This is a modern-English version of Sir Gawayne and the Green Knight: An Alliterative Romance-Poem (c. 1360 A.D.), originally written by unknown author(s). It has been thoroughly updated, including changes to sentence structure, words, spelling, and grammar—to ensure clarity for contemporary readers, while preserving the original spirit and nuance. If you click on a paragraph, you will see the original text that we modified, and you can toggle between the two versions.

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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

PUBLISHED FOR THE EARLY ENGLISH TEXT SOCIETY

BY N. TRÜBNER & CO., 60, PATERNOSTER ROW,

MDCCCLXIV.

JOHN CHILDS AND SON, PRINTERS.

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.

NOTE: The Old English "yogh" characters have been replaced with the digit 3 for both upper and lower case. There are Unicode representations for these (in HTML Ȝ and ȝ), but there isn't a font that currently supports them. Using the digit 3 is a practical solution that anyone can read. The linked HTML __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ uses Ȝ and ȝ and is provided for users with specialized fonts.

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."

In revising this romance poem, I was spared the effort of rewriting it thanks to the highly accurate text found 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.

I have not only read his copy alongside the manuscript, but also the proof sheets as they arrived, hoping this approach would provide the reader with a text free from any transcription errors.

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 current edition is different from the previous one because it has the contractions from the manuscript expanded and includes side notes in the text to help the reader follow along with some ease in the author's enjoyable 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.

The Glossary is taken from Sir F. Madden's "Syr Gawayne,"¹ to which, for a clearer understanding of the text, I have made several additions and have also explained almost all the words that were 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.

For details about the Manuscript, as well as information on the authorship and dialect of this work, the reader should refer to the preface of Early English Alliterative Poems.

R.M.

LONDON,

December 22, 1864.

December 22, 1864.

[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.]

[¹ Sir F. Madden has generously offered the Early English Text Society any of his works that they choose 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.

No Knight of the Round Table has been as highly honored by the old Romance writers as Sir Gawayne, the son of Loth and nephew to the famed Arthur. They loved to describe him as Gawayne the Good, a man unmatched on earth, the most gracious person alive under God, the strongest in battle, the luckiest in arms, and the most courteous in any hall. His wisdom, knightly conduct, kind deeds, bravery, and feats 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.

When Arthur saw the lifeless body of his relative lying on the ground soaked in blood, he reportedly shouted, "O righteous God, this blood deserves to be preserved and kept in gold!" Our author also enjoys praising his hero in similar ways, describing him as the knight perfect in his senses, free of any wrongdoing, and filled with every earthly virtue. He portrays him as someone whose faith was in the five wounds, and in whom the five virtues that defined the true knight were more strongly established than in anyone else 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.

The author of this story, who, as we know from his religious poems, had a complete aversion to moral impurity, could not have picked a better subject for a romance that combines entertainment and moral lessons. In the following tale, he demonstrates how the true knight, although tempted not just once, but twice, or even three times, does not break his vow of chastity. Instead, he deflects the temptations with the shield of purity and the armor of faith, successfully navigating the dangerous path of trials and seemingly safe opportunities.

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.

But while our author has taken many details of his story from the "Roman de Perceval" by Chrestien de Troyes, he has made the narrative more engaging by adding several original and captivating sections that shed light on the customs and entertainment of our ancestors.

The following elaborate descriptions are well deserving of especial notice:—

The following detailed descriptions deserve special attention:—

I. The mode of completely arming a knight (ll. 568-589).

I. The process of fully preparing a knight (ll. 568-589).

II. The hunting and breaking the deer (ll. 1126-1359).

II. The hunting and capturing of the deer (ll. 1126-1359).

III. The hunting and unlacing the wild boar (ll. 1412-1614).

III. Hunting and capturing 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:—

The following is an overview of Gawayne's adventures, mostly in the writer's own words:—

Arthur, the greatest of Britain's kings, holds the Christmas festival at Camelot, surrounded by the celebrated knights of the Round Table, noble lords, the most renowned under heaven, and ladies the loveliest that ever had life (ll. 37-57). This noble company celebrate the New Year by a religious service, by the bestowal of gifts, and the most joyous mirth. Lords and ladies take their seats at the table—Queen Guenever, the grey-eyed, gaily dressed, sits at the daïs, the high table, or table of state, where too sat Gawayne and Ywain together with other worthies of the Round Table (ll. 58-84, 107-115). Arthur, in mood as joyful as a child, his blood young and his brain wild, declares that he will not eat nor sit long at the table until some adventurous thing, some uncouth tale, some great marvel, or some encounter of arms has occurred to mark the return of the New Year (ll. 85-106).

Arthur, the greatest king of Britain, is hosting the Christmas festival at Camelot, surrounded by the famous knights of the Round Table, noble lords, the most renowned in the world, and the most beautiful ladies who have ever lived. This distinguished group celebrates the New Year with a religious service, gift-giving, and joyful festivities. Lords and ladies take their places at the table—Queen Guenever, with her gray eyes and colorful dress, sits at the high table, where Gawayne and Ywain also sit along with other notable members of the Round Table. In a mood as joyful as a child, with youthful energy and a wild mind, Arthur declares that he will not eat or stay at the table until something adventurous happens, some strange tale, a great marvel, or a combat to mark the arrival of the New Year.

The first course was announced with cracking of trumpets, with the noise of nakers and noble pipes.

The first course was announced with the sound of trumpets, along with the noise of kettle drums and graceful pipes.

"Each two had dishes twelve,

"Each pair had twelve dishes,"

Good beer and bright wine both."

Good beer and nice 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).

Barely had the first course been served when a sound other than music filled the air. A massive knight—the tallest of them all—came bursting through the hall door. He was dressed entirely in green and rode a green horse. His long, wavy hair flowed over his shoulders, and a thick, bushy beard hung on his chest.

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;

The knight didn't wear a helmet, shield, or spear, but in one hand he held a holly branch and in the other a huge axe with a blade as sharp as a razor. Dressed like this, the Green Knight walked into the hall without greeting anyone. The first thing he said was, "Where's the leader of this group? I'd like to see him and talk." He looked around the knights, searching for the most renowned among them. The noble gathering was amazed to see a man and a horse both as green as grass—greener even than bright gold with green enamel. They had witnessed many wonders, but nothing like this. They were too shocked to react, sitting completely still in silence, as if they were caught in a deep sleep;

"Not all from fear, but some for courtesy" (ll. 221-249).

"Not all out of fear, but some out of politeness." (ll. 221-249).

Then Arthur before the high daïs salutes the Green Knight, bids him welcome, and entreats him to stay awhile at his Court. The knight says that his errand is not to abide in any dwelling, but to seek the most valiant of the heroes of the Round Table that he may put his courage to the proof, and thus satisfy himself as to the fame of Arthur's court. "I come," he says, "in peace, as ye may see by this branch that I bear here. Had I come with hostile intentions, I should not have left my hauberk, helmet, shield, sharp spear, and other weapons behind me. But because I desire no war, 'my weeds are softer.' If thou be so bold as all men say, thou wilt grant me the request I am about to make." "Sir courteous knight," replies Arthur, "if thou cravest battle only, here failest thou not to fight." "Nay," says the Green Knight, "I seek no fighting. Here about on this bench are only beardless children. Were I arrayed in arms on a high steed no man here would be a match for me (ll. 250-282). But it is now Christmas time, and this is the New Year, and I see around me many brave ones;—if any be so bold in his blood that dare strike a stroke for another, I shall give him this rich axe to do with it whatever he pleases. I shall abide the first blow just as I sit, and will stand him a stroke, stiff on this floor, provided that I deal him another in return.

Then Arthur, standing in front of the high platform, greets the Green Knight, welcomes him, and asks him to stay for a while at his Court. The knight replies that he's not there to stay anywhere but to find the bravest of the heroes of the Round Table so he can test their courage and see for himself the reputation of Arthur's court. "I come," he says, "in peace, as you can see by this branch I carry. If I had come with hostile intentions, I wouldn't have left my armor, helmet, shield, sharp spear, and other weapons behind. But since I want no conflict, 'my clothes are softer.' If you are as bold as everyone says, you'll grant me the request I'm about to make." "Sir courteous knight," Arthur replies, "if you seek battle alone, you won't find anyone here afraid to fight." "No," says the Green Knight, "I’m not looking for a fight. The people sitting here are just beardless children. If I were armored and on a high horse, no one here would stand a chance against me. But it’s Christmas time, and it’s the New Year, and I see many brave individuals around;—if anyone is bold enough to strike a blow for another, I will give him this rich axe to do with as he pleases. I will take the first blow right here as I sit, and will stand for a strike in return."

And yet give I him respite,

And yet I give him a break,

A twelvemonth and a day;

A year and a day;

Now haste and let see tite (soon)

Now hurry and let’s see it soon.

Dare any here-in ought say.'"

Dare anyone here 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).

If he impressed them at first, he did even more so after this speech, and fear kept them all silent. The knight, sitting up straight in his saddle, rolls his fierce red eyes around, furrows his rough green brows, and strokes his beard, waiting for a response. But finding none that would engage with him, he exclaims, "What! Is this Arthur's house, the fame of which has spread across so many lands? Honestly, the reputation of the Round Table is shaken by the words of one man, for everyone quakes in fear without a single blow being struck!" With that, he laughed so loudly that Arthur turned red with shame and became as angry as a storm. "I know no man," he says, "who is frightened by your grand words. Now give me your axe, and I will grant you your request!" Arthur grabs the axe, takes hold of the handle, and sternly waves it around, while the Green Knight, with a serious cheer and a dry face, strokes his beard and adjusts his coat as he waits for the blow. Sir Gawayne, the king's nephew, begs his uncle to let him take on the challenge; and at the earnest pleas of his nobles, Arthur agrees "to give Gawayne the game."

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 talking¹ (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.

Sir Gawayne picks up the axe, but before he strikes, the Green Knight asks for his opponent's name. "Honestly," replies the good knight, "I’m called Gawayne, and I challenge you to this strike, whatever happens afterward. Exactly one year from now, I’ll take another blow from you, using whatever weapon you choose, and without anyone else here to witness." "By God," said the Green Knight, "I’m glad to receive what I sought from you—plus, you’ve clearly stated the terms of our agreement—but first you must promise me that you’ll find me yourself, wherever you think I might be, and bring back the same blow you deal me today in front of this brave group." "Where should I look for you?" replies Gawayne, "Where is your place? I don’t know you, your court, or your name. I have no idea where you live, but teach me how to find you, tell me your name, and I will do my best to locate you—and I swear this is the truth and my sincere promise." "That will be enough for New Year," says the Green Knight, "if I reveal to you where I live after you’ve struck me. Once you’ve hit me, I will quickly share the details of my house, my home, and my name, so that you can follow my trail and fulfill our agreement. If I don’t say anything, then you’ll have the advantage, because that way you can stay in your own land and not search any further; but stop your talking¹ (ll. 366-412). Now take your grim tool and let’s see how you strike." "Gladly, sir, truly," said Gawayne, raising his axe.

[¹ This, I think, is the true explanation of slokes.]

[¹ I think this 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:

The Green Knight positions himself on the ground, tilts his head slightly, lets his long, beautiful hair drape over his shoulders, and exposes his neck for the strike. Gawain then grabs the axe, raises it high, and swiftly brings it down on the knight's neck, decapitating him. The handsome head fell from the neck to the ground, and many people kicked it aside as it rolled away. Blood gushed from the body, but the knight didn’t waver or fall; instead, he boldly pushed himself up on his stiff legs and charged forward, grabbing his head and quickly lifting it up. Then he ran to his horse, took the bridle, mounted, and sat tall in the saddle. He held his head by the hair in his hands and sat as confidently as if nothing had happened, even though he was headless. He turned that gruesome, bleeding body around, and holding the head in his hand, directed its face toward the "dearest on the dais." The head opened its eyelids and looked around, and thus much spoke with its mouth as you can 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?

"Listen, Gawain, you need to hurry and go as you promised, searching until you find me just like you said in front of these knights. You must go to the Green Chapel, I command you, to receive the blow you dealt, which will be returned on New Year's morning. I’m known as the Knight of the Green Chapel to many, so if you seek me, you won’t miss me. So come, or you'll be called a coward." With a fierce motion, he turns the reins, rushes out of the hall door, his head in his hands, causing sparks to fly from his horse's hooves. No one there knew which kingdom he was from or where he had come from. What then?

"The king and Gawayne there

"The king and Gawayne there"

At that green (one) they laugh and grin."

At that green one, they laugh and smile.

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:

Even though Arthur was astonished by the spectacle, he didn't let anyone notice that he was troubled by it. Instead, he confidently addressed his beautiful queen in a respectful way:

"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).

"Dear lady, don't feel down today; these things often happen during Christmas. I can now enjoy my meal, because I can't deny that I've experienced an amazing adventure today." (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."

He turned to Sir Gawayne and said, "Now, sir, put away your axe, as it has done enough cutting." So the weapon was hung up high for everyone to see, and "they spoke of the wonder by its true title." Then all the knights quickly took their seats at the table, along with the king and our good knight, and they were served a variety of delicious foods, "with all kinds of food and music."

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);

Even though they had trouble finding the right words when they first sat down, now their hands are occupied with important work, and the wonder of it all gives them plenty to discuss. But a year goes by fast and never returns—the beginning is seldom like the end; thus, this Christmas came and went, followed by the next year, with each season arriving in turn (ll. 476-520). So winter comes around again, and Gawayne thinks about his exhausting journey (ll. 521-535). On All-Hallows’ Day, Arthur throws a big feast for the lords and ladies of his court to honor his nephew, who brought much sadness to the noble knights and beautiful ladies. Still, they only talked about having fun, and even though they were feeling sad themselves, they shared many jokes to uplift the spirits of the good Sir Gawayne (ll. 536-565). The next morning, Sir Gawayne, with great formality, puts on his armor (ll. 566-589), and being fully prepared for his adventure, he first hears mass, then bids farewell to Arthur, the knights of the Round Table, and the lords and ladies of the court, who kiss him and commend him to Christ. He wishes them all a good day, thinking it would last forever (ll. 590-669);

"Very much was the warm water that poured from eyes that day."

"A lot of warm water flowed from my 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."

Now our knight rides through the lands of England with just his colt for company, and no one to talk to except God. Starting from Camelot in Somerset, he makes his way through Gloucestershire and the nearby counties into Montgomeryshire, then through North Wales to Holyhead, next to the Isle of Anglesey (ll. 670-700). From there, he crosses into the very narrow Wirral Peninsula in Cheshire, where few cared about God or humanity. Gawayne asks about the Green Knight of the Green Chapel, but all the locals say they've never seen "any man of such shades 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).

The knight then journeys along strange paths, over hills and moors, facing not only snakes, wolves, bulls, bears, and boars, but also forest satyrs and giants. However, worse than all of that was the harsh winter, "when the cold, clear water fell from the clouds and froze before it could hit the ground. Nearly frozen from the sleet, he slept in his armor more nights than he could count, on bare 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).

So, facing danger and hardship, the knight continues his journey until Christmas Eve, expressing his sorrow to Mary and asking her to guide him to a place to stay. The next morning, he reaches a vast, wild forest, surrounded by high hills, where he finds huge, ancient oaks growing in groups of a hundred. The hazel and hawthorn trees were completely overgrown with moss, and many sad birds sat on their branches, chirping mournfully from the cold. Gawayne prayed to the Lord and Mary to lead him to a place where he could hear mass. Just after he made the sign of the cross three times, he spotted a dwelling in the woods atop a hill. It was the most beautiful castle he had ever seen. It was located on a meadow, surrounded by a park filled with numerous trees for over two miles. It gleamed like the sun among the bright oaks.

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.

Gawayne urged his horse Gringolet ahead and soon reached the "main gate." He shouted out, and before long, a "porter" appeared on the wall and asked him what he wanted.

"Good sir," quoth Gawayne, "wouldst thou go to the high lord of this house, and crave a lodging for me?"

"Good sir," Gawayne said, "could you go to the head of this house and ask if there’s a place for me to stay?"

"Yea, by Peter!" replied the porter, "well I know that thou art welcome to dwell here as long as thou likest."

"Yeah, by Peter!" said the porter, "I know for sure that you’re welcome to stay here as long as you want."

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 land¹ 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).

The drawbridge is lowered quickly, and the gates swing open to welcome the knight. Many nobles rush to greet him. They remove his helmet, sword, and shield, and several proud individuals step forward to honor him. They guide him into the hall, where a bright fire is crackling in the hearth. Then the lord of the land emerges from his chamber to greet Sir Gawayne, telling him to treat the place as his own. The knight is then shown to a lovely chamber filled with luxurious bedding—silk curtains with golden trim and Tarsic tapestries adorning the walls and floors. Here, the knight takes off his armor and puts on rich robes that fit him so well that everyone declared he was the most handsome knight Christ had ever made.

[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.]

[¹ Gawayne is now in the Green Knight's castle, where the knight, without his magical or supernatural traits, appears to Gawayne as just a brave man with a brown 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.

A table is quickly prepared, and Gawayne, after cleaning up, goes to eat. A variety of dishes are placed in front of him—different kinds of soups, all sorts of fish, some baked in bread, others grilled over coals, some boiled, and others seasoned with spices. The knight expresses his satisfaction and calls it a truly noble and royal 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).

After dinner, in answer to many questions, he tells his host that he is Gawayne, one of the Knights of the Round Table. When this was revealed, great joy filled the hall. Everyone whispered to their companions, "Now we will see polite behavior and learn the art of noble conversation, since we have among us 'that fine father of nurture.' Truly, God has blessed us by sending such a noble guest as Sir Gawayne." At the end of the Christmas festival, Gawayne wants to leave the castle, but his host encourages him to stay, promising to guide him to the Green Chapel (about two miles from the castle) so he can arrive on time as agreed.

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).

They make a deal: the lord of the castle will leave early for the hunt while Gawayne takes it easy in his room. Then, Gawayne will get up at his usual time and have a meal with his hostess. By the end of the day, they'll share whatever they each managed to gather in the meantime. "Whatever I catch in the woods," the lord says, "will be yours, and whatever you find will 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).

Before sunrise, the people wake up, saddle their horses, and pack their gear. The noble lord of the land, dressed for riding, quickly eats a piece of bread, and after attending mass, heads out 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).

For all this time, Gawayne lies in his comfy bed. His nap is interrupted by a soft noise at the door, which opens quietly. He lifts his head from under the covers and, peeking through the curtains, sees a beautiful lady (the wife of his host). She walks over to the bed, and the knight quickly lays back down, pretending to be asleep. The lady quietly approaches the bed, pulls back the curtains, climbs in, sits gently on the edge of the bed, and waits for the knight to wake up. After lying under the covers for a bit, wondering what this means, Gawayne finally opens his eyes and pretends to be surprised, making the sign of the cross as if he's afraid of some hidden danger. "Good morning, sir," says the lovely lady, "you're quite a careless sleeper to let someone in like this. I will definitely keep you here in your bed." "Good morning," replies Gawayne, "I'll happily do what you want, but please let me get up so I can have a more comfortable conversation with you." "No, handsome sir," says the sweet lady, "you won't be getting out of your bed, because now that I've caught my knight, I want to talk to him. I know very well that you are Sir Gawayne, adored by all for your honor and courtesy. Now that you're here and we're alone (my lord and his men are far away, and other men are still in bed, along with my maidens), and the door is securely closed, I plan to make the most of this moment. You are welcome to my company as you wish, and I will be your servant."

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).

Gawayne is very careful since the idea of his upcoming adventure at the Green Chapel keeps him from thinking about romance. Finally, the lady says goodbye to the knight by embracing him and kissing him. The day passes pleasantly, and when evening arrives, the Lord of the castle returns from hunting. He gives Gawayne the venison as they had agreed before. Our knight gives his host a kiss, which is the only stroke of luck he had that day. "That’s nice," the lord says, "but it would be even better if you told me where you found such happiness." "That wasn’t part of our agreement," Gawayne replies, "so don’t ask me again." After a lot of laughter from both sides, they sit down for dinner, and later, as the fine wine is being served, Gawayne and his host review their deal again. Late at night, they say goodbye and quickly head to bed. "By the time the rooster had crowed three times," the lord was up, and after breakfast and mass, the hunters set off to the woods to track a wild boar that was old and problematic.

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).

While the hunters are pursuing this "wild boar," our charming knight is resting in bed. He hasn't been forgotten by the lady, who pays him an early visit, eager to test his qualities further. She sits quietly beside him and tells him that he has forgotten what she taught him the day before. “I taught you about kissing,” she says, “and that’s something every courteous knight should know.” Gawayne replies that he can’t take what is forbidden to him. The lady responds that he is strong enough to follow his own desires. Our knight argues that any gift given without good will is worthless. His lovely visitor then asks why someone so skilled in the true art of love and so renowned as a knight has never talked to her about love. “You should,” she says, “show and teach a young thing like me some signs of true love; I’ve come here and sat alone to learn from you—please teach me about your cleverness while my lord is away.” Gawayne answers that he can't take on the task of explaining true love and tales of bravery to someone who is much wiser than he is. Thus, our knight avoided any hint of wrongdoing, even under pressure to act improperly. The lady, after giving Sir Gawayne two kisses, takes her leave of him.

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).

At the end of the day, the lord of the castle returns home with the shields and the head of the wild boar. He shows them to his guest, who comments that he has never seen "such a hefty beast or such large sides of a pig" before. Gawayne accepts the spoils as promised, and in return, he gives two kisses to his host, who remarks that his guest has been truly lucky with "such goods" (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.

After a lot of persuasion, Gawayne agrees to stay at the castle for another day (ll. 1648-1685). The next morning, the lord and his men rush into the woods and find a fox's track, which leads to plenty of hunting fun and keeps them occupied (ll. 1686-1730). Meanwhile, our noble knight is sound asleep behind his nice curtains. Once again, the lady of the castle visits him. She is so beautifully dressed and so "flawless in her features" that it fills Sir Gawayne’s heart with great joy. With sweet and charming smiles, "they burst into laughter," and soon they’re deep in conversation. If Mary hadn’t been thinking of her knight, he would have been in serious trouble (ll. 1731-1769). The lady shows her affection so much that he worries he might betray his host. She asks if he has a lady love to whom he has pledged his heart. The knight swears by St. John that he has neither a lover nor wants one. This answer makes the lady sigh in sadness, and as she tells him she must leave, she asks for a parting gift, even just a glove, so she can "think of the knight and ease her heartache" (ll. 1770-1800). Gawayne tells her that he has nothing worthy of her acceptance; that he is on an "unfamiliar quest" and therefore has "no companions with mail containing valuable things," which he truly regrets.

Quoth that lovesome (one)—

Quoted that lovely one—

"Though I had nought of yours,

"Though I had nothing of yours,

Yet should ye have of mine.

Yet should you 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.

While she was speaking, she presented him with a stunning ring made of red gold "with a shining stone standing tall," which sparkled like the bright rays of the sun. The knight declined the gift, saying he had nothing to give in return. "Since you don't want my ring," the lady said, "because it feels too extravagant, and you don't want to owe me anything, I'll give you my belt, which is less valuable" (ll. 1801-1835). But Gawain replied that he wouldn't accept gold or any kind of reward, though "whether in hot or cold," he would always be her loyal 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."

"Are you refusing it," the lady asks, "because it seems simple and not worth much? If you understood the powers it holds, you would appreciate it more. Anyone who wears this green lace cannot be harmed or killed by any man on earth." The knight thinks for a moment and realizes this would be a "treasure for the danger" he has to face at the Green Chapel. So he not only accepts the lace but also promises to keep it a secret (ll. 1836-1865). By then, the lady had kissed him three times, and then she 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).

Gawayne wakes up, puts on fine clothes, and hides the "love lace" where he can easily find it later. Then he goes to mass, confesses his sins, and is granted forgiveness. When he returns to the hall, he entertains the ladies with cheerful songs and all sorts of joy (ll. 1866-1892). As night falls, the lord of the castle, having killed the fox, returns to his "dear home," where he finds a warm fire and his guest entertaining the ladies (ll. 1893-1927). Gawayne, keeping his promise, kisses his host three times.¹ "By Christ," says the other knight, "you've had a good day. I've been hunting all day and all I have to show for it is the skin of this ugly fox (curse those goods!), and that's hardly enough to pay for such valuable 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).

After the usual evening entertainment, Gawayne goes to bed. The next morning, which is New Year's Day, is cold and stormy. Snow falls, and the valleys are filled with drifts. Our knight, lying in his bed, shuts his eyes, but he hardly sleeps. With each crow of the rooster, he knows the time, and before dawn, he calls for his chamberlain, who quickly brings him his armor (ll. 1952-2014). As Gawayne puts on his fine clothes, he doesn’t forget the “lace, the lady's gift,” and he uses it to tighten his belt. He doesn’t wear it for its fancy decorations, “but to protect himself when he needed to endure,” and as a defense 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).

After expressing his gratitude to his host and all the honored guests for their generosity, "he gets into the stirrups and rides up high" (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

The drawbridge is lowered, and the wide gates are unbarred and opened on both sides. The knight, after trusting the castle to Christ, steps out and continues on his journey with his guide, who will show him the way to the place where he will face the feared blow. They climb over cliffs, where each hill wears a hat and a misty cloak, until the next morning, when they find themselves on a tall hill covered in snow. The servant tells his master to pause for a moment, saying, "I brought you here at this time, and now you're not far from that famous place you've asked about so many times. The place you're aiming for is considered very dangerous, and a man lives there who is the worst in the world. He is tough and harsh and loves to fight, greater than any man in middle-earth, and his size is bigger than the best four in Arthur's court. He guards the Green Chapel; anyone who passes by, no matter how proud in battle, doesn’t escape without being struck down by his hand. He is ruthless and shows no mercy; whether it's a peasant or a priest passing by the chapel, it's just as enjoyable for him to kill them as it is for him to stay alive. So I tell you honestly, if you go there, you'll be killed, even if you had twenty lives to spare. He’s been living there for a long time and has caused much sorrow on the battlefield. You cannot defend yourself against his brutal strikes." Therefore, good Sir Gawain, just avoid the man, and for God's sake, take another route, and then I'll head home. I swear to you by

[¹ He only in part keeps to his covenant, as he holds back the love-lace.]

[¹ He only partially keeps his promise, 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."

God and all His saints, I will never claim that you tried to escape from anyone.

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.

Gawayne expresses his gratitude to his guide for his good intentions but insists that he will go to the Green Chapel, even if the owner is "a cruel villain," because God can find ways to protect 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.

"Mary!" said the other, "since you seem set on risking your life, I won't stop you. Put on your helmet, grip your spear, and ride down this path by that rock until you get to the bottom of the valley. Then look to your left at the plain, and you'll see the chapel in that clearing, along with the strong knight who guards it (ll. 2118-2148). Now, goodbye, noble Gawayne! For all the gold in the world, I wouldn't accompany you or keep you company through this forest any longer on foot." With that, he galloped away, leaving 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).

Gawayne continues his journey, hiding in a valley and looking around. He doesn't see any signs of a resting place, just high and steep slopes, and the shadows of the tall forests seemed wild and distorted. However, he didn't find a single chapel. After a while, he spots a round hill next to a stream; he goes there, dismounts from his horse, and ties it to a tree branch. He strolls around the hill, contemplating what it might be. There was an opening at one end, on each side, and it was covered in grass, but he couldn’t tell if it was just an old cave or a crack in an ancient rock.

"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."

"Well, here we are," Gawayne said, "this place is a complete wasteland; this chapel is hideous with overgrown weeds. It’s the perfect spot for the man in green to 'say his prayers in the devil's way.' I can feel that the devil himself has made a deal with me to bring about my downfall. This is a chapel of bad luck—damn it! It’s the most cursed church I’ve ever walked into." With his helmet on and spear in hand, he approaches the rock, and then he hears a strange, wild sound coming from the high hill across the stream. It sounded like someone sharpening a scythe on a whetstone. It whooshed like water at a mill and echoed back, frightening to hear. "Even if I lose my life," Gawayne said, "I won’t let any noise scare me."

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).

He then shouted, "Who lives here? Come speak to me! Good Gawayne is on his way here right now, so if any brave person wants to join him, do it 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."

"Hold on," said someone from the bank above him, "and you'll get everything I promised you soon."

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."

Soon, a figure appears from a hole in the cliff, holding a brand-new Danish axe. This "man in green" is dressed just like before, with his legs, hair, and beard all the same. But now he's walking on the ground. When he reaches the stream, he jumps across and strides confidently. He meets Sir Gawain, who tells him he is ready to honor the agreement they made. "Gawain," says the 'green man', "may God keep you safe! You are truly welcome to my home, and you've timed your journey perfectly, just as a true knight should. You remember the terms we agreed upon a year ago—that on New Year’s Day, I would return your strike. Now we are alone in this valley and can do as we please. So, take off your helmet, and here is your payment. Let’s not talk any more than when you took 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."

"Not at all!" Gawayne replied. "I won’t blame you for any damage that might happen, but I’ll just stay here while you hit me."

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."

Then he bends down a bit and shows his bare neck, completely unafraid. The Green Knight picks up his "grim tool" and, with all his strength, lifts it high as if he plans to completely destroy him. As the axe comes swooping down, Gawayne "shrinks a little with his shoulders from the sharp iron." The other holds back his weapon and then scolds the prince with many proud words. "You’re not the Gawayne everyone thinks is so impressive, who never feared any challenge in the hills or valleys, because now you’re running in fear before anything has even happened. Such cowardice from a knight I have never seen. I never flinched or ran when you aimed at me in King Arthur’s court. My head flew off and yet I never ran away, which is why 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.

Gawayne said, "I flinched once, but I won’t do that again, even if my head ends up on the ground. So hurry up and get to the point; decide my fate quickly, because I won’t flinch or move until your axe strikes me—this is my promise." "Let’s do this, then," replied the other, raising the axe high and looking as fierce as if he had lost his mind. He aimed at Gawayne with all his strength but held back before he could do any damage. Gawayne stood firm, not flinching at all, remaining as still as a stone or a tree deeply rooted in rocky soil.

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."

Then the other person said happily, "Now that your heart is still intact, I should make my move, so watch your neck." Gawayne responded with a lot of anger, "Go ahead, you fierce man, your threats are getting old; I think your courage is fading."

"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."

"For sure," the other replied, "since you're so bold, I won't wait any longer" (ll. 2273-2304). Then, tightening "both lips and brow," he got ready to strike and brought his axe down on Sir Gawayne's bare neck. "Though he swung" fiercely, he only "cut through the skin," causing blood to flow. When Gawayne saw his blood on the snow, he quickly grabbed his helmet and put it on. Then he drew out his shiny sword and spoke angrily: "Stop, man, with your blows, and don’t hit me again. I’ve taken a strike here without resistance, but if you hit me again, I’ll make sure to repay you. Our agreement says one strike, so stop now."

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."

The Green Knight, resting on his axe, watches Sir Gawain as he stands there, bold and fearless, and then speaks loudly to the knight: "Brave knight, don’t be so angry; no one here has wronged you. I promised you a strike, and here it is, so be satisfied. I could have done much worse and caused you a lot of pain. I aimed two blows at you since you kissed my beautiful wife twice; but I didn’t hit you because you returned them to me as we agreed. The third time you failed, and that’s why I gave you that light tap. That woven girdle, given to you by my wife, actually belongs to me. I know all about your kisses, your behavior, and your courtship of my wife because I set it all up myself. I sent her to test you, and honestly, I think you are the most virtuous man who ever lived. Still, sir, you fell short on good faith; but since it wasn't out of malice and you were just trying to save your life, I hold it against you less."

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).

Gawayne stood there, confused and red-faced with shame. "Damn cowardice and greed," he yelled, "because they are full of evil and wrongdoing that ruin worthiness." Then he removed the belt and threw it to the knight in green, cursing his own cowardice and greed. The Green Knight, laughing, responded, "You’ve confessed your flaws so openly and acknowledged your mistakes that I see you as pure as if you had never sinned since you were born. I give you this gold-hemmed belt as a reminder of your adventure at the Green Chapel. Now come to my castle, and we’ll celebrate the New Year together" (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."

"Nah, definitely," said the knight. "May God reward you for your kindness. Please send my regards to your lovely wife, who has captivated me with her talents. It's not unusual for a man to get into trouble because of a woman's charms; just look at Adam, who was deceived by one woman, and Solomon, who was misled by many. Samson was brought down by Delilah, and David faced many hardships because of Bathsheba. 'It would truly be a great blessing for a man to love them deeply but not trust them.' Since even the greatest on earth were misled, I believe I should be forgiven. But God bless you for your girdle, which I'll always wear as a reminder of my mistake, and whenever pride tries to lift me up, a glance at this love-lace will help me stay humble (ll. 2407-2438). But since you are the lord of this land, from whom I have received so much honor, please tell me your true name, and I won’t ask any 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."

The other responded, "My name is Bernlak de Hautdesert, and I was sent by Morgain la Fay, who lives with me. She's learned a lot from Merlin, who knows all your knights back home. She brought me to your hall to test the strength of the Round Table. She set up this situation to confuse you, aiming to upset Guenever and scare her to death through the man who sat with his head in his hand at the high table. She is actually your aunt, Arthur's half-sister; so come to your aunt, because my whole household loves you."

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.

Gawayne decides not to go with the Green Knight, so after many hugs and kind words, they say goodbye—one heading to his castle and 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.

After traveling through many difficult paths, our knight recovers from the wound on his neck and finally arrives safely at King Arthur's court. Everyone is filled with joy; the king and queen embrace their brave knight and ask him many questions about his journey. He shares his adventures openly—“the encounter at the chapel, the cheer from the knight, the love from the lady, and finally the lace.” With sadness, he shows them the cut on his neck, which he received due to his disloyalty. The king and his courtiers comfort the knight—they laugh heartily at his adventures and agree that all the lords and ladies of the Round Table, along with every knight in the brotherhood, should always wear a bright green belt in honor of Gawayne. He who received it honored it always afterward.

Thus in Arthur's time this adventure befell, whereof the "Brutus Books" bear witness (ll. 2505-2530).

So during Arthur's time, this adventure took place, as the "Brutus Books" confirm (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.

I don’t need to mention that the Brutus Books we have don’t include the legend presented here, although it’s not much more unlikely than some of the statements in them. If the reader wants to understand how this and similar stories relate to the original Arthur legends, they can find a discussion of it in Sir F. Madden's Preface to his edition of "Syr Gawayne," which also features an overview of the very different perspectives on Sir Gawayne by various 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.

Into this and other literary questions I won’t get into here, since I have nothing to add to Sir F. Madden's statements; however, in the text of the Poem, I have differed from him in a few readings, which will be mentioned 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.

As the manuscript is quickly deteriorating, I am grateful that the Early English Text Society has allowed us to spread its contents more widely before the original becomes unreadable.

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.

We only want to increase our membership so that we can provide a larger group of readers with many equally interesting accounts of early English thinkers.

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNY3T.

[FYTTE THE FIRST.]

I.

[Fol. 91a.]
After the siege of Troy

[Fol. 91a.]
After the fall of Troy

Siþen þe sege & þe assaut wat3 sesed at Troye,

Þe bor3 brittened & brent to bronde3 & aske3,

Þe tulk þat þe trammes of tresoun þer wro3t,

The interpreter that the traps of treason laid,

Wat3 tried for his tricherie, þe trewest on erthe;

Wat3 tried for his trickery, the truest on earth;

Hit wat3 Ennias þe athel, & his highe kynde,

Þat siþen depreced prouinces, & patrounes bicome

Welne3e of al þe wele in þe west iles,

Welcoming all the good in the western isles,

Romulus built Rome,

Romulus founded Rome.

Fro riche Romulus to Rome ricchis hym swyþe,

Fro rich Romulus to Rome riches him swyþe,

With gret bobbaunce þat bur3e he biges vpon fyrst,

Wit with great assurance that he builds upon first,

& neuenes hit his aune nome, as hit now hat;

Ticius to Tuskan [turnes,] & teldes bigynnes;

Ticius turns to Tuskan and tells big stories;

Langaberde in Lumbardie lyftes vp homes;

Langaberde in Lombardie lifts up homes;

and Felix Brutus founded Britain,

and Felix Brutus established Britain,

& fer ouer þe French flod Felix Brutus

On mony bonkkes ful brode Bretayn he sette3,

On many banks full broad Britain he sat,

wyth wynne;

with wine;

a land of war and wonder,

a place of conflict and amazement,

Where werre, & wrake, & wonder,

Where war, and revenge, and awe,

Bi syþe3 hat3 wont þer-inne,

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and oft of bliss and blunder.

and often of joy and mistakes.

& oft boþe blysse & blunder

& often both bliss & blunder

Ful skete hat3 skyfted synne.

II.

Ande quen þis Bretayn wat3 bigged bi þis burn rych,

And when this Britain was built by this noble man,

Bold men increased in the Land,

Brave men became more common in the Land,

Bolde bredden þer-inne, baret þat lofden,

Bolde the width within, bare that praised,

In mony turned tyme tene þat wro3ten;

In many times of trouble, those who struggled;

Mo ferlyes on þis folde han fallen here oft

and many marvels happened.

and many amazing things happened.

Þen in any oþer þat I wot, syn þat ilk tyme.

Þen in any other that I know, since that same time.

Of all Britain's kings Arthur was the noblest.

Of all the kings of Britain, Arthur was the noblest.

Bot of alle þat here bult of Bretaygne kynges

Bot of all that here built of Brittany kings

Ay wat3 Arthur þe hendest; as I haf herde telle;

Ay wat3 Arthur the kindest; as I have heard tell;

[Fol. 91b.]

For-þi an aunter in erde I attle to schawe,

For this, an author in the world I seek to show,

Þat a selly in si3t summe men hit holden,

& an outtrage awenture of Arthure3 wondere3;

& an outrageous adventure of Arthur3 wonder3;

Listen a while and ye shall hear the story of an "outrageous adventure."

Listen for a bit, and you'll hear the tale of an "outrageous adventure."

If 3e wyl lysten þis laye bot on littel quile,

If you want to listen to this song, but for a little while,

I schal telle hit, as-tit, as I in toun herde,

I will tell it, just as I heard it in town,

with tonge;

with tongue;

As hit is stad & stoken,

As it is starved and beaten,

In stori stif & stronge,

In stories tough & strong,

With lel letteres loken,

With little letters locked,

In londe so hat3 ben longe.

In London for a long time.

III.

Arthur held at Camelot his Christmas feast,

Arthur hosted his Christmas feast at Camelot,

Þis kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse,

With mony luflych lorde, lede3 of þe best,

With many lovely lords, leaders of the best,

with all the knights of the Round Table,

with all the knights from the Round Table,

Rekenly of þe rounde table alle þo rich breþer,

Recounting of the round table all those wealthy brothers,

With rych reuel ory3t, & rechles merþes;

With quick revelation oryt, & reckless merþes;

Þer tournayed tulkes bi-tyme3 ful mony,

Iusted ful Iolilé þise gentyle kni3tes,

I just fooled these gentle knights,

Syþen kayred to þe court, caroles to make.

Sythen came to the court, to make songs.

full fifteen days.

full 15 days.

For þer þe fest wat3 ilyche ful fiften dayes,

For the feast that lasts exactly fifteen days,

With alle þe mete & þe mirþe þat men couþe a-vyse;

With all the food and the fun that I could arrange;

Such glaumande gle glorious to here,

Such glorious glam to be here,

Dere dyn vp-on day, daunsyng on ny3tes,

All was joy in hall and chamber,

Everything was filled with joy in the hall and the chamber,

Al wat3 hap vpon he3e in halle3 & chambre3,

With lorde3 & ladies, as leuest him þo3t;

With lords and ladies, as least him thought;

With all þe wele of þe worlde þay woned þer samen,

With all the wealth of the world, they lived there together,

among brave knights and lovely ladies,

among courageous knights and beautiful ladies,

Þe most kyd kny3te3 vnder kryste seluen,

& þe louelokkest ladies þat euer lif haden,

& the most beautiful ladies that ever lived,

& he þe comlokest kyng þat þe court haldes;

& he the most handsome king that the court holds;

For al wat3 þis fayre folk in her first age,

For all these fair people in their early years,

on sille;

on sill

the happiest under heaven.

the happiest on earth.

Þe hapnest vnder heuen,

The happiest under heaven,

Kyng hy3est mon of wylle,

Kyng highest moon of wylle,

Hit were¹ now gret nye to neuen

Hit were¹ now great near to newn

So hardy a here on hille.

So strong a presence here.

¹ MS. werere.

¹ Ms. Werere.

IV.

They celebrate the New Year with great joy.

They celebrate the New Year with immense joy.

Wyle nw 3er wat3 so 3ep þat hit wat3 nwe cummen,

Wyle now there was so deep that it was newly common,

Þat day doubble on þe dece wat3 þe douth serued,

That day doubled on the deceit that the people served,

Fro þe kyng wat3 cummen with kny3tes in to þe halle,

Fro the king's coming with knights into the hall,

Þe chauntre of þe chapel cheued to an ende;

The chanting of the chapel came to an end;

Loude crye wat3 þer kest of clerke3 & oþer,

Loud cry was cast of clerks and others,

[Fol. 92]

Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte;

Now there was a night like no other, often renewed;

& syþen riche forth runnen to reche honde-selle,

Gifts are demanded and bestowed.

Gifts are requested and given.

3e3ed 3eres 3iftes on hi3, 3elde hem bi hond,

Debated busyly aboute þo giftes;

Debated busily about the gifts;

Ladies la3ed ful loude, þo3 þay lost haden,

& he þat wan wat3 not wrothe, þat may 3e wel trawe.

& he that won knows not anger, that you may well believe.

Lords and ladies take their seats at the table.

Lords and ladies sit down at the table.

Alle þis mirþe þay maden to þe mete tyme;

All this joy they made at mealtime;

When þay had waschen, worþyly þay wenten to sete,

When they had washed, they went worthily to sit,

Þe best burne ay abof, as hit best semed;

The best man always above, as it seemed best;

Queen Guenever appears gaily dressed.

Queen Guenever appears cheerfully dressed.

Whene Guenore ful gay, grayþed in þe myddes.

Whene Guenore was fully dressed up, in the middle.

Dressed on þe dere des, dubbed al aboute,

Dressed on the dear day, adorned all around,

Smal sendal bisides, a selure hir ouer

Of tryed Tolouse, of Tars tapites in-noghe,

Of tried Toulouse, of Tars tapes in-noghe,

Þat were enbrawded & beten wyth þe best gemmes,

Þat my3t be preued of prys wyth penyes to bye,

in daye;

in the day

A lady fairer of form might no one say he had ever before seen.

No one could say he had ever seen a lady as beautiful as her.

Þe comlokest to discrye,

The closest to describe,

Þer glent with y3en gray,

Your eyes are gray,

A semloker þat euer he sy3e,

A locker that you see,

Soth mo3t no mon say.

Sooth, not a word said.

V.

Arthur would not eat,

Arthur wouldn't eat,

Bot Arthure wolde not ete til al were serued,

Bot Arthur would not eat until everything was served,

He wat3 so Ioly of his Ioyfnes, & sum-quat child gered,

He was so full of joy, and somewhat child-like,

His lif liked hym ly3t, he louied þe lasse

His life was like him; he loved the last.

nor would he long sit

nor would he sit long

Auþer to lenge lye, or to longe sitte,

Auþer to lie down for too long, or to sit for too long,

So bi-sied him his 3onge blod & his brayn wylde;

So he got his young blood and his wild brain;

& also anoþer maner meued him eke,

& also another manner moved him also,

Þat he þur3 nobelay had nomen, ho wolde neuer ete

Þat he þrugh nobility had chosen, he would never eat

Vpon such a dere day, er hym deuised were

Vpon such a dark day, before him were devised

until he had witnessed a "wondrous adventure" of some kind.

until he had experienced a "wondrous adventure" of some sort.

Of sum auenturus þyng an vncouþe tale,

Of a strange and unusual tale,

Of sum mayn meruayle, þat he my3t trawe,

Of such great miracles, that he might believe,

Of¹ alderes, of armes, of oþer auenturus,

Of alders, of arms, of other adventures,

Oþer sum segg hym bi-so3t of sum siker kny3t,

Oþer some guy talked to him about some certain knight,

To Ioyne wyth hym in iustyng in Iopardé to lay,

To join with him in justifying in Iopardé to lay,

Lede lif for lyf, leue vchon oþer,

Lived life for life, love each other,

As fortune wolde fulsun hom þe fayrer to haue.

As fortune would have it, she would be happier to have him.

100

Þis wat3 [þe] kynges countenaunce where he in court were,

At vch farand fest among his fre meny,

At the far end of the feast among his friends,

[Fol. 92b.]

in halle;

in Halle;

He of face so bold makes much mirth with all.

He has such a bold face that he brings a lot of joy to everyone.

Þer-fore of face so fere.

Therefore of face so fair.

104

He sti3tle3 stif in stalle,

He stayed still in stall,

Ful 3ep in þat nw 3ere,

Ful 3ep in that new year,

Much mirthe he mas with alle.

Much joy he made with all.

¹ Of of, in MS.

VI.

The king talks with his knights.

The king is speaking with his knights.

Thus þer stondes in stale þe stif kyng his-seluen,

Thus there stands in stillness the stiff king himself,

108

Talkkande bifore þe hy3e table of trifles ful hende

Gawayne,

Gawain,

There gode Gawan wat3 grayþed, Gwenore bisyde

There good Gawain was waiting, Guinevere beside.

Agravayn,

& Agrauayn a la dure mayn on þat oþer syde sittes

& Agrauayn on the hard main on that other side sits

Boþe þe kynges sister sunes, & ful siker kni3tes;

Both the king's sister's sons, and fully reliable knights;

Bishop Bawdewyn,

112

Bischop Bawdewyn abof bi-gine3 þe table,

Bishop Bawdewyn sat above the table,

and Ywain sit on the dais.

Ywain and the others sit on the platform.

& Ywan, Vryn son, ette wit hym-seluen;

& Ywan, Vryn's son, was with himself;

Þise were di3t on þe des, & derworþly serued,

& siþen mony siker segge at þe sidborde3.

The first course is served with cracking of trumpets.

The first course is served with the sound of trumpets.

116

Þen þe first cors come with crakkyng of trumpes,

Then the first course came with the cracking of trumpets,

Wyth mony baner ful bry3t, þat þer-bi henged,

Wyth many bright banners, that were hanging there,

Nwe nakryn noyse with þe noble pipes,

Wylde werbles & wy3t wakned lote,

120

Þat mony hert ful hi3e hef at her towches;

It consisted of all dainties in season.

It included all the seasonal treats.

Dayntes dryuen þer-wyth of ful dere metes,

Dayntes driven therewith of full dear meats,

Foysoun of þe fresche, & on so fele disches,

Foysoun of the fresh, & on so many dishes,

Þat pine to fynde þe place þe peple bi-forne

124

For to sette þe syluener,¹ þat sere sewes halden,

For to set the silver that holds those various colors,

on clothe;

on clothing;

Iche lede as he loued hym-selue

Iche led as he loved himself

Þer laght with-outen loþe,

There was a light without gloom,

Each two had dishes twelve,

Each pair had twelve dishes,

128

Ay two had disches twelue,

Ay two had dishes twelve,

good beer and bright wine both.

good beer and bright wine too.

Good ber, & bry3t wyn boþe.

Good beer, & bright wine both.

¹ svlueren (?) (dishes).

¹ silverware (?) (dishes).

VII.

There was no want of anything.

There was no lack of anything.

Now wyl I of hor seruise say yow no more,

Now I will tell you no more of their service,

For veh wy3e may wel wit no wont þat þer were;

For why we may well without any desire that there were;

Scarcely had the first course commenced,

As soon as the first course started,

132

An oþer noyse ful newe ne3ed biliue,

An other noise fully new needed quickly,

Þat þe lude my3t haf leue lif-lode to cach.

For vneþe wat3 þe noyce not a whyle sesed,

For he could hardly keep the noise from stopping for a moment,

& þe fyrst cource in þe court kyndely serued,

& the first course in the court kindly served,

when there rushes in at the hall-door a knight;

when a knight suddenly bursts in through the front door;

136

Þer hales in at þe halle dor an aghlich mayster,

Þer hales in at the hall door an awful master,

On þe most on þe molde on mesure hyghe;

On the most on the ground on measure high;

Fro þe swyre to þe swange so sware & so þik,

Fro the neck to the shoulder so strong & so thick,

the tallest on earth

the tallest on Earth

& his lyndes & his lymes so longe & so grete,

& his limbs & his body so long & so great,

[Fol. 93.]

140

Half etayn in erde I hope þat he were.

he must have been.

he must've been.

Bot mon most I algate mynn hym to bene,

& þat þe myriest in his muckel þat my3t ride;

& that the merriest in his might ride;

His back and breast were great,

His back and chest were impressive,

For of bak & of brest al were his bodi sturne,

For of back and of breast all were his body strong,

but his belly and waist were small.

but his belly and waist were slim.

