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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

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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] Sižen že sege & že assaut wat3 sesed at Troye,         [Fol. 91a.]
         Že bor3 brittened & brent to bronde3 & aske3,
         Že tulk žat že trammes of tresoun žer wro3t,
   4     Wat3 tried for his tricherie, že trewest on erthe;
         Hit wat3 Ennias že athel, & his highe kynde,
         Žat sižen depreced prouinces, & patrounes bicome
         Welne3e of al že wele in že west iles,
   8 [B] Fro riche Romulus to Rome ricchis hym swyže,
         With gret bobbaunce žat 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 že French flod Felix Brutus
         On mony bonkkes ful brode Bretayn he sette3,
                 wyth wynne;
  16 [D]     Where werre, & wrake, & wonder,
             Bi syže3 hat3 wont žer-inne,
     [E]     & oft bože 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 žis Bretayn wat3 bigged bi žis burn rych,
     [A] Bolde bredden žer-inne, baret žat lofden,
         In mony turned tyme tene žat wro3ten;
         Mo ferlyes on žis folde han fallen here oft
  24 [B] Žen in any ožer žat I wot, syn žat ilk tyme.
     [C] Bot of alle žat here bult of Bretaygne kynges
         Ay wat3 Arthur že hendest; as I haf herde telle;
         For-ži an aunter in erde I attle to schawe,            [Fol. 91b.]
  28     Žat a selly in si3t summe men hit holden,
         & an outtrage awenture of Arthure3 wondere3;
     [D] If 3e wyl lysten žis 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] Žis kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse,
         With mony luflych lorde, lede3 of že best,
     [B] Rekenly of že rounde table alle žo rich brežer,
  40     With rych reuel ory3t, & rechles meržes;
         Žer tournayed tulkes bi-tyme3 ful mony,
         Iusted ful Iolile žise gentyle kni3tes,
         Syžen kayred to že court, caroles to make.
  44 [C] For žer že fest wat3 ilyche ful fiften dayes,
         With alle že mete & že mirže žat men couže 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 žo3t;
         With all že wele of že worlde žay woned žer samen,
     [E] Že most kyd kny3te3 vnder kryste seluen,
  52     & že louelokkest ladies žat euer lif haden,
         & he že comlokest kyng žat že court haldes;
         For al wat3 žis fayre folk in her first age,
                 on sille;
  56 [F]     Že 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 žat hit wat3 nwe cummen,
         Žat day doubble on že dece wat3 že douth serued,
         Fro že kyng wat3 cummen with kny3tes in to že halle,
         Že chauntre of že chapel cheued to an ende;
  64     Loude crye wat3 žer kest of clerke3 & ožer,
         Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte;                   [Fol. 92]
         & syžen riche forth runnen to reche honde-selle,
     [B] 3e3ed 3eres 3iftes on hi3, 3elde hem bi hond,
  68     Debated busyly aboute žo giftes;
         Ladies la3ed ful loude, žo3 žay lost haden,
         & he žat wan wat3 not wrothe, žat may 3e wel trawe.
     [C] Alle žis mirže žay maden to že mete tyme;
  72     When žay had waschen, woržyly žay wenten to sete,
         Že best burne ay abof, as hit best semed;
     [D] Whene Guenore ful gay, grayžed in že myddes.
         Dressed on že dere des, dubbed al aboute,
  76     Smal sendal bisides, a selure hir ouer
         Of tryed Tolouse, of Tars tapites in-noghe,
         Žat were enbrawded & beten wyth že best gemmes,
         Žat my3t be preued of prys wyth penyes to bye,
  80             in daye;
     [E]     Že comlokest to discrye,
             Žer glent with y3en gray,
             A semloker žat 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 že lasse
  88 [B] Aužer to lenge lye, or to longe sitte,
         So bi-sied him his 3onge blod & his brayn wylde;
         & also anožer maner meued him eke,
         Žat he žur3 nobelay had nomen, ho wolde neuer ete
  92     Vpon such a dere day, er hym deuised were
     [C] Of sum auenturus žyng an vncouže tale,
         Of sum mayn meruayle, žat he my3t trawe,
         Of[1] alderes, of armes, of ožer auenturus,
  96     Ožer 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 ožer,
         As fortune wolde fulsun hom že fayrer to haue.
 100     Žis wat3 [že] kynges countenaunce where he in court were,
         At vch farand fest among his fre meny,
                 in halle;                                      [Fol. 92b.]
     [D]     Žer-fore of face so fere.
 104         He sti3tle3 stif in stalle,
             Ful 3ep in žat 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 žer stondes in stale že stif kyng his-seluen,
 108     Talkkande bifore že hy3e table of trifles ful hende
     [B] There gode Gawan wat3 grayžed, Gwenore bisyde
     [C] & Agrauayn a la dure mayn on žat ožer syde sittes
         Bože že kynges sister sunes, & ful siker kni3tes;
 112 [D] Bischop Bawdewyn abof bi-gine3 že table,
     [E] & Ywan, Vryn son, ette wit hym-seluen;
         Žise were di3t on že des, & derworžly serued,
         & sižen mony siker segge at že sidborde3.
 116 [F] Žen že first cors come with crakkyng of trumpes,
         Wyth mony baner ful bry3t, žat žer-bi henged,
         Nwe nakryn noyse with že noble pipes,
         Wylde werbles & wy3t wakned lote,
 120     Žat mony hert ful hi3e hef at her towches;
     [G] Dayntes dryuen žer-wyth of ful dere metes,
         Foysoun of že fresche, & on so fele disches,
         Žat pine to fynde že place že peple bi-forne
 124     For to sette že syluener,[1] žat sere sewes halden,
                 on clothe;
             Iche lede as he loued hym-selue
             Žer laght with-outen lože,
 128 [H]     Ay two had disches twelue,
     [I]     Good ber, & bry3t wyn bože.

[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 žat žer were;
 132 [B] An ožer noyse ful newe ne3ed biliue,
         Žat že lude my3t haf leue lif-lode to cach.
         For vneže wat3 že noyce not a whyle sesed,
         & že fyrst cource in že court kyndely serued,
 136 [C] Žer hales in at že halle dor an aghlich mayster,
         On že most on že molde on mesure hyghe;
         Fro že swyre to že swange so sware & so žik,
     [D] & his lyndes & his lymes so longe & so grete,
 140     Half etayn in erde I hope žat he were.                  [Fol. 93.]
     [E] Bot mon most I algate mynn hym to bene,
         & žat že myriest in his muckel žat 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 žat 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 grayžed in grene žis gome & his wedes,
 152     A strayt cote ful stre3t, žat stek on his sides,
         A mere mantile abof, mensked with-inne,
         With pelure pured apert že pane ful clene,
         With blyže blaunner ful bry3t, & his hod bože,
 156     Žat wat3 la3t fro his lokke3, & layde on his schulderes
         Heme wel haled, hose of žat same grene,
     [B] Žat spenet on his sparlyr, & clene spures vnder,
         Of bry3t golde, vpon silk bordes, barred ful ryche
 160     & scholes vnder schankes, žere že schalk rides;
         & alle his vesture uerayly wat3 clene verdure,
         Bože že barres of his belt & ožer blyže stones,
         Žat were richely rayled in his aray clene,
 164 [C] Aboutte hym-self & his sadel, vpon silk werke3,
         Žat were to tor for to telle of tryfles že halue,
         Žat were enbrauded abof, wyth bryddes & fly3es,
         With gay gaudi of grene, že golde ay in myddes;
 168     Že pendauntes of his payttrure, že proude cropure
         His molaynes, & alle že metail anamayld was ženne
         Že steropes žat he stod on, stayned of že same,
         & his arsoun3 al after, & his ažel sturtes,
 172     Žat euer glemered[1] & glent al of grene stones.
