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001 - Chapter 1 · Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

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  Speaker 1: Sir Gowain and the Green Knight. This is a LibriVox recording.
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  Speaker 1: All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more
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  Speaker 1: information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org. Sir
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  Speaker 1: Gowain and the Green Knight translated by W. A. Nielsen,
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  Speaker 1: Recording by M. J. Fit The first after the siege
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  Speaker 1: and the assault had ceased Detroy, the city had been
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  Speaker 1: destroyed and burned to brands and ashes. The warrior who
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  Speaker 1: wrought there the trains of treason was tried for his treachery.
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  Speaker 1: The truest on earth. This was aneas the noble. He
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  Speaker 1: and his high kindred afterwards conquered the provinces and became
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  Speaker 1: patrons of well nigh all the wealth in the West Isles.
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  Speaker 1: As soon as rich Romulus turns him to Rome with
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  Speaker 1: great pride, he at once builds that city and names
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  Speaker 1: it with his own name, which it now has. Tisseus
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  Speaker 1: turns to Tuscany and found's dwellings. Longobard raises homes in Lombardy,
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  Speaker 1: and far over the French flood. Felix Brutus establishes Britain
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  Speaker 1: joyfully on many broad banks, where war and waste and
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  Speaker 1: wonders by turns have since dwelt, and many a swift
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  Speaker 1: interchange of bliss and woe. And when this Briton was
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  Speaker 1: founded by this great hero, bold men, loving strife bred therein,
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  Speaker 1: and many a time they wrought destruction. More strange things
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  Speaker 1: have happened in this land since these days than in
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  Speaker 1: any other that I know. But of all the British
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  Speaker 1: kings that built here, Arthur was ever the most courteous,
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  Speaker 1: as I have heard tell. Therefore, I mean to tell
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  Speaker 1: of an adventure in the world which some count strange
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  Speaker 1: and extraordinary, even among the one of Arthur. If ye
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  Speaker 1: will listen to this lay but a little while, I
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  Speaker 1: will tell it forthright as I heard it told in town,
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  Speaker 1: as it is set down in story that cannot be changed,
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  Speaker 1: long written in the land. In true words, this king
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  Speaker 1: lay royally a camelot at Christmas Tide with many fine lords,
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  Speaker 1: the best of men, all the rich brethren of the
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  Speaker 1: round table, with right, rich revel and careless mirth. Therefore
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  Speaker 1: many heroes turned besides jousted full gaily. Then returned these
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  Speaker 1: gentle knights to the court to make carols. For there
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  Speaker 1: the feast was held full fifteen days alike, with all
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  Speaker 1: the meat and the mirth that men could devise such
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  Speaker 1: a merry, tumult glorious to hear, joyful din by day,
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  Speaker 1: dancing at night. All was high joy in halls and chambers,
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  Speaker 1: with lords and ladies as pleased them best. With all
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  Speaker 1: the weheal in the world, they dwelt there together, the
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  Speaker 1: most famous knights save only Christ, the loveliest ladies that
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  Speaker 1: ever had life, and He, the comeliest of kings, who
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  Speaker 1: holds the court. For all this fair company were in
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  Speaker 1: their prime in the hall, the happiest troop under heaven,
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  Speaker 1: with the proudest of kings. Truly, it would be hard
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  Speaker 1: to name anywhere so brave a band. When the new
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  Speaker 1: year was fresh and but newly come, the court was
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  Speaker 1: served double on the days. As soon as the King
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  Speaker 1: with his knights was come into the hall, the chanting
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  Speaker 1: in the chapel came to an end. Loud was the
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  Speaker 1: cry there of clerks and others. Noel was celebrated, anew
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  Speaker 1: shouted full often, and afterwards the great ones ran about
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  Speaker 1: to take Hansel called aloud for new Year's gifts. Ladies
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  Speaker 1: laughed full loud though they had lost, and he that
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  Speaker 1: one was not wroth, that may ye well trow all
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  Speaker 1: this mirth they made till the meat time, when they
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  Speaker 1: had washed worthily, they went to their seats. The best
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  Speaker 1: man ever above, as it best behooved, whom Gwenevere full beauteus,
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  Speaker 1: was set in the midst, placed on the high days,
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  Speaker 1: adorned all about, fine silk at the sides, a canopy
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  Speaker 1: over her of precious cloth of Toulouse, and tapestries of
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  Speaker 1: tars that were embroidered and set with the best gems
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  Speaker 1: that money could buy. Truly, no man could say that
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  Speaker 1: he ever beheld a comelier lady than she, with her
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  Speaker 1: dancing gray eyes. But Arthur could not eat till all
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  Speaker 1: were served. He was so merry in his berth, and
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  Speaker 1: somewhat childlike in his manner. His life pleased him well.
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  Speaker 1: He loved little, either to lie long or to sit
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  Speaker 1: law so busied him his young blood in his wild brain.
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  Speaker 1: And another custom moved him also, that he, through chivalry,
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  Speaker 1: had taken up. He would never eat upon such a
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  Speaker 1: dear day before he was told an uncouth tale of
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  Speaker 1: some adventurous thing, of some great marvel that he could believe,
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  Speaker 1: of ancient heroes, of arms, of other adventures, or unless
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  Speaker 1: some person demanded of him a sure knight to join
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  Speaker 1: with him in jousting, to incur peril, to risk life
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  Speaker 1: against life, trusting each in the other, leaving the victory
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  Speaker 1: to fortune. This was the King's custom whenever he held
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  Speaker 1: court at each goodly feast among his free company in
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  Speaker 1: the hall, And so with undaunted face he stried stoutly
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  Speaker 1: to his seat on that new year, making great mirth
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  Speaker 1: with everybody. Thus the great King stands waiting before the
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  Speaker 1: high table, talking of trifles full courteously. The good Gowan
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  Speaker 1: was placed there beside Gwenevere, an Agravain of the hard hand,
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  Speaker 1: sat on the other side. Both of them, the King's
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  Speaker 1: sisters sons and full shore nights. Bishop Baldwin at the
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  Speaker 1: top begins the table, and yuwaine Urian's son ate by himself.
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  Speaker 1: These were placed on the days and honorably served, and
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  Speaker 1: after them many a good man at the side tables.
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  Speaker 1: Then the first course came in with a blare of trumpets,
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  Speaker 1: which were hung with many a bright banner. A new
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  Speaker 1: noise of kettle drums with noble pipes, wild and stirring
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  Speaker 1: melodies wakened the echoes that many a heart heaved full
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  Speaker 1: high at their tones. Dainties of precious meats, followed foison
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  Speaker 1: of fresh bands, and so on many dishes that it
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  Speaker 1: was difficult to find place before the people to set
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  Speaker 1: on the cloth the silver that held the several courses.
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  Speaker 1: Each man, as he placed himself preferred, partook without hesitation.
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  Speaker 1: Every two had twelve dishes between them, good beer and
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  Speaker 1: bright wine, both. Now I will tell you no more
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  Speaker 1: of their service, for everybody must well understand that there
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  Speaker 1: was no lack of opportunity for the people to take
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  Speaker 1: their food. Another noise, full news suddenly drew nigh. For
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  Speaker 1: scarcely had the music ceased a moment, and the first
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  Speaker 1: course had been properly served in the court, than there
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  Speaker 1: burst in at the hall door, an awesome being in height,
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  Speaker 1: one of the tallest men in the world, from the
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  Speaker 1: neck to the waist. So square and so thick was he,
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  Speaker 1: and his loins and his limbs so long and so
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  Speaker 1: great that half giant. I believed him to have been,
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  Speaker 1: or at any rate, the largest of men, and with
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  Speaker 1: all the handsomest in spite of his bulk that ever rowed.
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  Speaker 1: For though his back and breast were so vast, yet
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  Speaker 1: his belly and waist were properly slim, and all his
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  Speaker 1: form accordingly full, fairly shaped. At the hue of his
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  Speaker 1: noble face, men wondered he carried himself in hostile fashion,
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  Speaker 1: and was entirely green. All green was this man in
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  Speaker 1: his clothing, A straight coat sat tight to his sides,
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  Speaker 1: a fair mantle above adorned within the lining showed with
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  Speaker 1: costly trimming of shining white fur. And such his hood
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  Speaker 1: also that was caught back from his locks and lay
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  Speaker 1: on his shoulders, the hem well stretched hose of the
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  Speaker 1: same green that clung to his cap, and clean spurs
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  Speaker 1: under of bright gold upon silk bands richly barred, and
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  Speaker 1: shoes on his shanks as the hero rides, and all
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  Speaker 1: his vesture verily was clean, verdue both the bars of
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  Speaker 1: his belt and the other beauteous stones that were set
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  Speaker 1: in fine array about himself, and his saddle worked on silk.