144

Bot his wombe & his wast were worthily smale,

Bot his waist and his belly were quite small,

& alle his fetures fol3ande, in forme þat he hade,

& all his features following, in the shape that he had,

ful clene;

full clean;

For wonder of his hwe men hade,

For the wonder of his hue men had,

148

Set in his semblaunt sene;

Set in his seeming scene;

He ferde as freke were fade,

He rode like a warrior in battle,

& ouer-al enker grene.

VIII.

He was clothed entirely in green.

He was dressed completely in green.

Ande al grayþed in grene þis gome & his wedes,

And he wore a gray coat and green this man and his clothes,

152

A strayt cote ful stre3t, þat stek on his sides,

A fitted coat that clings tightly to his sides,

A mere mantile abof, mensked with-inne,

A mere mantle above, masked with inner,

With pelure pured apert þe pane ful clene,

With the skin peeled, opened the window wide and clean,

With blyþe blaunner ful bry3t, & his hod boþe,

With cheerful shining banner bright, & his hood both,

156

Þat wat3 la3t fro his lokke3, & layde on his schulderes

Heme wel haled, hose of þat same grene,

Heme well healed, hose of that same green,

His spurs were of bright gold.

His spurs were made of shiny gold.

Þat spenet on his sparlyr, & clene spures vnder,

Of bry3t golde, vpon silk bordes, barred ful ryche

Of bright gold, on silk borders, heavily adorned

160

& scholes vnder schankes, þere þe schalk rides;

& scholes under shanks, where the guy rides;

& alle his vesture uerayly wat3 clene verdure,

& all his clothing was truly clean and pure,

Boþe þe barres of his belt & oþer blyþe stones,

Boþe the bars of his belt & other bright stones,

Þat were richely rayled in his aray clene,

That were richly adorned in his clean attire,

His saddle was embroidered with birds and flies.

His saddle was decorated with images of birds and flies.

164

Aboutte hym-self & his sadel, vpon silk werke3,

About him-himself & his saddle, on silk works,

Þat were to tor for to telle of tryfles þe halue,

That would be too much to tell about trifles at half,

Þat were enbrauded abof, wyth bryddes & fly3es,

Þat were embroidered above, with birds & flies,

With gay gaudi of grene, þe golde ay in myddes;

With bright colors of green, the gold in the middle;

168

Þe pendauntes of his payttrure, þe proude cropure

Þe pendants of his pasture, the proud croupier

His molaynes, & alle þe metail anamayld was þenne

His molasses, and all the metal remained the same.

Þe steropes þat he stod on, stayned of þe same,

The stairs he stood on, stained with the same,

& his arsoun3 al after, & his aþel sturtes,

172

Þat euer glemered¹ & glent al of grene stones.

Þat euer glemered¹ & glent all of green stones.

The foal that he rode upon was green;

The foal he rode was inexperienced;

Þe fole þat he ferkkes on, fyn of þat ilke,

sertayn;

certain;

A grene hors gret & þikke,

A green horse, great and thick,

it was a steed full stiff to guide.

it was a horse that was very difficult to control.

176

A stede ful stif to strayne,

A place too rigid to stretch,

In brawden brydel quik,

In broad daylight quickly,

[Fol. 93b.]

To þe gome he wat3 ful gayn.

To the man, he seemed very cheerful.

¹ glemed (?).

IX.

Gaily was the knight attired.

The knight was dressed brightly.

Wel gay wat3 þis gome gered in grene,

180

& þe here of his hed of his hors swete;

& the hair of his head of his horse is sweet;

Fayre fannand fax vmbe-foldes his schulderes;

Fayre spread his shoulders wide;

His great beard, like a bush, hung on his breast.

His big beard, like a bush, hung on his chest.

A much berd as¹ a busk ouer his brest henges,

A large bird as big as a bus hovering over his chest hangs,

Þat wyth his hi3lich here, þat of his hed reches,

Þat wyth his highly hair, þat of his head reaches,

184

Wat3 euesed al vmbe-torne, a-bof his elbowes,

Þat half his armes þer vnder were halched in þe wyse

Þat half his arms there under were pulled in the way

Of a kynge3 capados, þat closes his swyre.

Of a king's cap that covers his neck.

The horse's mane was decked with golden threads.

The horse's mane was adorned with golden threads.

Þe mane of þat mayn hors much to hit lyke,

The mane of that mighty horse was much to its liking,

188

Wel cresped & cemmed wyth knottes ful mony,

Wel cresped & cemmed with many knots,

Folden in wyth fildore aboute þe fayre grene,

Folden in with flowers around the fair green,

Ay a herle of þe here, an oþer of golde;

Ay a herle of the hair, another of gold;

Its tail was bound with a green band.

Its tail was tied with a green band.

Þe tayl & his toppyng twynnen of a sute,

192

& bounden boþe wyth a bande of a bry3t grene,

& amp; bounden boþe wyth a bande of a bry3t grene,

Dubbed wyth ful dere stone3, as þe dok lasted,

Dubbed with full dear stones, as the document lasted,

Syþen þrawen wyth a þwong a þwarle knot alofte,

Sythen thrown with a thong a twirl knot aloft,

Þer mony belle3 ful bry3t of brende golde rungen.

Such a foal nor a knight were never before seen.

Neither a foal nor a knight had ever been seen before.

196

Such a fole vpon folde, ne freke þat hym rydes,

Such a fool upon a fool, nor a man that rides him,

Wat3 neuer sene in þat sale wyth sy3t er þat tyme,

with y3e;

with you;

He loked as layt so ly3t,

He looked as light as day,

200

So sayd al þat hym sy3e,

So said all that see him,

It seemed that no man might endure his dints.

It seemed that no man could withstand his blows.

Hit semed as no mon my3t,

Vnder his dyntte3 dry3e.

Under his thumb.

¹ as as, in MS.

as is, in MS.

X.

The knight carried neither spear nor shield,

The knight carried neither a spear nor a shield,

Wheþer hade he no helme ne hawb[e]rgh nauþer,

Wether he had no helmet nor shirt of mail either,

204

Ne no pysan, ne no plate þat pented to armes,

Ne no schafte, ne no schelde, to schwne ne to smyte,

In one hand was a holly bough,

In one hand was a holly branch,

Bot in his on honde he hade a holyn bobbe,

Þat is grattest in grene, when greue3 ar bare,

in the other an axe,

208

& an ax in his oþer, a hoge & vn-mete,

& an ax in his other, a huge & unmeasured,

A spetos sparþe to expoun in spelle quo-so my3t;

A spirit should explain in speech whatever it can.

Þe hede of an eln3erde þe large lenkþe hade,

Þe grayn al of grene stele & of golde hewen,

the edge of which was as keen as a sharp razor,

the edge of which was as sharp as a razor,

212

Þe bit burnyst bry3t, with a brod egge,

As wel schapen to schere as scharp rasores;

As well sheep to shear as sharp razors;

Þe stele of a stif staf þe sturne hit bi-grypte,

Þe stele of a stiff staff the stern it grasped,

[Fol. 94.]

Þat wat3 wounden wyth yrn to þe wande3 ende,

Þat wat3 wouden with iron to the wand's end,

and the handle was encased in iron, curiously "graven with green, in gracious works."

and the handle was wrapped in iron, interestingly "engraved with green, in elegant designs."

216

& al bigrauen with grene, in gracios¹ werkes;

& and all grandeur with green, in gracious works;

A lace lapped aboute, þat louked at þe hede,

A lace wrapped around, that looked at the head,

& so after þe halme halched ful ofte,

& so after the stalk has often been bent,

Wyth tryed tassele3 þerto tacched in-noghe,

Wyth tried to touch the tassel in the nog.

Thus arrayed the Green Knight enters the hall,

The Green Knight enters the hall like this,

220

On botoun3 of þe bry3t grene brayden ful ryche.

On button 3 of the bright green braid, fully rich.

Þis haþel helde3 hym in, & þe halle entres,

Driuande to þe he3e dece, dut he no woþe,

Driuande to the high deck, but he didn’t care,

without saluting any one.

without greeting anyone.

Haylsed he neuer one, bot he3e he ouer loked.

Haylsed he never one, but he looked over there.

224

Þe fyrst word þat he warp, "wher is," he sayd,

He asks for the "governor" of the company,

"Þe gouernour of þis gyng? gladly I wolde

"Who is the governor of this gang? I would gladly."

Se þat segg in sy3t, & with hym self speke

Se that said in sight, & with him self speak

raysoun."

raysoun.

228

To kny3te3 he kest his y3e,

To know, he kept his eye,

& reled hym vp & doun,

& and relaid him up & down,

and looks for the most renowned.

and searches for the most well-known.

He stemmed & con studie,

He stemmed and studied

Quo walt þer most renoun.

Quo is the most renowned there.

¹ looks like gracons in MS.

¹ looks like Graconns in MS.

XI.

Much they marvel to see a man and a horse

They are amazed to see a man and a horse.

232

Ther wat3 lokyng on lenþe, þe lude to be-holde,

For vch mon had meruayle quat hit mene my3t,

For each one had wondered what it meant,

Þat a haþel & a horse my3t such a hwe lach,

as green as grass.

As growe grene as þe gres & grener hit semed,

As green as the grass and even greener it seemed,

236

Þen grene aumayl on golde lowande bry3ter;

Þen grene aumayl on golde lowande brighter;

Al studied þat þer stod, & stalked hym nerre,

Al studied that there stood, and stalked him nearer,

Never before had they seen such a sight as this.

They had never seen anything like this before.

Wyth al þe wonder of þe worlde, what he worch schulde.

With all the wonders of the world, what should he create?

For fele sellye3 had þay sen, bot such neuer are,

For many wonders had they seen, but such never are,

240

For-þi for fantoum & fayry3e þe folk þere hit demed;

For the phantom and fairy that the people deemed there;

They were afraid to answer,

They were scared to respond,

Þer-fore to answare wat3 ar3e mony aþel freke,

& al stouned at his steuen, & stonstil seten,

& all stunned at his voice, & sat completely still,

and were as silent as if sleep had taken possession of them;

and were as quiet as if sleep had taken over them;

In a swoghe sylence þur3 þe sale riche

In a smooth silence through the rich hall

244

As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor lote3

As everyone drifted off to sleep, they relaxed their attitudes.

in hy3e;

I deme hit not al for doute,

I don't doubt it at all,

some from fear and others from courtesy.

some out of fear and others out of courtesy.

Bot sum for cortaysye,

Bot sum for courtesy,

248

Bot let hym þat al schulde loute,

Bot let him that all should bow,

Cast vnto þat wy3e.

Cast to that wise.

XII.

Arthur salutes the Green Knight.

Arthur greets the Green Knight.

Þenn Arþour bifore þe hi3 dece þat auenture byholde3,

Þenn Arthur stood before the high gate, watching the adventure unfold,

& rekenly hym reuerenced, for rad was he neuer,

& rekenly hem reuerenced, for rad was he neuer,

252

& sayde, "wy3e, welcum iwys to þis place,

& said, "well, welcome truly to this place,

[Fol. 94b.]
bids him welcome, and invites him to stay awhile.

[Fol. 94b.]
welcomes him and invites him to stay for a bit.

Þe hede of þis ostel Arthour I hat,

Li3t luflych adoun, & lenge, I þe praye,

& quat so þy wylle is, we schal wyt after."

& quat so þy wylle is, we schal wyt after.

The knight says that he will not tarry.

The knight says that he will not delay.

256

"Nay, as help me," quod þe haþel, "he þat on hy3e syttes,

"Nah, as help me," said the nobleman, "he who sits on high,

To wone any quyle in þis won, hit wat3 not myn ernde;

To win any argument in this situation, it was not my intent;

Bot for þe los of þe lede is lyft vp so hy3e,

& þy bur3 & þy burnes best ar holden,

260

Stifest vnder stel-gere on stedes to ryde,

Stirred under the starry sky, ready to ride,

He seeks the most valiant that he may prove him.

He is looking for the bravest person so he can test him.

Þe wy3test & þe worþyest of þe worldes kynde,

The wisest and the worthiest of the world's kind,

Preue for to play wyth in oþer pure layke3;

Previews for playing with other pure lakes;

& here is kydde cortaysye, as I haf herd carp,

& here is kids' courtesy, as I've heard it talked about,

264

& þat hat3 wayned me hider, I-wyis, at þis tyme.

& that has brought me here, truly, at this time.

3e may be seker bi þis braunch þat I bere here,

He comes in peace.

Þat I passe as in pes, & no ply3t seche;

For had I founded in fere, in fe3tyng wyse,

For had I found it in fear, in fettering wise,

At home, however, he has both shield and spear.

At home, though, he has both a shield and a spear.

268

I haue a hauberghe at home & a helme boþe,

I have a hauberk and a helmet at home,

A schelde, & a scharp spere, schinande bry3t,

A shield and a sharp spear, shining bright,

Ande oþer weppenes to welde, I wene wel als,

And other weapons to wield, I think so too,

Bot for I wolde no were, my wede3 ar softer.

272

Bot if þou be so bold as alle burne3 tellen,

Bot if thou be so bold as all burne3 tellen,

Þou wyl grant me godly þe gomen þat I ask,

bi ry3t."

Arthur assures him that he shall not fail to find an opponent worthy of him.

Arthur promises him that he will definitely find an opponent who is worthy of him.

Arthour con onsware,

Arthour responds,

276

& sayd, "sir cortays kny3t,

If þou craue batayl bare,

If you seek bare battle,

Here fayle3 þou not to fy3t."

Here fail you not to fight.

XIII.

"I seek no fight," says the knight.

"I don't want to fight," says the knight.

"Nay, frayst I no fy3t, in fayth I þe telle,

"Nay, I do not lie, I swear to you,"

"'Here are only beardless children.'

'Here are only kids without facial hair.'

280

Hit arn aboute on þis bench bot berdle3 chylder;

Hit arn aboute on this bench but berdeled children;

If I were hasped in armes on a he3e stede,

If I were strapped in armor on a high horse,

Here is no man to match me.

There is no one here who can compete with me.

Here is no mon me to mach, for my3te3 so¹ wayke.

Here is no man to match, for my might is so weak.

For-þy I craue in þis court a crystmas gomen,

For that reason, I request in this court a Christmas gift,

Here are brave ones many,

Here are many brave people,

284

For hit is 3ol & nwe 3er, & here ar 3ep mony;

For it is all and new there, and here are so many;

If any so hardy in þis hous holde3 hym-seluen,

If anyone is bold enough in this household to keep himself,

if any be bold enough to 'strike a stroke for another,'

if anyone is bold enough to 'take a stand for someone else,'

Be so bolde in his blod, brayn in hys hede,

Be so bold in his blood, brain in his head,

Þat dar stifly strike a strok for an oþer,

Þat dar stifly strike a stroke for another,

288

I schal gif hym of my gyft þys giserne ryche,

I will give him my gift, this rich treasure,

this axe shall be his;

this axe will be his;

Þis ax, þat is heué in-nogh, to hondele as hym lykes,

Þis ax, þat is heavy enough, to handle as him likes,

[Fol. 95.]

& I schal bide þe fyrst bur, as bare as I sitte.

& I will wait for the first blow, as bare as I sit.

If any freke be so felle to fonde þat I telle,

If any freak is so cruel to try what I say,

292

Lepe ly3tly me to, & lach þis weppen,

I quit clayme hit for euer, kepe hit as his auen,

I quit clayme hit for ever, keep it as his own,

but I shall give him a 'stroke' in return

but I will give him a 'stroke' in return

& I schal stonde hym a strok, stif on þis flet,

& I shall stand before him, stiff on this floor,

Elle3 þou wyl di3t me þe dom to dele hym an oþer,

296

barlay;

& 3et gif hym respite,

& 3et gif hymn respite,

within a twelvemonth and a day."

"within a year and a day."

A twelmonyth & a day;—

A year and a day;—

Now hy3e, & let se tite

Now hi there, & let’s see title

300

Dar any her-inne o3t say."

Dar any her-inne o3t say.

¹ MS. fo.

¹ MS. folio.

XIV.

Fear kept all silent.

Fear silenced everyone.

If he hem stowned vpon fyrst, stiller were þanne

If he stumbled upon first, smoother were then.

Alle þe hered-men in halle, þe hy3 & þe lo3e;

Alle the noblemen in hall, the high and the low;

The knight rolled his red eyes about,

The knight rolled his eyes dramatically,

Þe renk on his rounce hym ruched in his sadel,

304

& runisch-ly his rede y3en he reled aboute,

& he looked around with a glimmer in his eyes,

and bent his bristly green brows.

and furrowed his rough green eyebrows.

Bende his bresed bro3e3, bly-cande grene,

Bende his braided hair, bright candle green,

Waving his beard awhile, he exclaimed:

After shaking his beard for a moment, he exclaimed:

Wayued his berde for to wayte quo-so wolde ryse.

Wayued his beard to wait for whoever wanted to rise.

When non wolde kepe hym with carp he co3ed ful hy3e,

When he didn't want to keep quiet with his grumbling, he complained very loudly,

308

Ande rimed hym ful richley, & ry3t hym to speke:

And he rhymed him fully richly, and yet him to speak:

"What! is this Arthur's court?

"What! Is this Arthur's court?"

"What, is þis Arþures hous," quod þe haþel þenne,

"What, is this Arthur's house," said the nobleman then,

"Þat al þe rous rennes of, þur3 ryalmes so mony?

Þat al þe rous rennes of, þur3 ryalmes so mony?

Where is now your sourquydrye & your conquestes,

Where are now your sorrows and your conquests,

312

Your gry[n]del-layk, & your greme, & your grete wordes?

Your grendel-like, and your grime, and your great words?

Forsooth the renown of the Round Table is overturned 'with a word of one man's speech.'"

"Surely, the reputation of the Round Table can be changed with the words of just one man."

Now is þe reuel & þe renoun of þe rounde table

Now is the revelation and the renown of the round table.

Ouer-walt wyth a worde of on wy3es speche;

Ouer-wait with a word of one wise speech;

For al dares for drede, with-oute dynt schewed!"

For all fears of dread, without any blow showed!

316

Wyth þis he la3es so loude, þat þe lorde greued;

Wyth this he laughs so loudly, that the lord was annoyed;

Arthur blushes for shame.

Arthur blushes with embarrassment.

Þe blod schot for scham in-to his schyre face

The blood shot from shame into his pale face.

& lere;

He waxes as wroth as the wind.

He gets as angry as the wind.

He wex as wroth as wynde,

He was as angry as the wind,

320

So did alle þat þer were

So did all those that were there

Þe kyng as kene bi kynde,

Þen stod þat stif mon nere.

The tough man stood nearby.

XV.

He assures the knight that no one is afraid of his great words.

He tells the knight that no one is intimidated by his grand words.

Ande sayde, "haþel, by heuen þyn askyng is nys,

Ande said, "Hey, by heaven, your asking is nothing,

324

& as þou foly hat3 frayst, fynde þe be-houes;

& as thou folly hast fraught, find the behoves;

I know no gome þat is gast of þy grete wordes.

I know no one who is afraid of your great words.

Gif me now þy geserne, vpon gode3 halue,

& I schal bayþen þy bone, þat þou boden habbes."

& I shall pay you the penalty for what you have commanded.

[Fol. 95b.]

328

Ly3tly lepe3 he hym to, & la3t at his honde;

Þen feersly þat oþer freke vpon fote ly3tis.

Arthur seizes his axe.

Arthur grabs his axe.

Now hat3 Arthure his axe, & þe halme grype3,

Now Arthur has his axe, and the handle grips,

& sturnely sture3 hit aboute, þat stryke wyth hit þo3t.

& sturnely sture3 hit about, that strike with it though.

332

Þe stif mon hym bifore stod vpon hy3t,

Herre þen ani in þe hous by þe hede & more;

Her in the house by the head & more;

The knight, stroking his beard, awaits the blow, and with a "dry countenance" draws down his coat.

The knight, stroking his beard, waits for the blow, and with a "dry face" pulls down his coat.

Wyth sturne schere¹ þer he stod, he stroked his berde,

& wyth a countenaunce dry3e he dro3 doun his cote,

& with a face pale he pulled down his coat,

336

No more mate ne dismayd for hys mayn dinte3,

No more worries about his main damage,

Þen any burne vpon bench hade bro3t hym to drynk

Then any man on the bench had brought him to drink.

of wyne,

of wine,

Sir Gawayne beseeches the king to let him undertake the blow.

Sir Gawayne asks the king for permission to take the blow.

Gawan, þat sate bi þe quene,

Gawan, that sat by the queen,

340

To þe kyng he can enclyne,

To the king, he can incline,

"I be-seche now with sa3e3 sene,

"I beseech now with sage sense,"

Þis melly mot be myne."

"This meal must be mine."

¹ chere (?).

chère (?).

XVI.

"Wolde 3e, worþilych lorde," quod Gawan to þe kyng,

"Wolde thee, worthy lord," said Gawain to the king,

He asks permission to leave the table; he says,

He asks to be excused from the table; he says,

344

"Bid me bo3e fro þis benche, & stonde by yow þere,

"Ask me to get off this bench, and stand by you there,"

Þat I wyth-oute vylanye my3t voyde þis table,

Þat I without malice might void this table,

& þat my legge lady lyked not ille,

& that my lady liked it not poorly,

I wolde com to your counseyl, bifore your cort ryche.

I would come to your counsel, before your court rich.

it is not meet that Arthur should be active in the matter,

It wouldn't be appropriate for Arthur to be involved in this matter.

348

For me þink hit not semly, as hit is soþ knawen,

For me, I don't think it's fitting, as it is truly known,

Þer such an askyng is heuened so hy3e in your sale,

Þer such an asking is heavened so high in your sale,

Þa33e 3our-self be talenttyf to take hit to your-seluen,

while so many bold ones sit upon bench.

while so many brave individuals sit on the bench.

Whil mony so bolde yow aboute vpon bench sytten,

Whwhile many so boldly sit around you on the bench,

352

Þat vnder heuen, I hope, non ha3er er of wylle,

Ne better bodyes on bent, þer baret is rered;

Although the weakest, he is quite ready to meet the Green Knight.

Even though he’s the weakest, he is prepared to face the Green Knight.

I am þe wakkest, I wot, and of wyt feblest,

I am the weakest, I know, and of the dullest mind,

& lest lur of my lyf, quo laytes þe soþe,

356

Bot for as much as 3e ar myn em, I am only to prayse,

No bounté bot your blod I in my bodé knowe;

No bounty but your blood I in my body know;

& syþen þis note is so nys, þat no3t hit yow falles,

& since this note is so nice, that it doesn't affect you,

& I haue frayned hit at yow fyrst, folde3 hit to me,

& I have asked you about it first, fold it to me,

360

360°

& if I carp not comlyly, let alle þis cort rych,

& if I don't complain politely, let all this court be rich,

bout blame."

bout blame.

The nobles entreat Arthur to "give Gawayne the game."

The nobles urge Arthur to "give Gawayne the game."

Ryche to-geder con roun,

Ryche together can run,

& syþen þay redden alle same,

& then they all read together,

364

To ryd þe kyng wyth croun,

To ride the king with crown,

& gif Gawan þe game.

& gif Play the game.

XVII.

[Fol. 96.]

Þen comaunded þe kyng þe kny3t for to ryse;

& he ful radly vp ros, & ruchched hym fayre,

& he fully rose up, & rushed to him fast,

The king gives his nephew his weapon,

The king gives his nephew his weapon, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.

368

Kneled doun bifore þe kyng, & cache3 þat weppen;

Kneeled down before the king, and caught that weapon;

& he luflyly hit hym laft, & lyfte vp his honde,

& he lovingly hit him last, & lifted up his hand,

& gef hym godde3 blessyng, & gladly hym biddes

and tells him to keep heart and hand steady.

and advises him to stay strong and focused.

Þat his hert & his honde schulde hardi be boþe.

That both his heart and his hand should be strong.

372

"Kepe þe cosyn," quod þe kyng, "þat þou on kyrf sette,

"Keep the cousin," said the king, "that you put in the curve

& if þou rede3 hym ry3t, redly I trowe,

& if you read him right, I truly believe,

Þat þou schal byden þe bur þat he schal bede after.

Gawan got3 to þe gome, with giserne in honde,

Gawan went to the home, with a sword in hand,

376

& he baldly hym byde3, he bayst neuer þe helder

& he boldly bids him, he never buys the brighter

The Green Knight enquires the name of his opponent.

The Green Knight asks for the name of his opponent.

Þen carppe3 to sir Gawan þe kny3t in þe grene,

"Refourme we oure for-wardes, er we fyrre passe.

"Reform our ways before we go too far."

Fyrst I eþe þe, haþel, how þat þou hattes,

380

Þat þou me telle truly, as I tryst may?"

Þat þou me tell truly, as I trust may?

Sir Gawayne tells him his name, and declares that he is willing to give and receive a blow.

Sir Gawayne tells him his name and states that he is ready to give and take a blow.

"In god fayth," quod þe goode kny3t, "Gawan I hatte,

"In good faith," said the good knight, "I am called Gawain,

Þat bede þe þis buffet, quat-so bi-falle3 after,

That asks what this buffoonery is, whatever happens after,

& at þis tyme twelmonyth take at þe anoþer,

& at this time twelve months take at the other,

384

Wyth what weppen so¹ þou wylt, & wyth no wy3 elle3,

Wyth what weapon so¹ thou wilt, & with no one else,

on lyue."

on lyue.

Þat oþer on-sware3 agayn,

That other response again,

"Sir Gawan, so mot I þryue,

"Sir Gawan, so much I strive,

The other thereof is glad.

The other is happy.

388

As I am ferly fayn.

As I am really happy.

Þis dint þat þou schal dryue."

Þis dint þat þou schal dryve."

¹ MS. fo.

¹ MS. fol.

XVIII.

"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,

"It makes me happy, Sir Gawayne," says the Green Knight, "that I'll take a hit from your fist; but you must promise that you'll come looking for me,

"Bigog," quod þe grene kny3t, "sir Gawan, melykes,

"Bigog," said the green knight, "Sir Gawain, milk,

Þat I schal fange at þy fust þat I haf frayst here;

Þat I shall grab at your first that I have tried here;

392

& þou hat3 redily rehersed, bi resoun ful trwe,

Clanly al þe couenaunt þat I þe kynge asked,

Clanly all the covenant that I the king asked,

Saf þat þou schal siker me, segge, bi þi trawþe,

Þat þou schal seche me þi-self, where-so þou hopes

396

I may be funde vpon folde, & foch þe such wages

I may be found upon the land, and receive such wages

to receive the blow in return."

"to take the hit in return."

As þou deles me to day, bifore þis douþe ryche."

As you share with me today, before this great company.

"Where shall I seek thee?" says Sir Gawayne;

"Where should I look for you?" says Sir Gawayne;

"Where schulde I wale þe," quod Gauan, "where is þy place?

"Where should I choose to go," said Gawain, "where is your place?

I wot neuer where þou wonyes, bi hym þat me wro3t,

I don’t know where you are, by the one who made me.

400

Ne I know not þe, kny3t, þy cort, ne þi name.

I don't know you, knight, your court, or your name.

"tell me thy name and abode and I will find thee."

"Tell me your name and where you live, and I will find you."

Bot teche me truly þer-to, & telle me howe þou hattes,

Bot teche me truly about that, and tell me how you feel,

& I schal ware alle my wyt to wynne me þeder,

& I shall use all my wit to win me there,

[Fol. 96b.]

& þat I swere þe for soþe, & by my seker traweþ."

& that I swear to you for sure, & by my secure truth."

404

"Þat is in-nogh in nwe 3er, hit nedes no more,"

"That's enough for the new year; it doesn't need anything more,"

Quod þe gome in þe grene to Gawan þe hende,

Quod the man in the green to Gawan the courteous,

"When thou hast smitten me," says the knight, "then tell I thee of my home and name;

"When you have struck me," says the knight, "then I will tell you about my home and name;

"3if I þe telle trwly, quen I þe tape haue,

"3if I tell you the truth, when I have the chance,"

& þou me smoþely hat3 smyten, smartly I þe teche

& þou me smoothly have struck, sharply I will teach you

408

Of my hous, & my home, & myn owen nome,

Of my house, & my home, & my own name,

Þen may þou frayst my fare, & forwarde3 holde,

if I speak not at all, so much the better for thee.

If I don’t say anything, it’s better for you.

& if I spende no speche, þenne spede3 þou þe better,

& if I spend no speech, then you do the better,

For þou may leng in þy londe, & layt no fyrre,

For you may stay in your land, and not go any further,

412

bot slokes;

bot smokes;

Take now thy grim tool, and let us see how thou knockest."

"Now take your grim tool, and let's see how you knock."

Ta now þy grymme tole to þe,

& let se how þou cnoke3."

& let se how þou cnoke3.

"Gladly sir, for soþe,"

"Gladly, sir, for sure,"

416

Quod Gawan; his ax he strokes.

Gawan sharpens his axe.

XIX.

The Green Knight

The grene kny3t vpon grounde grayþely hym dresses,

The green knight stood on the ground, dressed elegantly.

A littel lut with þe hede, þe lere he discouere3,

A little lit with the head, the leer he discovers,

puts his long lovely locks aside and lays bare his neck.

puts his long, beautiful hair aside and exposes his neck.

His longe louelych lokke3 he layd ouer his croun.

His long, lovely locks he laid over his crown.

420

Let þe naked nec to þe note schewe.

Let the naked body show the message.

Gauan gripped to his ax, & gederes hit on hy3t,

Gauan gripped his axe tightly, and gederes hit on high.

Þe kay fot on þe folde he be-fore sette,

Sir Gawayne lets fall his axe

Sir Gawayne drops his axe.

Let hit doun ly3tly ly3t on þe naked,

Let hit down lightly let on the naked,

424

Þat þe scharp of þe schalk schyndered þe bones,

and severs the head from the body.

and cuts off the head from the body.

& schrank þur3 þe schyire grece, & scade hit in twynne,

& schrank through the shiny grease, & split it in two,

Þat þe bit of þe broun stel bot on þe grounde.

Þat þe bit of þe brown steel bot on þe grounde.

The head falls to the earth.

The head drops to the ground.

Þe fayre hede fro þe halce hit [felle] to þe erþe,

Þe fair head from the altar fell to the ground,

Many kick it aside with their feet.

Many kick it away with their feet.

428

Þat fele hit foyned wyth her fete, þere hit forth roled;

Þe blod brayd fro þe body, þat blykked on þe grene;

Þe blood sprayed from the body, that glistened on the green;

The knight never falters;

The knight never wavers;

& nawþer faltered ne fel þe freke neuer þe helder,

& neither faltered nor felt the warrior ever the bolder,

Bot styþly he start forth vpon styf schonkes,

he rushes forth, seizes his head,

he rushes forward, grabs his head,

432

& ru[n]yschly he ra3t out, þere as renkke3 stoden,

La3t to his lufly hed, & lyft hit vp sone;

Laid to his lovely head, and lifted it up soon;

& syþen bo3e3 to his blonk, þe brydel he cachche3,

& then he leaped to his horse, the bridle he caught,

steps into the saddle,

gets on the saddle,

Steppe3 in to stel bawe & stryde3 alofte,

Step into the stillness and stride confidently.

holding the while the head in his hand by the hair,

holding the head in his hand by the hair,

436

& his hede by þe here in his honde halde3;

& he holds his head by the hair in his hand;

& as sadly þe segge hym in his sadel sette,

& as sadly the man himself in his saddle sat,

As non vnhap had hym ayled, þa3 hedle3 he¹ we[re],

in stedde;

instead;

and turns his horse about.

and turns his horse around.

440

He brayde his bluk² aboute,

He bragged about his bulk,

[Fol. 97.]

Þat vgly bodi þat bledde,

That ugly body that bled,

Moni on of hym had doute,

Moni had doubt,

Bi þat his resoun3 were redde.

By that, his reason was clear.

¹ MS. ho. ² blunk (?).

¹ Miss. ho. ² blunk (?).

XX.

444

For þe hede in his honde he halde3 vp euen,

For he held the head in his hand up high,

The head lifts up its eyelids,

The head raises its eyelids,

To-ward þe derrest on þe dece he dresse3 þe face,

To the dearest on the day, he dresses the face,

& hit lyfte vp þe y3e-lydde3, & loked ful brode,

& hit lifted up the eyelids, & looked very wide,

and addresses Sir Gawayne; "Look thou, be ready to go as thou hast promised,

and addresses Sir Gawayne; "Look, be ready to go as you promised,

& meled þus much with his muthe, as 3e may now here.

& he struck us hard with his mouth, just as you may hear now.

448

"Loke, Gawan, þou be grayþe to go as þou hette3,

"Loke, Gawan, you are ready to go as you promised,"

& layte as lelly til þou me, lude, fynde,

and seek till thou findest me.

and keep looking until you find me.

As þou hat3 hette in þis halle, herande þise kny3tes;

As you have been called in this hall, listening to these knights;

Get thee to the Green Chapel,

Get yourself to the Green Chapel,

To þe grene chapel þou chose, I charge þe to fotte,

To the green chapel you chose, I urge you to go.

452

Such a dunt as þou hat3 dalt disserued þou habbe3,

Such a punishment as you deserve, you shall have.

there to receive a blow on New Year's morn.

there to get hit on New Year's morning.

To be 3ederly 3olden on nw 3eres morn;

To be 3ederly 3olden on new 3eres morn;

Þe kny3t of þe grene chapel men knowen me mony;

Þe kny3t of þe grene chapel men know me well;

Fail thou never;

Never fail;

For-þi me forto fynde if þou frayste3, fayle3 þou neuer,

For this reason, I want to find out if you’re afraid, you’ll never fail.

come, or recreant be called."

come, or be called coward."

456

Þer-fore com, oþer recreaunt be calde þe be-houeus."

Þer-fore come, other recreation be called the behooves.

With a runisch rout þe rayne3 he torne3,

With a twisted crowd, the rain he turns,

The Green Knight then rushes out of the hall, his head in his hand.

The Green Knight then charges out of the hall, holding his head in his hand.

Halled out at þe hal-dor, his hed in his hande,

Halled out at the hall door, his head in his hand,

Þat þe fyr of þe flynt fla3e fro fole houes.

That the fire of the flint blazed from horse houses.

460

To quat kyth he be-com, knwe non þere,

To quat kyth he became, knew none there,

Neuermore þen þay wyste fram queþen he wat3 wonnen;

Neuermore than they knew from when he was living;

what þenne?

what then?

Þe kyng & Gawen þare,

The king & Gawen there,

At that green one Arthur and Gawayne "laugh and grin."

At that green one, Arthur and Gawayne "laugh and smile."

464

At þat grene þay la3e & grenne,

At that green they laugh and grin,

3et breued wat3 hit ful bare,

A meruayl among þo menne.

A miracle among the men.

XXI.

Arthur addresses the queen:

Arthur speaks to the queen:

Þa3 Arþer þe hende kyng at hert hade wonder,

468

He let no semblaunt be sene, bot sayde ful hy3e

He let no resemblance be seen, but said very loudly.

To þe comlych quene, wyth cortays speche,

To the lovely queen, with courteous speech,

"Dear dame, be not dismayed; such marvels well become the Christmas festival;

"Dear lady, don’t be upset; such wonders are fitting for the Christmas festival;

"Dere dame, to day demay yow neuer;

"Dare them, today they may you never;"

Wel by-commes such craft vpon cristmasse,

Wel by-comes such craft vpon cristmasse,

472

Laykyng of enterlude3, to la3e & to syng.

Layking of interlude3, to laze & to sing.

Among þise, kynde caroles of kny3te3 & ladye3;

Among these, kind songs of knights and ladies;

I may now go to meat.

I can now go eat.

Neuer-þe-lece to my mete I may me wel dres,

For I haf sen a selly, I may not for-sake."

For I have seen something strange, I cannot abandon it.

476

He glent vpon sir Gawen, & gaynly he sayde,

He looked at Sir Gawain and boldly said,

Sir Gawayne, hang up thine axe.

Sir Gawayne, put down your axe.

"Now sir, heng vp þyn ax, þat hat3 in-nogh hewen."

"Now sir, hang up your axe, that’s more than enough."

[Fol. 97b.]

& hit wat3 don abof þe dece, on doser to henge,

Þer alle men for meruayl my3t on hit loke,

480

& bi trwe tytel þer-of to telle þe wonder.

The king and his knights sit feasting at the board till day is ended.

The king and his knights are feasting at the table until the day is done.

Þenne þay bo3ed to a borde þise burnes to-geder,

Þe kyng & þe gode kny3t, & kene men hem serued

Of alle dayntye3 double, as derrest my3t falle,

Of all the fine things, as dear might fall,

484

Wyth alle maner of mete & mynstralcie boþe;

Wit all kinds of food & music both;

Wyth wele walt þay þat day, til worþed an ende,

Wyth wele walt they that day, til worþed an ende,

in londe.

in London.

Now beware, Sir Gawayne, lest thou fail to seek the adventure that thou hast taken in hand.

Now be careful, Sir Gawayne, so you don't fail to pursue the adventure you've embarked on.

Now þenk wel, sir Gawan,

Now think well, Sir Gawain,

488

For woþe þat þou ne wonde,

For sure that you didn’t wonder,

Þis auenture forto frayn,

This adventure to ask,

Þat þou hat3 tan on honde.

[FYTTE THE SECOND.]

I.

This marvel serves to keep up a brisk conversation in Court.

This amazing tool helps maintain a lively conversation in Court.

This hanselle hat3 Arthur of auenturus on fyrst,

This hansellee hat3 Arthur of adventures at first,

492

In 3onge 3er, for he 3erned 3elpyng to here,

Tha3 hym worde3 were wane, when þay to sete wenten;

Now ar þay stoken of sturne werk staf-ful her hond.

Now they are struck by the harsh work of the staff in their hands.

Gawan wat3 glad to be-gynne þose gomne3 in halle,

Gawan was glad to be in those games in the hall,

496

Bot þa3 þe ende be heuy, haf 3e no wonder;

For þa3 men ben mery in mynde, quen þay han mayn drynk,

For those men, they are merry in mind when they have plenty to drink,

The year passes full quickly and never returns.

The year goes by fast and never comes back.

A 3ere 3ernes ful 3erne, & 3elde3 neuer lyke,

Þe forme to þe fynisment folde3 ful selden.

The way to the final destination is rarely straightforward.

500

For-þi þis 3ol ouer-3ede, & þe 3ere after,

For this year of joy, and the year after,

& vche sesoun serlepes sued after oþer;

After Christmas comes the "crabbed Lenten."

After Christmas comes the "grumpy Lent."

After crysten-masse com þe crabbed lentoun,

After crystal mass came the crabbed Lenten season,

Þat frayste3 flesch wyth þe fysche & fode more symple

504

Bot þenne þe weder of þe worlde wyth wynter hit þrepe3,

Spring sets in and warm showers descend;

Spring arrives, and warm rains fall;

Colde clenge3 adoun, cloude3 vp-lyften,

Cold cleaning done, clouds uplifted,

Schyre schede3 þe rayn in schowre3 ful warme,

Schyra shed the rain in showers full warm,

Falle3 vpon fayre flat, flowre3 þere schewen,

Fallen upon fair fields, flowers there bloomed,

the groves become green,

the trees turn green,

508

Boþe grounde3 & þe greue3 grene ar her wede3,

Boþe ground and the grove green are her weeds,

birds build and sing,

birds create nests and sing,

Brydde3 busken to bylde, & bremlych syngen,

for joy of the summer that follows;

for the joy of the summer that comes next;

For solace of þe softe somer þat sues þer after,

For the comfort of the gentle summer that follows,

bi bonk;

bi billy

blossoms begin to bloom,

flowers start to bloom,

512

& blossume3 bolne to blowe,

& and bloom to blow,

Bi rawe3 rych & ronk,

and noble notes are heard in the woods

and beautiful sounds can be heard in the woods

Þen note3 noble in-no3e,

The note is noble.

[Fol. 98]

Ar herde in wod so wlonk.

II.

Then the soft winds of summer,

Then the gentle summer breezes,

516

After þe sesoun of somer wyth þe soft wynde3,

After the season of summer with the soft winds,

Quen 3eferus syfle3 hym-self on sede3 & erbe3,

beautiful are the flowers wet with dew-drops.

The flowers are beautiful, covered in dew drops.

Wela-wynne is þe wort þat woxes þer-oute.

Wela-wynne is the herb that grows there.

When þe donkande dewe drope3 of þe leue3,

When the heavy dew drops from the leaves,

520

To bide a blysful blusch of þe bry3t sunne.

To wait for a joyful blush of the bright sun.

But harvest approaches soon,

But harvest is coming soon,

Bot þen hy3es heruest, & hardenes hym sone.

Bot then hights harvest, & hardens him soon.

Warne3 hym for þe wynter to wax ful rype;

Warne3 hymn for the winter to become fully ripe;

and drives the dust about.

and stirs up the dust.

He dryues wyth dro3t þe dust for to ryse.

He drives with force to raise the dust.

524

Fro þe face of þe folde to fly3e ful hy3e;

Flee high from the surface of the earth;

Wroþe wynde of þe welkyn wrastele3 with þe sunne,

Wroth wind of the sky wrestles with the sun,

The leaves drop off the trees,

The leaves fall from the trees,

Þe leue3 lancen fro þe lynde, & ly3ten on þe grounde,

the grass becomes gray, and all ripens and rots.

the grass turns gray, and everything matures and decays.

& al grayes þe gres, þat grene wat3 ere;

& all grayes the grass, that green was there;

528

Þenne al rype3 & rote3 þat ros vpon fyrst,

Þenne all ripe and rotten that rose upon first,

& þus 3irne3 þe 3ere in 3isterdaye3 mony,

Winter winds round again,

Winter winds return again,

& wynter wynde3 a3ayn, as þe worlde aske3

no sage.

no wisdom.

532

Til me3el-mas mone,

Until I see the money,

Wat3 cumen wyth wynter wage;

Wat3 comin' with winter paycheck;

and then Sir Gawayne thinks of his dread journey.

Then Sir Gawayne thinks about his scary journey.

Þen þenkke3 Gawan ful sone,

Then think Gawain full soon,

Of his anious uyage.

Of his anxious voyage.

III.

On All-hallows day Arthur makes a feast for his nephew's sake.

On Halloween, Arthur throws a feast for his nephew.

536

3et quyl al-hal-day with Arþer he lenges,

& he made a fare on þat fest, for þe freke3 sake,

&he made a fare on that feast, for the guy's sake,

With much reuel & ryche of þe rounde table;

With much revel & riches of the round table;

Kny3te3 ful cortays & comlych ladies,

Kny3te3 fully courteous & lovely ladies,

540

Al for luf of þat lede in longynge þay were,

Al for love of that lead in longing they were,

Bot neuer-þe-lece ne þe later þay neuened bot merþe,

Mony ioyle3 for þat ientyle iape3 þer maden.

Mony enjoy for that gentle joke there made.

After meat, Sir Gawayne thus speaks to his uncle:

After the meal, Sir Gawayne said this to his uncle:

For aftter mete, with mournyng he mele3 to his eme,

For after meeting, with mourning he turned to his mother,

544

& speke3 of his passage, & pertly he sayde,

& he spoke of his journey, & boldly he said,

"Now, liege lord, I ask leave of you,

"Now, my lord, I ask for your permission,

"Now, lege lorde of my lyf, leue I yow ask;

"Now, dear lord of my life, I leave you to ask;"

3e knowe þe cost of þis cace, kepe I no more

3e know the cost of this case, I won't keep it any longer.

To telle yow tene3 þer-of neuer bot trifel;

To tell you about this never but terrible;

for I am bound on the morn to seek the Green Knight."

"For I have to set out in the morning to find the Green Knight."

548

Bot I am boun to þe bur barely to morne,

But I am bound to the bar barely tomorrow,

To sech þe gome of þe grene, as god wyl me wysse."

To seek the man of the green, as God will guide me.

Þenne þe best of þe bur3 bo3ed to-geder,

Þen the best of the bunch bonded together,

Aywan, & Errik, & oþer ful mony,

Aywan, & Errik, & other full many,

[Fol. 98b.]

552

Sir Doddinaual de Sauage, þe duk of Clarence,

Sir Doddinaual de Sauage, the Duke of Clarence,

Launcelot, & Lyonel, & Lucan þe gode,

Launcelot, Lyonel, and Lucan the good,

Sir Boos, & sir Byduer, big men boþe,

Many nobles, the best of the court, counsel and comfort him.

Many nobles, the finest of the court, advise and reassure him.

& mony oþer menskful, with Mador de la Port.

& many other men, with Mador de la Port.

556

Alle þis compayny of court com þe kyng nerre,

For to counseyl þe kny3t, with care at her hert;

For to counsel the knight, with care at her heart;

Much sorrow prevails in the hall.

There is a lot of sadness in the hall.

Þere wat3 much derue¹ doel driuen in þe sale,

Þat so worthe as Wawan schulde wende on þat ernde,

560

To dry3e a delful dynt, & dele no more

To create a delightful sound and share no more.

wyth bronde.

with a bronzed tone.

Þe kny3t mad ay god chere,

The knight made a good cheer,

& sayde, "quat schuld I wonde,

& said, "What should I wonder,

Gawayne declares that he has nothing to fear.

Gawayne states that he has nothing to fear.

564

Of destines derf & dere,

Of fates dark & dire,

What may mon do bot fonde?"

What can I do about that?

¹ derne (?).

derne (?).

IV.

On the morn he asks for his arms.

In the morning, he asks for his weapons.

He dowelle3 þer al þat day, and dresse3 on þe morn,

He stayed there all day, and got ready in the morning,

Aske3 erly hys arme3, & alle were þay bro3t

A carpet is spread on the floor,

A carpet is laid out on the floor,

568

Fyrst a tule tapit, ty3t ouer þe flet,

& miche wat3 þe gyld gere þat glent þer alofte;

&miche wat3 þe gyld gere þat glent þer alofte;

and he steps thereon.

and he steps on it.

Þe stif mon steppe3 þeron, & þe stel hondole3,

He is dubbed in a doublet of Tarsic silk, and a well-made hood.

He is dressed in a doublet made of Tarsic silk and a well-crafted hood.

Dubbed in a dublet of a dere tars,

Dubbed in a doublet of a deer’s fur,

572

& syþen a crafty capados, closed aloft,

& then a clever hood, closed up high,

Þat wyth a bry3t blaunner was bounden with-inne;

They set steel slices on his feet, and lap his legs in steel greaves.

They placed steel plates on his feet and wrapped his legs in steel greaves.

Þenne set þay þe sabatoun3 vpon þe segge fote3,

His lege3 lapped in stel with luflych greue3,

His legs lapped in steel with lovely green,

576

With polayne3 piched þer-to, policed ful clene,

With polished stones picked for it, cleaned up perfectly,

Aboute his kne3 knaged wyth knote3 of golde;

Abou his knee knotted with notes of gold;

Fair cuisses enclose his thighs,

Fair thighs enclose his thighs,

Queme quyssewes þen, þat coyntlych closed

Queme quyssewes then, that cleverly closed

His thik þrawen þy3e3 with þwonges to-tachched;

His thick throat was touched with twitches;

and afterwards they put on the steel habergeon,

and afterward they put on the steel hauberk,

580

& syþen þe brawden bryne of bry3t stel rynge3,

Vmbe-weued þat wy3, vpon wlonk stuffe;

well-burnished braces, elbow pieces, and gloves of plate.

well-polished braces, elbow guards, and plate gloves.

& wel bornyst brace vpon his boþe armes,

With gode cowters & gay, & gloue3 of plate,

With good armor and bright, & gloves of metal,

584

& alle þe godlych gere þat hym gayn schulde

& all the godly gear that him gain should

Þat tyde;

That’s an indicator;

Over all this is placed the coat armour.

Above all this, the coat of arms is displayed.

Wyth ryche cote armure,

With rich armor,

His spurs are then fixed,

His spurs are then attached,

His gold spore3 spend with pryde,

His gold spore3 spend with pride,

and his sword is attached to his side by a silken girdle.

and his sword is fastened to his side with a silk belt.

588

Gurde wyth a bront ful sure,

Gurged with a strong storm,

With silk sayn vmbe his syde.

With silk, say in his side.

V.

[Fol. 99a.]
Thus arrayed the knight hears mass,

[Fol. 99a.] Dressed like this, the knight attends mass,

When he wat3 hasped in armes, his harnays wat3 ryche,

When he walked in armor, his gear was rich,

Þe lest lachet ou[þ]er loupe lemed of golde;

Þe lest lachet ouþer loupe lemed of golde;

592

So harnayst as he wat3 he herkne3 his masse,

So earnest as he was, he listened to his mass,

Offred & honoured at þe he3e auter;

Offred & honored at the high altar;

and afterwards takes leave of Arthur and his court.

and then says goodbye to Arthur and his court.

Syþen he come3 to þe kyng & to his cort fere3,

Syþen he came to the king and to his court,

Lache3 lufly his leue at lorde3 & ladye3;

Lache3 lufly his leave at lorde3 & ladye3;

596

& þay hym kyst & conueyed, bikende hym to kryst.

