i>n</i> gereȝ ful ryche - </p> - <p class="i8"> - of hewe; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1472</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lady noȝt forȝate, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Com to hy<i>m</i> to salue, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful erly ho watȝ hy<i>m</i> ate, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - His mode forto remwe. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> The MS. is here almost illegible. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XIV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The lady of the castle again visits Sir Gawayne.</span> - <span class="linenum">1476</span> - <p> - Ho co<i>m</i>mes to þe cortyn, & at þe knyȝt totes, - </p> - <p> - S<i>ir</i> Wawen her welcu<i>m</i>ed worþy on fyrst, - </p> - <p> - & ho hy<i>m</i> ȝeldeȝ aȝayn, ful ȝerne of hir - wordeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Softly she sits by his side,</span> - <p> - Setteȝ hir sof[t]ly by his syde, & swyþely ho laȝeȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1480</span> - <p> - & wyth a luflych loke ho layde<sup>1</sup> hy<i>m</i> þyse wordeȝ: - </p> - <p> - "S<i>ir</i>, ȝif ȝe be Wawen, wonder me þynkkeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Wyȝe þat is so wel wrast alway to god, - </p> - <p> - & conneȝ not of compaynye þe costeȝ vnder-take, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 111]</span> <span class="linenum">1484</span> - <p> - & if mon ke<i>n</i>nes yow hom to knowe, ȝe kest hom of yo<i>ur</i> - my<i>n</i>de; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and tells the knight that he has forgotten what - she taught him the day before.</span> - <p> - Þou hatȝ for-ȝeten ȝederly þat ȝist<i>er</i>day I - taȝtte - </p> - <p> - alder-truest token of talk þat I cowþe." - </p> - <p> - "What is þat?" q<i>uod</i> þe wygh<i>e</i>, "I-wysse I wot neu<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1488</span> - <p> - If hit be sothe þat ȝe breue, þe blame is my<i>n</i> awen." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"I taught you of kissing," she says, "that - becomes every knight."</span> - <p> - "Ȝet I kende yow of kyssy<i>n</i>g," q<i>uod</i> þe clere þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - "Quere-so cou<i>n</i>tenau<i>n</i>ce is couþe, quikly to clayme, - </p> - <p> - Þat bicu<i>m</i>es vche a knyȝt, þat cortaysy vses." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1492</span> - <p> - "Do way," q<i>uod</i> þat derf mon, "my dere, þat speche, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne says that he must not take that which is - forbidden.</span> - <p> - For þat durst I not do, lest I denayed were, - </p> - <p> - If I were werned, I were wrang I-wysse, ȝif I p<i>ro</i>fered." - </p> - <p> - "Ma fay," q<i>uod</i> þe mere wyf, "ȝe may not be werned, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He is told that he is strong enough to enforce - it.</span> <span class="linenum">1496</span> - <p> - Ȝe ar stif i<i>n</i>-nogh<i>e</i> to constrayne wyth strenkþe, - ȝif yow lykeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Ȝif any were so vilano<i>us</i> þat yow denaye<sup>2</sup> - wolde." - </p> - <p> - "Ȝe, be God," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "good is yo<i>ur</i> speche, - </p> - <p> - Bot þrete is vn-þryuande i<i>n</i> þede þ<i>er</i> I lende, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight replies that every gift is worthless - that is not given willingly.</span> <span class="linenum">1500</span> - <p> - & vche gift þat is geuen not w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> goud wylle; - </p> - <p> - I am at yo<i>ur</i> comaundeme<i>n</i>t, to kysse quen yow lykeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Ȝe may lach quen yow lyst, & leue quen yow þynkkeȝ, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - in space." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady stoops down and kisses him.</span> <span - class="linenum">1504</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lady louteȝ a-dou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & comlyly kysses his face, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Much speche þay þ<i>er</i> expou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Of druryes greme & g<i>ra</i>ce. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> sayde (?). <sup>2</sup> de vaye, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"I would learn," she says, "why you, who are so - young and active,</span> <span class="linenum">1508</span> - <p> - "I woled<sup>1</sup> wyt at yow, wyȝe," þat worþy þer sayde, - </p> - <p> - "& yow wrathed not þer-wyth, what were þe skylle, - </p> - <p> - Þat so ȝong & so ȝepe, as ȝe [ar] at þis tyme, - </p> - <p> - So cortayse, so knyȝtyly, as ȝe ar knowen oute, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">so skilled in the true sport of love,</span> - <span class="linenum">1512</span> - <p> - & of alle cheualry to chose, þe chef þy<i>n</i>g a-losed, - </p> - <p> - Is<sup>2</sup> þe lel layk of luf, þe lettrure of armes; - </p> - <p> - F[or] to telle of þis tenely<i>n</i>g of þis trwe knyȝteȝ, - </p> - <p> - Hit is þe tytelet, token, & tyxt of her werkkeȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1516</span> - <p> - How le[des] for her lele luf hor lyueȝ han au<i>n</i>tered, - </p> - <p> - Endured for her drury dulful stou<i>n</i>deȝ, - </p> - <p> - & aft<i>er</i> wenged w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> her walo<i>ur</i> & - voyded her care, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and so renowned a knight,</span> - <p> - & broȝt blysse i<i>n</i>-to boure, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> bou<i>n</i>tees - hor awen. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1520</span> - <p> - & ȝe ar knyȝt com-lokest kyd of yo<i>ur</i> elde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 111<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - Yo<i>ur</i> worde & yo<i>ur</i> worchip walkeȝ ay quere, - </p> - <p> - & I haf seten by yo<i>ur</i>-self here sere twyes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">have never talked to me of love.</span> - <p> - Ȝet herde I neu<i>er</i> of yo<i>ur</i> hed helde no wordeȝ - </p> - <span class="linenum">1524</span> - <p> - Þat eu<i>er</i> longed to luf, lasse ne more; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">You ought to show a young thing like me some - token of 'true-love's crafts.'</span> - <p> - & ȝe, þat ar so cortays & coy<i>n</i>t of yo<i>ur</i> - hetes, - </p> - <p> - Ogh<i>e</i> to a ȝonke þy<i>n</i>k ȝern to schewe, - </p> - <p> - & teche su<i>m</i> tokeneȝ of trweluf craftes. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1528</span> - <p> - Why ar ȝe lewed, þat alle þe los weldeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Oþ<i>er</i> elles ȝe demen me to dille, yo<i>ur</i> dalyau<i>n</i>ce - to herken? - </p> - <p class="i8"> - for schame! - </p> - <p class="i4"> - I com hider sengel, & sitte, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1532</span> - <p class="i4"> - To lerne at yow su<i>m</i> game, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">So teach me of your 'wit' while my lord is from - home."</span> - <p class="i4"> - Dos, techeȝ me of yo<i>ur</i> wytte, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Whil my lorde is fro hame." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> wolde (?). <sup>2</sup> In (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"It is a great pleasure to me," says Sir Gawayne, - "to hear you talk,</span> - <p> - "In goud fayþe," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "God yow forȝelde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1536</span> - <p> - Gret is þe gode gle, & gomen to me huge, - </p> - <p> - Þat so worþy as ȝe wolde wy<i>n</i>ne hidere, - </p> - <p> - & pyne yow w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> so pou<i>er</i> a mon, as play wyth - yo<i>ur</i> knyȝt, - </p> - <p> - With any sky<i>n</i>neȝ cou<i>n</i>tenau<i>n</i>ce, hit keu<i>er</i>eȝ - me ese; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but I cannot undertake the task to expound - true-love and tales of arms.</span> <span class="linenum">1540</span> - <p> - Bot to take þe toruayle<sup>1</sup> to my-self, to trwluf expou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p> - & towche þe temeȝ of tyxt, & taleȝ of armeȝ, - </p> - <p> - To yow þat, I wot wel, weldeȝ more slyȝt - </p> - <p> - Of þat art, bi þe half, or a hu<i>n</i>dreth of seche - </p> - <span class="linenum">1544</span> - <p> - As I am, oþ<i>er</i> eu<i>er</i> schal, i<i>n</i> erde þer I leue, - </p> - <p> - Hit were a fole fele-folde, my fre, by my trawþe. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I will, however, act according to your will,</span> - <p> - I wolde yowre wylny<i>n</i>g worche at my myȝt, - </p> - <p> - As I am hyȝly bihalden, & eu<i>er</i>-more wylle - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and ever be your servant."</span> <span - class="linenum">1548</span> - <p> - Be seruau<i>n</i>t to yo<i>ur</i>-seluen, so saue me dryȝtyn!" - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>us</i> hy<i>m</i> frayned þat fre, & fondet hy<i>m</i> ofte, - </p> - <p> - Forto haf wo<i>n</i>nen hy<i>m</i> to woȝe, what-so scho þoȝt - elleȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Thus Gawayne defends himself.</span> - <p> - Bot he de fended hy<i>m</i> so fayr, þat no faut semed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1552</span> - <p> - Ne non euel on nawþ<i>er</i> halue, nawþ<i>er</i> þay wysten, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - bot blysse; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þay laȝed & layked longe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - At þe last scho con hy<i>m</i> kysse, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady having kissed the knight, takes leave of - him.</span> <span class="linenum">1556</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hir leue fayre con scho fonge, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & went hir waye Iwysse. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> tornayle (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne rises, hears mass, and then dines.</span> - <p> - Then ruþes hy<i>m</i> þe renk, & ryses to þe masse, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 112.]</span> - <p> - & siþen hor din<i>er</i> watȝ dyȝt & derely serued. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Meanwhile the lord pursues the wild boar,</span> - <span class="linenum">1560</span> - <p> - Þe lede w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe ladyeȝ layked alle day, - </p> - <p> - Bot þe lorde ou<i>er</i> þe londeȝ lau<i>n</i>ced ful ofte, - </p> - <p> - Sweȝ his vncely swyn, þat swy<i>n</i>geȝ bi þe bonkkeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">that bit the backs of his hounds asunder,</span> - <p> - & bote þe best of his bracheȝ þe bakkeȝ i<i>n</i> su<i>n</i>der; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1564</span> - <p> - Þer he bode i<i>n</i> his bay, tel<sup>1</sup> bawe-men hit breken, - </p> - <p> - & made<sup>2</sup> hym, maw-gref his bed, forto mwe vtt<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and caused the stiffest of the hunters to start.</span> - <p> - So felle floneȝ per flete, when þe folk gedered; - </p> - <p> - Bot ȝet þe styffest to start bi stou<i>n</i>deȝ he made, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1568</span> - <p> - Til at þe last he watȝ so mat, he myȝt no more re<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The boar runs into a hole in a rock by the side - of a brook.</span> - <p> - Bot i<i>n</i> þe hast þat he myȝt, he to a hole wy<i>n</i>neȝ, - </p> - <p> - Of a rasse, bi a rokk, þ<i>er</i> re<i>n</i>neȝ þe boerne, - </p> - <p> - He gete þe bonk at his bak, bigy<i>n</i>eȝ to scrape, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The froth foams at his mouth.</span> <span - class="linenum">1572</span> - <p> - Þe froþe femed<sup>3</sup> at his mouth vnfayre bi þe wykeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Whetteȝ his whyte tuscheȝ; w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hy<i>m</i> þe<i>n</i> - irked - </p> - <p> - Alle þe burneȝ so bolde, þat hy<i>m</i> by stoden, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">None durst approach him,</span> - <p> - To nye hy<i>m</i> on-ferum, bot neȝe hy<i>m</i> non durst - </p> - <span class="linenum">1576</span> - <p class="i8"> - for woþe; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He hade hurt so mony byforne, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þat al þuȝt<sup>4</sup> þe<i>n</i>ne ful loþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">so many had he torn with his tusks.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Be more wyth his tuscheȝ torne, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1580</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat breme watȝ [&] bray<i>n</i>-wod both<i>e</i>. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> til (?). <sup>2</sup> madee, in MS. <sup>3</sup> fomed (?). - <sup>4</sup> þoȝt (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The knight, seeing the boar at bay,</span> - <p> - Til þe knyȝt com hy<i>m</i>-self, kachande his blonk, - </p> - <p> - Syȝ hy<i>m</i> byde at þe bay, his burneȝ bysyde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">alights from his horse,</span> - <p> - He lyȝt<i>es</i> luflych<sup>1</sup> adou<i>n</i>, leueȝ his - corso<i>ur</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1584</span> - <p> - Braydeȝ out a bryȝt bront, & bigly forth strydeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Fou<i>n</i>deȝ fast þurȝ þe forth, þer þe felle bydeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and seeks to attack him with his sword.</span> - <p> - Þe wylde watȝ war of þe wyȝe w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> weppen i<i>n</i> - honde, - </p> - <p> - Hef hyȝly þe here, so hett<i>er</i>ly he fnast, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1588</span> - <p> - Þat fele ferde for þe frekeȝ,<sup>2</sup> lest felle hy<i>m</i> - þe worre; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The "swine sets out" upon the man,</span> - <p> - Þe swyn setteȝ hy<i>m</i> out on þe segge euen, - </p> - <p> - Þat þe burne & þe bor were boþe vpon hepeȝ, - </p> - <p> - In þe wyȝt-est of þe wat<i>er</i>, þe worre hade þat oþ<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">who, aiming well,</span> <span class="linenum">1592</span> - <p> - For þe mon merkkeȝ hy<i>m</i> wel, as þay mette fyrst, - </p> - <p> - Set sadly þe scharp i<i>n</i> þe slot euen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">wounds him in the pit of the stomach.</span> - <p> - Hit hy<i>m</i> vp to þe hult, þat þe hert schyndered, - </p> - <p> - & he ȝarrande hy<i>m</i> ȝelde, & ȝedou<i>n</i><sup>3</sup> - þe wat<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1596</span> - <p class="i8"> - ful tyt; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 112<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p class="i4"> - A hu<i>n</i>dreth hou<i>n</i>deȝ hy<i>m</i> hent, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The boar is soon bitten to death by a hundred - hounds.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat bremely con hy<i>m</i> bite, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Burneȝ hi<i>m</i> broȝt to bent, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1600</span> - <p class="i4"> - & doggeȝ to dethe endite. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. luslych. <sup>2</sup> freke (?). <sup>3</sup> ȝede - doun (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XIX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then was there blowing of horns</span> - <p> - There watȝ blawy<i>n</i>g of prys i<i>n</i> mony breme home, - </p> - <p> - Heȝe halowi<i>n</i>g on hiȝe, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> haþeleȝ - þat myȝt; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and baying of hounds.</span> - <p> - Brachetes bayed þat best, as bidden þe mayst<i>er</i>eȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1604</span> - <p> - Of þat chargeau<i>n</i>t chace þat were chef hu<i>n</i>tes. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">One wise in woodcraft begins to unlace the boar.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne a wyȝe þat watȝ wys vpon wod crafteȝ, - </p> - <p> - To vnlace þis bor lufly bigy<i>n</i>neȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">First he hews off the head, then rends him by the - back.</span> - <p> - Fyrst he hewes of his hed, & on hiȝe setteȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1608</span> - <p> - & syþen rendeȝ him al rogh<i>e</i> bi þe rygge after, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He next removes the bowels, broils them on the - ashes, and therewith rewards his hounds.</span> - <p> - Braydeȝ out þe boweles, bre<i>n</i>neȝ ho<i>m</i> on glede, - </p> - <p> - With bred blent þer-w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his braches rewardeȝ; - </p> - <p> - Syþen he britneȝ out þe brawen i<i>n</i> bryȝt brode - [s]cheldeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then the hastlets are removed.</span> <span - class="linenum">1612</span> - <p> - & hatȝ out þe hastletteȝ, as hiȝtly bisemeȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The two halves are next bound together and hung - upon a pole.</span> - <p> - & ȝet hem halcheȝ al hole þe halueȝ to-geder, - </p> - <p> - & syþen on a stif stange stoutly hem henges. - </p> - <p> - Now with þis ilk swyn þay swengen to home; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The boar's head is borne before the knight, who - hastens home.</span> <span class="linenum">1616</span> - <p> - Þe bores hed watȝ borne bifore þe burnes seluen, - </p> - <p> - Þat hi<i>m</i> for-ferde i<i>n</i> þe forþe, þurȝ forse of his - honde, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - so stronge; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Til he seȝ s<i>ir</i> Gawayne, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1620</span> - <p class="i4"> - I<i>n</i> halle hy<i>m</i> þoȝt ful longe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne is called to receive the spoil.</span> - <p class="i4"> - He calde, & he com gayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - His feeȝ þ<i>er</i> for to fonge. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of the land is well pleased when he sees - Sir Gawayne,</span> - <p> - Þe lorde ful lowde w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> lote, & laȝed myry, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1624</span> - <p> - Whe<i>n</i> he seȝe s<i>ir</i> G: w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> solace he - spekeȝ; - </p> - <p> - Þe goude ladyeȝ were geten, & gedered þe meyny, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He shows him the shields of the wild boar, and - tells him of its length and breadth.</span> - <p> - He scheweȝ hem þe scheldeȝ, & schapes hem þe tale, - </p> - <p> - Of þe largesse, & þe lenþe, þe liþ<i>er</i>neȝ alse, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1628</span> - <p> - Of þe were of þe wylde swyn, i<i>n</i> wod þer he fled. - </p> - <p> - Þat oþ<i>er</i> knyȝt ful comly comended his dedeȝ, - </p> - <p> - & praysed hit as gret prys, þat he proued hade; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Such a "brawn of a beast," Sir Gawayne says, he - never has seen.</span> - <p> - For suche a brawne of a best, þe bolde burne sayde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1632</span> - <p> - Ne such sydes of a swyn, segh he neu<i>er</i> are. - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne hondeled þay þe hoge hed, þe hende mo<i>n</i> hit - praysed, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 113.]</span> - <p> - & let lodly þerat þe lorde forte here: - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne takes possession of it according to - covenant,</span> - <p> - "Now Gawayn," q<i>uod</i> þe god mon, "þis gomen is yo<i>ur</i> awen, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1636</span> - <p> - Bi fyn for-warde & faste, faythely ȝe knowe." - </p> - <p> - "Hit is sothe," q<i>uod</i> þe segge, "& as siker trwe; - </p> - <p> - Alle my get I schal yow gif agayn, bi my trawþe." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and in return kisses his host,</span> - <p> - He [hent] þe haþel aboute þe halse, & hendely hy<i>m</i> kysses, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1640</span> - <p> - & eft<i>er</i>-sones of þe same he serued hy<i>m</i> þere. - </p> - <p> - "Now ar we euen," q<i>uod</i> þe haþel, "in þis euen-tide, - </p> - <p> - Of alle þe couenau<i>n</i>tes þat we knyt, syþen I com hider, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - bi lawe;" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">who declares his guest to be the best he knows.</span> - <span class="linenum">1644</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lorde sayde, "bi saynt Gile, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - ȝe ar þe best þat I knowe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ȝe ben ryche i<i>n</i> a whyle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Such chaffer & ȝe drowe." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XXI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Tables are raised aloft,</span> <span - class="linenum">1648</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne þay teldet tableȝ [on] trestes alofte, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">cloths cast upon them,</span> - <p> - Kesten cloþeȝ vpon, clere lyȝt þe<i>n</i>ne - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and torches are lighted.</span> - <p> - Wakned bi woȝeȝ, waxen torches - </p> - <p> - Seggeȝ sette, & serued i<i>n</i> sale al aboute; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">With much mirth and glee,</span> <span - class="linenum">1652</span> - <p> - Much glam & gle glent vp þ<i>er</i>-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - Aboute þe fyre vpon flet, & on fele wyse, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">supper is served in the hall,</span> - <p> - At þe soper & aft<i>er</i>, mony aþel songeȝ, - </p> - <p> - As cou<i>n</i>dutes of kryst-masse, & caroleȝ newe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1656</span> - <p> - With alle þe man<i>er</i>ly m<i>er</i>þe þ<i>a</i>t mon may of telle. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and ever our lovely knight by the lady sits,</span> - <p> - & eu<i>er</i> oure luflych knyȝt þe lady bi-syde; - </p> - <p> - Such semblau<i>n</i>t to þat segge semly ho made, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">who does all she can to please her companion.</span> - <p> - Wyth stille stollen cou<i>n</i>tenau<i>n</i>ce, þat stalworth to - plese, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1660</span> - <p> - Þat al for-wondered watȝ þe wyȝe, & wroth w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> - hy<i>m</i>-seluen, - </p> - <p> - Bot he nolde not for his nurture nurne hir a-ȝayneȝ, - </p> - <p> - Bot dalt w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hir al i<i>n</i> daynte, how-se-eu<i>er</i> - þe dede turned - </p> - <p class="i8"> - to wrast; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">When they had long played in the hall,</span> - <span class="linenum">1664</span> - <p class="i4"> - Quen þay hade played i<i>n</i> halle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - As longe as hor wylle hom last, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">they proceeded "to chamber."</span> - <p class="i4"> - To chambre he<sup>1</sup> con hy<i>m</i> calle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & to þe chem-ne þay past. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> ho (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">There they drank and discoursed.</span> <span - class="linenum">1668</span> - <p> - Ande þer þay dronken, & dalten, & demed eft nwe, - </p> - <p> - To norne on þe same note, on nweȝereȝ euen; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne begs leave to depart on the morrow.</span> - <p> - Bot þe knyȝt craued leue, to kayre on þe morn, - </p> - <p> - For hit watȝ neȝ at þe terme, þat he to<sup>1</sup> schulde. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 113<i>b</i>.]</span> <span class="linenum">1672</span> - <p> - Þe lorde hy<i>m</i> letted of þat, to lenge hy<i>m</i> resteyed, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His host swears to him,</span> - <p> - & sayde, "as I am trwe segge, I siker my trawþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">that he shall come to the Green Chapel on New - Year's morn long before prime.</span> - <p> - Þ<i>o</i>u schal cheue to þe grene chapel, þy charres to make, - </p> - <p> - Leude, on nwȝereȝ lyȝt, longe bifore pryme: - </p> - <span class="linenum">1676</span> - <p> - For-þy þow lye i<i>n</i> þy loft, & lach þyn ese, - </p> - <p> - & I schal hu<i>n</i>t in þis holt, & halde þe towcheȝ, - </p> - <p> - Chau<i>n</i>ge wyth þe cheuisau<i>n</i>ce, bi þat I charre hider; - </p> - <p> - For I haf fraysted þe twys, & faythful I fynde þe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1680</span> - <p> - Now þrid tyme þrowe best þenk on þe morne, - </p> - <p> - Make we mery quyl we may, & my<i>n</i>ne vpon Ioye, - </p> - <p> - For þe lur may mon lach, when so mon lykeȝ." - </p> - <p> - Þis watȝ grayþely grau<i>n</i>ted, & Gawayn is lenged, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Our knight consents to remain for another night.</span> - <span class="linenum">1684</span> - <p> - Bliþe broȝt watȝ hym drynk, & þay to bedde ȝeden, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> liȝt; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Full still and softly he sleeps all night.</span> - <p class="i4"> - S<i>ir</i> G: lis & slepes, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful stille & softe al niȝt; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Early in the morning the lord is up.</span> <span - class="linenum">1688</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lorde þat his crafteȝ kepes, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful erly he watȝ diȝt. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> te (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">After mass, a morsel he take with his men.</span> - <p> - Aft<i>er</i> messe a morsel<sup>1</sup> he & his men token, - </p> - <p> - Miry watȝ þe morny<i>n</i>g, his mou<i>n</i>ture he askes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then were all on their horses before the - hall-gates.</span> <span class="linenum">1692</span> - <p> - Alle þe haþeles þat on horse schulde helden hy<i>m</i> aft<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - Were bou<i>n</i> busked on hor blonkkeȝ, bi-fore<sup>2</sup> þe - halle ȝateȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It was a clear frosty morning.</span> - <p> - Ferly fayre watȝ þe folde, for þe forst clenged, - </p> - <p> - I<i>n</i> rede rudede vpon rak rises þe su<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The hunters, dispersed by a wood's side,</span> - <span class="linenum">1696</span> - <p> - & ful clere costeȝ<sup>3</sup> þe clowdes of þe welkyn. - </p> - <p> - Hu<i>n</i>teres vnhardeled bi a holt syde, - </p> - <p> - Rocheres rou<i>n</i>gen bi rys, for rurde of her hornes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">come upon the track of a fox,</span> - <p> - Su<i>m</i>me fel i<i>n</i> þe fute, þer þe fox bade, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1700</span> - <p> - Trayleȝ ofte a trayt<i>er</i>es<sup>4</sup>, bi trau<i>n</i>t of - her wyles; - </p> - <p> - A kenet kryes þerof, þe hu<i>n</i>t on hy<i>m</i> calles, - </p> - <p> - His felaȝes fallen hy<i>m</i> to, þ<i>a</i>t fnasted ful þike, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">which is followed up by the hounds.</span> - <p> - Ru<i>n</i>nen forth i<i>n</i> a rabel, i<i>n</i> his ryȝt fare; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1704</span> - <p> - & he fyskeȝ hem by-fore, þay fou<i>n</i>den hy<i>m</i> sone, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They soon get sight of the game,</span> - <p> - & quen þay segh<i>e</i> hy<i>m</i> wit<i>h</i> syȝt, þay sued - hy<i>m</i> fast, - </p> - <p> - Wreȝande h[y<i>m</i>] ful [w]eterly with a wroth noyse; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and pursue him through many a rough grove.</span> - <p> - & he trantes & tornayeeȝ þurȝ mony tene greue; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1708</span> - <p> - Hamlou<i>n</i>eȝ, & herkeneȝ, bi heggeȝ ful ofte; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 114.]<br />The fox at last leaps over a - spinny,</span> - <p> - At þe last bi a littel dich he lepeȝ ou<i>er</i> a spe<i>n</i>né, - </p> - <p> - Steleȝ out ful stilly bi a strothe rande, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and by a rugged path seeks to get clear from the - hounds.</span> - <p> - Went haf wylt of þe wode, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> wyleȝ fro þe hou<i>n</i>des, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1712</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne watȝ he went, er he wyst, to<sup>5</sup> a wale - tryst<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He comes upon one of the hunting stations, where - he is attacked by the dogs.</span> - <p> - Þer þre þro at a þrich þrat hy<i>m</i> at ones, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - al graye; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">However, he slips them,</span> - <p class="i4"> - He blenched aȝayn bilyue, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1716</span> - <p class="i4"> - & stifly start onstray, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - With alle þe wo on lyue, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and makes again for the wood.</span> - <p class="i4"> - To þe wod he went away. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. nnorsel. <sup>2</sup> bi-forere, in MS. <sup>3</sup> - casteȝ (?). <sup>4</sup> trayveres (?). <sup>5</sup> to to, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXIV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then was it fine sport to listen to the hounds,</span> - <p> - The<i>n</i>ne watȝ hit lif vpon list to lyþen þe hou<i>n</i>deȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1720</span> - <p> - When alle þe mute hade hy<i>m</i> met, menged to-geder, - </p> - <p> - Suche a sorȝe at þat syȝt þay sette on his hede, - </p> - <p> - As alle þe clamberande clyffes hade clat<i>er</i>ed on hepes; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and the hallooing of the hunters.</span> - <p> - Here he watȝ halawed, when haþeleȝ hy<i>m</i> metten, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1724</span> - <p> - Loude he watȝ ȝayned, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> ȝarande - speche; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">There the fox was threatened and called a thief.</span> - <p> - Þer he watȝ þreted, & ofte þef called, - </p> - <p> - & ay þe titleres at his tayl, þat tary he ne myȝt; - </p> - <p> - Ofte he watȝ ru<i>n</i>nen at, when he out rayked, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">But Reynard was wily,</span> <span class="linenum">1728</span> - <p> - & ofte reled i<i>n</i> aȝayn, so reniarde watȝ wylé. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and led them astray over mounts.</span> - <p> - & ȝe he lad hem bi lag, mon, þe lorde & his meyny; - </p> - <p> - On þis man<i>er</i> bi þe mou<i>n</i>tes, quyle myd, ou<i>er</i>, - vnder, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Meanwhile the knight at home soundly sleeps - within his comely curtains.</span> - <p> - Whyle þe hende knyȝt at home holsu<i>m</i>ly slepeȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1732</span> - <p> - With-i<i>n</i>ne þe comly corty<i>n</i>es, on þe colde morne. - </p> - <p> - Bot þe lady for luf let not to slepe, - </p> - <p> - Ne þe purpose to payre, þat pyȝt i<i>n</i> hir hert, - </p> - <p> - Bot ros hir vp radly, rayked hir þeder, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady of the castle, clothed in a rich mantle,</span> - <span class="linenum">1736</span> - <p> - In a mery mantyle, mete to þe erþe, - </p> - <p> - Þat watȝ furred ful fyne w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> felleȝ, wel - pured, - </p> - <p> - No hweȝ goud on hir hede, bot þe haȝer stones - </p> - <p> - Trased aboute hir tresso<i>ur</i>, be twenty i<i>n</i> clust<i>er</i>es; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">her throat and bosom all bare,</span> <span - class="linenum">1740</span> - <p> - Hir þryuen face & hir þrote þrowen al naked, - </p> - <p> - Hir brest bare bifore, & bihinde eke. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">comes to Gawayne's chamber,</span> - <p> - Ho comeȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne þe chambre dore, & - closes hit hir aft<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">opens a window, and says,</span> - <p> - Wayneȝ<sup>1</sup> vp a wyndow, & on þe wyȝe calleȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1744</span> - <p> - & radly þ<i>us</i> re-hayted hy<i>m</i>, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hir - riche wordeȝ, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i><sup>2</sup> chere; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Ah! man, how canst thou sleep,</span> - <p class="i4"> - "A! mon, how may þ<i>o</i>u slepe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 114<i>b</i>.]<br />this morning is so - clear?"</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þis morni<i>n</i>g is so clere?" - </p> - <span class="linenum">1748</span> - <p class="i4"> - He watȝ i<i>n</i> drowpi<i>n</i>g depe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bot þe<i>n</i>ne he con hir here. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> wayueȝ(?). <sup>2</sup> bi, à sec. manu. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The knight was then dreaming of his forthcoming - adventure at the Green Chapel.</span> - <p> - In dreȝ droupy<i>n</i>g of dreme draueled þat noble, - </p> - <p> - As mon þat watȝ in morny<i>n</i>g of mony þro þoȝtes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1752</span> - <p> - How þat destiné schulde þat day [dyȝt] his wyrde, - </p> - <p> - At þe grene chapel, when he þe gome metes, - </p> - <p> - & bi-houes his buffet abide, with-oute debate more; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He awakes and speaks to his fair visitor,</span> - <p> - Bot quen þat comly he keu<i>er</i>ed his wyttes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1756</span> - <p> - Swenges out of þe sweuenes, & swareȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hast. - </p> - <p> - Þe lady luflych com laȝande swete, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">who sweetly kisses him.</span> - <p> - Felle ou<i>er</i> his fayre face, & fetly hi<i>m</i> kyssed; - </p> - <p> - He welcu<i>m</i>eȝ hir worþily, with a wale chere; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1760</span> - <p> - He seȝ hir so glorio<i>us</i>, & gayly atyred, - </p> - <p> - So fautles of hir fetures, & of so fyne hewes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Great joy warms the heart of Sir Gawayne,</span> - <p> - Wiȝt wallande Ioye warmed his hert; - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> smoþe smyly<i>n</i>g & smolt þay smeten i<i>n</i>-to - m<i>er</i>þe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1764</span> - <p> - Þat al watȝ blis & bonchef, þat breke hem bi-twene, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - & wy<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þay lanced wordes gode, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Much wele þe<i>n</i> watȝ þ<i>er</i>-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and "great peril between them stood."</span> - <span class="linenum">1768</span> - <p class="i4"> - Gret p<i>er</i>ile bi-twene hem stod, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Nif mare of hir knyȝt my<i>n</i>ne. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XXVI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The knight is sorely pressed.</span> - <p> - For þat prynce of pris de-presed hy<i>m</i> so þikke. - </p> - <p> - Nurned hy<i>m</i> so neȝe þe þred, þat nede hy<i>m</i> bi-houed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1772</span> - <p> - Oþ<i>er</i> lach þer hir luf, oþ<i>er</i> lodly re-fuse; - </p> - <p> - He cared for his cortaysye, lest craþayn he were, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He fears lest he should become a traitor to his - host.</span> - <p> - & more for his meschef, ȝif he schulde make sy<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - & be traytor to þat tolke, þat þ<i>a</i>t telde aȝt. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1776</span> - <p> - "God schylde," q<i>uod</i> þe schalk, "þat schal not be-falle!" - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> luf-laȝy<i>ng</i> a lyt, he layd hy<i>m</i> - by-syde - </p> - <p> - Alle þe specheȝ of specialté þat sprange of her mouthe. - </p> - <p> - Q<i>uod</i> þat burde to þe burne, "blame ȝe disserue, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1780</span> - <p> - Ȝif ȝe luf not þat lyf þat ȝe lye nexte, - </p> - <p> - Bifore alle þe wyȝeȝ i<i>n</i> þe worlde, wou<i>n</i>ded i<i>n</i> - hert, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady inquire whether he has a mistress that - he loves better than her.</span> - <p> - Bot if ȝe haf a le<i>m</i>man, a leu<i>er</i>, þat yow lykeȝ - bett<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - & folden fayth to þat fre, festned so harde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 115.]</span> <span class="linenum">1784</span> - <p> - Þat yow lausen ne lyst, & þat I leue nouþe; - </p> - <p> - And þat ȝe telle me þat, now trwly I pray yow, - </p> - <p> - For alle þe lufeȝ vpon lyue, layne not þe soþe, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - for gile." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne swears by St. John that he neither - has nor desires one.</span> <span class="linenum">1788</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe knyȝt sayde, "be sayn Ion," - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & smeþely con he smyle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "In fayth I welde riȝt non, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ne non wil welde þe quile." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XXVII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="linenum">1792</span> - <p> - "Þat is a worde," q<i>uod</i> þat wyȝt, "þat worst is of alle, - </p> - <p> - Bot I am swared for soþe, þat sore me þinkkeȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">She then kisses him, sighing for sorrow.</span> - <p> - Kysse me now coraly, & I schal cach heþen, - </p> - <p> - I may bot mo<i>ur</i>ne vpon molde, as may þat much louyes." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1796</span> - <p> - Sykande ho sweȝe dou<i>n</i>, & semly hy<i>m</i> kyssed, - </p> - <p> - & siþen ho seu<i>e</i>res hy<i>m</i> fro, & says as ho - stondes, - </p> - <p> - "Now, dere, at þis de-party<i>n</i>g, do me þis ese, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">She desires some gift,</span> - <p> - Gif me sumquat of þy gifte, þi gloue if<sup>1</sup> hit were, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">by which to remember him.</span> <span - class="linenum">1800</span> - <p> - Þat I may my<i>n</i>ne on þe mon, my mo<i>ur</i>ny<i>n</i>g to - lassen." - </p> - <p> - "Now Iwysse," q<i>uod</i> þat wyȝe, "I wolde I hade here - </p> - <p> - Þe leuest þi<i>n</i>g for þy luf, þat I in londe welde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne tells her that she is worthy of a better - gift than he can bestow.</span> - <p> - For ȝe haf deserued, forsoþe, sellyly ofte - </p> - <span class="linenum">1804</span> - <p> - More rewarde bi resou<i>n</i>, þe<i>n</i> I reche myȝt, - </p> - <p> - Bot to dele yow for drurye, þ<i>a</i>t dawed bot neked; - </p> - <p> - Hit is not yo<i>ur</i> hono<i>ur</i> to haf at þis tyme - </p> - <p> - A gloue for a garysou<i>n</i>, of Gawayneȝ gifteȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1808</span> - <p> - & I am here [on] an erande i<i>n</i> erdeȝ vncouþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He has no men with mails containing precious - things.</span> - <p> - & haue no me<i>n</i> wyth no maleȝ, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> - menskful þi<i>n</i>geȝ; - </p> - <p> - Þat mislykeȝ me, ladé, for luf at þis tyme,<sup>2</sup> - </p> - <p> - Iche tolke mon do as he is tan, tas to non ille, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1812</span> - <p class="i8"> - ne pine." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then says that lovesome,</span> - <p class="i4"> - "Nay, hende of hyȝe hono<i>ur</i>s," - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Q<i>uod</i> þat lufsu<i>m</i> vnder lyne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Though I had nought of yours, yet should ye have - of mine."</span> - <p class="i4"> - "Þaȝ I hade oȝt<sup>3</sup> of yo<i>ur</i>eȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1816</span> - <p class="i4"> - Ȝet schulde ȝe haue of myne." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> of, in MS. <sup>2</sup> tyne, in MS. <sup>3</sup> noȝt - (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXVIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">She offers him a gold ring,</span> - <p> - Ho raȝt hy<i>m</i> a riche rynk<sup>1</sup> of red golde werkeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Wyth a starande ston, stondande alofte, - </p> - <p> - Þat bere blusschande bemeȝ as þe bryȝt su<i>n</i>ne; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1820</span> - <p> - Wyt ȝe wel, hit watȝ worth wele ful hoge. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but he refuses to accept it,</span> - <p> - Bot þe renk hit renayed, & redyly he sayde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 115<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - "I wil no gifteȝ for gode, my gay, at þis tyme; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">as he has none to give in return.</span> - <p> - I haf none yow to norne, ne noȝt wyl I take." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1824</span> - <p> - Ho bede hit hy<i>m</i> ful bysily, & he hir bode wernes, - </p> - <p> - & swere swyftel[y] his sothe, þat he hit sese nolde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Very sorrowful was that fair one on account of - his refusal.</span> - <p> - & ho sore þat he forsoke, & sayde þ<i>er</i>-after, - </p> - <p> - "If ȝe renay my rynk, to ryche for hit semeȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1828</span> - <p> - Ȝe wolde not so hyȝly halden be to me, - </p> - <p> - I schal gif yow my girdel, þat gaynes yow lasse." - </p> - <p> - Ho laȝt a lace lyȝtly, þat<sup>2</sup> leke vmbe hir sydeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">She takes off her "girdle,"</span> - <p> - Knit vpon hir kyrtel, vnder þe clere mantyle, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1832</span> - <p> - Gered hit watȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> grene sylke, & w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> - golde schaped, - </p> - <p> - Noȝt bot arou<i>n</i>de brayden, beten w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> fyngreȝ; - </p> - <p> - & þat ho bede to þe burne, & blyþely bi-soȝt - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and beseeches him to take it.</span> - <p> - Þaȝ hit vn-worþi were, þat he hit take wolde. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1836</span> - <p> - & he nay þat he nolde negh<i>e</i> i<i>n</i> no wyse, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne again refuses to accept anything,</span> - <p> - Nauþer golde ne garysou<i>n</i>, er God hy<i>m</i> g<i>ra</i>ce sende, - </p> - <p> - To acheue to þe chau<i>n</i>ce þat he hade chosen þere. - </p> - <p> - "& þerfore, I pray yow, displese yow noȝt, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1840</span> - <p> - & letteȝ be yo<i>ur</i> bisinesse, for I bayþe hit yow neu<i>er</i> - </p> - <p class="i8"> - to grau<i>n</i>te; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - I am derely to yow biholde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bi-cause of yo<i>ur</i> sembelau<i>n</i>t, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but promises, "ever in hot and in cold, to be her - true servant."</span> <span class="linenum">1844</span> - <p class="i4"> - & eu<i>er</i> i<i>n</i> hot & colde - </p> - <p class="i4"> - To be yo<i>ur</i> trwe seruau<i>n</i>t. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> ryng (?). <sup>2</sup> þat þat, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXIX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Do you refuse it," says the lady, because it is - simple?</span> - <p> - "Now forsake ȝe þis silke." sayde þe burde þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - "For hit is symple i<i>n</i> hit-self. & so hit wel semeȝ? - </p> - <span class="linenum">1848</span> - <p> - Lo! so hit is littel, & lasse hit is worþy; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Whoso knew the virtues that it possesses, would - highly prize it.</span> - <p> - Bot who-so knew þe costes þat knit ar þer-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - He wolde hit prayse at more prys, parauenture; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">For he who is girded with this green lace,</span> - <p> - For quat gome so is gorde w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þis grene lace, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1852</span> - <p> - While he hit hade hemely halched aboute, - </p> - <p> - Þer is no haþel vnder heuen to-hewe hym þat myȝt; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">cannot be wounded or slain."</span> - <p> - For he myȝt not he slayn, for slyȝt vpon erþe." - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> kest þe knyȝt, & hit come to his hert, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight thinks of his adventure at the Green - Chapel.</span> <span class="linenum">1856</span> - <p> - Hit were a Iuel for þe Iopardé, þat hy<i>m</i> iugged were, - </p> - <p> - When he acheued to þe chapel, his chek forto fech; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady presses him to accept the lace.</span> - <p> - Myȝ<sup>1</sup> he haf slypped to þe vn-slayn, þe sleȝt were - noble. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 116.]</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne ho þulged with hir þrepe, & þoled hir to speke, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1860</span> - <p> - & ho bere on hy<i>m</i> þe belt, & bede hit hy<i>m</i> swyþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He consents not only to take the girdle, but to - keep the possession of it a secret.</span> - <p> - & he g<i>ra</i>nted, & [ho] hy<i>m</i> gafe with a goud wylle, - </p> - <p> - & bisoȝt hy<i>m</i>, for hir sake, disceu<i>er</i> hit neu<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - Bot to lelly layne for<sup>2</sup> hir lorde; þe leude hy<i>m</i> - acordeȝ. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1864</span> - <p> - Þat neu<i>er</i> wyȝe schulde hit wyt, Iwysse, bot þay twayne, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - for noȝte; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He þonkked hir oft ful swyþe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ful þro w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hert & þoȝt. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">By that time the lady has kissed him thrice.</span> - <span class="linenum">1868</span> - <p class="i4"> - Bi þat on þry<i>n</i>ne syþe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He hatȝ kyst þe knyȝt so toȝt. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> myȝt (?). <sup>2</sup> fro (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then she takes her leave.</span> - <p> - The<i>n</i>ne lachcheȝ ho hir leue, & leueȝ hy<i>m</i> - þere, - </p> - <p> - For more myrþe of þat mon moȝt ho not gete; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne then dresses himself,</span> <span - class="linenum">1872</span> - <p> - When ho<sup>1</sup> watȝ gon, s<i>ir</i> G. gereȝ hy<i>m</i> - sone, - </p> - <p> - Rises, & riches hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> araye noble, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and conceals the love-lace about his person.</span> - <p> - Lays vp þe luf-lace, þe lady hy<i>m</i> raȝt, - </p> - <p> - Hid hit ful holdely, þ<i>er</i> he hit eft fonde; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1876</span> - <p> - Syþe<i>n</i> cheuely to þe chapel choses he þe waye, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He then hies to mass,</span> - <p> - Preuely aproched to a prest, & prayed hy<i>m</i> þere - </p> - <p> - Þat he wolde lyfte<sup>2</sup> his lyf, & lern hy<i>m</i> bett<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - How his sawle schulde be saued, when he schuld seye heþe<i>n</i>. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and shrives him of his misdeeds.</span> <span - class="linenum">1880</span> - <p> - Þere he schrof hy<i>m</i> schyrly, & schewed his mysdedeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Of þe more & þe my<i>n</i>ne, & m<i>er</i>ci besecheȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and prays for absolution.</span> - <p> - & of absoluciou<i>n</i> he on þe segge calles; - </p> - <p> - & he asoyled hy<i>m</i> surely, & sette hy<i>m</i> so clene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He returns to the hall, and makes himself so - merry among the ladies,</span> <span class="linenum">1884</span> - <p> - As domeȝ-day schulde haf ben diȝt on þe morn. - </p> - <p> - & syþen he mace hy<i>m</i> as mery amo<i>n</i>g þe fre ladyes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">with comely carols,</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> comlych caroles, & alle ky<i>n</i>nes ioye, - </p> - <p> - As neu<i>er</i> he did bot þat daye, to þe derk nyȝt, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1888</span> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> blys; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Vche mon hade daynte þare, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">that they said,</span> - <p class="i4"> - Of hy<i>m</i>, & sayde Iwysse, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Thus merry was he never before since hither he - came."</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þ<i>us</i> myry he watȝ neu<i>er</i> are, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1892</span> - <p class="i4"> - Syn he com hider, er þis. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> he, in MS. <sup>2</sup> lyste (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXXI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne's host is still in the field.</span> - <p> - Now hy<i>m</i> lenge i<i>n</i> þat lee, þ<i>er</i> luf hy<i>m</i> - bi-tyde; - </p> - <p> - Ȝet is þe lorde on þe lau<i>n</i>de, ledande his gomnes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He has destroyed the fox.</span> - <p> - He hatȝ forfaren þis fox, þ<i>a</i>t he folȝed longe; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1896</span> - <p> - As he sprent ou<i>er</i> a spe<i>n</i>né, to spye þe schrewe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 116<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - Þer as he herd þe howndes, þat hasted hy<i>m</i> swyþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He spied Reynard coming through a "rough grove,"</span> - <p> - Renaud com richchande þurȝ a roȝe greue, - </p> - <p> - & alle þe rabel i<i>n</i> a res, ryȝt at his heleȝ. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and tried to hit him with his sword.</span> <span - class="linenum">1900</span> - <p> - Þe wyȝe watȝ war of þe wylde, & warly abides, - </p> - <p> - & braydeȝ out þe bryȝt bronde, & at þe best casteȝ; - </p> - <p> - & he schu<i>n</i>t for þe scharp, & schulde haf arered, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The fox "shunts," and is seized by one of the - dogs.</span> - <p> - A rach rapes hy<i>m</i> to, ryȝt er he myȝt, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1904</span> - <p> - & ryȝt bifore þe hors fete þay fel on hy<i>m</i> alle, - </p> - <p> - & woried me þis wyly wyth a wroth noyse. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord takes him out of the hound's mouth.</span> - <p> - Þe lorde lyȝteȝ bilyue, & cacheȝ by<sup>1</sup> - sone, - </p> - <p> - Rased hy<i>m</i> ful radly out of þe rach mouþes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1908</span> - <p> - Haldeȝ heȝe ou<i>er</i> his hede, haloweȝ faste, - </p> - <p> - & þ<i>er</i> bayen hy<i>m</i> mony bray<sup>2</sup> hou<i>n</i>deȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Hunters hasten thither with horns full many.</span> - <p> - Hu<i>n</i>tes hyȝed hem þeder, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> horneȝ ful - mony, - </p> - <p> - Ay re-chatande aryȝt til þay þe renk seȝen; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1912</span> - <p> - Bi þat watȝ comen his compeyny noble, - </p> - <p> - Alle þat eu<i>er</i> ber bugle blowed at ones, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It was the merriest meet that ever was heard.</span> - <p> - & alle þise oþ<i>er</i> halowed, þat hade no hornes, - </p> - <p> - Hit watȝ þe myriest mute þat eu<i>er</i> me<i>n</i> herde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1916</span> - <p> - Þe rich rurd þat þ<i>er</i> watȝ raysed for renaude saule, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> lote; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The hounds are rewarded,</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hor hou<i>n</i>deȝ þay þ<i>er</i> rewarde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Her<sup>3</sup> hedeȝ þay fawne & frote, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and then they take Reynard and "turn off his - coat."</span> <span class="linenum">1920</span> - <p class="i4"> - & syþen þay tan reynarde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & tyrnen of his cote. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> hy<i>m</i> (?). <sup>2</sup> braþ (?). <sup>3</sup> Her - her, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXXII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The hunters then hasten home.</span> - <p> - & þe<i>n</i>ne þay helden to home, for hit watȝ nieȝ nyȝt, - </p> - <p> - Strakande ful stoutly i<i>n</i> hor store horneȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord at last alights at his dear home,</span> - <span class="linenum">1924</span> - <p> - Þe lorde is lyȝt at þe laste at hys lef home, - </p> - <p> - Fyndeȝ fire vpon flet, þe freke þ<i>er</i> by-side, - </p> - <p> - Sir Gawayn þe gode, þat glad watȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> alle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">where he finds Gawayne amusing the ladies.</span> - <p> - Amo<i>n</i>g þe ladies for luf he ladde much ioye, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1928</span> - <p> - He were a bleau<i>n</i>t of blwe, þat bradde to þe erþe, - </p> - <p> - His surkot semed hy<i>m</i> wel, þat softe watȝ forred, - </p> - <p> - & his hode of þat ilke henged on his schulder, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight comes forward and welcomes his host,</span> - <p> - Blande al of blau<i>n</i>ner were boþe al aboute. - </p> - <span class="linenum">1932</span> - <p> - He meteȝ me þis god mon i<i>n</i> myddeȝ þe flore, - </p> - <p> - & al with gomen he hy<i>m</i> gret, & goudly he sayde, - </p> - <p> - "I schal fylle vpon fyrst oure forwardeȝ nouþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 117.]</span> - <p> - Þat we spedly han spoken, þer spared watȝ no drynk;" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and according to covenant kisses him thrice.</span> - <span class="linenum">1936</span> - <p> - Þen acoles he [þe] knyȝt, & kysses hy<i>m</i> þryes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">(See l. 1868.)</span> - <p> - As sauerly & sadly as he hem sette couþe. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"By Christ," says the other, "ye have had much - bliss!"</span> - <p> - "Bi Kryst," q<i>uod</i> þat oþ<i>er</i> knyȝt, "ȝe cach much - sele, - </p> - <p> - I<i>n</i> cheuisau<i>n</i>ce of þis chaffer, ȝif ȝe hade - goud chepeȝ." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1940</span> - <p> - "Ȝe of þe chepe no charg," q<i>uod</i> chefly þat oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - "As is pertly payed þe chepeȝ þat I aȝte." - </p> - <p> - "Mary," q<i>uod</i> þat oþ<i>er</i> mon, "myn is bi-hynde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I have hunted all day and have gotten nothing,</span> - <p> - For I haf hu<i>n</i>ted al þis day, & noȝt haf I geten, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but the skin of this foul fox,</span> <span - class="linenum">1944</span> - <p> - Bot þis foule fox felle, þe fende haf þe godeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">a poor reward for three such kisses."</span> - <p> - & þat is ful pore, for to pay for suche prys þi<i>n</i>ges, - </p> - <p> - As ȝe haf þryȝt me here, þro suche þre cosses, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - so gode." - </p> - <span class="linenum">1948</span> - <p class="i4"> - "I-noȝ," q<i>uod</i> s<i>ir</i> Gawayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "I þonk yow, bi þe rode;" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He then tells him how the fox was slain.</span> - <p class="i4"> - & how þe fox watȝ slayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He tolde hy<i>m</i>, as þay stode. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XXXIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">With much mirth and minstrelsy they made merry,</span> - <span class="linenum">1952</span> - <p> - With m<i>er</i>þe & mynstralsye, wyth meteȝ at hor wylle, - </p> - <p> - Þay maden as mery as any me<i>n</i> moȝten, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> laȝy<i>n</i>g of ladies, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> - loteȝ of bordes; - </p> - <p> - Gawayn & þe gode mo<i>n</i> so glad were þay boþe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1956</span> - <p> - Bot if þe douthe had doted, oþ<i>er</i> dronken ben oþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - Boþe þe mon & þe meyny maden mony iapeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">until the time came for them to part.</span> - <p> - Til þe sesou<i>n</i> watȝ seȝen, þat þay seu<i>er</i> moste; - </p> - <p> - Burneȝ to hor bedde be-houed at þe laste. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne takes leave of his host.</span> <span - class="linenum">1960</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne loȝly his leue at þe lorde fyrst - </p> - <p> - Fochcheȝ þis fre mon, & fayre he hy<i>m</i> þonkkeȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and thanks him for his happy "sojourn."</span> - <p> - "Of such a sellyly<sup>1</sup> soiorne, as I haf hade here, - </p> - <p> - Yo<i>ur</i> hono<i>ur</i>, at þis hyȝe fest, þe hyȝe ky<i>n</i>g - yow ȝelde! - </p> - <span class="linenum">1964</span> - <p> - I ȝef yow me for on of yo<i>ur</i>eȝ, if yowre-self lykeȝ, - </p> - <p> - For I mot nedes, as ȝe wot, meue to morne; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He asks for a man to teach him the way to the - Green Chapel.</span> - <p> - & ȝe me take su<i>m</i> tolke, to teche, as ȝe hyȝt, - </p> - <p> - Þe gate to þe grene chapel, as god wyl me suffer - </p> - <span class="linenum">1968</span> - <p> - To dele, on nwȝereȝ day, þe dome of my wyrdes." - </p> - <p> - "In god fayþe," q<i>uod</i> þe god mon. "wyth a goud wylle; - </p> - <p> - Al þat eu<i>er</i> I yow hyȝt, halde schal I rede." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A servant is assigned to him,</span> - <p> - Þer asy<i>n</i>gnes he a seruau<i>n</i>t, to sett hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> - þe waye, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 117<i>b</i>.]</span> <span class="linenum">1972</span> - <p> - & cou<i>n</i>due hy<i>m</i> by þe downeȝ, þat he no drechch - had, - </p> - <p> - For to f[e]rk þurȝ þe fryth, & fare at þe gaynest, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - bi greue. - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe lorde Gawayn con þonk, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1976</span> - <p class="i4"> - Such worchip he wolde hy<i>m</i> weue; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and then he takes leave of the ladies,</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe<i>n</i> at þo ladyeȝ wlonk. - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe knyȝt hatȝ tan his leue. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> selly (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXXIV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">kissing them sorrowfully.</span> - <p> - With care & wyth kyssy<i>n</i>g he carppeȝ hem tille, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1980</span> - <p> - & fele þryuande þonkkeȝ he þrat hom to haue, - </p> - <p> - & þay ȝelden hy<i>m</i> aȝay[n] ȝeply þat ilk; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They commend him to Christ.</span> - <p> - Þay bikende hy<i>m</i> to Kryst, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> ful colde syky<i>n</i>geȝ. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He then departs, thanking each one he meets "for - his service and solace."</span> - <p> - Syþen fro þe meyny he menskly de-partes; - </p> - <span class="linenum">1984</span> - <p> - Vche mon þat he mette, he made hem a þonke, - </p> - <p> - For his seruyse, & his solace, & his sere pyne, - </p> - <p> - Þat þay wyth busynes had ben, aboute hy<i>m</i> to serue; - </p> - <p> - & vche segge as sore, to seu<i>er</i> w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hy<i>m</i> - þere, - </p> - <span class="linenum">1988</span> - <p> - As þay hade wonde worþyly w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þat wlonk eu<i>er</i>. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He retires to rest but sleeps but little,</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> ledes & lyȝt he watȝ ladde - to his chambre, - </p> - <p> - & blybely broȝt to his bedde, to be at his rest; - </p> - <p> - ȝif he ne slepe sou<i>n</i>dyly, say ne dar I, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">for much has he to think of on the morrow.</span> - <span class="linenum">1992</span> - <p> - For he hade muche on þe morn to my<i>n</i>ne, ȝif he wolde, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - in þoȝt; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Let him there lie still.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Let hy<i>m</i> lyȝe þere stille, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He hatȝ<sup>1</sup> nere þat he soȝt, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Be still awhile, and I shall tell how they - wrought.</span> <span class="linenum">1996</span> - <p class="i4"> - & ȝe wyl a whyle be stylle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - I schal telle yow how þay wroȝt. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> watȝ (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - [FYTTE THE FOURTH.] - </h2> - <h2> - I. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">New Year's Day approaches.</span> - <p> - Now neȝeȝ þe nwȝere, & þe nyȝt passeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Þe day dryueȝ to þe derk, as dryȝtyn biddeȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The weather is stormy.</span> <span - class="linenum">2000</span> - <p> - Bot wylde wedereȝ of þe worlde wakned þeroute, - </p> - <p> - Clowdes kesten kenly þe colde to þe erþe, - </p> - <p> - Wyth nyȝe<sup>1</sup> in-nogh<i>e</i> of þe norþe, þe naked to - tene; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Snow falls.</span> - <p> - Þe snawe snitered ful snart, þat snayped þe wylde; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2004</span> - <p> - Þe werbelande wynde wapped fro þe hyȝe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The dales are full of drift.</span> - <p> - & drof vche dale ful of dryftes ful grete. - </p> - <p> - Þe leude lystened ful wel, þat leȝ i<i>n</i> his bedde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne in his bed hears each cock that crows.</span> - <p> - Þaȝ he lowkeȝ his liddeȝ, ful lyttel he slepes; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2008</span> - <p> - Bi vch kok þat crue, he knwe wel þe steuen. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 118.]</span> - <p> - De-liu<i>er</i>ly he dressed vp, er þe day sprenged, - </p> - <p> - For þere watȝ lyȝt of a lau[m]pe, þat lemed i<i>n</i> his - chambre; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He calls for his chamberlain, and bids him bring - him his armour.</span> - <p> - He called to his chamberlayn, þat cofly hy<i>m</i> swared, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2012</span> - <p> - & bede hy<i>m</i> bry<i>n</i>g hy<i>m</i> his bruny, & his - blonk sadel; - </p> - <p> - Þat oþ<i>er</i> ferkeȝ hy<i>m</i> vp, & fecheȝ hy<i>m</i> - his wedeȝ, - </p> - <p> - & grayþeȝ me s<i>ir</i> Gawayn vpon a grett wyse. - </p> - <p> - Fyrst he clad hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> his cloþeȝ, þe colde for to - were; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2016</span> - <p> - & syþen his oþ<i>er</i> harnays, þat holdely watȝ keped, - </p> - <p> - Boþe his pau<i>n</i>ce, & his plateȝ, piked ful clene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Men knock off the rust from his rich habergeon.</span> - <p> - Þe ry<i>n</i>geȝ<sup>2</sup> rokked of þe roust, of his riche - bruny; - </p> - <p> - & al watȝ fresch as vpon fyrst, & he watȝ fayn þe<i>n</i>ne - </p> - <span class="linenum">2020</span> - <p class="i8"> - to þonk; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He hade vpon vche pece, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Wypped ful wel & wlonk; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight then calls for his steed.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe gayest i<i>n</i> to Grece, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2024</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe burne bede bry<i>n</i>g his blonk. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> nywe (?). <sup>2</sup> rynkeȝ (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - II. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">While he clothed himself in his rich weeds,</span> - <p> - Whyle þe wlonkest wedes he warp on hy<i>m</i>-seluen; - </p> - <p> - His cote, wyth be conysau<i>n</i>ce of þe clere werkeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Ennurned vpon veluet v<i>er</i>tuu<i>us</i><sup>1</sup> stoneȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2028</span> - <p> - Aboute beten, & bou<i>n</i>den, enbrauded semeȝ, - </p> - <p> - & fayre furred w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne wyth fayre pelures. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">he forgot not the "lace," the lady's gift,</span> - <p> - Ȝet laft he not þe lace, þe ladieȝ gifte, - </p> - <p> - Þat for-gat not Gawayn, for gode of hy<i>m</i>-seluen; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2032</span> - <p> - Bi he hade belted þe bronde vpon his balȝe hau<i>n</i>cheȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">but with it doubly girded his loins.</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>n dressed he his drurye double hy<i>m</i> aboute; - </p> - <p> - Swyþe sweþled vmbe his swange swetely, þat knyȝt, - </p> - <p> - Þe gordel of þe grene silke, þat gay wel bisemed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2036</span> - <p> - Vpon þat ryol red cloþe, þat ryche watȝ to schewe. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He wore it not for its rich ornaments,</span> - <p> - Bot wered not þis ilk wyȝe for wele þis gordel, - </p> - <p> - For pryde of þe pendau<i>n</i>teȝ, þaȝ polyst þay were, - </p> - <p> - & þaȝ þe glyt<i>er</i>ande golde glent vpon endeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"but to save himself when it behoved him to - suffer."</span> <span class="linenum">2040</span> - <p> - Bot forto sau<i>en</i> hy<i>m</i>-self, when suffer hy<i>m</i> - by-houed, - </p> - <p> - To byde bale w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-oute dabate, of bronde hy<i>m</i> to - were, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - oþ<i>er</i> knyffe; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bi þat þe bolde mon bou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2044</span> - <p class="i4"> - Wy<i>n</i>neȝ þeroute bilyue, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">All the renowned assembly he thanks full oft.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Alle þe meyny of renou<i>n</i>, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He þonkkeȝ ofte ful ryue. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> v<i>er</i>tuo<i>us</i> (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - III. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 118<i>b</i>.]<br />Then was Gringolet - arrayed,</span> - <p> - The<i>n</i>ne watȝ Gryngolet grayþe, þat gret watȝ & - huge, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2048</span> - <p> - & hade ben soio<i>ur</i>ned sau<i>er</i>ly, & i<i>n</i> a - siker wyse, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">full ready to prick on.</span> - <p> - Hy<i>m</i> lyst prik for poy<i>n</i>t, þat proude hors þe<i>n</i>ne; - </p> - <p> - Þe wyȝe wy<i>n</i>neȝ hy<i>m</i> to, & wyteȝ on his - lyre, - </p> - <p> - & sayde soberly hy<i>m</i>-self, & by his soth swereȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2052</span> - <p> - "Here is a meyny i<i>n</i> þis mote, þat on menske þenkkeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne returns thanks for the honour and - kindness shown to him by all.</span> - <p> - Þe mon hem maynteines, ioy mot þay haue; - </p> - <p> - Þe leue lady, on lyue luf hir bityde; - </p> - <p> - Ȝif þay for charyté cherysen a gest, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2056</span> - <p> - & halden hono<i>ur</i> i<i>n</i> her honde, þe haþel he<i>m</i> - ȝelde, - </p> - <p> - Þat haldeȝ þe heuen vpon hyȝe, & also yow alle! - </p> - <p> - & ȝif I myȝt lyf vpon londe lede any quyle, - </p> - <p> - I schuld rech yow su<i>m</i> rewarde redyly, if I myȝt." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He then steps into his saddle,</span> <span - class="linenum">2060</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>n steppeȝ he i<i>n</i>-to stirop, & strydeȝ - alofte; - </p> - <p> - His schalk schewed hy<i>m</i> his schelde, on schulder he hit laȝt, - </p> - <p> - Gordeȝ to Gryngolet, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his gilt heleȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and "starts on the stone" without more delay.</span> - <p> - & he starteȝ on þe ston, stod he no lenger, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2064</span> - <p class="i8"> - to prau<i>n</i>ce; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - His haþel on hors watȝ þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þat bere his spere & lau<i>n</i>ce. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"This castle to Christ I commend; may he give it - ever good chance!"</span> - <p class="i4"> - "Þis kastel to Kryst I ke<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2068</span> - <p class="i4"> - He gef hit ay god chau<i>n</i>ce!" - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - IV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The gates are soon opened.</span> - <p> - The brygge watȝ brayde dou<i>n</i>, & þe brode ȝateȝ - </p> - <p> - Vnbarred, & born open, vpon boþe halue; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight passes thereout,</span> - <p> - Þe burne blessed hy<i>m</i> bilyue, & þe bredeȝ passed; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2072</span> - <p> - Prayses þe porter, bifore þe prynce kneled, - </p> - <p> - Gef hym God & goud day, þat Gawayn he saue; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and goes on his way accompanied by his guide.</span> - <p> - & went on his way, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his wyȝe one, - </p> - <p> - Þat schulde teche hy<i>m</i> to to<i>ur</i>ne to þat tene place, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2076</span> - <p> - Þer þe ruful race he schulde re-sayue. - </p> - <p> - Þay boȝen bi bonkkeȝ, þ<i>er</i> boȝeȝ ar bare, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They climb by cliffs,</span> - <p> - Þay clomben bi clyffeȝ, þer clengeȝ þe colde; - </p> - <p> - Þe heuen watȝ vp halt, bot vgly þer vnder, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2080</span> - <p> - Mist muged on þe mor, malt on þe mou<i>n</i>teȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">where each "hill had a hat and a mist-cloak,"</span> - <p> - Vch hille hade a hatte, a myst-hakel huge; - </p> - <p> - Brokeȝ byled, & breke, bi bonkkeȝ aboute, - </p> - <p> - Schyre schat<i>er</i>ande on schoreȝ, þ<i>er</i> þay dou<i>n</i> - schowued. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 119.]</span> <span class="linenum">2084</span> - <p> - Welawylle watȝ þe way, þer þay bi wod schulden, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">until daylight.</span> - <p> - Til hit watȝ sone sesou<i>n</i>, þat þe su<i>n</i>ne ryses, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - þat tyde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">They were then on a "hill full high."</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þay were on a hille ful hyȝe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2088</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe quyte snaw lay bisyde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The servant bade his master abide, saying,</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe burne þat rod hy<i>m</i> by - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bede his mayster abide. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - V. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"I have brought you hither,</span> - <p> - "For I haf wo<i>n</i>nen yow hider, wyȝe, at þis tyme, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2092</span> - <p> - & now nar ȝe not fer fro þat note place, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">ye are not now far from the noted place.</span> - <p> - Þat ȝe han spied & spuryed so specially aft<i>er</i>; - </p> - <p> - Bot I schal say yow for soþe, syþen I yow knowe, - </p> - <p> - & ȝe ar a lede vpon lyue, þat I wel louy, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2096</span> - <p> - Wolde ȝe worch bi my wytte, ȝe worþed þe bett<i>er</i>. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Full perilous is it esteemed.</span> - <p> - Þe place þat ȝe prece to, ful perelo<i>us</i> is halden; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of that 'waste' is stiff and stern.</span> - <p> - Þer woneȝ a wyȝe i<i>n</i> þat waste, þe worst vpon erþe; - </p> - <p> - For he is stiffe, & sturne, & to strike louies, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2100</span> - <p> - & more he is þe<i>n</i> any mon vpon myddelerde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">His body is bigger 'than the best four in - Arthur's house.'</span> - <p> - & his body bigger þe<i>n</i> þe best fowre. - </p> - <p> - Þat ar i<i>n</i> Arþureȝ ho<i>us</i>, Hestor<sup>1</sup> oþ<i>er</i> - oþ<i>er</i>. - </p> - <p> - He cheueȝ þat chau<i>n</i>ce at þe chapel grene; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">None passes by the Green Chapel, 'that he does - not ding to death with dint of his hand.'</span> <span class="linenum">2104</span> - <p> - Þer passes non bi þat place, so proude i<i>n</i> his armes, - </p> - <p> - Þat he ne dy<i>n</i>neȝ hy<i>m</i> to deþe, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> - dynt of his honde; - </p> - <p> - For he is a mon methles, & mercy non vses, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">For be it churl or chaplain, monk, mass-priest, - 'or any man else,' he kills them all.</span> - <p> - For he hit chorle, oþ<i>er</i> chaplayn, þat bi þe chapel rydes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2108</span> - <p> - Monk, oþ<i>er</i> masse-prest, oþ<i>er</i> any mon elles, - </p> - <p> - H<i>ym</i> þynk as queme hy<i>m</i> to quelle, as quyk go hy<i>m</i> - seluen. - </p> - <p> - For-þy I say þe as soþe as ȝe i<i>n</i> sadel sitte, - </p> - <p> - Com ȝe þere, ȝe be kylled, [I] may þe knyȝt rede, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2112</span> - <p> - Trawe ȝe me þat trwely, þaȝ ȝe had twenty lyues - </p> - <p class="i8"> - to spende; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He has lived there full long.</span> - <p class="i4"> - He hatȝ wonyd here ful ȝore, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - On bent much baret bende, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Against his dints sore ye may not defend you.</span> - <span class="linenum">2116</span> - <p class="i4"> - Aȝayn his dynteȝ sore, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Ȝe may not yow defende." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> Hector (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Wherefore, good Sir Gawayne, let this man alone.</span> - <p> - "For-þy, goude s<i>ir</i> Gawayn, let þe gome one, - </p> - <p> - & gotȝ a-way su<i>m</i> oþ<i>er</i> gate; vpon Goddeȝ - halue; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Go by some other region,</span> <span - class="linenum">2120</span> - <p> - Cayreȝ bi su<i>m</i> oþ<i>er</i> kyth, þer Kryst mot yow spede; - </p> - <p> - & I schal hyȝ me hom aȝayn, & hete yow fyrre, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 119<i>b</i>.]<br />I swear by God and all - His saints, that I will never say that ever ye attempted to flee from - any man."</span> - <p> - Þat I schal swere bi God, & alle his gode halȝeȝ, - </p> - <p> - As help me God & þe halydam, & oþeȝ i<i>n</i>-nogh<i>e</i>, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2124</span> - <p> - Þat I schal lelly yow layne, & lance neu<i>er</i> tale, - </p> - <p> - Þat eu<i>er</i> ȝe fondet to fle, for freke þat I wyst." - </p> - <p> - "G<i>ra</i>nt m<i>er</i>ci;" q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, & gruchy<i>ng</i> - he sayde, - </p> - <p> - "Wel worth þe wyȝe, þat woldeȝ my gode, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2128</span> - <p> - & þat lelly me layne, I leue wel þ<i>o</i>u woldeȝ! - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne replies that to shun this danger would - mark him as a "coward knight."</span> - <p> - Bot helde þ<i>o</i>u hit neu<i>er</i> so holde, & I here passed, - </p> - <p> - Fou<i>n</i>ded for ferde for to fle, i<i>n</i> fo<i>ur</i>me þat þ<i>o</i>u - telleȝ, - </p> - <p> - I were a knyȝt kowarde, I myȝt not<sup>1</sup> be excused. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">To the Chapel, therefore, he will go,</span> - <span class="linenum">2132</span> - <p> - Bot I wy1 to þe chape1, for chau<i>n</i>ce þat may falle, - </p> - <p> - & talk wyth þat ilk tulk þe tale þat me lyste, - </p> - <p> - Worþe hit wele, oþ<i>er</i> wo, as þe wyrde lykeȝ - </p> - <p class="i8"> - hit hafe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">though the owner thereof were a stern knave.</span> - <span class="linenum">2136</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þaȝe he be a sturn knape, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - To stiȝtel, &<sup>2</sup> stad w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> staue, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Full well can God devise his servants for to - save."</span> - <p class="i4"> - Ful wel con dryȝtyn schape, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - His seruau<i>n</i>teȝ forto saue." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> mot, in MS. <sup>2</sup> & &, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - VII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Mary!" quoth the other, "since it pleases thee - to lose thy life,</span> <span class="linenum">2140</span> - <p> - "Mary!" q<i>uod</i> þat oþ<i>er</i> mon, "now þ<i>o</i>u so much - spelleȝ, - </p> - <p> - Þat þ<i>o</i>u wylt þyn awen nye nyme to þy-seluen, - </p> - <p> - & þe lyst lese þy lyf, þe lette I ne kepe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">take thy helmet on thy head, and thy spear in thy - hand, and ride down this path by yon rock-side,</span> - <p> - Haf here þi helme on þy hede, þi spere i<i>n</i> þi honde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2144</span> - <p> - & ryde me dou<i>n</i> þis ilk rake, bi ȝon rokke syde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">till thou come to the bottom of the valley;</span> - <p> - Til þ<i>o</i>u be broȝt to þe boþem of þe brem valay; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">look a little to the left,</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne loke a littel on þe lau<i>n</i>de, on þi lyfte honde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and thou shalt see the Chapel itself and the man - that guards it."</span> - <p> - & þ<i>o</i>u schal se i<i>n</i> þat slade þe self chapel, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2148</span> - <p> - & þe borelych burne on bent, þat hit kepeȝ. - </p> - <p> - Now fareȝ wel on Godeȝ half, Gawayn þe noble, - </p> - <p> - For alle þe golde vpon grou<i>n</i>de I nolde go with þe, - </p> - <p> - Ne bere þe felaȝschip þurȝ þis fryth on fote fyrre." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Having thus spoken the guide takes leave of the - knight.</span> <span class="linenum">2152</span> - <p> - Bi þat þe wyȝe i<i>n</i> þe wod wendeȝ his brydel, - </p> - <p> - Hit þe hors w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe heleȝ, as harde as he myȝt, - </p> - <p> - Lepeȝ hy<i>m</i> ou<i>er</i> þe lau<i>n</i>de, & leueȝ - þe knyȝt þere, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - al one. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"By God's self," says Sir Gawayne, "I will - neither weep nor groan.</span> <span class="linenum">2156</span> - <p class="i4"> - "Bi Goddeȝ self," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "I wyl nauþ<i>er</i> grete ne grone, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">To God's will I am full ready."</span> - <p class="i4"> - To Goddeȝ wylle I am ful bayn, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & to hy<i>m</i> I haf me tone." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - VIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 120.]<br />Then he pursues his journey,</span> - <span class="linenum">2160</span> - <p> - The<i>n</i>ne gyrdeȝ he to Gryngolet, & gedereȝ þe rake, - </p> - <p> - Schowueȝ i<i>n</i> bi a schore, at a schaȝe syde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">rides through the dale, and looks about.</span> - <p> - Rideȝ þurȝ þe roȝe bonk, ryȝt to þe dale; - </p> - <p> - & þe<i>n</i>ne he wayted hy<i>m</i> aboute, & wylde hit hy<i>m</i> - þoȝt, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He sees no sign of a resting-place, but only high - and steep banks.</span> <span class="linenum">2164</span> - <p> - & seȝe no sy<i>n</i>gne of resette, bisydeȝ nowhere, - </p> - <p> - Bot hyȝe bonkkeȝ & brent, vpon boþe halue, - </p> - <p> - & ruȝe knokled knarreȝ, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> knorned stoneȝ; - </p> - <p> - Þe skweȝ of þe scowtes skayued<sup>1</sup> hy<i>m</i> þoȝt. - </p> - <span class="linenum">2168</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne he houed, & wyth-hylde his hors at þat tyde, - </p> - <p> - & ofte chau<i>n</i>ged his cher, þe chapel to seche; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">No chapel could he discern.</span> - <p> - He seȝ non suche i<i>n</i> no syde, & selly hy<i>m</i> þoȝt, - </p> - <p> - Sone a lyttel on a lau<i>n</i>de, a lawe as hit we[re]; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">At last he sees a hill by the side of a stream;</span> - <span class="linenum">2172</span> - <p> - A balȝ berȝ, bi a bonke, þe bry<i>m</i>me by-syde, - </p> - <p> - Bi a forȝ of a flode, þ<i>a</i>t ferked þare; - </p> - <p> - Þe borne blubred þer-i<i>n</i>ne, as hit boyled hade. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">thither he goes,</span> - <p> - Þe knyȝt kacheȝ his caple, & com to þe lawe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">alights and fastens his horse to a branch of a - tree.</span> <span class="linenum">2176</span> - <p> - Liȝteȝ dou<i>n</i> luflyly, & at a lynde tacheȝ - </p> - <p> - Þe rayne, & his riche, with a roȝe brau<i>n</i>che; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He walks around the hill, debating with himself - what it might be,</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>[n]e he boȝeȝ to þe berȝe, aboute hit he - walke, - </p> - <p> - D[e]batande w<i>i</i>th hy<i>m</i>-self, quat hit be myȝt. - </p> - <span class="linenum">2180</span> - <p> - Hit hade a hole on þe ende, & on ayþer syde, - </p> - <p> - & ou<i>er</i>-growen w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gresse i<i>n</i> glodes ay - where, - </p> - <p> - & al watȝ holȝ i<i>n</i>-w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>, nobot an - olde caue, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and at last finds an old cave in the crag.</span> - <p> - Or a creuisse of an olde cragge, he couþe hit noȝt deme - </p> - <span class="linenum">2184</span> - <p class="i8"> - w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> spelle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "We,<sup>2</sup> lorde," q<i>uod</i> þe gentyle knyȝt, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - "Wheþer þis be þe grene chapelle; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He prays that about midnight he may tell his - matins.</span> - <p class="i4"> - He myȝt aboute myd-nyȝt, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2188</span> - <p class="i4"> - [Þ]e dele his maty<i>n</i>nes telle!" - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> skayned (?). <sup>2</sup> wel (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - IX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Truly," says Sir Gawayne, "a desert is here,</span> - <p> - "Now i-wysse," q<i>uod</i> Wowayn, "wysty is here; - </p> - <p> - Þis oritore is vgly, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> erbeȝ ou<i>er</i>-growen; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">a fitting place for the man in green to 'deal - here his devotions in devil fashion.'</span> - <p> - Wel bisemeȝ þe wyȝe wruxled i<i>n</i> grene - </p> - <span class="linenum">2192</span> - <p> - Dele here his deuociou<i>n</i>, on þe deueleȝ wyse; - </p> - <p> - Now I fele hit is þe fende, i<i>n</i> my fyue wytteȝ, - </p> - <p> - Þat hatȝ stoken me þis steuen, to strye me here; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It is most cursed kirk that ever I entered."</span> - <p> - Þis is a chapel of meschau<i>n</i>ce, þat chekke hit by-tyde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2196</span> - <p> - Hit is þe corsedest kyrk, þat eu<i>er</i> i com i<i>n</i>ne!" - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 120<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - With heȝe helme on his hede, his lau<i>n</i>ce i<i>n</i> his - honde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Roaming about he hears a loud noise,</span> - <p> - He romeȝ vp to þe rokke of þo roȝ woneȝ; - </p> - <p> - Þene herde he of þat hyȝe hil, i<i>n</i> a harde roche, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">from beyond the brook.</span> <span - class="linenum">2200</span> - <p> - Biȝonde þe broke, i<i>n</i> a bonk, a wonder breme noyse, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It clattered like the grinding of a scythe on a - grindstone.</span> - <p> - Quat! hit clat<i>er</i>ed i<i>n</i> þe clyff, as hit cleue schulde, - </p> - <p> - As one vpon a gryndelston hade grou<i>n</i>den a syþe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">It whirred like a mill-stream.</span> - <p> - What! hit wharred, & whette, as wat<i>er</i> at a mulne, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2204</span> - <p> - What! hit rusched, & ronge, rawþe to here. - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne "bi Godde," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "þat gere as<sup>1</sup> - I trowe, - </p> - <p> - Is ryched at þe reu<i>er</i>ence, me renk to mete, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - bi rote; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2208</span> - <p class="i4"> - Let God worche we loo, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Though my life I forgo," says the knight, "no - noise shall terrify me."</span> - <p class="i4"> - Hit helppeȝ me not a mote, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - My lif þaȝ I for-goo, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Drede dotȝ me no lote." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> at, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - X. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then cried he aloud,</span> <span class="linenum">2212</span> - <p> - The<i>n</i>ne þe knyȝt con calle ful hyȝe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Who dwells here discourse with me to hold?"</span> - <p> - "Who stiȝtleȝ i<i>n</i> þis sted, me steuen to holde? - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Now is the good Gawayne going aright</span> - <p> - For now is gode Gawayn goande ryȝt here, - </p> - <p> - If any wyȝe oȝt wyl wy<i>n</i>ne hider fast, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2216</span> - <p> - Oþ<i>er</i> now, oþ<i>er</i> neu<i>er</i>, his nedeȝ to spede." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He hears a voice commanding him to abide where he - is.</span> - <p> - "Abyde," q<i>uod</i> on on þe bonke, abouen ou<i>er</i> his hede, - </p> - <p> - "& þ<i>o</i>u schal haf al i<i>n</i> hast, þat I þe hyȝt - ones." - </p> - <p> - Ȝet he rusched on þat rurde, rapely a þrowe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2220</span> - <p> - & wyth quetty<i>n</i>g a-wharf, er he wolde lyȝt; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Soon there comes out of a hole, with a fell - weapon,</span> - <p> - & syþen he keu<i>er</i>eȝ bi a cragge, & comeȝ of a - hole, - </p> - <p> - Whyrlande out of a wro, wyth a felle weppen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">a Danish axe, quite new,</span> - <p> - A deneȝ ax nwe dyȝt, þe dynt w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> [t]o ȝelde - </p> - <span class="linenum">2224</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a borelych bytte, bende by þe halme, - </p> - <p> - Fyled i<i>n</i> a fylor, fowre fote large, - </p> - <p> - Hit watȝ no lasse, bi þat lace þat lemed ful bryȝt. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">the "knight in green," clothed as before.</span> - <p> - & þe gome i<i>n</i> þe erene gered as fyrst, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2228</span> - <p> - Boþe þe lyre & þe leggeȝ, lokkeȝ, & berde, - </p> - <p> - Saue þat fayre on his fote he fou<i>n</i>deȝ on þe erþe, - </p> - <p> - Sette þe stele to þe stone, & stalked bysyde. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">When he reaches the stream, he hops over and - strides about.</span> - <p> - When he wan to þe watter, þer he wade nolde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2232</span> - <p> - He hypped ou<i>er</i> on hys ax, & orpedly strydeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Bremly broþe on a bent, þat brode watȝ a-boute, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - on snawe. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 121.]<br />He meets Sir Gawayne without - obeisance.</span> - <p class="i4"> - S<i>ir</i> Gawayn þe knyȝt con mete. - </p> - <span class="linenum">2236</span> - <p class="i4"> - He ne lutte hy<i>m</i> no þy<i>n</i>g lowe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The other tells him that he is now ready for - conversation</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat oþ<i>er</i> sayde, "now, s<i>ir</i> swete, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Of steuen mon may þe trowe." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"God preserve thee!" says the Green Knight,</span> - <p> - "Gawayn," q<i>uod</i> þat grene gome, "God þe mot loke! - </p> - <span class="linenum">2240</span> - <p> - I-wysse þ<i>o</i>u art welcom,<sup>1</sup> wyȝe, to my place, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"as a true knight 'thou hast timed thy travel'</span> - <p> - & þ<i>o</i>u hatȝ tymed þi trauayl as t<i>ru</i>e<sup>2</sup> - mo<i>n</i> schulde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Thou knowest the covenant between us,</span> - <p> - & þ<i>o</i>u knoweȝ þe couenau<i>n</i>teȝ kest v<i>us</i> - by-twene, - </p> - <p> - At þis tyme twelmonyth þ<i>o</i>u toke þ<i>a</i>t þe falled, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">that on New Year's day I should return thy blow</span> - <span class="linenum">2244</span> - <p> - & I schulde at þis nwe ȝere ȝeply þe quyte. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Here we are alone,</span> - <p> - & we ar i<i>n</i> þis valay, v<i>er</i>ayly oure one, - </p> - <p> - Here ar no renkes vs to rydde, rele as v<i>us</i> likeȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Have off thy helmet and take thy pay at once."</span> - <p> - Haf þy<sup>3</sup> helme of þy hede, & haf here þy pay; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2248</span> - <p> - Busk no more debate þ<i>en</i> I þe bede þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - "When þ<i>o</i>u wypped of my hede at a wap one." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"By God," quoth Sir Gawayne, "I shall not - begrudge thee thy will."</span> - <p> - "Nay, bi God," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "þ<i>a</i>t me gost lante, - </p> - <p> - I schal gruch þe no grwe, for grem þat falleȝ; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2252</span> - <p> - Botstyȝtel þe vpon on strok, & I schal stonde stylle, - </p> - <p> - & warp þe no werny<i>n</i>g, to worch as þe lykeȝ, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - no whare." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then he shows his bare neck,</span> - <p class="i4"> - He lened w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe nek, & lutte, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2256</span> - <p class="i4"> - & schewed þat schyre al bare, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & lette as he noȝt dutte, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and appears undaunted.</span> - <p class="i4"> - For drede he wolde not dare. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> welcon, in MS. <sup>2</sup> t<i>ru</i>ee in MS. <sup>3</sup> - MS. þy þy. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then the man in green seizes his grim tool.</span> - <p> - The<i>n</i> þe gome i<i>n</i> þe grene grayþed hy<i>m</i> swyþe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2260</span> - <p> - Gedereȝ yp hys gry<i>m</i>me tole, Gawayn to smyte; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">With all his force he raises it aloft.</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> alle þe bur i<i>n</i> his body he ber hit on lofte, - </p> - <p> - Mu<i>n</i>t as maȝtyly, as marre hy<i>m</i> he wolde; - </p> - <p> - Hade hit dryuen adou<i>n</i>, as dreȝ as he atled, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2264</span> - <p> - Þer hade ben ded of his dynt, þat doȝty watȝ eu<i>er</i>. - </p> - <p> - Bot Gawayn on þat giserne glyfte hy<i>m</i> bysyde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">As it came gliding down,</span> - <p> - As hit com glydande adou<i>n</i>, on glode hy<i>m</i> to schende, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne shrank a little with his shoulders.</span> - <p> - & schranke a lytel w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe schulderes, for þe scharp - yrne. - </p> - <span class="linenum">2268</span> - <p> - Þat oþ<i>er</i> schalk wyth a schu<i>n</i>t þe schene wythhaldeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The other reproved him, saying,</span> - <p> - & þe<i>n</i>ne repreued he þe prynce w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony - prowde wordeȝ: - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Thou art not Gawayne that is so good esteemed,</span> - <p> - "Þ<i>o</i>u art not Gawayn," q<i>uod</i> þe gome, "þ<i>a</i>t is so - goud halden, - </p> - <p> - Þat neu<i>er</i> arȝed for no here, by hylle ne be vale, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 121<i>b</i>.]<br />for thou fleest for fear - before thou feelest harm.</span> <span class="linenum">2272</span> - <p> - & now þ<i>o</i>u fles for ferde, er þ<i>o</i>u fele harmeȝ; - </p> - <p> - Such cowardise of þat knyȝt cowþe I neu<i>er</i> here. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I never flinched when thou struckest.</span> - <p> - Nawþ<i>er</i> fyked I, ne flaȝe, freke, quen þ<i>o</i>u myntest, - </p> - <p> - Ne kest no kauelac<i>i</i>on, in ky<i>n</i>geȝ ho<i>us</i> - Arthor, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">My head flew to my foot, yet I never fled,</span> - <span class="linenum">2276</span> - <p> - My hede flaȝ to my fote, & ȝet flaȝ I neu<i>er</i>; - </p> - <p> - & þ<i>o</i>u, er any harme hent, arȝeȝ i<i>n</i> hert, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">wherefore I ought to be called the better man."</span> - <p> - Wherfore þe better burne me burde be called - </p> - <p class="i8"> - þ<i>e</i>r-fore." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"I shunted once," says Gawayne, "but will no - more.</span> <span class="linenum">2280</span> - <p class="i4"> - Q<i>uod</i> G:, "I schu<i>n</i>t oneȝ, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & so wyl I no more, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Bot paȝ my hede falle on þe stoneȝ, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - I con not hit restore. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Bring me to the point; deal me my destiny at - once."</span> <span class="linenum">2284</span> - <p> - Bot busk, burne, bi þi fayth, & bry<i>n</i>g me to þe poy<i>n</i>t, - </p> - <p> - Dele to me my destiné, & do hit out of honde, - </p> - <p> - For I schal stonde þe a strok, & start no more, - </p> - <p> - Til þy<i>n</i> ax haue me hitte, haf here my trawþe." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Have at thee, then," says the other.</span> - <span class="linenum">2288</span> - <p> - "Haf at þe þe<i>n</i>ne," q<i>uod</i> þ<i>a</i>t oþ<i>er</i>, & - heueȝ hit alofte, - </p> - <p> - & wayteȝ as wroþely, as he wode were; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">With that he aims at him a blow.</span> - <p> - He mynteȝ at hy<i>m</i> maȝtyly, bot not þe mon ryueȝ,<sup>1</sup> - </p> - <p> - With-helde het<i>er</i>ly h[i]s honde, er hit hurt myȝt. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne never flinches, but stands as still as a - stone.</span> <span class="linenum">2292</span> - <p> - Gawayn grayþely hit bydeȝ, & glent w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> no - membre, - </p> - <p> - Bot stode stylle as þe ston, oþ<i>er</i> a stubbe auþer, - </p> - <p> - Þat raþeled is i<i>n</i> roche grou<i>n</i>de, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> roteȝ - a hundreth. - </p> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i> muryly efte con he mele, þe mon i<i>n</i> þe grene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Now," says the Green Knight, "I must hit thee, - since thy heart is whole."</span> <span class="linenum">2296</span> - <p> - "So now þ<i>o</i>u hatȝ þi hert holle, hitte me bihou[e]s; - </p> - <p> - Halde þe now þe hyȝe hode, þat Arþur þe raȝt, - </p> - <p> - & kepe þy kanel at þis kest, ȝif hit keu<i>er</i> may." - </p> - <p> - G: ful gryndelly w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> greme þe<i>n</i>ne sayde, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Thrash on," says the other.</span> <span - class="linenum">2300</span> - <p> - "Wy þresch on, þ<i>o</i>u þro mon, þ<i>o</i>u þreteȝ to longe, - </p> - <p> - I hope þat þi hert arȝe wyth þyn awen seluen." - </p> - <p> - "For soþe," q<i>uod</i> þat oþ<i>er</i> freke, "so felly þ<i>o</i>u - spekeȝ, - </p> - <p> - I wyl no leng<i>er</i> on lyte lette þin ernde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2304</span> - <p class="i8"> - riȝt nowe." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then the Green Knight makes ready to strike.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe<i>n</i>ne tas he<sup>2</sup> hy<i>m</i> stryþe to stryke, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & frou<i>n</i>ses boþe lyppe & browe, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - No meruayle þaȝ hy<i>m</i> myslyke, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2308</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þat hoped of no rescowe. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> ? <i>ryneȝ</i> = touches. <sup>2</sup> he he, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XIV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He let fall his loom on the bare</span> - <p> - He lyftes lyȝtly his lome, & let hit dou<i>n</i> fayre, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 122.]<br />neck of Sir Gawayne.</span> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> þe barbe of þe bitte bi þe bare nek - </p> - <p> - Þaȝ he homered het<i>er</i>ly, hurt hy<i>m</i> no more, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2312</span> - <p> - Bot snyrt hy<i>m</i> on þat on syde, þat seu<i>er</i>ed þe hyde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The sharp weapon pierced the flesh so that the - blood flowed.</span> - <p> - Þe scharp schrank to þe flesche þurȝ þe schyre grece, - </p> - <p> - Þat þe schene blod ov<i>er</i> his schulderes schot to þe erþe. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">When the knight saw the blood on the snow,</span> - <p> - & quen þe burne seȝ þe blode blenk on þe snawe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2316</span> - <p> - He sprit forth spe<i>n</i>ne fote more þe<i>n</i> a spere lenþe, - </p> - <p> - Hent het<i>er</i>ly his helme, & on his hed cast, - </p> - <p> - Schot wit<i>h</i> his schuldereȝ his fayre schelde vnder, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">he unsheathed his sword, and thus spake:</span> - <p> - Braydeȝ out a bryȝt sworde, & bremely he spekeȝ; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2320</span> - <p> - Neu<i>er</i> syn þat he watȝ burne borne of his moder, - </p> - <p> - Watȝ he neu<i>er</i> i<i>n</i> þis worlde, wyȝe half so - blyþe:— - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Cease, man, of thy blow.</span> - <p> - "Bly<i>n</i>ne, burne, of þy bur, bede me no mo; - </p> - <p> - I haf a stroke i<i>n</i> þis sted w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-oute stryf hent, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">If thou givest me any more, readily shall I - requite thee.</span> <span class="linenum">2324</span> - <p> - & if þow recheȝ me any mo, I redyly schal quyte, - </p> - <p> - & ȝelde ȝederly aȝayn, & þ<i>er</i> to ȝe - tryst, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - & foo; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Our agreement stipulates only one stroke."</span> - <p class="i4"> - Bot on stroke here me falleȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2328</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þe couenau<i>n</i>t schop ryȝt so, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - [Sikered]<sup>1</sup> in Arþureȝ halleȝ, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & þer-fore, hende, now hoo!" - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> Illegible. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XV. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The Green Knight rested on his axe,</span> - <p> - The haþel heldet hy<i>m</i> fro, & on his ax rested, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2332</span> - <p> - Sette þe schaft vpon schore, & to be scharp lened, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">looked on Sir Gawayne, who appeared bold and - fearless,</span> - <p> - & loked to þe leude, þat on þe launde ȝede, - </p> - <p> - How þat doȝty dredles deruely þer stondeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Armed ful aȝleȝ; i<i>n</i> hert hit hy<i>m</i> lykeȝ. - </p> - <span class="linenum">2336</span> - <p> - þe<i>n</i>n he meleȝ muryly, wyth a much steuen, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and addressed him as follows: "Bold knight, be - not so wroth,</span> - <p> - & wyth a r[a]ykande rurde he to þe renk sayde, - </p> - <p> - "Bolde burne, on þis bent be not so gryndel; - </p> - <p> - No mon here vn-man<i>er</i>ly þe mys-boden habbe, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2340</span> - <p> - Ne kyd, bot as couenau<i>n</i>de, at ky<i>n</i>geȝ kort schaped; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I promised thee a stroke and thou hast it, be - satisfied.</span> - <p> - I hyȝt þe a strok, & þ<i>o</i>u hit hatȝ, halde þe wel - payed, - </p> - <p> - I relece þe of þe remnau<i>n</i>t, of ryȝtes alle oþ<i>er</i>; - </p> - <p> - Ȝif<sup>1</sup> I deliuer had bene, a boffet, parau<i>n</i>t<i>e</i>r, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I could have dealt worse with thee.</span> <span - class="linenum">2344</span> - <p> - I couþe wroþeloker haf waret, [&] to þe haf wroȝt ang<i>er</i>.<sup>2</sup> - </p> - <p> - Fyrst I mansed þe muryly, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a mynt one, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I menaced thee with one blow for the covenant</span> - <p> - & roue þe wyth no rof, sore w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> ryȝt I þe p<i>ro</i>fered, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 122<i>b</i>.]<br /> between us on the first - night.</span> - <p> - For þe forwarde that we fest i<i>n</i> þe fyrst nyȝt, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2348</span> - <p> - & þ<i>o</i>u trystyly þe trawþe & trwly me haldeȝ, - </p> - <p> - Al þe gayne þow me gef, as god mon shulde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Another I aimed at thee because thou kissedst my - wife.</span> - <p> - Þat oþ<i>er</i> mu<i>n</i>t for þe morne, mon, I þe profered, - </p> - <p> - Þ<i>o</i>u kyssedes my clere wyf, þe cosseȝ me raȝteȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2352</span> - <p> - For boþe two here I þe bede bot two bare myntes, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - boute scaþe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">A true man should restore truly, and then he need - fear no harm.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Trwe mon trwe restore, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe<i>n</i>ne þar mo<i>n</i> drede no waþe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Thou failedst at the third time, and therefore - take thee that tap. (See l. 1861.)</span> <span class="linenum">2356</span> - <p class="i4"> - At þe þrid þ<i>o</i>u fayled þore, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & þ<i>er</i>-for þat tappe ta þe. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> uf, in MS. <sup>2</sup> This word is doubtful. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">For my weed (woven by my wife) thou wearest.</span> - <p> - For hit is my wede þat þ<i>o</i>u wereȝ, þ<i>a</i>t ilke wouen - girdel, - </p> - <p> - Myn owen wyf hit þe weued, I wot wel forsoþe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I know thy kisses and my wife's wooing.</span> - <span class="linenum">2360</span> - <p> - Now know I wel þy cosses, & þy costes als, - </p> - <p> - & þe wowy<i>n</i>g of my wyf, I wroȝt hit myseluen; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I sent her to try thee, and faultless I found - thee.</span> - <p> - I sende hir to asay þe, & sothly me þynkkeȝ, - </p> - <p> - On þe fautlest freke, þat eu<i>er</i> on fote ȝede; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2364</span> - <p> - As perle bi þe quite pese is of prys more, - </p> - <p> - So is Gawayn, i<i>n</i> god fayth, bi oþ<i>er</i> gay knyȝteȝ. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">But yet thou sinnedst a little,</span> - <p> - Bot here you lakked a lyttel, s<i>ir</i>, & lewte yow wonted, - </p> - <p> - Bot þat watȝ for no wylyde werke, ne wowy<i>n</i>g nauþ<i>er</i>, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">for love of thy life."</span> <span - class="linenum">2368</span> - <p> - Bot for ȝe lufed yo<i>ur</i> lyf, þe lasse I yow blame." - </p> - <p> - Þat oþ<i>er</i> stif mon i<i>n</i> study stod a gret whyle; - </p> - <p> - So agreued for greme he gryed w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne stands confounded.</span> - <p> - Alle þe blode of his brest blende i<i>n</i> his face, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2372</span> - <p> - Þat al he schrank for schome, þat þe schalk talked. - </p> - <p> - Þe forme worde vpon folde, þat þe freke meled,— - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Cursed," he says, "be cowardice and covetousness - both!"</span> - <p> - "Corsed worth cowarddyse & couetyse boþe! - </p> - <p> - I<i>n</i> yow is vylany & vyse, þat v<i>er</i>tue disstryeȝ." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Then he takes off the girdle and throws it to the - knight.</span> <span class="linenum">2376</span> - <p> - Þe<i>n</i>ne he kaȝt to þe knot, & þe kest lawseȝ, - </p> - <p> - Brayde broþely þe belt to þe burne seluen: - </p> - <p> - "Lo! þer þe falssy<i>n</i>g, foule mot hit falle! - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He curses his cowardice,</span> - <p> - For care of þy knokke cowardyse me taȝt - </p> - <span class="linenum">2380</span> - <p> - To a-corde me w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> couetyse, my kynde to for-sake, - </p> - <p> - Þat is larges & lewte, þat longeȝ to knyȝteȝ. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">and confesses himself to have been guilty of - untruth.</span> - <p> - Now am I fawty, & falce, & ferde haf ben eu<i>er</i>; - </p> - <p> - Of trecherye & vn-trawþe boþe bityde sorȝe - </p> - <span class="linenum">2384</span> - <p class="i8"> - & care! - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 123.]