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  Speaker 1: It would be too difficult to tell the half of
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  Speaker 1: the trifles that were embroidered there with birds and flies,
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  Speaker 1: with gay gods of green, the good over in the middle,
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  Speaker 1: the pendants of the pottou, the proud crupper, the bits,
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  Speaker 1: and all the metal was enameled The stirps that he
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  Speaker 1: stood on were colored the same, and his saddle bow likewise,
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  Speaker 1: and his fine reins that glimmered and glinted all of
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  Speaker 1: green stones. The horse that he rode on was of
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  Speaker 1: the same color, too, a green horse, great and thick,
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  Speaker 1: a steed, full stiff to guide, in gay embroidered bridle,
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  Speaker 1: and one bright dear to his master. This hero was
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  Speaker 1: splendidly dressed in green, and the hair of his head
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  Speaker 1: matched that of his horse, fair flowing locks, and folded
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  Speaker 1: his shoulders. A beard as big as a bush hung
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  Speaker 1: over his breast, and it, together with his splendid hair,
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  Speaker 1: that reached from his head, was trimmed evenly all round
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  Speaker 1: above his elbows, so that half his arms were caught thereunder,
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  Speaker 1: in the manner of a king's hood that covers his neck.
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  Speaker 1: The mane of that great horse was much like it,
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  Speaker 1: very curly and combed with knots full many folded in
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  Speaker 1: with gold wire about the fair green always one knot
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  Speaker 1: of the hair another of gold. The tail and the
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  Speaker 1: forelock were twined in the same way, and both bound
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  Speaker 1: with a band of bright green, set with full precious stones.
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  Speaker 1: The whole length of the dock and then tied up
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  Speaker 1: with a thong in a tight knot, where rang many bells,
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  Speaker 1: full bright of burnished gold. Such a steed in the world,
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  Speaker 1: such a hero as rides him, was never beheld in
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  Speaker 1: that hall before that time. His glances were like bright lightning,
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  Speaker 1: so said all that saw him. It seemed as if
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  Speaker 1: no man could endure under his blows. He had neither helm,
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  Speaker 1: nor harbock, nor gorget, armor, nor breastplate, nor shaft, nor
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  Speaker 1: shield to guard or to smite. But in his one
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  Speaker 1: hand he had a holly twig that is greenest when
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  Speaker 1: groves are bare, and an axe in his other, a
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  Speaker 1: huge and prodigious one, a weapon merciless almost beyond description.
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  Speaker 1: The head had the vast length of an all yard,
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  Speaker 1: the blade all of green steel and of beaten gold,
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  Speaker 1: the bit brightly burnished, with a broad edge, as well
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  Speaker 1: shaped for cutting as sharp razors. The stern warrior gripped
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  Speaker 1: by it the steel of its stout staff, which was
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  Speaker 1: wound with iron to the end of the wood, and
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  Speaker 1: all engraven with green and beauteous work. A lace was
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  Speaker 1: lapped about it that was fastened at the head and
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  Speaker 1: tied up often along the helve with many precious tassels
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  Speaker 1: attached on rich embroidered buttons of bright green. This hero
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  Speaker 1: turns him in and enters the hall, writing straight to
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  Speaker 1: the high days. Fearless of mischief. He greeted never a one,
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  Speaker 1: but looked loftily about, and the first word that he
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  Speaker 1: uttered was where is the governor of this company? Gladly
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  Speaker 1: I would see that hero and speak with him. He
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  Speaker 1: cast his eye on the knights and rode fiercely up
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  Speaker 1: and down, stopped and gan ponder who was there the
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  Speaker 1: most renowned? All gazed fixedly on the man, for everybody
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  Speaker 1: marveled what it might mean that a knight and a
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  Speaker 1: horse could have such a color as green grown as
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  Speaker 1: the grass, and greener it seemed, shining brighter than green
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  Speaker 1: enamel on gold. All were amazed, who stood there and
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  Speaker 1: stalked nearer to him with all the wonder in the
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  Speaker 1: world what he would do? For many marvels had they
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  Speaker 1: seen but such never before. Therefore, for phantom and fairy,
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  Speaker 1: the folk there deemed it, and for that reason many
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  Speaker 1: a noble warrior was slow to answer, and all were
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  Speaker 1: astonished at his voice, and sat stone still in a
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  Speaker 1: deep silence through the rich hall. Their voices sank as
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  Speaker 1: though they had suddenly fallen. I deem, however, that it
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  Speaker 1: was not all for fear, but somewhat for courtesy. But
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  Speaker 1: now let him to whom all differ undertake the white.
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  Speaker 1: Then Arthur, before the high days, beheld that adventure and
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  Speaker 1: saluted the stranger properly, for never was he afraid, and said, sir,
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  Speaker 1: welcome indeed to this place. I am called Arthur, the
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  Speaker 1: head of this hostel. Light courteously down and tarry. I
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  Speaker 1: pray thee and whatso thy will is, we shall wit
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  Speaker 1: after nay, so help me he that sits on high.
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  Speaker 1: Quoth the hero too dwelt any time in this house
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  Speaker 1: was not my errand, but because the fame of this
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  Speaker 1: people is lifted up so high, and thy town and
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  Speaker 1: thy men are held the best, the stoutest, and steel
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  Speaker 1: gear on steeds to ride, the whitest and the worthiest
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  Speaker 1: of the world's kind, improved opponents in other proper sports.
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  Speaker 1: And here courtesy is known. As I have heard tell,
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  Speaker 1: it is this that has enticed me hither. Certainly at
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  Speaker 1: this time you may be sure by this branch that
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  Speaker 1: I bear here that I pass in peace and seek
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  Speaker 1: no quarrel. For if I had set out with a
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  Speaker 1: company in fighting fashion, I have a hambok at home,
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  Speaker 1: and a helm, both a shield and a sharp spear
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  Speaker 1: shining bright, and other weapons to wield. I ween well also.
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  Speaker 1: But since I wished no war, my weeds are softer now.
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  Speaker 1: If thou bees bold, as all men tell, thou wilt
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  Speaker 1: grant me graciously the game that I ask. Arthur knew
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  Speaker 1: how to answer, and said, sir, courteous knight, if it
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  Speaker 1: is battle, thou cravest, thou shalt not fail of a
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  Speaker 1: fight here? Nay, I demand no fight in faith. I
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  Speaker 1: tell thee they are but beardless children about on this bench.
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  Speaker 1: If I were hasped in arms on a high steed,
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  Speaker 1: there is no man here to match me. Their might
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  Speaker 1: is so weak. Therefore I crave in this court at
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  Speaker 1: Christmas game, for it is Yule and New Year, and
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  Speaker 1: there are many gallants. If there be a man in
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  Speaker 1: this house who holds himself so hearty, and is so
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  Speaker 1: old in his blood, so rash in his head, that
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  Speaker 1: he dares stiffly strike one stroke for another, I shall
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  Speaker 1: give him as my gift, this rich gizar, this axe
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  Speaker 1: that is heavy enough to handle as he likes, and
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  Speaker 1: I shall abide the first blow as bare as I sit.
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  Speaker 1: If any warrior be white enough to try what I propose,
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  Speaker 1: let him leap lightly to me and take this weapon.
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  Speaker 1: I quit claim it forever. Let him keep it as
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  Speaker 1: his own, and I shall stand him a stroke firmly
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  Speaker 1: on this floor. At another time, by our lady, thou
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  Speaker 1: wilt grant me the boon of dealing him another blow,
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  Speaker 1: I will give him respite of a twelvemonth and a day.
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  Speaker 1: Now high, and let us see quickly if any herein
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  Speaker 1: dare say aught if he had astonished them at first?
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  Speaker 1: Stiller were then all the retainers in the hall, the
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  Speaker 1: high and the low. The warrior on his steed, settled
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  Speaker 1: himself in his saddle, and fiercely his red eyes. He
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  Speaker 1: reeled about, bent his thick brows shining green, and waved
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  Speaker 1: his beard, waiting whoso would rise. When none would answer him,
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  Speaker 1: he coughed aloud, stretched himself haughtily, and began to speak,
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  Speaker 1: What is this Arthur's house? Said the hero, then, that
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  Speaker 1: his fames threw so many realms. Where is now your
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  Speaker 1: pride and your conquest, your fierceness, and your wrath and
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  Speaker 1: your great words. Now is the rebel and the renowned
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  Speaker 1: of the round table, overcome by the word of a
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  Speaker 1: single man, for all tremble for dread without a blow
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  Speaker 1: shone with this, he laughed so loud the lord grieved
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  Speaker 1: the blood shot for shame into his face. Fair he
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  Speaker 1: waxed as wroth as the wind, and so did all
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  Speaker 1: that were there. The king, so keen of mood, then
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  Speaker 1: stood near that proud man. Sir, said he, by Heaven,
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  Speaker 1: thy asking is foolish, and as thou hast demanded folly,
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  Speaker 1: it behooves thee to find it. I know no man
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  Speaker 1: that is aghast of thy great words. Give me now
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  Speaker 1: this gisarm for God's sake, and I will grant thy
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  Speaker 1: boon that thou hast bidden. Quickly he leaped to him
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  Speaker 1: and caught at his hand, and the other alights fiercely
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  Speaker 1: on foot. Now Arthur has his axe and grips the helve.