& they kissed him & led him, confessing him to Christ.

By that time his horse Gringolet was ready,

By that time, his horse Gringolet was prepared,

Bi þat wat3 Gryngolet grayth, & gurde with a sadel,

Þat glemed ful gayly with mony golde frenges,

That glittered very brightly with many golden fringes,

Ay quere naylet ful nwe for þat note ryched;

600

Þe brydel barred aboute, with bry3t golde bounden;

Þe brydel barred aboute, with bright gold bounden;

the harness of which glittered like the "gleam of the sun."

the harness of which shone like the "glare of the sun."

Þe apparayl of þe payttrure, & of þe proude skyrte3,

Þe cropore, & þe couertor, acorded wyth þe arsoune3;

The body and the covering agreed with the argument.

& al wat3 rayled on red ryche golde nayle3,

& amp; all that railed on red rich gold nails,

604

Þat al glytered & glent as glem of þe sunne.

That all glittered and shone like the glow of the sun.

Then Sir Gawayne sets his helmet upon his head,

Then Sir Gawayne puts his helmet on his head,

Þenne hentes he þe holme, & hastily hit kysses,

Then he grabs the holm and quickly kisses it,

Þat wat3 stapled stifly, & stoffed wyth-inne:

Hit wat3 hy3e on his hede, hasped bihynde,

fastened behind with a "urisoun,"

608

Wyth a ly3tli vrysoun ouer þe auentayle,

With a little version over the eventail,

richly embroidered with gems.

embroidered with gems.

Enbrawden & bounden wyth þe best gemme3,

Enbrawden & bound with the best gems,

On brode sylkyn borde, & brydde3 on seme3,

On a silk cloth spread out, and a bird on a branch,

As papiaye3 paynted pernyng bitwene,

As papiaye3 painted something between,

612

Tortors & trulofe3 entayled so þyk,

As mony burde þer aboute had ben seuen wynter

As many birds there about had been seven winter

in toune;

in tune

The circle around the helmet was decked with diamonds.

The circle around the helmet was adorned with diamonds.

Þe cercle wat3 more o prys,

616

Þat vmbe-clypped hys croun,

That crowned him,

Of diamaunte3 a deuys,

Of diamond days,

Þat boþe were bry3t & broun.

Þat boþe were bright & brown.

VI.

Then they show him his shield with the "pentangle" of pure gold.

Then they show him his shield with the "pentangle" made of pure gold.

Then þay schewed hym þe schelde, þat was of schyr goule3,

Then they showed him the shield, which was of bright gold,

620

Wyth þe pentangel de-paynt of pure golde hwe3;

Wyth the pentangle depicted in pure gold color;

He brayde3 hit by þe baude-ryk, aboute þe hals kestes,

He grabbed it by the neck, around the collar.

Þat bisemed þe segge semlyly fayre.

That pleased the man very much.

The "pentangle" was devised by Solomon as a token of truth.

The "pentangle" was created by Solomon as a symbol of truth.

& quy þe pentangel apende3 to þat prynce noble,

& amp; quy þe pentangel apende3 to þat prynce noble,

624

I am in tent yow to telle, þof tary hyt me schulde;

I am intent on telling you, even if it takes me a while;

Hit is a syngne þat Salamon set sum-quyle,

Hit is a sign that Solomon set sometime,

In bytoknyng of trawþe, bi tytle þat hit habbe3,

[Fol. 99b]

For hit is a figure þat halde3 fyue poynte3,

For it is a figure that holds five points,

628

& vche lyne vmbe-lappe3 & louke3 in oþer,

It is called the endless knot

It's known as the endless knot.

& ay quere hit is endele3,¹ & Englych hit callen

Ouer-al, as I here, þe endeles knot.

Ouer-al, as I here, þe endles knot.

For-þy hit acorde3 to þis kny3t, & to his cler arme3,

For that it applies to this knight, and to his clear arms,

632

For ay faythful in fyue & sere fyue syþe3,

For a faithful in five and several five times,

It well becomes the good Sir Gawayne,

It suits the good Sir Gawayne well,

Gawan wat3 for gode knawen, & as golde pured,

Gawan was for good known, and as gold pure,

Voyded of vche vylany, wyth vertue3² ennourned

Voyded of each villainy, with virtue3² enjoined

in mote;

in small particle;

636

For-þy þe pen-tangel nwe

For the new pentangle

He ber in schelde & cote,

He bears a shield and coat,

a knight the truest of speech and the fairest of form.

a knight with the most honest words and the most beautiful appearance.

As tulk of tale most trwe,

As the talk of the tale goes,

& gentylest kny3t of lote.

& gentle knight of love.

¹ MS emdele3. ² MS verertue3

VII.

He was found faultless in his five wits.

He was considered sharp in all five of his senses.

640

Fyrst he wat3 funden fautle3 in his fyue wytte3,

Fyrst he was found faulty in his five wits,

& efte fayled neuer þe freke in his fyue fyngres,

His trust was in the five wounds.

He placed his trust in the five wounds.

& alle his afyaunce vpon folde wat3 in þe fyue wounde3

& all his influence upon fold was in the five wounds

Þat Cryst ka3t on þe croys, as þe crede telle3;

That Christ hung on the cross, as the creed says;

644

& quere-so-euer þys mon in melly wat3 stad,

His þro þo3t wat3 in þat, þur3 alle oþer þynge3,

His thought was that, through all other things,

Þat alle his forsnes he fong at þe fyue ioye3,

Þat þe hende heuen quene had of hir chylde;

648

At þis cause þe kny3t comlyche hade

At this cause the knight gracefully had

The image of the Virgin was depicted upon his shield.

The image of the Virgin was shown on his shield.

In þe more half of his schelde hir ymage depaynted,

In the upper half of his shield, her image painted,

Þat quen he blusched þerto, his belde neuer payred.

That when he blushed at that, his belt never loosened.

Þe fyrst¹ fyue þat I finde þat þe frek vsed,

652

Wat3 fraunchyse, & fela3schyp for-be² al þyng;

In cleanness and courtesy he was never found wanting,

He was always clean and polite.

His clannes & his cortaysye croked were neuer,

His kindness and courtesy were never crooked,

& pite, þat passe3 alle poynte3, þyse pure fyue

& pite, that surpasses all points, these poor five

Were harder happed on þat haþel þen on any oþer.

Were harder happened on that having than on any other.

656

Now alle þese fyue syþe3, forsoþe, were fetled on þis kny3t,

Now all these five times, truly, were settled on this knight,

& vchone halched in oþer, þat non ende hade,

& vchone helped in other, that none end had,

& fyched vpon fyue poynte3, þat fayld neuer,

& fixed upon five points, that never,

Ne samned neuer in no syde, ne sundred nouþ[er],

660

With-outen ende at any noke [a]i quere fynde,

Without end and at any nook [a]i quere find,

Where-euer þe gomen bygan, or glod to an ende.

Wherever the game begins or comes to an end.

therefore was the endless knot fastened on his shield.

Therefore, the endless knot was secured to his shield.

Þer-fore on his schene schelde schapen wat3 þe knot,

Þer-fore on his shiny shield was shaped the knot,

Þus alle wyth red golde vpon rede gowle3,

[Fol. 100]

664

Þat is þe pure pentaungel wyth þe peple called,

That is the pure pentangle with the people called,

with lore.

with stories.

Now grayþed is Gawan gay,

Now Gawan is feeling great,

Sir Gawayne seizes his lance and bids all "good day."

Sir Gawayne grabs his lance and says, "Good day" to everyone.

& la3t his launce ry3t þore,

668

& gef hem alle goud day,

He wende for euer more.

He went for evermore.

¹ MS fyft. ² for-bi (?).

¹ MS gift. ² for-by (?).

VIII.

He spurs his horse and goes on his way.

He kicks his horse into gear and continues on his way.

He sperred þe sted with þe spure3, & sprong on his way,

He spurred the horse with the spur, and jumped on his way,

So stif þat þe ston fyr stroke out þer-after;

So intense that the stone fire broke out afterwards;

All that saw that seemly one mourned in their hearts.

Everyone who saw that beautiful person mourned in their hearts.

672

Al þat se3 þat semly syked in hert,

Al þat se3 þat semly syked i hert,

& sayde soþly al same segges til oþer,

& said truthfully all the same to one another,

Carande for þat comly, "bi Kryst, hit is scaþe,

Carande said for that beautiful, "By Christ, it's a shame,

Þat þou, leude, schal be lost, þat art of lyf noble!

That you, people, shall be lost, that art of life is noble!

They declared that his equal was not to be found upon earth.

They stated that no one on earth could match him.

676

To fynde hys fere vpon folde, in fayth is not eþe;

To find his partner on earth, in faith, is not easy;

Warloker to haf wro3t had more wyt bene,

Warloker to have written had more wit been,

& haf dy3t 3onder dere a duk to haue worþed;

It would have been better for him to have been a leader of men,

It would have been better for him to be a leader of people,

A lowande leder of lede3 in londe hym wel seme3,

A lowly leader of people in the land is well-known.

680

& so had better haf ben þen britned to no3t,

& so had better haf been then bitten to not,

than to die by the hands of "an elvish man."

than to die at the hands of "an elvish man."

Hadet wyth an aluisch mon, for angarde3 pryde.

Had it with an arrogant man, for sheer pride.

Who knew euer any kyng such counsel to take,

Who knew either any king such counsel to take,

As kny3te3 in caueloun3 on cryst-masse gomne3!"

As knighted in carol on Christmas morning!

Much was the warm water that poured from eyes that day.

A lot of warm tears flowed from my eyes that day.

684

Wel much wat3 þe warme water þat waltered of y3en,

When þat semly syre so3t fro þo wone3

When that handsome knight departed from the dwelling

þat¹ daye;

that day;

He made non abode,

He had no home.

688

Bot wy3tly went hys way,

Bot quietly went his way,

Meanwhile many a weary way goes Sir Gawayne.

Meanwhile, many a tired path is traveled by Sir Gawayne.

Mony wylsum way he rode,

Money will soon be gone,

Þe bok as I herde say.

The book as I heard say.

¹ MS. þad.

¹ Ms. That.

IX.

Now rides the knight through the realms of England.

Now the knight rides through the lands of England.

Now ride3 þis renk þur3 þe ryalme of Logres,

Now ride through the realm of Logres,

692

Sir Gauan on Gode3 halue, þa3 hym no gomen þo3t;

Oft, leudle3 alone, he lenge3 on ny3te3,

Oft, leudly alone, he lingers at night,

Þer he fonde no3t hym byfore þe fare þat he lyked;

Þer he found nothing before the journey that he liked;

He has no companion but his horse.

He has no companion except his horse.

Hade he no fere bot his fole, bi frythe3 & doune3,

Hade he no friend but his horse, by the forests and valleys,

696

Ne no gome bot God, bi gate wyth to karp,

No men does he see till he approaches North Wales.

He doesn't see any men until he gets closer to North Wales.

Til þat he ne3ed ful noghe¹ in to þe Norþe Wale3;

Til he needed enough to go into the North Wales;

Alle þe iles of Anglesay on lyft half he halde3,

Alle the isles of Anglesey on the left half he holds,

& fare3 ouer þe forde3 by þe for-londe3,

From Holyhead he passes into Wirral.

From Holyhead, he goes into Wirral.

700

Ouer at þe Holy-Hede, til he hade eft bonk

In þe wyldrenesse of Wyrale; wonde þer bot lyte

In the wilderness of Wyrale; there were only a few inhabitants.

[Fol. 100b]
There he finds but few that loved God or man.

[Fol. 100b]
There he finds very few who loved God or others.

Þat auþer God oþer gome wyth goud hert louied.

& ay he frayned, as he ferde, at freke3 þat he met,

& he asked, as he went along, of the men he met,

He enquires after the Green Knight of the Green Chapel,

He asks about the Green Knight of the Green Chapel,

704

If þay hade herde any karp of a kny3t grene,

If they had heard any talk of a young knight,

In any grounde þer-aboute, of þe grene chapel;²

In any area around the green chapel;²

& al nykked hym wyth nay, þat neuer in her lyue

& al nykked him with no, that never in her lyfe

but can gain no tidings of him.

but can find out nothing about him.

Þay se3e neuer no segge þat wat3 of suche hwe3

708

of grene.

of green.

Þe kny3t tok gates straunge,

The knight took strange gates,

In mony a bonk vnbene,

In many a bank venue,

His cheer oft changed before he found the Chapel.

His mood often changed before he found the Chapel.

His cher ful oft con chaunge,

His mood often changes,

712

Þat chapel er he my3t sene.

¹ nyghe (?). ² MS. clapel.

¹ nighte (?). ² MS. chapel.

X.

Many a cliff he climbed over;

He climbed over many cliffs;

Mony klyf he ouer-clambe in contraye3 straunge,

Fer floten fro his frende3 fremedly he ryde3;

Fer floten from his friends he rides away;

many a ford and stream he crossed, and everywhere he found a foe.

He crossed many fords and streams, and everywhere he went, he encountered an enemy.

At vche warþe oþer water þer þe wy3e passed,

At the water where the woman passed,

716

He fonde a foo hym byfore, bot ferly hit were,

He found a enemy before him, but it was surprisingly.

& þat so foule & so felle, þat fe3t hym by-hode;

& that so foul & so cruel, that feet him by-hode;

It were too tedious to tell the tenth part of his adventures

It would be too tedious to share even a tenth of his adventures.

So mony meruayl hi mount þer þe mon fynde3,

So many marvels he meets there that one finds,

Hit were to tore for to telle of þe tenþe dole.

with serpents, wolves, and wild men;

with snakes, wolves, and savage men;

720

Sumwhyle wyth worme3 he werre3, & with wolues als,

Sumwhyle with worms he fought, and with wolves as well,

Sumwhyle wyth wodwos, þat woned in þe knarre3,

Sumwhyle with woodwoses, that lived in the knarre3,

with bulls, bears, and boars.

Boþe wyth bulle3 & bere3, & bore3 oþer-quyle,

Booth with bulls and bears, and boars otherwise,

& etayne3, þat hym a-nelede, of þe he3e felle;

Had he not been both brave and good, doubtless he had been dead.

If he hadn't been both brave and good, he probably would have died.

724

Nade he ben du3ty & dry3e, & dry3tyn had serued,

Nade had been duty and dried, and drying had served,

Douteles he hade ben ded, & dreped ful ofte.

Doubtless he had been dead and killed many times.

The sharp winter was far worse than any war that ever troubled him.

The harsh winter was much worse than any war that ever troubled him.

For werre wrathed hym not so much, þat wynter was wors,

For war didn't bother him so much, that winter was worse,

When þe colde cler water fro þe cloude3 schadden,

When the cold clear water fell from the clouds,

728

& fres er hit falle my3t to þe fale erþe;

Ner slayn wyth þe slete he sleped in his yrnes,

Ner slain with the sleet he slept in his dreams,

Mo ny3te3 þen in-noghe in naked rokke3,

Þer as claterande fro þe crest þe colde borne renne3,

732

& henged he3e ouer his hede in hard ÿsse-ikkles.

Thus in peril he travels till Christmas-eve.

So he journeys in danger until Christmas Eve.

Þus in peryl, & payne, & plytes ful harde,

Þus in peril, & pain, & plights full hard,

Bi contray carye3 þis kny3t, tyl kryst-masse euen,

al one;

736

Þe kny3t wel þat tyde,

The knight knew that time,

To the Virgin Mary he prays to guide him to some abode.

He prays to the Virgin Mary to guide him to a safe place.

To Mary made his mone.

To Mary made his money.

Þat ho hym red to ryde,

That hoe she rode to ride,

[Fol. 101.]

& wysse hym to sum wone.

& and showed him to sum one.

XI.

On the morn Sir Gawayne finds himself in a deep forest,

One morning, Sir Gawayne finds himself in a dense forest,

740

Bi a mounte on þe morne meryly he rydes,

Into a forest ful dep, þat ferly wat3 wylde,

Into a deep forest that was incredibly wild,

Hi3e hille3 on vche a halue, & holt wode3 vnder,

where were old oaks many a hundred.

where there were old oaks for many hundreds of years.

Of hore oke3 fill hoge a hundreth to-geder;

Of horse, I fill a hundred together;

744

Þe hasel & þe ha3-þorne were harled al samen,

The hazel and the hawthorn were intertwined all together,

With ro3e raged mosse rayled ay-where,

Many sad birds upon bare twigs piped piteously for the cold.

Many sorrowful birds on bare branches sang sadly for the cold.

With mony brydde3 vnblyþe vpon bare twyges,

With many birds clearly singing on bare twigs,

Þat pitosly þer piped for pyne of þe colde.

748

Þe gome vpon Gryngolet glyde3 hem vnder,

The man rides under them on Gryngolet,

Through many a mire he goes, that he may celebrate the birth of Christ.

He goes through many challenges to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Þur3 mony misy & myre, mon al hym one,

Carande for his costes, lest he ne keuer schulde,

Carande for his costs, so that he should never have to,

To se þe seruy¹ of þat syre, þat on þat self ny3t

To see the service of that lord, that on that very night

752

Of a burde wat3 borne, oure baret to quelle;

Of a burden that is too heavy, our bare feet to bear;

He beseeches the Virgin Mary to direct him to some lodging where he may hear mass.

He asks the Virgin Mary to guide him to a place where he can attend mass.

& þerfore sykyng he sayde, "I be-seche þe, lorde,

& therefore sighing he said, "I beg you, lord,

& Mary, þat is myldest moder so dere.

& Mary, that is my sweetest mother so dear.

Of sum herber, þer he3ly I my3t here masse.

Of summer, there I might hear mass.

756

Ande þy matyne3 to-morne, mekely I ask,

Ande thy matinee tomorrow, humbly I ask,

& þer-to prestly I pray my pater & aue,

& crede."

& believe."

He rode in his prayere,

He rode in his prayer,

760

& cryed for his mysdede,

& cried for his misdeed,

Blessing himself, he says, "Cross of Christ, speed me!"

He blesses himself and says, "Cross of Christ, help me!"

He sayned hym in syþes sere,

He signed him in various ways,

& sayde "cros Kryst me spede!"

& said "cross Christ make me successful!"

¹ seruyce (?).

¹ service (?).

XII.

Scarcely had he blessed himself thrice

He had barely blessed himself three times.

Nade he sayned hym-self, segge, bot þrye,

Nade he signed himself, saying, but three,

764

Er he wat3 war in þe wod of a won in a mote.

when he saw a dwelling in the wood, set on a hill,

When he saw a house in the woods, situated on a hill,

Abof a launde, on a lawe, loken vnder bo3e3,

Abof a launde, on a hill, looking under bushes,

Of mony borelych bole, aboute bi þe diches;

Of many painful ailments, around by the ditches;

the comeliest castle that knight ever owned.

the most beautiful castle that any knight ever owned.

A castel þe comlokest þat euer kny3t a3te,

A castle the most beautiful that ever knight ate,

768

Pyched on a prayere, a park al aboute,

Pyched on a prayer, a park all around,

With a pyked palays, pyned ful þik,

Þat vmbe-te3e mony tre mo þen two myle.

Þat holde on þat on syde þe haþel auysed,

It shone as the sun through the bright oaks.

It shone like the sun through the bright oaks.

772

As hit schemered & schon þur3 þe schyre oke3;

As they plotted and schemed through the clear oaks;

Þenne hat3 he hendly of his helme, & he3ly he þonke3

Þen he takes hold of his helmet, and he thanks him warmly.

Iesus & say[nt] Gilyan, þat gentyle ar boþe,

Iesus & Saint Gilyan, that gentle are both,

[Fol. 101b.]

Þat cortaysly hade hym kydde, & his cry herkened.

That courteously had him known, and his cry heard.

776

"Now bone hostel," coþe þe burne, "I be-seche yow 3ette!"

"Now, bone hostel," said the man, "I ask you for this!"

Þenne gedere3 he to Gryngolet with þe gilt hele3,

Þen he gathered to Gryngolet with the gilded armor,

Sir Gawayne goes to the chief gate,

Sir Gawayne heads to the main gate,

& he ful chauncely hat3 chosen to þe chef gate,

& he fully chancelly has chosen to the main gate,

Þat bro3t bremly þe burne to þe bryge ende,

Þat brot bremly þe burne to þe bryge ende,

780

in haste;

in a rush;

and finds the draw-bridge raised, and the gates shut fast.

and sees the drawbridge raised, with the gates firmly shut.

Þe bryge wat3 breme vp-brayde,

The bridge was fiercely raised,

Þe 3ate3 wer stoken faste,

The gates were shut tight,

Þe walle3 were wel arayed,

The walls were well adorned,

784

Hit dut no wynde3 blaste.

Hit does not wind blast.

XIII.

The knight abides on the bank,

The knight stands by the shore,

Þe burne bode on bonk, þat on blonk houed,

The brook flowed on the hill, where the horse stood.

Of þe depe double dich þat drof to þe place,

Of the deep double ditch that flowed to the place,

Þe walle wod in þe water wonderly depe,

Þe walle was wild in the water, strangely deep,

and observes the "huge height,"

and notes the "huge height,"

788

Ande eft a ful huge he3t hit haled vpon lofte,

And after a really big heat, it was lifted up into the air,

Of harde hewen ston vp to þe table3,

Of hard-hewn stone up to the tables,

with its battlements and watch towers.

with its ramparts and lookout towers.

Enbaned vnder þe abataylment, in þe best lawe;

Enbaned under the abatement, in the best law;

& syþen garyte3 ful gaye gered bi-twene,

& then adorned fully gay decorated between,

792

Wyth mony luflych loupe, þat louked ful clene;

Wyth many lovely lips, that looked very clean;

A better barbican þat burne blusched vpon neuer;

A better gate that burned brightly upon never;

& innermore he be-helde þat halle ful hy3e,

Bright and long were its round towers,

Bright and tall were its round towers,

Towre telded bytwene trochet ful þik,

Towre told between trampled thick,

796

Fayre fylyole3 þat fy3ed, & ferlyly long,

with their well-made capitals.

with their well-crafted capitals.

With coruon coprounes, craftyly sle3e;

Chalk whyt chymnees þer ches he in-no3e,

Chalk white chimneys there chase he in-no3e,

Vpon bastel roue3, þat blenked ful quyte;

Vpon the basting wheel, that gleamed fully white;

800

So mony pynakle payntet wat3 poudred ay quere,

So many colorful paints that were powdered are strange,

Among þe castel carnele3, clambred so þik,

Among the castle's ramparts, clambered so thick,

Þat pared out of papure purely hit semed.

That looked like it was made from paper.

He thinks it fair enough if he might only come within the cloister.

He thinks it’s fair enough if he can only enter the cloister.

Þe fre freke on þe fole hit fayr in-n[o]ghe þo3t,

Þe fre freke on þe fole hit fayr in[o]ghe þo3t,

804

If he my3t keuer to com þe cloyster wyth-inne,

If he might come to the cloister within,

To herber in þat hostel, whyl halyday lested

To stay in that inn, while the holiday lasted.

auinant;

He calls, and soon there comes a porter to know the knight's errand.

He calls, and soon a porter arrives to inquire about the knight's purpose.

He calde, & sone þer com

He arrived, and soon there came

808

A porter pure plesaunt,

A really good porter,

On þe wal his ernd he nome,

On the wall his errand he took,

& haylsed þe kny3t erraunt.

& haylsed the knight errant.

XIV.

"Good sir," says Gawayne, "ask the high lord of this house to grant me a lodging."

"Good sir," Gawayne says, "please ask the lord of this house to give me a place to stay."

"Gode sir," quod Gawan, "wolde3 þou go myn ernde,

"Gentle sir," said Gawain, "if you would go my way,

812

To þe he3 lorde of þis hous, herber to craue?"

To the high lord of this house, may I request shelter?

[Fol. 102.]

"3e, Peter," quod þe porter, "& purely I trowe,¹

"3e, Peter," said the porter, "& honestly, I believe,¹

"You are welcome to dwell here as long as you like," replied the porter.

"You can stay here as long as you want," replied the porter.

Þat 3e be, wy3e, welcum to won quyle yow lyke3."

That you be, woman, welcome to stay as long as you like.

Þen 3ede þat wy3e a3ayn awyþe,

The third day that was again

816

& folke frely hym wyth, to fonge þe kny3t;

& folk freely him with, to receive the knight;

The draw-bridge is let down,

The drawbridge is lowered,

Þay let doun þe grete dra3t, & derely out 3eden,

& kneled doun on her knes vpon þe colde erþe,

To welcum þis ilk wy3, as worþy hom þo3t;

To welcome this same way, as worthy thought;

and the gate is opened wide to receive him.

and the gate is opened wide to welcome him.

820

Þay 3olden hym þe brode 3ate, 3arked vp wyde,

& he hem raysed rekenly, & rod ouer þe brygge;

& he raised his hand suddenly and rode over the bridge;

Sere segge3 hym sesed by sadel, quel² he ly3t,

His horse is well stabled.

His horse is well cared for.

& syþen stabeled his stede stif men in-no3e.

& then he stabilized his horse stiff in-no3e.

Knights and squires bring Gawayne into the hall.

824

Kny3te3 & swyere3 comen doun þenne,

Kny3te3 & swyere3 come down then,

For to bryng þis burne³ wyth blys in-to halle;

For bringing this boy with joy into the hall;

Many a one hastens to take his helmet and sword.

Many rush to grab their helmet and sword.

Quen he hef vp his helme, þer hi3ed in-noghe

Quen he has up his helmet, there hid in-enough

For to hent hit at his honde, þe hende to seruen,

For to grasp it in his hand, the servant to serve,

828

His bronde & his blasoun boþe þay token.

His brown hair & his cloak both they took.

Þen haylsed he ful hendly þo haþele3 vch one,

Þen he greeted each one of them very courteously.

& mony proud mon þer presed, þat prynce to honour;

& many proud ones pressed, that prince to honor;

Alle hasped in his he3 wede to halle þay hym wonnen,

Alle hasped in his he3 wede to halle thay hym wonnen,

832

Þer fayre fyre vpon flet fersly brenned.

The lord of the country bids him welcome,

The ruler of the country welcomes him,

Þenne þe lorde of þe lede loute3 fro his chambre,

For to mete wyth menske þe mon on þe flor;

For to measure with courtesy the man on the floor;

He sayde, "3e ar welcum to welde as yow lyke3,

He said, "You are welcome to do as you please,

836

Þat here is, al is yowre awen, to haue at yowre wylle

That here is, all is your own, to have at your will.

& welde."

& welded.

"Graunt mercy," quod Gawayn,

"Grapevine mercy," said Gawayn,

"Þer Kryst hit yow for-3elde,"

"Christ forgives you."

and they embrace each other.

and they hug each other.

840

As freke3 þat semed fayn,

As it seemed joyful,

Ayþer oþer in arme3 con felde.

¹ trowoe, MS. ² quyle (?) or quen (?). ³ buurne, MS.

XV.

Gawayne looks on his host;

Gawayne watches his host;

Gawayn gly3t on þe gome þat godly hym gret,

Gawayn greets the man who greets him warmly,

a big bold one he seemed.

He seemed like a big, bold guy.

& þu3t hit a bolde burne þat þe bur3 a3te,

& þu3t hit a bold guy that the town hated,

844

A hoge haþel for þe none3, & of hyghe elde;¹

A great hero for the afternoon, and of high age;

Beaver-hued was his broad beard,

His broad beard was beaver-colored,

Brode bry3t wat3 his berde, & al beuer hwed,

Brode bright was his beard, & all beautiful head,

Sturne stif on þe stryþþe on stal-worth schonke3,

Sturne stiff on the strength in stalwart shields,

and his face as "fell as the fire."

and his face "as fierce as the fire."

Felle face as þe fyre, & fre of hys speche;

Fierce face as the fire, and free of his speech;

848

& wel hym semed for soþe, as þe segge þu3t,

& wel hym seemed for sure, as the guy thought,

To lede a lortschyp in lee of leude3 ful gode.

To lead a large ship in the face of a strong leader fully good.

[Fol. 102b.]
The lord leads Gawayne to a chamber, and assigns him a page to wait upon him.

[Fol. 102b.]
The lord guides Gawayne to a room and assigns him a page to attend to him.

Þe lorde hym charred to a chambre, & chefly cumaunde3²

Þe lorde him charred to a chambre, & chiefly cumaunded

To delyuer hym a leude, hym lo3ly to serue;

To deliver him a person, him nicely to serve;

852

& þere were boun at his bode burne3 in-no3e,

In this bright bower was noble bedding;

In this bright alcove was lavish bedding;

Þat bro3t hym to a bry3t boure, þer beddyng wat3 noble,

Þat brought him to a bright bower, where bedding was noble,

Of cortynes of clene sylk, wyth cler golde hemme3,

Of curtains of clean silk, with clear gold hemmed,

the curtains were of pure silk with golden hems;

The curtains were made of pure silk with golden edges;

& couertore3 ful curious, with comlych pane3,

& couertore3 full of curiosity, with lovely pain3,

856

Of bry3t blaunnier a-boue enbrawded bisyde3,

Of bright floral embroidery beside,

Rudele3 rennande on rope3, red golde rynge3,

Rudele3 remained on rope3, red gold ring3,

Tarsic tapestries covered the walls and the floor.

Tarsic tapestries decorated the walls and the floor.

Tapyte3 ty3t to þe wo3e, of tuly & tars,

& vnder fete, on þe flet, of fol3ande sute.

& under feet, on the flat, of flowing suit.

Here the knight doffed his armour,

Here the knight took off his armor,

860

Þer he wat3 dispoyled, wyth speche3 of myerþe,

Þe burn of his bruny, & of his bry3t wede3;

Þe burn of his armor, & of his bright clothes;

and put on rich robes,

and wear fancy clothes,

Ryche robes ful rad renkke3 hem³ bro3ten,

Ryche robes fully red ran through them.

For to charge, & to chaunge, & chose of þe best.

For to charge, & to change, & choose from the best.

864

Sone as he on hent, & happed þer-inne,

Sone as he got it, & happened therein,

Þat sete on hym⁴ semly, wyth saylande skyrte3,

Þat sat on him⁴ nicely, with a sailing skirt,

which well became him.

which suited him well.

Þe ver by his uisage verayly hit semed

The truth really seemed to be in his manner.

Wel ne3 to vche haþel alle on hwes,

868

Lowande & lufly, alle his lymme3 vnder,

Lowande & lufly, all his lymme3 under,

A more comely knight Christ never made.

There was never a more handsome knight made by Christ.

Þat a comloker kny3t neuer Kryst made,

hem þo3t;

Wheþen in worlde he were,

Whether in this world he were,

872

Hit semed as he my3t

Hit seemed as he met

Be prynce with-outen pere,

Be prince without peer,

In felde þer felle men fy3t.

In field there fell men fight.

¹ eldee, MS. ² clesly, MS. ³ hym (?). ⁴ MS. hyn.

XVI.

A chair is placed for Sir Gawayne before the fireplace.

A chair is set out for Sir Gawayne in front of the fireplace.

A cheyer by-fore þe chemné, þer charcole brenned,

A chimney before the fireplace, where charcoal burned,

876

Wat3 grayþed for sir Gawan, grayþely with cloþe3,

Wat3 grayed for Sir Gawain, grayed with clothes,

Whyssynes vpon queldepoyntes, þa[t] koynt wer boþe;

Whyssynes upon queldepoyntes, that connect were both;

A mantle of fine linen, richly embroidered, is thrown over him.

A beautifully embroidered fine linen cloak is draped over him.

& þenne a mere mantyle wat3 on þat mon cast,

& then a mere mantle was cast on that man,

Of a broun bleeaunt, enbrauded ful ryche,

Of a brown blanket, embroidered very richly,

880

& fayre furred wyth-inne with felle3 of þe best,

& fair furred within with fells of the best,

Alle of ermyn in erde, his hode of þe same;

Alle of ermyn in erde, his hode of the same;

& he sete in þat settel semlych ryche,

& he sat in that seat, looking very rich,

& achaufed hym chefly,¹ & þenne his cher mended.

A table is soon raised,

A table is about to be set,

884

Sone wat3 telded vp a tapit, on treste3 ful fayre,

Sone was well dressed in a beautiful garment, on trust quite fair,

and the knight, having washed, proceeded to meat.

After the knight had washed up, he sat down to eat.

Clad wyth a clene cloþe, þat cler quyt schewed,

Clad with a clean cloth, that clear white showed,

Sanap, & salure, & syluer-in spone3;

Sanap, & salure, & silver in spoon;

[Fol. 103.]

Þe wy3e wesche at his wylle, & went to his mete

The wise man washed at his leisure and went to his meal.

888

Segge3 hym serued semly in-no3e,

Segge3 hym served classy in-no3e,

He is served with numerous dishes;

He is served a variety of dishes;

Wyth sere sewes & sete,² sesounde of þe best,

Wyth severe seas and set, sound of the best,

Double felde, as hit falle3, & fele kyn fische3;

Double pedigree, as it happens, and many kinds of fish;

with fish baked and broiled,

with fish grilled and baked,

Summe baken in bred, summe brad on þe glede3,

or boiled and seasoned with spices.

or boiled and flavored with spices.

892

Summe soþen, summe in sewe, sauered with spyces,

Sume soen, sume i sewe, saued wt spy,

& ay sawes³ so sle3e3, þat þe segge lyked.

& ay sawes³ so sleek, that the man liked.

Þe freke calde hit a fest ful frely & ofte,

The warrior called it a feast quite freely and often,

He calls it a full noble feast,

He refers to it as a complete noble feast,

Ful hendely, quen alle þe haþeles re-hayted hym at one3

Ful hendely, when all the harmful ones hated him at once

896

as hende;

as handy;

"Þis penaunce now 3e take,

"This penance now you take,"

& eft hit schal amende;"

& eft it shall amend;

and much mirth he makes, for the wine is in his head.

He laughs a lot because he's tipsy from the wine.

Þat mon much merþe con make.

That man can do much more.

900

For wyn in his hed þat wende.

For win in his head that thought.

¹ MS. cefly. ² swete (?). ³ sewes (?).

¹ Ms. cephaly. ² sweet (?). ³ sews (?).

XVII.

Sir Gawayne, in answer to questions put to him,

Sir Gawayne, in response to the questions asked of him,

Þenne wat3 spyed & spured vpon spare wyse.

Þenne was watched and questioned in a sparse manner.

Bi preue poynte3 of þat prynce, put to hym-seluen,

Þat he be-knew cortaysly of þe court þat he were,

That he politely acknowledged that he was of the court,

tells the prince that he is of Arthur's court.

informs the prince that he is from Arthur's court.

904

Þat aþel Arthure þe hende halde3 hym one,

Þat is þe ryche ryal kyng of þe rounde table;

That is the rich royal king of the round table;

& hit wat3 Wawen hym-self þat in þat won sytte3,

Comen to þat krystmasse, as case hym þen lymped.

Comes to that Christmas, as happened to him then.

When this was made known,

When this was revealed,

908

When þe lorde hade lerned þat he þe leude hade,

When the lord had learned that he had the people,

Loude la3ed he þerat, so lef hit hym þo3t,

great was the joy in the hall.

The joy in the hall was great.

& alle þe men in þat mote maden much joye,

& all the men in that assembly made much joy,

To apere in his presense prestly þat tyme,

To appear in his presence promptly at that time,

912

Þat alle prys, & prowes, & pured þewes

Apendes to hys persoun, & praysed is euer,

Apendes to his person, and praised is ever,

By-fore alle men vpon molde, his mensk is þe most.

By far, of all men on earth, his kindness is the greatest.

Each one said softly to his mate,

Each one whispered gently to their partner,

Vch segge ful softly sayde to his fere,

Vch said softly to his friend,

"Now we shall see courteous manners and hear noble speech,

"Now we'll witness polite behavior and listen to refined speech,"

916

"Now schal we semlych se sle3te3 of þewe3,

"Now we shall elegantly see the shadows of the hue,"

& þe teccheles termes of talkyng noble,

& the touchless terms of talking noble,

Wich spede is in speche, vnspurd may we lerne,

Wich speed is in speech, unspurred may we learn,

for we have amongst us the 'father of nurture.'

for we have among us the 'father of nurture.'

Syn we haf fonged þat fyne fader of nurture;

Syn we have found that fine father of nurture;

920

God hat3 geuen vus his grace godly for soþe,

God has truly given us His grace.

Þat such a gest as Gawan graunte3 vus to haue,

Þat such a gest as Gawan grants us to have,

When burne3 blyþe of his burþe schal sitte

When the joyful boy of his birth shall sit

& synge.

924

In menyng of manere3 mere,

[Fol. 103b.]

Þis burne now schal vus bryng,

This burn now shall bring us,

He that may him hear shall learn of love-talking."

"Whoever hears him will learn about love."

I hope þat may hym here,

I hope that may him here,

Schal lerne of luf-talkyng."

"Schal learn of love talking."

XVIII.

After dinner the company go to the chapel,

After dinner, the group goes to the chapel,

928

Bi þat þe diner wat3 done, & þe dere vp,

Hit wat3 ne3 at þe niy3t ne3ed þe tyme;

Hit wat3 ne3 at the night need the time;

Chaplayne3¹ to þe chapeles chosen þe gate,

Chaplayne3¹ to the chapel chosen the gate,

Rungen ful rychely, ry3t as þay schulden,

Rungen full of riches, just as they should,

to hear the evensong of the great season.

to listen to the evening song of the great season.

932

To þe hersum euensong of þe hy3e tyde.

To the evening song of the high tide.

Þe lorde loutes þerto, & þe lady als,

In-to a comly closet coyntly ho entre3;

In-to a nice little room, quietly he entered;

Gawan glyde3 ful gay, & gos þeder sone;

Gawan glides fully gay, and goes there soon;

936

Þe lorde laches hym by þe lappe, & lede3 hym to sytte,

The lord grabs him by the lapel and leads him to sit down,

& couþly hym knowe3, & calle3 hym his nome,

& sayde he wat3 þe welcomest wy3e of þe worlde;

& sayde he was the kindest guy in the world;

The lord of the castle and Sir Gawayne sit together during service.

The lord of the castle and Sir Gawayne are sitting together during the service.

& he hym þonkked þroly, & ayþer halched oþer.

& he thought fully, & either laughed or.

940

& seten soberly samen þe seruise-quyle;

& stay soberly with the service time;

Þenne lyst þe lady to loke on þe kny3t.

Þen the lady wanted to look at the knight.

His wife, accompanied by her maids, leaves her seat.

His wife, along with her maids, gets up from her seat.

Þenne com ho of hir closet, with mony cler burde3,

Þenne came she out of her closet, with many clear birds,

Ho wat3 þe fayrest in felle, of flesche & of lyre,

Ho, what a beautiful one in face, of flesh and of body,

944

& of compas, & colour, & costes of alle oþer,

& of compas, & color, & costs of all other,

She appeared even fairer than Guenever.

She seemed even more beautiful than Guenever.

& wener þen Wenore, as þe wy3e þo3t.

& wener the Wenore, as the woman thought.

He ches þur3 þe chaunsel, to cheryche þat hende;

He goes through the chancel to greet that person.

An older lady (an ancient one she seemed) led her by the hand.

An older woman (she seemed very old) guided her by the hand.

An oþer lady hir lad bi þe lyft honde,

An other lady took her by the left hand,

948

Þat wat3 alder þen ho, an auncian hit semed,

& he3ly honowred with haþele3 aboute.

& he3ly honored with haþele3 aboute.

Very unlike were these two.

Very different were these two.

Bot yn-lyke on to loke þo ladyes were,

Bot yn-lyke on to loke the ladies were,

if the young one was fair the other was yellow,

If the younger one was fair, the other was yellow,

For if þe 3onge wat3 3ep, 3ol3e wat3 þat oþer;

For if the young water is deep, the golden water is that other;

952

Riche red on þat on rayled ay quere,

Riche red on that one roared everywhere,

and had rough and wrinkled cheeks.

and had rough, wrinkled cheeks.

Rugh ronkled cheke3 þat oþer on rolled;

Rugh wrinkled cheek that other on rolled;

Kerchofes of þat on wyth mony cler perle3

Kerchofes of that one with many clear pearls

The younger had breast and throat "bare displayed."

The younger one had her breast and throat "bare displayed."

Hir brest & hir bry3t þrote bare displayed,

Hir breast & hir bright throat bare displayed,

956

Schon schyrer þen snawe, þat scheder² on hille3;

Schon schyrer then snow, that scattered² on hill3;

Þat oþer wyth a gorger wat3 gered ouer þe swyre,

Þat oþer with a collar was tightened around the neck,

Chymbled ouer hir blake chyn with mylk-quyte vayles,

Chymbled over her black chin with milk-white veils,

The ancient one exposed only her "black brows," her two eyes,

The ancient one revealed only her "dark eyebrows," her two eyes,

Hir frount folden in sylk, enfoubled ay quere,

Hir front is wrapped in silk, folded at an angle,

960

Toret & treieted with tryfle3 aboute,

Toret & treated with trifle about,

[Fol. 104.]
nose, and naked lips, all sour and bleared.

[Fol. 104.]
nose, and bare lips, all sour and discolored.

Þat no3t wat3 bare of þat burde bot þe blake bro3es.

Þe tweyne y3en, & þe nase, þe naked lyppe3,

Þe tweyne y3en, & the nose, the bare lips,

& þose were soure to se, & sellyly blered;

& those were sour to see, & strangely blurred;

964

A mensk lady on molde mon may hir calle,

A mensch lady on mold moon may her call,

for gode;

for good;

Her body was short and thick;

Her body was short and stocky;

Hir body wat3 schort & þik.

Hir body was short and thick.

her buttocks broad and round.

her buttocks wide and round.

Hir buttoke3 bay & brode,

Her butt is big & broad,

968

More lykker-wys on to lyk,

More happiness leads to joy,

Wat3 þat scho hade on lode.

¹ MS. [claplayne3.] ² schedes (?).

¹ MS. [claplayne3.] ² schedules (?).

XIX.

With permission of the lord,

With the lord's permission,

When Gawayn gly3t on þat gay, þat graciously loked,

When Gawayn stepped onto that bright, that graciously looked,

Wyth leue la3t of þe lorde he went hem a3aynes;

Wyth leave of the lord he went against them;

Sir Gawayne salutes the elder,

Sir Gawayne greets the elder,

972

Þe alder he haylses, heldande ful lowe,

Þe loueloker he lappe3 a lyttel in arme3,

but the younger he kisses,

He kysses hir comlyly, & kny3tly he mele3;

He kisses her nicely, and he speaks to her sweetly;

Þay kallen hym of a quoyntaunce, & he hit quyk aske3

Þay kallen him of a questionable nature, & he hit quick aske3

and begs to be her servant.

and pleads to be her servant.

976

To be her seruaunt sothly, if hem-self lyked.

To be her servant truly, if he himself liked.

Þay tan hym bytwene hem, wyth talkyng hym leden

To chamber all go,

To the chamber, everyone go,

To chambre, to chemné, & chefly þay asken

To chamber, to get ready, and mainly they ask

where spices and wine are served.

where spices and wine are offered.

Spyce3, þat vn-sparely men speded hom to bryng,

Spyce3, that without reserve sent me home to bring,

980

& þe wynne-lych wyne þer-with vche tyme.

& the wine-like wine there-with each time.

Þe lorde luflych aloft lepe3 ful ofte,

Mynned merthe to be made vpon mony syþe3.

My mind needs to be made up about money since.

The lord takes off his hood and places it on a spear.

The lord removes his hood and hangs it on a spear.

Hent he3ly of his hode, & on a spere henged,

Hent the head of his body, and it was hung on a spear,

984

& wayned hom to wynne þe worchip þer-of,

He who makes most mirth is to win it.

The person who has the most fun is the one who will win.

Þat most myrþe my3t mene¹ þat crystenmas whyle;

"& i schal fonde, bi my fayth, to fylter wyth þe best,

"& I will strive, by my faith, to filter with the best,"

Er me wont þe wede3, with help of my frende3."

Er me wont þe wede3, with help of my frende3.

988

Þus wyth la3ande lote3 þe lorde hit tayt² make3,

Night approaches, and then

Night falls, and then

For to glade sir Gawayn with gomne3 in halle

For to greet Sir Gawain with a smile in the hall

þat ny3t;

that night;

Til þat hit wat3 tyme,

Until it was time,

992

Þe kyng comaundet ly3t,

The king commanded light,

Sir Gawayne takes his leave and retires to rest.

Sir Gawayne says goodbye and goes to get some rest.

Sir Gawen his leue con nyme,

Sir Gawen, take his leave.

& to his bed hym di3t.

¹ meue (?). ² layt (?).

¹ meue (?). ² late (?).

XX.

On Christmas morn,

On Christmas morning,

On þe morne, as vch mon myne3 þat tyme,

On the morning, just like every man remembers at that time,

joy reigns in every dwelling in the world.

Joy fills every home around the world.

996

[Þ]at dry3tyn for oure destyné to de3e wat3 borne,

Wele waxe3 in vche a won in worlde, for his sake;

Wele wexe3 in vche a won in worlde, for his sake;

So did it in the castle where our knight abode.

It happened in the castle where our knight lived.

So did hit þere on þat day, þur3 dayntes mony;

So did it happen on that day, through many dangers;

[Fol. 104b.]

Boþe at mes & at mele, messes ful quaynt

Boþe at meal & at times, meals are really special.

1000

Derf men vpon dece drest of þe best.

Derf men upon deceit dressed the best.

The lord and "the old ancient wife" sit together.

The lord and "the old ancient wife" are sitting together.

Þe olde auncian wyf he3est ho sytte3;

Þe olde aucian wyf he3est ho sytte3;

Þe lorde lufly her by lent, as I trowe;

The lord loves her dearly, I believe;

Gawayne sits by the wife of his host.

Gawayne sits next to his host's wife.

Gawan & þe gay burde to-geder þay seten,

Gawan and the beautiful lady sat together,

1004

Euen in-mydde3, as þe messe metely come;

Euen in the middle of the night, as the mass was about to start;

& syþen þur3 al þe sale, as hem best semed,

& amp; syþen þur3 al þe sale, as hem best semed,

It were too tedious to tell of the meat, the mirth, and the joy that abounded everywhere.

It would be too boring to describe the food, the fun, and the joy that was all around.

Bi vche grome at his degre grayþely wat3 serued.

Þer wat3 mete, þer wat3 myrþe, þer wat3 much ioye,

Þere was meat, there was mirth, there was much joy,

1008

Þat for to telle þerof hit me tene were,

That would really bother me to tell about it,

& to poynte hit 3et I pyned me parauenture;

& to poynte hit 3et I pined me parauenture;

Gawayne and his beautiful companion derive much comfort from each other's conversation.

Gawayne and his beautiful companion find a lot of comfort in each other's conversation.

Bot 3et I wot þat Wawen & þe wale burde

Bot 3et I wot that Wawen & the whale bird

Such comfort of her compaynye ca3ten to-geder,

Such comfort from her company was felt together,

1012

Þur3 her dere dalyaunce of her derne worde3,

Wyth clene cortays carp, closed fro fylþe;

Wyth clean courtly talk, kept free from filth;

& hor play wat3 passande vche prynce gomen,

in vayres;

in vain;

Trumpets and nakers give forth their sounds.

Trumpets and nakers produce their music.

1016

Trumpe3 & nakerys,

Much pypyng þer repayres,

Much piping the repairs,

Vche mon tented hys,

Vche mon pitched his tent,

& þay two tented þayres.

& they two tented theirs.

XXI.

Great was the joy for three days.

The joy lasted for three days.

1020

Much dut wat3 þer dryuen þat day & þat oþer,

Much did what three there drive that day and that other,

& þe þryd as þro þronge in þerafter;

& the third as through throng in thereafter;

St. John's-day was the last of the Christmas festival.

St. John's Day marked the end of the Christmas celebration.

Þe ioye of sayn Ione3 day wat3 gentyle to here,

The joy of Saint John's day was gentle to hear,

& wat3 þe last of þe layk, leude3 þer þo3ten.

& wat3 the last of the lake, people there thought.

1024

Þer wer gestes to go vpon þe gray morne,

For-þy wonderly þay woke, & þe wyn dronken,

For they woke up in amazement and drank the wine,

Daunsed ful dre3ly wyth dere carole3;

Dawned fully drearily with dear carols;

On the morrow many of the guests took their departure from the castle.

The next day, many of the guests left the castle.

At þe last, when hit wat3 late, þay lachen her leue,

At last, when it was late, they let her leave,

1028

Vchon to wende on his way, þat wat3 wy3e stronge.

Vchon continued on his way, that was a strong path.

Gawan gef hym god-day, þe god mon hym lachche3,

Gawan give him good day, the good man laugh at him,

Ledes hym to his awen chambre, þ[e] chymné bysyde,

Ledes him to his own room, the chimney nearby,

Sir Gawayne is thanked by his host for the honour and pleasure of his visit.