<br /></span> - <p class="i4"> - I bi-knowe yow, knyȝt, here stylle, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Al fawty is my fare, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Leteȝ me ou<i>er</i>-take yo<i>ur</i> wylle, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2388</span> - <p class="i4"> - & efle I schal be ware." - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XVII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then the other, laughing, thus spoke:</span> - <p> - The<i>n</i>ne loȝe þat oþ<i>er</i> leude, & luflyly sayde, - </p> - <p> - "I halde hit hardily<sup>1</sup> hole, þe harme þat I hade; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"Thou art confessed so clean,</span> - <p> - Þ<i>o</i>u art confessed so clene, be-knowen of þy mysses, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2392</span> - <p> - & hatȝ þe penau<i>n</i>ce apert, of þe poy<i>n</i>t of myn - egge, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">that I hold thee as pure as if thou hadst never - been guilty.</span> - <p> - I halde þe polysed of þat plyȝt, & pured as clene, - </p> - <p> - As þ<i>o</i>u hadeȝ neu<i>er</i> forfeted, syþe<i>n</i> þ<i>o</i>u - watȝ fyrst borne. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I give thee, sir, the gold-hemmed girdle,</span> - <p> - & I gif þe, s<i>ir</i>, þe gurdel þat is golde he<i>m</i>med; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2396</span> - <p> - For hit is grene as my goune, s<i>ir</i> G:, ȝe maye - </p> - <p> - Þenk vpon þis ilke þrepe, þ<i>er</i> þ<i>o</i>u forth þry<i>n</i>geȝ - </p> - <p> - Amo<i>n</i>g prynces of prys, & þis a pure token - </p> - <span class="sidenote">as a token of thy adventure at the Green Chapel.</span> - <p> - Of þe chau<i>n</i>ce of þe grene chapel, at cheualro<i>us</i> knyȝteȝ; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Come again to my abode, and abide there for the - remainder of the festival."</span> <span class="linenum">2400</span> - <p> - & ȝe schal i<i>n</i> þis nwe ȝer aȝayn to my woneȝ, - </p> - <p> - & we schy<i>n</i> reuel þe remnau<i>n</i>t of þis ryche fest, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - ful bene." - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þer laþed hy<i>m</i> fast þe lorde, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2404</span> - <p class="i4"> - & sayde, "w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> my wyf, I wene, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - We schal yow wel acorde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þat watȝ yo<i>ur</i> enmy kene." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> hardilyly, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XVIII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Nay, forsooth," says Gawayne,</span> - <p> - "Nay, for soþe," q<i>uod</i> þe segge, & sesed hys helme, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2408</span> - <p> - & hatȝ hit of hendely, & þe haþel þonkkeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">"I have sojourned sadly, but bliss betide thee!</span> - <p> - "I haf soiorned sadly, sele yow bytyde, - </p> - <p> - & he ȝelde hit yow ȝare, þat ȝarkkeȝ al me<i>n</i>skes! - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Commend me to your comely wife and that other - lady who have beguiled me.</span> - <p> - & comau<i>n</i>deȝ me to þat cortays, yo<i>ur</i> comlych - fere, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2412</span> - <p> - Boþe þat on & þat oþ<i>er</i>, myn hono<i>ur</i>ed ladyeȝ. - </p> - <p> - Þat þ<i>us</i> hor knyȝt wyth hor kest han koy<i>n</i>tly - bigyled. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">But it is no marvel for a man to be brought to - grief through a woman's wiles.</span> - <p> - Bot hit is no ferly, þaȝ a fole madde, - </p> - <p> - & þurȝ wyles of wy<i>m</i>men be wonen to sorȝe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Adam, Solomon, Samson, and David were beguiled by - women.</span> <span class="linenum">2416</span> - <p> - For so watȝ Adam i<i>n</i> erde w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> one bygyled, - </p> - <p> - & Salamon w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> fele sere, & Samson eft soneȝ, - </p> - <p> - Dalyda dalt hy<i>m</i> hys wyrde, & Dauyth þer-aft<i>er</i> - </p> - <p> - Watȝ blended w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> Barsabe, þat much bale þoled. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">How could a man love them and believe them not?</span> - <span class="linenum">2420</span> - <p> - Now þese were wrathed wyth her wyles, h<i>i</i>t were a wy<i>n</i>ne - huge, - </p> - <p> - To luf hom wel, & leue hem not, a leude þat couþe, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 123<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p> - For þes wer forne<sup>1</sup> þe freest þat folȝed alle þe sele, - </p> - <p> - Ex-ellently of alle þyse oþ<i>er</i>, vnder heuen-ryche, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2424</span> - <p class="i8"> - þat mused; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & alle þay were bi-wyled, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - With<sup>2</sup> wy<i>m</i>men þat þay vsed, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Though I be now beguiled, methinks I should be - excused.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Þaȝ I be now bigyled, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2428</span> - <p class="i4"> - Me þink me burde be excused." - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> forme (?) <sup>2</sup> with wyth, in MS. - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XIX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">But God reward you for your girdle.</span> - <p> - "Bot yo<i>ur</i> gordel," q<i>uod</i> G: "God yow for-ȝelde! - </p> - <p> - Þat wyl I welde wyth good wylle, not for þe wy<i>n</i>ne golde, - </p> - <p> - Ne þe saynt, ne þe sylk, ne þe syde pendau<i>n</i>des, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2432</span> - <p> - For wele, ne for worchyp, ne for þe wlonk werkkeȝ, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I will wear it in remembrance of my fault.</span> - <p> - Bot i<i>n</i> sy<i>n</i>gne of my surfet I schal se hit ofte; - </p> - <p> - When I ride i<i>n</i> renou<i>n</i>, remorde to myseluen - </p> - <p> - Þe faut & þe fayntyse of þe flesche crabbed, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2436</span> - <p> - How tender hit is to entyse teches of fylþe; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">And when pride shall prick me,</span> - <p> - & þ<i>us</i>, quen pryde schal me pryk, for prowes of armes, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">a look to this lace shall abate it.</span> - <p> - Þe loke to þis luf lace schal leþe my hert. - </p> - <p> - Bot on I wolde yow pray, displeses yow neu<i>er</i>; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2440</span> - <p> - Syn ȝe be lorde of þe ȝonde[r] londe, þ<i>er</i> I haf lent - i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <p> - Wyth yow wyth worschyp,—þe wyȝe hit yow ȝelde - </p> - <p> - Þat vp-haldeȝ þe heu<i>en</i>, & on hyȝ sitteȝ,— - </p> - <span class="sidenote">But tell me your right name and I shall have - done."</span> - <p> - How norne ȝe yowre ryȝt nome, & þe<i>n</i>ne no more?" - </p> - <span class="linenum">2444</span> - <p> - "Þat schal I telle þe trwly," q<i>uod</i> þ<i>a</i>t oþ<i>er</i> þe<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The Green Knight replies, "I am called Bernlak de - Hautdesert, through might of Morgain la Fey, the pupil of Merlin.</span> - <p> - "Bernlak de Hautdesert I hat i<i>n</i> þis londe, - </p> - <p> - Þurȝ myȝt of Morgne la Faye, þat i<i>n</i> my ho<i>us</i> - lenges, - </p> - <p> - &<sup>1</sup> koyntyse of clergye, bi craftes wel lerned, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2448</span> - <p> - Þe maystres of M<i>er</i>lyn, mony ho<sup>2</sup> taken; - </p> - <p> - For ho hatȝ dalt drwry ful dere su<i>m</i> tyme, - </p> - <p> - With þat conable klerk, þat knowes alle yo<i>ur</i> knyȝteȝ - </p> - <p class="i8"> - at hame; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2452</span> - <p class="i4"> - Morgne þe goddes, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þer-fore hit is hir name; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">She can tame even the haughtiest.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Weldeȝ non so hyȝe hawtesse, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þat ho ne con make ful tame. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> in (?). <sup>2</sup> ho hatȝ (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XX. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">It was she who caused me to test the renown of - the Round Table,</span> <span class="linenum">2456</span> - <p> - Ho wayned me vpon þis wyse to yo<i>ur</i> wy<i>n</i>ne halle, - </p> - <p> - For to assay þe surquidre, ȝif hit soth were, - </p> - <p> - Þat re<i>n</i>nes of þe grete renou<i>n</i> of þe Rou<i>n</i>de Table; - </p> - <p> - Ho wayned me þis wonder, yo<i>ur</i> wytteȝ to reue, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 124.]<br />hoping to grieve Guenever and - cause her death through fear.</span> <span class="linenum">2460</span> - <p> - For to haf greued Gayno<i>ur</i>, & gart hir to dyȝe. - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gopny<i>n</i>g<sup>1</sup> of þat ilke gomen, þat - gostlych speked, - </p> - <p> - W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his hede i<i>n</i> his honde, bifore þe hyȝe - table. - </p> - <p> - Þat is ho þat is at home, þe au<i>n</i>cian lady; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">She is even thine aunt.</span> <span - class="linenum">2464</span> - <p> - Ho is euen þyn au<i>n</i>t, Arþureȝ half suster, - </p> - <p> - Þe duches doȝter of Tyntagelle, þat dere Vt<i>er</i> aft<i>er</i> - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Therefore come to her and make merry in my - house."</span> - <p> - Hade Arþur vpon, þat aþel is nowþe. - </p> - <p> - Þerfore I eþe þe, haþel, to com to þy nau<i>n</i>t, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2468</span> - <p> - Make myry i<i>n</i> my ho<i>us</i>, my meny þe louies, - </p> - <p> - & I wol þe as wel, wyȝe, bi my faythe, - </p> - <p> - As any gome vnder God, for þy grete trauþe." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne refuses to return with the Green Knight.</span> - <p> - & he nikked hy<i>m</i> naye, he nolde bi no wayes; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2472</span> - <p> - Þay acolen & kyssen, [bikennen] ayþer oþ<i>er</i> - </p> - <p> - To þe prynce of paradise, & parten ryȝt þere, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - on coolde; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">On horse full fair he bends to Arthur's hall.</span> - <p class="i4"> - Gawayn on blonk ful bene, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2476</span> - <p class="i4"> - To þe ky<i>n</i>geȝ burȝ buskeȝ bolde, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - & þe knyȝt i<i>n</i> þe enker grene, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Whider-warde so eu<i>er</i> he wolde. - </p> - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> glopnyng (?). - </p> - </div> - <h2> - XXI. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Wild ways now Gawayne rides.</span> - <p> - Wylde wayeȝ i<i>n</i> þe worlde Wowen now rydeȝ, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2480</span> - <p> - On Gryngolet, þat þe g<i>ra</i>ce hade geten of his lyue; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Oft he harboured in house and oft thereout.</span> - <p> - Ofte he herbered i<i>n</i> house, & ofte al þeroute, - </p> - <p> - & mony a-venture i<i>n</i> vale, & venquyst ofte, - </p> - <p> - Þat I ne tyȝt, at þis tyme, i<i>n</i> tale to remene. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The wound in his neck became whole.</span> <span - class="linenum">2484</span> - <p> - Þe hurt watȝ hole, þat he hade hent i<i>n</i> his nek, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He still carried about him the belt,</span> - <p> - & þe blykkande belt he bere þeraboute, - </p> - <p> - A belef as a bauderyk, bou<i>n</i>den bi his syde, - </p> - <p> - Loken vnder his lyfte arme, þe lace, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a knot, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">in token of his fault.</span> <span - class="linenum">2488</span> - <p> - I<i>n</i> tokeny<i>n</i>g he watȝ tane i<i>n</i> tech of a faute; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Thus he comes to the Court of King Arthur.</span> - <p> - & þ<i>us</i> he co<i>m</i>mes to þe co<i>u</i>rt, knyȝt al i<i>n</i> - sou<i>n</i>de. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Great then was the joy of all.</span> - <p> - Þer wakned wele i<i>n</i> þat wone, when wyst þe grete, - </p> - <p> - Þat gode G: watȝ co<i>m</i>men, gayn hit hym þoȝt; - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The king and his knights ask him concerning his - journey.</span> <span class="linenum">2492</span> - <p> - Þe ky<i>n</i>g kysseȝ þe knyȝt, & þe whene alce, - </p> - <p> - & syþen mony syker knyȝt, þat soȝt hy<i>m</i> to haylce, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne tells them of his adventures,</span> - <p> - Of his fare þat hy<i>m</i> frayned, & ferlyly he telles; - </p> - <p> - Biknowoȝ alle þe costes of care þat he hade,— - </p> - <span class="linenum">2496</span> - <p> - Þe chau<i>n</i>ce of þe chapel, þe chere of þe knyȝt, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 124<i>b</i>.]<br />the love of the lady, and - lastly of the lace.</span> - <p> - Þe luf of þe ladi, þe lace at þe last. - </p> - <p> - Þe nirt i<i>n</i> þe nek he naked hem schewed, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He showed them the cut in his neck.</span> - <p> - Þat he laȝt for his vnleute at þe leudes hondes, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2500</span> - <p class="i8"> - for blame; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He tened quen he schulde telle, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He groaned for grief and shame, and the blood - rushed into his face.</span> - <p class="i4"> - He groned for gref & grame; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Þe blod i<i>n</i> his face con melle, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2504</span> - <p class="i4"> - When he hit schulde schewe, for schame. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <h2> - XXII. - </h2> - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Lo!" says he, handling the lace, "this is the - band of blame,</span> - <p> - "Lo! lorde," q<i>uod</i> þe leude, & þe lace hondeled, - </p> - <p> - "Þis is þe bende of þis blame I bere [in] my nek, - </p> - <p> - Þis is þe laþe & þe losse, þat I laȝt haue, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">a token of my cowardice and covetousness,</span> - <span class="linenum">2508</span> - <p> - Of couardise & couetyse, þat I haf caȝt þare, - </p> - <p> - Þis is þe token of vn-trawþe, þat I am tan i<i>n</i>ne, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">I must needs wear it as long as I live."</span> - <p> - & I mot nedeȝ hit were, wyle I may last; - </p> - <p> - For non may hyden his harme, bot vnhap ne may hit, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2512</span> - <p> - For þ<i>er</i> hit oneȝ is tachched, twy<i>n</i>ne wil hit neu<i>er</i>." - </p> - <span class="sidenote">The king comforts the knight, and all the court - too.</span> - <p> - Þe ky<i>n</i>g comforteȝ þe knyȝt, & alle þe co<i>u</i>rt - als, - </p> - <p> - Laȝen loude þ<i>er</i>-at, & luflyly acorden, - </p> - <p> - Þat lordes & ladis, þ<i>a</i>t longed to þe Table, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Each knight of the brotherhood agrees to wear a - bright green belt,</span> <span class="linenum">2516</span> - <p> - Vche burne of þe broþ<i>er</i>-hede a bauderyk schulde haue, - </p> - <p> - A bende, a belef hy<i>m</i> aboute, of a bryȝt grene, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">for Gawayne's sake,</span> - <p> - & þat, for sake of þat segge, i<i>n</i> swete to were. - </p> - <p> - For þat watȝ acorded þe renou<i>n</i> of þe Rou<i>n</i>de Table, - </p> - <span class="sidenote">who ever more honoured it.</span> <span - class="linenum">2520</span> - <p> - & he hono<i>ur</i>ed þat hit hade, eu<i>er</i>-more aft<i>er</i>, - </p> - <p> - As hit is breued i<i>n</i> þe best boke of romau<i>n</i>ce. - </p> - <span class="sidenote">Thus in Arthur's day this adventure befell.</span> - <p> - Þ<i>us</i> i<i>n</i> Arthur<i>us</i> day þis au<i>n</i>t<i>er</i> - bitidde, - </p> - <p> - Þe Brut<i>us</i> boke<i>es</i> þ<i>er</i>-of beres wyttenesse; - </p> - <span class="linenum">2524</span> - <p> - Syþ<i>en</i> Brut<i>us</i>, þe bolde burne, boȝed hider fyrst, - </p> - <p> - Aft<i>er</i> þe segge & þe asaute watȝ sesed at Troye, - </p> - <p class="i8"> - I-wysse; - </p> - <p class="i4"> - Mony au<i>n</i>t<i>er</i>eȝ here bi-forne, - </p> - <span class="linenum">2528</span> - <p class="i4"> - Haf fallen suche er þis: - </p> - <span class="sidenote">He that bore the crown of thorns bring us to His - bliss!</span> - <p class="i4"> - Now þat bere þe crou<i>n</i> of þorne, - </p> - <p class="i4"> - He bry<i>n</i>g v<i>us</i> to his blysse! AMEN. - </p> - </div> - </div> - <hr /> - <p> - NOTES. - </p> - <table border="0"> - <tr> - <td> - Line 8 - </td> - <td> - Ricchis turns, goes,<br /> The - king ...<br /> <i>Ricchis</i> his reynys and the Renke - metys:<br /> Girden to gedur with þere grete speires.—T.B. - l. 1232. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 37 - </td> - <td> - <i> Þis kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse</i>.<br /> - <i>Camalot</i>, in Malory's "Morte Arthure," is said to be the same as - Winchester. Ritson supposes it to be <i>Caer-went</i>, in - Monmouthshire, and afterwards confounded with <i>Caer-wynt</i>, or <i>Winchester</i>. - But popular tradition here seems the best guide, which assigned the - site of Camalot to the ruins of a castle on a hill, near the church of - South Cadbury, in Somersetshire (Sir F. Madden). - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 65 - </td> - <td> - <i> Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte</i>.<br /> - Christmas celebrated anew, mentioned full often.<br /> Sir - F. Madden leaves the word <i>nayted</i> unexplained in his Glossary to - "Syr Gawayne." - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 124 - </td> - <td> - <i>syluener</i> = <i>sylueren</i>, i.e. silver dishes. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 139 - </td> - <td> - <i>lyndes</i> = <i>lendes</i>, loins. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 142 - </td> - <td> - <i>in his muckel</i>, in his greatness. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 184 - </td> - <td> - Watȝ euesed al umbe-torne—? was trimmed, all cut evenly - around; <i>umbe-torne</i> may be an error for <i>vmbe-corue</i> = cut - round. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 216 - </td> - <td> - <i>in gracios werkes</i>. Sir F. Madden reads <i>gracons</i> for <i>gracios</i>, - and suggests <i>Greek</i> as the meaning of it. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 244-5 - </td> - <td> - <i> As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor - loteȝ<br /> in hyȝe</i>.<br /> - As all were fallen asleep so ceased their - words<br /> in haste - (suddenly).<br /> Sir F. Madden reads <i>slaked horloteȝ</i>, - instead of <i>slaked hor loteȝ</i>, which, according to his - glossary, signifies drunken vagabonds. He evidently takes <i>horloteȝ</i> - to be another (and a very uncommon) form of <i>harloteȝ</i> = <i>harlots</i>. - But <i>harlot</i>, or vagabond, would be a very inappropriate term to - apply to the noble <i>Knights of the Round Table</i>. Moreover, <i>slaked</i> - never, I think, means drunken. The general sense of the verb <i>slake</i> - is to let loose, lessen, cease. Cf. lines 411-2, where <i>sloke</i>, - another form of <i>slake</i>, occurs with a similar meaning:<br /> - — <i>layt no fyrre; bot slokes</i>.<br /> - — seek no further, but stop (cease).<br /> - Sir F. Madden suggests <i>blows</i> as the explanation of <i>slokes</i>. - It is, however, a <i>verb</i> in the imperative mood. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 286 - </td> - <td> - <i>Brayn</i>. Mätzner suggests <i>brayn-wod</i>. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 296 - </td> - <td> - <i>barlay</i> = par loi. This word is exceedingly common in the T. - Book (see l. 3391).<br /> I bid you now, - <i>barlay</i>, with besines at all<br /> Þat ye - set you most soverainly my suster to gete.—T.B. l. 2780. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 394 - </td> - <td> - <i>siker</i>. Sir F. Madden reads <i>swer</i>. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 440 - </td> - <td> - <i>bluk</i>. Sir F. Madden suggests <i>blunk</i> (horse). I am - inclined to keep to the reading of the MS., and explain <i>bluk</i> as - = <i>bulk</i> = trunk. Cf. the use of the word <i>Blok</i> in "Early - English Alliterative Poems," p. 100, l. 272. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 558 - </td> - <td> - <i>derue doel</i>, etc. = great grief. Sir F. Madden reads <i>derne</i>, - i.e. secret, instead of <i>derue</i> (= <i>derf</i>). Cf. line 564. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 577 - </td> - <td> - <i>knaged</i>, fastened.<br /> The braunches - were borly, sum of bright gold,<br /> With - leuys full luffly, light of the same;<br /> With - burions aboue bright to beholde;<br /> And - fruit on yt fourmyt of fairest of shap,<br /> Of - mony kynd that was knyt, <i>knagged</i> aboue.—T.B. l. 4973. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 629 - </td> - <td> - <i>& ay quere hit is endeleȝ</i>, - etc.<br /> And everywhere it is <i>endless</i>, - etc.<br /> Sir F. Madden reads <i>emdeleȝ</i>, i.e. with equal - sides. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 652 - </td> - <td> - <i>for-be</i> = <i>for-bi</i> = surpassing, beyond. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 681 - </td> - <td> - for <i>Hadet</i> read <i>Halet</i> = <i>haled</i> = exiled (?). See - line 1049. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 806 - </td> - <td> - <i>auinant</i> = <i>auenaunt</i>, pleasantly. Sir F. Madden reads <i>amnant</i>. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 954 - </td> - <td> - <i>of</i>. Should we not read <i>on</i> (?). - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 957 - </td> - <td> - <i> Þat oþer wyth a gorger watȝ gered ouer - þe swyre</i>.<br /> The <i>gorger</i> or <i>wimple</i> is stated first - to have appeared in Edward the First's reign, and an example is found - on the monument of Aveline, Countess of Lancaster, who died in 1269. - From the poem, however, it would seem that the <i>gorger</i> was - confined to elderly ladies (Sir F. Madden) - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 968 - </td> - <td> - <i>More lykker-wys on to lyk,<br /> Watȝ - þat scho had on lode.</i><br /> A more pleasant - one to like,<br /> Was that (one) she had under - her control. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 988 - </td> - <td> - <i>tayt</i> = lively, and hence pleasant, agreeable. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1015 - </td> - <td> - <i>in vayres</i>, in purity. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1020 - </td> - <td> - <i>dut</i> = <i>dunt</i> (?) = <i>dint</i> (?), referring to <i>sword-sports</i>. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1022 - </td> - <td> - <i>sayn[t] Ioneȝ day</i>. This is the 27th of December, and the - last of the feast. Sometimes the Christmas festivities were prolonged - to New Year's Day (Sir F. Madden). - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1047 - </td> - <td> - <i>derne dede</i> = secret deed. I would prefer to read <i>derue dede</i> - = great deed. Cf. lines 558, 564. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1053 - </td> - <td> - <i>I wot in worlde</i>, etc. = <i>I not</i> (I know not) <i>in worlde</i>, - etc. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1054 - </td> - <td> - <i>I nolde, bot if I hit negh myȝt on nwȝeres - morne,</i><br /> <i>For alle þe londe in-wyth - Logres,</i> etc.<br /> I would not [delay to set out], unless I might - approach it on New Year's morn, for all the lands within England, etc. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1074 - </td> - <td> - <i>in spenne</i> = <i>in space</i> = in the interval = meanwhile. See - line 1503. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1160 - </td> - <td> - <i>slentyng of arwes</i>. Sir F. Madden reads <i>sleutyng</i>.<br /> - "Of drawyn swordis <i>sclentyng</i> to and - fra,<br /> The brycht mettale, and othir - armouris seir,<br /> Quharon the sonnys blenkis - betis cleir,<br /> Glitteris and schane, and - vnder bemys brycht,<br /> Castis ane new - twynklyng or a lemand lycht."<br /> (G. - Douglas' Æneid, Vol. i, p. 421.) - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1281 - </td> - <td> - <i>let lyk</i> = appeared pleased. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1283 - </td> - <td> - <i>Þaȝ I were burde bryȝtest, þe - burde in mynde hade</i>, etc.<br /> The sense requires us to read:<br /> - <i>Þaȝ ho were burde bryȝtest, þe - burne in mynde hade</i>, etc.<br /> i.e., Though she were lady fairest, - the knight in mind had, etc. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1440 - </td> - <td> - <i>Long sythen [seuered] for þe sounder þat wiȝt - for-olde</i><br /> Long since separated from the <i>sounder</i> or herd - that fierce (one) for-aged (grew very old).<br /> "Now - to speke of the boore, the fyrste year he is<br /> A - pygge of the <i>sounder</i> callyd, as haue I blys;<br /> The - secounde yere an hogge, and soo shall he be,<br /> And - an hoggestere, whan he is of yeres thre;<br /> And - when he is foure yere, a boor shall he be,<br /> From - the <i>sounder</i> of the swyne thenne departyth he;<br /> A - synguler is he soo, for alone he woll go."<br /> (Book - of St. Alban's, ed. 1496, sig. <i>d</i>., i.) - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1476 - </td> - <td> - <i>totes</i> = looks, toots.<br /> Sho went up - wightly by a walle syde.<br /> To the toppe of - a toure and <i>tot</i> ouer the water.—T.B. l. 862.<br /> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1623 - </td> - <td> - A verb [? <i>lalede</i> = cried] seems wanting after <i>lorde</i>. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1702 - </td> - <td> - <i>fnasted</i>, breathed.<br /> These balfull - bestes were, as the boke tellus,<br /> Full - flaumond of fyre with <i>fnastyng</i> of logh.—T.B. l. 168. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1710 - </td> - <td> - <i>a strothe rande</i> = a rugged path. Cf. the phrases <i>tene greue</i>, - l. 1707; <i>roȝe greue</i>, l. 1898. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1729 - </td> - <td> - <i>bi lag</i> = <i>be-lagh</i>(?) = below (?). - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1719 - </td> - <td> - <i>Thenne watȝ hit lif vpon list</i>, - etc.<br /> Should we not read:<br /> <i>Thenne - watȝ hit list vpon lif</i>, etc.<br /> i.e., Then was there joy in - life, etc. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1780 - </td> - <td> - <i>lyf</i> = <i>lef</i>(?), beloved (one). - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1869 - </td> - <td> - <i>Ho hatȝ kyst þe knyȝt so toȝt</i>.<br /> - <i>She has kissed the knight so courteous</i>.<br /> Sir F. - Madden explains <i>toȝt</i>, promptly. <i>Toȝt</i> seems to - be the same as the Northumbrian <i>taght</i> in the following extract - from the "Morte Arthure":<br /> "There come in - at the fyrste course, before the kyng seluene,<br /> Bare - hevedys that ware bryghte, burnyste with sylver,<br /> Alle - with <i>taghte</i> mene and <i>towne</i> in togers fulle ryche."—(p. 15.)<br /> - The word <i>towne</i> (well-behaved) still exists in <i>wan-ton</i>, - the original meaning of which was ill-mannered, ill-bred. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1909 - </td> - <td> - <i>bray houndeȝ</i> = <i>braþ houndeȝ</i>, i.e. fierce - hounds. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 1995 - </td> - <td> - <i>He hatȝ nere þat he soȝt</i> = <i>He watȝ nere þat - he soȝt</i> = He was near to that which he sought. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 2160 - </td> - <td> - <i>gedereȝ þe rake</i> = takes the path or way. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 2167 - </td> - <td> - <i>Þe skweȝ of þe scowtes skayued hym þoȝt</i>.<br /> - The shadows of the hills appeared wild (desolate) to him. Sir F. - Madden reads <i>skayned</i>, of which he gives no explanation. <i>Skayued</i> - = <i>skayfed</i>, seems to be the N. Prov. English <i>scafe</i>, wild. - Scotch <i>schaivie</i>, wild, mad. O.N. <i>skeifr</i>. Sw. <i>skef</i>, - awry, distorted. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 2204 - </td> - <td> - <i>ronge</i> = clattered. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 2211 - </td> - <td> - <i>Drede dotȝ me no lote</i> =<br /> - No noise shall cause me to dread (fear). - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 2357 - </td> - <td> - <i>& þer-for þat tappe ta þe</i>.<br /> - And therefore take thee that tap.<br /> <i>ta - þe</i> = take thee. Sir F. Madden reads <i>taþe = taketh</i>. See l. 413, - where <i>to þe</i> rhymes with <i>sothe</i>. We have no imperatives in - <i>th</i> in this poem. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 2401 - </td> - <td> - <i>We schyn reuel</i>, etc. Sir F. Madden reads <i>wasch yn reuel</i>. - But <i>schyn</i> = shall. See Glossary to "Alliterative Poems." - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 2474 - </td> - <td> - <i>on-coolde</i> = <i>on-colde</i> = <i>coldly</i> = sorrowfully. - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - 2489 - </td> - <td> - <i>in-sounde = soundly</i>, well. Cf. <i>in-blande</i> = together; <i>in-lyche</i>, - alike; <i>inmyddeȝ</i>, amidst. - </td> - </tr> - </table> - -<div style='display:block;margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SIR GAWAYNE AND THE GREEN KNIGHT ***</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This file should be named 14568-h.htm or 14568-h.zip</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in https://www.gutenberg.org/1/4/5/6/14568/</div> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Sir Gawayne and the Green Knight - An Alliterative Romance-Poem (c. 1360 A.D.) - -Author: Anonymous - -Release Date: January 3, 2005 [EBook #14568] - -Language: English, Middle (1100-1500) - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SIR GAWAYNE AND THE GREEN KNIGHT *** - - - - -Produced by Ted Garvin, Keith Edkins and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team - - - - - - -Sir Gawayne - -and - -The Green Knight: - - -AN ALLITERATIVE ROMANCE-POEM, -(AB. 1360 A.D.) - - -BY THE AUTHOR OF -"EARLY ENGLISH ALLITERATIVE POEMS." - - -RE-EDITED FROM COTTON. MS. NERO, A.x., IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM, -BY -RICHARD MORRIS, -EDITOR OF HAMPOLE'S "PRICKE OF CONSCIENCE," -"EARLY ENGLISH ALLITERATIVE POEMS," ETC.; -MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL OF THE PHILOLOGICAL SOCIETY. - - -SECOND EDITION, REVISED, 1869. - -LONDON -MDCCCLXIV. - -JOHN CHILDS AND SON, PRINTERS. - - - * * * * * - -PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. - -In re-editing the present romance-poem I have been saved all labour of -transcription by using the very accurate text contained in Sir F. Madden's -"Syr Gawayne." - -I have not only read his copy with the manuscript, but also the -proof-sheets as they came to hand, hoping by this means to give the reader -a text free from any errors of transcription. - -The present edition differs from that of the earlier one in having the -contractions of the manuscript expanded and side-notes added to the text to -enable the reader to follow with some degree of ease the author's pleasant -narrative of Sir Gawayne's adventures. - -The Glossary is taken from Sir F. Madden's "Syr Gawayne,"[1] to which, for -the better interpretation of the text, I have made several additions, and -have, moreover, glossed nearly all the words previously left unexplained. - -For a description of the Manuscript, and particulars relating to the -authorship and dialect of the present work, the reader is referred to the -preface to Early English Alliterative Poems. - -R.M. - - LONDON, - December 22, 1864. - - [Footnote 1: Sir F. Madden has most generously placed at the disposal of - the Early English Text Society any of his works which it may determine to - re-edit.] - - * * * * * - -INTRODUCTION. - -No Knight of the Round Table has been so highly honoured by the old -Romance-writers as Sir Gawayne, the son of Loth, and nephew to the renowned -Arthur. They delighted to describe him as Gawayne the good, a man matchless -on mould, the most gracious that under God lived, the hardiest of hand, the -most fortunate in arms, and the most polite in hall, whose knowledge, -knighthood, kindly works, doings, doughtiness, and deeds of arms were known -in all lands. - -When Arthur beheld the dead body of his kinsman lying on the ground bathed -in blood, he is said to have exclaimed, "O righteous God, this blood were -worthy to be preserved and enshrined in gold!" Our author, too, loves to -speak of his hero in similar terms of praise, calling him the knight -faultless in his five wits, void of every offence, and adorned with every -earthly virtue. He represents him as one whose trust was in the five -wounds, and in whom the five virtues which distinguished the true knight -were more firmly established than in any other on earth. - -The author of the present story, who, as we know from his religious poems, -had an utter horror of moral impurity, could have chosen no better subject -for a romance in which amusement and moral instruction were to be combined. -In the following tale he shows how the true knight, though tempted sorely -not once alone, but twice, nay thrice, breaks not his vow of chastity, but -turns aside the tempter's shafts with the shield of purity and arm of -faith, and so passes scatheless through the perilous defile of trial and -opportunity seeming safe. - -But while our author has borrowed many of the details of his story from the -"Roman de Perceval" by Chrestien de Troyes, he has made the narrative more -attractive by the introduction of several original and highly interesting -passages which throw light on the manners and amusements of our ancestors. - -The following elaborate descriptions are well deserving of especial -notice:-- - - I. The mode of completely arming a knight (ll. 568-589). - - II. The hunting and breaking the deer (ll. 1126-1359). - - III. The hunting and unlacing the wild boar (ll. 1412-1614). - - IV. A fox hunt (ll. 1675-1921). - -The following is an outline of the story of Gawayne's adventures, more or -less in the words of the writer himself:-- - - Arthur, the greatest of Britain's kings, holds the Christmas festival - at Camelot, surrounded by the celebrated knights of the Round Table, - noble lords, the most renowned under heaven, and ladies the loveliest - that ever had life (ll. 37-57). This noble company celebrate the New - Year by a religious service, by the bestowal of gifts, and the most - joyous mirth. Lords and ladies take their seats at the table--Queen - Guenever, the grey-eyed, gaily dressed, sits at the das, the high - table, or table of state, where too sat Gawayne and Ywain together with - other worthies of the Round Table (ll. 58-84, 107-115). Arthur, in mood - as joyful as a child, his blood young and his brain wild, declares that - he will not eat nor sit long at the table until some adventurous thing, - some uncouth tale, some great marvel, or some encounter of arms has - occurred to mark the return of the New Year (ll. 85-106). - - The first course was announced with cracking of trumpets, with the - noise of nakers and noble pipes. - - "Each two had dishes twelve, - Good beer and bright wine both." - - Scarcely was the first course served when another noise than that of - music was heard. There rushes in at the hall-door a knight of gigantic - stature--the greatest on earth--in measure high. He was clothed - entirely in green, and rode upon a green foal (ll. 116-178). Fair wavy - hair fell about the shoulders of the Green Knight, and a great beard - like a bush hung upon his breast (ll. 179-202). - - The knight carried no helmet, shield, or spear, but in one hand a holly - bough, and in the other an axe "huge and unmeet," the edge of which was - as keen as a sharp razor (ll. 203-220). Thus arrayed, the Green Knight - enters the hall without saluting any one. The first word that he - uttered was, "Where is the govenour of this gang? gladly would I see - him and with himself speak reason." To the knights he cast his eye, - looking for the most renowned. Much did the noble assembly marvel to - see a man and a horse of such a hue, green as the grass. Even greener - they seemed than green enamel on bright gold. Many marvels had they - seen, but none such as this. They were afraid to answer, but sat - stone-still in a dead silence, as if overpowered by sleep; - - "Not all from fear, but some for courtesy" (ll. 221-249). - - Then Arthur before the high das salutes the Green Knight, bids him - welcome, and entreats him to stay awhile at his Court. The knight says - that his errand is not to abide in any dwelling, but to seek the most - valiant of the heroes of the Round Table that he may put his courage to - the proof, and thus satisfy himself as to the fame of Arthur's court. - "I come," he says, "in peace, as ye may see by this branch that I bear - here. Had I come with hostile intentions, I should not have left my - hauberk, helmet, shield, sharp spear, and other weapons behind me. But - because I desire no war, 'my weeds are softer.' If thou be so bold as - all men say, thou wilt grant me the request I am about to make." "Sir - courteous knight," replies Arthur, "if thou cravest battle only, here - failest thou not to fight." "Nay," says the Green Knight, "I seek no - fighting. Here about on this bench are only beardless children. Were I - arrayed in arms on a high steed no man here would be a match for me - (ll. 250-282). But it is now Christmas time, and this is the New Year, - and I see around me many brave ones;--if any be so bold in his blood - that dare strike a stroke for another, I shall give him this rich axe - to do with it whatever he pleases. I shall abide the first blow just as - I sit, and will stand him a stroke, stiff on this floor, provided that - I deal him another in return. - - And yet give I him respite, - A twelvemonth and a day; - Now haste and let see tite (soon) - Dare any here-in ought say.'" - - If he astounded them at first, much more so did he after this speech, - and fear held them all silent. The knight, righting himself in his - saddle, rolls fiercely his red eyes about, bends his bristly green - brows, and strokes his beard awaiting a reply. But finding none that - would carp with him, he exclaims, "What! is this Arthur's house, the - fame of which has spread through so many realms? Forsooth, the renown - of the Round Table is overturned by the word of one man's speech, for - all tremble for dread without a blow being struck!" (ll. 283-313). With - this he laughed so loud that Arthur blushed for very shame, and waxed - as wroth as the wind. "I know no man," he says, "that is aghast at thy - great words. Give me now thy axe and I will grant thee thy request!" - Arthur seizes the axe, grasps the handle, and sternly brandishes it - about, while the Green Knight, with a stern cheer and a dry - countenance, stroking his beard and drawing down his coat, awaits the - blow (ll. 314-335). Sir Gawayne, the nephew of the king, beseeches his - uncle to let him undertake the encounter; and, at the earnest entreaty - of his nobles, Arthur consents "to give Gawayne the game" (ll. - 336-365). - - Sir Gawayne then takes possession of the axe, but, before the blow is - dealt, the Green Knight asks the name of his opponent. "In good faith," - answers the good knight, "Gawayne I am called, that bids thee to this - buffet, whatever may befall after, and at this time twelvemonth will - take from thee another, with whatever weapon thou wilt, and with no - wight else alive." "By Gog," quoth the Green Knight, "it pleases me - well that I shall receive at thy fist that which I have sought - here--moreover thou hast truly rehearsed the terms of the - covenant,--but thou shalt first pledge me thy word that thou wilt seek - me thyself, wheresoever on earth thou believest I may be found, and - fetch thee such wages as thou dealest me to-day before this company of - doughty ones." "Where should I seek thee?" replies Gawayne, "where is - thy place? I know not thee, thy court, or thy name. I wot not where - thou dwellest, but teach me thereto, tell me how thou art called, and I - shall endeavour to find thee,--and that I swear thee for truth and by - my sure troth." "That is enough in New Year," says the groom in green, - "if I tell thee when I have received the tap. When thou hast smitten - me, then smartly I will teach thee of my house, my home, and my own - name, so that thou mayest follow my track and fulfil the covenant - between us. If I spend no speech, then speedest thou the better, for - then mayest thou remain in thy own land and seek no further; but cease - thy talking[1] (ll. 366-412). Take now thy grim tool to thee and let us - see how thou knockest." "Gladly, sir, for sooth," quoth Gawayne, and - his axe he brandishes. - - [Footnote 1: This, I think, is the true explanation of slokes.] - - The Green Knight adjusts himself on the ground, bends slightly his - head, lays his long lovely locks over his crown, and lays bare his neck - for the blow. Gawayne then gripped the axe, and, raising it on high, - let it fall quickly upon the knight's neck and severed the head from - the body. The fair head fell from the neck to the earth, and many - turned it aside with their feet as it rolled forth. The blood burst - from the body, yet the knight never faltered nor fell; but boldly he - started forth on stiff shanks and fiercely rushed forward, seized his - head, and lifted it up quickly. Then he runs to his horse, the bridle - he catches, steps into his stirrups and strides aloft. His head by the - hair he holds in his hands, and sits as firmly in his saddle as if no - mishap had ailed him, though headless he was (ll. 413-439). He turned - his ugly trunk about--that ugly body that bled,--and holding the head - in his hand, he directed the face toward the "dearest on the dais." The - head lifted up its eyelids and looked abroad, and thus much spoke with - its mouth as ye may now hear: - - "Loke, Gawayne, thou be prompt to go as thou hast promised, and seek - till thou find me according to thy promise made in the hearing of these - knights. Get thee to the Green Chapel, I charge thee, to fetch such a - dint as thou hast dealt, to be returned on New Year's morn. As the - Knight of the Green Chapel I am known to many, wherefore if thou - seekest thou canst not fail to find me. Therefore come, or recreant be - called." With a fierce start the reins he turns, rushes out of the - hall-door, his head in his hand, so that the fire of the flint flew - from the hoofs of his foal. To what kingdom he belonged knew none - there, nor knew they from whence he had come. What then? - - "The king and Gawayne there - At that green (one) they laugh and grin." - - Though Arthur wondered much at the marvel, he let no one see that he - was at all troubled about it, but full loudly thus spake to his comely - queen with courteous speech: - - "Dear dame, to-day be never dismayed, well happens such craft at - Christmas time. I may now proceed to meat, for I cannot deny that I - have witnessed a wondrous adventure this day" (ll. 440-475). - - He looked upon Sir Gawayne and said, "Now, sir, hang up thine axe, for - enough has it hewn." So the weapon was hung up on high that all might - look upon it, and "by true title thereof tell the wonder." Then all the - knights hastened to their seats at the table, so did the king and our - good knight, and they were there served with all dainties, "with all - manner of meat and minstrelsy." - - Though words were wanting when they first to seat went, now are their - hands full of stern work, and the marvel affords them good subject for - conversation. But a year passes full quickly and never returns,--the - beginning is seldom like the end; wherefore this Christmas passed away - and the year after, and each season in turn followed after another (ll. - 476-520). Thus winter winds round again, and then Gawayne thinks of his - wearisome journey (ll. 521-535). On All-hallows day Arthur entertains - right nobly the lords and ladies of his court in honour of his nephew, - for whom all courteous knights and lovely ladies were in great grief. - Nevertheless they spoke only of mirth, and, though joyless themselves, - made many a joke to cheer the good Sir Gawayne (ll. 536-565). Early on - the morrow Sir Gawayne, with great ceremony, is arrayed in his armour - (ll. 566-589), and thus completely equipped for his adventure he first - hears mass, and afterwards takes leave of Arthur, the knights of the - Round Table, and the lords and ladies of the court, who kiss him and - commend him to Christ. He bids them all good day, as he thought, for - evermore (ll. 590-669); - - "Very much was the warm water that poured from eyes that day." - - Now rides our knight through the realms of England with no companion - but his foal, and no one to hold converse with save God alone. From - Camelot, in Somersetshire, he proceeds through Gloucestershire and the - adjoining counties into Montgomeryshire, and thence through North Wales - to Holyhead, adjoining the Isle of Anglesea (ll. 670-700), from which - he passes into the very narrow peninsula of Wirral, in Cheshire, where - dwelt but few that loved God or man. Gawayne enquires after the Green - Knight of the Green Chapel, but all the inhabitants declare that they - have never seen "any man of such hues of green." - - The knight thence pursues his journey by strange paths, over hill and - moor, encountering on his way not only serpents, wolves, bulls, bears, - and boars, but wood satyrs and giants. But worse than all those, - however, was the sharp winter, "when the cold clear water shed from the - clouds, and froze ere it might fall to the earth. Nearly slain with the - sleet he slept in his armour, more nights than enough, in naked rocks" - (ll. 701-729). - - Thus in peril and plight the knight travels on until Christmas-eve, and - to Mary he makes his moan that she may direct him to some abode. On the - morn he arrives at an immense forest, wondrously wild, surrounded by - high hills on every side, where he found hoary oaks full huge, a - hundred together. The hazel and the hawthorn intermingled were all - overgrown with moss, and upon their boughs sat many sad birds that - piteously piped for pain of the cold. Gawayne besought the Lord and - Mary to guide him to some habitation where he might hear mass (ll. - 730-762). Scarcely had he crossed himself thrice, when he perceived a - dwelling in the wood set upon a hill. It was the loveliest castle he - had ever beheld. It was pitched on a prairie, with a park all about it, - enclosing many a tree for more than two miles. It shone as the sun - through the bright oaks (ll. 763-772). - - Gawayne urges on his steed Gringolet, and finds himself at the "chief - gate." He called aloud, and soon there appeared a "porter" on the wall, - who demanded his errand. - - "Good sir," quoth Gawayne, "wouldst thou go to the high lord of this - house, and crave a lodging for me?" - - "Yea, by Peter!" replied the porter, "well I know that thou art welcome - to dwell here as long as thou likest." - - The drawbridge is soon let down, and the gates opened wide to receive - the knight. Many noble ones hasten to bid him welcome (ll. 773-825). - They take away his helmet, sword, and shield, and many a proud one - presses forward to do him honour. They bring him into the hall, where a - fire was brightly burning upon the hearth. Then the lord of the land[1] - comes from his chamber and welcomes Sir Gawayne, telling him that he is - to consider the place as his own. Our knight is next conducted to a - bright bower, where was noble bedding--curtains of pure silk, with - golden hems, and Tarsic tapestries upon the walls and the floors (ll. - 826-859). Here the knight doffed his armour and put on rich robes, - which so well became him, that all declared that a more comely knight - Christ had never made (ll. 860-883). - - [Footnote 1: Gawayne is now in the castle of the Green Knight, who, - divested of his elvish or supernatural character, appears to our - knight merely as a bold one with a beaver-hued beard.] - - A table is soon raised, and Gawayne, having washed, proceeds to meat. - Many dishes are set before him--"sews" of various kinds, fish of all - kinds, some baked in bread, others broiled on the embers, some boiled, - and others seasoned with spices. The knight expresses himself well - pleased, and calls it a most noble and princely feast. - - After dinner, in reply to numerous questions, he tells his host that he - is Gawayne, one of the Knights of the Round Table. When this was made - known great was the joy in the hall. Each one said softly to his - companion, "Now we shall see courteous behaviour and learn the terms of - noble discourse, since we have amongst us 'that fine father of - nurture.' Truly God has highly favoured us in sending us such a noble - guest as Sir Gawayne" (ll. 884-927). At the end of the Christmas - festival Gawayne desires to take his departure from the castle, but his - host persuades him to stay, promising to direct him to the Green Chapel - (about two miles from the castle), that he may be there by the - appointed time (ll. 1029-1082). - - A covenant is made between them, the terms of which were that the lord - of the castle should go out early to the chase, that Gawayne meanwhile - should lie in his loft at his ease, then rise at his usual hour, and - afterwards sit at table with his hostess, and that at the end of the - day they should make an exchange of whatever they might obtain in the - interim. "Whatever I win in the wood," says the lord, "shall be yours, - and what thou gettest shall be mine" (ll. 1083-1125). - - Full early before daybreak the folk uprise, saddle their horses, and - truss their mails. The noble lord of the land, arrayed for riding, eats - hastily a sop, and having heard mass, proceeds with a hundred hunters - to hunt the wild deer (ll. 1126-1177). - - All this time Gawayne lies in his gay bed. His nap is disturbed by a - little noise at the door, which is softly opened. He heaves up his head - out of the clothes, and, peeping through the curtains, beholds a most - lovely lady (the wife of his host). She came towards the bed, and the - knight laid himself down quickly, pretending to be asleep. The lady - stole to the bed, cast up the curtains, crept within, sat her softly on - the bed-side, and waited some time till the knight should awake. After - lurking awhile under the clothes considering what it all meant, Gawayne - unlocked his eyelids, and put on a look of surprise, at the same time - making the sign of the cross, as if afraid of some hidden danger (ll. - 1178-1207). "Good morrow, sir," said that fair lady, "ye are a careless - sleeper to let one enter thus. I shall bind you in your bed, of that be - ye sure." "Good morrow," quoth Gawayne, "I shall act according to your - will with great pleasure, but permit me to rise that I may the more - comfortably converse with you." "Nay, beau sir," said that sweet one, - "ye shall not rise from your bed, for since I have caught my knight I - shall hold talk with him. I ween well that ye are Sir Gawayne that all - the world worships, whose honour and courtesy are so greatly praised. - Now ye are here, and we are alone (my lord and his men being afar off, - other men, too, are in bed, so are my maidens), and the door is safely - closed, I shall use my time well while it lasts. Ye are welcome to my - person to do with it as ye please, and I will be your servant" (ll. - 1208-1240). - - Gawayne behaves most discreetly, for the remembrance of his forthcoming - adventure at the Green Chapel prevents him from thinking of love (ll. - 1205-1289). At last the lady takes leave of the knight by catching him - in her arms and kissing him (ll. 1290-1307). The day passes away - merrily, and at dusk the Lord of the castle returns from the chase. He - presents the venison to Gawayne according to the previous covenant - between them. Our knight gives his host a kiss as the only piece of - good fortune that had fallen to him during the day. "It is good," says - the other, "and would be much better if ye would tell me where ye won - such bliss" (ll. 1308-1394). "That was not in our covenant," replies - Gawayne, "so try me no more." After much laughing on both sides they - proceed to supper, and afterwards, while the choice wine is being - carried round, Gawayne and his host renew their agreement. Late at - night they take leave of each other and hasten to their beds. "By the - time that the cock had crowed and cackled thrice" the lord was up, and - after "meat and mass" were over the hunters make for the woods, where - they give chase to a wild boar who had grown old and mischievous (ll. - 1395-1467). - - While the sportsmen are hunting this "wild swine" our lovely knight - lies in his bed. He is not forgotten by the lady, who pays him an early - visit, seeking to make further trial of his virtues. She sits softly by - his side and tells him that he has forgotten what she taught him the - day before (ll. 1468-1486). "I taught you of kissing," says she; "that - becomes every courteous knight." Gawayne says that he must not take - that which is forbidden him. The lady replies that he is strong enough - to enforce his own wishes. Our knight answers that every gift not given - with a good will is worthless. His fair visitor then enquires how it is - that he who is so skilled in the true sport of love and so renowned a - knight, has never talked to her of love (ll. 1487-1524). "You ought," - she says, "to show and teach a young thing like me some tokens of - true-love's crafts; I come hither and sit here alone to learn of you - some game; do teach me of your wit while my lord is from home." Gawayne - replies that he cannot undertake the task of expounding true-love and - tales of arms to one who has far more wisdom than he possesses. Thus - did our knight avoid all appearance of evil, though sorely pressed to - do what was wrong (ll. 1525-1552). The lady, having bestowed two kisses - upon Sir Gawayne, takes her leave of him (ll. 1553-1557). - - At the end of the day the lord of the castle returns home with the - shields and head of the wild boar. He shows them to his guest, who - declares that "such a brawn of a beast, nor such sides of a swine," he - never before has seen. Gawayne takes possession of the spoil according - to covenant, and in return he bestows two kisses upon his host, who - declares that his guest has indeed been rich with "such chaffer" (ll. - 1558-1647). - - After much persuasion, Gawayne consents to stop at the castle another - day (ll. 1648-1685). Early on the morrow the lord and his men hasten to - the woods, and come upon the track of a fox, the hunting of which - affords them plenty of employment and sport (ll. 1686-1730). Meanwhile - our good knight sleeps soundly within his comely curtains. He is again - visited by the lady of the castle. So gaily was she attired, and so - "faultless of her features," that great joy warmed the heart of Sir - Gawayne. With soft and pleasant smiles "they smite into mirth," and are - soon engaged in conversation. Had not Mary thought of her knight, he - would have been in great peril (ll. 1731-1769). So sorely does the fair - one press him with her love, that he fears lest he should become a - traitor to his host. The lady enquires whether he has a mistress to - whom he has plighted his troth. The knight swears by St John that he - neither has nor desires one. This answer causes the dame to sigh for - sorrow, and telling him that she must depart, she asks for some gift, - if it were only a glove, by which she might "think on the knight and - lessen her grief" (ll. 1770-1800). Gawayne assures her that he has - nothing worthy of her acceptance; that he is on an "uncouth errand," - and therefore has "no men with no mails containing precious things," - for which he is truly sorry. - - Quoth that lovesome (one)-- - - "Though I had nought of yours, - Yet should ye have of mine. - - Thus saying, she offers him a rich ring of red gold "with a shining - stone standing aloft," that shone like the beams of the bright sun. The - knight refused the gift, as he had nothing to give in return. "Since ye - refuse my ring," says the lady, "because it seems too rich, and ye - would not be beholden to me, I shall give you my girdle that is less - valuable" (ll. 1801-1835). But Gawayne replies that he will not accept - gold or reward of any kind, though "ever in hot and in cold" he will be - her true servant. - - "Do ye refuse it," asks the lady, "because it seems simple and of - little value? Whoso knew the virtues that are knit therein would - estimate it more highly. For he who is girded with this green lace - cannot be wounded or slain by any man under heaven." The knight thinks - awhile, and it strikes him that this would be a "jewel for the - jeopardy" that he had to undergo at the Green Chapel. So he not only - accepts the lace, but promises to keep the possession of it a secret - (ll. 1836-1865). By that time the lady had kissed him thrice, and she - then takes "her leave and leaves him there." - - Gawayne rises, dresses himself in noble array, and conceals the "love - lace" where he might find it again. He then hies to mass, shrives him - of his misdeeds, and obtains absolution. On his return to the hall he - solaces the ladies with comely carols and all kinds of joy (ll. - 1866-1892). The dark night came, and then the lord of the castle, - having slain the fox, returns to his "dear home," where he finds a fire - brightly turning and his guest amusing the ladies (ll. 1893-1927). - Gawayne, in fulfilment of his agreement, kisses his host thrice.[1] "By - Christ," quoth the other knight, "ye have caught much bliss. I have - hunted all this day and nought have I got but the skin of this foul fox - (the devil have the goods!), and that is full poor for to pay for such - precious things" (ll. 1928-1951). - - After the usual evening's entertainment, Gawayne retires to rest. The - next morning, being New Year's day, is cold and stormy. Snow falls, and - the dales are full of drift. Our knight in his bed locks his eyelids, - but full little he sleeps. By each cock that crows he knows the hour, - and before day-break he calls for his chamberlain, who quickly brings - him his armour (ll. 1952-2014). While Gawayne clothed himself in his - rich weeds he forgot not the "lace, the lady's gift," but with it - doubly girded his loins. He wore it not for its rich ornaments, "but to - save himself when it behoved him to suffer," and as a safeguard against - sword or knife (ll. 2015-2046). - - Having thanked his host and all the renowned assembly for the great - kindness he had experienced at their hands, "he steps into stirrups and - strides aloft" (ll. 2047-2068). - - The drawbridge is let down, and the broad gates unbarred and borne open - upon both sides, and the knight, after commending the castle to Christ, - passes thereout and goes on his way accompanied by his guide, that - should teach him to turn to that place where he should receive the - much-dreaded blow. They climb over cliffs, where each hill had a hat - and a mist-cloak, until the next morn, when they find themselves on a - full high hill covered with snow. The servant bids his master remain - awhile, saying, "I have brought you hither at this time, and now ye are - not far from that noted place that ye have so often enquired after. The - place that ye press to is esteemed full perilous, and there dwells a - man in that waste the worst upon earth, for he is stiff and stern and - loves to strike, and greater is he than any man upon middle-earth, and - his body is bigger than the best four in Arthur's house. He keeps the - Green Chapel; there passes none by that place, however proud in arms, - that he does not 'ding him to death with dint of his hand.' He is a man - immoderate and 'no mercy uses,' for be it churl or chaplain that by the - chapel rides, monk or mass-priest, or any man else, it is as pleasant - to him to kill them as to go alive himself. Wherefore I tell thee - truly, 'come ye there, ye be killed, though ye had twenty lives to - spend. He has dwelt there long of yore, and on field much sorrow has - wrought. Against his sore dints ye may not defend you' (ll. 2069-2117). - Therefore, good Sir Gawayne, let the man alone, and for God's sake go - by some other path, and then I shall hie me home again. I swear to you - by - - [Footnote 1: He only in part keeps to his covenant, as he holds back - the love-lace.] - - God and all His saints that I will never say that ever ye attempted to - flee from any man." - - Gawayne thanks his guide for his well-meant kindness, but declares that - to the Green Chapel he will go, though the owner thereof be "a stern - knave," for God can devise means to save his servants. - - "Mary!" quoth the other, "since it pleases thee to lose thy life I will - not hinder thee. Have thy helmet on thy head, thy spear in thy hand, - and ride down this path by yon rock-side, till thou be brought to the - bottom of the valley. Then look a little on the plain, on thy left - hand, and thou shalt see in that slade the chapel itself, and the burly - knight that guards it (ll. 2118-2148). Now, farewell Gawayne the noble! - for all the gold upon ground I would not go with thee nor bear thee - fellowship through this wood 'on foot farther.'" Thus having spoken, he - gallops away and leaves the knight alone. - - Gawayne now pursues his journey, rides through the dale, and looks - about. He sees no signs of a resting-place, but only high and steep - banks, and the very shadows of the high woods seemed wild and - distorted. No chapel, however, could he discover. After a while he sees - a round hill by the side of a stream; thither he goes, alights, and - fastens his horse to the branch of a tree. He walks about the hill, - debating with himself what it might be. It had a hole in the one end - and on each side, and everywhere overgrown with grass, but whether it - was only an old cave or a crevice of an old crag he could not tell (ll. - 2149-2188). - - "Now, indeed," quoth Gawayne, "a desert is here; this oratory is ugly - with herbs overgrown. It is a fitting place for the man in green to - 'deal here his devotions after the devil's manner.' Now I feel it is - the fiend (the devil) in my five wits that has covenanted with me that - he may destroy me. This is a chapel of misfortune--evil betide it! It - is the most cursed kirk that ever I came in." With his helmet on his - head, and spear in his hand, he roams up to the rock, and then he hears - from that high hill beyond the brook a wondrous wild noise. Lo! it - clattered in the cliff as if one upon a grindstone were grinding a - scythe. It whirred like the water at a mill, and rushed and re-echoed, - terrible to hear. "Though my life I forgo," says Gawayne, "no noise - shall cause me to fear." - - Then he cried aloud, "Who dwells in this place, discourse with me to - hold? For now is good Gawayne going right here if any brave wight will - hie him hither, either now or never" (ll. 2189-2216). - - "Abide," quoth one on the bank above, over his head, "and thou shalt - have all in haste that I promised thee once." - - Soon there comes out of a hole in the crag, with a fell weapon a Danish - axe quite new, the "man in the green," clothed as at first as his legs, - locks and beard. But now he is on foot and walks on the earth. When he - reaches the stream, he hops over and boldly strides about. He meets Sir - Gawayne, who tells him that he is quite ready to fulfil his part of the - compact. "Gawayne," quoth that 'green gome' (man), "may God preserve - thee! Truly thou art welcome to my place, 'and thou hast timed thy - travel' as a true man should. Thou knowest the covenants made between - us, at this time twelve-month, that on New Year's day I should return - thee thy blow. We are now in this valley by ourselves, and can do as we - please (ll. 2217-2246). Have, therefore, thy helmet off thy head, and - 'have here thy pay.' Let us have no more talk than when thou didst - strike off my head with a single blow." - - "Nay, by God!" quoth Gawayne, "I shall not begrudge thee thy will for - any harm that may happen, but will stand still while thou strikest." - - Then he stoops a little and shows his bare neck, unmoved by any fear. - The Green Knight takes up his "grim tool," and with all his force - raises it aloft, as if he meant utterly to destroy him. As the axe came - gliding down Gawayne "shrank a little with the shoulders from the sharp - iron." The other withheld his weapon, and then reproved the prince with - many proud words. "Thou art not Gawayne that is so good esteemed, that - never feared for no host by hill nor by vale, for now thou fleest for - fear before thou feelest harm (ll. 2247-2272). Such cowardice of that - knight did I never hear. I never flinched nor fled when thou didst aim - at me in King Arthur's house. My head flew to my feet and yet I never - fled, wherefore I deserve to be called the better man." - - Quoth Gawayne, "I shunted once, but will do so no more, though my head - fall on the stones. But hasten and bring me to the point; deal me my - destiny, and do it out of hand, for I shall stand thee a stroke and - start no more until thine axe has hit me--have here my troth." "Have at - thee, then," said the other, and heaves the axe aloft, and looks as - savagely as if he were mad. He aims at the other mightily, but - withholds his hand ere it might hurt. Gawayne readily abides the blow - without flinching with any member, and stood still as a stone or a tree - fixed in rocky ground with a hundred roots. - - Then merrily the other did speak, "Since now thou hast thy heart whole - it behoves me to strike, so take care of thy neck." Gawayne answers - with great wroth, "Thrash on, thou fierce man, thou threatenest too - long; I believe thy own heart fails thee." - - "Forsooth," quoth the other, "since thou speakest so boldly, I will no - longer delay" (ll. 2273-2304). Then, contracting "both lips and brow," - he made ready to strike, and let fall his axe on the bare neck of Sir - Gawayne. "Though he hammered" fiercely, he only "severed the hide," - causing the blood to flow. When Gawayne saw his blood on the snow, he - quickly seized his helmet and placed it on his head. Then he drew out - his bright sword, and thus angrily spoke: "Cease, man, of thy blow, bid - me no more. I have received a stroke in this place without opposition, - but if thou givest me any more readily shall I requite thee, of that be - thou sure. Our covenant stipulates one stroke, and therefore now - cease." - - The Green Knight, resting on his axe, looks on Sir Gawayne, as bold and - fearless he there stood, and then with a loud voice thus addresses the - knight: "Bold knight, be not so wroth, no man here has wronged thee - (ll. 2305-2339); I promised thee a stroke, and thou hast it, so hold - thee well pleased. I could have dealt much worse with thee, and caused - thee much sorrow. Two blows I aimed at thee, for twice thou kissedst my - fair wife; but I struck thee not, because thou restoredst them to me - according to agreement. At the third time thou failedst, and therefore - I have given thee that tap. That woven girdle, given thee by my own - wife, belongs to me. I know well thy kisses, thy conduct also, and the - wooing of my wife, for I wrought it myself. I sent her to try thee, and - truly methinks thou art the most faultless man that ever on foot went. - Still, sir, thou wert wanting in good faith; but as it proceeded from - no immorality, thou being only desirous of saving thy life, the less I - blame thee." - - Gawayne stood confounded, the blood rushed into his face, and he shrank - within himself for very shame. "Cursed," he cried, "be cowardice and - covetousness both; in you are villany and vice, that virtue destroy." - Then he takes off the girdle and throws it to the knight in green, - cursing his cowardice and covetousness. The Green Knight, laughing, - thus spoke: "Thou hast confessed so clean, and acknowledged thy faults, - that I hold thee as pure as thou hadst never forfeited since thou wast - first born. I give thee, sir, the gold-hemmed girdle as a token of thy - adventure at the Green Chapel. Come now to my castle, and we shall - enjoy together the festivities of the New Year" (ll. 2340-2406). - - "Nay, forsooth," quoth the knight, "but for your kindness may God - requite you. Commend me to that courteous one your comely wife, who - with her crafts has beguiled me. But it is no uncommon thing for a man - to come to sorrow through women's wiles; for so was Adam beguiled with - one, and Solomon with many. Samson was destroyed by Delilah, and David - suffered much through Bathsheba. 'It were indeed great bliss for a - man to love them well and believe them not.' Since the greatest - upon earth were so beguiled, methinks I should be excused. But God - reward you for your girdle, which I will ever wear in remembrance of my - fault, and when pride shall exalt me, a look to this love-lace shall - lessen it (ll. 2407-2438). But since ye are the lord of yonder land, - from whom I have received so much honour, tell me truly your right - name, and I shall ask no more questions." - - Quoth the other, "I am called Bernlak de Hautdesert, through might of - Morgain la Fay, who dwells in my house. Much has she learnt of Merlin, - who knows all your knights at home. She brought me to your hall for to - essay the prowess of the Round Table. She wrought this wonder to - bereave you of your wits, hoping to have grieved Guenever and - affrighted her to death by means of the man that spoke with his head in - his hand before the high table. She is even thine aunt, Arthur's half - sister; wherefore come to thine aunt, for all my household love thee." - - Gawayne refuses to accompany the Green Knight, and so, with many - embraces and kind wishes, they separate--the one to his castle, the - other to Arthur's court. - - After passing through many wild ways, our knight recovers from the - wound in his neck, and at last comes safe and sound to the court of - King Arthur. Great then was the joy of all; the king and queen kiss - their brave knight, and make many enquiries about his journey. He tells - them of his adventures, hiding nothing--"the chance of the chapel, the - cheer of the knight, the love of the lady, and lastly of the lace." - Groaning for grief and shame he shows them the cut in his neck, which - he had received for his unfaithfulness (ll. 2439-2504). The king and - his courtiers comfort the knight--they laugh loudly at his adventures, - and unanimously agree that those lords and ladies that belonged to the - Round Table, and each knight of the brotherhood should ever after wear - a bright green belt for Gawayne's sake. And he upon whom it was - conferred honoured it evermore after. - - Thus in Arthur's time this adventure befell, whereof the "Brutus Books" - bear witness (ll. 2505-2530). - -I need not say that the Brutus Books we possess do not contain the -legend here set forth, though it is not much more improbable than some of -the statements contained in them. If the reader desires to know the -relation in which this and the like stories stand to the original Arthur -legends, he will find it discussed in Sir F. Madden's Preface to his -edition of "Syr Gawayne," which also contains a sketch of the very -different views taken of Sir Gawayne by the different Romance writers. - -Into this and other literary questions I do not enter here, as I -have nothing to add to Sir F. Madden's statements; but in the text of the -Poem I have differed from him in some few readings, which will be found -noticed in the Notes and Glossary. - -As the manuscript is fast fading, I am glad that the existence of the Early -English Text Society has enabled us to secure a wider diffusion of its -contents before the original shall be no longer legible. - -We want nothing but an increased supply of members to enable us to give to -a large circle of readers many an equally interesting record of Early -English minds. - - * * * * * - - -NOTE: The Old English "yogh" characters have been translated both -upper and lower-case yoghs to digit 3's. There are Unicode -allocations for these (in HTML Ȝ and ȝ) but at present -no font which implements these. Substiting the digit 3 seemed a -workable compromise which anybody can read. The linked html -"Old English 'yogh' file" uses Ȝ and ȝ representations, -and is included for users with specialist fonts. - - - * * * * * - - - - - -SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T. - -[FYTTE THE FIRST.] - - I. - - [A] Sien e sege & e assaut wat3 sesed at Troye, [Fol. 91a.] - e bor3 brittened & brent to bronde3 & aske3, - e tulk at e trammes of tresoun er wro3t, - 4 Wat3 tried for his tricherie, e trewest on erthe; - Hit wat3 Ennias e athel, & his highe kynde, - at sien depreced prouinces, & patrounes bicome - Welne3e of al e wele in e west iles, - 8 [B] Fro riche Romulus to Rome ricchis hym swye, - With gret bobbaunce at bur3e he biges vpon fyrst, - & neuenes hit his aune nome, as hit now hat; - Ticius to Tuskan [turnes,] & teldes bigynnes; - 12 Langaberde in Lumbardie lyftes vp homes; - [C] & fer ouer e French flod Felix Brutus - On mony bonkkes ful brode Bretayn he sette3, - wyth wynne; - 16 [D] Where werre, & wrake, & wonder, - Bi sye3 hat3 wont er-inne, - [E] & oft boe blysse & blunder - Ful skete hat3 skyfted synne. - -[Sidenote A: After the siege of Troy] -[Sidenote B: Romulus built Rome,] -[Sidenote C: and Felix Brutus founded Britain,] -[Sidenote D: a land of war and wonder,] -[Sidenote E: and oft of bliss and blunder.] - - II. - - 20 Ande quen is Bretayn wat3 bigged bi is burn rych, - [A] Bolde bredden er-inne, baret at lofden, - In mony turned tyme tene at wro3ten; - Mo ferlyes on is folde han fallen here oft - 24 [B] en in any oer at I wot, syn at ilk tyme. - [C] Bot of alle at here bult of Bretaygne kynges - Ay wat3 Arthur e hendest; as I haf herde telle; - For-i an aunter in erde I attle to schawe, [Fol. 91b.] - 28 at a selly in si3t summe men hit holden, - & an outtrage awenture of Arthure3 wondere3; - [D] If 3e wyl lysten is laye bot on littel quile, - I schal telle hit, as-tit, as I in toun herde, - 32 with tonge; - As hit is stad & stoken, - In stori stif & stronge, - With lel letteres loken, - 36 In londe so hat3 ben longe. - -[Sidenote A: Bold men increased in the Land,] -[Sidenote B: and many marvels happened.] -[Sidenote C: Of all Britain's kings Arthur was the noblest.] -[Sidenote D: Listen a while and ye shall hear the story of an "outrageous - adventure."] - - III. - - [A] is kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse, - With mony luflych lorde, lede3 of e best, - [B] Rekenly of e rounde table alle o rich breer, - 40 With rych reuel ory3t, & rechles meres; - er tournayed tulkes bi-tyme3 ful mony, - Iusted ful Iolil ise gentyle kni3tes, - Syen kayred to e court, caroles to make. - 44 [C] For er e fest wat3 ilyche ful fiften dayes, - With alle e mete & e mire at men coue a-vyse; - Such glaumande gle glorious to here, - Dere dyn vp-on day, daunsyng on ny3tes, - 48 [D] Al wat3 hap vpon he3e in halle3 & chambre3, - With lorde3 & ladies, as leuest him o3t; - With all e wele of e worlde ay woned er samen, - [E] e most kyd kny3te3 vnder kryste seluen, - 52 & e louelokkest ladies at euer lif haden, - & he e comlokest kyng at e court haldes; - For al wat3 is fayre folk in her first age, - on sille; - 56 [F] e hapnest vnder heuen, - Kyng hy3est mon of wylle, - Hit were[1] now gret nye to neuen - So hardy a here on hille. - -[Sidenote A: Arthur held at Camelot his Christmas feast,] -[Sidenote B: with all the knights of the Round Table,] -[Sidenote C: full fifteen days.] -[Sidenote D: All was joy in hall and chamber,] -[Sidenote E: among brave knights and lovely ladies,] -[Sidenote F: the happiest under heaven.] -[Footnote 1: MS. werere.] - - IV. - - 60 [A] Wyle nw 3er wat3 so 3ep at hit wat3 nwe cummen, - at day doubble on e dece wat3 e douth serued, - Fro e kyng wat3 cummen with kny3tes in to e halle, - e chauntre of e chapel cheued to an ende; - 64 Loude crye wat3 er kest of clerke3 & oer, - Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte; [Fol. 92] - & syen riche forth runnen to reche honde-selle, - [B] 3e3ed 3eres 3iftes on hi3, 3elde hem bi hond, - 68 Debated busyly aboute o giftes; - Ladies la3ed ful loude, o3 ay lost haden, - & he at wan wat3 not wrothe, at may 3e wel trawe. - [C] Alle is mire ay maden to e mete tyme; - 72 When ay had waschen, woryly ay wenten to sete, - e best burne ay abof, as hit best semed; - [D] Whene Guenore ful gay, grayed in e myddes. - Dressed on e dere des, dubbed al aboute, - 76 Smal sendal bisides, a selure hir ouer - Of tryed Tolouse, of Tars tapites in-noghe, - at were enbrawded & beten wyth e best gemmes, - at my3t be preued of prys wyth penyes to bye, - 80 in daye; - [E] e comlokest to discrye, - er glent with y3en gray, - A semloker at euer he sy3e, - 84 Soth mo3t no mon say. - -[Sidenote A: They celebrate the New Year with great joy.] -[Sidenote B: Gifts are demanded and bestowed.] -[Sidenote C: Lords and ladies take their seats at the table.] -[Sidenote D: Queen Guenever appears gaily dressed.] -[Sidenote E: A lady fairer of form might no one say he had ever before - seen.] - - V. - - [A] Bot Arthure wolde not ete til al were serued, - He wat3 so Ioly of his Ioyfnes, & sum-quat child gered, - His lif liked hym ly3t, he louied e lasse - 88 [B] Auer to lenge lye, or to longe sitte, - So bi-sied him his 3onge blod & his brayn wylde; - & also anoer maner meued him eke, - at he ur3 nobelay had nomen, ho wolde neuer ete - 92 Vpon such a dere day, er hym deuised were - [C] Of sum auenturus yng an vncoue tale, - Of sum mayn meruayle, at he my3t trawe, - Of[1] alderes, of armes, of oer auenturus, - 96 Oer sum segg hym bi-so3t of sum siker kny3t, - To Ioyne wyth hym in iustyng in Iopard to lay, - Lede lif for lyf, leue vchon oer, - As fortune wolde fulsun hom e fayrer to haue. - 100 is wat3 [e] kynges countenaunce where he in court were, - At vch farand fest among his fre meny, - in halle; [Fol. 92b.] - [D] er-fore of face so fere. - 104 He sti3tle3 stif in stalle, - Ful 3ep in at nw 3ere, - Much mirthe he mas with alle. - -[Sidenote A: Arthur would not eat,] -[Sidenote B: nor would he long sit] -[Sidenote C: until he had witnessed a "wondrous adventure" of some kind.] -[Sidenote D: He of face so bold makes much mirth with all.] -[Footnote 1: Of of, in MS.] - - VI. - - [A] Thus er stondes in stale e stif kyng his-seluen, - 108 Talkkande bifore e hy3e table of trifles ful hende - [B] There gode Gawan wat3 grayed, Gwenore bisyde - [C] & Agrauayn a la dure mayn on at oer syde sittes - Boe e kynges sister sunes, & ful siker kni3tes; - 112 [D] Bischop Bawdewyn abof bi-gine3 e table, - [E] & Ywan, Vryn son, ette wit hym-seluen; - ise were di3t on e des, & derworly serued, - & sien mony siker segge at e sidborde3. - 116 [F] en e first cors come with crakkyng of trumpes, - Wyth mony baner ful bry3t, at er-bi henged, - Nwe nakryn noyse with e noble pipes, - Wylde werbles & wy3t wakned lote, - 120 at mony hert ful hi3e hef at her towches; - [G] Dayntes dryuen er-wyth of ful dere metes, - Foysoun of e fresche, & on so fele disches, - at pine to fynde e place e peple bi-forne - 124 For to sette e syluener,[1] at sere sewes halden, - on clothe; - Iche lede as he loued hym-selue - er laght with-outen loe, - 128 [H] Ay two had disches twelue, - [I] Good ber, & bry3t wyn boe. - -[Sidenote A: The king talks with his knights.] -[Sidenote B: Gawayne,] -[Sidenote C: Agravayn,] -[Sidenote D: Bishop Bawdewyn,] -[Sidenote E: and Ywain sit on the dais.] -[Sidenote F: The first course is served with cracking of trumpets.] -[Sidenote G: It consisted of all dainties in season.] -[Sidenote H: Each two had dishes twelve,] -[Sidenote I: good beer and bright wine both.] -[Footnote 1: svlueren (?) (dishes).] - - VII. - - [A] Now wyl I of hor seruise say yow no more, - For veh wy3e may wel wit no wont at er were; - 132 [B] An oer noyse ful newe ne3ed biliue, - at e lude my3t haf leue lif-lode to cach. - For vnee wat3 e noyce not a whyle sesed, - & e fyrst cource in e court kyndely serued, - 136 [C] er hales in at e halle dor an aghlich mayster, - On e most on e molde on mesure hyghe; - Fro e swyre to e swange so sware & so ik, - [D] & his lyndes & his lymes so longe & so grete, - 140 Half etayn in erde I hope at he were. [Fol. 93.] - [E] Bot mon most I algate mynn hym to bene, - & at e myriest in his muckel at my3t ride; - [F] For of bak & of brest al were his bodi sturne, - 144 [G] Bot his wombe & his wast were worthily smale, - & alle his fetures fol3ande, in forme at he hade, - ful clene; - For wonder of his hwe men hade, - 148 Set in his semblaunt sene; - He ferde as freke were fade, - & ouer-al enker grene. - -[Sidenote A: There was no want of anything.] -[Sidenote B: Scarcely had the first course commenced,] -[Sidenote C: when there rushes in at the hall-door a knight;] -[Sidenote D: the tallest on earth] -[Sidenote E: he must have been.] -[Sidenote F: His back and breast were great,] -[Sidenote G: but his belly and waist were small.] - - VIII. - - [A] Ande al grayed in grene is gome & his wedes, - 152 A strayt cote ful stre3t, at stek on his sides, - A mere mantile abof, mensked with-inne, - With pelure pured apert e pane ful clene, - With blye blaunner ful bry3t, & his hod boe, - 156 at wat3 la3t fro his lokke3, & layde on his schulderes - Heme wel haled, hose of at same grene, - [B] at spenet on his sparlyr, & clene spures vnder, - Of bry3t golde, vpon silk bordes, barred ful ryche - 160 & scholes vnder schankes, ere e schalk rides; - & alle his vesture uerayly wat3 clene verdure, - Boe e barres of his belt & oer blye stones, - at were richely rayled in his aray clene, - 164 [C] Aboutte hym-self & his sadel, vpon silk werke3, - at were to tor for to telle of tryfles e halue, - at were enbrauded abof, wyth bryddes & fly3es, - With gay gaudi of grene, e golde ay in myddes; - 168 e pendauntes of his payttrure, e proude cropure - His molaynes, & alle e metail anamayld was enne - e steropes at he stod on, stayned of e same, - & his arsoun3 al after, & his ael sturtes, - 172 at euer glemered[1] & glent al of grene stones. - [D] e fole at he ferkkes on, fyn of at ilke, - sertayn; - A grene hors gret & ikke, - 176 [E] A stede ful stif to strayne, - In brawden brydel quik, - To e gome he wat3 ful gayn. [Fol. 93b.] - -[Sidenote A: He was clothed entirely in green.] -[Sidenote B: His spurs were of bright gold.] -[Sidenote C: His saddle was embroidered with birds and flies.] -[Sidenote D: The foal that he rode upon was green;] -[Sidenote E: it was a steed full stiff to guide.] -[Footnote 1: glemed (?).] - - IX. - - [A] Wel gay wat3 is gome gered in grene, - 180 & e here of his hed of his hors swete; - Fayre fannand fax vmbe-foldes his schulderes; - [B] A much berd as[1] a busk ouer his brest henges, - at wyth his hi3lich here, at of his hed reches, - 184 Wat3 euesed al vmbe-torne, a-bof his elbowes, - at half his armes er vnder were halched in e wyse - Of a kynge3 capados, at closes his swyre. - [C] e mane of at mayn hors much to hit lyke, - 188 Wel cresped & cemmed wyth knottes ful mony, - Folden in wyth fildore aboute e fayre grene, - Ay a herle of e here, an oer of golde; - [D] e tayl & his toppyng twynnen of a sute, - 192 & bounden boe wyth a bande of a bry3t grene, - Dubbed wyth ful dere stone3, as e dok lasted, - Syen rawen wyth a wong a warle knot alofte, - er mony belle3 ful bry3t of brende golde rungen. - 196 [E] Such a fole vpon folde, ne freke at hym rydes, - Wat3 neuer sene in at sale wyth sy3t er at tyme, - with y3e; - He loked as layt so ly3t, - 200 So sayd al at hym sy3e, - [F] Hit semed as no mon my3t, - Vnder his dyntte3 dry3e. - -[Sidenote A: Gaily was the knight attired.] -[Sidenote B: His great beard, like a bush, hung on his breast.] -[Sidenote C: The horse's mane was decked with golden threads.] -[Sidenote D: Its tail was bound with a green band.] -[Sidenote E: Such a foal nor a knight were never before seen.] -[Sidenote F: It seemed that no man might endure his dints.] -[Footnote 1: as as, in MS.] - - X. - - [A] Wheer hade he no helme ne hawb[e]rgh nauer, - 204 Ne no pysan, ne no plate at pented to armes, - Ne no schafte, ne no schelde, to schwne ne to smyte, - [B] Bot in his on honde he hade a holyn bobbe, - at is grattest in grene, when greue3 ar bare, - 208 [C] & an ax in his oer, a hoge & vn-mete, - A spetos spare to expoun in spelle quo-so my3t; - e hede of an eln3erde e large lenke hade, - e grayn al of grene stele & of golde hewen, - 212 [D] e bit burnyst bry3t, with a brod egge, - As wel schapen to schere as scharp rasores; - e stele of a stif staf e sturne hit bi-grypte, - at wat3 wounden wyth yrn to e wande3 ende, [Fol. 94.] - 216 [E] & al bigrauen with grene, in gracios[1] werkes; - A lace lapped aboute, at louked at e hede, - & so after e halme halched ful ofte, - Wyth tryed tassele3 erto tacched in-noghe, - 220 [F] On botoun3 of e bry3t grene brayden ful ryche. - is hael helde3 hym in, & e halle entres, - Driuande to e he3e dece, dut he no woe, - [G] Haylsed he neuer one, bot he3e he ouer loked. - 224 e fyrst word at he warp, "wher is," he sayd, - [H] "e gouernour of is gyng? gladly I wolde - Se at segg in sy3t, & with hym self speke - raysoun." - 228 To kny3te3 he kest his y3e, - & reled hym vp & doun, - [I] He stemmed & con studie, - Quo walt er most renoun. - -[Sidenote A: The knight carried neither spear nor shield,] -[Sidenote B: In one hand was a holly bough,] -[Sidenote C: in the other an axe,] -[Sidenote D: the edge of which was as keen as a sharp razor,] -[Sidenote E: and the handle was encased in iron, curiously "graven with - green, in gracious works."] -[Sidenote F: Thus arrayed the Green Knight enters the hall,] -[Sidenote G: without saluting any one.] -[Sidenote H: He asks for the "governor" of the company,] -[Sidenote I: and looks for the most renowned.] -[Footnote 1: looks like gracons in MS.] - - XI. - - 232 [A] Ther wat3 lokyng on lene, e lude to be-holde, - For vch mon had meruayle quat hit mene my3t, - at a hael & a horse my3t such a hwe lach, - [B] As growe grene as e gres & grener hit semed, - 236 en grene aumayl on golde lowande bry3ter; - Al studied at er stod, & stalked hym nerre, - [C] Wyth al e wonder of e worlde, what he worch schulde. - For fele sellye3 had ay sen, bot such neuer are, - 240 For-i for fantoum & fayry3e e folk ere hit demed; - [D] er-fore to answare wat3 ar3e mony ael freke, - & al stouned at his steuen, & stonstil seten, - [E] In a swoghe sylence ur3 e sale riche - 244 As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor lote3 - in hy3e; - I deme hit not al for doute, - [F] Bot sum for cortaysye, - 248 Bot let hym at al schulde loute, - Cast vnto at wy3e. - -[Sidenote A: Much they marvel to see a man and a horse] -[Sidenote B: as green as grass.] -[Sidenote C: Never before had they seen such a sight as this.] -[Sidenote D: They were afraid to answer,] -[Sidenote E: and were as silent as if sleep had taken possession of them;] -[Sidenote F: some from fear and others from courtesy.] - - XII. - - [A] enn Arour bifore e hi3 dece at auenture byholde3, - & rekenly hym reuerenced, for rad was he neuer, - 252 & sayde, "wy3e, welcum iwys to is place, - [B] e hede of is ostel Arthour I hat, [Fol. 94b.] - Li3t luflych adoun, & lenge, I e praye, - & quat so y wylle is, we schal wyt after." - 256 [C] "Nay, as help me," quod e hael, "he at on hy3e syttes, - To wone any quyle in is won, hit wat3 not myn ernde; - Bot for e los of e lede is lyft vp so hy3e, - & y bur3 & y burnes best ar holden, - 260 Stifest vnder stel-gere on stedes to ryde, - [D] e wy3test & e woryest of e worldes kynde, - Preue for to play wyth in oer pure layke3; - & here is kydde cortaysye, as I haf herd carp, - 264 & at hat3 wayned me hider, I-wyis, at is tyme. - 3e may be seker bi is braunch at I bere here, - [E] at I passe as in pes, & no ply3t seche; - For had I founded in fere, in fe3tyng wyse, - 268 [F] I haue a hauberghe at home & a helme boe, - A schelde, & a scharp spere, schinande bry3t, - Ande oer weppenes to welde, I wene wel als, - Bot for I wolde no were, my wede3 ar softer. - 272 Bot if ou be so bold as alle burne3 tellen, - ou wyl grant me godly e gomen at I ask, - bi ry3t." - [G] Arthour con onsware, - 276 & sayd, "sir cortays kny3t, - If ou craue batayl bare, - Here fayle3 ou not to fy3t." - -[Sidenote A: Arthur salutes the Green Knight.] -[Sidenote B: bids him welcome, and invites him to stay awhile.] -[Sidenote C: The knight says that he will not tarry.] -[Sidenote D: He seeks the most valiant that he may prove him.] -[Sidenote E: He comes in peace.] -[Sidenote F: At home, however, he has both shield and spear.] -[Sidenote G: Arthur assures him that he shall not fail to find an opponent - worthy of him.] - - XIII. - - [A] "Nay, frayst I no fy3t, in fayth I e telle, - 280 [B] Hit arn aboute on is bench bot berdle3 chylder; - If I were hasped in armes on a he3e stede, - [C] Here is no mon me to mach, for my3te3 so[1] wayke. - For-y I craue in is court a crystmas gomen, - 284 [D] For hit is 3ol & nwe 3er, & here ar 3ep mony; - If any so hardy in is hous holde3 hym-seluen, - [E] Be so bolde in his blod, brayn in hys hede, - at dar stifly strike a strok for an oer, - 288 I schal gif hym of my gyft ys giserne ryche, - [F] is ax, at is heu in-nogh, to hondele as hym lykes, - & I schal bide e fyrst bur, as bare as I sitte. [Fol. 95.] - If any freke be so felle to fonde at I telle, - 292 Lepe ly3tly me to, & lach is weppen, - I quit clayme hit for euer, kepe hit as his auen, - [G] & I schal stonde hym a strok, stif on is flet, - Elle3 ou wyl di3t me e dom to dele hym an oer, - 296 barlay; - & 3et gif hym respite, - [H] A twelmonyth & a day;-- - Now hy3e, & let se tite - 300 Dar any her-inne o3t say." - -[Sidenote A: "I seek no fight," says the knight.] -[Sidenote B: "'Here are only beardless children.'] -[Sidenote C: Here is no man to match me.] -[Sidenote D: Here are brave ones many,] -[Sidenote E: if any be bold enough to 'strike a stroke for another,'] -[Sidenote F: this axe shall be his;] -[Sidenote G: but I shall give him a 'stroke' in return] -[Sidenote H: within a twelvemonth and a day."] -[Footnote 1: MS. fo.] - - XIV. - - [A] If he hem stowned vpon fyrst, stiller were anne - Alle e hered-men in halle, e hy3 & e lo3e; - [B] e renk on his rounce hym ruched in his sadel, - 304 & runisch-ly his rede y3en he reled aboute, - [C] Bende his bresed bro3e3, bly-cande grene, - [D] Wayued his berde for to wayte quo-so wolde ryse. - When non wolde kepe hym with carp he co3ed ful hy3e, - 308 Ande rimed hym ful richley, & ry3t hym to speke: - [E] "What, is is Arures hous," quod e hael enne, - "at al e rous rennes of, ur3 ryalmes so mony? - Where is now your sourquydrye & your conquestes, - 312 Your gry[n]del-layk, & your greme, & your grete wordes? - [F] Now is e reuel & e renoun of e rounde table - Ouer-walt wyth a worde of on wy3es speche; - For al dares for drede, with-oute dynt schewed!" - 316 Wyth is he la3es so loude, at e lorde greued; - [G] e blod schot for scham in-to his schyre face - & lere; - [H] He wex as wroth as wynde, - 320 So did alle at er were - e kyng as kene bi kynde, - en stod at stif mon nere. - -[Sidenote A: Fear kept all silent.] -[Sidenote B: The knight rolled his red eyes about,] -[Sidenote C: and bent his bristly green brows.] -[Sidenote D: Waving his beard awhile, he exclaimed:] -[Sidenote E: "What! is this Arthur's court?] -[Sidenote F: Forsooth the renown of the Round Table is overturned 'with a - word of one man's speech.'"] -[Sidenote G: Arthur blushes for shame.] -[Sidenote H: He waxes as wroth as the wind.] - - XV. - - [A] Ande sayde, "hael, by heuen yn askyng is nys, - 324 & as ou foly hat3 frayst, fynde e be-houes; - I know no gome at is gast of y grete wordes. - Gif me now y geserne, vpon gode3 halue, - & I schal bayen y bone, at ou boden habbes." - 328 Ly3tly lepe3 he hym to, & la3t at his honde; [Fol. 95b.] - en feersly at oer freke vpon fote ly3tis. - [B] Now hat3 Arthure his axe, & e halme grype3, - & sturnely sture3 hit aboute, at stryke wyth hit o3t. - 332 e stif mon hym bifore stod vpon hy3t, - Herre en ani in e hous by e hede & more; - [C] Wyth sturne schere[1] er he stod, he stroked his berde, - & wyth a countenaunce dry3e he dro3 doun his cote, - 336 No more mate ne dismayd for hys mayn dinte3, - en any burne vpon bench hade bro3t hym to drynk - of wyne, - [D] Gawan, at sate bi e quene, - 340 To e kyng he can enclyne, - "I be-seche now with sa3e3 sene, - is melly mot be myne." - -[Sidenote A: He assures the knight that no one is afraid of his great - words.] -[Sidenote B: Arthur seizes his axe.] -[Sidenote C: The knight, stroking his beard, awaits the blow, and with a - "dry countenance" draws down his coat.] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne beseeches the king to let him undertake the blow.] -[Footnote 1: chere (?).] - - XVI. - - "Wolde 3e, worilych lorde," quod Gawan to e kyng, - 344 [A] "Bid me bo3e fro is benche, & stonde by yow ere, - at I wyth-oute vylanye my3t voyde is table, - & at my legge lady lyked not ille, - I wolde com to your counseyl, bifore your cort ryche. - 348 [B] For me ink hit not semly, as hit is so knawen, - er such an askyng is heuened so hy3e in your sale, - a33e 3our-self be talenttyf to take hit to your-seluen, - [C] Whil mony so bolde yow aboute vpon bench sytten, - 352 at vnder heuen, I hope, non ha3er er of wylle, - Ne better bodyes on bent, er baret is rered; - [D] I am e wakkest, I wot, and of wyt feblest, - & lest lur of my lyf, quo laytes e soe, - 356 Bot for as much as 3e ar myn em, I am only to prayse, - No bount bot your blod I in my bod knowe; - & syen is note is so nys, at no3t hit yow falles, - & I haue frayned hit at yow fyrst, folde3 hit to me, - 360 & if I carp not comlyly, let alle is cort rych, - bout blame." - [E] Ryche to-geder con roun, - & syen ay redden alle same, - 364 To ryd e kyng wyth croun, - & gif Gawan e game. - -[Sidenote A: He asks permission to leave the table; he says,] -[Sidenote B: it is not meet that Arthur should be active in the matter,] -[Sidenote C: while so many bold ones sit upon bench.] -[Sidenote D: Although the weakest, he is quite ready to meet the Green - Knight.] -[Sidenote E: The nobles entreat Arthur to "give Gawayne the game."] - - XVII. - - en comaunded e kyng e kny3t for to ryse; [Fol. 96.] - & he ful radly vp ros, & ruchched hym fayre, - 368 [A] Kneled doun bifore e kyng, & cache3 at weppen; - & he luflyly hit hym laft, & lyfte vp his honde, - & gef hym godde3 blessyng, & gladly hym biddes - [B] at his hert & his honde schulde hardi be boe. - 372 "Kepe e cosyn," quod e kyng, "at ou on kyrf sette, - & if ou rede3 hym ry3t, redly I trowe, - at ou schal byden e bur at he schal bede after. - Gawan got3 to e gome, with giserne in honde, - 376 & he baldly hym byde3, he bayst neuer e helder - [C] en carppe3 to sir Gawan e kny3t in e grene, - "Refourme we oure for-wardes, er we fyrre passe. - Fyrst I ee e, hael, how at ou hattes, - 380 at ou me telle truly, as I tryst may?" - [D] "In god fayth," quod e goode kny3t, "Gawan I hatte, - at bede e is buffet, quat-so bi-falle3 after, - & at is tyme twelmonyth take at e anoer, - 384 Wyth what weppen so[1] ou wylt, & wyth no wy3 elle3, - on lyue." - at oer on-sware3 agayn, - "Sir Gawan, so mot I ryue, - 388 [E] As I am ferly fayn. - is dint at ou schal dryue." - -[Sidenote A: The king gives his nephew his weapon,] -[Sidenote B: and tells him to keep heart and hand steady.] -[Sidenote C: The Green Knight enquires the name of his opponent.] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne tells him his name, and declares that he is - willing to give and receive a blow.] -[Sidenote E: The other thereof is glad.] -[Footnote 1: MS. fo.] - - XVIII. - - [A] "Bigog," quod e grene kny3t, "sir Gawan, melykes, - at I schal fange at y fust at I haf frayst here; - 392 & ou hat3 redily rehersed, bi resoun ful trwe, - Clanly al e couenaunt at I e kynge asked, - Saf at ou schal siker me, segge, bi i trawe, - at ou schal seche me i-self, where-so ou hopes - 396 I may be funde vpon folde, & foch e such wages - [B] As ou deles me to day, bifore is doue ryche." - [C] "Where schulde I wale e," quod Gauan, "where is y place? - I wot neuer where ou wonyes, bi hym at me wro3t, - 400 Ne I know not e, kny3t, y cort, ne i name. - [D] Bot teche me truly er-to, & telle me howe ou hattes, - & I schal ware alle my wyt to wynne me eder, - & at I swere e for soe, & by my seker trawe." [Fol. 96b.] - 404 "at is in-nogh in nwe 3er, hit nedes no more," - Quod e gome in e grene to Gawan e hende, - [E] "3if I e telle trwly, quen I e tape haue, - & ou me smoely hat3 smyten, smartly I e teche - 408 Of my hous, & my home, & myn owen nome, - en may ou frayst my fare, & forwarde3 holde, - [F] & if I spende no speche, enne spede3 ou e better, - For ou may leng in y londe, & layt no fyrre, - 412 bot slokes; - [G] Ta now y grymme tole to e, - & let se how ou cnoke3." - "Gladly sir, for soe," - 416 Quod Gawan; his ax he strokes. - -[Sidenote A: "It pleases me well, Sir Gawayne," says the Green Knight, - "that I shall receive a blow from thy fist; but thou must swear that thou - wilt seek me,] -[Sidenote B: to receive the blow in return."] -[Sidenote C: "Where shall I seek thee?" says Sir Gawayne;] -[Sidenote D: "tell me thy name and abode and I will find thee."] -[Sidenote E: "When thou hast smitten me," says the knight, "then tell I - thee of my home and name;] -[Sidenote F: if I speak not at all, so much the better for thee.] -[Sidenote G: Take now thy grim tool, and let us see how thou knockest."] - - XIX. - - [A] The grene kny3t vpon grounde grayely hym dresses, - A littel lut with e hede, e lere he discouere3, - [B] His longe louelych lokke3 he layd ouer his croun. - 420 Let e naked nec to e note schewe. - Gauan gripped to his ax, & gederes hit on hy3t, - e kay fot on e folde he be-fore sette, - [C] Let hit doun ly3tly ly3t on e naked, - 424 at e scharp of e schalk schyndered e bones, - [D] & schrank ur3 e schyire grece, & scade hit in twynne, - at e bit of e broun stel bot on e grounde. - [E] e fayre hede fro e halce hit [felle] to e ere, - 428 [F] at fele hit foyned wyth her fete, ere hit forth roled; - e blod brayd fro e body, at blykked on e grene; - [G] & nawer faltered ne fel e freke neuer e helder, - Bot styly he start forth vpon styf schonkes, - 432 [H] & ru[n]yschly he ra3t out, ere as renkke3 stoden, - La3t to his lufly hed, & lyft hit vp sone; - & syen bo3e3 to his blonk, e brydel he cachche3, - [I] Steppe3 in to stel bawe & stryde3 alofte, - 436 [J] & his hede by e here in his honde halde3; - & as sadly e segge hym in his sadel sette, - As non vnhap had hym ayled, a3 hedle3 he[1] we[re], - in stedde; - 440 [K] He brayde his bluk[2] aboute, - at vgly bodi at bledde, [Fol. 97.] - Moni on of hym had doute, - Bi at his resoun3 were redde. - -[Sidenote A: The Green Knight] -[Sidenote B: puts his long lovely locks aside and lays bare his neck.] -[Sidenote C: Sir Gawayne lets fall his axe] -[Sidenote D: and severs the head from the body.] -[Sidenote E: The head falls to the earth.] -[Sidenote F: Many kick it aside with their feet.] -[Sidenote G: The knight never falters;] -[Sidenote H: he rushes forth, seizes his head,] -[Sidenote I: steps into the saddle,] -[Sidenote J: holding the while the head in his hand by the hair,] -[Sidenote K: and turns his horse about.] -[Footnote 1: MS. ho.] -[Footnote 2: blunk (?).] - - XX. - - 444 For e hede in his honde he halde3 vp euen, - [A] To-ward e derrest on e dece he dresse3 e face, - & hit lyfte vp e y3e-lydde3, & loked ful brode, - [B] & meled us much with his muthe, as 3e may now here. - 448 "Loke, Gawan, ou be graye to go as ou hette3, - & layte as lelly til ou me, lude, fynde, - [C] As ou hat3 hette in is halle, herande ise kny3tes; - [D] To e grene chapel ou chose, I charge e to fotte, - 452 Such a dunt as ou hat3 dalt disserued ou habbe3, - [E] To be 3ederly 3olden on nw 3eres morn; - e kny3t of e grene chapel men knowen me mony; - [F] For-i me forto fynde if ou frayste3, fayle3 ou neuer, - 456 [G] er-fore com, oer recreaunt be calde e be-houeus." - With a runisch rout e rayne3 he torne3, - [H] Halled out at e hal-dor, his hed in his hande, - at e fyr of e flynt fla3e fro fole houes. - 460 To quat kyth he be-com, knwe non ere, - Neuermore en ay wyste fram queen. he wat3 wonnen; - what enne? - e kyng & Gawen are, - 464 [I] At at grene ay la3e & grenne, - 3et breued wat3 hit ful bare, - A meruayl among o menne. - -[Sidenote A: The head lifts up its eyelids,] -[Sidenote B: and addresses Sir Gawayne; "Look thou, be ready to go as thou - hast promised,] -[Sidenote C: and seek till thou findest me.] -[Sidenote D: Get thee to the Green Chapel,] -[Sidenote E: there to receive a blow on New Year's morn.] -[Sidenote F: Fail thou never;] -[Sidenote G: come, or recreant be called."] -[Sidenote H: The Green Knight then rushes out of the hall, his head in his - hand.] -[Sidenote I: At that green one Arthur and Gawayne "laugh and grin."] - - XXI. - - [A] a3 Arer e hende kyng at hert hade wonder, - 468 He let no semblaunt be sene, bot sayde ful hy3e - To e comlych quene, wyth cortays speche, - [B] "Dere dame, to day demay yow neuer; - Wel by-commes such craft vpon cristmasse, - 472 Laykyng of enterlude3, to la3e & to syng. - Among ise, kynde caroles of kny3te3 & ladye3; - [C] Neuer-e-lece to my mete I may me wel dres, - For I haf sen a selly, I may not for-sake." - 476 He glent vpon sir Gawen, & gaynly he sayde, - [D] "Now sir, heng vp yn ax, at hat3 in-nogh hewen." - & hit wat3 don abof e dece, on doser to henge, [Fol. 97b.] - er alle men for meruayl my3t on hit loke, - 480 & bi trwe tytel er-of to telle e wonder. - [E] enne ay bo3ed to a borde ise burnes to-geder, - e kyng & e gode kny3t, & kene men hem serued - Of alle dayntye3 double, as derrest my3t falle, - 484 Wyth alle maner of mete & mynstralcie boe; - Wyth wele walt ay at day, til wored an ende, - in londe. - [F] Now enk wel, sir Gawan, - 488 For woe at ou ne wonde, - is auenture forto frayn, - at ou hat3 tan on honde. - -[Sidenote A: Arthur addresses the queen:] -[Sidenote B: "Dear dame, be not dismayed; such marvels well become the - Christmas festival;] -[Sidenote C: I may now go to meat.] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne, hang up thine axe.] -[Sidenote E: The king and his knights sit feasting at the board till day is - ended.] -[Sidenote F: Now beware, Sir Gawayne, lest thou fail to seek the adventure - that thou hast taken in hand.] - -[FYTTE THE SECOND.] - - I. - - [A] This hanselle hat3 Arthur of auenturus on fyrst, - 492 In 3onge 3er, for he 3erned 3elpyng to here, - Tha3 hym worde3 were wane, when ay to sete wenten; - Now ar ay stoken of sturne werk staf-ful her hond. - Gawan wat3 glad to be-gynne ose gomne3 in halle, - 496 Bot a3 e ende be heuy, haf 3e no wonder; - For a3 men ben mery in mynde, quen ay han mayn drynk, - [B] A 3ere 3ernes ful 3erne, & 3elde3 neuer lyke, - e forme to e fynisment folde3 ful selden. - 500 For-i is 3ol ouer-3ede, & e 3ere after, - & vche sesoun serlepes sued after oer; - [C] After crysten-masse com e crabbed lentoun, - at frayste3 flesch wyth e fysche & fode more symple - 504 Bot enne e weder of e worlde wyth wynter hit repe3, - [D] Colde clenge3 adoun, cloude3 vp-lyften, - Schyre schede3 e rayn in schowre3 ful warme, - Falle3 vpon fayre flat, flowre3 ere schewen, - 508 [E] Boe grounde3 & e greue3 grene ar her wede3, - [F] Brydde3 busken to bylde, & bremlych syngen, - [G] For solace of e softe somer at sues er after, - bi bonk; - 512 [H] & blossume3 bolne to blowe, - Bi rawe3 rych & ronk, - [I] en note3 noble in-no3e, - Ar herde in wod so wlonk. [Fol. 98] - -[Sidenote A: This marvel serves to keep up a brisk conversation in Court.] -[Sidenote B: The year passes full quickly and never returns.] -[Sidenote C: After Christmas comes the "crabbed Lenten."] -[Sidenote D: Spring sets in and warm showers descend;] -[Sidenote E: the groves become green,] -[Sidenote F: birds build and sing,] -[Sidenote G: for joy of the summer that follows;] -[Sidenote H: blossoms begin to bloom,] -[Sidenote I: and noble notes are heard in the woods] - - II. - - 516 [A] After e sesoun of somer wyth e soft wynde3, - Quen 3eferus syfle3 hym-self on sede3 & erbe3, - [B] Wela-wynne is e wort at woxes er-oute. - When e donkande dewe drope3 of e leue3, - 520 To bide a blysful blusch of e bry3t sunne. - [C] Bot en hy3es heruest, & hardenes hym sone. - Warne3 hym for e wynter to wax ful rype; - [D] He dryues wyth dro3t e dust for to ryse. - 524 Fro e face of e folde to fly3e ful hy3e; - Wroe wynde of e welkyn wrastele3 with e sunne, - [E] e leue3 lancen fro e lynde, & ly3ten on e grounde, - [F] & al grayes e gres, at grene wat3 ere; - 528 enne al rype3 & rote3 at ros vpon fyrst, - & us 3irne3 e 3ere in 3isterdaye3 mony, - [G] & wynter wynde3 a3ayn, as e worlde aske3 - no sage. - 532 Til me3el-mas mone, - Wat3 cumen wyth wynter wage; - [H] en enkke3 Gawan ful sone, - Of his anious uyage. - -[Sidenote A: Then the soft winds of summer,] -[Sidenote B: beautiful are the flowers wet with dew-drops.] -[Sidenote C: But harvest approaches soon,] -[Sidenote D: and drives the dust about.] -[Sidenote E: The leaves drop off the trees,] -[Sidenote F: the grass becomes gray, and all ripens and rots.] -[Sidenote G: Winter winds round again,] -[Sidenote H: and then Sir Gawayne thinks of his dread journey.] - - III. - - 536 [A] 3et quyl al-hal-day with Arer he lenges, - & he made a fare on at fest, for e freke3 sake, - With much reuel & ryche of e rounde table; - Kny3te3 ful cortays & comlych ladies, - 540 Al for luf of at lede in longynge ay were, - Bot neuer-e-lece ne e later ay neuened bot mere, - Mony ioyle3 for at ientyle iape3 er maden. - [B] For aftter mete, with mournyng he mele3 to his eme, - 544 & speke3 of his passage, & pertly he sayde, - [C] "Now, lege lorde of my lyf, leue I yow ask; - 3e knowe e cost of is cace, kepe I no more - To telle yow tene3 er-of neuer bot trifel; - 548 [D] Bot I am boun to e bur barely to morne, - To sech e gome of e grene, as god wyl me wysse." - enne e best of e bur3 bo3ed to-geder, - Aywan, & Errik, & oer ful mony, - 552 Sir Doddinaual de Sauage, e duk of Clarence, [Fol. 98b.] - Launcelot, & Lyonel, & Lucan e gode, - Sir Boos, & sir Byduer, big men boe, - [E] & mony oer menskful, with Mador de la Port. - 556 Alle is compayny of court com e kyng nerre, - For to counseyl e kny3t, with care at her hert; - [F] ere wat3 much derue[1] doel driuen in e sale, - at so worthe as Wawan schulde wende on at ernde, - 560 To dry3e a delful dynt, & dele no more - wyth bronde. - e kny3t mad ay god chere, - & sayde, "quat schuld I wonde, - 564 [G] Of destines derf & dere, - What may mon do bot fonde?" - -[Sidenote A: On All-hallows day Arthur makes a feast for his nephew's - sake.] -[Sidenote B: After meat, Sir Gawayne thus speaks to his uncle:] -[Sidenote C: "Now, liege lord, I ask leave of you,] -[Sidenote D: for I am bound on the morn to seek the Green Knight."] -[Sidenote E: Many nobles, the best of the court, counsel and comfort him.] -[Sidenote F: Much sorrow prevails in the hall.] -[Sidenote G: Gawayne declares that he has nothing to fear.] -[Footnote 1: derne (?).] - - IV. - - [A] He dowelle3 er al at day, and dresse3 on e morn, - Aske3 erly hys arme3, & alle were ay bro3t - 568 [B] Fyrst a tule tapit, ty3t ouer e flet, - & miche wat3 e gyld gere at glent er alofte; - [C] e stif mon steppe3 eron, & e stel hondole3, - [D] Dubbed in a dublet of a dere tars, - 572 & syen a crafty capados, closed aloft, - at wyth a bry3t blaunner was bounden with-inne; - [E] enne set ay e sabatoun3 vpon e segge fote3, - His lege3 lapped in stel with luflych greue3, - 576 With polayne3 piched er-to, policed ful clene, - Aboute his kne3 knaged wyth knote3 of golde; - [F] Queme quyssewes en, at coyntlych closed - His thik rawen y3e3 with wonges to-tachched; - 580 [G] & syen e brawden bryne of bry3t stel rynge3, - Vmbe-weued at wy3, vpon wlonk stuffe; - [H] & wel bornyst brace vpon his boe armes, - With gode cowters & gay, & gloue3 of plate, - 584 & alle e godlych gere at hym gayn schulde - at tyde; - [I] Wyth ryche cote armure, - [J] His gold spore3 spend with pryde, - 588 [K] Gurde wyth a bront ful sure, - With silk sayn vmbe his syde. - -[Sidenote A: On the morn he asks for his arms.] -[Sidenote B: A carpet is spread on the floor,] -[Sidenote C: and he steps thereon.] -[Sidenote D: He is dubbed in a doublet of Tarsic silk, and a well-made - hood.] -[Sidenote E: They set steel slices on his feet, and lap his legs in steel - greaves.] -[Sidenote F: Fair cuisses enclose his thighs,] -[Sidenote G: and afterwards they put on the steel habergeon,] -[Sidenote H: well-burnished braces, elbow pieces, and gloves of plate.] -[Sidenote I: Over all this is placed the coat armour.] -[Sidenote J: His spurs are then fixed,] -[Sidenote K: and his sword is attached to his side by a silken girdle.] - - V. - - [A] When he wat3 hasped in armes, his harnays wat3 ryche, [Fol. 99a.] - e lest lachet ou[]er loupe lemed of golde; - 592 So harnayst as he wat3 he herkne3 his masse, - Offred & honoured at e he3e auter; - [B] Syen he come3 to e kyng & to his cort fere3, - Lache3 lufly his leue at lorde3 & ladye3; - 596 & ay hym kyst & conueyed, bikende hym to kryst. - [C] Bi at wat3 Gryngolet grayth, & gurde with a sadel, - at glemed ful gayly with mony golde frenges, - Ay quere naylet ful nwe for at note ryched; - 600 e brydel barred aboute, with bry3t golde bounden; - [D] e apparayl of e payttrure, & of e proude skyrte3, - e cropore, & e couertor, acorded wyth e arsoune3; - & al wat3 rayled on red ryche golde nayle3, - 604 at al glytered & glent as glem of e sunne. - [E] enne hentes he e holme, & hastily hit kysses, - at wat3 stapled stifly, & stoffed wyth-inne: - Hit wat3 hy3e on his hede, hasped bihynde, - 608 [F] Wyth a ly3tli vrysoun ouer e auentayle, - [G] Enbrawden & bounden wyth e best gemme3, - On brode sylkyn borde, & brydde3 on seme3, - As papiaye3 paynted pernyng bitwene, - 612 Tortors & trulofe3 entayled so yk, - As mony burde er aboute had ben seuen wynter - in toune; - [H] e cercle wat3 more o prys, - 616 at vmbe-clypped hys croun, - Of diamaunte3 a deuys, - at boe were bry3t & broun. - -[Sidenote A: Thus arrayed the knight hears mass,] -[Sidenote B: and afterwards takes leave of Arthur and his court.] -[Sidenote C: By that time his horse Gringolet was ready,] -[Sidenote D: the harness of which glittered like the "gleam of the sun."] -[Sidenote E: Then Sir Gawayne sets his helmet upon his head,] -[Sidenote F: fastened behind with a "urisoun,"] -[Sidenote G: richly embroidered with gems.] -[Sidenote H: The circle around the helmet was decked with diamonds.] - - VI. - - [A] Then ay schewed hym e schelde, at was of schyr goule3, - 620 Wyth e pentangel de-paynt of pure golde hwe3; - He brayde3 hit by e baude-ryk, aboute e hals kestes, - at bisemed e segge semlyly fayre. - [B] & quy e pentangel apende3 to at prynce noble, - 624 I am in tent yow to telle, of tary hyt me schulde; - Hit is a syngne at Salamon set sum-quyle, - In bytoknyng of trawe, bi tytle at hit habbe3, - For hit is a figure at halde3 fyue poynte3, [Fol. 99b] - 628 & vche lyne vmbe-lappe3 & louke3 in oer, - [C] & ay quere hit is endele3,[1] & Englych hit callen - Ouer-al, as I here, e endeles knot. - For-y hit acorde3 to is kny3t, & to his cler arme3, - 632 For ay faythful in fyue & sere fyue sye3, - [D] Gawan wat3 for gode knawen, & as golde pured, - Voyded of vche vylany, wyth vertue3[2] ennourned - in mote; - 636 For-y e pen-tangel nwe - He ber in schelde & cote, - [E] As tulk of tale most trwe, - & gentylest kny3t of lote. - -[Sidenote A: Then they show him his shield with the "pentangle" of pure - gold.] -[Sidenote B: The "pentangle" was devised by Solomon as a token of truth.] -[Sidenote C: It is called the endless knot] -[Sidenote D: It well becomes the good Sir Gawayne,] -[Sidenote E: a knight the truest of speech and the fairest of form.] -[Footnote 1: MS emdele3.] -[Footnote 2: MS verertue3] - - VII. - - 640 [A] Fyrst he wat3 funden fautle3 in his fyue wytte3, - & efte fayled neuer e freke in his fyue fyngres, - [B] & alle his afyaunce vpon folde wat3 in e fyue wounde3 - at Cryst ka3t on e croys, as e crede telle3; - 644 & quere-so-euer ys mon in melly wat3 stad, - His ro o3t wat3 in at, ur3 alle oer ynge3, - at alle his forsnes he fong at e fyue ioye3, - at e hende heuen quene had of hir chylde; - 648 At is cause e kny3t comlyche hade - [C] In e more half of his schelde hir ymage depaynted, - at quen he blusched erto, his belde neuer payred. - e fyrst[1] fyue at I finde at e frek vsed, - 652 Wat3 fraunchyse, & fela3schyp for-be[2] al yng; - [D] His clannes & his cortaysye croked were neuer, - & pite, at passe3 alle poynte3, yse pure fyue - Were harder happed on at hael en on any oer. - 656 Now alle ese fyue sye3, forsoe, were fetled on is kny3t, - & vchone halched in oer, at non ende hade, - & fyched vpon fyue poynte3, at fayld neuer, - Ne samned neuer in no syde, ne sundred nou[er], - 660 With-outen ende at any noke [a]i quere fynde, - Where-euer e gomen bygan, or glod to an ende. - [E] er-fore on his schene schelde schapen wat3 e knot, - us alle wyth red golde vpon rede gowle3, - 664 at is e pure pentaungel wyth e peple called, [Fol. 100] - with lore. - Now grayed is Gawan gay, - [F] & la3t his launce ry3t ore, - 668 & gef hem alle goud day, - He wende for euer more. - -[Sidenote A: He was found faultless in his five wits.] -[Sidenote B: His trust was in the five wounds.] -[Sidenote C: The image of the Virgin was depicted upon his shield.] -[Sidenote D: In cleanness and courtesy he was never found wanting,] -[Sidenote E: therefore was the endless knot fastened on his shield.] -[Sidenote F: Sir Gawayne seizes his lance and bids all "good day."] -[Footnote 1: MS fyft.] -[Footnote 2: for-bi (?).] - - VIII. - - [A] He sperred e sted with e spure3, & sprong on his way, - So stif at e ston fyr stroke out er-after; - 672 [B] Al at se3 at semly syked in hert, - & sayde soly al same segges til oer, - Carande for at comly, "bi Kryst, hit is scae, - at ou, leude, schal be lost, at art of lyf noble! - 676 [C] To fynde hys fere vpon folde, in fayth is not ee; - Warloker to haf wro3t had more wyt bene, - & haf dy3t 3onder dere a duk to haue wored; - [D] A lowande leder of lede3 in londe hym wel seme3, - 680 & so had better haf ben en britned to no3t, - [E] Hadet wyth an aluisch mon, for angarde3 pryde. - Who knew euer any kyng such counsel to take, - As kny3te3 in caueloun3 on cryst-masse gomne3!" - 684 [F] Wel much wat3 e warme water at waltered of y3en, - When at semly syre so3t fro o wone3 - at[1] daye; - He made non abode, - 688 Bot wy3tly went hys way, - [G] Mony wylsum way he rode, - e bok as I herde say. - -[Sidenote A: He spurs his horse and goes on his way.] -[Sidenote B: All that saw that seemly one mourned in their hearts.] -[Sidenote C: They declared that his equal was not to be found upon earth.] -[Sidenote D: It would have been better for him to have been a leader of - men,] -[Sidenote E: than to die by the hands of "an elvish man."] -[Sidenote F: Much was the warm water that poured from eyes that day.] -[Sidenote G: Meanwhile many a weary way goes Sir Gawayne.] -[Footnote 1: MS. ad.] - - IX. - - [A] Now ride3 is renk ur3 e ryalme of Logres, - 692 Sir Gauan on Gode3 halue, a3 hym no gomen o3t; - Oft, leudle3 alone, he lenge3 on ny3te3, - er he fonde no3t hym byfore e fare at he lyked; - [B] Hade he no fere bot his fole, bi frythe3 & doune3, - 696 Ne no gome bot God, bi gate wyth to karp, - [C] Til at he ne3ed ful noghe[1] in to e Nore Wale3; - Alle e iles of Anglesay on lyft half he halde3, - & fare3 ouer e forde3 by e for-londe3, - 700 [D] Ouer at e Holy-Hede, til he hade eft bonk - In e wyldrenesse of Wyrale; wonde er bot lyte - [E] at auer God oer gome wyth goud hert louied. [Fol. 100b] - & ay he frayned, as he ferde, at freke3 at he met, - 704 [F] If ay hade herde any karp of a kny3t grene, - In any grounde er-aboute, of e grene chapel;[2] - & al nykked hym wyth nay, at neuer in her lyue - [G] ay se3e neuer no segge at wat3 of suche hwe3 - 708 of grene. - e kny3t tok gates straunge, - In mony a bonk vnbene, - [H] His cher ful oft con chaunge, - 712 at chapel er he my3t sene. - -[Sidenote A: Now rides the knight through the realms of England.] -[Sidenote B: He has no companion but his horse.] -[Sidenote C: No men does he see till he approaches North Wales.] -[Sidenote D: From Holyhead he passes into Wirral.] -[Sidenote E: There he finds but few that loved God or man.] -[Sidenote F: He enquires after the Green Knight of the Green Chapel,] -[Sidenote G: but can gain no tidings of him.] -[Sidenote H: His cheer oft changed before he found the Chapel.] -[Footnote 1: nyghe (?).] -[Footnote 2: MS. clapel.] - - X. - - [A] Mony klyf he ouer-clambe in contraye3 straunge, - Fer floten fro his frende3 fremedly he ryde3; - [B] At vche ware oer water er e wy3e passed, - 716 He fonde a foo hym byfore, bot ferly hit were, - & at so foule & so felle, at fe3t hym by-hode; - [C] So mony meruayl hi mount er e mon fynde3, - Hit were to tore for to telle of e tene dole. - 720 [D] Sumwhyle wyth worme3 he werre3, & with wolues als, - Sumwhyle wyth wodwos, at woned in e knarre3, - [E] Boe wyth bulle3 & bere3, & bore3 oer-quyle, - & etayne3, at hym a-nelede, of e he3e felle; - 724 [F] Nade he ben du3ty & dry3e, & dry3tyn had serued, - Douteles he hade ben ded, & dreped ful ofte. - [G] For werre wrathed hym not so much, at wynter was wors, - When e colde cler water fro e cloude3 schadden, - 728 & fres er hit falle my3t to e fale ere; - Ner slayn wyth e slete he sleped in his yrnes, - Mo ny3te3 en in-noghe in naked rokke3, - er as claterande fro e crest e colde borne renne3, - 732 & henged he3e ouer his hede in hard sse-ikkles. - [H] us in peryl, & payne, & plytes ful harde, - Bi contray carye3 is kny3t, tyl kryst-masse euen, - al one; - 736 e kny3t wel at tyde, - [I] To Mary made his mone. - at ho hym red to ryde, - & wysse hym to sum wone. [Fol. 101.] - -[Sidenote A: Many a cliff he climbed over;] -[Sidenote B: many a ford and stream he crossed, and everywhere he found a - foe.] -[Sidenote C: It were too tedious to tell the tenth part of his adventures] -[Sidenote D: with serpents, wolves, and wild men;] -[Sidenote E: with bulls, bears, and boars.] -[Sidenote F: Had he not been both brave and good, doubtless he had been - dead.] -[Sidenote G: The sharp winter was far worse than any war that ever troubled - him.] -[Sidenote H: Thus in peril he travels till Christmas-eve.] -[Sidenote I: To the Virgin Mary he prays to guide him to some abode.] - - XI. - - 740 [A] Bi a mounte on e morne meryly he rydes, - Into a forest ful dep, at ferly wat3 wylde, - Hi3e hille3 on vche a halue, & holt wode3 vnder, - [B] Of hore oke3 fill hoge a hundreth to-geder; - 744 e hasel & e ha3-orne were harled al samen, - With ro3e raged mosse rayled ay-where, - [C] With mony brydde3 vnblye vpon bare twyges, - at pitosly er piped for pyne of e colde. - 748 e gome vpon Gryngolet glyde3 hem vnder, - [D] ur3 mony misy & myre, mon al hym one, - Carande for his costes, lest he ne keuer schulde, - To se e seruy[1] of at syre, at on at self ny3t - 752 Of a burde wat3 borne, oure baret to quelle; - [E] & erfore sykyng he sayde, "I be-seche e, lorde, - & Mary, at is myldest moder so dere. - Of sum herber, er he3ly I my3t here masse. - 756 Ande y matyne3 to-morne, mekely I ask, - & er-to prestly I pray my pater & aue, - & crede." - He rode in his prayere, - 760 & cryed for his mysdede, - [F] He sayned hym in syes sere, - & sayde "cros Kryst me spede!" - -[Sidenote A: On the morn Sir Gawayne finds himself in a deep forest,] -[Sidenote B: where were old oaks many a hundred.] -[Sidenote C: Many sad birds upon bare twigs piped piteously for the cold.] -[Sidenote D: Through many a mire he goes, that he may celebrate the birth - of Christ.] -[Sidenote E: He beseeches the Virgin Mary to direct him to some lodging - where he may hear mass.] -[Sidenote F: Blessing himself, he says, "Cross of Christ, speed me!"] -[Footnote 1: seruyce (?).] - - XII. - - [A] Nade he sayned hym-self, segge, bot rye, - 764 Er he wat3 war in e wod of a won in a mote. - [B] Abof a launde, on a lawe, loken vnder bo3e3, - Of mony borelych bole, aboute bi e diches; - [C] A castel e comlokest at euer kny3t a3te, - 768 Pyched on a prayere, a park al aboute, - With a pyked palays, pyned ful ik, - at vmbe-te3e mony tre mo en two myle. - at holde on at on syde e hael auysed, - 772 [D] As hit schemered & schon ur3 e schyre oke3; - enne hat3 he hendly of his helme, & he3ly he onke3 - Iesus & say[nt] Gilyan, at gentyle ar boe, - at cortaysly hade hym kydde, & his cry herkened. [Fol. 101b.] - 776 "Now bone hostel," coe e burne, "I be-seche yow 3ette!" - enne gedere3 he to Gryngolet with e gilt hele3, - [E] & he ful chauncely hat3 chosen to e chef gate, - at bro3t bremly e burne to e bryge ende, - 780 in haste; - [F] e bryge wat3 breme vp-brayde, - e 3ate3 wer stoken faste, - e walle3 were wel arayed, - 784 Hit dut no wynde3 blaste. - -[Sidenote A: Scarcely had he blessed himself thrice] -[Sidenote B: when he saw a dwelling in the wood, set on a hill,] -[Sidenote C: the comeliest castle that knight ever owned.] -[Sidenote D: It shone as the sun through the bright oaks.] -[Sidenote E: Sir Gawayne goes to the chief gate,] -[Sidenote F: and finds the draw-bridge raised, and the gates shut fast.] - - XIII. - - [A] e burne bode on bonk, at on blonk houed, - Of e depe double dich at drof to e place, - e walle wod in e water wonderly depe, - 788 [B] Ande eft a ful huge he3t hit haled vpon lofte, - Of harde hewen ston vp to e table3, - [C] Enbaned vnder e abataylment, in e best lawe; - & syen garyte3 ful gaye gered bi-twene, - 792 Wyth mony luflych loupe, at louked ful clene; - A better barbican at burne blusched vpon neuer; - & innermore he be-helde at halle ful hy3e, - [D] Towre telded bytwene trochet ful ik, - 796 Fayre fylyole3 at fy3ed, & ferlyly long, - [E] With coruon coprounes, craftyly sle3e; - Chalk whyt chymnees er ches he in-no3e, - Vpon bastel roue3, at blenked ful quyte; - 800 So mony pynakle payntet wat3 poudred ay quere, - Among e castel carnele3, clambred so ik, - at pared out of papure purely hit semed. - [F] e fre freke on e fole hit fayr in-n[o]ghe o3t, - 804 If he my3t keuer to com e cloyster wyth-inne, - To herber in at hostel, whyl halyday lested - auinant; - [G] He calde, & sone er com - 808 A porter pure plesaunt, - On e wal his ernd he nome, - & haylsed e kny3t erraunt. - -[Sidenote A: The knight abides on the bank,] -[Sidenote B: and observes the "huge height,"] -[Sidenote C: with its battlements and watch towers.] -[Sidenote D: Bright and long were its round towers,] -[Sidenote E: with their well-made capitals.] -[Sidenote F: He thinks it fair enough if he might only come within the - cloister.] -[Sidenote G: He calls, and soon there comes a porter to know the knight's - errand.] - - XIV. - - [A] "Gode sir," quod Gawan, "wolde3 ou go myn ernde, - 812 To e he3 lorde of is hous, herber to craue?" - "3e, Peter," quod e porter, "& purely I trowe,[1] [Fol. 102.] - [B] at 3e be, wy3e, welcum to won quyle yow lyke3." - en 3ede at wy3e a3ayn awye, - 816 & folke frely hym wyth, to fonge e kny3t; - [C] ay let doun e grete dra3t, & derely out 3eden, - & kneled doun on her knes vpon e colde ere, - To welcum is ilk wy3, as wory hom o3t; - 820 [D] ay 3olden hym e brode 3ate, 3arked vp wyde, - & he hem raysed rekenly, & rod ouer e brygge; - Sere segge3 hym sesed by sadel, quel[2] he ly3t, - [E] & syen stabeled his stede stif men in-no3e. - 824 [F] Kny3te3 & swyere3 comen doun enne, - For to bryng is burne[3] wyth blys in-to halle; - [G] Quen he hef vp his helme, er hi3ed in-noghe - For to hent hit at his honde, e hende to seruen, - 828 His bronde & his blasoun boe ay token. - en haylsed he ful hendly o haele3 vch one, - & mony proud mon er presed, at prynce to honour; - Alle hasped in his he3 wede to halle ay hym wonnen, - 832 er fayre fyre vpon flet fersly brenned. - [H] enne e lorde of e lede loute3 fro his chambre, - For to mete wyth menske e mon on e flor; - He sayde, "3e ar welcum to welde as yow lyke3, - 836 at here is, al is yowre awen, to haue at yowre wylle - & welde." - "Graunt mercy," quod Gawayn, - "er Kryst hit yow for-3elde," - 840 [I] As freke3 at semed fayn, - Ayer oer in arme3 con felde. - -[Sidenote A: "Good sir," says Gawayne, "ask the high lord of this house to - grant me a lodging."] -[Sidenote B: "You are welcome to dwell here as long as you like," replied - the porter.] -[Sidenote C: The draw-bridge is let down,] -[Sidenote D: and the gate is opened wide to receive him.] -[Sidenote E: His horse is well stabled.] -[Sidenote F: Knights and squires bring Gawayne into the hall.] -[Sidenote G: Many a one hastens to take his helmet and sword.] -[Sidenote H: The lord of the country bids him welcome,] -[Sidenote I: and they embrace each other.] -[Footnote 1: trowoe, MS.] -[Footnote 2: quyle (?) or quen (?).] -[Footnote 3: buurne, MS.] - - XV. - - [A] Gawayn gly3t on e gome at godly hym gret, - [B] & u3t hit a bolde burne at e bur3 a3te, - 844 A hoge hael for e none3, & of hyghe elde;[1] - [C] Brode bry3t wat3 his berde, & al beuer hwed, - Sturne stif on e strye on stal-worth schonke3, - [D] Felle face as e fyre, & fre of hys speche; - 848 & wel hym semed for soe, as e segge u3t, - To lede a lortschyp in lee of leude3 ful gode. - [E] e lorde hym charred to a chambre, & chefly cumaunde3[2] [Fol.] - To delyuer hym a leude, hym lo3ly to serue; [102b.] - 852 & ere were boun at his bode burne3 in-no3e, - [F] at bro3t hym to a bry3t boure, er beddyng wat3 noble, - Of cortynes of clene sylk, wyth cler golde hemme3, - [G] & couertore3 ful curious, with comlych pane3, - 856 Of bry3t blaunnier a-boue enbrawded bisyde3, - Rudele3 rennande on rope3, red golde rynge3, - [H] Tapyte3 ty3t to e wo3e, of tuly & tars, - & vnder fete, on e flet, of fol3ande sute. - 860 [I] er he wat3 dispoyled, wyth speche3 of myere, - e burn of his bruny, & of his bry3t wede3; - [J] Ryche robes ful rad renkke3 hem[3] bro3ten, - For to charge, & to chaunge, & chose of e best. - 864 Sone as he on hent, & happed er-inne, - at sete on hym[4] semly, wyth saylande skyrte3, - [K] e ver by his uisage verayly hit semed - Wel ne3 to vche hael alle on hwes, - 868 Lowande & lufly, alle his lymme3 vnder, - [L] at a comloker kny3t neuer Kryst made, - hem o3t; - Wheen in worlde he were, - 872 Hit semed as he my3t - Be prynce with-outen pere, - In felde er felle men fy3t. - -[Sidenote A: Gawayne looks on his host;] -[Sidenote B: a big bold one he seemed.] -[Sidenote C: Beaver-hued was his broad beard,] -[Sidenote D: and his face as "fell as the fire."] -[Sidenote E: The lord leads Gawayne to a chamber, and assigns him a page to - wait upon him.] -[Sidenote F: In this bright bower was noble bedding;] -[Sidenote G: the curtains were of pure silk with golden hems;] -[Sidenote H: Tarsic tapestries covered the walls and the floor.] -[Sidenote I: Here the knight doffed his armour,] -[Sidenote J: and put on rich robes,] -[Sidenote K: which well became him.] -[Sidenote L: A more comely knight Christ never made.] -[Footnote 1: eldee, MS.] -[Footnote 2: clesly, MS.] -[Footnote 3: hym (?).] -[Footnote 4: MS. hyn.] - - XVI. - - [A] A cheyer by-fore e chemn, er charcole brenned, - 876 Wat3 grayed for sir Gawan, grayely with cloe3, - Whyssynes vpon queldepoyntes, a[t] koynt wer boe; - [B] & enne a mere mantyle wat3 on at mon cast, - Of a broun bleeaunt, enbrauded ful ryche, - 880 & fayre furred wyth-inne with felle3 of e best, - Alle of ermyn in erde, his hode of e same; - & he sete in at settel semlych ryche, - & achaufed hym chefly,[1] & enne his cher mended. - 884 [C] Sone wat3 telded vp a tapit, on treste3 ful fayre, - [D] Clad wyth a clene cloe, at cler quyt schewed, - Sanap, & salure, & syluer-in spone3; - e wy3e wesche at his wylle, & went to his mete [Fol. 103.] - 888 Segge3 hym serued semly in-no3e, - [E] Wyth sere sewes & sete,[2] sesounde of e best, - Double felde, as hit falle3, & fele kyn fische3; - [F] Summe baken in bred, summe brad on e glede3, - 892 [G] Summe soen, summe in sewe, sauered with spyces, - & ay sawes[3] so sle3e3, at e segge lyked. - e freke calde hit a fest ful frely & ofte, - [H] Ful hendely, quen alle e haeles re-hayted hym at one3 - 896 as hende; - "is penaunce now 3e take, - & eft hit schal amende;" - [I] at mon much mere con make. - 900 For wyn in his hed at wende. - -[Sidenote A: A chair is placed for Sir Gawayne before the fireplace.] -[Sidenote B: A mantle of fine linen, richly embroidered, is thrown over - him.] -[Sidenote C: A table is soon raised,] -[Sidenote D: and the knight, having washed, proceeded to meat.] -[Sidenote E: He is served with numerous dishes;] -[Sidenote F: with fish baked and broiled,] -[Sidenote G: or boiled and seasoned with spices.] -[Sidenote H: He calls it a full noble feast,] -[Sidenote I: and much mirth he makes, for the wine is in his head.] -[Footnote 1: MS. cefly.] -[Footnote 2: swete (?).] -[Footnote 3: sewes (?).] - - XVII. - - [A] enne wat3 spyed & spured vpon spare wyse. - Bi preue poynte3 of at prynce, put to hym-seluen, - at he be-knew cortaysly of e court at he were, - 904 [B] at ael Arthure e hende halde3 hym one, - at is e ryche ryal kyng of e rounde table; - & hit wat3 Wawen hym-self at in at won sytte3, - Comen to at krystmasse, as case hym en lymped. - 908 [C] When e lorde hade lerned at he e leude hade, - Loude la3ed he erat, so lef hit hym o3t, - [D] & alle e men in at mote maden much joye, - To apere in his presense prestly at tyme, - 912 at alle prys, & prowes, & pured ewes - Apendes to hys persoun, & praysed is euer, - By-fore alle men vpon molde, his mensk is e most. - [E] Vch segge ful softly sayde to his fere, - 916 [F] "Now schal we semlych se sle3te3 of ewe3, - & e teccheles termes of talkyng noble, - Wich spede is in speche, vnspurd may we lerne, - [G] Syn we haf fonged at fyne fader of nurture; - 920 God hat3 geuen vus his grace godly for soe, - at such a gest as Gawan graunte3 vus to haue, - When burne3 blye of his bure schal sitte - & synge. - 924 In menyng of manere3 mere, - is burne now schal vus bryng, [Fol. 103b.] - [H] I hope at may hym here, - Schal lerne of luf-talkyng." - -[Sidenote A: Sir Gawayne, in answer to questions put to him,] -[Sidenote B: tells the prince that he is of Arthur's court.] -[Sidenote C: When this was made known,] -[Sidenote D: great was the joy in the hall.] -[Sidenote E: Each one said softly to his mate,] -[Sidenote F: "Now we shall see courteous manners and hear noble speech,] -[Sidenote G: for we have amongst us the 'father of nurture.'] -[Sidenote H: He that may him hear shall learn of love-talking."] - - XVIII. - - 928 [A] Bi at e diner wat3 done, & e dere vp, - Hit wat3 ne3 at e niy3t ne3ed e tyme; - Chaplayne3[1] to e chapeles chosen e gate, - Rungen ful rychely, ry3t as ay schulden, - 932 [B] To e hersum euensong of e hy3e tyde. - e lorde loutes erto, & e lady als, - In-to a comly closet coyntly ho entre3; - Gawan glyde3 ful gay, & gos eder sone; - 936 e lorde laches hym by e lappe, & lede3 hym to sytte, - & couly hym knowe3, & calle3 hym his nome, - & sayde he wat3 e welcomest wy3e of e worlde; - [C] & he hym onkked roly, & ayer halched oer. - 940 & seten soberly samen e seruise-quyle; - enne lyst e lady to loke on e kny3t. - [D] enne com ho of hir closet, with mony cler burde3, - Ho wat3 e fayrest in felle, of flesche & of lyre, - 944 & of compas, & colour, & costes of alle oer, - [E] & wener en Wenore, as e wy3e o3t. - He ches ur3 e chaunsel, to cheryche at hende; - [F] An oer lady hir lad bi e lyft honde, - 948 at wat3 alder en ho, an auncian hit semed, - & he3ly honowred with haele3 aboute. - [G] Bot yn-lyke on to loke o ladyes were, - [H] For if e 3onge wat3 3ep, 3ol3e wat3 at oer; - 952 Riche red on at on rayled ay quere, - [I] Rugh ronkled cheke3 at oer on rolled; - Kerchofes of at on wyth mony cler perle3 - [J] Hir brest & hir bry3t rote bare displayed, - 956 Schon schyrer en snawe, at scheder[2] on hille3; - at oer wyth a gorger wat3 gered ouer e swyre, - Chymbled ouer hir blake chyn with mylk-quyte vayles, - [K] Hir frount folden in sylk, enfoubled ay quere, - 960 Toret & treieted with tryfle3 aboute, - [L] at no3t wat3 bare of at burde bot e blake bro3es. [Fol. 104.] - e tweyne y3en, & e nase, e naked lyppe3, - & ose were soure to se, & sellyly blered; - 964 A mensk lady on molde mon may hir calle, - for gode; - [M] Hir body wat3 schort & ik. - [N] Hir buttoke3 bay & brode, - 968 More lykker-wys on to lyk, - Wat3 at scho hade on lode. - -[Sidenote A: After dinner the company go to the chapel,] -[Sidenote B: to hear the evensong of the great season.] -[Sidenote C: The lord of the castle and Sir Gawayne sit together during - service.] -[Sidenote D: His wife, accompanied by her maids, leaves her seat.] -[Sidenote E: She appeared even fairer than Guenever.] -[Sidenote F: An older lady (an ancient one she seemed) led her by the - hand.] -[Sidenote G: Very unlike were these two.] -[Sidenote H: if the young one was fair the other was yellow,] -[Sidenote I: and had rough and wrinkled cheeks.] -[Sidenote J: The younger had breast and throat "bare displayed."] -[Sidenote K: The ancient one exposed only her "black brows," her two eyes,] -[Sidenote L: nose, and naked lips, all sour and bleared.] -[Sidenote M: Her body was short and thick;] -[Sidenote N: her buttocks broad and round.] -[Footnote 1: MS. [claplayne3.]] -[Footnote 2: schedes (?).] - - XIX. - - [A] When Gawayn gly3t on at gay, at graciously loked, - Wyth leue la3t of e lorde he went hem a3aynes; - 972 [B] e alder he haylses, heldande ful lowe, - e loueloker he lappe3 a lyttel in arme3, - [C] He kysses hir comlyly, & kny3tly he mele3; - ay kallen hym of a quoyntaunce, & he hit quyk aske3 - 976 [D] To be her seruaunt sothly, if hem-self lyked. - ay tan hym bytwene hem, wyth talkyng hym leden - [E] To chambre, to chemn, & chefly ay asken - [F] Spyce3, at vn-sparely men speded hom to bryng, - 980 & e wynne-lych wyne er-with vche tyme. - e lorde luflych aloft lepe3 ful ofte, - Mynned merthe to be made vpon mony sye3. - [G] Hent he3ly of his hode, & on a spere henged, - 984 & wayned hom to wynne e worchip er-of, - [H] at most myre my3t mene[1] at crystenmas whyle; - "& i schal fonde, bi my fayth, to fylter wyth e best, - Er me wont e wede3, with help of my frende3." - 988 us wyth la3ande lote3 e lorde hit tayt[2] make3, - [I] For to glade sir Gawayn with gomne3 in halle - at ny3t; - Til at hit wat3 tyme, - 992 e kyng comaundet ly3t, - [J] Sir Gawen his leue con nyme, - & to his bed hym di3t. - -[Sidenote A: With permission of the lord,] -[Sidenote B: Sir Gawayne salutes the elder,] -[Sidenote C: but the younger he kisses,] -[Sidenote D: and begs to be her servant.] -[Sidenote E: To chamber all go,] -[Sidenote F: where spices and wine are served.] -[Sidenote G: The lord takes off his hood and places it on a spear.] -[Sidenote H: He who makes most mirth is to win it.] -[Sidenote I: Night approaches, and then] -[Sidenote J: Sir Gawayne takes his leave and retires to rest.] -[Footnote 1: meue (?).] -[Footnote 2: layt (?).] - - XX. - - [A] On e morne, as vch mon myne3 at tyme, - 996 [B] []at dry3tyn for oure destyn to de3e wat3 borne, - Wele waxe3 in vche a won in worlde, for his sake; - [C] So did hit ere on at day, ur3 dayntes mony; - Boe at mes & at mele, messes ful quaynt [Fol. 104b.] -1000 Derf men vpon dece drest of e best. - [D] e olde auncian wyf he3est ho sytte3; - e lorde lufly her by lent, as I trowe; - [E] Gawan & e gay burde to-geder ay seten, -1004 Euen in-mydde3, as e messe metely come; - & syen ur3 al e sale, as hem best semed, - [F] Bi vche grome at his degre grayely wat3 serued. - er wat3 mete, er wat3 myre, er wat3 much ioye, -1008 at for to telle erof hit me tene were, - & to poynte hit 3et I pyned me parauenture; - [G] Bot 3et I wot at Wawen & e wale burde - Such comfort of her compaynye ca3ten to-geder, -1012 ur3 her dere dalyaunce of her derne worde3, - Wyth clene cortays carp, closed fro fyle; - & hor play wat3 passande vche prynce gomen, - in vayres; -1016 [H] Trumpe3 & nakerys, - Much pypyng er repayres, - Vche mon tented hys, - & ay two tented ayres. - -[Sidenote A: On Christmas morn,] -[Sidenote B: joy reigns in every dwelling in the world.] -[Sidenote C: So did it in the castle where our knight abode.] -[Sidenote D: The lord and "the old ancient wife" sit together.] -[Sidenote E: Gawayne sits by the wife of his host.] -[Sidenote F: It were too tedious to tell of the meat, the mirth, and the - joy that abounded everywhere.] -[Sidenote G: Gawayne and his beautiful companion derive much comfort from - each other's conversation.] -[Sidenote H: Trumpets and nakers give forth their sounds.] - - XXI. - -1020 [A] Much dut wat3 er dryuen at day & at oer, - & e ryd as ro ronge in erafter; - [B] e ioye of sayn Ione3 day wat3 gentyle to here, - & wat3 e last of e layk, leude3 er o3ten. -1024 er wer gestes to go vpon e gray morne, - For-y wonderly ay woke, & e wyn dronken, - Daunsed ful dre3ly wyth dere carole3; - [C] At e last, when hit wat3 late, ay lachen her leue, -1028 Vchon to wende on his way, at wat3 wy3e stronge. - Gawan gef hym god-day, e god mon hym lachche3, - Ledes hym to his awen chambre, [e] chymn bysyde, - [D] & ere he dra3e3 hym on-dry3e, & derely hym onkke3, -1032 Of e wynne worschip &[1] he hym wayned hade, - As to honour his hous on at hy3e tyde, - & enbelyse his bur3 with his bele chere. - "I-wysse sir, quyl I leue, me wore3 e better, -1036 at Gawayn hat3 ben my gest, at Godde3 awen fest." [Fol. 105.] - "Grant merci[2] sir," quod Gawayn, "in god fayth hit is yowre3, - Al e honour is your awen, e he3e kyng yow 3elde; - & I am wy3e at your wylle, to worch youre hest, -1040 As I am halden er-to, in hy3e & in lo3e, - bi ri3t." - [E] e lorde fast can hym payne, - To holde lenger e kny3t, -1044 To hym answre3 Gawayn, - Bi non way at he my3t. - -[Sidenote A: Great was the joy for three days.] -[Sidenote B: St. John's-day was the last of the Christmas festival.] -[Sidenote C: On the morrow many of the guests took their departure from the - castle.] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne is thanked by his host for the honour and pleasure - of his visit.] -[Sidenote E: He endeavours to keep the knight at his court.] -[Footnote 1: at (?).] -[Footnote 2: nerci, in MS.] - - XXII. - - [A] Then frayned e freke ful fayre at him-seluen, - Quat derne[1] dede had hym dryuen, at at dere tyme, -1048 So kenly fro e kynge3 kourt to kayre al his one, - Er e halidaye3 holly were halet out of toun? - [B] "For soe sir," quod e segge, "3e sayn bot e trawe - A he3e ernde & a hasty me hade fro o wone3, -1052 For I am sumned my selfe to sech to a place, - I wot[2] in worlde wheder warde to wende, hit to fynde; - I nolde, bot if I hit negh my3t on nw3eres morne, - For alle e londe in-wyth Logres, so me oure lorde help! -1056 For-y, sir, is enquest I require yow here, - [C] at 3e me telle with trawe, if euer 3e tale herde - Of e grene chapel, quere hit on grounde stonde3, - & of e kny3t at hit kepes, of colour of grene? -1060 er wat3 stabled bi statut a steuen vus by-twene, - [D] To mete at mon at at mere, 3if I my3t last; - & of at ilk nw3ere hot neked now wonte3, - & I wolde loke on at lede, if God me let wolde, -1064 Gladloker, bi Godde3 sun, en any god welde! - For-i, I-wysse, bi 3owre wylle, wende me bi-houes, - [E] Naf I now to busy bot bare re daye3, - & me als fayn to falle feye as fayly of myyn ernde." -1068 [F] enne la3ande quod e lorde, "now leng e by-houes, - For I schal teche yow to a[t] terme bi e tyme3 ende, - e grene chapayle vpon grounde, greue yow no more; - Bot 3e schal be in yowre bed, burne, at yn ese, -1072 Quyle forth dayej, & ferk on pe fyrst of pe 3ere, - & cum to at merk at mydmorn, to make quat yow like3 [Fol. 105b] - in spenne; - Dowelle3 whyle new 3eres daye, -1076 & rys, & rayke3 enne, - [G] Mon schal yow sette in waye, - Hit is not two myle henne." - -[Sidenote A: He desires to know what had driven Sir Gawayne from Arthur's - court before the end of the Christmas holidays.] -[Sidenote B: The knight replies that "a high errand and a hasty one" had - forced him to leave the court.] -[Sidenote C: He asks his host whether he has ever heard of the Green - Chapel,] -[Sidenote D: for he has to be there on New Year's-day.] -[Sidenote E: He wonld as lief die as fail in his errand.] -[Sidenote F: The prince tells Sir Gawayne that he will teach him the way.] -[Sidenote G: The Green chapel is not more than two miles from the castle.] -[Footnote 1: derue (?).] -[Footnote 2: not (?).] - - XXIII. - - [A] enne wat3 Gawan ful glad, & gomenly he la3ed,-- -1080 "Now I onk yow ryuandely ur3 alle oer ynge, - [B] Now acheued is my chaunce, I schal at your wylle - Dowelle, & elle3 do quat 3e demen." - enne sesed hym e syre, & set hym bysyde, -1084 [C] Let e ladie3 be fette, to lyke hem e better; - er wat3 seme solace by hem-self stille; - e lorde let for luf lote3 so myry, - As wy3 at wolde of his wyte, ne wyst quat he my3t. -1088 enne he carped to e kny3t, criande loude, - [D] "3e han demed to do e dede at I bidde; - Wyl 3e halde is hes here at ys one3?" - "3e sir, for-soe," sayd e segge trwe, -1092 "Whyl I byde in yowre bor3e, be bayn to 3ow[r]e hest." - "For 3e haf trauayled," quod e tulk, "towen fro ferre, - & syen waked me wyth, 3e arn not wel waryst, - [E] Nauer of sostnaunce ne of slepe, soly I knowe; -1096 3e schal lenge in your lofte, & ly3e in your ese, - [F] To morn quyle e messe-quyle, & to mete wende, - When 3e wyl, wyth my wyf, at wyth yow schal sitte, - & comfort yow with compayny, til I to cort torne, -1100 3e lende; - & I schal erly ryse, - On huntyng wyl I wende." - [G] Gauayn grante3 alle yse, -1104 Hym heldande, as e hende. - -[Sidenote A: Then was Gawayne glad,] -[Sidenote B: and consents to tarry awhile at the castle.] -[Sidenote C: The ladies are brought in to solace him.] -[Sidenote D: The lord of the castle asks the knight to grant him one - request;] -[Sidenote E: That he will stay in his chamber during mass time,] -[Sidenote F: and then go to meat with his hostess.] -[Sidenote G: Gawayne accedes to his request.] - - XXIV. - - [A] "3et firre," quod e freke, "a forwarde we make; - Quat-so-euer I wynne in e wod, hit wore3 to youre3, - [B] & quat chek so 3e acheue, chaunge me er-forne; -1108 Swete, swap we so, sware with trawe, - Queer, leude, so lymp lere oer better." - "Bi God," quod Gawayn e gode, "I grant er-tylle, - & at yow lyst forto layke, lef hit me ynkes. [Fol. 106.] -1112 [C] "Who bringe3 vus is beuerage, is bargayn is maked:" - So sayde e lorde of at lede; ay la3ed vchone, - ay dronken, & daylyeden, & dalten vnty3tel,[1] - ise lorde3 & ladye3, quyle at hem lyked; -1116 & syen with frenkysch fare & fele fayre lote3 - ay stoden, & stemed, & stylly speken, - Kysten ful comlyly, & ka3ten her leue. - [D] With mony leude ful ly3t, & lemande torches, -1120 Vche burne to his bed wat3 bro3t at e laste, - ful softe; - To bed 3et er ay 3ede, - Recorded couenaunte3 ofte; -1124 e olde lorde of at leude,[2] - Cowe wel halde layk a-lofte. - -[Sidenote A: "Whatsoever," says the host, "I win in the wood shall be - yours,] -[Sidenote B: and what check you achieve shall be mine."] -[Sidenote C: A bargain is made between them.] -[Sidenote D: Night approaches and each "to his bed was brought at the - last."] -[Footnote 1: vntyl ny3te (?).] -[Footnote 2: lede (?).] - -[FYTTE THE THIRD.] - - I. - - [A] Ful erly bifore e day e folk vp-rysen, - Gestes at go wolde, hor grome3 ay calden, -1128 [B] & ay busken vp bilyue, blonkke3 to sadel, - Tyffen he[r] takles, trussen her males, - Richen hem e rychest, to ryde alle arayde, - Lepen vp ly3tly, lachen her brydeles, -1132 [C] Vche wy3e on his way, er hym wel lyked. - [D] e leue lorde of e londe wat3 not e last, - A-rayed for e rydyng, with renkke3 ful mony; - [E] Ete a sop hastyly, when he hade herde masse, -1136 With bugle to bent felde he buske3 by-lyue; - [F] By at at any day-ly3t lemed vpon ere, - He with his haeles on hy3e horsses weren. - [G] enne ise cacheres at coue, cowpled hor hounde3, -1140 Vnclosed e kenel dore, & calde hem er-oute, - [H] Blwe bygly in bugle3 re bare mote; - Braches bayed erfore, & breme noyse maked, - [I] & ay chastysed, & charred, on chasyng at went; -1144 A hundreth of hunteres, as I haf herde telle, - of e best; - [J] To trystors vewters 3od, - Couples huntes of kest, -1148 er ros for blaste3 gode, [Fol. 106b.] - [K] Gret rurd in at forest. - -[Sidenote A: Before day-break folks uprise,] -[Sidenote B: saddle their horses, and truss their mails.] -[Sidenote C: Each goes where it pleases him best.] -[Sidenote D: The noble lord of the land arrays himself for riding.] -[Sidenote E: He eats a sop hastily and goes to mass.] -[Sidenote F: Before day-light he and his men are on their horses.] -[Sidenote G: Then the hounds are called out and coupled.] -[Sidenote H: Three short notes are blown by the bugles.] -[Sidenote I: A hundred hunters join in the chase.] -[Sidenote J: To the stations the "fewters" go,] -[Sidenote K: and the dogs are cast off.] - - II. - - [A] At e fyrst quethe of e quest quaked e wylde; - Der drof in e dale, doted for drede, -1152 Hi3ed to e hy3e, bot heterly ay were - [B] Restayed with e stablye, at stoutly ascryed; - [C] ay let e hertte3 haf e gate, with e hy3e hedes, - e breme bukke3 also, with hor brode paume3; -1156 For e fre lorde hade de-fende in fermysoun tyme, - at er schulde no mon mene[1] to e male dere. - [D] e hinde3 were halden in, with hay & war, - e does dryuen with gret dyn to e depe slade3; -1160 er my3t mon se, as ay slypte, slentyng of arwes, - [E] At vche [at] wende vnder wande wapped a flone, - at bigly bote on e broun, with ful brode hede3, - [F] What! ay brayen, & bleden, bi bonkke3 ay de3en. -1164 & ay rachches in a res radly hem fol3es, - Huntere3 wyth hy3e horne hasted hem after, - [G] Wyth such a crakkande kry, as klyffes haden brusten; - What wylde so at-waped wy3es at schotten, -1168 Wat3 al to-raced & rent, at e resayt. - Bi ay were tened at e hy3e, & taysed to e wattre3, - e lede3 were so lerned at e lo3e trysteres, - & e gre-hounde3 so grete, at geten hem bylyue, -1172 & hem to fylched, as fast as freke3 my3t loke, - er ry3t. - [H] e lorde for blys abloy - Ful oft con launce & ly3t, -1176 [I] & drof at day wyth Ioy - Thus to e derk ny3t. - -[Sidenote A: Roused by the clamour the deer rush to the heights,] -[Sidenote B: but are soon driven back.] -[Sidenote C: The harts and bucks are allowed to pass,] -[Sidenote D: but the hinds and does are driven back to the shades.] -[Sidenote E: As they fly they are shot by the bowmen.] -[Sidenote F: The hounds and the hunters, with a loud cry, follow in - pursuit.] -[Sidenote G: Those that escaped the arrows are killed by the hounds.] -[Sidenote H: The lord waxes joyful in the chase,] -[Sidenote I: which lasted till the approach of night.] -[Footnote 1: meue (?).] - - III. - - [A] us layke3 is lorde by lynde wode3 eue3, - & G. e god mon, in gay bed lyge3, -1180 [B] Lurkke3 quyl e day-ly3t lemed on e wowes, - Vnder couertour ful clere, cortyned aboute; - & as in slomeryng he slode, sle3ly he herde - [C] A littel dyn at his dor, & derfly vpon; -1184 & he heue3 vp his hed out of e cloes, - A corner of e cortyn he ca3t vp a lyttel, [Fol. 107.] - & wayte3 warly ider-warde, quat hit be my3t. - [D] Hit wat3 e ladi, loflyest to be-holde, -1188 at dro3 e dor after hir ful dernly[1] & stylle, - [E] & bo3ed to-warde e bed; & e burne schamed. - & layde hym doun lystyly, & let as he slepte. - [F] & ho stepped stilly. & stel to his bedde, -1192 [G] Kest vp e cortyn, & creped with-inne, - & set hir ful softly on e bed-syde, - & lenged ere selly longe, to loke quen he wakened. - e lede lay lurked a ful longe quyle, -1196 [H] Compast in his concience to quat at cace my3t - Mene oer amount, to meruayle hym o3t; - Bot 3et he sayde in hym-self, "more semly hit were - To aspye wyth my spelle [in] space quat ho wolde." -1200 [I] en he wakenede, & wroth, & to hir warde torned, - [J] & vn-louked his y3e-lydde3, & let as hym wondered, - & sayned hym, as bi his sa3e e sauer to worthe, - with hande; -1204 Wyth chynne & cheke ful swete, - Boe quit & red in-blande, - Ful lufly con ho lete, - Wyth lyppe3 smal la3ande. - -[Sidenote A: All this time Gawayne lies a-bed.] -[Sidenote B: under "coverture full clear".] -[Sidenote C: He hears a noise at his door.] -[Sidenote D: A lady, the loveliest to behold, enters softly.] -[Sidenote E: She approaches the bed.] -[Sidenote F: Gawayne pretends to be asleep.] -[Sidenote G: The lady casts up the curtain and sits on the bedside.] -[Sidenote H: Gawayne has much wonder thereat.] -[Sidenote I: He rouses himself up,] -[Sidenote J: unlocks his eyes, and looks as if he were astonished.] -[Footnote 1: deruly (?).] - - IV. - -1208 [A] "God moroun, sir Gawayn," sayde at fayr lady, - "3e ar a sleper vn-sly3e, at mon may slyde hider; - Now ar 3e tan astyt, bot true vus may schape, - [B] I schal bynde yow in your bedde, at be 3e trayst:" -1212 Al la3ande e lady lanced o bourde3. - [C] "Goud moroun g[aye],"[1] quod Gawayn e blye, - "Me schal wore at your wille, & at me wel lyke3, - For I 3elde me 3ederly, & 3e3e after grace, -1216 & at is e best, be my dome, for me by-houe3 nede;" - & us he bourded a-3ayn with mony a blye la3ter. - [D] "Bot wolde 3e, lady louely, en leue me grante, - & de-prece your prysoun, & pray hym to ryse, -1220 I wolde bo3e of is bed, & busk me better, - I schulde keuer e more comfort to karp yow wyth." - [E] "Nay, for soe, beau sir," sayd at swete, [Fol. 107b] - "3e schal not rise of your bedde, I rych yow better, -1224 [F] I schal happe yow here at oer half als, - & syen karp wyth my kny3t at I ka3t haue; - [G] For I wene wel, Iwysse, sir Wawen 3e are, - at alle e worlde worchipe3, quere-so 3e ride; -1228 Your honour, your hendelayk is hendely praysed - [H] With lorde3, wyth ladyes, with alle at lyf bere. - & now 3e ar here, iwysse, & we bot oure one; - [I] "My lorde & his lede3 ar on lene faren, -1232 [J] Oer burne3 in her bedde, & my burde3 als, - [K] e dor drawen, & dit with a derf haspe; - [L] & syen I haue in is hous hym at al lyke3, - I schal ware my whyle wel, quyl hit laste3, -1236 with tale; - [M] 3e ar welcum to my cors, - Yowre awen won to wale, - Me be-houe3 of fyne force, -1240 [N] Your seruaunt be & schale." - -[Sidenote A: "Good morrow", says the lady, "ye are a careless sleeper to - let one enter thus.] -[Sidenote B: I shall bind you in your bed, of that be ye sure."] -[Sidenote C: "Good morrow," says the knight, "I am well pleased to be at - your service;] -[Sidenote D: but permit me to rise and dress myself."] -[Sidenote E: "Nay, beau sir," said that sweet one,] -[Sidenote F: "I shall hold talk with you here.] -[Sidenote G: I know well that you are Gawayne that all the woild worships.] -[Sidenote H: We are by ourselves;] -[Sidenote I: My lord and his men are far off.] -[Sidenote J: Other men are in their beds, so are my maidens.] -[Sidenote K: The door is safely closed.] -[Sidenote L: Since I have him in house that every one likes, I shall use my - time well while it lasts.] -[Sidenote M: Ye are welcome to my body.] -[Sidenote N: I shall be your servant."] -[Footnote 1: This word is illegible in the MS.] - - V. - - "In god fayth," quod Gawayn, "gayn hit me ynkke3, - [A] a3 I be not now he at 3e of speken; - To reche to such reuerence as 3e reherce here -1244 I am wy3e vn-wory, I wot wel my-seluen; - Bi God, I were glad, & yow god o3t, - [B] At sa3e oer at seruyce at I sette my3t - To e plesaunce of your prys, hit were a pure ioye." -1248 "In god fayth, sir Gawayn," quod e gay lady, - "e prys & e prowes at plese3 al oer, - If I hit lakked, oer set at ly3t, hit were littel daynt; - [C] Bot hit ar ladyes in-no3e, at leuer wer nowe -1252 Haf e hende in hor holde, as I e habbe here, - To daly witt derely your daynt worde3, - Keuer hem comfort, & colen her care3, - [D] en much of e garysourn oer golde at[1] ay hauen; -1256 Bot I louue[2] at ilk lorde at e lyfte halde3, - I haf hit holly in my honde at al desyres, - ur3e grace." - Scho made hym so gret chere, -1260 at wat3 so fayr of face, [Fol. 108.] - [E] e kny3t with speches skere, - A[n]swared to vche a cace. - -[Sidenote A: "I am unworthy," says Sir Gawayne, "to reach to such reverence - as ye rehearse.] -[Sidenote B: I shall be glad, however, to please you by word, or service."] -[Sidenote C: "There are ladies," says his visitor, "who would prefer thy - company] -[Sidenote D: to much of the gold that they possess."] -[Sidenote E: The knight answers the lady's questions.] -[Footnote 1: MS. at at.] -[Footnote 2: louie or loune (?).] - - VI. - - [A] "Madame," quod e myry mon, "Mary yow 3elde, -1264 For I haf founden, in god fayth, yowre fraunchis nobele, - & oer ful much of oer folk fongen hor dede3; - Bot e daynt at ay delen for my disert nysen, - Hit is e worchyp of your-self, at no3t hot wel conne3." -1268 [B] "Bi Mary," quod e menskful, "me ynk hit anoer; - For were I worth al e wone of wymmen alyue, - & al e wele of e worlde were in my honde, - [C] & I schulde chepen & chose, to cheue me a lorde, -1272 For e costes at I haf knowen vpun e kny3t here, - Of bewt, & debonert, & blye semblaunt, - [D] & at I haf er herkkened, & halde hit here trwee, - er schulde no freke vpon folde bifore yow be chosen." -1276 "I-wysse, wory," quod e wy3e, "3e haf waled wel better, - [E] Bot I am proude of e prys at 3e put on me, - & soberly your seruaunt my souerayn I holde yow, - & yowre kny3t I be-com, & Kryst yow for-3elde." -1280 us ay meled of much-quat, til myd-morn paste, - & ay e lady let lyk, a[1] hym loued mych; - [F] e freke ferde with defence, & feted ful fayre. - a3 I were burde bry3test, e burde in mynde hade, -1284 e lasse luf in his lode, for lur at he so3t, - boute hone; - e dunte at schulde[2] hym deue, - & nede3 hit most be done; -1288 [G] e lady enn spek of leue. - He granted hir ful sone. - -[Sidenote A: Gawayne tells her that he prefers her conversation before that - of all others.] -[Sidenote B: The lady declares by Mary,] -[Sidenote C: that were she about to choose her a lord,] -[Sidenote D: she would select Gawayne before any man on earth.] -[Sidenote E: Gawayne tells her that he will become her own knight and - faithful servant.] -[Sidenote F: The remembrance of his adventure prevents him from thinking of - love.] -[Sidenote G: The lady takes leave of Sir Gawayne.] -[Footnote 1: and (?)] -[Footnote 2: sclulde, in MS.] - - VII. - - [A] enne ho gef hym god-day, & wyth a glent la3ed. - & as ho stod, ho stonyed hym wyth ful stor worde3: -1292 [B] "Now he at spede3 vche spech, is disport 3elde yow! - Bot at 3e be Gawan, hit got3 in mynde." - "Quer-fore?" quod e freke, & freschly he aske3, - Ferde lest he hade fayled in fourme of his castes; -1296 Bot e burde hym blessed, & bi is skyl sayde, - "So god as Gawayn gaynly is halden, [Fol. 108b.] - & cortaysye is closed so clene in hym-seluen, - [C] Couth not ly3tly haf lenged so long wyth a lady, -1300 Bot he had craued a cosse, bi his courtaysye, - Bi sum towch of summe tryfle, at sum tale3 ende." - [D] en quod Wowen, "I-wysse, wore as yow lyke3, - I schal kysse at your comaundement, as a kny3t falle3, -1304 & fire[1] lest he displese yow, so[2] plede hit no more." - [E] Ho comes nerre with at, & cache3 hym in arme3, - Loute3 luflych adoun, & e leude kysse3; - ay comly bykennen to Kryst ayer oer; -1308 Ho dos hir forth at e dore, with-outen dyn more. - & he ryches hym to ryse, & rapes hym sone, - [F] Clepes to his chamberlayn, choses his wede, - Bo3e3 forth, quen he wat3 boun, blyely to masse, -1312 & enne he meued to his mete, at menskly hym keped, - [G] & made myry al day til e mone rysed, - with game; - With[3] neuer freke fayrer fonge, -1316 [H] Bitwene two so dyngne dame, - e alder & e 3onge, - Much solace set ay same. - -[Sidenote A: With a laughing glance, she says,] -[Sidenote B: "I am doubtful whether ye be Gawayne.] -[Sidenote C: Were it he, surely, ere this, he would have craved a kiss."] -[Sidenote D: "I shall kiss," says the knight, "at your commandment."] -[Sidenote E: With that the lady catches him in her arms and kisses him.] -[Sidenote F: Gawayne then rises and goes to mass.] -[Sidenote G: He makes mirth all day till the moon rises,] -[Sidenote H: between the "two dames," the older and the younger.] -[Footnote 1: fere (?).] -[Footnote 2: fo, in MS.] -[Footnote 3: Was (?) Nas (?).] - - VIII. - - [A] And ay e lorde of e londe is lent on his gamne3, -1320 To hunt in holte3 & hee, at hynde3 barayne, - Such a sowme he er slowe bi at e sunne heldet, - Of dos & of oer dere, to deme were wonder. - enne fersly ay flokked in folk at e laste, -1324 [B] & quykly of e quelled dere a querr ay maked; - e best bo3ed erto, with burne3 in-noghe, - [C] Gedered e grattest of gres at er were, - & didden hem derely vndo, as e dede aske3; -1328 [D] Serched hem at e asay, summe at er were, - Two fyngeres ay fonde of e fowlest of alle; - [E] Syen ay slyt e slot, sesed e erber, - [F] Schaued wyth a scharp knyf, & e schyre knitten; -1332 Syen rytte ay e foure lymmes, & rent of e hyde, - [G] en brek ay e bale, e bale3 out token, - [H] Lystily forlancyng, & bere of e knot; [Fol. 109.] - ay gryped to e gargulun, & grayely departed -1336 [I] e wesaunt fro e wynt-hole, & walt out e gutte3; - en scher ay out e schuldere3 with her scharp knyue3, - [J] Haled hem by a lyttel hole, to haue hole sydes; - Sien britned ay e brest, & brayden hit in twynne, -1340 & eft at e gargulun bigyne3 on enne, - [K] Ryue3 hit vp radly, ry3t to e by3t, - Voyde3 out e a-vanters, & verayly erafter - Alle e ryme3 by e rybbe3 radly ay lance; -1344 So ryde ay of by resoun bi e rygge bone3, - Euenden to e haunche, at henged alle samen, - & heuen hit vp al hole, & hwen hit of ere, - & at ayneme for e noumbles, bi nome as I trowe, -1348 bi kynde; - [L] Bi e by3t al of e y3es, - e lappe3 ay lance bi-hynde, - [M] To hewe hit in two ay hy3es, -1352 Bi e bak-bon to vnbynde. - -[Sidenote A: Meanwhile the lord of the land and his men hunt in woods and - heaths.] -[Sidenote B: Quickly of the killed a "quarry" they make.] -[Sidenote C: Then they set about breaking the deer.] -[Sidenote D: They take away the assay or fat,] -[Sidenote E: then they slit the slot and remove the erber.] -[Sidenote F: They afterwards rip the four limbs and rend off the hide.] -[Sidenote G: They next open the belly] -[Sidenote H: and take out the bowels.] -[Sidenote I: They then separate the weasand from the windhole and throw out - the guts.] -[Sidenote J: The shoulders are cut out, and the breast divided into - halves.] -[Sidenote K: The numbles are next removed.] -[Sidenote L: By the fork of the thighs,] -[Sidenote M: the flaps are hewn in two by the backbone.] - - IX. - - [A] Boe e hede & e hals ay hwen of enne, - & syen sunder ay e syde3 swyft fro e chyne, - & e corbeles fee ay kest in a greue;[1] -1356 enn urled ay ayer ik side ur3, bi e rybbe, - & henged enne a[y]er bi ho3es of e fourche3, - Vche freke for his fee, as falle3 forto haue. - Vpon a felle of e fayre best, fede ay ayr houndes, -1360 [B] Wyth e lyuer & e ly3te3, e leer of e paunche3, - & bred baed in blod, blende er amonge3; - Baldely ay blw prys, bayed ayr rachche3, - [C] Syen fonge ay her flesche folden to home, -1364 Strakande ful stoutly mony stif mote3. - Bi at e dayly3t wat3 done, e douthe wat3 al wonen - In-to e comly castel, er e kny3t bide3 - ful stille; -1368 Wyth blys & bry3t fyr bette, - e lord is comen er-tylle, - [D] When Gawayn wyth hym mette, - er wat3 bot wele at wylle. - -[Sidenote A: After this the head and neck are cut off, and the sides - severed from the chine.] -[Sidenote B: With the liver, lights and paunches, they feed the hounds.] -[Sidenote C: Then they make for home.] -[Sidenote D: Gawayne goes out to meet his host.] -[Footnote 1: grene (?).] - - X. - -1372 [A] Thenne comaunded e lorde in at sale to samen alle e meny,[Fol.] - Boe e ladyes on loghe to ly3t with her burdes, [109b.] - [B] Bi-fore alle e folk on e flette, freke3 he bedde3 - Verayly his venysoun to fech hym byforne; -1376 [C] & al godly in gomen Gaway[n] he called, - Teche3 hym to e tayles of ful tayt bestes, - Schewe3 hym e schyree grece schorne vpon rybbes. - [D] "How paye3 yow is play? haf I prys wonnen? -1380 Haue I ryuandely onk ur3 my craft serued?" - "3e I-wysse," quod at oer wy3e, "here is wayth fayrest - [E] at I se3 is seuen 3ere in sesoun of wynter." - "& al I gif yow, Gawayn," quod e gome enne, -1384 "For by a-corde of couenaunt 3e craue hit as your awen." - "is is soth," quod e segge, "I say yow atilke, - &[1] I haf worthyly is wone3 wyth-inne, - [F] I-wysse with as god wylle hit wore3 to 3oure3." -1388 He hasppe3 his fayre hals his arme3 wyth-inne, - & kysses hym as comlyly as he[2] coue awyse: - "Tas yow ere my cheuicaunce, I cheued no more, - I wowche hit saf fynly, a3 feler hit were." -1392 "Hit is god," quod e god mon, "grant mercy erfore, - [G] Hit may be such, hit is e better, &[1] 3e me breue wolde - Where 3e wan is ilk wele, biwytte of hor[3] seluen?" - [H] "at wat3 not forward," quod he, "frayst me no more, -1396 For 3e haftan at yow tyde3, trawe3e non oer - 3e mowe." - ay la3ed, & made hem blye, - [I] Wyth lote3 at were to lowe, -1400 To soper ay 3ede asswye, - Wyth dayntes nwe in-nowe. - -[Sidenote A: The lord commands all his household to assemble,] -[Sidenote B: and the venison to be brought before him.] -[Sidenote C: He calls Gawayne,] -[Sidenote D: and asks him whether he does not deserve much praise for his - success in the chase.] -[Sidenote E: On the knight expressing himself satisfied, he is told to take - the whole according to a former agreement between them.] -[Sidenote F: Gawayne gives the knight a comely kiss in return.] -[Sidenote G: His host desires to know where he has gotten such weal.] -[Sidenote H: As this does not enter into the covenant, he gets no answer to - his question.] -[Sidenote I: They then proceed to supper, where were dainties new and - enough.] -[Footnote 1: And = an.] -[Footnote 2: ho, in MS.] -[Footnote 3: your (?).] - - XI. - - [A] And syen by e chymn in chamber ay seten. - [B] Wy3e3 e walle wyn we3ed to hem oft, -1404 & efte in her bourdyng ay bayen in e morn, - To fylle e same forwarde3 at ay by-fore maden, - [C] at chaunce so bytyde3 hor cheuysaunce to chaunge, - What nwe3 so ay nome, at na3t quen ay metten -1408 ay acorded of e couenaunte3 byfore e court alle; - e beuerage wat3 bro3t forth in bourde at at tyme; [Fol. 110.] - [D] enne ay louelych le3ten leue at e last, - Vche burne to his bedde busked bylyue. -1412 [E] Bi at e coke hade crowe3[1] & cakled bot ryse, - e lorde wat3 lopen of his bedde, [&] e leude3 vch one, - So at e mete & e masse wat3 metely delyuered; - e douthe dressed to e wod, er any day sprenged, -1416 to chace; - [F] He3 with hunte & horne3, - ur3 playne3 ay passe in space, - Vn-coupled among o orne3, -1420 Rache3 at ran on race. - -[Sidenote A: By the hearth they sit.] -[Sidenote B: Wine is carried round.] -[Sidenote C: Again Sir Gawayne and his host renew their agreement.] -[Sidenote D: Then they take leave of each other and hasten to bed.] -[Sidenote E: Scarce had the cock cackled thrice when the lord was up.] -[Sidenote F: With his hunters and horns they pursue the chase.] -[Footnote 1: crowed (?).] - - XII. - - [A] Sone ay calle of a quest in aker syde, - e hunt re-hayted e hounde3, at hit fyrst mynged, - [B] Wylde worde3 hym warp wyth a wrast noyce; -1424 e hownde3 at hit herde, hastid ider swye, - & fellen as fast to e fuyt, fourty at ones; - enne such a glauerande glam of gedered rachche3 - Ros, at e rochere3 rungen aboute; -1428 Huntere3 hem hardened with horne & wyth muthe. - [C] en al in a sembl sweyed to-geder, - Bitwene a flosche in at fryth, & a foo cragge; - In a knot, bi a clyffe, at e kerre syde, -1432 er as e rogh rocher vn-rydely wat3 fallen, - [ay] ferden to e fyndyng, & freke3 hem after; - [D] ay vmbe-kesten e knarre & e knot boe. - Wy3e3, whyl ay wysten wel wyt inne hem hit were, -1436 e best at er breued wat3 wyth e blod hounde3. - [E] enne ay beten on e buske3, & bede hym vp ryse, - & he vnsoundyly out so3t segge3 ouer-wert, - [F] On e sellokest swyn swenged out ere, -1440 Long sythen for[1] e sounder at wi3t for-olde, - For he wat3 b[este &] bor aler grattest, - [And eue]re quen he gronyed, enne greued mony, - [G] For [re a]t e fyrst rast he ry3t to e ere, -1444 & [sped hym] forth good sped, boute spyt more, - [Ande ay] halowed hyghe ful hy3e & hay! hay! cryed - Haden horne3 to moue heterly rechated; [Fol. 110b.] - [H] Mony wat3 e myry mouthe of men & of hounde3, -1448 at buskke3 after is bor, with bost & wyth noyse, - To quelle; - Ful oft he byde3 e baye, - & mayme3 e mute Inn-melle, -1452 [I] He hurte3 of e hounde3, & ay - Ful 3omerly 3aule & 3elle. - -[Sidenote A: The hunters cheer on the hounds,] -[Sidenote B: which fall to the scent forty at once.] -[Sidenote C: All come together by the side of a cliff.] -[Sidenote D: They look about on all sides,] -[Sidenote E: and beat on the bushes.] -[Sidenote F: Out there rushes a fierce wild boar,] -[Sidenote G: At the first thrust he fells three to the ground.] -[Sidenote H: Full quickly the hunters pursue him.] -[Sidenote I: However, he attacks the hounds, causing them to yowl and - yell.] -[Footnote 1: fro (?).] - - XIII. - - [A] Schalke3 to schote at hym schowen to enne, - Haled to hym of her arewe3, hitten hym oft; -1456 Bot e poynte3 payred at e pyth at py3t in his schelde3, - & e barbe3 of his browe bite non wolde, - [B] a3 e schauen schaft schyndered in pece3, - e hede hypped a3ayn, were-so-euer hit hitte; -1460 [C] Bot quon e dynte3 hym dered of her dry3e stroke3, - en, brayn-wod for bate, on burne3 he rase3, - [D] Hurte3 hem ful heterly er he forth hy3e3, - & mony ar3ed erat, & on-lyte dro3en. -1464 Bot e lorde on a ly3t horce launces hym after, - [E] As burne bolde vpon bent his bugle he blowe3, - He rechated, & r[ode][1] ur3 rone3 ful yk, - Suande is wy[ld]e swyn til e sunne schafted. -1468 [F] is day wyth is ilk dede ay dryuen on is wyse, - Whyle oure luflych lede lys in his bedde, - [G] Gawayn grayely at home, in gere3 ful ryche - of hewe; -1472 e lady no3t for3ate, - Com to hym to salue, - Ful erly ho wat3 hym ate, - His mode forto remwe. - -[Sidenote A: The bowmen send their arrows after this wild swine,] -[Sidenote B: but they glide off shivered in pieces.] -[Sidenote C: Enraged with the blows,] -[Sidenote D: he attacks the hunters.] -[Sidenote E: The lord of the land blows his bugle,] -[Sidenote F: and pursues the boar.] -[Sidenote G: All this time Gawayne lies a-bed.] -[Footnote 1: The MS. is here almost illegible.] - - XIV. - -1476 [A] Ho commes to e cortyn, & at e kny3t totes, - Sir Wawen her welcumed wory on fyrst, - & ho hym 3elde3 a3ayn, ful 3erne of hir worde3, - [B] Sette3 hir sof[t]ly by his syde, & swyely ho la3e3, -1480 & wyth a luflych loke ho layde[1] hym yse worde3: - "Sir, 3if 3e be Wawen, wonder me ynkke3, - Wy3e at is so wel wrast alway to god, - & conne3 not of compaynye e coste3 vnder-take, -1484 & if mon kennes yow hom to knowe, 3e kest hom of your mynde;[Fol.] - [C] ou hat3 for-3eten 3ederly at 3isterday I ta3tte [111] - alder-truest token of talk at I cowe." - "What is at?" quod e wyghe, "I-wysse I wot neuer, -1488 If hit be sothe at 3e breue, e blame is myn awen." - [D] "3et I kende yow of kyssyng," quod e clere enne, - "Quere-so countenaunce is coue, quikly to clayme, - at bicumes vche a kny3t, at cortaysy vses." -1492 "Do way," quod at derf mon, "my dere, at speche, - [E] For at durst I not do, lest I denayed were, - If I were werned, I were wrang I-wysse, 3if I profered." - "Ma fay," quod e mere wyf, "3e may not be werned, -1496 [F] 3e ar stif in-noghe to constrayne wyth strenke, 3if yow lyke3, - 3if any were so vilanous at yow denaye[2] wolde." - "3e, be God," quod Gawayn, "good is your speche, - Bot rete is vn-ryuande in ede er I lende, -1500 [G] & vche gift at is geuen not with goud wylle; - I am at your comaundement, to kysse quen yow lyke3, - 3e may lach quen yow lyst, & leue quen yow ynkke3, - in space." -1504 [H] e lady loute3 a-doun, - & comlyly kysses his face, - Much speche ay er expoun, - Of druryes greme & grace. - -[Sidenote A: The lady of the castle again visits Sir Gawayne.] -[Sidenote B: Softly she sits by his side,] -[Sidenote C: and tells the knight that he has forgotten what she taught him - the day before.] -[Sidenote D: "I taught you of kissing," she says, "that becomes every - knight."] -[Sidenote E: Gawayne says that he must not take that which is forbidden.] -[Sidenote F: He is told that he is strong enough to enforce it.] -[Sidenote G: The knight replies that every gift is worthless that is not - given willingly.] -[Sidenote H: The lady stoops down and kisses him.] -[Footnote 1: sayde (?).] -[Footnote 2: de vaye, in MS.] - - XV. - -1508 [A] "I woled[1] wyt at yow, wy3e," at wory er sayde, - "& yow wrathed not er-wyth, what were e skylle, - at so 3ong & so 3epe, as 3e [ar] at is tyme, - So cortayse, so kny3tyly, as 3e ar knowen oute, -1512 [B] & of alle cheualry to chose, e chef yng a-losed, - Is[2] e lel layk of luf, e lettrure of armes; - F[or] to telle of is tenelyng of is trwe kny3te3, - Hit is e tytelet, token, & tyxt of her werkke3, -1516 How le[des] for her lele luf hor lyue3 han auntered, - Endured for her drury dulful stounde3, - & after wenged with her walour & voyded her care, - [C] & bro3t blysse in-to boure, with bountees hor awen. -1520 & 3e ar kny3t com-lokest kyd of your elde, - Your worde & your worchip walke3 ay quere, [Fol. 111b.] - & I haf seten by your-self here sere twyes, - [D] 3et herde I neuer of your hed helde no worde3 -1524 at euer longed to luf, lasse ne more; - [E] & 3e, at ar so cortays & coynt of your hetes, - Oghe to a 3onke ynk 3ern to schewe, - & teche sum tokene3 of trweluf craftes. -1528 Why ar 3e lewed, at alle e los welde3, - Oer elles 3e demen me to dille, your dalyaunce to herken? - for schame! - I com hider sengel, & sitte, -1532 To lerne at yow sum game, - [F] Dos, teche3 me of your wytte, - Whil my lorde is fro hame." - -[Sidenote A: "I would learn," she says, "why you, who are so young and - active,] -[Sidenote B: so skilled in the true sport of love,] -[Sidenote C: and so renowned a knight,] -[Sidenote D: have never talked to me of love.] -[Sidenote E: You ought to show a young thing like me some token of - 'true-love's crafts.'] -[Sidenote F: So teach me of your 'wit' while my lord is from home."] -[Footnote 1: wolde (?).] -[Footnote 2: In (?).] - - XVI. - - [A] "In goud faye," quod Gawayn, "God yow for3elde, -1536 Gret is e gode gle, & gomen to me huge, - at so wory as 3e wolde wynne hidere, - & pyne yow with so pouer a mon, as play wyth your kny3t, - With any skynne3 countenaunce, hit keuere3 me ese; -1540 [B] Bot to take e toruayle[1] to my-self, to trwluf expoun, - & towche e teme3 of tyxt, & tale3 of arme3, - To yow at, I wot wel, welde3 more sly3t - Of at art, bi e half, or a hundreth of seche -1544 As I am, oer euer schal, in erde er I leue, - Hit were a fole fele-folde, my fre, by my trawe. - [C] I wolde yowre wylnyng worche at my my3t, - As I am hy3ly bihalden, & euer-more wylle -1548 [D] Be seruaunt to your-seluen, so saue me dry3tyn!" - us hym frayned at fre, & fondet hym ofte, - Forto haf wonnen hym to wo3e, what-so scho o3t elle3, - [E] Bot he de fended hym so fayr, at no faut semed, -1552 Ne non euel on nawer halue, nawer ay wysten, - bot blysse; - ay la3ed & layked longe, - At e last scho con hym kysse, -1556 [F] Hir leue fayre con scho fonge, - & went hir waye Iwysse. - -[Sidenote A: "It is a great pleasure to me," says Sir Gawayne, "to hear you - talk,] -[Sidenote B: but I cannot undertake the task to expound true-love and tales - of arms.] -[Sidenote C: I will, however, act according to your will,] -[Sidenote D: and ever be your servant."] -[Sidenote E: Thus Gawayne defends himself.] -[Sidenote F: The lady having kissed the knight, takes leave of him.] -[Footnote 1: tornayle (?).] - - XVII. - - [A] Then rues hym e renk, & ryses to e masse, - & sien hor diner wat3 dy3t & derely serued. [Fol. 112.] -1560 [B] e lede with e ladye3 layked alle day, - Bot e lorde ouer e londe3 launced ful ofte, - Swe3 his vncely swyn, at swynge3 bi e bonkke3, - [C] & bote e best of his brache3 e bakke3 in sunder; -1564 er he bode in his bay, tel[1] bawe-men hit breken, - & made[2] hym, maw-gref his bed, forto mwe vtter; - [D] So felle flone3 per flete, when e folk gedered; - Bot 3et e styffest to start bi stounde3 he made, -1568 Til at e last he wat3 so mat, he my3t no more renne, - [E] Bot in e hast at he my3t, he to a hole wynne3, - Of a rasse, bi a rokk, er renne3 e boerne, - He gete e bonk at his bak, bigyne3 to scrape, -1572 [F] e froe femed[3] at his mouth vnfayre bi e wyke3, - Whette3 his whyte tusche3; with hym en irked - Alle e burne3 so bolde, at hym by stoden, - [G] To nye hym on-ferum, bot ne3e hym non durst -1576 for woe; - He hade hurt so mony byforne, - at al u3t[4] enne ful loe, - [H] Be more wyth his tusche3 torne, -1580 at breme wat3 [&] brayn-wod bothe. - -[Sidenote A: Gawayne rises, hears mass, and then dines.] -[Sidenote B: Meanwhile the lord pursues the wild boar,] -[Sidenote C: that bit the backs of his hounds asunder,] -[Sidenote D: and caused the stiffest of the hunters to start.] -[Sidenote E: The boar runs into a hole in a rock by the side of a brook.] -[Sidenote F: The froth foams at his mouth.] -[Sidenote G: None durst approach him,] -[Sidenote H: so many had he torn with his tusks.] -[Footnote 1: til (?).] -[Footnote 2: madee, in MS.] -[Footnote 3: fomed (?).] -[Footnote 4: o3t (?).] - - XVIII. - - [A] Til e kny3t com hym-self, kachande his blonk, - Sy3 hym byde at e bay, his burne3 bysyde, - [B] He ly3tes luflych[1] adoun, leue3 his corsour, -1584 Brayde3 out a bry3t bront, & bigly forth stryde3, - Founde3 fast ur3 e forth, er e felle byde3, - [C] e wylde wat3 war of e wy3e with weppen in honde, - Hef hy3ly e here, so hetterly he fnast, -1588 at fele ferde for e freke3,[2] lest felle hym e worre; - [D] e swyn sette3 hym out on e segge euen, - at e burne & e bor were boe vpon hepe3, - In e wy3t-est of e water, e worre hade at oer; -1592 [E] For e mon merkke3 hym wel, as ay mette fyrst, - Set sadly e scharp in e slot euen, - [F] Hit hym vp to e hult, at e hert schyndered, - & he 3arrande hym 3elde, & 3edoun[3] e water, -1596 ful tyt; - A hundreth hounde3 hym hent, [Fol. 112b.] - [G] at bremely con hym bite, - Burne3 him bro3t to bent, -1600 & dogge3 to dethe endite. - -[Sidenote A: The knight, seeing the boar at bay,] -[Sidenote B: alights from his horse,] -[Sidenote C: and seeks to attack him with his sword.] -[Sidenote D: The "swine sets out" upon the man,] -[Sidenote E: who, aiming well,] -[Sidenote F: wounds him in the pit of the stomach.] -[Sidenote G: The boar is soon bitten to death by a hundred hounds.] -[Footnote 1: MS. luslych.] -[Footnote 2: freke (?).] -[Footnote 3: 3ede doun (?).] - - XIX. - - [A] There wat3 blawyng of prys in mony breme home, - He3e halowing on hi3e, with haele3 at my3t; - [B] Brachetes bayed at best, as bidden e maystere3, -1604 Of at chargeaunt chace at were chef huntes. - [C] enne a wy3e at wat3 wys vpon wod crafte3, - To vnlace is bor lufly bigynne3; - [D] Fyrst he hewes of his hed, & on hi3e sette3, -1608 & syen rende3 him al roghe bi e rygge after, - [E] Brayde3 out e boweles, brenne3 hom on glede, - With bred blent er-with his braches rewarde3; - Syen he britne3 out e brawen in bry3t brode [s]chelde3, -1612 [F] & hat3 out e hastlette3, as hi3tly biseme3; - [G] & 3et hem halche3 al hole e halue3 to-geder, - & syen on a stif stange stoutly hem henges. - Now with is ilk swyn ay swengen to home; -1616 [H] e bores hed wat3 borne bifore e burnes seluen, - at him for-ferde in e fore, ur3 forse of his honde, - so stronge; - Til he se3 sir Gawayne, -1620 In halle hym o3t ful longe, - [I] He calde, & he com gayn, - His fee3 er for to fonge. - -[Sidenote A: Then was there blowing of horns] -[Sidenote B: and baying of hounds.] -[Sidenote C: One wise in woodcraft begins to unlace the boar.] -[Sidenote D: First he hews off the head, then rends him by the back.] -[Sidenote E: He next removes the bowels, broils them on the ashes, and - therewith rewards his hounds.] -[Sidenote F: Then the hastlets are removed.] -[Sidenote G: The two halves are next bound together and hung upon a pole.] -[Sidenote H: The boar's head is borne before the knight, who hastens home.] -[Sidenote I: Gawayne is called to receive the spoil.] - - XX. - - [A] e lorde ful lowde with lote, & la3ed myry, -1624 When he se3e sir G: with solace he speke3; - e goude ladye3 were geten, & gedered e meyny, - [B] He schewe3 hem e schelde3, & schapes hem e tale, - Of e largesse, & e lene, e lierne3 alse, -1628 Of e were of e wylde swyn, in wod er he fled. - at oer kny3t ful comly comended his dede3, - & praysed hit as gret prys, at he proued hade; - [C] For suche a brawne of a best, e bolde burne sayde, -1632 Ne such sydes of a swyn, segh he neuer are. - enne hondeled ay e hoge hed, e hende mon hit praysed, - & let lodly erat e lorde forte here: [Fol. 113.] - [D] "Now Gawayn," quod e god mon, "is gomen is your awen, -1636 Bi fyn for-warde & faste, faythely 3e knowe." - "Hit is sothe," quod e segge, "& as siker trwe; - Alle my get I schal yow gif agayn, bi my trawe." - [E] He [hent] e hael aboute e halse, & hendely hym kysses, -1640 & efter-sones of e same he serued hym ere. - "Now ar we euen," quod e hael, "in is euen-tide, - Of alle e couenauntes at we knyt, syen I com hider, - bi lawe;" -1644 [F] e lorde sayde, "bi saynt Gile, - 3e ar e best at I knowe, - 3e ben ryche in a whyle, - Such chaffer & 3e drowe." - -[Sidenote A: The lord of the land is well pleased when he sees Sir - Gawayne,] -[Sidenote B: He shows him the shields of the wild boar, and tells him of - its length and breadth.] -[Sidenote C: Such a "brawn of a beast," Sir Gawayne says, he never has - seen.] -[Sidenote D: Gawayne takes possession of it according to covenant,] -[Sidenote E: and in return kisses his host,] -[Sidenote F: who declares his guest to be the best he knows.] - - XXI. - -1648 [A] enne ay teldet table3 [on] trestes alofte, - [B] Kesten cloe3 vpon, clere ly3t enne - [C] Wakned bi wo3e3, waxen torches - Segge3 sette, & serued in sale al aboute; -1652 [D] Much glam & gle glent vp er-inne, - Aboute e fyre vpon flet, & on fele wyse, - [E] At e soper & after, mony ael songe3, - As coundutes of kryst-masse, & carole3 newe, -1656 With alle e manerly mere at mon may of telle. - [F] & euer oure luflych kny3t e lady bi-syde; - Such semblaunt to at segge semly ho made, - [G] Wyth stille stollen countenaunce, at stalworth to plese, -1660 at al for-wondered wat3 e wy3e, & wroth with hym-seluen, - Bot he nolde not for his nurture nurne hir a-3ayne3, - Bot dalt with hir al in daynte, how-se-euer e dede turned - to wrast; -1664 [H] Quen ay hade played in halle, - As longe as hor wylle hom last, - [I] To chambre he[1] con hym calle, - & to e chem-ne ay past. - -[Sidenote A: Tables are raised aloft,] -[Sidenote B: cloths cast upon them,] -[Sidenote C: and torches are lighted.] -[Sidenote D: With much mirth and glee,] -[Sidenote E: supper is served in the hall,] -[Sidenote F: and ever our lovely knight by the lady sits,] -[Sidenote G: who does all she can to please her companion.] -[Sidenote H: When they had long played in the hall,] -[Sidenote I: they proceeded "to chamber."] -[Footnote 1: ho (?).] - - XXII. - -1668 [A] Ande er ay dronken, & dalten, & demed eft nwe, - To norne on e same note, on nwe3ere3 euen; - [B] Bot e kny3t craued leue, to kayre on e morn, - For hit wat3 ne3 at e terme, at he to[1] schulde. -1672 e lorde hym letted of at, to lenge hym resteyed, [Fol. 113b.] - [C] & sayde, "as I am trwe segge, I siker my trawe, - [D] ou schal cheue to e grene chapel, y charres to make, - Leude, on nw3ere3 ly3t, longe bifore pryme: -1676 For-y ow lye in y loft, & lach yn ese, - & I schal hunt in is holt, & halde e towche3, - Chaunge wyth e cheuisaunce, bi at I charre hider; - For I haf fraysted e twys, & faythful I fynde e, -1680 Now rid tyme rowe best enk on e morne, - Make we mery quyl we may, & mynne vpon Ioye, - For e lur may mon lach, when so mon lyke3." - is wat3 grayely graunted, & Gawayn is lenged, -1684 [E] Blie bro3t wat3 hym drynk, & ay to bedde 3eden, - with li3t; - [F] Sir G: lis & slepes, - Ful stille & softe al ni3t; -1688 [G] e lorde at his crafte3 kepes, - Ful erly he wat3 di3t. - -[Sidenote A: There they drank and discoursed.] -[Sidenote B: Gawayne begs leave to depart on the morrow.] -[Sidenote C: His host swears to him,] -[Sidenote D: that he shall come to the Green Chapel on New Year's morn long - before prime.] -[Sidenote E: Our knight consents to remain for another night.] -[Sidenote F: Full still and softly he sleeps all night.] -[Sidenote G: Early in the morning the lord is up.] -[Footnote 1: te (?).] - - XXIII. - - [A] After messe a morsel[1] he & his men token, - Miry wat3 e mornyng, his mounture he askes; -1692 [B] Alle e haeles at on horse schulde helden hym after, - Were boun busked on hor blonkke3, bi-fore[2] e halle 3ate3; - [C] Ferly fayre wat3 e folde, for e forst clenged, - In rede rudede vpon rak rises e sunne, -1696 [D] & ful clere coste3[3] e clowdes of e welkyn. - Hunteres vnhardeled bi a holt syde, - Rocheres roungen bi rys, for rurde of her hornes; - [E] Summe fel in e fute, er e fox bade, -1700 Trayle3 ofte a trayteres[4], bi traunt of her wyles; - A kenet kryes erof, e hunt on hym calles, - His fela3es fallen hym to, at fnasted ful ike, - [F] Runnen forth in a rabel, in his ry3t fare; -1704 & he fyske3 hem by-fore, ay founden hym sone, - [G] & quen ay seghe hym with sy3t, ay sued hym fast, - Wre3ande h[ym] ful [w]eterly with a wroth noyse; - [H] & he trantes & tornayee3 ur3 mony tene greue; -1708 Hamloune3, & herkene3, bi hegge3 ful ofte; - [I] At e last bi a littel dich he lepe3 ouer a spenn, [Fol. 114.] - Stele3 out ful stilly bi a strothe rande, - [J] Went haf wylt of e wode, with wyle3 fro e houndes, -1712 enne wat3 he went, er he wyst, to[5] a wale tryster, - [K] er re ro at a rich rat hym at ones, - al graye; - [L] He blenched a3ayn bilyue, -1716 & stifly start onstray, - With alle e wo on lyue, - [M] To e wod he went away. - -[Sidenote A: After mass, a morsel he take with his men.] -[Sidenote B: Then were all on their horses before the hall-gates.] -[Sidenote C: It was a clear frosty morning.] -[Sidenote D: The hunters, dispersed by a wood's side,] -[Sidenote E: come upon the track of a fox,] -[Sidenote F: which is followed up by the hounds.] -[Sidenote G: They soon get sight of the game,] -[Sidenote H: and pursue him through many a rough grove.] -[Sidenote I: The fox at last leaps over a spinny,] -[Sidenote J: and by a rugged path seeks to get clear from the hounds.] -[Sidenote K: He comes upon one of the hunting stations, where he is - attacked by the dogs.] -[Sidenote L: However, he slips them,] -[Sidenote M: and makes again for the wood.] -[Footnote 1: MS. nnorsel.] -[Footnote 2: bi-forere, in MS.] -[Footnote 3: caste3 (?).] -[Footnote 4: trayveres (?).] -[Footnote 5: to to, in MS.] - - XXIV. - - [A] Thenne wat3 hit lif vpon list to lyen e hounde3, -1720 When alle e mute hade hym met, menged to-geder, - Suche a sor3e at at sy3t ay sette on his hede, - As alle e clamberande clyffes hade clatered on hepes; - [B] Here he wat3 halawed, when haele3 hym metten, -1724 Loude he wat3 3ayned, with 3arande speche; - [C] er he wat3 reted, & ofte ef called, - & ay e titleres at his tayl, at tary he ne my3t; - Ofte he wat3 runnen at, when he out rayked, -1728 [D] & ofte reled in a3ayn, so reniarde wat3 wyl. - [E] & 3e he lad hem bi lag, mon, e lorde & his meyny; - On is maner bi e mountes, quyle myd, ouer, vnder, - [F] Whyle e hende kny3t at home holsumly slepe3, -1732 With-inne e comly cortynes, on e colde morne. - Bot e lady for luf let not to slepe, - Ne e purpose to payre, at py3t in hir hert, - Bot ros hir vp radly, rayked hir eder, -1736 [G] In a mery mantyle, mete to e ere, - at wat3 furred ful fyne with felle3, wel pured, - No hwe3 goud on hir hede, bot e ha3er stones - Trased aboute hir tressour, be twenty in clusteres; -1740 [H] Hir ryuen face & hir rote rowen al naked, - Hir brest bare bifore, & bihinde eke. - [I] Ho come3 with-inne e chambre dore, & closes hit hir after, - [J] Wayne3[1] vp a wyndow, & on e wy3e calle3, -1744 & radly us re-hayted hym, with hir riche worde3, - with[2] chere; - [K] "A! mon, how may ou slepe, - [L] is morning is so clere?" [Fol. 114b.] -1748 He wat3 in drowping depe, - Bot enne he con hir here. - -[Sidenote A: Then was it fine sport to listen to the hounds,] -[Sidenote B: and the hallooing of the hunters.] -[Sidenote C: There the fox was threatened and called a thief.] -[Sidenote D: But Reynard was wily,] -[Sidenote E: and led them astray over mounts.] -[Sidenote F: Meanwhile the knight at home soundly sleeps within his comely - curtains.] -[Sidenote G: The lady of the castle, clothed in a rich mantle,] -[Sidenote H: her throat and bosom all bare,] -[Sidenote I: comes to Gawayne's chamber,] -[Sidenote J: opens a window, and says,] -[Sidenote K: "Ah! man, how canst thou sleep,] -[Sidenote L: this morning is so clear?"] -[Footnote 1: wayue3(?).] -[Footnote 2: bi, sec. manu.] - - XXV. - - [A] In dre3 droupyng of dreme draueled at noble, - As mon at wat3 in mornyng of mony ro o3tes, -1752 How at destin schulde at day [dy3t] his wyrde, - At e grene chapel, when he e gome metes, - & bi-houes his buffet abide, with-oute debate more; - [B] Bot quen at comly he keuered his wyttes, -1756 Swenges out of e sweuenes, & sware3 with hast. - e lady luflych com la3ande swete, - [C] Felle ouer his fayre face, & fetly him kyssed; - He welcume3 hir worily, with a wale chere; -1760 He se3 hir so glorious, & gayly atyred, - So fautles of hir fetures, & of so fyne hewes, - [D] Wi3t wallande Ioye warmed his hert; - With smoe smylyng & smolt ay smeten in-to mere, -1764 at al wat3 blis & bonchef, at breke hem bi-twene, - & wynne, - ay lanced wordes gode, - Much wele en wat3 er-inne, -1768 [E] Gret perile bi-twene hem stod, - Nif mare of hir kny3t mynne. - -[Sidenote A: The knight was then dreaming of his forthcoming adventure at - the Green Chapel.] -[Sidenote B: He awakes and speaks to his fair visitor,] -[Sidenote C: who sweetly kisses him.] -[Sidenote D: Great joy warms the heart of Sir Gawayne,] -[Sidenote E: and "great peril between them stood."] - - XXVI. - - [A] For at prynce of pris de-presed hym so ikke. - Nurned hym so ne3e e red, at nede hym bi-houed, -1772 Oer lach er hir luf, oer lodly re-fuse; - He cared for his cortaysye, lest craayn he were, - [B] & more for his meschef, 3if he schulde make synne, - & be traytor to at tolke, at at telde a3t. -1776 "God schylde," quod e schalk, "at schal not be-falle!" - With luf-la3yng a lyt, he layd hym by-syde - Alle e speche3 of specialt at sprange of her mouthe. - Quod at burde to e burne, "blame 3e disserue, -1780 3if 3e luf not at lyf at 3e lye nexte, - Bifore alle e wy3e3 in e worlde, wounded in hert, - [C] Bot if 3e haf a lemman, a leuer, at yow lyke3 better, - & folden fayth to at fre, festned so harde, -1784 at yow lausen ne lyst, & at I leue noue; [Fol. 115.] - And at 3e telle me at, now trwly I pray yow, - For alle e lufe3 vpon lyue, layne not e soe, - for gile." -1788 [D] e kny3t sayde, "be sayn Ion," - & smeely con he smyle, - "In fayth I welde ri3t non, - Ne non wil welde e quile." - -[Sidenote A: The knight is sorely pressed.] -[Sidenote B: He fears lest he should become a traitor to his host.] -[Sidenote C: The lady inquire whether he has a mistress that he loves - better than her.] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne swears by St. John that he neither has nor desires - one.] - - XXVII. - -1792 "at is a worde," quod at wy3t, "at worst is of alle, - Bot I am swared for soe, at sore me inkke3; - [A] Kysse me now coraly, & I schal cach heen, - I may bot mourne vpon molde, as may at much louyes." -1796 Sykande ho swe3e doun, & semly hym kyssed, - & sien ho seueres hym fro, & says as ho stondes, - "Now, dere, at is de-partyng, do me is ese, - [B] Gif me sumquat of y gifte, i gloue if[1] hit were, -1800 [C] at I may mynne on e mon, my mournyng to lassen." - "Now Iwysse," quod at wy3e, "I wolde I hade here - e leuest ing for y luf, at I in londe welde, - [D] For 3e haf deserued, forsoe, sellyly ofte -1804 More rewarde bi resoun, en I reche my3t, - Bot to dele yow for drurye, at dawed bot neked; - Hit is not your honour to haf at is tyme - A gloue for a garysoun, of Gawayne3 gifte3, -1808 & I am here [on] an erande in erde3 vncoue, - [E] & haue no men wyth no male3, with menskful inge3; - at mislyke3 me, lad, for luf at is tyme,[2] - Iche tolke mon do as he is tan, tas to non ille, -1812 ne pine." - [F] "Nay, hende of hy3e honours," - Quod at lufsum vnder lyne, - [G] "a3 I hade o3t[3] of youre3, -1816 3et schulde 3e haue of myne." - -[Sidenote A: She then kisses him, sighing for sorrow.] -[Sidenote B: She desires some gift,] -[Sidenote C: by which to remember him.] -[Sidenote D: Gawayne tells her that she is worthy of a better gift than he - can bestow.] -[Sidenote E: He has no men with mails containing precious things.] -[Sidenote F: Then says that lovesome,] -[Sidenote G: "Though I had nought of yours, yet should ye have of mine."] -[Footnote 1: of, in MS.] -[Footnote 2: tyne, in MS.] -[Footnote 3: no3t (?).] - - XXVIII. - - [A] Ho ra3t hym a riche rynk[1] of red golde werke3, - Wyth a starande ston, stondande alofte, - at bere blusschande beme3 as e bry3t sunne; -1820 Wyt 3e wel, hit wat3 worth wele ful hoge. - [B] Bot e renk hit renayed, & redyly he sayde, - "I wil no gifte3 for gode, my gay, at is tyme; [Fol. 115b.] - [C] I haf none yow to norne, ne no3t wyl I take." -1824 Ho bede hit hym ful bysily, & he hir bode wernes, - & swere swyftel[y] his sothe, at he hit sese nolde; - [D] & ho sore at he forsoke, & sayde er-after, - "If 3e renay my rynk, to ryche for hit seme3, -1828 3e wolde not so hy3ly halden be to me, - I schal gif yow my girdel, at gaynes yow lasse." - Ho la3t a lace ly3tly, at[2] leke vmbe hir syde3, - [E] Knit vpon hir kyrtel, vnder e clere mantyle, -1832 Gered hit wat3 with grene sylke, & with golde schaped, - No3t bot arounde brayden, beten with fyngre3; - & at ho bede to e burne, & blyely bi-so3t - [F] a3 hit vn-wori were, at he hit take wolde. -1836 & he nay at he nolde neghe in no wyse, - [G] Nauer golde ne garysoun, er God hym grace sende, - To acheue to e chaunce at he hade chosen ere. - "& erfore, I pray yow, displese yow no3t, -1840 & lette3 be your bisinesse, for I baye hit yow neuer - to graunte; - I am derely to yow biholde, - Bi-cause of your sembelaunt, -1844 [H] & euer in hot & colde - To be your trwe seruaunt. - -[Sidenote A: She offers him a gold ring,] -[Sidenote B: but he refuses to accept it,] -[Sidenote C: as he has none to give in return.] -[Sidenote D: Very sorrowful was that fair one on account of his refusal.] -[Sidenote E: She takes off her "girdle,"] -[Sidenote F: and beseeches him to take it.] -[Sidenote G: Gawayne again refuses to accept anything,] -[Sidenote H: but promises, "ever in hot and in cold, to be her true - servant."] -[Footnote 1: ryng (?).] -[Footnote 2: at at, in MS.] - - XXIX. - - [A] "Now forsake 3e is silke." sayde e burde enne, - "For hit is symple in hit-self. & so hit wel seme3? -1848 Lo! so hit is littel, & lasse hit is wory; - [B] Bot who-so knew e costes at knit ar er-inne, - He wolde hit prayse at more prys, parauenture; - [C] For quat gome so is gorde with is grene lace, -1852 While he hit hade hemely halched aboute, - er is no hael vnder heuen to-hewe hym at my3t; - [D] For he my3t not he slayn, for sly3t vpon ere." - en kest e kny3t, & hit come to his hert, -1856 [E] Hit were a Iuel for e Iopard, at hym iugged were, - When he acheued to e chapel, his chek forto fech; - [F] My3[1] he haf slypped to e vn-slayn, e sle3t were noble. - enne ho ulged with hir repe, & oled hir to speke, [Fol. 116.] -1860 & ho bere on hym e belt, & bede hit hym swye, - [G] & he granted, & [ho] hym gafe with a goud wylle, - & biso3t hym, for hir sake, disceuer hit neuer, - Bot to lelly layne for[2] hir lorde; e leude hym acorde3. -1864 at neuer wy3e schulde hit wyt, Iwysse, bot ay twayne, - for no3te; - He onkked hir oft ful swye, - Ful ro with hert & o3t. -1868 [H] Bi at on rynne sye, - He hat3 kyst e kny3t so to3t. - -[Sidenote A: "Do you refuse it," says the lady, because it is simple?] -[Sidenote B: Whoso knew the virtues that it possesses, would highly prize - it.] -[Sidenote C: For he who is girded with this green lace,] -[Sidenote D: cannot be wounded or slain."] -[Sidenote E: The knight thinks of his adventure at the Green Chapel.] -[Sidenote F: The lady presses him to accept the lace.] -[Sidenote G: He consents not only to take the girdle, but to keep the - possession of it a secret.] -[Sidenote H: By that time the lady has kissed him thrice.] -[Footnote 1: my3t (?).] -[Footnote 2: fro (?).] - - XXX. - - [A] Thenne lachche3 ho hir leue, & leue3 hym ere, - For more myre of at mon mo3t ho not gete; -1872 [B] When ho[1] wat3 gon, sir G. gere3 hym sone, - Rises, & riches hym in araye noble, - [C] Lays vp e luf-lace, e lady hym ra3t, - Hid hit ful holdely, er he hit eft fonde; -1876 Syen cheuely to e chapel choses he e waye, - [D] Preuely aproched to a prest, & prayed hym ere - at he wolde lyfte[2] his lyf, & lern hym better, - How his sawle schulde be saued, when he schuld seye heen. -1880 [E] ere he schrof hym schyrly, & schewed his mysdede3, - Of e more & e mynne, & merci beseche3, - [F] & of absolucioun he on e segge calles; - & he asoyled hym surely, & sette hym so clene, -1884 [G] As dome3-day schulde haf ben di3t on e morn. - & syen he mace hym as mery among e fre ladyes, - [H] With comlych caroles, & alle kynnes ioye, - As neuer he did bot at daye, to e derk ny3t, -1888 with blys; - Vche mon hade daynte are, - [I] Of hym, & sayde Iwysse, - [J] us myry he wat3 neuer are, -1892 Syn he com hider, er is. - -[Sidenote A: Then she takes her leave.] -[Sidenote B: Gawayne then dresses himself,] -[Sidenote C: and conceals the love-lace about his person.] -[Sidenote D: He then hies to mass,] -[Sidenote E: and shrives him of his misdeeds.] -[Sidenote F: and prays for absolution.] -[Sidenote G: He returns to the hall, and makes himself so merry among the - ladies,] -[Sidenote H: with comely carols,] -[Sidenote I: that they said,] -[Sidenote J: "Thus merry was he never before since hither he came."] -[Footnote 1: he, in MS.] -[Footnote 2: lyste (?).] - - XXXI. - - [A] Now hym lenge in at lee, er luf hym bi-tyde; - 3et is e lorde on e launde, ledande his gomnes, - [B] He hat3 forfaren is fox, at he fol3ed longe; -1896 As he sprent ouer a spenn, to spye e schrewe, - er as he herd e howndes, at hasted hym swye, [Fol. 116b.] - [C] Renaud com richchande ur3 a ro3e greue, - & alle e rabel in a res, ry3t at his hele3. -1900 [D] e wy3e wat3 war of e wylde, & warly abides, - & brayde3 out e bry3t bronde, & at e best caste3; - & he schunt for e scharp, & schulde haf arered, - [E] A rach rapes hym to, ry3t er he my3t, -1904 & ry3t bifore e hors fete ay fel on hym alle, - & woried me is wyly wyth a wroth noyse. - [F] e lorde ly3te3 bilyue, & cache3 by[1] sone, - Rased hym ful radly out of e rach moues, -1908 Halde3 he3e ouer his hede, halowe3 faste, - & er bayen hym mony bray[2] hounde3; - [G] Huntes hy3ed hem eder, with horne3 ful mony, - Ay re-chatande ary3t til ay e renk se3en; -1912 Bi at wat3 comen his compeyny noble, - Alle at euer ber bugle blowed at ones, - [H] & alle ise oer halowed, at hade no hornes, - Hit wat3 e myriest mute at euer men herde, -1916 e rich rurd at er wat3 raysed for renaude saule, - with lote; - [I] Hor hounde3 ay er rewarde, - Her[3] hede3 ay fawne & frote, -1920 [J] & syen ay tan reynarde, - & tyrnen of his cote. - -[Sidenote A: Gawayne's host is still in the field.] -[Sidenote B: He has destroyed the fox.] -[Sidenote C: He spied Reynard coming through a "rough grove,"] -[Sidenote D: and tried to hit him with his sword.] -[Sidenote E: The fox "shunts," and is seized by one of the dogs.] -[Sidenote F: The lord takes him out of the hound's mouth.] -[Sidenote G: Hunters hasten thither with horns full many.] -[Sidenote H: It was the merriest meet that ever was heard.] -[Sidenote I: The hounds are rewarded,] -[Sidenote J: and then they take Reynard and "turn off his coat."] -[Footnote 1: hym (?).] -[Footnote 2: bra (?).] -[Footnote 3: Her her, in MS.] - - XXXII. - - [A] & enne ay helden to home, for hit wat3 nie3 ny3t, - Strakande ful stoutly in hor store horne3; -1924 [B] e lorde is ly3t at e laste at hys lef home, - Fynde3 fire vpon flet, e freke er by-side, - Sir Gawayn e gode, at glad wat3 with alle, - [C] Among e ladies for luf he ladde much ioye, -1928 He were a bleaunt of blwe, at bradde to e ere, - His surkot semed hym wel, at softe wat3 forred, - & his hode of at ilke henged on his schulder, - [D] Blande al of blaunner were boe al aboute. -1932 He mete3 me is god mon in mydde3 e flore, - & al with gomen he hym gret, & goudly he sayde, - "I schal fylle vpon fyrst oure forwarde3 noue, - at we spedly han spoken, er spared wat3 no drynk;" [Fol. 117.] -1936 [E] en acoles he [e] kny3t, & kysses hym ryes, - [F] As sauerly & sadly as he hem sette coue. - [G] "Bi Kryst," quod at oer kny3t, "3e cach much sele, - In cheuisaunce of is chaffer, 3if 3e hade goud chepe3." -1940 "3e of e chepe no charg," quod chefly at oer, - "As is pertly payed e chepe3 at I a3te." - "Mary," quod at oer mon, "myn is bi-hynde, - [H] For I haf hunted al is day, & no3t haf I geten, -1944 [I] Bot is foule fox felle, e fende haf e gode3, - [J] & at is ful pore, for to pay for suche prys inges, - As 3e haf ry3t me here, ro suche re cosses, - so gode." -1948 "I-no3," quod sir Gawayn, - "I onk yow, bi e rode;" - [K] & how e fox wat3 slayn, - He tolde hym, as ay stode. - -[Sidenote A: The hunters then hasten home.] -[Sidenote B: The lord at last alights at his dear home,] -[Sidenote C: where he finds Gawayne amusing the ladies.] -[Sidenote D: The knight comes forward and welcomes his host,] -[Sidenote E: and according to covenant kisses him thrice.] -[Sidenote F: (See l. 1868.)] -[Sidenote G: "By Christ," says the other, "ye have had much bliss!"] -[Sidenote H: I have hunted all day and have gotten nothing,] -[Sidenote I: but the skin of this foul fox,] -[Sidenote J: a poor reward for three such kisses."] -[Sidenote K: He then tells him how the fox was slain.] - - XXXIII. - -1952 [A] With mere & mynstralsye, wyth mete3 at hor wylle, - ay maden as mery as any men mo3ten, - With la3yng of ladies, with lote3 of bordes; - Gawayn & e gode mon so glad were ay boe, -1956 Bot if e douthe had doted, oer dronken ben oer, - Boe e mon & e meyny maden mony iape3, - [B] Til e sesoun wat3 se3en, at ay seuer moste; - Burne3 to hor bedde be-houed at e laste. -1960 [C] enne lo3ly his leue at e lorde fyrst - Fochche3 is fre mon, & fayre he hym onkke3; - [D] "Of such a sellyly[1] soiorne, as I haf hade here, - Your honour, at is hy3e fest, e hy3e kyng yow 3elde! -1964 I 3ef yow me for on of youre3, if yowre-self lyke3, - For I mot nedes, as 3e wot, meue to morne; - [E] & 3e me take sum tolke, to teche, as 3e hy3t, - e gate to e grene chapel, as god wyl me suffer -1968 To dele, on nw3ere3 day, e dome of my wyrdes." - "In god faye," quod e god mon. "wyth a goud wylle; - Al at euer I yow hy3t, halde schal I rede." - [F] er asyngnes he a seruaunt, to sett hym in e waye, -1972 & coundue hym by e downe3, at he no drechch had, [Fol. 117b.] - For to f[e]rk ur3 e fryth, & fare at e gaynest, - bi greue. - e lorde Gawayn con onk, -1976 Such worchip he wolde hym weue; - [G] en at o ladye3 wlonk. - e kny3t hat3 tan his leue. - -[Sidenote A: With much mirth and minstrelsy they made merry,] -[Sidenote B: until the time came for them to part.] -[Sidenote C: Gawayne takes leave of his host.] -[Sidenote D: and thanks him for his happy "sojourn."] -[Sidenote E: He asks for a man to teach him the way to the Green Chapel.] -[Sidenote F: A servant is assigned to him,] -[Sidenote G: and then he takes leave of the ladies,] -[Footnote 1: selly (?).] - - XXXIV. - - [A] With care & wyth kyssyng he carppe3 hem tille, -1980 & fele ryuande onkke3 he rat hom to haue, - & ay 3elden hym a3ay[n] 3eply at ilk; - [B] ay bikende hym to Kryst, with ful colde sykynge3. - [C] Syen fro e meyny he menskly de-partes; -1984 Vche mon at he mette, he made hem a onke, - For his seruyse, & his solace, & his sere pyne, - at ay wyth busynes had ben, aboute hym to serue; - & vche segge as sore, to seuer with hym ere, -1988 As ay hade wonde woryly with at wlonk euer. - [D] en with ledes & ly3t he wat3 ladde to his chambre, - & blybely bro3t to his bedde, to be at his rest; - 3if he ne slepe soundyly, say ne dar I, -1992 [E] For he hade muche on e morn to mynne, 3if he wolde, - in o3t; - [F] Let hym ly3e ere stille, - He hat3[1] nere at he so3t, -1996 [G] & 3e wyl a whyle be stylle, - I schal telle yow how ay wro3t. - -[Sidenote A: kissing them sorrowfully.] -[Sidenote B: They commend him to Christ.] -[Sidenote C: He then departs, thanking each one he meets "for his service - and solace."] -[Sidenote D: He retires to rest but sleeps but little,] -[Sidenote E: for much has he to think of on the morrow.] -[Sidenote F: Let him there lie still.] -[Sidenote G: Be still awhile, and I shall tell how they wrought.] -[Footnote 1: wat3 (?).] - -[FYTTE THE FOURTH.] - - I. - - [A] Now ne3e3 e nw3ere, & e ny3t passe3, - e day dryue3 to e derk, as dry3tyn bidde3; -2000 [B] Bot wylde wedere3 of e worlde wakned eroute, - Clowdes kesten kenly e colde to e ere, - Wyth ny3e[1] in-noghe of e nore, e naked to tene; - [C] e snawe snitered ful snart, at snayped e wylde; -2004 e werbelande wynde wapped fro e hy3e, - [D] & drof vche dale ful of dryftes ful grete. - e leude lystened ful wel, at le3 in his bedde, - [E] a3 he lowke3 his lidde3, ful lyttel he slepes; -2008 Bi vch kok at crue, he knwe wel e steuen. - De-liuerly he dressed vp, er e day sprenged, [Fol. 118.] - For ere wat3 ly3t of a lau[m]pe, at lemed in his chambre; - [F] He called to his chamberlayn, at cofly hym swared, -2012 & bede hym bryng hym his bruny, & his blonk sadel; - at oer ferke3 hym vp, & feche3 hym his wede3, - & graye3 me sir Gawayn vpon a grett wyse. - Fyrst he clad hym in his cloe3, e colde for to were; -2016 & syen his oer harnays, at holdely wat3 keped, - Boe his paunce, & his plate3, piked ful clene, - [G] e rynge3[2] rokked of e roust, of his riche bruny; - & al wat3 fresch as vpon fyrst, & he wat3 fayn enne -2020 to onk; - He hade vpon vche pece, - Wypped ful wel & wlonk; - [H] e gayest in to Grece, -2024 e burne bede bryng his blonk. - -[Sidenote A: New Year's Day approaches.] -[Sidenote B: The weather is stormy.] -[Sidenote C: Snow falls.] -[Sidenote D: The dales are full of drift.] -[Sidenote E: Gawayne in his bed hears each cock that crows.] -[Sidenote F: He calls for his chamberlain, and bids him bring him his - armour.] -[Sidenote G: Men knock off the rust from his rich habergeon.] -[Sidenote H: The knight then calls for his steed.] -[Footnote 1: nywe (?).] -[Footnote 2: rynke3 (?).] - - II. - - [A] Whyle e wlonkest wedes he warp on hym-seluen; - His cote, wyth be conysaunce of e clere werke3, - Ennurned vpon veluet vertuuus[1] stone3, -2028 Aboute beten, & bounden, enbrauded seme3, - & fayre furred with-inne wyth fayre pelures. - [B] 3et laft he not e lace, e ladie3 gifte, - at for-gat not Gawayn, for gode of hym-seluen; -2032 Bi he hade belted e bronde vpon his bal3e haunche3, - [C] enn dressed he his drurye double hym aboute; - Swye sweled vmbe his swange swetely, at kny3t, - e gordel of e grene silke, at gay wel bisemed, -2036 Vpon at ryol red cloe, at ryche wat3 to schewe. - [D] Bot wered not is ilk wy3e for wele is gordel, - For pryde of e pendaunte3, a3 polyst ay were, - & a3 e glyterande golde glent vpon ende3, -2040 [E] Bot forto sauen hym-self, when suffer hym by-houed, - To byde bale with-oute dabate, of bronde hym to were, - oer knyffe; - Bi at e bolde mon boun, -2044 Wynne3 eroute bilyue, - [F] Alle e meyny of renoun, - He onkke3 ofte ful ryue. - -[Sidenote A: While he clothed himself in his rich weeds,] -[Sidenote B: he forgot not the "lace," the lady's gift,] -[Sidenote C: but with it doubly girded his loins.] -[Sidenote D: He wore it not for its rich ornaments,] -[Sidenote E: "but to save himself when it behoved him to suffer."] -[Sidenote F: All the renowned assembly he thanks full oft.] -[Footnote 1: vertuous (?).] - - III. - - [A] Thenne wat3 Gryngolet graye, at gret wat3 & huge, [Fol. 118b.] -2048 & hade ben soiourned sauerly, & in a siker wyse, - [B] Hym lyst prik for poynt, at proude hors enne; - e wy3e wynne3 hym to, & wyte3 on his lyre, - & sayde soberly hym-self, & by his soth swere3, -2052 "Here is a meyny in is mote, at on menske enkke3, - [C] e mon hem maynteines, ioy mot ay haue; - e leue lady, on lyue luf hir bityde; - 3if ay for charyt cherysen a gest, -2056 & halden honour in her honde, e hael hem 3elde, - at halde3 e heuen vpon hy3e, & also yow alle! - & 3if I my3t lyf vpon londe lede any quyle, - I schuld rech yow sum rewarde redyly, if I my3t." -2060 [D] enn steppe3 he in-to stirop, & stryde3 alofte; - His schalk schewed hym his schelde, on schulder he hit la3t, - Gorde3 to Gryngolet, with his gilt hele3, - [E] & he starte3 on e ston, stod he no lenger, -2064 to praunce; - His hael on hors wat3 enne, - at bere his spere & launce. - [F] "is kastel to Kryst I kenne, -2068 He gef hit ay god chaunce!" - -[Sidenote A: Then was Gringolet arrayed,] -[Sidenote B: full ready to prick on.] -[Sidenote C: Gawayne returns thanks for the honour and kindness shown to - him by all.] -[Sidenote D: He then steps into his saddle,] -[Sidenote E: and "starts on the stone" without more delay.] -[Sidenote F: "This castle to Christ I commend; may he give it ever good - chance!"] - - IV. - - [A] The brygge wat3 brayde doun, & e brode 3ate3 - Vnbarred, & born open, vpon boe halue; - [B] e burne blessed hym bilyue, & e brede3 passed; -2072 Prayses e porter, bifore e prynce kneled, - Gef hym God & goud day, at Gawayn he saue; - [C] & went on his way, with his wy3e one, - at schulde teche hym to tourne to at tene place, -2076 er e ruful race he schulde re-sayue. - ay bo3en bi bonkke3, er bo3e3 ar bare, - [D] ay clomben bi clyffe3, er clenge3 e colde; - e heuen wat3 vp halt, bot vgly er vnder, -2080 Mist muged on e mor, malt on e mounte3, - [E] Vch hille hade a hatte, a myst-hakel huge; - Broke3 byled, & breke, bi bonkke3 aboute, - Schyre schaterande on schore3, er ay doun schowued. -2084 Welawylle wat3 e way, er ay bi wod schulden, [Fol. 119.] - [F] Til hit wat3 sone sesoun, at e sunne ryses, - at tyde; - [G] ay were on a hille ful hy3e, -2088 e quyte snaw lay bisyde; - [H] e burne at rod hym by - Bede his mayster abide. - -[Sidenote A: The gates are soon opened.] -[Sidenote B: The knight passes thereout,] -[Sidenote C: and goes on his way accompanied by his guide.] -[Sidenote D: They climb by cliffs,] -[Sidenote E: where each "hill had a hat and a mist-cloak,"] -[Sidenote F: until daylight.] -[Sidenote G: They were then on a "hill full high."] -[Sidenote H: The servant bade his master abide, saying,] - - V. - - [A] "For I haf wonnen yow hider, wy3e, at is tyme, -2092 & now nar 3e not fer fro at note place, - [B] at 3e han spied & spuryed so specially after; - Bot I schal say yow for soe, syen I yow knowe, - & 3e ar a lede vpon lyue, at I wel louy, -2096 Wolde 3e worch bi my wytte, 3e wored e better. - [C] e place at 3e prece to, ful perelous is halden; - [D] er wone3 a wy3e in at waste, e worst vpon ere; - For he is stiffe, & sturne, & to strike louies, -2100 & more he is en any mon vpon myddelerde, - [E] & his body bigger en e best fowre. - at ar in Arure3 hous, Hestor[1] oer oer. - He cheue3 at chaunce at e chapel grene; -2104 [F] er passes non bi at place, so proude in his armes, - at he ne dynne3 hym to dee, with dynt of his honde; - For he is a mon methles, & mercy non vses, - [G] For be hit chorle, oer chaplayn, at bi e chapel rydes, -2108 Monk, oer masse-prest, oer any mon elles, - Hym ynk as queme hym to quelle, as quyk go hym seluen. - For-y I say e as soe as 3e in sadel sitte, - Com 3e ere, 3e be kylled, [I] may e kny3t rede, -2112 Trawe 3e me at trwely, a3 3e had twenty lyues - to spende; - [H] He hat3 wonyd here ful 3ore, - On bent much baret bende, -2116 [I] A3ayn his dynte3 sore, - 3e may not yow defende." - -[Sidenote A: "I have brought you hither,] -[Sidenote B: ye are not now far from the noted place.] -[Sidenote C: Full perilous is it esteemed.] -[Sidenote D: The lord of that 'waste' is stiff and stern.] -[Sidenote E: His body is bigger 'than the best four in Arthur's house.'] -[Sidenote F: None passes by the Green Chapel, 'that he does not ding to - death with dint of his hand.'] -[Sidenote G: For be it churl or chaplain, monk, mass-priest, 'or any man - else,' he kills them all.] -[Sidenote H: He has lived there full long.] -[Sidenote I: Against his dints sore ye may not defend you.] -[Footnote 1: Hector (?).] - - VI. - - [A] "For-y, goude sir Gawayn, let e gome one, - & got3 a-way sum oer gate; vpon Godde3 halue; -2120 [B] Cayre3 bi sum oer kyth, er Kryst mot yow spede; - & I schal hy3 me hom a3ayn, & hete yow fyrre, - [C] at I schal swere bi God, & alle his gode hal3e3, [Fol. 119b.] - As help me God & e halydam, & oe3 in-noghe, -2124 at I schal lelly yow layne, & lance neuer tale, - at euer 3e fondet to fle, for freke at I wyst." - "Grant merci;" quod Gawayn, & gruchyng he sayde, - "Wel worth e wy3e, at wolde3 my gode, -2128 & at lelly me layne, I leue wel ou wolde3! - [D] Bot helde ou hit neuer so holde, & I here passed, - Founded for ferde for to fle, in fourme at ou telle3, - I were a kny3t kowarde, I my3t not[1] be excused. -2132 [E] Bot I wy1 to e chape1, for chaunce at may falle, - & talk wyth at ilk tulk e tale at me lyste, - Wore hit wele, oer wo, as e wyrde lyke3 - hit hafe; -2136 [F] a3e he be a sturn knape, - To sti3tel, &[2] stad with staue, - [G] Ful wel con dry3tyn schape, - His seruaunte3 forto saue." - -[Sidenote A: Wherefore, good Sir Gawayne, let this man alone.] -[Sidenote B: Go by some other region,] -[Sidenote C: I swear by God and all His saints, that I will never say that - ever ye attempted to flee from any man."] -[Sidenote D: Gawayne replies that to shun this danger would mark him as a - "coward knight."] -[Sidenote E: To the Chapel, therefore, he will go,] -[Sidenote F: though the owner thereof were a stern knave.] -[Sidenote G: "Full well can God devise his servants for to save."] -[Footnote 1: mot, in MS.] -[Footnote 2: & &, in MS.] - - VII. - -2140 [A] "Mary!" quod at oer mon, "now ou so much spelle3, - at ou wylt yn awen nye nyme to y-seluen, - & e lyst lese y lyf, e lette I ne kepe; - [B] Haf here i helme on y hede, i spere in i honde, -2144 & ryde me doun is ilk rake, bi 3on rokke syde, - [C] Til ou be bro3t to e boem of e brem valay; - [D] enne loke a littel on e launde, on i lyfte honde, - [E] & ou schal se in at slade e self chapel, -2148 & e borelych burne on bent, at hit kepe3. - Now fare3 wel on Gode3 half, Gawayn e noble, - For alle e golde vpon grounde I nolde go with e, - Ne bere e fela3schip ur3 is fryth on fote fyrre." -2152 [F] Bi at e wy3e in e wod wende3 his brydel, - Hit e hors with e hele3, as harde as he my3t, - Lepe3 hym ouer e launde, & leue3 e kny3t ere, - al one. -2156 [G] "Bi Godde3 self," quod Gawayn, - "I wyl nauer grete ne grone, - [H] To Godde3 wylle I am ful bayn, - & to hym I haf me tone." - -[Sidenote A: "Mary!" quoth the other, "since it pleases thee to lose thy - life,] -[Sidenote B: take thy helmet on thy head, and thy spear in thy hand, and - ride down this path by yon rock-side,] -[Sidenote C: till thou come to the bottom of the valley;] -[Sidenote D: look a little to the left,] -[Sidenote E: and thou shalt see the Chapel itself and the man that guards - it."] -[Sidenote F: Having thus spoken the guide takes leave of the knight.] -[Sidenote G: "By God's self," says Sir Gawayne, "I will neither weep nor - groan.] -[Sidenote H: To God's will I am full ready."] - - VIII. - -2160 [A] Thenne gyrde3 he to Gryngolet, & gedere3 e rake, [Fol. 120.] - Schowue3 in bi a schore, at a scha3e syde, - [B] Ride3 ur3 e ro3e bonk, ry3t to e dale; - & enne he wayted hym aboute, & wylde hit hym o3t, -2164 [C] & se3e no syngne of resette, bisyde3 nowhere, - Bot hy3e bonkke3 & brent, vpon boe halue, - & ru3e knokled knarre3, with knorned stone3; - e skwe3 of e scowtes skayued[1] hym o3t. -2168 enne he houed, & wyth-hylde his hors at at tyde, - & ofte chaunged his cher, e chapel to seche; - [D] He se3 non suche in no syde, & selly hym o3t, - Sone a lyttel on a launde, a lawe as hit we[re]; -2172 [E] A bal3 ber3, bi a bonke, e brymme by-syde, - Bi a for3 of a flode, at ferked are; - e borne blubred er-inne, as hit boyled hade. - [F] e kny3t kache3 his caple, & com to e lawe, -2176 [G] Li3te3 doun luflyly, & at a lynde tache3 - e rayne, & his riche, with a ro3e braunche; - [H] en[n]e he bo3e3 to e ber3e, aboute hit he walke, - D[e]batande with hym-self, quat hit be my3t. -2180 Hit hade a hole on e ende, & on ayer syde, - & ouer-growen with gresse in glodes ay where, - & al wat3 hol3 in-with, nobot an olde caue, - [I] Or a creuisse of an olde cragge, he coue hit no3t deme -2184 with spelle, - "We,[2] lorde," quod e gentyle kny3t, - "Wheer is be e grene chapelle; - [J] He my3t aboute myd-ny3t, -2188 []e dele his matynnes telle!" - -[Sidenote A: Then he pursues his journey,] -[Sidenote B: rides through the dale, and looks about.] -[Sidenote C: He sees no sign of a resting-place, but only high and steep - banks.] -[Sidenote D: No chapel could he discern.] -[Sidenote E: At last he sees a hill by the side of a stream;] -[Sidenote F: thither he goes,] -[Sidenote G: alights and fastens his horse to a branch of a tree.] -[Sidenote H: He walks around the hill, debating with himself what it might - be,] -[Sidenote I: and at last finds an old cave in the crag.] -[Sidenote J: He prays that about midnight he may tell his matins.] -[Footnote 1: skayned (?).] -[Footnote 2: wel (?).] - - IX. - - [A] "Now i-wysse," quod Wowayn, "wysty is here; - is oritore is vgly, with erbe3 ouer-growen; - [B] Wel biseme3 e wy3e wruxled in grene -2192 Dele here his deuocioun, on e deuele3 wyse; - Now I fele hit is e fende, in my fyue wytte3, - at hat3 stoken me is steuen, to strye me here; - [C] is is a chapel of meschaunce, at chekke hit by-tyde, -2196 Hit is e corsedest kyrk, at euer i com inne!" - With he3e helme on his hede, his launce in his honde, [Fol. 120b.] - [D] He rome3 vp to e rokke of o ro3 wone3; - ene herde he of at hy3e hil, in a harde roche, -2200 [E] Bi3onde e broke, in a bonk, a wonder breme noyse, - [F] Quat! hit clatered in e clyff, as hit cleue schulde, - As one vpon a gryndelston hade grounden a sye; - [G] What! hit wharred, & whette, as water at a mulne, -2204 What! hit rusched, & ronge, rawe to here. - enne "bi Godde," quod Gawayn, "at gere as[1] I trowe, - Is ryched at e reuerence, me renk to mete, - bi rote; -2208 Let God worche we loo, - [H] Hit helppe3 me not a mote, - My lif a3 I for-goo, - Drede dot3 me no lote." - -[Sidenote A: "Truly," says Sir Gawayne, "a desert is here,] -[Sidenote B: a fitting place for the man in green to 'deal here his - devotions in devil fashion.'] -[Sidenote C: It is most cursed kirk that ever I entered."] -[Sidenote D: Roaming about he hears a loud noise,] -[Sidenote E: from beyond the brook.] -[Sidenote F: It clattered like the grinding of a scythe on a grindstone.] -[Sidenote G: It whirred like a mill-stream.] -[Sidenote H: "Though my life I forgo," says the knight, "no noise shall - terrify me."] -[Footnote 1: at, in MS.] - - X. - -2212 [A] Thenne e kny3t con calle ful hy3e, - [B] "Who sti3tle3 in is sted, me steuen to holde? - [C] For now is gode Gawayn goande ry3t here, - If any wy3e o3t wyl wynne hider fast, -2216 Oer now, oer neuer, his nede3 to spede." - [D] "Abyde," quod on on e bonke, abouen ouer his hede, - "& ou schal haf al in hast, at I e hy3t ones." - 3et he rusched on at rurde, rapely a rowe, -2220 & wyth quettyng a-wharf, er he wolde ly3t; - [E] & syen he keuere3 bi a cragge, & come3 of a hole, - Whyrlande out of a wro, wyth a felle weppen, - [F] A dene3 ax nwe dy3t, e dynt with [t]o 3elde -2224 With a borelych bytte, bende by e halme, - Fyled in a fylor, fowre fote large, - Hit wat3 no lasse, bi at lace at lemed ful bry3t. - [G] & e gome in e erene gered as fyrst, -2228 Boe e lyre & e legge3, lokke3, & berde, - Saue at fayre on his fote he founde3 on e ere, - Sette e stele to e stone, & stalked bysyde. - [H] When he wan to e watter, er he wade nolde, -2232 He hypped ouer on hys ax, & orpedly stryde3, - Bremly broe on a bent, at brode wat3 a-boute, - on snawe. - [I] Sir Gawayn e kny3t con mete. [Fol. 121.] -2236 He ne lutte hym no yng lowe, - [J] at oer sayde, "now, sir swete, - Of steuen mon may e trowe." - -[Sidenote A: Then cried he aloud,] -[Sidenote B: "Who dwells here discourse with me to hold?"] -[Sidenote C: Now is the good Gawayne going aright] -[Sidenote D: He hears a voice commanding him to abide where he is.] -[Sidenote E: Soon there comes out of a hole, with a fell weapon,] -[Sidenote F: a Danish axe, quite new,] -[Sidenote G: the "knight in green," clothed as before.] -[Sidenote H: When he reaches the stream, he hops over and strides about.] -[Sidenote I: He meets Sir Gawayne without obeisance.] -[Sidenote J: The other tells him that he is now ready for conversation] - - XI. - - [A] "Gawayn," quod at grene gome, "God e mot loke! -2240 I-wysse ou art welcom,[1] wy3e, to my place, - [B] & ou hat3 tymed i trauayl as true[2] mon schulde; - [C] & ou knowe3 e couenaunte3 kest vus by-twene, - At is tyme twelmonyth ou toke at e falled, -2244 [D] & I schulde at is nwe 3ere 3eply e quyte. - [E] & we ar in is valay, verayly oure one, - Here ar no renkes vs to rydde, rele as vus like3; - [F] Haf y[3] helme of y hede, & haf here y pay; -2248 Busk no more debate en I e bede enne, - "When ou wypped of my hede at a wap one." - [G] "Nay, bi God," quod Gawayn, "at me gost lante, - I schal gruch e no grwe, for grem at falle3; -2252 Botsty3tel e vpon on strok, & I schal stonde stylle, - & warp e no wernyng, to worch as e lyke3, - no whare." - [H] He lened with e nek, & lutte, -2256 & schewed at schyre al bare, - & lette as he no3t dutte, - [I] For drede he wolde not dare. - -[Sidenote A: "God preserve thee!" says the Green Knight,] -[Sidenote B: "as a true knight 'thou hast timed thy travel'] -[Sidenote C: Thou knowest the covenant between us,] -[Sidenote D: that on New Year's day I should return thy blow] -[Sidenote E: Here we are alone,] -[Sidenote F: Have off thy helmet and take thy pay at once."] -[Sidenote G: "By God," quoth Sir Gawayne, "I shall not begrudge thee thy - will."] -[Sidenote H: Then he shows his bare neck,] -[Sidenote I: and appears undaunted.] -[Footnote 1: welcon, in MS.] -[Footnote 2: truee in MS.] -[Footnote 3: MS. y y.] - - XII. - - [A] Then e gome in e grene grayed hym swye, -2260 Gedere3 yp hys grymme tole, Gawayn to smyte; - [B] With alle e bur in his body he ber hit on lofte, - Munt as ma3tyly, as marre hym he wolde; - Hade hit dryuen adoun, as dre3 as he atled, -2264 er hade ben ded of his dynt, at do3ty wat3 euer. - Bot Gawayn on at giserne glyfte hym bysyde, - [C] As hit com glydande adoun, on glode hym to schende, - [D] & schranke a lytel with e schulderes, for e scharp yrne. -2268 at oer schalk wyth a schunt e schene wythhalde3, - [E] & enne repreued he e prynce with mony prowde worde3: - [F] "ou art not Gawayn," quod e gome, "at is so goud halden, - at neuer ar3ed for no here, by hylle ne be vale, -2272 [G] & now ou fles for ferde, er ou fele harme3; [Fol. 121b.] - Such cowardise of at kny3t cowe I neuer here. - [H] Nawer fyked I, ne fla3e, freke, quen ou myntest, - Ne kest no kauelacion, in kynge3 hous Arthor, -2276 [I] My hede fla3 to my fote, & 3et fla3 I neuer; - & ou, er any harme hent, ar3e3 in hert, - [J] Wherfore e better burne me burde be called - er-fore." -2280 [K] Quod G:, "I schunt one3, - & so wyl I no more, - Bot pa3 my hede falle on e stone3, - I con not hit restore. - -[Sidenote A: Then the man in green seizes his grim tool.] -[Sidenote B: With all his force he raises it aloft.] -[Sidenote C: As it came gliding down,] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne shrank a little with his shoulders.] -[Sidenote E: The other reproved him, saying,] -[Sidenote F: "Thou art not Gawayne that is so good esteemed,] -[Sidenote G: for thou fleest for fear before thou feelest harm.] -[Sidenote H: I never flinched when thou struckest.] -[Sidenote I: My head flew to my foot, yet I never fled,] -[Sidenote J: wherefore I ought to be called the better man."] -[Sidenote K: "I shunted once," says Gawayne, "but will no more.] - - XIII. - -2284 [A] Bot busk, burne, bi i fayth, & bryng me to e poynt, - Dele to me my destin, & do hit out of honde, - For I schal stonde e a strok, & start no more, - Til yn ax haue me hitte, haf here my trawe." -2288 [B] "Haf at e enne," quod at oer, & heue3 hit alofte, - & wayte3 as wroely, as he wode were; - [C] He mynte3 at hym ma3tyly, bot not e mon ryue3,[1] - With-helde heterly h[i]s honde, er hit hurt my3t. -2292 [D] Gawayn grayely hit byde3, & glent with no membre, - Bot stode stylle as e ston, oer a stubbe auer, - at raeled is in roche grounde, with rote3 a hundreth. - en muryly efte con he mele, e mon in e grene, -2296 [E] "So now ou hat3 i hert holle, hitte me bihou[e]s; - Halde e now e hy3e hode, at Arur e ra3t, - & kepe y kanel at is kest, 3if hit keuer may." - G: ful gryndelly with greme enne sayde, -2300 [F] "Wy resch on, ou ro mon, ou rete3 to longe, - I hope at i hert ar3e wyth yn awen seluen." - "For soe," quod at oer freke, "so felly ou speke3, - I wyl no lenger on lyte lette in ernde, -2304 ri3t nowe." - [G] enne tas he[2] hym strye to stryke, - & frounses boe lyppe & browe, - No meruayle a3 hym myslyke, -2308 at hoped of no rescowe. - -[Sidenote A: Bring me to the point; deal me my destiny at once."] -[Sidenote B: "Have at thee, then," says the other.] -[Sidenote C: With that he aims at him a blow.] -[Sidenote D: Gawayne never flinches, but stands as still as a stone.] -[Sidenote E: "Now," says the Green Knight, "I must hit thee, since thy - heart is whole."] -[Sidenote F: "Thrash on," says the other.] -[Sidenote G: Then the Green Knight makes ready to strike.] -[Footnote 1: ? ryne3 = touches.] -[Footnote 2: he he, in MS.] - - XIV. - - [A] He lyftes ly3tly his lome, & let hit doun fayre, - [B] With e barbe of e bitte bi e bare nek [Fol. 122.] - a3 he homered heterly, hurt hym no more, -2312 Bot snyrt hym on at on syde, at seuered e hyde; - [C] e scharp schrank to e flesche ur3 e schyre grece, - at e schene blod over his schulderes schot to e ere. - [D] & quen e burne se3 e blode blenk on e snawe, -2316 He sprit forth spenne fote more en a spere lene, - Hent heterly his helme, & on his hed cast, - Schot with his schuldere3 his fayre schelde vnder, - [E] Brayde3 out a bry3t sworde, & bremely he speke3; -2320 Neuer syn at he wat3 burne borne of his moder, - Wat3 he neuer in is worlde, wy3e half so blye:-- - [F] "Blynne, burne, of y bur, bede me no mo; - I haf a stroke in is sted with-oute stryf hent, -2324 [G] & if ow reche3 me any mo, I redyly schal quyte, - & 3elde 3ederly a3ayn, & er to 3e tryst, - & foo; - [H] Bot on stroke here me falle3, -2328 e couenaunt schop ry3t so, - [Sikered][1] in Arure3 halle3, - & er-fore, hende, now hoo!" - -[Sidenote A: He let fall his loom on the bare] -[Sidenote B: neck of Sir Gawayne.] -[Sidenote C: The sharp weapon pierced the flesh so that the blood flowed.] -[Sidenote D: When the knight saw the blood on the snow,] -[Sidenote E: he unsheathed his sword, and thus spake:] -[Sidenote F: "Cease, man, of thy blow.] -[Sidenote G: If thou givest me any more, readily shall I requite thee.] -[Sidenote H: Our agreement stipulates only one stroke."] -[Footnote 1: Illegible.] - - XV. - - [A] The hael heldet hym fro, & on his ax rested, -2332 Sette e schaft vpon schore, & to be scharp lened, - [B] & loked to e leude, at on e launde 3ede, - How at do3ty dredles deruely er stonde3, - Armed ful a3le3; in hert hit hym lyke3. -2336 enn he mele3 muryly, wyth a much steuen, - [C] & wyth a r[a]ykande rurde he to e renk sayde, - "Bolde burne, on is bent be not so gryndel; - No mon here vn-manerly e mys-boden habbe, -2340 Ne kyd, bot as couenaunde, at kynge3 kort schaped; - [D] I hy3t e a strok, & ou hit hat3, halde e wel payed, - I relece e of e remnaunt, of ry3tes alle oer; - 3if[1] I deliuer had bene, a boffet, paraunter, -2344 [E] I coue wroeloker haf waret, [&] to e haf wro3t anger.