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  Speaker 1: He whirls it sternly about, as if he meant to
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  Speaker 1: strife with it. The bold stranger stood upright before him,
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  Speaker 1: higher than any in the house by a head, and
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  Speaker 1: more with stern cheer. He stood there, stroked his beard
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  Speaker 1: and with cool countenance drew down his coat, no more
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  Speaker 1: afraid or dismayed for Arthur's great strokes than if some
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  Speaker 1: one had brought him a drink of wine. Upon the bench,
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  Speaker 1: Gawan that sat by the Queen turned to the King.
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  Speaker 1: I beseech now with all courtesy, that this affair might
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  Speaker 1: be mine. Would ye worthy lord, quoth Gawin to the King,
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  Speaker 1: bid me step from this bench and stand by you there,
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  Speaker 1: that I, without rudeness, might leave this table, and that
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  Speaker 1: my liege lady liked it, not ill I would come
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  Speaker 1: to your help before your rich court. For methinks, it
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  Speaker 1: is obviously unseemly that such an asking is made so
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  Speaker 1: much of in your hall, even though ye yourself be
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  Speaker 1: willing to take it upon you, while so many bold
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  Speaker 1: ones sit about you on the bench than whom I ween,
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  Speaker 1: none under heaven are higher of spirit, nor more mighty
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  Speaker 1: on the field where strike is reared. I am the
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  Speaker 1: weakest I know, and the feeblest of wit, And to
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  Speaker 1: tell the truth, there would be the least loss in
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  Speaker 1: my life. I am only to praise for as much
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  Speaker 1: as ye are my uncle, no other nobility than your blood,
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  Speaker 1: no eye in my body. And since this adventure is
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  Speaker 1: so foolish. It belongs not to you. I have asked
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  Speaker 1: it of you. First give it to me. Let this
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  Speaker 1: great court decide if I have not spoken well. The
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  Speaker 1: heroes took counsel together, and they all gave the same
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  Speaker 1: advice to free their crowned king and give the game
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  Speaker 1: to Gowan. Then the King commanded Gowin to rise from
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  Speaker 1: the table, and he right quickly stood up and made
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  Speaker 1: himself ready, kneel down before the king and took the weapon.
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  Speaker 1: And Arthur lovingly left it to him, lifted up his
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  Speaker 1: hand and gave him God's blessing, and gladly bade him
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  Speaker 1: be hearty of heart and hand. Take care. Cousin quoth
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  Speaker 1: the King that thou give him a cut, and if
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  Speaker 1: thou handle him properly, I readily believe that thou shalt
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  Speaker 1: endure the blow which he shall give. After Gwin goes
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  Speaker 1: to the man with the gizzard in a hand, and
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  Speaker 1: he boldly awaits him, shrinking never a whit then speaks
• 22:18
  Speaker 1: to Sir Gawain, the Knight in the green, rehearse we
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  Speaker 1: our agreement before we go farther. First I conjure thee
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  Speaker 1: hero how thou art called that thou tell me it truly,
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  Speaker 1: so I may believe it in good faith, quoth the
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  Speaker 1: Knight Gowan. I am called, who give you this buffet,
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  Speaker 1: whatever befalls after and at this time twelvemonth, I am
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  Speaker 1: to take from thee another with whatever weapon thou wilt,
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  Speaker 1: and from no wight else alive. The other answers again,
• 22:54
  Speaker 1: Sir Gawain, So thrive I as I am heartily glad
• 22:59
  Speaker 1: that thou shall shalt give this blow by gog, quoth
• 23:04
  Speaker 1: the Green Knight, Sir Gawain. It delights me that I
• 23:07
  Speaker 1: am to get at thy fist what I have requested here,
• 23:11
  Speaker 1: and thou hast readily and truly rehearsed the whole of
• 23:15
  Speaker 1: the covenant that I asked of the King, save that
• 23:18
  Speaker 1: thou shalt assure me, sir, by thy troth, that thou
• 23:23
  Speaker 1: wilt seek me thyself wheresoever thou thinkest I may be
• 23:28
  Speaker 1: found upon the earth, and fetch for thyself such wages
• 23:32
  Speaker 1: as thou dealest me to day before this rich company.
• 23:37
  Speaker 1: Where should I seek thee, quoth Gawan. Where is thy place?
• 23:41
  Speaker 1: I know never where thou livest by him that wroth me,
• 23:46
  Speaker 1: Nor do I know thee Knight thy court nor thy name,
• 23:50
  Speaker 1: But tell me truly the way and how thou art called,
• 23:54
  Speaker 1: And I will use all my wit to win my
• 23:56
  Speaker 1: way thither, And that I swear thee fores, and by
• 24:01
  Speaker 1: my sure troth new year will suffice for that. No
• 24:05
  Speaker 1: more is needed, Now, quoth the man in greened to
• 24:08
  Speaker 1: Gowan the courteous to tell the truth. After I have
• 24:13
  Speaker 1: received thy tap an thou hast smitten me, well, I
• 24:17
  Speaker 1: shall promptly inform THEE of my house and my home
• 24:21
  Speaker 1: and mine own name. Then thou mayest inquire about my
• 24:27
  Speaker 1: journey and whole promise. And if I speak no speech,
• 24:31
  Speaker 1: then thou speedest the better, for thou mayest linger at
• 24:35
  Speaker 1: ease in thy land and seek no further. Now take
• 24:40
  Speaker 1: thy grim tool to thee, and let us see how
• 24:43
  Speaker 1: thou knockst gladly, sir. Forsooth quoth Gawan, as he strokes
• 24:48
  Speaker 1: his axe. The green knight on the ground prepared himself properly.
• 24:55
  Speaker 1: With the head a little bowed, he disclos'd the flesh
• 24:59
  Speaker 1: tis long lovely locks. He laid over his crown, and
• 25:03
  Speaker 1: let the naked nape of his neck show for the blow.
• 25:08
  Speaker 1: Gowin gripped his axe and gathered it on high the
• 25:12
  Speaker 1: left foot he set before on the ground, and let
• 25:16
  Speaker 1: the axe lightly, light smartly down on the naked flesh,
• 25:21
  Speaker 1: so that the sharp edge severed the giant's bones, and
• 25:25
  Speaker 1: shrank through the clear flesh, and sheared it in twain
• 25:30
  Speaker 1: till the edge of the brown steel bit into the ground.
• 25:35
  Speaker 1: The fair head fell from the neck to the earth,
• 25:39
  Speaker 1: and many pushed it with their feet, where it rolled forth.
• 25:42
  Speaker 1: The blood burst from the body and glistened on the green,
• 25:48
  Speaker 1: yet never faltered nor fell the hero for all that,
• 25:52
  Speaker 1: but stoutly he started up with firm steps, and fiercely
• 25:56
  Speaker 1: he rushed forth where the hero stood, caught his lovely
• 26:00
  Speaker 1: head and lifted it up straight away. Then he turned
• 26:07
  Speaker 1: to his steed, seized the bridle, stepped into the steel bow,
• 26:11
  Speaker 1: and strode aloft, holding the head in his hand by
• 26:16
  Speaker 1: the hair, and as soberly the man sat in his saddle,
• 26:21
  Speaker 1: as if no mishap had ailed him, though he was
• 26:24
  Speaker 1: headless on the spot. He turned his trunk about that
• 26:30
  Speaker 1: ugly body that bled many. A one of them thought
• 26:34
  Speaker 1: he had lost his reason, for he held the head
• 26:40
  Speaker 1: straight up in his hand, turned the face toward the
• 26:43
  Speaker 1: highest on the days and it lifted up the eyelids
• 26:47
  Speaker 1: and looked straight out, and spoke thus much with his mouth,
• 26:53
  Speaker 1: as ye may now hear, look Gowan, that thou be
• 26:57
  Speaker 1: ready to go as thou hast promised, and seek loyally
• 27:01
  Speaker 1: hero till thou findst me, as thou hast promised in
• 27:05
  Speaker 1: this hall, in the hearing of these knights to the
• 27:09
  Speaker 1: Green Chapel, Go, thou, I charge thee to receive such
• 27:13
  Speaker 1: a blow as thou hast dealt. Thou deservest to be
• 27:17
  Speaker 1: promptly paid on New Year's morn. As the knight of
• 27:22
  Speaker 1: the Green Chapel. Many men know me. Therefore, if thou
• 27:27
  Speaker 1: strivest to find me, thou shalt never fail, and so come,
• 27:34
  Speaker 1: or it behooves thee to be called recreant. With a
• 27:40
  Speaker 1: wild rush, he turn'd the reins and flew out at
• 27:44
  Speaker 1: the hall door, his head in his hand, so that
• 27:49
  Speaker 1: the fire of the flint flew from the foal's hoofs
• 27:54
  Speaker 1: to what country he vanish'd knew none there no more
• 27:59
  Speaker 1: than they wist whence he was come. The king and
• 28:03
  Speaker 1: Gowin roared with laughter at that green man. But this
• 28:07
  Speaker 1: adventure was reckoned a marvel among men, though the courteous
• 28:13
  Speaker 1: King wondered at his heart. He let no semblance be seen,
• 28:17
  Speaker 1: but said aloud to the comely Queen, with courteous speech,
• 28:21
  Speaker 1: Dear Dame, to day be never dismayed. Well becoming are
• 28:25
  Speaker 1: such tricks at Christmas in lack of entertainment, to laugh
• 28:30
  Speaker 1: and sing about among these pleasant carols of knights and ladies. Nevertheless,
• 28:36
  Speaker 1: I may well go to my meet, for I cannot
• 28:38
  Speaker 1: deny that I have seen a marvel. He glanced at
• 28:43
  Speaker 1: Sir Gawain and said, cheerfully, Now, sir, hang up thine axe.