Sir Gawayne is thanked by his host for the honor and enjoyment of his visit.

& þere he dra3e3 hym on-dry3e, & derely hym þonkke3,

& there he draws him inward, & deliberately thanks him,

1032

Of þe wynne worschip &¹ he hym wayned hade,

Of the wine worship and he him warned.

As to honour his hous on þat hy3e tyde,

As for honoring his house on that high tide,

& enbelyse his bur3 with his bele chere.

"I-wysse sir, quyl I leue, me worþe3 þe better,

"I know, sir, that while I live, I will become better,"

[Fol. 105.]

1036

Þat Gawayn hat3 ben my gest, at Godde3 awen fest."

That Gawain has been my guest, at God's own feast.

"Grant merci² sir," quod Gawayn, "in god fayth hit is yowre3,

Al þe honour is your awen, þe he3e kyng yow 3elde;

Al the honour is your own, the high king yow 3elde;

& I am wy3e at your wylle, to worch youre hest,

I am here at your will, to do your best,

1040

As I am halden þer-to, in hy3e & in lo3e,

As I am held there, in high and in low,

bi ri3t."

He endeavours to keep the knight at his court.

He tries to keep the knight at his court.

Þe lorde fast can hym payne,

The lord can pay him pain,

To holde lenger þe kny3t,

To hold longer the knight,

1044

To hym answre3 Gawayn,

To him answer Gawayn,

Bi non way þat he my3t.

Bi non way þat he might.

¹ þat (?). ² nerci, in MS.

¹ that (?). ² nerci, in MS.

XXII.

He desires to know what had driven Sir Gawayne from Arthur's court before the end of the Christmas holidays.

He wants to know what made Sir Gawayne leave Arthur's court before the end of the Christmas holidays.

Then frayned þe freke ful fayre at him-seluen,

Then asked the man very nicely about himself,

Quat derne¹ dede had hym dryuen, at þat dere tyme,

1048

So kenly fro þe kynge3 kourt to kayre al his one,

So he quietly left the king's court to take care of his own,

Er þe halidaye3 holly were halet out of toun?

The knight replies that "a high errand and a hasty one" had forced him to leave the court.

The knight replies that he had to leave the court because of a "very important and urgent task."

"For soþe sir," quod þe segge, "3e sayn bot þe trawþe

"For sooth, sir," said the man, "you say only the truth."

A he3e ernde & a hasty me hade fro þo wone3,

A hedge overgrown and a hasty me had from the woods,

1052

For I am sumned my selfe to sech to a place,

For I have summoned myself to seek out such a place,

I wot² in worlde wheder warde to wende, hit to fynde;

I know in the world where to go, it's to find it;

I nolde, bot if I hit negh my3t on nw3eres morne,

I didn't want to, but if I didn't hit near midnight somewhere else,

For alle þe londe in-wyth Logres, so me oure lorde help!

For all the land in Logres, may our lord help us!

1056

For-þy, sir, þis enquest I require yow here,

For this reason, sir, I ask you to be here for this inquiry,

He asks his host whether he has ever heard of the Green Chapel,

He asks his host if he has ever heard of the Green Chapel,

Þat 3e me telle with trawþe, if euer 3e tale herde

Þat you tell me with truth, if you ever heard the tale

Of þe grene chapel, quere hit on grounde stonde3,

Of the green chapel, where it stands on the ground,

& of þe kny3t þat hit kepes, of colour of grene?

& of the knight that it keeps, of color of green?

1060

Þer wat3 stabled bi statut a steuen vus by-twene,

for he has to be there on New Year's-day.

for he has to be there on New Year's Day.

To mete þat mon at þat mere, 3if I my3t last;

To measure that man at that sea, if I might last;

& of þat ilk nw3ere hot neked now wonte3,

& of that same place now hot naked now used,

& I wolde loke on þat lede, if God me let wolde,

& I would look at that man, if God allows me to.

1064

Gladloker, bi Godde3 sun, þen any god welde!

Gladloker, by God's grace, let any god reign!

For-þi, I-wysse, bi 3owre wylle, wende me bi-houes,

For this reason, I swear, by your will, I will head home,

He wonld as lief die as fail in his errand.

He would just as soon die as fail in his mission.

Naf I now to busy bot bare þre daye3,

Naf I now to busy but bare three days,

& me als fayn to falle feye as fayly of myyn ernde."

& me als fayn to falle feye as family of myn ernde."

The prince tells Sir Gawayne that he will teach him the way.

The prince tells Sir Gawayne that he will show him the way.

1068

Þenne la3ande quod þe lorde, "now leng þe by-houes,

For I schal teche yow to þa[t] terme bi þe tyme3 ende,

For I will teach you that term by the end of time,

Þe grene chapayle vpon grounde, greue yow no more;

Bot 3e schal be in yowre bed, burne, at þyn ese,

Bot 3e shall be in your bed, burn, at your pleasure,

1072

Quyle forth dayej, & ferk on pe fyrst of pe 3ere,

[Fol. 105b]

& cum to þat merk at mydmorn, to make quat yow like3

& cum to that mark at midmorning, to make what you like

in spenne;

in spinne;

Dowelle3 whyle new 3eres daye,

Dowelle3 while new 3eres day,

1076

& rys, & rayke3 þenne,

& rys, & rayke3 thenne,

The Green chapel is not more than two miles from the castle.

The Green Chapel is no more than two miles from the castle.

Mon schal yow sette in waye,

Moon shall you set in way,

Hit is not two myle henne."

Hit is not two miles hence.

¹ derue (?). ² not (?).

XXIII.

Then was Gawayne glad,

Then Gawayne was glad,

Þenne wat3 Gawan ful glad, & gomenly he la3ed,—

Þenne wat3 Gawan fully glad, & gomenly he laughed,—

1080

1080p

"Now I þonk yow þryuandely þur3 alle oþer þynge,

"Now I thank you sincerely through all other things,"

and consents to tarry awhile at the castle.

and agrees to stay for a while at the castle.

Now acheued is my chaunce, I schal at your wylle

Now my chance has come, I will at your will

Dowelle, & elle3 do quat 3e demen."

Dowelle, & elle3 do quat 3e demen.

Þenne sesed hym þe syre, & set hym bysyde,

Þen he seized him the sire, & set him beside,

The ladies are brought in to solace him.

The women are brought in to comfort him.

1084

Let þe ladie3 be fette, to lyke hem þe better;

Let the ladies be fetched, to please them better;

Þer wat3 seme solace by hem-self stille;

Þe lorde let for luf lote3 so myry,

As wy3 þat wolde of his wyte, ne wyst quat he my3t.

As he who would use his mind, didn’t know what he could do.

1088

Þenne he carped to þe kny3t, criande loude,

The lord of the castle asks the knight to grant him one request;

The lord of the castle asks the knight to fulfill one request for him;

"3e han demed to do þe dede þat I bidde;

"3e have done what I asked you to do;"

Wyl 3e halde þis hes here at þys one3?"

Wyl 3e halde þis hes here at þys one3?

"3e sir, for-soþe," sayd þe segge trwe,

"3e sir, for real," said the loyal man,

1092

"Whyl I byde in yowre bor3e, be bayn to 3ow[r]e hest."

"While I wait in your presence, be ready to serve you."

"For 3e haf trauayled," quod þe tulk, "towen fro ferre,

"For three days we have traveled," said the messenger, "coming from far away,

& syþen waked me wyth, 3e arn not wel waryst,

& then woke me with, you are not very aware,

That he will stay in his chamber during mass time,

That he will remain in his room during mass.

Nauþer of sostnaunce ne of slepe, soþly I knowe;

1096

3e schal lenge in your lofte, & ly3e in your ese,

3e shall linger in your loft, & ly3e in your ese,

and then go to meat with his hostess.

and then go to meet with his hostess.

To morn quyle þe messe-quyle, & to mete wende,

To mourn during the mass time and to go to eat,

When 3e wyl, wyth my wyf, þat wyth yow schal sitte,

When we want to, with my wife, that will sit with you,

& comfort yow with compayny, til I to cort torne,

&comfort you with company, until I to court turn,

1100

3e lende;

& I schal erly ryse,

& I shall rise early,

On huntyng wyl I wende."

"On hunting will I go."

Gawayne accedes to his request.

Gawayne agrees to his request.

Gauayn grante3 alle þyse,

1104

Hym heldande, as þe hende.

Hym holding, as the hand.

XXIV.

"Whatsoever," says the host, "I win in the wood shall be yours,

"Whatever," says the host, "I win in the woods will be yours,

"3et firre," quod þe freke, "a forwarde we make;

"Let’s go," said the guy, "let’s move ahead;

Quat-so-euer I wynne in þe wod, hit worþe3 to youre3,

and what check you achieve shall be mine."

"Whatever check you get will belong to me."

& quat chek so 3e acheue, chaunge me þer-forne;

1108

Swete, swap we so, sware with trawþe,

Swete, let’s trade like this, I swear with truth,

Queþer, leude, so lymp lere oþer better."

Queþer, people, so limp learn other better.

"Bi God," quod Gawayn þe gode, "I grant þer-tylle,

"By God," said Gawain the good, "I grant you your request,"

[Fol. 106.]

& þat yow lyst forto layke, lef hit me þynkes.

& that you want to play, I think it’s nice to me.

A bargain is made between them.

They make a deal with each other.

1112

"Who bringe3 vus þis beuerage, þis bargayn is maked:"

"Who brings us this beverage, this bargain is made:"

So sayde þe lorde of þat lede; þay la3ed vchone,

So said the lord of that land; they laughed at each other,

Þay dronken, & daylyeden, & dalten vnty3tel,¹

Þise lorde3 & ladye3, quyle þat hem lyked;

These lords and ladies, while they liked them;

1116

& syþen with frenkysch fare & fele fayre lote3

Þay stoden, & stemed, & stylly speken,

They stood, and stared, and spoke quietly,

Kysten ful comlyly, & ka3ten her leue.

Kysten fully and kissed her goodbye.

Night approaches and each "to his bed was brought at the last."

Night falls, and everyone "went to their bed in the end."

With mony leude ful ly3t, & lemande torches,

With many people fully lit, & holding torches,

1120

Vche burne to his bed wat3 bro3t at þe laste,

Vche burned to his bed was brought at last,

ful softe;

full soft

To bed 3et er þay 3ede,

Recorded couenaunte3 ofte;

Recorded count of items;

1124

Þe olde lorde of þat leude,²

Cowþe wel halde layk a-lofte.

Cow can stay up high.

¹ vntyl ny3te (?). ² lede (?).

¹ until night (?). ² lead (?).

[FYTTE THE THIRD.]

I.

Before day-break folks uprise,

Before dawn, people wake up,

Ful erly bifore þe day þe folk vp-rysen,

Gestes þat go wolde, hor grome3 þay calden,

Gestes that wanted to go, they called him a grumpy one,

saddle their horses, and truss their mails.

saddle their horses and pack their gear.

1128

& þay busken vp bilyue, blonkke3 to sadel,

& they busk up billy, blanket to saddle,

Tyffen he[r] takles, trussen her males,

Tyffen her tackles, trusts her males,

Richen hem þe rychest, to ryde alle arayde,

Richen them the richest, to ride all prepared,

Lepen vp ly3tly, lachen her brydeles,

Each goes where it pleases him best.

Each goes wherever he feels is best.

1132

Vche wy3e on his way, þer hym wel lyked.

Vche was on his way, where he felt really good.

The noble lord of the land arrays himself for riding.

The noble lord of the land gets ready to ride.

Þe leue lorde of þe londe wat3 not þe last,

A-rayed for þe rydyng, with renkke3 ful mony;

A-rayed for the riding, with many equipped;

He eats a sop hastily and goes to mass.

He quickly eats a meal and goes to church.

Ete a sop hastyly, when he hade herde masse,

Ete a sop quickly after he had heard the mass,

1136

With bugle to bent felde he buske3 by-lyue;

Before day-light he and his men are on their horses.

Before dawn, he and his men are on their horses.

By þat þat any day-ly3t lemed vpon erþe,

By the time any daylight shone on earth,

He with his haþeles on hy3e horsses weren.

He was with his helpless friends on high horses.

Then the hounds are called out and coupled.

Then the hounds are called and paired up.

Þenne þise cacheres þat couþe, cowpled hor hounde3,

1140

Vnclosed þe kenel dore, & calde hem þer-oute,

Vnclosed the kennel door, and called them out,

Three short notes are blown by the bugles.

Three short notes are sounded by the bugles.

Blwe bygly in bugle3 þre bare mote;

Blow big in bugle three bare mote;

Braches bayed þerfore, & breme noyse maked,

Braches howled there, and made a loud noise,

A hundred hunters join in the chase.

A hundred hunters join the hunt.

& þay chastysed, & charred, on chasyng þat went;

& they chased, & charred, on chasing that went;

1144

A hundreth of hunteres, as I haf herde telle,

A hundred of hunters, as I have heard tell,

of þe best;

of the best;

To the stations the "fewters" go,

To the stations the "fewters" are headed,

To trystors vewters 3od,

To trust your voters, 3od,

Couples huntes of kest,

Couples hunting for kestrels,

[Fol. 106b.]

1148

Þer ros for blaste3 gode,

There rose for blast good,

and the dogs are cast off.

and the dogs are let loose.

Gret rurd in þat forest.

Great road in that forest.

II.

Roused by the clamour the deer rush to the heights,

Woken by the noise, the deer rush to the heights,

At þe fyrst quethe of þe quest quaked þe wylde;

At the first call of the quest, the wild trembled;

Der drof in þe dale, doted for drede,

1152

Hi3ed to þe hy3e, bot heterly þay were

Hi3ed to the height, but utterly they were

but are soon driven back.

but are quickly pushed back.

Restayed with þe stablye, þat stoutly ascryed;

Restayed with the stable, that stoutly cried out;

The harts and bucks are allowed to pass,

The male deer and bucks are allowed to pass,

Þay let þe hertte3 haf þe gate, with þe hy3e hedes,

Þe breme bukke3 also, with hor brode paume3;

The famous buck also, with his broad palms;

1156

For þe fre lorde hade de-fende in fermysoun tyme,

For the free lord had defended in fair time,

Þat þer schulde no mon mene¹ to þe male dere.

That there should no man mention to the male deer.

but the hinds and does are driven back to the shades.

but the female deer are driven back to the shadows.

Þe hinde3 were halden in, with hay & war,

The hinds were kept in, with hay & war,

Þe does dryuen with gret dyn to þe depe slade3;

Þe does driven with great noise to the deep slopes;

1160

Þer my3t mon se, as þay slypte, slentyng of arwes,

As they fly they are shot by the bowmen.

As they fly, the archers shoot at them.

At vche [þat] wende vnder wande wapped a flone,

At that place, beneath the branches, a flower bloomed.

Þat bigly bote on þe broun, with ful brode hede3,

The hounds and the hunters, with a loud cry, follow in pursuit.

The hounds and the hunters, with a loud shout, chase after.

What! þay brayen, & bleden, bi bonkke3 þay de3en.

What! They bray, and bleat, by the banks they die.

1164

& ay rachches in a res radly hem fol3es,

Huntere3 wyth hy3e horne hasted hem after,

Huntere3 with high horn hurried after them,

Those that escaped the arrows are killed by the hounds.

Those who dodged the arrows are killed by the hounds.

Wyth such a crakkande kry, as klyffes haden brusten;

Wyth such a cracking cry, as cliffs had burst;

What wylde so at-waped wy3es þat schotten,

What wild so at-wrapped wise that shot,

1168

Wat3 al to-raced & rent, at þe resayt.

Bi þay were tened at þe hy3e, & taysed to þe wattre3,

Þe lede3 were so lerned at þe lo3e trysteres,

& þe gre-hounde3 so grete, þat geten hem bylyue,

& the grey hounds so great, that get them quickly,

1172

& hem to fylched, as fast as freke3 my3t loke,

þer ry3t.

The lord waxes joyful in the chase,

The lord grows happy during the hunt,

Þe lorde for blys abloy

The lord for bliss annoy

Ful oft con launce & ly3t,

which lasted till the approach of night.

which lasted until nightfall.

1176

& drof þat day wyth Ioy

& dropped that day with joy

Thus to þe derk ny3t.

Thus to the dark night.

¹ meue (?).

meue (?).

III.

All this time Gawayne lies a-bed.

All this time, Gawayne has been lying in bed.

Þus layke3 þis lorde by lynde wode3 eue3,

& G. þe god mon, in gay bed lyge3,

under "coverture full clear".

under "full coverture".

1180

Lurkke3 quyl þe day-ly3t lemed on þe wowes,

Lurkke3 quyl the daylight shone on the waves,

Vnder couertour ful clere, cortyned aboute;

Under a clear cover, surrounded;

& as in slomeryng he slode, sle3ly he herde

He hears a noise at his door.

He hears a sound at his door.

A littel dyn at his dor, & derfly vpon;

A little din at his door, and derfly upon;

1184

& he heue3 vp his hed out of þe cloþes,

& he lifted up his head out of the cloth,

[Fol. 107.]

A corner of þe cortyn he ca3t vp a lyttel,

A corner of the curtain he lifted up a little,

& wayte3 warly þider-warde, quat hit be my3t.

& wait three early there, whatever it might be.

A lady, the loveliest to behold, enters softly.

A beautiful lady enters quietly.

Hit wat3 þe ladi, loflyest to be-holde,

1188

Þat dro3 þe dor after hir ful dernly¹ & stylle,

She approaches the bed.

She walks over to the bed.

& bo3ed to-warde þe bed; & þe burne schamed.

& he went toward the bed; & the young man was embarrassed.

& layde hym doun lystyly, & let as he slepte.

& laid him down softly, & let him sleep.

Gawayne pretends to be asleep.

Gawayne acts like he's asleep.

& ho stepped stilly. & stel to his bedde,

& he stepped quietly. & went to his bed,

The lady casts up the curtain and sits on the bedside.

The woman pulls back the curtain and sits on the edge of the bed.

1192

Kest vp þe cortyn, & creped with-inne,

Kest vp the cortyn, & creped with-inne,

& set hir ful softly on þe bed-syde,

& set her fully softly on the bedside,

& lenged þere selly longe, to loke quen he wakened.

Þe lede lay lurked a ful longe quyle,

Gawayne has much wonder thereat.

Gawayne is very curious about that.

1196

Compast in his concience to quat þat cace my3t

Compast in his conscience to quit that case might

Mene oþer amount, to meruayle hym þo3t;

Mene other amount, to murmur him thought;

Bot 3et he sayde in hym-self, "more semly hit were

Bot he said in himself, "it would be more appropriate

To aspye wyth my spelle [in] space quat ho wolde."

To aim with my spell [in] space what they would.

He rouses himself up,

He wakes himself up,

1200

þen he wakenede, & wroth, & to hir warde torned,

then he woke up, and angry, turned towards her.

unlocks his eyes, and looks as if he were astonished.

He opens his eyes and looks surprised.

& vn-louked his y3e-lydde3, & let as hym wondered,

& vn-louked his eye-lids, & let as him wondered,

& sayned hym, as bi his sa3e þe sauer to worthe,

& said him, as by his sake the savior to worth,

with hande;

with handle;

1204

Wyth chynne & cheke ful swete,

Wyth chin and cheek very sweet,

Boþe quit & red in-blande,

Ful lufly con ho lete,

Full lovely con hotel,

Wyth lyppe3 smal la3ande.

With tiny soft hands.

¹ deruly (?).

¹ deruly.

IV.

"Good morrow", says the lady, "ye are a careless sleeper to let one enter thus.

"Good morning," the lady says, "you are a careless sleeper to let someone come in like this."

1208

"God moroun, sir Gawayn," sayde þat fayr lady,

"Good morning, Sir Gawain," said that fair lady,

"3e ar a sleper vn-sly3e, þat mon may slyde hider;

"3e ar a sleeper vn-sly3e, þat mon may slyde hider;"

Now ar 3e tan astyt, bot true vus may schape,

Now are three times as bright, but true vision may shape,

I shall bind you in your bed, of that be ye sure."

"I'll tie you up in your bed, just so you know."

I schal bynde yow in your bedde, þat be 3e trayst:"

I will bind you in your bed, that you may trust:

1212

Al la3ande þe lady lanced þo bourde3.

Al la3ande the lady lanced the bourde3.

"Good morrow," says the knight, "I am well pleased to be at your service;

"Good morning," says the knight, "I'm happy to be at your service;

"Goud moroun g[aye],"¹ quod Gawayn þe blyþe,

"Goud moroun g[aye]," ¹ quod Gawayn the blyþe,

"Me schal worþe at your wille, & þat me wel lyke3,

"Me shall be at your will, and that I like well,"

For I 3elde me 3ederly, & 3e3e after grace,

For I held myself together, and after grace,

1216

& þat is þe best, be my dome, for me by-houe3 nede;"

& that is the best, in my opinion, for me to consider;

& þus he bourded a-3ayn with mony a blyþe la3ter.

& <þus he bourded a-3ayn with mony a blyþe la3ter.

but permit me to rise and dress myself."

"Please allow me to get up and get dressed."

"Bot wolde 3e, lady louely, þen leue me grante,

"Please, my dear lady, then grant me this."

& de-prece your prysoun, & pray hym to ryse,

1220

I wolde bo3e of þis bed, & busk me better,

I would get up from this bed and get ready better,

I schulde keuer þe more comfort to karp yow wyth."

I should give you more comfort to talk to you with.

[Fol. 107b]
"Nay, beau sir," said that sweet one,

[Fol. 107b]
"No, good sir," said that lovely one,

"Nay, for soþe, beau sir," sayd þat swete,

"Nay, for sure, beautiful sir," said that sweet,

"3e schal not rise of your bedde, I rych yow better,

"3e shall not rise from your bed, I assure you better,"

"I shall hold talk with you here.

"I will talk to you here."

1224

I schal happe yow here þat oþer half als,

I’ll happen to hear you over there too,

& syþen karp wyth my kny3t þat I ka3t haue;

& then I should argue with my knight that I cannot have;

I know well that you are Gawayne that all the woild worships.

I know very well that you are Gawayne, whom everyone in the world admires.

For I wene wel, Iwysse, sir Wawen 3e are,

For I think well, truly, sir Wawen, you are,

Þat alle þe worlde worchipe3, quere-so 3e ride;

That everyone in the world worships, wherever you ride;

1228

Your honour, your hendelayk is hendely praysed

Your honor, your handshake is highly praised

We are by ourselves;

We're alone;

With lorde3, wyth ladyes, with alle þat lyf bere.

With lords, with ladies, with all that live.

& now 3e ar here, iwysse, & we bot oure one;

& now 3e are here, iwysse, & we both our own;

My lord and his men are far off.

My lord and his men are far away.

"My lorde & his lede3 ar on lenþe faren,

"My lord and his lady are traveling far,"

Other men are in their beds, so are my maidens.

Other men are in their beds, and so are my maidens.

1232

Oþer burne3 in her bedde, & my burde3 als,

Other burns in her bed, and my burden too,

The door is safely closed.

The door is securely closed.

Þe dor drawen, & dit with a derf haspe;

Since I have him in house that every one likes, I shall use my time well while it lasts.

Since I have him at home and everyone likes him, I will make good use of my time while it lasts.

& syþen I haue in þis hous hym þat al lyke3,

I schal ware my whyle wel, quyl hit laste3,

I will enjoy my time well while it lasts,

1236

with tale;

with story;

Ye are welcome to my body.

You are welcome to my body.

3e ar welcum to my cors,

3e ar welcome to my cors,

Yowre awen won to wale,

You're the one to choose,

Me be-houe3 of fyne force,

I am a powerful force,

I shall be your servant."

"I'll be your servant."

1240

Your seruaunt be & schale."

Your servant be & schale.

¹ This word is illegible in the MS.

¹ This word is unreadable in the manuscript.

V.

"In god fayth," quod Gawayn, "gayn hit me þynkke3,

"In good faith," said Gawain, "I think it should matter to me,

"I am unworthy," says Sir Gawayne, "to reach to such reverence as ye rehearse.

"I am not worthy," says Sir Gawayne, "to attain the honor you describe."

Þa3 I be not now he þat 3e of speken;

To reche to such reuerence as 3e reherce here

To reach such reverence as you refer to here

1244

I am wy3e vn-worþy, I wot wel my-seluen;

I am worthy, I know it well myself;

Bi God, I were glad, & yow god þo3t,

Bi God, I was glad, and you know it too.

I shall be glad, however, to please you by word, or service."

I would be happy to please you with my words or actions.

At sa3e oþer at seruyce þat I sette my3t

At the same time as the others at service that I set might

To þe plesaunce of your prys, hit were a pure ioye."

To the pleasure of your price, it would be a pure joy.

1248

"In god fayth, sir Gawayn," quod þe gay lady,

"In good faith, Sir Gawain," said the beautiful lady,

"Þe prys & þe prowes þat plese3 al oþer,

"THE price and the prowess that please all other,"

If I hit lakked, oþer set at ly3t, hit were littel daynté;

If I missed out, or if I just hung around, it wouldn't be a big deal;

"There are ladies," says his visitor, "who would prefer thy company

"There are women," says his visitor, "who would prefer your company."

Bot hit ar ladyes in-no3e, þat leuer wer nowþe

1252

Haf þe hende in hor holde, as I þe habbe here,

Haf the hand in her hold, as I have here,

To daly witt derely your daynté worde3,

To daily wit derely your dainte words,

Keuer hem comfort, & colen her care3,

Keuer them comfort, & colen her care3,

to much of the gold that they possess."

"to a large amount of the gold that they have."

Þen much of þe garysourn oþer golde þat¹ þay hauen;

Þen much of the garysour then other gold that¹ they have;

1256

Bot I louue² þat ilk lorde þat þe lyfte halde3,

Bot I love² that same lord who holds the sky,

I haf hit holly in my honde þat al desyres,

I have hit holy in my hand that all desires,

þur3e grace."

three grace.

Scho made hym so gret chere,

Scho made him so great cheer,

[Fol. 108.]

1260

Þat wat3 so fayr of face,

The knight answers the lady's questions.

The knight responds to the lady's questions.

Þe kny3t with speches skere,

The knight with sharp speeches,

A[n]swared to vche a cace.

Answered to vche a case.

¹ MS. þat þat. ² louie or loune (?).

¹ MS. that a. ² louie or loune?

VI.

Gawayne tells her that he prefers her conversation before that of all others.

Gawayne tells her that he likes her conversation more than anyone else's.

"Madame," quod þe myry mon, "Mary yow 3elde,

"Madam," said the cheerful man, "May you remain blessed,"

1264

For I haf founden, in god fayth, yowre fraunchis nobele,

For I have found, in good faith, your franchise's noble,

& oþer ful much of oþer folk fongen hor dede3;

&l oþer much of oþer people take their deeds;

Bot þe daynté þat þay delen for my disert nysen,

Hit is þe worchyp of your-self, þat no3t hot wel conne3."

Hit is the worship of yourself, that nothing has well conquered.

The lady declares by Mary,

The woman declares by Mary,

1268

"Bi Mary," quod þe menskful, "me þynk hit anoþer;

"Bi Mary," said the thoughtful one, "I think it's another;"

For were I worth al þe wone of wymmen alyue,

For if I were worth all the beauty of women alive,

& al þe wele of þe worlde were in my honde,

& and all the wealth of the world were in my hand,

that were she about to choose her a lord,

if she were to choose a lord for herself,

& I schulde chepen & chose, to cheue me a lorde,

& I should choose and select, to have me a lord,

1272

For þe costes þat I haf knowen vpun þe kny3t here,

For the costs that I have known about this knight here,

Of bewté, & debonerté, & blyþe semblaunt,

Of beauty, and kindness, and cheerful appearance,

she would select Gawayne before any man on earth.

She would choose Gawayne over any man in the world.

& þat I haf er herkkened, & halde hit here trwee,

& that I have heard here, & hold it true,

Þer schulde no freke vpon folde bifore yow be chosen."

Þer schulde no freke vpon folde bifore yow be chosen.

1276

"I-wysse, worþy," quod þe wy3e, "3e haf waled wel better,

"I see, worthy," said the wise one, "you have chosen much better,

Gawayne tells her that he will become her own knight and faithful servant.

Gawayne tells her that he will be her personal knight and loyal servant.

Bot I am proude of þe prys þat 3e put on me,

Bot I am proud of the praise that you put on me,

& soberly your seruaunt my souerayn I holde yow,

& soberly your servant my sovereign I hold you,

& yowre kny3t I be-com, & Kryst yow for-3elde."

& your knight I become, & Christ you thank."

1280

Þus þay meled of much-quat, til myd-morn paste,

Þus they talked a lot, until past mid-morning,

& ay þe lady let lyk, a¹ hym loued mych;

& and the lady let it be known, a¹ hem loved much;

The remembrance of his adventure prevents him from thinking of love.

The memory of his adventure keeps him from thinking about love.

Þe freke ferde with defence, & feted ful fayre.

Þe freke ferde with defense, & feted ful fayre.

Þa3 I were burde bry3test, þe burde in mynde hade,

1284

Þe lasse luf in his lode, for lur þat he so3t,

boute hone;

bottle hones;

Þe dunte þat schulde² hym deue,

The punishment that should be given to him,

& nede3 hit most be done;

& nede3 it must be done;

The lady takes leave of Sir Gawayne.

The lady bids farewell to Sir Gawayne.

1288

Þe lady þenn spek of leue.

The lady then spoke of love.

He granted hir ful sone.

He granted her full support.

¹ and (?) ² sclulde, in MS.

¹ and (?) ² schedule, in MS.

VII.

With a laughing glance, she says,

With a playful look, she says,

Þenne ho gef hym god-day, & wyth a glent la3ed.

& as ho stod, ho stonyed hym wyth ful stor worde3:

& as he stood, he stunned him with full strong words:

"I am doubtful whether ye be Gawayne.

"I'm not sure if you're Gawayne."

1292

"Now he þat spede3 vche spech, þis disport 3elde yow!

"Now he who speeds each speech, this amusement brings you!"

Bot þat 3e be Gawan, hit got3 in mynde."

Bot þat 3e be Gawan, hit got3 in mynde.

"Quer-fore?" quod þe freke, & freschly he aske3,

"Quer-fore?" said the guy, and he asked eagerly,

Ferde lest he hade fayled in fourme of his castes;

Ferde let he had failed in four of his attempts;

1296

Bot þe burde hym blessed, & bi þis skyl sayde,

[Fol. 108b.]

"So god as Gawayn gaynly is halden,

"So noble as Gawain truly is held,

& cortaysye is closed so clene in hym-seluen,

& courtesy is closed so clean in him-selfen,

Were it he, surely, ere this, he would have craved a kiss."

If it were him, he would have asked for a kiss by now.

Couth not ly3tly haf lenged so long wyth a lady,

Coudn't just hang around with a lady for so long,

1300

Bot he had craued a cosse, bi his courtaysye,

Bot he had craved a kiss, by his courtesy,

Bi sum towch of summe tryfle, at sum tale3 ende."

Bi sum towch of summe tryfle, at sum tale3 ende.

"I shall kiss," says the knight, "at your commandment."

"I will kiss," says the knight, "at your command."

Þen quod Wowen, "I-wysse, worþe as yow lyke3,

I schal kysse at your comaundement, as a kny3t falle3,

I will kiss at your command, as a knight falls,

1304

& fire¹ lest he displese yow, so² plede hit no more."

& fire¹ so he doesn't upset you, so² let's not discuss it further."

With that the lady catches him in her arms and kisses him.

With that, the lady embraces him and kisses him.

Ho comes nerre with þat, & cache3 hym in arme3,

Ho comes near with that, & catches him in arms,

Loute3 luflych adoun, & þe leude kysse3;

Loute3 lovely adoun, & the people kiss3;

Þay comly bykennen to Kryst ayþer oþer;

They came back to Christ either way;

1308

Ho dos hir forth at þe dore, with-outen dyn more.

& he ryches hym to ryse, & rapes hym sone,

& he riches him to rise, & rapes him soon,

Gawayne then rises and goes to mass.

Gawayne then gets up and goes to mass.

Clepes to his chamberlayn, choses his wede,

Clepes to his chamberlain, chooses his outfit,

Bo3e3 forth, quen he wat3 boun, blyþely to masse,

Bo3e3 forth, when he was bound, joyfully to mass,

1312

& þenne he meued to his mete, þat menskly hym keped,

& then he moved to his meal, that men skillfully kept,

He makes mirth all day till the moon rises,

He keeps laughing all day until the moon comes up,

& made myry al day til þe mone rysed,

& made merry all day until the moon rose,

with game;

With³ neuer freke fayrer fonge,

With 3 newer freak fairer fungi,

between the "two dames," the older and the younger.

between the "two ladies," the older and the younger.

1316

Bitwene two so dyngne dame,

Between two signed ladies,

Þe alder & þe 3onge,

The elder & the young,

Much solace set þay same.

Much comfort brought the same.

¹ fere (?). ² fo, in MS. ³ Was (?) Nas (?).

¹ about (?). ² for, in MS. ³ Was (?) Nas (?).

VIII.

Meanwhile the lord of the land and his men hunt in woods and heaths.

Meanwhile, the lord of the land and his men are hunting in the woods and heathlands.

And ay þe lorde of þe londe is lent on his gamne3,

And yes, the lord of the land is focused on his game,

1320

To hunt in holte3 & heþe, at hynde3 barayne,

To hunt in woods & fields, where the animals roam,

Such a sowme he þer slowe bi þat þe sunne heldet,

Such a sound he heard slow as the sun was setting,

Of dos & of oþer dere, to deme were wonder.

Of two and of other dear ones, to judge would be a wonder.

Þenne fersly þay flokked in folk at þe laste,

Þen they quickly gathered as a crowd at the end,

Quickly of the killed a "quarry" they make.

They quickly make a "quarry" of the killed.

1324

& quykly of þe quelled dere a querré þay maked;

& quykly of the quelled deer a query they made;

Þe best bo3ed þerto, with burne3 in-noghe,

Then they set about breaking the deer.

Then they set about breaking the deer.

Gedered þe grattest of gres þat þer were,

Gave the best of grasses that there were,

& didden hem derely vndo, as þe dede aske3;

They take away the assay or fat,

They take away the test or fat,

1328

Serched hem at þe asay, summe þat þer were,

Serched them at the assay, some that were,

Two fyngeres þay fonde of þe fowlest of alle;

Two fingers they found of the foulest of all;

then they slit the slot and remove the erber.

Then they cut the slot and take out the erber.

Syþen þay slyt þe slot, sesed þe erber,

They afterwards rip the four limbs and rend off the hide.

They then tear apart the four limbs and pull off the hide.

Schaued wyth a scharp knyf, & þe schyre knitten;

1332

Syþen rytte þay þe foure lymmes, & rent of þe hyde,

Sythen rytte they the four limbs, and rent of the hide,

They next open the belly

They then open the belly

Þen brek þay þe bale, þe bale3 out token,

Þen break they the curse, the curse out token,

[Fol. 109.]
and take out the bowels.

[Fol. 109.]
and remove the intestines.

Lystily forlancyng, & bere of þe knot;

Lustfully longing, and devoid of the tie;

Þay gryped to þe gargulun, & grayþely departed

They grabbed onto the gargoyle and quickly left.

They then separate the weasand from the windhole and throw out the guts.

They then detach the weasand from the windhole and discard the innards.

1336

Þe wesaunt fro þe wynt-hole, & walt out þe gutte3;

Þe wesaunt from the wind-hole, & walked out the gutters;

Þen scher þay out þe schuldere3 with her scharp knyue3,

Þen she cut them off the shoulders with her sharp knives,

The shoulders are cut out, and the breast divided into halves.

The shoulders are cut out, and the chest is divided into two halves.

Haled hem by a lyttel hole, to haue hole sydes;

Halted him by a little hole, to have whole sides;

Siþen britned þay þe brest, & brayden hit in twynne,

1340

& eft at þe gargulun bigyne3 on þenne,

& left at the gargoyle beginning on thenne,

The numbles are next removed.

The numbles are then taken out.

Ryue3 hit vp radly, ry3t to þe by3t,

Voyde3 out þe a-vanters, & verayly þerafter

Voyde3 out the a-vanters, & verayly þerafter

Alle þe ryme3 by þe rybbe3 radly þay lance;

Alle the rhymes by the riverside readily they launch;

1344

So ryde þay of by resoun bi þe rygge bone3,

So they ride by reason along the spine.

Euenden to þe haunche, þat henged alle samen,

Euenden to the hip, that hung all together,

& heuen hit vp al hole, & hwen hit of þere,

& heuen hit up all whole, & when hit of there,

& þat þayneme for þe noumbles, bi nome as I trowe,

& that they call for the numbers, by name as I believe,

1348

bi kynde;

be kind;

By the fork of the thighs,

By the inner thighs,

Bi þe by3t al of þe þy3es,

Þe lappe3 þay lance bi-hynde,

The rabbit hops away quickly,

the flaps are hewn in two by the backbone.

The flaps are cut in two by the backbone.

To hewe hit in two þay hy3es,

To cut it in two ways,

1352

Bi þe bak-bon to vnbynde.

By the backbone to unbind.

IX.

After this the head and neck are cut off, and the sides severed from the chine.

After this, the head and neck are removed, and the sides are detached from the backbone.

Boþe þe hede & þe hals þay hwen of þenne,

Boþe the head & the neck they changed from thenne,

& syþen sunder þay þe syde3 swyft fro þe chyne,

& þe corbeles fee þay kest in a greue;¹

& the crows' fee they cast in a grave;¹

1356

Þenn þurled þay ayþer þik side þur3, bi þe rybbe,

Þen then they endured each thick side through, by the rib,

& henged þenne a[y]þer bi ho3es of þe fourche3,

& henge then either by hooks of the fourche,

Vche freke for his fee, as falle3 forto haue.

Vche freke for his fee, as falls to have.

Vpon a felle of þe fayre best, fede þay þayr houndes,

Vpon a pelt of the beautiful beast, they feed their hounds,

With the liver, lights and paunches, they feed the hounds.

They feed the hounds with the liver, lights, and paunches.

1360

Wyth þe lyuer & þe ly3te3, þe leþer of þe paunche3,

Wyth the liver & the lights, the leather of the pouches,

& bred baþed in blod, blende þer amonge3;

& bred bathed in blood, blended there among;

Baldely þay blw prys, bayed þayr rachche3,

Baldly they blew prices, bared their wretchedness,

Then they make for home.

Then they head home.

Syþen fonge þay her flesche folden to home,

Sythen brought that flesh home,

1364

Strakande ful stoutly mony stif mote3.

Bi þat þe dayly3t wat3 done, þe douthe wat3 al wonen

Bi þat þe daylight was done, þe doubt was all gone.

In-to þe comly castel, þer þe kny3t bide3

In-to the lovely castle, where the knight waits

ful stille;

full stop;

1368

Wyth blys & bry3t fyr bette,

Þe lord is comen þer-tylle,

The lord is coming here.

Gawayne goes out to meet his host.

When Gawayn wyth hym mette,

When Gawayn met him,

Þer wat3 bot wele at wylle.

¹ grene (?).

grene (?).

X.

[Fol. 109b.]
The lord commands all his household to assemble,

[Fol. 109b.]
The lord commands everyone in his household to gather,

1372

Thenne comaunded þe lorde in þat sale to samen alle þe meny,

The nine commanded the Lord in that room to gather all the people,

Boþe þe ladyes on loghe to ly3t with her burdes,

Boþe þe ladies on loghe to ly3t with her burdes,

and the venison to be brought before him.

and the venison to be presented to him.

Bi-fore alle þe folk on þe flette, freke3 he bedde3

Bi-fore all the people on the floor, the man he requests

Verayly his venysoun to fech hym byforne;

Verily his venison to fetch him before;

He calls Gawayne,

He calls Gawain,

1376

& al godly in gomen Gaway[n] he called,

& all godly in government Gawain he called,

Teche3 hym to þe tayles of ful tayt bestes,

Teche3 hym to the tails of very tight beasts,

Schewe3 hym þe schyree grece schorne vpon rybbes.

Schewe the shiny green skin shorn upon ribs.

and asks him whether he does not deserve much praise for his success in the chase.

and asks him if he doesn't deserve a lot of praise for his success in the chase.

"How paye3 yow þis play? haf I prys wonnen?

How will you pay for this play? Have I won a prize?

1380

Haue I þryuandely þonk þur3 my craft serued?"

Haue I thryuandely thonk þur3 my craft serued?

"3e I-wysse," quod þat oþer wy3e, "here is wayth fayrest

"3e I-wysse," said that other man, "here is the way that's fairest"

On the knight expressing himself satisfied, he is told to take the whole according to a former agreement between them.

When the knight expresses his satisfaction, he is told to take the entire amount according to their previous agreement.

Þat I se3 þis seuen 3ere in sesoun of wynter."

Þat I see this seven year in season of winter."

"& al I gif yow, Gawayn," quod þe gome þenne,

"& all I give you, Gawain," said the man then,

1384

"For by a-corde of couenaunt 3e craue hit as your awen."

"For by agreement, you ask it as your own."

"Þis is soth," quod þe segge, "I say yow þatilke,

"That is true," said the man, "I tell you that."

&¹ I haf worthyly þis wone3 wyth-inne,

&¹ I have rightfully this dwelling within,

Gawayne gives the knight a comely kiss in return.

Gawayne gives the knight a nice kiss in return.

I-wysse with as god wylle hit worþe3 to 3oure3."

I know it will happen as God wishes it to.

1388

He hasppe3 his fayre hals his arme3 wyth-inne,

He has his beautiful hair and arms within.

& kysses hym as comlyly as he² couþe awyse:

& amp; kisses him as charmingly as he² could manage:

"Tas yow þere my cheuicaunce, I cheued no more,

"Tas you there my convenience, I chewed no more,"

I wowche hit saf fynly, þa3 feler hit were."

I watched it finally, though it seemed to be less.

1392

"Hit is god," quod þe god mon, "grant mercy þerfore,

"Hit is god," said the god man, "grant mercy therefore,

His host desires to know where he has gotten such weal.

His host wants to know where he got such good fortune.

Hit may be such, hit is þe better, &¹ 3e me breue wolde

Hit may be like that, but it’s better, and you would want to explain it to me.

Where 3e wan þis ilk wele, biwytte of hor³ seluen?"

Where are the three who had this same wealth, besides themselves?

As this does not enter into the covenant, he gets no answer to his question.

Since this is not part of the covenant, he receives no response to his question.

"Þat wat3 not forward," quod he, "frayst me no more,

"That wasn't a good idea," he said, "don't bother me anymore."

1396

For 3e haftan þat yow tyde3, trawe3e non oþer

For the third time this week, trust no one else.

3e mowe."

3e mowe.

Þay la3ed, & made hem blyþe,

They then proceed to supper, where were dainties new and enough.

They then go to dinner, where there are plenty of new and delightful dishes.

Wyth lote3 þat were to lowe,

1400

To soper þay 3ede asswyþe,

To super that 3rd issue,

Wyth dayntes nwe in-nowe.

With daytime's new in now.

¹ And = an. ² ho, in MS. ³ your (?).

XI.

By the hearth they sit.

By the fireplace they sit.

And syþen by þe chymné in chamber þay seten.

And then by the chimney in the chamber they sat.

Wine is carried round.

Wine is passed around.

Wy3e3 þe walle wyn we3ed to hem oft,

1404

& efte in her bourdyng þay bayþen in þe morn,

To fylle þe same forwarde3 þat þay by-fore maden,

To fill the same forward that they made before,

Again Sir Gawayne and his host renew their agreement.

Once more, Sir Gawayne and his group reaffirm their agreement.

Þat chaunce so bytyde3 hor cheuysaunce to chaunge,

What nwe3 so þay nome, at na3t quen þay metten

What we so say, at night when they meet

1408

Þay acorded of þe couenaunte3 byfore þe court alle;

They agreed on the covenant before the court all;

[Fol. 110.]

Þe beuerage wat3 bro3t forth in bourde at þat tyme;

The beverage was brought forth in the courtyard at that time;

Then they take leave of each other and hasten to bed.

Then they say goodbye to each other and rush off to bed.

Þenne þay louelych le3ten leue at þe last,

Þen they lovingly left it at last,

Vche burne to his bedde busked bylyue.

Vche burned to his bed quickly.

Scarce had the cock cackled thrice when the lord was up.

The rooster had barely crowed three times when the lord got up.

1412

Bi þat þe coke hade crowe3¹ & cakled bot þryse,

Bi þat þe coke hade crowed¹ & cackled only three times,

Þe lorde wat3 lopen of his bedde, [&] þe leude3 vch one,

Þe lord gets up from his bed, and each of the people,

So þat þe mete & þe masse wat3 metely delyuered;

So that the food and the mass were delivered moderately;

Þe douthe dressed to þe wod, er any day sprenged,

The group headed to the woods before day broke.

1416

to chace;

to chase;

With his hunters and horns they pursue the chase.

With his hunters and horns, they go after the hunt.

He3 with hunte & horne3,

He waits with hunt and horn,

Þur3 playne3 þay passe in space,

They play in space,

Vn-coupled among þo þorne3,

Vn-coupled among the thorns,

1420

Rache3 þat ran on race.

Rache3 that ran on race.

¹ crowed (?).

¹ announced (?).

XII.

The hunters cheer on the hounds,

The hunters cheer for the hounds,

Sone þay calle of a quest in aker syde,

Sone they call it a quest in the field side,

Þe hunt re-hayted þe hounde3, þat hit fyrst mynged,

which fall to the scent forty at once.

which fall to the scent forty all at once.

Wylde worde3 hym warp wyth a wrast noyce;

Wylde word3 hym warp with a loud noise;

1424

Þe hownde3 þat hit herde, hastid þider swyþe,

The hound that heard it hurried there quickly,

& fellen as fast to þe fuyt, fourty at ones;

& fell as fast to the fight, forty at once;

Þenne such a glauerande glam of gedered rachche3

Ros, þat þe rochere3 rungen aboute;

Ros, that the rockers run around;

1428

Huntere3 hem hardened with horne & wyth muthe.

All come together by the side of a cliff.

Everyone gathers by the edge of a cliff.

Þen al in a semblé sweyed to-geder,

Then all in a seeming swayed together,

Bitwene a flosche in þat fryth, & a foo cragge;

Bitwene a flosche in that frith, & a foo cragge;

In a knot, bi a clyffe, at þe kerre syde,

In a knot, by a cliff, at the edge of the road,

1432

Þer as þe rogh rocher vn-rydely wat3 fallen,

[Þay] ferden to þe fyndyng, & freke3 hem after;

They look about on all sides,

They look around in every direction,

Þay vmbe-kesten þe knarre & þe knot boþe.

Wy3e3, whyl þay wysten wel wyt inne hem hit were,

Wy3e3, when they knew well that it was in him,

1436

Þe best þat þer breued wat3 wyth þe blod hounde3.

The best thing they brewed was with the blood hounds.

and beat on the bushes.

and beat the bushes.

Þenne þay beten on þe buske3, & bede hym vp ryse,

& he vnsoundyly out so3t segge3 ouer-þwert,

Out there rushes a fierce wild boar,

A fierce wild boar rushes out there,

On þe sellokest swyn swenged out þere,

On the saddest pig swung out there,

1440

Long sythen for¹ þe sounder þat wi3t for-olde,

Long since for the sounder that wit for olde,

For he wat3 b[este &] bor alþer grattest,

For he was the best and bore all the greatest burdens,

[And eue]re quen he gronyed, þenne greued mony,

At the first thrust he fells three to the ground.

With the first strike, he knocks three to the ground.

For [þre a]t þe fyrst þrast he þry3t to þe erþe,

For at the first thrust he threw to the earth,

1444

& [sped hym] forth good sped, boute spyt more,

& [sent him] off well, without more delay,

[Ande þay] halowed hyghe ful hy3e & hay! hay! cryed

[Ande þay] halowed hyghe ful hy3e & hay! hay! cried

[Fol. 110b.]

Haden horne3 to mouþe heterly rechated;

Haden horn3 to mouth harshly reached;

Full quickly the hunters pursue him.

The hunters quickly chase after him.

Mony wat3 þe myry mouthe of men & of hounde3,

1448

Þat buskke3 after þis bor, with bost & wyth noyse,

That busked after this bore, with boast and with noise,

To quelle;

To quote;

Ful oft he byde3 þe baye,

& mayme3 þe mute Inn-melle,

& mayme3 the mute In

However, he attacks the hounds, causing them to yowl and yell.

However, he attacks the hounds, making them yowl and yell.

1452

He hurte3 of þe hounde3, & þay

He heard of the hounds, and they

Ful 3omerly 3aule & 3elle.

Full formerly Saul & Belle.

¹ fro (?).

fro (?).

XIII.

The bowmen send their arrows after this wild swine,

The archers shoot their arrows at this wild pig,

Schalke3 to schote at hym schowen to þenne,

Haled to hym of her arewe3, hitten hym oft;

Haled to him of her arm, hitting him often;

1456

Bot þe poynte3 payred at þe pyth þat py3t in his schelde3,

& þe barbe3 of his browe bite non wolde,

& the beard of his brow would not bite anyone,

but they glide off shivered in pieces.

but they slide off, trembling into fragments.