     [D] Že fole žat he ferkkes on, fyn of žat ilke,
                 sertayn;
             A grene hors gret & žikke,
 176 [E]     A stede ful stif to strayne,
             In brawden brydel quik,
             To že 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 žis gome gered in grene,
 180     & že 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,
         Žat wyth his hi3lich here, žat of his hed reches,
 184     Wat3 euesed al vmbe-torne, a-bof his elbowes,
         Žat half his armes žer vnder were halched in že wyse
         Of a kynge3 capados, žat closes his swyre.
     [C] Že mane of žat mayn hors much to hit lyke,
 188     Wel cresped & cemmed wyth knottes ful mony,
         Folden in wyth fildore aboute že fayre grene,
         Ay a herle of že here, an ožer of golde;
     [D] Že tayl & his toppyng twynnen of a sute,
 192     & bounden bože wyth a bande of a bry3t grene,
         Dubbed wyth ful dere stone3, as že dok lasted,
         Syžen žrawen wyth a žwong a žwarle knot alofte,
         Žer mony belle3 ful bry3t of brende golde rungen.
 196 [E] Such a fole vpon folde, ne freke žat hym rydes,
         Wat3 neuer sene in žat sale wyth sy3t er žat tyme,
                 with y3e;
             He loked as layt so ly3t,
 200         So sayd al žat 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] Whežer hade he no helme ne hawb[e]rgh naužer,
 204     Ne no pysan, ne no plate žat 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,
         Žat is grattest in grene, when greue3 ar bare,
 208 [C] & an ax in his ožer, a hoge & vn-mete,
         A spetos sparže to expoun in spelle quo-so my3t;
         Že hede of an eln3erde že large lenkže hade,
         Že grayn al of grene stele & of golde hewen,
 212 [D] Že bit burnyst bry3t, with a brod egge,
         As wel schapen to schere as scharp rasores;
         Že stele of a stif staf že sturne hit bi-grypte,
         Žat wat3 wounden wyth yrn to že wande3 ende,            [Fol. 94.]
 216 [E] & al bigrauen with grene, in gracios[1] werkes;
         A lace lapped aboute, žat louked at že hede,
         & so after že halme halched ful ofte,
         Wyth tryed tassele3 žerto tacched in-noghe,
 220 [F] On botoun3 of že bry3t grene brayden ful ryche.
         Žis hažel helde3 hym in, & že halle entres,
         Driuande to že he3e dece, dut he no wože,
     [G] Haylsed he neuer one, bot he3e he ouer loked.
 224     Že fyrst word žat he warp, "wher is," he sayd,
     [H] "Že gouernour of žis gyng? gladly I wolde
         Se žat 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 žer 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 lenže, že lude to be-holde,
         For vch mon had meruayle quat hit mene my3t,
         Žat a hažel & a horse my3t such a hwe lach,
     [B] As growe grene as že gres & grener hit semed,
 236     Žen grene aumayl on golde lowande bry3ter;
         Al studied žat žer stod, & stalked hym nerre,
     [C] Wyth al že wonder of že worlde, what he worch schulde.
         For fele sellye3 had žay sen, bot such neuer are,
 240     For-ži for fantoum & fayry3e že folk žere hit demed;
     [D] Žer-fore to answare wat3 ar3e mony ažel freke,
         & al stouned at his steuen, & stonstil seten,
     [E] In a swoghe sylence žur3 že 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 žat al schulde loute,
             Cast vnto žat 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] Ženn Aržour bifore že hi3 dece žat auenture byholde3,
         & rekenly hym reuerenced, for rad was he neuer,
 252     & sayde, "wy3e, welcum iwys to žis place,
     [B] Že hede of žis ostel Arthour I hat,                    [Fol. 94b.]
         Li3t luflych adoun, & lenge, I že praye,
         & quat so žy wylle is, we schal wyt after."
 256 [C] "Nay, as help me," quod že hažel, "he žat on hy3e syttes,
         To wone any quyle in žis won, hit wat3 not myn ernde;
         Bot for že los of že lede is lyft vp so hy3e,
         & žy bur3 & žy burnes best ar holden,
 260     Stifest vnder stel-gere on stedes to ryde,
     [D] Že wy3test & že woržyest of že worldes kynde,
         Preue for to play wyth in ožer pure layke3;
         & here is kydde cortaysye, as I haf herd carp,
 264     & žat hat3 wayned me hider, I-wyis, at žis tyme.
         3e may be seker bi žis braunch žat I bere here,
     [E] Žat 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 bože,
         A schelde, & a scharp spere, schinande bry3t,
         Ande ožer weppenes to welde, I wene wel als,
         Bot for I wolde no were, my wede3 ar softer.
 272     Bot if žou be so bold as alle burne3 tellen,
         Žou wyl grant me godly že gomen žat I ask,
                 bi ry3t."
     [G]     Arthour con onsware,
 276         & sayd, "sir cortays kny3t,
             If žou craue batayl bare,
             Here fayle3 žou 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 že telle,
 280 [B] Hit arn aboute on žis 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-žy I craue in žis court a crystmas gomen,
 284 [D] For hit is 3ol & nwe 3er, & here ar 3ep mony;
         If any so hardy in žis hous holde3 hym-seluen,
     [E] Be so bolde in his blod, brayn in hys hede,
         Žat dar stifly strike a strok for an ožer,
 288     I schal gif hym of my gyft žys giserne ryche,
     [F] Žis ax, žat is heue in-nogh, to hondele as hym lykes,
         & I schal bide že fyrst bur, as bare as I sitte.        [Fol. 95.]
         If any freke be so felle to fonde žat I telle,
 292     Lepe ly3tly me to, & lach žis weppen,
         I quit clayme hit for euer, kepe hit as his auen,
     [G] & I schal stonde hym a strok, stif on žis flet,
         Elle3 žou wyl di3t me že dom to dele hym an ožer,
 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 žanne
         Alle že hered-men in halle, že hy3 & že lo3e;
     [B] Že 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 žis Aržures hous," quod že hažel ženne,
         "Žat al že rous rennes of, žur3 ryalmes so mony?
         Where is now your sourquydrye & your conquestes,
 312     Your gry[n]del-layk, & your greme, & your grete wordes?
     [F] Now is že reuel & že renoun of že rounde table
         Ouer-walt wyth a worde of on wy3es speche;
         For al dares for drede, with-oute dynt schewed!"
 316     Wyth žis he la3es so loude, žat že lorde greued;
     [G] Že blod schot for scham in-to his schyre face
                 & lere;
     [H]     He wex as wroth as wynde,
 320         So did alle žat žer were
             Že kyng as kene bi kynde,
             Žen stod žat 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, "hažel, by heuen žyn askyng is nys,
 324     & as žou foly hat3 frayst, fynde že be-houes;
         I know no gome žat is gast of žy grete wordes.
         Gif me now žy geserne, vpon gode3 halue,
         & I schal bayžen žy bone, žat žou boden habbes."
 328     Ly3tly lepe3 he hym to, & la3t at his honde;           [Fol. 95b.]
         Žen feersly žat ožer freke vpon fote ly3tis.
     [B] Now hat3 Arthure his axe, & že halme grype3,
         & sturnely sture3 hit aboute, žat stryke wyth hit žo3t.