• 28:47
  Speaker 1: It has hewn enough, and it was put above the
• 28:51
  Speaker 1: days to hang on the tapestry, where all men might
• 28:54
  Speaker 1: marvel at it, and by it a vouch the wonderful happening.
• 28:59
  Speaker 1: Then they turned to the board, these heroes together, the
• 29:03
  Speaker 1: King and the good Knight, and the keen men, served
• 29:07
  Speaker 1: them double of all dainties, as was most fitting, with
• 29:11
  Speaker 1: all manner of meat and minstrevalry. Both they spent that
• 29:15
  Speaker 1: day in joy until it came to an end. Now
• 29:19
  Speaker 1: take care, Sir Gowain, that thou blenche not for the
• 29:23
  Speaker 1: pain to prosecute this adventure that thou hast taken on hand.
• 29:30
  Speaker 1: Fit the second one. This handsel of adventures had Arthur
• 29:37
  Speaker 1: in the beginning in the young years, since he yearned
• 29:40
  Speaker 1: to hear boasting, although there was little news when they
• 29:44
  Speaker 1: went to their seats. Now they are provided with stern work,
• 29:47
  Speaker 1: their hands quite full. Gowan was glad to begin those
• 29:52
  Speaker 1: games in the hall. But it would not be surprising
• 29:55
  Speaker 1: if the end were heavy. For though men be merry
• 29:58
  Speaker 1: in mind when they have much tres, yet a year
• 30:01
  Speaker 1: runs full swiftly, and yields never the same. The beginning
• 30:06
  Speaker 1: full seldom matches the end. And so this Yule went by,
• 30:12
  Speaker 1: and the year after it, each season in turn following
• 30:16
  Speaker 1: the other. After Christmas came the crabbed lent that tries
• 30:21
  Speaker 1: the flesh with fish and more simple food. But then
• 30:26
  Speaker 1: the weather of the world whirls with the winter, and
• 30:29
  Speaker 1: though the cold still clings, the clouds lift copiously, descends
• 30:35
  Speaker 1: the rain in warm showers, and falls upon the fair earth.
• 30:41
  Speaker 1: Flowers show there green are the garments, both of fields
• 30:45
  Speaker 1: and of grows. Birds hurry to build, and lustily they
• 30:50
  Speaker 1: sing for the solace of the soft summer that follows. Thereafter,
• 30:57
  Speaker 1: blossoms swell into bloom in rose, rich and rank, and
• 31:02
  Speaker 1: lovely notes are heard in the beauteous wood. Two after
• 31:08
  Speaker 1: the season of summer, with the soft winds, when zephyrs
• 31:13
  Speaker 1: blows on seeds and herbs, hapvy is the plant that waxes,
• 31:18
  Speaker 1: then when the dank dew drops from the leaves to
• 31:22
  Speaker 1: await the blissful glance of the bright sun. But then
• 31:27
  Speaker 1: harvest hastens and hardens. It soon warns it to wax
• 31:32
  Speaker 1: full ripe against the winter. He drives withdrawt the dust
• 31:37
  Speaker 1: to rise from the face of the earth, to fly
• 31:41
  Speaker 1: full high. The wild wind of the welkin wrestles with
• 31:46
  Speaker 1: the sun. The leaves fall from the bough and light
• 31:51
  Speaker 1: on the ground. The grass becomes all gray that erst
• 31:56
  Speaker 1: was green. Then all ripes and rocks that which formerly flourished,
• 32:03
  Speaker 1: And thus runs the year in yester years many and
• 32:08
  Speaker 1: winter returns again without asking any man till the Michaelmass
• 32:15
  Speaker 1: moon has come in wintry. Wise, then thinks Gowan full
• 32:20
  Speaker 1: soon of his anxious voyage. Three, Yet till all Hallow's
• 32:28
  Speaker 1: day with Arthur, he lingers and Arthur made a feast
• 32:33
  Speaker 1: on that festival for the hero's sake, with great and
• 32:36
  Speaker 1: gay revel of the round table knights, full courteous and
• 32:41
  Speaker 1: comely ladies, all for love of that man were in sorrow.
• 32:47
  Speaker 1: But nevertheless they spoke only of earth, and many a
• 32:51
  Speaker 1: joyless one there made jests for his gentle sake. After meat,
• 32:57
  Speaker 1: he mournfully addresses his uncle and speaks of his passage,
• 33:01
  Speaker 1: and openly he says, now, leach, Lord of my life,
• 33:06
  Speaker 1: leave I ask of you. Ye know the cost of
• 33:09
  Speaker 1: this case. I do not care to tell you even
• 33:12
  Speaker 1: a trifle of its dangers. But I am ready to
• 33:16
  Speaker 1: start for the fray, no later than to morrow morn,
• 33:20
  Speaker 1: to seek the man in green, as God will guide me.
• 33:26
  Speaker 1: Then the best of the castle gathered together, Yvaan and
• 33:30
  Speaker 1: Eirik and others for many Sir Dondanol de Savage, the
• 33:36
  Speaker 1: Duke of Clarence, Launcelot and Lionel and Lucan, the good
• 33:41
  Speaker 1: Sir Bors and Sir Bedevere, big men both, and many
• 33:47
  Speaker 1: other proud ones. With Madour du Laporte. All this company
• 33:52
  Speaker 1: of the court came nearer to the King to counsel
• 33:55
  Speaker 1: the Knight with care at their hearts. Was much deep
• 34:01
  Speaker 1: grief felt in the hall that so worthy a one
• 34:04
  Speaker 1: as Gowan should go on that errand to endure a
• 34:08
  Speaker 1: sorry dint and deal no one himself with his brand.
• 34:16
  Speaker 1: But the knight, ever made good cheer, and said, why
• 34:19
  Speaker 1: should I swer from stern and strange destiny? What can
• 34:24
  Speaker 1: a man do but try four? He lingered there all
• 34:31
  Speaker 1: that day, and on the morn made ready early. He
• 34:35
  Speaker 1: asked for his arms, and they were all brought. First,
• 34:39
  Speaker 1: a carpet of Toulouse was stretched over the floor, and
• 34:43
  Speaker 1: much was the gilt gear that gleamed upon it. The
• 34:47
  Speaker 1: brave man stepped thereon and handled the steel clad in
• 34:51
  Speaker 1: a doublet of costly tars. And afterwards a well wrought
• 34:56
  Speaker 1: hood closed on top, and b found within with a
• 35:01
  Speaker 1: glistening white fur. Then they put sabotans upon the hero's feet,
• 35:08
  Speaker 1: lapped his legs in steel with fair greaves, to which
• 35:13
  Speaker 1: were attached well polished polynions fastened about his knees with
• 35:19
  Speaker 1: knots of gold fine cuisses. Then that well enclosed his thick,
• 35:25
  Speaker 1: brawny thighs they attached with thongs. Next, the decorated burnie
• 35:31
  Speaker 1: of bright steel rings upon precious stuff encased the hero,
• 35:36
  Speaker 1: and well burnished braces upon his two arms with elbow
• 35:41
  Speaker 1: pieces goodly and gay and gloves of plate, and all
• 35:46
  Speaker 1: the goodly gear that might avail him at that time,
• 35:50
  Speaker 1: with rich coat armor, gold spears well fastened, and a
• 35:55
  Speaker 1: sure brant girt about his side with a silken sash. Five.
• 36:03
  Speaker 1: When he was hasped in arms, his harness was rich.
• 36:08
  Speaker 1: The least latchet or loop gleamed with gold. So harnessed
• 36:13
  Speaker 1: as he was, he heard his mass offered and adored
• 36:18
  Speaker 1: at the high altar. When he came to the king
• 36:21
  Speaker 1: and his court courteously took his leave of lords and ladies,
• 36:27
  Speaker 1: and they kissed him and conveyed him, entrusting him to Christ.