Þa3 þe schauen schaft schyndered in pece3,

Þe hede hypped a3ayn, were-so-euer hit hitte;

Enraged with the blows,

Angry from the hits,

1460

Bot quon þe dynte3 hym dered of her dry3e stroke3,

Bot quon the dinte3 him dered of her dry3e stroke3,

Þen, brayn-wod for bate, on burne3 he rase3,

Then, crazed with rage, he rose against the man,

he attacks the hunters.

he charges at the hunters.

Hurte3 hem ful heterly þer he forth hy3e3,

Hurte3 them fully harshly there he forth hies,

& mony ar3ed þerat, & on-lyte dro3en.

1464

Bot þe lorde on a ly3t horce launces hym after,

Bot þe lorde on a light horse launches him after,

The lord of the land blows his bugle,

The lord of the land sounds his trumpet,

As burne bolde vpon bent his bugle he blowe3,

As Burne boldly upon the hill blew his bugle,

He rechated, & r[ode]¹ þur3 rone3 ful þyk,

He recharted, & rode through the thick fog,

Suande þis wy[ld]e swyn til þe sunne schafted.

Suande this wild pig to the southern direction.

and pursues the boar.

and hunts the boar.

1468

Þis day wyth þis ilk dede þay dryuen on þis wyse,

Þis day with this same deed they drive on this way,

Whyle oure luflych lede lys in his bedde,

Whyle our lovely leader lies in his bed,

All this time Gawayne lies a-bed.

All this time, Gawayne is lying in bed.

Gawayn grayþely at home, in gere3 ful ryche

Gawayn sat comfortably at home, in a very wealthy manner.

of hewe;

of hue;

1472

Þe lady no3t for3ate,

The lady did not forget,

Com to hym to salue,

Come to him to salute,

Ful erly ho wat3 hym ate,

His mode forto remwe.

His way to remove.

¹ The MS. is here almost illegible.

¹ The manuscript is almost unreadable here.

XIV.

The lady of the castle again visits Sir Gawayne.

The lady of the castle visits Sir Gawayne again.

1476

Ho commes to þe cortyn, & at þe kny3t totes,

Ho commes to the cortyn, & at the knight totes,

Sir Wawen her welcumed worþy on fyrst,

Sir Wawen welcomed the worthy first,

& ho hym 3elde3 a3ayn, ful 3erne of hir worde3,

Softly she sits by his side,

Gently, she sits next to him,

Sette3 hir sof[t]ly by his syde, & swyþely ho la3e3,

Sette3 her soft by his side, and swiftly she laughed,

1480

& wyth a luflych loke ho layde¹ hym þyse worde3:

& with a lovely look, she said to him these words:

"Sir, 3if 3e be Wawen, wonder me þynkke3,

"Sir, if you are Wawen, I wonder what you think,"

Wy3e þat is so wel wrast alway to god,

& conne3 not of compaynye þe coste3 vnder-take,

& conne3 not of company the costs undertake,

[Fol. 111]

1484

& if mon kennes yow hom to knowe, 3e kest hom of your mynde;

& if you want your man to know, you cast him out of your mind;

and tells the knight that he has forgotten what she taught him the day before.

and tells the knight that he has forgotten what she taught him yesterday.

Þou hat3 for-3eten 3ederly þat 3isterday I ta3tte

alder-truest token of talk þat I cowþe."

alder-truest token of talk that I could.

"What is þat?" quod þe wyghe, "I-wysse I wot neuer,

"What is that?" said the man, "I truly have no idea,"

1488

If hit be sothe þat 3e breue, þe blame is myn awen."

If it's true that you blame me, the fault is mine.

"I taught you of kissing," she says, "that becomes every knight."

"I taught you about kissing," she says, "which is fitting for every knight."

"3et I kende yow of kyssyng," quod þe clere þenne,

"3et I knew you of kissing," said the clear one,

"Quere-so countenaunce is couþe, quikly to clayme,

"Quer-so countenance is couple, quickly to claim,"

Þat bicumes vche a kny3t, þat cortaysy vses."

That becomes every knight, that courtesy uses.

1492

"Do way," quod þat derf mon, "my dere, þat speche,

"Do it," said that brave man, "my dear, that speech,

Gawayne says that he must not take that which is forbidden.

Gawayne says he must not take what is forbidden.

For þat durst I not do, lest I denayed were,

For that, I didn't dare to do, in case I was denied,

If I were werned, I were wrang I-wysse, 3if I profered."

If I were warned, I would be wrong, I swear, if I preferred.

"Ma fay," quod þe mere wyf, "3e may not be werned,

"Ma fay," said the mermaid, "you cannot deny,

He is told that he is strong enough to enforce it.

He is told that he is strong enough to carry it out.

1496

3e ar stif in-noghe to constrayne wyth strenkþe, 3if yow lyke3,

3e ar stiff enough to constrain with strength, if you like.

3if any were so vilanous þat yow denaye² wolde."

3if any were so villainous that you deny would.

"3e, be God," quod Gawayn, "good is your speche,

"3e, be God," said Gawayn, "your speech is good,

Bot þrete is vn-þryuande in þede þer I lende,

The knight replies that every gift is worthless that is not given willingly.

The knight responds that any gift is meaningless if it isn't given willingly.

1500

& vche gift þat is geuen not with goud wylle;

I am at your comaundement, to kysse quen yow lyke3,

I am at your command, to kiss whenever you like,

3e may lach quen yow lyst, & leue quen yow þynkke3,

3e may laugh when you like, & leave when you think.

in space."

in space.

The lady stoops down and kisses him.

The woman bends down and kisses him.

1504

Þe lady loute3 a-doun,

The lady bowed down,

& comlyly kysses his face,

& and sweetly kisses his face,

Much speche þay þer expoun,

Much speech they explain,

Of druryes greme & grace.

¹ sayde (?). ² de vaye, in MS.

¹ said (?). ² of the way, in MS.

XV.

"I would learn," she says, "why you, who are so young and active,

"I want to understand," she says, "why you, being so young and active,

1508

"I woled¹ wyt at yow, wy3e," þat worþy þer sayde,

"I cried out at you, wise one," said the worthy there,

"& yow wrathed not þer-wyth, what were þe skylle,

"& you weren’t upset about it, what was the reason,"

Þat so 3ong & so 3epe, as 3e [ar] at þis tyme,

So cortayse, so kny3tyly, as 3e ar knowen oute,

So courteous, so kindly, as you are known out,

so skilled in the true sport of love,

so talented in the genuine art of love,

1512

& of alle cheualry to chose, þe chef þyng a-losed,

& of all chivalry to choose, the chief thing lost,

Is² þe lel layk of luf, þe lettrure of armes;

Is² the true play of love, the literature of arms;

F[or] to telle of þis tenelyng of þis trwe kny3te3,

F[or] to tell of this tendering of this true knight,

Hit is þe tytelet, token, & tyxt of her werkke3,

1516

How le[des] for her lele luf hor lyue3 han auntered,

How leads for her little love her life has altered,

Endured for her drury dulful stounde3,

Endured for her gloomy and sorrowful tones,

& after wenged with her walour & voyded her care,

and so renowned a knight,

and such a famous knight,

& bro3t blysse in-to boure, with bountees hor awen.

& caused great joy in the countryside, with bountiful harvests.

1520

& 3e ar kny3t com-lokest kyd of your elde,

[Fol. 111b.]

Your worde & your worchip walke3 ay quere,

Your words and your worship walk in a strange way,

& I haf seten by your-self here sere twyes,

& I have sat by yourself here, sir, twice,

have never talked to me of love.

have never mentioned love to me.

3et herde I neuer of your hed helde no worde3

1524

Þat euer longed to luf, lasse ne more;

Þat euer longed to love, less or more;

You ought to show a young thing like me some token of 'true-love's crafts.'

You should show someone like me a sign of ‘true love’s skills.’

& 3e, þat ar so cortays & coynt of your hetes,

& 3e, that are so courteous & coynt of your hetes,

Oghe to a 3onke þynk 3ern to schewe,

& teche sum tokene3 of trweluf craftes.

1528

Why ar 3e lewed, þat alle þe los welde3,

Why are you so foolish, that all the loss controls you,

Oþer elles 3e demen me to dille, your dalyaunce to herken?

Otherwise, do you judge me to be dull, your dullness to listen?

for schame!

for shame!

I com hider sengel, & sitte,

I come here alone, and sit,

1532

To lerne at yow sum game,

To learn at your sum game,

So teach me of your 'wit' while my lord is from home."

"Please tell me about your 'wit' while my lord is away."

Dos, teche3 me of your wytte,

Dos, teach me your wit,

Whil my lorde is fro hame."

Whil my lord is from home.

¹ wolde (?). ² In (?).

¹ would (?). ² In (?).

XVI.

"It is a great pleasure to me," says Sir Gawayne, "to hear you talk,

"I'm really pleased," says Sir Gawayne, "to hear you speak,

"In goud fayþe," quod Gawayn, "God yow for3elde,

"In good faith," said Gawain, "God reward you,

1536

Gret is þe gode gle, & gomen to me huge,

Gret is the good cheer, and fun to me a lot,

Þat so worþy as 3e wolde wynne hidere,

& pyne yow with so pouer a mon, as play wyth your kny3t,

With any skynne3 countenaunce, hit keuere3 me ese;

With any skyline countenance, it carries me the same;

but I cannot undertake the task to expound true-love and tales of arms.

but I can’t take on the job of explaining true love and stories of heroism.

1540

Bot to take þe toruayle¹ to my-self, to trwluf expoun,

Bot to take the turmoil¹ to myself, to truly explain,

& towche þe teme3 of tyxt, & tale3 of arme3,

& touch the theme of text, & tales of arms,

To yow þat, I wot wel, welde3 more sly3t

To you that, I know well, wield more skill

Of þat art, bi þe half, or a hundreth of seche

Of that art, by the halves, or a hundred of such

1544

As I am, oþer euer schal, in erde þer I leue,

As I am, so shall I be, in the world where I live,

Hit were a fole fele-folde, my fre, by my trawþe.

Hit were a full feel-fool, my friend, by my truth.

I will, however, act according to your will,

I will, however, act according to your wishes,

I wolde yowre wylnyng worche at my my3t,

I would work at your desire as much as I can,

As I am hy3ly bihalden, & euer-more wylle

As I am highly beholden, and evermore will

and ever be your servant."

and always be your servant."

1548

Be seruaunt to your-seluen, so saue me dry3tyn!"

Be true to yourself, so save me dryness!

Þus hym frayned þat fre, & fondet hym ofte,

Forto haf wonnen hym to wo3e, what-so scho þo3t elle3,

Forto have women hymn to wo3e, whatever she thought else.

Thus Gawayne defends himself.

So Gawayne defends himself.

Bot he de fended hym so fayr, þat no faut semed,

Bot he defended him so fair, that no fault seemed,

1552

Ne non euel on nawþer halue, nawþer þay wysten,

bot blysse;

bot bliss

Þay la3ed & layked longe,

They laughed & liked long,

At þe last scho con hym kysse,

At the end, she kissed him,

The lady having kissed the knight, takes leave of him.

The lady kisses the knight and then says goodbye to him.

1556

Hir leue fayre con scho fonge,

& went hir waye Iwysse.

& went her way indeed.

¹ tornayle (?).

tornayle (?).

XVII.

Gawayne rises, hears mass, and then dines.

Gawayne gets up, attends mass, and then has lunch.

Then ruþes hym þe renk, & ryses to þe masse,

Then he rose up, and went to the mass,

[Fol. 112.]

& siþen hor diner wat3 dy3t & derely serued.

Meanwhile the lord pursues the wild boar,

Meanwhile, the lord is chasing the wild boar,

1560

Þe lede with þe ladye3 layked alle day,

Þe lede with þe ladye layked alle day,

Bot þe lorde ouer þe londe3 launced ful ofte,

Swe3 his vncely swyn, þat swynge3 bi þe bonkke3,

Swe3 his vncely swine, that swings by the banks,

that bit the backs of his hounds asunder,

that tore the backs of his hounds apart,

& bote þe best of his brache3 þe bakke3 in sunder;

& boat the best of his breaking the backing in sunder;

1564

Þer he bode in his bay, tel¹ bawe-men hit breken,

Þer he waited in his bay, telling brave men to break it,

& made² hym, maw-gref his bed, forto mwe vtter;

& made² him, maw-gref his bed, forto mwe vtter;

and caused the stiffest of the hunters to start.

and made even the toughest of the hunters flinch.

So felle flone3 per flete, when þe folk gedered;

So fell a flood came when the people gathered;

Bot 3et þe styffest to start bi stounde3 he made,

1568

Til at þe last he wat3 so mat, he my3t no more renne,

The boar runs into a hole in a rock by the side of a brook.

The boar runs into a hole in the rock next to a stream.

Bot in þe hast þat he my3t, he to a hole wynne3,

Bot in the haste that he might, he to a whole wynne3,

Of a rasse, bi a rokk, þer renne3 þe boerne,

Of a race, by a rock, there ran the children,

He gete þe bonk at his bak, bigyne3 to scrape,

He got the ache in his back, starting to scrape,

The froth foams at his mouth.

Foam builds up at his mouth.

1572

Þe froþe femed³ at his mouth vnfayre bi þe wyke3,

Þe frothy foam at his mouth unfair by the week,

Whette3 his whyte tusche3; with hym þen irked

Whet his white tusks; with him then irked

Alle þe burne3 so bolde, þat hym by stoden,

None durst approach him,

No one dared to approach him,

To nye hym on-ferum, bot ne3e hym non durst

To not approach him in person, but neither dare to face him.

1576

for woþe;

for the sake of

He hade hurt so mony byforne,

He had hurt so many before,

Þat al þu3t⁴ þenne ful loþe,

That all you thought then full loath,

so many had he torn with his tusks.

so many he had ripped apart with his tusks.

Be more wyth his tusche3 torne,

Be more with his touch turned,

1580

Þat breme wat3 [&] brayn-wod bothe.

That fierce water and raging madness both.

¹ til (?). ² madee, in MS. ³ fomed (?). ⁴ þo3t (?).

XVIII.

The knight, seeing the boar at bay,

The knight, noticing the boar cornered,

Til þe kny3t com hym-self, kachande his blonk,

Til the knight came himself, catching his horse,

Sy3 hym byde at þe bay, his burne3 bysyde,

Sy3 hym by the bay, his burne3 beside,

alights from his horse,

dismounts from his horse,

He ly3tes luflych¹ adoun, leue3 his corsour,

He lights lovely and leaves his courser,

1584

Brayde3 out a bry3t bront, & bigly forth stryde3,

Founde3 fast þur3 þe forth, þer þe felle byde3,

Founde3 fast þr3 þe forth, þer þe felle byde3,

and seeks to attack him with his sword.

and aims to strike him with his sword.

Þe wylde wat3 war of þe wy3e with weppen in honde,

The wild water was of the wise with weapon in hand,

Hef hy3ly þe here, so hetterly he fnast,

1588

Þat fele ferde for þe freke3,² lest felle hym þe worre;

The "swine sets out" upon the man,

The "swine sets out" towards the man,

Þe swyn sette3 hym out on þe segge euen,

Þe swyn set him out on the seashore even,

Þat þe burne & þe bor were boþe vpon hepe3,

In þe wy3t-est of þe water, þe worre hade þat oþer;

In the weight of the water, the warrior had that other;

who, aiming well,

who, aiming accurately,

1592

For þe mon merkke3 hym wel, as þay mette fyrst,

For the man, mark him well, as they met first,

Set sadly þe scharp in þe slot euen,

Set sadly the sharp in the slot even,

wounds him in the pit of the stomach.

wounds him in the stomach.

Hit hym vp to þe hult, þat þe hert schyndered,

& he 3arrande hym 3elde, & 3edoun³ þe water,

& he grabbed him hard, & dragged him to the water,

1596

ful tyt;

full text;

[Fol. 112b.]

A hundreth hounde3 hym hent,

A hundred hunters caught,

The boar is soon bitten to death by a hundred hounds.

The boar is quickly killed by a hundred hounds.

Þat bremely con hym bite,

That can really hurt.

Burne3 him bro3t to bent,

Burne3 him bro3t to bend,

1600

& dogge3 to dethe endite.

& dogge3 to death edit.

¹ MS. luslych. ² freke (?). ³ 3ede doun (?).

¹ MS. luslych. ² freke (?). ³ 3ede down (?).

XIX.

Then was there blowing of horns

Then there was the sound of horns blowing.

There wat3 blawyng of prys in mony breme home,

There was a blasting of prices in many places.

He3e halowing on hi3e, with haþele3 þat my3t;

He’s hanging on high, with hapless that might;

and baying of hounds.

and barking of dogs.

Brachetes bayed þat best, as bidden þe maystere3,

Brachetes barked the loudest, as commanded by the master.

1604

Of þat chargeaunt chace þat were chef huntes.

Of that powerful hunt that were chief hunters.

One wise in woodcraft begins to unlace the boar.

A skilled woodworker starts to take apart the boar.

Þenne a wy3e þat wat3 wys vpon wod crafte3,

Þenne a wise that was wise upon wood crafts,

To vnlace þis bor lufly bigynne3;

To balance this lovely start;

First he hews off the head, then rends him by the back.

First, he cuts off the head, then tears him apart from the back.

Fyrst he hewes of his hed, & on hi3e sette3,

Fyrst he cuts off his head, and on high sets,

1608

& syþen rende3 him al roghe bi þe rygge after,

& and then he ran all roughe along the back after,

He next removes the bowels, broils them on the ashes, and therewith rewards his hounds.

He then takes out the intestines, grills them over the ashes, and uses them to reward his dogs.

Brayde3 out þe boweles, brenne3 hom on glede,

Brayde3 out the bowels, brenne3 home on glee,

With bred blent þer-with his braches rewarde3;

With mixed breeding, he rewarded his branches;

Syþen he britne3 out þe brawen in bry3t brode [s]chelde3,

Sythen he brought out the brown in bright broad shields,

Then the hastlets are removed.

1612

& hat3 out þe hastlette3, as hi3tly biseme3;

The two halves are next bound together and hung upon a pole.

The two halves are then connected and hung on a pole.

& 3et hem halche3 al hole þe halue3 to-geder,

& syþen on a stif stange stoutly hem henges.

& then on a stiff pole strongly they hang them.

Now with þis ilk swyn þay swengen to home;

Now with this same pig they swing back home;

The boar's head is borne before the knight, who hastens home.

The boar's head is carried in front of the knight, who is hurrying home.

1616

Þe bores hed wat3 borne bifore þe burnes seluen,

Þe bores had water brought before the boys themselves,

Þat him for-ferde in þe forþe, þur3 forse of his honde,

so stronge;

so strong;

Til he se3 sir Gawayne,

Til he sees Sir Gawayne,

1620

In halle hym þo3t ful longe,

I’m waiting here for a long time,

Gawayne is called to receive the spoil.

Gawayne is summoned to get the loot.

He calde, & he com gayn,

He arrived, and he came again,

His fee3 þer for to fonge.

His fee3 to receive.

XX.

The lord of the land is well pleased when he sees Sir Gawayne,

The lord of the land is very happy when he sees Sir Gawayne,

Þe lorde ful lowde with lote, & la3ed myry,

1624

When he se3e sir G: with solace he speke3;

Þe goude ladye3 were geten, & gedered þe meyny,

He shows him the shields of the wild boar, and tells him of its length and breadth.

He shows him the wild boar's shields and tells him about its length and width.

He schewe3 hem þe schelde3, & schapes hem þe tale,

He showed them the shields, and shaped for them the story,

Of þe largesse, & þe lenþe, þe liþerne3 alse,

Of the generosity, & the length, the liturgy as well,

1628

Of þe were of þe wylde swyn, in wod þer he fled.

Of the wild boar, in the woods where he fled.

Þat oþer kny3t ful comly comended his dede3,

That other knight fully praised his deeds,

& praysed hit as gret prys, þat he proued hade;

& praised it as great praise, that he had proven;

Such a "brawn of a beast," Sir Gawayne says, he never has seen.

Sir Gawayne says he has never seen such a "muscular beast."

For suche a brawne of a best, þe bolde burne sayde,

For such a strong beast, the bold man said,

1632

Ne such sydes of a swyn, segh he neuer are.

Þenne hondeled þay þe hoge hed, þe hende mon hit praysed,

[Fol. 113.]

& let lodly þerat þe lorde forte here:

& let them loudly declare that the lord wants to hear:

Gawayne takes possession of it according to covenant,

Gawayne takes ownership of it as agreed in the contract,

"Now Gawayn," quod þe god mon, "þis gomen is your awen,

"Now Gawayn," said the good man, "this game is your own,

1636

Bi fyn for-warde & faste, faythely 3e knowe."

Bi fyn for-warde & faste, faythely 3e knowe.

"Hit is sothe," quod þe segge, "& as siker trwe;

"That's true," said the man, "and it's definitely certain;"

Alle my get I schal yow gif agayn, bi my trawþe."

All my possessions I will give back to you, I promise.

and in return kisses his host,

and in return, kisses his host,

He [hent] þe haþel aboute þe halse, & hendely hym kysses,

He took the nobleman around the neck and gently kissed him,

1640

& efter-sones of þe same he serued hym þere.

& efter-sons of the same he served him there.

"Now ar we euen," quod þe haþel, "in þis euen-tide,

"Now we are even," said the nobleman, "in this evening,"

Of alle þe couenauntes þat we knyt, syþen I com hider,

Of all the agreements we've made since I arrived here,

bi lawe;"

bi lawe;

who declares his guest to be the best he knows.

who says that his guest is the best he knows.

1644

Þe lorde sayde, "bi saynt Gile,

Þe lorde sayde, "by saint Gile,

3e ar þe best þat I knowe,

3e ben ryche in a whyle,

3e ben ryche in a while,

Such chaffer & 3e drowe."

Such chatter & 3e drowe.

XXI.

Tables are raised aloft,

Tables are lifted up,

1648

Þenne þay teldet table3 [on] trestes alofte,

Þen they set the table on trestles high,

cloths cast upon them,

clothes thrown over them,

Kesten cloþe3 vpon, clere ly3t þenne

Kesten clothes on, clear light shining

and torches are lighted.

and torches are lit.

Wakned bi wo3e3, waxen torches

Woken by the storm, waxed torches

Segge3 sette, & serued in sale al aboute;

Segge3 set, and served in sale all around;

With much mirth and glee,

With lots of joy and fun,

1652

Much glam & gle glent vp þer-inne,

Aboute þe fyre vpon flet, & on fele wyse,

Aboute the fire on the floor, and in many ways,

supper is served in the hall,

dinner is served in the hall,

At þe soper & after, mony aþel songe3,

At the supper and after, many noble songs.

As coundutes of kryst-masse, & carole3 newe,

As conduits of Christmas and new carols,

1656

With alle þe manerly merþe þat mon may of telle.

With all the ways that one can tell.

and ever our lovely knight by the lady sits,

and always our handsome knight sits by the lady,

& euer oure luflych kny3t þe lady bi-syde;

Such semblaunt to þat segge semly ho made,

Such resemblance to that man she made,

who does all she can to please her companion.

who does everything she can to make her partner happy.

Wyth stille stollen countenaunce, þat stalworth to plese,

Wyth still stolen countenance, that stalwart to please,

1660

Þat al for-wondered wat3 þe wy3e, & wroth with hym-seluen,

That all was greatly wondered at by the wise one, and he was angry with himself,

Bot he nolde not for his nurture nurne hir a-3ayne3,

Bot he would not for his upbringing nurture her again,

Bot dalt with hir al in daynte, how-se-euer þe dede turned

Bot dalt with her all in dainty, however the deed turned

to wrast;

to wrestle;

When they had long played in the hall,

After they had played in the hall for a long time,

1664

Quen þay hade played in halle,

When they had played in hall,

As longe as hor wylle hom last,

As long as their will lasts,

they proceeded "to chamber."

they went "to chamber."

To chambre he¹ con hym calle,

To bedroom he con him calle,

& to þe chem-ne þay past.

& to the chem-ne they passed.

¹ ho (?).

ho (?).

XXII.

There they drank and discoursed.

They drank and chatted.

1668

Ande þer þay dronken, & dalten, & demed eft nwe,

And they drank there, and danced, and judged anew.

To norne on þe same note, on nwe3ere3 euen;

To take that into account, on another evening;

Gawayne begs leave to depart on the morrow.

Gawayne requests permission to leave tomorrow.

Bot þe kny3t craued leue, to kayre on þe morn,

For hit wat3 ne3 at þe terme, þat he to¹ schulde.

For he would have to meet at the term.

[Fol. 113b.]

1672

Þe lorde hym letted of þat, to lenge hym resteyed,

Þe lorde him let of that, to lange him rested,

His host swears to him,

His host promises him,

& sayde, "as I am trwe segge, I siker my trawþe,

& said, "as I am true man, I assure my truth,

that he shall come to the Green Chapel on New Year's morn long before prime.

that he will arrive at the Green Chapel on New Year's morning long before dawn.

Þou schal cheue to þe grene chapel, þy charres to make,

Leude, on nw3ere3 ly3t, longe bifore pryme:

Leude, on the third night, long before dawn:

1676

For-þy þow lye in þy loft, & lach þyn ese,

For you lie in your bed, and take your ease,

& I schal hunt in þis holt, & halde þe towche3,

& I shall hunt in this wood, & keep the touch.

Chaunge wyth þe cheuisaunce, bi þat I charre hider;

Chaunge with the chief concern, by that I drive here;

For I haf fraysted þe twys, & faythful I fynde þe,

For I have tested you twice, and I find you faithful,

1680

Now þrid tyme þrowe best þenk on þe morne,

Now the third time throw best think on the morn,

Make we mery quyl we may, & mynne vpon Ioye,

Make we merry while we can, and mine upon joy,

For þe lur may mon lach, when so mon lyke3."

For the lure can catch a man when he wants it.

Þis wat3 grayþely graunted, & Gawayn is lenged,

Our knight consents to remain for another night.

Our knight agrees to stay for another night.

1684

Bliþe bro3t wat3 hym drynk, & þay to bedde 3eden,

Blythe brought him a drink, and they went to bed.

with li3t;

with lit;

Full still and softly he sleeps all night.

He sleeps soundly and peacefully all night.

Sir G: lis & slepes,

Sir G: lists & sleeps,

Ful stille & softe al ni3t;

Early in the morning the lord is up.

Early in the morning, the lord gets up.

1688

Þe lorde þat his crafte3 kepes,

Ful erly he wat3 di3t.

¹ te (?).

te (?).

XXIII.

After mass, a morsel he take with his men.

After mass, he shares a meal with his men.

After messe a morsel¹ he & his men token,

After dinner a bite¹ he & his men took,

Miry wat3 þe mornyng, his mounture he askes;

Miry wakes up in the morning, asking for his moment.

Then were all on their horses before the hall-gates.

Then we were all on our horses in front of the hall gates.

1692

Alle þe haþeles þat on horse schulde helden hym after,

Alle the nobles that on horse should hold him after,

Were boun busked on hor blonkke3, bi-fore² þe halle 3ate3;

Were boun busked on her blanket, before the hall gates;

It was a clear frosty morning.

It was a clear, chilly morning.

Ferly fayre wat3 þe folde, for þe forst clenged,

Ferly fair was the field, for the frost cleared,

In rede rudede vpon rak rises þe sunne,

I in red ruddy upon rock rises the sunne,

The hunters, dispersed by a wood's side,

The hunters, spread out by the edge of a forest,

1696

& ful clere coste3³ þe clowdes of þe welkyn.

Hunteres vnhardeled bi a holt syde,

Rocheres roungen bi rys, for rurde of her hornes;

Rocheres rung in my ears, from the sound of her horns;

come upon the track of a fox,

come across the trail of a fox,

Summe fel in þe fute, þer þe fox bade,

1700

Trayle3 ofte a trayteres⁴, bi traunt of her wyles;

Trayle often betrays, by means of her tricks;

A kenet kryes þerof, þe hunt on hym calles,

A kennet cries there, the hound on him calls,

His fela3es fallen hym to, þat fnasted ful þike,

His fellas have fallen to him, that fastened fully thick,

which is followed up by the hounds.

which is pursued by the hounds.

Runnen forth in a rabel, in his ry3t fare;

Running forth in a row, in his right gear;

1704

& he fyske3 hem by-fore, þay founden hym sone,

They soon get sight of the game,

They soon catch sight of the game,

& quen þay seghe hym with sy3t, þay sued hym fast,

& quen they sawe him with sight, they followed himm closely,

Wre3ande h[ym] ful [w]eterly with a wroth noyse;

and pursue him through many a rough grove.

and chase him through many a rough forest.

& he trantes & tornayee3 þur3 mony tene greue;

1708

Hamloune3, & herkene3, bi hegge3 ful ofte;

Hamloune, & herkene, by hegge full often;

[Fol. 114.]
The fox at last leaps over a spinny,

The fox finally jumps over a thicket,

At þe last bi a littel dich he lepe3 ouer a spenné,

At the end by a little ditch, he jumps over a span.

Stele3 out ful stilly bi a strothe rande,

Stele3 out full still by a strong hand,

and by a rugged path seeks to get clear from the hounds.

and follows a rough path to escape from the hounds.

Went haf wylt of þe wode, with wyle3 fro þe houndes,

Went half a mile out of the woods, with wiles from the hounds,

1712

Þenne wat3 he went, er he wyst, to⁵ a wale tryster,

Þen he went, before he knew it, to a whale trader,

He comes upon one of the hunting stations, where he is attacked by the dogs.

He arrives at one of the hunting stations, where the dogs attack him.

Þer þre þro at a þrich þrat hym at ones,

al graye;

However, he slips them,

However, he drops them,

He blenched a3ayn bilyue,

He flinched at the blue.

1716

& stifly start onstray,

With alle þe wo on lyue,

With all the pain in life,

and makes again for the wood.

and heads back toward the woods.

To þe wod he went away.

To the woods he went away.

¹ MS. nnorsel. ² bi-forere, in MS. ³ caste3 (?). ⁴ trayveres (?). ⁵ to to, in MS.

XXIV.

Then was it fine sport to listen to the hounds,

It was great fun to listen to the hounds,

Thenne wat3 hit lif vpon list to lyþen þe hounde3,

1720

When alle þe mute hade hym met, menged to-geder,

When all the mute had met him, gathered together,

Suche a sor3e at þat sy3t þay sette on his hede,

Suche a sorcery at that sight they set on his head,

As alle þe clamberande clyffes hade clatered on hepes;

As all the climbing cliffs had crumbled on hills;

and the hallooing of the hunters.

and the shouting of the hunters.

Here he wat3 halawed, when haþele3 hym metten,

Here he was honored, when heroes met,

1724

Loude he wat3 3ayned, with 3arande speche;

Loudly he cried, with a commanding speech;

There the fox was threatened and called a thief.

There, the fox was accused and labeled a thief.

Þer he wat3 þreted, & ofte þef called,

Þer he was threatened, and often called a thief,

& ay þe titleres at his tayl, þat tary he ne my3t;

& ay the titles at his tail, that he could not delay;

Ofte he wat3 runnen at, when he out rayked,

Ofte he was running at, when he went out raced,

But Reynard was wily,

But Reynard was clever,

1728

& ofte reled in a3ayn, so reniarde wat3 wylé.

and led them astray over mounts.

and misled them over mountains.

& 3e he lad hem bi lag, mon, þe lorde & his meyny;

& 3e he led them by law, man, the lord & his men;

On þis maner bi þe mountes, quyle myd, ouer, vnder,

On this manner by the mountains, while mid, over, under,

Meanwhile the knight at home soundly sleeps within his comely curtains.

Meanwhile, the knight sleeps peacefully at home, wrapped in his lovely curtains.

Whyle þe hende kny3t at home holsumly slepe3,

Whyle the kind knight sleeps peacefully at home,

1732

With-inne þe comly cortynes, on þe colde morne.

With-in the lovely curtains, on the cold morning.

Bot þe lady for luf let not to slepe,

Ne þe purpose to payre, þat py3t in hir hert,

Bot ros hir vp radly, rayked hir þeder,

The lady of the castle, clothed in a rich mantle,

The lady of the castle, dressed in an elegant cloak,

1736

In a mery mantyle, mete to þe erþe,

In a merry mantle, meet to the earth,

Þat wat3 furred ful fyne with felle3, wel pured,

No hwe3 goud on hir hede, bot þe ha3er stones

No hair gold on her head, but the heavier stones

Trased aboute hir tressour, be twenty in clusteres;

Traced about her treasure, in twenty clusters;

her throat and bosom all bare,

her throat and chest completely exposed,

1740

Hir þryuen face & hir þrote þrowen al naked,

Hir thriven face & hir throat thrown all naked,

Hir brest bare bifore, & bihinde eke.

Hir chest bare in front, and behind one.

comes to Gawayne's chamber,

comes to Gawayne's room,

Ho come3 with-inne þe chambre dore, & closes hit hir after,

Ho come3 with-inne the chambre dore, & closes it her after,

opens a window, and says,

opens a window and says,

Wayne3¹ vp a wyndow, & on þe wy3e calle3,

Wayne3¹ looks out a window, and on the wide street,

1744

& radly þus re-hayted hym, with hir riche worde3,

with² chere;

w/i/t/h² chere;

"Ah! man, how canst thou sleep,

"Ah! man, how can you sleep,

"A! mon, how may þou slepe,

"A! come on, how can you sleep,

[Fol. 114b.]
this morning is so clear?"

"Why is it so clear this morning?"

Þis morning is so clere?"

This morning is so clear?

1748

He wat3 in drowping depe,

He was in deep trouble,

Bot þenne he con hir here.

¹ wayue3(?). ² bi, à sec. manu.

¹ wayue3(?). ² bi, dry. manu.

XXV.

The knight was then dreaming of his forthcoming adventure at the Green Chapel.

The knight was dreaming about his upcoming adventure at the Green Chapel.

In dre3 droupyng of dreme draueled þat noble,

In deep dreaming of dreamt that noble,

As mon þat wat3 in mornyng of mony þro þo3tes,

As one that was in the morning of many thoughts,

1752

How þat destiné schulde þat day [dy3t] his wyrde,

How that destiny should that day decide his fate,

At þe grene chapel, when he þe gome metes,

At the green chapel, when he meets the man,

& bi-houes his buffet abide, with-oute debate more;

He awakes and speaks to his fair visitor,

He wakes up and talks to his lovely visitor,

Bot quen þat comly he keuered his wyttes,

1756

Swenges out of þe sweuenes, & sware3 with hast.

Swings out of the dreams, and swears with haste.

Þe lady luflych com la3ande swete,

The lovely lady came laughing sweetly,

who sweetly kisses him.

Felle ouer his fayre face, & fetly him kyssed;

Fell on his fair face, and quickly kissed him;

He welcume3 hir worþily, with a wale chere;

He welcomed her properly, with a warm smile;

1760

He se3 hir so glorious, & gayly atyred,

He saw her so glorious and brightly dressed,

So fautles of hir fetures, & of so fyne hewes,

So flawless were her features, and of such fine hues,

Great joy warms the heart of Sir Gawayne,

Great joy fills the heart of Sir Gawayne,

Wi3t wallande Ioye warmed his hert;

Wi3t wallande Ioye warmed his heart;

With smoþe smylyng & smolt þay smeten in-to merþe,

With smooth smiling & sweet they met in-to merþe,

1764

Þat al wat3 blis & bonchef, þat breke hem bi-twene,

& wynne,

& winn

Þay lanced wordes gode,

They shared good words,

Much wele þen wat3 þer-inne,

Much welcome therein,

and "great peril between them stood."

and "great danger stood between them."

1768

Gret perile bi-twene hem stod,

Great peril between them stood,

Nif mare of hir kny3t mynne.

Nif mare of her knight mine.

XXVI.

The knight is sorely pressed.

The knight is under pressure.

For þat prynce of pris de-presed hym so þikke.

For that prince of price depressed him so deeply.

Nurned hym so ne3e þe þred, þat nede hym bi-houed,

Nurned him so near the thread, that he needed to be held.

1772

Oþer lach þer hir luf, oþer lodly re-fuse;

Other let her love, other refuse it completely;

He cared for his cortaysye, lest craþayn he were,

He cared about his courtesy, lest he be seen as rude,

He fears lest he should become a traitor to his host.

He worries that he might become a traitor to his host.

& more for his meschef, 3if he schulde make synne,

& more for his mischief, 3if he should make sin,

& be traytor to þat tolke, þat þat telde a3t.

& be traitor to that toll collector, that counted that.

1776

"God schylde," quod þe schalk, "þat schal not be-falle!"

"God forbid," said the young man, "that should ever happen!"

With luf-la3yng a lyt, he layd hym by-syde

With laughing a lot, he laid him beside

Alle þe speche3 of specialté þat sprange of her mouthe.

All the words of particularity that came from her mouth.

Quod þat burde to þe burne, "blame 3e disserue,

Quod that should go to the man, "blame you accordingly,

1780

3if 3e luf not þat lyf þat 3e lye nexte,

3if 3e luf not that life that 3e live next,

Bifore alle þe wy3e3 in þe worlde, wounded in hert,

Befor all the wise ones in the world, wounded in heart,

The lady inquire whether he has a mistress that he loves better than her.

The lady asks if he has a mistress he loves more than her.

Bot if 3e haf a lemman, a leuer, þat yow lyke3 better,

Bot if 3e have a lemon, a liqueur, that you like better,

& folden fayth to þat fre, festned so harde,

[Fol. 115.]

1784

Þat yow lausen ne lyst, & þat I leue nouþe;

And þat 3e telle me þat, now trwly I pray yow,

And that you tell me that, now truly I ask you,

For alle þe lufe3 vpon lyue, layne not þe soþe,

For all the love in life, don't hide the truth,

for gile."

for gile.

Sir Gawayne swears by St. John that he neither has nor desires one.

Sir Gawayne swears by St. John that he doesn't have one and doesn't want one either.

1788

Þe kny3t sayde, "be sayn Ion,"

Þe kny3t sayde, "by saying John,"

& smeþely con he smyle,

& he can smile,

"In fayth I welde ri3t non,

"In faith, I hold no right,

Ne non wil welde þe quile."

Ne non wil welde þe quile.

XXVII.

1792

"Þat is a worde," quod þat wy3t, "þat worst is of alle,

"That is a word," said that person, "that is the worst of all,

Bot I am swared for soþe, þat sore me þinkke3;

But I swear it's true, it pains me so.

She then kisses him, sighing for sorrow.

She then kisses him, sighing in sadness.

Kysse me now coraly, & I schal cach heþen,

Kiss me now, darling, and I'll catch some heat,

I may bot mourne vpon molde, as may þat much louyes."

I may not mourn over a mold, as may that much loves.

1796

Sykande ho swe3e doun, & semly hym kyssed,

& siþen ho seueres hym fro, & says as ho stondes,

"Now, dere, at þis de-partyng, do me þis ese,

"Now, there, at this departing, do me this favor,"

She desires some gift,

She wants a gift,

Gif me sumquat of þy gifte, þi gloue if¹ hit were,

Gif me sumquat of thy gifte, thy glove if¹ it were,

by which to remember him.

to remember him by.

1800

Þat I may mynne on þe mon, my mournyng to lassen."

Þat I may mynne on þe mon, my mournyng to lassen.

"Now Iwysse," quod þat wy3e, "I wolde I hade here

"Now I know," said that woman, "I wish I had here

Þe leuest þing for þy luf, þat I in londe welde,

Þe leuest thing for thy love, that I in land wield,

Gawayne tells her that she is worthy of a better gift than he can bestow.

Gawayne tells her that she deserves a better gift than he can give.

For 3e haf deserued, forsoþe, sellyly ofte

For three times deserved, truly, often strangely

1804

More rewarde bi resoun, þen I reche my3t,

More reward by reason, than I reach might,

Bot to dele yow for drurye, þat dawed bot neked;

Bot to dele you for pleasure, that dawned but naked;

Hit is not your honour to haf at þis tyme

Hit is not your honor to have at this time

A gloue for a garysoun, of Gawayne3 gifte3,

A glove for a garrison, of Gawain's gifts,

1808

& I am here [on] an erande in erde3 vncouþe,

& I am here on an errand in the earth's countryside,

He has no men with mails containing precious things.

He has no people with messages containing valuable items.

& haue no men wyth no male3, with menskful þinge3;

& have no men with no males, with mindful things;

Þat mislyke3 me, ladé, for luf at þis tyme,²

That displeases me, lady, for love at this time,

Iche tolke mon do as he is tan, tas to non ille,

1812

ne pine."

ne pine.

Then says that lovesome,

Then says that lovely,

"Nay, hende of hy3e honours,"

"No, end of high honors,"

Quod þat lufsum vnder lyne,

quod that loves under line,

"Though I had nought of yours, yet should ye have of mine."

"Even though I have nothing that belongs to you, you should have something of mine."

"Þa3 I hade o3t³ of youre3,

"Then I had out of your,"

1816

3et schulde 3e haue of myne."

3et schulde 3e haue of myne.

¹ of, in MS. ² tyne, in MS. ³ no3t (?).

XXVIII.

She offers him a gold ring,

She gives him a gold ring,

Ho ra3t hym a riche rynk¹ of red golde werke3,

Ho ra3t hym a rich market¹ of red gold works,

Wyth a starande ston, stondande alofte,

Þat bere blusschande beme3 as þe bry3t sunne;

Þat bere blushing beam as the bright sunne;

1820

Wyt 3e wel, hit wat3 worth wele ful hoge.

Wyt 3e wel, it’s really worth a lot.

but he refuses to accept it,

but he won't accept it,

Bot þe renk hit renayed, & redyly he sayde,

[Fol. 115b.]

"I wil no gifte3 for gode, my gay, at þis tyme;

"I won't give anything for good, my friend, at this time;

as he has none to give in return.

as he has nothing to offer in return.

I haf none yow to norne, ne no3t wyl I take."

I have none for you to claim, nor will I take any.

1824

Ho bede hit hym ful bysily, & he hir bode wernes,

Ho bade him fully, and he her body warned,

& swere swyftel[y] his sothe, þat he hit sese nolde;

& he swore so quickly to his truth, that he would not stop it;

Very sorrowful was that fair one on account of his refusal.

The beautiful person was very sad because of his rejection.

& ho sore þat he forsoke, & sayde þer-after,

& he was so hurt that he left, & said afterward,

"If 3e renay my rynk, to ryche for hit seme3,

"If I deny my rank, too rich for it seems,"

1828

3e wolde not so hy3ly halden be to me,

I schal gif yow my girdel, þat gaynes yow lasse."

I will give you my belt, so you can have less trouble.

Ho la3t a lace ly3tly, þat² leke vmbe hir syde3,

She takes off her "girdle,"

She takes off her "shapewear,"

Knit vpon hir kyrtel, vnder þe clere mantyle,

Knit on her shirt, under the bright cloak,

1832

Gered hit wat3 with grene sylke, & with golde schaped,

Gered hit with green silk, and with gold shaped,

No3t bot arounde brayden, beten with fyngre3;

& þat ho bede to þe burne, & blyþely bi-so3t

& that she asked the man, & happily requested

and beseeches him to take it.

and urges him to accept it.

Þa3 hit vn-worþi were, þat he hit take wolde.

Þa hit unworthy were, þat he hit take wolde.

1836

& he nay þat he nolde neghe in no wyse,

& he said that he would not approach in any way,

Gawayne again refuses to accept anything,

Gawayne once again refuses to accept anything,

Nauþer golde ne garysoun, er God hym grace sende,

Nauþer gold nor gifts, until God sends him grace,

To acheue to þe chaunce þat he hade chosen þere.

To achieve the chance that he had chosen there.

"& þerfore, I pray yow, displese yow no3t,

"& therefore, I ask you, please do not be upset,

1840

& lette3 be your bisinesse, for I bayþe hit yow neuer

& lette3 be your business, for I bet you never

to graunte;

to grant;

I am derely to yow biholde,

I am dearly to you behold,

Bi-cause of your sembelaunt,

Because of your semblant,

but promises, "ever in hot and in cold, to be her true servant."

but promises, "always in good times and bad, to be her true servant."

1844

& euer in hot & colde

& and euer in hot & and cold

To be your trwe seruaunt.

To be your true servant.

¹ ryng (?). ² þat þat, in MS.

¹ ryng (?). ² that that, in MS.

XXIX.

"Do you refuse it," says the lady, because it is simple?

"Are you rejecting it," the lady asks, "just because it's simple?"

"Now forsake 3e þis silke." sayde þe burde þenne,

"Now give up this silk," said the woman.

"For hit is symple in hit-self. & so hit wel seme3?

"For it is simple in itself. And so it seems well?"

1848

Lo! so hit is littel, & lasse hit is worþy;

Lo! It's so small, and it’s not worth much;

Whoso knew the virtues that it possesses, would highly prize it.

Anyone who knew the qualities it has would value it greatly.

Bot who-so knew þe costes þat knit ar þer-inne,

Bot who-so knew the costs that are tied within.

He wolde hit prayse at more prys, parauenture;

He would praise it at a higher price, perhaps;

For he who is girded with this green lace,

For the one who is wrapped in this green lace,

For quat gome so is gorde with þis grene lace,

For what is this green lace,

1852

While he hit hade hemely halched aboute,

While he hit had homey halched about,

Þer is no haþel vnder heuen to-hewe hym þat my3t;

There is no hero under heaven to defeat him who might.

cannot be wounded or slain."

"can't be hurt or killed."

For he my3t not he slayn, for sly3t vpon erþe."

For he might not be slain, for he was sly upon earth.

Þen kest þe kny3t, & hit come to his hert,

Þen the knight realized, and it struck him,

The knight thinks of his adventure at the Green Chapel.

The knight reflects on his adventure at the Green Chapel.

1856

Hit were a Iuel for þe Iopardé, þat hym iugged were,

Hit were a jewel for the jeopardy, that him judged were,

When he acheued to þe chapel, his chek forto fech;

When he arrived at the chapel, his face flushed.

The lady presses him to accept the lace.

The woman urges him to take the lace.

My3¹ he haf slypped to þe vn-slayn, þe sle3t were noble.

My3¹ he has slipped to the unslain, the sleet was noble.

[Fol. 116.]

Þenne ho þulged with hir þrepe, & þoled hir to speke,

Þen she talked with her group, and allowed her to speak,

1860

& ho bere on hym þe belt, & bede hit hym swyþe,

& I put on the belt, & I told him strongly,

He consents not only to take the girdle, but to keep the possession of it a secret.

He agrees not only to take the girdle but also to keep it a secret.

& he granted, & [ho] hym gafe with a goud wylle,

& he granted, & [ho] him gave with a good will,

& biso3t hym, for hir sake, disceuer hit neuer,

& biso3t hym, for her sake, discover it never,

Bot to lelly layne for² hir lorde; þe leude hym acorde3.

Bot to lelly layne for² her lord; the people hym accord3.

1864

Þat neuer wy3e schulde hit wyt, Iwysse, bot þay twayne,

for no3te;

for note;

He þonkked hir oft ful swyþe,

He thanked her often very much,

Ful þro with hert & þo3t.

Full throttle with heart & thought.

By that time the lady has kissed him thrice.

By that time, the lady has kissed him three times.

1868

Bi þat on þrynne syþe,

He hat3 kyst þe kny3t so to3t.

He hated the knight so much.

¹ my3t (?). ² fro (?).

¹ my3t (?). ² from (?).

XXX.

Then she takes her leave.

Then she says goodbye.

Thenne lachche3 ho hir leue, & leue3 hym þere,

The nine laugher pickups and leave him there,

For more myrþe of þat mon mo3t ho not gete;

For more pleasure from that man, she should not get.

Gawayne then dresses himself,

Gawayne then gets dressed,

1872

When ho¹ wat3 gon, sir G. gere3 hym sone,

When he was gone, Sir G. gathered him soon,

Rises, & riches hym in araye noble,

Rises, & riches hymn in array noble,

and conceals the love-lace about his person.

and hides the lace he wears on his body.

Lays vp þe luf-lace, þe lady hym ra3t,

Lays up the love lace, the lady called him,

Hid hit ful holdely, þer he hit eft fonde;

Hid it fully, where he found it again;

1876

Syþen cheuely to þe chapel choses he þe waye,

Syðen n chooses the way to the chapel,

He then hies to mass,

He then rushes to mass,

Preuely aproched to a prest, & prayed hym þere

Preually approached a priest, and prayed him there

Þat he wolde lyfte² his lyf, & lern hym better,

How his sawle schulde be saued, when he schuld seye heþen.

How his soul should be saved when he should say he's a heathen.

and shrives him of his misdeeds.

and absolves him of his wrongdoings.