 332     Že stif mon hym bifore stod vpon hy3t,
         Herre žen ani in že hous by že hede & more;
     [C] Wyth sturne schere[1] žer 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,
         Žen any burne vpon bench hade bro3t hym to drynk
                 of wyne,
     [D]     Gawan, žat sate bi že quene,
 340         To že kyng he can enclyne,
             "I be-seche now with sa3e3 sene,
             Žis 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, woržilych lorde," quod Gawan to že kyng,
 344 [A] "Bid me bo3e fro žis benche, & stonde by yow žere,
         Žat I wyth-oute vylanye my3t voyde žis table,
         & žat my legge lady lyked not ille,
         I wolde com to your counseyl, bifore your cort ryche.
 348 [B] For me žink hit not semly, as hit is sož knawen,
         Žer such an askyng is heuened so hy3e in your sale,
         Ža33e 3our-self be talenttyf to take hit to your-seluen,
     [C] Whil mony so bolde yow aboute vpon bench sytten,
 352     Žat vnder heuen, I hope, non ha3er er of wylle,
         Ne better bodyes on bent, žer baret is rered;
     [D] I am že wakkest, I wot, and of wyt feblest,
         & lest lur of my lyf, quo laytes že sože,
 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;
         & syžen žis note is so nys, žat no3t hit yow falles,
         & I haue frayned hit at yow fyrst, folde3 hit to me,
 360     & if I carp not comlyly, let alle žis cort rych,
                bout blame."
     [E]    Ryche to-geder con roun,
            & syžen žay redden alle same,
 364        To ryd že kyng wyth croun,
            & gif Gawan že 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.

         Žen comaunded že kyng že kny3t for to ryse;             [Fol. 96.]
         & he ful radly vp ros, & ruchched hym fayre,
 368 [A] Kneled doun bifore že kyng, & cache3 žat weppen;
         & he luflyly hit hym laft, & lyfte vp his honde,
         & gef hym godde3 blessyng, & gladly hym biddes
     [B] Žat his hert & his honde schulde hardi be bože.
 372     "Kepe že cosyn," quod že kyng, "žat žou on kyrf sette,
         & if žou rede3 hym ry3t, redly I trowe,
         Žat žou schal byden že bur žat he schal bede after.
         Gawan got3 to že gome, with giserne in honde,
 376     & he baldly hym byde3, he bayst neuer že helder
     [C] Žen carppe3 to sir Gawan že kny3t in že grene,
         "Refourme we oure for-wardes, er we fyrre passe.
         Fyrst I eže že, hažel, how žat žou hattes,
 380     Žat žou me telle truly, as I tryst may?"
     [D] "In god fayth," quod že goode kny3t, "Gawan I hatte,
         Žat bede že žis buffet, quat-so bi-falle3 after,
         & at žis tyme twelmonyth take at že anožer,
 384     Wyth what weppen so[1] žou wylt, & wyth no wy3 elle3,
                 on lyue."
             Žat ožer on-sware3 agayn,
             "Sir Gawan, so mot I žryue,
 388 [E]     As I am ferly fayn.
             Žis dint žat žou 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 že grene kny3t, "sir Gawan, melykes,
         Žat I schal fange at žy fust žat I haf frayst here;
 392     & žou hat3 redily rehersed, bi resoun ful trwe,
         Clanly al že couenaunt žat I že kynge asked,
         Saf žat žou schal siker me, segge, bi ži trawže,
         Žat žou schal seche me ži-self, where-so žou hopes
 396     I may be funde vpon folde, & foch že such wages
     [B] As žou deles me to day, bifore žis douže ryche."
     [C] "Where schulde I wale že," quod Gauan, "where is žy place?
         I wot neuer where žou wonyes, bi hym žat me wro3t,
 400     Ne I know not že, kny3t, žy cort, ne ži name.
     [D] Bot teche me truly žer-to, & telle me howe žou hattes,
         & I schal ware alle my wyt to wynne me žeder,
         & žat I swere že for sože, & by my seker trawež."      [Fol. 96b.]
 404     "Žat is in-nogh in nwe 3er, hit nedes no more,"
         Quod že gome in že grene to Gawan že hende,
     [E] "3if I že telle trwly, quen I že tape haue,
         & žou me smožely hat3 smyten, smartly I že teche
 408     Of my hous, & my home, & myn owen nome,
         Žen may žou frayst my fare, & forwarde3 holde,
     [F] & if I spende no speche, ženne spede3 žou že better,
         For žou may leng in žy londe, & layt no fyrre,
 412             bot slokes;
     [G]     Ta now žy grymme tole to že,
             & let se how žou cnoke3."
             "Gladly sir, for sože,"
 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 grayžely hym dresses,
         A littel lut with že hede, že lere he discouere3,
     [B] His longe louelych lokke3 he layd ouer his croun.
 420     Let že naked nec to že note schewe.
         Gauan gripped to his ax, & gederes hit on hy3t,
         Že kay fot on že folde he be-fore sette,
     [C] Let hit doun ly3tly ly3t on že naked,
 424     Žat že scharp of že schalk schyndered že bones,
     [D] & schrank žur3 že schyire grece, & scade hit in twynne,
         Žat že bit of že broun stel bot on že grounde.
     [E] Že fayre hede fro že halce hit [felle] to že erže,
 428 [F] Žat fele hit foyned wyth her fete, žere hit forth roled;
         Že blod brayd fro že body, žat blykked on že grene;
     [G] & nawžer faltered ne fel že freke neuer že helder,
         Bot styžly he start forth vpon styf schonkes,
 432 [H] & ru[n]yschly he ra3t out, žere as renkke3 stoden,
         La3t to his lufly hed, & lyft hit vp sone;
         & syžen bo3e3 to his blonk, že brydel he cachche3,
     [I] Steppe3 in to stel bawe & stryde3 alofte,
 436 [J] & his hede by že here in his honde halde3;
         & as sadly že segge hym in his sadel sette,
         As non vnhap had hym ayled, ža3 hedle3 he[1] we[re],
                 in stedde;
 440 [K]     He brayde his bluk[2] aboute,
             Žat vgly bodi žat bledde,                           [Fol. 97.]
             Moni on of hym had doute,
             Bi žat 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 že hede in his honde he halde3 vp euen,
     [A] To-ward že derrest on že dece he dresse3 že face,
         & hit lyfte vp že y3e-lydde3, & loked ful brode,
     [B] & meled žus much with his muthe, as 3e may now here.
 448     "Loke, Gawan, žou be grayže to go as žou hette3,
         & layte as lelly til žou me, lude, fynde,
     [C] As žou hat3 hette in žis halle, herande žise kny3tes;
     [D] To že grene chapel žou chose, I charge že to fotte,
 452     Such a dunt as žou hat3 dalt disserued žou habbe3,
     [E] To be 3ederly 3olden on nw 3eres morn;
         Že kny3t of že grene chapel men knowen me mony;
     [F] For-ži me forto fynde if žou frayste3, fayle3 žou neuer,
 456 [G] Žer-fore com, ožer recreaunt be calde že be-houeus."
         With a runisch rout že rayne3 he torne3,
     [H] Halled out at že hal-dor, his hed in his hande,
         Žat že fyr of že flynt fla3e fro fole houes.
 460     To quat kyth he be-com, knwe non žere,
         Neuermore žen žay wyste fram quežen. he wat3 wonnen;
                 what ženne?