• 36:32
  Speaker 1: By that time was grigolee ready and girt with a
• 36:37
  Speaker 1: saddle that gleamed full gaily, with many gold fringes everywhere
• 36:43
  Speaker 1: nailed anew prepared for that emergency. The bridle bared about
• 36:49
  Speaker 1: was bound with bright gold. The decoration of the breastplate
• 36:53
  Speaker 1: and of the fine housings, the crupper and the capisen
• 36:58
  Speaker 1: accordant with the saddle bow, and all was adorned with
• 37:02
  Speaker 1: rich red gold nails that glittered and gleamed like the
• 37:07
  Speaker 1: gleam of the sun. Then he took the helm and
• 37:12
  Speaker 1: quickly kissed it. It was stoutly stabled and stuffed within.
• 37:16
  Speaker 1: It was high on his head, hasped behind, with a
• 37:21
  Speaker 1: light uryson over the ventel, embroidered and bound with the
• 37:27
  Speaker 1: best gems on a broad silken border, and birds on
• 37:32
  Speaker 1: the seams, like painted popinjays preening themselves. Here and there
• 37:38
  Speaker 1: turtle doves and true loves, thickly interlaced. As many birds
• 37:43
  Speaker 1: there were, as had been in town for seven winters.
• 37:47
  Speaker 1: The circlet that surrounded his crown was even more precious,
• 37:51
  Speaker 1: a device of gleaming diamonds. Six Then they showed him
• 38:01
  Speaker 1: the shield that was of sheer ghoules with a pentangle
• 38:06
  Speaker 1: painted in pure gold. He took it by the baldric
• 38:11
  Speaker 1: and cast it about his neck, and it became the
• 38:14
  Speaker 1: hero passing fair. And why the pentangle pertains to that
• 38:19
  Speaker 1: noble prince, I mean to tell you, though it should
• 38:22
  Speaker 1: delay me. It is a sign that Soloman set formerly
• 38:27
  Speaker 1: as a token of truth by its own right. For
• 38:30
  Speaker 1: it is a figure that holds five points, and each
• 38:35
  Speaker 1: line overlaps and locks in another, and throughout it is endless.
• 38:41
  Speaker 1: And the English call it everywhere as I hear the
• 38:45
  Speaker 1: endless knot. Therefore it suits this knight in his clear arms,
• 38:51
  Speaker 1: forever faithful in five things, and in each of them
• 38:55
  Speaker 1: five ways. Gowan was known for good, and as we
• 39:00
  Speaker 1: find gold devoid of every villainy, adorned with virtues. Therefore
• 39:07
  Speaker 1: the new pentangle he bore on shield and coat, as
• 39:11
  Speaker 1: the man most true of speech, and the knight gentlest
• 39:15
  Speaker 1: of behavior. Seven First he was found faultless in his
• 39:23
  Speaker 1: five wits. And again the hero failed never in his
• 39:27
  Speaker 1: five fingers. And all his affiance in this world was
• 39:32
  Speaker 1: in the fived wounds that Christ received on the cross,
• 39:37
  Speaker 1: as the Creed tells, And wheresoever this man was hard
• 39:42
  Speaker 1: bestead in the malay, His pious thought was in this,
• 39:47
  Speaker 1: above all other things, to take all his strength from
• 39:52
  Speaker 1: the five joys that the courteous Queen of Heaven had
• 39:57
  Speaker 1: of her child. For this cause the Knight had her
• 40:01
  Speaker 1: image calmly painted in the greater half of his shield,
• 40:06
  Speaker 1: that when he looked down there upon, his courage never abated.
• 40:13
  Speaker 1: The fifth five that I find that the Hero used
• 40:17
  Speaker 1: were generosity and fellowship above all things, his purity, and
• 40:22
  Speaker 1: his courteousy that never swerved, and pity that passes all qualities.
• 40:30
  Speaker 1: These very five were more surely set upon that warrior
• 40:35
  Speaker 1: than upon any other. Now, all these were established fivefold
• 40:41
  Speaker 1: in this night, and each one was fastened in another
• 40:45
  Speaker 1: that had no end, And they were fastened on five
• 40:49
  Speaker 1: points that never failed, nor met anywhere, nor sundered either,
• 40:54
  Speaker 1: but finished always without end, at each corner wherever the
• 40:59
  Speaker 1: game began or concluded. Therefore, on his fair shield this
• 41:07
  Speaker 1: knaought was painted royally with red gold upon red ghouls.
• 41:13
  Speaker 1: That is the true Pentangle, as the people properly call
• 41:18
  Speaker 1: it now, is a gay gowan. Armed. He caught up
• 41:23
  Speaker 1: his lance right there, and with a good day he
• 41:27
  Speaker 1: went for evermore. Eight He spurred his steed with the spurs,
• 41:37
  Speaker 1: and sprang on his way so swiftly that the stone
• 41:41
  Speaker 1: struck out fire after him. All who saw the gentleman
• 41:46
  Speaker 1: sighed in heart, and the hero said altogether to each
• 41:51
  Speaker 1: other in their love for that comely knight. By Christ,
• 41:55
  Speaker 1: it is a shame that thou hero must be lost.
• 41:59
  Speaker 1: Thou art so noble of life in faith, it is
• 42:03
  Speaker 1: not easy to find his match upon earth. To have
• 42:07
  Speaker 1: acted more, were it warily, would have been better counsel.
• 42:12
  Speaker 1: And to have made Yon dear one a duke, it
• 42:18
  Speaker 1: would well become him to be a brilliant leader of
• 42:21
  Speaker 1: people here, this would have been better than to have
• 42:24
  Speaker 1: him utterly destroyed, given over to an Elfish man for
• 42:28
  Speaker 1: mere boasting pride. Who ever knew any king to take
• 42:33
  Speaker 1: such counsel as to suffer knights to be so tricked
• 42:36
  Speaker 1: for a Christmas game. Much warm water welled from eyes
• 42:41
  Speaker 1: when that seemly sire departed from the dwellings that day,
• 42:46
  Speaker 1: he made no stop, but whightily went his way. Many
• 42:50
  Speaker 1: a tiresome path he rode, as I heard the book
• 42:53
  Speaker 1: tell nine now Rides's hero Sir Gawain through the realm
• 43:07
  Speaker 1: of low Grays in God's behalf, though to him it
• 43:11
  Speaker 1: seemed no play oft alone companionless, he lodged at night
• 43:16
  Speaker 1: in places where he found not before him the fair
• 43:19
  Speaker 1: that he liked. No company had he but his full
• 43:23
  Speaker 1: by friths and downs, nor nobody but God to talk with.
• 43:27
  Speaker 1: By the way till that he approached nigh unto North Wales,
• 43:34
  Speaker 1: he kept all the isles of Anglesea on the left side,
• 43:38
  Speaker 1: and fared over the fords by the forelands over at
• 43:42
  Speaker 1: the holy Head, till he again took land in the
• 43:45
  Speaker 1: wilderness of Wirral. There dwelt but few that loved either
• 43:52
  Speaker 1: God or man with good heart, And ever as he fared,
• 43:57
  Speaker 1: he asked of men that he met, if they had
• 44:00
  Speaker 1: heard any talk of a green knight, saw the green
• 44:03
  Speaker 1: chapel in any spot thereabout? It all nicked him with nay,
• 44:08
  Speaker 1: that never in their life saw they any man of
• 44:10
  Speaker 1: such green hue. The Knight took strange roads, by many
• 44:17
  Speaker 1: a rough bank, His cheer changed full oft ere he
• 44:21
  Speaker 1: saw that chapel ten many a cliff he overclimbed, in
• 44:28
  Speaker 1: strange countries, far sundered from his friends. Lonely he rode
• 44:33
  Speaker 1: at each ford or water where the hero passed. It
• 44:36
  Speaker 1: were strange if he found not a foe before him,
• 44:40
  Speaker 1: and that so foul and so fell, that it behooved
• 44:44
  Speaker 1: him to fight so many marbles in the mountains There
• 44:49
  Speaker 1: the man found that it were too tedious to tell
• 44:51
  Speaker 1: of the tenth part. Sometimes he roared with serpents and
• 44:56
  Speaker 1: with wolves, also sometimes with savages that welt in the cliffs,
• 45:01
  Speaker 1: both with bulls and bears, and boars, sometimes and giants
• 45:06
  Speaker 1: that assailed him from high fell. Had he not been
• 45:11
  Speaker 1: doughty and stern and served God, doubtless he had been
• 45:15
  Speaker 1: dead and slain. For oft but the warfare tried him
• 45:19
  Speaker 1: not so much, but that the winter was worse, when
• 45:24
  Speaker 1: the cold clear water shed from the clouds and froze
• 45:29
  Speaker 1: ere it might fall to the barren earth near slain
• 45:33
  Speaker 1: with the sleet. He slept in his iron more nights
• 45:37
  Speaker 1: than enough on naked rocks, where clattering from the crest,
• 45:41
  Speaker 1: the cold burn ran and hung high over his head
• 45:46
  Speaker 1: in hard icicles. Thus, in peril and pain and plights
• 45:51
  Speaker 1: full hard through the country wanders this night, all alone
• 45:57
  Speaker 1: till Christmas Eve. At that tide to Mary, he made
• 46:03
  Speaker 1: his moan that she might direct his riding and lead
• 46:07
  Speaker 1: him to some dwelling. Eleven merrily on the morn he
• 46:13
  Speaker 1: rides by a mount into a forest full deep, that
• 46:16
  Speaker 1: was strangely wild. High hills were on each side, and
• 46:21
  Speaker 1: woods beneath of hooar oaks full huge a hundred together.