[2] - Fyrst I mansed e muryly, with a mynt one, - [F] & roue e wyth no rof, sore with ry3t I e profered, - For e forwarde that we fest in e fyrst ny3t, [Fol. 122b.] -2348 & ou trystyly e trawe & trwly me halde3, - Al e gayne ow me gef, as god mon shulde; - [G] at oer munt for e morne, mon, I e profered, - ou kyssedes my clere wyf, e cosse3 me ra3te3, -2352 For boe two here I e bede bot two bare myntes, - boute scae; - [H] Trwe mon trwe restore, - enne ar mon drede no wae; -2356 [I] At e rid ou fayled ore, - & er-for at tappe ta e. - -[Sidenote A: The Green Knight rested on his axe,] -[Sidenote B: looked on Sir Gawayne, who appeared bold and fearless,] -[Sidenote C: and addressed him as follows: "Bold knight, be not so wroth,] -[Sidenote D: I promised thee a stroke and thou hast it, be satisfied.] -[Sidenote E: I could have dealt worse with thee.] -[Sidenote F: I menaced thee with one blow for the covenant between us on - the first night.] -[Sidenote G: Another I aimed at thee because thou kissedst my wife.] -[Sidenote H: A true man should restore truly, and then he need fear no - harm.] -[Sidenote I: Thou failedst at the third time, and therefore take thee that - tap. (See l. 1861.)] -[Footnote 1: uf, in MS.] -[Footnote 2: This word is doubtful.] - - XVI. - - [A] For hit is my wede at ou were3, at ilke wouen girdel, - Myn owen wyf hit e weued, I wot wel forsoe; -2360 [B] Now know I wel y cosses, & y costes als, - & e wowyng of my wyf, I wro3t hit myseluen; - [C] I sende hir to asay e, & sothly me ynkke3, - On e fautlest freke, at euer on fote 3ede; -2364 As perle bi e quite pese is of prys more, - So is Gawayn, in god fayth, bi oer gay kny3te3. - [D] Bot here you lakked a lyttel, sir, & lewte yow wonted, - Bot at wat3 for no wylyde werke, ne wowyng nauer, -2368 [E] Bot for 3e lufed your lyf, e lasse I yow blame." - at oer stif mon in study stod a gret whyle; - So agreued for greme he gryed with-inne, - [F] Alle e blode of his brest blende in his face, -2372 at al he schrank for schome, at e schalk talked. - e forme worde vpon folde, at e freke meled,-- - [G] "Corsed worth cowarddyse & couetyse boe! - In yow is vylany & vyse, at vertue disstrye3." -2376 [H] enne he ka3t to e knot, & e kest lawse3, - Brayde broely e belt to e burne seluen: - "Lo! er e falssyng, foule mot hit falle! - [I] For care of y knokke cowardyse me ta3t -2380 To a-corde me with couetyse, my kynde to for-sake, - at is larges & lewte, at longe3 to kny3te3. - [J] Now am I fawty, & falce, & ferde haf ben euer; - Of trecherye & vn-trawe boe bityde sor3e -2384 & care! - [K] I bi-knowe yow, kny3t, here stylle, [Fol. 123.] - Al fawty is my fare, - Lete3 me ouer-take your wylle, -2388 & efle I schal be ware." - -[Sidenote A: For my weed (woven by my wife) thou wearest.] -[Sidenote B: I know thy kisses and my wife's wooing.] -[Sidenote C: I sent her to try thee, and faultless I found thee.] -[Sidenote D: But yet thou sinnedst a little,] -[Sidenote E: for love of thy life."] -[Sidenote F: Gawayne stands confounded.] -[Sidenote G: "Cursed," he says, "be cowardice and covetousness both!"] -[Sidenote H: Then he takes off the girdle and throws it to the knight.] -[Sidenote I: He curses his cowardice,] -[Sidenote J: and confesses himself to have been guilty of untruth.] -[Sidenote K: ] - - XVII. - - [A] Thenne lo3e at oer leude, & luflyly sayde, - "I halde hit hardily[1] hole, e harme at I hade; - [B] ou art confessed so clene, be-knowen of y mysses, -2392 & hat3 e penaunce apert, of e poynt of myn egge, - [C] I halde e polysed of at ply3t, & pured as clene, - As ou hade3 neuer forfeted, syen ou wat3 fyrst borne. - [D] & I gif e, sir, e gurdel at is golde hemmed; -2396 For hit is grene as my goune, sir G:, 3e maye - enk vpon is ilke repe, er ou forth rynge3 - Among prynces of prys, & is a pure token - [E] Of e chaunce of e grene chapel, at cheualrous kny3te3; -2400 [F] & 3e schal in is nwe 3er a3ayn to my wone3, - & we schyn reuel e remnaunt of is ryche fest, - ful bene." - er laed hym fast e lorde, -2404 & sayde, "with my wyf, I wene, - We schal yow wel acorde, - at wat3 your enmy kene." - -[Sidenote A: Then the other, laughing, thus spoke:] -[Sidenote B: "Thou art confessed so clean,] -[Sidenote C: that I hold thee as pure as if thou hadst never been guilty.] -[Sidenote D: I give thee, sir, the gold-hemmed girdle,] -[Sidenote E: as a token of thy adventure at the Green Chapel.] -[Sidenote F: Come again to my abode, and abide there for the remainder of - the festival."] -[Footnote 1: hardilyly, in MS.] - - XVIII. - - [A] "Nay, for soe," quod e segge, & sesed hys helme, -2408 & hat3 hit of hendely, & e hael onkke3, - [B] "I haf soiorned sadly, sele yow bytyde, - & he 3elde hit yow 3are, at 3arkke3 al menskes! - [C] & comaunde3 me to at cortays, your comlych fere, -2412 Boe at on & at oer, myn honoured ladye3. - at us hor kny3t wyth hor kest han koyntly bigyled. - [D] Bot hit is no ferly, a3 a fole madde, - & ur3 wyles of wymmen be wonen to sor3e; -2416 [E] For so wat3 Adam in erde with one bygyled, - & Salamon with fele sere, & Samson eft sone3, - Dalyda dalt hym hys wyrde, & Dauyth er-after - Wat3 blended with Barsabe, at much bale oled. -2420 Now ese were wrathed wyth her wyles, hit were a wynne huge, - [F] To luf hom wel, & leue hem not, a leude at coue, - For es wer forne[1] e freest at fol3ed alle e sele, [Fol.] - Ex-ellently of alle yse oer, vnder heuen-ryche, [123b.] -2424 at mused; - & alle ay were bi-wyled, - With[2] wymmen at ay vsed, - [G] a3 I be now bigyled, -2428 Me ink me burde be excused." - -[Sidenote A: "Nay, forsooth," says Gawayne,] -[Sidenote B: "I have sojourned sadly, but bliss betide thee!] -[Sidenote C: Commend me to your comely wife and that other lady who have - beguiled me.] -[Sidenote D: But it is no marvel for a man to be brought to grief through a - woman's wiles.] -[Sidenote E: Adam, Solomon, Samson, and David were beguiled by women.] -[Sidenote F: How could a man love them and believe them not?] -[Sidenote G: Though I be now beguiled, methinks I should be excused.] -[Footnote 1: forme (?)] -[Footnote 2: with wyth, in MS.] - - XIX. - - [A] "Bot your gordel," quod G: "God yow for-3elde! - at wyl I welde wyth good wylle, not for e wynne golde, - Ne e saynt, ne e sylk, ne e syde pendaundes, -2432 For wele, ne for worchyp, ne for e wlonk werkke3, - [B] Bot in syngne of my surfet I schal se hit ofte; - When I ride in renoun, remorde to myseluen - e faut & e fayntyse of e flesche crabbed, -2436 How tender hit is to entyse teches of fyle; - [C] & us, quen pryde schal me pryk, for prowes of armes, - [D] e loke to is luf lace schal lee my hert. - Bot on I wolde yow pray, displeses yow neuer; -2440 Syn 3e be lorde of e 3onde[r] londe, er I haf lent inne, - Wyth yow wyth worschyp,--e wy3e hit yow 3elde - at vp-halde3 e heuen, & on hy3 sitte3,-- - [E] How norne 3e yowre ry3t nome, & enne no more?" -2444 "at schal I telle e trwly," quod at oer enne, - [F] "Bernlak de Hautdesert I hat in is londe, - ur3 my3t of Morgne la Faye, at in my hous lenges, - &[1] koyntyse of clergye, bi craftes wel lerned, -2448 e maystres of Merlyn, mony ho[2] taken; - For ho hat3 dalt drwry ful dere sum tyme, - With at conable klerk, at knowes alle your kny3te3 - at hame; -2452 Morgne e goddes, - er-fore hit is hir name; - [G] Welde3 non so hy3e hawtesse, - at ho ne con make ful tame. - -[Sidenote A: But God reward you for your girdle.] -[Sidenote B: I will wear it in remembrance of my fault.] -[Sidenote C: And when pride shall prick me,] -[Sidenote D: a look to this lace shall abate it.] -[Sidenote E: But tell me your right name and I shall have done."] -[Sidenote F: The Green Knight replies, "I am called Bernlak de Hautdesert, - through might of Morgain la Fey, the pupil of Merlin.] -[Sidenote G: She can tame even the haughtiest.] -[Footnote 1: in (?).] -[Footnote 2: ho hat3 (?).] - - XX. - -2456 [A] Ho wayned me vpon is wyse to your wynne halle, - For to assay e surquidre, 3if hit soth were, - at rennes of e grete renoun of e Rounde Table; - Ho wayned me is wonder, your wytte3 to reue, -2460 [B] For to haf greued Gaynour, & gart hir to dy3e. [Fol. 124.] - With gopnyng[1] of at ilke gomen, at gostlych speked, - With his hede in his honde, bifore e hy3e table. - at is ho at is at home, e auncian lady; -2464 [C] Ho is euen yn aunt, Arure3 half suster, - e duches do3ter of Tyntagelle, at dere Vter after - [D] Hade Arur vpon, at ael is nowe. - erfore I ee e, hael, to com to y naunt, -2468 Make myry in my hous, my meny e louies, - & I wol e as wel, wy3e, bi my faythe, - As any gome vnder God, for y grete traue." - [E] & he nikked hym naye, he nolde bi no wayes; -2472 ay acolen & kyssen, [bikennen] ayer oer - To e prynce of paradise, & parten ry3t ere, - on coolde; - [F] Gawayn on blonk ful bene, -2476 To e kynge3 bur3 buske3 bolde, - & e kny3t in e enker grene, - Whider-warde so euer he wolde. - -[Sidenote A: It was she who caused me to test the renown of the Round - Table,] -[Sidenote B: hoping to grieve Guenever and cause her death through fear.] -[Sidenote C: She is even thine aunt.] -[Sidenote D: Therefore come to her and make merry in my house."] -[Sidenote E: Gawayne refuses to return with the Green Knight.] -[Sidenote F: On horse full fair he bends to Arthur's hall.] -[Footnote 1: glopnyng (?).] - - XXI. - - [A] Wylde waye3 in e worlde Wowen now ryde3, -2480 On Gryngolet, at e grace hade geten of his lyue; - [B] Ofte he herbered in house, & ofte al eroute, - & mony a-venture in vale, & venquyst ofte, - at I ne ty3t, at is tyme, in tale to remene. -2484 [C] e hurt wat3 hole, at he hade hent in his nek, - [D] & e blykkande belt he bere eraboute, - A belef as a bauderyk, bounden bi his syde, - Loken vnder his lyfte arme, e lace, with a knot, -2488 [E] In tokenyng he wat3 tane in tech of a faute; - [F] & us he commes to e court, kny3t al in sounde. - [G] er wakned wele in at wone, when wyst e grete, - at gode G: wat3 commen, gayn hit hym o3t; -2492 [H] e kyng kysse3 e kny3t, & e whene alce, - & syen mony syker kny3t, at so3t hym to haylce, - [I] Of his fare at hym frayned, & ferlyly he telles; - Biknowo3 alle e costes of care at he hade,-- -2496 e chaunce of e chapel, e chere of e kny3t, - [J] e luf of e ladi, e lace at e last. [Fol. 124b.] - e nirt in e nek he naked hem schewed, - [K] at he la3t for his vnleute at e leudes hondes, -2500 for blame; - He tened quen he schulde telle, - [L] He groned for gref & grame; - e blod in his face con melle, -2504 When he hit schulde schewe, for schame. - -[Sidenote A: Wild ways now Gawayne rides.] -[Sidenote B: Oft he harboured in house and oft thereout.] -[Sidenote C: The wound in his neck became whole.] -[Sidenote D: He still carried about him the belt,] -[Sidenote E: in token of his fault.] -[Sidenote F: Thus he comes to the Court of King Arthur.] -[Sidenote G: Great then was the joy of all.] -[Sidenote H: The king and his knights ask him concerning his journey.] -[Sidenote I: Gawayne tells them of his adventures,] -[Sidenote J: the love of the lady, and lastly of the lace.] -[Sidenote K: He showed them the cut in his neck.] -[Sidenote L: He groaned for grief and shame, and the blood rushed into his - face.] - - XXII. - - [A] "Lo! lorde," quod e leude, & e lace hondeled, - "is is e bende of is blame I bere [in] my nek, - is is e lae & e losse, at I la3t haue, -2508 [B] Of couardise & couetyse, at I haf ca3t are, - is is e token of vn-trawe, at I am tan inne, - [C] & I mot nede3 hit were, wyle I may last; - For non may hyden his harme, bot vnhap ne may hit, -2512 For er hit one3 is tachched, twynne wil hit neuer." - [D] e kyng comforte3 e kny3t, & alle e court als, - La3en loude er-at, & luflyly acorden, - at lordes & ladis, at longed to e Table, -2516 [E] Vche burne of e broer-hede a bauderyk schulde haue, - A bende, a belef hym aboute, of a bry3t grene, - [F] & at, for sake of at segge, in swete to were. - For at wat3 acorded e renoun of e Rounde Table, -2520 [G] & he honoured at hit hade, euer-more after, - As hit is breued in e best boke of romaunce. - [H] us in Arthurus day is aunter bitidde, - e Brutus bokees er-of beres wyttenesse; -2524 Syen Brutus, e bolde burne, bo3ed hider fyrst, - After e segge & e asaute wat3 sesed at Troye, - I-wysse; - Mony auntere3 here bi-forne, -2528 Haf fallen suche er is: - [I] Now at bere e croun of orne, - He bryng vus to his blysse! AMEN. - -[Sidenote A: "Lo!" says he, handling the lace, "this is the band of blame,] -[Sidenote B: a token of my cowardice and covetousness,] -[Sidenote C: I must needs wear it as long as I live."] -[Sidenote D: The king comforts the knight, and all the court too.] -[Sidenote E: Each knight of the brotherhood agrees to wear a bright green - belt,] -[Sidenote F: for Gawayne's sake,] -[Sidenote G: who ever more honoured it.] -[Sidenote H: Thus in Arthur's day this adventure befell.] -[Sidenote I: He that bore the crown of thorns bring us to His bliss!] - - * * * * * - -NOTES. - -Line 8 Ricchis turns, goes, - The king ... - Ricchis his reynys and the Renke metys: - Girden to gedur with ere grete speires.--T.B. l. 1232. - -37 is kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse. - Camalot, in Malory's "Morte Arthure," is said to be the same as - Winchester. Ritson supposes it to be Caer-went, in Monmouthshire, - and afterwards confounded with Caer-wynt, or Winchester. But - popular tradition here seems the best guide, which assigned the site - of Camalot to the ruins of a castle on a hill, near the church of - South Cadbury, in Somersetshire (Sir F. Madden). - -65 Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte. - Christmas celebrated anew, mentioned full often. - Sir F. Madden leaves the word nayted unexplained in his Glossary - to "Syr Gawayne." - -124 syluener = sylueren, i.e. silver dishes. - -139 lyndes = lendes, loins. - -142 in his muckel, in his greatness. - -184 Wat3 euesed al umbe-torne--? was trimmed, all cut evenly around; - umbe-torne may be an error for vmbe-corue = cut round. - -216 in gracios werkes. Sir F. Madden reads gracons for gracios, and - suggests Greek as the meaning of it. - -244-5 As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor lote3 - in hy3e. - As all were fallen asleep so ceased their words - in haste (suddenly). - Sir F. Madden reads slaked horlote3, instead of slaked hor lote3, - which, according to his glossary, signifies drunken vagabonds. - He evidently takes horlote3 to be another (and a very uncommon) form - of harlote3 = harlots. But harlot, or vagabond, would be a very - inappropriate term to apply to the noble Knights of the Round Table. - Moreover, slaked never, I think, means drunken. The general sense of - the verb slake is to let loose, lessen, cease. Cf. lines 411-2, - where sloke, another form of slake, occurs with a similar meaning: - -- layt no fyrre; - bot slokes. - -- seek no further, - but stop (cease). - Sir F. Madden suggests blows as the explanation of slokes. It - is, however, a verb in the imperative mood. - -286 Brayn. Mtzner suggests brayn-wod. - -296 barlay = par loi. This word is exceedingly common in the T. Book - (see l. 3391). - I bid you now, barlay, with besines at all - at ye set you most soverainly my suster to gete.--T.B. l. 2780. - -394 siker. Sir F. Madden reads swer. - -440 bluk. Sir F. Madden suggests blunk (horse). I am inclined to keep to - the reading of the MS., and explain bluk as = bulk = trunk. Cf. the - use of the word Blok in "Early English Alliterative Poems," - p. 100, l. 272. - -558 derue doel, etc. = great grief. Sir F. Madden reads derne, i.e. secret, - instead of derue (= derf). Cf. line 564. - -577 knaged, fastened. - The braunches were borly, sum of bright gold, - With leuys full luffly, light of the same; - With burions aboue bright to beholde; - And fruit on yt fourmyt of fairest of shap, - Of mony kynd that was knyt, knagged aboue.--T.B. l. 4973. - -629 & ay quere hit is endele3, etc. - And everywhere it is endless, etc. - Sir F. Madden reads emdele3, i.e. with equal sides. - -652 for-be = for-bi = surpassing, beyond. - -681 for Hadet read Halet = haled = exiled (?). See line 1049. - -806 auinant = auenaunt, pleasantly. Sir F. Madden reads amnant. - -954 of. Should we not read on (?). - -957 at oer wyth a gorger wat3 gered ouer e swyre. - The gorger or wimple is stated first to have appeared in Edward the - First's reign, and an example is found on the monument of Aveline, - Countess of Lancaster, who died in 1269. From the poem, however, it - would seem that the gorger was confined to elderly ladies (Sir F. - Madden). - -968 More lykker-wys on to lyk, - Wat3 at scho had on lode. - - A more pleasant one to like, - Was that (one) she had under her control. - -988 tayt = lively, and hence pleasant, agreeable. - -1015 in vayres, in purity. - -1020 dut = dunt (?) = dint (?), referring to sword-sports. - -1022 sayn[t] Ione3 day. This is the 27th of December, and the last of the - feast. Sometimes the Christmas festivities were prolonged to New - Year's Day (Sir F. Madden). - -1047 derne dede = secret deed. I would prefer to read derue dede = - great deed. Cf. lines 558, 564. - -1053 I wot in worlde, etc. = I not (I know not) in worlde, etc. - -1054 I nolde, bot if I hit negh my3t on nw3eres morne, - For alle e londe in-wyth Logres, etc. - I would not [delay to set out], unless I might approach it on New - Year's morn, for all the lands within England, etc. - -1074 in spenne = in space = in the interval = meanwhile. See line 1503. - -1160 slentyng of arwes. Sir F. Madden reads sleutyng. - "Of drawyn swordis sclentyng to and fra, - The brycht mettale, and othir armouris seir, - Quharon the sonnys blenkis betis cleir, - Glitteris and schane, and vnder bemys brycht, - Castis ane new twynklyng or a lemand lycht." - (G. Douglas' neid, Vol. i, p. 421.) - -1281 let lyk = appeared pleased. - -1283 a3 I were burde bry3test, e burde in mynde hade, etc. - The sense requires us to read: - a3 ho were burde bry3test, e burne in mynde hade, etc. - i.e., Though she were lady fairest, the knight in mind had, etc. - -1440 Long sythen [seuered] for e sounder at wi3t for-olde - Long since separated from the sounder or herd that fierce (one) - for-aged (grew very old). - "Now to speke of the boore, the fyrste year he is - A pygge of the sounder callyd, as haue I blys; - The secounde yere an hogge, and soo shall he be, - And an hoggestere, whan he is of yeres thre; - And when he is foure yere, a boor shall he be, - From the sounder of the swyne thenne departyth he; - A synguler is he soo, for alone he woll go." - (Book of St. Alban's, ed. 1496, sig. d., i.) - -1476 totes = looks, toots. - Sho went up wightly by a walle syde. - To the toppe of a toure and tot ouer the water.--T.B. l. 862. - -1623 A verb [? lalede = cried] seems wanting after lorde. - -1702 fnasted, breathed. - These balfull bestes were, as the boke tellus, - Full flaumond of fyre with fnastyng of logh.--T.B. l. 168. - -1710 a strothe rande = a rugged path. Cf. the phrases tene greue, l. 1707; - ro3e greue, l. 1898. - -1719 Thenne wat3 hit lif vpon list, etc. - Should we not read: - Thenne wat3 hit list vpon lif, etc. - i.e., Then was there joy in life, etc. - -1729 bi lag = be-lagh(?) = below (?). - -1780 lyf = lef(?), beloved (one). - -1869 Ho hat3 kyst e kny3t so to3t. - She has kissed the knight so courteous. - Sir F. Madden explains to3t, promptly. To3t seems to be the same as - the Northumbrian taght in the following extract from the "Morte - Arthure": - "There come in at the fyrste course, before the kyng seluene, - Bare hevedys that ware bryghte, burnyste with sylver, - Alle with taghte mene and towne in togers fulle ryche."--(p. 15.) - The word towne (well-behaved) still exists in wan-ton, the - original meaning of which was ill-mannered, ill-bred. - -1909 bray hounde3 = bra hounde3, i.e. fierce hounds. - -1995 He hat3 nere at he so3t = He wat3 nere at he so3t = He was near to - that which he sought. - -2160 gedere3 e rake = takes the path or way. - -2167 e skwe3 of e scowtes skayued hym o3t. - The shadows of the hills appeared wild (desolate) to him. Sir F. - Madden reads skayned, of which he gives no explanation. - Skayued = skayfed, seems to be the N. Prov. English scafe, wild. - Scotch schaivie, wild, mad. O.N. skeifr. Sw. skef, awry, distorted. - -2204 ronge = clattered. - -2211 Drede dot3 me no lote = - No noise shall cause me to dread (fear). - -2357 & er-for at tappe ta e. - And therefore take thee that tap. - ta e = take thee. Sir F. Madden reads tae = taketh. See l. 413, - where to e rhymes with sothe. We have no imperatives in th in - this poem. - -2401 We schyn reuel, etc. Sir F. Madden reads wasch yn reuel. - But schyn = shall. See Glossary to "Alliterative Poems." - -2474 on-coolde = on-colde = coldly = sorrowfully. - -2489 in-sounde = soundly, well. 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Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - https://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/old/14568-8.zip b/old/old/14568-8.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 74fc5d0..0000000 --- a/old/old/14568-8.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old/14568.txt b/old/old/14568.txt deleted file mode 100644 index c3711d3..0000000 --- a/old/old/14568.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5344 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Sir Gawayne and the Green Knight, by Anonymous - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Sir Gawayne and the Green Knight - An Alliterative Romance-Poem (c. 1360 A.D.) - -Author: Anonymous - -Release Date: January 3, 2005 [EBook #14568] - -Language: English, Middle (1100-1500) - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SIR GAWAYNE AND THE GREEN KNIGHT *** - - - - -Produced by Ted Garvin, Keith Edkins and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team - - - - - - -Sir Gawayne - -and - -The Green Knight: - - -AN ALLITERATIVE ROMANCE-POEM, -(AB. 1360 A.D.) - - -BY THE AUTHOR OF -"EARLY ENGLISH ALLITERATIVE POEMS." - - -RE-EDITED FROM COTTON. MS. NERO, A.x., IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM, -BY -RICHARD MORRIS, -EDITOR OF HAMPOLE'S "PRICKE OF CONSCIENCE," -"EARLY ENGLISH ALLITERATIVE POEMS," ETC.; -MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL OF THE PHILOLOGICAL SOCIETY. - - -SECOND EDITION, REVISED, 1869. - -LONDON -MDCCCLXIV. - -JOHN CHILDS AND SON, PRINTERS. - - - * * * * * - -PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. - -In re-editing the present romance-poem I have been saved all labour of -transcription by using the very accurate text contained in Sir F. Madden's -"Syr Gawayne." - -I have not only read his copy with the manuscript, but also the -proof-sheets as they came to hand, hoping by this means to give the reader -a text free from any errors of transcription. - -The present edition differs from that of the earlier one in having the -contractions of the manuscript expanded and side-notes added to the text to -enable the reader to follow with some degree of ease the author's pleasant -narrative of Sir Gawayne's adventures. - -The Glossary is taken from Sir F. Madden's "Syr Gawayne,"[1] to which, for -the better interpretation of the text, I have made several additions, and -have, moreover, glossed nearly all the words previously left unexplained. - -For a description of the Manuscript, and particulars relating to the -authorship and dialect of the present work, the reader is referred to the -preface to Early English Alliterative Poems. - -R.M. - - LONDON, - December 22, 1864. - - [Footnote 1: Sir F. Madden has most generously placed at the disposal of - the Early English Text Society any of his works which it may determine to - re-edit.] - - * * * * * - -INTRODUCTION. - -No Knight of the Round Table has been so highly honoured by the old -Romance-writers as Sir Gawayne, the son of Loth, and nephew to the renowned -Arthur. They delighted to describe him as Gawayne the good, a man matchless -on mould, the most gracious that under God lived, the hardiest of hand, the -most fortunate in arms, and the most polite in hall, whose knowledge, -knighthood, kindly works, doings, doughtiness, and deeds of arms were known -in all lands. - -When Arthur beheld the dead body of his kinsman lying on the ground bathed -in blood, he is said to have exclaimed, "O righteous God, this blood were -worthy to be preserved and enshrined in gold!" Our author, too, loves to -speak of his hero in similar terms of praise, calling him the knight -faultless in his five wits, void of every offence, and adorned with every -earthly virtue. He represents him as one whose trust was in the five -wounds, and in whom the five virtues which distinguished the true knight -were more firmly established than in any other on earth. - -The author of the present story, who, as we know from his religious poems, -had an utter horror of moral impurity, could have chosen no better subject -for a romance in which amusement and moral instruction were to be combined. -In the following tale he shows how the true knight, though tempted sorely -not once alone, but twice, nay thrice, breaks not his vow of chastity, but -turns aside the tempter's shafts with the shield of purity and arm of -faith, and so passes scatheless through the perilous defile of trial and -opportunity seeming safe. - -But while our author has borrowed many of the details of his story from the -"Roman de Perceval" by Chrestien de Troyes, he has made the narrative more -attractive by the introduction of several original and highly interesting -passages which throw light on the manners and amusements of our ancestors. - -The following elaborate descriptions are well deserving of especial -notice:-- - - I. The mode of completely arming a knight (ll. 568-589). - - II. The hunting and breaking the deer (ll. 1126-1359). - - III. The hunting and unlacing the wild boar (ll. 1412-1614). - - IV. A fox hunt (ll. 1675-1921). - -The following is an outline of the story of Gawayne's adventures, more or -less in the words of the writer himself:-- - - Arthur, the greatest of Britain's kings, holds the Christmas festival - at Camelot, surrounded by the celebrated knights of the Round Table, - noble lords, the most renowned under heaven, and ladies the loveliest - that ever had life (ll. 37-57). This noble company celebrate the New - Year by a religious service, by the bestowal of gifts, and the most - joyous mirth. Lords and ladies take their seats at the table--Queen - Guenever, the grey-eyed, gaily dressed, sits at the dais, the high - table, or table of state, where too sat Gawayne and Ywain together with - other worthies of the Round Table (ll. 58-84, 107-115). Arthur, in mood - as joyful as a child, his blood young and his brain wild, declares that - he will not eat nor sit long at the table until some adventurous thing, - some uncouth tale, some great marvel, or some encounter of arms has - occurred to mark the return of the New Year (ll. 85-106). - - The first course was announced with cracking of trumpets, with the - noise of nakers and noble pipes. - - "Each two had dishes twelve, - Good beer and bright wine both." - - Scarcely was the first course served when another noise than that of - music was heard. There rushes in at the hall-door a knight of gigantic - stature--the greatest on earth--in measure high. He was clothed - entirely in green, and rode upon a green foal (ll. 116-178). Fair wavy - hair fell about the shoulders of the Green Knight, and a great beard - like a bush hung upon his breast (ll. 179-202). - - The knight carried no helmet, shield, or spear, but in one hand a holly - bough, and in the other an axe "huge and unmeet," the edge of which was - as keen as a sharp razor (ll. 203-220). Thus arrayed, the Green Knight - enters the hall without saluting any one. The first word that he - uttered was, "Where is the govenour of this gang? gladly would I see - him and with himself speak reason." To the knights he cast his eye, - looking for the most renowned. Much did the noble assembly marvel to - see a man and a horse of such a hue, green as the grass. Even greener - they seemed than green enamel on bright gold. Many marvels had they - seen, but none such as this. They were afraid to answer, but sat - stone-still in a dead silence, as if overpowered by sleep; - - "Not all from fear, but some for courtesy" (ll. 221-249). - - Then Arthur before the high dais salutes the Green Knight, bids him - welcome, and entreats him to stay awhile at his Court. The knight says - that his errand is not to abide in any dwelling, but to seek the most - valiant of the heroes of the Round Table that he may put his courage to - the proof, and thus satisfy himself as to the fame of Arthur's court. - "I come," he says, "in peace, as ye may see by this branch that I bear - here. Had I come with hostile intentions, I should not have left my - hauberk, helmet, shield, sharp spear, and other weapons behind me. But - because I desire no war, 'my weeds are softer.' If thou be so bold as - all men say, thou wilt grant me the request I am about to make." "Sir - courteous knight," replies Arthur, "if thou cravest battle only, here - failest thou not to fight." "Nay," says the Green Knight, "I seek no - fighting. Here about on this bench are only beardless children. Were I - arrayed in arms on a high steed no man here would be a match for me - (ll. 250-282). But it is now Christmas time, and this is the New Year, - and I see around me many brave ones;--if any be so bold in his blood - that dare strike a stroke for another, I shall give him this rich axe - to do with it whatever he pleases. I shall abide the first blow just as - I sit, and will stand him a stroke, stiff on this floor, provided that - I deal him another in return. - - And yet give I him respite, - A twelvemonth and a day; - Now haste and let see tite (soon) - Dare any here-in ought say.'" - - If he astounded them at first, much more so did he after this speech, - and fear held them all silent. The knight, righting himself in his - saddle, rolls fiercely his red eyes about, bends his bristly green - brows, and strokes his beard awaiting a reply. But finding none that - would carp with him, he exclaims, "What! is this Arthur's house, the - fame of which has spread through so many realms? Forsooth, the renown - of the Round Table is overturned by the word of one man's speech, for - all tremble for dread without a blow being struck!" (ll. 283-313). With - this he laughed so loud that Arthur blushed for very shame, and waxed - as wroth as the wind. "I know no man," he says, "that is aghast at thy - great words. Give me now thy axe and I will grant thee thy request!" - Arthur seizes the axe, grasps the handle, and sternly brandishes it - about, while the Green Knight, with a stern cheer and a dry - countenance, stroking his beard and drawing down his coat, awaits the - blow (ll. 314-335). Sir Gawayne, the nephew of the king, beseeches his - uncle to let him undertake the encounter; and, at the earnest entreaty - of his nobles, Arthur consents "to give Gawayne the game" (ll. - 336-365). - - Sir Gawayne then takes possession of the axe, but, before the blow is - dealt, the Green Knight asks the name of his opponent. "In good faith," - answers the good knight, "Gawayne I am called, that bids thee to this - buffet, whatever may befall after, and at this time twelvemonth will - take from thee another, with whatever weapon thou wilt, and with no - wight else alive." "By Gog," quoth the Green Knight, "it pleases me - well that I shall receive at thy fist that which I have sought - here--moreover thou hast truly rehearsed the terms of the - covenant,--but thou shalt first pledge me thy word that thou wilt seek - me thyself, wheresoever on earth thou believest I may be found, and - fetch thee such wages as thou dealest me to-day before this company of - doughty ones." "Where should I seek thee?" replies Gawayne, "where is - thy place? I know not thee, thy court, or thy name. I wot not where - thou dwellest, but teach me thereto, tell me how thou art called, and I - shall endeavour to find thee,--and that I swear thee for truth and by - my sure troth." "That is enough in New Year," says the groom in green, - "if I tell thee when I have received the tap. When thou hast smitten - me, then smartly I will teach thee of my house, my home, and my own - name, so that thou mayest follow my track and fulfil the covenant - between us. If I spend no speech, then speedest thou the better, for - then mayest thou remain in thy own land and seek no further; but cease - thy talking[1] (ll. 366-412). Take now thy grim tool to thee and let us - see how thou knockest." "Gladly, sir, for sooth," quoth Gawayne, and - his axe he brandishes. - - [Footnote 1: This, I think, is the true explanation of slokes.] - - The Green Knight adjusts himself on the ground, bends slightly his - head, lays his long lovely locks over his crown, and lays bare his neck - for the blow. Gawayne then gripped the axe, and, raising it on high, - let it fall quickly upon the knight's neck and severed the head from - the body. The fair head fell from the neck to the earth, and many - turned it aside with their feet as it rolled forth. The blood burst - from the body, yet the knight never faltered nor fell; but boldly he - started forth on stiff shanks and fiercely rushed forward, seized his - head, and lifted it up quickly. Then he runs to his horse, the bridle - he catches, steps into his stirrups and strides aloft. His head by the - hair he holds in his hands, and sits as firmly in his saddle as if no - mishap had ailed him, though headless he was (ll. 413-439). He turned - his ugly trunk about--that ugly body that bled,--and holding the head - in his hand, he directed the face toward the "dearest on the dais." The - head lifted up its eyelids and looked abroad, and thus much spoke with - its mouth as ye may now hear: - - "Loke, Gawayne, thou be prompt to go as thou hast promised, and seek - till thou find me according to thy promise made in the hearing of these - knights. Get thee to the Green Chapel, I charge thee, to fetch such a - dint as thou hast dealt, to be returned on New Year's morn. As the - Knight of the Green Chapel I am known to many, wherefore if thou - seekest thou canst not fail to find me. Therefore come, or recreant be - called." With a fierce start the reins he turns, rushes out of the - hall-door, his head in his hand, so that the fire of the flint flew - from the hoofs of his foal. To what kingdom he belonged knew none - there, nor knew they from whence he had come. What then? - - "The king and Gawayne there - At that green (one) they laugh and grin." - - Though Arthur wondered much at the marvel, he let no one see that he - was at all troubled about it, but full loudly thus spake to his comely - queen with courteous speech: - - "Dear dame, to-day be never dismayed, well happens such craft at - Christmas time. I may now proceed to meat, for I cannot deny that I - have witnessed a wondrous adventure this day" (ll. 440-475). - - He looked upon Sir Gawayne and said, "Now, sir, hang up thine axe, for - enough has it hewn." So the weapon was hung up on high that all might - look upon it, and "by true title thereof tell the wonder." Then all the - knights hastened to their seats at the table, so did the king and our - good knight, and they were there served with all dainties, "with all - manner of meat and minstrelsy." - - Though words were wanting when they first to seat went, now are their - hands full of stern work, and the marvel affords them good subject for - conversation. But a year passes full quickly and never returns,--the - beginning is seldom like the end; wherefore this Christmas passed away - and the year after, and each season in turn followed after another (ll. - 476-520). Thus winter winds round again, and then Gawayne thinks of his - wearisome journey (ll. 521-535). On All-hallows day Arthur entertains - right nobly the lords and ladies of his court in honour of his nephew, - for whom all courteous knights and lovely ladies were in great grief. - Nevertheless they spoke only of mirth, and, though joyless themselves, - made many a joke to cheer the good Sir Gawayne (ll. 536-565). Early on - the morrow Sir Gawayne, with great ceremony, is arrayed in his armour - (ll. 566-589), and thus completely equipped for his adventure he first - hears mass, and afterwards takes leave of Arthur, the knights of the - Round Table, and the lords and ladies of the court, who kiss him and - commend him to Christ. He bids them all good day, as he thought, for - evermore (ll. 590-669); - - "Very much was the warm water that poured from eyes that day." - - Now rides our knight through the realms of England with no companion - but his foal, and no one to hold converse with save God alone. From - Camelot, in Somersetshire, he proceeds through Gloucestershire and the - adjoining counties into Montgomeryshire, and thence through North Wales - to Holyhead, adjoining the Isle of Anglesea (ll. 670-700), from which - he passes into the very narrow peninsula of Wirral, in Cheshire, where - dwelt but few that loved God or man. Gawayne enquires after the Green - Knight of the Green Chapel, but all the inhabitants declare that they - have never seen "any man of such hues of green." - - The knight thence pursues his journey by strange paths, over hill and - moor, encountering on his way not only serpents, wolves, bulls, bears, - and boars, but wood satyrs and giants. But worse than all those, - however, was the sharp winter, "when the cold clear water shed from the - clouds, and froze ere it might fall to the earth. Nearly slain with the - sleet he slept in his armour, more nights than enough, in naked rocks" - (ll. 701-729). - - Thus in peril and plight the knight travels on until Christmas-eve, and - to Mary he makes his moan that she may direct him to some abode. On the - morn he arrives at an immense forest, wondrously wild, surrounded by - high hills on every side, where he found hoary oaks full huge, a - hundred together. The hazel and the hawthorn intermingled were all - overgrown with moss, and upon their boughs sat many sad birds that - piteously piped for pain of the cold. Gawayne besought the Lord and - Mary to guide him to some habitation where he might hear mass (ll. - 730-762). Scarcely had he crossed himself thrice, when he perceived a - dwelling in the wood set upon a hill. It was the loveliest castle he - had ever beheld. It was pitched on a prairie, with a park all about it, - enclosing many a tree for more than two miles. It shone as the sun - through the bright oaks (ll. 763-772). - - Gawayne urges on his steed Gringolet, and finds himself at the "chief - gate." He called aloud, and soon there appeared a "porter" on the wall, - who demanded his errand. - - "Good sir," quoth Gawayne, "wouldst thou go to the high lord of this - house, and crave a lodging for me?" - - "Yea, by Peter!" replied the porter, "well I know that thou art welcome - to dwell here as long as thou likest." - - The drawbridge is soon let down, and the gates opened wide to receive - the knight. Many noble ones hasten to bid him welcome (ll. 773-825). - They take away his helmet, sword, and shield, and many a proud one - presses forward to do him honour. They bring him into the hall, where a - fire was brightly burning upon the hearth. Then the lord of the land[1] - comes from his chamber and welcomes Sir Gawayne, telling him that he is - to consider the place as his own. Our knight is next conducted to a - bright bower, where was noble bedding--curtains of pure silk, with - golden hems, and Tarsic tapestries upon the walls and the floors (ll. - 826-859). Here the knight doffed his armour and put on rich robes, - which so well became him, that all declared that a more comely knight - Christ had never made (ll. 860-883). - - [Footnote 1: Gawayne is now in the castle of the Green Knight, who, - divested of his elvish or supernatural character, appears to our - knight merely as a bold one with a beaver-hued beard.] - - A table is soon raised, and Gawayne, having washed, proceeds to meat. - Many dishes are set before him--"sews" of various kinds, fish of all - kinds, some baked in bread, others broiled on the embers, some boiled, - and others seasoned with spices. The knight expresses himself well - pleased, and calls it a most noble and princely feast. - - After dinner, in reply to numerous questions, he tells his host that he - is Gawayne, one of the Knights of the Round Table. When this was made - known great was the joy in the hall. Each one said softly to his - companion, "Now we shall see courteous behaviour and learn the terms of - noble discourse, since we have amongst us 'that fine father of - nurture.' Truly God has highly favoured us in sending us such a noble - guest as Sir Gawayne" (ll. 884-927). At the end of the Christmas - festival Gawayne desires to take his departure from the castle, but his - host persuades him to stay, promising to direct him to the Green Chapel - (about two miles from the castle), that he may be there by the - appointed time (ll. 1029-1082). - - A covenant is made between them, the terms of which were that the lord - of the castle should go out early to the chase, that Gawayne meanwhile - should lie in his loft at his ease, then rise at his usual hour, and - afterwards sit at table with his hostess, and that at the end of the - day they should make an exchange of whatever they might obtain in the - interim. "Whatever I win in the wood," says the lord, "shall be yours, - and what thou gettest shall be mine" (ll. 1083-1125). - - Full early before daybreak the folk uprise, saddle their horses, and - truss their mails. The noble lord of the land, arrayed for riding, eats - hastily a sop, and having heard mass, proceeds with a hundred hunters - to hunt the wild deer (ll. 1126-1177). - - All this time Gawayne lies in his gay bed. His nap is disturbed by a - little noise at the door, which is softly opened. He heaves up his head - out of the clothes, and, peeping through the curtains, beholds a most - lovely lady (the wife of his host). She came towards the bed, and the - knight laid himself down quickly, pretending to be asleep. The lady - stole to the bed, cast up the curtains, crept within, sat her softly on - the bed-side, and waited some time till the knight should awake. After - lurking awhile under the clothes considering what it all meant, Gawayne - unlocked his eyelids, and put on a look of surprise, at the same time - making the sign of the cross, as if afraid of some hidden danger (ll. - 1178-1207). "Good morrow, sir," said that fair lady, "ye are a careless - sleeper to let one enter thus. I shall bind you in your bed, of that be - ye sure." "Good morrow," quoth Gawayne, "I shall act according to your - will with great pleasure, but permit me to rise that I may the more - comfortably converse with you." "Nay, beau sir," said that sweet one, - "ye shall not rise from your bed, for since I have caught my knight I - shall hold talk with him. I ween well that ye are Sir Gawayne that all - the world worships, whose honour and courtesy are so greatly praised. - Now ye are here, and we are alone (my lord and his men being afar off, - other men, too, are in bed, so are my maidens), and the door is safely - closed, I shall use my time well while it lasts. Ye are welcome to my - person to do with it as ye please, and I will be your servant" (ll. - 1208-1240). - - Gawayne behaves most discreetly, for the remembrance of his forthcoming - adventure at the Green Chapel prevents him from thinking of love (ll. - 1205-1289). At last the lady takes leave of the knight by catching him - in her arms and kissing him (ll. 1290-1307). The day passes away - merrily, and at dusk the Lord of the castle returns from the chase. He - presents the venison to Gawayne according to the previous covenant - between them. Our knight gives his host a kiss as the only piece of - good fortune that had fallen to him during the day. "It is good," says - the other, "and would be much better if ye would tell me where ye won - such bliss" (ll. 1308-1394). "That was not in our covenant," replies - Gawayne, "so try me no more." After much laughing on both sides they - proceed to supper, and afterwards, while the choice wine is being - carried round, Gawayne and his host renew their agreement. Late at - night they take leave of each other and hasten to their beds. "By the - time that the cock had crowed and cackled thrice" the lord was up, and - after "meat and mass" were over the hunters make for the woods, where - they give chase to a wild boar who had grown old and mischievous (ll. - 1395-1467). - - While the sportsmen are hunting this "wild swine" our lovely knight - lies in his bed. He is not forgotten by the lady, who pays him an early - visit, seeking to make further trial of his virtues. She sits softly by - his side and tells him that he has forgotten what she taught him the - day before (ll. 1468-1486). "I taught you of kissing," says she; "that - becomes every courteous knight." Gawayne says that he must not take - that which is forbidden him. The lady replies that he is strong enough - to enforce his own wishes. Our knight answers that every gift not given - with a good will is worthless. His fair visitor then enquires how it is - that he who is so skilled in the true sport of love and so renowned a - knight, has never talked to her of love (ll. 1487-1524). "You ought," - she says, "to show and teach a young thing like me some tokens of - true-love's crafts; I come hither and sit here alone to learn of you - some game; do teach me of your wit while my lord is from home." Gawayne - replies that he cannot undertake the task of expounding true-love and - tales of arms to one who has far more wisdom than he possesses. Thus - did our knight avoid all appearance of evil, though sorely pressed to - do what was wrong (ll. 1525-1552). The lady, having bestowed two kisses - upon Sir Gawayne, takes her leave of him (ll. 1553-1557). - - At the end of the day the lord of the castle returns home with the - shields and head of the wild boar. He shows them to his guest, who - declares that "such a brawn of a beast, nor such sides of a swine," he - never before has seen. Gawayne takes possession of the spoil according - to covenant, and in return he bestows two kisses upon his host, who - declares that his guest has indeed been rich with "such chaffer" (ll. - 1558-1647). - - After much persuasion, Gawayne consents to stop at the castle another - day (ll. 1648-1685). Early on the morrow the lord and his men hasten to - the woods, and come upon the track of a fox, the hunting of which - affords them plenty of employment and sport (ll. 1686-1730). Meanwhile - our good knight sleeps soundly within his comely curtains. He is again - visited by the lady of the castle. So gaily was she attired, and so - "faultless of her features," that great joy warmed the heart of Sir - Gawayne. With soft and pleasant smiles "they smite into mirth," and are - soon engaged in conversation. Had not Mary thought of her knight, he - would have been in great peril (ll. 1731-1769). So sorely does the fair - one press him with her love, that he fears lest he should become a - traitor to his host. The lady enquires whether he has a mistress to - whom he has plighted his troth. The knight swears by St John that he - neither has nor desires one. This answer causes the dame to sigh for - sorrow, and telling him that she must depart, she asks for some gift, - if it were only a glove, by which she might "think on the knight and - lessen her grief" (ll. 1770-1800). Gawayne assures her that he has - nothing worthy of her acceptance; that he is on an "uncouth errand," - and therefore has "no men with no mails containing precious things," - for which he is truly sorry. - - Quoth that lovesome (one)-- - - "Though I had nought of yours, - Yet should ye have of mine. - - Thus saying, she offers him a rich ring of red gold "with a shining - stone standing aloft," that shone like the beams of the bright sun. The - knight refused the gift, as he had nothing to give in return. "Since ye - refuse my ring," says the lady, "because it seems too rich, and ye - would not be beholden to me, I shall give you my girdle that is less - valuable" (ll. 1801-1835). But Gawayne replies that he will not accept - gold or reward of any kind, though "ever in hot and in cold" he will be - her true servant. - - "Do ye refuse it," asks the lady, "because it seems simple and of - little value? Whoso knew the virtues that are knit therein would - estimate it more highly. For he who is girded with this green lace - cannot be wounded or slain by any man under heaven." The knight thinks - awhile, and it strikes him that this would be a "jewel for the - jeopardy" that he had to undergo at the Green Chapel. So he not only - accepts the lace, but promises to keep the possession of it a secret - (ll. 1836-1865). By that time the lady had kissed him thrice, and she - then takes "her leave and leaves him there." - - Gawayne rises, dresses himself in noble array, and conceals the "love - lace" where he might find it again. He then hies to mass, shrives him - of his misdeeds, and obtains absolution. On his return to the hall he - solaces the ladies with comely carols and all kinds of joy (ll. - 1866-1892). The dark night came, and then the lord of the castle, - having slain the fox, returns to his "dear home," where he finds a fire - brightly turning and his guest amusing the ladies (ll. 1893-1927). - Gawayne, in fulfilment of his agreement, kisses his host thrice.[1] "By - Christ," quoth the other knight, "ye have caught much bliss. I have - hunted all this day and nought have I got but the skin of this foul fox - (the devil have the goods!), and that is full poor for to pay for such - precious things" (ll. 1928-1951). - - After the usual evening's entertainment, Gawayne retires to rest. The - next morning, being New Year's day, is cold and stormy. Snow falls, and - the dales are full of drift. Our knight in his bed locks his eyelids, - but full little he sleeps. By each cock that crows he knows the hour, - and before day-break he calls for his chamberlain, who quickly brings - him his armour (ll. 1952-2014). While Gawayne clothed himself in his - rich weeds he forgot not the "lace, the lady's gift," but with it - doubly girded his loins. He wore it not for its rich ornaments, "but to - save himself when it behoved him to suffer," and as a safeguard against - sword or knife (ll. 2015-2046). - - Having thanked his host and all the renowned assembly for the great - kindness he had experienced at their hands, "he steps into stirrups and - strides aloft" (ll. 2047-2068). - - The drawbridge is let down, and the broad gates unbarred and borne open - upon both sides, and the knight, after commending the castle to Christ, - passes thereout and goes on his way accompanied by his guide, that - should teach him to turn to that place where he should receive the - much-dreaded blow. They climb over cliffs, where each hill had a hat - and a mist-cloak, until the next morn, when they find themselves on a - full high hill covered with snow. The servant bids his master remain - awhile, saying, "I have brought you hither at this time, and now ye are - not far from that noted place that ye have so often enquired after. The - place that ye press to is esteemed full perilous, and there dwells a - man in that waste the worst upon earth, for he is stiff and stern and - loves to strike, and greater is he than any man upon middle-earth, and - his body is bigger than the best four in Arthur's house. He keeps the - Green Chapel; there passes none by that place, however proud in arms, - that he does not 'ding him to death with dint of his hand.' He is a man - immoderate and 'no mercy uses,' for be it churl or chaplain that by the - chapel rides, monk or mass-priest, or any man else, it is as pleasant - to him to kill them as to go alive himself. Wherefore I tell thee - truly, 'come ye there, ye be killed, though ye had twenty lives to - spend. He has dwelt there long of yore, and on field much sorrow has - wrought. Against his sore dints ye may not defend you' (ll. 2069-2117). - Therefore, good Sir Gawayne, let the man alone, and for God's sake go - by some other path, and then I shall hie me home again. I swear to you - by - - [Footnote 1: He only in part keeps to his covenant, as he holds back - the love-lace.] - - God and all His saints that I will never say that ever ye attempted to - flee from any man." - - Gawayne thanks his guide for his well-meant kindness, but declares that - to the Green Chapel he will go, though the owner thereof be "a stern - knave," for God can devise means to save his servants. - - "Mary!" quoth the other, "since it pleases thee to lose thy life I will - not hinder thee. Have thy helmet on thy head, thy spear in thy hand, - and ride down this path by yon rock-side, till thou be brought to the - bottom of the valley. Then look a little on the plain, on thy left - hand, and thou shalt see in that slade the chapel itself, and the burly - knight that guards it (ll. 2118-2148). Now, farewell Gawayne the noble! - for all the gold upon ground I would not go with thee nor bear thee - fellowship through this wood 'on foot farther.'" Thus having spoken, he - gallops away and leaves the knight alone. - - Gawayne now pursues his journey, rides through the dale, and looks - about. He sees no signs of a resting-place, but only high and steep - banks, and the very shadows of the high woods seemed wild and - distorted. No chapel, however, could he discover. After a while he sees - a round hill by the side of a stream; thither he goes, alights, and - fastens his horse to the branch of a tree. He walks about the hill, - debating with himself what it might be. It had a hole in the one end - and on each side, and everywhere overgrown with grass, but whether it - was only an old cave or a crevice of an old crag he could not tell (ll. - 2149-2188). - - "Now, indeed," quoth Gawayne, "a desert is here; this oratory is ugly - with herbs overgrown. It is a fitting place for the man in green to - 'deal here his devotions after the devil's manner.' Now I feel it is - the fiend (the devil) in my five wits that has covenanted with me that - he may destroy me. This is a chapel of misfortune--evil betide it! It - is the most cursed kirk that ever I came in." With his helmet on his - head, and spear in his hand, he roams up to the rock, and then he hears - from that high hill beyond the brook a wondrous wild noise. Lo! it - clattered in the cliff as if one upon a grindstone were grinding a - scythe. It whirred like the water at a mill, and rushed and re-echoed, - terrible to hear. "Though my life I forgo," says Gawayne, "no noise - shall cause me to fear." - - Then he cried aloud, "Who dwells in this place, discourse with me to - hold? For now is good Gawayne going right here if any brave wight will - hie him hither, either now or never" (ll. 2189-2216). - - "Abide," quoth one on the bank above, over his head, "and thou shalt - have all in haste that I promised thee once." - - Soon there comes out of a hole in the crag, with a fell weapon a Danish - axe quite new, the "man in the green," clothed as at first as his legs, - locks and beard. But now he is on foot and walks on the earth. When he - reaches the stream, he hops over and boldly strides about. He meets Sir - Gawayne, who tells him that he is quite ready to fulfil his part of the - compact. "Gawayne," quoth that 'green gome' (man), "may God preserve - thee! Truly thou art welcome to my place, 'and thou hast timed thy - travel' as a true man should. Thou knowest the covenants made between - us, at this time twelve-month, that on New Year's day I should return - thee thy blow. We are now in this valley by ourselves, and can do as we - please (ll. 2217-2246). Have, therefore, thy helmet off thy head, and - 'have here thy pay.' Let us have no more talk than when thou didst - strike off my head with a single blow." - - "Nay, by God!" quoth Gawayne, "I shall not begrudge thee thy will for - any harm that may happen, but will stand still while thou strikest." - - Then he stoops a little and shows his bare neck, unmoved by any fear. - The Green Knight takes up his "grim tool," and with all his force - raises it aloft, as if he meant utterly to destroy him. As the axe came - gliding down Gawayne "shrank a little with the shoulders from the sharp - iron." The other withheld his weapon, and then reproved the prince with - many proud words. "Thou art not Gawayne that is so good esteemed, that - never feared for no host by hill nor by vale, for now thou fleest for - fear before thou feelest harm (ll. 2247-2272). Such cowardice of that - knight did I never hear. I never flinched nor fled when thou didst aim - at me in King Arthur's house. My head flew to my feet and yet I never - fled, wherefore I deserve to be called the better man." - - Quoth Gawayne, "I shunted once, but will do so no more, though my head - fall on the stones. But hasten and bring me to the point; deal me my - destiny, and do it out of hand, for I shall stand thee a stroke and - start no more until thine axe has hit me--have here my troth." "Have at - thee, then," said the other, and heaves the axe aloft, and looks as - savagely as if he were mad. He aims at the other mightily, but - withholds his hand ere it might hurt. Gawayne readily abides the blow - without flinching with any member, and stood still as a stone or a tree - fixed in rocky ground with a hundred roots. - - Then merrily the other did speak, "Since now thou hast thy heart whole - it behoves me to strike, so take care of thy neck." Gawayne answers - with great wroth, "Thrash on, thou fierce man, thou threatenest too - long; I believe thy own heart fails thee." - - "Forsooth," quoth the other, "since thou speakest so boldly, I will no - longer delay" (ll. 2273-2304). Then, contracting "both lips and brow," - he made ready to strike, and let fall his axe on the bare neck of Sir - Gawayne. "Though he hammered" fiercely, he only "severed the hide," - causing the blood to flow. When Gawayne saw his blood on the snow, he - quickly seized his helmet and placed it on his head. Then he drew out - his bright sword, and thus angrily spoke: "Cease, man, of thy blow, bid - me no more. I have received a stroke in this place without opposition, - but if thou givest me any more readily shall I requite thee, of that be - thou sure. Our covenant stipulates one stroke, and therefore now - cease." - - The Green Knight, resting on his axe, looks on Sir Gawayne, as bold and - fearless he there stood, and then with a loud voice thus addresses the - knight: "Bold knight, be not so wroth, no man here has wronged thee - (ll. 2305-2339); I promised thee a stroke, and thou hast it, so hold - thee well pleased. I could have dealt much worse with thee, and caused - thee much sorrow. Two blows I aimed at thee, for twice thou kissedst my - fair wife; but I struck thee not, because thou restoredst them to me - according to agreement. At the third time thou failedst, and therefore - I have given thee that tap. That woven girdle, given thee by my own - wife, belongs to me. I know well thy kisses, thy conduct also, and the - wooing of my wife, for I wrought it myself. I sent her to try thee, and - truly methinks thou art the most faultless man that ever on foot went. - Still, sir, thou wert wanting in good faith; but as it proceeded from - no immorality, thou being only desirous of saving thy life, the less I - blame thee." - - Gawayne stood confounded, the blood rushed into his face, and he shrank - within himself for very shame. "Cursed," he cried, "be cowardice and - covetousness both; in you are villany and vice, that virtue destroy." - Then he takes off the girdle and throws it to the knight in green, - cursing his cowardice and covetousness. The Green Knight, laughing, - thus spoke: "Thou hast confessed so clean, and acknowledged thy faults, - that I hold thee as pure as thou hadst never forfeited since thou wast - first born. I give thee, sir, the gold-hemmed girdle as a token of thy - adventure at the Green Chapel. Come now to my castle, and we shall - enjoy together the festivities of the New Year" (ll. 2340-2406). - - "Nay, forsooth," quoth the knight, "but for your kindness may God - requite you. Commend me to that courteous one your comely wife, who - with her crafts has beguiled me. But it is no uncommon thing for a man - to come to sorrow through women's wiles; for so was Adam beguiled with - one, and Solomon with many. Samson was destroyed by Delilah, and David - suffered much through Bathsheba. 'It were indeed great bliss for a - man to love them well and believe them not.' Since the greatest - upon earth were so beguiled, methinks I should be excused. But God - reward you for your girdle, which I will ever wear in remembrance of my - fault, and when pride shall exalt me, a look to this love-lace shall - lessen it (ll. 2407-2438). But since ye are the lord of yonder land, - from whom I have received so much honour, tell me truly your right - name, and I shall ask no more questions." - - Quoth the other, "I am called Bernlak de Hautdesert, through might of - Morgain la Fay, who dwells in my house. Much has she learnt of Merlin, - who knows all your knights at home. She brought me to your hall for to - essay the prowess of the Round Table. She wrought this wonder to - bereave you of your wits, hoping to have grieved Guenever and - affrighted her to death by means of the man that spoke with his head in - his hand before the high table. She is even thine aunt, Arthur's half - sister; wherefore come to thine aunt, for all my household love thee." - - Gawayne refuses to accompany the Green Knight, and so, with many - embraces and kind wishes, they separate--the one to his castle, the - other to Arthur's court. - - After passing through many wild ways, our knight recovers from the - wound in his neck, and at last comes safe and sound to the court of - King Arthur. Great then was the joy of all; the king and queen kiss - their brave knight, and make many enquiries about his journey. He tells - them of his adventures, hiding nothing--"the chance of the chapel, the - cheer of the knight, the love of the lady, and lastly of the lace." - Groaning for grief and shame he shows them the cut in his neck, which - he had received for his unfaithfulness (ll. 2439-2504). The king and - his courtiers comfort the knight--they laugh loudly at his adventures, - and unanimously agree that those lords and ladies that belonged to the - Round Table, and each knight of the brotherhood should ever after wear - a bright green belt for Gawayne's sake. And he upon whom it was - conferred honoured it evermore after. - - Thus in Arthur's time this adventure befell, whereof the "Brutus Books" - bear witness (ll. 2505-2530). - -I need not say that the Brutus Books we possess do not contain the -legend here set forth, though it is not much more improbable than some of -the statements contained in them. If the reader desires to know the -relation in which this and the like stories stand to the original Arthur -legends, he will find it discussed in Sir F. Madden's Preface to his -edition of "Syr Gawayne," which also contains a sketch of the very -different views taken of Sir Gawayne by the different Romance writers. - -Into this and other literary questions I do not enter here, as I -have nothing to add to Sir F. Madden's statements; but in the text of the -Poem I have differed from him in some few readings, which will be found -noticed in the Notes and Glossary. - -As the manuscript is fast fading, I am glad that the existence of the Early -English Text Society has enabled us to secure a wider diffusion of its -contents before the original shall be no longer legible. - -We want nothing but an increased supply of members to enable us to give to -a large circle of readers many an equally interesting record of Early -English minds. - - * * * * * - - -NOTE: The Old English "yogh" characters have been translated both -upper and lower-case yoghs to digit 3's. There are Unicode -allocations for these (in HTML Ȝ and ȝ) but at present -no font which implements these. Substiting the digit 3 seemed a -workable compromise which anybody can read. The linked html -"Old English 'yogh' file" uses Ȝ and ȝ representations, -and is included for users with specialist fonts. - - - * * * * * - - - - - -SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T. - -[FYTTE THE FIRST.] - - I. - - [A] Sien e sege & e assaut wat3 sesed at Troye, [Fol. 91a.] - e bor3 brittened & brent to bronde3 & aske3, - e tulk at e trammes of tresoun er wro3t, - 4 Wat3 tried for his tricherie, e trewest on erthe; - Hit wat3 Ennias e athel, & his highe kynde, - at sien depreced prouinces, & patrounes bicome - Welne3e of al e wele in e west iles, - 8 [B] Fro riche Romulus to Rome ricchis hym swye, - With gret bobbaunce at bur3e he biges vpon fyrst, - & neuenes hit his aune nome, as hit now hat; - Ticius to Tuskan [turnes,] & teldes bigynnes; - 12 Langaberde in Lumbardie lyftes vp homes; - [C] & fer ouer e French flod Felix Brutus - On mony bonkkes ful brode Bretayn he sette3, - wyth wynne; - 16 [D] Where werre, & wrake, & wonder, - Bi sye3 hat3 wont er-inne, - [E] & oft boe blysse & blunder - Ful skete hat3 skyfted synne. - -[Sidenote A: After the siege of Troy] -[Sidenote B: Romulus built Rome,] -[Sidenote C: and Felix Brutus founded Britain,] -[Sidenote D: a land of war and wonder,] -[Sidenote E: and oft of bliss and blunder.] - - II. - - 20 Ande quen is Bretayn wat3 bigged bi is burn rych, - [A] Bolde bredden er-inne, baret at lofden, - In mony turned tyme tene at wro3ten; - Mo ferlyes on is folde han fallen here oft - 24 [B] en in any oer at I wot, syn at ilk tyme. - [C] Bot of alle at here bult of Bretaygne kynges - Ay wat3 Arthur e hendest; as I haf herde telle; - For-i an aunter in erde I attle to schawe, [Fol. 91b.] - 28 at a selly in si3t summe men hit holden, - & an outtrage awenture of Arthure3 wondere3; - [D] If 3e wyl lysten is laye bot on littel quile, - I schal telle hit, as-tit, as I in toun herde, - 32 with tonge; - As hit is stad & stoken, - In stori stif & stronge, - With lel letteres loken, - 36 In londe so hat3 ben longe. - -[Sidenote A: Bold men increased in the Land,] -[Sidenote B: and many marvels happened.] -[Sidenote C: Of all Britain's kings Arthur was the noblest.] -[Sidenote D: Listen a while and ye shall hear the story of an "outrageous - adventure."] - - III. - - [A] is kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse, - With mony luflych lorde, lede3 of e best, - [B] Rekenly of e rounde table alle o rich breer, - 40 With rych reuel ory3t, & rechles meres; - er tournayed tulkes bi-tyme3 ful mony, - Iusted ful Iolile ise gentyle kni3tes, - Syen kayred to e court, caroles to make. - 44 [C] For er e fest wat3 ilyche ful fiften dayes, - With alle e mete & e mire at men coue a-vyse; - Such glaumande gle glorious to here, - Dere dyn vp-on day, daunsyng on ny3tes, - 48 [D] Al wat3 hap vpon he3e in halle3 & chambre3, - With lorde3 & ladies, as leuest him o3t; - With all e wele of e worlde ay woned er samen, - [E] e most kyd kny3te3 vnder kryste seluen, - 52 & e louelokkest ladies at euer lif haden, - & he e comlokest kyng at e court haldes; - For al wat3 is fayre folk in her first age, - on sille; - 56 [F] e hapnest vnder heuen, - Kyng hy3est mon of wylle, - Hit were[1] now gret nye to neuen - So hardy a here on hille. - -[Sidenote A: Arthur held at Camelot his Christmas feast,] -[Sidenote B: with all the knights of the Round Table,] -[Sidenote C: full fifteen days.] -[Sidenote D: All was joy in hall and chamber,] -[Sidenote E: among brave knights and lovely ladies,] -[Sidenote F: the happiest under heaven.] -[Footnote 1: MS. werere.] - - IV. - - 60 [A] Wyle nw 3er wat3 so 3ep at hit wat3 nwe cummen, - at day doubble on e dece wat3 e douth serued, - Fro e kyng wat3 cummen with kny3tes in to e halle, - e chauntre of e chapel cheued to an ende; - 64 Loude crye wat3 er kest of clerke3 & oer, - Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte; [Fol. 92] - & syen riche forth runnen to reche honde-selle, - [B] 3e3ed 3eres 3iftes on hi3, 3elde hem bi hond, - 68 Debated busyly aboute o giftes; - Ladies la3ed ful loude, o3 ay lost haden, - & he at wan wat3 not wrothe, at may 3e wel trawe. - [C] Alle is mire ay maden to e mete tyme; - 72 When ay had waschen, woryly ay wenten to sete, - e best burne ay abof, as hit best semed; - [D] Whene Guenore ful gay, grayed in e myddes. - Dressed on e dere des, dubbed al aboute, - 76 Smal sendal bisides, a selure hir ouer - Of tryed Tolouse, of Tars tapites in-noghe, - at were enbrawded & beten wyth e best gemmes, - at my3t be preued of prys wyth penyes to bye, - 80 in daye; - [E] e comlokest to discrye, - er glent with y3en gray, - A semloker at euer he sy3e, - 84 Soth mo3t no mon say. - -[Sidenote A: They celebrate the New Year with great joy.] -[Sidenote B: Gifts are demanded and bestowed.] -[Sidenote C: Lords and ladies take their seats at the table.] -[Sidenote D: Queen Guenever appears gaily dressed.] -[Sidenote E: A lady fairer of form might no one say he had ever before - seen.] - - V. - - [A] Bot Arthure wolde not ete til al were serued, - He wat3 so Ioly of his Ioyfnes, & sum-quat child gered, - His lif liked hym ly3t, he louied e lasse - 88 [B] Auer to lenge lye, or to longe sitte, - So bi-sied him his 3onge blod & his brayn wylde; - & also anoer maner meued him eke, - at he ur3 nobelay had nomen, ho wolde neuer ete - 92 Vpon such a dere day, er hym deuised were - [C] Of sum auenturus yng an vncoue tale, - Of sum mayn meruayle, at he my3t trawe, - Of[1] alderes, of armes, of oer auenturus, - 96 Oer sum segg hym bi-so3t of sum siker kny3t, - To Ioyne wyth hym in iustyng in Ioparde to lay, - Lede lif for lyf, leue vchon oer, - As fortune wolde fulsun hom e fayrer to haue. - 100 is wat3 [e] kynges countenaunce where he in court were, - At vch farand fest among his fre meny, - in halle; [Fol. 92b.] - [D] er-fore of face so fere. - 104 He sti3tle3 stif in stalle, - Ful 3ep in at nw 3ere, - Much mirthe he mas with alle. - -[Sidenote A: Arthur would not eat,] -[Sidenote B: nor would he long sit] -[Sidenote C: until he had witnessed a "wondrous adventure" of some kind.] -[Sidenote D: He of face so bold makes much mirth with all.] -[Footnote 1: Of of, in MS.] - - VI. - - [A] Thus er stondes in stale e stif kyng his-seluen, - 108 Talkkande bifore e hy3e table of trifles ful hende - [B] There gode Gawan wat3 grayed, Gwenore bisyde - [C] & Agrauayn a la dure mayn on at oer syde sittes - Boe e kynges sister sunes, & ful siker kni3tes; - 112 [D] Bischop Bawdewyn abof bi-gine3 e table, - [E] & Ywan, Vryn son, ette wit hym-seluen; - ise were di3t on e des, & derworly serued, - & sien mony siker segge at e sidborde3. - 116 [F] en e first cors come with crakkyng of trumpes, - Wyth mony baner ful bry3t, at er-bi henged, - Nwe nakryn noyse with e noble pipes, - Wylde werbles & wy3t wakned lote, - 120 at mony hert ful hi3e hef at her towches; - [G] Dayntes dryuen er-wyth of ful dere metes, - Foysoun of e fresche, & on so fele disches, - at pine to fynde e place e peple bi-forne - 124 For to sette e syluener,[1] at sere sewes halden, - on clothe; - Iche lede as he loued hym-selue - er laght with-outen loe, - 128 [H] Ay two had disches twelue, - [I] Good ber, & bry3t wyn boe. - -[Sidenote A: The king talks with his knights.] -[Sidenote B: Gawayne,] -[Sidenote C: Agravayn,] -[Sidenote D: Bishop Bawdewyn,] -[Sidenote E: and Ywain sit on the dais.] -[Sidenote F: The first course is served with cracking of trumpets.] -[Sidenote G: It consisted of all dainties in season.] -[Sidenote H: Each two had dishes twelve,] -[Sidenote I: good beer and bright wine both.] -[Footnote 1: svlueren (?) (dishes).] - - VII. - - [A] Now wyl I of hor seruise say yow no more, - For veh wy3e may wel wit no wont at er were; - 132 [B] An oer noyse ful newe ne3ed biliue, - at e lude my3t haf leue lif-lode to cach. - For vnee wat3 e noyce not a whyle sesed, - & e fyrst cource in e court kyndely serued, - 136 [C] er hales in at e halle dor an aghlich mayster, - On e most on e molde on mesure hyghe; - Fro e swyre to e swange so sware & so ik, - [D] & his lyndes & his lymes so longe & so grete, - 140 Half etayn in erde I hope at he were. [Fol. 93.] - [E] Bot mon most I algate mynn hym to bene, - & at e myriest in his muckel at my3t ride; - [F] For of bak & of brest al were his bodi sturne, - 144 [G] Bot his wombe & his wast were worthily smale, - & alle his fetures fol3ande, in forme at he hade, - ful clene; - For wonder of his hwe men hade, - 148 Set in his semblaunt sene; - He ferde as freke were fade, - & ouer-al enker grene. - -[Sidenote A: There was no want of anything.] -[Sidenote B: Scarcely had the first course commenced,] -[Sidenote C: when there rushes in at the hall-door a knight;] -[Sidenote D: the tallest on earth] -[Sidenote E: he must have been.] -[Sidenote F: His back and breast were great,] -[Sidenote G: but his belly and waist were small.] - - VIII. - - [A] Ande al grayed in grene is gome & his wedes, - 152 A strayt cote ful stre3t, at stek on his sides, - A mere mantile abof, mensked with-inne, - With pelure pured apert e pane ful clene, - With blye blaunner ful bry3t, & his hod boe, - 156 at wat3 la3t fro his lokke3, & layde on his schulderes - Heme wel haled, hose of at same grene, - [B] at spenet on his sparlyr, & clene spures vnder, - Of bry3t golde, vpon silk bordes, barred ful ryche - 160 & scholes vnder schankes, ere e schalk rides; - & alle his vesture uerayly wat3 clene verdure, - Boe e barres of his belt & oer blye stones, - at were richely rayled in his aray clene, - 164 [C] Aboutte hym-self & his sadel, vpon silk werke3, - at were to tor for to telle of tryfles e halue, - at were enbrauded abof, wyth bryddes & fly3es, - With gay gaudi of grene, e golde ay in myddes; - 168 e pendauntes of his payttrure, e proude cropure - His molaynes, & alle e metail anamayld was enne - e steropes at he stod on, stayned of e same, - & his arsoun3 al after, & his ael sturtes, - 172 at euer glemered[1] & glent al of grene stones. - [D] e fole at he ferkkes on, fyn of at ilke, - sertayn; - A grene hors gret & ikke, - 176 [E] A stede ful stif to strayne, - In brawden brydel quik, - To e gome he wat3 ful gayn. [Fol. 93b.] - -[Sidenote A: He was clothed entirely in green.] -[Sidenote B: His spurs were of bright gold.] -[Sidenote C: His saddle was embroidered with birds and flies.] -[Sidenote D: The foal that he rode upon was green;] -[Sidenote E: it was a steed full stiff to guide.] -[Footnote 1: glemed (?).] - - IX. - - [A] Wel gay wat3 is gome gered in grene, - 180 & e here of his hed of his hors swete; - Fayre fannand fax vmbe-foldes his schulderes; - [B] A much berd as[1] a busk ouer his brest henges, - at wyth his hi3lich here, at of his hed reches, - 184 Wat3 euesed al vmbe-torne, a-bof his elbowes, - at half his armes er vnder were halched in e wyse - Of a kynge3 capados, at closes his swyre. - [C] e mane of at mayn hors much to hit lyke, - 188 Wel cresped & cemmed wyth knottes ful mony, - Folden in wyth fildore aboute e fayre grene, - Ay a herle of e here, an oer of golde; - [D] e tayl & his toppyng twynnen of a sute, - 192 & bounden boe wyth a bande of a bry3t grene, - Dubbed wyth ful dere stone3, as e dok lasted, - Syen rawen wyth a wong a warle knot alofte, - er mony belle3 ful bry3t of brende golde rungen. - 196 [E] Such a fole vpon folde, ne freke at hym rydes, - Wat3 neuer sene in at sale wyth sy3t er at tyme, - with y3e; - He loked as layt so ly3t, - 200 So sayd al at hym sy3e, - [F] Hit semed as no mon my3t, - Vnder his dyntte3 dry3e. - -[Sidenote A: Gaily was the knight attired.] -[Sidenote B: His great beard, like a bush, hung on his breast.] -[Sidenote C: The horse's mane was decked with golden threads.] -[Sidenote D: Its tail was bound with a green band.] -[Sidenote E: Such a foal nor a knight were never before seen.] -[Sidenote F: It seemed that no man might endure his dints.] -[Footnote 1: as as, in MS.] - - X. - - [A] Wheer hade he no helme ne hawb[e]rgh nauer, - 204 Ne no pysan, ne no plate at pented to armes, - Ne no schafte, ne no schelde, to schwne ne to smyte, - [B] Bot in his on honde he hade a holyn bobbe, - at is grattest in grene, when greue3 ar bare, - 208 [C] & an ax in his oer, a hoge & vn-mete, - A spetos spare to expoun in spelle quo-so my3t; - e hede of an eln3erde e large lenke hade, - e grayn al of grene stele & of golde hewen, - 212 [D] e bit burnyst bry3t, with a brod egge, - As wel schapen to schere as scharp rasores; - e stele of a stif staf e sturne hit bi-grypte, - at wat3 wounden wyth yrn to e wande3 ende, [Fol. 94.] - 216 [E] & al bigrauen with grene, in gracios[1] werkes; - A lace lapped aboute, at louked at e hede, - & so after e halme halched ful ofte, - Wyth tryed tassele3 erto tacched in-noghe, - 220 [F] On botoun3 of e bry3t grene brayden ful ryche. - is hael helde3 hym in, & e halle entres, - Driuande to e he3e dece, dut he no woe, - [G] Haylsed he neuer one, bot he3e he ouer loked. - 224 e fyrst word at he warp, "wher is," he sayd, - [H] "e gouernour of is gyng? gladly I wolde - Se at segg in sy3t, & with hym self speke - raysoun." - 228 To kny3te3 he kest his y3e, - & reled hym vp & doun, - [I] He stemmed & con studie, - Quo walt er most renoun. - -[Sidenote A: The knight carried neither spear nor shield,] -[Sidenote B: In one hand was a holly bough,] -[Sidenote C: in the other an axe,] -[Sidenote D: the edge of which was as keen as a sharp razor,] -[Sidenote E: and the handle was encased in iron, curiously "graven with - green, in gracious works."] -[Sidenote F: Thus arrayed the Green Knight enters the hall,] -[Sidenote G: without saluting any one.] -[Sidenote H: He asks for the "governor" of the company,] -[Sidenote I: and looks for the most renowned.] -[Footnote 1: looks like gracons in MS.] - - XI. - - 232 [A] Ther wat3 lokyng on lene, e lude to be-holde, - For vch mon had meruayle quat hit mene my3t, - at a hael & a horse my3t such a hwe lach, - [B] As growe grene as e gres & grener hit semed, - 236 en grene aumayl on golde lowande bry3ter; - Al studied at er stod, & stalked hym nerre, - [C] Wyth al e wonder of e worlde, what he worch schulde. - For fele sellye3 had ay sen, bot such neuer are, - 240 For-i for fantoum & fayry3e e folk ere hit demed; - [D] er-fore to answare wat3 ar3e mony ael freke, - & al stouned at his steuen, & stonstil seten, - [E] In a swoghe sylence ur3 e sale riche - 244 As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor lote3 - in hy3e; - I deme hit not al for doute, - [F] Bot sum for cortaysye, - 248 Bot let hym at al schulde loute, - Cast vnto at wy3e. - -[Sidenote A: Much they marvel to see a man and a horse] -[Sidenote B: as green as grass.] -[Sidenote C: Never before had they seen such a sight as this.] -[Sidenote D: They were afraid to answer,] -[Sidenote E: and were as silent as if sleep had taken possession of them;] -[Sidenote F: some from fear and others from courtesy.] - - XII. - - [A] enn Arour bifore e hi3 dece at auenture byholde3, - & rekenly hym reuerenced, for rad was he neuer, - 252 & sayde, "wy3e, welcum iwys to is place, - [B] e hede of is ostel Arthour I hat, [Fol. 94b.] - Li3t luflych adoun, & lenge, I e praye, - & quat so y wylle is, we schal wyt after." - 256 [C] "Nay, as help me," quod e hael, "he at on hy3e syttes, - To wone any quyle in is won, hit wat3 not myn ernde; - Bot for e los of e lede is lyft vp so hy3e, - & y bur3 & y burnes best ar holden, - 260 Stifest vnder stel-gere on stedes to ryde, - [D] e wy3test & e woryest of e worldes kynde, - Preue for to play wyth in oer pure layke3; - & here is kydde cortaysye, as I haf herd carp, - 264 & at hat3 wayned me hider, I-wyis, at is tyme. - 3e may be seker bi is braunch at I bere here, - [E] at I passe as in pes, & no ply3t seche; - For had I founded in fere, in fe3tyng wyse, - 268 [F] I haue a hauberghe at home & a helme boe, - A schelde, & a scharp spere, schinande bry3t, - Ande oer weppenes to welde, I wene wel als, - Bot for I wolde no were, my wede3 ar softer. - 272 Bot if ou be so bold as alle burne3 tellen, - ou wyl grant me godly e gomen at I ask, - bi ry3t." - [G] Arthour con onsware, - 276 & sayd, "sir cortays kny3t, - If ou craue batayl bare, - Here fayle3 ou not to fy3t." - -[Sidenote A: Arthur salutes the Green Knight.] -[Sidenote B: bids him welcome, and invites him to stay awhile.] -[Sidenote C: The knight says that he will not tarry.] -[Sidenote D: He seeks the most valiant that he may prove him.] -[Sidenote E: He comes in peace.] -[Sidenote F: At home, however, he has both shield and spear.] -[Sidenote G: Arthur assures him that he shall not fail to find an opponent - worthy of him.] - - XIII. - - [A] "Nay, frayst I no fy3t, in fayth I e telle, - 280 [B] Hit arn aboute on is bench bot berdle3 chylder; - If I were hasped in armes on a he3e stede, - [C] Here is no mon me to mach, for my3te3 so[1] wayke. - For-y I craue in is court a crystmas gomen, - 284 [D] For hit is 3ol & nwe 3er, & here ar 3ep mony; - If any so hardy in is hous holde3 hym-seluen, - [E] Be so bolde in his blod, brayn in hys hede, - at dar stifly strike a strok for an oer, - 288 I schal gif hym of my gyft ys giserne ryche, - [F] is ax, at is heue in-nogh, to hondele as hym lykes, - & I schal bide e fyrst bur, as bare as I sitte. [Fol. 95.] - If any freke be so felle to fonde at I telle, - 292 Lepe ly3tly me to, & lach is weppen, - I quit clayme hit for euer, kepe hit as his auen, - [G] & I schal stonde hym a strok, stif on is flet, - Elle3 ou wyl di3t me e dom to dele hym an oer, - 296 barlay; - & 3et gif hym respite, - [H] A twelmonyth & a day;-- - Now hy3e, & let se tite - 300 Dar any her-inne o3t say." - -[Sidenote A: "I seek no fight," says the knight.] -[Sidenote B: "'Here are only beardless children.'] -[Sidenote C: Here is no man to match me.] -[Sidenote D: Here are brave ones many,] -[Sidenote E: if any be bold enough to 'strike a stroke for another,'] -[Sidenote F: this axe shall be his;] -[Sidenote G: but I shall give him a 'stroke' in return] -[Sidenote H: within a twelvemonth and a day."] -[Footnote 1: MS. fo.] - - XIV. - - [A] If he hem stowned vpon fyrst, stiller were anne - Alle e hered-men in halle, e hy3 & e lo3e; - [B] e renk on his rounce hym ruched in his sadel, - 304 & runisch-ly his rede y3en he reled aboute, - [C] Bende his bresed bro3e3, bly-cande grene, - [D] Wayued his berde for to wayte quo-so wolde ryse. - When non wolde kepe hym with carp he co3ed ful hy3e, - 308 Ande rimed hym ful richley, & ry3t hym to speke: - [E] "What, is is Arures hous," quod e hael enne, - "at al e rous rennes of, ur3 ryalmes so mony? - Where is now your sourquydrye & your conquestes, - 312 Your gry[n]del-layk, & your greme, & your grete wordes? - [F] Now is e reuel & e renoun of e rounde table - Ouer-walt wyth a worde of on wy3es speche; - For al dares for drede, with-oute dynt schewed!" - 316 Wyth is he la3es so loude, at e lorde greued; - [G] e blod schot for scham in-to his schyre face - & lere; - [H] He wex as wroth as wynde, - 320 So did alle at er were - e kyng as kene bi kynde, - en stod at stif mon nere. - -[Sidenote A: Fear kept all silent.] -[Sidenote B: The knight rolled his red eyes about,] -[Sidenote C: and bent his bristly green brows.] -[Sidenote D: Waving his beard awhile, he exclaimed:] -[Sidenote E: "What! is this Arthur's court?] -[Sidenote F: Forsooth the renown of the Round Table is overturned 'with a - word of one man's speech.'"] -[Sidenote G: Arthur blushes for shame.] -[Sidenote H: He waxes as wroth as the wind.] - - XV. - - [A] Ande sayde, "hael, by heuen yn askyng is nys, - 324 & as ou foly hat3 frayst, fynde e be-houes; - I know no gome at is gast of y grete wordes. - Gif me now y geserne, vpon gode3 halue, - & I schal bayen y bone, at ou boden habbes." - 328 Ly3tly lepe3 he hym to, & la3t at his honde; [Fol. 95b.] - en feersly at oer freke vpon fote ly3tis. - [B] Now hat3 Arthure his axe, & e halme grype3, - & sturnely sture3 hit aboute, at stryke wyth hit o3t. - 332 e stif mon hym bifore stod vpon hy3t, - Herre en ani in e hous by e hede & more; - [C] Wyth sturne schere[1] er he stod, he stroked his berde, - & wyth a countenaunce dry3e he dro3 doun his cote, - 336 No more mate ne dismayd for hys mayn dinte3, - en any burne vpon bench hade bro3t hym to drynk - of wyne, - [D] Gawan, at sate bi e quene, - 340 To e kyng he can enclyne, - "I be-seche now with sa3e3 sene, - is melly mot be myne." - -[Sidenote A: He assures the knight that no one is afraid of his great - words.] -[Sidenote B: Arthur seizes his axe.] -[Sidenote C: The knight, stroking his beard, awaits the blow, and with a - "dry countenance" draws down his coat.] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne beseeches the king to let him undertake the blow.] -[Footnote 1: chere (?).] - - XVI. - - "Wolde 3e, worilych lorde," quod Gawan to e kyng, - 344 [A] "Bid me bo3e fro is benche, & stonde by yow ere, - at I wyth-oute vylanye my3t voyde is table, - & at my legge lady lyked not ille, - I wolde com to your counseyl, bifore your cort ryche. - 348 [B] For me ink hit not semly, as hit is so knawen, - er such an askyng is heuened so hy3e in your sale, - a33e 3our-self be talenttyf to take hit to your-seluen, - [C] Whil mony so bolde yow aboute vpon bench sytten, - 352 at vnder heuen, I hope, non ha3er er of wylle, - Ne better bodyes on bent, er baret is rered; - [D] I am e wakkest, I wot, and of wyt feblest, - & lest lur of my lyf, quo laytes e soe, - 356 Bot for as much as 3e ar myn em, I am only to prayse, - No bounte bot your blod I in my bode knowe; - & syen is note is so nys, at no3t hit yow falles, - & I haue frayned hit at yow fyrst, folde3 hit to me, - 360 & if I carp not comlyly, let alle is cort rych, - bout blame." - [E] Ryche to-geder con roun, - & syen ay redden alle same, - 364 To ryd e kyng wyth croun, - & gif Gawan e game. - -[Sidenote A: He asks permission to leave the table; he says,] -[Sidenote B: it is not meet that Arthur should be active in the matter,] -[Sidenote C: while so many bold ones sit upon bench.] -[Sidenote D: Although the weakest, he is quite ready to meet the Green - Knight.] -[Sidenote E: The nobles entreat Arthur to "give Gawayne the game."] - - XVII. - - en comaunded e kyng e kny3t for to ryse; [Fol. 96.] - & he ful radly vp ros, & ruchched hym fayre, - 368 [A] Kneled doun bifore e kyng, & cache3 at weppen; - & he luflyly hit hym laft, & lyfte vp his honde, - & gef hym godde3 blessyng, & gladly hym biddes - [B] at his hert & his honde schulde hardi be boe. - 372 "Kepe e cosyn," quod e kyng, "at ou on kyrf sette, - & if ou rede3 hym ry3t, redly I trowe, - at ou schal byden e bur at he schal bede after. - Gawan got3 to e gome, with giserne in honde, - 376 & he baldly hym byde3, he bayst neuer e helder - [C] en carppe3 to sir Gawan e kny3t in e grene, - "Refourme we oure for-wardes, er we fyrre passe. - Fyrst I ee e, hael, how at ou hattes, - 380 at ou me telle truly, as I tryst may?" - [D] "In god fayth," quod e goode kny3t, "Gawan I hatte, - at bede e is buffet, quat-so bi-falle3 after, - & at is tyme twelmonyth take at e anoer, - 384 Wyth what weppen so[1] ou wylt, & wyth no wy3 elle3, - on lyue." - at oer on-sware3 agayn, - "Sir Gawan, so mot I ryue, - 388 [E] As I am ferly fayn. - is dint at ou schal dryue." - -[Sidenote A: The king gives his nephew his weapon,] -[Sidenote B: and tells him to keep heart and hand steady.] -[Sidenote C: The Green Knight enquires the name of his opponent.] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne tells him his name, and declares that he is - willing to give and receive a blow.] -[Sidenote E: The other thereof is glad.] -[Footnote 1: MS. fo.] - - XVIII. - - [A] "Bigog," quod e grene kny3t, "sir Gawan, melykes, - at I schal fange at y fust at I haf frayst here; - 392 & ou hat3 redily rehersed, bi resoun ful trwe, - Clanly al e couenaunt at I e kynge asked, - Saf at ou schal siker me, segge, bi i trawe, - at ou schal seche me i-self, where-so ou hopes - 396 I may be funde vpon folde, & foch e such wages - [B] As ou deles me to day, bifore is doue ryche." - [C] "Where schulde I wale e," quod Gauan, "where is y place? - I wot neuer where ou wonyes, bi hym at me wro3t, - 400 Ne I know not e, kny3t, y cort, ne i name. - [D] Bot teche me truly er-to, & telle me howe ou hattes, - & I schal ware alle my wyt to wynne me eder, - & at I swere e for soe, & by my seker trawe." [Fol. 96b.] - 404 "at is in-nogh in nwe 3er, hit nedes no more," - Quod e gome in e grene to Gawan e hende, - [E] "3if I e telle trwly, quen I e tape haue, - & ou me smoely hat3 smyten, smartly I e teche - 408 Of my hous, & my home, & myn owen nome, - en may ou frayst my fare, & forwarde3 holde, - [F] & if I spende no speche, enne spede3 ou e better, - For ou may leng in y londe, & layt no fyrre, - 412 bot slokes; - [G] Ta now y grymme tole to e, - & let se how ou cnoke3." - "Gladly sir, for soe," - 416 Quod Gawan; his ax he strokes. - -[Sidenote A: "It pleases me well, Sir Gawayne," says the Green Knight, - "that I shall receive a blow from thy fist; but thou must swear that thou - wilt seek me,] -[Sidenote B: to receive the blow in return."] -[Sidenote C: "Where shall I seek thee?" says Sir Gawayne;] -[Sidenote D: "tell me thy name and abode and I will find thee."] -[Sidenote E: "When thou hast smitten me," says the knight, "then tell I - thee of my home and name;] -[Sidenote F: if I speak not at all, so much the better for thee.] -[Sidenote G: Take now thy grim tool, and let us see how thou knockest."] - - XIX. - - [A] The grene kny3t vpon grounde grayely hym dresses, - A littel lut with e hede, e lere he discouere3, - [B] His longe louelych lokke3 he layd ouer his croun. - 420 Let e naked nec to e note schewe. - Gauan gripped to his ax, & gederes hit on hy3t, - e kay fot on e folde he be-fore sette, - [C] Let hit doun ly3tly ly3t on e naked, - 424 at e scharp of e schalk schyndered e bones, - [D] & schrank ur3 e schyire grece, & scade hit in twynne, - at e bit of e broun stel bot on e grounde. - [E] e fayre hede fro e halce hit [felle] to e ere, - 428 [F] at fele hit foyned wyth her fete, ere hit forth roled; - e blod brayd fro e body, at blykked on e grene; - [G] & nawer faltered ne fel e freke neuer e helder, - Bot styly he start forth vpon styf schonkes, - 432 [H] & ru[n]yschly he ra3t out, ere as renkke3 stoden, - La3t to his lufly hed, & lyft hit vp sone; - & syen bo3e3 to his blonk, e brydel he cachche3, - [I] Steppe3 in to stel bawe & stryde3 alofte, - 436 [J] & his hede by e here in his honde halde3; - & as sadly e segge hym in his sadel sette, - As non vnhap had hym ayled, a3 hedle3 he[1] we[re], - in stedde; - 440 [K] He brayde his bluk[2] aboute, - at vgly bodi at bledde, [Fol. 97.] - Moni on of hym had doute, - Bi at his resoun3 were redde. - -[Sidenote A: The Green Knight] -[Sidenote B: puts his long lovely locks aside and lays bare his neck.] -[Sidenote C: Sir Gawayne lets fall his axe] -[Sidenote D: and severs the head from the body.] -[Sidenote E: The head falls to the earth.] -[Sidenote F: Many kick it aside with their feet.] -[Sidenote G: The knight never falters;] -[Sidenote H: he rushes forth, seizes his head,] -[Sidenote I: steps into the saddle,] -[Sidenote J: holding the while the head in his hand by the hair,] -[Sidenote K: and turns his horse about.] -[Footnote 1: MS. ho.] -[Footnote 2: blunk (?).] - - XX. - - 444 For e hede in his honde he halde3 vp euen, - [A] To-ward e derrest on e dece he dresse3 e face, - & hit lyfte vp e y3e-lydde3, & loked ful brode, - [B] & meled us much with his muthe, as 3e may now here. - 448 "Loke, Gawan, ou be graye to go as ou hette3, - & layte as lelly til ou me, lude, fynde, - [C] As ou hat3 hette in is halle, herande ise kny3tes; - [D] To e grene chapel ou chose, I charge e to fotte, - 452 Such a dunt as ou hat3 dalt disserued ou habbe3, - [E] To be 3ederly 3olden on nw 3eres morn; - e kny3t of e grene chapel men knowen me mony; - [F] For-i me forto fynde if ou frayste3, fayle3 ou neuer, - 456 [G] er-fore com, oer recreaunt be calde e be-houeus." - With a runisch rout e rayne3 he torne3, - [H] Halled out at e hal-dor, his hed in his hande, - at e fyr of e flynt fla3e fro fole houes. - 460 To quat kyth he be-com, knwe non ere, - Neuermore en ay wyste fram queen. he wat3 wonnen; - what enne? - e kyng & Gawen are, - 464 [I] At at grene ay la3e & grenne, - 3et breued wat3 hit ful bare, - A meruayl among o menne. - -[Sidenote A: The head lifts up its eyelids,] -[Sidenote B: and addresses Sir Gawayne; "Look thou, be ready to go as thou - hast promised,] -[Sidenote C: and seek till thou findest me.] -[Sidenote D: Get thee to the Green Chapel,] -[Sidenote E: there to receive a blow on New Year's morn.] -[Sidenote F: Fail thou never;] -[Sidenote G: come, or recreant be called."] -[Sidenote H: The Green Knight then rushes out of the hall, his head in his - hand.] -[Sidenote I: At that green one Arthur and Gawayne "laugh and grin."] - - XXI. - - [A] a3 Arer e hende kyng at hert hade wonder, - 468 He let no semblaunt be sene, bot sayde ful hy3e - To e comlych quene, wyth cortays speche, - [B] "Dere dame, to day demay yow neuer; - Wel by-commes such craft vpon cristmasse, - 472 Laykyng of enterlude3, to la3e & to syng. - Among ise, kynde caroles of kny3te3 & ladye3; - [C] Neuer-e-lece to my mete I may me wel dres, - For I haf sen a selly, I may not for-sake." - 476 He glent vpon sir Gawen, & gaynly he sayde, - [D] "Now sir, heng vp yn ax, at hat3 in-nogh hewen." - & hit wat3 don abof e dece, on doser to henge, [Fol. 97b.] - er alle men for meruayl my3t on hit loke, - 480 & bi trwe tytel er-of to telle e wonder. - [E] enne ay bo3ed to a borde ise burnes to-geder, - e kyng & e gode kny3t, & kene men hem serued - Of alle dayntye3 double, as derrest my3t falle, - 484 Wyth alle maner of mete & mynstralcie boe; - Wyth wele walt ay at day, til wored an ende, - in londe. - [F] Now enk wel, sir Gawan, - 488 For woe at ou ne wonde, - is auenture forto frayn, - at ou hat3 tan on honde. - -[Sidenote A: Arthur addresses the queen:] -[Sidenote B: "Dear dame, be not dismayed; such marvels well become the - Christmas festival;] -[Sidenote C: I may now go to meat.] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne, hang up thine axe.] -[Sidenote E: The king and his knights sit feasting at the board till day is - ended.] -[Sidenote F: Now beware, Sir Gawayne, lest thou fail to seek the adventure - that thou hast taken in hand.] - -[FYTTE THE SECOND.] - - I. - - [A] This hanselle hat3 Arthur of auenturus on fyrst, - 492 In 3onge 3er, for he 3erned 3elpyng to here, - Tha3 hym worde3 were wane, when ay to sete wenten; - Now ar ay stoken of sturne werk staf-ful her hond. - Gawan wat3 glad to be-gynne ose gomne3 in halle, - 496 Bot a3 e ende be heuy, haf 3e no wonder; - For a3 men ben mery in mynde, quen ay han mayn drynk, - [B] A 3ere 3ernes ful 3erne, & 3elde3 neuer lyke, - e forme to e fynisment folde3 ful selden. - 500 For-i is 3ol ouer-3ede, & e 3ere after, - & vche sesoun serlepes sued after oer; - [C] After crysten-masse com e crabbed lentoun, - at frayste3 flesch wyth e fysche & fode more symple - 504 Bot enne e weder of e worlde wyth wynter hit repe3, - [D] Colde clenge3 adoun, cloude3 vp-lyften, - Schyre schede3 e rayn in schowre3 ful warme, - Falle3 vpon fayre flat, flowre3 ere schewen, - 508 [E] Boe grounde3 & e greue3 grene ar her wede3, - [F] Brydde3 busken to bylde, & bremlych syngen, - [G] For solace of e softe somer at sues er after, - bi bonk; - 512 [H] & blossume3 bolne to blowe, - Bi rawe3 rych & ronk, - [I] en note3 noble in-no3e, - Ar herde in wod so wlonk. [Fol. 98] - -[Sidenote A: This marvel serves to keep up a brisk conversation in Court.] -[Sidenote B: The year passes full quickly and never returns.] -[Sidenote C: After Christmas comes the "crabbed Lenten."] -[Sidenote D: Spring sets in and warm showers descend;] -[Sidenote E: the groves become green,] -[Sidenote F: birds build and sing,] -[Sidenote G: for joy of the summer that follows;] -[Sidenote H: blossoms begin to bloom,] -[Sidenote I: and noble notes are heard in the woods] - - II. - - 516 [A] After e sesoun of somer wyth e soft wynde3, - Quen 3eferus syfle3 hym-self on sede3 & erbe3, - [B] Wela-wynne is e wort at woxes er-oute. - When e donkande dewe drope3 of e leue3, - 520 To bide a blysful blusch of e bry3t sunne. - [C] Bot en hy3es heruest, & hardenes hym sone. - Warne3 hym for e wynter to wax ful rype; - [D] He dryues wyth dro3t e dust for to ryse. - 524 Fro e face of e folde to fly3e ful hy3e; - Wroe wynde of e welkyn wrastele3 with e sunne, - [E] e leue3 lancen fro e lynde, & ly3ten on e grounde, - [F] & al grayes e gres, at grene wat3 ere; - 528 enne al rype3 & rote3 at ros vpon fyrst, - & us 3irne3 e 3ere in 3isterdaye3 mony, - [G] & wynter wynde3 a3ayn, as e worlde aske3 - no sage. - 532 Til me3el-mas mone, - Wat3 cumen wyth wynter wage; - [H] en enkke3 Gawan ful sone, - Of his anious uyage. - -[Sidenote A: Then the soft winds of summer,] -[Sidenote B: beautiful are the flowers wet with dew-drops.] -[Sidenote C: But harvest approaches soon,] -[Sidenote D: and drives the dust about.] -[Sidenote E: The leaves drop off the trees,] -[Sidenote F: the grass becomes gray, and all ripens and rots.] -[Sidenote G: Winter winds round again,] -[Sidenote H: and then Sir Gawayne thinks of his dread journey.] - - III. - - 536 [A] 3et quyl al-hal-day with Arer he lenges, - & he made a fare on at fest, for e freke3 sake, - With much reuel & ryche of e rounde table; - Kny3te3 ful cortays & comlych ladies, - 540 Al for luf of at lede in longynge ay were, - Bot neuer-e-lece ne e later ay neuened bot mere, - Mony ioyle3 for at ientyle iape3 er maden. - [B] For aftter mete, with mournyng he mele3 to his eme, - 544 & speke3 of his passage, & pertly he sayde, - [C] "Now, lege lorde of my lyf, leue I yow ask; - 3e knowe e cost of is cace, kepe I no more - To telle yow tene3 er-of neuer bot trifel; - 548 [D] Bot I am boun to e bur barely to morne, - To sech e gome of e grene, as god wyl me wysse." - enne e best of e bur3 bo3ed to-geder, - Aywan, & Errik, & oer ful mony, - 552 Sir Doddinaual de Sauage, e duk of Clarence, [Fol. 98b.] - Launcelot, & Lyonel, & Lucan e gode, - Sir Boos, & sir Byduer, big men boe, - [E] & mony oer menskful, with Mador de la Port. - 556 Alle is compayny of court com e kyng nerre, - For to counseyl e kny3t, with care at her hert; - [F] ere wat3 much derue[1] doel driuen in e sale, - at so worthe as Wawan schulde wende on at ernde, - 560 To dry3e a delful dynt, & dele no more - wyth bronde. - e kny3t mad ay god chere, - & sayde, "quat schuld I wonde, - 564 [G] Of destines derf & dere, - What may mon do bot fonde?" - -[Sidenote A: On All-hallows day Arthur makes a feast for his nephew's - sake.] -[Sidenote B: After meat, Sir Gawayne thus speaks to his uncle:] -[Sidenote C: "Now, liege lord, I ask leave of you,] -[Sidenote D: for I am bound on the morn to seek the Green Knight."] -[Sidenote E: Many nobles, the best of the court, counsel and comfort him.] -[Sidenote F: Much sorrow prevails in the hall.] -[Sidenote G: Gawayne declares that he has nothing to fear.] -[Footnote 1: derne (?).] - - IV. - - [A] He dowelle3 er al at day, and dresse3 on e morn, - Aske3 erly hys arme3, & alle were ay bro3t - 568 [B] Fyrst a tule tapit, ty3t ouer e flet, - & miche wat3 e gyld gere at glent er alofte; - [C] e stif mon steppe3 eron, & e stel hondole3, - [D] Dubbed in a dublet of a dere tars, - 572 & syen a crafty capados, closed aloft, - at wyth a bry3t blaunner was bounden with-inne; - [E] enne set ay e sabatoun3 vpon e segge fote3, - His lege3 lapped in stel with luflych greue3, - 576 With polayne3 piched er-to, policed ful clene, - Aboute his kne3 knaged wyth knote3 of golde; - [F] Queme quyssewes en, at coyntlych closed - His thik rawen y3e3 with wonges to-tachched; - 580 [G] & syen e brawden bryne of bry3t stel rynge3, - Vmbe-weued at wy3, vpon wlonk stuffe; - [H] & wel bornyst brace vpon his boe armes, - With gode cowters & gay, & gloue3 of plate, - 584 & alle e godlych gere at hym gayn schulde - at tyde; - [I] Wyth ryche cote armure, - [J] His gold spore3 spend with pryde, - 588 [K] Gurde wyth a bront ful sure, - With silk sayn vmbe his syde. - -[Sidenote A: On the morn he asks for his arms.] -[Sidenote B: A carpet is spread on the floor,] -[Sidenote C: and he steps thereon.] -[Sidenote D: He is dubbed in a doublet of Tarsic silk, and a well-made - hood.] -[Sidenote E: They set steel slices on his feet, and lap his legs in steel - greaves.] -[Sidenote F: Fair cuisses enclose his thighs,] -[Sidenote G: and afterwards they put on the steel habergeon,] -[Sidenote H: well-burnished braces, elbow pieces, and gloves of plate.] -[Sidenote I: Over all this is placed the coat armour.] -[Sidenote J: His spurs are then fixed,] -[Sidenote K: and his sword is attached to his side by a silken girdle.] - - V. - - [A] When he wat3 hasped in armes, his harnays wat3 ryche, [Fol. 99a.] - e lest lachet ou[]er loupe lemed of golde; - 592 So harnayst as he wat3 he herkne3 his masse, - Offred & honoured at e he3e auter; - [B] Syen he come3 to e kyng & to his cort fere3, - Lache3 lufly his leue at lorde3 & ladye3; - 596 & ay hym kyst & conueyed, bikende hym to kryst. - [C] Bi at wat3 Gryngolet grayth, & gurde with a sadel, - at glemed ful gayly with mony golde frenges, - Ay quere naylet ful nwe for at note ryched; - 600 e brydel barred aboute, with bry3t golde bounden; - [D] e apparayl of e payttrure, & of e proude skyrte3, - e cropore, & e couertor, acorded wyth e arsoune3; - & al wat3 rayled on red ryche golde nayle3, - 604 at al glytered & glent as glem of e sunne. - [E] enne hentes he e holme, & hastily hit kysses, - at wat3 stapled stifly, & stoffed wyth-inne: - Hit wat3 hy3e on his hede, hasped bihynde, - 608 [F] Wyth a ly3tli vrysoun ouer e auentayle, - [G] Enbrawden & bounden wyth e best gemme3, - On brode sylkyn borde, & brydde3 on seme3, - As papiaye3 paynted pernyng bitwene, - 612 Tortors & trulofe3 entayled so yk, - As mony burde er aboute had ben seuen wynter - in toune; - [H] e cercle wat3 more o prys, - 616 at vmbe-clypped hys croun, - Of diamaunte3 a deuys, - at boe were bry3t & broun. - -[Sidenote A: Thus arrayed the knight hears mass,] -[Sidenote B: and afterwards takes leave of Arthur and his court.] -[Sidenote C: By that time his horse Gringolet was ready,] -[Sidenote D: the harness of which glittered like the "gleam of the sun."] -[Sidenote E: Then Sir Gawayne sets his helmet upon his head,] -[Sidenote F: fastened behind with a "urisoun,"] -[Sidenote G: richly embroidered with gems.] -[Sidenote H: The circle around the helmet was decked with diamonds.] - - VI. - - [A] Then ay schewed hym e schelde, at was of schyr goule3, - 620 Wyth e pentangel de-paynt of pure golde hwe3; - He brayde3 hit by e baude-ryk, aboute e hals kestes, - at bisemed e segge semlyly fayre. - [B] & quy e pentangel apende3 to at prynce noble, - 624 I am in tent yow to telle, of tary hyt me schulde; - Hit is a syngne at Salamon set sum-quyle, - In bytoknyng of trawe, bi tytle at hit habbe3, - For hit is a figure at halde3 fyue poynte3, [Fol. 99b] - 628 & vche lyne vmbe-lappe3 & louke3 in oer, - [C] & ay quere hit is endele3,[1] & Englych hit callen - Ouer-al, as I here, e endeles knot. - For-y hit acorde3 to is kny3t, & to his cler arme3, - 632 For ay faythful in fyue & sere fyue sye3, - [D] Gawan wat3 for gode knawen, & as golde pured, - Voyded of vche vylany, wyth vertue3[2] ennourned - in mote; - 636 For-y e pen-tangel nwe - He ber in schelde & cote, - [E] As tulk of tale most trwe, - & gentylest kny3t of lote. - -[Sidenote A: Then they show him his shield with the "pentangle" of pure - gold.] -[Sidenote B: The "pentangle" was devised by Solomon as a token of truth.] -[Sidenote C: It is called the endless knot] -[Sidenote D: It well becomes the good Sir Gawayne,] -[Sidenote E: a knight the truest of speech and the fairest of form.] -[Footnote 1: MS emdele3.] -[Footnote 2: MS verertue3] - - VII. - - 640 [A] Fyrst he wat3 funden fautle3 in his fyue wytte3, - & efte fayled neuer e freke in his fyue fyngres, - [B] & alle his afyaunce vpon folde wat3 in e fyue wounde3 - at Cryst ka3t on e croys, as e crede telle3; - 644 & quere-so-euer ys mon in melly wat3 stad, - His ro o3t wat3 in at, ur3 alle oer ynge3, - at alle his forsnes he fong at e fyue ioye3, - at e hende heuen quene had of hir chylde; - 648 At is cause e kny3t comlyche hade - [C] In e more half of his schelde hir ymage depaynted, - at quen he blusched erto, his belde neuer payred. - e fyrst[1] fyue at I finde at e frek vsed, - 652 Wat3 fraunchyse, & fela3schyp for-be[2] al yng; - [D] His clannes & his cortaysye croked were neuer, - & pite, at passe3 alle poynte3, yse pure fyue - Were harder happed on at hael en on any oer. - 656 Now alle ese fyue sye3, forsoe, were fetled on is kny3t, - & vchone halched in oer, at non ende hade, - & fyched vpon fyue poynte3, at fayld neuer, - Ne samned neuer in no syde, ne sundred nou[er], - 660 With-outen ende at any noke [a]i quere fynde, - Where-euer e gomen bygan, or glod to an ende. - [E] er-fore on his schene schelde schapen wat3 e knot, - us alle wyth red golde vpon rede gowle3, - 664 at is e pure pentaungel wyth e peple called, [Fol. 100] - with lore. - Now grayed is Gawan gay, - [F] & la3t his launce ry3t ore, - 668 & gef hem alle goud day, - He wende for euer more. - -[Sidenote A: He was found faultless in his five wits.] -[Sidenote B: His trust was in the five wounds.] -[Sidenote C: The image of the Virgin was depicted upon his shield.] -[Sidenote D: In cleanness and courtesy he was never found wanting,] -[Sidenote E: therefore was the endless knot fastened on his shield.] -[Sidenote F: Sir Gawayne seizes his lance and bids all "good day."] -[Footnote 1: MS fyft.] -[Footnote 2: for-bi (?).] - - VIII. - - [A] He sperred e sted with e spure3, & sprong on his way, - So stif at e ston fyr stroke out er-after; - 672 [B] Al at se3 at semly syked in hert, - & sayde soly al same segges til oer, - Carande for at comly, "bi Kryst, hit is scae, - at ou, leude, schal be lost, at art of lyf noble! - 676 [C] To fynde hys fere vpon folde, in fayth is not ee; - Warloker to haf wro3t had more wyt bene, - & haf dy3t 3onder dere a duk to haue wored; - [D] A lowande leder of lede3 in londe hym wel seme3, - 680 & so had better haf ben en britned to no3t, - [E] Hadet wyth an aluisch mon, for angarde3 pryde. - Who knew euer any kyng such counsel to take, - As kny3te3 in caueloun3 on cryst-masse gomne3!" - 684 [F] Wel much wat3 e warme water at waltered of y3en, - When at semly syre so3t fro o wone3 - at[1] daye; - He made non abode, - 688 Bot wy3tly went hys way, - [G] Mony wylsum way he rode, - e bok as I herde say. - -[Sidenote A: He spurs his horse and goes on his way.] -[Sidenote B: All that saw that seemly one mourned in their hearts.] -[Sidenote C: They declared that his equal was not to be found upon earth.] -[Sidenote D: It would have been better for him to have been a leader of - men,] -[Sidenote E: than to die by the hands of "an elvish man."] -[Sidenote F: Much was the warm water that poured from eyes that day.] -[Sidenote G: Meanwhile many a weary way goes Sir Gawayne.] -[Footnote 1: MS. ad.] - - IX. - - [A] Now ride3 is renk ur3 e ryalme of Logres, - 692 Sir Gauan on Gode3 halue, a3 hym no gomen o3t; - Oft, leudle3 alone, he lenge3 on ny3te3, - er he fonde no3t hym byfore e fare at he lyked; - [B] Hade he no fere bot his fole, bi frythe3 & doune3, - 696 Ne no gome bot God, bi gate wyth to karp, - [C] Til at he ne3ed ful noghe[1] in to e Nore Wale3; - Alle e iles of Anglesay on lyft half he halde3, - & fare3 ouer e forde3 by e for-londe3, - 700 [D] Ouer at e Holy-Hede, til he hade eft bonk - In e wyldrenesse of Wyrale; wonde er bot lyte - [E] at auer God oer gome wyth goud hert louied. [Fol. 100b] - & ay he frayned, as he ferde, at freke3 at he met, - 704 [F] If ay hade herde any karp of a kny3t grene, - In any grounde er-aboute, of e grene chapel;[2] - & al nykked hym wyth nay, at neuer in her lyue - [G] ay se3e neuer no segge at wat3 of suche hwe3 - 708 of grene. - e kny3t tok gates straunge, - In mony a bonk vnbene, - [H] His cher ful oft con chaunge, - 712 at chapel er he my3t sene. - -[Sidenote A: Now rides the knight through the realms of England.] -[Sidenote B: He has no companion but his horse.] -[Sidenote C: No men does he see till he approaches North Wales.] -[Sidenote D: From Holyhead he passes into Wirral.] -[Sidenote E: There he finds but few that loved God or man.] -[Sidenote F: He enquires after the Green Knight of the Green Chapel,] -[Sidenote G: but can gain no tidings of him.] -[Sidenote H: His cheer oft changed before he found the Chapel.] -[Footnote 1: nyghe (?).] -[Footnote 2: MS. clapel.] - - X. - - [A] Mony klyf he ouer-clambe in contraye3 straunge, - Fer floten fro his frende3 fremedly he ryde3; - [B] At vche ware oer water er e wy3e passed, - 716 He fonde a foo hym byfore, bot ferly hit were, - & at so foule & so felle, at fe3t hym by-hode; - [C] So mony meruayl hi mount er e mon fynde3, - Hit were to tore for to telle of e tene dole. - 720 [D] Sumwhyle wyth worme3 he werre3, & with wolues als, - Sumwhyle wyth wodwos, at woned in e knarre3, - [E] Boe wyth bulle3 & bere3, & bore3 oer-quyle, - & etayne3, at hym a-nelede, of e he3e felle; - 724 [F] Nade he ben du3ty & dry3e, & dry3tyn had serued, - Douteles he hade ben ded, & dreped ful ofte. - [G] For werre wrathed hym not so much, at wynter was wors, - When e colde cler water fro e cloude3 schadden, - 728 & fres er hit falle my3t to e fale ere; - Ner slayn wyth e slete he sleped in his yrnes, - Mo ny3te3 en in-noghe in naked rokke3, - er as claterande fro e crest e colde borne renne3, - 732 & henged he3e ouer his hede in hard ysse-ikkles. - [H] us in peryl, & payne, & plytes ful harde, - Bi contray carye3 is kny3t, tyl kryst-masse euen, - al one; - 736 e kny3t wel at tyde, - [I] To Mary made his mone. - at ho hym red to ryde, - & wysse hym to sum wone. [Fol. 101.] - -[Sidenote A: Many a cliff he climbed over;] -[Sidenote B: many a ford and stream he crossed, and everywhere he found a - foe.] -[Sidenote C: It were too tedious to tell the tenth part of his adventures] -[Sidenote D: with serpents, wolves, and wild men;] -[Sidenote E: with bulls, bears, and boars.] -[Sidenote F: Had he not been both brave and good, doubtless he had been - dead.] -[Sidenote G: The sharp winter was far worse than any war that ever troubled - him.] -[Sidenote H: Thus in peril he travels till Christmas-eve.] -[Sidenote I: To the Virgin Mary he prays to guide him to some abode.] - - XI. - - 740 [A] Bi a mounte on e morne meryly he rydes, - Into a forest ful dep, at ferly wat3 wylde, - Hi3e hille3 on vche a halue, & holt wode3 vnder, - [B] Of hore oke3 fill hoge a hundreth to-geder; - 744 e hasel & e ha3-orne were harled al samen, - With ro3e raged mosse rayled ay-where, - [C] With mony brydde3 vnblye vpon bare twyges, - at pitosly er piped for pyne of e colde. - 748 e gome vpon Gryngolet glyde3 hem vnder, - [D] ur3 mony misy & myre, mon al hym one, - Carande for his costes, lest he ne keuer schulde, - To se e seruy[1] of at syre, at on at self ny3t - 752 Of a burde wat3 borne, oure baret to quelle; - [E] & erfore sykyng he sayde, "I be-seche e, lorde, - & Mary, at is myldest moder so dere. - Of sum herber, er he3ly I my3t here masse. - 756 Ande y matyne3 to-morne, mekely I ask, - & er-to prestly I pray my pater & aue, - & crede." - He rode in his prayere, - 760 & cryed for his mysdede, - [F] He sayned hym in syes sere, - & sayde "cros Kryst me spede!" - -[Sidenote A: On the morn Sir Gawayne finds himself in a deep forest,] -[Sidenote B: where were old oaks many a hundred.] -[Sidenote C: Many sad birds upon bare twigs piped piteously for the cold.] -[Sidenote D: Through many a mire he goes, that he may celebrate the birth - of Christ.] -[Sidenote E: He beseeches the Virgin Mary to direct him to some lodging - where he may hear mass.] -[Sidenote F: Blessing himself, he says, "Cross of Christ, speed me!"] -[Footnote 1: seruyce (?).] - - XII. - - [A] Nade he sayned hym-self, segge, bot rye, - 764 Er he wat3 war in e wod of a won in a mote. - [B] Abof a launde, on a lawe, loken vnder bo3e3, - Of mony borelych bole, aboute bi e diches; - [C] A castel e comlokest at euer kny3t a3te, - 768 Pyched on a prayere, a park al aboute, - With a pyked palays, pyned ful ik, - at vmbe-te3e mony tre mo en two myle. - at holde on at on syde e hael auysed, - 772 [D] As hit schemered & schon ur3 e schyre oke3; - enne hat3 he hendly of his helme, & he3ly he onke3 - Iesus & say[nt] Gilyan, at gentyle ar boe, - at cortaysly hade hym kydde, & his cry herkened. [Fol. 101b.] - 776 "Now bone hostel," coe e burne, "I be-seche yow 3ette!" - enne gedere3 he to Gryngolet with e gilt hele3, - [E] & he ful chauncely hat3 chosen to e chef gate, - at bro3t bremly e burne to e bryge ende, - 780 in haste; - [F] e bryge wat3 breme vp-brayde, - e 3ate3 wer stoken faste, - e walle3 were wel arayed, - 784 Hit dut no wynde3 blaste. - -[Sidenote A: Scarcely had he blessed himself thrice] -[Sidenote B: when he saw a dwelling in the wood, set on a hill,] -[Sidenote C: the comeliest castle that knight ever owned.] -[Sidenote D: It shone as the sun through the bright oaks.] -[Sidenote E: Sir Gawayne goes to the chief gate,] -[Sidenote F: and finds the draw-bridge raised, and the gates shut fast.] - - XIII. - - [A] e burne bode on bonk, at on blonk houed, - Of e depe double dich at drof to e place, - e walle wod in e water wonderly depe, - 788 [B] Ande eft a ful huge he3t hit haled vpon lofte, - Of harde hewen ston vp to e table3, - [C] Enbaned vnder e abataylment, in e best lawe; - & syen garyte3 ful gaye gered bi-twene, - 792 Wyth mony luflych loupe, at louked ful clene; - A better barbican at burne blusched vpon neuer; - & innermore he be-helde at halle ful hy3e, - [D] Towre telded bytwene trochet ful ik, - 796 Fayre fylyole3 at fy3ed, & ferlyly long, - [E] With coruon coprounes, craftyly sle3e; - Chalk whyt chymnees er ches he in-no3e, - Vpon bastel roue3, at blenked ful quyte; - 800 So mony pynakle payntet wat3 poudred ay quere, - Among e castel carnele3, clambred so ik, - at pared out of papure purely hit semed. - [F] e fre freke on e fole hit fayr in-n[o]ghe o3t, - 804 If he my3t keuer to com e cloyster wyth-inne, - To herber in at hostel, whyl halyday lested - auinant; - [G] He calde, & sone er com - 808 A porter pure plesaunt, - On e wal his ernd he nome, - & haylsed e kny3t erraunt. - -[Sidenote A: The knight abides on the bank,] -[Sidenote B: and observes the "huge height,"] -[Sidenote C: with its battlements and watch towers.] -[Sidenote D: Bright and long were its round towers,] -[Sidenote E: with their well-made capitals.] -[Sidenote F: He thinks it fair enough if he might only come within the - cloister.] -[Sidenote G: He calls, and soon there comes a porter to know the knight's - errand.] - - XIV. - - [A] "Gode sir," quod Gawan, "wolde3 ou go myn ernde, - 812 To e he3 lorde of is hous, herber to craue?" - "3e, Peter," quod e porter, "& purely I trowe,[1] [Fol. 102.] - [B] at 3e be, wy3e, welcum to won quyle yow lyke3." - en 3ede at wy3e a3ayn awye, - 816 & folke frely hym wyth, to fonge e kny3t; - [C] ay let doun e grete dra3t, & derely out 3eden, - & kneled doun on her knes vpon e colde ere, - To welcum is ilk wy3, as wory hom o3t; - 820 [D] ay 3olden hym e brode 3ate, 3arked vp wyde, - & he hem raysed rekenly, & rod ouer e brygge; - Sere segge3 hym sesed by sadel, quel[2] he ly3t, - [E] & syen stabeled his stede stif men in-no3e. - 824 [F] Kny3te3 & swyere3 comen doun enne, - For to bryng is burne[3] wyth blys in-to halle; - [G] Quen he hef vp his helme, er hi3ed in-noghe - For to hent hit at his honde, e hende to seruen, - 828 His bronde & his blasoun boe ay token. - en haylsed he ful hendly o haele3 vch one, - & mony proud mon er presed, at prynce to honour; - Alle hasped in his he3 wede to halle ay hym wonnen, - 832 er fayre fyre vpon flet fersly brenned. - [H] enne e lorde of e lede loute3 fro his chambre, - For to mete wyth menske e mon on e flor; - He sayde, "3e ar welcum to welde as yow lyke3, - 836 at here is, al is yowre awen, to haue at yowre wylle - & welde." - "Graunt mercy," quod Gawayn, - "er Kryst hit yow for-3elde," - 840 [I] As freke3 at semed fayn, - Ayer oer in arme3 con felde. - -[Sidenote A: "Good sir," says Gawayne, "ask the high lord of this house to - grant me a lodging."] -[Sidenote B: "You are welcome to dwell here as long as you like," replied - the porter.] -[Sidenote C: The draw-bridge is let down,] -[Sidenote D: and the gate is opened wide to receive him.] -[Sidenote E: His horse is well stabled.] -[Sidenote F: Knights and squires bring Gawayne into the hall.] -[Sidenote G: Many a one hastens to take his helmet and sword.] -[Sidenote H: The lord of the country bids him welcome,] -[Sidenote I: and they embrace each other.] -[Footnote 1: trowoe, MS.] -[Footnote 2: quyle (?) or quen (?).] -[Footnote 3: buurne, MS.] - - XV. - - [A] Gawayn gly3t on e gome at godly hym gret, - [B] & u3t hit a bolde burne at e bur3 a3te, - 844 A hoge hael for e none3, & of hyghe elde;[1] - [C] Brode bry3t wat3 his berde, & al beuer hwed, - Sturne stif on e strye on stal-worth schonke3, - [D] Felle face as e fyre, & fre of hys speche; - 848 & wel hym semed for soe, as e segge u3t, - To lede a lortschyp in lee of leude3 ful gode. - [E] e lorde hym charred to a chambre, & chefly cumaunde3[2] [Fol.] - To delyuer hym a leude, hym lo3ly to serue; [102b.] - 852 & ere were boun at his bode burne3 in-no3e, - [F] at bro3t hym to a bry3t boure, er beddyng wat3 noble, - Of cortynes of clene sylk, wyth cler golde hemme3, - [G] & couertore3 ful curious, with comlych pane3, - 856 Of bry3t blaunnier a-boue enbrawded bisyde3, - Rudele3 rennande on rope3, red golde rynge3, - [H] Tapyte3 ty3t to e wo3e, of tuly & tars, - & vnder fete, on e flet, of fol3ande sute. - 860 [I] er he wat3 dispoyled, wyth speche3 of myere, - e burn of his bruny, & of his bry3t wede3; - [J] Ryche robes ful rad renkke3 hem[3] bro3ten, - For to charge, & to chaunge, & chose of e best. - 864 Sone as he on hent, & happed er-inne, - at sete on hym[4] semly, wyth saylande skyrte3, - [K] e ver by his uisage verayly hit semed - Wel ne3 to vche hael alle on hwes, - 868 Lowande & lufly, alle his lymme3 vnder, - [L] at a comloker kny3t neuer Kryst made, - hem o3t; - Wheen in worlde he were, - 872 Hit semed as he my3t - Be prynce with-outen pere, - In felde er felle men fy3t. - -[Sidenote A: Gawayne looks on his host;] -[Sidenote B: a big bold one he seemed.] -[Sidenote C: Beaver-hued was his broad beard,] -[Sidenote D: and his face as "fell as the fire."] -[Sidenote E: The lord leads Gawayne to a chamber, and assigns him a page to - wait upon him.] -[Sidenote F: In this bright bower was noble bedding;] -[Sidenote G: the curtains were of pure silk with golden hems;] -[Sidenote H: Tarsic tapestries covered the walls and the floor.] -[Sidenote I: Here the knight doffed his armour,] -[Sidenote J: and put on rich robes,] -[Sidenote K: which well became him.] -[Sidenote L: A more comely knight Christ never made.] -[Footnote 1: eldee, MS.] -[Footnote 2: clesly, MS.] -[Footnote 3: hym (?).] -[Footnote 4: MS. hyn.] - - XVI. - - [A] A cheyer by-fore e chemne, er charcole brenned, - 876 Wat3 grayed for sir Gawan, grayely with cloe3, - Whyssynes vpon queldepoyntes, a[t] koynt wer boe; - [B] & enne a mere mantyle wat3 on at mon cast, - Of a broun bleeaunt, enbrauded ful ryche, - 880 & fayre furred wyth-inne with felle3 of e best, - Alle of ermyn in erde, his hode of e same; - & he sete in at settel semlych ryche, - & achaufed hym chefly,[1] & enne his cher mended. - 884 [C] Sone wat3 telded vp a tapit, on treste3 ful fayre, - [D] Clad wyth a clene cloe, at cler quyt schewed, - Sanap, & salure, & syluer-in spone3; - e wy3e wesche at his wylle, & went to his mete [Fol. 103.] - 888 Segge3 hym serued semly in-no3e, - [E] Wyth sere sewes & sete,[2] sesounde of e best, - Double felde, as hit falle3, & fele kyn fische3; - [F] Summe baken in bred, summe brad on e glede3, - 892 [G] Summe soen, summe in sewe, sauered with spyces, - & ay sawes[3] so sle3e3, at e segge lyked. - e freke calde hit a fest ful frely & ofte, - [H] Ful hendely, quen alle e haeles re-hayted hym at one3 - 896 as hende; - "is penaunce now 3e take, - & eft hit schal amende;" - [I] at mon much mere con make. - 900 For wyn in his hed at wende. - -[Sidenote A: A chair is placed for Sir Gawayne before the fireplace.] -[Sidenote B: A mantle of fine linen, richly embroidered, is thrown over - him.] -[Sidenote C: A table is soon raised,] -[Sidenote D: and the knight, having washed, proceeded to meat.] -[Sidenote E: He is served with numerous dishes;] -[Sidenote F: with fish baked and broiled,] -[Sidenote G: or boiled and seasoned with spices.] -[Sidenote H: He calls it a full noble feast,] -[Sidenote I: and much mirth he makes, for the wine is in his head.] -[Footnote 1: MS. cefly.] -[Footnote 2: swete (?).] -[Footnote 3: sewes (?).] - - XVII. - - [A] enne wat3 spyed & spured vpon spare wyse. - Bi preue poynte3 of at prynce, put to hym-seluen, - at he be-knew cortaysly of e court at he were, - 904 [B] at ael Arthure e hende halde3 hym one, - at is e ryche ryal kyng of e rounde table; - & hit wat3 Wawen hym-self at in at won sytte3, - Comen to at krystmasse, as case hym en lymped. - 908 [C] When e lorde hade lerned at he e leude hade, - Loude la3ed he erat, so lef hit hym o3t, - [D] & alle e men in at mote maden much joye, - To apere in his presense prestly at tyme, - 912 at alle prys, & prowes, & pured ewes - Apendes to hys persoun, & praysed is euer, - By-fore alle men vpon molde, his mensk is e most. - [E] Vch segge ful softly sayde to his fere, - 916 [F] "Now schal we semlych se sle3te3 of ewe3, - & e teccheles termes of talkyng noble, - Wich spede is in speche, vnspurd may we lerne, - [G] Syn we haf fonged at fyne fader of nurture; - 920 God hat3 geuen vus his grace godly for soe, - at such a gest as Gawan graunte3 vus to haue, - When burne3 blye of his bure schal sitte - & synge. - 924 In menyng of manere3 mere, - is burne now schal vus bryng, [Fol. 103b.] - [H] I hope at may hym here, - Schal lerne of luf-talkyng." - -[Sidenote A: Sir Gawayne, in answer to questions put to him,] -[Sidenote B: tells the prince that he is of Arthur's court.] -[Sidenote C: When this was made known,] -[Sidenote D: great was the joy in the hall.] -[Sidenote E: Each one said softly to his mate,] -[Sidenote F: "Now we shall see courteous manners and hear noble speech,] -[Sidenote G: for we have amongst us the 'father of nurture.'] -[Sidenote H: He that may him hear shall learn of love-talking."] - - XVIII. - - 928 [A] Bi at e diner wat3 done, & e dere vp, - Hit wat3 ne3 at e niy3t ne3ed e tyme; - Chaplayne3[1] to e chapeles chosen e gate, - Rungen ful rychely, ry3t as ay schulden, - 932 [B] To e hersum euensong of e hy3e tyde. - e lorde loutes erto, & e lady als, - In-to a comly closet coyntly ho entre3; - Gawan glyde3 ful gay, & gos eder sone; - 936 e lorde laches hym by e lappe, & lede3 hym to sytte, - & couly hym knowe3, & calle3 hym his nome, - & sayde he wat3 e welcomest wy3e of e worlde; - [C] & he hym onkked roly, & ayer halched oer. - 940 & seten soberly samen e seruise-quyle; - enne lyst e lady to loke on e kny3t. - [D] enne com ho of hir closet, with mony cler burde3, - Ho wat3 e fayrest in felle, of flesche & of lyre, - 944 & of compas, & colour, & costes of alle oer, - [E] & wener en Wenore, as e wy3e o3t. - He ches ur3 e chaunsel, to cheryche at hende; - [F] An oer lady hir lad bi e lyft honde, - 948 at wat3 alder en ho, an auncian hit semed, - & he3ly honowred with haele3 aboute. - [G] Bot yn-lyke on to loke o ladyes were, - [H] For if e 3onge wat3 3ep, 3ol3e wat3 at oer; - 952 Riche red on at on rayled ay quere, - [I] Rugh ronkled cheke3 at oer on rolled; - Kerchofes of at on wyth mony cler perle3 - [J] Hir brest & hir bry3t rote bare displayed, - 956 Schon schyrer en snawe, at scheder[2] on hille3; - at oer wyth a gorger wat3 gered ouer e swyre, - Chymbled ouer hir blake chyn with mylk-quyte vayles, - [K] Hir frount folden in sylk, enfoubled ay quere, - 960 Toret & treieted with tryfle3 aboute, - [L] at no3t wat3 bare of at burde bot e blake bro3es. [Fol. 104.] - e tweyne y3en, & e nase, e naked lyppe3, - & ose were soure to se, & sellyly blered; - 964 A mensk lady on molde mon may hir calle, - for gode; - [M] Hir body wat3 schort & ik. - [N] Hir buttoke3 bay & brode, - 968 More lykker-wys on to lyk, - Wat3 at scho hade on lode. - -[Sidenote A: After dinner the company go to the chapel,] -[Sidenote B: to hear the evensong of the great season.] -[Sidenote C: The lord of the castle and Sir Gawayne sit together during - service.] -[Sidenote D: His wife, accompanied by her maids, leaves her seat.] -[Sidenote E: She appeared even fairer than Guenever.] -[Sidenote F: An older lady (an ancient one she seemed) led her by the - hand.] -[Sidenote G: Very unlike were these two.] -[Sidenote H: if the young one was fair the other was yellow,] -[Sidenote I: and had rough and wrinkled cheeks.] -[Sidenote J: The younger had breast and throat "bare displayed."] -[Sidenote K: The ancient one exposed only her "black brows," her two eyes,] -[Sidenote L: nose, and naked lips, all sour and bleared.] -[Sidenote M: Her body was short and thick;] -[Sidenote N: her buttocks broad and round.] -[Footnote 1: MS. [claplayne3.]] -[Footnote 2: schedes (?).] - - XIX. - - [A] When Gawayn gly3t on at gay, at graciously loked, - Wyth leue la3t of e lorde he went hem a3aynes; - 972 [B] e alder he haylses, heldande ful lowe, - e loueloker he lappe3 a lyttel in arme3, - [C] He kysses hir comlyly, & kny3tly he mele3; - ay kallen hym of a quoyntaunce, & he hit quyk aske3 - 976 [D] To be her seruaunt sothly, if hem-self lyked. - ay tan hym bytwene hem, wyth talkyng hym leden - [E] To chambre, to chemne, & chefly ay asken - [F] Spyce3, at vn-sparely men speded hom to bryng, - 980 & e wynne-lych wyne er-with vche tyme. - e lorde luflych aloft lepe3 ful ofte, - Mynned merthe to be made vpon mony sye3. - [G] Hent he3ly of his hode, & on a spere henged, - 984 & wayned hom to wynne e worchip er-of, - [H] at most myre my3t mene[1] at crystenmas whyle; - "& i schal fonde, bi my fayth, to fylter wyth e best, - Er me wont e wede3, with help of my frende3." - 988 us wyth la3ande lote3 e lorde hit tayt[2] make3, - [I] For to glade sir Gawayn with gomne3 in halle - at ny3t; - Til at hit wat3 tyme, - 992 e kyng comaundet ly3t, - [J] Sir Gawen his leue con nyme, - & to his bed hym di3t. - -[Sidenote A: With permission of the lord,] -[Sidenote B: Sir Gawayne salutes the elder,] -[Sidenote C: but the younger he kisses,] -[Sidenote D: and begs to be her servant.] -[Sidenote E: To chamber all go,] -[Sidenote F: where spices and wine are served.] -[Sidenote G: The lord takes off his hood and places it on a spear.] -[Sidenote H: He who makes most mirth is to win it.] -[Sidenote I: Night approaches, and then] -[Sidenote J: Sir Gawayne takes his leave and retires to rest.] -[Footnote 1: meue (?).] -[Footnote 2: layt (?).] - - XX. - - [A] On e morne, as vch mon myne3 at tyme, - 996 [B] []at dry3tyn for oure destyne to de3e wat3 borne, - Wele waxe3 in vche a won in worlde, for his sake; - [C] So did hit ere on at day, ur3 dayntes mony; - Boe at mes & at mele, messes ful quaynt [Fol. 104b.] -1000 Derf men vpon dece drest of e best. - [D] e olde auncian wyf he3est ho sytte3; - e lorde lufly her by lent, as I trowe; - [E] Gawan & e gay burde to-geder ay seten, -1004 Euen in-mydde3, as e messe metely come; - & syen ur3 al e sale, as hem best semed, - [F] Bi vche grome at his degre grayely wat3 serued. - er wat3 mete, er wat3 myre, er wat3 much ioye, -1008 at for to telle erof hit me tene were, - & to poynte hit 3et I pyned me parauenture; - [G] Bot 3et I wot at Wawen & e wale burde - Such comfort of her compaynye ca3ten to-geder, -1012 ur3 her dere dalyaunce of her derne worde3, - Wyth clene cortays carp, closed fro fyle; - & hor play wat3 passande vche prynce gomen, - in vayres; -1016 [H] Trumpe3 & nakerys, - Much pypyng er repayres, - Vche mon tented hys, - & ay two tented ayres. - -[Sidenote A: On Christmas morn,] -[Sidenote B: joy reigns in every dwelling in the world.] -[Sidenote C: So did it in the castle where our knight abode.] -[Sidenote D: The lord and "the old ancient wife" sit together.] -[Sidenote E: Gawayne sits by the wife of his host.] -[Sidenote F: It were too tedious to tell of the meat, the mirth, and the - joy that abounded everywhere.] -[Sidenote G: Gawayne and his beautiful companion derive much comfort from - each other's conversation.] -[Sidenote H: Trumpets and nakers give forth their sounds.] - - XXI. - -1020 [A] Much dut wat3 er dryuen at day & at oer, - & e ryd as ro ronge in erafter; - [B] e ioye of sayn Ione3 day wat3 gentyle to here, - & wat3 e last of e layk, leude3 er o3ten. -1024 er wer gestes to go vpon e gray morne, - For-y wonderly ay woke, & e wyn dronken, - Daunsed ful dre3ly wyth dere carole3; - [C] At e last, when hit wat3 late, ay lachen her leue, -1028 Vchon to wende on his way, at wat3 wy3e stronge. - Gawan gef hym god-day, e god mon hym lachche3, - Ledes hym to his awen chambre, [e] chymne bysyde, - [D] & ere he dra3e3 hym on-dry3e, & derely hym onkke3, -1032 Of e wynne worschip &[1] he hym wayned hade, - As to honour his hous on at hy3e tyde, - & enbelyse his bur3 with his bele chere. - "I-wysse sir, quyl I leue, me wore3 e better, -1036 at Gawayn hat3 ben my gest, at Godde3 awen fest." [Fol. 105.] - "Grant merci[2] sir," quod Gawayn, "in god fayth hit is yowre3, - Al e honour is your awen, e he3e kyng yow 3elde; - & I am wy3e at your wylle, to worch youre hest, -1040 As I am halden er-to, in hy3e & in lo3e, - bi ri3t." - [E] e lorde fast can hym payne, - To holde lenger e kny3t, -1044 To hym answre3 Gawayn, - Bi non way at he my3t. - -[Sidenote A: Great was the joy for three days.] -[Sidenote B: St. John's-day was the last of the Christmas festival.] -[Sidenote C: On the morrow many of the guests took their departure from the - castle.] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne is thanked by his host for the honour and pleasure - of his visit.] -[Sidenote E: He endeavours to keep the knight at his court.] -[Footnote 1: at (?).] -[Footnote 2: nerci, in MS.] - - XXII. - - [A] Then frayned e freke ful fayre at him-seluen, - Quat derne[1] dede had hym dryuen, at at dere tyme, -1048 So kenly fro e kynge3 kourt to kayre al his one, - Er e halidaye3 holly were halet out of toun? - [B] "For soe sir," quod e segge, "3e sayn bot e trawe - A he3e ernde & a hasty me hade fro o wone3, -1052 For I am sumned my selfe to sech to a place, - I wot[2] in worlde wheder warde to wende, hit to fynde; - I nolde, bot if I hit negh my3t on nw3eres morne, - For alle e londe in-wyth Logres, so me oure lorde help! -1056 For-y, sir, is enquest I require yow here, - [C] at 3e me telle with trawe, if euer 3e tale herde - Of e grene chapel, quere hit on grounde stonde3, - & of e kny3t at hit kepes, of colour of grene? -1060 er wat3 stabled bi statut a steuen vus by-twene, - [D] To mete at mon at at mere, 3if I my3t last; - & of at ilk nw3ere hot neked now wonte3, - & I wolde loke on at lede, if God me let wolde, -1064 Gladloker, bi Godde3 sun, en any god welde! - For-i, I-wysse, bi 3owre wylle, wende me bi-houes, - [E] Naf I now to busy bot bare re daye3, - & me als fayn to falle feye as fayly of myyn ernde." -1068 [F] enne la3ande quod e lorde, "now leng e by-houes, - For I schal teche yow to a[t] terme bi e tyme3 ende, - e grene chapayle vpon grounde, greue yow no more; - Bot 3e schal be in yowre bed, burne, at yn ese, -1072 Quyle forth dayej, & ferk on pe fyrst of pe 3ere, - & cum to at merk at mydmorn, to make quat yow like3 [Fol. 105b] - in spenne; - Dowelle3 whyle new 3eres daye, -1076 & rys, & rayke3 enne, - [G] Mon schal yow sette in waye, - Hit is not two myle henne." - -[Sidenote A: He desires to know what had driven Sir Gawayne from Arthur's - court before the end of the Christmas holidays.] -[Sidenote B: The knight replies that "a high errand and a hasty one" had - forced him to leave the court.] -[Sidenote C: He asks his host whether he has ever heard of the Green - Chapel,] -[Sidenote D: for he has to be there on New Year's-day.] -[Sidenote E: He wonld as lief die as fail in his errand.] -[Sidenote F: The prince tells Sir Gawayne that he will teach him the way.] -[Sidenote G: The Green chapel is not more than two miles from the castle.] -[Footnote 1: derue (?).] -[Footnote 2: not (?).] - - XXIII. - - [A] enne wat3 Gawan ful glad, & gomenly he la3ed,-- -1080 "Now I onk yow ryuandely ur3 alle oer ynge, - [B] Now acheued is my chaunce, I schal at your wylle - Dowelle, & elle3 do quat 3e demen." - enne sesed hym e syre, & set hym bysyde, -1084 [C] Let e ladie3 be fette, to lyke hem e better; - er wat3 seme solace by hem-self stille; - e lorde let for luf lote3 so myry, - As wy3 at wolde of his wyte, ne wyst quat he my3t. -1088 enne he carped to e kny3t, criande loude, - [D] "3e han demed to do e dede at I bidde; - Wyl 3e halde is hes here at ys one3?" - "3e sir, for-soe," sayd e segge trwe, -1092 "Whyl I byde in yowre bor3e, be bayn to 3ow[r]e hest." - "For 3e haf trauayled," quod e tulk, "towen fro ferre, - & syen waked me wyth, 3e arn not wel waryst, - [E] Nauer of sostnaunce ne of slepe, soly I knowe; -1096 3e schal lenge in your lofte, & ly3e in your ese, - [F] To morn quyle e messe-quyle, & to mete wende, - When 3e wyl, wyth my wyf, at wyth yow schal sitte, - & comfort yow with compayny, til I to cort torne, -1100 3e lende; - & I schal erly ryse, - On huntyng wyl I wende." - [G] Gauayn grante3 alle yse, -1104 Hym heldande, as e hende. - -[Sidenote A: Then was Gawayne glad,] -[Sidenote B: and consents to tarry awhile at the castle.] -[Sidenote C: The ladies are brought in to solace him.] -[Sidenote D: The lord of the castle asks the knight to grant him one - request;] -[Sidenote E: That he will stay in his chamber during mass time,] -[Sidenote F: and then go to meat with his hostess.] -[Sidenote G: Gawayne accedes to his request.] - - XXIV. - - [A] "3et firre," quod e freke, "a forwarde we make; - Quat-so-euer I wynne in e wod, hit wore3 to youre3, - [B] & quat chek so 3e acheue, chaunge me er-forne; -1108 Swete, swap we so, sware with trawe, - Queer, leude, so lymp lere oer better." - "Bi God," quod Gawayn e gode, "I grant er-tylle, - & at yow lyst forto layke, lef hit me ynkes. [Fol. 106.] -1112 [C] "Who bringe3 vus is beuerage, is bargayn is maked:" - So sayde e lorde of at lede; ay la3ed vchone, - ay dronken, & daylyeden, & dalten vnty3tel,[1] - ise lorde3 & ladye3, quyle at hem lyked; -1116 & syen with frenkysch fare & fele fayre lote3 - ay stoden, & stemed, & stylly speken, - Kysten ful comlyly, & ka3ten her leue. - [D] With mony leude ful ly3t, & lemande torches, -1120 Vche burne to his bed wat3 bro3t at e laste, - ful softe; - To bed 3et er ay 3ede, - Recorded couenaunte3 ofte; -1124 e olde lorde of at leude,[2] - Cowe wel halde layk a-lofte. - -[Sidenote A: "Whatsoever," says the host, "I win in the wood shall be - yours,] -[Sidenote B: and what check you achieve shall be mine."] -[Sidenote C: A bargain is made between them.] -[Sidenote D: Night approaches and each "to his bed was brought at the - last."] -[Footnote 1: vntyl ny3te (?).] -[Footnote 2: lede (?).] - -[FYTTE THE THIRD.] - - I. - - [A] Ful erly bifore e day e folk vp-rysen, - Gestes at go wolde, hor grome3 ay calden, -1128 [B] & ay busken vp bilyue, blonkke3 to sadel, - Tyffen he[r] takles, trussen her males, - Richen hem e rychest, to ryde alle arayde, - Lepen vp ly3tly, lachen her brydeles, -1132 [C] Vche wy3e on his way, er hym wel lyked. - [D] e leue lorde of e londe wat3 not e last, - A-rayed for e rydyng, with renkke3 ful mony; - [E] Ete a sop hastyly, when he hade herde masse, -1136 With bugle to bent felde he buske3 by-lyue; - [F] By at at any day-ly3t lemed vpon ere, - He with his haeles on hy3e horsses weren. - [G] enne ise cacheres at coue, cowpled hor hounde3, -1140 Vnclosed e kenel dore, & calde hem er-oute, - [H] Blwe bygly in bugle3 re bare mote; - Braches bayed erfore, & breme noyse maked, - [I] & ay chastysed, & charred, on chasyng at went; -1144 A hundreth of hunteres, as I haf herde telle, - of e best; - [J] To trystors vewters 3od, - Couples huntes of kest, -1148 er ros for blaste3 gode, [Fol. 106b.] - [K] Gret rurd in at forest. - -[Sidenote A: Before day-break folks uprise,] -[Sidenote B: saddle their horses, and truss their mails.] -[Sidenote C: Each goes where it pleases him best.] -[Sidenote D: The noble lord of the land arrays himself for riding.] -[Sidenote E: He eats a sop hastily and goes to mass.] -[Sidenote F: Before day-light he and his men are on their horses.] -[Sidenote G: Then the hounds are called out and coupled.] -[Sidenote H: Three short notes are blown by the bugles.] -[Sidenote I: A hundred hunters join in the chase.] -[Sidenote J: To the stations the "fewters" go,] -[Sidenote K: and the dogs are cast off.] - - II. - - [A] At e fyrst quethe of e quest quaked e wylde; - Der drof in e dale, doted for drede, -1152 Hi3ed to e hy3e, bot heterly ay were - [B] Restayed with e stablye, at stoutly ascryed; - [C] ay let e hertte3 haf e gate, with e hy3e hedes, - e breme bukke3 also, with hor brode paume3; -1156 For e fre lorde hade de-fende in fermysoun tyme, - at er schulde no mon mene[1] to e male dere. - [D] e hinde3 were halden in, with hay & war, - e does dryuen with gret dyn to e depe slade3; -1160 er my3t mon se, as ay slypte, slentyng of arwes, - [E] At vche [at] wende vnder wande wapped a flone, - at bigly bote on e broun, with ful brode hede3, - [F] What! ay brayen, & bleden, bi bonkke3 ay de3en. -1164 & ay rachches in a res radly hem fol3es, - Huntere3 wyth hy3e horne hasted hem after, - [G] Wyth such a crakkande kry, as klyffes haden brusten; - What wylde so at-waped wy3es at schotten, -1168 Wat3 al to-raced & rent, at e resayt. - Bi ay were tened at e hy3e, & taysed to e wattre3, - e lede3 were so lerned at e lo3e trysteres, - & e gre-hounde3 so grete, at geten hem bylyue, -1172 & hem to fylched, as fast as freke3 my3t loke, - er ry3t. - [H] e lorde for blys abloy - Ful oft con launce & ly3t, -1176 [I] & drof at day wyth Ioy - Thus to e derk ny3t. - -[Sidenote A: Roused by the clamour the deer rush to the heights,] -[Sidenote B: but are soon driven back.] -[Sidenote C: The harts and bucks are allowed to pass,] -[Sidenote D: but the hinds and does are driven back to the shades.] -[Sidenote E: As they fly they are shot by the bowmen.] -[Sidenote F: The hounds and the hunters, with a loud cry, follow in - pursuit.] -[Sidenote G: Those that escaped the arrows are killed by the hounds.] -[Sidenote H: The lord waxes joyful in the chase,] -[Sidenote I: which lasted till the approach of night.] -[Footnote 1: meue (?).] - - III. - - [A] us layke3 is lorde by lynde wode3 eue3, - & G. e god mon, in gay bed lyge3, -1180 [B] Lurkke3 quyl e day-ly3t lemed on e wowes, - Vnder couertour ful clere, cortyned aboute; - & as in slomeryng he slode, sle3ly he herde - [C] A littel dyn at his dor, & derfly vpon; -1184 & he heue3 vp his hed out of e cloes, - A corner of e cortyn he ca3t vp a lyttel, [Fol. 107.] - & wayte3 warly ider-warde, quat hit be my3t. - [D] Hit wat3 e ladi, loflyest to be-holde, -1188 at dro3 e dor after hir ful dernly[1] & stylle, - [E] & bo3ed to-warde e bed; & e burne schamed. - & layde hym doun lystyly, & let as he slepte. - [F] & ho stepped stilly. & stel to his bedde, -1192 [G] Kest vp e cortyn, & creped with-inne, - & set hir ful softly on e bed-syde, - & lenged ere selly longe, to loke quen he wakened. - e lede lay lurked a ful longe quyle, -1196 [H] Compast in his concience to quat at cace my3t - Mene oer amount, to meruayle hym o3t; - Bot 3et he sayde in hym-self, "more semly hit were - To aspye wyth my spelle [in] space quat ho wolde." -1200 [I] en he wakenede, & wroth, & to hir warde torned, - [J] & vn-louked his y3e-lydde3, & let as hym wondered, - & sayned hym, as bi his sa3e e sauer to worthe, - with hande; -1204 Wyth chynne & cheke ful swete, - Boe quit & red in-blande, - Ful lufly con ho lete, - Wyth lyppe3 smal la3ande. - -[Sidenote A: All this time Gawayne lies a-bed.] -[Sidenote B: under "coverture full clear".] -[Sidenote C: He hears a noise at his door.] -[Sidenote D: A lady, the loveliest to behold, enters softly.] -[Sidenote E: She approaches the bed.] -[Sidenote F: Gawayne pretends to be asleep.] -[Sidenote G: The lady casts up the curtain and sits on the bedside.] -[Sidenote H: Gawayne has much wonder thereat.] -[Sidenote I: He rouses himself up,] -[Sidenote J: unlocks his eyes, and looks as if he were astonished.] -[Footnote 1: deruly (?).] - - IV. - -1208 [A] "God moroun, sir Gawayn," sayde at fayr lady, - "3e ar a sleper vn-sly3e, at mon may slyde hider; - Now ar 3e tan astyt, bot true vus may schape, - [B] I schal bynde yow in your bedde, at be 3e trayst:" -1212 Al la3ande e lady lanced o bourde3. - [C] "Goud moroun g[aye],"[1] quod Gawayn e blye, - "Me schal wore at your wille, & at me wel lyke3, - For I 3elde me 3ederly, & 3e3e after grace, -1216 & at is e best, be my dome, for me by-houe3 nede;" - & us he bourded a-3ayn with mony a blye la3ter. - [D] "Bot wolde 3e, lady louely, en leue me grante, - & de-prece your prysoun, & pray hym to ryse, -1220 I wolde bo3e of is bed, & busk me better, - I schulde keuer e more comfort to karp yow wyth." - [E] "Nay, for soe, beau sir," sayd at swete, [Fol. 107b] - "3e schal not rise of your bedde, I rych yow better, -1224 [F] I schal happe yow here at oer half als, - & syen karp wyth my kny3t at I ka3t haue; - [G] For I wene wel, Iwysse, sir Wawen 3e are, - at alle e worlde worchipe3, quere-so 3e ride; -1228 Your honour, your hendelayk is hendely praysed - [H] With lorde3, wyth ladyes, with alle at lyf bere. - & now 3e ar here, iwysse, & we bot oure one; - [I] "My lorde & his lede3 ar on lene faren, -1232 [J] Oer burne3 in her bedde, & my burde3 als, - [K] e dor drawen, & dit with a derf haspe; - [L] & syen I haue in is hous hym at al lyke3, - I schal ware my whyle wel, quyl hit laste3, -1236 with tale; - [M] 3e ar welcum to my cors, - Yowre awen won to wale, - Me be-houe3 of fyne force, -1240 [N] Your seruaunt be & schale." - -[Sidenote A: "Good morrow", says the lady, "ye are a careless sleeper to - let one enter thus.] -[Sidenote B: I shall bind you in your bed, of that be ye sure."] -[Sidenote C: "Good morrow," says the knight, "I am well pleased to be at - your service;] -[Sidenote D: but permit me to rise and dress myself."] -[Sidenote E: "Nay, beau sir," said that sweet one,] -[Sidenote F: "I shall hold talk with you here.] -[Sidenote G: I know well that you are Gawayne that all the woild worships.] -[Sidenote H: We are by ourselves;] -[Sidenote I: My lord and his men are far off.] -[Sidenote J: Other men are in their beds, so are my maidens.] -[Sidenote K: The door is safely closed.] -[Sidenote L: Since I have him in house that every one likes, I shall use my - time well while it lasts.] -[Sidenote M: Ye are welcome to my body.] -[Sidenote N: I shall be your servant."] -[Footnote 1: This word is illegible in the MS.] - - V. - - "In god fayth," quod Gawayn, "gayn hit me ynkke3, - [A] a3 I be not now he at 3e of speken; - To reche to such reuerence as 3e reherce here -1244 I am wy3e vn-wory, I wot wel my-seluen; - Bi God, I were glad, & yow god o3t, - [B] At sa3e oer at seruyce at I sette my3t - To e plesaunce of your prys, hit were a pure ioye." -1248 "In god fayth, sir Gawayn," quod e gay lady, - "e prys & e prowes at plese3 al oer, - If I hit lakked, oer set at ly3t, hit were littel daynte; - [C] Bot hit ar ladyes in-no3e, at leuer wer nowe -1252 Haf e hende in hor holde, as I e habbe here, - To daly witt derely your daynte worde3, - Keuer hem comfort, & colen her care3, - [D] en much of e garysourn oer golde at[1] ay hauen; -1256 Bot I louue[2] at ilk lorde at e lyfte halde3, - I haf hit holly in my honde at al desyres, - ur3e grace." - Scho made hym so gret chere, -1260 at wat3 so fayr of face, [Fol. 108.] - [E] e kny3t with speches skere, - A[n]swared to vche a cace. - -[Sidenote A: "I am unworthy," says Sir Gawayne, "to reach to such reverence - as ye rehearse.] -[Sidenote B: I shall be glad, however, to please you by word, or service."] -[Sidenote C: "There are ladies," says his visitor, "who would prefer thy - company] -[Sidenote D: to much of the gold that they possess."] -[Sidenote E: The knight answers the lady's questions.] -[Footnote 1: MS. at at.] -[Footnote 2: louie or loune (?).] - - VI. - - [A] "Madame," quod e myry mon, "Mary yow 3elde, -1264 For I haf founden, in god fayth, yowre fraunchis nobele, - & oer ful much of oer folk fongen hor dede3; - Bot e daynte at ay delen for my disert nysen, - Hit is e worchyp of your-self, at no3t hot wel conne3." -1268 [B] "Bi Mary," quod e menskful, "me ynk hit anoer; - For were I worth al e wone of wymmen alyue, - & al e wele of e worlde were in my honde, - [C] & I schulde chepen & chose, to cheue me a lorde, -1272 For e costes at I haf knowen vpun e kny3t here, - Of bewte, & debonerte, & blye semblaunt, - [D] & at I haf er herkkened, & halde hit here trwee, - er schulde no freke vpon folde bifore yow be chosen." -1276 "I-wysse, wory," quod e wy3e, "3e haf waled wel better, - [E] Bot I am proude of e prys at 3e put on me, - & soberly your seruaunt my souerayn I holde yow, - & yowre kny3t I be-com, & Kryst yow for-3elde." -1280 us ay meled of much-quat, til myd-morn paste, - & ay e lady let lyk, a[1] hym loued mych; - [F] e freke ferde with defence, & feted ful fayre. - a3 I were burde bry3test, e burde in mynde hade, -1284 e lasse luf in his lode, for lur at he so3t, - boute hone; - e dunte at schulde[2] hym deue, - & nede3 hit most be done; -1288 [G] e lady enn spek of leue. - He granted hir ful sone. - -[Sidenote A: Gawayne tells her that he prefers her conversation before that - of all others.] -[Sidenote B: The lady declares by Mary,] -[Sidenote C: that were she about to choose her a lord,] -[Sidenote D: she would select Gawayne before any man on earth.] -[Sidenote E: Gawayne tells her that he will become her own knight and - faithful servant.] -[Sidenote F: The remembrance of his adventure prevents him from thinking of - love.] -[Sidenote G: The lady takes leave of Sir Gawayne.] -[Footnote 1: and (?)] -[Footnote 2: sclulde, in MS.] - - VII. - - [A] enne ho gef hym god-day, & wyth a glent la3ed. - & as ho stod, ho stonyed hym wyth ful stor worde3: -1292 [B] "Now he at spede3 vche spech, is disport 3elde yow! - Bot at 3e be Gawan, hit got3 in mynde." - "Quer-fore?" quod e freke, & freschly he aske3, - Ferde lest he hade fayled in fourme of his castes; -1296 Bot e burde hym blessed, & bi is skyl sayde, - "So god as Gawayn gaynly is halden, [Fol. 108b.] - & cortaysye is closed so clene in hym-seluen, - [C] Couth not ly3tly haf lenged so long wyth a lady, -1300 Bot he had craued a cosse, bi his courtaysye, - Bi sum towch of summe tryfle, at sum tale3 ende." - [D] en quod Wowen, "I-wysse, wore as yow lyke3, - I schal kysse at your comaundement, as a kny3t falle3, -1304 & fire[1] lest he displese yow, so[2] plede hit no more." - [E] Ho comes nerre with at, & cache3 hym in arme3, - Loute3 luflych adoun, & e leude kysse3; - ay comly bykennen to Kryst ayer oer; -1308 Ho dos hir forth at e dore, with-outen dyn more. - & he ryches hym to ryse, & rapes hym sone, - [F] Clepes to his chamberlayn, choses his wede, - Bo3e3 forth, quen he wat3 boun, blyely to masse, -1312 & enne he meued to his mete, at menskly hym keped, - [G] & made myry al day til e mone rysed, - with game; - With[3] neuer freke fayrer fonge, -1316 [H] Bitwene two so dyngne dame, - e alder & e 3onge, - Much solace set ay same. - -[Sidenote A: With a laughing glance, she says,] -[Sidenote B: "I am doubtful whether ye be Gawayne.] -[Sidenote C: Were it he, surely, ere this, he would have craved a kiss."] -[Sidenote D: "I shall kiss," says the knight, "at your commandment."] -[Sidenote E: With that the lady catches him in her arms and kisses him.] -[Sidenote F: Gawayne then rises and goes to mass.] -[Sidenote G: He makes mirth all day till the moon rises,] -[Sidenote H: between the "two dames," the older and the younger.] -[Footnote 1: fere (?).] -[Footnote 2: fo, in MS.] -[Footnote 3: Was (?) Nas (?).] - - VIII. - - [A] And ay e lorde of e londe is lent on his gamne3, -1320 To hunt in holte3 & hee, at hynde3 barayne, - Such a sowme he er slowe bi at e sunne heldet, - Of dos & of oer dere, to deme were wonder. - enne fersly ay flokked in folk at e laste, -1324 [B] & quykly of e quelled dere a querre ay maked; - e best bo3ed erto, with burne3 in-noghe, - [C] Gedered e grattest of gres at er were, - & didden hem derely vndo, as e dede aske3; -1328 [D] Serched hem at e asay, summe at er were, - Two fyngeres ay fonde of e fowlest of alle; - [E] Syen ay slyt e slot, sesed e erber, - [F] Schaued wyth a scharp knyf, & e schyre knitten; -1332 Syen rytte ay e foure lymmes, & rent of e hyde, - [G] en brek ay e bale, e bale3 out token, - [H] Lystily forlancyng, & bere of e knot; [Fol. 109.] - ay gryped to e gargulun, & grayely departed -1336 [I] e wesaunt fro e wynt-hole, & walt out e gutte3; - en scher ay out e schuldere3 with her scharp knyue3, - [J] Haled hem by a lyttel hole, to haue hole sydes; - Sien britned ay e brest, & brayden hit in twynne, -1340 & eft at e gargulun bigyne3 on enne, - [K] Ryue3 hit vp radly, ry3t to e by3t, - Voyde3 out e a-vanters, & verayly erafter - Alle e ryme3 by e rybbe3 radly ay lance; -1344 So ryde ay of by resoun bi e rygge bone3, - Euenden to e haunche, at henged alle samen, - & heuen hit vp al hole, & hwen hit of ere, - & at ayneme for e noumbles, bi nome as I trowe, -1348 bi kynde; - [L] Bi e by3t al of e y3es, - e lappe3 ay lance bi-hynde, - [M] To hewe hit in two ay hy3es, -1352 Bi e bak-bon to vnbynde. - -[Sidenote A: Meanwhile the lord of the land and his men hunt in woods and - heaths.] -[Sidenote B: Quickly of the killed a "quarry" they make.] -[Sidenote C: Then they set about breaking the deer.] -[Sidenote D: They take away the assay or fat,] -[Sidenote E: then they slit the slot and remove the erber.] -[Sidenote F: They afterwards rip the four limbs and rend off the hide.] -[Sidenote G: They next open the belly] -[Sidenote H: and take out the bowels.] -[Sidenote I: They then separate the weasand from the windhole and throw out - the guts.] -[Sidenote J: The shoulders are cut out, and the breast divided into - halves.] -[Sidenote K: The numbles are next removed.] -[Sidenote L: By the fork of the thighs,] -[Sidenote M: the flaps are hewn in two by the backbone.] - - IX. - - [A] Boe e hede & e hals ay hwen of enne, - & syen sunder ay e syde3 swyft fro e chyne, - & e corbeles fee ay kest in a greue;[1] -1356 enn urled ay ayer ik side ur3, bi e rybbe, - & henged enne a[y]er bi ho3es of e fourche3, - Vche freke for his fee, as falle3 forto haue. - Vpon a felle of e fayre best, fede ay ayr houndes, -1360 [B] Wyth e lyuer & e ly3te3, e leer of e paunche3, - & bred baed in blod, blende er amonge3; - Baldely ay blw prys, bayed ayr rachche3, - [C] Syen fonge ay her flesche folden to home, -1364 Strakande ful stoutly mony stif mote3. - Bi at e dayly3t wat3 done, e douthe wat3 al wonen - In-to e comly castel, er e kny3t bide3 - ful stille; -1368 Wyth blys & bry3t fyr bette, - e lord is comen er-tylle, - [D] When Gawayn wyth hym mette, - er wat3 bot wele at wylle. - -[Sidenote A: After this the head and neck are cut off, and the sides - severed from the chine.] -[Sidenote B: With the liver, lights and paunches, they feed the hounds.] -[Sidenote C: Then they make for home.] -[Sidenote D: Gawayne goes out to meet his host.] -[Footnote 1: grene (?).] - - X. - -1372 [A] Thenne comaunded e lorde in at sale to samen alle e meny,[Fol.] - Boe e ladyes on loghe to ly3t with her burdes, [109b.] - [B] Bi-fore alle e folk on e flette, freke3 he bedde3 - Verayly his venysoun to fech hym byforne; -1376 [C] & al godly in gomen Gaway[n] he called, - Teche3 hym to e tayles of ful tayt bestes, - Schewe3 hym e schyree grece schorne vpon rybbes. - [D] "How paye3 yow is play? haf I prys wonnen? -1380 Haue I ryuandely onk ur3 my craft serued?" - "3e I-wysse," quod at oer wy3e, "here is wayth fayrest - [E] at I se3 is seuen 3ere in sesoun of wynter." - "& al I gif yow, Gawayn," quod e gome enne, -1384 "For by a-corde of couenaunt 3e craue hit as your awen." - "is is soth," quod e segge, "I say yow atilke, - &[1] I haf worthyly is wone3 wyth-inne, - [F] I-wysse with as god wylle hit wore3 to 3oure3." -1388 He hasppe3 his fayre hals his arme3 wyth-inne, - & kysses hym as comlyly as he[2] coue awyse: - "Tas yow ere my cheuicaunce, I cheued no more, - I wowche hit saf fynly, a3 feler hit were." -1392 "Hit is god," quod e god mon, "grant mercy erfore, - [G] Hit may be such, hit is e better, &[1] 3e me breue wolde - Where 3e wan is ilk wele, biwytte of hor[3] seluen?" - [H] "at wat3 not forward," quod he, "frayst me no more, -1396 For 3e haftan at yow tyde3, trawe3e non oer - 3e mowe." - ay la3ed, & made hem blye, - [I] Wyth lote3 at were to lowe, -1400 To soper ay 3ede asswye, - Wyth dayntes nwe in-nowe. - -[Sidenote A: The lord commands all his household to assemble,] -[Sidenote B: and the venison to be brought before him.] -[Sidenote C: He calls Gawayne,] -[Sidenote D: and asks him whether he does not deserve much praise for his - success in the chase.] -[Sidenote E: On the knight expressing himself satisfied, he is told to take - the whole according to a former agreement between them.] -[Sidenote F: Gawayne gives the knight a comely kiss in return.] -[Sidenote G: His host desires to know where he has gotten such weal.] -[Sidenote H: As this does not enter into the covenant, he gets no answer to - his question.] -[Sidenote I: They then proceed to supper, where were dainties new and - enough.] -[Footnote 1: And = an.] -[Footnote 2: ho, in MS.] -[Footnote 3: your (?).] - - XI. - - [A] And syen by e chymne in chamber ay seten. - [B] Wy3e3 e walle wyn we3ed to hem oft, -1404 & efte in her bourdyng ay bayen in e morn, - To fylle e same forwarde3 at ay by-fore maden, - [C] at chaunce so bytyde3 hor cheuysaunce to chaunge, - What nwe3 so ay nome, at na3t quen ay metten -1408 ay acorded of e couenaunte3 byfore e court alle; - e beuerage wat3 bro3t forth in bourde at at tyme; [Fol. 110.] - [D] enne ay louelych le3ten leue at e last, - Vche burne to his bedde busked bylyue. -1412 [E] Bi at e coke hade crowe3[1] & cakled bot ryse, - e lorde wat3 lopen of his bedde, [&] e leude3 vch one, - So at e mete & e masse wat3 metely delyuered; - e douthe dressed to e wod, er any day sprenged, -1416 to chace; - [F] He3 with hunte & horne3, - ur3 playne3 ay passe in space, - Vn-coupled among o orne3, -1420 Rache3 at ran on race. - -[Sidenote A: By the hearth they sit.] -[Sidenote B: Wine is carried round.] -[Sidenote C: Again Sir Gawayne and his host renew their agreement.] -[Sidenote D: Then they take leave of each other and hasten to bed.] -[Sidenote E: Scarce had the cock cackled thrice when the lord was up.] -[Sidenote F: With his hunters and horns they pursue the chase.] -[Footnote 1: crowed (?).] - - XII. - - [A] Sone ay calle of a quest in aker syde, - e hunt re-hayted e hounde3, at hit fyrst mynged, - [B] Wylde worde3 hym warp wyth a wrast noyce; -1424 e hownde3 at hit herde, hastid ider swye, - & fellen as fast to e fuyt, fourty at ones; - enne such a glauerande glam of gedered rachche3 - Ros, at e rochere3 rungen aboute; -1428 Huntere3 hem hardened with horne & wyth muthe. - [C] en al in a semble sweyed to-geder, - Bitwene a flosche in at fryth, & a foo cragge; - In a knot, bi a clyffe, at e kerre syde, -1432 er as e rogh rocher vn-rydely wat3 fallen, - [ay] ferden to e fyndyng, & freke3 hem after; - [D] ay vmbe-kesten e knarre & e knot boe. - Wy3e3, whyl ay wysten wel wyt inne hem hit were, -1436 e best at er breued wat3 wyth e blod hounde3. - [E] enne ay beten on e buske3, & bede hym vp ryse, - & he vnsoundyly out so3t segge3 ouer-wert, - [F] On e sellokest swyn swenged out ere, -1440 Long sythen for[1] e sounder at wi3t for-olde, - For he wat3 b[este &] bor aler grattest, - [And eue]re quen he gronyed, enne greued mony, - [G] For [re a]t e fyrst rast he ry3t to e ere, -1444 & [sped hym] forth good sped, boute spyt more, - [Ande ay] halowed hyghe ful hy3e & hay! hay! cryed - Haden horne3 to moue heterly rechated; [Fol. 110b.] - [H] Mony wat3 e myry mouthe of men & of hounde3, -1448 at buskke3 after is bor, with bost & wyth noyse, - To quelle; - Ful oft he byde3 e baye, - & mayme3 e mute Inn-melle, -1452 [I] He hurte3 of e hounde3, & ay - Ful 3omerly 3aule & 3elle. - -[Sidenote A: The hunters cheer on the hounds,] -[Sidenote B: which fall to the scent forty at once.] -[Sidenote C: All come together by the side of a cliff.] -[Sidenote D: They look about on all sides,] -[Sidenote E: and beat on the bushes.] -[Sidenote F: Out there rushes a fierce wild boar,] -[Sidenote G: At the first thrust he fells three to the ground.] -[Sidenote H: Full quickly the hunters pursue him.] -[Sidenote I: However, he attacks the hounds, causing them to yowl and - yell.] -[Footnote 1: fro (?).] - - XIII. - - [A] Schalke3 to schote at hym schowen to enne, - Haled to hym of her arewe3, hitten hym oft; -1456 Bot e poynte3 payred at e pyth at py3t in his schelde3, - & e barbe3 of his browe bite non wolde, - [B] a3 e schauen schaft schyndered in pece3, - e hede hypped a3ayn, were-so-euer hit hitte; -1460 [C] Bot quon e dynte3 hym dered of her dry3e stroke3, - en, brayn-wod for bate, on burne3 he rase3, - [D] Hurte3 hem ful heterly er he forth hy3e3, - & mony ar3ed erat, & on-lyte dro3en. -1464 Bot e lorde on a ly3t horce launces hym after, - [E] As burne bolde vpon bent his bugle he blowe3, - He rechated, & r[ode][1] ur3 rone3 ful yk, - Suande is wy[ld]e swyn til e sunne schafted. -1468 [F] is day wyth is ilk dede ay dryuen on is wyse, - Whyle oure luflych lede lys in his bedde, - [G] Gawayn grayely at home, in gere3 ful ryche - of hewe; -1472 e lady no3t for3ate, - Com to hym to salue, - Ful erly ho wat3 hym ate, - His mode forto remwe. - -[Sidenote A: The bowmen send their arrows after this wild swine,] -[Sidenote B: but they glide off shivered in pieces.] -[Sidenote C: Enraged with the blows,] -[Sidenote D: he attacks the hunters.] -[Sidenote E: The lord of the land blows his bugle,] -[Sidenote F: and pursues the boar.] -[Sidenote G: All this time Gawayne lies a-bed.] -[Footnote 1: The MS. is here almost illegible.] - - XIV. - -1476 [A] Ho commes to e cortyn, & at e kny3t totes, - Sir Wawen her welcumed wory on fyrst, - & ho hym 3elde3 a3ayn, ful 3erne of hir worde3, - [B] Sette3 hir sof[t]ly by his syde, & swyely ho la3e3, -1480 & wyth a luflych loke ho layde[1] hym yse worde3: - "Sir, 3if 3e be Wawen, wonder me ynkke3, - Wy3e at is so wel wrast alway to god, - & conne3 not of compaynye e coste3 vnder-take, -1484 & if mon kennes yow hom to knowe, 3e kest hom of your mynde;[Fol.] - [C] ou hat3 for-3eten 3ederly at 3isterday I ta3tte [111] - alder-truest token of talk at I cowe." - "What is at?" quod e wyghe, "I-wysse I wot neuer, -1488 If hit be sothe at 3e breue, e blame is myn awen." - [D] "3et I kende yow of kyssyng," quod e clere enne, - "Quere-so countenaunce is coue, quikly to clayme, - at bicumes vche a kny3t, at cortaysy vses." -1492 "Do way," quod at derf mon, "my dere, at speche, - [E] For at durst I not do, lest I denayed were, - If I were werned, I were wrang I-wysse, 3if I profered." - "Ma fay," quod e mere wyf, "3e may not be werned, -1496 [F] 3e ar stif in-noghe to constrayne wyth strenke, 3if yow lyke3, - 3if any were so vilanous at yow denaye[2] wolde." - "3e, be God," quod Gawayn, "good is your speche, - Bot rete is vn-ryuande in ede er I lende, -1500 [G] & vche gift at is geuen not with goud wylle; - I am at your comaundement, to kysse quen yow lyke3, - 3e may lach quen yow lyst, & leue quen yow ynkke3, - in space." -1504 [H] e lady loute3 a-doun, - & comlyly kysses his face, - Much speche ay er expoun, - Of druryes greme & grace. - -[Sidenote A: The lady of the castle again visits Sir Gawayne.] -[Sidenote B: Softly she sits by his side,] -[Sidenote C: and tells the knight that he has forgotten what she taught him - the day before.] -[Sidenote D: "I taught you of kissing," she says, "that becomes every - knight."] -[Sidenote E: Gawayne says that he must not take that which is forbidden.] -[Sidenote F: He is told that he is strong enough to enforce it.] -[Sidenote G: The knight replies that every gift is worthless that is not - given willingly.] -[Sidenote H: The lady stoops down and kisses him.] -[Footnote 1: sayde (?).] -[Footnote 2: de vaye, in MS.] - - XV. - -1508 [A] "I woled[1] wyt at yow, wy3e," at wory er sayde, - "& yow wrathed not er-wyth, what were e skylle, - at so 3ong & so 3epe, as 3e [ar] at is tyme, - So cortayse, so kny3tyly, as 3e ar knowen oute, -1512 [B] & of alle cheualry to chose, e chef yng a-losed, - Is[2] e lel layk of luf, e lettrure of armes; - F[or] to telle of is tenelyng of is trwe kny3te3, - Hit is e tytelet, token, & tyxt of her werkke3, -1516 How le[des] for her lele luf hor lyue3 han auntered, - Endured for her drury dulful stounde3, - & after wenged with her walour & voyded her care, - [C] & bro3t blysse in-to boure, with bountees hor awen. -1520 & 3e ar kny3t com-lokest kyd of your elde, - Your worde & your worchip walke3 ay quere, [Fol. 111b.] - & I haf seten by your-self here sere twyes, - [D] 3et herde I neuer of your hed helde no worde3 -1524 at euer longed to luf, lasse ne more; - [E] & 3e, at ar so cortays & coynt of your hetes, - Oghe to a 3onke ynk 3ern to schewe, - & teche sum tokene3 of trweluf craftes. -1528 Why ar 3e lewed, at alle e los welde3, - Oer elles 3e demen me to dille, your dalyaunce to herken? - for schame! - I com hider sengel, & sitte, -1532 To lerne at yow sum game, - [F] Dos, teche3 me of your wytte, - Whil my lorde is fro hame." - -[Sidenote A: "I would learn," she says, "why you, who are so young and - active,] -[Sidenote B: so skilled in the true sport of love,] -[Sidenote C: and so renowned a knight,] -[Sidenote D: have never talked to me of love.] -[Sidenote E: You ought to show a young thing like me some token of - 'true-love's crafts.'] -[Sidenote F: So teach me of your 'wit' while my lord is from home."] -[Footnote 1: wolde (?).] -[Footnote 2: In (?).] - - XVI. - - [A] "In goud faye," quod Gawayn, "God yow for3elde, -1536 Gret is e gode gle, & gomen to me huge, - at so wory as 3e wolde wynne hidere, - & pyne yow with so pouer a mon, as play wyth your kny3t, - With any skynne3 countenaunce, hit keuere3 me ese; -1540 [B] Bot to take e toruayle[1] to my-self, to trwluf expoun, - & towche e teme3 of tyxt, & tale3 of arme3, - To yow at, I wot wel, welde3 more sly3t - Of at art, bi e half, or a hundreth of seche -1544 As I am, oer euer schal, in erde er I leue, - Hit were a fole fele-folde, my fre, by my trawe. - [C] I wolde yowre wylnyng worche at my my3t, - As I am hy3ly bihalden, & euer-more wylle -1548 [D] Be seruaunt to your-seluen, so saue me dry3tyn!" - us hym frayned at fre, & fondet hym ofte, - Forto haf wonnen hym to wo3e, what-so scho o3t elle3, - [E] Bot he de fended hym so fayr, at no faut semed, -1552 Ne non euel on nawer halue, nawer ay wysten, - bot blysse; - ay la3ed & layked longe, - At e last scho con hym kysse, -1556 [F] Hir leue fayre con scho fonge, - & went hir waye Iwysse. - -[Sidenote A: "It is a great pleasure to me," says Sir Gawayne, "to hear you - talk,] -[Sidenote B: but I cannot undertake the task to expound true-love and tales - of arms.] -[Sidenote C: I will, however, act according to your will,] -[Sidenote D: and ever be your servant."] -[Sidenote E: Thus Gawayne defends himself.] -[Sidenote F: The lady having kissed the knight, takes leave of him.] -[Footnote 1: tornayle (?).] - - XVII. - - [A] Then rues hym e renk, & ryses to e masse, - & sien hor diner wat3 dy3t & derely serued. [Fol. 112.] -1560 [B] e lede with e ladye3 layked alle day, - Bot e lorde ouer e londe3 launced ful ofte, - Swe3 his vncely swyn, at swynge3 bi e bonkke3, - [C] & bote e best of his brache3 e bakke3 in sunder; -1564 er he bode in his bay, tel[1] bawe-men hit breken, - & made[2] hym, maw-gref his bed, forto mwe vtter; - [D] So felle flone3 per flete, when e folk gedered; - Bot 3et e styffest to start bi stounde3 he made, -1568 Til at e last he wat3 so mat, he my3t no more renne, - [E] Bot in e hast at he my3t, he to a hole wynne3, - Of a rasse, bi a rokk, er renne3 e boerne, - He gete e bonk at his bak, bigyne3 to scrape, -1572 [F] e froe femed[3] at his mouth vnfayre bi e wyke3, - Whette3 his whyte tusche3; with hym en irked - Alle e burne3 so bolde, at hym by stoden, - [G] To nye hym on-ferum, bot ne3e hym non durst -1576 for woe; - He hade hurt so mony byforne, - at al u3t[4] enne ful loe, - [H] Be more wyth his tusche3 torne, -1580 at breme wat3 [&] brayn-wod bothe. - -[Sidenote A: Gawayne rises, hears mass, and then dines.] -[Sidenote B: Meanwhile the lord pursues the wild boar,] -[Sidenote C: that bit the backs of his hounds asunder,] -[Sidenote D: and caused the stiffest of the hunters to start.] -[Sidenote E: The boar runs into a hole in a rock by the side of a brook.] -[Sidenote F: The froth foams at his mouth.] -[Sidenote G: None durst approach him,] -[Sidenote H: so many had he torn with his tusks.] -[Footnote 1: til (?).] -[Footnote 2: madee, in MS.] -[Footnote 3: fomed (?).] -[Footnote 4: o3t (?).] - - XVIII. - - [A] Til e kny3t com hym-self, kachande his blonk, - Sy3 hym byde at e bay, his burne3 bysyde, - [B] He ly3tes luflych[1] adoun, leue3 his corsour, -1584 Brayde3 out a bry3t bront, & bigly forth stryde3, - Founde3 fast ur3 e forth, er e felle byde3, - [C] e wylde wat3 war of e wy3e with weppen in honde, - Hef hy3ly e here, so hetterly he fnast, -1588 at fele ferde for e freke3,[2] lest felle hym e worre; - [D] e swyn sette3 hym out on e segge euen, - at e burne & e bor were boe vpon hepe3, - In e wy3t-est of e water, e worre hade at oer; -1592 [E] For e mon merkke3 hym wel, as ay mette fyrst, - Set sadly e scharp in e slot euen, - [F] Hit hym vp to e hult, at e hert schyndered, - & he 3arrande hym 3elde, & 3edoun[3] e water, -1596 ful tyt; - A hundreth hounde3 hym hent, [Fol. 112b.] - [G] at bremely con hym bite, - Burne3 him bro3t to bent, -1600 & dogge3 to dethe endite. - -[Sidenote A: The knight, seeing the boar at bay,] -[Sidenote B: alights from his horse,] -[Sidenote C: and seeks to attack him with his sword.] -[Sidenote D: The "swine sets out" upon the man,] -[Sidenote E: who, aiming well,] -[Sidenote F: wounds him in the pit of the stomach.] -[Sidenote G: The boar is soon bitten to death by a hundred hounds.] -[Footnote 1: MS. luslych.] -[Footnote 2: freke (?).] -[Footnote 3: 3ede doun (?).] - - XIX. - - [A] There wat3 blawyng of prys in mony breme home, - He3e halowing on hi3e, with haele3 at my3t; - [B] Brachetes bayed at best, as bidden e maystere3, -1604 Of at chargeaunt chace at were chef huntes. - [C] enne a wy3e at wat3 wys vpon wod crafte3, - To vnlace is bor lufly bigynne3; - [D] Fyrst he hewes of his hed, & on hi3e sette3, -1608 & syen rende3 him al roghe bi e rygge after, - [E] Brayde3 out e boweles, brenne3 hom on glede, - With bred blent er-with his braches rewarde3; - Syen he britne3 out e brawen in bry3t brode [s]chelde3, -1612 [F] & hat3 out e hastlette3, as hi3tly biseme3; - [G] & 3et hem halche3 al hole e halue3 to-geder, - & syen on a stif stange stoutly hem henges. - Now with is ilk swyn ay swengen to home; -1616 [H] e bores hed wat3 borne bifore e burnes seluen, - at him for-ferde in e fore, ur3 forse of his honde, - so stronge; - Til he se3 sir Gawayne, -1620 In halle hym o3t ful longe, - [I] He calde, & he com gayn, - His fee3 er for to fonge. - -[Sidenote A: Then was there blowing of horns] -[Sidenote B: and baying of hounds.] -[Sidenote C: One wise in woodcraft begins to unlace the boar.] -[Sidenote D: First he hews off the head, then rends him by the back.] -[Sidenote E: He next removes the bowels, broils them on the ashes, and - therewith rewards his hounds.] -[Sidenote F: Then the hastlets are removed.] -[Sidenote G: The two halves are next bound together and hung upon a pole.] -[Sidenote H: The boar's head is borne before the knight, who hastens home.] -[Sidenote I: Gawayne is called to receive the spoil.] - - XX. - - [A] e lorde ful lowde with lote, & la3ed myry, -1624 When he se3e sir G: with solace he speke3; - e goude ladye3 were geten, & gedered e meyny, - [B] He schewe3 hem e schelde3, & schapes hem e tale, - Of e largesse, & e lene, e lierne3 alse, -1628 Of e were of e wylde swyn, in wod er he fled. - at oer kny3t ful comly comended his dede3, - & praysed hit as gret prys, at he proued hade; - [C] For suche a brawne of a best, e bolde burne sayde, -1632 Ne such sydes of a swyn, segh he neuer are. - enne hondeled ay e hoge hed, e hende mon hit praysed, - & let lodly erat e lorde forte here: [Fol. 113.] - [D] "Now Gawayn," quod e god mon, "is gomen is your awen, -1636 Bi fyn for-warde & faste, faythely 3e knowe." - "Hit is sothe," quod e segge, "& as siker trwe; - Alle my get I schal yow gif agayn, bi my trawe." - [E] He [hent] e hael aboute e halse, & hendely hym kysses, -1640 & efter-sones of e same he serued hym ere. - "Now ar we euen," quod e hael, "in is euen-tide, - Of alle e couenauntes at we knyt, syen I com hider, - bi lawe;" -1644 [F] e lorde sayde, "bi saynt Gile, - 3e ar e best at I knowe, - 3e ben ryche in a whyle, - Such chaffer & 3e drowe." - -[Sidenote A: The lord of the land is well pleased when he sees Sir - Gawayne,] -[Sidenote B: He shows him the shields of the wild boar, and tells him of - its length and breadth.] -[Sidenote C: Such a "brawn of a beast," Sir Gawayne says, he never has - seen.] -[Sidenote D: Gawayne takes possession of it according to covenant,] -[Sidenote E: and in return kisses his host,] -[Sidenote F: who declares his guest to be the best he knows.] - - XXI. - -1648 [A] enne ay teldet table3 [on] trestes alofte, - [B] Kesten cloe3 vpon, clere ly3t enne - [C] Wakned bi wo3e3, waxen torches - Segge3 sette, & serued in sale al aboute; -1652 [D] Much glam & gle glent vp er-inne, - Aboute e fyre vpon flet, & on fele wyse, - [E] At e soper & after, mony ael songe3, - As coundutes of kryst-masse, & carole3 newe, -1656 With alle e manerly mere at mon may of telle. - [F] & euer oure luflych kny3t e lady bi-syde; - Such semblaunt to at segge semly ho made, - [G] Wyth stille stollen countenaunce, at stalworth to plese, -1660 at al for-wondered wat3 e wy3e, & wroth with hym-seluen, - Bot he nolde not for his nurture nurne hir a-3ayne3, - Bot dalt with hir al in daynte, how-se-euer e dede turned - to wrast; -1664 [H] Quen ay hade played in halle, - As longe as hor wylle hom last, - [I] To chambre he[1] con hym calle, - & to e chem-ne ay past. - -[Sidenote A: Tables are raised aloft,] -[Sidenote B: cloths cast upon them,] -[Sidenote C: and torches are lighted.] -[Sidenote D: With much mirth and glee,] -[Sidenote E: supper is served in the hall,] -[Sidenote F: and ever our lovely knight by the lady sits,] -[Sidenote G: who does all she can to please her companion.] -[Sidenote H: When they had long played in the hall,] -[Sidenote I: they proceeded "to chamber."] -[Footnote 1: ho (?).] - - XXII. - -1668 [A] Ande er ay dronken, & dalten, & demed eft nwe, - To norne on e same note, on nwe3ere3 euen; - [B] Bot e kny3t craued leue, to kayre on e morn, - For hit wat3 ne3 at e terme, at he to[1] schulde. -1672 e lorde hym letted of at, to lenge hym resteyed, [Fol. 113b.] - [C] & sayde, "as I am trwe segge, I siker my trawe, - [D] ou schal cheue to e grene chapel, y charres to make, - Leude, on nw3ere3 ly3t, longe bifore pryme: -1676 For-y ow lye in y loft, & lach yn ese, - & I schal hunt in is holt, & halde e towche3, - Chaunge wyth e cheuisaunce, bi at I charre hider; - For I haf fraysted e twys, & faythful I fynde e, -1680 Now rid tyme rowe best enk on e morne, - Make we mery quyl we may, & mynne vpon Ioye, - For e lur may mon lach, when so mon lyke3." - is wat3 grayely graunted, & Gawayn is lenged, -1684 [E] Blie bro3t wat3 hym drynk, & ay to bedde 3eden, - with li3t; - [F] Sir G: lis & slepes, - Ful stille & softe al ni3t; -1688 [G] e lorde at his crafte3 kepes, - Ful erly he wat3 di3t. - -[Sidenote A: There they drank and discoursed.] -[Sidenote B: Gawayne begs leave to depart on the morrow.] -[Sidenote C: His host swears to him,] -[Sidenote D: that he shall come to the Green Chapel on New Year's morn long - before prime.] -[Sidenote E: Our knight consents to remain for another night.] -[Sidenote F: Full still and softly he sleeps all night.] -[Sidenote G: Early in the morning the lord is up.] -[Footnote 1: te (?).] - - XXIII. - - [A] After messe a morsel[1] he & his men token, - Miry wat3 e mornyng, his mounture he askes; -1692 [B] Alle e haeles at on horse schulde helden hym after, - Were boun busked on hor blonkke3, bi-fore[2] e halle 3ate3; - [C] Ferly fayre wat3 e folde, for e forst clenged, - In rede rudede vpon rak rises e sunne, -1696 [D] & ful clere coste3[3] e clowdes of e welkyn. - Hunteres vnhardeled bi a holt syde, - Rocheres roungen bi rys, for rurde of her hornes; - [E] Summe fel in e fute, er e fox bade, -1700 Trayle3 ofte a trayteres[4], bi traunt of her wyles; - A kenet kryes erof, e hunt on hym calles, - His fela3es fallen hym to, at fnasted ful ike, - [F] Runnen forth in a rabel, in his ry3t fare; -1704 & he fyske3 hem by-fore, ay founden hym sone, - [G] & quen ay seghe hym with sy3t, ay sued hym fast, - Wre3ande h[ym] ful [w]eterly with a wroth noyse; - [H] & he trantes & tornayee3 ur3 mony tene greue; -1708 Hamloune3, & herkene3, bi hegge3 ful ofte; - [I] At e last bi a littel dich he lepe3 ouer a spenne, [Fol. 114.] - Stele3 out ful stilly bi a strothe rande, - [J] Went haf wylt of e wode, with wyle3 fro e houndes, -1712 enne wat3 he went, er he wyst, to[5] a wale tryster, - [K] er re ro at a rich rat hym at ones, - al graye; - [L] He blenched a3ayn bilyue, -1716 & stifly start onstray, - With alle e wo on lyue, - [M] To e wod he went away. - -[Sidenote A: After mass, a morsel he take with his men.] -[Sidenote B: Then were all on their horses before the hall-gates.] -[Sidenote C: It was a clear frosty morning.] -[Sidenote D: The hunters, dispersed by a wood's side,] -[Sidenote E: come upon the track of a fox,] -[Sidenote F: which is followed up by the hounds.] -[Sidenote G: They soon get sight of the game,] -[Sidenote H: and pursue him through many a rough grove.] -[Sidenote I: The fox at last leaps over a spinny,] -[Sidenote J: and by a rugged path seeks to get clear from the hounds.] -[Sidenote K: He comes upon one of the hunting stations, where he is - attacked by the dogs.] -[Sidenote L: However, he slips them,] -[Sidenote M: and makes again for the wood.] -[Footnote 1: MS. nnorsel.] -[Footnote 2: bi-forere, in MS.] -[Footnote 3: caste3 (?).] -[Footnote 4: trayveres (?).] -[Footnote 5: to to, in MS.] - - XXIV. - - [A] Thenne wat3 hit lif vpon list to lyen e hounde3, -1720 When alle e mute hade hym met, menged to-geder, - Suche a sor3e at at sy3t ay sette on his hede, - As alle e clamberande clyffes hade clatered on hepes; - [B] Here he wat3 halawed, when haele3 hym metten, -1724 Loude he wat3 3ayned, with 3arande speche; - [C] er he wat3 reted, & ofte ef called, - & ay e titleres at his tayl, at tary he ne my3t; - Ofte he wat3 runnen at, when he out rayked, -1728 [D] & ofte reled in a3ayn, so reniarde wat3 wyle. - [E] & 3e he lad hem bi lag, mon, e lorde & his meyny; - On is maner bi e mountes, quyle myd, ouer, vnder, - [F] Whyle e hende kny3t at home holsumly slepe3, -1732 With-inne e comly cortynes, on e colde morne. - Bot e lady for luf let not to slepe, - Ne e purpose to payre, at py3t in hir hert, - Bot ros hir vp radly, rayked hir eder, -1736 [G] In a mery mantyle, mete to e ere, - at wat3 furred ful fyne with felle3, wel pured, - No hwe3 goud on hir hede, bot e ha3er stones - Trased aboute hir tressour, be twenty in clusteres; -1740 [H] Hir ryuen face & hir rote rowen al naked, - Hir brest bare bifore, & bihinde eke. - [I] Ho come3 with-inne e chambre dore, & closes hit hir after, - [J] Wayne3[1] vp a wyndow, & on e wy3e calle3, -1744 & radly us re-hayted hym, with hir riche worde3, - with[2] chere; - [K] "A! mon, how may ou slepe, - [L] is morning is so clere?" [Fol. 114b.] -1748 He wat3 in drowping depe, - Bot enne he con hir here. - -[Sidenote A: Then was it fine sport to listen to the hounds,] -[Sidenote B: and the hallooing of the hunters.] -[Sidenote C: There the fox was threatened and called a thief.] -[Sidenote D: But Reynard was wily,] -[Sidenote E: and led them astray over mounts.] -[Sidenote F: Meanwhile the knight at home soundly sleeps within his comely - curtains.] -[Sidenote G: The lady of the castle, clothed in a rich mantle,] -[Sidenote H: her throat and bosom all bare,] -[Sidenote I: comes to Gawayne's chamber,] -[Sidenote J: opens a window, and says,] -[Sidenote K: "Ah! man, how canst thou sleep,] -[Sidenote L: this morning is so clear?"] -[Footnote 1: wayue3(?).] -[Footnote 2: bi, a sec. manu.] - - XXV. - - [A] In dre3 droupyng of dreme draueled at noble, - As mon at wat3 in mornyng of mony ro o3tes, -1752 How at destine schulde at day [dy3t] his wyrde, - At e grene chapel, when he e gome metes, - & bi-houes his buffet abide, with-oute debate more; - [B] Bot quen at comly he keuered his wyttes, -1756 Swenges out of e sweuenes, & sware3 with hast. - e lady luflych com la3ande swete, - [C] Felle ouer his fayre face, & fetly him kyssed; - He welcume3 hir worily, with a wale chere; -1760 He se3 hir so glorious, & gayly atyred, - So fautles of hir fetures, & of so fyne hewes, - [D] Wi3t wallande Ioye warmed his hert; - With smoe smylyng & smolt ay smeten in-to mere, -1764 at al wat3 blis & bonchef, at breke hem bi-twene, - & wynne, - ay lanced wordes gode, - Much wele en wat3 er-inne, -1768 [E] Gret perile bi-twene hem stod, - Nif mare of hir kny3t mynne. - -[Sidenote A: The knight was then dreaming of his forthcoming adventure at - the Green Chapel.] -[Sidenote B: He awakes and speaks to his fair visitor,] -[Sidenote C: who sweetly kisses him.] -[Sidenote D: Great joy warms the heart of Sir Gawayne,] -[Sidenote E: and "great peril between them stood."] - - XXVI. - - [A] For at prynce of pris de-presed hym so ikke. - Nurned hym so ne3e e red, at nede hym bi-houed, -1772 Oer lach er hir luf, oer lodly re-fuse; - He cared for his cortaysye, lest craayn he were, - [B] & more for his meschef, 3if he schulde make synne, - & be traytor to at tolke, at at telde a3t. -1776 "God schylde," quod e schalk, "at schal not be-falle!" - With luf-la3yng a lyt, he layd hym by-syde - Alle e speche3 of specialte at sprange of her mouthe. - Quod at burde to e burne, "blame 3e disserue, -1780 3if 3e luf not at lyf at 3e lye nexte, - Bifore alle e wy3e3 in e worlde, wounded in hert, - [C] Bot if 3e haf a lemman, a leuer, at yow lyke3 better, - & folden fayth to at fre, festned so harde, -1784 at yow lausen ne lyst, & at I leue noue; [Fol. 115.] - And at 3e telle me at, now trwly I pray yow, - For alle e lufe3 vpon lyue, layne not e soe, - for gile." -1788 [D] e kny3t sayde, "be sayn Ion," - & smeely con he smyle, - "In fayth I welde ri3t non, - Ne non wil welde e quile." - -[Sidenote A: The knight is sorely pressed.] -[Sidenote B: He fears lest he should become a traitor to his host.] -[Sidenote C: The lady inquire whether he has a mistress that he loves - better than her.] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne swears by St. John that he neither has nor desires - one.] - - XXVII. - -1792 "at is a worde," quod at wy3t, "at worst is of alle, - Bot I am swared for soe, at sore me inkke3; - [A] Kysse me now coraly, & I schal cach heen, - I may bot mourne vpon molde, as may at much louyes." -1796 Sykande ho swe3e doun, & semly hym kyssed, - & sien ho seueres hym fro, & says as ho stondes, - "Now, dere, at is de-partyng, do me is ese, - [B] Gif me sumquat of y gifte, i gloue if[1] hit were, -1800 [C] at I may mynne on e mon, my mournyng to lassen." - "Now Iwysse," quod at wy3e, "I wolde I hade here - e leuest ing for y luf, at I in londe welde, - [D] For 3e haf deserued, forsoe, sellyly ofte -1804 More rewarde bi resoun, en I reche my3t, - Bot to dele yow for drurye, at dawed bot neked; - Hit is not your honour to haf at is tyme - A gloue for a garysoun, of Gawayne3 gifte3, -1808 & I am here [on] an erande in erde3 vncoue, - [E] & haue no men wyth no male3, with menskful inge3; - at mislyke3 me, lade, for luf at is tyme,[2] - Iche tolke mon do as he is tan, tas to non ille, -1812 ne pine." - [F] "Nay, hende of hy3e honours," - Quod at lufsum vnder lyne, - [G] "a3 I hade o3t[3] of youre3, -1816 3et schulde 3e haue of myne." - -[Sidenote A: She then kisses him, sighing for sorrow.] -[Sidenote B: She desires some gift,] -[Sidenote C: by which to remember him.] -[Sidenote D: Gawayne tells her that she is worthy of a better gift than he - can bestow.] -[Sidenote E: He has no men with mails containing precious things.] -[Sidenote F: Then says that lovesome,] -[Sidenote G: "Though I had nought of yours, yet should ye have of mine."] -[Footnote 1: of, in MS.] -[Footnote 2: tyne, in MS.] -[Footnote 3: no3t (?).] - - XXVIII. - - [A] Ho ra3t hym a riche rynk[1] of red golde werke3, - Wyth a starande ston, stondande alofte, - at bere blusschande beme3 as e bry3t sunne; -1820 Wyt 3e wel, hit wat3 worth wele ful hoge. - [B] Bot e renk hit renayed, & redyly he sayde, - "I wil no gifte3 for gode, my gay, at is tyme; [Fol. 115b.] - [C] I haf none yow to norne, ne no3t wyl I take." -1824 Ho bede hit hym ful bysily, & he hir bode wernes, - & swere swyftel[y] his sothe, at he hit sese nolde; - [D] & ho sore at he forsoke, & sayde er-after, - "If 3e renay my rynk, to ryche for hit seme3, -1828 3e wolde not so hy3ly halden be to me, - I schal gif yow my girdel, at gaynes yow lasse." - Ho la3t a lace ly3tly, at[2] leke vmbe hir syde3, - [E] Knit vpon hir kyrtel, vnder e clere mantyle, -1832 Gered hit wat3 with grene sylke, & with golde schaped, - No3t bot arounde brayden, beten with fyngre3; - & at ho bede to e burne, & blyely bi-so3t - [F] a3 hit vn-wori were, at he hit take wolde. -1836 & he nay at he nolde neghe in no wyse, - [G] Nauer golde ne garysoun, er God hym grace sende, - To acheue to e chaunce at he hade chosen ere. - "& erfore, I pray yow, displese yow no3t, -1840 & lette3 be your bisinesse, for I baye hit yow neuer - to graunte; - I am derely to yow biholde, - Bi-cause of your sembelaunt, -1844 [H] & euer in hot & colde - To be your trwe seruaunt. - -[Sidenote A: She offers him a gold ring,] -[Sidenote B: but he refuses to accept it,] -[Sidenote C: as he has none to give in return.] -[Sidenote D: Very sorrowful was that fair one on account of his refusal.] -[Sidenote E: She takes off her "girdle,"] -[Sidenote F: and beseeches him to take it.] -[Sidenote G: Gawayne again refuses to accept anything,] -[Sidenote H: but promises, "ever in hot and in cold, to be her true - servant."] -[Footnote 1: ryng (?).] -[Footnote 2: at at, in MS.] - - XXIX. - - [A] "Now forsake 3e is silke." sayde e burde enne, - "For hit is symple in hit-self. & so hit wel seme3? -1848 Lo! so hit is littel, & lasse hit is wory; - [B] Bot who-so knew e costes at knit ar er-inne, - He wolde hit prayse at more prys, parauenture; - [C] For quat gome so is gorde with is grene lace, -1852 While he hit hade hemely halched aboute, - er is no hael vnder heuen to-hewe hym at my3t; - [D] For he my3t not he slayn, for sly3t vpon ere." - en kest e kny3t, & hit come to his hert, -1856 [E] Hit were a Iuel for e Ioparde, at hym iugged were, - When he acheued to e chapel, his chek forto fech; - [F] My3[1] he haf slypped to e vn-slayn, e sle3t were noble. - enne ho ulged with hir repe, & oled hir to speke, [Fol. 116.] -1860 & ho bere on hym e belt, & bede hit hym swye, - [G] & he granted, & [ho] hym gafe with a goud wylle, - & biso3t hym, for hir sake, disceuer hit neuer, - Bot to lelly layne for[2] hir lorde; e leude hym acorde3. -1864 at neuer wy3e schulde hit wyt, Iwysse, bot ay twayne, - for no3te; - He onkked hir oft ful swye, - Ful ro with hert & o3t. -1868 [H] Bi at on rynne sye, - He hat3 kyst e kny3t so to3t. - -[Sidenote A: "Do you refuse it," says the lady, because it is simple?] -[Sidenote B: Whoso knew the virtues that it possesses, would highly prize - it.] -[Sidenote C: For he who is girded with this green lace,] -[Sidenote D: cannot be wounded or slain."] -[Sidenote E: The knight thinks of his adventure at the Green Chapel.] -[Sidenote F: The lady presses him to accept the lace.] -[Sidenote G: He consents not only to take the girdle, but to keep the - possession of it a secret.] -[Sidenote H: By that time the lady has kissed him thrice.] -[Footnote 1: my3t (?).] -[Footnote 2: fro (?).] - - XXX. - - [A] Thenne lachche3 ho hir leue, & leue3 hym ere, - For more myre of at mon mo3t ho not gete; -1872 [B] When ho[1] wat3 gon, sir G. gere3 hym sone, - Rises, & riches hym in araye noble, - [C] Lays vp e luf-lace, e lady hym ra3t, - Hid hit ful holdely, er he hit eft fonde; -1876 Syen cheuely to e chapel choses he e waye, - [D] Preuely aproched to a prest, & prayed hym ere - at he wolde lyfte[2] his lyf, & lern hym better, - How his sawle schulde be saued, when he schuld seye heen. -1880 [E] ere he schrof hym schyrly, & schewed his mysdede3, - Of e more & e mynne, & merci beseche3, - [F] & of absolucioun he on e segge calles; - & he asoyled hym surely, & sette hym so clene, -1884 [G] As dome3-day schulde haf ben di3t on e morn. - & syen he mace hym as mery among e fre ladyes, - [H] With comlych caroles, & alle kynnes ioye, - As neuer he did bot at daye, to e derk ny3t, -1888 with blys; - Vche mon hade daynte are, - [I] Of hym, & sayde Iwysse, - [J] us myry he wat3 neuer are, -1892 Syn he com hider, er is. - -[Sidenote A: Then she takes her leave.] -[Sidenote B: Gawayne then dresses himself,] -[Sidenote C: and conceals the love-lace about his person.] -[Sidenote D: He then hies to mass,] -[Sidenote E: and shrives him of his misdeeds.] -[Sidenote F: and prays for absolution.] -[Sidenote G: He returns to the hall, and makes himself so merry among the - ladies,] -[Sidenote H: with comely carols,] -[Sidenote I: that they said,] -[Sidenote J: "Thus merry was he never before since hither he came."] -[Footnote 1: he, in MS.] -[Footnote 2: lyste (?).] - - XXXI. - - [A] Now hym lenge in at lee, er luf hym bi-tyde; - 3et is e lorde on e launde, ledande his gomnes, - [B] He hat3 forfaren is fox, at he fol3ed longe; -1896 As he sprent ouer a spenne, to spye e schrewe, - er as he herd e howndes, at hasted hym swye, [Fol. 116b.] - [C] Renaud com richchande ur3 a ro3e greue, - & alle e rabel in a res, ry3t at his hele3. -1900 [D] e wy3e wat3 war of e wylde, & warly abides, - & brayde3 out e bry3t bronde, & at e best caste3; - & he schunt for e scharp, & schulde haf arered, - [E] A rach rapes hym to, ry3t er he my3t, -1904 & ry3t bifore e hors fete ay fel on hym alle, - & woried me is wyly wyth a wroth noyse. - [F] e lorde ly3te3 bilyue, & cache3 by[1] sone, - Rased hym ful radly out of e rach moues, -1908 Halde3 he3e ouer his hede, halowe3 faste, - & er bayen hym mony bray[2] hounde3; - [G] Huntes hy3ed hem eder, with horne3 ful mony, - Ay re-chatande ary3t til ay e renk se3en; -1912 Bi at wat3 comen his compeyny noble, - Alle at euer ber bugle blowed at ones, - [H] & alle ise oer halowed, at hade no hornes, - Hit wat3 e myriest mute at euer men herde, -1916 e rich rurd at er wat3 raysed for renaude saule, - with lote; - [I] Hor hounde3 ay er rewarde, - Her[3] hede3 ay fawne & frote, -1920 [J] & syen ay tan reynarde, - & tyrnen of his cote. - -[Sidenote A: Gawayne's host is still in the field.] -[Sidenote B: He has destroyed the fox.] -[Sidenote C: He spied Reynard coming through a "rough grove,"] -[Sidenote D: and tried to hit him with his sword.] -[Sidenote E: The fox "shunts," and is seized by one of the dogs.] -[Sidenote F: The lord takes him out of the hound's mouth.] -[Sidenote G: Hunters hasten thither with horns full many.] -[Sidenote H: It was the merriest meet that ever was heard.] -[Sidenote I: The hounds are rewarded,] -[Sidenote J: and then they take Reynard and "turn off his coat."] -[Footnote 1: hym (?).] -[Footnote 2: bra (?).] -[Footnote 3: Her her, in MS.] - - XXXII. - - [A] & enne ay helden to home, for hit wat3 nie3 ny3t, - Strakande ful stoutly in hor store horne3; -1924 [B] e lorde is ly3t at e laste at hys lef home, - Fynde3 fire vpon flet, e freke er by-side, - Sir Gawayn e gode, at glad wat3 with alle, - [C] Among e ladies for luf he ladde much ioye, -1928 He were a bleaunt of blwe, at bradde to e ere, - His surkot semed hym wel, at softe wat3 forred, - & his hode of at ilke henged on his schulder, - [D] Blande al of blaunner were boe al aboute. -1932 He mete3 me is god mon in mydde3 e flore, - & al with gomen he hym gret, & goudly he sayde, - "I schal fylle vpon fyrst oure forwarde3 noue, - at we spedly han spoken, er spared wat3 no drynk;" [Fol. 117.] -1936 [E] en acoles he [e] kny3t, & kysses hym ryes, - [F] As sauerly & sadly as he hem sette coue. - [G] "Bi Kryst," quod at oer kny3t, "3e cach much sele, - In cheuisaunce of is chaffer, 3if 3e hade goud chepe3." -1940 "3e of e chepe no charg," quod chefly at oer, - "As is pertly payed e chepe3 at I a3te." - "Mary," quod at oer mon, "myn is bi-hynde, - [H] For I haf hunted al is day, & no3t haf I geten, -1944 [I] Bot is foule fox felle, e fende haf e gode3, - [J] & at is ful pore, for to pay for suche prys inges, - As 3e haf ry3t me here, ro suche re cosses, - so gode." -1948 "I-no3," quod sir Gawayn, - "I onk yow, bi e rode;" - [K] & how e fox wat3 slayn, - He tolde hym, as ay stode. - -[Sidenote A: The hunters then hasten home.] -[Sidenote B: The lord at last alights at his dear home,] -[Sidenote C: where he finds Gawayne amusing the ladies.] -[Sidenote D: The knight comes forward and welcomes his host,] -[Sidenote E: and according to covenant kisses him thrice.] -[Sidenote F: (See l. 1868.)] -[Sidenote G: "By Christ," says the other, "ye have had much bliss!"] -[Sidenote H: I have hunted all day and have gotten nothing,] -[Sidenote I: but the skin of this foul fox,] -[Sidenote J: a poor reward for three such kisses."] -[Sidenote K: He then tells him how the fox was slain.] - - XXXIII. - -1952 [A] With mere & mynstralsye, wyth mete3 at hor wylle, - ay maden as mery as any men mo3ten, - With la3yng of ladies, with lote3 of bordes; - Gawayn & e gode mon so glad were ay boe, -1956 Bot if e douthe had doted, oer dronken ben oer, - Boe e mon & e meyny maden mony iape3, - [B] Til e sesoun wat3 se3en, at ay seuer moste; - Burne3 to hor bedde be-houed at e laste. -1960 [C] enne lo3ly his leue at e lorde fyrst - Fochche3 is fre mon, & fayre he hym onkke3; - [D] "Of such a sellyly[1] soiorne, as I haf hade here, - Your honour, at is hy3e fest, e hy3e kyng yow 3elde! -1964 I 3ef yow me for on of youre3, if yowre-self lyke3, - For I mot nedes, as 3e wot, meue to morne; - [E] & 3e me take sum tolke, to teche, as 3e hy3t, - e gate to e grene chapel, as god wyl me suffer -1968 To dele, on nw3ere3 day, e dome of my wyrdes." - "In god faye," quod e god mon. "wyth a goud wylle; - Al at euer I yow hy3t, halde schal I rede." - [F] er asyngnes he a seruaunt, to sett hym in e waye, -1972 & coundue hym by e downe3, at he no drechch had, [Fol. 117b.] - For to f[e]rk ur3 e fryth, & fare at e gaynest, - bi greue. - e lorde Gawayn con onk, -1976 Such worchip he wolde hym weue; - [G] en at o ladye3 wlonk. - e kny3t hat3 tan his leue. - -[Sidenote A: With much mirth and minstrelsy they made merry,] -[Sidenote B: until the time came for them to part.] -[Sidenote C: Gawayne takes leave of his host.] -[Sidenote D: and thanks him for his happy "sojourn."] -[Sidenote E: He asks for a man to teach him the way to the Green Chapel.] -[Sidenote F: A servant is assigned to him,] -[Sidenote G: and then he takes leave of the ladies,] -[Footnote 1: selly (?).] - - XXXIV. - - [A] With care & wyth kyssyng he carppe3 hem tille, -1980 & fele ryuande onkke3 he rat hom to haue, - & ay 3elden hym a3ay[n] 3eply at ilk; - [B] ay bikende hym to Kryst, with ful colde sykynge3. - [C] Syen fro e meyny he menskly de-partes; -1984 Vche mon at he mette, he made hem a onke, - For his seruyse, & his solace, & his sere pyne, - at ay wyth busynes had ben, aboute hym to serue; - & vche segge as sore, to seuer with hym ere, -1988 As ay hade wonde woryly with at wlonk euer. - [D] en with ledes & ly3t he wat3 ladde to his chambre, - & blybely bro3t to his bedde, to be at his rest; - 3if he ne slepe soundyly, say ne dar I, -1992 [E] For he hade muche on e morn to mynne, 3if he wolde, - in o3t; - [F] Let hym ly3e ere stille, - He hat3[1] nere at he so3t, -1996 [G] & 3e wyl a whyle be stylle, - I schal telle yow how ay wro3t. - -[Sidenote A: kissing them sorrowfully.] -[Sidenote B: They commend him to Christ.] -[Sidenote C: He then departs, thanking each one he meets "for his service - and solace."] -[Sidenote D: He retires to rest but sleeps but little,] -[Sidenote E: for much has he to think of on the morrow.] -[Sidenote F: Let him there lie still.] -[Sidenote G: Be still awhile, and I shall tell how they wrought.] -[Footnote 1: wat3 (?).] - -[FYTTE THE FOURTH.] - - I. - - [A] Now ne3e3 e nw3ere, & e ny3t passe3, - e day dryue3 to e derk, as dry3tyn bidde3; -2000 [B] Bot wylde wedere3 of e worlde wakned eroute, - Clowdes kesten kenly e colde to e ere, - Wyth ny3e[1] in-noghe of e nore, e naked to tene; - [C] e snawe snitered ful snart, at snayped e wylde; -2004 e werbelande wynde wapped fro e hy3e, - [D] & drof vche dale ful of dryftes ful grete. - e leude lystened ful wel, at le3 in his bedde, - [E] a3 he lowke3 his lidde3, ful lyttel he slepes; -2008 Bi vch kok at crue, he knwe wel e steuen. - De-liuerly he dressed vp, er e day sprenged, [Fol. 118.] - For ere wat3 ly3t of a lau[m]pe, at lemed in his chambre; - [F] He called to his chamberlayn, at cofly hym swared, -2012 & bede hym bryng hym his bruny, & his blonk sadel; - at oer ferke3 hym vp, & feche3 hym his wede3, - & graye3 me sir Gawayn vpon a grett wyse. - Fyrst he clad hym in his cloe3, e colde for to were; -2016 & syen his oer harnays, at holdely wat3 keped, - Boe his paunce, & his plate3, piked ful clene, - [G] e rynge3[2] rokked of e roust, of his riche bruny; - & al wat3 fresch as vpon fyrst, & he wat3 fayn enne -2020 to onk; - He hade vpon vche pece, - Wypped ful wel & wlonk; - [H] e gayest in to Grece, -2024 e burne bede bryng his blonk. - -[Sidenote A: New Year's Day approaches.] -[Sidenote B: The weather is stormy.] -[Sidenote C: Snow falls.] -[Sidenote D: The dales are full of drift.] -[Sidenote E: Gawayne in his bed hears each cock that crows.] -[Sidenote F: He calls for his chamberlain, and bids him bring him his - armour.] -[Sidenote G: Men knock off the rust from his rich habergeon.] -[Sidenote H: The knight then calls for his steed.] -[Footnote 1: nywe (?).] -[Footnote 2: rynke3 (?).] - - II. - - [A] Whyle e wlonkest wedes he warp on hym-seluen; - His cote, wyth be conysaunce of e clere werke3, - Ennurned vpon veluet vertuuus[1] stone3, -2028 Aboute beten, & bounden, enbrauded seme3, - & fayre furred with-inne wyth fayre pelures. - [B] 3et laft he not e lace, e ladie3 gifte, - at for-gat not Gawayn, for gode of hym-seluen; -2032 Bi he hade belted e bronde vpon his bal3e haunche3, - [C] enn dressed he his drurye double hym aboute; - Swye sweled vmbe his swange swetely, at kny3t, - e gordel of e grene silke, at gay wel bisemed, -2036 Vpon at ryol red cloe, at ryche wat3 to schewe. - [D] Bot wered not is ilk wy3e for wele is gordel, - For pryde of e pendaunte3, a3 polyst ay were, - & a3 e glyterande golde glent vpon ende3, -2040 [E] Bot forto sauen hym-self, when suffer hym by-houed, - To byde bale with-oute dabate, of bronde hym to were, - oer knyffe; - Bi at e bolde mon boun, -2044 Wynne3 eroute bilyue, - [F] Alle e meyny of renoun, - He onkke3 ofte ful ryue. - -[Sidenote A: While he clothed himself in his rich weeds,] -[Sidenote B: he forgot not the "lace," the lady's gift,] -[Sidenote C: but with it doubly girded his loins.] -[Sidenote D: He wore it not for its rich ornaments,] -[Sidenote E: "but to save himself when it behoved him to suffer."] -[Sidenote F: All the renowned assembly he thanks full oft.] -[Footnote 1: vertuous (?).] - - III. - - [A] Thenne wat3 Gryngolet graye, at gret wat3 & huge, [Fol. 118b.] -2048 & hade ben soiourned sauerly, & in a siker wyse, - [B] Hym lyst prik for poynt, at proude hors enne; - e wy3e wynne3 hym to, & wyte3 on his lyre, - & sayde soberly hym-self, & by his soth swere3, -2052 "Here is a meyny in is mote, at on menske enkke3, - [C] e mon hem maynteines, ioy mot ay haue; - e leue lady, on lyue luf hir bityde; - 3if ay for charyte cherysen a gest, -2056 & halden honour in her honde, e hael hem 3elde, - at halde3 e heuen vpon hy3e, & also yow alle! - & 3if I my3t lyf vpon londe lede any quyle, - I schuld rech yow sum rewarde redyly, if I my3t." -2060 [D] enn steppe3 he in-to stirop, & stryde3 alofte; - His schalk schewed hym his schelde, on schulder he hit la3t, - Gorde3 to Gryngolet, with his gilt hele3, - [E] & he starte3 on e ston, stod he no lenger, -2064 to praunce; - His hael on hors wat3 enne, - at bere his spere & launce. - [F] "is kastel to Kryst I kenne, -2068 He gef hit ay god chaunce!" - -[Sidenote A: Then was Gringolet arrayed,] -[Sidenote B: full ready to prick on.] -[Sidenote C: Gawayne returns thanks for the honour and kindness shown to - him by all.] -[Sidenote D: He then steps into his saddle,] -[Sidenote E: and "starts on the stone" without more delay.] -[Sidenote F: "This castle to Christ I commend; may he give it ever good - chance!"] - - IV. - - [A] The brygge wat3 brayde doun, & e brode 3ate3 - Vnbarred, & born open, vpon boe halue; - [B] e burne blessed hym bilyue, & e brede3 passed; -2072 Prayses e porter, bifore e prynce kneled, - Gef hym God & goud day, at Gawayn he saue; - [C] & went on his way, with his wy3e one, - at schulde teche hym to tourne to at tene place, -2076 er e ruful race he schulde re-sayue. - ay bo3en bi bonkke3, er bo3e3 ar bare, - [D] ay clomben bi clyffe3, er clenge3 e colde; - e heuen wat3 vp halt, bot vgly er vnder, -2080 Mist muged on e mor, malt on e mounte3, - [E] Vch hille hade a hatte, a myst-hakel huge; - Broke3 byled, & breke, bi bonkke3 aboute, - Schyre schaterande on schore3, er ay doun schowued. -2084 Welawylle wat3 e way, er ay bi wod schulden, [Fol. 119.] - [F] Til hit wat3 sone sesoun, at e sunne ryses, - at tyde; - [G] ay were on a hille ful hy3e, -2088 e quyte snaw lay bisyde; - [H] e burne at rod hym by - Bede his mayster abide. - -[Sidenote A: The gates are soon opened.] -[Sidenote B: The knight passes thereout,] -[Sidenote C: and goes on his way accompanied by his guide.] -[Sidenote D: They climb by cliffs,] -[Sidenote E: where each "hill had a hat and a mist-cloak,"] -[Sidenote F: until daylight.] -[Sidenote G: They were then on a "hill full high."] -[Sidenote H: The servant bade his master abide, saying,] - - V. - - [A] "For I haf wonnen yow hider, wy3e, at is tyme, -2092 & now nar 3e not fer fro at note place, - [B] at 3e han spied & spuryed so specially after; - Bot I schal say yow for soe, syen I yow knowe, - & 3e ar a lede vpon lyue, at I wel louy, -2096 Wolde 3e worch bi my wytte, 3e wored e better. - [C] e place at 3e prece to, ful perelous is halden; - [D] er wone3 a wy3e in at waste, e worst vpon ere; - For he is stiffe, & sturne, & to strike louies, -2100 & more he is en any mon vpon myddelerde, - [E] & his body bigger en e best fowre. - at ar in Arure3 hous, Hestor[1] oer oer. - He cheue3 at chaunce at e chapel grene; -2104 [F] er passes non bi at place, so proude in his armes, - at he ne dynne3 hym to dee, with dynt of his honde; - For he is a mon methles, & mercy non vses, - [G] For be hit chorle, oer chaplayn, at bi e chapel rydes, -2108 Monk, oer masse-prest, oer any mon elles, - Hym ynk as queme hym to quelle, as quyk go hym seluen. - For-y I say e as soe as 3e in sadel sitte, - Com 3e ere, 3e be kylled, [I] may e kny3t rede, -2112 Trawe 3e me at trwely, a3 3e had twenty lyues - to spende; - [H] He hat3 wonyd here ful 3ore, - On bent much baret bende, -2116 [I] A3ayn his dynte3 sore, - 3e may not yow defende." - -[Sidenote A: "I have brought you hither,] -[Sidenote B: ye are not now far from the noted place.] -[Sidenote C: Full perilous is it esteemed.] -[Sidenote D: The lord of that 'waste' is stiff and stern.] -[Sidenote E: His body is bigger 'than the best four in Arthur's house.'] -[Sidenote F: None passes by the Green Chapel, 'that he does not ding to - death with dint of his hand.'] -[Sidenote G: For be it churl or chaplain, monk, mass-priest, 'or any man - else,' he kills them all.] -[Sidenote H: He has lived there full long.] -[Sidenote I: Against his dints sore ye may not defend you.] -[Footnote 1: Hector (?).] - - VI. - - [A] "For-y, goude sir Gawayn, let e gome one, - & got3 a-way sum oer gate; vpon Godde3 halue; -2120 [B] Cayre3 bi sum oer kyth, er Kryst mot yow spede; - & I schal hy3 me hom a3ayn, & hete yow fyrre, - [C] at I schal swere bi God, & alle his gode hal3e3, [Fol. 119b.] - As help me God & e halydam, & oe3 in-noghe, -2124 at I schal lelly yow layne, & lance neuer tale, - at euer 3e fondet to fle, for freke at I wyst." - "Grant merci;" quod Gawayn, & gruchyng he sayde, - "Wel worth e wy3e, at wolde3 my gode, -2128 & at lelly me layne, I leue wel ou wolde3! - [D] Bot helde ou hit neuer so holde, & I here passed, - Founded for ferde for to fle, in fourme at ou telle3, - I were a kny3t kowarde, I my3t not[1] be excused. -2132 [E] Bot I wy1 to e chape1, for chaunce at may falle, - & talk wyth at ilk tulk e tale at me lyste, - Wore hit wele, oer wo, as e wyrde lyke3 - hit hafe; -2136 [F] a3e he be a sturn knape, - To sti3tel, &[2] stad with staue, - [G] Ful wel con dry3tyn schape, - His seruaunte3 forto saue." - -[Sidenote A: Wherefore, good Sir Gawayne, let this man alone.] -[Sidenote B: Go by some other region,] -[Sidenote C: I swear by God and all His saints, that I will never say that - ever ye attempted to flee from any man."] -[Sidenote D: Gawayne replies that to shun this danger would mark him as a - "coward knight."] -[Sidenote E: To the Chapel, therefore, he will go,] -[Sidenote F: though the owner thereof were a stern knave.] -[Sidenote G: "Full well can God devise his servants for to save."] -[Footnote 1: mot, in MS.] -[Footnote 2: & &, in MS.] - - VII. - -2140 [A] "Mary!" quod at oer mon, "now ou so much spelle3, - at ou wylt yn awen nye nyme to y-seluen, - & e lyst lese y lyf, e lette I ne kepe; - [B] Haf here i helme on y hede, i spere in i honde, -2144 & ryde me doun is ilk rake, bi 3on rokke syde, - [C] Til ou be bro3t to e boem of e brem valay; - [D] enne loke a littel on e launde, on i lyfte honde, - [E] & ou schal se in at slade e self chapel, -2148 & e borelych burne on bent, at hit kepe3. - Now fare3 wel on Gode3 half, Gawayn e noble, - For alle e golde vpon grounde I nolde go with e, - Ne bere e fela3schip ur3 is fryth on fote fyrre." -2152 [F] Bi at e wy3e in e wod wende3 his brydel, - Hit e hors with e hele3, as harde as he my3t, - Lepe3 hym ouer e launde, & leue3 e kny3t ere, - al one. -2156 [G] "Bi Godde3 self," quod Gawayn, - "I wyl nauer grete ne grone, - [H] To Godde3 wylle I am ful bayn, - & to hym I haf me tone." - -[Sidenote A: "Mary!" quoth the other, "since it pleases thee to lose thy - life,] -[Sidenote B: take thy helmet on thy head, and thy spear in thy hand, and - ride down this path by yon rock-side,] -[Sidenote C: till thou come to the bottom of the valley;] -[Sidenote D: look a little to the left,] -[Sidenote E: and thou shalt see the Chapel itself and the man that guards - it."] -[Sidenote F: Having thus spoken the guide takes leave of the knight.] -[Sidenote G: "By God's self," says Sir Gawayne, "I will neither weep nor - groan.] -[Sidenote H: To God's will I am full ready."] - - VIII. - -2160 [A] Thenne gyrde3 he to Gryngolet, & gedere3 e rake, [Fol. 120.] - Schowue3 in bi a schore, at a scha3e syde, - [B] Ride3 ur3 e ro3e bonk, ry3t to e dale; - & enne he wayted hym aboute, & wylde hit hym o3t, -2164 [C] & se3e no syngne of resette, bisyde3 nowhere, - Bot hy3e bonkke3 & brent, vpon boe halue, - & ru3e knokled knarre3, with knorned stone3; - e skwe3 of e scowtes skayued[1] hym o3t. -2168 enne he houed, & wyth-hylde his hors at at tyde, - & ofte chaunged his cher, e chapel to seche; - [D] He se3 non suche in no syde, & selly hym o3t, - Sone a lyttel on a launde, a lawe as hit we[re]; -2172 [E] A bal3 ber3, bi a bonke, e brymme by-syde, - Bi a for3 of a flode, at ferked are; - e borne blubred er-inne, as hit boyled hade. - [F] e kny3t kache3 his caple, & com to e lawe, -2176 [G] Li3te3 doun luflyly, & at a lynde tache3 - e rayne, & his riche, with a ro3e braunche; - [H] en[n]e he bo3e3 to e ber3e, aboute hit he walke, - D[e]batande with hym-self, quat hit be my3t. -2180 Hit hade a hole on e ende, & on ayer syde, - & ouer-growen with gresse in glodes ay where, - & al wat3 hol3 in-with, nobot an olde caue, - [I] Or a creuisse of an olde cragge, he coue hit no3t deme -2184 with spelle, - "We,[2] lorde," quod e gentyle kny3t, - "Wheer is be e grene chapelle; - [J] He my3t aboute myd-ny3t, -2188 []e dele his matynnes telle!" - -[Sidenote A: Then he pursues his journey,] -[Sidenote B: rides through the dale, and looks about.] -[Sidenote C: He sees no sign of a resting-place, but only high and steep - banks.] -[Sidenote D: No chapel could he discern.] -[Sidenote E: At last he sees a hill by the side of a stream;] -[Sidenote F: thither he goes,] -[Sidenote G: alights and fastens his horse to a branch of a tree.] -[Sidenote H: He walks around the hill, debating with himself what it might - be,] -[Sidenote I: and at last finds an old cave in the crag.] -[Sidenote J: He prays that about midnight he may tell his matins.] -[Footnote 1: skayned (?).] -[Footnote 2: wel (?).] - - IX. - - [A] "Now i-wysse," quod Wowayn, "wysty is here; - is oritore is vgly, with erbe3 ouer-growen; - [B] Wel biseme3 e wy3e wruxled in grene -2192 Dele here his deuocioun, on e deuele3 wyse; - Now I fele hit is e fende, in my fyue wytte3, - at hat3 stoken me is steuen, to strye me here; - [C] is is a chapel of meschaunce, at chekke hit by-tyde, -2196 Hit is e corsedest kyrk, at euer i com inne!" - With he3e helme on his hede, his launce in his honde, [Fol. 120b.] - [D] He rome3 vp to e rokke of o ro3 wone3; - ene herde he of at hy3e hil, in a harde roche, -2200 [E] Bi3onde e broke, in a bonk, a wonder breme noyse, - [F] Quat! hit clatered in e clyff, as hit cleue schulde, - As one vpon a gryndelston hade grounden a sye; - [G] What! hit wharred, & whette, as water at a mulne, -2204 What! hit rusched, & ronge, rawe to here. - enne "bi Godde," quod Gawayn, "at gere as[1] I trowe, - Is ryched at e reuerence, me renk to mete, - bi rote; -2208 Let God worche we loo, - [H] Hit helppe3 me not a mote, - My lif a3 I for-goo, - Drede dot3 me no lote." - -[Sidenote A: "Truly," says Sir Gawayne, "a desert is here,] -[Sidenote B: a fitting place for the man in green to 'deal here his - devotions in devil fashion.'] -[Sidenote C: It is most cursed kirk that ever I entered."] -[Sidenote D: Roaming about he hears a loud noise,] -[Sidenote E: from beyond the brook.] -[Sidenote F: It clattered like the grinding of a scythe on a grindstone.] -[Sidenote G: It whirred like a mill-stream.] -[Sidenote H: "Though my life I forgo," says the knight, "no noise shall - terrify me."] -[Footnote 1: at, in MS.] - - X. - -2212 [A] Thenne e kny3t con calle ful hy3e, - [B] "Who sti3tle3 in is sted, me steuen to holde? - [C] For now is gode Gawayn goande ry3t here, - If any wy3e o3t wyl wynne hider fast, -2216 Oer now, oer neuer, his nede3 to spede." - [D] "Abyde," quod on on e bonke, abouen ouer his hede, - "& ou schal haf al in hast, at I e hy3t ones." - 3et he rusched on at rurde, rapely a rowe, -2220 & wyth quettyng a-wharf, er he wolde ly3t; - [E] & syen he keuere3 bi a cragge, & come3 of a hole, - Whyrlande out of a wro, wyth a felle weppen, - [F] A dene3 ax nwe dy3t, e dynt with [t]o 3elde -2224 With a borelych bytte, bende by e halme, - Fyled in a fylor, fowre fote large, - Hit wat3 no lasse, bi at lace at lemed ful bry3t. - [G] & e gome in e erene gered as fyrst, -2228 Boe e lyre & e legge3, lokke3, & berde, - Saue at fayre on his fote he founde3 on e ere, - Sette e stele to e stone, & stalked bysyde. - [H] When he wan to e watter, er he wade nolde, -2232 He hypped ouer on hys ax, & orpedly stryde3, - Bremly broe on a bent, at brode wat3 a-boute, - on snawe. - [I] Sir Gawayn e kny3t con mete. [Fol. 121.] -2236 He ne lutte hym no yng lowe, - [J] at oer sayde, "now, sir swete, - Of steuen mon may e trowe." - -[Sidenote A: Then cried he aloud,] -[Sidenote B: "Who dwells here discourse with me to hold?"] -[Sidenote C: Now is the good Gawayne going aright] -[Sidenote D: He hears a voice commanding him to abide where he is.] -[Sidenote E: Soon there comes out of a hole, with a fell weapon,] -[Sidenote F: a Danish axe, quite new,] -[Sidenote G: the "knight in green," clothed as before.] -[Sidenote H: When he reaches the stream, he hops over and strides about.] -[Sidenote I: He meets Sir Gawayne without obeisance.] -[Sidenote J: The other tells him that he is now ready for conversation] - - XI. - - [A] "Gawayn," quod at grene gome, "God e mot loke! -2240 I-wysse ou art welcom,[1] wy3e, to my place, - [B] & ou hat3 tymed i trauayl as true[2] mon schulde; - [C] & ou knowe3 e couenaunte3 kest vus by-twene, - At is tyme twelmonyth ou toke at e falled, -2244 [D] & I schulde at is nwe 3ere 3eply e quyte. - [E] & we ar in is valay, verayly oure one, - Here ar no renkes vs to rydde, rele as vus like3; - [F] Haf y[3] helme of y hede, & haf here y pay; -2248 Busk no more debate en I e bede enne, - "When ou wypped of my hede at a wap one." - [G] "Nay, bi God," quod Gawayn, "at me gost lante, - I schal gruch e no grwe, for grem at falle3; -2252 Botsty3tel e vpon on strok, & I schal stonde stylle, - & warp e no wernyng, to worch as e lyke3, - no whare." - [H] He lened with e nek, & lutte, -2256 & schewed at schyre al bare, - & lette as he no3t dutte, - [I] For drede he wolde not dare. - -[Sidenote A: "God preserve thee!" says the Green Knight,] -[Sidenote B: "as a true knight 'thou hast timed thy travel'] -[Sidenote C: Thou knowest the covenant between us,] -[Sidenote D: that on New Year's day I should return thy blow] -[Sidenote E: Here we are alone,] -[Sidenote F: Have off thy helmet and take thy pay at once."] -[Sidenote G: "By God," quoth Sir Gawayne, "I shall not begrudge thee thy - will."] -[Sidenote H: Then he shows his bare neck,] -[Sidenote I: and appears undaunted.] -[Footnote 1: welcon, in MS.] -[Footnote 2: truee in MS.] -[Footnote 3: MS. y y.] - - XII. - - [A] Then e gome in e grene grayed hym swye, -2260 Gedere3 yp hys grymme tole, Gawayn to smyte; - [B] With alle e bur in his body he ber hit on lofte, - Munt as ma3tyly, as marre hym he wolde; - Hade hit dryuen adoun, as dre3 as he atled, -2264 er hade ben ded of his dynt, at do3ty wat3 euer. - Bot Gawayn on at giserne glyfte hym bysyde, - [C] As hit com glydande adoun, on glode hym to schende, - [D] & schranke a lytel with e schulderes, for e scharp yrne. -2268 at oer schalk wyth a schunt e schene wythhalde3, - [E] & enne repreued he e prynce with mony prowde worde3: - [F] "ou art not Gawayn," quod e gome, "at is so goud halden, - at neuer ar3ed for no here, by hylle ne be vale, -2272 [G] & now ou fles for ferde, er ou fele harme3; [Fol. 121b.] - Such cowardise of at kny3t cowe I neuer here. - [H] Nawer fyked I, ne fla3e, freke, quen ou myntest, - Ne kest no kauelacion, in kynge3 hous Arthor, -2276 [I] My hede fla3 to my fote, & 3et fla3 I neuer; - & ou, er any harme hent, ar3e3 in hert, - [J] Wherfore e better burne me burde be called - er-fore." -2280 [K] Quod G:, "I schunt one3, - & so wyl I no more, - Bot pa3 my hede falle on e stone3, - I con not hit restore. - -[Sidenote A: Then the man in green seizes his grim tool.] -[Sidenote B: With all his force he raises it aloft.] -[Sidenote C: As it came gliding down,] -[Sidenote D: Sir Gawayne shrank a little with his shoulders.] -[Sidenote E: The other reproved him, saying,] -[Sidenote F: "Thou art not Gawayne that is so good esteemed,] -[Sidenote G: for thou fleest for fear before thou feelest harm.] -[Sidenote H: I never flinched when thou struckest.] -[Sidenote I: My head flew to my foot, yet I never fled,] -[Sidenote J: wherefore I ought to be called the better man."] -[Sidenote K: "I shunted once," says Gawayne, "but will no more.] - - XIII. - -2284 [A] Bot busk, burne, bi i fayth, & bryng me to e poynt, - Dele to me my destine, & do hit out of honde, - For I schal stonde e a strok, & start no more, - Til yn ax haue me hitte, haf here my trawe." -2288 [B] "Haf at e enne," quod at oer, & heue3 hit alofte, - & wayte3 as wroely, as he wode were; - [C] He mynte3 at hym ma3tyly, bot not e mon ryue3,[1] - With-helde heterly h[i]s honde, er hit hurt my3t. -2292 [D] Gawayn grayely hit byde3, & glent with no membre, - Bot stode stylle as e ston, oer a stubbe auer, - at raeled is in roche grounde, with rote3 a hundreth. - en muryly efte con he mele, e mon in e grene, -2296 [E] "So now ou hat3 i hert holle, hitte me bihou[e]s; - Halde e now e hy3e hode, at Arur e ra3t, - & kepe y kanel at is kest, 3if hit keuer may." - G: ful gryndelly with greme enne sayde, -2300 [F] "Wy resch on, ou ro mon, ou rete3 to longe, - I hope at i hert ar3e wyth yn awen seluen." - "For soe," quod at oer freke, "so felly ou speke3, - I wyl no lenger on lyte lette in ernde, -2304 ri3t nowe." - [G] enne tas he[2] hym strye to stryke, - & frounses boe lyppe & browe, - No meruayle a3 hym myslyke, -2308 at hoped of no rescowe. - -[Sidenote A: Bring me to the point; deal me my destiny at once."] -[Sidenote B: "Have at thee, then," says the other.] -[Sidenote C: With that he aims at him a blow.] -[Sidenote D: Gawayne never flinches, but stands as still as a stone.] -[Sidenote E: "Now," says the Green Knight, "I must hit thee, since thy - heart is whole."] -[Sidenote F: "Thrash on," says the other.] -[Sidenote G: Then the Green Knight makes ready to strike.] -[Footnote 1: ? ryne3 = touches.] -[Footnote 2: he he, in MS.] - - XIV. - - [A] He lyftes ly3tly his lome, & let hit doun fayre, - [B] With e barbe of e bitte bi e bare nek [Fol. 122.] - a3 he homered heterly, hurt hym no more, -2312 Bot snyrt hym on at on syde, at seuered e hyde; - [C] e scharp schrank to e flesche ur3 e schyre grece, - at e schene blod over his schulderes schot to e ere. - [D] & quen e burne se3 e blode blenk on e snawe, -2316 He sprit forth spenne fote more en a spere lene, - Hent heterly his helme, & on his hed cast, - Schot with his schuldere3 his fayre schelde vnder, - [E] Brayde3 out a bry3t sworde, & bremely he speke3; -2320 Neuer syn at he wat3 burne borne of his moder, - Wat3 he neuer in is worlde, wy3e half so blye:-- - [F] "Blynne, burne, of y bur, bede me no mo; - I haf a stroke in is sted with-oute stryf hent, -2324 [G] & if ow reche3 me any mo, I redyly schal quyte, - & 3elde 3ederly a3ayn, & er to 3e tryst, - & foo; - [H] Bot on stroke here me falle3, -2328 e couenaunt schop ry3t so, - [Sikered][1] in Arure3 halle3, - & er-fore, hende, now hoo!" - -[Sidenote A: He let fall his loom on the bare] -[Sidenote B: neck of Sir Gawayne.] -[Sidenote C: The sharp weapon pierced the flesh so that the blood flowed.] -[Sidenote D: When the knight saw the blood on the snow,] -[Sidenote E: he unsheathed his sword, and thus spake:] -[Sidenote F: "Cease, man, of thy blow.] -[Sidenote G: If thou givest me any more, readily shall I requite thee.] -[Sidenote H: Our agreement stipulates only one stroke."] -[Footnote 1: Illegible.] - - XV. - - [A] The hael heldet hym fro, & on his ax rested, -2332 Sette e schaft vpon schore, & to be scharp lened, - [B] & loked to e leude, at on e launde 3ede, - How at do3ty dredles deruely er stonde3, - Armed ful a3le3; in hert hit hym lyke3. -2336 enn he mele3 muryly, wyth a much steuen, - [C] & wyth a r[a]ykande rurde he to e renk sayde, - "Bolde burne, on is bent be not so gryndel; - No mon here vn-manerly e mys-boden habbe, -2340 Ne kyd, bot as couenaunde, at kynge3 kort schaped; - [D] I hy3t e a strok, & ou hit hat3, halde e wel payed, - I relece e of e remnaunt, of ry3tes alle oer; - 3if[1] I deliuer had bene, a boffet, paraunter, -2344 [E] I coue wroeloker haf waret, [&] to e haf wro3t anger.[2] - Fyrst I mansed e muryly, with a mynt one, - [F] & roue e wyth no rof, sore with ry3t I e profered, - For e forwarde that we fest in e fyrst ny3t, [Fol. 122b.] -2348 & ou trystyly e trawe & trwly me halde3, - Al e gayne ow me gef, as god mon shulde; - [G] at oer munt for e morne, mon, I e profered, - ou kyssedes my clere wyf, e cosse3 me ra3te3, -2352 For boe two here I e bede bot two bare myntes, - boute scae; - [H] Trwe mon trwe restore, - enne ar mon drede no wae; -2356 [I] At e rid ou fayled ore, - & er-for at tappe ta e. - -[Sidenote A: The Green Knight rested on his axe,] -[Sidenote B: looked on Sir Gawayne, who appeared bold and fearless,] -[Sidenote C: and addressed him as follows: "Bold knight, be not so wroth,] -[Sidenote D: I promised thee a stroke and thou hast it, be satisfied.] -[Sidenote E: I could have dealt worse with thee.] -[Sidenote F: I menaced thee with one blow for the covenant between us on - the first night.] -[Sidenote G: Another I aimed at thee because thou kissedst my wife.] -[Sidenote H: A true man should restore truly, and then he need fear no - harm.] -[Sidenote I: Thou failedst at the third time, and therefore take thee that - tap. (See l. 1861.)] -[Footnote 1: uf, in MS.] -[Footnote 2: This word is doubtful.] - - XVI. - - [A] For hit is my wede at ou were3, at ilke wouen girdel, - Myn owen wyf hit e weued, I wot wel forsoe; -2360 [B] Now know I wel y cosses, & y costes als, - & e wowyng of my wyf, I wro3t hit myseluen; - [C] I sende hir to asay e, & sothly me ynkke3, - On e fautlest freke, at euer on fote 3ede; -2364 As perle bi e quite pese is of prys more, - So is Gawayn, in god fayth, bi oer gay kny3te3. - [D] Bot here you lakked a lyttel, sir, & lewte yow wonted, - Bot at wat3 for no wylyde werke, ne wowyng nauer, -2368 [E] Bot for 3e lufed your lyf, e lasse I yow blame." - at oer stif mon in study stod a gret whyle; - So agreued for greme he gryed with-inne, - [F] Alle e blode of his brest blende in his face, -2372 at al he schrank for schome, at e schalk talked. - e forme worde vpon folde, at e freke meled,-- - [G] "Corsed worth cowarddyse & couetyse boe! - In yow is vylany & vyse, at vertue disstrye3." -2376 [H] enne he ka3t to e knot, & e kest lawse3, - Brayde broely e belt to e burne seluen: - "Lo! er e falssyng, foule mot hit falle! - [I] For care of y knokke cowardyse me ta3t -2380 To a-corde me with couetyse, my kynde to for-sake, - at is larges & lewte, at longe3 to kny3te3. - [J] Now am I fawty, & falce, & ferde haf ben euer; - Of trecherye & vn-trawe boe bityde sor3e -2384 & care! - [K] I bi-knowe yow, kny3t, here stylle, [Fol. 123.] - Al fawty is my fare, - Lete3 me ouer-take your wylle, -2388 & efle I schal be ware." - -[Sidenote A: For my weed (woven by my wife) thou wearest.] -[Sidenote B: I know thy kisses and my wife's wooing.] -[Sidenote C: I sent her to try thee, and faultless I found thee.] -[Sidenote D: But yet thou sinnedst a little,] -[Sidenote E: for love of thy life."] -[Sidenote F: Gawayne stands confounded.] -[Sidenote G: "Cursed," he says, "be cowardice and covetousness both!"] -[Sidenote H: Then he takes off the girdle and throws it to the knight.] -[Sidenote I: He curses his cowardice,] -[Sidenote J: and confesses himself to have been guilty of untruth.] -[Sidenote K: ] - - XVII. - - [A] Thenne lo3e at oer leude, & luflyly sayde, - "I halde hit hardily[1] hole, e harme at I hade; - [B] ou art confessed so clene, be-knowen of y mysses, -2392 & hat3 e penaunce apert, of e poynt of myn egge, - [C] I halde e polysed of at ply3t, & pured as clene, - As ou hade3 neuer forfeted, syen ou wat3 fyrst borne. - [D] & I gif e, sir, e gurdel at is golde hemmed; -2396 For hit is grene as my goune, sir G:, 3e maye - enk vpon is ilke repe, er ou forth rynge3 - Among prynces of prys, & is a pure token - [E] Of e chaunce of e grene chapel, at cheualrous kny3te3; -2400 [F] & 3e schal in is nwe 3er a3ayn to my wone3, - & we schyn reuel e remnaunt of is ryche fest, - ful bene." - er laed hym fast e lorde, -2404 & sayde, "with my wyf, I wene, - We schal yow wel acorde, - at wat3 your enmy kene." - -[Sidenote A: Then the other, laughing, thus spoke:] -[Sidenote B: "Thou art confessed so clean,] -[Sidenote C: that I hold thee as pure as if thou hadst never been guilty.] -[Sidenote D: I give thee, sir, the gold-hemmed girdle,] -[Sidenote E: as a token of thy adventure at the Green Chapel.] -[Sidenote F: Come again to my abode, and abide there for the remainder of - the festival."] -[Footnote 1: hardilyly, in MS.] - - XVIII. - - [A] "Nay, for soe," quod e segge, & sesed hys helme, -2408 & hat3 hit of hendely, & e hael onkke3, - [B] "I haf soiorned sadly, sele yow bytyde, - & he 3elde hit yow 3are, at 3arkke3 al menskes! - [C] & comaunde3 me to at cortays, your comlych fere, -2412 Boe at on & at oer, myn honoured ladye3. - at us hor kny3t wyth hor kest han koyntly bigyled. - [D] Bot hit is no ferly, a3 a fole madde, - & ur3 wyles of wymmen be wonen to sor3e; -2416 [E] For so wat3 Adam in erde with one bygyled, - & Salamon with fele sere, & Samson eft sone3, - Dalyda dalt hym hys wyrde, & Dauyth er-after - Wat3 blended with Barsabe, at much bale oled. -2420 Now ese were wrathed wyth her wyles, hit were a wynne huge, - [F] To luf hom wel, & leue hem not, a leude at coue, - For es wer forne[1] e freest at fol3ed alle e sele, [Fol.] - Ex-ellently of alle yse oer, vnder heuen-ryche, [123b.] -2424 at mused; - & alle ay were bi-wyled, - With[2] wymmen at ay vsed, - [G] a3 I be now bigyled, -2428 Me ink me burde be excused." - -[Sidenote A: "Nay, forsooth," says Gawayne,] -[Sidenote B: "I have sojourned sadly, but bliss betide thee!] -[Sidenote C: Commend me to your comely wife and that other lady who have - beguiled me.] -[Sidenote D: But it is no marvel for a man to be brought to grief through a - woman's wiles.] -[Sidenote E: Adam, Solomon, Samson, and David were beguiled by women.] -[Sidenote F: How could a man love them and believe them not?] -[Sidenote G: Though I be now beguiled, methinks I should be excused.] -[Footnote 1: forme (?)] -[Footnote 2: with wyth, in MS.] - - XIX. - - [A] "Bot your gordel," quod G: "God yow for-3elde! - at wyl I welde wyth good wylle, not for e wynne golde, - Ne e saynt, ne e sylk, ne e syde pendaundes, -2432 For wele, ne for worchyp, ne for e wlonk werkke3, - [B] Bot in syngne of my surfet I schal se hit ofte; - When I ride in renoun, remorde to myseluen - e faut & e fayntyse of e flesche crabbed, -2436 How tender hit is to entyse teches of fyle; - [C] & us, quen pryde schal me pryk, for prowes of armes, - [D] e loke to is luf lace schal lee my hert. - Bot on I wolde yow pray, displeses yow neuer; -2440 Syn 3e be lorde of e 3onde[r] londe, er I haf lent inne, - Wyth yow wyth worschyp,--e wy3e hit yow 3elde - at vp-halde3 e heuen, & on hy3 sitte3,-- - [E] How norne 3e yowre ry3t nome, & enne no more?" -2444 "at schal I telle e trwly," quod at oer enne, - [F] "Bernlak de Hautdesert I hat in is londe, - ur3 my3t of Morgne la Faye, at in my hous lenges, - &[1] koyntyse of clergye, bi craftes wel lerned, -2448 e maystres of Merlyn, mony ho[2] taken; - For ho hat3 dalt drwry ful dere sum tyme, - With at conable klerk, at knowes alle your kny3te3 - at hame; -2452 Morgne e goddes, - er-fore hit is hir name; - [G] Welde3 non so hy3e hawtesse, - at ho ne con make ful tame. - -[Sidenote A: But God reward you for your girdle.] -[Sidenote B: I will wear it in remembrance of my fault.] -[Sidenote C: And when pride shall prick me,] -[Sidenote D: a look to this lace shall abate it.] -[Sidenote E: But tell me your right name and I shall have done."] -[Sidenote F: The Green Knight replies, "I am called Bernlak de Hautdesert, - through might of Morgain la Fey, the pupil of Merlin.] -[Sidenote G: She can tame even the haughtiest.] -[Footnote 1: in (?).] -[Footnote 2: ho hat3 (?).] - - XX. - -2456 [A] Ho wayned me vpon is wyse to your wynne halle, - For to assay e surquidre, 3if hit soth were, - at rennes of e grete renoun of e Rounde Table; - Ho wayned me is wonder, your wytte3 to reue, -2460 [B] For to haf greued Gaynour, & gart hir to dy3e. [Fol. 124.] - With gopnyng[1] of at ilke gomen, at gostlych speked, - With his hede in his honde, bifore e hy3e table. - at is ho at is at home, e auncian lady; -2464 [C] Ho is euen yn aunt, Arure3 half suster, - e duches do3ter of Tyntagelle, at dere Vter after - [D] Hade Arur vpon, at ael is nowe. - erfore I ee e, hael, to com to y naunt, -2468 Make myry in my hous, my meny e louies, - & I wol e as wel, wy3e, bi my faythe, - As any gome vnder God, for y grete traue." - [E] & he nikked hym naye, he nolde bi no wayes; -2472 ay acolen & kyssen, [bikennen] ayer oer - To e prynce of paradise, & parten ry3t ere, - on coolde; - [F] Gawayn on blonk ful bene, -2476 To e kynge3 bur3 buske3 bolde, - & e kny3t in e enker grene, - Whider-warde so euer he wolde. - -[Sidenote A: It was she who caused me to test the renown of the Round - Table,] -[Sidenote B: hoping to grieve Guenever and cause her death through fear.] -[Sidenote C: She is even thine aunt.] -[Sidenote D: Therefore come to her and make merry in my house."] -[Sidenote E: Gawayne refuses to return with the Green Knight.] -[Sidenote F: On horse full fair he bends to Arthur's hall.] -[Footnote 1: glopnyng (?).] - - XXI. - - [A] Wylde waye3 in e worlde Wowen now ryde3, -2480 On Gryngolet, at e grace hade geten of his lyue; - [B] Ofte he herbered in house, & ofte al eroute, - & mony a-venture in vale, & venquyst ofte, - at I ne ty3t, at is tyme, in tale to remene. -2484 [C] e hurt wat3 hole, at he hade hent in his nek, - [D] & e blykkande belt he bere eraboute, - A belef as a bauderyk, bounden bi his syde, - Loken vnder his lyfte arme, e lace, with a knot, -2488 [E] In tokenyng he wat3 tane in tech of a faute; - [F] & us he commes to e court, kny3t al in sounde. - [G] er wakned wele in at wone, when wyst e grete, - at gode G: wat3 commen, gayn hit hym o3t; -2492 [H] e kyng kysse3 e kny3t, & e whene alce, - & syen mony syker kny3t, at so3t hym to haylce, - [I] Of his fare at hym frayned, & ferlyly he telles; - Biknowo3 alle e costes of care at he hade,-- -2496 e chaunce of e chapel, e chere of e kny3t, - [J] e luf of e ladi, e lace at e last. [Fol. 124b.] - e nirt in e nek he naked hem schewed, - [K] at he la3t for his vnleute at e leudes hondes, -2500 for blame; - He tened quen he schulde telle, - [L] He groned for gref & grame; - e blod in his face con melle, -2504 When he hit schulde schewe, for schame. - -[Sidenote A: Wild ways now Gawayne rides.] -[Sidenote B: Oft he harboured in house and oft thereout.] -[Sidenote C: The wound in his neck became whole.] -[Sidenote D: He still carried about him the belt,] -[Sidenote E: in token of his fault.] -[Sidenote F: Thus he comes to the Court of King Arthur.] -[Sidenote G: Great then was the joy of all.] -[Sidenote H: The king and his knights ask him concerning his journey.] -[Sidenote I: Gawayne tells them of his adventures,] -[Sidenote J: the love of the lady, and lastly of the lace.] -[Sidenote K: He showed them the cut in his neck.] -[Sidenote L: He groaned for grief and shame, and the blood rushed into his - face.] - - XXII. - - [A] "Lo! lorde," quod e leude, & e lace hondeled, - "is is e bende of is blame I bere [in] my nek, - is is e lae & e losse, at I la3t haue, -2508 [B] Of couardise & couetyse, at I haf ca3t are, - is is e token of vn-trawe, at I am tan inne, - [C] & I mot nede3 hit were, wyle I may last; - For non may hyden his harme, bot vnhap ne may hit, -2512 For er hit one3 is tachched, twynne wil hit neuer." - [D] e kyng comforte3 e kny3t, & alle e court als, - La3en loude er-at, & luflyly acorden, - at lordes & ladis, at longed to e Table, -2516 [E] Vche burne of e broer-hede a bauderyk schulde haue, - A bende, a belef hym aboute, of a bry3t grene, - [F] & at, for sake of at segge, in swete to were. - For at wat3 acorded e renoun of e Rounde Table, -2520 [G] & he honoured at hit hade, euer-more after, - As hit is breued in e best boke of romaunce. - [H] us in Arthurus day is aunter bitidde, - e Brutus bokees er-of beres wyttenesse; -2524 Syen Brutus, e bolde burne, bo3ed hider fyrst, - After e segge & e asaute wat3 sesed at Troye, - I-wysse; - Mony auntere3 here bi-forne, -2528 Haf fallen suche er is: - [I] Now at bere e croun of orne, - He bryng vus to his blysse! AMEN. - -[Sidenote A: "Lo!" says he, handling the lace, "this is the band of blame,] -[Sidenote B: a token of my cowardice and covetousness,] -[Sidenote C: I must needs wear it as long as I live."] -[Sidenote D: The king comforts the knight, and all the court too.] -[Sidenote E: Each knight of the brotherhood agrees to wear a bright green - belt,] -[Sidenote F: for Gawayne's sake,] -[Sidenote G: who ever more honoured it.] -[Sidenote H: Thus in Arthur's day this adventure befell.] -[Sidenote I: He that bore the crown of thorns bring us to His bliss!] - - * * * * * - -NOTES. - -Line 8 Ricchis turns, goes, - The king ... - Ricchis his reynys and the Renke metys: - Girden to gedur with ere grete speires.