             Že kyng & Gawen žare,
 464 [I]     At žat grene žay la3e & grenne,
             3et breued wat3 hit ful bare,
             A meruayl among žo 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] Ža3 Aržer že hende kyng at hert hade wonder,
 468     He let no semblaunt be sene, bot sayde ful hy3e
         To že 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 žise, kynde caroles of kny3te3 & ladye3;
     [C] Neuer-že-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 žyn ax, žat hat3 in-nogh hewen."
         & hit wat3 don abof že dece, on doser to henge,        [Fol. 97b.]
         Žer alle men for meruayl my3t on hit loke,
 480     & bi trwe tytel žer-of to telle že wonder.
     [E] Ženne žay bo3ed to a borde žise burnes to-geder,
         Že kyng & že gode kny3t, & kene men hem serued
         Of alle dayntye3 double, as derrest my3t falle,
 484     Wyth alle maner of mete & mynstralcie bože;
         Wyth wele walt žay žat day, til woržed an ende,
                 in londe.
     [F]     Now ženk wel, sir Gawan,
 488         For wože žat žou ne wonde,
             Žis auenture forto frayn,
             Žat žou 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 žay to sete wenten;
         Now ar žay stoken of sturne werk staf-ful her hond.
         Gawan wat3 glad to be-gynne žose gomne3 in halle,
 496     Bot ža3 že ende be heuy, haf 3e no wonder;
         For ža3 men ben mery in mynde, quen žay han mayn drynk,
     [B] A 3ere 3ernes ful 3erne, & 3elde3 neuer lyke,
         Že forme to že fynisment folde3 ful selden.
 500     For-ži žis 3ol ouer-3ede, & že 3ere after,
         & vche sesoun serlepes sued after ožer;
     [C] After crysten-masse com že crabbed lentoun,
         Žat frayste3 flesch wyth že fysche & fode more symple
 504     Bot ženne že weder of že worlde wyth wynter hit žrepe3,
     [D] Colde clenge3 adoun, cloude3 vp-lyften,
         Schyre schede3 že rayn in schowre3 ful warme,
         Falle3 vpon fayre flat, flowre3 žere schewen,
 508 [E] Bože grounde3 & že greue3 grene ar her wede3,
     [F] Brydde3 busken to bylde, & bremlych syngen,
     [G] For solace of že softe somer žat sues žer after,
                 bi bonk;
 512 [H]     & blossume3 bolne to blowe,
             Bi rawe3 rych & ronk,
     [I]     Žen 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 že sesoun of somer wyth že soft wynde3,
         Quen 3eferus syfle3 hym-self on sede3 & erbe3,
     [B] Wela-wynne is že wort žat woxes žer-oute.
         When že donkande dewe drope3 of že leue3,
 520     To bide a blysful blusch of že bry3t sunne.
     [C] Bot žen hy3es heruest, & hardenes hym sone.
         Warne3 hym for že wynter to wax ful rype;
     [D] He dryues wyth dro3t že dust for to ryse.
 524     Fro že face of že folde to fly3e ful hy3e;
         Wrože wynde of že welkyn wrastele3 with že sunne,
     [E] Že leue3 lancen fro že lynde, & ly3ten on že grounde,
     [F] & al grayes že gres, žat grene wat3 ere;
 528     Ženne al rype3 & rote3 žat ros vpon fyrst,
         & žus 3irne3 že 3ere in 3isterdaye3 mony,
     [G] & wynter wynde3 a3ayn, as že worlde aske3
                 no sage.
 532         Til me3el-mas mone,
             Wat3 cumen wyth wynter wage;
     [H]     Žen ženkke3 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 Aržer he lenges,
         & he made a fare on žat fest, for že freke3 sake,
         With much reuel & ryche of že rounde table;
         Kny3te3 ful cortays & comlych ladies,
 540     Al for luf of žat lede in longynge žay were,
         Bot neuer-že-lece ne že later žay neuened bot merže,
         Mony ioyle3 for žat ientyle iape3 žer 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 že cost of žis cace, kepe I no more
         To telle yow tene3 žer-of neuer bot trifel;
 548 [D] Bot I am boun to že bur barely to morne,
         To sech že gome of že grene, as god wyl me wysse."
         Ženne že best of že bur3 bo3ed to-geder,
         Aywan, & Errik, & ožer ful mony,
 552     Sir Doddinaual de Sauage, že duk of Clarence,          [Fol. 98b.]
         Launcelot, & Lyonel, & Lucan že gode,
         Sir Boos, & sir Byduer, big men bože,
     [E] & mony ožer menskful, with Mador de la Port.
 556     Alle žis compayny of court com že kyng nerre,
         For to counseyl že kny3t, with care at her hert;
     [F] Žere wat3 much derue[1] doel driuen in že sale,
         Žat so worthe as Wawan schulde wende on žat ernde,
 560     To dry3e a delful dynt, & dele no more
                 wyth bronde.
             Že 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 žer al žat day, and dresse3 on že morn,
         Aske3 erly hys arme3, & alle were žay bro3t
 568 [B] Fyrst a tule tapit, ty3t ouer že flet,
         & miche wat3 že gyld gere žat glent žer alofte;
     [C] Že stif mon steppe3 žeron, & že stel hondole3,
     [D] Dubbed in a dublet of a dere tars,
 572     & syžen a crafty capados, closed aloft,
         Žat wyth a bry3t blaunner was bounden with-inne;
     [E] Ženne set žay že sabatoun3 vpon že segge fote3,
         His lege3 lapped in stel with luflych greue3,
 576     With polayne3 piched žer-to, policed ful clene,
         Aboute his kne3 knaged wyth knote3 of golde;
     [F] Queme quyssewes žen, žat coyntlych closed
         His thik žrawen žy3e3 with žwonges to-tachched;
 580 [G] & syžen že brawden bryne of bry3t stel rynge3,
         Vmbe-weued žat wy3, vpon wlonk stuffe;
     [H] & wel bornyst brace vpon his bože armes,
         With gode cowters & gay, & gloue3 of plate,
 584     & alle že godlych gere žat hym gayn schulde
                 Žat 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.]
         Že lest lachet ou[ž]er loupe lemed of golde;
 592     So harnayst as he wat3 he herkne3 his masse,
         Offred & honoured at že he3e auter;
     [B] Syžen he come3 to že kyng & to his cort fere3,
         Lache3 lufly his leue at lorde3 & ladye3;
 596     & žay hym kyst & conueyed, bikende hym to kryst.
     [C] Bi žat wat3 Gryngolet grayth, & gurde with a sadel,
         Žat glemed ful gayly with mony golde frenges,
         Ay quere naylet ful nwe for žat note ryched;
 600     Že brydel barred aboute, with bry3t golde bounden;
     [D] Že apparayl of že payttrure, & of že proude skyrte3,
         Že cropore, & že couertor, acorded wyth že arsoune3;
         & al wat3 rayled on red ryche golde nayle3,
 604     Žat al glytered & glent as glem of že sunne.
     [E] Ženne hentes he že holme, & hastily hit kysses,
         Žat wat3 stapled stifly, & stoffed wyth-inne:
         Hit wat3 hy3e on his hede, hasped bihynde,
 608 [F] Wyth a ly3tli vrysoun ouer že auentayle,
     [G] Enbrawden & bounden wyth že best gemme3,
         On brode sylkyn borde, & brydde3 on seme3,
         As papiaye3 paynted pernyng bitwene,
 612     Tortors & trulofe3 entayled so žyk,
         As mony burde žer aboute had ben seuen wynter
                 in toune;
     [H]     Že cercle wat3 more o prys,
 616         Žat vmbe-clypped hys croun,
             Of diamaunte3 a deuys,
             Žat bože 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 žay schewed hym že schelde, žat was of schyr goule3,
 620     Wyth že pentangel de-paynt of pure golde hwe3;
         He brayde3 hit by že baude-ryk, aboute že hals kestes,
         Žat bisemed že segge semlyly fayre.