• 46:26
  Speaker 1: The hazel and the hawthorn were twined all together, covered
• 46:31
  Speaker 1: everywhere with rough, ragged moss, and many unblithe birds upon
• 46:36
  Speaker 1: bare twigs that piteously pipe there for pain of the cold.
• 46:43
  Speaker 1: The night upon Brigolette rides all alone under the boughs,
• 46:49
  Speaker 1: threw many a moss and mire, mourning for his trials,
• 46:53
  Speaker 1: lest he should never survive to see the service of
• 46:56
  Speaker 1: that sire, who, on that very night was borne of
• 47:00
  Speaker 1: a lady to quell our pain. And therefore, sighing, he said,
• 47:05
  Speaker 1: I beseech thee Lord and marry that is mildest mother.
• 47:10
  Speaker 1: So dear for some harbor where I might properly hear
• 47:14
  Speaker 1: mass and thy mattens to morrow. Meekly I ask it,
• 47:19
  Speaker 1: And there too, earnestly I pray my painter to ave
• 47:24
  Speaker 1: and creed. He rode in his prayer and lamented for
• 47:30
  Speaker 1: his misdeeds. Oftentimes he blessed himself and said, Christ's cross
• 47:35
  Speaker 1: speed me. Twelve. The hero had not crossed himself more
• 47:42
  Speaker 1: than thrice. Ere he was aware in the wood of
• 47:45
  Speaker 1: a dwelling on a hill, above a clearing, on a mount,
• 47:48
  Speaker 1: hidden under the boughs of many a huge tree. About
• 47:52
  Speaker 1: the ditches a castle, the comeliest that ever knight owned,
• 47:58
  Speaker 1: set on a prairie a park about, with its beautiful palace, pinnacled,
• 48:03
  Speaker 1: full thick, and surrounded with many a tree for more
• 48:07
  Speaker 1: than two miles. The hero gazed at the castle on
• 48:12
  Speaker 1: that one side as it shimmered and shone through the
• 48:16
  Speaker 1: fair oaks, then he humbly doffed his helm, and devoutly
• 48:21
  Speaker 1: he thanked Jesus and Saint Julian, who are both gentle,
• 48:26
  Speaker 1: who courteously had directed him, and hearkened to his cry.
• 48:31
  Speaker 1: Now bonn hostile, quoth the man, I beseech you. Yet
• 48:38
  Speaker 1: then he spurs Grigolae with his gilt heels, and he
• 48:42
  Speaker 1: full fortunately takes the way to the chief road that
• 48:46
  Speaker 1: soon brought the hero to the bridge. And in haste
• 48:50
  Speaker 1: the bridge was securely lifted, the gates locked fast, the
• 48:54
  Speaker 1: walls were well arrayed. No wind blast did it fear. Thirteen.
• 49:03
  Speaker 1: The Hero that sat on his horse abode on the
• 49:06
  Speaker 1: bank of the deep double ditch that stretched to the
• 49:09
  Speaker 1: place the wall sank in the water, wondrous deep, and
• 49:14
  Speaker 1: again a full huge height. It towered aloft of hard
• 49:19
  Speaker 1: hewn stone up to the top courses corbelt under the
• 49:24
  Speaker 1: battlement in the best manner, and above fine watch towers
• 49:29
  Speaker 1: ranged along with many good loop holes that shone full clean,
• 49:35
  Speaker 1: A better Barbican than hero never looked upon. And farther
• 49:41
  Speaker 1: within he beheld the high hall, with towers so set full,
• 49:46
  Speaker 1: thickly about and fair and wondrous high filioles with carved tops,
• 49:53
  Speaker 1: cunningly devised chalk white chimneys. Enough he saw that gleamed
• 49:58
  Speaker 1: full white on the battle. So many painted pinnacles were
• 50:03
  Speaker 1: set everywhere, built so thick among the crenellations of the
• 50:08
  Speaker 1: castle that it verily appeared cut out of paper. Fair enough,
• 50:14
  Speaker 1: it seemed to the noble Knight on his horse, if
• 50:17
  Speaker 1: he could only attain the shelter within, to harbor in
• 50:20
  Speaker 1: that hostel while the holiday lasted, he called, and soon
• 50:25
  Speaker 1: there appeared on the wall a right pleasant porter, who
• 50:29
  Speaker 1: took his message and greeted the knight. Rot forty good sir,
• 50:37
  Speaker 1: quoth gawin. Would you go, my errand to the high
• 50:40
  Speaker 1: lord of this house to crave harbor yea, by peter,
• 50:45
  Speaker 1: quoth the porter, And truly I trow that ye are welcome, sir,
• 50:49
  Speaker 1: to dwell while you like. Then the man went again quickly,
• 50:54
  Speaker 1: and a crowd of folk with him to receive the Knight.
• 50:59
  Speaker 1: They let down the great draw and eagerly poured out
• 51:03
  Speaker 1: and kneeled down on their knees upon the cold earth
• 51:06
  Speaker 1: to welcome the hero. As it seemed to them proper,
• 51:10
  Speaker 1: they opened up wide the broad gait for him and
• 51:14
  Speaker 1: he raised them courteously and rode over the bridge. Several
• 51:18
  Speaker 1: attendants held his saddle while he alighted, and afterwards good
• 51:22
  Speaker 1: men enough stabled his steed. Then knights and squires came
• 51:27
  Speaker 1: down to bring this hero joyfully into the hall. When
• 51:31
  Speaker 1: he lifted up his helm, people enough hurried to take
• 51:35
  Speaker 1: it at his hand. In order to serve the courteous
• 51:38
  Speaker 1: one his sword and his shield, they took two. Then
• 51:44
  Speaker 1: he greeted full courteously the knights each one, and many
• 51:48
  Speaker 1: a proud man pressed there to honor that prince, all
• 51:53
  Speaker 1: hasped in his high weeds. They led him to the hall,
• 51:57
  Speaker 1: where a fair fire burned fiercely upon the hearth. Then
• 52:02
  Speaker 1: the Lord of the people came from his chamber to
• 52:05
  Speaker 1: meet courteously the man on the floor. He said, ye
• 52:11
  Speaker 1: are welcome to wield as you like what is here.
• 52:15
  Speaker 1: All is your own to have at your will and commandment.
• 52:19
  Speaker 1: Gramercy quoth gown Christ reward you for it. Like glad heroes,
• 52:26
  Speaker 1: either folded the other in his arms. Fifteen Gowan looked
• 52:34
  Speaker 1: on the man who greeted him so goodly, and thought
• 52:37
  Speaker 1: it a bold hero that owned the castle, a huge warrior.
• 52:41
  Speaker 1: For the knots, and of great age. Broad and bright
• 52:47
  Speaker 1: was his beard, and all beaver hued from gated was
• 52:51
  Speaker 1: he on his stalwart limbs, with a face as fierce
• 52:55
  Speaker 1: as fire, and a free speech. And to the hero
• 52:58
  Speaker 1: he seemed well soon indeed to govern a nation of
• 53:02
  Speaker 1: good people. The Lord turned to a chamber and promptly
• 53:07
  Speaker 1: commanded to give Gowan a retinue to serve him in
• 53:11
  Speaker 1: lowly wise. And they were ready at his bidding, men enough,
• 53:15
  Speaker 1: who brought him to a bright bower, where the bedding
• 53:19
  Speaker 1: was curtains of pure silk, with clear gold hems and
• 53:23
  Speaker 1: couvatures right curious, with comely borders, adorned above with bright
• 53:29
  Speaker 1: fur curtains running on ropes, red gold rings. Tapestries of
• 53:36
  Speaker 1: Toulouse and tars hung on the wall, and underfoot on
• 53:41
  Speaker 1: the floor of the same pattern. There with mirthful speeches,
• 53:47
  Speaker 1: the hero was despoiled of his burney and of his
• 53:50
  Speaker 1: bright weeds. Quickly men brought him rich robes that he
• 53:55
  Speaker 1: might pick and choose the best for his change. As
• 53:59
  Speaker 1: soon as he took one and was wrapped therein that
• 54:03
  Speaker 1: sat upon him seemly with sailing skirts, The hero, by
• 54:08
  Speaker 1: his fidget visage verily seemed to wellnigh every man in
• 54:13
  Speaker 1: looks glowing and lovely is all his limbs. It seemed
• 54:18
  Speaker 1: to them that Christ never made a comelier knight. Wherever
• 54:22
  Speaker 1: in the world he were, it seemed as if he
• 54:25
  Speaker 1: might be a prince without peer in the field where
• 54:28
  Speaker 1: fell men fight. Sixteen, A chair before the chimney where
• 54:37
  Speaker 1: charcoal burned, was prepared for Sir Gowain richly with cloths
• 54:41
  Speaker 1: and cushions, upon counterpanes that were both fine, And then
• 54:46
  Speaker 1: a beauteous mantle was cast on the man of a
• 54:50
  Speaker 1: brown fabric, richly embroidered and fairly furred within with the
• 54:55
  Speaker 1: best skins all of ermine, the hood of the same.