--T.B. l. 1232. - -37 is kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse. - Camalot, in Malory's "Morte Arthure," is said to be the same as - Winchester. Ritson supposes it to be Caer-went, in Monmouthshire, - and afterwards confounded with Caer-wynt, or Winchester. But - popular tradition here seems the best guide, which assigned the site - of Camalot to the ruins of a castle on a hill, near the church of - South Cadbury, in Somersetshire (Sir F. Madden). - -65 Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte. - Christmas celebrated anew, mentioned full often. - Sir F. Madden leaves the word nayted unexplained in his Glossary - to "Syr Gawayne." - -124 syluener = sylueren, i.e. silver dishes. - -139 lyndes = lendes, loins. - -142 in his muckel, in his greatness. - -184 Wat3 euesed al umbe-torne--? was trimmed, all cut evenly around; - umbe-torne may be an error for vmbe-corue = cut round. - -216 in gracios werkes. Sir F. Madden reads gracons for gracios, and - suggests Greek as the meaning of it. - -244-5 As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor lote3 - in hy3e. - As all were fallen asleep so ceased their words - in haste (suddenly). - Sir F. Madden reads slaked horlote3, instead of slaked hor lote3, - which, according to his glossary, signifies drunken vagabonds. - He evidently takes horlote3 to be another (and a very uncommon) form - of harlote3 = harlots. But harlot, or vagabond, would be a very - inappropriate term to apply to the noble Knights of the Round Table. - Moreover, slaked never, I think, means drunken. The general sense of - the verb slake is to let loose, lessen, cease. Cf. lines 411-2, - where sloke, another form of slake, occurs with a similar meaning: - -- layt no fyrre; - bot slokes. - -- seek no further, - but stop (cease). - Sir F. Madden suggests blows as the explanation of slokes. It - is, however, a verb in the imperative mood. - -286 Brayn. Maetzner suggests brayn-wod. - -296 barlay = par loi. This word is exceedingly common in the T. Book - (see l. 3391). - I bid you now, barlay, with besines at all - at ye set you most soverainly my suster to gete.--T.B. l. 2780. - -394 siker. Sir F. Madden reads swer. - -440 bluk. Sir F. Madden suggests blunk (horse). I am inclined to keep to - the reading of the MS., and explain bluk as = bulk = trunk. Cf. the - use of the word Blok in "Early English Alliterative Poems," - p. 100, l. 272. - -558 derue doel, etc. = great grief. Sir F. Madden reads derne, i.e. secret, - instead of derue (= derf). Cf. line 564. - -577 knaged, fastened. - The braunches were borly, sum of bright gold, - With leuys full luffly, light of the same; - With burions aboue bright to beholde; - And fruit on yt fourmyt of fairest of shap, - Of mony kynd that was knyt, knagged aboue.--T.B. l. 4973. - -629 & ay quere hit is endele3, etc. - And everywhere it is endless, etc. - Sir F. Madden reads emdele3, i.e. with equal sides. - -652 for-be = for-bi = surpassing, beyond. - -681 for Hadet read Halet = haled = exiled (?). See line 1049. - -806 auinant = auenaunt, pleasantly. Sir F. Madden reads amnant. - -954 of. Should we not read on (?). - -957 at oer wyth a gorger wat3 gered ouer e swyre. - The gorger or wimple is stated first to have appeared in Edward the - First's reign, and an example is found on the monument of Aveline, - Countess of Lancaster, who died in 1269. From the poem, however, it - would seem that the gorger was confined to elderly ladies (Sir F. - Madden). - -968 More lykker-wys on to lyk, - Wat3 at scho had on lode. - - A more pleasant one to like, - Was that (one) she had under her control. - -988 tayt = lively, and hence pleasant, agreeable. - -1015 in vayres, in purity. - -1020 dut = dunt (?) = dint (?), referring to sword-sports. - -1022 sayn[t] Ione3 day. This is the 27th of December, and the last of the - feast. Sometimes the Christmas festivities were prolonged to New - Year's Day (Sir F. Madden). - -1047 derne dede = secret deed. I would prefer to read derue dede = - great deed. Cf. lines 558, 564. - -1053 I wot in worlde, etc. = I not (I know not) in worlde, etc. - -1054 I nolde, bot if I hit negh my3t on nw3eres morne, - For alle e londe in-wyth Logres, etc. - I would not [delay to set out], unless I might approach it on New - Year's morn, for all the lands within England, etc. - -1074 in spenne = in space = in the interval = meanwhile. See line 1503. - -1160 slentyng of arwes. Sir F. Madden reads sleutyng. - "Of drawyn swordis sclentyng to and fra, - The brycht mettale, and othir armouris seir, - Quharon the sonnys blenkis betis cleir, - Glitteris and schane, and vnder bemys brycht, - Castis ane new twynklyng or a lemand lycht." - (G. Douglas' AEneid, Vol. i, p. 421.) - -1281 let lyk = appeared pleased. - -1283 a3 I were burde bry3test, e burde in mynde hade, etc. - The sense requires us to read: - a3 ho were burde bry3test, e burne in mynde hade, etc. - i.e., Though she were lady fairest, the knight in mind had, etc. - -1440 Long sythen [seuered] for e sounder at wi3t for-olde - Long since separated from the sounder or herd that fierce (one) - for-aged (grew very old). - "Now to speke of the boore, the fyrste year he is - A pygge of the sounder callyd, as haue I blys; - The secounde yere an hogge, and soo shall he be, - And an hoggestere, whan he is of yeres thre; - And when he is foure yere, a boor shall he be, - From the sounder of the swyne thenne departyth he; - A synguler is he soo, for alone he woll go." - (Book of St. Alban's, ed. 1496, sig. d., i.) - -1476 totes = looks, toots. - Sho went up wightly by a walle syde. - To the toppe of a toure and tot ouer the water.--T.B. l. 862. - -1623 A verb [? lalede = cried] seems wanting after lorde. - -1702 fnasted, breathed. - These balfull bestes were, as the boke tellus, - Full flaumond of fyre with fnastyng of logh.--T.B. l. 168. - -1710 a strothe rande = a rugged path. Cf. the phrases tene greue, l. 1707; - ro3e greue, l. 1898. - -1719 Thenne wat3 hit lif vpon list, etc. - Should we not read: - Thenne wat3 hit list vpon lif, etc. - i.e., Then was there joy in life, etc. - -1729 bi lag = be-lagh(?) = below (?). - -1780 lyf = lef(?), beloved (one). - -1869 Ho hat3 kyst e kny3t so to3t. - She has kissed the knight so courteous. - Sir F. Madden explains to3t, promptly. To3t seems to be the same as - the Northumbrian taght in the following extract from the "Morte - Arthure": - "There come in at the fyrste course, before the kyng seluene, - Bare hevedys that ware bryghte, burnyste with sylver, - Alle with taghte mene and towne in togers fulle ryche."--(p. 15.) - The word towne (well-behaved) still exists in wan-ton, the - original meaning of which was ill-mannered, ill-bred. - -1909 bray hounde3 = bra hounde3, i.e. fierce hounds. - -1995 He hat3 nere at he so3t = He wat3 nere at he so3t = He was near to - that which he sought. - -2160 gedere3 e rake = takes the path or way. - -2167 e skwe3 of e scowtes skayued hym o3t. - The shadows of the hills appeared wild (desolate) to him. Sir F. - Madden reads skayned, of which he gives no explanation. - Skayued = skayfed, seems to be the N. Prov. English scafe, wild. - Scotch schaivie, wild, mad. O.N. skeifr. Sw. skef, awry, distorted. - -2204 ronge = clattered. - -2211 Drede dot3 me no lote = - No noise shall cause me to dread (fear). - -2357 & er-for at tappe ta e. - And therefore take thee that tap. - ta e = take thee. Sir F. Madden reads tae = taketh. See l. 413, - where to e rhymes with sothe. We have no imperatives in th in - this poem. - -2401 We schyn reuel, etc. Sir F. Madden reads wasch yn reuel. - But schyn = shall. See Glossary to "Alliterative Poems." - -2474 on-coolde = on-colde = coldly = sorrowfully. - -2489 in-sounde = soundly, well. Cf. in-blande = together; - in-lyche, alike; inmydde3, amidst. - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Sir Gawayne and the Green Knight, by Anonymous - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SIR GAWAYNE AND THE GREEN KNIGHT *** - -***** This file should be named 14568.txt or 14568.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - https://www.gutenberg.org/1/4/5/6/14568/ - -Produced by Ted Garvin, Keith Edkins and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - https://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/old/14568.zip b/old/old/14568.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 65482fe..0000000 --- a/old/old/14568.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old/yogh.htm b/old/old/yogh.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 4a78963..0000000 --- a/old/old/yogh.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6154 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> - -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> -<head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" /> - - <title>Sir Gawayne and The Green Knight</title> - - <style type="text/css"> - <!-- - body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; } - p {text-align: justify;} - blockquote {text-align: justify;} - h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} - pre {font-size: 0.7em;} - - table {padding: 1em; } - td {vertical-align: top; } - hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} - html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} - hr.full {width: 100%;} - html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} - hr.short {text-align: center; width: 20%;} - html>body hr.short {margin-right: 40%; margin-left: 40%; width: 20%;} - - .note, - {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} - - span.pagenum - {position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; font-size: 8pt;} - - span.linenum - {position: absolute; left: 5%; right: 91%; } - - span.sidenote - {position: absolute; left: 65%; font-size: 8pt; } - - .poem - {margin-left:5%; margin-right:10%; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;} - .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} - .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 1em;} - .poem p.i4 {margin-left: 2em;} - .poem p.i6 {margin-left: 3em;} - .poem p.i8 {margin-left: 4em;} - - --> - </style> -</head> -<body> -<h1>Sir Gawayne</h1> - -<h3>and</h3> - -<h1>The Green Knight:</h1> - - -<h2>AN ALLITERATIVE ROMANCE-POEM,</h2> -<h4>(AB. 1360 A.D.)</h4> - - -<h4>BY THE AUTHOR OF</h4> -<h2>"EARLY ENGLISH ALLITERATIVE POEMS."</h2> - - -<h3>RE-EDITED FROM COTTON. MS. NERO, A.x., IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM,</h3> -<h4>BY</h4> -<h2>RICHARD MORRIS,</h2> -<h5>EDITOR OF HAMPOLE'S "PRICKE OF CONSCIENCE," "EARLY ENGLISH ALLITERATIVE POEMS," ETC.;</h5> -<h5>MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL OF THE PHILOLOGICAL SOCIETY.</h5> - - -<h3>SECOND EDITION, REVISED, 1869.</h3> - -<h2>LONDON</h2> -<h3>PUBLISHED FOR THE EARLY ENGLISH TEXT SOCIETY</h3> -<h3>BY N. TRBNER & CO., 60, PATERNOSTER ROW,</h3> -<h5>MDCCCLXIV.</h5> - -<hr /> - -<h5>JOHN CHILDS AND SON, PRINTERS. </h5> - -<hr /> - - - <h2>PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.</h2> - - <p>In re-editing the present romance-poem I have been saved all labour of - transcription by using the very accurate text contained in Sir F. - Madden's "Syr Gawayne."</p> - - <p>I have not only read his copy with the manuscript, but also the - proof-sheets as they came to hand, hoping by this means to give the - reader a text free from any errors of transcription.</p> - - <p>The present edition differs from that of the earlier one in having the - contractions of the manuscript expanded and side-notes added to the text - to enable the reader to follow with some degree of ease the author's - pleasant narrative of Sir Gawayne's adventures.</p> - - <p>The Glossary is taken from Sir F. Madden's "Syr Gawayne,"<sup>1</sup> to which, - for the better interpretation of the text, I have made several additions, - and have, moreover, glossed nearly all the words previously left - unexplained.</p> - - <p>For a description of the Manuscript, and particulars relating to the - authorship and dialect of the present work, the reader is referred to the - preface to <i>Early English Alliterative Poems</i>.</p> - - <p>R.M.</p> - - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p>LONDON,</p> - <p><i>December</i> 22, 1864.</p> - </div> - </div> - - <p>[<sup>1</sup> Sir F. Madden has most generously placed at the disposal - of the Early English Text Society any of his works which it may determine - to re-edit.]</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>INTRODUCTION.</h2> - - <p>No Knight of the Round Table has been so highly honoured by the old - Romance-writers as Sir Gawayne, the son of Loth, and nephew to the - renowned Arthur. They delighted to describe him as Gawayne the good, a - man matchless on mould, the most gracious that under God lived, the - hardiest of hand, the most fortunate in arms, and the most polite in - hall, whose knowledge, knighthood, kindly works, doings, doughtiness, and - deeds of arms were known in all lands.</p> - - <p>When Arthur beheld the dead body of his kinsman lying on the ground - bathed in blood, he is said to have exclaimed, "O righteous God, this - blood were worthy to be preserved and enshrined in gold!" Our author, - too, loves to speak of his hero in similar terms of praise, calling him - the knight faultless in his five wits, void of every offence, and adorned - with every earthly virtue. He represents him as one whose trust was in - the five wounds, and in whom the five virtues which distinguished the - true knight were more firmly established than in any other on earth.</p> - - <p>The author of the present story, who, as we know from his religious - poems, had an utter horror of moral impurity, could have chosen no better - subject for a romance in which amusement and moral instruction were to be - combined. In the following tale he shows how the true knight, though - tempted sorely not once alone, but twice, nay thrice, breaks not his vow - of chastity, but turns aside the tempter's shafts with the shield of - purity and arm of faith, and so passes scatheless through the perilous - defile of trial and opportunity seeming safe.</p> - - <p>But while our author has borrowed many of the details of his story - from the "Roman de Perceval" by Chrestien de Troyes, he has made the - narrative more attractive by the introduction of several original and - highly interesting passages which throw light on the manners and - amusements of our ancestors.</p> - - <p>The following elaborate descriptions are well deserving of especial - notice:—</p> - - <blockquote>I. The mode of completely arming a knight (ll. - 568-589).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>II. The hunting and breaking the deer (ll. - 1126-1359).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>III. The hunting and unlacing the wild boar (ll. - 1412-1614).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>IV. A fox hunt (ll. 1675-1921).</blockquote> - - <p>The following is an outline of the story of Gawayne's adventures, more - or less in the words of the writer himself:—</p> - - <blockquote>Arthur, the greatest of Britain's kings, holds the Christmas - festival at Camelot, surrounded by the celebrated knights of the Round - Table, noble lords, the most renowned under heaven, and ladies the - loveliest that ever had life (ll. 37-57). This noble company celebrate - the New Year by a religious service, by the bestowal of gifts, and the - most joyous mirth. Lords and ladies take their seats at the - table—Queen Guenever, the grey-eyed, gaily dressed, sits at the - das, the high table, or table of state, where too sat Gawayne and Ywain - together with other worthies of the Round Table (ll. 58-84, 107-115). - Arthur, in mood as joyful as a child, his blood young and his brain wild, - declares that he will not eat nor sit long at the table until some - adventurous thing, some uncouth tale, some great marvel, or some - encounter of arms has occurred to mark the return of the New Year (ll. - 85-106).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>The first course was announced with cracking of trumpets, - with the noise of nakers and noble pipes.</blockquote> - - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4">"Each two had dishes twelve,</p> - <p class="i4">Good beer and bright wine both."</p> - </div> - </div> - - <blockquote>Scarcely was the first course served when another noise than - that of music was heard. There rushes in at the hall-door a knight of - gigantic stature—the greatest on earth—in measure high. He - was clothed entirely in green, and rode upon a green foal (ll. 116-178). - Fair wavy hair fell about the shoulders of the Green Knight, and a great - beard like a bush hung upon his breast (ll. 179-202).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>The knight carried no helmet, shield, or spear, but in one - hand a holly bough, and in the other an axe "huge and unmeet," the edge - of which was as keen as a sharp razor (ll. 203-220). Thus arrayed, the - Green Knight enters the hall without saluting any one. The first word - that he uttered was, "Where is the govenour of this gang? gladly would I - see him and with himself speak reason." To the knights he cast his eye, - looking for the most renowned. Much did the noble assembly marvel to see - a man and a horse of such a hue, green as the grass. Even greener they - seemed than green enamel on bright gold. Many marvels had they seen, but - none such as this. They were afraid to answer, but sat stone-still in a - dead silence, as if overpowered by sleep;</blockquote> - - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4">"Not all from fear, but some for courtesy" (ll. 221-249).</p> - </div> - </div> - - <blockquote>Then Arthur before the high das salutes the Green Knight, - bids him welcome, and entreats him to stay awhile at his Court. The - knight says that his errand is not to abide in any dwelling, but to seek - the most valiant of the heroes of the Round Table that he may put his - courage to the proof, and thus satisfy himself as to the fame of Arthur's - court. "I come," he says, "in peace, as ye may see by this branch that I - bear here. Had I come with hostile intentions, I should not have left my - hauberk, helmet, shield, sharp spear, and other weapons behind me. But - because I desire no war, 'my weeds are softer.' If thou be so bold as all - men say, thou wilt grant me the request I am about to make." "Sir - courteous knight," replies Arthur, "if thou cravest battle only, here - failest thou not to fight." "Nay," says the Green Knight, "I seek no - fighting. Here about on this bench are only beardless children. Were I - arrayed in arms on a high steed no man here would be a match for me (ll. - 250-282). But it is now Christmas time, and this is the New Year, and I - see around me many brave ones;—if any be so bold in his blood that - dare strike a stroke for another, I shall give him this rich axe to do - with it whatever he pleases. I shall abide the first blow just as I sit, - and will stand him a stroke, stiff on this floor, provided that I deal - him another in return.</blockquote> - - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4">And yet give I him respite,</p> - <p class="i4">A twelvemonth and a day;</p> - <p class="i4">Now haste and let see tite (soon)</p> - <p class="i4">Dare any here-in ought say.'"</p> - </div> - </div> - - <blockquote>If he astounded them at first, much more so did he after this - speech, and fear held them all silent. The knight, righting himself in - his saddle, rolls fiercely his red eyes about, bends his bristly green - brows, and strokes his beard awaiting a reply. But finding none that - would carp with him, he exclaims, "What! is this Arthur's house, the fame - of which has spread through so many realms? Forsooth, the renown of the - Round Table is overturned by the word of one man's speech, for all - tremble for dread without a blow being struck!" (ll. 283-313). With this - he laughed so loud that Arthur blushed for very shame, and waxed as wroth - as the wind. "I know no man," he says, "that is aghast at thy great - words. Give me now thy axe and I will grant thee thy request!" Arthur - seizes the axe, grasps the handle, and sternly brandishes it about, while - the Green Knight, with a stern cheer and a dry countenance, stroking his - beard and drawing down his coat, awaits the blow (ll. 314-335). Sir - Gawayne, the nephew of the king, beseeches his uncle to let him undertake - the encounter; and, at the earnest entreaty of his nobles, Arthur - consents "to give Gawayne the game" (ll. 336-365).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Sir Gawayne then takes possession of the axe, but, before the - blow is dealt, the Green Knight asks the name of his opponent. "In good - faith," answers the good knight, "Gawayne I am called, that bids thee to - this buffet, whatever may befall after, and at this time twelvemonth will - take from thee another, with whatever weapon thou wilt, and with no wight - else alive." "By Gog," quoth the Green Knight, "it pleases me well that I - shall receive at thy fist that which I have sought here—moreover - thou hast truly rehearsed the terms of the covenant,—but thou shalt - first pledge me thy word that thou wilt seek me thyself, wheresoever on - earth thou believest I may be found, and fetch thee such wages as thou - dealest me to-day before this company of doughty ones." "Where should I - seek thee?" replies Gawayne, "where is thy place? I know not thee, thy - court, or thy name. I wot not where thou dwellest, but teach me thereto, - tell me how thou art called, and I shall endeavour to find - thee,—and that I swear thee for truth and by my sure troth." "That - is enough in New Year," says the groom in green, "if I tell thee when I - have received the tap. When thou hast smitten me, then smartly I will - teach thee of my house, my home, and my own name, so that thou mayest - follow my track and fulfil the covenant between us. If I spend no speech, - then speedest thou the better, for then mayest thou remain in thy own - land and seek no further; but cease thy talking<sup>1</sup> (ll. 366-412). Take - now thy grim tool to thee and let us see how thou knockest." "Gladly, - sir, for sooth," quoth Gawayne, and his axe he brandishes.</blockquote> - - <blockquote>[<sup>1</sup> This, I think, is the true explanation of - <i>slokes</i>.]</blockquote> - - <blockquote>The Green Knight adjusts himself on the ground, bends - slightly his head, lays his long lovely locks over his crown, and lays - bare his neck for the blow. Gawayne then gripped the axe, and, raising it - on high, let it fall quickly upon the knight's neck and severed the head - from the body. The fair head fell from the neck to the earth, and many - turned it aside with their feet as it rolled forth. The blood burst from - the body, yet the knight never faltered nor fell; but boldly he started - forth on stiff shanks and fiercely rushed forward, seized his head, and - lifted it up quickly. Then he runs to his horse, the bridle he catches, - steps into his stirrups and strides aloft. His head by the hair he holds - in his hands, and sits as firmly in his saddle as if no mishap had ailed - him, though headless he was (ll. 413-439). He turned his ugly trunk - about—that ugly body that bled,—and holding the head in his - hand, he directed the face toward the "dearest on the dais." The head - lifted up its eyelids and looked abroad, and thus much spoke with its - mouth as ye may now hear:</blockquote> - - <blockquote>"Loke, Gawayne, thou be prompt to go as thou hast promised, - and seek till thou find me according to thy promise made in the hearing - of these knights. Get thee to the Green Chapel, I charge thee, to fetch - such a dint as thou hast dealt, to be returned on New Year's morn. As the - Knight of the Green Chapel I am known to many, wherefore if thou seekest - thou canst not fail to find me. Therefore come, or recreant be called." - With a fierce start the reins he turns, rushes out of the hall-door, his - head in his hand, so that the fire of the flint flew from the hoofs of - his foal. To what kingdom he belonged knew none there, nor knew they from - whence he had come. What then?</blockquote> - - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4">"The king and Gawayne there</p> - <p class="i4">At that green (one) they laugh and grin."</p> - </div> - </div> - - <blockquote>Though Arthur wondered much at the marvel, he let no one see - that he was at all troubled about it, but full loudly thus spake to his - comely queen with courteous speech:</blockquote> - - <blockquote>"Dear dame, to-day be never dismayed, well happens such craft - at Christmas time. I may now proceed to meat, for I cannot deny that I - have witnessed a wondrous adventure this day" (ll. 440-475).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>He looked upon Sir Gawayne and said, "Now, sir, hang up thine - axe, for enough has it hewn." So the weapon was hung up on high that all - might look upon it, and "by true title thereof tell the wonder." Then all - the knights hastened to their seats at the table, so did the king and our - good knight, and they were there served with all dainties, "with all - manner of meat and minstrelsy."</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Though words were wanting when they first to seat went, now - are their hands full of stern work, and the marvel affords them good - subject for conversation. But a year passes full quickly and never - returns,—the beginning is seldom like the end; wherefore this - Christmas passed away and the year after, and each season in turn - followed after another (ll. 476-520). Thus winter winds round again, and - then Gawayne thinks of his wearisome journey (ll. 521-535). On - All-hallows day Arthur entertains right nobly the lords and ladies of his - court in honour of his nephew, for whom all courteous knights and lovely - ladies were in great grief. Nevertheless they spoke only of mirth, and, - though joyless themselves, made many a joke to cheer the good Sir Gawayne - (ll. 536-565). Early on the morrow Sir Gawayne, with great ceremony, is - arrayed in his armour (ll. 566-589), and thus completely equipped for his - adventure he first hears mass, and afterwards takes leave of Arthur, the - knights of the Round Table, and the lords and ladies of the court, who - kiss him and commend him to Christ. He bids them all good day, as he - thought, for evermore (ll. 590-669);</blockquote> - - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4">"<i>Very much was the warm water that poured from eyes that day</i>."</p> - </div> - </div> - - <blockquote>Now rides our knight through the realms of England with no - companion but his foal, and no one to hold converse with save God alone. - From Camelot, in Somersetshire, he proceeds through Gloucestershire and - the adjoining counties into Montgomeryshire, and thence through North - Wales to Holyhead, adjoining the Isle of Anglesea (ll. 670-700), from - which he passes into the very narrow peninsula of Wirral, in Cheshire, - where dwelt but few that loved God or man. Gawayne enquires after the - Green Knight of the Green Chapel, but all the inhabitants declare that - they have never seen "any man of such hues of green."</blockquote> - - <blockquote>The knight thence pursues his journey by strange paths, over - hill and moor, encountering on his way not only serpents, wolves, bulls, - bears, and boars, but wood satyrs and giants. But worse than all those, - however, was the sharp winter, "when the cold clear water shed from the - clouds, and froze ere it might fall to the earth. Nearly slain with the - sleet he slept in his armour, more nights than enough, in naked rocks" - (ll. 701-729).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Thus in peril and plight the knight travels on until - Christmas-eve, and to Mary he makes his moan that she may direct him to - some abode. On the morn he arrives at an immense forest, wondrously wild, - surrounded by high hills on every side, where he found hoary oaks full - huge, a hundred together. The hazel and the hawthorn intermingled were - all overgrown with moss, and upon their boughs sat many sad birds that - piteously piped for pain of the cold. Gawayne besought the Lord and Mary - to guide him to some habitation where he might hear mass (ll. 730-762). - Scarcely had he crossed himself thrice, when he perceived a dwelling in - the wood set upon a hill. It was the loveliest castle he had ever beheld. - It was pitched on a prairie, with a park all about it, enclosing many a - tree for more than two miles. It shone as the sun through the bright oaks - (ll. 763-772).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Gawayne urges on his steed Gringolet, and finds himself at - the "chief gate." He called aloud, and soon there appeared a "porter" on - the wall, who demanded his errand.</blockquote> - - <blockquote>"Good sir," quoth Gawayne, "wouldst thou go to the high lord - of this house, and crave a lodging for me?"</blockquote> - - <blockquote>"Yea, by Peter!" replied the porter, "well I know that thou - art welcome to dwell here as long as thou likest."</blockquote> - - <blockquote>The drawbridge is soon let down, and the gates opened wide to - receive the knight. Many noble ones hasten to bid him welcome (ll. - 773-825). They take away his helmet, sword, and shield, and many a proud - one presses forward to do him honour. They bring him into the hall, where - a fire was brightly burning upon the hearth. Then the lord of the land<sup>1</sup> - comes from his chamber and welcomes Sir Gawayne, telling him that he is - to consider the place as his own. Our knight is next conducted to a - bright bower, where was noble bedding—curtains of pure silk, with - golden hems, and Tarsic tapestries upon the walls and the floors (ll. - 826-859). Here the knight doffed his armour and put on rich robes, which - so well became him, that all declared that a more comely knight Christ - had never made (ll. 860-883).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>[<sup>1</sup> Gawayne is now in the castle of the Green - Knight, who, divested of his elvish or supernatural character, appears to - our knight merely as a bold one with a beaver-hued beard.]</blockquote> - - <blockquote>A table is soon raised, and Gawayne, having washed, proceeds - to meat. Many dishes are set before him—"sews" of various kinds, - fish of all kinds, some baked in bread, others broiled on the embers, - some boiled, and others seasoned with spices. The knight expresses - himself well pleased, and calls it a most noble and princely - feast.</blockquote> - - <blockquote>After dinner, in reply to numerous questions, he tells his - host that he is Gawayne, one of the Knights of the Round Table. When this - was made known great was the joy in the hall. Each one said softly to his - companion, "Now we shall see courteous behaviour and learn the terms of - noble discourse, since we have amongst us 'that fine father of nurture.' - Truly God has highly favoured us in sending us such a noble guest as Sir - Gawayne" (ll. 884-927). At the end of the Christmas festival Gawayne - desires to take his departure from the castle, but his host persuades him - to stay, promising to direct him to the Green Chapel (about two miles - from the castle), that he may be there by the appointed time (ll. - 1029-1082).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>A covenant is made between them, the terms of which were that - the lord of the castle should go out early to the chase, that Gawayne - meanwhile should lie in his loft at his ease, then rise at his usual - hour, and afterwards sit at table with his hostess, and that at the end - of the day they should make an exchange of whatever they might obtain in - the interim. "Whatever I win in the wood," says the lord, "shall be - yours, and what thou gettest shall be mine" (ll. 1083-1125).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Full early before daybreak the folk uprise, saddle their - horses, and truss their mails. The noble lord of the land, arrayed for - riding, eats hastily a sop, and having heard mass, proceeds with a - hundred hunters to hunt the wild deer (ll. 1126-1177).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>All this time Gawayne lies in his gay bed. His nap is - disturbed by a little noise at the door, which is softly opened. He - heaves up his head out of the clothes, and, peeping through the curtains, - beholds a most lovely lady (the wife of his host). She came towards the - bed, and the knight laid himself down quickly, pretending to be asleep. - The lady stole to the bed, cast up the curtains, crept within, sat her - softly on the bed-side, and waited some time till the knight should - awake. After lurking awhile under the clothes considering what it all - meant, Gawayne unlocked his eyelids, and put on a look of surprise, at - the same time making the sign of the cross, as if afraid of some hidden - danger (ll. 1178-1207). "Good morrow, sir," said that fair lady, "ye are - a careless sleeper to let one enter thus. I shall bind you in your bed, - of that be ye sure." "Good morrow," quoth Gawayne, "I shall act according - to your will with great pleasure, but permit me to rise that I may the - more comfortably converse with you." "Nay, beau sir," said that sweet - one, "ye shall not rise from your bed, for since I have caught my knight - I shall hold talk with him. I ween well that ye are Sir Gawayne that all - the world worships, whose honour and courtesy are so greatly praised. Now - ye are here, and we are alone (my lord and his men being afar off, other - men, too, are in bed, so are my maidens), and the door is safely closed, - I shall use my time well while it lasts. Ye are welcome to my person to - do with it as ye please, and I will be your servant" (ll. - 1208-1240).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Gawayne behaves most discreetly, for the remembrance of his - forthcoming adventure at the Green Chapel prevents him from thinking of - love (ll. 1205-1289). At last the lady takes leave of the knight by - catching him in her arms and kissing him (ll. 1290-1307). The day passes - away merrily, and at dusk the Lord of the castle returns from the chase. - He presents the venison to Gawayne according to the previous covenant - between them. Our knight gives his host a kiss as the only piece of good - fortune that had fallen to him during the day. "It is good," says the - other, "and would be much better if ye would tell me where ye won such - bliss" (ll. 1308-1394). "That was not in our covenant," replies Gawayne, - "so try me no more." After much laughing on both sides they proceed to - supper, and afterwards, while the choice wine is being carried round, - Gawayne and his host renew their agreement. Late at night they take leave - of each other and hasten to their beds. "By the time that the cock had - crowed and cackled thrice" the lord was up, and after "meat and mass" - were over the hunters make for the woods, where they give chase to a wild - boar who had grown old and mischievous (ll. 1395-1467).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>While the sportsmen are hunting this "wild swine" our lovely - knight lies in his bed. He is not forgotten by the lady, who pays him an - early visit, seeking to make further trial of his virtues. She sits - softly by his side and tells him that he has forgotten what she taught - him the day before (ll. 1468-1486). "I taught you of kissing," says she; - "that becomes every courteous knight." Gawayne says that he must not take - that which is forbidden him. The lady replies that he is strong enough to - enforce his own wishes. Our knight answers that every gift not given with - a good will is worthless. His fair visitor then enquires how it is that - he who is so skilled in the true sport of love and so renowned a knight, - has never talked to her of love (ll. 1487-1524). "You ought," she says, - "to show and teach a young thing like me some tokens of true-love's - crafts; I come hither and sit here alone to learn of you some game; do - teach me of your wit while my lord is from home." Gawayne replies that he - cannot undertake the task of expounding true-love and tales of arms to - one who has far more wisdom than he possesses. Thus did our knight avoid - all appearance of evil, though sorely pressed to do what was wrong (ll. - 1525-1552). The lady, having bestowed two kisses upon Sir Gawayne, takes - her leave of him (ll. 1553-1557).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>At the end of the day the lord of the castle returns home - with the shields and head of the wild boar. He shows them to his guest, - who declares that "such a brawn of a beast, nor such sides of a swine," - he never before has seen. Gawayne takes possession of the spoil according - to covenant, and in return he bestows two kisses upon his host, who - declares that his guest has indeed been rich with "such chaffer" (ll. - 1558-1647).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>After much persuasion, Gawayne consents to stop at the castle - another day (ll. 1648-1685). Early on the morrow the lord and his men - hasten to the woods, and come upon the track of a fox, the hunting of - which affords them plenty of employment and sport (ll. 1686-1730). - Meanwhile our good knight sleeps soundly within his comely curtains. He - is again visited by the lady of the castle. So gaily was she attired, and - so "faultless of her features," that great joy warmed the heart of Sir - Gawayne. With soft and pleasant smiles "they smite into mirth," and are - soon engaged in conversation. Had not Mary thought of her knight, he - would have been in great peril (ll. 1731-1769). So sorely does the fair - one press him with her love, that he fears lest he should become a - traitor to his host. The lady enquires whether he has a mistress to whom - he has plighted his troth. The knight swears by St John that he neither - has nor desires one. This answer causes the dame to sigh for sorrow, and - telling him that she must depart, she asks for some gift, if it were only - a glove, by which she might "think on the knight and lessen her grief" - (ll. 1770-1800). Gawayne assures her that he has nothing worthy of her - acceptance; that he is on an "uncouth errand," and therefore has "no men - with no mails containing precious things," for which he is truly - sorry.</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Quoth that lovesome (one)—</blockquote> - - <div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p class="i4">"Though I had nought of yours,</p> - <p class="i4"> Yet should ye have of mine.</p> - </div> - </div> - - <blockquote>Thus saying, she offers him a rich ring of red gold "with a - shining stone standing aloft," that shone like the beams of the bright - sun. The knight refused the gift, as he had nothing to give in return. - "Since ye refuse my ring," says the lady, "because it seems too rich, and - ye would not be beholden to me, I shall give you my girdle that is less - valuable" (ll. 1801-1835). But Gawayne replies that he will not accept - gold or reward of any kind, though "ever in hot and in cold" he will be - her true servant.</blockquote> - - <blockquote>"Do ye refuse it," asks the lady, "because it seems simple - and of little value? Whoso knew the virtues that are knit therein would - estimate it more highly. For he who is girded with this green lace cannot - be wounded or slain by any man under heaven." The knight thinks awhile, - and it strikes him that this would be a "jewel for the jeopardy" that he - had to undergo at the Green Chapel. So he not only accepts the lace, but - promises to keep the possession of it a secret (ll. 1836-1865). By that - time the lady had kissed him thrice, and she then takes "her leave and - leaves him there."</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Gawayne rises, dresses himself in noble array, and conceals - the "love lace" where he might find it again. He then hies to mass, - shrives him of his misdeeds, and obtains absolution. On his return to the - hall he solaces the ladies with comely carols and all kinds of joy (ll. - 1866-1892). The dark night came, and then the lord of the castle, having - slain the fox, returns to his "dear home," where he finds a fire brightly - turning and his guest amusing the ladies (ll. 1893-1927). Gawayne, in - fulfilment of his agreement, kisses his host thrice.<sup>1</sup> "By Christ," - quoth the other knight, "ye have caught much bliss. I have hunted all - this day and nought have I got but the skin of this foul fox (the devil - have the goods!), and that is full poor for to pay for such precious - things" (ll. 1928-1951).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>After the usual evening's entertainment, Gawayne retires to - rest. The next morning, being New Year's day, is cold and stormy. Snow - falls, and the dales are full of drift. Our knight in his bed locks his - eyelids, but full little he sleeps. By each cock that crows he knows the - hour, and before day-break he calls for his chamberlain, who quickly - brings him his armour (ll. 1952-2014). While Gawayne clothed himself in - his rich weeds he forgot not the "lace, the lady's gift," but with it - doubly girded his loins. He wore it not for its rich ornaments, "but to - save himself when it behoved him to suffer," and as a safeguard against - sword or knife (ll. 2015-2046).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Having thanked his host and all the renowned assembly for the - great kindness he had experienced at their hands, "he steps into stirrups - and strides aloft" (ll. 2047-2068).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>The drawbridge is let down, and the broad gates unbarred and - borne open upon both sides, and the knight, after commending the castle - to Christ, passes thereout and goes on his way accompanied by his guide, - that should teach him to turn to that place where he should receive the - much-dreaded blow. They climb over cliffs, where each hill had a hat and - a mist-cloak, until the next morn, when they find themselves on a full - high hill covered with snow. The servant bids his master remain awhile, - saying, "I have brought you hither at this time, and now ye are not far - from that noted place that ye have so often enquired after. The place - that ye press to is esteemed full perilous, and there dwells a man in - that waste the worst upon earth, for he is stiff and stern and loves to - strike, and greater is he than any man upon middle-earth, and his body is - bigger than the best four in Arthur's house. He keeps the Green Chapel; - there passes none by that place, however proud in arms, that he does not - 'ding him to death with dint of his hand.' He is a man immoderate and 'no - mercy uses,' for be it churl or chaplain that by the chapel rides, monk - or mass-priest, or any man else, it is as pleasant to him to kill them as - to go alive himself. Wherefore I tell thee truly, 'come ye there, ye be - killed, though ye had twenty lives to spend. He has dwelt there long of - yore, and on field much sorrow has wrought. Against his sore dints ye may - not defend you' (ll. 2069-2117). Therefore, good Sir Gawayne, let the man - alone, and for God's sake go by some other path, and then I shall hie me - home again. I swear to you by</blockquote> - - <blockquote>[<sup>1</sup> He only in part keeps to his covenant, as he - holds back the <i>love-lace</i>.]</blockquote> - - <blockquote>God and all His saints that I will never say that ever ye - attempted to flee from any man." </blockquote> - - <blockquote>Gawayne thanks his guide for his well-meant kindness, but - declares that to the Green Chapel he will go, though the owner thereof be - "a stern knave," for God can devise means to save his - servants.</blockquote> - - <blockquote>"Mary!" quoth the other, "since it pleases thee to lose thy - life I will not hinder thee. Have thy helmet on thy head, thy spear in - thy hand, and ride down this path by yon rock-side, till thou be brought - to the bottom of the valley. Then look a little on the plain, on thy left - hand, and thou shalt see in that slade the chapel itself, and the burly - knight that guards it (ll. 2118-2148). Now, farewell Gawayne the noble! - for all the gold upon ground I would not go with thee nor bear thee - fellowship through this wood 'on foot farther.'" Thus having spoken, he - gallops away and leaves the knight alone.</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Gawayne now pursues his journey, rides through the dale, and - looks about. He sees no signs of a resting-place, but only high and steep - banks, and the very shadows of the high woods seemed wild and distorted. - No chapel, however, could he discover. After a while he sees a round hill - by the side of a stream; thither he goes, alights, and fastens his horse - to the branch of a tree. He walks about the hill, debating with himself - what it might be. It had a hole in the one end and on each side, and - everywhere overgrown with grass, but whether it was only an old cave or a - crevice of an old crag he could not tell (ll. 2149-2188).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>"Now, indeed," quoth Gawayne, "a desert is here; this oratory - is ugly with herbs overgrown. It is a fitting place for the man in green - to 'deal here his devotions after the devil's manner.' Now I feel it is - the fiend (the devil) in my five wits that has covenanted with me that he - may destroy me. This is a chapel of misfortune—evil betide it! It - is the most cursed kirk that ever I came in." With his helmet on his - head, and spear in his hand, he roams up to the rock, and then he hears - from that high hill beyond the brook a wondrous wild noise. Lo! it - clattered in the cliff as if one upon a grindstone were grinding a - scythe. It whirred like the water at a mill, and rushed and re-echoed, - terrible to hear. "Though my life I forgo," says Gawayne, "no noise shall - cause me to fear."</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Then he cried aloud, "Who dwells in this place, discourse - with me to hold? For now is good Gawayne going right here if any brave - wight will hie him hither, either now or never" (ll. - 2189-2216).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>"Abide," quoth one on the bank above, over his head, "and - thou shalt have all in haste that I promised thee once."</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Soon there comes out of a hole in the crag, with a fell - weapon a Danish axe quite new, the "man in the green," clothed as at - first as his legs, locks and beard. But now he is on foot and walks on - the earth. When he reaches the stream, he hops over and boldly strides - about. He meets Sir Gawayne, who tells him that he is quite ready to - fulfil his part of the compact. "Gawayne," quoth that 'green gome' (man), - "may God preserve thee! Truly thou art welcome to my place, 'and thou - hast timed thy travel' as a true man should. Thou knowest the covenants - made between us, at this time twelve-month, that on New Year's day I - should return thee thy blow. We are now in this valley by ourselves, and - can do as we please (ll. 2217-2246). Have, therefore, thy helmet off thy - head, and 'have here thy pay.' Let us have no more talk than when thou - didst strike off my head with a single blow."</blockquote> - - <blockquote>"Nay, by God!" quoth Gawayne, "I shall not begrudge thee thy - will for any harm that may happen, but will stand still while thou - strikest."</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Then he stoops a little and shows his bare neck, unmoved by - any fear. The Green Knight takes up his "grim tool," and with all his - force raises it aloft, as if he meant utterly to destroy him. As the axe - came gliding down Gawayne "shrank a little with the shoulders from the - sharp iron." The other withheld his weapon, and then reproved the prince - with many proud words. "Thou art not Gawayne that is so good esteemed, - that never feared for no host by hill nor by vale, for now thou fleest - for fear before thou feelest harm (ll. 2247-2272). Such cowardice of that - knight did I never hear. I never flinched nor fled when thou didst aim at - me in King Arthur's house. My head flew to my feet and yet I never fled, - wherefore I deserve to be called the better man."</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Quoth Gawayne, "I shunted once, but will do so no more, - though my head fall on the stones. But hasten and bring me to the point; - deal me my destiny, and do it out of hand, for I shall stand thee a - stroke and start no more until thine axe has hit me—have here my - troth." "Have at thee, then," said the other, and heaves the axe aloft, - and looks as savagely as if he were mad. He aims at the other mightily, - but withholds his hand ere it might hurt. Gawayne readily abides the blow - without flinching with any member, and stood still as a stone or a tree - fixed in rocky ground with a hundred roots.</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Then merrily the other did speak, "Since now thou hast thy - heart whole it behoves me to strike, so take care of thy neck." Gawayne - answers with great wroth, "Thrash on, thou fierce man, thou threatenest - too long; I believe thy own heart fails thee."</blockquote> - - <blockquote>"Forsooth," quoth the other, "since thou speakest so boldly, - I will no longer delay" (ll. 2273-2304). Then, contracting "both lips and - brow," he made ready to strike, and let fall his axe on the bare neck of - Sir Gawayne. "Though he hammered" fiercely, he only "severed the hide," - causing the blood to flow. When Gawayne saw his blood on the snow, he - quickly seized his helmet and placed it on his head. Then he drew out his - bright sword, and thus angrily spoke: "Cease, man, of thy blow, bid me no - more. I have received a stroke in this place without opposition, but if - thou givest me any more readily shall I requite thee, of that be thou - sure. Our covenant stipulates one stroke, and therefore now - cease."</blockquote> - - <blockquote>The Green Knight, resting on his axe, looks on Sir Gawayne, - as bold and fearless he there stood, and then with a loud voice thus - addresses the knight: "Bold knight, be not so wroth, no man here has - wronged thee (ll. 2305-2339); I promised thee a stroke, and thou hast it, - so hold thee well pleased. I could have dealt much worse with thee, and - caused thee much sorrow. Two blows I aimed at thee, for twice thou - kissedst my fair wife; but I struck thee not, because thou restoredst - them to me according to agreement. At the third time thou failedst, and - therefore I have given thee that tap. That woven girdle, given thee by my - own wife, belongs to me. I know well thy kisses, thy conduct also, and - the wooing of my wife, for I wrought it myself. I sent her to try thee, - and truly methinks thou art the most faultless man that ever on foot - went. Still, sir, thou wert wanting in good faith; but as it proceeded - from no immorality, thou being only desirous of saving thy life, the less - I blame thee."</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Gawayne stood confounded, the blood rushed into his face, and - he shrank within himself for very shame. "Cursed," he cried, "be - cowardice and covetousness both; in you are villany and vice, that virtue - destroy." Then he takes off the girdle and throws it to the knight in - green, cursing his cowardice and covetousness. The Green Knight, - laughing, thus spoke: "Thou hast confessed so clean, and acknowledged thy - faults, that I hold thee as pure as thou hadst never forfeited since thou - wast first born. I give thee, sir, the gold-hemmed girdle as a token of - thy adventure at the Green Chapel. Come now to my castle, and we shall - enjoy together the festivities of the New Year" (ll. - 2340-2406).</blockquote> - - <blockquote>"Nay, forsooth," quoth the knight, "but for your kindness may - God requite you. Commend me to that courteous one your comely wife, who - with her crafts has beguiled me. But it is no uncommon thing for a man to - come to sorrow through women's wiles; for so was Adam beguiled with one, - and Solomon with many. Samson was destroyed by Delilah, and David - suffered much through Bathsheba. <i>'It were indeed great bliss for a man - to love them well and believe them not.'</i> Since the greatest upon - earth were so beguiled, methinks I should be excused. But God reward you - for your girdle, which I will ever wear in remembrance of my fault, and - when pride shall exalt me, a look to this love-lace shall lessen it (ll. - 2407-2438). But since ye are the lord of yonder land, from whom I have - received so much honour, tell me truly your right name, and I shall ask - no more questions."</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Quoth the other, "I am called Bernlak de Hautdesert, through - might of Morgain la Fay, who dwells in my house. Much has she learnt of - Merlin, who knows all your knights at home. She brought me to your hall - for to essay the prowess of the Round Table. She wrought this wonder to - bereave you of your wits, hoping to have grieved Guenever and affrighted - her to death by means of the man that spoke with his head in his hand - before the high table. She is even thine aunt, Arthur's half sister; - wherefore come to thine aunt, for all my household love - thee."</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Gawayne refuses to accompany the Green Knight, and so, with - many embraces and kind wishes, they separate—the one to his castle, - the other to Arthur's court.</blockquote> - - <blockquote>After passing through many wild ways, our knight recovers - from the wound in his neck, and at last comes safe and sound to the court - of King Arthur. Great then was the joy of all; the king and queen kiss - their brave knight, and make many enquiries about his journey. He tells - them of his adventures, hiding nothing—"the chance of the chapel, - the cheer of the knight, the love of the lady, and lastly of the lace." - Groaning for grief and shame he shows them the cut in his neck, which he - had received for his unfaithfulness (ll. 2439-2504). The king and his - courtiers comfort the knight—they laugh loudly at his adventures, - and unanimously agree that those lords and ladies that belonged to the - Round Table, and each knight of the brotherhood should ever after wear a - bright green belt for Gawayne's sake. And he upon whom it was conferred - honoured it evermore after.</blockquote> - - <blockquote>Thus in Arthur's time this adventure befell, whereof the - "Brutus Books" bear witness (ll. 2505-2530).</blockquote> - - <p>I need not say that the <i>Brutus Books</i> we possess do not contain - the legend here set forth, though it is not much more improbable than - some of the statements contained in them. If the reader desires to know - the relation in which this and the like stories stand to the original - Arthur legends, he will find it discussed in Sir F. Madden's Preface to - his edition of "Syr Gawayne," which also contains a sketch of the very - different views taken of Sir Gawayne by the different Romance - writers.</p> - - <p>Into this and other <i>literary</i> questions I do not enter here, as - I have nothing to add to Sir F. Madden's statements; but in the text of - the Poem I have differed from him in some few readings, which will be - found noticed in the Notes and Glossary.</p> - - <p>As the manuscript is fast fading, I am glad that the existence of the - Early English Text Society has enabled us to secure a wider diffusion of - its contents before the original shall be no longer legible.</p> - - <p>We want nothing but an increased supply of members to enable us to - give to a large circle of readers many an equally interesting record of - Early English minds.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYȜT.</h2> - -<h2>[FYTTE THE FIRST.]</h2> - -<h2>I.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 91<i>a</i>.]<br />After the siege of Troy</span> - <p>Sien e sege & e assaut watȝ sesed at Troye,</p> - <p>e borȝ brittened & brent to brondeȝ & askeȝ,</p> - <p>e tulk at e tra<i>m</i>mes of tresou<i>n</i> <i>er</i> wroȝt,</p> -<span class="linenum">4</span> - <p>Watȝ tried for his tricherie, e trewest on erthe;</p> - <p>Hit watȝ Ennias e athel, & his high<i>e</i> kynde,</p> - <p>at sien depreced p<i>ro</i>uinces, & patrou<i>n</i>es bicome</p> - <p>Welneȝe of al e wele i<i>n</i> e west iles,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Romulus built Rome,</span> -<span class="linenum">8</span> - <p>Fro riche Romulus to Rome ricchis hy<i>m</i> swye,</p> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gret bobbau<i>n</i>ce at burȝe he biges vpon fyrst,</p> - <p>& neuenes hit his aune nome, as hit now hat;</p> - <p>Ticius to Tuskan [turnes,] & teldes bigy<i>n</i>nes;</p> -<span class="linenum">12</span> - <p>Langaberde i<i>n</i> Lu<i>m</i>bardie lyftes vp homes;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and Felix Brutus founded Britain,</span> - <p>& fer ou<i>er</i> e French flod Felix Brut<i>us</i></p> - <p>On mony bonkkes ful brode Bretayn he setteȝ,</p> - <p class="i8">wyth wy<i>n</i>ne;</p> - <span class="sidenote">a land of war and wonder,</span> -<span class="linenum">16</span> - <p class="i4">Where werre, & wrake, & wonder,</p> - <p class="i4">Bi syeȝ hatȝ wont <i>er</i>-i<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and oft of bliss and blunder.</span> - <p class="i4">& oft boe blysse & blu<i>n</i>der</p> - <p class="i4">Ful skete hatȝ skyfted sy<i>n</i>ne.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>II.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> -<span class="linenum">20</span> - <p>Ande quen is Bretayn watȝ bigged bi is burn rych,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Bold men increased in the Land,</span> - <p>Bolde bredden er-i<i>n</i>ne, baret at lofden,</p> - <p>In mony turned tyme tene at wroȝten;</p> - <p>Mo ferlyes on is folde han fallen here oft</p> - <span class="sidenote">and many marvels happened.</span> -<span class="linenum">24</span> - <p>en in any o<i>er</i> at I wot, syn at ilk tyme.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Of all Britain's kings Arthur was the noblest.</span> - <p>Bot of alle at here bult of Bretaygne ky<i>n</i>ges</p> - <p>Ay watȝ Arthur e hendest; as I haf herde telle;</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 91<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p>For-i an au<i>n</i>t<i>er</i> in erde I attle to schawe,</p> -<span class="linenum">28</span> - <p>at a selly in siȝt su<i>m</i>me men hit holden,</p> - <p>& an outtrage awenture of Arthureȝ wond<i>er</i>eȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Listen a while and ye shall hear the story of an "outrageous adventure."</span> - <p>If ȝe wyl lysten is laye bot on littel quile,</p> - <p>I schal telle hit, as-tit, as I i<i>n</i> tou<i>n</i> herde,</p> -<span class="linenum">32</span> - <p class="i8">w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> tonge;</p> - <p class="i4">As hit is stad & stoken,</p> - <p class="i4">In stori stif & stronge,</p> - <p class="i4">W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> lel lett<i>er</i>es loken,</p> -<span class="linenum">36</span> - <p class="i4">I<i>n</i> londe so hatȝ ben longe.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>III.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur held at Camelot his Christmas feast,</span> - <p>is ky<i>n</i>g lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse,</p> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony luflych lorde, ledeȝ of e best,</p> - <span class="sidenote">with all the knights of the Round Table,</span> - <p>Rekenly of e rou<i>n</i>de table alle o rich bre<i>er</i>,</p> -<span class="linenum">40</span> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> rych reuel oryȝt, & rechles m<i>er</i>es;</p> - <p><i>er</i> to<i>ur</i>nayed tulkes bi-tymeȝ ful mony,</p> - <p>Iusted ful Iolil ise gentyle kniȝtes,</p> - <p>Syen kayred to e court, caroles to make.</p> - <span class="sidenote">full fifteen days.</span> -<span class="linenum">44</span> - <p>For er e fest watȝ ilyche ful fiften dayes,</p> - <p>With alle e mete & e mire at me<i>n</i> coue a-vyse;</p> - <p>Such glaumande gle glorio<i>us</i> to here,</p> - <p>Dere dyn vp-on day, dau<i>n</i>sy<i>n</i>g on nyȝtes,</p> - <span class="sidenote">All was joy in hall and chamber,</span> -<span class="linenum">48</span> - <p>Al watȝ hap vpon heȝe i<i>n</i> halleȝ & chambreȝ,</p> - <p>With lordeȝ & ladies, as leuest hi<i>m</i> oȝt;</p> - <p>With all e wele of e worlde ay woned <i>er</i> samen,</p> - <span class="sidenote">among brave knights and lovely ladies,</span> - <p>e most kyd knyȝteȝ vnder kryst<i>e</i> seluen,</p> -<span class="linenum">52</span> - <p>& e louelokkest ladies at eu<i>er</i> lif haden,</p> - <p>& he e comlokest ky<i>n</i>g at e court haldes;</p> - <p>For al watȝ is fayre folk i<i>n</i> her first age,</p> - <p class="i8">on sille;</p> - <span class="sidenote">the happiest under heaven.</span> -<span class="linenum">56</span> - <p class="i4">e hapnest vnder heuen,</p> - <p class="i4">Ky<i>n</i>g hyȝest mo<i>n</i> of wylle,</p> - <p class="i4">Hit were<sup>1</sup> now gret nye to neue<i>n</i></p> - <p class="i4">So hardy a here o<i>n</i> hille.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. werere. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>IV.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">They celebrate the New Year with great joy.</span> -<span class="linenum">60</span> - <p>Wyle nw ȝer watȝ so ȝep at h<i>i</i>t watȝ nwe cu<i>m</i>men,</p> - <p>at day doubble on e dece watȝ e douth serued,</p> - <p>Fro e ky<i>n</i>g watȝ cu<i>m</i>men w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> knyȝt<i>es</i> i<i>n</i> to e halle,</p> - <p>e chau<i>n</i>tre of e chapel cheued to an ende;</p> -<span class="linenum">64</span> - <p>Loude crye watȝ er kest of clerkeȝ & oer,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 92]</span> - <p>Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte;</p> - <p>& syen riche forth ru<i>n</i>nen to reche honde-selle,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gifts are demanded and bestowed.</span> - <p>Ȝeȝed ȝeres ȝiftes on hiȝ, ȝelde hem bi hond,</p> -<span class="linenum">68</span> - <p>Debated busyly aboute o giftes;</p> - <p>Ladies laȝed ful loude, oȝ ay lost haden,</p> - <p>& he at wan watȝ not wrothe, <i>a</i>t may ȝe wel trawe.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Lords and ladies take their seats at the table.</span> - <p>Alle is mire ay maden to e mete tyme;</p> -<span class="linenum">72</span> - <p>When ay had waschen, woryly ay wenten to sete,</p> - <p>e best burne ay abof, as hit best semed;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Queen Guenever appears gaily dressed.</span> - <p>Whene Guenore ful gay, grayed i<i>n</i> e myddes.</p> - <p>Dressed on e dere des, dubbed al aboute,</p> -<span class="linenum">76</span> - <p>Smal sendal bisides, a selure hir ou<i>er</i></p> - <p>Of tryed Tolouse, of Tars tapites i<i>n</i>-nogh<i>e</i>,</p> - <p>at were enbrawded & beten wyth e best ge<i>m</i>mes,</p> - <p>at myȝt be preued of prys wyth penyes to bye,</p> -<span class="linenum">80</span> - <p class="i8">in daye;</p> - <span class="sidenote">A lady fairer of form might no one say he had ever before seen.</span> - <p class="i4">e comlokest to discrye,</p> - <p class="i4">er glent w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> yȝen gray,</p> - <p class="i4">A semloker at eu<i>er</i> he syȝe,</p> -<span class="linenum">84</span> - <p class="i4">Soth moȝt no mon say.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>V.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur would not eat,</span> - <p>Bot Arthure wolde not ete til al were serued,</p> - <p>He watȝ so Ioly of his Ioyfnes, & su<i>m</i>-quat child gered,</p> - <p>His lif liked hy<i>m</i> lyȝt, he louied e lasse</p> - <span class="sidenote">nor would he long sit</span> -<span class="linenum">88</span> - <p>Au<i>er</i> to lenge lye, or to longe sitte,</p> - <p>So bi-sied him his ȝonge blod & his brayn wylde;</p> - <p>& also ano<i>er</i> maner meued hi<i>m</i> eke,</p> - <p>at he urȝ nobelay had nomen, ho wolde neu<i>er</i> ete</p> -<span class="linenum">92</span> - <p>Vpon such a dere day, er hy<i>m</i> deuised were</p> - <span class="sidenote">until he had witnessed a "wondrous adventure" of some kind.</span> - <p>Of su<i>m</i> auentur<i>us</i> y<i>n</i>g an vncoue tale,</p> - <p>Of su<i>m</i> mayn m<i>er</i>uayle, at he myȝt trawe,</p> - <p>Of<sup>1</sup> alderes, of armes, of o<i>er</i> auentur<i>us</i>,</p> -<span class="linenum">96</span> - <p>O<i>er</i> sum segg hy<i>m</i> bi-soȝt of su<i>m</i> siker knyȝt,</p> - <p>To Ioyne wyth hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> iusty<i>n</i>g in Iopard to lay,</p> - <p>Lede lif for lyf, leue vchon o<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>As fortune wolde fulsu<i>n</i> ho<i>m</i> e fayrer to haue.</p> -<span class="linenum">100</span> - <p>is watȝ [e] ky<i>n</i>ges cou<i>n</i>tenau<i>n</i>ce where he i<i>n</i> co<i>ur</i>t were,</p> - <p>At vch farand fest amo<i>n</i>g his fre meny,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 92<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p class="i8">in halle;</p> - <span class="sidenote">He of face so bold makes much mirth with all.</span> - <p class="i4">er-fore of face so fere.</p> -<span class="linenum">104</span> - <p class="i4">He stiȝtleȝ stif in stalle,</p> - <p class="i4">Ful ȝep i<i>n</i> at nw ȝere,</p> - <p class="i4">Much mirthe he mas w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> alle.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> Of of, in MS. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>VI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The king talks with his knights.</span> - <p>Thus <i>er</i> stondes i<i>n</i> stale e stif ky<i>n</i>g his-seluen,</p> -<span class="linenum">108</span> - <p>Talkkande bifore e hyȝe table of trifles ful hende</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne,</span> - <p>There gode Gawan watȝ g<i>ra</i>yed, Gwenore bisyde</p> - <span class="sidenote">Agravayn,</span> - <p>& Ag<i>ra</i>uayn a la dure mayn on at o<i>er</i> syde sittes</p> - <p>Boe e ky<i>n</i>ges sist<i>er</i> su<i>n</i>es, & ful siker kniȝtes;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Bishop Bawdewyn,</span> -<span class="linenum">112</span> - <p>Bischop Bawdewyn abof bi-gineȝ e table,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and Ywain sit on the dais.</span> - <p>& Ywan, Vryn son, ette wit hy<i>m</i>-seluen;</p> - <p>ise were diȝt on e des, & derworly serued,</p> - <p>& sien mony siker segge at e sidbordeȝ.</p> - <span class="sidenote">The first course is served with cracking of trumpets.</span> -<span class="linenum">116</span> - <p>e<i>n</i> e first cors come with crakky<i>n</i>g of tru<i>m</i>pes,</p> - <p>Wyth mony baner ful bryȝt, at er-bi henged,</p> - <p>Nwe nakryn noyse w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> e noble pipes,</p> - <p>Wylde werbles & wyȝt wakned lote,</p> -<span class="linenum">120</span> - <p>at mony hert ful hiȝe hef at her towches;</p> - <span class="sidenote">It consisted of all dainties in season.</span> - <p>Dayntes dryuen er-wyth of ful dere metes,</p> - <p>Foysou<i>n</i> of e fresche, & on so fele disches,</p> - <p>at pine to fynde e place e peple bi-forne</p> -<span class="linenum">124</span> - <p>For to sette e syluen<i>er</i>,<sup>1</sup> at sere sewes halden,</p> - <p class="i8">on clothe;</p> - <p class="i4">Iche lede as he loued hy<i>m</i>-selue</p> - <p class="i4">er laght w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-outen loe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Each two had dishes twelve,</span> -<span class="linenum">128</span> - <p class="i4">Ay two had disches twelue,</p> - <span class="sidenote">good beer and bright wine both.</span> - <p class="i4">Good ber, & bryȝt wyn boe.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> svlu<i>er</i>en (?) (dishes). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>VII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">There was no want of anything.</span> - <p>Now wyl I of hor seruise say yow no more,</p> - <p>For veh wyȝe may wel wit no wont at <i>er</i> were;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Scarcely had the first course commenced,</span> -<span class="linenum">132</span> - <p>An o<i>er</i> noyse ful newe neȝed biliue,</p> - <p>at e lude myȝt haf leue lif-lode to cach.</p> - <p>For vnee watȝ e noyce not a whyle sesed,</p> - <p>& e fyrst co<i>ur</i>ce i<i>n</i> e co<i>ur</i>t kyndely serued,</p> - <span class="sidenote">when there rushes in at the hall-door a knight;</span> -<span class="linenum">136</span> - <p>er hales i<i>n</i> at e halle dor an aghlich mayst<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>On e most on e molde on mesure hygh<i>e</i>;</p> - <p>Fro e swyre to e swange so sware & so ik,</p> - <span class="sidenote">the tallest on earth</span> - <p>& his lyndes & his lymes so longe & so grete,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 93.]</span> -<span class="linenum">140</span> - <p>Half etayn i<i>n</i> erde I hope at he were.</p> - <span class="sidenote">he must have been.</span> - <p>Bot mon most I algate my<i>n</i>n hy<i>m</i> to bene,</p> - <p>& at e myriest i<i>n</i> his muckel at myȝt ride;</p> - <span class="sidenote">His back and breast were great,</span> - <p>For of bak & of brest al were his bodi sturne,</p> - <span class="sidenote">but his belly and waist were small.</span> -<span class="linenum">144</span> - <p>Bot his wombe & his wast were worthily smale,</p> - <p>& alle his fetures folȝande, i<i>n</i> forme at he hade,</p> - <p class="i8">ful clene;</p> - <p class="i4">For wonder of his hwe me<i>n</i> hade,</p> -<span class="linenum">148</span> - <p class="i4">Set i<i>n</i> his semblau<i>n</i>t sene;</p> - <p class="i4">He ferde as freke were fade,</p> - <p class="i4">& ou<i>er</i>-al enker grene.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>VIII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He was clothed entirely in green.</span> - <p>Ande al grayed i<i>n</i> grene is gome & his wedes,</p> -<span class="linenum">152</span> - <p>A strayt cote ful streȝt, at stek on his sides,</p> - <p>A mere mantile abof, mensked w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> pelure pured apert e pane ful clene,</p> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> blye blau<i>n</i>n<i>er</i> ful bryȝt, & his hod boe,</p> -<span class="linenum">156</span> - <p>at watȝ laȝt fro his lokkeȝ, & layde on his schulderes</p> - <p>Heme wel haled, hose of at same grene,</p> - <span class="sidenote">His spurs were of bright gold.</span> - <p>at spenet on his sparlyr, & clene spures vnder,</p> - <p>Of bryȝt golde, vpon silk bordes, barred ful ryche</p> -<span class="linenum">160</span> - <p>& scholes vnder schankes, ere e schalk rides;</p> - <p>& alle his vesture uerayly watȝ clene v<i>er</i>dure,</p> - <p>Boe e barres of his belt & o<i>er</i> blye stones,</p> - <p><i>a</i>t were richely rayled i<i>n</i> his aray clene,</p> - <span class="sidenote">His saddle was embroidered with birds and flies.</span> -<span class="linenum">164</span> - <p>Aboutte hy<i>m</i>-self & his sadel, vpon silk werkeȝ,</p> - <p>at were to tor for to telle of tryfles e halue,</p> - <p>at were enbrauded abof, wyth bryddes & flyȝes,</p> - <p>With gay gaudi of grene, e golde ay i<i>n</i> myddes;</p> -<span class="linenum">168</span> - <p>e pendau<i>n</i>tes of his payttrure, e proude cropure</p> - <p>His molaynes, & alle e metail anamayld was e<i>n</i>ne</p> - <p>e steropes at he stod on, stayned of e same,</p> - <p>& his arsou<i>n</i>ȝ al after, & his ael sturtes,</p> -<span class="linenum">172</span> - <p>at euer glem<i>er</i>ed<sup>1</sup> & glent al of grene stones.</p> - <span class="sidenote">The foal that he rode upon was green;</span> - <p>e fole at he ferkkes on, fyn of at ilke,</p> - <p class="i8">sertayn;</p> - <p class="i4">A grene hors gret & ikke,</p> - <span class="sidenote">it was a steed full stiff to guide.</span> -<span class="linenum">176</span> - <p class="i4">A stede ful stif to strayne,</p> - <p class="i4">I<i>n</i> brawden brydel quik,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 93<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p class="i4">To e gome he watȝ ful gayn.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> glemed (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>IX.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Gaily was the knight attired.</span> - <p>Wel gay watȝ is gome gered i<i>n</i> grene,</p> -<span class="linenum">180</span> - <p>& e here of his hed of his hors swete;</p> - <p>Fayre fannand fax vmbe-foldes his schulderes;</p> - <span class="sidenote">His great beard, like a bush, hung on his breast.</span> - <p>A much berd as<sup>1</sup> a busk ou<i>er</i> his brest henges,</p> - <p>at wyth his hiȝlich here, at of his hed reches,</p> -<span class="linenum">184</span> - <p>Watȝ euesed al vmbe-torne, a-bof his elbowes,</p> - <p>at half his armes er vnder were halched i<i>n</i> e wyse</p> - <p>Of a ky<i>n</i>geȝ capados, at closes his swyre.</p> - <span class="sidenote">The horse's mane was decked with golden threads.</span> - <p>e mane of at mayn hors much to hit lyke,</p> -<span class="linenum">188</span> - <p>Wel cresped & ce<i>m</i>med wyth knottes ful mony,</p> - <p>Folden i<i>n</i> wyth fildore aboute e fayre grene,</p> - <p>Ay a herle of e here, an o<i>er</i> of golde;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Its tail was bound with a green band.</span> - <p>e tayl & his toppy<i>n</i>g twy<i>n</i>nen of a sute,</p> -<span class="linenum">192</span> - <p>& bou<i>n</i>den boe wyth a bande of a bryȝt grene,</p> - <p>Dubbed wyth ful dere stoneȝ, as e dok lasted,</p> - <p>Syen rawen wyth a wong a warle knot alofte,</p> - <p>er mony belleȝ ful bryȝt of brende golde rungen.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Such a foal nor a knight were never before seen.</span> -<span class="linenum">196</span> - <p>Such a fole vpon folde, ne freke at hy<i>m</i> rydes,</p> - <p>Watȝ neu<i>er</i> sene i<i>n</i> at sale wyth syȝt er at tyme,</p> - <p class="i8">w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> yȝe;</p> - <p class="i4">He loked as layt so lyȝt,</p> -<span class="linenum">200</span> - <p class="i4">So sayd al at hy<i>m</i> syȝe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">It seemed that no man might endure his dints.</span> - <p class="i4">Hit semed as no mon myȝt,</p> - <p class="i4">Vnd<i>er</i> his dyntteȝ dryȝe.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> as as, in MS. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>X.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The knight carried neither spear nor shield,</span> - <p>Whe<i>er</i> hade he no helme ne hawb[e]rgh nau<i>er</i>,</p> -<span class="linenum">204</span> - <p>Ne no pysan, ne no plate at pented to armes,</p> - <p>Ne no schafte, ne no schelde, to schwne ne to smyte,</p> - <span class="sidenote">In one hand was a holly bough,</span> - <p>Bot i<i>n</i> his on honde he hade a holyn bobbe,</p> - <p>at is grattest i<i>n</i> grene, when greueȝ ar bare,</p> - <span class="sidenote">in the other an axe,</span> -<span class="linenum">208</span> - <p>& an ax i<i>n</i> his o<i>er</i>, a hoge & vn-mete,</p> - <p>A spetos spare to expou<i>n</i> i<i>n</i> spelle quo-so myȝt;</p> - <p>e hede of an elnȝerde e large lenke hade,</p> - <p>e grayn al of grene stele & of golde hewen,</p> - <span class="sidenote">the edge of which was as keen as a sharp razor,</span> -<span class="linenum">212</span> - <p>e bit burnyst bryȝt, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a brod egge,</p> - <p>As wel schapen to schere as scharp rasores;</p> - <p>e stele of a stif staf e sturne hit bi-grypte,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 94.]</span> - <p>at watȝ wou<i>n</i>den wyth yrn to e wandeȝ ende,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and the handle was encased in iron, curiously "graven with green, in gracious works."</span> -<span class="linenum">216</span> - <p>& al bigrauen w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> grene, i<i>n</i> g<i>ra</i>cios<sup>1</sup> werkes;</p> - <p>A lace lapped aboute, at louked at e hede,</p> - <p>& so aft<i>er</i> e halme halched ful ofte,</p> - <p>Wyth tryed tasseleȝ erto tacched i<i>n</i>-noghe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Thus arrayed the Green Knight enters the hall,</span> -<span class="linenum">220</span> - <p>On botou<i>n</i>ȝ of e bryȝt grene brayden ful ryche.</p> - <p>is hael heldeȝ hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i>, & e halle entres,</p> - <p>Driuande to e heȝe dece, dut he no woe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">without saluting any one.</span> - <p>Haylsed he neu<i>er</i> one, bot heȝe he ou<i>er</i> loked.</p> -<span class="linenum">224</span> - <p>e fyrst word at he warp, "wher is," he sayd,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He asks for the "governor" of the company,</span> - <p>"e gou<i>er</i>no<i>ur</i> of is gy<i>n</i>g? gladly I wolde</p> - <p>Se at segg i<i>n</i> syȝt, & w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hy<i>m</i> self speke</p> - <p class="i8">raysou<i>n</i>."</p> -<span class="linenum">228</span> - <p class="i4">To knyȝteȝ he kest his yȝe,</p> - <p class="i4">& reled hy<i>m</i> vp & dou<i>n</i>,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and looks for the most renowned.</span> - <p class="i4">He stemmed & con studie,</p> - <p class="i4">Quo walt er most renou<i>n</i>.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> <i>looks like</i> graco<i>n</i>s <i>in MS</i>. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Much they marvel to see a man and a horse</span> -<span class="linenum">232</span> - <p>Ther watȝ loky<i>n</i>g on lene, e lude to be-holde,</p> - <p>For vch mo<i>n</i> had meruayle quat hit mene myȝt,</p> - <p>at a hael & a horse myȝt such a hwe lach,</p> - <span class="sidenote">as green as grass.</span> - <p>As growe grene as e gres & grener hit semed,</p> -<span class="linenum">236</span> - <p>en grene aumayl on golde lowande bryȝte<i>r</i>;</p> - <p>Al studied at <i>er</i> stod, & stalked hy<i>m</i> nerre,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Never before had they seen such a sight as this.</span> - <p>Wyth al e wonder of e worlde, what he worch schulde.</p> - <p>For fele sellyeȝ had ay sen, bot such neu<i>er</i> are,</p> -<span class="linenum">240</span> - <p>For-i for fantou<i>m</i> & fayryȝe e folk ere hit demed;</p> - <span class="sidenote">They were afraid to answer,</span> - <p>er-fore to answare watȝ arȝe mony ael freke,</p> - <p>& al stouned at his steuen, & stonstil seten,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and were as silent as if sleep had taken possession of them;</span> - <p>In a swogh<i>e</i> sylence urȝ e sale riche</p> -<span class="linenum">244</span> - <p>As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor loteȝ</p> - <p class="i8">i<i>n</i> hyȝe;</p> - <p class="i4">I deme hit not al for doute,</p> - <span class="sidenote">some from fear and others from courtesy.</span> - <p class="i4">Bot su<i>m</i> for cortaysye,</p> -<span class="linenum">248</span> - <p class="i4">Bot let hy<i>m</i> at al schulde loute,</p> - <p class="i4">Cast vnto at wyȝe.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur salutes the Green Knight.</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>n Aro<i>ur</i> bifore e hiȝ dece at auenture byholdeȝ,</p> - <p>& rekenly hy<i>m</i> reu<i>er</i>enced, for rad was he neu<i>er</i>,</p> -<span class="linenum">252</span> - <p>& sayde, "wyȝe, welcu<i>m</i> iwys to is place,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 94<i>b</i>.]<br />bids him welcome, and invites him to stay awhile.</span> - <p>e hede of is ostel Artho<i>ur</i> I hat,</p> - <p>Liȝt luflych adou<i>n</i>, & lenge, I e praye, </p> - <p>& quat so y wylle is, we schal wyt aft<i>er</i>."</p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight says that he will not tarry.</span> -<span class="linenum">256</span> - <p>"Nay, as help me," q<i>uod</i> e hael, "he at on hyȝe syttes,</p> - <p>To wone any quyle i<i>n</i> is won, hit watȝ not my<i>n</i> ernde;</p> - <p>Bot for e los of e lede is lyft vp so hyȝe,</p> - <p>& y burȝ & y burnes best ar holden,</p> -<span class="linenum">260</span> - <p>Stifest vnder stel-gere on stedes to ryde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He seeks the most valiant that he may prove him.</span> - <p>e wyȝtest & e woryest of e worldes kynde,</p> - <p>Preue for to play wyth in o<i>er</i> pure laykeȝ;</p> - <p>& here is kydde cortaysye, as I haf herd carp,</p> -<span class="linenum">264</span> - <p>& at hatȝ wayned me hider, I-wyis, at is tyme.</p> - <p>Ȝe may be seker bi is brau<i>n</i>ch at I bere here,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He comes in peace.</span> - <p>at I passe as i<i>n</i> pes, & no plyȝt seche;</p> - <p>For had I fou<i>n</i>ded i<i>n</i> fere, i<i>n</i> feȝty<i>n</i>g wyse,</p> - <span class="sidenote">At home, however, he has both shield and spear.</span> -<span class="linenum">268</span> - <p>I haue a haubergh<i>e</i> at home & a helme boe,</p> - <p>A schelde, & a scharp spere, schinande bryȝt,</p> - <p>Ande o<i>er</i> weppenes to welde, I wene wel als,</p> - <p>Bot for I wolde no were, my wedeȝ ar soft<i>er</i>.</p> -<span class="linenum">272</span> - <p>Bot if <i>o</i>u be so bold as alle burneȝ tellen,</p> - <p><i>o</i>u wyl g<i>ra</i>nt me godly e gomen at I ask,</p> - <p class="i8">bi ryȝt."</p> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur assures him that he shall not fail to find an opponent worthy of him.</span> - <p class="i4">Artho<i>ur</i> con onsware,</p> -<span class="linenum">276</span> - <p class="i4">& sayd, "s<i>ir</i> cortays knyȝt,</p> - <p class="i4">If <i>o</i>u craue batayl bare,</p> - <p class="i4">Here fayleȝ <i>o</i>u not to fyȝt."</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XIII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"I seek no fight," says the knight.</span> - <p>"Nay, frayst I no fyȝt, i<i>n</i> fayth I e telle,</p> - <span class="sidenote">"'Here are only beardless children.'</span> -<span class="linenum">280</span> - <p>Hit arn aboute on is bench bot berdleȝ chylder;</p> - <p>If I were hasped i<i>n</i> armes on a heȝe stede,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Here is no man to match me.</span> - <p>Here is no mon me to mach, for myȝteȝ so<sup>1</sup> wayke.</p> - <p>For-y I craue i<i>n</i> is co<i>ur</i>t a crystmas gome<i>n</i>,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Here are brave ones many,</span> -<span class="linenum">284</span> - <p>For hit is ȝol & nwe ȝer, & here ar ȝep mony;</p> - <p>If any so hardy i<i>n</i> is ho<i>us</i> holdeȝ hy<i>m</i>-seluen,</p> - <span class="sidenote">if any be bold enough to 'strike a stroke for another,'</span> - <p>Be so bolde i<i>n</i> his blod, brayn i<i>n</i> hys hede,</p> - <p>at dar stifly strike a strok for an o<i>er</i>,</p> -<span class="linenum">288</span> - <p>I schal gif hy<i>m</i> of my gyft ys giserne ryche,</p> - <span class="sidenote">this axe shall be his;</span> - <p>is ax, at is heu i<i>n</i>-nogh, to hondel<i>e</i> as hy<i>m</i> lykes,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 95.]</span> - <p>& I schal bide e fyrst bur, as bare as I sitte.</p> - <p>If any freke be so felle to fonde at I telle,</p> -<span class="linenum">292</span> - <p>Lepe lyȝtly me to, & lach is weppen,</p> - <p>I quit clayme hit for eu<i>er</i>, kepe hit as his auen,</p> - <span class="sidenote">but I shall give him a 'stroke' in return</span> - <p>& I schal stonde hy<i>m</i> a strok, stif on is flet,</p> - <p>Elleȝ <i>o</i>u wyl diȝt me e dom to dele hy<i>m</i> an o<i>er</i>,</p> -<span class="linenum">296</span> - <p class="i8">barlay;</p> - <p class="i4">& ȝet gif hy<i>m</i> respite,</p> - <span class="sidenote">within a twelvemonth and a day."</span> - <p class="i4">A twelmonyth & a day;—</p> - <p class="i4">Now hyȝe, & let se tite</p> -<span class="linenum">300</span> - <p class="i4">Dar any her-i<i>n</i>ne oȝt say."</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. fo. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XIV.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Fear kept all silent.</span> - <p>If he hem stowned vpon fyrst, stiller were a<i>n</i>ne</p> - <p>Alle e hered-men i<i>n</i> halle, e hyȝ & e loȝe;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight rolled his red eyes about,</span> - <p>e renk on his rou<i>n</i>ce hy<i>m</i> ruched i<i>n</i> his sadel,</p> -<span class="linenum">304</span> - <p>& runisch-ly his rede yȝen he reled aboute,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and bent his bristly green brows.</span> - <p>Bende his bresed broȝeȝ, bly-cande grene,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Waving his beard awhile, he exclaimed:</span> - <p>Wayued his berde for to wayte quo-so wolde ryse.</p> - <p>When non wolde kepe hy<i>m</i> w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> carp he coȝed ful hyȝe,</p> -<span class="linenum">308</span> - <p>Ande rimed hy<i>m</i> ful richl<i>e</i>y, & ryȝt hy<i>m</i> to speke:</p> - <span class="sidenote">"What! is this Arthur's court?</span> - <p>"What, is is Arures ho<i>us</i>," q<i>uod</i> e hael e<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p>"at al e ro<i>us</i> re<i>n</i>nes of, urȝ ryalmes so mony?</p> - <p>Where is now yo<i>ur</i> so<i>ur</i>quydrye & yo<i>ur</i> co<i>n</i>questes,</p> -<span class="linenum">312</span> - <p>Yo<i>ur</i> gry[n]del-layk, & yo<i>ur</i> greme, & yo<i>ur</i> grete wordes?</p> - <span class="sidenote">Forsooth the renown of the Round Table is overturned 'with a word of one man's speech.'"</span> - <p>Now is e reuel & e renou<i>n</i> of e rou<i>n</i>de table</p> - <p>Ou<i>er</i>-walt wyth a worde of on wyȝes speche;</p> - <p>For al dares for drede, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-oute dynt schewed!"</p> -<span class="linenum">316</span> - <p>Wyth is he laȝes so loude, at e lorde greued;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur blushes for shame.</span> - <p>e blod schot for scham i<i>n</i>-to his schyre face</p> - <p class="i8">& lere;</p> - <span class="sidenote">He waxes as wroth as the wind.</span> - <p class="i4">He wex as wroth as wynde,</p> -<span class="linenum">320</span> - <p class="i4">So did alle at er were</p> - <p class="i4">e ky<i>n</i>g as kene bi kynde,</p> - <p class="i4">e<i>n</i> stod at stif mon nere.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XV.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He assures the knight that no one is afraid of his great words.</span> - <p>Ande sayde, "hael, by heuen y<i>n</i> asky<i>n</i>g is nys, </p> -<span class="linenum">324</span> - <p>& as <i>o</i>u foly hatȝ frayst, fynde e be-houes;</p> - <p>I know no gome at is gast of y grete wordes.</p> - <p>Gif me now y geserne, vpon godeȝ halue,</p> - <p>& I schal bayen y bone, at <i>o</i>u boden habbes."</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 95<i>b</i>.]</span> -<span class="linenum">328</span> - <p>Lyȝtly lepeȝ he hy<i>m</i> to, & laȝt at his honde;</p> - <p>en feersly at o<i>er</i> freke vpon fote lyȝtis.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur seizes his axe.</span> - <p>Now hatȝ Arthure his axe, & e halme grypeȝ,</p> - <p>& sturnely stureȝ hit aboute, at stryke wyth hit oȝt.</p> -<span class="linenum">332</span> - <p>e stif mon hy<i>m</i> bifore stod vpon hyȝt,</p> - <p>Herre en ani in e ho<i>us</i> by e hede & more;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight, stroking his beard, awaits the blow, and with a "dry countenance" draws down his coat.</span> - <p>Wyth sturne schere<sup>1</sup> er he stod, he stroked his berde,</p> - <p>& wyth a cou<i>n</i>tenau<i>n</i>ce dryȝe he droȝ dou<i>n</i> his cote,</p> -<span class="linenum">336</span> - <p>No more mate ne dismayd for hys may<i>n</i> dinteȝ,</p> - <p>en any burne vpon bench hade broȝt hy<i>m</i> to drynk</p> - <p class="i8">of wyne,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne beseeches the king to let him undertake the blow.</span> - <p class="i4">Gawan, at sate bi e quene,</p> -<span class="linenum">340</span> - <p class="i4">To e ky<i>n</i>g he can enclyne,</p> - <p class="i4">"I be-seche now w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> saȝeȝ sene,</p> - <p class="i4">is melly mot be myne."</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> chere (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XVI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p>"Wolde ȝe, worilych lorde," q<i>uod</i> Gawan to e ky<i>n</i>g,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He asks permission to leave the table; he says,</span> -<span class="linenum">344</span> - <p>"Bid me boȝe fro is benche, & stonde by yow ere,</p> - <p>at I wyth-oute vylanye myȝt voyde is table, </p> - <p>& at my legge lady lyked not ille,</p> - <p>I wolde com to yo<i>ur</i> cou<i>n</i>seyl, bifore yo<i>ur</i> cort ryche. </p> - <span class="sidenote">it is not meet that Arthur should be active in the matter,</span> -<span class="linenum">348</span> - <p>For me ink hit not semly, as hit is so knawen,</p> - <p>er such an asky<i>n</i>g is heuened so hyȝe i<i>n</i> yo<i>ur</i> sale,</p> - <p>aȝȝe ȝo<i>ur</i>-self be talenttyf to take hit to yo<i>ur</i>-seluen,</p> - <span class="sidenote">while so many bold ones sit upon bench.</span> - <p>Whil mony so bolde yow aboute vpon bench sytten, </p> -<span class="linenum">352</span> - <p>at vnder heuen, I hope, non haȝer er of wylle,</p> - <p>Ne bett<i>er</i> bodyes on bent, er baret is rered;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Although the weakest, he is quite ready to meet the Green Knight.</span> - <p>I am e wakkest, I wot, and of wyt feblest,</p> - <p>& lest lur of my lyf, quo laytes e soe, </p> -<span class="linenum">356</span> - <p>Bot for as much as ȝe ar myn em, I am only to prayse,</p> - <p>No bou<i>n</i>t bot yo<i>ur</i> blod I in my bod knowe;</p> - <p>& syen is note is so nys, <i>a</i>t noȝt hit yow falles,</p> - <p>& I haue frayned hit at yow fyrst, foldeȝ hit to me, </p> -<span class="linenum">360</span> - <p>& if I carp not comlyly, let alle is cort rych,</p> - <p class="i4"> bout blame."</p> - <span class="sidenote">The nobles entreat Arthur to "give Gawayne the game."</span> - <p> Ryche to-geder con rou<i>n</i>,</p> - <p> & syen ay redden alle same, </p> -<span class="linenum">364</span> - <p> To ryd e ky<i>n</i>g wyth crou<i>n</i>,</p> - <p> & gif Gawan e game.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XVII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 96.]</span> - <p>en comau<i>n</i>ded e ky<i>n</i>g e knyȝt for to ryse;</p> - <p>& he ful radly vp ros, & ruchched hy<i>m</i> fayre, </p> - <span class="sidenote">The king gives his nephew his weapon,</span> -<span class="linenum">368</span> - <p>Kneled dou<i>n</i> bifore e ky<i>n</i>g, & cacheȝ at weppen;</p> - <p>& he luflyly hit hy<i>m</i> laft, & lyfte vp his honde,</p> - <p>& gef hy<i>m</i> goddeȝ blessy<i>n</i>g, & gladly hy<i>m</i> biddes</p> - <span class="sidenote">and tells him to keep heart and hand steady.</span> - <p>at his hert & his honde schulde hardi be boe.</p> -<span class="linenum">372</span> - <p>"Kepe e cosyn," q<i>uod</i> e ky<i>n</i>g, "at <i>o</i>u on kyrf sette,</p> - <p>& if ou redeȝ hy<i>m</i> ryȝt, redly I trowe,</p> - <p>at ou schal byden e bur at he schal bede aft<i>er</i>.</p> - <p>Gawan gotȝ to e gome, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> giserne i<i>n</i> honde,</p> -<span class="linenum">376</span> - <p>& he baldly hy<i>m</i> bydeȝ, he bayst neu<i>er</i> e helder</p> - <span class="sidenote">The Green Knight enquires the name of his opponent.</span> - <p>en carppeȝ to s<i>ir</i> Gawan e knyȝt i<i>n</i> e grene,</p> - <p>"Refourme we oure for-wardes, er we fyrre passe.</p> - <p>Fyrst I ee e, hael, how at ou hattes,</p> -<span class="linenum">380</span> - <p>at <i>o</i>u me telle truly, as I tryst may?"</p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne tells him his name, and declares that he is willing to give and receive a blow.</span> - <p>"In god fayth," q<i>uod</i> e goode knyȝt, "Gawan I hatte,</p> - <p>at bede e is buffet, quat-so bi-falleȝ aft<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>& at is tyme twelmonyth take at e ano<i>er</i>,</p> -<span class="linenum">384</span> - <p>Wyth what weppen so<sup>1</sup> <i>o</i>u wylt, & wyth no wyȝ elleȝ,</p> - <p class="i8">on lyue."</p> - <p class="i4">at o<i>er</i> on-swareȝ agayn,</p> - <p class="i4">"Sir Gawan, so mot I ryue,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The other thereof is glad.</span> -<span class="linenum">388</span> - <p class="i4">As I am ferly fayn.</p> - <p class="i4">is dint at <i>o</i>u schal dryue."</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. fo. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XVIII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"It pleases me well, Sir Gawayne," says the Green Knight, "that I shall receive a blow from thy fist; but thou must swear that thou wilt seek me,</span> - <p>"Bigog," q<i>uod</i> e grene knyȝt, "s<i>ir</i> Gawan, melykes,</p> - <p>at I schal fange at y fust at I haf frayst here;</p> -<span class="linenum">392</span> - <p>& <i>o</i>u hatȝ redily rehersed, bi resou<i>n</i> ful trwe,</p> - <p>Clanly al e couenau<i>n</i>t at I e ky<i>n</i>ge asked,</p> - <p>Saf at <i>o</i>u schal siker me, segge, bi i trawe,</p> - <p>at <i>o</i>u schal seche me i-self, where-so <i>o</i>u hopes</p> -<span class="linenum">396</span> - <p>I may be funde vpon folde, & foch e such wages</p> - <span class="sidenote">to receive the blow in return."</span> - <p>As <i>o</i>u deles me to day, bifore is doue ryche."</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Where shall I seek thee?" says Sir Gawayne;</span> - <p>"Where schulde I wale e," q<i>uod</i> Gauan, "where is y place?</p> - <p>I wot neu<i>er</i> where <i>o</i>u wonyes, bi hy<i>m</i> at me wroȝt,</p> -<span class="linenum">400</span> - <p>Ne I know not e, knyȝt, y cort, ne i name.</p> - <span class="sidenote">"tell me thy name and abode and I will find thee."</span> - <p>Bot teche me truly er-to, & telle me howe <i>o</i>u hattes,</p> - <p>& I schal ware alle my wyt to wy<i>n</i>ne me eder,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 96<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p>& at I swere e for soe, & by my seker trawe."</p> -<span class="linenum">404</span> - <p>"at is in-nogh in nwe ȝer, hit nedes no more,"</p> - <p>Q<i>uod</i> e gome i<i>n</i> e grene to Gawan e hende,</p> - <span class="sidenote">"When thou hast smitten me," says the knight, "then tell I thee of my home and name;</span> - <p>"ȝif I e telle trwly, quen I e tape haue,</p> - <p>& <i>o</i>u me smoely hatȝ smyten, smartly I e teche</p> -<span class="linenum">408</span> - <p>Of my ho<i>us</i>, & my home, & myn owen nome,</p> - <p>en may <i>o</i>u frayst my fare, & forwardeȝ holde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">if I speak not at all, so much the better for thee.</span> - <p>& if I spende no speche, e<i>n</i>ne spedeȝ <i>o</i>u e bett<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>For <i>o</i>u may leng i<i>n</i> y londe, & layt no fyrre,</p> -<span class="linenum">412</span> - <p class="i8">bot slokes;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Take now thy grim tool, and let us see how thou knockest."</span> - <p class="i4">Ta now y gry<i>m</i>me tole to e,</p> - <p class="i4">& let se how <i>o</i>u cnokeȝ."</p> - <p class="i4">"Gladly s<i>ir</i>, for soe,"</p> -<span class="linenum">416</span> - <p class="i4">Q<i>uod</i> Gawan; his ax he strokes.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XIX.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The Green Knight</span> - <p>The grene knyȝt vpon grou<i>n</i>de grayely hy<i>m</i> dresses,</p> - <p>A littel lut w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> e hede, e lere he discou<i>er</i>eȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">puts his long lovely locks aside and lays bare his neck.</span> - <p>His longe louelych lokkeȝ he layd ou<i>er</i> his crou<i>n</i>.</p> -<span class="linenum">420</span> - <p>Let e naked nec to e note schewe.</p> - <p>Gauan gripped to his ax, & gederes hit on hyȝt,</p> - <p>e kay fot on e folde he be-fore sette,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne lets fall his axe</span> - <p>Let hit dou<i>n</i> lyȝtly lyȝt on e naked,</p> -<span class="linenum">424</span> - <p>at e scharp of e schalk schyndered e bones,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and severs the head from the body.</span> - <p>& schra<i>n</i>k urȝ e schyire grece, & scade hit i<i>n</i> twy<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p>at e bit of e brou<i>n</i> stel bot on e grou<i>n</i>de.</p> - <span class="sidenote">The head falls to the earth.</span> - <p>e fayre hede fro e halce hit [felle] to e ere,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Many kick it aside with their feet.</span> -<span class="linenum">428</span> - <p>at fele hit foyned wyth her fete, ere hit forth roled;</p> - <p>e blod brayd fro e body, <i>a</i>t blykked on e grene;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight never falters;</span> - <p>& nawer falt<i>er</i>ed ne fel e freke neu<i>er</i> e helder,</p> - <p>Bot styly he start forth vpon styf schonkes,</p> - <span class="sidenote">he rushes forth, seizes his head,</span> -<span class="linenum">432</span> - <p>& ru[n]yschly he raȝt out, ere as renkkeȝ stoden,</p> - <p>Laȝt to his lufly hed, & lyft hit vp sone;</p> - <p>& syen boȝeȝ to his blonk, e brydel he cachcheȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">steps into the saddle,</span> - <p>Steppeȝ i<i>n</i> to stel bawe & strydeȝ alofte,</p> - <span class="sidenote">holding the while the head in his hand by the hair,</span> -<span class="linenum">436</span> - <p>& his hede by e here i<i>n</i> his honde haldeȝ;</p> - <p>& as sadly e segge hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> his sadel sette,</p> - <p>As non vnhap had hy<i>m</i> ayled, aȝ hedleȝ he<sup>1</sup> we[re],</p> - <p class="i8">i<i>n</i> stedde;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and turns his horse about.</span> -<span class="linenum">440</span> - <p class="i4">He brayde his bluk<sup>2</sup> aboute,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 97.]</span> - <p class="i4">at vgly bodi at bledde,</p> - <p class="i4">Moni on of hy<i>m</i> had doute,</p> - <p class="i4">Bi at his resou<i>n</i>ȝ were redde.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. ho. - <sup>2</sup> blunk (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XX.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> -<span class="linenum">444</span> - <p>For e hede in his honde he haldeȝ vp euen,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The head lifts up its eyelids,</span> - <p>To-ward e derrest on e dece he dresseȝ e face,</p> - <p>& hit lyfte vp e yȝe-lyddeȝ, & loked ful brode,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and addresses Sir Gawayne; "Look thou, be ready to go as thou hast promised,</span> - <p>& meled <i>us</i> much w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his muthe, as ȝe may now here.</p> -<span class="linenum">448</span> - <p>"Loke, Gawan, <i>o</i>u be graye to go as <i>o</i>u hetteȝ,</p> - <p>& layte as lelly til <i>o</i>u me, lude, fynde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and seek till thou findest me.</span> - <p>As <i>o</i>u hatȝ hette i<i>n</i> is halle, herande ise knyȝtes;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Get thee to the Green Chapel,</span> - <p>To e grene chapel <i>o</i>u chose, I charge e to fotte,</p> -<span class="linenum">452</span> - <p>Such a dunt as <i>o</i>u hatȝ dalt disserued <i>o</i>u habbeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">there to receive a blow on New Year's morn.</span> - <p>To be ȝederly ȝolden on nw ȝeres morn;</p> - <p>e knyȝt of e grene chapel men knowen me mony;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Fail thou never;</span> - <p>For-i me forto fynde if <i>o</i>u fraysteȝ, fayleȝ <i>o</i>u neu<i>er</i>,</p> - <span class="sidenote">come, or recreant be called."</span> -<span class="linenum">456</span> - <p>er-fore com, o<i>er</i> recreau<i>n</i>t be calde e be-houe<i>us</i>."</p> - <p>With a runisch rout e rayneȝ he torneȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The Green Knight then rushes out of the hall, his head in his hand.</span> - <p>Halled out at e hal-dor, his hed i<i>n</i> his hande,</p> - <p>at e fyr of e flynt flaȝe fro fole houes.</p> -<span class="linenum">460</span> - <p>To quat kyth he be-com, knwe non ere,</p> - <p>Neu<i>er</i>more en ay wyste fram queen he watȝ wo<i>n</i>nen;</p> - <p class="i8">what e<i>n</i>ne?</p> - <p class="i4">e ky<i>n</i>g & Gawen are,</p> - <span class="sidenote">At that green one Arthur and Gawayne "laugh and grin."</span> -<span class="linenum">464</span> - <p class="i4">At at grene ay laȝe & gre<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p class="i4">ȝet breued watȝ hit ful bare,</p> - <p class="i4">A m<i>er</i>uayl amo<i>ng</i> o me<i>n</i>ne.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XXI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Arthur addresses the queen:</span> - <p>aȝ Ar<i>er</i> e hende ky<i>n</i>g at hert hade wonder,</p> -<span class="linenum">468</span> - <p>He let no semblau<i>n</i>t be sene, bot sayde ful hyȝe</p> - <p>To e comlych quene, wyth cortays speche,</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Dear dame, be not dismayed; such marvels well become the Christmas festival;</span> - <p>"Dere dame, to day demay yow neu<i>er</i>;</p> - <p>Wel by-co<i>m</i>mes such craft vpon c<i>r</i>istmasse,</p> -<span class="linenum">472</span> - <p>Layky<i>n</i>g of ent<i>er</i>ludeȝ, to laȝe & to syng.</p> - <p>Amo<i>n</i>g ise, kynde caroles of knyȝteȝ & ladyeȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">I may now go to meat.</span> - <p>Neu<i>er</i>-e-lece to my mete I may me wel dres,</p> - <p>For I haf sen a selly, I may not for-sake."</p> -<span class="linenum">476</span> - <p>He glent vpon s<i>ir</i> Gawen, & gaynly he sayde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne, hang up thine axe.</span> - <p>"Now s<i>ir</i>, heng vp yn ax, at hatȝ i<i>n</i>-nogh hewen."</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 97<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p>& hit watȝ don abof e dece, on doser to henge,</p> - <p>er alle men for m<i>er</i>uayl myȝt on hit loke,</p> -<span class="linenum">480</span> - <p>& bi trwe tytel <i>er</i>-of to telle e wonder.</p> - <span class="sidenote">The king and his knights sit feasting at the board till day is ended.</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne ay boȝed to a borde ise burnes to-geder,</p> - <p>e ky<i>n</i>g & e gode knyȝt, & kene me<i>n</i> he<i>m</i> serued</p> - <p>Of alle dayntyeȝ double, as derrest myȝt falle,</p> -<span class="linenum">484</span> - <p>Wyth alle maner of mete & mynstralcie boe;</p> - <p>Wyth wele walt ay at day, til wored an ende,</p> - <p class="i8">in londe.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Now beware, Sir Gawayne, lest thou fail to seek the adventure that thou hast taken in hand.</span> - <p class="i4">Now enk wel, s<i>ir</i> Gawan,</p> -<span class="linenum">488</span> - <p class="i4">For woe at <i>o</i>u ne wonde,</p> - <p class="i4">is auenture forto frayn,</p> - <p class="i4">at <i>o</i>u hatȝ tan on honde.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>[FYTTE THE SECOND.]</h2> - -<h2>I.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">This marvel serves to keep up a brisk conversation in Court.</span> - <p>This hansell<i>e</i> hatȝ Arthur of auenturus on fyrst,</p> -<span class="linenum">492</span> - <p>In ȝonge ȝer, for he ȝerned ȝelpy<i>n</i>g to here,</p> - <p>Thaȝ hym wordeȝ were wane, when ay to sete wenten;</p> - <p>Now ar ay stoken of sturne werk staf-ful her hond.</p> - <p>Gawan watȝ glad to be-gy<i>n</i>ne ose gomneȝ i<i>n</i> halle,</p> -<span class="linenum">496</span> - <p>Bot aȝ e ende be heuy, haf ȝe no wonder;</p> - <p>For aȝ men be<i>n</i> mery in my<i>n</i>de, quen ay han mayn drynk,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The year passes full quickly and never returns.</span> - <p>A ȝere ȝernes ful ȝerne, & ȝeldeȝ neu<i>er</i> lyke,</p> - <p>e forme to e fynisment foldeȝ ful selden.</p> -<span class="linenum">500</span> - <p>For-i is ȝol ou<i>er</i>-ȝede, & e ȝere aft<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>& vche sesou<i>n</i> serlepes sued after o<i>er</i>;</p> - <span class="sidenote">After Christmas comes the "crabbed Lenten."</span> - <p>After crysten-masse com e crabbed lentou<i>n</i>,</p> - <p>at fraysteȝ flesch wyth e fysche & fode more symple</p> -<span class="linenum">504</span> - <p>Bot e<i>n</i>ne e weder of e worlde wyth wynter hit repeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Spring sets in and warm showers descend;</span> - <p>Colde clengeȝ adou<i>n</i>, cloudeȝ vp-lyften,</p> - <p>Schyre schedeȝ e rayn i<i>n</i> schowreȝ ful warme,</p> - <p>Falleȝ vpon fayre flat, flowreȝ ere schewen,</p> - <span class="sidenote">the groves become green,</span> -<span class="linenum">508</span> - <p>Boe grou<i>n</i>deȝ & e greueȝ grene ar her wedeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">birds build and sing,</span> - <p>Bryddeȝ busken to bylde, & bremlych sy<i>n</i>gen,</p> - <span class="sidenote">for joy of the summer that follows;</span> - <p>For solace of e softe som<i>er</i> at sues er aft<i>er</i>,</p> - <p class="i8">bi bonk;</p> - <span class="sidenote">blossoms begin to bloom,</span> -<span class="linenum">512</span> - <p class="i4">& blossu<i>m</i>eȝ bolne to blowe,</p> - <p class="i4">Bi raweȝ rych & ronk,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and noble notes are heard in the woods</span> - <p class="i4">e<i>n</i> noteȝ noble i<i>n</i>-noȝe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 98]</span> - <p class="i4">Ar herde in wod so wlonk.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>II.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then the soft winds of summer,</span> -<span class="linenum">516</span> - <p>After e sesou<i>n</i> of som<i>er</i> wyth e soft wyndeȝ,</p> - <p>Quen ȝefer<i>us</i> syfleȝ hy<i>m</i>-self on sedeȝ & erbeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">beautiful are the flowers wet with dew-drops.</span> - <p>Wela-wy<i>n</i>ne is e wort at woxes er-oute.</p> - <p>When e donkande dewe dropeȝ of e leueȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">520</span> - <p>To bide a blysful blusch of e bryȝt su<i>n</i>ne.</p> - <span class="sidenote">But harvest approaches soon,</span> - <p>Bot e<i>n</i> hyȝes heruest, & hardenes hy<i>m</i> sone.</p> - <p>Warneȝ hy<i>m</i> for e wynter to wax ful rype;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and drives the dust about.</span> - <p>He dryues wyth droȝt e dust for to ryse.