1880

Þere he schrof hym schyrly, & schewed his mysdede3,

Þere he showed them clearly, and revealed his misdeeds,

Of þe more & þe mynne, & merci beseche3,

Of the more and the mine, and mercy beseeches,

and prays for absolution.

and prays for forgiveness.

& of absolucioun he on þe segge calles;

& of absolutionn he on the sage calls;

& he asoyled hym surely, & sette hym so clene,

&he asoyled him surely, & sette him so clene,

He returns to the hall, and makes himself so merry among the ladies,

He goes back to the hall and has a great time with the ladies,

1884

As dome3-day schulde haf ben di3t on þe morn.

As the third day should have been dawned on the morning.

& syþen he mace hym as mery among þe fre ladyes,

& then he made them as merry among the free ladies,

with comely carols,

with beautiful songs,

With comlych caroles, & alle kynnes ioye,

With charming songs, & all kinds of joy,

As neuer he did bot þat daye, to þe derk ny3t,

As he did not that day, to the dark night,

1888

with blys;

with blessings;

Vche mon hade daynte þare,

Vche man had a day there,

that they said,

Of hym, & sayde Iwysse,

Of him, and said indeed,

"Thus merry was he never before since hither he came."

"Thus, he had never been so happy since he arrived here."

Þus myry he wat3 neuer are,

Thus myry he wat3 neu3 are,

1892

Syn he com hider, er þis.

¹ he, in MS. ² lyste (?).

he, in MS. lyste (?).

XXXI.

Gawayne's host is still in the field.

Gawayne's army is still in the field.

Now hym lenge in þat lee, þer luf hym bi-tyde;

Now he longed in that place, there love him.

3et is þe lorde on þe launde, ledande his gomnes,

He has destroyed the fox.

He killed the fox.

He hat3 forfaren þis fox, þat he fol3ed longe;

He had to deal with this fox that he had been following for a long time;

1896

As he sprent ouer a spenné, to spye þe schrewe,

As he spread out over a hill, to see the trouble,

[Fol. 116b.]

Þer as he herd þe howndes, þat hasted hym swyþe,

Þer as he heard the hounds, that hurried him quickly,

He spied Reynard coming through a "rough grove,"

He spotted Reynard making his way through a "rough grove,"

Renaud com richchande þur3 a ro3e greue,

Renaud was richly adorned with a heavy robe,

& alle þe rabel in a res, ry3t at his hele3.

& all the rabble in a row, right at his heels.

and tried to hit him with his sword.

and attempted to strike him with his sword.

1900

Þe wy3e wat3 war of þe wylde, & warly abides,

The wise one watches the wild, and patiently endures,

& brayde3 out þe bry3t bronde, & at þe best caste3;

& he schunt for þe scharp, & schulde haf arered,

& he shouted for the sharp, & should have prepared,

The fox "shunts," and is seized by one of the dogs.

The fox "shunts," and is caught by one of the dogs.

A rach rapes hym to, ry3t er he my3t,

A rapes him to, yet he might,

1904

& ry3t bifore þe hors fete þay fel on hym alle,

& ry3t before the horse's feet they fell on him all,

& woried me þis wyly wyth a wroth noyse.

& I worried me this willy with a fierce noise.

The lord takes him out of the hound's mouth.

The lord rescues him from the hound's mouth.

Þe lorde ly3te3 bilyue, & cache3 by¹ sone,

Rased hym ful radly out of þe rach mouþes,

Rased him fully out of the wretched mouths,

1908

Halde3 he3e ouer his hede, halowe3 faste,

& þer bayen hym mony bray² hounde3;

Hunters hasten thither with horns full many.

Hunters rush there with many horns.

Huntes hy3ed hem þeder, with horne3 ful mony,

Ay re-chatande ary3t til þay þe renk se3en;

1912

Bi þat wat3 comen his compeyny noble,

Alle þat euer ber bugle blowed at ones,

It was the merriest meet that ever was heard.

It was the happiest gathering anyone had ever heard of.

& alle þise oþer halowed, þat hade no hornes,

& all these other holy ones, that had no horns,

Hit wat3 þe myriest mute þat euer men herde,

1916

Þe rich rurd þat þer wat3 raysed for renaude saule,

The rich reward that was raised for the renowned soul,

with lote;

with a lot;

The hounds are rewarded,

The dogs are rewarded,

Hor hounde3 þay þer rewarde,

Here’s your reward,

Her³ hede3 þay fawne & frote,

Her³ head they fawn & froth,

and then they take Reynard and "turn off his coat."

and then they take Reynard and "remove his coat."

1920

1920s

& syþen þay tan reynarde,

& then they took the fox,

& tyrnen of his cote.

& all the details of his coat.

¹ hym (?). ² braþ (?). ³ Her her, in MS.

¹ hymn (?). ² broth (?). ³ Her here, in MS.

XXXII.

The hunters then hasten home.

The hunters then rush home.

& þenne þay helden to home, for hit wat3 nie3 ny3t,

& then they held on home, for it was almost night,

Strakande ful stoutly in hor store horne3;

Strange and ugly, standing in the large horn.

The lord at last alights at his dear home,

The lord finally arrives at his beloved home,

1924

Þe lorde is ly3t at þe laste at hys lef home,

Þe lorde is light at the last at his life home,

Fynde3 fire vpon flet, þe freke þer by-side,

Fynde3 fire upon the flat, the man beside,

Sir Gawayn þe gode, þat glad wat3 with alle,

Sir Gawain the Good, who was cheerful with everyone,

where he finds Gawayne amusing the ladies.

where he finds Gawayne entertaining the ladies.

Among þe ladies for luf he ladde much ioye,

Among the ladies, he led a lot of joy in love,

1928

He were a bleaunt of blwe, þat bradde to þe erþe,

He was a blue plant that spread to the ground,

His surkot semed hym wel, þat softe wat3 forred,

His surcoat seemed him well, that soft water flowed.

& his hode of þat ilke henged on his schulder,

& his hood of that same hung on his shoulder,

The knight comes forward and welcomes his host,

The knight steps forward and greets his host,

Blande al of blaunner were boþe al aboute.

Blande all of blueners were both all around.

1932

He mete3 me þis god mon in mydde3 þe flore,

He met me this good man in the middle of the floor,

& al with gomen he hym gret, & goudly he sayde,

"I schal fylle vpon fyrst oure forwarde3 nouþe,

"I'm moving forward now,"

[Fol. 117.]

Þat we spedly han spoken, þer spared wat3 no drynk;"

That we quickly spoke, there was no drink spared;

and according to covenant kisses him thrice.

and, according to the agreement, kisses him three times.

1936

Þen acoles he [þe] kny3t, & kysses hym þryes,

(See l. 1868.)

(See line 1868.)

As sauerly & sadly as he hem sette couþe.

As sourly and sadly as he could manage.

"By Christ," says the other, "ye have had much bliss!"

"By Christ," says the other, "you have had a lot of happiness!"

"Bi Kryst," quod þat oþer kny3t, "3e cach much sele,

"By Christ," said the other knight, "you catch much joy,

In cheuisaunce of þis chaffer, 3if 3e hade goud chepe3."

In consideration of this deal, if you had good options.

1940

"3e of þe chepe no charg," quod chefly þat oþer,

"3e of the cheap no charge," said the chief to the other,

"As is pertly payed þe chepe3 þat I a3te."

"As is properly paid the cheap that I ate."

"Mary," quod þat oþer mon, "myn is bi-hynde,

"Mary," said another man, "mine is behind."

I have hunted all day and have gotten nothing,

I've been hunting all day and haven't caught anything,

For I haf hunted al þis day, & no3t haf I geten,

For I have hunted all this day, & still I have gotten nothing,

but the skin of this foul fox,

but the hide of this ugly fox,

1944

Bot þis foule fox felle, þe fende haf þe gode3,

Bot þis foul fox fell, þe fende haf þe gode.

a poor reward for three such kisses."

"a poor reward for three kisses like that."

& þat is ful pore, for to pay for suche prys þinges,

& that is very poor, to pay for such expensive things,

As 3e haf þry3t me here, þro suche þre cosses,

As 3e have threatened me here, through such three kisses,

so gode."

so good.

1948

"I-no3," quod sir Gawayn,

"I-no3," said Sir Gawayn,

"I þonk yow, bi þe rode;"

"I thank you, by the cross;"

He then tells him how the fox was slain.

He then explains how the fox was killed.

& how þe fox wat3 slayn,

& and how the fox was slain,

He tolde hym, as þay stode.

He told him, as they stood.

XXXIII.

With much mirth and minstrelsy they made merry,

They celebrated with joy and music,

1952

With merþe & mynstralsye, wyth mete3 at hor wylle,

With merit and minstrelry, with food at their leisure,

Þay maden as mery as any men mo3ten,

Þay made as merry as any men might,

With la3yng of ladies, with lote3 of bordes;

With laying of ladies, with lots of boards;

Gawayn & þe gode mon so glad were þay boþe,

Gawayn & the good man were both so happy,

1956

Bot if þe douthe had doted, oþer dronken ben oþer,

Bot if the doubt had faded, either drunk or otherwise,

Boþe þe mon & þe meyny maden mony iape3,

Boþe the man & the many made many jests,

until the time came for them to part.

until it was time for them to say goodbye.

Til þe sesoun wat3 se3en, þat þay seuer moste;

Til the season was seen, that they should sever most;

Burne3 to hor bedde be-houed at þe laste.

Burned to her bed, she had to rest at last.

Gawayne takes leave of his host.

Gawayne says goodbye to his host.

1960

1960s

Þenne lo3ly his leue at þe lorde fyrst

Fochche3 þis fre mon, & fayre he hym þonkke3;

Fochche3 this free man, & fair he thanks him;

and thanks him for his happy "sojourn."

and thanks him for his enjoyable "stay."

"Of such a sellyly¹ soiorne, as I haf hade here,

"Of such a strange stay, as I have had here,

Your honour, at þis hy3e fest, þe hy3e kyng yow 3elde!

Your honor, at this high festival, the high king greets you!

1964

I 3ef yow me for on of youre3, if yowre-self lyke3,

I beg you to allow me to be of service to you, if you are willing.

For I mot nedes, as 3e wot, meue to morne;

For I must, as you know, move to mourn;

He asks for a man to teach him the way to the Green Chapel.

He asks a man to show him the way to the Green Chapel.

& 3e me take sum tolke, to teche, as 3e hy3t,

Þe gate to þe grene chapel, as god wyl me suffer

The gate to the green chapel, as God would have me endure

1968

To dele, on nw3ere3 day, þe dome of my wyrdes."

To delete, on now three day, the dome of my words.

"In god fayþe," quod þe god mon. "wyth a goud wylle;

"In good faith," said the good man. "With a good will;

Al þat euer I yow hy3t, halde schal I rede."

Al that ever I you hit, hold shall I read.

A servant is assigned to him,

Þer asyngnes he a seruaunt, to sett hym in þe waye,

[Fol. 117b.]

1972

& coundue hym by þe downe3, þat he no drechch had,

& coundue him by the down3, that he had no dread,

For to f[e]rk þur3 þe fryth, & fare at þe gaynest,

For to explore the forest, and go in the most cheerful way,

bi greue.

big gray.

Þe lorde Gawayn con þonk,

Lord Gawain thanks,

1976

Such worchip he wolde hym weue;

Such worship he would have;

and then he takes leave of the ladies,

and then he says goodbye to the ladies,

Þen at þo ladye3 wlonk.

Then at the lady's place.

Þe kny3t hat3 tan his leue.

The knight says goodbye.

¹ selly (?).

selly (?).

XXXIV.

kissing them sorrowfully.

kissing them sadly.

With care & wyth kyssyng he carppe3 hem tille,

With care and kissing, he talked to them,

1980

1980s

& fele þryuande þonkke3 he þrat hom to haue,

& þay 3elden hym a3ay[n] 3eply þat ilk;

& they held him again deeply that ilk;

They commend him to Christ.

They commend him to Jesus.

Þay bikende hym to Kryst, with ful colde sykynge3.

Þay bikende hym to Kryst, with full cold sykyng.

He then departs, thanking each one he meets "for his service and solace."

He then leaves, thanking everyone he meets "for their service and support."

Syþen fro þe meyny he menskly de-partes;

1984

Nineteen Eighty-Four

Vche mon þat he mette, he made hem a þonke,

Vche man that he met, he made them a thank you,

For his seruyse, & his solace, & his sere pyne,

For his service, his comfort, and his ongoing pain,

Þat þay wyth busynes had ben, aboute hym to serue;

They had been busy trying to serve him;

& vche segge as sore, to seuer with hym þere,

1988

As þay hade wonde worþyly with þat wlonk euer.

As they had won wonderfully with that splendid ever.

He retires to rest but sleeps but little,

He goes to bed to rest but hardly sleeps,

Þen with ledes & ly3t he wat3 ladde to his chambre,

& blybely bro3t to his bedde, to be at his rest;

& blybely brought to his bed, to be at his rest;

3if he ne slepe soundyly, say ne dar I,

for much has he to think of on the morrow.

for he has a lot to think about tomorrow.

1992

For he hade muche on þe morn to mynne, 3if he wolde,

For he had a lot to do in the morning, if he wanted to,

in þo3t;

in touch;

Let him there lie still.

Let him lie still there.

Let hym ly3e þere stille,

Let him lie there still,

He hat3¹ nere þat he so3t,

He hates that he sought,

Be still awhile, and I shall tell how they wrought.

Wait a moment, and I will explain how they did it.

1996

& 3e wyl a whyle be stylle,

I schal telle yow how þay wro3t.

I will tell you how they wrote.

¹ wat3 (?).

[FYTTE THE FOURTH.]

I.

New Year's Day approaches.

New Year's Day is coming.

Now ne3e3 þe nw3ere, & þe ny3t passe3,

Now neither the nowhere, & the night passes,

Þe day dryue3 to þe derk, as dry3tyn bidde3;

The day drives toward the dark, as destiny demands;

The weather is stormy.

2000

2000s

Bot wylde wedere3 of þe worlde wakned þeroute,

Clowdes kesten kenly þe colde to þe erþe,

Clowdes cast down the cold to the earth,

Wyth ny3e¹ in-noghe of þe norþe, þe naked to tene;

Snow falls.

Snow is falling.

Þe snawe snitered ful snart, þat snayped þe wylde;

The snow fell quickly, snapping the wild.

2004

Þe werbelande wynde wapped fro þe hy3e,

The dales are full of drift.

The valleys are full of debris.

& drof vche dale ful of dryftes ful grete.

& drof vche dale full of drifts full great.

Þe leude lystened ful wel, þat le3 in his bedde,

Gawayne in his bed hears each cock that crows.

Gawayne in his bed hears every rooster that crows.

Þa3 he lowke3 his lidde3, ful lyttel he slepes;

2008

Bi vch kok þat crue, he knwe wel þe steuen.

Bi vch kok þat crue, he knew well the voice.

[Fol. 118.]

De-liuerly he dressed vp, er þe day sprenged,

De-liberately he got dressed up before the day broke,

For þere wat3 ly3t of a lau[m]pe, þat lemed in his chambre;

For there was a little light from a lamp that lit up his room;

He calls for his chamberlain, and bids him bring him his armour.

He calls for his chamberlain and asks him to bring his armor.

He called to his chamberlayn, þat cofly hym swared,

He called to his chamberlain, who confidently swore to him,

2012

& bede hym bryng hym his bruny, & his blonk sadel;

& bede him bryng him his bruny, & his blonk sadel;

Þat oþer ferke3 hym vp, & feche3 hym his wede3,

& grayþe3 me sir Gawayn vpon a grett wyse.

Fyrst he clad hym in his cloþe3, þe colde for to were;

Fyrst he dressed him in his clothes, for the cold to wear;

2016

& syþen his oþer harnays, þat holdely wat3 keped,

Boþe his paunce, & his plate3, piked ful clene,

Both his patience and his plate were picked very clean.

Men knock off the rust from his rich habergeon.

Men scrape the rust off his valuable chainmail.

Þe rynge3² rokked of þe roust, of his riche bruny;

The ringing sounded from the rest, of his rich armor;

& al wat3 fresch as vpon fyrst, & he wat3 fayn þenne

& and all was fresh as upon first, & he was glad then

2020

to þonk;

to think;

He hade vpon vche pece,

He had upon each piece,

Wypped ful wel & wlonk;

Wypped full well & wlonk;

The knight then calls for his steed.

The knight then calls for his horse.

Þe gayest in to Grece,

The best in Greece,

2024

Þe burne bede bryng his blonk.

The brook asked the horse to come over.

¹ nywe (?). ² rynke3 (?).

II.

While he clothed himself in his rich weeds,

As he dressed in his luxurious clothes,

Whyle þe wlonkest wedes he warp on hym-seluen;

Whyle the most beautiful clothes he put on himself;

His cote, wyth be conysaunce of þe clere werke3,

His coat, with the brilliance of the clear work,

Ennurned vpon veluet vertuuus¹ stone3,

Enchanted on velvet virtuous stone,

2028

Aboute beten, & bounden, enbrauded seme3,

& fayre furred with-inne wyth fayre pelures.

& fair furred with-inne with fair pelures.

he forgot not the "lace," the lady's gift,

he didn't forget the "lace," the lady's gift,

3et laft he not þe lace, þe ladie3 gifte,

Þat for-gat not Gawayn, for gode of hym-seluen;

2032

Bi he hade belted þe bronde vpon his bal3e haunche3,

Bi he had fastened the sword onto his bare waistband,

but with it doubly girded his loins.

but with it tightly secured his waist.

Þenn dressed he his drurye double hym aboute;

Swyþe sweþled vmbe his swange swetely, þat kny3t,

Þe gordel of þe grene silke, þat gay wel bisemed,

2036

Vpon þat ryol red cloþe, þat ryche wat3 to schewe.

Upon that royal red cloth, that richness was to show.

He wore it not for its rich ornaments,

He didn't wear it for its fancy decorations,

Bot wered not þis ilk wy3e for wele þis gordel,

Bot wered not this like way for well this girdle,

For pryde of þe pendaunte3, þa3 polyst þay were,

For pride of the pendants, though they were polished,

& þa3 þe glyterande golde glent vpon ende3,

"but to save himself when it behoved him to suffer."

"but to save himself when he needed to endure."

2040

Bot forto sauen hym-self, when suffer hym by-houed,

To byde bale with-oute dabate, of bronde hym to were,

To wait without dispute, if he is to be burned,

oþer knyffe;

other knife;

Bi þat þe bolde mon boun,

2044

Wynne3 þeroute bilyue,

Wynne3 there route believe,

All the renowned assembly he thanks full oft.

He often thanks the whole distinguished assembly.

Alle þe meyny of renoun,

All the people of renown,

He þonkke3 ofte ful ryue.

He thanks often very much.

¹ vertuous (?).

¹ virtuous (?).

III.

[Fol. 118b.]
Then was Gringolet arrayed,

Then Gringolet was readied,

Thenne wat3 Gryngolet grayþe, þat gret wat3 & huge,

2048

& hade ben soiourned sauerly, & in a siker wyse,

& had been so surrounded sourly, & in a siker wyse,

full ready to prick on.

full ready to take action.

Hym lyst prik for poynt, þat proude hors þenne;

Þe wy3e wynne3 hym to, & wyte3 on his lyre,

& sayde soberly hym-self, & by his soth swere3,

& said soberly him-self, & by his truth swore.

2052

"Here is a meyny in þis mote, þat on menske þenkke3,

Here is a meaning in this message, that one should think about humanity,

Gawayne returns thanks for the honour and kindness shown to him by all.

Gawayne expresses his gratitude for the honor and kindness shown to him by everyone.

Þe mon hem maynteines, ioy mot þay haue;

Þe leue lady, on lyue luf hir bityde;

The dear lady, alive, loves her deeply;

3if þay for charyté cherysen a gest,

3if they for charity cherish a guest,

2056

& halden honour in her honde, þe haþel hem 3elde,

Þat halde3 þe heuen vpon hy3e, & also yow alle!

That holds the heavens above you all!

& 3if I my3t lyf vpon londe lede any quyle,

I schuld rech yow sum rewarde redyly, if I my3t."

I should gladly give you some reward, if I could.

He then steps into his saddle,

He then gets into his saddle,

2060

Þenn steppe3 he in-to stirop, & stryde3 alofte;

His schalk schewed hym his schelde, on schulder he hit la3t,

His cleverness shunned him his shield, on his shoulder he lets it hang.

Gorde3 to Gryngolet, with his gilt hele3,

and "starts on the stone" without more delay.

and "begins on the stone" without further delay.

& he starte3 on þe ston, stod he no lenger,

& he started on the stone, he stood no longer,

2064

to praunce;

to pronounce;

His haþel on hors wat3 þenne,

His hero on horse was then,

Þat bere his spere & launce.

That bears his spear and lance.

"This castle to Christ I commend; may he give it ever good chance!"

"I dedicate this castle to Christ; may he always bring it good fortune!"

"Þis kastel to Kryst I kenne,

2068

He gef hit ay god chaunce!"

He got it at a good chance!

IV.

The gates are soon opened.

The gates will be opened soon.

The brygge wat3 brayde doun, & þe brode 3ate3

The bridge was broken down, and the wide roads

Vnbarred, & born open, vpon boþe halue;

Vnbarred, & born open, upon both sides;

The knight passes thereout,

The knight passes out of there,

Þe burne blessed hym bilyue, & þe brede3 passed;

Þe burne blessed him quickly, & the bread passed;

2072

Prayses þe porter, bifore þe prynce kneled,

Prayses the porter, before the prince knelt,

Gef hym God & goud day, þat Gawayn he saue;

Gef hym God & goud day, that Gawayn he save;

and goes on his way accompanied by his guide.

and continues on his path with his guide beside him.

& went on his way, with his wy3e one,

& went on his way, with his wife,

Þat schulde teche hym to tourne to þat tene place,

2076

Þer þe ruful race he schulde re-sayue.

Þay bo3en bi bonkke3, þer bo3e3 ar bare,

They climb by cliffs,

They climb cliffs,

Þay clomben bi clyffe3, þer clenge3 þe colde;

Þey climbed by cliffs, where the cold clings;

Þe heuen wat3 vp halt, bot vgly þer vnder,

The heaven is up, but ugly underneath,

2080

Mist muged on þe mor, malt on þe mounte3,

Mist covered the morning, malt on the mountain,

where each "hill had a hat and a mist-cloak,"

where every "hill had a hat and a mist-cloak,"

Vch hille hade a hatte, a myst-hakel huge;

Vch hille had a hat, a huge myst-hakel;

Broke3 byled, & breke, bi bonkke3 aboute,

Schyre schaterande on schore3, þer þay doun schowued.

Schyre shattering on shore, where they down showed.

[Fol. 119.]

2084

Welawylle wat3 þe way, þer þay bi wod schulden,

Welawylle will show the way, where they should be mad.

until daylight.

until morning.

Til hit wat3 sone sesoun, þat þe sunne ryses,

þat tyde;

that time;

They were then on a "hill full high."

Þay were on a hille ful hy3e,

Þay were on a hill full height,

2088

Þe quyte snaw lay bisyde;

The white snow lay nearby;

The servant bade his master abide, saying,

The servant asked his master to stay, saying,

Þe burne þat rod hym by

The stream that flows by

Bede his mayster abide.

Bede his master wait.

V.

"I have brought you hither,

"I have brought you here,

"For I haf wonnen yow hider, wy3e, at þis tyme,

"For I have brought you here, wise one, at this time,"

2092

& now nar 3e not fer fro þat note place,

& now nar 3e not far from that same place,

ye are not now far from the noted place.

You are not far now from the famous location.

Þat 3e han spied & spuryed so specially after;

Bot I schal say yow for soþe, syþen I yow knowe,

Bot I shall tell you the truth, since I know you,

& 3e ar a lede vpon lyue, þat I wel louy,

2096

Wolde 3e worch bi my wytte, 3e worþed þe better.

Wold 3e work by my mind, 3e valued the better.

Full perilous is it esteemed.

It's considered very dangerous.

Þe place þat 3e prece to, ful perelous is halden;

The place you pray to is very precious.

The lord of that 'waste' is stiff and stern.

The lord of that 'waste' is rigid and serious.

Þer wone3 a wy3e in þat waste, þe worst vpon erþe;

Þer wone3 a woman in that wasteland, the worst on earth;

For he is stiffe, & sturne, & to strike louies,

For he is rigid, and tough, and to hit loves,

2100

& more he is þen any mon vpon myddelerde,

& more he is than any man upon middle earth,

His body is bigger 'than the best four in Arthur's house.'

"His body is bigger than the best four in Arthur's house."

& his body bigger þen þe best fowre.

& his body bigger than the best four.

Þat ar in Arþure3 hous, Hestor¹ oþer oþer.

That is in Arthur's house, Hestor or other.

He cheue3 þat chaunce at þe chapel grene;

He took that chance at the green chapel;

None passes by the Green Chapel, 'that he does not ding to death with dint of his hand.'

No one walks by the Green Chapel without banging it to death with the force of their hand.

2104

Þer passes non bi þat place, so proude in his armes,

Þat he ne dynne3 hym to deþe, with dynt of his honde;

Þat he ne dyne3 hy to deþe, with dynt of his honde;

For he is a mon methles, & mercy non vses,

For he is a cruel person, and shows no mercy,

For be it churl or chaplain, monk, mass-priest, 'or any man else,' he kills them all.

Whether it's a peasant or a priest, a monk, a mass-priest, 'or anyone else,' he kills them all.

For be hit chorle, oþer chaplayn, þat bi þe chapel rydes,

For the hit man, or the chaplain, who rides by the chapel,

2108

Monk, oþer masse-prest, oþer any mon elles,

Monk, or other priest, or any man else,

Hym þynk as queme hym to quelle, as quyk go hym seluen.

Him think as pleasing him to kill, as quick go him self.

For-þy I say þe as soþe as 3e in sadel sitte,

For this reason, I say to you as truly as you sit in the saddle,

Com 3e þere, 3e be kylled, [I] may þe kny3t rede,

2112

Trawe 3e me þat trwely, þa3 3e had twenty lyues

Trawe me that truly, though you had twenty lives.

to spende;

to spend;

He has lived there full long.

He has lived there for a long time.

He hat3 wonyd here ful 3ore,

He has been wandering here for quite some time,

On bent much baret bende,

On a curved, bare branch,

Against his dints sore ye may not defend you.

You can't protect yourself against his severe blows.

2116

A3ayn his dynte3 sore,

3e may not yow defende."

3e may not you defend.

¹ Hector (?).

Hector (?).

VI.

Wherefore, good Sir Gawayne, let this man alone.

So, good Sir Gawayne, just leave this man be.

"For-þy, goude sir Gawayn, let þe gome one,

"For that reason, good Sir Gawain, let the man one,"

& got3 a-way sum oþer gate; vpon Godde3 halue;

Go by some other region,

Go to another area,

2120

Cayre3 bi sum oþer kyth, þer Kryst mot yow spede;

Cayre3 by some other side, may Christ speed you;

& I schal hy3 me hom a3ayn, & hete yow fyrre,

& I shall get myself home again, & here you go first,

[Fol. 119b.]
I swear by God and all His saints, that I will never say that ever ye attempted to flee from any man."

[Fol. 119b.]
I swear to God and all His saints that I will never say you ever tried to escape from anyone.

Þat I schal swere bi God, & alle his gode hal3e3,

As help me God & þe halydam, & oþe3 in-noghe,

As help me God & the holy dame, & oaths in enough,

2124

Þat I schal lelly yow layne, & lance neuer tale,

Þat I shall honestly tell you, & never tell a lie,

Þat euer 3e fondet to fle, for freke þat I wyst."

Þat euer 3e fondet to fle, for freke þat I wyst.

"Grant merci;" quod Gawayn, & gruchyng he sayde,

"Grant merci;" said Gawayn, and grumbling he added,

"Wel worth þe wy3e, þat wolde3 my gode,

"Well worth the wife, that would my good,"

2128

& þat lelly me layne, I leue wel þou wolde3!

& that really bothers me, I know you would!

Gawayne replies that to shun this danger would mark him as a "coward knight."

Gawayne responds that avoiding this danger would label him as a "coward knight."

Bot helde þou hit neuer so holde, & I here passed,

Founded for ferde for to fle, in fourme þat þou telle3,

Fled for fear of flight, in the manner that you tell,

I were a kny3t kowarde, I my3t not¹ be excused.

I was a cowardly knight; I might not be excused.

To the Chapel, therefore, he will go,

So, he will go to the Chapel,

2132

Bot I wy1 to þe chape1, for chaunce þat may falle,

Bot I will to the chapel, for chance that may happen,

& talk wyth þat ilk tulk þe tale þat me lyste,

& talk with that same person the story that I like,

Worþe hit wele, oþer wo, as þe wyrde lyke3

Worthy it is well, or else woe, as fate seems.

hit hafe;

hit half;

though the owner thereof were a stern knave.

even if the owner was a harsh scoundrel.

2136

Þa3e he be a sturn knape,

To sti3tel, &² stad with staue,

To settle, and stay with statue,

"Full well can God devise his servants for to save."

"God can easily prepare His servants to save."

Ful wel con dry3tyn schape,

Fully can dry shaving shape,

His seruaunte3 forto saue."

His servant forto saue.

¹ mot, in MS. ² & &, in MS.

VII.

"Mary!" quoth the other, "since it pleases thee to lose thy life,

"Mary!" said the other, "since you seem to want to throw your life away,

2140

"Mary!" quod þat oþer mon, "now þou so much spelle3,

"Mary!" said the other man, "now you talk so much

Þat þou wylt þyn awen nye nyme to þy-seluen,

& þe lyst lese þy lyf, þe lette I ne kepe;

& the joy of losing your life, I don't care about that;

take thy helmet on thy head, and thy spear in thy hand, and ride down this path by yon rock-side,

Put your helmet on your head, take your spear in your hand, and ride down this path by that rocky side.

Haf here þi helme on þy hede, þi spere in þi honde,

Haf here your helmet on your head, your spear in your hand,

2144

& ryde me doun þis ilk rake, bi 3on rokke syde,

till thou come to the bottom of the valley;

until you reach the bottom of the valley;

Til þou be bro3t to þe boþem of þe brem valay;

Til thou be brought to the bottom of the brem valley;

look a little to the left,

look slightly to the left,

Þenne loke a littel on þe launde, on þi lyfte honde,

and thou shalt see the Chapel itself and the man that guards it."

"and you will see the Chapel itself and the man who guards it."

& þou schal se in þat slade þe self chapel,

2148

& þe borelych burne on bent, þat hit kepe3.

& the burly man on the field, that it keeps.

Now fare3 wel on Gode3 half, Gawayn þe noble,

Now farewell on God’s behalf, Gawain the noble,

For alle þe golde vpon grounde I nolde go with þe,

For all the gold on the ground, I wouldn't go with you,

Ne bere þe fela3schip þur3 þis fryth on fote fyrre."

Ne bere þe fela3schip þur3 þis fryth on fote fyrre.

Having thus spoken the guide takes leave of the knight.

Having said this, the guide bids farewell to the knight.

2152

Bi þat þe wy3e in þe wod wende3 his brydel,

Hit þe hors with þe hele3, as harde as he my3t,

Hit the horse with the heel, as hard as he could,

Lepe3 hym ouer þe launde, & leue3 þe kny3t þere,

Lepe him over the laundry, and leave the knight there,

al one.

"By God's self," says Sir Gawayne, "I will neither weep nor groan.

"By God's own self," says Sir Gawayne, "I won't cry or complain."

2156

"Bi Godde3 self," quod Gawayn,

"By God," said Gawayn,

"I wyl nauþer grete ne grone,

"I will never weep or moan,"

To God's will I am full ready."

"I am completely ready for God's will."

To Godde3 wylle I am ful bayn,

I willingly submit to God.

& to hym I haf me tone."

VIII.

[Fol. 120.]
Then he pursues his journey,

Then he continues his journey,

2160

Thenne gyrde3 he to Gryngolet, & gedere3 þe rake,

Thenne turned to Gryngolet, & gathered the reins,

Schowue3 in bi a schore, at a scha3e syde,

rides through the dale, and looks about.

rides through the valley and looks around.

Ride3 þur3 þe ro3e bonk, ry3t to þe dale;

Ride through the rose bush, right to the valley;

& þenne he wayted hym aboute, & wylde hit hym þo3t,

& then he waited around him, & wild it him thought,

He sees no sign of a resting-place, but only high and steep banks.

He sees no sign of a place to rest, just high and steep banks.

2164

& se3e no syngne of resette, bisyde3 nowhere,

Bot hy3e bonkke3 & brent, vpon boþe halue,

Bothy3e bonkke3 & brent, upon boþe halue,

& ru3e knokled knarre3, with knorned stone3;

Þe skwe3 of þe scowtes skayued¹ hym þo3t.

2168

Þenne he houed, & wyth-hylde his hors at þat tyde,

Þen he stopped and held back his horse at that time,

& ofte chaunged his cher, þe chapel to seche;

& often changed his face, the chapel to seek;

No chapel could he discern.

No chapel could he see.

He se3 non suche in no syde, & selly hym þo3t,

He sees nothing on either side, and he rarely thinks about it.

Sone a lyttel on a launde, a lawe as hit we[re];

Sone a little on a lawn, a low as it were;

At last he sees a hill by the side of a stream;

Finally, he spots a hill next to a stream;

2172

A bal3 ber3, bi a bonke, þe brymme by-syde,

Bi a for3 of a flode, þat ferked þare;

Bi a force of a flood, that struck there;

Þe borne blubred þer-inne, as hit boyled hade.

The boiling blue bubbles popped in it as it boiled.

thither he goes,

there he goes,

Þe kny3t kache3 his caple, & com to þe lawe,

The knight caught his horse and came to the law,

alights and fastens his horse to a branch of a tree.

dismounts and ties his horse to a tree branch.

2176

Li3te3 doun luflyly, & at a lynde tache3

Þe rayne, & his riche, with a ro3e braunche;

Þe rayne, & his riche, with a rose branch;

He walks around the hill, debating with himself what it might be,

He walks around the hill, pondering what it could be,

Þen[n]e he bo3e3 to þe ber3e, aboute hit he walke,

D[e]batande with hym-self, quat hit be my3t.

D[e]bating with himself, what it might be.

2180

Hit hade a hole on þe ende, & on ayþer syde,

Hit had a hole on the end, and on either side,

& ouer-growen with gresse in glodes ay where,

& ouer-grown with gresse in glodes ay where,

& al wat3 hol3 in-with, nobot an olde caue,

and at last finds an old cave in the crag.

and finally discovers an old cave in the cliff.

Or a creuisse of an olde cragge, he couþe hit no3t deme

Or a growth of an old crag, he could not judge it.

2184

with spelle,

with spell

"We,² lorde," quod þe gentyle kny3t,

"We, Lord," said the gentleman knight,

"Wheþer þis be þe grene chapelle;

"Whether this is the green chapel;

He prays that about midnight he may tell his matins.

He hopes that around midnight he can say his morning prayers.

He my3t aboute myd-ny3t,

He met about midnight,

2188

[Þ]e dele his matynnes telle!"

The tell his mornings!

¹ skayned (?). ² wel (?).

¹ skayned (?). ² well (?).

IX.

"Truly," says Sir Gawayne, "a desert is here,

"Honestly," says Sir Gawayne, "there's a desert here,

"Now i-wysse," quod Wowayn, "wysty is here;

"Now I know," said Wowayn, "Wisty is here;

Þis oritore is vgly, with erbe3 ouer-growen;

Þis oritore is ugly, with herbs overgrown;

a fitting place for the man in green to 'deal here his devotions in devil fashion.'

a suitable spot for the man in green to 'offer his prayers in a devilish way.'

Wel biseme3 þe wy3e wruxled in grene

Wel biseme þe wy3e wruxled in grene

2192

Dele here his deuocioun, on þe deuele3 wyse;

Dele here his devotion, in the devil's way;

Now I fele hit is þe fende, in my fyue wytte3,

Now I feel it's the devil, in my five senses,

Þat hat3 stoken me þis steuen, to strye me here;

It is most cursed kirk that ever I entered."

"It is the most cursed church that I have ever entered."

Þis is a chapel of meschaunce, þat chekke hit by-tyde,

Þis is a chapel of mischief, that check it by tide,

2196

Hit is þe corsedest kyrk, þat euer i com inne!"

Hit is the most cursed church, that ever I came in!

[Fol. 120b.]

With he3e helme on his hede, his launce in his honde,

With the helmet on his head, his lance in his hand,

Roaming about he hears a loud noise,

As he wanders around, he hears a loud noise,

He rome3 vp to þe rokke of þo ro3 wone3;

He ran up to the rock of the rough dwellings;

Þene herde he of þat hy3e hil, in a harde roche,

from beyond the brook.

from across the stream.

2200

Bi3onde þe broke, in a bonk, a wonder breme noyse,

It clattered like the grinding of a scythe on a grindstone.

It clashed like a scythe being sharpened on a grindstone.

Quat! hit clatered in þe clyff, as hit cleue schulde,

Quat! hit clattered in the cliff, as it should cleave,

As one vpon a gryndelston hade grounden a syþe;

As someone once sharpened a blade on a grindstone;

It whirred like a mill-stream.

It whirred like a machine.

What! hit wharred, & whette, as water at a mulne,

What! hit whirred, and whetted, like water at a mill,

2204

What! hit rusched, & ronge, rawþe to here.

What! hit rushed, and rang, right to hear.

Þenne "bi Godde," quod Gawayn, "þat gere as¹ I trowe,

Þenne "by God," said Gawain, "that thing I believe,

Is ryched at þe reuerence, me renk to mete,

Is reached at the reverence, I rank to meet,

bi rote;

by rote;

2208

Let God worche we loo,

Let God work while we look,

"Though my life I forgo," says the knight, "no noise shall terrify me."

"Even if I give up my life," says the knight, "nothing will scare me."

Hit helppe3 me not a mote,

My lif þa3 I for-goo,

My life, I forgo,

Drede dot3 me no lote."

Drede dot3 me no lote.

¹ at, in MS.

at, in MS.

X.

Then cried he aloud,

Then he shouted,

2212

Thenne þe kny3t con calle ful hy3e,

The knight then began to call out very loudly,

"Who dwells here discourse with me to hold?"

"Who lives here? Talk to me."

"Who sti3tle3 in þis sted, me steuen to holde?

"Who settles in this place, I urge to stay?"

Now is the good Gawayne going aright

Now is the good Gawayne going the right way.

For now is gode Gawayn goande ry3t here,

For now, good Gawain is going right here,

If any wy3e o3t wyl wynne hider fast,

If any way out will win here fast,

2216

Oþer now, oþer neuer, his nede3 to spede."

Other now, other never, his need3 to speed.

He hears a voice commanding him to abide where he is.

He hears a voice telling him to stay where he is.

"Abyde," quod on on þe bonke, abouen ouer his hede,

"Abyde," said one on the bank, above his head,

"& þou schal haf al in hast, þat I þe hy3t ones."

"& you shall have all in haste, that I promise you once."

3et he rusched on þat rurde, rapely a þrowe,

2220

& wyth quettyng a-wharf, er he wolde ly3t;

& with questioning a-wharf, before he would light;

Soon there comes out of a hole, with a fell weapon,

Soon, something emerges from a hole, wielding a deadly weapon,

& syþen he keuere3 bi a cragge, & come3 of a hole,

Whyrlande out of a wro, wyth a felle weppen,

a Danish axe, quite new,

a brand new Danish axe,

A dene3 ax nwe dy3t, þe dynt with [t]o 3elde

2224

With a borelych bytte, bende by þe halme,

With a bored-looking bite, bent by the handle,

Fyled in a fylor, fowre fote large,

Fyled in a folder, four feet large,

Hit wat3 no lasse, bi þat lace þat lemed ful bry3t.

the "knight in green," clothed as before.

the "knight in green," dressed just like before.

& þe gome in þe erene gered as fyrst,

& the man in the earthen attire made ready as before,

2228

Boþe þe lyre & þe legge3, lokke3, & berde,

Boþe the lyre & the legge3, look3, & beard,

Saue þat fayre on his fote he founde3 on þe erþe,

Saue that fair one he found on the ground,

Sette þe stele to þe stone, & stalked bysyde.

Set the stone in place and walked beside it.

When he reaches the stream, he hops over and strides about.

When he gets to the stream, he jumps over it and walks around.

When he wan to þe watter, þer he wade nolde,

When he went to the water, there he didn't want to wade,

2232

He hypped ouer on hys ax, & orpedly stryde3,

He hopped over on his ax, and walked confidently.

Bremly broþe on a bent, þat brode wat3 a-boute,

Bremly brother on a hill, that wide was all around,

on snawe.

on snow.

[Fol. 121.]
He meets Sir Gawayne without obeisance.

[Fol. 121.]
He encounters Sir Gawayne without showing any respect.

Sir Gawayn þe kny3t con mete.

Sir Gawain the Knight can meet.

2236

He ne lutte hym no þyng lowe,

He doesn't struggle to hide anything low,

The other tells him that he is now ready for conversation

The other person tells him that he's now ready to talk.

Þat oþer sayde, "now, sir swete,

That other said, "now, dear,

Of steuen mon may þe trowe."

Of steuen mon may þe trowe.

XI.

"God preserve thee!" says the Green Knight,

"God keep you safe!" says the Green Knight,

"Gawayn," quod þat grene gome, "God þe mot loke!

"Gawayn," said that green man, "May God look upon you!

2240

I-wysse þou art welcom,¹ wy3e, to my place,

I know you are welcome, woman, to my place,

"as a true knight 'thou hast timed thy travel'

"As a true knight, you have timed your journey well."

& þou hat3 tymed þi trauayl as true² mon schulde;

Thou knowest the covenant between us,

You know the agreement between us,

& þou knowe3 þe couenaunte3 kest vus by-twene,

& þou knowe3 þe couenaunte3 kest vus

At þis tyme twelmonyth þou toke þat þe falled,

At this time last year, you took that which had fallen,

that on New Year's day I should return thy blow

that on New Year's Day I should return your favor

2244

& I schulde at þis nwe 3ere 3eply þe quyte.

& I should at this new year repay the debt.

Here we are alone,

Here we are, just us.

& we ar in þis valay, verayly oure one,

& we are in this valley, truly our own,

Here ar no renkes vs to rydde, rele as vus like3;

Here are no ranks for us to ride, really as you like.

Have off thy helmet and take thy pay at once."

"Take off your helmet and get your payment right away."

Haf þy³ helme of þy hede, & haf here þy pay;

Haf thy helm off thy head, and have here thy pay;

2248

Busk no more debate þen I þe bede þenne,

Busk no more debate then I beg you now,

"When þou wypped of my hede at a wap one."

"When you wiped my head in one swift motion."

"By God," quoth Sir Gawayne, "I shall not begrudge thee thy will."

"By God," said Sir Gawayne, "I won’t hold it against you if that’s what you want."

"Nay, bi God," quod Gawayn, "þat me gost lante,

"Nah, by God," said Gawayn, "that my ghost lingers,

I schal gruch þe no grwe, for grem þat falle3;

I won’t complain about the root, for it’s the sorrow that falls;

2252

Botsty3tel þe vpon on strok, & I schal stonde stylle,

& warp þe no wernyng, to worch as þe lyke3,

& warp the no warning, to work as the likes,

no whare."

no home.

Then he shows his bare neck,

Then he reveals his bare neck,

He lened with þe nek, & lutte,

He leaned with the neck, & luta,

2256

& schewed þat schyre al bare,

& showed that the bright one all bare,

& lette as he no3t dutte,

and appears undaunted.

and seems unbothered.

For drede he wolde not dare.

For fear, he would not dare.

¹ welcon, in MS. ² truee in MS. ³ MS. þy þy.

XII.

Then the man in green seizes his grim tool.

Then the man in green grabs his grim tool.

Then þe gome in þe grene grayþed hym swyþe,

The man in the green got himself ready quickly,

2260

Gedere3 yp hys grymme tole, Gawayn to smyte;

With all his force he raises it aloft.

With all his strength, he lifts it up high.

With alle þe bur in his body he ber hit on lofte,

With all the burden in his body he carried it aloft,

Munt as ma3tyly, as marre hym he wolde;

Hade hit dryuen adoun, as dre3 as he atled,

2264

Þer hade ben ded of his dynt, þat do3ty wat3 euer.

Bot Gawayn on þat giserne glyfte hym bysyde,

Bot Gawayn on that icy slope by the side,

As it came gliding down,

As it floated down,

As hit com glydande adoun, on glode hym to schende,

As hit com gliding down, on glowed him to shine,

Sir Gawayne shrank a little with his shoulders.

Sir Gawayne shrugged slightly.

& schranke a lytel with þe schulderes, for þe scharp yrne.

& schranke a little with the shoulders, for the sharp iron.

2268

Þat oþer schalk wyth a schunt þe schene wythhalde3,

Þat oþer schalk with a shunt the nice withheld,

The other reproved him, saying,

The others called him out, saying,

& þenne repreued he þe prynce with mony prowde worde3:

& and then he reprimanded the prince with many proud words:

"Thou art not Gawayne that is so good esteemed,

"You are not Gawayne, who is so highly regarded,"

"Þou art not Gawayn," quod þe gome, "þat is so goud halden,

"You're not Gawain," said the man, "that’s for sure."

Þat neuer ar3ed for no here, by hylle ne be vale,

[Fol. 121b.]
for thou fleest for fear before thou feelest harm.

[Fol. 121b.]
because you run away in fear before you even experience any harm.

2272

& now þou fles for ferde, er þou fele harme3;

& now þou flee for fear, or þou feel harm;

Such cowardise of þat kny3t cowþe I neuer here.

Such cowardice of that knight, I have never heard.

I never flinched when thou struckest.

I never flinched when you struck.

Nawþer fyked I, ne fla3e, freke, quen þou myntest,

Ne kest no kauelacion, in kynge3 hous Arthor,

My head flew to my foot, yet I never fled,

My head whirled around to my foot, but I never ran away,

2276

My hede fla3 to my fote, & 3et fla3 I neuer;

My head flew to my foot, and yet I never flew.

& þou, er any harme hent, ar3e3 in hert,

& þou, if any harm happens, are you in heart,

wherefore I ought to be called the better man."

"That's why I should be considered the better man."

Wherfore þe better burne me burde be called

þer-fore."

therefore.

"I shunted once," says Gawayne, "but will no more.

"I pushed someone aside once," Gawayne says, "but I won't do it again."

2280

Quod G:, "I schunt one3,

I can't interpret that.

& so wyl I no more,

& so will I no more,

Bot pa3 my hede falle on þe stone3,

I con not hit restore.

I cannot hit restore.

XIII.

Bring me to the point; deal me my destiny at once."

"Get to the point; give me my fate right now."

2284

Bot busk, burne, bi þi fayth, & bryng me to þe poynt,

Bot busk, burne, by thy faith, & bring me to the point,

Dele to me my destiné, & do hit out of honde,

Dele to me my destiny, and do it out of hand,

For I schal stonde þe a strok, & start no more,

For I will stand against you once, and then not again,

Til þyn ax haue me hitte, haf here my trawþe."

Til þyn ax have me hit, have here my truth.

"Have at thee, then," says the other.

"Here I come, then," says the other.

2288

"Haf at þe þenne," quod þat oþer, & heue3 hit alofte,

"Haf at the thenne," said that other, and heaved it aloft,

& wayte3 as wroþely, as he wode were;

& wayte3 as wrothly, as he would be;

With that he aims at him a blow.

With that, he aims a blow at him.

He mynte3 at hym ma3tyly, bot not þe mon ryue3,¹

He pointed at him mockingly, but not the man himself,¹

With-helde heterly h[i]s honde, er hit hurt my3t.

Withheld his hand entirely until it hurt me.

Gawayne never flinches, but stands as still as a stone.

Gawayne never flinches and stands as still as a rock.

2292

Gawayn grayþely hit byde3, & glent with no membre,

Gawayn waited patiently and glanced without any movement,

Bot stode stylle as þe ston, oþer a stubbe auþer,

Bot stood still as the stone, either a stump or

Þat raþeled is in roche grounde, with rote3 a hundreth.

Þen muryly efte con he mele, þe mon in þe grene,

Þen murkily again he speaks, the man in the green,

"Now," says the Green Knight, "I must hit thee, since thy heart is whole."

"Now," says the Green Knight, "I have to strike you, since your heart is unbroken."

2296

"So now þou hat3 þi hert holle, hitte me bihou[e]s;

"So now you have your heart whole, hit me with it;"

Halde þe now þe hy3e hode, þat Arþur þe ra3t,

Halde the now the high head, that Arthur the right,

& kepe þy kanel at þis kest, 3if hit keuer may."

&kepe þy kanel at þis kest, 3if hit keuer may.

G: ful gryndelly with greme þenne sayde,

G: full grindly with grime the then said,

"Thrash on," says the other.

"Keep going," says the other.

2300

"Wy þresch on, þou þro mon, þou þrete3 to longe,

"Why are you so harsh, you man, you threaten for too long,

I hope þat þi hert ar3e wyth þyn awen seluen."