• 55:00
  Speaker 1: And he sat on that settle in seemly rich attire,
• 55:04
  Speaker 1: and warmed him thoroughly, and then his chair mended. Soon
• 55:08
  Speaker 1: a table was raised up on trestle's full fare, and
• 55:12
  Speaker 1: set with a clean cloth that showed clear, white napkins,
• 55:16
  Speaker 1: salt cellar, and silver spoons. The hero washed when he would,
• 55:22
  Speaker 1: and went to his meat. Men served him seemly enough,
• 55:27
  Speaker 1: double fold as was proper, with pottages various and suitable,
• 55:32
  Speaker 1: seasoned in the best manner, and many kinds of fish,
• 55:36
  Speaker 1: some baked in bread, some broiled on the coals, some boiled,
• 55:40
  Speaker 1: some in sauces, savored with spices, and always discourse so
• 55:46
  Speaker 1: pleasant that it pleased the warrior full freely, and often
• 55:52
  Speaker 1: the hero called it a feast right courteously, when all
• 55:56
  Speaker 1: the retainers together praised him as courteous, do this penance now,
• 56:02
  Speaker 1: and soon things will be better. Right mirthful was he
• 56:06
  Speaker 1: for the wine that went to his head seventeen Then
• 56:12
  Speaker 1: they questioned and inquired sparingly, in skillful queries put to
• 56:17
  Speaker 1: the Prince himself, till he courteously acknowledged that he was
• 56:21
  Speaker 1: of the court which Noble Arthur holds alone, who is
• 56:25
  Speaker 1: the rich royal king of the round table, and that
• 56:30
  Speaker 1: it was Gawin himself that sits in the house by
• 56:33
  Speaker 1: chance come for that Christmas. When the Lord had learned
• 56:38
  Speaker 1: that he had that hero, he laughed aloud, so dear
• 56:42
  Speaker 1: it seemed to him, and all the men in the
• 56:44
  Speaker 1: castle made much joy at appearing promptly in the presence
• 56:48
  Speaker 1: of him who contains in his own per person all
• 56:52
  Speaker 1: worth and prowess and gracious traits, and is ever praised
• 56:58
  Speaker 1: above all the men in the world. His renowned is
• 57:02
  Speaker 1: the greatest. Each warrior said full softly to his companion.
• 57:09
  Speaker 1: Now shall we see courteous turns of behavior and the
• 57:13
  Speaker 1: blameless forms of noble talking? What profit there is in speech?
• 57:19
  Speaker 1: May we learn without asking? Since we have taken that
• 57:22
  Speaker 1: fine father of nurture, God has indeed given us his grace,
• 57:28
  Speaker 1: who grants us to have such a guest as Gowan,
• 57:32
  Speaker 1: on account of whose birth men sit and sing for joy.
• 57:37
  Speaker 1: This hero will now teach us what distinguished manners are.
• 57:41
  Speaker 1: I think that those who hear him will learn how
• 57:44
  Speaker 1: to make love. Eighteen. When dinner was done and the
• 57:55
  Speaker 1: dear ones risen, the time was nigh arrived at the
• 57:59
  Speaker 1: night chaplains took their way to the chapels and rang
• 58:03
  Speaker 1: full loudly as they should, to the melodious even song
• 58:07
  Speaker 1: of the high time. The Lord turns thither, and the
• 58:11
  Speaker 1: lady also into a comely closet. Daintily she enters Gowan,
• 58:16
  Speaker 1: joyfully proceeds and goes thither straight away. The Lord takes
• 58:22
  Speaker 1: him by the mantle and leads him to his seat,
• 58:25
  Speaker 1: recognizes him openly and calls him by his name, and
• 58:29
  Speaker 1: says he is welcomest, whight in the world, and Gawan
• 58:33
  Speaker 1: thanked him thoroughly, and either embraced the other, and they
• 58:37
  Speaker 1: sat soberly together during the service. Then the lady desired
• 58:42
  Speaker 1: to look on the night, and came from her closet
• 58:45
  Speaker 1: with many fair maidens. But she was fairer than all
• 58:49
  Speaker 1: the others in flesh and face, in skin and form,
• 58:53
  Speaker 1: in complexion and demeanor, more beautiful than whenevere, it seemed
• 58:59
  Speaker 1: to the hero. He walked through the chancel to greet
• 59:03
  Speaker 1: that gracious one. Another lady led her by the left hand,
• 59:10
  Speaker 1: that was older than she, an ancient lady, it seemed,
• 59:13
  Speaker 1: and one highly honored by the knights about her. But
• 59:17
  Speaker 1: unlike to look on were the ladies. For if the
• 59:20
  Speaker 1: younger was fair, yellow was the other, which red on
• 59:24
  Speaker 1: the one bloomed everywhere, rough wrinkled cheeks rolled on the other.
• 59:29
  Speaker 1: The kerchiefs of one, broidered with many clear pearls, openly
• 59:35
  Speaker 1: displayed her breast in her bright throat, which shone clearer
• 59:39
  Speaker 1: than snow that falls on the hills. The other covered
• 59:43
  Speaker 1: her neck with a gorget that wrapped her black chin
• 59:47
  Speaker 1: in milk white pleats. Her forehead was completely enveloped in
• 59:52
  Speaker 1: silken folds adorned and tricked with many small ornaments, and
• 59:57
  Speaker 1: naught was bare of that lady, but the black brows,
• 1:00:01
  Speaker 1: the two eyes, the nose, and the naked lips, and
• 1:00:04
  Speaker 1: those were ugly to behold, and oddly bleared. A gracious
• 1:00:10
  Speaker 1: lady in the land, one might call her forsooth. Her
• 1:00:14
  Speaker 1: body was short and thick, her hips round and broad.
• 1:00:19
  Speaker 1: More pleasant to look on was the being she led. Nineteen.
• 1:00:28
  Speaker 1: When Gowan looked on that beauteous one who gazed graciously,
• 1:00:32
  Speaker 1: he took leave of the Lord and went toward them.
• 1:00:36
  Speaker 1: The elder he saluted, bowing full low. The lovelier he
• 1:00:40
  Speaker 1: took a little in his arms. He kissed her calmly
• 1:00:43
  Speaker 1: and nightly. He greeted her. They welcomed him, and he
• 1:00:47
  Speaker 1: quickly asked to be their servant if it pleased them.
• 1:00:51
  Speaker 1: They took him between them and led him conversing to
• 1:00:54
  Speaker 1: the fireplace in the parlor, and straightway they called for spices,
• 1:00:59
  Speaker 1: which men speeded to bring them unsparingly, and the pleasant
• 1:01:03
  Speaker 1: wine therewith each time. The Lord leaped up merrily, full often,
• 1:01:09
  Speaker 1: and saw to it that the mirth never faulted. Gaily
• 1:01:13
  Speaker 1: he snatched off his hood and hung it on a
• 1:01:16
  Speaker 1: spear and extorted them to win it as a prize.
• 1:01:21
  Speaker 1: He to have it, who should make the most mirth
• 1:01:26
  Speaker 1: that Christmas tide? And I shall try, by my faith,
• 1:01:30
  Speaker 1: with the help of my friends, to compete the best.
• 1:01:33
  Speaker 1: Ere I lose my apparel. Thus, with laughing mien, the
• 1:01:38
  Speaker 1: Lord makes Mary in order to glad Sir Gowain with
• 1:01:43
  Speaker 1: games in the hall. That night, when it came time,
• 1:01:47
  Speaker 1: the King commanded lights. Sir Gawain took his leave and
• 1:01:51
  Speaker 1: went to his bed twenty on the morn, when, as
• 1:01:56
  Speaker 1: every man knows, God was born to die for us,
• 1:02:00
  Speaker 1: joy waxes in every dwelling in the world for his sake.
• 1:02:05
  Speaker 1: So it did there on that day, with many dainties
• 1:02:08
  Speaker 1: at meats and meals, right quaint dishes and brave men
• 1:02:13
  Speaker 1: on the days, dressed in their best. The old ancient
• 1:02:17
  Speaker 1: wife sits in the highest the courteous Lord placed by
• 1:02:21
  Speaker 1: her as I trow Gowan and the gay lady together
• 1:02:26
  Speaker 1: just in the middle. And as the courses properly come,
• 1:02:30
  Speaker 1: and afterwards the rest throughout all the hall, as it
• 1:02:34
  Speaker 1: seemed to them, each man in his degree was properly served.