</p> -<span class="linenum">524</span> - <p>Fro e face of e folde to flyȝe ful hyȝe;</p> - <p>Wroe wynde of e welkyn wrasteleȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> e su<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The leaves drop off the trees,</span> - <p>e leueȝ lancen fro e lynde, & lyȝten on e grou<i>n</i>de,</p> - <span class="sidenote">the grass becomes gray, and all ripens and rots.</span> - <p>& al grayes e gres, at grene watȝ ere;</p> -<span class="linenum">528</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne al rypeȝ & roteȝ at ros vpon fyrst,</p> - <p>& <i>us</i> ȝirneȝ e ȝere i<i>n</i> ȝisterdayeȝ mony,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Winter winds round again,</span> - <p>& wynter wyndeȝ aȝayn, as e worlde askeȝ</p> - <p class="i8">no sage.</p> -<span class="linenum">532</span> - <p class="i4">Til meȝel-mas mone,</p> - <p class="i4">Watȝ cu<i>m</i>en wyth wynter wage;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and then Sir Gawayne thinks of his dread journey.</span> - <p class="i4">en enkkeȝ Gawan ful sone,</p> - <p class="i4">Of his anio<i>us</i> uyage.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>III.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">On All-hallows day Arthur makes a feast for his nephew's sake.</span> -<span class="linenum">536</span> - <p>Ȝet quyl al-hal-day w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> Ar<i>er</i> he lenges,</p> - <p>& he made a fare on <i>a</i>t fest, for e frekeȝ sake,</p> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> much reuel & ryche of e rou<i>n</i>de table;</p> - <p>Knyȝteȝ ful cortays & comlych ladies,</p> -<span class="linenum">540</span> - <p>Al for luf of at lede i<i>n</i> longy<i>n</i>ge ay were,</p> - <p>Bot neu<i>er</i>-e-lece ne e lat<i>er</i> ay neuened bot m<i>er</i>e,</p> - <p>Mony ioyleȝ for at ientyle iapeȝ er maden.</p> - <span class="sidenote">After meat, Sir Gawayne thus speaks to his uncle:</span> - <p>For aftter mete, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mo<i>ur</i>ny<i>n</i>g he meleȝ to his eme,</p> -<span class="linenum">544</span> - <p>& spekeȝ of his passage, & pertly he sayde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Now, liege lord, I ask leave of you,</span> - <p>"Now, lege lorde of my lyf, leue I yow ask;</p> - <p>ȝe knowe e cost of is cace, kepe I no more</p> - <p>To telle yow teneȝ er-of neu<i>er</i> bot t<i>r</i>ifel;</p> - <span class="sidenote">for I am bound on the morn to seek the Green Knight."</span> -<span class="linenum">548</span> - <p>Bot I am bou<i>n</i> to e bur barely to morne,</p> - <p>To sech e gome of e grene, as god wyl me wysse."</p> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne e best of e burȝ boȝed to-geder,</p> - <p>Aywan, & Errik, & o<i>er</i> ful mony,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 98<i>b</i>.]</span> -<span class="linenum">552</span> - <p>S<i>ir</i> Doddinaual de Sauage, e duk of Clarence,</p> - <p>Launcelot, & Lyonel, & Lucan e gode,</p> - <p>S<i>ir</i> Boos, & sir Byduer, big me<i>n</i> boe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Many nobles, the best of the court, counsel and comfort him.</span> - <p>& mony o<i>er</i> menskful, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> Mador de la Port.</p> -<span class="linenum">556</span> - <p>Alle is compayny of court com e ky<i>n</i>g nerre,</p> - <p>For to cou<i>n</i>seyl e knyȝt, with care at her hert;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Much sorrow prevails in the hall.</span> - <p>ere watȝ much derue<sup>1</sup> doel driuen i<i>n</i> e sale,</p> - <p>at so worthe as Wawan schulde wende on at ernde,</p> -<span class="linenum">560</span> - <p>To dryȝe a delful dynt, & dele no more</p> - <p class="i8">wyth bronde.</p> - <p class="i4">e knyȝt mad ay god chere,</p> - <p class="i4">& sayde, "quat schuld I wonde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne declares that he has nothing to fear.</span> -<span class="linenum">564</span> - <p class="i4">Of destines derf & dere,</p> - <p class="i4">What may mon do bot fonde?"</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> derne (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>IV.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">On the morn he asks for his arms.</span> - <p>He dowelleȝ er al at day, and dresseȝ on e morn,</p> - <p>Askeȝ erly hys armeȝ, & alle were ay broȝt</p> - <span class="sidenote">A carpet is spread on the floor,</span> -<span class="linenum">568</span> - <p>Fyrst a tule tapit, tyȝt ou<i>er</i> e flet,</p> - <p>& miche watȝ e gyld gere at glent er alofte;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and he steps thereon.</span> - <p>e stif mon steppeȝ eron, & e stel hondoleȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He is dubbed in a doublet of Tarsic silk, and a well-made hood.</span> - <p>Dubbed i<i>n</i> a dublet of a dere tars,</p> -<span class="linenum">572</span> - <p>& syen a crafty capados, closed aloft,</p> - <p>at wyth a bryȝt blau<i>n</i>ner was bou<i>n</i>den w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne;</p> - <span class="sidenote">They set steel slices on his feet, and lap his legs in steel greaves.</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne set ay e sabatou<i>n</i>ȝ vpon e segge foteȝ,</p> - <p>His legeȝ lapped i<i>n</i> stel w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> luflych greueȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">576</span> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> polayneȝ piched er-to, policed ful clene,</p> - <p>Aboute his kneȝ knaged wyth knoteȝ of golde;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Fair cuisses enclose his thighs,</span> - <p>Queme quyssewes e<i>n</i>, at coyntlych closed</p> - <p>His thik rawen yȝeȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> wonges to-tachched;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and afterwards they put on the steel habergeon,</span> -<span class="linenum">580</span> - <p>& syen e brawden bryne of bryȝt stel ry<i>n</i>geȝ,</p> - <p>Vmbe-weued at wyȝ, vpon wlonk stuffe;</p> - <span class="sidenote">well-burnished braces, elbow pieces, and gloves of plate.</span> - <p>& wel bornyst brace vpon his boe armes,</p> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gode cowters & gay, & gloueȝ of plate,</p> -<span class="linenum">584</span> - <p>& alle e godlych gere at hy<i>m</i> gayn schulde</p> - <p class="i8">at tyde;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Over all this is placed the coat armour.</span> - <p class="i4">Wyth ryche cote armure,</p> - <span class="sidenote">His spurs are then fixed,</span> - <p class="i4">His gold sporeȝ spend w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> pryde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and his sword is attached to his side by a silken girdle.</span> -<span class="linenum">588</span> - <p class="i4">Gurde wyth a bront ful sure,</p> - <p class="i4">W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> silk sayn vmbe his syde.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>V.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 99<i>a</i>.]<br />Thus arrayed the knight hears mass,</span> - <p>When he watȝ hasped i<i>n</i> armes, his harnays watȝ ryche,</p> - <p>e lest lachet ou[]<i>er</i> loupe lemed of golde;</p> -<span class="linenum">592</span> - <p>So harnayst as he watȝ he herkneȝ his masse,</p> - <p>Offred & hono<i>ur</i>ed at e heȝe auter;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and afterwards takes leave of Arthur and his court.</span> - <p>Syen he comeȝ to e ky<i>n</i>g & to his cort fereȝ,</p> - <p>Lacheȝ lufly his leue at lordeȝ & ladyeȝ;</p> -<span class="linenum">596</span> - <p>& ay hy<i>m</i> kyst & conueyed, bikende hy<i>m</i> to kryst.</p> - <span class="sidenote">By that time his horse Gringolet was ready,</span> - <p>Bi at watȝ Gryngolet grayth, & gurde w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a sadel,</p> - <p>at glemed ful gayly w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony golde frenges,</p> - <p>Ay quere naylet ful nwe for at note ryched;</p> -<span class="linenum">600</span> - <p>e brydel barred aboute, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> bryȝt golde bou<i>n</i>den;</p> - <span class="sidenote">the harness of which glittered like the "gleam of the sun."</span> - <p>e apparayl of e payttrure, & of e proude skyrteȝ,</p> - <p>e cropore, & e couertor, acorded wyth e arsou<i>n</i>eȝ;</p> - <p>& al watȝ rayled on red ryche golde nayleȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">604</span> - <p>at al glytered & glent as glem of e su<i>n</i>ne.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Then Sir Gawayne sets his helmet upon his head,</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne hentes he e holme, & hastily hit kysses,</p> - <p>at watȝ stapled stifly, & stoffed wyth-i<i>n</i>ne:</p> - <p>Hit watȝ hyȝe on his hede, hasped bihynde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">fastened behind with a "urisoun,"</span> -<span class="linenum">608</span> - <p>Wyth a lyȝtli vrysou<i>n</i> ou<i>er</i> e auentayle,</p> - <span class="sidenote">richly embroidered with gems.</span> - <p>Enbrawden & bou<i>n</i>den wyth e best ge<i>m</i>meȝ,</p> - <p>On brode sylkyn borde, & bryddeȝ on semeȝ,</p> - <p>As papiayeȝ paynted perny<i>n</i>g bitwene,</p> -<span class="linenum">612</span> - <p>Tortors & trulofeȝ entayled so yk,</p> - <p>As mony burde er aboute had be<i>n</i> seue<i>n</i> wynt<i>er</i></p> - <p class="i8">i<i>n</i> tou<i>n</i>e;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The circle around the helmet was decked with diamonds.</span> - <p class="i4">e cercle watȝ more o prys,</p> -<span class="linenum">616</span> - <p class="i4">at vmbe-clypped hys crou<i>n</i>,</p> - <p class="i4">Of diamau<i>n</i>teȝ a deuys,</p> - <p class="i4">at boe were bryȝt & brou<i>n</i>.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>VI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then they show him his shield with the "pentangle" of pure gold.</span> - <p>Then ay schewed hy<i>m</i> e schelde, at was of schyr gouleȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">620</span> - <p>Wyth e pentangel de-paynt of pure golde hweȝ;</p> - <p>He braydeȝ hit by e baude-ryk, aboute e hals kest<i>es</i>,</p> - <p>at bisemed e segge semlyly fayre.</p> - <span class="sidenote">The "pentangle" was devised by Solomon as a token of truth.</span> - <p>& quy e pentangel apendeȝ to at prynce noble,</p> -<span class="linenum">624</span> - <p>I am i<i>n</i> tent yow to telle, of tary hyt me schulde;</p> - <p>Hit is a sy<i>n</i>gne at Salamon set su<i>m</i>-quyle,</p> - <p>I<i>n</i> bytokny<i>n</i>g of trawe, bi tytle at hit habbeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 99<i>b</i>]</span> - <p>For hit is a figure at haldeȝ fyue poynteȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">628</span> - <p>& vche lyne vmbe-lappeȝ & loukeȝ i<i>n</i> oer,</p> - <span class="sidenote">It is called the endless knot</span> - <p>& ay quere hit is endeleȝ,<sup>1</sup> & Englych hit callen</p> - <p>Ou<i>er</i>-al, as I here, e endeles knot.</p> - <p>For-y hit acordeȝ to is knyȝt, & to his cler armeȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">632</span> - <p>For ay faythful i<i>n</i> fyue & sere fyue syeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">It well becomes the good Sir Gawayne,</span> - <p>Gawan watȝ for gode knawen, & as golde pured,</p> - <p>Voyded of vche vylany, wyth vertueȝ<sup>2</sup> e<i>n</i>no<i>ur</i>ned</p> - <p class="i8">i<i>n</i> mote;</p> -<span class="linenum">636</span> - <p class="i4">For-y e pen-tangel nwe</p> - <p class="i4">He ber i<i>n</i> schelde & cote,</p> - <span class="sidenote">a knight the truest of speech and the fairest of form.</span> - <p class="i4">As tulk of tale most trwe,</p> - <p class="i4">& gentylest knyȝt of lote.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS emdeleȝ. - <sup>2</sup> MS v<i>er</i>ertueȝ - </p> -</div> - -<h2>VII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He was found faultless in his five wits.</span> -<span class="linenum">640</span> - <p>Fyrst he watȝ funden fautleȝ i<i>n</i> his fyue wytteȝ,</p> - <p>& efte fayled neu<i>er</i> e freke i<i>n</i> his fyue fyngres,</p> - <span class="sidenote">His trust was in the five wounds.</span> - <p>& alle his afyau<i>n</i>ce vpon folde watȝ i<i>n</i> e fyue wou<i>n</i>deȝ</p> - <p>at Cryst kaȝt on e croys, as e crede telleȝ;</p> -<span class="linenum">644</span> - <p>& quere-so-eu<i>er</i> ys mon i<i>n</i> melly watȝ stad,</p> - <p>His ro oȝt watȝ i<i>n</i> at, urȝ alle o<i>er</i> y<i>n</i>geȝ,</p> - <p>at alle his forsnes he fong at e fyue ioyeȝ,</p> - <p>at e hende heuen quene had of hir chylde;</p> -<span class="linenum">648</span> - <p>At is cause e knyȝt comlyche hade</p> - <span class="sidenote">The image of the Virgin was depicted upon his shield.</span> - <p>I<i>n</i> e more half of his schelde hir ymage depaynted,</p> - <p>at quen he blusched erto, his belde neu<i>er</i> payred.</p> - <p>e fyrst<sup>1</sup> fyue at I finde at e frek vsed,</p> -<span class="linenum">652</span> - <p>Watȝ frau<i>n</i>chyse, & felaȝschyp for-be<sup>2</sup> al y<i>n</i>g;</p> - <span class="sidenote">In cleanness and courtesy he was never found wanting,</span> - <p>His clannes & his cortaysye croked were neu<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>& pite, at passeȝ alle poynteȝ, yse pure fyue</p> - <p>Were harder happed on at hael e<i>n</i> on any o<i>er</i>.</p> -<span class="linenum">656</span> - <p>Now alle ese fyue syeȝ, forsoe, were fetled on is knyȝt,</p> - <p>& vchone halched in o<i>er</i>, at non ende hade,</p> - <p>& fyched vpon fyue poynteȝ, at fayld neu<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>Ne samned neu<i>er</i> i<i>n</i> no syde, ne sundred nou[er],</p> -<span class="linenum">660</span> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-outen ende at any noke [a]i quere fynde,</p> - <p>Where-eu<i>er</i> e gomen bygan, or glod to an ende.</p> - <span class="sidenote">therefore was the endless knot fastened on his shield.</span> - <p>er-fore on his schene schelde schapen watȝ e knot,</p> - <p>us alle wyth red golde vpon rede gowleȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 100]</span> -<span class="linenum">664</span> - <p>at is e pure pentaungel wyth e peple called,</p> - <p class="i8">w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> lore.</p> - <p class="i4">Now grayed is Gawan gay,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne seizes his lance and bids all "good day."</span> - <p class="i4">& laȝt his lau<i>n</i>ce ryȝt ore,</p> -<span class="linenum">668</span> - <p class="i4">& gef hem alle goud day,</p> - <p class="i4">He wende for eu<i>er</i> more.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS fyft. - <sup>2</sup> for-bi (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>VIII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He spurs his horse and goes on his way.</span> - <p>He sperred e sted w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> e spureȝ, & sprong on his way,</p> - <p>So stif at e ston fyr stroke out er-aft<i>er</i>;</p> - <span class="sidenote">All that saw that seemly one mourned in their hearts.</span> -<span class="linenum">672</span> - <p>Al at seȝ at semly syked i<i>n</i> hert,</p> - <p>& sayde soly al same segges til o<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>Carande for at comly, "bi Kryst, hit is scae,</p> - <p>at <i>o</i>u, leude, schal be lost, at art of lyf noble!</p> - <span class="sidenote">They declared that his equal was not to be found upon earth.</span> -<span class="linenum">676</span> - <p>To fynde hys fere vpon folde, i<i>n</i> fayth is not ee;</p> - <p>Warloker to haf wroȝt had more wyt bene,</p> - <p>& haf dyȝt ȝonder dere a duk to haue wored;</p> - <span class="sidenote">It would have been better for him to have been a leader of men,</span> - <p>A lowande leder of ledeȝ i<i>n</i> londe hy<i>m</i> wel semeȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">680</span> - <p>& so had bett<i>er</i> haf ben e<i>n</i> britned to noȝt,</p> - <span class="sidenote">than to die by the hands of "an elvish man."</span> - <p>Hadet wyth an aluisch mon, for angardeȝ pryde.</p> - <p>Who knew eu<i>er</i> any ky<i>n</i>g such cou<i>n</i>sel to take,</p> - <p>As knyȝteȝ i<i>n</i> cauelou<i>n</i>ȝ on cryst-masse gomneȝ!"</p> - <span class="sidenote">Much was the warm water that poured from eyes that day.</span> -<span class="linenum">684</span> - <p>Wel much watȝ e warme water <i>a</i>t walt<i>er</i>ed of yȝen,</p> - <p>When at semly syre soȝt fro o woneȝ</p> - <p class="i8">at<sup>1</sup> daye;</p> - <p class="i4">He made non abode,</p> -<span class="linenum">688</span> - <p class="i4">Bot wyȝtly went hys way,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Meanwhile many a weary way goes Sir Gawayne.</span> - <p class="i4">Mony wylsu<i>m</i> way he rode,</p> - <p class="i4">e bok as I herde say.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. ad. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>IX.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Now rides the knight through the realms of England.</span> - <p>Now rideȝ is renk urȝ e ryalme of Logres,</p> -<span class="linenum">692</span> - <p>S<i>ir</i> Gauan on Godeȝ halue, aȝ hy<i>m</i> no gomen oȝt;</p> - <p>Oft, leudleȝ alone, he lengeȝ on nyȝteȝ,</p> - <p>er he fonde noȝt hy<i>m</i> byfore e fare at he lyked;</p> - <span class="sidenote">He has no companion but his horse.</span> - <p>Hade he no fere bot his fole, bi frytheȝ & dou<i>n</i>eȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">696</span> - <p>Ne no gome bot God, bi gate wyth to karp,</p> - <span class="sidenote">No men does he see till he approaches North Wales.</span> - <p>Til at he neȝed ful nogh<i>e</i><sup>1</sup> i<i>n</i> to e Nore Waleȝ;</p> - <p>Alle e iles of Anglesay on lyft half he haldeȝ,</p> - <p>& fareȝ ou<i>er</i> e fordeȝ by e for-londeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">From Holyhead he passes into Wirral.</span> -<span class="linenum">700</span> - <p>Ou<i>er</i> at e Holy-Hede, til he hade eft bonk</p> - <p>I<i>n</i> e wyldrenesse of Wyrale; wonde er bot lyte</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 100<i>b</i>]<br />There he finds but few that loved God or man.</span> - <p>at au<i>er</i> God o<i>er</i> gome wyth goud hert louied.</p> - <p>& ay he frayned, as he ferde, at frekeȝ at he met,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He enquires after the Green Knight of the Green Chapel,</span> -<span class="linenum">704</span> - <p>If ay hade herde any karp of a knyȝt grene,</p> - <p>I<i>n</i> any grou<i>n</i>de er-aboute, of e grene chapel;<sup>2</sup></p> - <p>& al nykked hy<i>m</i> wyth nay, at neu<i>er</i> i<i>n</i> her lyue</p> - <span class="sidenote">but can gain no tidings of him.</span> - <p>ay seȝe neu<i>er</i> no segge at watȝ of suche hweȝ</p> -<span class="linenum">708</span> - <p class="i8">of grene.</p> - <p class="i4">e knyȝt tok gates straunge,</p> - <p class="i4">I<i>n</i> mony a bonk vnbene,</p> - <span class="sidenote">His cheer oft changed before he found the Chapel.</span> - <p class="i4">His cher ful oft con chau<i>n</i>ge,</p> -<span class="linenum">712</span> - <p class="i4">at chapel er he myȝt sene.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> nygh<i>e</i> (?). - <sup>2</sup> MS. clapel. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>X.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Many a cliff he climbed over;</span> - <p>Mony klyf he ou<i>er</i>-clambe i<i>n</i> contrayeȝ strau<i>n</i>ge,</p> - <p>Fer floten fro his frendeȝ fremedly he rydeȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">many a ford and stream he crossed, and everywhere he found a foe.</span> - <p>At vche ware oer wat<i>er</i> er e wyȝe passed,</p> -<span class="linenum">716</span> - <p>He fonde a foo hy<i>m</i> byfore, bot ferly hit were,</p> - <p>& at so foule & so felle, at feȝt hy<i>m</i> by-hode;</p> - <span class="sidenote">It were too tedious to tell the tenth part of his adventures</span> - <p>So mony m<i>er</i>uayl hi mou<i>n</i>t <i>er</i> e mon fyndeȝ,</p> - <p>Hit were to tore for to telle of e tene dole.</p> - <span class="sidenote">with serpents, wolves, and wild men;</span> -<span class="linenum">720</span> - <p>Sumwhyle wyth wormeȝ he werreȝ, & w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> wolues als,</p> - <p>Su<i>m</i>whyle wyth wodwos, at woned i<i>n</i> e knarreȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">with bulls, bears, and boars.</span> - <p>Boe wyth bulleȝ & bereȝ, & boreȝ o<i>er</i>-quyle,</p> - <p>& etayneȝ, at hy<i>m</i> a-nelede, of e heȝe felle;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Had he not been both brave and good, doubtless he had been dead.</span> -<span class="linenum">724</span> - <p>Nade he ben duȝty & dryȝe, & dryȝtyn had serued,</p> - <p>Douteles he hade ben ded, & dreped ful ofte.</p> - <span class="sidenote">The sharp winter was far worse than any war that ever troubled him.</span> - <p>For werre wrathed hy<i>m</i> not so much, at wy<i>n</i>t<i>er</i> was wors,</p> - <p>When e colde cler wat<i>er</i> fro e cloudeȝ schadden,</p> -<span class="linenum">728</span> - <p>& fres er hit falle myȝt to e fale ere;</p> - <p>Ner slayn wyth e slete he sleped i<i>n</i> his yrnes,</p> - <p>Mo nyȝteȝ e<i>n</i> i<i>n</i>-noghe i<i>n</i> naked rokkeȝ,</p> - <p><i>er</i> as clat<i>er</i>ande fro e crest e colde borne re<i>n</i>neȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">732</span> - <p>& henged heȝe ou<i>er</i> his hede i<i>n</i> hard sse-ikkles.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Thus in peril he travels till Christmas-eve.</span> - <p>us i<i>n</i> peryl, & payne, & plytes ful harde,</p> - <p>Bi contray caryeȝ is knyȝt, tyl kryst-masse euen,</p> - <p class="i8">al one;</p> -<span class="linenum">736</span> - <p class="i4">e knyȝt wel at tyde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">To the Virgin Mary he prays to guide him to some abode.</span> - <p class="i4">To Mary made his mone.</p> - <p class="i4">at ho hy<i>m</i> red to ryde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 101.]</span> - <p class="i4">& wysse hy<i>m</i> to su<i>m</i> wone.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">On the morn Sir Gawayne finds himself in a deep forest,</span> -<span class="linenum">740</span> - <p>Bi a mou<i>n</i>te on e morne meryly he rydes,</p> - <p>Into a forest ful dep, at ferly watȝ wylde,</p> - <p>Hiȝe hilleȝ on vche a halue, & holt wodeȝ vnder,</p> - <span class="sidenote">where were old oaks many a hundred.</span> - <p>Of hore okeȝ fill hoge a hundreth to-geder;</p> -<span class="linenum">744</span> - <p>e hasel & e haȝ-orne were harled al samen,</p> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> roȝe raged mosse rayled ay-where,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Many sad birds upon bare twigs piped piteously for the cold.</span> - <p>With mony bryddeȝ vnblye vpon bare twyges,</p> - <p>at pitosly er piped for pyne of e colde.</p> -<span class="linenum">748</span> - <p>e gome vpon Gryngolet glydeȝ hem vnder,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Through many a mire he goes, that he may celebrate the birth of Christ.</span> - <p>urȝ mony misy & myre, mo<i>n</i> al hy<i>m</i> one,</p> - <p>Carande for his costes, lest he ne keu<i>er</i> schulde,</p> - <p>To se e seruy<sup>1</sup> of at syre, at on at self nyȝt</p> -<span class="linenum">752</span> - <p>Of a burde watȝ borne, oure baret to quelle;</p> - <span class="sidenote">He beseeches the Virgin Mary to direct him to some lodging where he may hear mass.</span> - <p>& erfore syky<i>n</i>g he sayde, "I be-seche e, lorde,</p> - <p>& Mary, at is myldest moder so dere.</p> - <p>Of su<i>m</i> herber, er heȝly I myȝt here masse.</p> -<span class="linenum">756</span> - <p>Ande y matyneȝ to-morne, mekely I ask,</p> - <p>& er-to prestly I pray my pat<i>er</i> & aue,</p> - <p class="i8">& crede."</p> - <p class="i4">He rode i<i>n</i> his prayere,</p> -<span class="linenum">760</span> - <p class="i4">& cryed for his mysdede,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Blessing himself, he says, "Cross of Christ, speed me!"</span> - <p class="i4">He sayned hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> syes sere,</p> - <p class="i4">& sayde "cros Kryst me spede!"</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> seruyce (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Scarcely had he blessed himself thrice</span> - <p>Nade he sayned hy<i>m</i>-self, segge, bot rye,</p> -<span class="linenum">764</span> - <p>Er he watȝ war i<i>n</i> e wod of a won i<i>n</i> a mote.</p> - <span class="sidenote">when he saw a dwelling in the wood, set on a hill,</span> - <p>Abof a lau<i>n</i>de, on a lawe, loken vnder boȝeȝ,</p> - <p>Of mony borelych bole, aboute bi e diches;</p> - <span class="sidenote">the comeliest castle that knight ever owned.</span> - <p>A castel e comlokest at eu<i>er</i> knyȝt aȝte,</p> -<span class="linenum">768</span> - <p>Pyched on a prayere, a park al aboute,</p> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a pyked palays, pyned ful ik,</p> - <p>at vmbe-teȝe mony tre mo e<i>n</i> two myle.</p> - <p>at holde on at on syde e hael auysed,</p> - <span class="sidenote">It shone as the sun through the bright oaks.</span> -<span class="linenum">772</span> - <p>As hit schemered & schon urȝ e schyre okeȝ;</p> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne hatȝ he hendly of his helme, & heȝly he onkeȝ</p> - <p>Iesus & say[nt] Gilyan, at gentyle ar boe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 101<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p>at cortaysly hade hy<i>m</i> kydde, & his cry herkened.</p> -<span class="linenum">776</span> - <p>"Now bone hostel," coe e burne, "I be-seche yow ȝette!"</p> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne gedereȝ he to Gryngolet w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> e gilt heleȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne goes to the chief gate,</span> - <p>& he ful chau<i>n</i>cely hatȝ chosen to e chef gate,</p> - <p>at broȝt bremly e burne to e bryge ende,</p> -<span class="linenum">780</span> - <p class="i8">i<i>n</i> haste;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and finds the draw-bridge raised, and the gates shut fast.</span> - <p class="i4">e bryge watȝ breme vp-brayde,</p> - <p class="i4">e ȝateȝ wer stoken faste,</p> - <p class="i4">e walleȝ were wel arayed,</p> -<span class="linenum">784</span> - <p class="i4">Hit dut no wyndeȝ blaste.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XIII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The knight abides on the bank,</span> - <p>e burne bode on bonk, at on blonk houed,</p> - <p>Of e depe double dich at drof to e place,</p> - <p>e walle wod i<i>n</i> e wat<i>er</i> wonderly depe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and observes the "huge height,"</span> -<span class="linenum">788</span> - <p>Ande eft a ful huge heȝt hit haled vpon lofte,</p> - <p>Of harde hewen ston vp to e tableȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">with its battlements and watch towers.</span> - <p>Enbaned vnder e abataylme<i>n</i>t, i<i>n</i> e best lawe;</p> - <p>& syen garyteȝ ful gaye gered bi-twene,</p> -<span class="linenum">792</span> - <p>Wyth mony luflych loupe, at louked ful clene;</p> - <p>A bett<i>er</i> barbican at burne blusched vpon neu<i>er</i>;</p> - <p>& i<i>n</i>nermore he be-helde at halle ful hyȝe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Bright and long were its round towers,</span> - <p>Towre telded bytwene trochet ful ik,</p> -<span class="linenum">796</span> - <p>Fayre fylyoleȝ at fyȝed, & ferlyly long,</p> - <span class="sidenote">with their well-made capitals.</span> - <p>With coruon coprou<i>n</i>es, craftyly sleȝe;</p> - <p>Chalk whyt chymnees er ches he i<i>n</i>-noȝe,</p> - <p>Vpon bastel roueȝ, at blenked ful quyte;</p> -<span class="linenum">800</span> - <p>So mony pynakle payntet watȝ poudred ay quere,</p> - <p>Amo<i>n</i>g e castel carneleȝ, clambred so ik,</p> - <p>at pared out of papure purely hit semed.</p> - <span class="sidenote">He thinks it fair enough if he might only come within the cloister.</span> - <p>e fre freke on e fole hit fayr i<i>n</i>-n[o]ghe oȝt,</p> -<span class="linenum">804</span> - <p>If he myȝt keu<i>er</i> to com e cloyst<i>e</i>r wyth-i<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p>To herber i<i>n</i> at hostel, whyl halyday lested</p> - <p class="i8">auinant;</p> - <span class="sidenote">He calls, and soon there comes a porter to know the knight's errand.</span> - <p class="i4">He calde, & sone er com</p> -<span class="linenum">808</span> - <p class="i4">A porter pure plesau<i>n</i>t,</p> - <p class="i4">On e wal his ernd he nome,</p> - <p class="i4">& haylsed e knyȝt errau<i>n</i>t.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XIV.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Good sir," says Gawayne, "ask the high lord of this house to grant me a lodging."</span> - <p>"Gode s<i>ir</i>," q<i>uod</i> Gawan, "woldeȝ <i>o</i>u go my<i>n</i> ernde,</p> -<span class="linenum">812</span> - <p>To e heȝ lorde of is ho<i>us</i>, herber to craue?"</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 102.]</span> - <p>"ȝe, Pet<i>er</i>," q<i>uod</i> e port<i>er</i>, "& purely I trowe,<sup>1</sup></p> - <span class="sidenote">"You are welcome to dwell here as long as you like," replied the porter.</span> - <p>at ȝe be, wyȝe, welcu<i>m</i> to won quyle yow lykeȝ."</p> - <p>e<i>n</i> ȝede <i>a</i>t wyȝe aȝayn awye,</p> -<span class="linenum">816</span> - <p>& folke frely hy<i>m</i> wyth, to fonge e knyȝt;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The draw-bridge is let down,</span> - <p>ay let dou<i>n</i> e grete draȝt, & derely out ȝeden,</p> - <p>& kneled dou<i>n</i> on her knes vpon e colde ere,</p> - <p>To welcu<i>m</i> is ilk wyȝ, as wory hom oȝt;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and the gate is opened wide to receive him.</span> -<span class="linenum">820</span> - <p>ay ȝolden hy<i>m</i> e brode ȝate, ȝarked vp wyde,</p> - <p>& he hem raysed rekenly, & rod ou<i>er</i> e brygge;</p> - <p>Sere seggeȝ hy<i>m</i> sesed by sadel, quel<sup>2</sup> he lyȝt,</p> - <span class="sidenote">His horse is well stabled.</span> - <p>& syen stabeled his stede stif me<i>n</i> i<i>n</i>-noȝe.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Knights and squires bring Gawayne into the hall.</span> -<span class="linenum">824</span> - <p>Knyȝteȝ & swyereȝ comen dou<i>n</i> e<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p>For to bry<i>n</i>g is burne<sup>3</sup> wyth blys i<i>n</i>-to halle;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Many a one hastens to take his helmet and sword.</span> - <p>Quen he hef vp his helme, er hiȝed i<i>n</i>-nogh<i>e</i></p> - <p>For to hent hit at his honde, e hende to seruen,</p> -<span class="linenum">828</span> - <p>His bronde & his blasou<i>n</i> boe ay token.</p> - <p>e<i>n</i> haylsed he ful hendly o haeleȝ vch one,</p> - <p>& mony proud mon er p<i>re</i>sed, at pry<i>n</i>ce to hono<i>ur</i>;</p> - <p>Alle hasped i<i>n</i> his heȝ wede to halle ay hy<i>m</i> wo<i>n</i>nen,</p> -<span class="linenum">832</span> - <p>er fayre fyre vpon flet fersly bre<i>n</i>ned.</p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of the country bids him welcome,</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne e lorde of e lede louteȝ fro his chambre,</p> - <p>For to mete wyth menske e mon on e flor;</p> - <p>He sayde, "ȝe ar welcu<i>m</i> to welde as yow lykeȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">836</span> - <p>at here is, al is yowre awen, to haue at yowre wylle</p> - <p class="i8">& welde."</p> - <p class="i4">"Grau<i>n</i>t mercy," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn,</p> - <p class="i4">"er Kryst hit yow for-ȝelde,"</p> - <span class="sidenote">and they embrace each other.</span> -<span class="linenum">840</span> - <p class="i4">As frekeȝ at semed fayn,</p> - <p class="i4">Ay<i>er</i> o<i>er</i> i<i>n</i> armeȝ co<i>n</i> felde.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> trowoe, MS. - <sup>2</sup> quyle (?) or quen (?). - <sup>3</sup> buurne, MS. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XV.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne looks on his host;</span> - <p>Gawayn glyȝt on e gome at godly hy<i>m</i> gret,</p> - <span class="sidenote">a big bold one he seemed.</span> - <p>& uȝt hit a bolde burne at e burȝ aȝte,</p> -<span class="linenum">844</span> - <p>A hoge hael for e noneȝ, & of hygh<i>e</i> elde;<sup>1</sup></p> - <span class="sidenote">Beaver-hued was his broad beard,</span> - <p>Brode bryȝt watȝ his berde, & al beu<i>er</i> hwed,</p> - <p>Sturne stif on e strye on stal-worth schonkeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and his face as "fell as the fire."</span> - <p>Felle face as e fyre, & fre of hys speche;</p> -<span class="linenum">848</span> - <p>& wel hy<i>m</i> semed for soe, as e segge uȝt,</p> - <p>To lede a lortschyp i<i>n</i> lee of leudeȝ ful gode.</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 102<i>b</i>.]<br />The lord leads Gawayne to a chamber, and assigns him a page to wait upon him.</span> - <p>e lorde hy<i>m</i> charred to a chambre, & chefly cu<i>m</i>au<i>n</i>deȝ<sup>2</sup></p> - <p>To delyu<i>er</i> hym a leude, hym loȝly to serue;</p> -<span class="linenum">852</span> - <p>& ere were bou<i>n</i> at his bode burneȝ i<i>n</i>-noȝe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">In this bright bower was noble bedding;</span> - <p>at broȝt hy<i>m</i> to a bryȝt boure, <i>er</i> beddy<i>n</i>g watȝ noble,</p> - <p>Of cortynes of clene sylk, wyth cler golde he<i>m</i>meȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">the curtains were of pure silk with golden hems;</span> - <p>& cou<i>er</i>toreȝ ful curious, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> comlych paneȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">856</span> - <p>Of bryȝt blaunni<i>er</i> a-boue enbrawded bisydeȝ,</p> - <p>Rudeleȝ re<i>n</i>nande on ropeȝ, red golde ry<i>n</i>geȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Tarsic tapestries covered the walls and the floor.</span> - <p>Tapyteȝ tyȝt to e woȝe, of tuly & tars,</p> - <p>& vnder fete, on e flet, of folȝande sute.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Here the knight doffed his armour,</span> -<span class="linenum">860</span> - <p>er he watȝ dispoyled, wyth specheȝ of my<i>er</i>e,</p> - <p>e burn of his bruny, & of his bryȝt wedeȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and put on rich robes,</span> - <p>Ryche robes ful rad renkkeȝ hem<sup>3</sup> broȝten,</p> - <p>For to charge, & to chaunge, & chose of e best.</p> -<span class="linenum">864</span> - <p>Sone as he on hent, & happed <i>er</i>-i<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p>at sete on hym<sup>4</sup> semly, wyth saylande skyrteȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">which well became him.</span> - <p>e ver by his uisage verayly hit semed</p> - <p>Wel neȝ to vche hael alle on hwes,</p> -<span class="linenum">868</span> - <p>Lowande & lufly, alle his ly<i>m</i>meȝ vnder,</p> - <span class="sidenote">A more comely knight Christ never made.</span> - <p>at a comloker knyȝt neue<i>r</i> Kryst made,</p> - <p class="i8">hem oȝt;</p> - <p class="i4">Wheen i<i>n</i> worlde he were,</p> -<span class="linenum">872</span> - <p class="i4">Hit semed as he myȝt</p> - <p class="i4">Be prynce w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-outen pere,</p> - <p class="i4">I<i>n</i> felde <i>er</i> felle me<i>n</i> fyȝt.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> eldee, MS. - <sup>2</sup> clesly, MS. - <sup>3</sup> hym (?). - <sup>4</sup> MS. hyn. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XVI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">A chair is placed for Sir Gawayne before the fireplace.</span> - <p>A cheyer by-fore e chemn, <i>er</i> charcole bre<i>n</i>ned,</p> -<span class="linenum">876</span> - <p>Watȝ grayed for s<i>ir</i> Gawan, grayely w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> cloeȝ,</p> - <p>Whyssynes vpon queldepoynt<i>es</i>, a[t] koy<i>n</i>t wer boe;</p> - <span class="sidenote">A mantle of fine linen, richly embroidered, is thrown over him.</span> - <p>& e<i>n</i>ne a mere mantyle watȝ on at mon cast,</p> - <p>Of a brou<i>n</i> bleeau<i>n</i>t, enbrauded ful ryche,</p> -<span class="linenum">880</span> - <p>& fayre furred wyth-i<i>n</i>ne w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> felleȝ of e best,</p> - <p>Alle of ermyn i<i>n</i> erde, his hode of e same;</p> - <p>& he sete i<i>n</i> at settel semlych ryche,</p> - <p>& achaufed hy<i>m</i> chefly,<sup>1</sup> & e<i>n</i>ne his cher mended.</p> - <span class="sidenote">A table is soon raised,</span> -<span class="linenum">884</span> - <p>Sone watȝ telded vp a tapit, on tresteȝ ful fayre,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and the knight, having washed, proceeded to meat.</span> - <p>Clad wyth a clene cloe, at cler quyt schewed,</p> - <p>Sanap, & salure, & syluer-i<i>n</i> sponeȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 103.]</span> - <p>e wyȝe wesche at his wylle, & went to his mete</p> -<span class="linenum">888</span> - <p>Seggeȝ hym serued semly i<i>n</i>-noȝe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He is served with numerous dishes;</span> - <p>Wyth sere sewes & sete,<sup>2</sup> sesou<i>n</i>de of e best,</p> - <p>Double felde, as hit falleȝ, & fele kyn fischeȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">with fish baked and broiled,</span> - <p>Su<i>m</i>me baken i<i>n</i> bred, su<i>m</i>me brad on e gledeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">or boiled and seasoned with spices.</span> -<span class="linenum">892</span> - <p>Su<i>m</i>me soen, su<i>m</i>me i<i>n</i> sewe, sau<i>er</i>ed w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> spyces,</p> - <p>& ay sawes<sup>3</sup> so sleȝeȝ, at e segge lyked.</p> - <p>e freke calde hit a fest ful frely & ofte,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He calls it a full noble feast,</span> - <p>Ful hendely, quen alle e haeles re-hayted hy<i>m</i> at oneȝ</p> -<span class="linenum">896</span> - <p class="i8">as hende;</p> - <p class="i4">"is penau<i>n</i>ce now ȝe take,</p> - <p class="i4">& eft hit schal amende;"</p> - <span class="sidenote">and much mirth he makes, for the wine is in his head.</span> - <p class="i4">at mon much m<i>er</i>e con make.</p> -<span class="linenum">900</span> - <p class="i4">For wy<i>n</i> i<i>n</i> his hed at wende.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. cefly. - <sup>2</sup> swete (?). - <sup>3</sup> sewes (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XVII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne, in answer to questions put to him,</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne watȝ spyed & spured vpon spare wyse.</p> - <p>Bi preue poynteȝ of at prynce, put to hy<i>m</i>-seluen,</p> - <p>at he be-knew cortaysly of e court at he were,</p> - <span class="sidenote">tells the prince that he is of Arthur's court.</span> -<span class="linenum">904</span> - <p>at ael Arthure e hende haldeȝ hy<i>m</i> one,</p> - <p>at is e ryche ryal ky<i>n</i>g of e rou<i>n</i>de table;</p> - <p>& hit watȝ Wawen hy<i>m</i>-self at i<i>n</i> at won sytteȝ,</p> - <p>Comen to at krystmasse, as case hy<i>m</i> en lymped.</p> - <span class="sidenote">When this was made known,</span> -<span class="linenum">908</span> - <p>When e lorde hade lerned at he e leude hade,</p> - <p>Loude laȝed he <i>er</i>at, so lef hit hy<i>m</i> oȝt,</p> - <span class="sidenote">great was the joy in the hall.</span> - <p>& alle e men i<i>n</i> at mote maden much joye,</p> - <p>To apere i<i>n</i> his presense prestly at tyme,</p> -<span class="linenum">912</span> - <p>at alle prys, & prowes, & pured ewes</p> - <p>Apendes to hys persou<i>n</i>, & praysed is eu<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>By-fore alle men vpon molde, his mensk is e most.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Each one said softly to his mate,</span> - <p>Vch segge ful softly sayde to his fere,</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Now we shall see courteous manners and hear noble speech,</span> -<span class="linenum">916</span> - <p>"Now schal we semlych se sleȝteȝ of eweȝ,</p> - <p>& e teccheles termes of talky<i>n</i>g noble,</p> - <p>Wich spede is i<i>n</i> speche, vnspurd may we lerne,</p> - <span class="sidenote">for we have amongst us the 'father of nurture.'</span> - <p>Sy<i>n</i> we haf fonged at fyne fader of nurture;</p> -<span class="linenum">920</span> - <p>God hatȝ geuen v<i>us</i> his g<i>ra</i>ce godly for soe,</p> - <p>at such a gest as Gawan grau<i>n</i>teȝ v<i>us</i> to haue,</p> - <p>When burneȝ blye of his bure schal sitte</p> - <p class="i8">& sy<i>n</i>ge.</p> -<span class="linenum">924</span> - <p class="i4">I<i>n</i> meny<i>n</i>g of man<i>er</i>eȝ mere,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 103<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p class="i4">is burne now schal v<i>us</i> bry<i>n</i>g,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He that may him hear shall learn of love-talking."</span> - <p class="i4">I hope at may hy<i>m</i> here,</p> - <p class="i4">Schal lerne of luf-talky<i>n</i>g."</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XVIII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">After dinner the company go to the chapel,</span> -<span class="linenum">928</span> - <p>Bi at e diner watȝ done, & e dere vp,</p> - <p>Hit watȝ neȝ at e niyȝt neȝed e tyme;</p> - <p>Chaplayneȝ<sup>1</sup> to e chapeles chosen e gate,</p> - <p>Ru<i>n</i>gen ful rychely, ryȝt as ay schulden,</p> - <span class="sidenote">to hear the evensong of the great season.</span> -<span class="linenum">932</span> - <p>To e hersu<i>m</i> euensong of e hyȝe tyde.</p> - <p>e lorde loutes erto, & e lady als,</p> - <p>I<i>n</i>-to a comly closet coyntly ho entreȝ;</p> - <p>Gawan glydeȝ ful gay, & gos eder sone;</p> -<span class="linenum">936</span> - <p>e lorde laches hy<i>m</i> by e lappe, & ledeȝ hy<i>m</i> to sytte,</p> - <p>& couly hy<i>m</i> knoweȝ, & calleȝ hy<i>m</i> his nome,</p> - <p>& sayde he watȝ e welcomest wyȝe of e worlde;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of the castle and Sir Gawayne sit together during service.</span> - <p>& he hy<i>m</i> onkked roly, & ay<i>er</i> halched oer.</p> -<span class="linenum">940</span> - <p>& seten soberly samen e seruise-quyle;</p> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne lyst e lady to loke on e knyȝt.</p> - <span class="sidenote">His wife, accompanied by her maids, leaves her seat.</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne com ho of hir closet, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony cler burdeȝ,</p> - <p>Ho watȝ e fayrest i<i>n</i> felle, of flesche & of lyre,</p> -<span class="linenum">944</span> - <p>& of compas, & colo<i>ur</i>, & costes of alle o<i>er</i>,</p> - <span class="sidenote">She appeared even fairer than Guenever.</span> - <p>& wener en Wenore, as e wyȝe oȝt.</p> - <p>He ches urȝ e chau<i>n</i>sel, to cheryche at hende;</p> - <span class="sidenote">An older lady (an ancient one she seemed) led her by the hand.</span> - <p>An oer lady hir lad bi e lyft honde,</p> -<span class="linenum">948</span> - <p>at watȝ alder en ho, an au<i>n</i>cian hit semed,</p> - <p>& heȝly honowred w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> haeleȝ aboute.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Very unlike were these two.</span> - <p>Bot yn-lyke on to loke o ladyes were,</p> - <span class="sidenote">if the young one was fair the other was yellow,</span> - <p>For if e ȝonge watȝ ȝep, ȝolȝe watȝ <i>a</i>t o<i>er</i>;</p> -<span class="linenum">952</span> - <p>Riche red on at on rayled ay quere,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and had rough and wrinkled cheeks.</span> - <p>Rugh ronkled chekeȝ at o<i>er</i> on rolled;</p> - <p>Kerchofes of at on wyth mony cler perleȝ</p> - <span class="sidenote">The younger had breast and throat "bare displayed."</span> - <p>Hir brest & hir bryȝt rote bare displayed,</p> -<span class="linenum">956</span> - <p>Schon schyrer e<i>n</i> snawe, at scheder<sup>2</sup> on hilleȝ;</p> - <p>at o<i>er</i> wyth a gorger watȝ gered ou<i>er</i> e swyre,</p> - <p>Chymbled ou<i>er</i> hir blake chyn w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mylk-quyte vayles,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The ancient one exposed only her "black brows," her two eyes,</span> - <p>Hir frou<i>n</i>t folden i<i>n</i> sylk, enfoubled ay quere,</p> -<span class="linenum">960</span> - <p>Toret & treieted w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> tryfleȝ aboute,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 104.]<br />nose, and naked lips, all sour and bleared.</span> - <p>at noȝt watȝ bare of at burde bot e blake broȝes.</p> - <p>e tweyne yȝen, & e nase, e naked lyppeȝ,</p> - <p>& ose were soure to se, & sellyly blered;</p> -<span class="linenum">964</span> - <p>A mensk lady on molde mo<i>n</i> may hir calle,</p> - <p class="i8">for gode;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Her body was short and thick;</span> - <p class="i4">Hir body watȝ schort & ik.</p> - <span class="sidenote">her buttocks broad and round.</span> - <p class="i4">Hir buttokeȝ bay & brode,</p> -<span class="linenum">968</span> - <p class="i4">More lykker-wys on to lyk,</p> - <p class="i4">Watȝ at scho hade on lode.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. [claplayneȝ.] - <sup>2</sup> schedes (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XIX.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">With permission of the lord,</span> - <p>When Gawayn glyȝt on <i>a</i>t gay, <i>a</i>t g<i>ra</i>cio<i>us</i>ly loked,</p> - <p>Wyth leue laȝt of e lorde he went hem aȝaynes;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne salutes the elder,</span> -<span class="linenum">972</span> - <p>e alder he haylses, heldande ful lowe,</p> - <p>e loueloker he lappeȝ a lyttel i<i>n</i> armeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">but the younger he kisses,</span> - <p>He kysses hir comlyly, & knyȝtly he meleȝ;</p> - <p>ay kallen hy<i>m</i> of a quoy<i>n</i>tau<i>n</i>ce, & he hit quyk askeȝ</p> - <span class="sidenote">and begs to be her servant.</span> -<span class="linenum">976</span> - <p>To be her seruau<i>n</i>t sothly, if hem-self lyked.</p> - <p>ay tan hy<i>m</i> bytwene hem, wyth talky<i>n</i>g hy<i>m</i> leden</p> - <span class="sidenote">To chamber all go,</span> - <p>To chambre, to chemn, & chefly ay asken</p> - <span class="sidenote">where spices and wine are served.</span> - <p>Spyceȝ, at vn-sparely me<i>n</i> speded hom to bry<i>n</i>g,</p> -<span class="linenum">980</span> - <p>& e wy<i>n</i>ne-lych wyne <i>er</i>-w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> vche tyme.</p> - <p>e lorde luflych aloft lepeȝ ful ofte,</p> - <p>My<i>n</i>ned m<i>er</i>the to be made vpon mony syeȝ.</p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord takes off his hood and places it on a spear.</span> - <p>Hent heȝly of his hode, & on a spere henged,</p> -<span class="linenum">984</span> - <p>& wayned hom to wy<i>n</i>ne e worchip er-of,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He who makes most mirth is to win it.</span> - <p>at most myre myȝt mene<sup>1</sup> <i>a</i>t crystenmas whyle;</p> - <p>"& i schal fonde, bi my fayth, to fylt<i>er</i> wyth e best,</p> - <p>Er me wont e wedeȝ, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> help of my frendeȝ."</p> -<span class="linenum">988</span> - <p><i>us</i> wyth laȝande loteȝ e lorde hit tayt<sup>2</sup> makeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Night approaches, and then</span> - <p>For to glade s<i>ir</i> Gawayn w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gomneȝ i<i>n</i> halle</p> - <p class="i8"><i>a</i>t nyȝt;</p> - <p class="i4">Til at hit watȝ tyme,</p> -<span class="linenum">992</span> - <p class="i4">e ky<i>n</i>g comau<i>n</i>det lyȝt,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne takes his leave and retires to rest.</span> - <p class="i4">S<i>ir</i> Gawen his leue con nyme,</p> - <p class="i4">& to his bed hy<i>m</i> diȝt.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> meue (?). - <sup>2</sup> layt (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XX.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">On Christmas morn,</span> - <p>On e morne, as vch mon myneȝ at tyme,</p> - <span class="sidenote">joy reigns in every dwelling in the world.</span> -<span class="linenum">996</span> - <p>[]at dryȝtyn for oure destyn to deȝe watȝ borne,</p> - <p>Wele waxeȝ i<i>n</i> vche a won i<i>n</i> worlde, for his sake;</p> - <span class="sidenote">So did it in the castle where our knight abode.</span> - <p>So did hit ere on at day, urȝ dayntes mony;</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 104<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p>Boe at mes & at mele, messes ful quaynt</p> -<span class="linenum">1000</span> - <p>Derf men vpon dece drest of e best.</p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord and "the old ancient wife" sit together.</span> - <p>e olde au<i>n</i>cian wyf heȝest ho sytteȝ;</p> - <p>e lorde lufly her by lent, as I trowe;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne sits by the wife of his host.</span> - <p>Gawan & e gay burde to-geder ay seten,</p> -<span class="linenum">1004</span> - <p>Euen i<i>n</i>-myddeȝ, as e messe metely come;</p> - <p>& syen urȝ al e sale, as hem best semed,</p> - <span class="sidenote">It were too tedious to tell of the meat, the mirth, and the joy that abounded everywhere.</span> - <p>Bi vche grome at his degre g<i>ray</i>ely watȝ serued.</p> - <p><i>er</i> watȝ mete, er watȝ myre, <i>er</i> watȝ much ioye,</p> -<span class="linenum">1008</span> - <p>at for to telle erof hit me tene were,</p> - <p>& to poynte hit ȝet I pyned me p<i>ar</i>aue<i>n</i>ture;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne and his beautiful companion derive much comfort from each other's conversation.</span> - <p>Bot ȝet I wot at Wawen & e wale burde</p> - <p>Such comfort of her compaynye caȝten to-geder,</p> -<span class="linenum">1012</span> - <p>urȝ her dere dalyau<i>n</i>ce of her derne wordeȝ,</p> - <p>Wyth clene cortays carp, closed fro fyle;</p> - <p>& hor play watȝ passande vche prynce gomen,</p> - <p class="i8">i<i>n</i> vayres;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Trumpets and nakers give forth their sounds.</span> -<span class="linenum">1016</span> - <p class="i4">Tru<i>m</i>peȝ & nakerys,</p> - <p class="i4">Much pypy<i>n</i>g <i>er</i> repayres,</p> - <p class="i4">Vche mo<i>n</i> tented hys,</p> - <p class="i4">& ay two te<i>n</i>ted ayres.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XXI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Great was the joy for three days.</span> -<span class="linenum">1020</span> - <p>Much dut watȝ er dryuen at day & at o<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>& e ryd as ro ronge i<i>n</i> eraft<i>er</i>;</p> - <span class="sidenote">St. John's-day was the last of the Christmas festival.</span> - <p>e ioye of sayn Ioneȝ day watȝ gentyle to here,</p> - <p>& watȝ e last of e layk, leudeȝ er oȝten.</p> -<span class="linenum">1024</span> - <p>er wer gestes to go vpon e gray morne,</p> - <p>For-y wonderly ay woke, & e wyn dronken,</p> - <p>Dau<i>n</i>sed ful dreȝly wyth dere caroleȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">On the morrow many of the guests took their departure from the castle.</span> - <p>At e last, when hit watȝ late, ay lachen her leue,</p> -<span class="linenum">1028</span> - <p>Vchon to wende on his way, at watȝ wyȝe stronge.</p> - <p>Gawan gef hy<i>m</i> god-day, e god mo<i>n</i> hy<i>m</i> lachcheȝ,</p> - <p>Ledes hy<i>m</i> to his awen chambre, [e] chy<i>m</i>n bysyde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne is thanked by his host for the honour and pleasure of his visit.</span> - <p>& ere he draȝeȝ hy<i>m</i> on-dryȝe, & derely hy<i>m</i> onkkeȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1032</span> - <p>Of e wy<i>n</i>ne worschip &<sup>1</sup> he hy<i>m</i> wayned hade,</p> - <p>As to hono<i>ur</i> his ho<i>us</i> on at hyȝe tyde,</p> - <p>& enbelyse his burȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his bele chere.</p> - <p>"I-wysse s<i>ir</i>, quyl I leue, me woreȝ e better,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 105.]</span> -<span class="linenum">1036</span> - <p>at Gawayn hatȝ ben my gest, at Goddeȝ awen fest."</p> - <p>"G<i>ra</i>nt merci<sup>2</sup> s<i>ir</i>," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "i<i>n</i> god fayth hit is yowreȝ,</p> - <p>Al e hono<i>ur</i> is yo<i>ur</i> awen, e heȝe ky<i>n</i>g yow ȝelde;</p> - <p>& I am wyȝe at yo<i>ur</i> wylle, to worch yo<i>ur</i>e hest,</p> -<span class="linenum">1040</span> - <p>As I am halden <i>er</i>-to, i<i>n</i> hyȝe & i<i>n</i> loȝe,</p> - <p class="i8">bi riȝt."</p> - <span class="sidenote">He endeavours to keep the knight at his court.</span> - <p class="i4">e lorde fast can hy<i>m</i> payne,</p> - <p class="i4">To holde lenger e knyȝt,</p> -<span class="linenum">1044</span> - <p class="i4">To hy<i>m</i> answreȝ Gawayn,</p> - <p class="i4">Bi non way at he myȝt.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> at (?). - <sup>2</sup> nerci, in MS. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XXII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He desires to know what had driven Sir Gawayne from Arthur's court before the end of the Christmas holidays.</span> - <p>Then frayned e freke ful fayre at him-selue<i>n</i>,</p> - <p>Quat derne<sup>1</sup> dede had hy<i>m</i> dryuen, at at dere tyme,</p> -<span class="linenum">1048</span> - <p>So kenly fro e ky<i>n</i>geȝ kourt to kayre al his one,</p> - <p>Er e halidayeȝ holly were halet out of tou<i>n</i>?</p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight replies that "a high errand and a hasty one" had forced him to leave the court.</span> - <p>"For soe s<i>ir</i>," q<i>uod</i> e segge, "ȝe sayn bot e trawe</p> - <p>A heȝe ernde & a hasty me hade fro o woneȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1052</span> - <p>For I am su<i>m</i>ned my selfe to sech to a place,</p> - <p>I wot<sup>2</sup> i<i>n</i> worlde wheder warde to wende, hit to fynde;</p> - <p>I nolde, bot if I hit negh myȝt on nwȝeres morne,</p> - <p>For alle e londe i<i>n</i>-wyth Logres, so me oure lorde help!</p> -<span class="linenum">1056</span> - <p>For-y, s<i>ir</i>, is enquest I require yow here,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He asks his host whether he has ever heard of the Green Chapel,</span> - <p>at ȝe me telle w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> trawe, if eu<i>er</i> ȝe tale herde</p> - <p>Of e grene chapel, quere hit on grou<i>n</i>de stondeȝ,</p> - <p>& of e knyȝt at hit kepes, of colo<i>ur</i> of grene?</p> -<span class="linenum">1060</span> - <p><i>er</i> watȝ stabled bi statut a steuen v<i>us</i> by-twene,</p> - <span class="sidenote">for he has to be there on New Year's-day.</span> - <p>To mete at mon at <i>a</i>t mere, ȝif I myȝt last;</p> - <p>& of at ilk nwȝere hot neked now wonteȝ,</p> - <p>& I wolde loke on at lede, if God me let wolde,</p> -<span class="linenum">1064</span> - <p>Gladloker, bi Goddeȝ su<i>n</i>, e<i>n</i> any god welde!</p> - <p>For-i, I-wysse, bi ȝowre wylle, wende me bi-houes,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He wonld as lief die as fail in his errand.</span> - <p>Naf I now to busy bot bare re dayeȝ,</p> - <p>& me als fayn to falle feye as fayly of myy<i>n</i> ernde."</p> - <span class="sidenote">The prince tells Sir Gawayne that he will teach him the way.</span> -<span class="linenum">1068</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne laȝande q<i>uod</i> e lorde, "now leng e by-houes,</p> - <p>For I schal teche yow to a[t] terme bi e tymeȝ ende,</p> - <p>e grene chapayle vpon grou<i>n</i>de, greue yow no more;</p> - <p>Bot ȝe schal be i<i>n</i> yowre bed, burne, at y<i>n</i> ese,</p> -<span class="linenum">1072</span> - <p>Quyle forth dayej, & ferk on pe fyrst of pe ȝere,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 105<i>b</i>]</span> - <p>& cum to at merk at mydmorn, to make quat yow likeȝ</p> - <p class="i8">in spe<i>n</i>ne;</p> - <p class="i4">Dowelleȝ whyle new ȝeres daye,</p> -<span class="linenum">1076</span> - <p class="i4">& rys, & raykeȝ e<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The Green chapel is not more than two miles from the castle.</span> - <p class="i4">Mo<i>n</i> schal yow sette i<i>n</i> waye,</p> - <p class="i4">Hit is not two myle he<i>n</i>ne."</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> derue (?). - <sup>2</sup> not (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XXIII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then was Gawayne glad,</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne watȝ Gawan ful glad, & gomenly he laȝed,—</p> -<span class="linenum">1080</span> - <p>"Now I onk yow ryuandely urȝ alle o<i>er</i> y<i>n</i>ge,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and consents to tarry awhile at the castle.</span> - <p>Now acheued is my chau<i>n</i>ce, I schal at yo<i>ur</i> wylle</p> - <p>Dowelle, & elleȝ do quat ȝe demen."</p> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne sesed hy<i>m</i> e syre, & set hy<i>m</i> bysyde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The ladies are brought in to solace him.</span> -<span class="linenum">1084</span> - <p>Let e ladieȝ be fette, to lyke he<i>m</i> e bett<i>er</i>;</p> - <p>er watȝ seme solace by hem-self stille;</p> - <p>e lorde let for luf loteȝ so myry,</p> - <p>As wyȝ at wolde of his wyte, ne wyst quat he myȝt.</p> -<span class="linenum">1088</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne he carped to e knyȝt, criande loude,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of the castle asks the knight to grant him one request;</span> - <p>"Ȝe han demed to do e dede at I bidde;</p> - <p>Wyl ȝe halde is hes here at ys oneȝ?"</p> - <p>"Ȝe s<i>ir</i>, for-soe," sayd e segge trwe,</p> -<span class="linenum">1092</span> - <p>"Whyl I byde i<i>n</i> yowre borȝe, be bayn to ȝow[r]e hest."</p> - <p>"For ȝe haf trauayled," q<i>uod</i> e tulk, "towen fro ferre,</p> - <p>& syen waked me wyth, ȝe arn not wel waryst,</p> - <span class="sidenote">That he will stay in his chamber during mass time,</span> - <p>Nau<i>er</i> of sostnau<i>n</i>ce ne of slepe, soly I knowe;</p> -<span class="linenum">1096</span> - <p>Ȝe schal lenge i<i>n</i> yo<i>ur</i> lofte, & lyȝe i<i>n</i> yo<i>ur</i> ese,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and then go to meat with his hostess.</span> - <p>To morn quyle e messe-quyle, & to mete wende,</p> - <p>When ȝe wyl, wyth my wyf, at wyth yow schal sitte,</p> - <p>& comfort yow w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> compayny, til I to cort torne,</p> -<span class="linenum">1100</span> - <p class="i8">ȝe lende;</p> - <p class="i4">& I schal erly ryse,</p> - <p class="i4">On hu<i>n</i>ty<i>n</i>g wyl I wende."</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne accedes to his request.</span> - <p class="i4">Gauayn g<i>ra</i>nteȝ alle yse,</p> -<span class="linenum">1104</span> - <p class="i4">Hy<i>m</i> heldande, as e hende. </p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XXIV.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Whatsoever," says the host, "I win in the wood shall be yours,</span> - <p>"Ȝet firre," q<i>uod</i> e freke, "a forwarde we make;</p> - <p>Quat-so-euer I wy<i>n</i>ne i<i>n</i> e wod, hit woreȝ to yo<i>ur</i>eȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and what check you achieve shall be mine."</span> - <p>& quat chek so ȝe acheue, chau<i>n</i>ge me er-forne;</p> -<span class="linenum">1108</span> - <p>Swete, swap we so, sware w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> trawe,</p> - <p>Queer, leude, so lymp lere o<i>er</i> bett<i>er</i>."</p> - <p>"Bi God," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn e gode, "I <i>gra</i>nt <i>er</i>-tylle,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 106.]</span> - <p>& at yow lyst forto layke, lef hit me ynk<i>es</i>.</p> - <span class="sidenote">A bargain is made between them.</span> -<span class="linenum">1112</span> - <p>"Who bri<i>n</i>geȝ v<i>us</i> is beu<i>er</i>age, is bargayn is maked:"</p> - <p>So sayde e lorde of at lede; ay laȝed vchone,</p> - <p>ay dronken, & daylyeden, & dalten vntyȝtel,<sup>1</sup></p> - <p>ise lordeȝ & ladyeȝ, quyle at hem lyked;</p> -<span class="linenum">1116</span> - <p>& syen w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> frenkysch fare & fele fayre loteȝ</p> - <p>ay stoden, & stemed, & stylly speken,</p> - <p>Kysten ful comlyly, & kaȝten her leue.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Night approaches and each "to his bed was brought at the last."</span> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony leude ful lyȝt, & lemande torches,</p> -<span class="linenum">1120</span> - <p>Vche burne to his bed watȝ broȝt at e laste,</p> - <p class="i8">ful softe;</p> - <p class="i4">To bed ȝet er ay ȝede,</p> - <p class="i4">Recorded couenau<i>n</i>teȝ ofte;</p> -<span class="linenum">1124</span> - <p class="i4">e olde lorde of at leude,<sup>2</sup></p> - <p class="i4">Cowe wel halde layk a-lofte.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> vntyl nyȝte (?). - <sup>2</sup> lede (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>[FYTTE THE THIRD.]</h2> - -<h2>I.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Before day-break folks uprise,</span> - <p>Ful erly bifore e day e folk vp-rysen,</p> - <p>Gestes at go wolde, hor gromeȝ ay calden,</p> - <span class="sidenote">saddle their horses, and truss their mails.</span> -<span class="linenum">1128</span> - <p>& ay busken vp bilyue, blonkkeȝ to sadel,</p> - <p>Tyffen he[r] takles, trussen her males,</p> - <p>Richen hem e rychest, to ryde alle arayde,</p> - <p>Lepen vp lyȝtly, lachen her brydeles,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Each goes where it pleases him best.</span> -<span class="linenum">1132</span> - <p>Vche wyȝe on his way, er hy<i>m</i> wel lyked.</p> - <span class="sidenote">The noble lord of the land arrays himself for riding.</span> - <p>e leue lorde of e londe watȝ not e last,</p> - <p>A-rayed for e rydy<i>n</i>g, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> renkkeȝ ful mony;</p> - <span class="sidenote">He eats a sop hastily and goes to mass.</span> - <p>Ete a sop hastyly, when he hade herde masse,</p> -<span class="linenum">1136</span> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> bugle to bent felde he buskeȝ by-lyue;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Before day-light he and his men are on their horses.</span> - <p>By at at any day-lyȝt lemed vpon ere,</p> - <p>He w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his haeles on hyȝe horsses weren.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Then the hounds are called out and coupled.</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne ise cacheres at coue, cowpled hor hou<i>n</i>deȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1140</span> - <p>Vnclosed e kenel dore, & calde hem <i>er</i>-oute,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Three short notes are blown by the bugles.</span> - <p>Blwe bygly i<i>n</i> bugleȝ re bare mote;</p> - <p>Braches bayed <i>er</i>fore, & breme noyse maked,</p> - <span class="sidenote">A hundred hunters join in the chase.</span> - <p>& ay chastysed, & charred, on chasy<i>n</i>g at went;</p> -<span class="linenum">1144</span> - <p>A hundreth of hunt<i>er</i>es, as I haf herde telle,</p> - <p class="i8">of e best;</p> - <span class="sidenote">To the stations the "fewters" go,</span> - <p class="i4">To trystors vewters ȝod,</p> - <p class="i4">Couples huntes of kest,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 106<i>b</i>.]</span> -<span class="linenum">1148</span> - <p class="i4"><i>er</i> ros for blasteȝ gode,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and the dogs are cast off.</span> - <p class="i4">Gret rurd i<i>n</i> at forest.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>II.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Roused by the clamour the deer rush to the heights,</span> - <p>At e fyrst quethe of e quest quaked e wylde;</p> - <p>Der drof i<i>n</i> e dale, doted for drede,</p> -<span class="linenum">1152</span> - <p>Hiȝed to e hyȝe, bot het<i>er</i>ly ay were</p> - <span class="sidenote">but are soon driven back.</span> - <p>Restayed w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> e stablye, at stoutly ascryed;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The harts and bucks are allowed to pass,</span> - <p>ay let e hertteȝ haf e gate, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> e hyȝe hedes,</p> - <p>e breme bukkeȝ also, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hor brode paumeȝ;</p> -<span class="linenum">1156</span> - <p>For e fre lorde hade de-fende i<i>n</i> fermysou<i>n</i> tyme,</p> - <p><i>a</i>t <i>er</i> schulde no mon mene<sup>1</sup> to e male dere.</p> - <span class="sidenote">but the hinds and does are driven back to the shades.</span> - <p>e hindeȝ were halden i<i>n</i>, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hay & war,</p> - <p>e does dryuen w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gret dyn to e depe sladeȝ;</p> -<span class="linenum">1160</span> - <p>er myȝt mon se, as ay slypte, slenty<i>n</i>g of arwes,</p> - <span class="sidenote">As they fly they are shot by the bowmen.</span> - <p>At vche [at] wende vnder wande wapped a flone,</p> - <p>at bigly bote on e brou<i>n</i>, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> ful brode hedeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The hounds and the hunters, with a loud cry, follow in pursuit.</span> - <p>What! ay brayen, & bleden, bi bonkkeȝ ay deȝen.</p> -<span class="linenum">1164</span> - <p>& ay rachches i<i>n</i> a res radly hem folȝes,</p> - <p>Hu<i>n</i>tereȝ wyth hyȝe horne hasted hem aft<i>er</i>,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Those that escaped the arrows are killed by the hounds.</span> - <p>Wyth such a crakkande kry, as klyffes haden brusten;</p> - <p>What wylde so at-waped wyȝes at schotten,</p> -<span class="linenum">1168</span> - <p>Watȝ al to-raced & rent, at e resayt.</p> - <p>Bi ay were tened at e hyȝe, & taysed to e wattreȝ,</p> - <p>e ledeȝ were so lerned at e loȝe trysteres,</p> - <p>& e gre-hou<i>n</i>deȝ so grete, at geten hem bylyue,</p> -<span class="linenum">1172</span> - <p>& hem to fylched, as fast as frekeȝ myȝt loke,</p> - <p class="i8"><i>er</i> ryȝt.</p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord waxes joyful in the chase,</span> - <p class="i4">e lorde for blys abloy</p> - <p class="i4">Ful oft con lau<i>n</i>ce & lyȝt,</p> - <span class="sidenote">which lasted till the approach of night.</span> -<span class="linenum">1176</span> - <p class="i4">& drof at day wyth Ioy</p> - <p class="i4">Thus to e derk nyȝt.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> meue (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>III.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">All this time Gawayne lies a-bed.</span> - <p><i>us</i> laykeȝ is lorde by lynde wodeȝ eueȝ,</p> - <p>& G. e god mon, i<i>n</i> gay bed lygeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">under "coverture full clear".</span> -<span class="linenum">1180</span> - <p>Lurkkeȝ quyl e day-lyȝt lemed on e wowes,</p> - <p>Vnder couerto<i>ur</i> ful clere, cortyned aboute;</p> - <p>& as i<i>n</i> slom<i>er</i>y<i>n</i>g he slode, sleȝly he herde</p> - <span class="sidenote">He hears a noise at his door.</span> - <p>A littel dyn at his dor, & derfly vpon;</p> -<span class="linenum">1184</span> - <p>& he heueȝ vp his hed out of e cloes,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 107.]</span> - <p>A corner of e cortyn he caȝt vp a lyttel,</p> - <p>& wayteȝ warly ider-warde, quat hit be myȝt.</p> - <span class="sidenote">A lady, the loveliest to behold, enters softly.</span> - <p>Hit watȝ e ladi, loflyest to be-holde,</p> -<span class="linenum">1188</span> - <p>at droȝ e dor aft<i>er</i> hir ful dernly<sup>1</sup> & stylle,</p> - <span class="sidenote">She approaches the bed.</span> - <p>& boȝed to-warde e bed; & e burne schamed.</p> - <p>& layde hy<i>m</i> dou<i>n</i> lystyly, & let as he slepte.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne pretends to be asleep.</span> - <p>& ho stepped stilly. & stel to his bedde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady casts up the curtain and sits on the bedside.</span> -<span class="linenum">1192</span> - <p>Kest vp e cortyn, & creped w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p>& set hir ful softly on e bed-syde,</p> - <p>& lenged ere selly longe, to loke que<i>n</i> he wakened.</p> - <p>e lede lay lurked a ful longe quyle,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne has much wonder thereat.</span> -<span class="linenum">1196</span> - <p>Compast i<i>n</i> his concience to quat at cace myȝt</p> - <p>Mene o<i>er</i> amou<i>n</i>t, to m<i>er</i>uayle hy<i>m</i> oȝt;</p> - <p>Bot ȝet he sayde i<i>n</i> hy<i>m</i>-self, "more semly hit were</p> - <p>To aspye wyth my spelle [in] space quat ho wolde."</p> - <span class="sidenote">He rouses himself up,</span> -<span class="linenum">1200</span> - <p>en he wakenede, & wroth, & to hir warde torned,</p> - <span class="sidenote">unlocks his eyes, and looks as if he were astonished.</span> - <p>& vn-louked his yȝe-lyddeȝ, & let as hy<i>m</i> wondered,</p> - <p>& sayned hy<i>m</i>, as bi his saȝe e sau<i>er</i> to worthe,</p> - <p class="i8">w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hande;</p> -<span class="linenum">1204</span> - <p class="i4">Wyth chy<i>n</i>ne & cheke ful swete,</p> - <p class="i4">Boe quit & red i<i>n</i>-blande,</p> - <p class="i4">Ful lufly con ho lete,</p> - <p class="i4">Wyth lyppeȝ smal laȝande.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> deruly (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>IV.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Good morrow", says the lady, "ye are a careless sleeper to let one enter thus.</span> -<span class="linenum">1208</span> - <p>"God morou<i>n</i>, s<i>ir</i> Gawayn," sayde at fayr lady,</p> - <p>"Ȝe ar a slep<i>er</i> vn-slyȝe, at mo<i>n</i> may slyde hider; </p> - <p>Now ar ȝe tan astyt, bot t<i>r</i>ue v<i>us</i> may schape,</p> - <span class="sidenote">I shall bind you in your bed, of that be ye sure."</span> - <p>I schal bynde yow i<i>n</i> yo<i>ur</i> bedde, at be ȝe trayst:"</p> -<span class="linenum">1212</span> - <p>Al laȝande e lady lanced o bourdeȝ.</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Good morrow," says the knight, "I am well pleased to be at your service;</span> - <p>"Goud morou<i>n</i> g[aye],"<sup>1</sup> q<i>uod</i> Gawayn e blye,</p> - <p>"Me schal wore at yo<i>ur</i> wille, & at me wel lykeȝ,</p> - <p>For I ȝelde me ȝederly, & ȝeȝe aft<i>er</i> g<i>ra</i>ce,</p> -<span class="linenum">1216</span> - <p>& at is e best, be my dome, for me by-houeȝ nede;"</p> - <p>& us he bourded a-ȝayn w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony a blye laȝt<i>er</i>.</p> - <span class="sidenote">but permit me to rise and dress myself."</span> - <p>"Bot wolde ȝe, lady louely, e<i>n</i> leue me g<i>ra</i>nte,</p> - <p>& de-prece yo<i>ur</i> prysou<i>n</i>, & pray hy<i>m</i> to ryse,</p> -<span class="linenum">1220</span> - <p>I wolde boȝe of is bed, & busk me bett<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>I schulde keu<i>er</i> e more comfort to karp yow wyth."</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 107b]<br />"Nay, beau sir," said that sweet one,</span> - <p>"Nay, for soe, beau s<i>ir</i>," sayd at swete,</p> - <p>"Ȝe schal not rise of yo<i>ur</i> bedde, I rych yow bett<i>er</i>,</p> - <span class="sidenote">"I shall hold talk with you here.</span> -<span class="linenum">1224</span> - <p>I schal happe yow here at o<i>er</i> half als,</p> - <p>& syen karp wyth my knyȝt at I kaȝt haue;</p> - <span class="sidenote">I know well that you are Gawayne that all the woild worships.</span> - <p>For I wene wel, Iwysse, s<i>ir</i> Wawen ȝe are,</p> - <p>at alle e worlde worchipeȝ, quere-so ȝe ride;</p> -<span class="linenum">1228</span> - <p>Yo<i>ur</i> hono<i>ur</i>, yo<i>ur</i> hendelayk is hendely praysed</p> - <span class="sidenote">We are by ourselves;</span> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> lordeȝ, wyth ladyes, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> alle at lyf bere.</p> - <p>& now ȝe ar here, iwysse, & we bot oure one;</p> - <span class="sidenote">My lord and his men are far off.</span> - <p>"My lorde & his ledeȝ ar on lene faren,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Other men are in their beds, so are my maidens.</span> -<span class="linenum">1232</span> - <p>O<i>er</i> burneȝ i<i>n</i> her bedde, & my burdeȝ als,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The door is safely closed.</span> - <p>e dor drawen, & dit w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a derf haspe;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Since I have him in house that every one likes, I shall use my time well while it lasts.</span> - <p>& syen I haue i<i>n</i> is ho<i>us</i> hy<i>m</i> at al lykeȝ,</p> - <p>I schal ware my whyle wel, quyl hit lasteȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1236</span> - <p class="i8">w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> tale;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Ye are welcome to my body.</span> - <p class="i4">Ȝe ar welcu<i>m</i> to my cors,</p> - <p class="i4">Yowre awen won to wale,</p> - <p class="i4">Me be-houeȝ of fyne force,</p> - <span class="sidenote">I shall be your servant."</span> -<span class="linenum">1240</span> - <p class="i4">Yo<i>ur</i> seruau<i>n</i>t be & schale."</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> This word is illegible in the MS. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>V.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <p>"In god fayth," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "gay<i>n</i> hit me ynkkeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">"I am unworthy," says Sir Gawayne, "to reach to such reverence as ye rehearse.</span> - <p>aȝ I be not now he at ȝe of speken;</p> - <p>To reche to such reuerence as ȝe reherce here</p> -<span class="linenum">1244</span> - <p>I am wyȝe vn-wory, I wot wel my-seluen;</p> - <p>Bi God, I were glad, & yow god oȝt,</p> - <span class="sidenote">I shall be glad, however, to please you by word, or service."</span> - <p>At saȝe o<i>er</i> at seruyce at I sette myȝt</p> - <p>To e plesau<i>n</i>ce of yo<i>ur</i> prys, hit were a pure ioye."</p> -<span class="linenum">1248</span> - <p>"In god fayth, s<i>ir</i> Gawayn," q<i>uod</i> e gay lady,</p> - <p>"e prys & e prowes at pleseȝ al o<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>If I hit lakked, o<i>er</i> set at lyȝt, hit were littel daynt;</p> - <span class="sidenote">"There are ladies," says his visitor, "who would prefer thy company</span> - <p>Bot hit ar ladyes i<i>n</i>-noȝe, at leu<i>er</i> wer nowe</p> -<span class="linenum">1252</span> - <p>Haf e hende i<i>n</i> hor holde, as I e habbe here,</p> - <p>To daly w<i>i</i>t<i>t</i> derely yo<i>ur</i> daynt wordeȝ,</p> - <p>Keu<i>er</i> hem comfort, & colen her careȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">to much of the gold that they possess."</span> - <p>e<i>n</i> much of e garysour<i>n</i> o<i>er</i> golde at<sup>1</sup> ay hauen;</p> -<span class="linenum">1256</span> - <p>Bot I louue<sup>2</sup> at ilk lorde <i>a</i>t e lyfte haldeȝ,</p> - <p>I haf hit holly i<i>n</i> my honde <i>a</i>t al desyres,</p> - <p class="i8">urȝe grace."</p> - <p class="i4">Scho made hy<i>m</i> so gret chere,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 108.]</span> -<span class="linenum">1260</span> - <p class="i4">at watȝ so fayr of face,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight answers the lady's questions.</span> - <p class="i4">e knyȝt w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> speches skere,</p> - <p class="i4">A[n]swared to vche a cace.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. at <i>a</i>t. - <sup>2</sup> louie or loune (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>VI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne tells her that he prefers her conversation before that of all others.</span> - <p>"Madame," q<i>uod</i> e myry mon, "Mary yow ȝelde,</p> -<span class="linenum">1264</span> - <p>For I haf fou<i>n</i>den, i<i>n</i> god fayth, yowre frau<i>n</i>chis nobele,</p> - <p>& o<i>er</i> ful much of o<i>er</i> folk fongen hor dedeȝ;</p> - <p>Bot e daynt <i>a</i>t ay delen for my disert nysen,</p> - <p>Hit is e worchyp of yo<i>ur</i>-self, <i>a</i>t noȝt hot wel co<i>n</i>neȝ."</p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady declares by Mary,</span> -<span class="linenum">1268</span> - <p>"Bi Mary," q<i>uod</i> e menskful, "me ynk hit ano<i>er</i>;</p> - <p>For were I worth al e wone of wy<i>m</i>men alyue,</p> - <p>& al e wele of e worlde were i<i>n</i> my honde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">that were she about to choose her a lord,</span> - <p>& I schulde chepen & chose, to cheue me a lorde,</p> -<span class="linenum">1272</span> - <p>For e costes at I haf knowen vpun e knyȝt here,</p> - <p>Of bewt, & debonert, & blye semblau<i>n</i>t,</p> - <span class="sidenote">she would select Gawayne before any man on earth.</span> - <p>& at I haf er herkkened, & halde hit here trwee,</p> - <p><i>er</i> schulde no freke vpon folde bifore yow be chosen."</p> -<span class="linenum">1276</span> - <p>"I-wysse, wory," q<i>uod</i> e wyȝe, "ȝe haf waled wel bett<i>er</i>,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne tells her that he will become her own knight and faithful servant.</span> - <p>Bot I am proude of e prys at ȝe put on me,</p> - <p>& soberly yo<i>ur</i> seruau<i>n</i>t my sou<i>er</i>ayn I holde yow,</p> - <p>& yowre knyȝt I be-com, & Kryst yow for-ȝelde."</p> -<span class="linenum">1280</span> - <p><i>us</i> ay meled of much-quat, til myd-morn paste,</p> - <p>& ay e lady let lyk, a<sup>1</sup> hy<i>m</i> loued mych;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The remembrance of his adventure prevents him from thinking of love.</span> - <p>e freke ferde w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> defence, & feted ful fayre.</p> - <p>aȝ I were burde bryȝtest, e burde i<i>n</i> mynde hade,</p> -<span class="linenum">1284</span> - <p>e lasse luf i<i>n</i> his lode, for lur at he soȝt,</p> - <p class="i8">boute hone;</p> - <p class="i4">e dunte at schulde<sup>2</sup> hy<i>m</i> deue,</p> - <p class="i4">& nedeȝ hit most be done;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady takes leave of Sir Gawayne.</span> -<span class="linenum">1288</span> - <p class="i4">e lady e<i>n</i>n spek of leue.</p> - <p class="i4">He g<i>ra</i>nted hir ful sone.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> and (?) - <sup>2</sup> sclulde, in MS. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>VII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">With a laughing glance, she says,</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne ho gef hy<i>m</i> god-day, & wyth a glent laȝed.</p> - <p>& as ho stod, ho stonyed hy<i>m</i> wyth ful stor wordeȝ:</p> - <span class="sidenote">"I am doubtful whether ye be Gawayne.</span> -<span class="linenum">1292</span> - <p>"Now he at spedeȝ vche spech, is disport ȝelde yow!</p> - <p>Bot at ȝe be Gawan, hit gotȝ i<i>n</i> my<i>n</i>de."</p> - <p>"Quer-fore?" q<i>uod</i> e freke, & freschly he askeȝ,</p> - <p>Ferde lest he hade fayled i<i>n</i> fo<i>ur</i>me of his castes;</p> -<span class="linenum">1296</span> - <p>Bot e burde hy<i>m</i> blessed, & bi is skyl sayde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 108<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p>"So god as Gawayn gaynly is halden,</p> - <p>& cortaysye is closed so clene i<i>n</i> hy<i>m</i>-seluen,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Were it he, surely, ere this, he would have craved a kiss."</span> - <p>Couth not lyȝtly haf lenged so long wyth a lady,</p> -<span class="linenum">1300</span> - <p>Bot he had craued a cosse, bi his co<i>ur</i>taysye,</p> - <p>Bi su<i>m</i> towch of su<i>m</i>me tryfle, at su<i>m</i> taleȝ ende."</p> - <span class="sidenote">"I shall kiss," says the knight, "at your commandment."</span> - <p>e<i>n</i> q<i>uod</i> Wowen, "I-wysse, wore as yow lykeȝ,</p> - <p>I schal kysse at yo<i>ur</i> comau<i>n</i>dement, as a knyȝt falleȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1304</span> - <p>& fire<sup>1</sup> lest he displese yow, so<sup>2</sup> plede hit no more."</p> - <span class="sidenote">With that the lady catches him in her arms and kisses him.</span> - <p>Ho comes nerre w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> at, & cacheȝ hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> armeȝ,</p> - <p>Louteȝ luflych adou<i>n</i>, & e leude kysseȝ;</p> - <p>ay comly byke<i>n</i>nen to Kryst ay<i>er</i> o<i>er</i>;</p> -<span class="linenum">1308</span> - <p>Ho dos hir forth at e dore, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-outen dyn more.</p> - <p>& he ryches hy<i>m</i> to ryse, & rapes hy<i>m</i> sone,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne then rises and goes to mass.</span> - <p>Clepes to his chamberlayn, choses his wede,</p> - <p>Boȝeȝ forth, quen he watȝ bou<i>n</i>, blyely to masse,</p> -<span class="linenum">1312</span> - <p>& e<i>n</i>ne he meued to his mete, <i>a</i>t me<i>n</i>skly hy<i>m</i> keped,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He makes mirth all day till the moon rises,</span> - <p>& made myry al day til e mone rysed,</p> - <p class="i8">w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> game;</p> - <p class="i4">W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i><sup>3</sup> neu<i>er</i> freke fayrer fonge,</p> - <span class="sidenote">between the "two dames," the older and the younger.</span> -<span class="linenum">1316</span> - <p class="i4">Bitwene two so dy<i>n</i>gne dame,</p> - <p class="i4">e alder & e ȝonge,</p> - <p class="i4">Much solace set ay same.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> fere (?). - <sup>2</sup> fo, in MS. - <sup>3</sup> Was (?) Nas (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>VIII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Meanwhile the lord of the land and his men hunt in woods and heaths.</span> - <p>And ay e lorde of e londe is lent on his gamneȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1320</span> - <p>To hu<i>n</i>t i<i>n</i> holteȝ & hee, at hyndeȝ barayne,</p> - <p>Such a sowme he <i>er</i> slowe bi at e su<i>n</i>ne heldet,</p> - <p>Of dos & of o<i>er</i> dere, to deme were wonder.</p> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne fersly ay flokked i<i>n</i> folk at e laste,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Quickly of the killed a "<i>quarry</i>" they make.</span> -<span class="linenum">1324</span> - <p>& quykly of e quelled dere a querr ay maked;</p> - <p>e best boȝed erto, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> burneȝ i<i>n</i>-nogh<i>e</i>,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Then they set about <i>breaking</i> the deer.</span> - <p>Gedered e grattest of gres at er were,</p> - <p>& didden hem derely vndo, as e dede askeȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">They take away the <i>assay</i> or fat,</span> -<span class="linenum">1328</span> - <p>Serched hem at e asay, su<i>m</i>me at <i>er</i> were,</p> - <p>Two fy<i>n</i>geres ay fonde of e fowlest of alle;</p> - <span class="sidenote">then they slit the <i>slot</i> and remove the <i>erber</i>.</span> - <p>Sye<i>n</i> ay slyt e slot, sesed e erber,</p> - <span class="sidenote">They afterwards rip the four limbs and rend off the hide.</span> - <p>Schaued wyth a scharp knyf, & e schyre knitten;</p> -<span class="linenum">1332</span> - <p>Syen rytte ay e foure ly<i>m</i>mes, & rent of e hyde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">They next open the belly</span> - <p>e<i>n</i> brek ay e bale, e baleȝ out token,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 109.]<br />and take out the bowels.</span> - <p>Lystily forlancy<i>n</i>g, & bere of e knot;</p> - <p> ay gryped to e gargulu<i>n</i>, & g<i>ra</i>yely departed</p> - <span class="sidenote">They then separate the <i>weasand</i> from the windhole and throw out the guts.</span> -<span class="linenum">1336</span> - <p>e wesau<i>n</i>t fro e wynt-hole, & walt out e gutteȝ;</p> - <p>e<i>n</i> scher ay out e schuldereȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> her scharp knyueȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The shoulders are cut out, and the breast divided into halves.</span> - <p>Haled hem by a lyttel hole, to haue hole sydes;</p> - <p>Sien britned ay e brest, & brayden hit i<i>n</i> twy<i>n</i>ne,</p> -<span class="linenum">1340</span> - <p>& eft at e gargulu<i>n</i> bigyneȝ on e<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The <i>numbles</i> are next removed.</span> - <p>Ryueȝ hit vp radly, ryȝt to e byȝt,</p> - <p>Voydeȝ out e a-vanters, & v<i>er</i>ayly <i>er</i>aft<i>er</i></p> - <p>Alle e rymeȝ by e rybbeȝ radly ay lance;</p> -<span class="linenum">1344</span> - <p>So ryde ay of by resou<i>n</i> bi e rygge boneȝ,</p> - <p>Euenden to e haunche, at henged alle samen,</p> - <p>& heuen hit vp al hole, & hwen hit of ere,</p> - <p>& at ayneme for e nou<i>m</i>bles, bi nome as I trowe,</p> -<span class="linenum">1348</span> - <p class="i8">bi kynde;</p> - <span class="sidenote">By the fork of the thighs,</span> - <p class="i4">Bi e byȝt al of e yȝes,</p> - <p class="i4">e lappeȝ ay lance bi-hynde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">the flaps are hewn in two by the backbone.</span> - <p class="i4">To hewe hit i<i>n</i> two ay hyȝes,</p> -<span class="linenum">1352</span> - <p class="i4">Bi e bak-bon to vnbynde.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>IX.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">After this the head and neck are cut off, and the sides severed from the chine.</span> - <p>Boe e hede & e hals ay hwen of e<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p>& syen sunder ay e sydeȝ swyft fro e chyne,</p> - <p>& e corbeles fee ay kest i<i>n</i> a greue;<sup>1</sup></p> -<span class="linenum">1356</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>n urled ay ayer ik side urȝ, bi e rybbe,</p> - <p>& henged e<i>n</i>ne a[y]<i>er</i> bi hoȝes of e fourcheȝ,</p> - <p>Vche freke for his fee, as falleȝ forto haue.</p> - <p>Vpon a felle of e fayre best, fede ay ayr hou<i>n</i>des,</p> - <span class="sidenote">With the liver, lights and paunches, they feed the hounds.</span> -<span class="linenum">1360</span> - <p>Wyth e lyu<i>er</i> & e lyȝteȝ, e leer of e pauncheȝ,</p> - <p>& bred baed i<i>n</i> blod, blende er amo<i>n</i>geȝ;</p> - <p>Baldely ay blw prys, bayed ayr rachcheȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Then they make for home.</span> - <p>Syen fonge ay her flesche folden to home,</p> -<span class="linenum">1364</span> - <p>Strakande ful stoutly mony stif moteȝ.</p> - <p>Bi at e daylyȝt watȝ done, e douthe watȝ al wonen</p> - <p>I<i>n</i>-to e comly castel, er e knyȝt bideȝ</p> - <p class="i8">ful stille;</p> -<span class="linenum">1368</span> - <p class="i4">Wyth blys & bryȝt fyr bette,</p> - <p class="i4">e lord is comen <i>er</i>-tylle,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne goes out to meet his host.</span> - <p class="i4">When Gawayn wyth hy<i>m</i> mette,</p> - <p class="i4">er watȝ bot wele at wylle.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> grene (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>X.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 109<i>b</i>.]<br />The lord commands all his household to assemble,</span> -<span class="linenum">1372</span> - <p>The<i>n</i>ne comau<i>n</i>ded e lorde i<i>n</i> <i>a</i>t sale to samen alle e meny,</p> - <p>Boe e ladyes on logh<i>e</i> to lyȝt w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> her burdes,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and the venison to be brought before him.</span> - <p>Bi-fore alle e folk on e flette, frekeȝ he beddeȝ</p> - <p>V<i>er</i>ayly his venysou<i>n</i> to fech hy<i>m</i> byforne;</p> - <span class="sidenote">He calls Gawayne,</span> -<span class="linenum">1376</span> - <p>& al godly i<i>n</i> gomen Gaway[n] he called,</p> - <p>Techeȝ hy<i>m</i> to e tayles of ful tayt bestes,</p> - <p>Scheweȝ hy<i>m</i> e schyree grece schorne vpon rybbes.</p> - <span class="sidenote">and asks him whether he does not deserve much praise for his success in the chase.</span> - <p>"How payeȝ yow is play? haf I prys wo<i>n</i>nen?</p> -<span class="linenum">1380</span> - <p>Haue I ryuandely onk urȝ my craft serued?"</p> - <p>"Ȝe I-wysse," q<i>uod</i> at o<i>er</i> wyȝe, "here is wayth fayrest</p> - <span class="sidenote">On the knight expressing himself satisfied, he is told to take the whole according to a former agreement between them.</span> - <p>at I seȝ is seuen ȝere i<i>n</i> sesou<i>n</i> of wynt<i>er</i>."</p> - <p>"& al I gif yow, Gawayn," q<i>uod</i> e gome e<i>n</i>ne,</p> -<span class="linenum">1384</span> - <p>"For by a-corde of couenau<i>n</i>t ȝe craue hit as yo<i>ur</i> awen."</p> - <p>"is is soth," q<i>uod</i> e segge, "I say yow atilke,</p> - <p>&<sup>1</sup> I haf worthyly is woneȝ wyth-i<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne gives the knight a comely kiss in return.</span> - <p>I-wysse w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> as god wylle hit woreȝ to ȝo<i>ur</i>eȝ."</p> -<span class="linenum">1388</span> - <p>He hasppeȝ his fayre hals his armeȝ wyth-i<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p>& kysses hy<i>m</i> as comlyly as he<sup>2</sup> coue awyse:</p> - <p>"Tas yow ere my cheuicau<i>n</i>ce, I cheued no more,</p> - <p>I wowche hit saf fynly, aȝ feler hit were."</p> -<span class="linenum">1392</span> - <p>"Hit is god," q<i>uod</i> e god mon, "g<i>ra</i>nt m<i>er</i>cy <i>er</i>fore,</p> - <span class="sidenote">His host desires to know where he has gotten such weal.</span> - <p>Hit may be such, hit is e bett<i>er</i>, &<sup>1</sup> ȝe me breue wolde</p> - <p>Where ȝe wan is ilk wele, biwytte of hor<sup>3</sup> seluen?"</p> - <span class="sidenote">As this does not enter into the covenant, he gets no answer to his question.</span> - <p>"at watȝ not forward," q<i>uod</i> he, "frayst me no more,</p> -<span class="linenum">1396</span> - <p>For ȝe haftan at yow tydeȝ, traweȝe non o<i>er</i></p> - <p class="i8">ȝe mowe."</p> - <p class="i4">ay laȝed, & made hem blye,</p> - <span class="sidenote">They then proceed to supper, where were dainties new and enough.</span> - <p class="i4">Wyth loteȝ at were to lowe,</p> -<span class="linenum">1400</span> - <p class="i4">To soper ay ȝede asswye,</p> - <p class="i4">Wyth dayntes nwe i<i>n</i>-nowe.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> And = an. - <sup>2</sup> ho, in MS. - <sup>3</sup> your (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">By the hearth they sit.</span> - <p>And syen by e chymn i<i>n</i> chamber ay seten.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Wine is carried round.</span> - <p>Wyȝeȝ e walle wyn weȝed to hem oft,</p> -<span class="linenum">1404</span> - <p>& efte i<i>n</i> her bourdy<i>n</i>g ay bayen i<i>n</i> e morn,</p> - <p>To fylle e same forwardeȝ at ay by-fore maden,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Again Sir Gawayne and his host renew their agreement.</span> - <p>at chau<i>n</i>ce so bytydeȝ hor cheuysau<i>n</i>ce to chau<i>n</i>ge,</p> - <p>What nweȝ so ay nome, at naȝt quen ay mette<i>n</i></p> -<span class="linenum">1408</span> - <p>ay acorded of e couenau<i>n</i>teȝ byfore e co<i>ur</i>t alle;</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 110.]</span> - <p>e beuerage watȝ broȝt forth i<i>n</i> bourde at at tyme;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Then they take leave of each other and hasten to bed.</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne ay louelych leȝten leue at e last,</p> - <p>Vche burne to his bedde busked bylyue.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Scarce had the cock cackled thrice when the lord was up.</span> -<span class="linenum">1412</span> - <p>Bi at e coke hade croweȝ<sup>1</sup> & cakled bot ryse,</p> - <p>e lorde watȝ lopen of his bedde, [&] e leudeȝ vch one,</p> - <p>So at e mete & e masse watȝ metely delyu<i>er</i>ed;</p> - <p>e douthe dressed to e wod, er any day sprenged,</p> -<span class="linenum">1416</span> - <p class="i8">to chace;</p> - <span class="sidenote">With his hunters and horns they pursue the chase.</span> - <p class="i4">Heȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hu<i>n</i>te & horneȝ,</p> - <p class="i4">urȝ playneȝ ay passe i<i>n</i> space,</p> - <p class="i4">Vn-coupled amo<i>n</i>g o orneȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1420</span> - <p class="i4">Racheȝ at ran on race.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> crowed (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The hunters cheer on the hounds,</span> - <p>Sone ay calle of a quest i<i>n</i> aker syde,</p> - <p>e hu<i>n</i>t re-hayted e hou<i>n</i>deȝ, at hit fyrst my<i>n</i>ged,</p> - <span class="sidenote">which fall to the scent forty at once.</span> - <p>Wylde wordeȝ hy<i>m</i> warp wyth a wrast noyce;</p> -<span class="linenum">1424</span> - <p>e howndeȝ at hit herde, hastid ider swye,</p> - <p>& fellen as fast to e fuyt, fourty at ones;</p> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne such a glau<i>er</i>ande glam of gedered rachcheȝ</p> - <p>Ros, at e rochereȝ ru<i>n</i>gen aboute;</p> -<span class="linenum">1428</span> - <p>Hu<i>n</i>tereȝ hem hardened w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> horne & wyth muthe.</p> - <span class="sidenote">All come together by the side of a cliff.</span> - <p>e<i>n</i> al i<i>n</i> a sembl sweyed to-geder,</p> - <p>Bitwene a flosche i<i>n</i> at fryth, & a foo cragge;</p> - <p>In a knot, bi a clyffe, at e kerre syde,</p> -<span class="linenum">1432</span> - <p><i>er</i> as e rogh rocher vn-rydely watȝ fallen,</p> - <p>[ay] ferden to e fyndy<i>n</i>g, & frekeȝ hem aft<i>er</i>;</p> - <span class="sidenote">They look about on all sides,</span> - <p>ay vmbe-kesten e knarre & e knot boe.</p> - <p>Wyȝeȝ, whyl ay wysten wel wyt i<i>n</i>ne he<i>m</i> hit were,</p> -<span class="linenum">1436</span> - <p>e best at er breued watȝ wyth e blod hou<i>n</i>deȝ.</p> - <span class="sidenote">and beat on the bushes.</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne ay beten on e buskeȝ, & bede hy<i>m</i> vp ryse,</p> - <p>& he vnsou<i>n</i>dyly out soȝt seggeȝ ou<i>er</i>-wert,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Out there rushes a fierce wild boar,</span> - <p>On e sellokest swyn swenged out ere,</p> -<span class="linenum">1440</span> - <p>Long sythen for<sup>1</sup> e sou<i>n</i>der at wiȝt for-olde,</p> - <p>For he watȝ b[este &] bor aler grattest,</p> - <p>[And eue]re quen he gronyed, e<i>n</i>ne greued mony,</p> - <span class="sidenote">At the first thrust he fells three to the ground.</span> - <p>For [re a]t e fyrst rast he ryȝt to e ere,</p> -<span class="linenum">1444</span> - <p>& [sped hym] forth good sped, boute spyt more,</p> - <p>[Ande ay] halowed hygh<i>e</i> ful hyȝe & hay! hay! cryed</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 110<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p>Haden horneȝ to moue heterly rechated;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Full quickly the hunters pursue him.</span> - <p>Mony watȝ e myry mouthe of men & of hou<i>n</i>deȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1448</span> - <p>at buskkeȝ aft<i>er</i> is bor, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> bost & wyth noyse,</p> - <p class="i8">To quelle;</p> - <p class="i4">Ful oft he bydeȝ e baye,</p> - <p class="i4">& maymeȝ e mute I<i>n</i>n-melle,</p> - <span class="sidenote">However, he attacks the hounds, causing them to yowl and yell.</span> -<span class="linenum">1452</span> - <p class="i4">He hurteȝ of e hou<i>n</i>deȝ, & ay</p> - <p class="i4">Ful ȝomerly ȝaule & ȝelle.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> fro (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XIII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The bowmen send their arrows after this wild swine,</span> - <p>Schalkeȝ to schote at hy<i>m</i> schowen to e<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p>Haled to hym of her areweȝ, hitten hym oft;</p> -<span class="linenum">1456</span> - <p>Bot e poy<i>n</i>teȝ payred at e pyth <i>a</i>t pyȝt i<i>n</i> his scheldeȝ,</p> - <p>& e barbeȝ of his browe bite non wolde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">but they glide off shivered in pieces.</span> - <p>aȝ e schauen schaft schyndered i<i>n</i> peceȝ,</p> - <p>e hede hypped aȝayn, were-so-eu<i>er</i> hit hitte;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Enraged with the blows,</span> -<span class="linenum">1460</span> - <p>Bot quon e dynteȝ hy<i>m</i> dered of her dryȝe strokeȝ,</p> - <p>en, brayn-wod for bate, on burneȝ he raseȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">he attacks the hunters.</span> - <p>Hurteȝ hem ful heterly er he forth hyȝeȝ,</p> - <p>& mony arȝed erat, & on-lyte droȝen.</p> -<span class="linenum">1464</span> - <p>Bot e lorde on a lyȝt horce lau<i>n</i>ces hym aft<i>er</i>,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of the land blows his bugle,</span> - <p>As burne bolde vpon bent his bugle he bloweȝ,</p> - <p>He rechated, & r[ode]<sup>1</sup> urȝ roneȝ ful yk,</p> - <p>Suande is wy[ld]e swyn til e su<i>n</i>ne schafted.</p> - <span class="sidenote">and pursues the boar.</span> -<span class="linenum">1468</span> - <p>is day wyth is ilk dede ay dryuen on is wyse,</p> - <p>Whyle oure luflych lede lys i<i>n</i> his bedde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">All this time Gawayne lies a-bed.</span> - <p>Gawayn g<i>ra</i>yely at home, i<i>n</i> gereȝ ful ryche</p> - <p class="i8">of hewe;</p> -<span class="linenum">1472</span> - <p class="i4">e lady noȝt forȝate,</p> - <p class="i4">Com to hy<i>m</i> to salue,</p> - <p class="i4">Ful erly ho watȝ hy<i>m</i> ate,</p> - <p class="i4">His mode forto remwe.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> The MS. is here almost illegible. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XIV.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The lady of the castle again visits Sir Gawayne.</span> -<span class="linenum">1476</span> - <p>Ho co<i>m</i>mes to e cortyn, & at e knyȝt totes,</p> - <p>S<i>ir</i> Wawen her welcu<i>m</i>ed wory on fyrst,</p> - <p>& ho hy<i>m</i> ȝeldeȝ aȝayn, ful ȝerne of hir wordeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Softly she sits by his side,</span> - <p>Setteȝ hir sof[t]ly by his syde, & swyely ho laȝeȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1480</span> - <p>& wyth a luflych loke ho layde<sup>1</sup> hy<i>m</i> yse wordeȝ:</p> - <p>"S<i>ir</i>, ȝif ȝe be Wawen, wonder me ynkkeȝ,</p> - <p>Wyȝe at is so wel wrast alway to god,</p> - <p>& conneȝ not of compaynye e costeȝ vnder-take,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 111]</span> -<span class="linenum">1484</span> - <p>& if mon ke<i>n</i>nes yow hom to knowe, ȝe kest hom of yo<i>ur</i> my<i>n</i>de;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and tells the knight that he has forgotten what she taught him the day before.</span> - <p>ou hatȝ for-ȝeten ȝederly at ȝist<i>er</i>day I taȝtte</p> - <p> alder-truest token of talk at I cowe."</p> - <p>"What is at?" q<i>uod</i> e wygh<i>e</i>, "I-wysse I wot neu<i>er</i>,</p> -<span class="linenum">1488</span> - <p>If hit be sothe at ȝe breue, e blame is my<i>n</i> awen."</p> - <span class="sidenote">"I taught you of kissing," she says, "that becomes every knight."</span> - <p>"Ȝet I kende yow of kyssy<i>n</i>g," q<i>uod</i> e clere e<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p>"Quere-so cou<i>n</i>tenau<i>n</i>ce is coue, quikly to clayme,</p> - <p>at bicu<i>m</i>es vche a knyȝt, at cortaysy vses."</p> -<span class="linenum">1492</span> - <p>"Do way," q<i>uod</i> at derf mon, "my dere, at speche,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne says that he must not take that which is forbidden.</span> - <p>For at durst I not do, lest I denayed were,</p> - <p>If I were werned, I were wrang I-wysse, ȝif I p<i>ro</i>fered."</p> - <p>"Ma fay," q<i>uod</i> e mere wyf, "ȝe may not be werned,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He is told that he is strong enough to enforce it.</span> -<span class="linenum">1496</span> - <p>Ȝe ar stif i<i>n</i>-nogh<i>e</i> to constrayne wyth strenke, ȝif yow lykeȝ,</p> - <p>Ȝif any were so vilano<i>us</i> at yow denaye<sup>2</sup> wolde."</p> - <p>"Ȝe, be God," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "good is yo<i>ur</i> speche,</p> - <p>Bot rete is vn-ryuande i<i>n</i> ede <i>er</i> I lende,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight replies that every gift is worthless that is not given willingly.</span> -<span class="linenum">1500</span> - <p>& vche gift at is geuen not w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> goud wylle;</p> - <p>I am at yo<i>ur</i> comaundeme<i>n</i>t, to kysse quen yow lykeȝ,</p> - <p>Ȝe may lach quen yow lyst, & leue quen yow ynkkeȝ,</p> - <p class="i8">in space."</p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady stoops down and kisses him.</span> -<span class="linenum">1504</span> - <p class="i4">e lady louteȝ a-dou<i>n</i>,</p> - <p class="i4">& comlyly kysses his face,</p> - <p class="i4">Much speche ay <i>er</i> expou<i>n</i>,</p> - <p class="i4">Of druryes greme & g<i>ra</i>ce.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> sayde (?). - <sup>2</sup> de vaye, in MS. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XV.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"I would learn," she says, "why you, who are so young and active,</span> -<span class="linenum">1508</span> - <p>"I woled<sup>1</sup> wyt at yow, wyȝe," at wory er sayde,</p> - <p>"& yow wrathed not er-wyth, what were e skylle,</p> - <p>at so ȝong & so ȝepe, as ȝe [ar] at is tyme,</p> - <p>So cortayse, so knyȝtyly, as ȝe ar knowen oute,</p> - <span class="sidenote">so skilled in the true sport of love,</span> -<span class="linenum">1512</span> - <p>& of alle cheualry to chose, e chef y<i>n</i>g a-losed,</p> - <p>Is<sup>2</sup> e lel layk of luf, e lettrure of armes;</p> - <p>F[or] to telle of is tenely<i>n</i>g of is trwe knyȝteȝ,</p> - <p>Hit is e tytelet, token, & tyxt of her werkkeȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1516</span> - <p>How le[des] for her lele luf hor lyueȝ han au<i>n</i>tered,</p> - <p>Endured for her drury dulful stou<i>n</i>deȝ,</p> - <p>& aft<i>er</i> wenged w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> her walo<i>ur</i> & voyded her care,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and so renowned a knight,</span> - <p>& broȝt blysse i<i>n</i>-to boure, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> bou<i>n</i>tees hor awen.</p> -<span class="linenum">1520</span> - <p>& ȝe ar knyȝt com-lokest kyd of yo<i>ur</i> elde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 111<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p>Yo<i>ur</i> worde & yo<i>ur</i> worchip walkeȝ ay quere,</p> - <p>& I haf seten by yo<i>ur</i>-self here sere twyes,</p> - <span class="sidenote">have never talked to me of love.</span> - <p>Ȝet herde I neu<i>er</i> of yo<i>ur</i> hed helde no wordeȝ</p> -<span class="linenum">1524</span> - <p>at eu<i>er</i> longed to luf, lasse ne more;</p> - <span class="sidenote">You ought to show a young thing like me some token of 'true-love's crafts.'</span> - <p>& ȝe, at ar so cortays & coy<i>n</i>t of yo<i>ur</i> hetes,</p> - <p>Ogh<i>e</i> to a ȝonke y<i>n</i>k ȝern to schewe,</p> - <p>& teche su<i>m</i> tokeneȝ of trweluf craftes.</p> -<span class="linenum">1528</span> - <p>Why ar ȝe lewed, at alle e los weldeȝ,</p> - <p>O<i>er</i> elles ȝe demen me to dille, yo<i>ur</i> dalyau<i>n</i>ce to herken?</p> - <p class="i8">for schame!</p> - <p class="i4">I com hider sengel, & sitte,</p> -<span class="linenum">1532</span> - <p class="i4">To lerne at yow su<i>m</i> game,</p> - <span class="sidenote">So teach me of your 'wit' while my lord is from home."</span> - <p class="i4">Dos, techeȝ me of yo<i>ur</i> wytte,</p> - <p class="i4">Whil my lorde is fro hame."</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> wolde (?). - <sup>2</sup> In (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XVI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"It is a great pleasure to me," says Sir Gawayne, "to hear you talk,</span> - <p>"In goud faye," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "God yow forȝelde,</p> -<span class="linenum">1536</span> - <p>Gret is e gode gle, & gomen to me huge,</p> - <p>at so wory as ȝe wolde wy<i>n</i>ne hidere,</p> - <p>& pyne yow w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> so pou<i>er</i> a mon, as play wyth yo<i>ur</i> knyȝt,</p> - <p>With any sky<i>n</i>neȝ cou<i>n</i>tenau<i>n</i>ce, hit keu<i>er</i>eȝ me ese;</p> - <span class="sidenote">but I cannot undertake the task to expound true-love and tales of arms.</span> -<span class="linenum">1540</span> - <p>Bot to take e toruayle<sup>1</sup> to my-self, to trwluf expou<i>n</i>,</p> - <p>& towche e temeȝ of tyxt, & taleȝ of armeȝ,</p> - <p>To yow at, I wot wel, weldeȝ more slyȝt</p> - <p>Of at art, bi e half, or a hu<i>n</i>dreth of seche</p> -<span class="linenum">1544</span> - <p>As I am, o<i>er</i> eu<i>er</i> schal, i<i>n</i> erde er I leue,</p> - <p>Hit were a fole fele-folde, my fre, by my trawe.</p> - <span class="sidenote">I will, however, act according to your will,</span> - <p>I wolde yowre wylny<i>n</i>g worche at my myȝt,</p> - <p>As I am hyȝly bihalden, & eu<i>er</i>-more wylle</p> - <span class="sidenote">and ever be your servant."</span> -<span class="linenum">1548</span> - <p>Be seruau<i>n</i>t to yo<i>ur</i>-seluen, so saue me dryȝtyn!"</p> - <p><i>us</i> hy<i>m</i> frayned at fre, & fondet hy<i>m</i> ofte, </p> - <p>Forto haf wo<i>n</i>nen hy<i>m</i> to woȝe, what-so scho oȝt elleȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Thus Gawayne defends himself.</span> - <p>Bot he de fended hy<i>m</i> so fayr, at no faut semed,</p> -<span class="linenum">1552</span> - <p>Ne non euel on naw<i>er</i> halue, naw<i>er</i> ay wysten,</p> - <p class="i8">bot blysse;</p> - <p class="i4">ay laȝed & layked longe,</p> - <p class="i4">At e last scho con hy<i>m</i> kysse,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady having kissed the knight, takes leave of him.</span> -<span class="linenum">1556</span> - <p class="i4">Hir leue fayre con scho fonge,</p> - <p class="i4">& went hir waye Iwysse.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> tornayle (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XVII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne rises, hears mass, and then dines.</span> - <p>Then rues hy<i>m</i> e renk, & ryses to e masse,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 112.]</span> - <p>& sien hor din<i>er</i> watȝ dyȝt & derely serued.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Meanwhile the lord pursues the wild boar,</span> -<span class="linenum">1560</span> - <p>e lede w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> e ladyeȝ layked alle day,</p> - <p>Bot e lorde ou<i>er</i> e londeȝ lau<i>n</i>ced ful ofte,</p> - <p>Sweȝ his vncely swyn, at swy<i>n</i>geȝ bi e bonkkeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">that bit the backs of his hounds asunder,</span> - <p>& bote e best of his bracheȝ e bakkeȝ i<i>n</i> su<i>n</i>der;</p> -<span class="linenum">1564</span> - <p>er he bode i<i>n</i> his bay, tel<sup>1</sup> bawe-men hit breken,</p> - <p>& made<sup>2</sup> hym, maw-gref his bed, forto mwe vtt<i>er</i>;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and caused the stiffest of the hunters to start.</span> - <p>So felle floneȝ per flete, when e folk gedered;</p> - <p>Bot ȝet e styffest to start bi stou<i>n</i>deȝ he made,</p> -<span class="linenum">1568</span> - <p>Til at e last he watȝ so mat, he myȝt no more re<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The boar runs into a hole in a rock by the side of a brook.</span> - <p>Bot i<i>n</i> e hast at he myȝt, he to a hole wy<i>n</i>neȝ,</p> - <p>Of a rasse, bi a rokk, <i>er</i> re<i>n</i>neȝ e boerne,</p> - <p>He gete e bonk at his bak, bigy<i>n</i>eȝ to scrape,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The froth foams at his mouth.</span> -<span class="linenum">1572</span> - <p>e froe femed<sup>3</sup> at his mouth vnfayre bi e wykeȝ,</p> - <p>Whetteȝ his whyte tuscheȝ; w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hy<i>m</i> e<i>n</i> irked</p> - <p>Alle e burneȝ so bolde, at hy<i>m</i> by stoden,</p> - <span class="sidenote">None durst approach him,</span> - <p>To nye hy<i>m</i> on-ferum, bot neȝe hy<i>m</i> non durst</p> -<span class="linenum">1576</span> - <p class="i8">for woe;</p> - <p class="i4">He hade hurt so mony byforne,</p> - <p class="i4">at al uȝt<sup>4</sup> e<i>n</i>ne ful loe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">so many had he torn with his tusks.</span> - <p class="i4">Be more wyth his tuscheȝ torne,</p> -<span class="linenum">1580</span> - <p class="i4">at breme watȝ [&] bray<i>n</i>-wod both<i>e</i>.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> til (?). - <sup>2</sup> madee, in MS. - <sup>3</sup> fomed (?). - <sup>4</sup> oȝt (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XVIII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The knight, seeing the boar at bay,</span> - <p>Til e knyȝt com hy<i>m</i>-self, kachande his blonk,</p> - <p>Syȝ hy<i>m</i> byde at e bay, his burneȝ bysyde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">alights from his horse,</span> - <p>He lyȝt<i>es</i> luflych<sup>1</sup> adou<i>n</i>, leueȝ his corso<i>ur</i>,</p> -<span class="linenum">1584</span> - <p>Braydeȝ out a bryȝt bront, & bigly forth strydeȝ,</p> - <p>Fou<i>n</i>deȝ fast urȝ e forth, er e felle bydeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and seeks to attack him with his sword.</span> - <p>e wylde watȝ war of e wyȝe w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> weppen i<i>n</i> honde,</p> - <p>Hef hyȝly e here, so hett<i>er</i>ly he fnast,</p> -<span class="linenum">1588</span> - <p>at fele ferde for e frekeȝ,<sup>2</sup> lest felle hy<i>m</i> e worre;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The "swine sets out" upon the man,</span> - <p>e swyn setteȝ hy<i>m</i> out on e segge euen,</p> - <p>at e burne & e bor were boe vpon hepeȝ,</p> - <p>In e wyȝt-est of e wat<i>er</i>, e worre hade at o<i>er</i>;</p> - <span class="sidenote">who, aiming well,</span> -<span class="linenum">1592</span> - <p>For e mon merkkeȝ hy<i>m</i> wel, as ay mette fyrst,</p> - <p>Set sadly e scharp i<i>n</i> e slot euen,</p> - <span class="sidenote">wounds him in the pit of the stomach.</span> - <p>Hit hy<i>m</i> vp to e hult, at e hert schyndered,</p> - <p>& he ȝarrande hy<i>m</i> ȝelde, & ȝedou<i>n</i><sup>3</sup> e wat<i>er</i>,</p> -<span class="linenum">1596</span> - <p class="i8">ful tyt;</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 112<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p class="i4">A hu<i>n</i>dreth hou<i>n</i>deȝ hy<i>m</i> hent,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The boar is soon bitten to death by a hundred hounds.