     [B] & quy že pentangel apende3 to žat prynce noble,
 624     I am in tent yow to telle, žof tary hyt me schulde;
         Hit is a syngne žat Salamon set sum-quyle,
         In bytoknyng of trawže, bi tytle žat hit habbe3,
         For hit is a figure žat halde3 fyue poynte3,            [Fol. 99b]
 628     & vche lyne vmbe-lappe3 & louke3 in ožer,
     [C] & ay quere hit is endele3,[1] & Englych hit callen
         Ouer-al, as I here, že endeles knot.
         For-žy hit acorde3 to žis kny3t, & to his cler arme3,
 632     For ay faythful in fyue & sere fyue syže3,
     [D] Gawan wat3 for gode knawen, & as golde pured,
         Voyded of vche vylany, wyth vertue3[2] ennourned
                 in mote;
 636         For-žy že 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 že freke in his fyue fyngres,
     [B] & alle his afyaunce vpon folde wat3 in že fyue wounde3
         Žat Cryst ka3t on že croys, as že crede telle3;
 644     & quere-so-euer žys mon in melly wat3 stad,
         His žro žo3t wat3 in žat, žur3 alle ožer žynge3,
         Žat alle his forsnes he fong at že fyue ioye3,
         Žat že hende heuen quene had of hir chylde;
 648     At žis cause že kny3t comlyche hade
     [C] In že more half of his schelde hir ymage depaynted,
         Žat quen he blusched žerto, his belde neuer payred.
         Že fyrst[1] fyue žat I finde žat že frek vsed,
 652     Wat3 fraunchyse, & fela3schyp for-be[2] al žyng;
     [D] His clannes & his cortaysye croked were neuer,
         & pite, žat passe3 alle poynte3, žyse pure fyue
         Were harder happed on žat hažel žen on any ožer.
 656     Now alle žese fyue syže3, forsože, were fetled on žis kny3t,
         & vchone halched in ožer, žat non ende hade,
         & fyched vpon fyue poynte3, žat fayld neuer,
         Ne samned neuer in no syde, ne sundred nouž[er],
 660     With-outen ende at any noke [a]i quere fynde,
         Where-euer že gomen bygan, or glod to an ende.
     [E] Žer-fore on his schene schelde schapen wat3 že knot,
         Žus alle wyth red golde vpon rede gowle3,
 664     Žat is že pure pentaungel wyth že peple called,         [Fol. 100]
                 with lore.
             Now grayžed is Gawan gay,
     [F]     & la3t his launce ry3t žore,
 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 že sted with že spure3, & sprong on his way,
         So stif žat že ston fyr stroke out žer-after;
 672 [B] Al žat se3 žat semly syked in hert,
         & sayde sožly al same segges til ožer,
         Carande for žat comly, "bi Kryst, hit is scaže,
         Žat žou, leude, schal be lost, žat art of lyf noble!
 676 [C] To fynde hys fere vpon folde, in fayth is not eže;
         Warloker to haf wro3t had more wyt bene,
         & haf dy3t 3onder dere a duk to haue woržed;
     [D] A lowande leder of lede3 in londe hym wel seme3,
 680     & so had better haf ben žen 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 že warme water žat waltered of y3en,
         When žat semly syre so3t fro žo wone3
                 žat[1] daye;
             He made non abode,
 688         Bot wy3tly went hys way,
     [G]     Mony wylsum way he rode,
             Že 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. žad.]

      IX.

     [A] Now ride3 žis renk žur3 že ryalme of Logres,
 692     Sir Gauan on Gode3 halue, ža3 hym no gomen žo3t;
         Oft, leudle3 alone, he lenge3 on ny3te3,
         Žer he fonde no3t hym byfore že fare žat 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 žat he ne3ed ful noghe[1] in to že Norže Wale3;
         Alle že iles of Anglesay on lyft half he halde3,
         & fare3 ouer že forde3 by že for-londe3,
 700 [D] Ouer at že Holy-Hede, til he hade eft bonk
         In že wyldrenesse of Wyrale; wonde žer bot lyte
     [E] Žat aužer God ožer gome wyth goud hert louied.         [Fol. 100b]
         & ay he frayned, as he ferde, at freke3 žat he met,
 704 [F] If žay hade herde any karp of a kny3t grene,
         In any grounde žer-aboute, of že grene chapel;[2]
         & al nykked hym wyth nay, žat neuer in her lyue
     [G] Žay se3e neuer no segge žat wat3 of suche hwe3
 708             of grene.
             Že kny3t tok gates straunge,
             In mony a bonk vnbene,
     [H]     His cher ful oft con chaunge,
 712         Žat 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 warže ožer water žer že wy3e passed,
 716     He fonde a foo hym byfore, bot ferly hit were,
         & žat so foule & so felle, žat fe3t hym by-hode;
     [C] So mony meruayl hi mount žer že mon fynde3,
         Hit were to tore for to telle of že tenže dole.
 720 [D] Sumwhyle wyth worme3 he werre3, & with wolues als,
         Sumwhyle wyth wodwos, žat woned in že knarre3,
     [E] Bože wyth bulle3 & bere3, & bore3 ožer-quyle,
         & etayne3, žat hym a-nelede, of že 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, žat wynter was wors,
         When že colde cler water fro že cloude3 schadden,
 728     & fres er hit falle my3t to že fale erže;
         Ner slayn wyth že slete he sleped in his yrnes,
         Mo ny3te3 žen in-noghe in naked rokke3,
         Žer as claterande fro že crest že colde borne renne3,
 732     & henged he3e ouer his hede in hard ysse-ikkles.
     [H] Žus in peryl, & payne, & plytes ful harde,
         Bi contray carye3 žis kny3t, tyl kryst-masse euen,
                 al one;
 736         Že kny3t wel žat tyde,
     [I]     To Mary made his mone.
             Žat 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 že morne meryly he rydes,
         Into a forest ful dep, žat ferly wat3 wylde,
         Hi3e hille3 on vche a halue, & holt wode3 vnder,
     [B] Of hore oke3 fill hoge a hundreth to-geder;
 744     Že hasel & že ha3-žorne were harled al samen,
         With ro3e raged mosse rayled ay-where,
     [C] With mony brydde3 vnblyže vpon bare twyges,
         Žat pitosly žer piped for pyne of že colde.
 748     Že gome vpon Gryngolet glyde3 hem vnder,
     [D] Žur3 mony misy & myre, mon al hym one,
         Carande for his costes, lest he ne keuer schulde,
         To se že seruy[1] of žat syre, žat on žat self ny3t
 752     Of a burde wat3 borne, oure baret to quelle;
     [E] & žerfore sykyng he sayde, "I be-seche že, lorde,
         & Mary, žat is myldest moder so dere.
         Of sum herber, žer he3ly I my3t here masse.
 756     Ande žy matyne3 to-morne, mekely I ask,
         & žer-to prestly I pray my pater & aue,
                 & crede."