• 1:02:41
  Speaker 1: There was meat, there was mirth, There was much joy,
• 1:02:44
  Speaker 1: that it were arduous for me to tell thereof, though
• 1:02:48
  Speaker 1: to note it I took pains belike. But yet I
• 1:02:52
  Speaker 1: know that Gowin and the lovely lady took comfort in
• 1:02:55
  Speaker 1: each other's company, in the choice play of their of
• 1:02:59
  Speaker 1: their sharp wits, and the pure courtesy of their modest talk.
• 1:03:04
  Speaker 1: Their disport surpassed, indeed, that of any royal game. Trumps
• 1:03:10
  Speaker 1: and drums came playing loudly. Each man minded his own business,
• 1:03:15
  Speaker 1: and they too minded theirs. Twenty one much delight was
• 1:03:21
  Speaker 1: taken there that day, and the second and the third
• 1:03:25
  Speaker 1: followed as pleasantly. The joy of Saint John's day was
• 1:03:29
  Speaker 1: gentle to hear of, and it was the last of
• 1:03:32
  Speaker 1: the festival. The people considered there were guests to go
• 1:03:37
  Speaker 1: upon the gray morn, therefore wondrous. Late they sat up
• 1:03:41
  Speaker 1: and drank the wine, danced full gaily with sweet carols.
• 1:03:46
  Speaker 1: At the last, when it was late, they took their leave,
• 1:03:49
  Speaker 1: each good man to wend on his way. Gowan gave
• 1:03:54
  Speaker 1: his host good day, but the good man takes him
• 1:03:58
  Speaker 1: and leads him to his own chamber by the fireplace,
• 1:04:01
  Speaker 1: and there he draws him aside and prompt properly thanks
• 1:04:04
  Speaker 1: him for the great worship that he had granted him,
• 1:04:07
  Speaker 1: in honoring his house on that high tide, in embellishing
• 1:04:12
  Speaker 1: his castle with his good cheer. Indeed, Sir, while I live,
• 1:04:17
  Speaker 1: I shall be the better that Gawan hath been my
• 1:04:20
  Speaker 1: guest at God's own feast grad mercy, sir, quoth Gawin
• 1:04:25
  Speaker 1: in good faith. The merit is yours. All, the honor
• 1:04:28
  Speaker 1: is your own. The High King reward you, and I
• 1:04:32
  Speaker 1: am your man to work your behest in high and
• 1:04:36
  Speaker 1: lo as I am bound by right. The Lord eagerly
• 1:04:40
  Speaker 1: strives to hold the knight longer, but Gawan answers him
• 1:04:45
  Speaker 1: that he can in no wise. Twenty two. Then the
• 1:04:50
  Speaker 1: Hero asked of him full fairly, what extraordinary deed had
• 1:04:55
  Speaker 1: driven him, at that dear time from the King's court
• 1:04:59
  Speaker 1: to go all a lone so boldly ere the holidays
• 1:05:02
  Speaker 1: were wholly over forsooth, sir, quoth the Hero, Ye say,
• 1:05:06
  Speaker 1: but the truth, a high errand and a hasty had
• 1:05:10
  Speaker 1: me from these dwellings. For I am summoned to such
• 1:05:14
  Speaker 1: a place as I know not in the world whitherward
• 1:05:18
  Speaker 1: to when to find it? I would not, for all
• 1:05:22
  Speaker 1: the land in lowgress fail to reach it on New
• 1:05:25
  Speaker 1: Year's morns. So our Lord help me. Therefore, sir, this
• 1:05:31
  Speaker 1: request I require of you. Here thet ye tell me truly,
• 1:05:35
  Speaker 1: if ever ye heard the tale of the green chapel,
• 1:05:39
  Speaker 1: where in the world it stands, and of the green
• 1:05:42
  Speaker 1: and of the night green in color that keeps it there,
• 1:05:45
  Speaker 1: was established by statue an agreement between us that I
• 1:05:49
  Speaker 1: should meet that man at that landmark, if I could
• 1:05:53
  Speaker 1: but survive, and of that new year there now lacks
• 1:05:58
  Speaker 1: but little, And by God's son, I would gladlier look
• 1:06:02
  Speaker 1: on that person if God would let me then wield
• 1:06:06
  Speaker 1: any possession in the world. Therefore, indeed, by your good will,
• 1:06:12
  Speaker 1: it behooves me to wend. I have now at my
• 1:06:15
  Speaker 1: disposal barely three days, and I were as fain fall
• 1:06:21
  Speaker 1: dead as fail of mine Errand then laughing quoth the Lord.
• 1:06:28
  Speaker 1: Now it behooves thee to stay, for I shall direct
• 1:06:32
  Speaker 1: you to that spot. By the time's end, the green
• 1:06:35
  Speaker 1: chapel upon the ground grieve you no more, For ye
• 1:06:39
  Speaker 1: shall be in your bed, sir, at thine ease, some
• 1:06:43
  Speaker 1: days yet, and set out on the first of the year,
• 1:06:48
  Speaker 1: and come to that place at midmorn to do what
• 1:06:51
  Speaker 1: you like. Stay till New Year's day, and rise and go.
• 1:06:56
  Speaker 1: Then one shall set you on your way. It is
• 1:07:01
  Speaker 1: not two miles, hence twenty three. Then was gawin full
• 1:07:10
  Speaker 1: glad and merrily he laughed. Now I thank you especially
• 1:07:14
  Speaker 1: for this, above all other things. Now that my quest
• 1:07:18
  Speaker 1: is achieved, I shall dwell at your will and do
• 1:07:21
  Speaker 1: whatever else ye decide. Then the Sire seized him and
• 1:07:26
  Speaker 1: set him beside him, and let the ladies be fetched
• 1:07:30
  Speaker 1: to please them the better fair entertainment they had. Quietly
• 1:07:34
  Speaker 1: among themselves. The Lord, in his jovial, friendly demeanor, behaved
• 1:07:39
  Speaker 1: as a man out of his wits that knew not
• 1:07:42
  Speaker 1: what he did. Then he spake to the knight, crying loud,
• 1:07:47
  Speaker 1: Ye have agreed to do the deed that I bid.
• 1:07:50
  Speaker 1: Will ye hold this hast here at once? Yea sir, forsooth,
• 1:07:54
  Speaker 1: said the true hero. While I stay in your castle,
• 1:07:58
  Speaker 1: I shall be obedient to your Since ye have traveled
• 1:08:02
  Speaker 1: from Afar, quoth the Warrior, and then have sat late
• 1:08:06
  Speaker 1: with me. Ye are not well nourished, I know, either
• 1:08:10
  Speaker 1: with sustenance or with sleep. Ye shall linger in your
• 1:08:14
  Speaker 1: loft and lie at your ease tomorrow till mass time,
• 1:08:17
  Speaker 1: and go to meet when ye will, with my wife,
• 1:08:20
  Speaker 1: who shall sit with you and comfort you with her company,
• 1:08:23
  Speaker 1: till I return home, and I shall rise early and
• 1:08:27
  Speaker 1: go hunting. Gowan grants all this, bowing courteously. Yet further,
• 1:08:36
  Speaker 1: quoth the Hero, let us make an agreement. Whatsoever I
• 1:08:40
  Speaker 1: win in the wood, it shall be yours. And whatsoever
• 1:08:44
  Speaker 1: fortune ye achieve, exchange with me. Therefore, sweet sir Swamp,
• 1:08:50
  Speaker 1: we sow swear truly whichever one of us gets the
• 1:08:54
  Speaker 1: worse or the better. By God, quoth Gowan, the good
• 1:08:59
  Speaker 1: I can say thereto, and whatever game you like agreeable,
• 1:09:03
  Speaker 1: it seems to me on this beverage just brought. The
• 1:09:07
  Speaker 1: bargain is made, said the lord of that people, and
• 1:09:10
  Speaker 1: both laughed. Then they drank and played and amused themselves,
• 1:09:16
  Speaker 1: these lords and ladies, so long as it pleased them.
• 1:09:20
  Speaker 1: And then, with polite demeanor and many fair gestures, they
• 1:09:24
  Speaker 1: stood up and lingered awhile, and talked quietly, kissed full calmly,
• 1:09:29
  Speaker 1: and took their leave, with many a gay servant in
• 1:09:33
  Speaker 1: gleaming torches. Each hero was brought to his bed full
• 1:09:37
  Speaker 1: softly at the last. Yet before they went to bed,
• 1:09:41
  Speaker 1: they oft rehearsed the covenants. The old Lord of that
• 1:09:45
  Speaker 1: people knew well how to keep up a jest end
• 1:09:53
  Speaker 1: of fit. The second