3

 

"By heaven," then said Arthur, "What you ask is foolish,

But as you firmly seek folly, find it you shall.

No good man here is aghast at your great words.

Hand me your axe now, for heaven's sake,

And I shall bestow the boon you bid us give."

He sprang towards him swiftly, seized it from his hand,

And fiercely the other fellow footed the floor .6

Now Arthur had his axe, and holding it by the haft

Swung it about sternly, as if to strike with it.

The strong man stood before him, stretched to his full height,

Higher than any in the hall by a head and more.

Stern. of face he stood there, stroking his beard,

Turning down his tunic in a tranquil manner,

Less unmanned and dismayed by the mighty strokes

Than, if a banqueter at the bench 7 had brought him a drink

Of wine.

Then Gawain at Guinevere's'8 side

Bowed and spoke his design:

  "Before all, King, confide

 This fight to me. May it be mine."

 

1 . hasped, fastened.

2. year ... reprieve, the usual period for a legal contract.

3. henchmen, trusted followers.

4. Bending, directing.

5. lord, King Arthur.

6. footed the floor, jumped off his horse.

7. banqueter ... bench, a man at his seat.

8. Gawain (g6'w5n, g;§'win), nephew of Arthur and his noblest

knight, Guinevere (gwin'a vir), Arthur's queen.

 

4

"If you would, worthy lord," said Gawain to the king,

"Bid me stir from this seat and stand beside you,

Allowing me without lesemajesty9 to leave the table,

And if my liege lady were not displeased thereby,

I should come there to counsel you before this court of nobles.

For it appears unmeet10 to me, as manners go,

When your hall hears uttered such a haughty request,

Though you gladly agree, for you to grant it yourself,

When on the benches about you many such bold men sit,

Under heaven, I hold, the highestmettled,

There being no braver knights when battle is joined.

I am the weakest, the most wanting in wisdom, I know,

And my life, if lost, would be least missed, truly.

Only through your being my uncle, am I to be valued;

No bounty but your blood in my body do I know11

And since this affair is too foolish to fall to you,

And I first asked it of you, make it over to me;

English IV