             He rode in his prayere,
 760         & cryed for his mysdede,
     [F]     He sayned hym in syžes 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 žrye,
 764     Er he wat3 war in že wod of a won in a mote.
     [B] Abof a launde, on a lawe, loken vnder bo3e3,
         Of mony borelych bole, aboute bi že diches;
     [C] A castel že comlokest žat euer kny3t a3te,
 768     Pyched on a prayere, a park al aboute,
         With a pyked palays, pyned ful žik,
         Žat vmbe-te3e mony tre mo žen two myle.
         Žat holde on žat on syde že hažel auysed,
 772 [D] As hit schemered & schon žur3 že schyre oke3;
         Ženne hat3 he hendly of his helme, & he3ly he žonke3
         Iesus & say[nt] Gilyan, žat gentyle ar bože,
         Žat cortaysly hade hym kydde, & his cry herkened.     [Fol. 101b.]
 776     "Now bone hostel," cože že burne, "I be-seche yow 3ette!"
         Ženne gedere3 he to Gryngolet with že gilt hele3,
     [E] & he ful chauncely hat3 chosen to že chef gate,
         Žat bro3t bremly že burne to že bryge ende,
 780             in haste;
     [F]     Že bryge wat3 breme vp-brayde,
             Že 3ate3 wer stoken faste,
             Že 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] Že burne bode on bonk, žat on blonk houed,
         Of že depe double dich žat drof to že place,
         Že walle wod in že water wonderly depe,
 788 [B] Ande eft a ful huge he3t hit haled vpon lofte,
         Of harde hewen ston vp to že table3,
     [C] Enbaned vnder že abataylment, in že best lawe;
         & syžen garyte3 ful gaye gered bi-twene,
 792     Wyth mony luflych loupe, žat louked ful clene;
         A better barbican žat burne blusched vpon neuer;
         & innermore he be-helde žat halle ful hy3e,
     [D] Towre telded bytwene trochet ful žik,
 796     Fayre fylyole3 žat fy3ed, & ferlyly long,
     [E] With coruon coprounes, craftyly sle3e;
         Chalk whyt chymnees žer ches he in-no3e,
         Vpon bastel roue3, žat blenked ful quyte;
 800     So mony pynakle payntet wat3 poudred ay quere,
         Among že castel carnele3, clambred so žik,
         Žat pared out of papure purely hit semed.
     [F] Že fre freke on že fole hit fayr in-n[o]ghe žo3t,
 804     If he my3t keuer to com že cloyster wyth-inne,
         To herber in žat hostel, whyl halyday lested
                 auinant;
     [G]     He calde, & sone žer com
 808         A porter pure plesaunt,
             On že wal his ernd he nome,
             & haylsed že 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 žou go myn ernde,
 812     To že he3 lorde of žis hous, herber to craue?"
         "3e, Peter," quod že porter, "& purely I trowe,[1]     [Fol. 102.]
     [B] Žat 3e be, wy3e, welcum to won quyle yow lyke3."
         Žen 3ede žat wy3e a3ayn awyže,
 816     & folke frely hym wyth, to fonge že kny3t;
     [C] Žay let doun že grete dra3t, & derely out 3eden,
         & kneled doun on her knes vpon že colde erže,
         To welcum žis ilk wy3, as woržy hom žo3t;
 820 [D] Žay 3olden hym že brode 3ate, 3arked vp wyde,
         & he hem raysed rekenly, & rod ouer že brygge;
         Sere segge3 hym sesed by sadel, quel[2] he ly3t,
     [E] & syžen stabeled his stede stif men in-no3e.
 824 [F] Kny3te3 & swyere3 comen doun ženne,
         For to bryng žis burne[3] wyth blys in-to halle;
     [G] Quen he hef vp his helme, žer hi3ed in-noghe
         For to hent hit at his honde, že hende to seruen,
 828     His bronde & his blasoun bože žay token.
         Žen haylsed he ful hendly žo hažele3 vch one,
         & mony proud mon žer presed, žat prynce to honour;
         Alle hasped in his he3 wede to halle žay hym wonnen,
 832     Žer fayre fyre vpon flet fersly brenned.
     [H] Ženne že lorde of že lede loute3 fro his chambre,
         For to mete wyth menske že mon on že flor;
         He sayde, "3e ar welcum to welde as yow lyke3,
 836     Žat here is, al is yowre awen, to haue at yowre wylle
                 & welde."
             "Graunt mercy," quod Gawayn,
             "Žer Kryst hit yow for-3elde,"
 840 [I]     As freke3 žat semed fayn,
             Ayžer ožer 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 že gome žat godly hym gret,
     [B] & žu3t hit a bolde burne žat že bur3 a3te,
 844     A hoge hažel for že none3, & of hyghe elde;[1]
     [C] Brode bry3t wat3 his berde, & al beuer hwed,
         Sturne stif on že stryžže on stal-worth schonke3,
     [D] Felle face as že fyre, & fre of hys speche;
 848     & wel hym semed for sože, as že segge žu3t,
         To lede a lortschyp in lee of leude3 ful gode.
     [E] Že lorde hym charred to a chambre, & chefly cumaunde3[2]   [Fol.]
         To delyuer hym a leude, hym lo3ly to serue;                [102b.]
 852     & žere were boun at his bode burne3 in-no3e,
     [F] Žat bro3t hym to a bry3t boure, žer 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 že wo3e, of tuly & tars,
         & vnder fete, on že flet, of fol3ande sute.
 860 [I] Žer he wat3 dispoyled, wyth speche3 of myerže,
         Že burn of his bruny, & of his bry3t wede3;
     [J] Ryche robes ful rad renkke3 hem[3] bro3ten,
         For to charge, & to chaunge, & chose of že best.
 864     Sone as he on hent, & happed žer-inne,
         Žat sete on hym[4] semly, wyth saylande skyrte3,
     [K] Že ver by his uisage verayly hit semed
         Wel ne3 to vche hažel alle on hwes,
 868     Lowande & lufly, alle his lymme3 vnder,
     [L] Žat a comloker kny3t neuer Kryst made,
                 hem žo3t;
             Whežen in worlde he were,
 872         Hit semed as he my3t
             Be prynce with-outen pere,
             In felde žer 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 že chemne, žer charcole brenned,
 876     Wat3 grayžed for sir Gawan, grayžely with clože3,
         Whyssynes vpon queldepoyntes, ža[t] koynt wer bože;
     [B] & ženne a mere mantyle wat3 on žat mon cast,
         Of a broun bleeaunt, enbrauded ful ryche,
 880     & fayre furred wyth-inne with felle3 of že best,
         Alle of ermyn in erde, his hode of že same;
         & he sete in žat settel semlych ryche,
         & achaufed hym chefly,[1] & ženne his cher mended.
 884 [C] Sone wat3 telded vp a tapit, on treste3 ful fayre,
     [D] Clad wyth a clene clože, žat cler quyt schewed,
         Sanap, & salure, & syluer-in spone3;
         Že 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 že best,
         Double felde, as hit falle3, & fele kyn fische3;
     [F] Summe baken in bred, summe brad on že glede3,
 892 [G] Summe sožen, summe in sewe, sauered with spyces,
         & ay sawes[3] so sle3e3, žat že segge lyked.
         Že freke calde hit a fest ful frely & ofte,
     [H] Ful hendely, quen alle že haželes re-hayted hym at one3
 896             as hende;
             "Žis penaunce now 3e take,
             & eft hit schal amende;"
     [I]     Žat mon much merže con make.
 900         For wyn in his hed žat 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] Ženne wat3 spyed & spured vpon spare wyse.