I hope that your heart is true to yourself.

"For soþe," quod þat oþer freke, "so felly þou speke3,

"For sure," said that other man, "you speak so fiercely,

I wyl no lenger on lyte lette þin ernde,

I will no longer delay your request,

2304

ri3t nowe."

ri3t nowe.

Then the Green Knight makes ready to strike.

Then the Green Knight gets ready to strike.

Þenne tas he² hym stryþe to stryke,

Then he was ready to strike,

& frounses boþe lyppe & browe,

& frounses both lip and brow,

No meruayle þa3 hym myslyke,

No meruayle tham mislike,

2308

Þat hoped of no rescowe.

That hoped for no rescue.

¹ ? ryne3 = touches. ² he he, in MS.

¹ ? ryne3 = touches. ² haha, in MS.

XIV.

He let fall his loom on the bare

He dropped his loom onto the bare

He lyftes ly3tly his lome, & let hit doun fayre,

He lifts lightly his loom, and lets it down gently,

[Fol. 122.]
neck of Sir Gawayne.

neck of Sir Gawain.

With þe barbe of þe bitte bi þe bare nek

With the barb of the bite by the bare neck

Þa3 he homered heterly, hurt hym no more,

Þa he homered heterly, hurt hym no more,

2312

Bot snyrt hym on þat on syde, þat seuered þe hyde;

Bot snyrt hymn on that on syde, that severed the hide;

The sharp weapon pierced the flesh so that the blood flowed.

The sharp weapon cut through the skin, causing blood to flow.

Þe scharp schrank to þe flesche þur3 þe schyre grece,

Þe sharp spark to þe flesh through þe clear grease,

Þat þe schene blod over his schulderes schot to þe erþe.

Þat the beautiful blood over his shoulders shot to the ground.

When the knight saw the blood on the snow,

& quen þe burne se3 þe blode blenk on þe snawe,

2316

He sprit forth spenne fote more þen a spere lenþe,

He jumped forward more than the length of a spear,

Hent heterly his helme, & on his hed cast,

Hent it headily, take his helmet, and put it on his head,

Schot with his schuldere3 his fayre schelde vnder,

Schot with his shoulder his fair shield under,

he unsheathed his sword, and thus spake:

He drew his sword and said:

Brayde3 out a bry3t sworde, & bremely he speke3;

Brayde3 pulled out a bright sword and spoke boldly;

2320

Neuer syn þat he wat3 burne borne of his moder,

Wat3 he neuer in þis worlde, wy3e half so blyþe:—

"Cease, man, of thy blow.

"Stop, man, with your strike."

"Blynne, burne, of þy bur, bede me no mo;

"Blynn, burn, of thy borough, bid me no more;

I haf a stroke in þis sted with-oute stryf hent,

I have a stroke in this place without strife taken,

If thou givest me any more, readily shall I requite thee.

If you give me any more, I will gladly repay you.

2324

& if þow reche3 me any mo, I redyly schal quyte,

& if you reach me any more, I will gladly repay.

& 3elde 3ederly a3ayn, & þer to 3e tryst,

& foo;

Our agreement stipulates only one stroke."

"Our agreement only allows for one stroke."

Bot on stroke here me falle3,

2328

Þe couenaunt schop ry3t so,

The covenant shaped right so,

[Sikered]¹ in Arþure3 halle3,

[Sikered]¹ in Arthur's hall,

& þer-fore, hende, now hoo!"

& and therefore, hey, now who!

¹ Illegible.

Illegible.

XV.

The Green Knight rested on his axe,

The Green Knight leaned on his axe,

The haþel heldet hym fro, & on his ax rested,

The hero held him back, and rested on his axe,

2332

Sette þe schaft vpon schore, & to be scharp lened,

Set the shaft on shore, and make it sharp.

looked on Sir Gawayne, who appeared bold and fearless,

looked at Sir Gawayne, who seemed brave and fearless,

& loked to þe leude, þat on þe launde 3ede,

& looked to the people, who walked on the lawn,

How þat do3ty dredles deruely þer stonde3,

How that mighty dreadfully stands there,

Armed ful a3le3; in hert hit hym lyke3.

Armed full of ale; in heart it hit him like.

2336

þenn he mele3 muryly, wyth a much steuen,

and addressed him as follows: "Bold knight, be not so wroth,

and spoke to him like this: "Brave knight, don't be so angry,

& wyth a r[a]ykande rurde he to þe renk sayde,

& with a loud voice he said to the man,

"Bolde burne, on þis bent be not so gryndel;

"Boldly burn, do not be so stubborn on this point;

No mon here vn-manerly þe mys-boden habbe,

No man here should behave badly,

2340

Ne kyd, bot as couenaunde, at kynge3 kort schaped;

I promised thee a stroke and thou hast it, be satisfied.

I promised you a mark, and you have it, so be satisfied.

I hy3t þe a strok, & þou hit hat3, halde þe wel payed,

I hit you with a stroke, and if you take it, consider yourself well paid,

I relece þe of þe remnaunt, of ry3tes alle oþer;

I release you from the remainder, of rights all other;

3if¹ I deliuer had bene, a boffet, paraunter,

3if¹ I delivered had been, a buffet, parenter,

I could have dealt worse with thee.

I could have handled you worse.

2344

I couþe wroþeloker haf waret, [&] to þe haf wro3t anger.²

I could have written more, and it would have expressed anger.

Fyrst I mansed þe muryly, with a mynt one,

I menaced thee with one blow for the covenant

I threatened you with one blow for the agreement.

& roue þe wyth no rof, sore with ry3t I þe profered,

& wheel the with no roof, sore with right I the proffered,

[Fol. 122b.]
between us on the first night.

For þe forwarde that we fest in þe fyrst ny3t,

For the gathering that we celebrate on the first night,

2348

& þou trystyly þe trawþe & trwly me halde3,

Al þe gayne þow me gef, as god mon shulde;

Al the gain you give me, as a good man should;

Another I aimed at thee because thou kissedst my wife.

I shot at you because you kissed my wife.

Þat oþer munt for þe morne, mon, I þe profered,

Þou kyssedes my clere wyf, þe cosse3 me ra3te3,

2352

For boþe two here I þe bede bot two bare myntes,

For both of you, I only bring two bare coins,

boute scaþe;

bottle cap;

A true man should restore truly, and then he need fear no harm.

A real man should be honest and genuine, and then he won’t have to fear any harm.

Trwe mon trwe restore,

True love, true restore.

Þenne þar mon drede no waþe;

Then there was no war;

Thou failedst at the third time, and therefore take thee that tap. (See l. 1861.)

You failed the third time, so take that tap. (See l. 1861.)

2356

At þe þrid þou fayled þore,

At the third thou failed there,

& þer-for þat tappe ta þe.

¹ uf, in MS. ² This word is doubtful.

¹ uf, in MS. ² This word is uncertain.

XVI.

For my weed (woven by my wife) thou wearest.

For my hat (woven by my wife) you wear.

For hit is my wede þat þou were3, þat ilke wouen girdel,

For it is my garment that you wore, that same woven belt,

Myn owen wyf hit þe weued, I wot wel forsoþe;

I know thy kisses and my wife's wooing.

I know your kisses and my wife's flirting.

2360

Now know I wel þy cosses, & þy costes als,

Now I know your kisses, and your costs too,

& þe wowyng of my wyf, I wro3t hit myseluen;

& the wooing of my wife, I wrote it myself;

I sent her to try thee, and faultless I found thee.

I sent her to test you, and I found you to be perfect.

I sende hir to asay þe, & sothly me þynkke3,

I sent her to say this, and truly it seems to me,

On þe fautlest freke, þat euer on fote 3ede;

On the faultless man, who ever walked on foot;

2364

As perle bi þe quite pese is of prys more,

As the pearl is worth more than a quiet piece,

So is Gawayn, in god fayth, bi oþer gay kny3te3.

So is Gawayn, in good faith, by other gay knights.

But yet thou sinnedst a little,

But you sinned a little,

Bot here you lakked a lyttel, sir, & lewte yow wonted,

Bot here you lacked a little, sir, & left you wanting,

Bot þat wat3 for no wylyde werke, ne wowyng nauþer,

Bot þat wat3 for no wylde werke, ne wowyng nauþer,

for love of thy life."

for the love of your life.

2368

Bot for 3e lufed your lyf, þe lasse I yow blame."

Bot for 3e lufed your lyf, þe lasse I yow blame.

Þat oþer stif mon in study stod a gret whyle;

Þat oþer stiff man in study stood a great while;

So agreued for greme he gryed with-inne,

So agreed for grief he cried within.

Gawayne stands confounded.

Gawayne stands confused.

Alle þe blode of his brest blende in his face,

2372

Þat al he schrank for schome, þat þe schalk talked.

That all he shrank in shame for what the guy was saying.

Þe forme worde vpon folde, þat þe freke meled,—

"Cursed," he says, "be cowardice and covetousness both!"

“Cursed,” he says, “be both cowardice and greed!”

"Corsed worth cowarddyse & couetyse boþe!

"Cursed be cowardice and greed both!"

In yow is vylany & vyse, þat vertue disstrye3."

In you is villainy & vice, that virtue destroys."

Then he takes off the girdle and throws it to the knight.

Then he removes the girdle and tosses it to the knight.

2376

Þenne he ka3t to þe knot, & þe kest lawse3,

Þenne he kat to þe knot, & þe kest lawse3,

Brayde broþely þe belt to þe burne seluen:

Brayde quickly the belt to the river itself:

"Lo! þer þe falssyng, foule mot hit falle!

Lo! There the falsehood, may it fall foul!

He curses his cowardice,

He curses his fear,

For care of þy knokke cowardyse me ta3t

For the care of your knuckle cowardice, me taught

2380

To a-corde me with couetyse, my kynde to for-sake,

To agree with courtesy, my nature to abandon,

Þat is larges & lewte, þat longe3 to kny3te3.

That is nobility and kindness that belongs to knights.

and confesses himself to have been guilty of untruth.

and admits that he has been guilty of dishonesty.

Now am I fawty, & falce, & ferde haf ben euer;

Now I am faulty, & false, & have always been afraid;

Of trecherye & vn-trawþe boþe bityde sor3e

Of treachery and untruth both bring sorrow

2384

& care!

[Fol. 123.]

I bi-knowe yow, kny3t, here stylle,

I know you, knight, here still,

Al fawty is my fare,

Al fawty is my charge,

Lete3 me ouer-take your wylle,

Let me overtake your will,

2388

& efle I schal be ware."

& efle I schal be ware.

XVII.

Then the other, laughing, thus spoke:

Then the other, laughing, said this:

Thenne lo3e þat oþer leude, & luflyly sayde,

The nine love that other people, and lovingly said,

"I halde hit hardily¹ hole, þe harme þat I hade;

"I took it seriously, the harm that I had;

"Thou art confessed so clean,

"You are confessed so clean,"

Þou art confessed so clene, be-knowen of þy mysses,

2392

& hat3 þe penaunce apert, of þe poynt of myn egge,

that I hold thee as pure as if thou hadst never been guilty.

that I consider you as innocent as if you had never sinned.

I halde þe polysed of þat ply3t, & pured as clene,

I held the polished of that place, and poured as clean,

As þou hade3 neuer forfeted, syþen þou wat3 fyrst borne.

As you have never forfeited since you were first born.

I give thee, sir, the gold-hemmed girdle,

I give you, sir, the gold-trimmed belt,

& I gif þe, sir, þe gurdel þat is golde hemmed;

& I give you, sir, the golden girdle;

2396

For hit is grene as my goune, sir G:, 3e maye

For it is green like my gown, sir G:, you may

Þenk vpon þis ilke þrepe, þer þou forth þrynge3

Among prynces of prys, & þis a pure token

Among princes of price, & this is a clear sign

as a token of thy adventure at the Green Chapel.

as a symbol of your journey at the Green Chapel.

Of þe chaunce of þe grene chapel, at cheualrous kny3te3;

Of the chance of the green chapel, at chivalrous knights;

Come again to my abode, and abide there for the remainder of the festival."

Come back to my place, and stay there for the rest of the festival.

2400

& 3e schal in þis nwe 3er a3ayn to my wone3,

& 3e shall In this new year return to my home,

& we schyn reuel þe remnaunt of þis ryche fest,

& we shall reveal the remainder of this rich feast,

ful bene."

ful bene.

Þer laþed hym fast þe lorde,

They quickly snared the lord,

2404

& sayde, "with my wyf, I wene,

& said, "with my wife, I think,

We schal yow wel acorde,

We shall get along well,

Þat wat3 your enmy kene."

That was your enemy keen.

¹ hardilyly, in MS.

¹ boldly, in MS.

XVIII.

"Nay, forsooth," says Gawayne,

"No way," says Gawayne,

"Nay, for soþe," quod þe segge, & sesed hys helme,

"Nay, for sure," said the man, and he adjusted his helmet,

2408

& hat3 hit of hendely, & þe haþel þonkke3,

"I have sojourned sadly, but bliss betide thee!

"I’ve stayed here sadly, but may happiness be with you!"

"I haf soiorned sadly, sele yow bytyde,

"I have suffered greatly, may you be well."

& he 3elde hit yow 3are, þat 3arkke3 al menskes!

Commend me to your comely wife and that other lady who have beguiled me.

Please send my regards to your lovely wife and that other woman who has captivated me.

& comaunde3 me to þat cortays, your comlych fere,

& comaunde3 me to that court, your beautiful companion,

2412

Boþe þat on & þat oþer, myn honoured ladye3.

Boþe that one & that other, my honored lady.

Þat þus hor kny3t wyth hor kest han koyntly bigyled.

But it is no marvel for a man to be brought to grief through a woman's wiles.

But it's no surprise for a man to be led to sorrow by a woman's tricks.

Bot hit is no ferly, þa3 a fole madde,

& þur3 wyles of wymmen be wonen to sor3e;

& The ways of women are prone to sorrow;

Adam, Solomon, Samson, and David were beguiled by women.

Adam, Solomon, Samson, and David were captivated by women.

2416

For so wat3 Adam in erde with one bygyled,

For so long Adam in the earth was beguiled,

& Salamon with fele sere, & Samson eft sone3,

Dalyda dalt hym hys wyrde, & Dauyth þer-after

Dalyda dealt with his fate, and Dauyth after that

Wat3 blended with Barsabe, þat much bale þoled.

Wat3 mixed with Barsabe, who endured a lot of suffering.

How could a man love them and believe them not?

How could a man love them and not believe them?

2420

Now þese were wrathed wyth her wyles, hit were a wynne huge,

Now they were furious with her tricks, it was a huge win,

To luf hom wel, & leue hem not, a leude þat couþe,

To love them well and not leave them, a person who could.

[Fol. 123b.]

For þes wer forne¹ þe freest þat fol3ed alle þe sele,

For this man who was the freest that followed all the joy,

Ex-ellently of alle þyse oþer, vnder heuen-ryche,

Excellently above all these others, under heaven's riches,

2424

þat mused;

that thought;

& alle þay were bi-wyled,

& all they were beguiled,

With² wymmen þat þay vsed,

With wise women that they used,

Though I be now beguiled, methinks I should be excused.

Although I'm currently deceived, I think I should be forgiven.

Þa3 I be now bigyled,

Now I'm confused,

2428

Me þink me burde be excused."

Me think I should be excused.

¹ forme (?) ² with wyth, in MS.

forme (?) with wyth, in MS.

XIX.

But God reward you for your girdle.

But may God reward you for your belt.

"Bot your gordel," quod G: "God yow for-3elde!

"Put on your belt," said G: "God reward you!"

Þat wyl I welde wyth good wylle, not for þe wynne golde,

That I will control with good will, not for the winning gold,

Ne þe saynt, ne þe sylk, ne þe syde pendaundes,

2432

For wele, ne for worchyp, ne for þe wlonk werkke3,

For wealth, not for status, not for the beautiful work,

I will wear it in remembrance of my fault.

I will wear it to remember my mistake.

Bot in syngne of my surfet I schal se hit ofte;

Bot I in sign of my surfeit I shall see it often;

When I ride in renoun, remorde to myseluen

When I ride in renown, I remind myself

Þe faut & þe fayntyse of þe flesche crabbed,

The faults and the failings of the flesh are harsh,

2436

How tender hit is to entyse teches of fylþe;

How tender it is to entice traps of filth;

And when pride shall prick me,

And when pride pokes at me,

& þus, quen pryde schal me pryk, for prowes of armes,

& þus, when pride will spur me on, for the skill in battle,

a look to this lace shall abate it.

A glance at this lace will lessen it.

Þe loke to þis luf lace schal leþe my hert.

The look at this love bond shall lift my heart.

Bot on I wolde yow pray, displeses yow neuer;

Bot on, I would ask you, please don't be upset;

2440

Syn 3e be lorde of þe 3onde[r] londe, þer I haf lent inne,

Syn 3e be lord of the 3onde[r] land, þer I have lent inne,

Wyth yow wyth worschyp,—þe wy3e hit yow 3elde

Worship you,—the man gives it to you.

Þat vp-halde3 þe heuen, & on hy3 sitte3,—

Þat vp-halde3 þeheuen, & on hy3 sitte3,—

But tell me your right name and I shall have done."

"Just tell me your real name, and I'll be done."

How norne 3e yowre ry3t nome, & þenne no more?"

How do you say your right name, and then no more?

2444

"Þat schal I telle þe trwly," quod þat oþer þenne,

"That I shall tell you truly," said that other then,

The Green Knight replies, "I am called Bernlak de Hautdesert, through might of Morgain la Fey, the pupil of Merlin.

The Green Knight responds, "My name is Bernlak de Hautdesert, thanks to the power of Morgain la Fey, who is a student of Merlin."

"Bernlak de Hautdesert I hat in þis londe,

"Bernlak de Hautdesert I has in this land,"

Þur3 my3t of Morgne la Faye, þat in my hous lenges,

&¹ koyntyse of clergye, bi craftes wel lerned,

&¹ community of clergy, skilled in their crafts,

2448

Þe maystres of Merlyn, mony ho² taken;

Þe maystres of Merlyn, many ho² taken;

For ho hat3 dalt drwry ful dere sum tyme,

For how long must I endure this heavy sorrow?

With þat conable klerk, þat knowes alle your kny3te3

With that capable clerk, that knows all your knights

at hame;

at home;

2452

Morgne þe goddes,

Mourn the gods,

Þer-fore hit is hir name;

Therefore, it is her name;

She can tame even the haughtiest.

She can tame even the proudest.

Welde3 non so hy3e hawtesse,

Welde3 doesn't know how to,

Þat ho ne con make ful tame.

¹ in (?). ² ho hat3 (?).

XX.

It was she who caused me to test the renown of the Round Table,

It was her who made me test the fame of the Round Table,

2456

Ho wayned me vpon þis wyse to your wynne halle,

Ho led me this way to your wine hall,

For to assay þe surquidre, 3if hit soth were,

For to test the arrogance, if it were true,

Þat rennes of þe grete renoun of þe Rounde Table;

That relates to the great fame of the Round Table;

Ho wayned me þis wonder, your wytte3 to reue,

Ho wayned me þis wonder, your wytte3 to reuve,

[Fol. 124.]
hoping to grieve Guenever and cause her death through fear.

[Fol. 124.]
hoping to upset Guenever and lead to her death through fear.

2460

For to haf greued Gaynour, & gart hir to dy3e.

For having upset Gawain, and caused her to die.

With gopnyng¹ of þat ilke gomen, þat gostlych speked,

With gopnyng¹ of that same game, that ghostly spoke,

With his hede in his honde, bifore þe hy3e table.

With his head in his hand, before the high table.

Þat is ho þat is at home, þe auncian lady;

That is her who is at home, the ancient lady;

She is even thine aunt.

She is even your aunt.

2464

Ho is euen þyn aunt, Arþure3 half suster,

Ho is even thy own aunt, Arthur’s half-sister,

Þe duches do3ter of Tyntagelle, þat dere Vter after

Therefore come to her and make merry in my house."

So come to her and celebrate at my place."

Hade Arþur vpon, þat aþel is nowþe.

Hade Arþur upon, that noble is now.

Þerfore I eþe þe, haþel, to com to þy naunt,

2468

Make myry in my hous, my meny þe louies,

Make merry in my house, my many dear ones,

& I wol þe as wel, wy3e, bi my faythe,

& I will you as well, friend, by my faith,

As any gome vnder God, for þy grete trauþe."

As any man under God, for your great loyalty.

Gawayne refuses to return with the Green Knight.

Gawayne refuses to go back with the Green Knight.

& he nikked hym naye, he nolde bi no wayes;

& he nikked him naye, he didn't want to by no means;

2472

Þay acolen & kyssen, [bikennen] ayþer oþer

Þey embrace and kiss, each other.

To þe prynce of paradise, & parten ry3t þere,

To the prince of paradise, and share rightly there,

on coolde;

on Coolde;

On horse full fair he bends to Arthur's hall.

He rides beautifully towards Arthur's hall.

Gawayn on blonk ful bene,

Gawayn on blog full benefits,

2476

To þe kynge3 bur3 buske3 bolde,

To the king's burgh, boldly approach,

& þe kny3t in þe enker grene,

& the knight in the anchor green,

Whider-warde so euer he wolde.

Wherever he wanted.

¹ glopnyng (?).

glopnyng (?).

XXI.

Wild ways now Gawayne rides.

Gawayne rides in wild ways now.

Wylde waye3 in þe worlde Wowen now ryde3,

Wylde ways in the world Women now ride,

2480

On Gryngolet, þat þe grace hade geten of his lyue;

On Gryngolet, that the grace had obtained of his life;

Oft he harboured in house and oft thereout.

He often stayed at home and often went out.

Ofte he herbered in house, & ofte al þeroute,

Ofte he stayed at home, and often traveled everywhere,

& mony a-venture in vale, & venquyst ofte,

& many adventures in the valley, & often victorious,

Þat I ne ty3t, at þis tyme, in tale to remene.

The wound in his neck became whole.

The injury on his neck healed completely.

2484

Þe hurt wat3 hole, þat he hade hent in his nek,

He still carried about him the belt,

He still wore the belt,

& þe blykkande belt he bere þeraboute,

& the shining belt he wore around,

A belef as a bauderyk, bounden bi his syde,

A belief as a boundary, bound by his side,

Loken vnder his lyfte arme, þe lace, with a knot,

Loken under his lifted arm, the lace, with a knot,

in token of his fault.

as a sign of his fault.

2488

In tokenyng he wat3 tane in tech of a faute;

I tokening he wat3 tane i tech of a faute;

Thus he comes to the Court of King Arthur.

So he arrives at King Arthur's Court.

& þus he commes to þe court, kny3t al in sounde.

Great then was the joy of all.

Everyone was filled with joy.

Þer wakned wele in þat wone, when wyst þe grete,

Þer wakned well in that home, when was the great,

Þat gode G: wat3 commen, gayn hit hym þo3t;

The king and his knights ask him concerning his journey.

The king and his knights ask him about his journey.

2492

Þe kyng kysse3 þe kny3t, & þe whene alce,

Þe kyng kisses the knight, & the queen also,

& syþen mony syker kny3t, þat so3t hym to haylce,

Gawayne tells them of his adventures,

Gawayne shares his adventures with them,

Of his fare þat hym frayned, & ferlyly he telles;

Of his journey that he questioned him about, and he tells it strangely;

Biknowo3 alle þe costes of care þat he hade,—

Biknowo3 all the costs of care that he had,—

2496

Þe chaunce of þe chapel, þe chere of þe kny3t,

[Fol. 124b.]
the love of the lady, and lastly of the lace.

[Fol. 124b.]
the lady's love, and finally the lace.

Þe luf of þe ladi, þe lace at þe last.

The love of the lady, the lace at the end.

Þe nirt in þe nek he naked hem schewed,

Þe nirt in þe nek he naked hem showed,

He showed them the cut in his neck.

He showed them the cut on his neck.

Þat he la3t for his vnleute at þe leudes hondes,

Þat he laid for his misfortune at the people's hands,

2500

for blame;

He tened quen he schulde telle,

He tended when he should tell,

He groaned for grief and shame, and the blood rushed into his face.

He groaned in grief and shame, and blood rushed to his face.

He groned for gref & grame;

He groaned from grief and sorrow;

Þe blod in his face con melle,

Þe blod in his face can mingle,

2504

When he hit schulde schewe, for schame.

When he hit shame, out of embarrassment.

XXII.

"Lo!" says he, handling the lace, "this is the band of blame,

"Look!" he says, touching the lace, "this is the band of blame,

"Lo! lorde," quod þe leude, & þe lace hondeled,

"Look! Lord," said the people, and they handed over the lace,

"Þis is þe bende of þis blame I bere [in] my nek,

"Here is the burden of this blame I carry on my neck,

Þis is þe laþe & þe losse, þat I la3t haue,

a token of my cowardice and covetousness,

a sign of my fear and greed,

2508

Of couardise & couetyse, þat I haf ca3t þare,

Of cowardice and covetousness, that I have caught there,

Þis is þe token of vn-trawþe, þat I am tan inne,

I must needs wear it as long as I live."

"I have to wear it for as long as I live."

& I mot nede3 hit were, wyle I may last;

& I met you here, while I still can;

For non may hyden his harme, bot vnhap ne may hit,

For no one can hide his harm, but unluckily he can't escape it,

2512

For þer hit one3 is tachched, twynne wil hit neuer."

For where it is taught, it will never be forgotten.

The king comforts the knight, and all the court too.

The king reassures the knight, and everyone in the court as well.

Þe kyng comforte3 þe kny3t, & alle þe court als,

The king comforts the knight, and all the court as well,

La3en loude þer-at, & luflyly acorden,

La3en loud the er-at, & lovingly agree,

Þat lordes & ladis, þat longed to þe Table,

Þat lords & ladies, þwho longed to þe Table,

Each knight of the brotherhood agrees to wear a bright green belt,

Every knight in the brotherhood agrees to wear a bright green belt,

2516

Vche burne of þe broþer-hede a bauderyk schulde haue,

Vche burne of the brotherhood should have a belt,

A bende, a belef hym aboute, of a bry3t grene,

A band, a belief around him, of a bright green,

for Gawayne's sake,

& þat, for sake of þat segge, in swete to were.

& that, for the sake of that guy, it's sweet to be.

For þat wat3 acorded þe renoun of þe Rounde Table,

For that was agreed the renown of the Round Table,

who ever more honoured it.

whoever honored it more.

2520

& he honoured þat hit hade, euer-more after,

& he honored that it had, evermore after,

As hit is breued in þe best boke of romaunce.

As it's stated in the best book of romance.

Thus in Arthur's day this adventure befell.

So, in Arthur's time, this adventure took place.

Þus in Arthurus day þis aunter bitidde,

Thus in Arthur's day this autumn bitidde,

Þe Brutus bokees þer-of beres wyttenesse;

The Brut book bears witness;

2524

Syþen Brutus, þe bolde burne, bo3ed hider fyrst,

Syðen Brutus, the bold man, brought news here first,

After þe segge & þe asaute wat3 sesed at Troye,

After the siege & the assault was settled at Troy,

I-wysse;

I swear;

Mony auntere3 here bi-forne,

Money antere3 here before,

2528

Haf fallen suche er þis:

Haf fallen suche er this:

He that bore the crown of thorns bring us to His bliss!

May He who wore the crown of thorns lead us to His bliss!

Now þat bere þe croun of þorne,

Now that bears the crown of thorn,

He bryng vus to his blysse! AMEN.

He brings us to his bliss! AMEN.

NOTES.

Line 8	Ricchis turns, goes, The king ... Ricchis his reynys and the Renke metys: Girden to gedur with þere grete speires.—T.B. l. 1232.
37	Þis kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse. Camalot, in Malory's "Morte Arthure," is said to be the same as Winchester. Ritson supposes it to be Caer-went, in Monmouthshire, and afterwards confounded with Caer-wynt, or Winchester. But popular tradition here seems the best guide, which assigned the site of Camalot to the ruins of a castle on a hill, near the church of South Cadbury, in Somersetshire (Sir F. Madden).
65	Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte. Christmas celebrated anew, mentioned full often. Sir F. Madden leaves the word nayted unexplained in his Glossary to "Syr Gawayne."
124	syluener = sylueren, i.e. silver dishes.
139	lyndes = lendes, loins.
142	in his muckel, in his greatness.
184	Wat3 euesed al umbe-torne—? was trimmed, all cut evenly around; umbe-torne may be an error for vmbe-corue = cut round.
216	in gracios werkes. Sir F. Madden reads gracons for gracios, and suggests Greek as the meaning of it.
244-5	As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor lote3 in hy3e. As all were fallen asleep so ceased their words in haste (suddenly). Sir F. Madden reads slaked horlote3, instead of slaked hor lote3, which, according to his glossary, signifies drunken vagabonds. He evidently takes horlote3 to be another (and a very uncommon) form of harlote3 = harlots. But harlot, or vagabond, would be a very inappropriate term to apply to the noble Knights of the Round Table. Moreover, slaked never, I think, means drunken. The general sense of the verb slake is to let loose, lessen, cease. Cf. lines 411-2, where sloke, another form of slake, occurs with a similar meaning: — layt no fyrre; bot slokes. — seek no further, but stop (cease). Sir F. Madden suggests blows as the explanation of slokes. It is, however, a verb in the imperative mood.
286	Brayn. Mätzner suggests brayn-wod.
296	barlay = par loi. This word is exceedingly common in the T. Book (see l. 3391). I bid you now, barlay, with besines at all Þat ye set you most soverainly my suster to gete.—T.B. l. 2780.
394	siker. Sir F. Madden reads swer.
440	bluk. Sir F. Madden suggests blunk (horse). I am inclined to keep to the reading of the MS., and explain bluk as = bulk = trunk. Cf. the use of the word Blok in "Early English Alliterative Poems," p. 100, l. 272.
558	derue doel, etc. = great grief. Sir F. Madden reads derne, i.e. secret, instead of derue (= derf). Cf. line 564.
577	knaged, fastened. The braunches were borly, sum of bright gold, With leuys full luffly, light of the same; With burions aboue bright to beholde; And fruit on yt fourmyt of fairest of shap, Of mony kynd that was knyt, knagged aboue.—T.B. l. 4973.
629	& ay quere hit is endele3, etc. And everywhere it is endless, etc. Sir F. Madden reads emdele3, i.e. with equal sides.
652	for-be = for-bi = surpassing, beyond.
681	for Hadet read Halet = haled = exiled (?). See line 1049.
806	auinant = auenaunt, pleasantly. Sir F. Madden reads amnant.
954	of. Should we not read on (?).
957	Þat oþer wyth a gorger wat3 gered ouer þe swyre. The gorger or wimple is stated first to have appeared in Edward the First's reign, and an example is found on the monument of Aveline, Countess of Lancaster, who died in 1269. From the poem, however, it would seem that the gorger was confined to elderly ladies (Sir F. Madden)
968	More lykker-wys on to lyk, Wat3 þat scho had on lode. A more pleasant one to like, Was that (one) she had under her control.
988	tayt = lively, and hence pleasant, agreeable.
1015	in vayres, in purity.
1020	dut = dunt (?) = dint (?), referring to sword-sports.
1022	sayn[t] Ione3 day. This is the 27th of December, and the last of the feast. Sometimes the Christmas festivities were prolonged to New Year's Day (Sir F. Madden).
1047	derne dede = secret deed. I would prefer to read derue dede = great deed. Cf. lines 558, 564.
1053	I wot in worlde, etc. = I not (I know not) in worlde, etc.
1054	I nolde, bot if I hit negh my3t on nw3eres morne, For alle þe londe in-wyth Logres, etc. I would not [delay to set out], unless I might approach it on New Year's morn, for all the lands within England, etc.
1074	in spenne = in space = in the interval = meanwhile. See line 1503.
1160	slentyng of arwes. Sir F. Madden reads sleutyng. "Of drawyn swordis sclentyng to and fra, The brycht mettale, and othir armouris seir, Quharon the sonnys blenkis betis cleir, Glitteris and schane, and vnder bemys brycht, Castis ane new twynklyng or a lemand lycht." (G. Douglas' Æneid, Vol. i, p. 421.)
1281	let lyk = appeared pleased.
1283	Þa3 I were burde bry3test, þe burde in mynde hade, etc. The sense requires us to read: Þa3 ho were burde bry3test, þe burne in mynde hade, etc. i.e., Though she were lady fairest, the knight in mind had, etc.
1440	Long sythen [seuered] for þe sounder þat wi3t for-olde Long since separated from the sounder or herd that fierce (one) for-aged (grew very old). "Now to speke of the boore, the fyrste year he is A pygge of the sounder callyd, as haue I blys; The secounde yere an hogge, and soo shall he be, And an hoggestere, whan he is of yeres thre; And when he is foure yere, a boor shall he be, From the sounder of the swyne thenne departyth he; A synguler is he soo, for alone he woll go." (Book of St. Alban's, ed. 1496, sig. d., i.)
1476	totes = looks, toots. Sho went up wightly by a walle syde. To the toppe of a toure and tot ouer the water.—T.B. l. 862.
1623	A verb [? lalede = cried] seems wanting after lorde.
1702	fnasted, breathed. These balfull bestes were, as the boke tellus, Full flaumond of fyre with fnastyng of logh.—T.B. l. 168.
1710	a strothe rande = a rugged path. Cf. the phrases tene greue, l. 1707; ro3e greue, l. 1898.
1729	bi lag = be-lagh(?) = below (?).
1719	Thenne wat3 hit lif vpon list, etc. Should we not read: Thenne wat3 hit list vpon lif, etc. i.e., Then was there joy in life, etc.
1780	lyf = lef(?), beloved (one).
1869	Ho hat3 kyst þe kny3t so to3t. She has kissed the knight so courteous. Sir F. Madden explains to3t, promptly. To3t seems to be the same as the Northumbrian taght in the following extract from the "Morte Arthure": "There come in at the fyrste course, before the kyng seluene, Bare hevedys that ware bryghte, burnyste with sylver, Alle with taghte mene and towne in togers fulle ryche."—(p. 15.) The word towne (well-behaved) still exists in wan-ton, the original meaning of which was ill-mannered, ill-bred.
1909	bray hounde3 = braþ hounde3, i.e. fierce hounds.
1995	He hat3 nere þat he so3t = He wat3 nere þat he so3t = He was near to that which he sought.
2160	gedere3 þe rake = takes the path or way.
2167	Þe skwe3 of þe scowtes skayued hym þo3t. The shadows of the hills appeared wild (desolate) to him. Sir F. Madden reads skayned, of which he gives no explanation. Skayued = skayfed, seems to be the N. Prov. English scafe, wild. Scotch schaivie, wild, mad. O.N. skeifr. Sw. skef, awry, distorted.
2204	ronge = clattered.
2211	Drede dot3 me no lote = No noise shall cause me to dread (fear).
2357	& þer-for þat tappe ta þe. And therefore take thee that tap. ta þe = take thee. Sir F. Madden reads taþe = taketh. See l. 413, where to þe rhymes with sothe. We have no imperatives in th in this poem.
2401	We schyn reuel, etc. Sir F. Madden reads wasch yn reuel. But schyn = shall. See Glossary to "Alliterative Poems."
2474	on-coolde = on-colde = coldly = sorrowfully.
2489	in-sounde = soundly, well. Cf. in-blande = together; in-lyche, alike; inmydde3, amidst.

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

PUBLISHED FOR THE EARLY ENGLISH TEXT SOCIETY

BY N. TRÜBNER & CO., 60, PATERNOSTER ROW,

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."

In re-editing this romance poem, I've avoided the hassle of transcribing by using the highly accurate text from 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.

I have not only read his version alongside the manuscript, but also the proof sheets as they arrived, hoping to provide the reader with a text that is free from any transcription errors.

The current edition is different from the previous one because it has expanded the contractions from the manuscript and added side notes to the text. This makes it easier for the reader to follow the author's engaging story about Sir Gawayne's adventures.

The Glossary is taken from Sir F. Madden's "Syr Gawayne,"¹ to which, for a clearer understanding of the text, I have made several additions and have also provided explanations for almost all the words that were left unclear before.

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.

For details about the Manuscript and information regarding the authorship and dialect of this work, the reader is directed to the preface of Early English Alliterative Poems.

R.M.

LONDON,

December 22, 1864.

December 22, 1864.

[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.]

[¹ Sir F. Madden has very kindly offered any of his works to the Early English Text Society for potential re-editing.]

INTRODUCTION.

No Knight of the Round Table was as celebrated by the old Romance writers as Sir Gawayne, the son of Loth and nephew of the legendary Arthur. They loved to portray him as Gawayne the Good, a man unmatched in the world, the kindest who lived under God, the toughest in battle, the luckiest in arms, and the most courteous in the hall. His knowledge, chivalry, good deeds, bravery, and acts of valor were recognized throughout all lands.

When Arthur saw the lifeless body of his relative lying on the ground soaked in blood, he reportedly exclaimed, "O righteous God, this blood deserves to be preserved and placed in gold!" Our author also enjoys describing his hero in similar glowing terms, calling him the knight perfect in his senses, free from any wrongdoing, and filled with every earthly virtue. He portrays him as someone whose faith was in the five wounds, and in whom the five virtues that defined a true knight were more firmly ingrained than in anyone else on earth.

The author of this story, who, as we know from his religious poems, had a deep fear of moral corruption, couldn't have picked a better topic for a tale that mixes entertainment with moral lessons. In the following story, he illustrates how the true knight, although tempted not just once, but twice, even three times, does not break his vow of chastity. Instead, he deflects the tempter's arrows with the shield of purity and the arm of faith, and thus navigates safely through the dangerous path of challenges and opportunities.

But while our author has taken many details of his story from the "Roman de Perceval" by Chrestien de Troyes, he has made the narrative more appealing by adding several original and fascinating sections that shed light on the customs and entertainments of our ancestors.

The following elaborate descriptions are well deserving of especial notice:—

The following detailed descriptions deserve special attention:—

I. The mode of completely arming a knight (ll. 568-589).

I. The process of completely outfitting a knight (ll. 568-589).

II. The hunting and breaking the deer (ll. 1126-1359).

II. The hunting and capturing of the deer (ll. 1126-1359).

III. The hunting and unlacing the wild boar (ll. 1412-1614).

III. The hunting and untying of 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:—

The following is an outline of Gawayne's adventures, using the writer's own words:—

Arthur, the greatest of Britain's kings, holds the Christmas festival at Camelot, surrounded by the celebrated knights of the Round Table, noble lords, the most renowned under heaven, and ladies the loveliest that ever had life (ll. 37-57). This noble company celebrate the New Year by a religious service, by the bestowal of gifts, and the most joyous mirth. Lords and ladies take their seats at the table—Queen Guenever, the grey-eyed, gaily dressed, sits at the daïs, the high table, or table of state, where too sat Gawayne and Ywain together with other worthies of the Round Table (ll. 58-84, 107-115). Arthur, in mood as joyful as a child, his blood young and his brain wild, declares that he will not eat nor sit long at the table until some adventurous thing, some uncouth tale, some great marvel, or some encounter of arms has occurred to mark the return of the New Year (ll. 85-106).

Arthur, the greatest of Britain's kings, is hosting the Christmas festival at Camelot, surrounded by the famous knights of the Round Table, noble lords, the most celebrated in the land, and the most beautiful ladies ever. This noble gathering is celebrating the New Year with a religious service, exchanging gifts, and joyful festivities. Lords and ladies take their seats at the table—Queen Guenever, with her gray eyes and vibrant attire, sits at the dais, the high table, alongside Gawayne and Ywain and other esteemed members of the Round Table. Arthur, feeling as joyful as a child, with youthful blood and a restless mind, declares that he won't eat or stay long at the table until some adventurous act, an unusual tale, a great marvel, or a battle occurs to mark the beginning of the New Year.

The first course was announced with cracking of trumpets, with the noise of nakers and noble pipes.

The first course was announced with the blaring of trumpets, accompanied by the beat of drums and the sound of elegant pipes.

"Each two had dishes twelve,

"Each pair had twelve dishes,"

Good beer and bright wine both."

Good beer and fine 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).

No sooner had the first course been served than a sound other than music filled the air. A towering knight—the tallest in the land—suddenly burst through the hall door. He was fully dressed in green and rode a green horse (ll. 116-178). The Green Knight had long, wavy hair flowing over his shoulders, and a thick beard that hung down to his chest like a bush (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;

The knight had no helmet, shield, or spear, but in one hand, he held a holly branch, and in the other, a huge axe with a blade as sharp as a razor. Dressed like this, the Green Knight walked into the hall without greeting anyone. The first thing he said was, "Where's the leader of this group? I want to see him and discuss some things." He looked around the knights, searching for the most famous among them. The noble gathering was stunned to see a man and a horse so vividly green, greener than green enamel on shiny gold. They had seen many wonders, but nothing like this. Fear kept them from responding, and they sat there frozen in silence, almost as if they were in a deep sleep;

"Not all from fear, but some for courtesy" (ll. 221-249).

"Not all out of fear, but some out of courtesy" (ll. 221-249).

Then Arthur before the high daïs salutes the Green Knight, bids him welcome, and entreats him to stay awhile at his Court. The knight says that his errand is not to abide in any dwelling, but to seek the most valiant of the heroes of the Round Table that he may put his courage to the proof, and thus satisfy himself as to the fame of Arthur's court. "I come," he says, "in peace, as ye may see by this branch that I bear here. Had I come with hostile intentions, I should not have left my hauberk, helmet, shield, sharp spear, and other weapons behind me. But because I desire no war, 'my weeds are softer.' If thou be so bold as all men say, thou wilt grant me the request I am about to make." "Sir courteous knight," replies Arthur, "if thou cravest battle only, here failest thou not to fight." "Nay," says the Green Knight, "I seek no fighting. Here about on this bench are only beardless children. Were I arrayed in arms on a high steed no man here would be a match for me (ll. 250-282). But it is now Christmas time, and this is the New Year, and I see around me many brave ones;—if any be so bold in his blood that dare strike a stroke for another, I shall give him this rich axe to do with it whatever he pleases. I shall abide the first blow just as I sit, and will stand him a stroke, stiff on this floor, provided that I deal him another in return.

Then Arthur, standing in front of the high platform, greets the Green Knight, welcomes him, and asks him to stay for a while at his Court. The knight responds that he’s not here to stay anywhere but to find the bravest heroes of the Round Table to test their courage and see for himself what Arthur’s court is like. "I come," he says, "in peace, as you can tell by this branch I’m holding. If I had come with hostile intentions, I wouldn’t have left my armor, helmet, shield, sharp spear, and other weapons behind. But because I don’t want any conflict, 'my clothes are softer.' If you're as brave as everyone claims, you'll grant my request." "Noble knight," Arthur replies, "if you seek only battle, you won’t be disappointed here." "No," says the Green Knight, "I’m not looking for a fight. All around this bench are just beardless boys. If I were armored and on a high horse, no one here would stand a chance against me. But it’s Christmas now, and this is the New Year, and I see many brave souls around; if anyone is bold enough to strike a blow for another, I’ll give him this fine axe to use however he wishes. I’ll take the first blow just as I sit here, and I’ll let him return the favor, standing firm on this ground."

And yet give I him respite,

And yet I give him a break,

A twelvemonth and a day;

A year and a day;

Now haste and let see tite (soon)

Now hurry and let’s see it soon.

Dare any here-in ought say.'"

"Dare anyone here 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).

If he shocked them at first, he did even more so after this speech, and fear kept everyone silent. The knight, sitting tall in his saddle, fiercely rolls his red eyes around, furrows his bristly green brows, and strokes his beard as he waits for a response. But finding no one willing to argue with him, he exclaims, "What! Is this Arthur's house, the fame of which has spread across so many lands? Truly, the reputation of the Round Table is diminished by the words of one man, while all tremble in fear without a single blow being struck!" (ll. 283-313). With that, he laughed so loudly that Arthur blushed with shame and grew as furious as a storm. "I know no man," he says, "who is scared by your grand words. Hand me your axe now, and I will grant you your request!" Arthur grabs the axe, holds it firmly, and raises it threateningly, while the Green Knight, with a serious cheer and a dry expression, strokes his beard and adjusts his coat, waiting for the blow (ll. 314-335). Sir Gawayne, the king's nephew, begs his uncle to let him take on the challenge; and, at the earnest request of his nobles, Arthur agrees "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 talking¹ (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.

Sir Gawayne grabs the axe, but before he swings, the Green Knight asks for his opponent's name. "Honestly," replies the noble knight, "I’m called Gawayne, and I challenge you to this strike. Whatever happens next, in exactly one year, I will take another strike from you using any weapon you choose, and no one else will be around." "By God," says the Green Knight, "I’m happy that I will receive from your hand what I’ve been looking for here. You’ve clearly stated the terms of our agreement—but first, you must promise me that you will find me yourself, wherever you think I might be, and bring me the same reward you give me today in front of this brave company." "Where should I look for you?" Gawayne replies, "What is your location? I don’t know you, your court, or your name. I have no idea where you live, so teach me how to find you, tell me your name, and I’ll do my best to track you down, and I swear that’s the truth and my promise." "That’s enough for New Year," says the Green Knight, "if I tell you after I’ve received the blow. Once you’ve swung at me, I’ll gladly tell you about my house, my home, and my name, so you can follow my path and keep our agreement. If I don’t say anything, then it’s better for you, as you can stay in your own land and not search any further; but stop your talking¹ (ll. 366-412). Now take your grim tool and let’s see how you swing." "Gladly, sir, indeed," says Gawayne, as he raises his axe.

[¹ This, I think, is the true explanation of slokes.]

[¹ I think this 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:

The Green Knight readjusts himself on the ground, tilts his head slightly, lets his long, beautiful hair fall over his shoulders, and exposes his neck for the strike. Gawayne then grabs the axe, raises it high, and swiftly brings it down on the knight's neck, severing his head. The fair head dropped to the ground, rolling as many people kicked it aside. Blood gushed from the body, yet the knight didn’t falter or fall; instead, he boldly pushed himself up on stiff legs and rushed forward, grabbing his head and lifting it up quickly. Then he goes to his horse, takes the reins, steps into his stirrups, and climbs aboard. Holding his head by the hair in one hand, he sits firmly in the saddle as if nothing had happened, even though he was headless. He turns his bloody body around and, with the head in his hand, holds it up to face the "dearest on the dais." The head opened its eyes and looked around, then spoke as you can hear now:

"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?

"Listen, Gawain, you need to hurry and go as you promised to search for me, just like you agreed in front of these knights. I command you to head to the Green Chapel to receive the blow you delivered, which will be returned to you on New Year's morning. Many call me the Knight of the Green Chapel, so if you're looking for me, you won't have trouble finding me. So get going, or you'll be called a coward." With a fierce determination, he turned the reins, raced out of the hall door, his head in his hand, making sparks fly from his horse's hooves. No one there knew which kingdom he belonged to or where he had come from. What now?

"The king and Gawayne there

"The king and Gawain there"

At that green (one) they laugh and grin."

At that green one, they laugh and smile.

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:

Even though Arthur was impressed by the marvel, he kept his worries to himself and spoke loudly to his lovely queen with courteous words:

"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).

"Dear lady, don't be discouraged today; these things happen around Christmas. I can now go to dinner because I can't deny that I've witnessed something amazing today" (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."

He turned to Sir Gawayne and said, "Now, sir, put your axe away, it's done enough damage." So the weapon was hung up high for everyone to see, and "by its true title, let the story be told." Then all the knights quickly took their seats at the table, along with the king and our noble knight, and they were served a variety of delicious food and entertainment.

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);

Although they had trouble finding the right words when they first gathered, now their hands are engaged in meaningful work, and the excitement gives them plenty to discuss. A year passes quickly and doesn't return—the beginning is rarely the same as the end; that's why this Christmas has come and gone, and the next year has arrived, with each season following in order. So, winter comes around once more, and Gawayne reflects on his tiring journey. On All-Hallows' Day, Arthur warmly hosts the lords and ladies of his court to honor his nephew, for whom all the courteous knights and beautiful ladies feel deep sorrow. Yet they only talk about fun topics, and even though they feel sad, they make many jokes to lift the spirits of good Sir Gawayne. Early the next morning, Sir Gawayne, adorned in his armor with great ceremony, fully prepared for his adventure, first attends mass and then bids farewell to Arthur, the knights of the Round Table, and the lords and ladies of the court, who kiss him and commend him to Christ. He says goodbye to them all, thinking it might be forever.

"Very much was the warm water that poured from eyes that day."

"So much warm water poured from my 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."

Now our knight rides through the lands of England with only his young horse for company, and he has no one to talk to except God. Starting from Camelot in Somersetshire, he travels through Gloucestershire and the nearby counties into Montgomeryshire, and then goes through North Wales to Holyhead, close to the Isle of Anglesey (ll. 670-700). From there, he crosses into the narrow Wirral peninsula in Cheshire, where very few people loved God or cared for others. Gawayne inquires about the Green Knight of the Green Chapel, but all the locals say they've never seen "any man of such green hues."