</span> - <p class="i4">at bremely con hy<i>m</i> bite,</p> - <p class="i4">Burneȝ hi<i>m</i> broȝt to bent,</p> -<span class="linenum">1600</span> - <p class="i4">& doggeȝ to dethe endite.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. luslych. - <sup>2</sup> freke (?). - <sup>3</sup> ȝede doun (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XIX.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then was there blowing of horns</span> - <p>There watȝ blawy<i>n</i>g of prys i<i>n</i> mony breme home,</p> - <p>Heȝe halowi<i>n</i>g on hiȝe, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> haeleȝ at myȝt;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and baying of hounds.</span> - <p>Brachetes bayed at best, as bidden e mayst<i>er</i>eȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1604</span> - <p>Of at chargeau<i>n</i>t chace at were chef hu<i>n</i>tes.</p> - <span class="sidenote">One wise in woodcraft begins to unlace the boar.</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne a wyȝe at watȝ wys vpon wod crafteȝ,</p> - <p>To vnlace is bor lufly bigy<i>n</i>neȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">First he hews off the head, then rends him by the back.</span> - <p>Fyrst he hewes of his hed, & on hiȝe setteȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1608</span> - <p>& syen rendeȝ him al rogh<i>e</i> bi e rygge after,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He next removes the bowels, broils them on the ashes, and therewith rewards his hounds.</span> - <p>Braydeȝ out e boweles, bre<i>n</i>neȝ ho<i>m</i> on glede,</p> - <p>With bred blent er-w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his braches rewardeȝ;</p> - <p>Syen he britneȝ out e brawen i<i>n</i> bryȝt brode [s]cheldeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Then the hastlets are removed.</span> -<span class="linenum">1612</span> - <p>& hatȝ out e hastletteȝ, as hiȝtly bisemeȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The two halves are next bound together and hung upon a pole.</span> - <p>& ȝet hem halcheȝ al hole e halueȝ to-geder,</p> - <p>& syen on a stif stange stoutly hem henges.</p> - <p>Now with is ilk swyn ay swengen to home;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The boar's head is borne before the knight, who hastens home.</span> -<span class="linenum">1616</span> - <p>e bores hed watȝ borne bifore e burnes seluen,</p> - <p>at hi<i>m</i> for-ferde i<i>n</i> e fore, urȝ forse of his honde,</p> - <p class="i8">so stronge;</p> - <p class="i4">Til he seȝ s<i>ir</i> Gawayne,</p> -<span class="linenum">1620</span> - <p class="i4">I<i>n</i> halle hy<i>m</i> oȝt ful longe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne is called to receive the spoil.</span> - <p class="i4">He calde, & he com gayn,</p> - <p class="i4">His feeȝ <i>er</i> for to fonge.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XX.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of the land is well pleased when he sees Sir Gawayne,</span> - <p>e lorde ful lowde w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> lote, & laȝed myry,</p> -<span class="linenum">1624</span> - <p>Whe<i>n</i> he seȝe s<i>ir</i> G: w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> solace he spekeȝ;</p> - <p>e goude ladyeȝ were geten, & gedered e meyny,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He shows him the shields of the wild boar, and tells him of its length and breadth.</span> - <p>He scheweȝ hem e scheldeȝ, & schapes hem e tale,</p> - <p>Of e largesse, & e lene, e li<i>er</i>neȝ alse,</p> -<span class="linenum">1628</span> - <p>Of e were of e wylde swyn, i<i>n</i> wod er he fled.</p> - <p>at o<i>er</i> knyȝt ful comly comended his dedeȝ,</p> - <p>& praysed hit as gret prys, at he proued hade;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Such a "brawn of a beast," Sir Gawayne says, he never has seen.</span> - <p>For suche a brawne of a best, e bolde burne sayde,</p> -<span class="linenum">1632</span> - <p>Ne such sydes of a swyn, segh he neu<i>er</i> are.</p> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne hondeled ay e hoge hed, e hende mo<i>n</i> hit praysed,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 113.]</span> - <p>& let lodly erat e lorde forte here:</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne takes possession of it according to covenant,</span> - <p>"Now Gawayn," q<i>uod</i> e god mon, "is gomen is yo<i>ur</i> awen,</p> -<span class="linenum">1636</span> - <p>Bi fyn for-warde & faste, faythely ȝe knowe."</p> - <p>"Hit is sothe," q<i>uod</i> e segge, "& as siker trwe;</p> - <p>Alle my get I schal yow gif agayn, bi my trawe."</p> - <span class="sidenote">and in return kisses his host,</span> - <p>He [hent] e hael aboute e halse, & hendely hy<i>m</i> kysses,</p> -<span class="linenum">1640</span> - <p>& eft<i>er</i>-sones of e same he serued hy<i>m</i> ere.</p> - <p>"Now ar we euen," q<i>uod</i> e hael, "in is euen-tide,</p> - <p>Of alle e couenau<i>n</i>tes at we knyt, syen I com hider,</p> - <p class="i8">bi lawe;"</p> - <span class="sidenote">who declares his guest to be the best he knows.</span> -<span class="linenum">1644</span> - <p class="i4">e lorde sayde, "bi saynt Gile,</p> - <p class="i4">ȝe ar e best at I knowe,</p> - <p class="i4">Ȝe ben ryche i<i>n</i> a whyle,</p> - <p class="i4">Such chaffer & ȝe drowe."</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XXI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Tables are raised aloft,</span> -<span class="linenum">1648</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne ay teldet tableȝ [on] trestes alofte,</p> - <span class="sidenote">cloths cast upon them,</span> - <p>Kesten cloeȝ vpon, clere lyȝt e<i>n</i>ne</p> - <span class="sidenote">and torches are lighted.</span> - <p>Wakned bi woȝeȝ, waxen torches</p> - <p>Seggeȝ sette, & serued i<i>n</i> sale al aboute;</p> - <span class="sidenote">With much mirth and glee,</span> -<span class="linenum">1652</span> - <p>Much glam & gle glent vp <i>er</i>-i<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p>Aboute e fyre vpon flet, & on fele wyse,</p> - <span class="sidenote">supper is served in the hall,</span> - <p>At e soper & aft<i>er</i>, mony ael songeȝ,</p> - <p>As cou<i>n</i>dutes of kryst-masse, & caroleȝ newe,</p> -<span class="linenum">1656</span> - <p>With alle e man<i>er</i>ly m<i>er</i>e <i>a</i>t mon may of telle.</p> - <span class="sidenote">and ever our lovely knight by the lady sits,</span> - <p>& eu<i>er</i> oure luflych knyȝt e lady bi-syde;</p> - <p>Such semblau<i>n</i>t to at segge semly ho made,</p> - <span class="sidenote">who does all she can to please her companion.</span> - <p>Wyth stille stollen cou<i>n</i>tenau<i>n</i>ce, at stalworth to plese,</p> -<span class="linenum">1660</span> - <p>at al for-wondered watȝ e wyȝe, & wroth w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hy<i>m</i>-seluen,</p> - <p>Bot he nolde not for his nurture nurne hir a-ȝayneȝ,</p> - <p>Bot dalt w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hir al i<i>n</i> daynte, how-se-eu<i>er</i> e dede turned</p> - <p class="i8">to wrast;</p> - <span class="sidenote">When they had long played in the hall,</span> -<span class="linenum">1664</span> - <p class="i4">Quen ay hade played i<i>n</i> halle,</p> - <p class="i4">As longe as hor wylle hom last,</p> - <span class="sidenote">they proceeded "to chamber."</span> - <p class="i4">To chambre he<sup>1</sup> con hy<i>m</i> calle,</p> - <p class="i4">& to e chem-ne ay past.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> ho (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XXII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">There they drank and discoursed.</span> -<span class="linenum">1668</span> - <p>Ande er ay dronken, & dalten, & demed eft nwe, </p> - <p>To norne on e same note, on nweȝereȝ euen;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne begs leave to depart on the morrow.</span> - <p>Bot e knyȝt craued leue, to kayre on e morn, </p> - <p>For hit watȝ neȝ at e terme, at he to<sup>1</sup> schulde. </p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 113<i>b</i>.]</span> -<span class="linenum">1672</span> - <p>e lorde hy<i>m</i> letted of at, to lenge hy<i>m</i> resteyed, </p> - <span class="sidenote">His host swears to him,</span> - <p>& sayde, "as I am trwe segge, I siker my trawe, </p> - <span class="sidenote">that he shall come to the Green Chapel on New Year's morn long before prime.</span> - <p><i>o</i>u schal cheue to e grene chapel, y charres to make,</p> - <p>Leude, on nwȝereȝ lyȝt, longe bifore pryme:</p> -<span class="linenum">1676</span> - <p>For-y ow lye i<i>n</i> y loft, & lach yn ese,</p> - <p>& I schal hu<i>n</i>t in is holt, & halde e towcheȝ,</p> - <p>Chau<i>n</i>ge wyth e cheuisau<i>n</i>ce, bi at I charre hider;</p> - <p>For I haf fraysted e twys, & faythful I fynde e,</p> -<span class="linenum">1680</span> - <p>Now rid tyme rowe best enk on e morne,</p> - <p>Make we mery quyl we may, & my<i>n</i>ne vpon Ioye,</p> - <p>For e lur may mon lach, when so mon lykeȝ."</p> - <p>is watȝ grayely grau<i>n</i>ted, & Gawayn is lenged,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Our knight consents to remain for another night.</span> -<span class="linenum">1684</span> - <p>Blie broȝt watȝ hym drynk, & ay to bedde ȝeden,</p> - <p class="i8">w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> liȝt;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Full still and softly he sleeps all night.</span> - <p class="i4">S<i>ir</i> G: lis & slepes,</p> - <p class="i4">Ful stille & softe al niȝt;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Early in the morning the lord is up.</span> -<span class="linenum">1688</span> - <p class="i4">e lorde at his crafteȝ kepes,</p> - <p class="i4">Ful erly he watȝ diȝt.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> te (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XXIII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">After mass, a morsel he take with his men.</span> - <p>Aft<i>er</i> messe a morsel<sup>1</sup> he & his men token,</p> - <p>Miry watȝ e morny<i>n</i>g, his mou<i>n</i>ture he askes;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Then were all on their horses before the hall-gates.</span> -<span class="linenum">1692</span> - <p>Alle e haeles at on horse schulde helden hy<i>m</i> aft<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>Were bou<i>n</i> busked on hor blonkkeȝ, bi-fore<sup>2</sup> e halle ȝateȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">It was a clear frosty morning.</span> - <p>Ferly fayre watȝ e folde, for e forst clenged,</p> - <p>I<i>n</i> rede rudede vpon rak rises e su<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The hunters, dispersed by a wood's side,</span> -<span class="linenum">1696</span> - <p>& ful clere costeȝ<sup>3</sup> e clowdes of e welkyn.</p> - <p>Hu<i>n</i>teres vnhardeled bi a holt syde,</p> - <p>Rocheres rou<i>n</i>gen bi rys, for rurde of her hornes;</p> - <span class="sidenote">come upon the track of a fox,</span> - <p>Su<i>m</i>me fel i<i>n</i> e fute, er e fox bade,</p> -<span class="linenum">1700</span> - <p>Trayleȝ ofte a trayt<i>er</i>es<sup>4</sup>, bi trau<i>n</i>t of her wyles;</p> - <p>A kenet kryes erof, e hu<i>n</i>t on hy<i>m</i> calles,</p> - <p>His felaȝes fallen hy<i>m</i> to, <i>a</i>t fnasted ful ike,</p> - <span class="sidenote">which is followed up by the hounds.</span> - <p>Ru<i>n</i>nen forth i<i>n</i> a rabel, i<i>n</i> his ryȝt fare;</p> -<span class="linenum">1704</span> - <p>& he fyskeȝ hem by-fore, ay fou<i>n</i>den hy<i>m</i> sone,</p> - <span class="sidenote">They soon get sight of the game,</span> - <p>& quen ay segh<i>e</i> hy<i>m</i> wit<i>h</i> syȝt, ay sued hy<i>m</i> fast,</p> - <p>Wreȝande h[y<i>m</i>] ful [w]eterly with a wroth noyse;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and pursue him through many a rough grove.</span> - <p>& he trantes & tornayeeȝ urȝ mony tene greue;</p> -<span class="linenum">1708</span> - <p>Hamlou<i>n</i>eȝ, & herkeneȝ, bi heggeȝ ful ofte;</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 114.]<br />The fox at last leaps over a spinny,</span> - <p>At e last bi a littel dich he lepeȝ ou<i>er</i> a spe<i>n</i>n,</p> - <p>Steleȝ out ful stilly bi a strothe rande,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and by a rugged path seeks to get clear from the hounds.</span> - <p>Went haf wylt of e wode, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> wyleȝ fro e hou<i>n</i>des,</p> -<span class="linenum">1712</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne watȝ he went, er he wyst, to<sup>5</sup> a wale tryst<i>er</i>,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He comes upon one of the hunting stations, where he is attacked by the dogs.</span> - <p>er re ro at a rich rat hy<i>m</i> at ones,</p> - <p class="i8">al graye;</p> - <span class="sidenote">However, he slips them,</span> - <p class="i4">He blenched aȝayn bilyue,</p> -<span class="linenum">1716</span> - <p class="i4">& stifly start onstray,</p> - <p class="i4">With alle e wo on lyue,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and makes again for the wood.</span> - <p class="i4">To e wod he went away.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> MS. nnorsel. - <sup>2</sup> bi-forere, in MS. - <sup>3</sup> casteȝ (?). - <sup>4</sup> trayveres (?). - <sup>5</sup> to to, in MS. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XXIV.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then was it fine sport to listen to the hounds,</span> - <p>The<i>n</i>ne watȝ hit lif vpon list to lyen e hou<i>n</i>deȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1720</span> - <p>When alle e mute hade hy<i>m</i> met, menged to-geder,</p> - <p>Suche a sorȝe at at syȝt ay sette on his hede,</p> - <p>As alle e clamberande clyffes hade clat<i>er</i>ed on hepes;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and the hallooing of the hunters.</span> - <p>Here he watȝ halawed, when haeleȝ hy<i>m</i> metten,</p> -<span class="linenum">1724</span> - <p>Loude he watȝ ȝayned, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> ȝarande speche;</p> - <span class="sidenote">There the fox was threatened and called a thief.</span> - <p>er he watȝ reted, & ofte ef called,</p> - <p>& ay e titleres at his tayl, at tary he ne myȝt;</p> - <p>Ofte he watȝ ru<i>n</i>nen at, when he out rayked,</p> - <span class="sidenote">But Reynard was wily,</span> -<span class="linenum">1728</span> - <p>& ofte reled i<i>n</i> aȝayn, so reniarde watȝ wyl.</p> - <span class="sidenote">and led them astray over mounts.</span> - <p>& ȝe he lad hem bi lag, mon, e lorde & his meyny;</p> - <p>On is man<i>er</i> bi e mou<i>n</i>tes, quyle myd, ou<i>er</i>, vnder,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Meanwhile the knight at home soundly sleeps within his comely curtains.</span> - <p>Whyle e hende knyȝt at home holsu<i>m</i>ly slepeȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1732</span> - <p>With-i<i>n</i>ne e comly corty<i>n</i>es, on e colde morne.</p> - <p>Bot e lady for luf let not to slepe,</p> - <p>Ne e purpose to payre, at pyȝt i<i>n</i> hir hert,</p> - <p>Bot ros hir vp radly, rayked hir eder,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady of the castle, clothed in a rich mantle,</span> -<span class="linenum">1736</span> - <p>In a mery mantyle, mete to e ere,</p> - <p>at watȝ furred ful fyne w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> felleȝ, wel pured,</p> - <p>No hweȝ goud on hir hede, bot e haȝer stones</p> - <p>Trased aboute hir tresso<i>ur</i>, be twenty i<i>n</i> clust<i>er</i>es;</p> - <span class="sidenote">her throat and bosom all bare,</span> -<span class="linenum">1740</span> - <p>Hir ryuen face & hir rote rowen al naked,</p> - <p>Hir brest bare bifore, & bihinde eke.</p> - <span class="sidenote">comes to Gawayne's chamber,</span> - <p>Ho comeȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne e chambre dore, & closes hit hir aft<i>er</i>,</p> - <span class="sidenote">opens a window, and says,</span> - <p>Wayneȝ<sup>1</sup> vp a wyndow, & on e wyȝe calleȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1744</span> - <p>& radly <i>us</i> re-hayted hy<i>m</i>, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hir riche wordeȝ,</p> - <p class="i8">w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i><sup>2</sup> chere;</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Ah! man, how canst thou sleep,</span> - <p class="i4">"A! mon, how may <i>o</i>u slepe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 114<i>b</i>.]<br />this morning is so clear?"</span> - <p class="i4">is morni<i>n</i>g is so clere?"</p> -<span class="linenum">1748</span> - <p class="i4">He watȝ i<i>n</i> drowpi<i>n</i>g depe,</p> - <p class="i4">Bot e<i>n</i>ne he con hir here.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> wayueȝ(?). - <sup>2</sup> bi, sec. manu. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XXV.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The knight was then dreaming of his forthcoming adventure at the Green Chapel.</span> - <p>In dreȝ droupy<i>n</i>g of dreme draueled at noble,</p> - <p>As mon at watȝ in morny<i>n</i>g of mony ro oȝtes,</p> -<span class="linenum">1752</span> - <p>How at destin schulde at day [dyȝt] his wyrde,</p> - <p>At e grene chapel, when he e gome metes,</p> - <p>& bi-houes his buffet abide, with-oute debate more;</p> - <span class="sidenote">He awakes and speaks to his fair visitor,</span> - <p>Bot quen at comly he keu<i>er</i>ed his wyttes,</p> -<span class="linenum">1756</span> - <p>Swenges out of e sweuenes, & swareȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hast.</p> - <p>e lady luflych com laȝande swete,</p> - <span class="sidenote">who sweetly kisses him.</span> - <p>Felle ou<i>er</i> his fayre face, & fetly hi<i>m</i> kyssed;</p> - <p>He welcu<i>m</i>eȝ hir worily, with a wale chere;</p> -<span class="linenum">1760</span> - <p>He seȝ hir so glorio<i>us</i>, & gayly atyred,</p> - <p>So fautles of hir fetures, & of so fyne hewes,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Great joy warms the heart of Sir Gawayne,</span> - <p>Wiȝt wallande Ioye warmed his hert;</p> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> smoe smyly<i>n</i>g & smolt ay smeten i<i>n</i>-to m<i>er</i>e,</p> -<span class="linenum">1764</span> - <p>at al watȝ blis & bonchef, at breke hem bi-twene,</p> - <p class="i8">& wy<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p class="i4">ay lanced wordes gode,</p> - <p class="i4">Much wele e<i>n</i> watȝ <i>er</i>-i<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and "great peril between them stood."</span> -<span class="linenum">1768</span> - <p class="i4">Gret p<i>er</i>ile bi-twene hem stod,</p> - <p class="i4">Nif mare of hir knyȝt my<i>n</i>ne.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XXVI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The knight is sorely pressed.</span> - <p>For at prynce of pris de-presed hy<i>m</i> so ikke. </p> - <p>Nurned hy<i>m</i> so neȝe e red, at nede hy<i>m</i> bi-houed,</p> -<span class="linenum">1772</span> - <p>O<i>er</i> lach er hir luf, o<i>er</i> lodly re-fuse;</p> - <p>He cared for his cortaysye, lest craayn he were,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He fears lest he should become a traitor to his host.</span> - <p>& more for his meschef, ȝif he schulde make sy<i>n</i>ne, </p> - <p>& be traytor to at tolke, at <i>a</i>t telde aȝt.</p> -<span class="linenum">1776</span> - <p>"God schylde," q<i>uod</i> e schalk, "at schal not be-falle!"</p> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> luf-laȝy<i>ng</i> a lyt, he layd hy<i>m</i> by-syde</p> - <p>Alle e specheȝ of specialt at sprange of her mouthe.</p> - <p>Q<i>uod</i> at burde to e burne, "blame ȝe disserue,</p> -<span class="linenum">1780</span> - <p>Ȝif ȝe luf not at lyf at ȝe lye nexte,</p> - <p>Bifore alle e wyȝeȝ i<i>n</i> e worlde, wou<i>n</i>ded i<i>n</i> hert, </p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady inquire whether he has a mistress that he loves better than her.</span> - <p>Bot if ȝe haf a le<i>m</i>man, a leu<i>er</i>, at yow lykeȝ bett<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>& folden fayth to at fre, festned so harde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 115.]</span> -<span class="linenum">1784</span> - <p>at yow lausen ne lyst, & at I leue noue;</p> - <p>And at ȝe telle me at, now trwly I pray yow,</p> - <p>For alle e lufeȝ vpon lyue, layne not e soe,</p> - <p class="i8">for gile."</p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne swears by St. John that he neither has nor desires one.</span> -<span class="linenum">1788</span> - <p class="i4">e knyȝt sayde, "be sayn Ion,"</p> - <p class="i4">& smeely con he smyle,</p> - <p class="i4">"In fayth I welde riȝt non,</p> - <p class="i4">Ne non wil welde e quile."</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XXVII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> -<span class="linenum">1792</span> - <p>"at is a worde," q<i>uod</i> at wyȝt, "at worst is of alle,</p> - <p>Bot I am swared for soe, at sore me inkkeȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">She then kisses him, sighing for sorrow.</span> - <p>Kysse me now coraly, & I schal cach heen,</p> - <p>I may bot mo<i>ur</i>ne vpon molde, as may at much louyes."</p> -<span class="linenum">1796</span> - <p>Sykande ho sweȝe dou<i>n</i>, & semly hy<i>m</i> kyssed,</p> - <p>& sien ho seu<i>e</i>res hy<i>m</i> fro, & says as ho stondes,</p> - <p>"Now, dere, at is de-party<i>n</i>g, do me is ese,</p> - <span class="sidenote">She desires some gift,</span> - <p>Gif me sumquat of y gifte, i gloue if<sup>1</sup> hit were, </p> - <span class="sidenote">by which to remember him.</span> -<span class="linenum">1800</span> - <p>at I may my<i>n</i>ne on e mon, my mo<i>ur</i>ny<i>n</i>g to lassen." </p> - <p>"Now Iwysse," q<i>uod</i> at wyȝe, "I wolde I hade here</p> - <p>e leuest i<i>n</i>g for y luf, at I in londe welde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne tells her that she is worthy of a better gift than he can bestow.</span> - <p>For ȝe haf deserued, forsoe, sellyly ofte</p> -<span class="linenum">1804</span> - <p>More rewarde bi resou<i>n</i>, e<i>n</i> I reche myȝt,</p> - <p>Bot to dele yow for drurye, <i>a</i>t dawed bot neked;</p> - <p>Hit is not yo<i>ur</i> hono<i>ur</i> to haf at is tyme</p> - <p>A gloue for a garysou<i>n</i>, of Gawayneȝ gifteȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1808</span> - <p>& I am here [on] an erande i<i>n</i> erdeȝ vncoue,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He has no men with mails containing precious things.</span> - <p>& haue no me<i>n</i> wyth no maleȝ, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> menskful i<i>n</i>geȝ;</p> - <p>at mislykeȝ me, lad, for luf at is tyme,<sup>2</sup></p> - <p>Iche tolke mon do as he is tan, tas to non ille,</p> -<span class="linenum">1812</span> - <p class="i8">ne pine."</p> - <span class="sidenote">Then says that lovesome,</span> - <p class="i4">"Nay, hende of hyȝe hono<i>ur</i>s,"</p> - <p class="i4">Q<i>uod</i> at lufsu<i>m</i> vnder lyne,</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Though I had nought of yours, yet should ye have of mine."</span> - <p class="i4">"aȝ I hade oȝt<sup>3</sup> of yo<i>ur</i>eȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1816</span> - <p class="i4">Ȝet schulde ȝe haue of myne."</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> of, in MS. - <sup>2</sup> tyne, in MS. - <sup>3</sup> noȝt (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XXVIII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">She offers him a gold ring,</span> - <p>Ho raȝt hy<i>m</i> a riche rynk<sup>1</sup> of red golde werkeȝ,</p> - <p>Wyth a starande ston, stondande alofte,</p> - <p>at bere blusschande bemeȝ as e bryȝt su<i>n</i>ne;</p> -<span class="linenum">1820</span> - <p>Wyt ȝe wel, hit watȝ worth wele ful hoge.</p> - <span class="sidenote">but he refuses to accept it,</span> - <p>Bot e renk hit renayed, & redyly he sayde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 115<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p>"I wil no gifteȝ for gode, my gay, at is tyme;</p> - <span class="sidenote">as he has none to give in return.</span> - <p>I haf none yow to norne, ne noȝt wyl I take."</p> -<span class="linenum">1824</span> - <p>Ho bede hit hy<i>m</i> ful bysily, & he hir bode wernes,</p> - <p>& swere swyftel[y] his sothe, at he hit sese nolde;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Very sorrowful was that fair one on account of his refusal.</span> - <p>& ho sore at he forsoke, & sayde <i>er</i>-after,</p> - <p>"If ȝe renay my rynk, to ryche for hit semeȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">1828</span> - <p>Ȝe wolde not so hyȝly halden be to me,</p> - <p>I schal gif yow my girdel, at gaynes yow lasse."</p> - <p>Ho laȝt a lace lyȝtly, at<sup>2</sup> leke vmbe hir sydeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">She takes off her "girdle,"</span> - <p>Knit vpon hir kyrtel, vnder e clere mantyle,</p> -<span class="linenum">1832</span> - <p>Gered hit watȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> grene sylke, & w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> golde schaped,</p> - <p>Noȝt bot arou<i>n</i>de brayden, beten w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> fyngreȝ;</p> - <p>& at ho bede to e burne, & blyely bi-soȝt</p> - <span class="sidenote">and beseeches him to take it.</span> - <p>aȝ hit vn-wori were, at he hit take wolde. </p> -<span class="linenum">1836</span> - <p>& he nay at he nolde negh<i>e</i> i<i>n</i> no wyse,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne again refuses to accept anything,</span> - <p>Nauer golde ne garysou<i>n</i>, er God hy<i>m</i> g<i>ra</i>ce sende, </p> - <p>To acheue to e chau<i>n</i>ce at he hade chosen ere. </p> - <p>"& erfore, I pray yow, displese yow noȝt,</p> -<span class="linenum">1840</span> - <p>& letteȝ be yo<i>ur</i> bisinesse, for I baye hit yow neu<i>er</i></p> - <p class="i8">to grau<i>n</i>te;</p> - <p class="i4">I am derely to yow biholde,</p> - <p class="i4">Bi-cause of yo<i>ur</i> sembelau<i>n</i>t,</p> - <span class="sidenote">but promises, "ever in hot and in cold, to be her true servant."</span> -<span class="linenum">1844</span> - <p class="i4">& eu<i>er</i> i<i>n</i> hot & colde </p> - <p class="i4">To be yo<i>ur</i> trwe seruau<i>n</i>t.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> ryng (?). - <sup>2</sup> at at, in MS. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XXIX.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Do you refuse it," says the lady, because it is simple?</span> - <p>"Now forsake ȝe is silke." sayde e burde e<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p>"For hit is symple i<i>n</i> hit-self. & so hit wel semeȝ?</p> -<span class="linenum">1848</span> - <p>Lo! so hit is littel, & lasse hit is wory;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Whoso knew the virtues that it possesses, would highly prize it.</span> - <p>Bot who-so knew e costes at knit ar er-i<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p>He wolde hit prayse at more prys, parauenture; </p> - <span class="sidenote">For he who is girded with this green lace,</span> - <p>For quat gome so is gorde w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> is grene lace, </p> -<span class="linenum">1852</span> - <p>While he hit hade hemely halched aboute,</p> - <p>er is no hael vnder heuen to-hewe hym at myȝt;</p> - <span class="sidenote">cannot be wounded or slain."</span> - <p>For he myȝt not he slayn, for slyȝt vpon ere." </p> - <p>e<i>n</i> kest e knyȝt, & hit come to his hert,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight thinks of his adventure at the Green Chapel.</span> -<span class="linenum">1856</span> - <p>Hit were a Iuel for e Iopard, at hy<i>m</i> iugged were,</p> - <p>When he acheued to e chapel, his chek forto fech;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The lady presses him to accept the lace.</span> - <p>Myȝ<sup>1</sup> he haf slypped to e vn-slayn, e sleȝt were noble.</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 116.]</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne ho ulged with hir repe, & oled hir to speke, </p> -<span class="linenum">1860</span> - <p>& ho bere on hy<i>m</i> e belt, & bede hit hy<i>m</i> swye,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He consents not only to take the girdle, but to keep the possession of it a secret.</span> - <p>& he g<i>ra</i>nted, & [ho] hy<i>m</i> gafe with a goud wylle, </p> - <p>& bisoȝt hy<i>m</i>, for hir sake, disceu<i>er</i> hit neu<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>Bot to lelly layne for<sup>2</sup> hir lorde; e leude hy<i>m</i> acordeȝ.</p> -<span class="linenum">1864</span> - <p>at neu<i>er</i> wyȝe schulde hit wyt, Iwysse, bot ay twayne,</p> - <p class="i8">for noȝte;</p> - <p class="i4">He onkked hir oft ful swye,</p> - <p class="i4">Ful ro w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hert & oȝt.</p> - <span class="sidenote">By that time the lady has kissed him thrice.</span> -<span class="linenum">1868</span> - <p class="i4">Bi at on ry<i>n</i>ne sye,</p> - <p class="i4">He hatȝ kyst e knyȝt so toȝt.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> myȝt (?). - <sup>2</sup> fro (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XXX.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then she takes her leave.</span> - <p>The<i>n</i>ne lachcheȝ ho hir leue, & leueȝ hy<i>m</i> ere,</p> - <p>For more myre of at mon moȝt ho not gete;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne then dresses himself,</span> -<span class="linenum">1872</span> - <p>When ho<sup>1</sup> watȝ gon, s<i>ir</i> G. gereȝ hy<i>m</i> sone,</p> - <p>Rises, & riches hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> araye noble,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and conceals the love-lace about his person.</span> - <p>Lays vp e luf-lace, e lady hy<i>m</i> raȝt,</p> - <p>Hid hit ful holdely, <i>er</i> he hit eft fonde;</p> -<span class="linenum">1876</span> - <p>Sye<i>n</i> cheuely to e chapel choses he e waye,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He then hies to mass,</span> - <p>Preuely aproched to a prest, & prayed hy<i>m</i> ere</p> - <p>at he wolde lyfte<sup>2</sup> his lyf, & lern hy<i>m</i> bett<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>How his sawle schulde be saued, when he schuld seye hee<i>n</i>.</p> - <span class="sidenote">and shrives him of his misdeeds.</span> -<span class="linenum">1880</span> - <p>ere he schrof hy<i>m</i> schyrly, & schewed his mysdedeȝ,</p> - <p>Of e more & e my<i>n</i>ne, & m<i>er</i>ci besecheȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and prays for absolution.</span> - <p>& of absoluciou<i>n</i> he on e segge calles;</p> - <p>& he asoyled hy<i>m</i> surely, & sette hy<i>m</i> so clene,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He returns to the hall, and makes himself so merry among the ladies,</span> -<span class="linenum">1884</span> - <p>As domeȝ-day schulde haf ben diȝt on e morn.</p> - <p>& syen he mace hy<i>m</i> as mery amo<i>n</i>g e fre ladyes,</p> - <span class="sidenote">with comely carols,</span> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> comlych caroles, & alle ky<i>n</i>nes ioye,</p> - <p>As neu<i>er</i> he did bot at daye, to e derk nyȝt,</p> -<span class="linenum">1888</span> - <p class="i8">w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> blys;</p> - <p class="i4">Vche mon hade daynte are,</p> - <span class="sidenote">that they said,</span> - <p class="i4">Of hy<i>m</i>, & sayde Iwysse,</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Thus merry was he never before since hither he came."</span> - <p class="i4"><i>us</i> myry he watȝ neu<i>er</i> are,</p> -<span class="linenum">1892</span> - <p class="i4">Syn he com hider, er is.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> he, in MS. - <sup>2</sup> lyste (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XXXI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne's host is still in the field.</span> - <p>Now hy<i>m</i> lenge i<i>n</i> at lee, <i>er</i> luf hy<i>m</i> bi-tyde;</p> - <p>Ȝet is e lorde on e lau<i>n</i>de, ledande his gomnes,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He has destroyed the fox.</span> - <p>He hatȝ forfaren is fox, <i>a</i>t he folȝed longe;</p> -<span class="linenum">1896</span> - <p>As he sprent ou<i>er</i> a spe<i>n</i>n, to spye e schrewe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 116<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p>er as he herd e howndes, at hasted hy<i>m</i> swye,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He spied Reynard coming through a "rough grove,"</span> - <p>Renaud com richchande urȝ a roȝe greue,</p> - <p>& alle e rabel i<i>n</i> a res, ryȝt at his heleȝ.</p> - <span class="sidenote">and tried to hit him with his sword.</span> -<span class="linenum">1900</span> - <p>e wyȝe watȝ war of e wylde, & warly abides,</p> - <p>& braydeȝ out e bryȝt bronde, & at e best casteȝ;</p> - <p>& he schu<i>n</i>t for e scharp, & schulde haf arered,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The fox "shunts," and is seized by one of the dogs.</span> - <p>A rach rapes hy<i>m</i> to, ryȝt er he myȝt,</p> -<span class="linenum">1904</span> - <p>& ryȝt bifore e hors fete ay fel on hy<i>m</i> alle,</p> - <p>& woried me is wyly wyth a wroth noyse.</p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord takes him out of the hound's mouth.</span> - <p>e lorde lyȝteȝ bilyue, & cacheȝ by<sup>1</sup> sone,</p> - <p>Rased hy<i>m</i> ful radly out of e rach moues,</p> -<span class="linenum">1908</span> - <p>Haldeȝ heȝe ou<i>er</i> his hede, haloweȝ faste,</p> - <p>& <i>er</i> bayen hy<i>m</i> mony bray<sup>2</sup> hou<i>n</i>deȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Hunters hasten thither with horns full many.</span> - <p>Hu<i>n</i>tes hyȝed hem eder, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> horneȝ ful mony,</p> - <p>Ay re-chatande aryȝt til ay e renk seȝen;</p> -<span class="linenum">1912</span> - <p>Bi at watȝ comen his compeyny noble,</p> - <p>Alle at eu<i>er</i> ber bugle blowed at ones,</p> - <span class="sidenote">It was the merriest meet that ever was heard.</span> - <p>& alle ise o<i>er</i> halowed, at hade no hornes,</p> - <p>Hit watȝ e myriest mute at eu<i>er</i> me<i>n</i> herde,</p> -<span class="linenum">1916</span> - <p>e rich rurd at <i>er</i> watȝ raysed for renaude saule,</p> - <p class="i8">w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> lote;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The hounds are rewarded,</span> - <p class="i4">Hor hou<i>n</i>deȝ ay <i>er</i> rewarde,</p> - <p class="i4">Her<sup>3</sup> hedeȝ ay fawne & frote,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and then they take Reynard and "turn off his coat."</span> -<span class="linenum">1920</span> - <p class="i4">& syen ay tan reynarde,</p> - <p class="i4">& tyrnen of his cote.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> hy<i>m</i> (?). - <sup>2</sup> bra (?). - <sup>3</sup> Her her, in MS. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XXXII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The hunters then hasten home.</span> - <p>& e<i>n</i>ne ay helden to home, for hit watȝ nieȝ nyȝt,</p> - <p>Strakande ful stoutly i<i>n</i> hor store horneȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord at last alights at his dear home,</span> -<span class="linenum">1924</span> - <p>e lorde is lyȝt at e laste at hys lef home,</p> - <p>Fyndeȝ fire vpon flet, e freke <i>er</i> by-side,</p> - <p>Sir Gawayn e gode, at glad watȝ w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> alle,</p> - <span class="sidenote">where he finds Gawayne amusing the ladies.</span> - <p>Amo<i>n</i>g e ladies for luf he ladde much ioye,</p> -<span class="linenum">1928</span> - <p>He were a bleau<i>n</i>t of blwe, at bradde to e ere,</p> - <p>His surkot semed hy<i>m</i> wel, at softe watȝ forred,</p> - <p>& his hode of at ilke henged on his schulder,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight comes forward and welcomes his host,</span> - <p>Blande al of blau<i>n</i>ner were boe al aboute.</p> -<span class="linenum">1932</span> - <p>He meteȝ me is god mon i<i>n</i> myddeȝ e flore,</p> - <p>& al with gomen he hy<i>m</i> gret, & goudly he sayde,</p> - <p>"I schal fylle vpon fyrst oure forwardeȝ noue,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 117.]</span> - <p>at we spedly han spoken, er spared watȝ no drynk;"</p> - <span class="sidenote">and according to covenant kisses him thrice.</span> -<span class="linenum">1936</span> - <p>en acoles he [e] knyȝt, & kysses hy<i>m</i> ryes,</p> - <span class="sidenote">(See l. 1868.)</span> - <p>As sauerly & sadly as he hem sette coue.</p> - <span class="sidenote">"By Christ," says the other, "ye have had much bliss!"</span> - <p>"Bi Kryst," q<i>uod</i> at o<i>er</i> knyȝt, "ȝe cach much sele,</p> - <p>I<i>n</i> cheuisau<i>n</i>ce of is chaffer, ȝif ȝe hade goud chepeȝ."</p> -<span class="linenum">1940</span> - <p>"Ȝe of e chepe no charg," q<i>uod</i> chefly at o<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>"As is pertly payed e chepeȝ at I aȝte."</p> - <p>"Mary," q<i>uod</i> at o<i>er</i> mon, "myn is bi-hynde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">I have hunted all day and have gotten nothing,</span> - <p>For I haf hu<i>n</i>ted al is day, & noȝt haf I geten,</p> - <span class="sidenote">but the skin of this foul fox,</span> -<span class="linenum">1944</span> - <p>Bot is foule fox felle, e fende haf e godeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">a poor reward for three such kisses."</span> - <p>& at is ful pore, for to pay for suche prys i<i>n</i>ges,</p> - <p>As ȝe haf ryȝt me here, ro suche re cosses,</p> - <p class="i8">so gode."</p> -<span class="linenum">1948</span> - <p class="i4">"I-noȝ," q<i>uod</i> s<i>ir</i> Gawayn,</p> - <p class="i4">"I onk yow, bi e rode;"</p> - <span class="sidenote">He then tells him how the fox was slain.</span> - <p class="i4">& how e fox watȝ slayn,</p> - <p class="i4">He tolde hy<i>m</i>, as ay stode.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XXXIII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">With much mirth and minstrelsy they made merry,</span> -<span class="linenum">1952</span> - <p>With m<i>er</i>e & mynstralsye, wyth meteȝ at hor wylle,</p> - <p>ay maden as mery as any me<i>n</i> moȝten,</p> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> laȝy<i>n</i>g of ladies, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> loteȝ of bordes;</p> - <p>Gawayn & e gode mo<i>n</i> so glad were ay boe,</p> -<span class="linenum">1956</span> - <p>Bot if e douthe had doted, o<i>er</i> dronken ben o<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>Boe e mon & e meyny maden mony iapeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">until the time came for them to part.</span> - <p>Til e sesou<i>n</i> watȝ seȝen, at ay seu<i>er</i> moste;</p> - <p>Burneȝ to hor bedde be-houed at e laste.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne takes leave of his host.</span> -<span class="linenum">1960</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne loȝly his leue at e lorde fyrst</p> - <p>Fochcheȝ is fre mon, & fayre he hy<i>m</i> onkkeȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and thanks him for his happy "sojourn."</span> - <p>"Of such a sellyly<sup>1</sup> soiorne, as I haf hade here,</p> - <p>Yo<i>ur</i> hono<i>ur</i>, at is hyȝe fest, e hyȝe ky<i>n</i>g yow ȝelde!</p> -<span class="linenum">1964</span> - <p>I ȝef yow me for on of yo<i>ur</i>eȝ, if yowre-self lykeȝ,</p> - <p>For I mot nedes, as ȝe wot, meue to morne;</p> - <span class="sidenote">He asks for a man to teach him the way to the Green Chapel.</span> - <p>& ȝe me take su<i>m</i> tolke, to teche, as ȝe hyȝt,</p> - <p>e gate to e grene chapel, as god wyl me suffer</p> -<span class="linenum">1968</span> - <p>To dele, on nwȝereȝ day, e dome of my wyrdes."</p> - <p>"In god faye," q<i>uod</i> e god mon. "wyth a goud wylle;</p> - <p>Al at eu<i>er</i> I yow hyȝt, halde schal I rede."</p> - <span class="sidenote">A servant is assigned to him,</span> - <p>er asy<i>n</i>gnes he a seruau<i>n</i>t, to sett hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> e waye,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 117<i>b</i>.]</span> -<span class="linenum">1972</span> - <p>& cou<i>n</i>due hy<i>m</i> by e downeȝ, at he no drechch had,</p> - <p>For to f[e]rk urȝ e fryth, & fare at e gaynest,</p> - <p class="i8">bi greue.</p> - <p class="i4">e lorde Gawayn con onk,</p> -<span class="linenum">1976</span> - <p class="i4">Such worchip he wolde hy<i>m</i> weue;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and then he takes leave of the ladies,</span> - <p class="i4">e<i>n</i> at o ladyeȝ wlonk.</p> - <p class="i4">e knyȝt hatȝ tan his leue.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> selly (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XXXIV.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">kissing them sorrowfully.</span> - <p>With care & wyth kyssy<i>n</i>g he carppeȝ hem tille,</p> -<span class="linenum">1980</span> - <p>& fele ryuande onkkeȝ he rat hom to haue,</p> - <p>& ay ȝelden hy<i>m</i> aȝay[n] ȝeply at ilk;</p> - <span class="sidenote">They commend him to Christ.</span> - <p>ay bikende hy<i>m</i> to Kryst, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> ful colde syky<i>n</i>geȝ.</p> - <span class="sidenote">He then departs, thanking each one he meets "for his service and solace."</span> - <p>Syen fro e meyny he menskly de-partes;</p> -<span class="linenum">1984</span> - <p>Vche mon at he mette, he made hem a onke,</p> - <p>For his seruyse, & his solace, & his sere pyne,</p> - <p>at ay wyth busynes had ben, aboute hy<i>m</i> to serue;</p> - <p>& vche segge as sore, to seu<i>er</i> w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> hy<i>m</i> ere,</p> -<span class="linenum">1988</span> - <p>As ay hade wonde woryly w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> at wlonk eu<i>er</i>.</p> - <span class="sidenote">He retires to rest but sleeps but little,</span> - <p>e<i>n</i> w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> ledes & lyȝt he watȝ ladde to his chambre,</p> - <p>& blybely broȝt to his bedde, to be at his rest;</p> - <p>ȝif he ne slepe sou<i>n</i>dyly, say ne dar I,</p> - <span class="sidenote">for much has he to think of on the morrow.</span> -<span class="linenum">1992</span> - <p>For he hade muche on e morn to my<i>n</i>ne, ȝif he wolde,</p> - <p class="i8">in oȝt;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Let him there lie still.</span> - <p class="i4">Let hy<i>m</i> lyȝe ere stille,</p> - <p class="i4">He hatȝ<sup>1</sup> nere at he soȝt,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Be still awhile, and I shall tell how they wrought.</span> -<span class="linenum">1996</span> - <p class="i4">& ȝe wyl a whyle be stylle,</p> - <p class="i4">I schal telle yow how ay wroȝt.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> watȝ (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>[FYTTE THE FOURTH.]</h2> - -<h2>I.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">New Year's Day approaches.</span> - <p>Now neȝeȝ e nwȝere, & e nyȝt passeȝ,</p> - <p>e day dryueȝ to e derk, as dryȝtyn biddeȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The weather is stormy.</span> -<span class="linenum">2000</span> - <p>Bot wylde wedereȝ of e worlde wakned eroute,</p> - <p>Clowdes kesten kenly e colde to e ere,</p> - <p>Wyth nyȝe<sup>1</sup> in-nogh<i>e</i> of e nore, e naked to tene;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Snow falls.</span> - <p>e snawe snitered ful snart, at snayped e wylde;</p> -<span class="linenum">2004</span> - <p>e werbelande wynde wapped fro e hyȝe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The dales are full of drift.</span> - <p>& drof vche dale ful of dryftes ful grete.</p> - <p>e leude lystened ful wel, at leȝ i<i>n</i> his bedde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne in his bed hears each cock that crows.</span> - <p>aȝ he lowkeȝ his liddeȝ, ful lyttel he slepes;</p> -<span class="linenum">2008</span> - <p>Bi vch kok at crue, he knwe wel e steuen.</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 118.]</span> - <p>De-liu<i>er</i>ly he dressed vp, er e day sprenged,</p> - <p>For ere watȝ lyȝt of a lau[m]pe, at lemed i<i>n</i> his chambre;</p> - <span class="sidenote">He calls for his chamberlain, and bids him bring him his armour.</span> - <p>He called to his chamberlayn, at cofly hy<i>m</i> swared,</p> -<span class="linenum">2012</span> - <p>& bede hy<i>m</i> bry<i>n</i>g hy<i>m</i> his bruny, & his blonk sadel;</p> - <p>at o<i>er</i> ferkeȝ hy<i>m</i> vp, & fecheȝ hy<i>m</i> his wedeȝ,</p> - <p>& grayeȝ me s<i>ir</i> Gawayn vpon a grett wyse.</p> - <p>Fyrst he clad hy<i>m</i> i<i>n</i> his cloeȝ, e colde for to were;</p> -<span class="linenum">2016</span> - <p>& syen his o<i>er</i> harnays, at holdely watȝ keped,</p> - <p>Boe his pau<i>n</i>ce, & his plateȝ, piked ful clene,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Men knock off the rust from his rich habergeon.</span> - <p>e ry<i>n</i>geȝ<sup>2</sup> rokked of e roust, of his riche bruny;</p> - <p>& al watȝ fresch as vpon fyrst, & he watȝ fayn e<i>n</i>ne</p> -<span class="linenum">2020</span> - <p class="i8">to onk;</p> - <p class="i4">He hade vpon vche pece,</p> - <p class="i4">Wypped ful wel & wlonk;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight then calls for his steed.</span> - <p class="i4">e gayest i<i>n</i> to Grece,</p> -<span class="linenum">2024</span> - <p class="i4">e burne bede bry<i>n</i>g his blonk.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> nywe (?). - <sup>2</sup> rynkeȝ (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>II.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">While he clothed himself in his rich weeds,</span> - <p>Whyle e wlonkest wedes he warp on hy<i>m</i>-seluen; </p> - <p>His cote, wyth be conysau<i>n</i>ce of e clere werkeȝ,</p> - <p>Ennurned vpon veluet v<i>er</i>tuu<i>us</i><sup>1</sup> stoneȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">2028</span> - <p>Aboute beten, & bou<i>n</i>den, enbrauded semeȝ,</p> - <p>& fayre furred w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne wyth fayre pelures.</p> - <span class="sidenote">he forgot not the "lace," the lady's gift,</span> - <p>Ȝet laft he not e lace, e ladieȝ gifte,</p> - <p>at for-gat not Gawayn, for gode of hy<i>m</i>-seluen;</p> -<span class="linenum">2032</span> - <p>Bi he hade belted e bronde vpon his balȝe hau<i>n</i>cheȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">but with it doubly girded his loins.</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>n dressed he his drurye double hy<i>m</i> aboute;</p> - <p>Swye sweled vmbe his swange swetely, at knyȝt,</p> - <p>e gordel of e grene silke, at gay wel bisemed,</p> -<span class="linenum">2036</span> - <p>Vpon at ryol red cloe, at ryche watȝ to schewe.</p> - <span class="sidenote">He wore it not for its rich ornaments,</span> - <p>Bot wered not is ilk wyȝe for wele is gordel,</p> - <p>For pryde of e pendau<i>n</i>teȝ, aȝ polyst ay were,</p> - <p>& aȝ e glyt<i>er</i>ande golde glent vpon endeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">"but to save himself when it behoved him to suffer."</span> -<span class="linenum">2040</span> - <p>Bot forto sau<i>en</i> hy<i>m</i>-self, when suffer hy<i>m</i> by-houed,</p> - <p>To byde bale w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-oute dabate, of bronde hy<i>m</i> to were,</p> - <p class="i8">o<i>er</i> knyffe;</p> - <p class="i4">Bi at e bolde mon bou<i>n</i>,</p> -<span class="linenum">2044</span> - <p class="i4">Wy<i>n</i>neȝ eroute bilyue,</p> - <span class="sidenote">All the renowned assembly he thanks full oft.</span> - <p class="i4">Alle e meyny of renou<i>n</i>,</p> - <p class="i4">He onkkeȝ ofte ful ryue.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> v<i>er</i>tuo<i>us</i> (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>III.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 118<i>b</i>.]<br />Then was Gringolet arrayed,</span> - <p>The<i>n</i>ne watȝ Gryngolet graye, at gret watȝ & huge,</p> -<span class="linenum">2048</span> - <p>& hade ben soio<i>ur</i>ned sau<i>er</i>ly, & i<i>n</i> a siker wyse,</p> - <span class="sidenote">full ready to prick on.</span> - <p>Hy<i>m</i> lyst prik for poy<i>n</i>t, at proude hors e<i>n</i>ne;</p> - <p>e wyȝe wy<i>n</i>neȝ hy<i>m</i> to, & wyteȝ on his lyre,</p> - <p>& sayde soberly hy<i>m</i>-self, & by his soth swereȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">2052</span> - <p>"Here is a meyny i<i>n</i> is mote, at on menske enkkeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne returns thanks for the honour and kindness shown to him by all.</span> - <p>e mon hem maynteines, ioy mot ay haue;</p> - <p>e leue lady, on lyue luf hir bityde;</p> - <p>Ȝif ay for charyt cherysen a gest,</p> -<span class="linenum">2056</span> - <p>& halden hono<i>ur</i> i<i>n</i> her honde, e hael he<i>m</i> ȝelde,</p> - <p>at haldeȝ e heuen vpon hyȝe, & also yow alle!</p> - <p>& ȝif I myȝt lyf vpon londe lede any quyle,</p> - <p>I schuld rech yow su<i>m</i> rewarde redyly, if I myȝt."</p> - <span class="sidenote">He then steps into his saddle,</span> -<span class="linenum">2060</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>n steppeȝ he i<i>n</i>-to stirop, & strydeȝ alofte;</p> - <p>His schalk schewed hy<i>m</i> his schelde, on schulder he hit laȝt,</p> - <p>Gordeȝ to Gryngolet, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his gilt heleȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and "starts on the stone" without more delay.</span> - <p>& he starteȝ on e ston, stod he no lenger,</p> -<span class="linenum">2064</span> - <p class="i8">to prau<i>n</i>ce;</p> - <p class="i4">His hael on hors watȝ e<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p class="i4">at bere his spere & lau<i>n</i>ce.</p> - <span class="sidenote">"This castle to Christ I commend; may he give it ever good chance!"</span> - <p class="i4">"is kastel to Kryst I ke<i>n</i>ne,</p> -<span class="linenum">2068</span> - <p class="i4">He gef hit ay god chau<i>n</i>ce!"</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>IV.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The gates are soon opened.</span> - <p>The brygge watȝ brayde dou<i>n</i>, & e brode ȝateȝ</p> - <p>Vnbarred, & born open, vpon boe halue;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The knight passes thereout,</span> - <p>e burne blessed hy<i>m</i> bilyue, & e bredeȝ passed;</p> -<span class="linenum">2072</span> - <p>Prayses e porter, bifore e prynce kneled,</p> - <p>Gef hym God & goud day, at Gawayn he saue;</p> - <span class="sidenote">and goes on his way accompanied by his guide.</span> - <p>& went on his way, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his wyȝe one,</p> - <p>at schulde teche hy<i>m</i> to to<i>ur</i>ne to at tene place,</p> -<span class="linenum">2076</span> - <p>er e ruful race he schulde re-sayue.</p> - <p>ay boȝen bi bonkkeȝ, <i>er</i> boȝeȝ ar bare,</p> - <span class="sidenote">They climb by cliffs,</span> - <p>ay clomben bi clyffeȝ, er clengeȝ e colde;</p> - <p>e heuen watȝ vp halt, bot vgly er vnder,</p> -<span class="linenum">2080</span> - <p>Mist muged on e mor, malt on e mou<i>n</i>teȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">where each "hill had a hat and a mist-cloak,"</span> - <p>Vch hille hade a hatte, a myst-hakel huge;</p> - <p>Brokeȝ byled, & breke, bi bonkkeȝ aboute,</p> - <p>Schyre schat<i>er</i>ande on schoreȝ, <i>er</i> ay dou<i>n</i> schowued.</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 119.]</span> -<span class="linenum">2084</span> - <p>Welawylle watȝ e way, er ay bi wod schulden,</p> - <span class="sidenote">until daylight.</span> - <p>Til hit watȝ sone sesou<i>n</i>, at e su<i>n</i>ne ryses,</p> - <p class="i8">at tyde;</p> - <span class="sidenote">They were then on a "hill full high."</span> - <p class="i4">ay were on a hille ful hyȝe,</p> -<span class="linenum">2088</span> - <p class="i4">e quyte snaw lay bisyde;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The servant bade his master abide, saying,</span> - <p class="i4">e burne at rod hy<i>m</i> by</p> - <p class="i4">Bede his mayster abide.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>V.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"I have brought you hither,</span> - <p>"For I haf wo<i>n</i>nen yow hider, wyȝe, at is tyme,</p> -<span class="linenum">2092</span> - <p>& now nar ȝe not fer fro at note place,</p> - <span class="sidenote">ye are not now far from the noted place.</span> - <p>at ȝe han spied & spuryed so specially aft<i>er</i>;</p> - <p>Bot I schal say yow for soe, syen I yow knowe,</p> - <p>& ȝe ar a lede vpon lyue, at I wel louy,</p> -<span class="linenum">2096</span> - <p>Wolde ȝe worch bi my wytte, ȝe wored e bett<i>er</i>.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Full perilous is it esteemed.</span> - <p>e place at ȝe prece to, ful perelo<i>us</i> is halden;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The lord of that 'waste' is stiff and stern.</span> - <p>er woneȝ a wyȝe i<i>n</i> at waste, e worst vpon ere;</p> - <p>For he is stiffe, & sturne, & to strike louies,</p> -<span class="linenum">2100</span> - <p>& more he is e<i>n</i> any mon vpon myddelerde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">His body is bigger 'than the best four in Arthur's house.'</span> - <p>& his body bigger e<i>n</i> e best fowre.</p> - <p>at ar i<i>n</i> Arureȝ ho<i>us</i>, Hestor<sup>1</sup> o<i>er</i> o<i>er</i>.</p> - <p>He cheueȝ at chau<i>n</i>ce at e chapel grene;</p> - <span class="sidenote">None passes by the Green Chapel, 'that he does not ding to death with dint of his hand.'</span> -<span class="linenum">2104</span> - <p>er passes non bi at place, so proude i<i>n</i> his armes,</p> - <p>at he ne dy<i>n</i>neȝ hy<i>m</i> to dee, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> dynt of his honde;</p> - <p>For he is a mon methles, & mercy non vses,</p> - <span class="sidenote">For be it churl or chaplain, monk, mass-priest, 'or any man else,' he kills them all.</span> - <p>For he hit chorle, o<i>er</i> chaplayn, at bi e chapel rydes,</p> -<span class="linenum">2108</span> - <p>Monk, o<i>er</i> masse-prest, o<i>er</i> any mon elles,</p> - <p>H<i>ym</i> ynk as queme hy<i>m</i> to quelle, as quyk go hy<i>m</i> seluen.</p> - <p>For-y I say e as soe as ȝe i<i>n</i> sadel sitte,</p> - <p>Com ȝe ere, ȝe be kylled, [I] may e knyȝt rede,</p> -<span class="linenum">2112</span> - <p>Trawe ȝe me at trwely, aȝ ȝe had twenty lyues</p> - <p class="i8">to spende;</p> - <span class="sidenote">He has lived there full long.</span> - <p class="i4">He hatȝ wonyd here ful ȝore,</p> - <p class="i4">On bent much baret bende,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Against his dints sore ye may not defend you.</span> -<span class="linenum">2116</span> - <p class="i4">Aȝayn his dynteȝ sore,</p> - <p class="i4">Ȝe may not yow defende."</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> Hector (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>VI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Wherefore, good Sir Gawayne, let this man alone.</span> - <p>"For-y, goude s<i>ir</i> Gawayn, let e gome one,</p> - <p>& gotȝ a-way su<i>m</i> o<i>er</i> gate; vpon Goddeȝ halue;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Go by some other region,</span> -<span class="linenum">2120</span> - <p>Cayreȝ bi su<i>m</i> o<i>er</i> kyth, er Kryst mot yow spede;</p> - <p>& I schal hyȝ me hom aȝayn, & hete yow fyrre,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 119<i>b</i>.]<br />I swear by God and all His saints, that I will never say that ever ye attempted to flee from any man."</span> - <p>at I schal swere bi God, & alle his gode halȝeȝ,</p> - <p>As help me God & e halydam, & oeȝ i<i>n</i>-nogh<i>e</i>,</p> -<span class="linenum">2124</span> - <p>at I schal lelly yow layne, & lance neu<i>er</i> tale,</p> - <p>at eu<i>er</i> ȝe fondet to fle, for freke at I wyst."</p> - <p>"G<i>ra</i>nt m<i>er</i>ci;" q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, & gruchy<i>ng</i> he sayde,</p> - <p>"Wel worth e wyȝe, at woldeȝ my gode,</p> -<span class="linenum">2128</span> - <p>& at lelly me layne, I leue wel <i>o</i>u woldeȝ!</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne replies that to shun this danger would mark him as a "coward knight."</span> - <p>Bot helde <i>o</i>u hit neu<i>er</i> so holde, & I here passed,</p> - <p>Fou<i>n</i>ded for ferde for to fle, i<i>n</i> fo<i>ur</i>me at <i>o</i>u telleȝ,</p> - <p>I were a knyȝt kowarde, I myȝt not<sup>1</sup> be excused.</p> - <span class="sidenote">To the Chapel, therefore, he will go,</span> -<span class="linenum">2132</span> - <p>Bot I wy1 to e chape1, for chau<i>n</i>ce at may falle,</p> - <p>& talk wyth at ilk tulk e tale at me lyste,</p> - <p>Wore hit wele, o<i>er</i> wo, as e wyrde lykeȝ</p> - <p class="i8">hit hafe;</p> - <span class="sidenote">though the owner thereof were a stern knave.</span> -<span class="linenum">2136</span> - <p class="i4">aȝe he be a sturn knape,</p> - <p class="i4">To stiȝtel, &<sup>2</sup> stad w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> staue,</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Full well can God devise his servants for to save."</span> - <p class="i4">Ful wel con dryȝtyn schape,</p> - <p class="i4">His seruau<i>n</i>teȝ forto saue."</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> mot, in MS. - <sup>2</sup> & &, in MS. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>VII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Mary!" quoth the other, "since it pleases thee to lose thy life,</span> -<span class="linenum">2140</span> - <p>"Mary!" q<i>uod</i> at o<i>er</i> mon, "now <i>o</i>u so much spelleȝ,</p> - <p>at <i>o</i>u wylt yn awen nye nyme to y-seluen,</p> - <p>& e lyst lese y lyf, e lette I ne kepe;</p> - <span class="sidenote">take thy helmet on thy head, and thy spear in thy hand, and ride down this path by yon rock-side,</span> - <p>Haf here i helme on y hede, i spere i<i>n</i> i honde,</p> -<span class="linenum">2144</span> - <p>& ryde me dou<i>n</i> is ilk rake, bi ȝon rokke syde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">till thou come to the bottom of the valley;</span> - <p>Til <i>o</i>u be broȝt to e boem of e brem valay;</p> - <span class="sidenote">look a little to the left,</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne loke a littel on e lau<i>n</i>de, on i lyfte honde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and thou shalt see the Chapel itself and the man that guards it."</span> - <p>& <i>o</i>u schal se i<i>n</i> at slade e self chapel,</p> -<span class="linenum">2148</span> - <p>& e borelych burne on bent, at hit kepeȝ.</p> - <p>Now fareȝ wel on Godeȝ half, Gawayn e noble,</p> - <p>For alle e golde vpon grou<i>n</i>de I nolde go with e,</p> - <p>Ne bere e felaȝschip urȝ is fryth on fote fyrre."</p> - <span class="sidenote">Having thus spoken the guide takes leave of the knight.</span> -<span class="linenum">2152</span> - <p>Bi at e wyȝe i<i>n</i> e wod wendeȝ his brydel,</p> - <p>Hit e hors w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> e heleȝ, as harde as he myȝt,</p> - <p>Lepeȝ hy<i>m</i> ou<i>er</i> e lau<i>n</i>de, & leueȝ e knyȝt ere,</p> - <p class="i8">al one.</p> - <span class="sidenote">"By God's self," says Sir Gawayne, "I will neither weep nor groan.</span> -<span class="linenum">2156</span> - <p class="i4">"Bi Goddeȝ self," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, </p> - <p class="i4">"I wyl nau<i>er</i> grete ne grone,</p> - <span class="sidenote">To God's will I am full ready."</span> - <p class="i4">To Goddeȝ wylle I am ful bayn,</p> - <p class="i4">& to hy<i>m</i> I haf me tone."</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>VIII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 120.]<br />Then he pursues his journey,</span> -<span class="linenum">2160</span> - <p>The<i>n</i>ne gyrdeȝ he to Gryngolet, & gedereȝ e rake,</p> - <p>Schowueȝ i<i>n</i> bi a schore, at a schaȝe syde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">rides through the dale, and looks about.</span> - <p>Rideȝ urȝ e roȝe bonk, ryȝt to e dale;</p> - <p>& e<i>n</i>ne he wayted hy<i>m</i> aboute, & wylde hit hy<i>m</i> oȝt,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He sees no sign of a resting-place, but only high and steep banks.</span> -<span class="linenum">2164</span> - <p>& seȝe no sy<i>n</i>gne of resette, bisydeȝ nowhere,</p> - <p>Bot hyȝe bonkkeȝ & brent, vpon boe halue,</p> - <p>& ruȝe knokled knarreȝ, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> knorned stoneȝ;</p> - <p>e skweȝ of e scowtes skayued<sup>1</sup> hy<i>m</i> oȝt.</p> -<span class="linenum">2168</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne he houed, & wyth-hylde his hors at at tyde,</p> - <p>& ofte chau<i>n</i>ged his cher, e chapel to seche;</p> - <span class="sidenote">No chapel could he discern.</span> - <p>He seȝ non suche i<i>n</i> no syde, & selly hy<i>m</i> oȝt,</p> - <p>Sone a lyttel on a lau<i>n</i>de, a lawe as hit we[re];</p> - <span class="sidenote">At last he sees a hill by the side of a stream;</span> -<span class="linenum">2172</span> - <p>A balȝ berȝ, bi a bonke, e bry<i>m</i>me by-syde,</p> - <p>Bi a forȝ of a flode, <i>a</i>t ferked are;</p> - <p>e borne blubred er-i<i>n</i>ne, as hit boyled hade.</p> - <span class="sidenote">thither he goes,</span> - <p>e knyȝt kacheȝ his caple, & com to e lawe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">alights and fastens his horse to a branch of a tree.</span> -<span class="linenum">2176</span> - <p>Liȝteȝ dou<i>n</i> luflyly, & at a lynde tacheȝ</p> - <p>e rayne, & his riche, with a roȝe brau<i>n</i>che;</p> - <span class="sidenote">He walks around the hill, debating with himself what it might be,</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>[n]e he boȝeȝ to e berȝe, aboute hit he walke,</p> - <p>D[e]batande w<i>i</i>th hy<i>m</i>-self, quat hit be myȝt.</p> -<span class="linenum">2180</span> - <p>Hit hade a hole on e ende, & on ayer syde,</p> - <p>& ou<i>er</i>-growen w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gresse i<i>n</i> glodes ay where,</p> - <p>& al watȝ holȝ i<i>n</i>-w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>, nobot an olde caue,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and at last finds an old cave in the crag.</span> - <p>Or a creuisse of an olde cragge, he coue hit noȝt deme</p> -<span class="linenum">2184</span> - <p class="i8">w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> spelle,</p> - <p class="i4">"We,<sup>2</sup> lorde," q<i>uod</i> e gentyle knyȝt,</p> - <p class="i4">"Wheer is be e grene chapelle;</p> - <span class="sidenote">He prays that about midnight he may tell his matins.</span> - <p class="i4">He myȝt aboute myd-nyȝt,</p> -<span class="linenum">2188</span> - <p class="i4">[]e dele his maty<i>n</i>nes telle!"</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> skayned (?). - <sup>2</sup> wel (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>IX.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Truly," says Sir Gawayne, "a desert is here,</span> - <p>"Now i-wysse," q<i>uod</i> Wowayn, "wysty is here;</p> - <p>is oritore is vgly, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> erbeȝ ou<i>er</i>-growen;</p> - <span class="sidenote">a fitting place for the man in green to 'deal here his devotions in devil fashion.'</span> - <p>Wel bisemeȝ e wyȝe wruxled i<i>n</i> grene</p> -<span class="linenum">2192</span> - <p>Dele here his deuociou<i>n</i>, on e deueleȝ wyse;</p> - <p>Now I fele hit is e fende, i<i>n</i> my fyue wytteȝ,</p> - <p>at hatȝ stoken me is steuen, to strye me here;</p> - <span class="sidenote">It is most cursed kirk that ever I entered."</span> - <p>is is a chapel of meschau<i>n</i>ce, at chekke hit by-tyde,</p> -<span class="linenum">2196</span> - <p>Hit is e corsedest kyrk, at eu<i>er</i> i com i<i>n</i>ne!"</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 120<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p>With heȝe helme on his hede, his lau<i>n</i>ce i<i>n</i> his honde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Roaming about he hears a loud noise,</span> - <p>He romeȝ vp to e rokke of o roȝ woneȝ;</p> - <p>ene herde he of at hyȝe hil, i<i>n</i> a harde roche,</p> - <span class="sidenote">from beyond the brook.</span> -<span class="linenum">2200</span> - <p>Biȝonde e broke, i<i>n</i> a bonk, a wonder breme noyse,</p> - <span class="sidenote">It clattered like the grinding of a scythe on a grindstone.</span> - <p>Quat! hit clat<i>er</i>ed i<i>n</i> e clyff, as hit cleue schulde,</p> - <p>As one vpon a gryndelston hade grou<i>n</i>den a sye;</p> - <span class="sidenote">It whirred like a mill-stream.</span> - <p>What! hit wharred, & whette, as wat<i>er</i> at a mulne,</p> -<span class="linenum">2204</span> - <p>What! hit rusched, & ronge, rawe to here.</p> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne "bi Godde," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "at gere as<sup>1</sup> I trowe,</p> - <p>Is ryched at e reu<i>er</i>ence, me renk to mete,</p> - <p class="i8">bi rote;</p> -<span class="linenum">2208</span> - <p class="i4">Let God worche we loo,</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Though my life I forgo," says the knight, "no noise shall terrify me."</span> - <p class="i4">Hit helppeȝ me not a mote,</p> - <p class="i4">My lif aȝ I for-goo,</p> - <p class="i4">Drede dotȝ me no lote."</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> at, in MS. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>X.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then cried he aloud,</span> -<span class="linenum">2212</span> - <p>The<i>n</i>ne e knyȝt con calle ful hyȝe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Who dwells here discourse with me to hold?"</span> - <p>"Who stiȝtleȝ i<i>n</i> is sted, me steuen to holde?</p> - <span class="sidenote">Now is the good Gawayne going aright</span> - <p>For now is gode Gawayn goande ryȝt here,</p> - <p>If any wyȝe oȝt wyl wy<i>n</i>ne hider fast,</p> -<span class="linenum">2216</span> - <p>O<i>er</i> now, o<i>er</i> neu<i>er</i>, his nedeȝ to spede."</p> - <span class="sidenote">He hears a voice commanding him to abide where he is.</span> - <p>"Abyde," q<i>uod</i> on on e bonke, abouen ou<i>er</i> his hede,</p> - <p>"& <i>o</i>u schal haf al i<i>n</i> hast, at I e hyȝt ones."</p> - <p>Ȝet he rusched on at rurde, rapely a rowe,</p> -<span class="linenum">2220</span> - <p>& wyth quetty<i>n</i>g a-wharf, er he wolde lyȝt;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Soon there comes out of a hole, with a fell weapon,</span> - <p>& syen he keu<i>er</i>eȝ bi a cragge, & comeȝ of a hole,</p> - <p>Whyrlande out of a wro, wyth a felle weppen, </p> - <span class="sidenote">a Danish axe, quite new,</span> - <p>A deneȝ ax nwe dyȝt, e dynt w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> [t]o ȝelde </p> -<span class="linenum">2224</span> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a borelych bytte, bende by e halme,</p> - <p>Fyled i<i>n</i> a fylor, fowre fote large,</p> - <p>Hit watȝ no lasse, bi at lace at lemed ful bryȝt.</p> - <span class="sidenote">the "knight in green," clothed as before.</span> - <p>& e gome i<i>n</i> e erene gered as fyrst,</p> -<span class="linenum">2228</span> - <p>Boe e lyre & e leggeȝ, lokkeȝ, & berde,</p> - <p>Saue at fayre on his fote he fou<i>n</i>deȝ on e ere,</p> - <p>Sette e stele to e stone, & stalked bysyde.</p> - <span class="sidenote">When he reaches the stream, he hops over and strides about.</span> - <p>When he wan to e watter, er he wade nolde,</p> -<span class="linenum">2232</span> - <p>He hypped ou<i>er</i> on hys ax, & orpedly strydeȝ,</p> - <p>Bremly broe on a bent, at brode watȝ a-boute,</p> - <p class="i8">on snawe.</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 121.]<br />He meets Sir Gawayne without obeisance.</span> - <p class="i4">S<i>ir</i> Gawayn e knyȝt con mete.</p> -<span class="linenum">2236</span> - <p class="i4">He ne lutte hy<i>m</i> no y<i>n</i>g lowe,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The other tells him that he is now ready for conversation</span> - <p class="i4">at o<i>er</i> sayde, "now, s<i>ir</i> swete,</p> - <p class="i4">Of steuen mon may e trowe."</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"God preserve thee!" says the Green Knight,</span> - <p>"Gawayn," q<i>uod</i> at grene gome, "God e mot loke!</p> -<span class="linenum">2240</span> - <p>I-wysse <i>o</i>u art welcom,<sup>1</sup> wyȝe, to my place,</p> - <span class="sidenote">"as a true knight 'thou hast timed thy travel'</span> - <p>& <i>o</i>u hatȝ tymed i trauayl as t<i>ru</i>e<sup>2</sup> mo<i>n</i> schulde;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Thou knowest the covenant between us,</span> - <p>& <i>o</i>u knoweȝ e couenau<i>n</i>teȝ kest v<i>us</i> by-twene,</p> - <p>At is tyme twelmonyth <i>o</i>u toke <i>a</i>t e falled,</p> - <span class="sidenote">that on New Year's day I should return thy blow</span> -<span class="linenum">2244</span> - <p>& I schulde at is nwe ȝere ȝeply e quyte.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Here we are alone,</span> - <p>& we ar i<i>n</i> is valay, v<i>er</i>ayly oure one,</p> - <p>Here ar no renkes vs to rydde, rele as v<i>us</i> likeȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Have off thy helmet and take thy pay at once."</span> - <p>Haf y<sup>3</sup> helme of y hede, & haf here y pay;</p> -<span class="linenum">2248</span> - <p>Busk no more debate <i>en</i> I e bede e<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p>"When <i>o</i>u wypped of my hede at a wap one."</p> - <span class="sidenote">"By God," quoth Sir Gawayne, "I shall not begrudge thee thy will."</span> - <p>"Nay, bi God," q<i>uod</i> Gawayn, "<i>a</i>t me gost lante,</p> - <p>I schal gruch e no grwe, for grem at falleȝ;</p> -<span class="linenum">2252</span> - <p>Botstyȝtel e vpon on strok, & I schal stonde stylle,</p> - <p>& warp e no werny<i>n</i>g, to worch as e lykeȝ,</p> - <p class="i8">no whare."</p> - <span class="sidenote">Then he shows his bare neck,</span> - <p class="i4">He lened w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> e nek, & lutte,</p> -<span class="linenum">2256</span> - <p class="i4">& schewed at schyre al bare,</p> - <p class="i4">& lette as he noȝt dutte,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and appears undaunted.</span> - <p class="i4">For drede he wolde not dare.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> welcon, in MS. - <sup>2</sup> t<i>ru</i>ee in MS. - <sup>3</sup> MS. y y. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then the man in green seizes his grim tool.</span> - <p>The<i>n</i> e gome i<i>n</i> e grene grayed hy<i>m</i> swye,</p> -<span class="linenum">2260</span> - <p>Gedereȝ yp hys gry<i>m</i>me tole, Gawayn to smyte;</p> - <span class="sidenote">With all his force he raises it aloft.</span> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> alle e bur i<i>n</i> his body he ber hit on lofte,</p> - <p>Mu<i>n</i>t as maȝtyly, as marre hy<i>m</i> he wolde;</p> - <p>Hade hit dryuen adou<i>n</i>, as dreȝ as he atled,</p> -<span class="linenum">2264</span> - <p>er hade ben ded of his dynt, at doȝty watȝ eu<i>er</i>.</p> - <p>Bot Gawayn on at giserne glyfte hy<i>m</i> bysyde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">As it came gliding down,</span> - <p>As hit com glydande adou<i>n</i>, on glode hy<i>m</i> to schende,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Sir Gawayne shrank a little with his shoulders.</span> - <p>& schranke a lytel w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> e schulderes, for e scharp yrne.</p> -<span class="linenum">2268</span> - <p>at o<i>er</i> schalk wyth a schu<i>n</i>t e schene wythhaldeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The other reproved him, saying,</span> - <p>& e<i>n</i>ne repreued he e prynce w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> mony prowde wordeȝ:</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Thou art not Gawayne that is so good esteemed,</span> - <p>"<i>o</i>u art not Gawayn," q<i>uod</i> e gome, "<i>a</i>t is so goud halden,</p> - <p>at neu<i>er</i> arȝed for no here, by hylle ne be vale,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 121<i>b</i>.]<br />for thou fleest for fear before thou feelest harm.</span> -<span class="linenum">2272</span> - <p>& now <i>o</i>u fles for ferde, er <i>o</i>u fele harmeȝ;</p> - <p>Such cowardise of at knyȝt cowe I neu<i>er</i> here.</p> - <span class="sidenote">I never flinched when thou struckest.</span> - <p>Naw<i>er</i> fyked I, ne flaȝe, freke, quen <i>o</i>u myntest,</p> - <p>Ne kest no kauelac<i>i</i>on, in ky<i>n</i>geȝ ho<i>us</i> Arthor,</p> - <span class="sidenote">My head flew to my foot, yet I never fled,</span> -<span class="linenum">2276</span> - <p>My hede flaȝ to my fote, & ȝet flaȝ I neu<i>er</i>;</p> - <p>& <i>o</i>u, er any harme hent, arȝeȝ i<i>n</i> hert,</p> - <span class="sidenote">wherefore I ought to be called the better man."</span> - <p>Wherfore e better burne me burde be called</p> - <p class="i8"><i>e</i>r-fore."</p> - <span class="sidenote">"I shunted once," says Gawayne, "but will no more.</span> -<span class="linenum">2280</span> - <p class="i4">Q<i>uod</i> G:, "I schu<i>n</i>t oneȝ,</p> - <p class="i4">& so wyl I no more,</p> - <p class="i4">Bot paȝ my hede falle on e stoneȝ,</p> - <p class="i4">I con not hit restore.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XIII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Bring me to the point; deal me my destiny at once."</span> -<span class="linenum">2284</span> - <p>Bot busk, burne, bi i fayth, & bry<i>n</i>g me to e poy<i>n</i>t,</p> - <p>Dele to me my destin, & do hit out of honde,</p> - <p>For I schal stonde e a strok, & start no more,</p> - <p>Til y<i>n</i> ax haue me hitte, haf here my trawe."</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Have at thee, then," says the other.</span> -<span class="linenum">2288</span> - <p>"Haf at e e<i>n</i>ne," q<i>uod</i> <i>a</i>t o<i>er</i>, & heueȝ hit alofte,</p> - <p>& wayteȝ as wroely, as he wode were;</p> - <span class="sidenote">With that he aims at him a blow.</span> - <p>He mynteȝ at hy<i>m</i> maȝtyly, bot not e mon ryueȝ,<sup>1</sup></p> - <p>With-helde het<i>er</i>ly h[i]s honde, er hit hurt myȝt.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne never flinches, but stands as still as a stone.</span> -<span class="linenum">2292</span> - <p>Gawayn grayely hit bydeȝ, & glent w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> no membre,</p> - <p>Bot stode stylle as e ston, o<i>er</i> a stubbe auer,</p> - <p>at raeled is i<i>n</i> roche grou<i>n</i>de, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> roteȝ a hundreth.</p> - <p>e<i>n</i> muryly efte con he mele, e mon i<i>n</i> e grene,</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Now," says the Green Knight, "I must hit thee, since thy heart is whole."</span> -<span class="linenum">2296</span> - <p>"So now <i>o</i>u hatȝ i hert holle, hitte me bihou[e]s;</p> - <p>Halde e now e hyȝe hode, at Arur e raȝt,</p> - <p>& kepe y kanel at is kest, ȝif hit keu<i>er</i> may."</p> - <p>G: ful gryndelly w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> greme e<i>n</i>ne sayde,</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Thrash on," says the other.</span> -<span class="linenum">2300</span> - <p>"Wy resch on, <i>o</i>u ro mon, <i>o</i>u reteȝ to longe,</p> - <p>I hope at i hert arȝe wyth yn awen seluen."</p> - <p>"For soe," q<i>uod</i> at o<i>er</i> freke, "so felly <i>o</i>u spekeȝ,</p> - <p>I wyl no leng<i>er</i> on lyte lette in ernde,</p> -<span class="linenum">2304</span> - <p class="i8">riȝt nowe."</p> - <span class="sidenote">Then the Green Knight makes ready to strike.</span> - <p class="i4">e<i>n</i>ne tas he<sup>2</sup> hy<i>m</i> strye to stryke,</p> - <p class="i4">& frou<i>n</i>ses boe lyppe & browe,</p> - <p class="i4">No meruayle aȝ hy<i>m</i> myslyke,</p> -<span class="linenum">2308</span> - <p class="i4">at hoped of no rescowe.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> ? <i>ryneȝ</i> = touches. - <sup>2</sup> he he, in MS. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XIV.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">He let fall his loom on the bare</span> - <p>He lyftes lyȝtly his lome, & let hit dou<i>n</i> fayre,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 122.]<br />neck of Sir Gawayne.</span> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> e barbe of e bitte bi e bare nek</p> - <p>aȝ he homered het<i>er</i>ly, hurt hy<i>m</i> no more,</p> -<span class="linenum">2312</span> - <p>Bot snyrt hy<i>m</i> on at on syde, at seu<i>er</i>ed e hyde;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The sharp weapon pierced the flesh so that the blood flowed.</span> - <p>e scharp schrank to e flesche urȝ e schyre grece,</p> - <p>at e schene blod ov<i>er</i> his schulderes schot to e ere.</p> - <span class="sidenote">When the knight saw the blood on the snow,</span> - <p>& quen e burne seȝ e blode blenk on e snawe,</p> -<span class="linenum">2316</span> - <p>He sprit forth spe<i>n</i>ne fote more e<i>n</i> a spere lene,</p> - <p>Hent het<i>er</i>ly his helme, & on his hed cast,</p> - <p>Schot wit<i>h</i> his schuldereȝ his fayre schelde vnder,</p> - <span class="sidenote">he unsheathed his sword, and thus spake:</span> - <p>Braydeȝ out a bryȝt sworde, & bremely he spekeȝ;</p> -<span class="linenum">2320</span> - <p>Neu<i>er</i> syn at he watȝ burne borne of his moder,</p> - <p>Watȝ he neu<i>er</i> i<i>n</i> is worlde, wyȝe half so blye:—</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Cease, man, of thy blow.</span> - <p>"Bly<i>n</i>ne, burne, of y bur, bede me no mo;</p> - <p>I haf a stroke i<i>n</i> is sted w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-oute stryf hent,</p> - <span class="sidenote">If thou givest me any more, readily shall I requite thee.</span> -<span class="linenum">2324</span> - <p>& if ow recheȝ me any mo, I redyly schal quyte,</p> - <p>& ȝelde ȝederly aȝayn, & <i>er</i> to ȝe tryst,</p> - <p class="i8">& foo;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Our agreement stipulates only one stroke."</span> - <p class="i4">Bot on stroke here me falleȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">2328</span> - <p class="i4">e couenau<i>n</i>t schop ryȝt so,</p> - <p class="i4">[Sikered]<sup>1</sup> in Arureȝ halleȝ,</p> - <p class="i4">& er-fore, hende, now hoo!"</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> Illegible. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XV.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">The Green Knight rested on his axe,</span> - <p>The hael heldet hy<i>m</i> fro, & on his ax rested,</p> -<span class="linenum">2332</span> - <p>Sette e schaft vpon schore, & to be scharp lened,</p> - <span class="sidenote">looked on Sir Gawayne, who appeared bold and fearless,</span> - <p>& loked to e leude, at on e launde ȝede,</p> - <p>How at doȝty dredles deruely er stondeȝ,</p> - <p>Armed ful aȝleȝ; i<i>n</i> hert hit hy<i>m</i> lykeȝ.</p> -<span class="linenum">2336</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>n he meleȝ muryly, wyth a much steuen,</p> - <span class="sidenote">and addressed him as follows: "Bold knight, be not so wroth,</span> - <p>& wyth a r[a]ykande rurde he to e renk sayde,</p> - <p>"Bolde burne, on is bent be not so gryndel;</p> - <p>No mon here vn-man<i>er</i>ly e mys-boden habbe,</p> -<span class="linenum">2340</span> - <p>Ne kyd, bot as couenau<i>n</i>de, at ky<i>n</i>geȝ kort schaped;</p> - <span class="sidenote">I promised thee a stroke and thou hast it, be satisfied.</span> - <p>I hyȝt e a strok, & <i>o</i>u hit hatȝ, halde e wel payed,</p> - <p>I relece e of e remnau<i>n</i>t, of ryȝtes alle o<i>er</i>;</p> - <p>Ȝif<sup>1</sup> I deliuer had bene, a boffet, parau<i>n</i>t<i>e</i>r,</p> - <span class="sidenote">I could have dealt worse with thee.</span> -<span class="linenum">2344</span> - <p>I coue wroeloker haf waret, [&] to e haf wroȝt ang<i>er</i>.<sup>2</sup></p> - <p>Fyrst I mansed e muryly, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a mynt one,</p> - <span class="sidenote">I menaced thee with one blow for the covenant</span> - <p>& roue e wyth no rof, sore w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> ryȝt I e p<i>ro</i>fered,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 122<i>b</i>.]<br /> between us on the first night.</span> - <p>For e forwarde that we fest i<i>n</i> e fyrst nyȝt,</p> -<span class="linenum">2348</span> - <p>& <i>o</i>u trystyly e trawe & trwly me haldeȝ,</p> - <p>Al e gayne ow me gef, as god mon shulde;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Another I aimed at thee because thou kissedst my wife.</span> - <p>at o<i>er</i> mu<i>n</i>t for e morne, mon, I e profered,</p> - <p><i>o</i>u kyssedes my clere wyf, e cosseȝ me raȝteȝ,</p> -<span class="linenum">2352</span> - <p>For boe two here I e bede bot two bare myntes,</p> - <p class="i8">boute scae;</p> - <span class="sidenote">A true man should restore truly, and then he need fear no harm.</span> - <p class="i4">Trwe mon trwe restore,</p> - <p class="i4">e<i>n</i>ne ar mo<i>n</i> drede no wae;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Thou failedst at the third time, and therefore take thee that tap. (See l. 1861.)</span> -<span class="linenum">2356</span> - <p class="i4">At e rid <i>o</i>u fayled ore,</p> - <p class="i4">& <i>er</i>-for at tappe ta e.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> uf, in MS. - <sup>2</sup> This word is doubtful. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XVI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">For my weed (woven by my wife) thou wearest.</span> - <p> For hit is my wede at <i>o</i>u wereȝ, <i>a</i>t ilke wouen girdel,</p> - <p> Myn owen wyf hit e weued, I wot wel forsoe;</p> - <span class="sidenote">I know thy kisses and my wife's wooing.</span> -<span class="linenum">2360</span> - <p>Now know I wel y cosses, & y costes als,</p> - <p>& e wowy<i>n</i>g of my wyf, I wroȝt hit myseluen;</p> - <span class="sidenote">I sent her to try thee, and faultless I found thee.</span> - <p>I sende hir to asay e, & sothly me ynkkeȝ,</p> - <p>On e fautlest freke, at eu<i>er</i> on fote ȝede;</p> -<span class="linenum">2364</span> - <p>As perle bi e quite pese is of prys more,</p> - <p>So is Gawayn, i<i>n</i> god fayth, bi o<i>er</i> gay knyȝteȝ.</p> - <span class="sidenote">But yet thou sinnedst a little,</span> - <p>Bot here you lakked a lyttel, s<i>ir</i>, & lewte yow wonted,</p> - <p>Bot at watȝ for no wylyde werke, ne wowy<i>n</i>g nau<i>er</i>,</p> - <span class="sidenote">for love of thy life."</span> -<span class="linenum">2368</span> - <p>Bot for ȝe lufed yo<i>ur</i> lyf, e lasse I yow blame."</p> - <p>at o<i>er</i> stif mon i<i>n</i> study stod a gret whyle;</p> - <p>So agreued for greme he gryed w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i>-i<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne stands confounded.</span> - <p>Alle e blode of his brest blende i<i>n</i> his face,</p> -<span class="linenum">2372</span> - <p>at al he schrank for schome, at e schalk talked.</p> - <p>e forme worde vpon folde, at e freke meled,—</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Cursed," he says, "be cowardice and covetousness both!"</span> - <p>"Corsed worth cowarddyse & couetyse boe!</p> - <p>I<i>n</i> yow is vylany & vyse, at v<i>er</i>tue disstryeȝ."</p> - <span class="sidenote">Then he takes off the girdle and throws it to the knight.</span> -<span class="linenum">2376</span> - <p>e<i>n</i>ne he kaȝt to e knot, & e kest lawseȝ,</p> - <p>Brayde broely e belt to e burne seluen:</p> - <p>"Lo! er e falssy<i>n</i>g, foule mot hit falle!</p> - <span class="sidenote">He curses his cowardice,</span> - <p>For care of y knokke cowardyse me taȝt</p> -<span class="linenum">2380</span> - <p>To a-corde me w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> couetyse, my kynde to for-sake,</p> - <p>at is larges & lewte, at longeȝ to knyȝteȝ.</p> - <span class="sidenote">and confesses himself to have been guilty of untruth.</span> - <p>Now am I fawty, & falce, & ferde haf ben eu<i>er</i>;</p> - <p>Of trecherye & vn-trawe boe bityde sorȝe</p> -<span class="linenum">2384</span> - <p class="i8">& care!</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 123.]<br /></span> - <p class="i4">I bi-knowe yow, knyȝt, here stylle,</p> - <p class="i4">Al fawty is my fare,</p> - <p class="i4">Leteȝ me ou<i>er</i>-take yo<i>ur</i> wylle,</p> -<span class="linenum">2388</span> - <p class="i4">& efle I schal be ware."</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XVII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Then the other, laughing, thus spoke:</span> - <p>The<i>n</i>ne loȝe at o<i>er</i> leude, & luflyly sayde,</p> - <p>"I halde hit hardily<sup>1</sup> hole, e harme at I hade;</p> - <span class="sidenote">"Thou art confessed so clean,</span> - <p><i>o</i>u art confessed so clene, be-knowen of y mysses,</p> -<span class="linenum">2392</span> - <p>& hatȝ e penau<i>n</i>ce apert, of e poy<i>n</i>t of myn egge,</p> - <span class="sidenote">that I hold thee as pure as if thou hadst never been guilty.</span> - <p>I halde e polysed of at plyȝt, & pured as clene,</p> - <p>As <i>o</i>u hadeȝ neu<i>er</i> forfeted, sye<i>n</i> <i>o</i>u watȝ fyrst borne.</p> - <span class="sidenote">I give thee, sir, the gold-hemmed girdle,</span> - <p>& I gif e, s<i>ir</i>, e gurdel at is golde he<i>m</i>med;</p> -<span class="linenum">2396</span> - <p>For hit is grene as my goune, s<i>ir</i> G:, ȝe maye</p> - <p>enk vpon is ilke repe, <i>er</i> <i>o</i>u forth ry<i>n</i>geȝ</p> - <p>Amo<i>n</i>g prynces of prys, & is a pure token</p> - <span class="sidenote">as a token of thy adventure at the Green Chapel.</span> - <p>Of e chau<i>n</i>ce of e grene chapel, at cheualro<i>us</i> knyȝteȝ;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Come again to my abode, and abide there for the remainder of the festival."</span> -<span class="linenum">2400</span> - <p>& ȝe schal i<i>n</i> is nwe ȝer aȝayn to my woneȝ,</p> - <p>& we schy<i>n</i> reuel e remnau<i>n</i>t of is ryche fest,</p> - <p class="i8">ful bene."</p> - <p class="i4">er laed hy<i>m</i> fast e lorde,</p> -<span class="linenum">2404</span> - <p class="i4">& sayde, "w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> my wyf, I wene,</p> - <p class="i4">We schal yow wel acorde,</p> - <p class="i4">at watȝ yo<i>ur</i> enmy kene."</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> hardilyly, in MS. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XVIII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Nay, forsooth," says Gawayne,</span> - <p>"Nay, for soe," q<i>uod</i> e segge, & sesed hys helme,</p> -<span class="linenum">2408</span> - <p> & hatȝ hit of hendely, & e hael onkkeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">"I have sojourned sadly, but bliss betide thee!</span> - <p>"I haf soiorned sadly, sele yow bytyde,</p> - <p>& he ȝelde hit yow ȝare, at ȝarkkeȝ al me<i>n</i>skes!</p> - <span class="sidenote">Commend me to your comely wife and that other lady who have beguiled me.</span> - <p>& comau<i>n</i>deȝ me to at cortays, yo<i>ur</i> comlych fere,</p> -<span class="linenum">2412</span> - <p>Boe at on & at o<i>er</i>, myn hono<i>ur</i>ed ladyeȝ.</p> - <p>at <i>us</i> hor knyȝt wyth hor kest han koy<i>n</i>tly bigyled.</p> - <span class="sidenote">But it is no marvel for a man to be brought to grief through a woman's wiles.</span> - <p>Bot hit is no ferly, aȝ a fole madde,</p> - <p>& urȝ wyles of wy<i>m</i>men be wonen to sorȝe;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Adam, Solomon, Samson, and David were beguiled by women.</span> -<span class="linenum">2416</span> - <p>For so watȝ Adam i<i>n</i> erde w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> one bygyled,</p> - <p>& Salamon w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> fele sere, & Samson eft soneȝ,</p> - <p>Dalyda dalt hy<i>m</i> hys wyrde, & Dauyth er-aft<i>er</i></p> - <p>Watȝ blended w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> Barsabe, at much bale oled.</p> - <span class="sidenote">How could a man love them and believe them not?</span> -<span class="linenum">2420</span> - <p>Now ese were wrathed wyth her wyles, h<i>i</i>t were a wy<i>n</i>ne huge,</p> - <p>To luf hom wel, & leue hem not, a leude at coue,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 123<i>b</i>.]</span> - <p>For es wer forne<sup>1</sup> e freest at folȝed alle e sele, </p> - <p>Ex-ellently of alle yse o<i>er</i>, vnder heuen-ryche,</p> -<span class="linenum">2424</span> - <p class="i8">at mused;</p> - <p class="i4">& alle ay were bi-wyled,</p> - <p class="i4">With<sup>2</sup> wy<i>m</i>men at ay vsed,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Though I be now beguiled, methinks I should be excused.</span> - <p class="i4">aȝ I be now bigyled,</p> -<span class="linenum">2428</span> - <p class="i4">Me ink me burde be excused." </p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> forme (?) - <sup>2</sup> with wyth, in MS. - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XIX.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">But God reward you for your girdle.</span> - <p>"Bot yo<i>ur</i> gordel," q<i>uod</i> G: "God yow for-ȝelde!</p> - <p>at wyl I welde wyth good wylle, not for e wy<i>n</i>ne golde,</p> - <p>Ne e saynt, ne e sylk, ne e syde pendau<i>n</i>des,</p> -<span class="linenum">2432</span> - <p>For wele, ne for worchyp, ne for e wlonk werkkeȝ,</p> - <span class="sidenote">I will wear it in remembrance of my fault.</span> - <p>Bot i<i>n</i> sy<i>n</i>gne of my surfet I schal se hit ofte;</p> - <p>When I ride i<i>n</i> renou<i>n</i>, remorde to myseluen </p> - <p>e faut & e fayntyse of e flesche crabbed,</p> -<span class="linenum">2436</span> - <p>How tender hit is to entyse teches of fyle;</p> - <span class="sidenote">And when pride shall prick me,</span> - <p>& <i>us</i>, quen pryde schal me pryk, for prowes of armes,</p> - <span class="sidenote">a look to this lace shall abate it.</span> - <p>e loke to is luf lace schal lee my hert.</p> - <p>Bot on I wolde yow pray, displeses yow neu<i>er</i>;</p> -<span class="linenum">2440</span> - <p>Syn ȝe be lorde of e ȝonde[r] londe, <i>er</i> I haf lent i<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <p>Wyth yow wyth worschyp,—e wyȝe hit yow ȝelde</p> - <p>at vp-haldeȝ e heu<i>en</i>, & on hyȝ sitteȝ,—</p> - <span class="sidenote">But tell me your right name and I shall have done."</span> - <p>How norne ȝe yowre ryȝt nome, & e<i>n</i>ne no more?"</p> -<span class="linenum">2444</span> - <p>"at schal I telle e trwly," q<i>uod</i> <i>a</i>t o<i>er</i> e<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <span class="sidenote">The Green Knight replies, "I am called Bernlak de Hautdesert, through might of Morgain la Fey, the pupil of Merlin.</span> - <p>"Bernlak de Hautdesert I hat i<i>n</i> is londe,</p> - <p>urȝ myȝt of Morgne la Faye, at i<i>n</i> my ho<i>us</i> lenges,</p> - <p>&<sup>1</sup> koyntyse of clergye, bi craftes wel lerned,</p> -<span class="linenum">2448</span> - <p>e maystres of M<i>er</i>lyn, mony ho<sup>2</sup> taken;</p> - <p>For ho hatȝ dalt drwry ful dere su<i>m</i> tyme,</p> - <p>With at conable klerk, at knowes alle yo<i>ur</i> knyȝteȝ</p> - <p class="i8">at hame;</p> -<span class="linenum">2452</span> - <p class="i4">Morgne e goddes,</p> - <p class="i4">er-fore hit is hir name;</p> - <span class="sidenote">She can tame even the haughtiest.</span> - <p class="i4">Weldeȝ non so hyȝe hawtesse,</p> - <p class="i4">at ho ne con make ful tame.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> in (?). - <sup>2</sup> ho hatȝ (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XX.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">It was she who caused me to test the renown of the Round Table,</span> -<span class="linenum">2456</span> - <p>Ho wayned me vpon is wyse to yo<i>ur</i> wy<i>n</i>ne halle,</p> - <p>For to assay e surquidre, ȝif hit soth were,</p> - <p>at re<i>n</i>nes of e grete renou<i>n</i> of e Rou<i>n</i>de Table;</p> - <p>Ho wayned me is wonder, yo<i>ur</i> wytteȝ to reue,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 124.]<br />hoping to grieve Guenever and cause her death through fear.</span> -<span class="linenum">2460</span> - <p>For to haf greued Gayno<i>ur</i>, & gart hir to dyȝe.</p> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> gopny<i>n</i>g<sup>1</sup> of at ilke gomen, at gostlych speked,</p> - <p>W<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> his hede i<i>n</i> his honde, bifore e hyȝe table.</p> - <p>at is ho at is at home, e au<i>n</i>cian lady;</p> - <span class="sidenote">She is even thine aunt.</span> -<span class="linenum">2464</span> - <p>Ho is euen yn au<i>n</i>t, Arureȝ half suster,</p> - <p>e duches doȝter of Tyntagelle, at dere Vt<i>er</i> aft<i>er</i></p> - <span class="sidenote">Therefore come to her and make merry in my house."</span> - <p>Hade Arur vpon, at ael is nowe.</p> - <p>erfore I ee e, hael, to com to y nau<i>n</i>t,</p> -<span class="linenum">2468</span> - <p>Make myry i<i>n</i> my ho<i>us</i>, my meny e louies,</p> - <p>& I wol e as wel, wyȝe, bi my faythe,</p> - <p>As any gome vnder God, for y grete traue."</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne refuses to return with the Green Knight.</span> - <p>& he nikked hy<i>m</i> naye, he nolde bi no wayes; </p> -<span class="linenum">2472</span> - <p>ay acolen & kyssen, [bikennen] ayer o<i>er</i></p> - <p>To e prynce of paradise, & parten ryȝt ere,</p> - <p class="i8">on coolde;</p> - <span class="sidenote">On horse full fair he bends to Arthur's hall.</span> - <p class="i4">Gawayn on blonk ful bene,</p> -<span class="linenum">2476</span> - <p class="i4">To e ky<i>n</i>geȝ burȝ buskeȝ bolde, </p> - <p class="i4">& e knyȝt i<i>n</i> e enker grene,</p> - <p class="i4">Whider-warde so eu<i>er</i> he wolde.</p> - - </div> - <p class="i8"> - <sup>1</sup> glopnyng (?). - </p> -</div> - -<h2>XXI.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">Wild ways now Gawayne rides.</span> - <p>Wylde wayeȝ i<i>n</i> e worlde Wowen now rydeȝ, </p> -<span class="linenum">2480</span> - <p>On Gryngolet, at e g<i>ra</i>ce hade geten of his lyue;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Oft he harboured in house and oft thereout.</span> - <p>Ofte he herbered i<i>n</i> house, & ofte al eroute, </p> - <p>& mony a-venture i<i>n</i> vale, & venquyst ofte,</p> - <p>at I ne tyȝt, at is tyme, i<i>n</i> tale to remene.</p> - <span class="sidenote">The wound in his neck became whole.</span> -<span class="linenum">2484</span> - <p>e hurt watȝ hole, at he hade hent i<i>n</i> his nek, </p> - <span class="sidenote">He still carried about him the belt,</span> - <p>& e blykkande belt he bere eraboute,</p> - <p>A belef as a bauderyk, bou<i>n</i>den bi his syde, </p> - <p>Loken vnder his lyfte arme, e lace, w<i>i</i>t<i>h</i> a knot,</p> - <span class="sidenote">in token of his fault.</span> -<span class="linenum">2488</span> - <p>I<i>n</i> tokeny<i>n</i>g he watȝ tane i<i>n</i> tech of a faute;</p> - <span class="sidenote">Thus he comes to the Court of King Arthur.</span> - <p>& <i>us</i> he co<i>m</i>mes to e co<i>u</i>rt, knyȝt al i<i>n</i> sou<i>n</i>de. </p> - <span class="sidenote">Great then was the joy of all.</span> - <p>er wakned wele i<i>n</i> at wone, when wyst e grete,</p> - <p>at gode G: watȝ co<i>m</i>men, gayn hit hym oȝt;</p> - <span class="sidenote">The king and his knights ask him concerning his journey.</span> -<span class="linenum">2492</span> - <p>e ky<i>n</i>g kysseȝ e knyȝt, & e whene alce,</p> - <p>& syen mony syker knyȝt, at soȝt hy<i>m</i> to haylce,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Gawayne tells them of his adventures,</span> - <p>Of his fare at hy<i>m</i> frayned, & ferlyly he telles; </p> - <p>Biknowoȝ alle e costes of care at he hade,— </p> -<span class="linenum">2496</span> - <p>e chau<i>n</i>ce of e chapel, e chere of e knyȝt,</p> - <span class="sidenote">[Fol. 124<i>b</i>.]<br />the love of the lady, and lastly of the lace.</span> - <p>e luf of e ladi, e lace at e last.</p> - <p>e nirt i<i>n</i> e nek he naked hem schewed,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He showed them the cut in his neck.</span> - <p>at he laȝt for his vnleute at e leudes hondes,</p> -<span class="linenum">2500</span> - <p class="i8">for blame;</p> - <p class="i4">He tened quen he schulde telle,</p> - <span class="sidenote">He groaned for grief and shame, and the blood rushed into his face.</span> - <p class="i4">He groned for gref & grame;</p> - <p class="i4">e blod i<i>n</i> his face con melle,</p> -<span class="linenum">2504</span> - <p class="i4">When he hit schulde schewe, for schame.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<h2>XXII.</h2> - -<div class="poem"> - <div class="stanza"> - <span class="sidenote">"Lo!" says he, handling the lace, "this is the band of blame,</span> - <p>"Lo! lorde," q<i>uod</i> e leude, & e lace hondeled,</p> - <p>"is is e bende of is blame I bere [in] my nek,</p> - <p>is is e lae & e losse, at I laȝt haue,</p> - <span class="sidenote">a token of my cowardice and covetousness,</span> -<span class="linenum">2508</span> - <p>Of couardise & couetyse, at I haf caȝt are,</p> - <p>is is e token of vn-trawe, at I am tan i<i>n</i>ne,</p> - <span class="sidenote">I must needs wear it as long as I live."</span> - <p>& I mot nedeȝ hit were, wyle I may last;</p> - <p>For non may hyden his harme, bot vnhap ne may hit,</p> -<span class="linenum">2512</span> - <p>For <i>er</i> hit oneȝ is tachched, twy<i>n</i>ne wil hit neu<i>er</i>."</p> - <span class="sidenote">The king comforts the knight, and all the court too.</span> - <p>e ky<i>n</i>g comforteȝ e knyȝt, & alle e co<i>u</i>rt als,</p> - <p>Laȝen loude <i>er</i>-at, & luflyly acorden,</p> - <p>at lordes & ladis, <i>a</i>t longed to e Table,</p> - <span class="sidenote">Each knight of the brotherhood agrees to wear a bright green belt,</span> -<span class="linenum">2516</span> - <p>Vche burne of e bro<i>er</i>-hede a bauderyk schulde haue,</p> - <p>A bende, a belef hy<i>m</i> aboute, of a bryȝt grene,</p> - <span class="sidenote">for Gawayne's sake,</span> - <p>& at, for sake of at segge, i<i>n</i> swete to were.</p> - <p>For at watȝ acorded e renou<i>n</i> of e Rou<i>n</i>de Table,</p> - <span class="sidenote">who ever more honoured it.</span> -<span class="linenum">2520</span> - <p>& he hono<i>ur</i>ed at hit hade, eu<i>er</i>-more aft<i>er</i>,</p> - <p>As hit is breued i<i>n</i> e best boke of romau<i>n</i>ce.</p> - <span class="sidenote">Thus in Arthur's day this adventure befell.</span> - <p><i>us</i> i<i>n</i> Arthur<i>us</i> day is au<i>n</i>t<i>er</i> bitidde,</p> - <p>e Brut<i>us</i> boke<i>es</i> <i>er</i>-of beres wyttenesse;</p> -<span class="linenum">2524</span> - <p>Sy<i>en</i> Brut<i>us</i>, e bolde burne, boȝed hider fyrst,</p> - <p>Aft<i>er</i> e segge & e asaute watȝ sesed at Troye,</p> - <p class="i8">I-wysse;</p> - <p class="i4">Mony au<i>n</i>t<i>er</i>eȝ here bi-forne,</p> -<span class="linenum">2528</span> - <p class="i4">Haf fallen suche er is:</p> - <span class="sidenote">He that bore the crown of thorns bring us to His bliss!</span> - <p class="i4">Now at bere e crou<i>n</i> of orne,</p> - <p class="i4">He bry<i>n</i>g v<i>us</i> to his blysse! AMEN.</p> - - </div> -</div> - -<hr /> - - <p>NOTES.</p> - -<table border="0"> - <tr><td>Line 8</td><td> - Ricchis turns, goes,<br /> - The king ...<br /> - <i>Ricchis</i> his reynys and the Renke metys:<br /> - Girden to gedur with ere grete speires.—T.B. l. 1232.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>37</td><td><i> is kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse</i>.<br /> - - <i>Camalot</i>, in Malory's "Morte Arthure," is said to be the same as - Winchester. Ritson supposes it to be <i>Caer-went</i>, in Monmouthshire, - and afterwards confounded with <i>Caer-wynt</i>, or <i>Winchester</i>. - But popular tradition here seems the best guide, which assigned the site - of Camalot to the ruins of a castle on a hill, near the church of South - Cadbury, in Somersetshire (Sir F. Madden).</td></tr> - - <tr><td>65</td><td><i> Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte</i>.<br /> - - Christmas celebrated anew, mentioned full often.<br /> - - Sir F. Madden leaves the word <i>nayted</i> unexplained in his - Glossary to "Syr Gawayne."</td></tr> - - <tr><td>124</td><td><i>syluener</i> = <i>sylueren</i>, i.e. silver dishes.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>139</td><td><i>lyndes</i> = <i>lendes</i>, loins.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>142</td><td><i>in his muckel</i>, in his greatness.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>184</td><td>Watȝ euesed al umbe-torne—? was trimmed, all cut evenly - around; <i>umbe-torne</i> may be an error for <i>vmbe-corue</i> = cut - round.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>216</td><td><i>in gracios werkes</i>. Sir F. Madden reads <i>gracons</i> for - <i>gracios</i>, and suggests <i>Greek</i> as the meaning of it.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>244-5</td><td><i> As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor loteȝ<br /> - in hyȝe</i>.<br /> - As all were fallen asleep so ceased their words<br /> - in haste (suddenly).<br /> - - Sir F. Madden reads <i>slaked horloteȝ</i>, instead of <i>slaked hor - loteȝ</i>, which, according to his glossary, signifies drunken vagabonds. - He evidently takes <i>horloteȝ</i> to be another (and a very uncommon) - form of <i>harloteȝ</i> = <i>harlots</i>. But <i>harlot</i>, or vagabond, would - be a very inappropriate term to apply to the noble <i>Knights of the - Round Table</i>. Moreover, <i>slaked</i> never, I think, means drunken. - The general sense of the verb <i>slake</i> is to let loose, lessen, - cease. Cf. lines 411-2, where <i>sloke</i>, another form of <i>slake</i>, - occurs with a similar meaning:<br /> - — <i>layt no fyrre; bot slokes</i>.<br /> - — seek no further, but stop (cease).<br /> - Sir F. Madden suggests <i>blows</i> as the explanation of - <i>slokes</i>. It is, however, a <i>verb</i> in the imperative mood.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>286</td><td><i>Brayn</i>. Mtzner suggests <i>brayn-wod</i>.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>296</td><td><i>barlay</i> = par loi. This word is exceedingly common in the T. - Book (see l. 3391).<br /> - I bid you now, <i>barlay</i>, with besines at all<br /> - at ye set you most soverainly my suster to gete.—T.B. l. 2780.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>394</td><td><i>siker</i>. Sir F. Madden reads <i>swer</i>.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>440</td><td><i>bluk</i>. Sir F. Madden suggests <i>blunk</i> (horse). I am - inclined to keep to the reading of the MS., and explain <i>bluk</i> as = - <i>bulk</i> = trunk. Cf. the use of the word <i>Blok</i> in "Early - English Alliterative Poems," p. 100, l. 272.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>558</td><td><i>derue doel</i>, etc. = great grief. Sir F. Madden reads - <i>derne</i>, i.e. secret, instead of <i>derue</i> (= <i>derf</i>). Cf. - line 564.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>577</td><td><i>knaged</i>, fastened.<br /> - The braunches were borly, sum of bright gold,<br /> - With leuys full luffly, light of the same;<br /> - With burions aboue bright to beholde;<br /> - And fruit on yt fourmyt of fairest of shap,<br /> - Of mony kynd that was knyt, <i>knagged</i> aboue.—T.B. l. 4973.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>629</td> <td> - <i>& ay quere hit is endeleȝ</i>, etc.<br /> - And everywhere it is <i>endless</i>, etc.<br /> - Sir F. Madden reads <i>emdeleȝ</i>, i.e. with equal sides.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>652</td><td><i>for-be</i> = <i>for-bi</i> = surpassing, beyond.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>681</td><td>for <i>Hadet</i> read <i>Halet</i> = <i>haled</i> = exiled (?). - See line 1049.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>806</td><td><i>auinant</i> = <i>auenaunt</i>, pleasantly. Sir F. Madden reads - <i>amnant</i>.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>954</td><td><i>of</i>. Should we not read <i>on</i> (?).</td></tr> - - <tr><td>957</td><td><i> at oer wyth a gorger watȝ gered ouer e swyre</i>.<br /> - The <i>gorger</i> or <i>wimple</i> is stated first to have appeared in - Edward the First's reign, and an example is found on the monument of - Aveline, Countess of Lancaster, who died in 1269. From the poem, however, - it would seem that the <i>gorger</i> was confined to elderly ladies (Sir - F. Madden)</td></tr> - - <tr><td>968</td><td> - <i>More lykker-wys on to lyk,<br /> - Watȝ at scho had on lode.</i><br /> - A more pleasant one to like,<br /> - Was that (one) she had under her control.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>988</td><td><i>tayt</i> = lively, and hence pleasant, agreeable.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1015</td><td><i>in vayres</i>, in purity.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1020</td><td><i>dut</i> = <i>dunt</i> (?) = <i>dint</i> (?), referring to - <i>sword-sports</i>.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1022</td><td><i>sayn[t] Ioneȝ day</i>. This is the 27th of December, and the - last of the feast. Sometimes the Christmas festivities were prolonged to - New Year's Day (Sir F. Madden). </td></tr> - - <tr><td>1047</td><td><i>derne dede</i> = secret deed. I would prefer to read <i>derue - dede</i> = great deed. Cf. lines 558, 564.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1053</td><td><i>I wot in worlde</i>, etc. = <i>I not</i> (I know not) <i>in - worlde</i>, etc.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1054</td><td> - <i>I nolde, bot if I hit negh myȝt on nwȝeres morne,</i><br /> - <i>For alle e londe in-wyth Logres,</i> etc.<br /> - I would not [delay to set out], unless I might approach it on New - Year's morn, for all the lands within England, etc.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1074</td><td><i>in spenne</i> = <i>in space</i> = in the interval = meanwhile. - See line 1503.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1160</td><td><i>slentyng of arwes</i>. Sir F. Madden reads - <i>sleutyng</i>.<br /> - "Of drawyn swordis <i>sclentyng</i> to and fra,<br /> - The brycht mettale, and othir armouris seir,<br /> - Quharon the sonnys blenkis betis cleir,<br /> - Glitteris and schane, and vnder bemys brycht,<br /> - Castis ane new twynklyng or a lemand lycht."<br /> - (G. Douglas' neid, Vol. i, p. 421.) </td></tr> - - <tr><td>1281</td><td><i>let lyk</i> = appeared pleased.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1283</td><td> <i>aȝ I were burde bryȝtest, e burde in mynde hade</i>, - etc.<br /> - - The sense requires us to read:<br /> - - <i>aȝ ho were burde bryȝtest, e burne in mynde hade</i>, etc.<br /> - - i.e., Though she were lady fairest, the knight in mind had, etc.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1440</td><td> <i>Long sythen [seuered] for e sounder at wiȝt for-olde</i><br /> - Long since separated from the <i>sounder</i> or herd that fierce (one) - for-aged (grew very old).<br /> - "Now to speke of the boore, the fyrste year he is<br /> - A pygge of the <i>sounder</i> callyd, as haue I blys;<br /> - The secounde yere an hogge, and soo shall he be,<br /> - And an hoggestere, whan he is of yeres thre;<br /> - And when he is foure yere, a boor shall he be,<br /> - From the <i>sounder</i> of the swyne thenne departyth he;<br /> - A synguler is he soo, for alone he woll go."<br /> - (Book of St. Alban's, ed. 1496, sig. <i>d</i>., i.)</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1476</td><td><i>totes</i> = looks, toots.<br /> - Sho went up wightly by a walle syde.<br /> - To the toppe of a toure and <i>tot</i> ouer the water.—T.B. l. 862.<br /> </td></tr> - - <tr><td>1623</td><td>A verb [? <i>lalede</i> = cried] seems wanting after - <i>lorde</i>.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1702</td><td><i>fnasted</i>, breathed.<br /> - These balfull bestes were, as the boke tellus,<br /> - Full flaumond of fyre with <i>fnastyng</i> of logh.—T.B. l. 168.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1710</td><td><i>a strothe rande</i> = a rugged path. Cf. the phrases <i>tene - greue</i>, l. 1707; <i>roȝe greue</i>, l. 1898.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1729</td><td><i>bi lag</i> = <i>be-lagh</i>(?) = below (?).</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1719</td><td> - <i>Thenne watȝ hit lif vpon list</i>, etc.<br /> - Should we not read:<br /> - <i>Thenne watȝ hit list vpon lif</i>, etc.<br /> - i.e., Then was there joy in life, etc.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1780</td><td><i>lyf</i> = <i>lef</i>(?), beloved (one).</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1869</td><td> - <i>Ho hatȝ kyst e knyȝt so toȝt</i>.<br /> - <i>She has kissed the knight so courteous</i>.<br /> - Sir F. Madden explains <i>toȝt</i>, promptly. <i>Toȝt</i> seems to be - the same as the Northumbrian <i>taght</i> in the following extract from - the "Morte Arthure":<br /> - "There come in at the fyrste course, before the kyng seluene,<br /> - Bare hevedys that ware bryghte, burnyste with sylver,<br /> - Alle with <i>taghte</i> mene and <i>towne</i> in togers fulle ryche."—(p. 15.)<br /> - The word <i>towne</i> (well-behaved) still exists in <i>wan-ton</i>, - the original meaning of which was ill-mannered, ill-bred.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1909</td><td><i>bray houndeȝ</i> = <i>bra houndeȝ</i>, i.e. fierce - hounds.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>1995</td><td><i>He hatȝ nere at he soȝt</i> = <i>He watȝ nere at he soȝt</i> - = He was near to that which he sought.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>2160</td><td><i>gedereȝ e rake</i> = takes the path or way.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>2167</td><td> - - <i>e skweȝ of e scowtes skayued hym oȝt</i>.<br /> - The shadows of the hills appeared wild (desolate) to him. Sir F. - Madden reads <i>skayned</i>, of which he gives no explanation. - <i>Skayued</i> = <i>skayfed</i>, seems to be the N. Prov. English - <i>scafe</i>, wild. Scotch <i>schaivie</i>, wild, mad. O.N. - <i>skeifr</i>. Sw. <i>skef</i>, awry, distorted.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>2204</td><td><i>ronge</i> = clattered.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>2211</td><td> - <i>Drede dotȝ me no lote</i> =<br/> - No noise shall cause me to dread (fear).</td></tr> - - <tr><td>2357</td><td> - <i>& er-for at tappe ta e</i>.<br /> - And therefore take thee that tap.<br /> - <i>ta e</i> = take thee. Sir F. Madden reads <i>tae = taketh</i>. - See l. 413, where <i>to e</i> rhymes with <i>sothe</i>. We have - no imperatives in <i>th</i> in this poem.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>2401</td><td><i>We schyn reuel</i>, etc. Sir F. Madden reads <i>wasch yn - reuel</i>. But <i>schyn</i> = shall. See Glossary to "Alliterative - Poems."</td></tr> - - <tr><td>2474</td><td><i>on-coolde</i> = <i>on-colde</i> = <i>coldly</i> = - sorrowfully.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>2489 </td><td><i>in-sounde = soundly</i>, well. Cf. <i>in-blande</i> = - together; <i>in-lyche</i>, alike; <i>inmyddeȝ</i>, amidst.</td></tr> - </table> - -</body> -</html> |