         Bi preue poynte3 of žat prynce, put to hym-seluen,
         Žat he be-knew cortaysly of že court žat he were,
 904 [B] Žat ažel Arthure že hende halde3 hym one,
         Žat is že ryche ryal kyng of že rounde table;
         & hit wat3 Wawen hym-self žat in žat won sytte3,
         Comen to žat krystmasse, as case hym žen lymped.
 908 [C] When že lorde hade lerned žat he že leude hade,
         Loude la3ed he žerat, so lef hit hym žo3t,
     [D] & alle že men in žat mote maden much joye,
         To apere in his presense prestly žat tyme,
 912     Žat alle prys, & prowes, & pured žewes
         Apendes to hys persoun, & praysed is euer,
         By-fore alle men vpon molde, his mensk is že most.
     [E] Vch segge ful softly sayde to his fere,
 916 [F] "Now schal we semlych se sle3te3 of žewe3,
         & že teccheles termes of talkyng noble,
         Wich spede is in speche, vnspurd may we lerne,
     [G] Syn we haf fonged žat fyne fader of nurture;
 920     God hat3 geuen vus his grace godly for sože,
         Žat such a gest as Gawan graunte3 vus to haue,
         When burne3 blyže of his burže schal sitte
                 & synge.
 924         In menyng of manere3 mere,
             Žis burne now schal vus bryng,                    [Fol. 103b.]
     [H]     I hope žat 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 žat že diner wat3 done, & že dere vp,
         Hit wat3 ne3 at že niy3t ne3ed že tyme;
         Chaplayne3[1] to že chapeles chosen že gate,
         Rungen ful rychely, ry3t as žay schulden,
 932 [B] To že hersum euensong of že hy3e tyde.
         Že lorde loutes žerto, & že lady als,
         In-to a comly closet coyntly ho entre3;
         Gawan glyde3 ful gay, & gos žeder sone;
 936     Že lorde laches hym by že lappe, & lede3 hym to sytte,
         & coužly hym knowe3, & calle3 hym his nome,
         & sayde he wat3 že welcomest wy3e of že worlde;
     [C] & he hym žonkked žroly, & ayžer halched ožer.
 940     & seten soberly samen že seruise-quyle;
         Ženne lyst že lady to loke on že kny3t.
     [D] Ženne com ho of hir closet, with mony cler burde3,
         Ho wat3 že fayrest in felle, of flesche & of lyre,
 944     & of compas, & colour, & costes of alle ožer,
     [E] & wener žen Wenore, as že wy3e žo3t.
         He ches žur3 že chaunsel, to cheryche žat hende;
     [F] An ožer lady hir lad bi že lyft honde,
 948     Žat wat3 alder žen ho, an auncian hit semed,
         & he3ly honowred with hažele3 aboute.
     [G] Bot yn-lyke on to loke žo ladyes were,
     [H] For if že 3onge wat3 3ep, 3ol3e wat3 žat ožer;
 952     Riche red on žat on rayled ay quere,
     [I] Rugh ronkled cheke3 žat ožer on rolled;
         Kerchofes of žat on wyth mony cler perle3
     [J] Hir brest & hir bry3t žrote bare displayed,
 956     Schon schyrer žen snawe, žat scheder[2] on hille3;
         Žat ožer wyth a gorger wat3 gered ouer že 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] Žat no3t wat3 bare of žat burde bot že blake bro3es.   [Fol. 104.]
         Že tweyne y3en, & že nase, že naked lyppe3,
         & žose were soure to se, & sellyly blered;
 964     A mensk lady on molde mon may hir calle,
                 for gode;
     [M]     Hir body wat3 schort & žik.
     [N]     Hir buttoke3 bay & brode,
 968         More lykker-wys on to lyk,
             Wat3 žat 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 žat gay, žat graciously loked,
         Wyth leue la3t of že lorde he went hem a3aynes;
 972 [B] Že alder he haylses, heldande ful lowe,
         Že loueloker he lappe3 a lyttel in arme3,
     [C] He kysses hir comlyly, & kny3tly he mele3;
         Žay kallen hym of a quoyntaunce, & he hit quyk aske3
 976 [D] To be her seruaunt sothly, if hem-self lyked.
         Žay tan hym bytwene hem, wyth talkyng hym leden
     [E] To chambre, to chemne, & chefly žay asken
     [F] Spyce3, žat vn-sparely men speded hom to bryng,
 980     & že wynne-lych wyne žer-with vche tyme.
         Že lorde luflych aloft lepe3 ful ofte,
         Mynned merthe to be made vpon mony syže3.
     [G] Hent he3ly of his hode, & on a spere henged,
 984     & wayned hom to wynne že worchip žer-of,
     [H] Žat most myrže my3t mene[1] žat crystenmas whyle;
         "& i schal fonde, bi my fayth, to fylter wyth že best,
         Er me wont že wede3, with help of my frende3."
 988     Žus wyth la3ande lote3 že lorde hit tayt[2] make3,
     [I] For to glade sir Gawayn with gomne3 in halle
                 žat ny3t;
             Til žat hit wat3 tyme,
 992         Že 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 že morne, as vch mon myne3 žat tyme,
 996 [B] [Ž]at dry3tyn for oure destyne to de3e wat3 borne,
         Wele waxe3 in vche a won in worlde, for his sake;
     [C] So did hit žere on žat day, žur3 dayntes mony;
         Bože at mes & at mele, messes ful quaynt              [Fol. 104b.]
1000     Derf men vpon dece drest of že best.
     [D] Že olde auncian wyf he3est ho sytte3;
         Že lorde lufly her by lent, as I trowe;
     [E] Gawan & že gay burde to-geder žay seten,
1004     Euen in-mydde3, as že messe metely come;
         & syžen žur3 al že sale, as hem best semed,
     [F] Bi vche grome at his degre grayžely wat3 serued.
         Žer wat3 mete, žer wat3 myrže, žer wat3 much ioye,
1008     Žat for to telle žerof hit me tene were,
         & to poynte hit 3et I pyned me parauenture;
     [G] Bot 3et I wot žat Wawen & že wale burde
         Such comfort of her compaynye ca3ten to-geder,
1012     Žur3 her dere dalyaunce of her derne worde3,
         Wyth clene cortays carp, closed fro fylže;
         & hor play wat3 passande vche prynce gomen,
                 in vayres;
1016 [H]     Trumpe3 & nakerys,
             Much pypyng žer repayres,
             Vche mon tented hys,
             & žay two tented žayres.

[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 žer dryuen žat day & žat ožer,
         & že žryd as žro žronge in žerafter;
     [B] Že ioye of sayn Ione3 day wat3 gentyle to here,
         & wat3 že last of že layk, leude3 žer žo3ten.
1024     Žer wer gestes to go vpon že gray morne,
         For-žy wonderly žay woke, & že wyn dronken,
         Daunsed ful dre3ly wyth dere carole3;
     [C] At že last, when hit wat3 late, žay lachen her leue,
1028     Vchon to wende on his way, žat wat3 wy3e stronge.
         Gawan gef hym god-day, že god mon hym lachche3,
         Ledes hym to his awen chambre, ž[e] chymne bysyde,
     [D] & žere he dra3e3 hym on-dry3e, & derely hym žonkke3,
1032     Of že wynne worschip &[1] he hym wayned hade,
         As to honour his hous on žat hy3e tyde,
         & enbelyse his bur3 with his bele chere.
         "I-wysse sir, quyl I leue, me worže3 že better,
1036     Žat Gawayn hat3 ben my gest, at Godde3 awen fest."     [Fol. 105.]
         "Grant merci[2] sir," quod Gawayn, "in god fayth hit is yowre3,
         Al že honour is your awen, že he3e kyng yow 3elde;
         & I am wy3e at your wylle, to worch youre hest,
1040     As I am halden žer-to, in hy3e & in lo3e,
                 bi ri3t."
     [E]     Že lorde fast can hym payne,
             To holde lenger že kny3t,
1044         To hym answre3 Gawayn,
             Bi non way žat 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: žat (?).]
[Footnote 2: nerci, in MS.]

      XXII.

     [A] Then frayned že freke ful fayre at him-seluen,
         Quat derne[1] dede had hym dryuen, at žat dere tyme,
1048     So kenly fro že kynge3 kourt to kayre al his one,
         Er že halidaye3 holly were halet out of toun?
     [B] "For sože sir," quod že segge, "3e sayn bot že trawže
         A he3e ernde & a hasty me hade fro žo 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 že londe in-wyth Logres, so me oure lorde help!
1056     For-žy, sir, žis enquest I require yow here,
     [C] Žat 3e me telle with trawže, if euer 3e tale herde
         Of že grene chapel, quere hit on grounde stonde3,
         & of že kny3t žat hit kepes, of colour of grene?
1060     Žer wat3 stabled bi statut a steuen vus by-twene,
     [D] To mete žat mon at žat mere, 3if I my3t last;
         & of žat ilk nw3ere hot neked now wonte3,
         & I wolde loke on žat lede, if God me let wolde,
1064     Gladloker, bi Godde3 sun, žen any god welde!
         For-ži, I-wysse, bi 3owre wylle, wende me bi-houes,
     [E] Naf I now to busy bot bare žre daye3,
         & me als fayn to falle feye as fayly of myyn ernde."
1068 [F] Ženne la3ande quod že lorde, "now leng že by-houes,
         For I schal teche yow to ža[t] terme bi že tyme3 ende,
         Že grene chapayle vpon grounde, greue yow no more;
         Bot 3e schal be in yowre bed, burne, at žyn ese,
1072     Quyle forth dayej, & ferk on pe fyrst of pe 3ere,
         & cum to žat merk at mydmorn, to make quat yow like3   [Fol. 105b]
                 in spenne;
             Dowelle3 whyle new 3eres daye,
1076         & rys, & rayke3 ženne,
     [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] Ženne wat3 Gawan ful glad, & gomenly he la3ed,--
1080     "Now I žonk yow žryuandely žur3 alle ožer žynge,
     [B] Now acheued is my chaunce, I schal at your wylle
         Dowelle, & elle3 do quat 3e demen."
         Ženne sesed hym že syre, & set hym bysyde,
1084 [C] Let že ladie3 be fette, to lyke hem že better;
         Žer wat3 seme solace by hem-self stille;
         Že lorde let for luf lote3 so myry,
         As wy3 žat wolde of his wyte, ne wyst quat he my3t.
1088     Ženne he carped to že kny3t, criande loude,
     [D] "3e han demed to do že dede žat I bidde;
         Wyl 3e halde žis hes here at žys one3?"
         "3e sir, for-sože," sayd že segge trwe,
1092     "Whyl I byde in yowre bor3e, be bayn to 3ow[r]e hest."
         "For 3e haf trauayled," quod že tulk, "towen fro ferre,
         & syžen waked me wyth, 3e arn not wel waryst,
     [E] Naužer of sostnaunce ne of slepe, sožly I knowe;
1096     3e schal lenge in your lofte, & ly3e in your ese,
     [F] To morn quyle že messe-quyle, & to mete wende,
         When 3e wyl, wyth my wyf, žat 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 žyse,
1104         Hym heldande, as že 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 že freke, "a forwarde we make;
         Quat-so-euer I wynne in že wod, hit worže3 to youre3,
     [B] & quat chek so 3e acheue, chaunge me žer-forne;
1108     Swete, swap we so, sware with trawže,
         Quežer, leude, so lymp lere ožer better."
         "Bi God," quod Gawayn že gode, "I grant žer-tylle,
         & žat yow lyst forto layke, lef hit me žynkes.         [Fol. 106.]
1112 [C] "Who bringe3 vus žis beuerage, žis bargayn is maked:"
         So sayde že lorde of žat lede; žay la3ed vchone,
         Žay dronken, & daylyeden, & dalten vnty3tel,[1]
         Žise lorde3 & ladye3, quyle žat hem lyked;
1116     & syžen with frenkysch fare & fele fayre lote3
         Žay 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 že laste,
                 ful softe;
             To bed 3et er žay 3ede,
             Recorded couenaunte3 ofte;
1124         Že olde lorde of žat leude,[2]
             Cowže 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 že day že folk vp-rysen,
         Gestes žat go wolde, hor grome3 žay calden,
1128 [B] & žay busken vp bilyue, blonkke3 to sadel,
         Tyffen he[r] takles, trussen her males,
         Richen hem že rychest, to ryde alle arayde,
         Lepen vp ly3tly, lachen her brydeles,
1132 [C] Vche wy3e on his way, žer hym wel lyked.
     [D] Že leue lorde of že londe wat3 not že last,
         A-rayed for že 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 žat žat any day-ly3t lemed vpon erže,
         He with his haželes on hy3e horsses weren.
     [G] Ženne žise cacheres žat couže, cowpled hor hounde3,
1140     Vnclosed že kenel dore, & calde hem žer-oute,
     [H] Blwe bygly in bugle3 žre bare mote;
         Braches bayed žerfore, & breme noyse maked,
     [I] & žay chastysed, & charred, on chasyng žat went;
1144     A hundreth of hunteres, as I haf herde telle,
                 of že best;
     [J]     To trystors vewters 3od,
             Couples huntes of kest,
1148         Žer ros for blaste3 gode,                         [Fol. 106b.]
     [K]     Gret rurd in žat 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 že fyrst quethe of že quest quaked že wylde;
         Der drof in že dale, doted for drede,
1152     Hi3ed to že hy3e, bot heterly žay were
     [B] Restayed with že stablye, žat stoutly ascryed;
     [C] Žay let že hertte3 haf že gate, with že hy3e hedes,
         Že breme bukke3 also, with hor brode paume3;
1156     For že fre lorde hade de-fende in fermysoun tyme,
         Žat žer schulde no mon mene[1] to že male dere.
     [D] Že hinde3 were halden in, with hay & war,
         Že does dryuen with gret dyn to že depe slade3;
1160     Žer my3t mon se, as žay slypte, slentyng of arwes,
     [E] At vche [žat] wende vnder wande wapped a flone,
         Žat bigly bote on že broun, with ful brode hede3,
     [F] What! žay brayen, & bleden, bi bonkke3 žay 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 žat schotten,
1168     Wat3 al to-raced & rent, at že resayt.
         Bi žay were tened at že hy3e, & taysed to že wattre3,
         Že lede3 were so lerned at že lo3e trysteres,
         & že gre-hounde3 so grete, žat geten hem bylyue,
1172     & hem to fylched, as fast as freke3 my3t loke,
                 žer ry3t.
     [H]     Že lorde for blys abloy
             Ful oft con launce & ly3t,
1176 [I]     & drof žat day wyth Ioy
             Thus to že 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] Žus layke3 žis lorde by lynde wode3 eue3,
         & G. že god mon, in gay bed lyge3,
1180 [B] Lurkke3 quyl že day-ly3t lemed on že wowes,