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).

The knight continues his journey along strange paths, through hills and moors, facing not only snakes, wolves, bulls, bears, and wild boars, but also forest satyrs and giants. But worse than all of that was the biting winter, "when the cold, clear water fell from the clouds and froze before it could touch the ground. Nearly killed by the sleet, he slept in his armor, more nights than he could count, on bare 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).

In his time of danger and distress, the knight continues his journey until Christmas Eve, where he expresses his sorrow to Mary, asking her to guide him to a place to stay. The next morning, he arrives at a massive forest, incredibly wild, surrounded by steep hills. There, he finds huge, ancient oaks clustered together in groups of a hundred. The hazel and hawthorn trees are entwined and covered in moss, with many sad birds perched on their branches, pitifully chirping from the cold. Gawayne prays to the Lord and Mary to lead him to a shelter where he can attend mass (ll. 730-762). Just as he crosses himself three times, he spots a dwelling in the woods, high on a hill. It’s the most beautiful castle he has ever seen, sitting on a flat area surrounded by a park filled with trees stretching for over two miles. It shines like 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.

Gawayne urges his horse Gringolet forward and arrives at the "main gate." He calls out, and soon a "porter" appears on the wall, asking what he needs.

"Good sir," quoth Gawayne, "wouldst thou go to the high lord of this house, and crave a lodging for me?"

"Excuse me," said Gawayne, "could you please go to the lord of this house and request a place for me to stay?"

"Yea, by Peter!" replied the porter, "well I know that thou art welcome to dwell here as long as thou likest."

"Sure, by Peter!" the porter replied, "I know you’re welcome to stay here for as long as you’d like."

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 land¹ 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).

The drawbridge is lowered, and the gates swing open to welcome the knight. Many nobles rush to greet him. They take off his helmet, sword, and shield, and several proud individuals step forward to pay their respects. They escort him into the hall, where a fire crackles in the fireplace. Then, the lord of the land comes out of his chamber and greets Sir Gawayne, telling him to treat the place as his own. Next, the knight is taken to a beautiful room with luxurious bedding—silk curtains with gold trim and Tarsic tapestries adorning the walls and floors. Here, the knight removes his armor and puts on rich robes that fit him so well that everyone agrees Christ has never crafted a more handsome knight.

[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.]

[¹ Gawayne is now at the castle of the Green Knight, who, without his magical or supernatural qualities, presents himself to our knight as just a confident man with a brown 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.

A table is quickly prepared, and Gawayne, after washing up, sits down to eat. Many dishes are set before him—different soups, all sorts of fish, some baked in bread, others grilled over coals, some boiled, and others seasoned with spices. The knight says he is very pleased and calls it a truly magnificent and royal 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).

After dinner, when asked many questions, he tells his host that he is Gawayne, one of the Knights of the Round Table. When this was revealed, there was great joy in the hall. Everyone whispered to their friends, "Now we'll see some proper manners and learn how noble people speak, since we have 'that fine father of nurture' among us. Truly, God has blessed us by sending such a noble guest as Sir Gawayne" (ll. 884-927). At the end of the Christmas festival, Gawayne wants to leave the castle, but his host convinces him to stay, promising to guide him to the Green Chapel (about two miles from the castle) so he can arrive on 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).

They agree on a deal where the lord of the castle will leave early for the hunt, while Gawayne will stay in his room until his regular wake-up time and then join his hostess for dinner. At the end of the day, they will divide whatever they catch. "Anything I catch in the woods," the lord says, "will be yours, and whatever you catch will 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).

Before dawn, everyone gets up early, saddles their horses, and packs their gear. The noble lord of the land, dressed for riding, quickly eats some bread soaked in broth, and after attending mass, heads out 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).

All this time, Gawayne is lying in his cozy bed. His nap is interrupted by a soft noise at the door, which slowly opens. He lifts his head out from the covers and, peeking through the curtains, sees a beautiful lady (the wife of his host). She walks toward the bed, and the knight quickly lays back down, pretending to be asleep. The lady tiptoes to the bed, pulls back the curtains, slips in beside him, sits gently on the edge, and waits a while for the knight to wake up. After hiding under the covers for a bit, wondering what it all means, Gawayne opens his eyes and puts on a surprised look, making the sign of the cross as if he fears some hidden danger. "Good morning, sir," says the lovely lady, "you’re quite a careless sleeper to let someone come in like this. I’ll make sure you stay in bed, just so you know." "Good morning," replies Gawayne, "I’ll be happy to do whatever you want, but please let me get up so we can talk more comfortably." "No, dear sir," says the sweet lady, "you’re not getting up because now that I’ve caught my knight, I want to talk to him. I know you’re Sir Gawayne, the one everyone celebrates for his honor and kindness. Now that you’re here, and we’re alone (my lord and his men are far away, and other men and my maidens are in bed), with the door safely closed, I’ll make the most of this time while it lasts. You are welcome to my company to do as you wish, and I will be your servant."

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).

Gawayne is very cautious because he can't stop thinking about his upcoming adventure at the Green Chapel to focus on love. Eventually, the lady bids farewell to the knight by embracing and kissing him. The day goes by happily, and as night falls, the Lord of the castle returns from hunting. He gives the venison to Gawayne as promised. Our knight gives his host a kiss, which is the only good luck he’s had that day. "That’s nice," the other man says, "but it would be even better if you’d tell me where you found such happiness." "That wasn’t part of our deal," Gawayne replies, "so don’t push it." After a lot of laughter from both sides, they sit down for dinner, and later, while they enjoy delicious wine, Gawayne and his host renew their agreement. Late at night, they say goodbye and head off to bed. "By the time the rooster crowed three times," the lord was up, and after breakfast and mass, the hunters set out to the woods, where they chase an old and tricky wild boar.

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).

While the athletes are out hunting this "wild boar," our charming knight is resting in his bed. The lady hasn’t forgotten him and visits him early to test his virtues again. She sits quietly by him and reminds him that he has forgotten what she taught him the day before (ll. 1468-1486). "I taught you about kissing," she says; "that’s something every courteous knight should know." Gawayne replies that he shouldn’t take what is forbidden to him. The lady counters that he’s strong enough to pursue his own desires. The knight responds that a gift that isn’t given willingly is worthless. The lovely visitor then asks why someone so skilled in the true game of love and such a celebrated knight has never talked to her about love (ll. 1487-1524). "You should," she says, "show and teach someone young like me signs of true love; I’ve come here and sat alone to learn from you; please teach me your cleverness while my lord is away." Gawayne answers that he can’t take on the task of explaining true love and tales of valor to someone who has much more wisdom than he does. So our knight skillfully avoids any appearance of wrongdoing, even though he is fiercely tempted to do what is wrong (ll. 1525-1552). The lady, having given Sir Gawayne two kisses, takes her leave (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).

At the end of the day, the lord of the castle returns home with the shields and the head of the wild boar. He presents them to his guest, who notes that he has never seen "such a big beast or such sides of a pig" before. Gawayne claims the prize based on their agreement, and in return, he gives his host two kisses. The host comments that his guest has been truly generous with "such spoils" (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.

After a lot of persuasion, Gawayne agrees to stay at the castle for another day (ll. 1648-1685). Early the next morning, the lord and his men rush to the woods and find the trail of a fox, leading to a lot of excitement and fun (ll. 1686-1730). Meanwhile, our noble knight sleeps peacefully in his comfortable room. He is visited again by the lady of the castle. Dressed elegantly and "flawless in her features," she fills Sir Gawayne's heart with joy. With soft, pleasant smiles, "they burst into laughter," and soon they're deep in conversation. If Mary hadn't thought of her knight, he would have been in serious trouble (ll. 1731-1769). The fair lady expresses her affection so much that he worries about betraying his host. She asks if he has a mistress he is committed to. The knight swears by St. John that he has neither a lover nor any desire for one. This response makes the lady sigh with sadness, and as she prepares to leave, she asks for a gift, even if it’s just a glove, to help her "think of the knight and ease her grief" (ll. 1770-1800). Gawayne assures her that he has nothing worthy of her, as he is on an "odd errand" and has "no companions with valuable items," for which he genuinely feels sorry.

Quoth that lovesome (one)—

Quoth that lovely one—

"Though I had nought of yours,

"Though I had nothing of yours,

Yet should ye have of mine.

Yet should you 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."

"Do you refuse it," the lady asks, "because it seems simple and worthless? Anyone who understood its power would value it way more. For whoever wears this green lace cannot be hurt or killed by any man on earth." The knight thinks for a moment, realizing that this would be the perfect "jewel for the jeopardy" he faced at the Green Chapel. So he not only accepts the lace but also promises to keep it a secret (ll. 1836-1865). By that time, the lady had kissed him three times, and then she 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).

Gawayne gets up, puts on his fine clothes, and hides the "love lace" so he can find it later. He goes to mass, confesses his wrongs, and gets forgiveness. When he returns to the hall, he entertains the ladies with pleasant songs and all kinds of joy. As night falls, the lord of the castle, having killed the fox, returns to his "dear home," where he finds a bright fire and his guest entertaining the ladies. Gawayne, keeping his promise, kisses his host three times. "By Christ," the other knight says, "you've had a lot of good luck. I've been hunting all day and all I have is the skin of this ugly fox (devil take the rest!), and that's hardly enough to pay for such valuable things."

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).

After the usual evening entertainment, Gawayne goes to bed. The next morning, New Year's Day, is cold and stormy. Snow is falling, and the valleys are covered in drifts. Our knight keeps his eyes closed in bed, but he doesn't sleep much. With every rooster that crows, he knows the time, and before dawn, he calls for his chamberlain, who quickly brings him his armor (ll. 1952-2014). As Gawayne puts on his fine clothes, he doesn't forget the "lace, the lady's gift," and he ties it around his waist. He doesn’t wear it for its luxurious decorations, "but to protect himself when he needs to endure," serving 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).

After thanking his host and everyone at the event for their incredible kindness, "he steps into the stirrups and climbs up" (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

The drawbridge goes down, and the wide gates are unlatched and opened on both sides. The knight, after committing the castle to Christ, steps outside and continues on his journey, guided by his companion, who will lead him to the place where he will face the feared challenge. They climb over cliffs, where each hill seems to wear a hat and a misty cloak, until the next morning, when they find themselves on a high, snowy hill. The servant tells his master to pause for a moment, saying, "I brought you here at this time, and you’re now close to that notorious place you've asked about so many times. The place you seek is known to be very dangerous, and a terrifying man lives there; he’s tough and ruthless, loves to fight, and is stronger than anyone else in the world. He runs the Green Chapel, and no one who passes by there, no matter how proud they are in armor, can escape without being beaten to death by him. He shows no mercy and will gladly kill anyone who rides by the chapel, whether peasant or priest, monk or mass-priest, or anyone else; for him, it’s just as easy to kill as it is for him to stay alive. So I’m telling you straight up: if you go there, you will be killed, even if you had twenty lives to spare. He’s been living there a long time, and he’s caused a lot of suffering in battles. You can’t defend yourself against his fierce blows." Therefore, good Sir Gawain, steer clear of him, and for God’s sake, take another route, and then I will hurry back home. I swear to you by

[¹ He only in part keeps to his covenant, as he holds back the love-lace.]

[¹ He only partially keeps his promise, as he withholds the love-lace.]

God and all His saints that I will never say that ever ye attempted to flee from any man."

God and all His saints, I’ll never claim that you ever tried to escape from anyone.

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.

Gawayne thanks his guide for his kind intentions, but insists that he will go to the Green Chapel, even if the owner is "a tough guy," because God can find ways to protect His followers.

"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.

"Mary!" called the other, "since you're determined to risk your life, I won't stop you. Put your helmet on, grab your spear, and ride down this path by that rock until you reach the bottom of the valley. Then look to your left at the plain, and you'll see the chapel right there, along with the big knight who guards it. Now, goodbye, noble Gawayne! For all the gold in the world, I wouldn’t join you or continue with you any further through this woods on foot." With that, he gallops away, leaving 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).

Gawayne continues his journey, riding through the valley and taking in his surroundings. He doesn't see any place to rest, just high, steep banks, and the shadows of the tall trees looked wild and twisted. He couldn't find any chapel, either. After a while, he sees a round hill next to a stream; he walks over, dismounts, and ties his horse to a tree branch. He walks around the hill, wondering what it could be. There was a hole at one end and on each side, and it was covered in grass, but he couldn't tell if it was just an old cave or a crack in a weathered rock (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."

"Now, for sure," Gawayne said, "this place is deserted; this chapel is overgrown with weeds. It's a perfect spot for the man in green to 'perform his rituals in the devil's way.' I can sense that the devil has made some sort of pact with me to bring about my downfall. This is a chapel of bad luck—curse it! It's the most cursed church I've ever set foot in." With his helmet on and spear in hand, he approaches the rock, and then he hears a strange, wild noise coming from the high hill across the stream. It echoed off the cliff like someone sharpening a scythe on a grindstone. It whirred like water at a mill, rushing and reverberating, frightening to hear. "Even if I lose my life," Gawayne declares, "no noise will scare me."

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).

Then he shouted, "Who lives here? Come speak with me! Good Gawayne is on his way here now. If any brave person wants to join me, this is the time or it will be too late!" (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."

"Hold on," said someone from the bank above him, "and you'll soon get everything I promised you earlier."

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."

Soon, a man emerges from a hole in the rock, holding a brand-new Danish axe. He’s the "man in green," dressed just like before—with his legs, hair, and beard all in green. But now he’s on foot, walking on solid ground. When he reaches the stream, he jumps over it and confidently strides around. He encounters Sir Gawain, who tells him he’s ready to fulfill his part of their agreement. "Gawain," says the 'green man,' "may God keep you safe! You’re really welcome at my place, and you’ve timed your journey perfectly like a true man should. You remember our deal from a year ago—that on New Year’s Day, I would return your blow. We’re now in this valley alone, so we can do what we want. Take off your helmet, and here’s your payment. Let’s not have any more talk than when you chopped off my head in one strike."

"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."

"No way, by God!" said Gawayne, "I won’t blame you for anything that happens, but I’ll just stand here while you hit."

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."

Then he bends down a bit and exposes his bare neck, showing no fear. The Green Knight picks up his "grim tool" and, with all his strength, lifts it high, as if he intends to completely destroy him. As the axe comes down, Gawayne flinches slightly, pulling back his shoulders from the sharp blade. The other holds back his weapon and then berates the prince with proud words. "You’re not the Gawayne everyone admires, the one who never feared any host in the hills or valleys, because now you’re backing away in fear before you even feel any harm. I've never heard of such cowardice from a knight. I never flinched or ran when you aimed at me in King Arthur’s hall. My head rolled to my feet and yet I never fled, which is why 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.

Gawayne said, "I backed down once, but I won't do it again, even if it means losing my head. But hurry up and bring me to the spot; give me my fate, and do it quickly, because I won’t flinch or move until your axe has struck me—that's my word." "Okay then," replied the other, raising the axe high and looking as fierce as someone who's lost their mind. He swings powerfully at Gawayne but holds back before causing any harm. Gawayne stands firm, not flinching at all, remaining as still as a stone or a deeply rooted tree in rocky soil.

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."

Then the other person happily said, "Now that you’re all in one piece, it's my turn to strike, so watch your neck." Gawayne replied angrily, "Go on, you fierce man, you’ve been making threats for too long; I think you're the one who's really scared."

"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."

"Sure," the other responded, "since you're being so bold, I won't keep you waiting." Then, with a fierce expression, he got ready to swing and brought his axe down on Sir Gawayne's exposed neck. "Though he swung" hard, he only "cut the skin," causing blood to flow. When Gawayne saw his blood staining the snow, he quickly grabbed his helmet and put it on. Then he pulled out his shining sword and spoke angrily: "Hold on, man, with your strikes, and don't ask me for more. I've taken a hit in this spot without fighting back, but if you hit me again, I will get you back, count on it. Our deal only allows for one blow, so now stop."

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."

The Green Knight, resting on his axe, watches Sir Gawain stand bold and fearless, then speaks up loudly to him: "Brave knight, don’t be so upset; no one here has wronged you. I promised you a strike, and you got it, so be happy with that. I could have done much worse and made you suffer a lot. I aimed two blows at you because you kissed my lovely wife twice, but I didn't hit you because you returned the kisses as we agreed. The third time, you didn't fulfill the agreement, so I gave you a light tap. That woven belt my wife gave you actually belongs to me. I know all about your kisses, your actions, and your courtship of my wife, as I orchestrated it all myself. I sent her to test you, and honestly, I think you are the most blameless man to ever walk the earth. Still, sir, you fell short in good faith, but since it came from no wrongdoing and you just wanted to save your life, I don’t hold it against you as much."

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).

Gawayne stood there in shock, his face turning red as he backed away in shame. "Damn cowardice and greed," he yelled, "for they are the sources of the wickedness that destroys virtue." Then he took off the belt and threw it to the knight in green, cursing his own cowardice and greed. The Green Knight laughed and said, "You've admitted your faults so honestly that I see you as pure as if you've never lost your honor since the day you were born. I give you, sir, this gold-trimmed belt as a symbol of your adventure at the Green Chapel. Now come to my castle, and we'll celebrate the New Year together" (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."

“Indeed,” said the knight, “may God reward you for your kindness. Please send my best to your wonderful wife, who has captivated me with her talents. It's common for a man to get into trouble because of women's tricks; after all, Adam was deceived by one, and Solomon by several. Samson was betrayed by Delilah, and David faced a lot of challenges because of Bathsheba. 'It would truly be a great blessing for a man to love them well and not believe them.' Since even the greatest among us have been misled, I think I can be forgiven. But God bless you for your belt, which I will always wear as a reminder of my mistake, and when pride inflates me, a glance at this token of love will help bring me back down (ll. 2407-2438). But since you are the lord of this land, from whom I have received so much honor, please tell me your true name, and I won’t ask you for anything else.”

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."

The other person said, "I'm called Bernlak de Hautdesert, thanks to Morgain la Fay, who lives with me. She has learned a lot from Merlin, who knows all your knights back home. She brought me to your hall to test the skills of the Round Table. She created this spectacle to bewilder you, hoping to upset Guenever and frighten her to death with the man who spoke holding his head in his hand before the high table. She is also your aunt, Arthur's half-sister; so, come to your aunt, because my entire household loves you."

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.

Gawayne decides not to go with the Green Knight, so after sharing many hugs and kind words, they go their separate ways—one heading to his castle and 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.

After facing many dangerous situations, our knight recovers from his neck wound and finally arrives safely at King Arthur's court. Everyone is filled with joy; the king and queen embrace their brave knight and ask him numerous questions about his journey. He shares all his adventures, leaving nothing out—“the chance of the chapel, the cheer of the knight, the love of the lady, and finally the lace.” Sighing in grief and shame, he shows them the cut on his neck, which he received for his disloyalty (ll. 2439-2504). The king and his courtiers comfort the knight—they laugh heartily at his adventures and all agree that the lords and ladies of the Round Table, and every knight of the brotherhood, should wear a bright green belt from then on to honor Gawayne. And he who received it honored it forever after.

Thus in Arthur's time this adventure befell, whereof the "Brutus Books" bear witness (ll. 2505-2530).

So, during Arthur's era, this adventure took place, as noted in the "Brutus Books" (ll. 2505-2530).

I don’t need to mention that the Brutus Books we have don’t include the legend presented here, although it’s not much more unlikely than some of the claims in those books. If the reader wants to understand how this and similar stories relate to the original Arthur legends, they can find it discussed in Sir F. Madden's Preface to his edition of "Syr Gawayne," which also provides an overview of the very different interpretations of Sir Gawayne by various Romance writers.

Into this and other literary questions, I won't go into detail here, as I have nothing to contribute to Sir F. Madden's statements; however, in the text of the Poem, I've disagreed with him on a few readings, which you'll find mentioned in the Notes and Glossary.

As the manuscript is quickly deteriorating, I’m thankful that the Early English Text Society has allowed us to share its contents more broadly before the original becomes unreadable.

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.

We just want more members so we can share many fascinating stories of Early English thinkers with a wider audience.

SYR GAWAYN AND THE GRENE KNYȜT.

[FYTTE THE FIRST.]

I.

[Fol. 91a.]
After the siege of Troy

[Fol. 91a.]
After the fall of Troy

Siþen þe sege & þe assaut watȝ sesed at Troye,

Þe borȝ brittened & brent to brondeȝ & askeȝ,

Þe tulk þat þe trammes of tresoun þer wroȝt,

Watȝ tried for his tricherie, þe trewest on erthe;

Watȝ tried for his trickery, the truest on earth;

Hit watȝ Ennias þe athel, & his highe kynde,

Þat siþen depreced prouinces, & patrounes bicome

Welneȝe of al þe wele in þe west iles,

Welness of all the wealth in the western isles,

Romulus built Rome,

Romulus founded Rome.

Fro riche Romulus to Rome ricchis hym swyþe,

Fro rich Romulus to Rome riches him swyþe,

With gret bobbaunce þat burȝe he biges vpon fyrst,

With great confidence that he builds upon first,

& neuenes hit his aune nome, as hit now hat;

Ticius to Tuskan [turnes,] & teldes bigynnes;

Ticius turns to Tuskan and tells him that things have begun.

Langaberde in Lumbardie lyftes vp homes;

Langaberde in Lombard lifted up homes;

and Felix Brutus founded Britain,

and Felix Brutus created Britain,

& fer ouer þe French flod Felix Brutus

&fer ouer þe French flod Felix Brutus

On mony bonkkes ful brode Bretayn he setteȝ,

On many broad banks of Britain he sits,

wyth wynne;

a land of war and wonder,

a place of conflict and amazement,

Where werre, & wrake, & wonder,

Where there is war, and revenge, and amazement,

Bi syþeȝ hatȝ wont þer-inne,

and oft of bliss and blunder.

and often of joy and mistake.

& oft boþe blysse & blunder

Ful skete hatȝ skyfted synne.

Full skete has shifted since.

II.

Ande quen þis Bretayn watȝ bigged bi þis burn rych,

And when this Britain was built by this strong man,

Bold men increased in the Land,

Strong men multiplied in the Land,

Bolde bredden þer-inne, baret þat lofden,

Bolde the width therein, bare that lofted,

In mony turned tyme tene þat wroȝten;

In many days gone by, those who worked;

Mo ferlyes on þis folde han fallen here oft

and many marvels happened.

and many wonders occurred.

Þen in any oþer þat I wot, syn þat ilk tyme.

Then in any other that I know of, since that same time.

Of all Britain's kings Arthur was the noblest.

Among all of Britain's kings, Arthur was the most noble.

Bot of alle þat here bult of Bretaygne kynges

Bot of alle þat here built of Brittany kings

Ay watȝ Arthur þe hendest; as I haf herde telle;

Ay, what a handsome Arthur; as I've heard tell;

[Fol. 91b.]

For-þi an aunter in erde I attle to schawe,

For this, an author in the world I aim to show,

Þat a selly in siȝt summe men hit holden,

& an outtrage awenture of Arthureȝ wondereȝ;

& an outrageous adventure of Arthur's wonders;

Listen a while and ye shall hear the story of an "outrageous adventure."

Listen for a moment and you'll hear the tale of an "outrageous adventure."

If ȝe wyl lysten þis laye bot on littel quile,

If you want to listen to this tale just for a little while,

I schal telle hit, as-tit, as I in toun herde,

I will tell it, just as I heard it in town,

with tonge;

with tongue;

As hit is stad & stoken,

As it is still and quiet,

In stori stif & stronge,

In stories stiff & strong,

With lel letteres loken,

With little letters locked,

In londe so hatȝ ben longe.

In London so has been long.

III.

Arthur held at Camelot his Christmas feast,

Arthur hosted his Christmas feast at Camelot,

Þis kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse,

With mony luflych lorde, ledeȝ of þe best,

With many lovely lords, leaders of the best,

with all the knights of the Round Table,

Rekenly of þe rounde table alle þo rich breþer,

Reckoning of the round table all those rich brothers,

With rych reuel oryȝt, & rechles merþes;

With quick revelation and careless wonders;

Þer tournayed tulkes bi-tymeȝ ful mony,

Iusted ful Iolilé þise gentyle kniȝtes,

I trusted these brave knights,

Syþen kayred to þe court, caroles to make.

Since they traveled to the court, they began to sing carols.

full fifteen days.

full 15 days.

For þer þe fest watȝ ilyche ful fiften dayes,

For the feast that lasted a full fifteen days,

With alle þe mete & þe mirþe þat men couþe a-vyse;

With all the food and the fun that men could arrange;

Such glaumande gle glorious to here,

Such glorious glam to be here,

Dere dyn vp-on day, daunsyng on nyȝtes,

All was joy in hall and chamber,

Everyone was joyful in the hall and the rooms,

Al watȝ hap vpon heȝe in halleȝ & chambreȝ,

With lordeȝ & ladies, as leuest him þoȝt;

With lords and ladies, as they pleased him though;

With all þe wele of þe worlde þay woned þer samen,

With all the wealth of the world, they lived there together,

among brave knights and lovely ladies,

among courageous knights and beautiful ladies,

Þe most kyd knyȝteȝ vnder kryste seluen,

& þe louelokkest ladies þat euer lif haden,

& the loveliest ladies that ever lived,

& he þe comlokest kyng þat þe court haldes;

& he who is the most handsome king that the court holds;

For al watȝ þis fayre folk in her first age,

For all that these fair people are in their early years,

on sille;

on TikTok;

the happiest under heaven.

the happiest on earth.

Þe hapnest vnder heuen,

The happiest under heaven,

Kyng hyȝest mon of wylle,

King highest of will,

Hit were¹ now gret nye to neuen

Hit were¹ now great near to newn

So hardy a here on hille.

So tough a place here.

¹ MS. werere.

¹ Ms. werere.

IV.

They celebrate the New Year with great joy.

They celebrate the New Year with a lot of happiness.

Wyle nw ȝer watȝ so ȝep þat hit watȝ nwe cummen,

Wyle now year was so deep that it was a new coming,

Þat day doubble on þe dece watȝ þe douth serued,

That day doubled on the deceit was the douth served,

Fro þe kyng watȝ cummen with knyȝtes in to þe halle,

Forth came the king with knights into the hall,

Þe chauntre of þe chapel cheued to an ende;

The chant of the chapel came to an end;

Loude crye watȝ þer kest of clerkeȝ & oþer,

Loud cries were cast there by clerks and others,

[Fol. 92]

Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte;

Now the night is new, often renewed;

& syþen riche forth runnen to reche honde-selle,

& then rich further ran to reach hand-sel,

Gifts are demanded and bestowed.

Gifts are expected and given.

Ȝeȝed ȝeres ȝiftes on hiȝ, ȝelde hem bi hond,

Debated busyly aboute þo giftes;

Debated busily about the gifts;

Ladies laȝed ful loude, þoȝ þay lost haden,

Ladies laughed loudly, even though they had lost,

& he þat wan watȝ not wrothe, þat may ȝe wel trawe.

& he that won was not angry, that you may well trust.

Lords and ladies take their seats at the table.

Lords and ladies are taking their seats at the table.

Alle þis mirþe þay maden to þe mete tyme;

All this joy they made for mealtime;

When þay had waschen, worþyly þay wenten to sete,

When they had washed, they went to sit down with dignity,

Þe best burne ay abof, as hit best semed;

The best man is always above, as it seems best;

Queen Guenever appears gaily dressed.

Queen Guenever appears in bright attire.

Whene Guenore ful gay, grayþed in þe myddes.

Whene Guenore was fully dressed up and looking cheerful, in the middle.

Dressed on þe dere des, dubbed al aboute,

Dressed on the deer’s fur, covered all around,

Smal sendal bisides, a selure hir ouer

Of tryed Tolouse, of Tars tapites in-noghe,

Of tried Toulouse, of Tars tapes in-noghe,

Þat were enbrawded & beten wyth þe best gemmes,

Þat were enbrawded & beten wyth þe best gems,

Þat myȝt be preued of prys wyth penyes to bye,

That might be proved of value with pennies to buy,

in daye;

in day

A lady fairer of form might no one say he had ever before seen.

No one could say he had ever seen a woman more beautiful.

Þe comlokest to discrye,

The closest to describe,

Þer glent with yȝen gray,

Their eyes look gray,

A semloker þat euer he syȝe,

A smoker that he saw,

Soth moȝt no mon say.

So no one might say.

V.

Arthur would not eat,

Arthur wouldn’t eat,

Bot Arthure wolde not ete til al were serued,

Bot Arthur would not eat until everything was served,

He watȝ so Ioly of his Ioyfnes, & sum-quat child gered,

He was so joyful in his happiness, and somewhat childish,

His lif liked hym lyȝt, he louied þe lasse

His life liked him light, he loved the less.

nor would he long sit

nor would he sit long

Auþer to lenge lye, or to longe sitte,

Auþer to lie down for a long time, or to sit for a long time,

So bi-sied him his ȝonge blod & his brayn wylde;

So he was troubled by his youthful blood and his wild brain;

& also anoþer maner meued him eke,

& also another manner moved him also,

Þat he þurȝ nobelay had nomen, ho wolde neuer ete

Þat he through nobility had taken, he would never eat.

Vpon such a dere day, er hym deuised were

Vpon such a dire day, errands were devised

until he had witnessed a "wondrous adventure" of some kind.

until he had experienced a "wondrous adventure" of some sort.

Of sum auenturus þyng an vncouþe tale,

Of a bold adventure and strange tale,

Of sum mayn meruayle, þat he myȝt trawe,

Of some great wonder, that he might trust,

Of¹ alderes, of armes, of oþer auenturus,

Of alders, of arms, of other adventures,

Oþer sum segg hym bi-soȝt of sum siker knyȝt,

Other some guy asked him about some sure knight,

To Ioyne wyth hym in iustyng in Iopardé to lay,

To join with him in jesting in the lottery to settle,

Lede lif for lyf, leue vchon oþer,

Lede life for life, love each other,

As fortune wolde fulsun hom þe fayrer to haue.

As luck would have it, the more beautiful you are, the more you have.

100

Þis watȝ [þe] kynges countenaunce where he in court were,

At vch farand fest among his fre meny,

At the far and wide festival, he had a lot of friends around him,

[Fol. 92b.]

in halle;

in hall;

He of face so bold makes much mirth with all.

He has such a bold face that he brings a lot of joy to everyone.

Þer-fore of face so fere.

Therefore of face so fair.

104

He stiȝtleȝ stif in stalle,

He sits still in stall,

Ful ȝep in þat nw ȝere,

Full year in that new year,

Much mirthe he mas with alle.

He had a lot of fun.

¹ Of of, in MS.

Of of, in MS.

VI.

The king talks with his knights.

The king is speaking with his knights.

Thus þer stondes in stale þe stif kyng his-seluen,

Thus there stands in silence the strong king himself,

108

Talkkande bifore þe hyȝe table of trifles ful hende

Talk can be quite charming before the big table of little things.

Gawayne,

Gawain,

There gode Gawan watȝ grayþed, Gwenore bisyde

There good Gawain was grave, Guinevere beside.

Agravayn,

& Agrauayn a la dure mayn on þat oþer syde sittes

& Agrauayn on the hard main on that other side sits

Boþe þe kynges sister sunes, & ful siker kniȝtes;

Both the king's sister's sons, and fully reliable knights;

Bishop Bawdewyn,

112

Bischop Bawdewyn abof bi-gineȝ þe table,

Bishop Bawdewyn sat above the table,

and Ywain sit on the dais.

Ywain and another person sit on the platform.

& Ywan, Vryn son, ette wit hym-seluen;

& Ywan, son of Vryn, was with himself;

Þise were diȝt on þe des, & derworþly serued,

& siþen mony siker segge at þe sidbordeȝ.

The first course is served with cracking of trumpets.

The first course is served with the sound of trumpets.

116

Þen þe first cors come with crakkyng of trumpes,

Then the first chorus came with cracking of trumpets,

Wyth mony baner ful bryȝt, þat þer-bi henged,

Wyth many bright banners that hung there,

Nwe nakryn noyse with þe noble pipes,

Wylde werbles & wyȝt wakned lote,

120

Þat mony hert ful hiȝe hef at her towches;

It consisted of all dainties in season.

It included all the seasonal treats.

Dayntes dryuen þer-wyth of ful dere metes,

Daynties driven therewith of full dear meats,

Foysoun of þe fresche, & on so fele disches,

Foysoun of the fresh, & on so many dishes,

Þat pine to fynde þe place þe peple bi-forne

124

For to sette þe syluener,¹ þat sere sewes halden,

For to set the silver, that certain sauces hold,

on clothe;

on clothing;

Iche lede as he loued hym-selue

Iche led as he loved himself

Þer laght with-outen loþe,

You laugh without regret,

Each two had dishes twelve,

Each pair had twelve dishes,

128

Ay two had disches twelue,

Ay two had dishes twelve,

good beer and bright wine both.

good beer and crisp wine both.

Good ber, & bryȝt wyn boþe.

Good beer, and bright wine both.

¹ svlueren (?) (dishes).

¹ silveren (?) (dishes).

VII.

There was no want of anything.

There was nothing lacking.

Now wyl I of hor seruise say yow no more,

Now I will say no more of their service.

For veh wyȝe may wel wit no wont þat þer were;

For why we may well know no habit that there was;

Scarcely had the first course commenced,

Hardly had the first course begun,

132

An oþer noyse ful newe neȝed biliue,

An other noise, completely new, approached quickly,

Þat þe lude myȝt haf leue lif-lode to cach.

That the people might have a living to catch.

For vneþe watȝ þe noyce not a whyle sesed,

For hardly was the noise quieted for a moment,

& þe fyrst cource in þe court kyndely serued,

& the first course in the court kindly served,

when there rushes in at the hall-door a knight;

when a knight rushes in through the hall door;

136

Þer hales in at þe halle dor an aghlich mayster,

Þer hales in at the hall door an awful master,

On þe most on þe molde on mesure hyghe;

On the ground at a high level;

Fro þe swyre to þe swange so sware & so þik,

Fro the neck to the arm so strong and so thick,

the tallest on earth

the tallest in the world

& his lyndes & his lymes so longe & so grete,

& his loins & his limbs so long & so great,

[Fol. 93.]

140

Half etayn in erde I hope þat he were.

he must have been.

Bot mon most I algate mynn hym to bene,

& þat þe myriest in his muckel þat myȝt ride;

& that the happiest in his great might could ride;

His back and breast were great,

His back and chest were impressive,

For of bak & of brest al were his bodi sturne,

For of back and of breast all were his body strong,

but his belly and waist were small.

but his stomach and waist were slim.

144

Bot his wombe & his wast were worthily smale,

Bot his waist and his torso were fittingly small,

& alle his fetures folȝande, in forme þat he hade,

& all his features following, in the form that he had,

ful clene;

full clean

For wonder of his hwe men hade,

For the wonder of his appearance,

148

Set in his semblaunt sene;

Set in his seeming scene;

He ferde as freke were fade,

He acted as if a brave man were weak,

& ouer-al enker grene.

VIII.

He was clothed entirely in green.

He was dressed completely in green.

Ande al grayþed in grene þis gome & his wedes,

Ande al graythe in green this guy and his clothes,

152

A strayt cote ful streȝt, þat stek on his sides,

A straight coat, snug on his sides,

A mere mantile abof, mensked with-inne,

A simple mantle above, wrapped within,

With pelure pured apert þe pane ful clene,

With the skin peeled, opened the window wide.

With blyþe blaunner ful bryȝt, & his hod boþe,

With bright cheerful colors, & his hood also,

156

Þat watȝ laȝt fro his lokkeȝ, & layde on his schulderes

That was loose from his locks, and lay on his shoulders.

Heme wel haled, hose of þat same grene,

Heme well hailed, house of that same green,

His spurs were of bright gold.

His spurs were shiny gold.

Þat spenet on his sparlyr, & clene spures vnder,

Þat spent on his spur, and clean spurs underneath,

Of bryȝt golde, vpon silk bordes, barred ful ryche

Of bright gold, upon silk borders, richly barred

160

& scholes vnder schankes, þere þe schalk rides;

& scholes under shanks, where the guy rides;

& alle his vesture uerayly watȝ clene verdure,

& all his clothing was truly clean and well-kept,

Boþe þe barres of his belt & oþer blyþe stones,

Both the bars of his belt and other bright stones,

Þat were richely rayled in his aray clene,

His saddle was embroidered with birds and flies.

His saddle was decorated with birds and flies.

164

Aboutte hym-self & his sadel, vpon silk werkeȝ,

About his own self & his saddle, upon silk works,

Þat were to tor for to telle of tryfles þe halue,

That would be pointless to talk about the trifles halfway,

Þat were enbrauded abof, wyth bryddes & flyȝes,

Þat were enbraided above, with birds & flies,

With gay gaudi of grene, þe golde ay in myddes;

With bright green splendor, the gold always in the middle;

168

Þe pendauntes of his payttrure, þe proude cropure

Þe pendants of his portraiture, the proud cropper

His molaynes, & alle þe metail anamayld was þenne

His mallets, and all the metal was then.

Þe steropes þat he stod on, stayned of þe same,

Þe steropes þat he stood on, stayned of þe same,

& his arsounȝ al after, & his aþel sturtes,

172

Þat euer glemered¹ & glent al of grene stones.

Þat euer glemered¹ & glent all of green stones.

The foal that he rode upon was green;

The foal he rode was inexperienced;

Þe fole þat he ferkkes on, fyn of þat ilke,

Þe fole þat he rides on, fine of that same,

sertayn;

certain;

A grene hors gret & þikke,

A green horse, big and thick,

it was a steed full stiff to guide.

It was a horse that was really hard to control.

176

A stede ful stif to strayne,

A boat that's hard to steer,

In brawden brydel quik,

In broad daylight, quick,

[Fol. 93b.]

To þe gome he watȝ ful gayn.

To the man, he was very cheerful.

¹ glemed (?).

¹ gleamed.

IX.

Gaily was the knight attired.

Gaily was the dressed knight.

Wel gay watȝ þis gome gered in grene,

180

& þe here of his hed of his hors swete;

& the hair of his head of his horse sweet;

Fayre fannand fax vmbe-foldes his schulderes;

Fayre fanned his folded shoulders;

His great beard, like a bush, hung on his breast.

His thick beard, like a bush, hung down on his chest.

A much berd as¹ a busk ouer his brest henges,

A much bird as a busk out over his breast hangs,

Þat wyth his hiȝlich here, þat of his hed reches,

Þat wyth his high hair, that of his head reaches,

184

Watȝ euesed al vmbe-torne, a-bof his elbowes,

Watȝ evesed all around, above his elbows,

Þat half his armes þer vnder were halched in þe wyse

Þat half his arms there under were pulled in the way

Of a kyngeȝ capados, þat closes his swyre.

Of a king’s cap that covers his neck.

The horse's mane was decked with golden threads.

The horse's mane was embellished with golden threads.

Þe mane of þat mayn hors much to hit lyke,

The mane of that great horse much to it like,

188

Wel cresped & cemmed wyth knottes ful mony,

Wel cresped & cemmed with many knots,

Folden in wyth fildore aboute þe fayre grene,

Fold in with foliage around the fair green,

Ay a herle of þe here, an oþer of golde;

Ay a herle of the here, an other of gold;

Its tail was bound with a green band.

Its tail was tied with a green band.

Þe tayl & his toppyng twynnen of a sute,

192

& bounden boþe wyth a bande of a bryȝt grene,

&ams bounden boþe wyth a bande of a bryȝt grene,

Dubbed wyth ful dere stoneȝ, as þe dok lasted,

Dubbed with full dear stones, as the dock lasted,

Syþen þrawen wyth a þwong a þwarle knot alofte,

Sythen thrown with a thong a twirled knot aloft,

Þer mony belleȝ ful bryȝt of brende golde rungen.

There are many bright bells made of shiny gold ringing.

Such a foal nor a knight were never before seen.

Neither such a foal nor a knight had ever been seen before.

196

Such a fole vpon folde, ne freke þat hym rydes,

Such a fool upon a fool, nor a man that rides him,

Watȝ neuer sene in þat sale wyth syȝt er þat tyme,

with yȝe;

with you;

He loked as layt so lyȝt,

He looked as bright as daylight,

200

So sayd al þat hym syȝe,

So said all that saw him,

It seemed that no man might endure his dints.

It seemed that no one could withstand his blows.

Hit semed as no mon myȝt,

Vnder his dyntteȝ dryȝe.

Under his blows, dry.

¹ as as, in MS.

as is, in MS.

X.

The knight carried neither spear nor shield,

The knight carried neither a spear nor a shield,

Wheþer hade he no helme ne hawb[e]rgh nauþer,

Wheþer had he no helmet nor hauberk either,

204

Ne no pysan, ne no plate þat pented to armes,

Ne no schafte, ne no schelde, to schwne ne to smyte,

In one hand was a holly bough,

In one hand was a holly branch,

Bot in his on honde he hade a holyn bobbe,

Þat is grattest in grene, when greueȝ ar bare,

in the other an axe,

in the other a hatchet,

208

& an ax in his oþer, a hoge & vn-mete,

& an ax in his other, a huge & unmanageable,

A spetos sparþe to expoun in spelle quo-so myȝt;

A special revelation to explain in speech just as I might;

Þe hede of an elnȝerde þe large lenkþe hade,

Þe grayn al of grene stele & of golde hewen,

the edge of which was as keen as a sharp razor,

the edge of which was as sharp as a razor,

212

Þe bit burnyst bryȝt, with a brod egge,

As wel schapen to schere as scharp rasores;

As well sheep to shear as sharp razors;

Þe stele of a stif staf þe sturne hit bi-grypte,

Þe stele of a stiff staff the stern one grasped it,

[Fol. 94.]

Þat watȝ wounden wyth yrn to þe wandeȝ ende,

and the handle was encased in iron, curiously "graven with green, in gracious works."

and the handle was covered in iron, interestingly "engraved with green, in elegant designs."

216

& al bigrauen with grene, in gracios¹ werkes;

& and the bigrauen with green, in gracios¹ works;

A lace lapped aboute, þat louked at þe hede,

A lace wrapped around, looking at the head,

& so after þe halme halched ful ofte,

& so after the blade bent full often,

Wyth tryed tasseleȝ þerto tacched in-noghe,

Wyth tried tassels that were attached in enough.

Thus arrayed the Green Knight enters the hall,

The Green Knight enters the hall like this,

220

On botounȝ of þe bryȝt grene brayden ful ryche.

On the bottom of the bright green hill, it was very rich.

Þis haþel heldeȝ hym in, & þe halle entres,

Driuande to þe heȝe dece, dut he no woþe,

Driuande to the high dece, but he made no sound,

without saluting any one.

without greeting anyone.

Haylsed he neuer one, bot heȝe he ouer loked.

Haylsed he never one, but he always looked higher.

224

Þe fyrst word þat he warp, "wher is," he sayd,

He asks for the "governor" of the company,

He is asking for the company's "governor,"

"Þe gouernour of þis gyng? gladly I wolde

"Who is the governor of this place? I would gladly."

Se þat segg in syȝt, & with hym self speke

Se that guy in sight, & with him self speak

raysoun."

228

To knyȝteȝ he kest his yȝe,

To knight, he cast his eye,

& reled hym vp & doun,

and looks for the most renowned.

and searches for the most famous.

He stemmed & con studie,

He studied and learned,

Quo walt þer most renoun.

Wherever you are most renowned.

¹ looks like gracons in MS.

XI.

Much they marvel to see a man and a horse

They marvel at the sight of a man and a horse.

232

Ther watȝ lokyng on lenþe, þe lude to be-holde,

For vch mon had meruayle quat hit mene myȝt,

For what a marvel it was that he meant.

Þat a haþel & a horse myȝt such a hwe lach,

as green as grass.

As growe grene as þe gres & grener hit semed,

As green as the grass and greener it seemed,

236

Þen grene aumayl on golde lowande bryȝter;

Þen grene aumayl on golde lowande bright.

Al studied þat þer stod, & stalked hym nerre,

Al studied that there stood, and stalked him nearer,

Never before had they seen such a sight as this.

They had never seen a sight like this before.

Wyth al þe wonder of þe worlde, what he worch schulde.

With all the wonders of the world, what should he create?

For fele sellyeȝ had þay sen, bot such neuer are,

For many joys they had seen, but such never are,

240

For-þi for fantoum & fayryȝe þe folk þere hit demed;

For the phantom and fairy that the people judged there;

They were afraid to answer,

They were scared to respond,

Þer-fore to answare watȝ arȝe mony aþel freke,

& al stouned at his steuen, & stonstil seten,

& all stunned at his voice, & stone-still sitting,

and were as silent as if sleep had taken possession of them;

and were as quiet as if sleep had taken over them;

In a swoghe sylence þurȝ þe sale riche

In a thick silence through the rich hall

244

As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor loteȝ

As they all slipped into sleep, their voices faded away.

in hyȝe;

in high;

I deme hit not al for doute,

I don't doubt it at all,

some from fear and others from courtesy.

some out of fear and others out of courtesy.

Bot sum for cortaysye,

Bot sum for courtesy,

248

Bot let hym þat al schulde loute,

Bot let him that all should bow,

Cast vnto þat wyȝe.

Cast to that guy.

XII.

Arthur salutes the Green Knight.

Arthur greets the Green Knight.

Þenn Arþour bifore þe hiȝ dece þat auenture byholdeȝ,

Þenn Arthur stood before the high council that awaited his decision,

& rekenly hym reuerenced, for rad was he neuer,

252

& sayde, "wyȝe, welcum iwys to þis place,

& said, "Man, welcome indeed to this place,

[Fol. 94b.]
bids him welcome, and invites him to stay awhile.

[Fol. 94b.]
welcomes him and invites him to stay for a bit.

Þe hede of þis ostel Arthour I hat,

The head of this hostel Arthur I hate,

Liȝt luflych adoun, & lenge, I þe praye,

Liȝt lovely lady, & long, I you beg,

& quat so þy wylle is, we schal wyt after."

& quat so þy wylle is, we schal wyt after.

The knight says that he will not tarry.

The knight says he won't wait.

256

"Nay, as help me," quod þe haþel, "he þat on hyȝe syttes,

"Nay, as help me," said the nobleman, "he that sits on high,"

To wone any quyle in þis won, hit watȝ not myn ernde;

To win any quarrel in this one, it was not my intention;

Bot for þe los of þe lede is lyft vp so hyȝe,

Bot for the loss of the lead is lifted up so high,

& þy burȝ & þy burnes best ar holden,

260

Stifest vnder stel-gere on stedes to ryde,

Stirred under the stars on places to ride,

He seeks the most valiant that he may prove him.

He is looking for the bravest person so he can test him.

Þe wyȝtest & þe worþyest of þe worldes kynde,

The wisest and the worthiest of the world's kind,

Preue for to play wyth in oþer pure laykeȝ;

Preue to play with in other pure lakes;

& here is kydde cortaysye, as I haf herd carp,

& here is kid courtesy, as I have heard talk,

264

& þat hatȝ wayned me hider, I-wyis, at þis tyme.

& that has led me here, truly, at this time.

Ȝe may be seker bi þis braunch þat I bere here,

You can be sure by this branch that I carry here,

He comes in peace.

He’s here for peace.

Þat I passe as in pes, & no plyȝt seche;

For had I founded in fere, in feȝtyng wyse,

For had I founded in fear, in feigning wise,

At home, however, he has both shield and spear.

At home, though, he has both a shield and a spear.

268

I haue a hauberghe at home & a helme boþe,

I have a hauberk at home and both a helmet,

A schelde, & a scharp spere, schinande bryȝt,

A shield, and a sharp spear, shining bright,

Ande oþer weppenes to welde, I wene wel als,

And other weapons to control, I think so too,

Bot for I wolde no were, my wedeȝ ar softer.

Bot for I would no where, my weeds are softer.

272

Bot if þou be so bold as alle burneȝ tellen,

Þou wyl grant me godly þe gomen þat I ask,

bi ryȝt."

bi ryȝt.

Arthur assures him that he shall not fail to find an opponent worthy of him.

Arthur assures him that he will definitely find an opponent worthy of him.

Arthour con onsware,

Arthour responds,

276

& sayd, "sir cortays knyȝt,

& said, "Sir courteous knight,

If þou craue batayl bare,

If you crave bare battle,

Here fayleȝ þou not to fyȝt."

Here fails you not to fight.

XIII.

"I seek no fight," says the knight.

"I don’t want to fight," says the knight.

"Nay, frayst I no fyȝt, in fayth I þe telle,

"Nah, I don't want to fight, I honestly tell you,

"'Here are only beardless children.'

'Here are only kids.'

280

Hit arn aboute on þis bench bot berdleȝ chylder;

Hit arn aboute on this bench but beardless children;

If I were hasped in armes on a heȝe stede,

If I were strapped in armor on a high horse,

Here is no man to match me.

There’s no guy who can compete with me.

Here is no mon me to mach, for myȝteȝ so¹ wayke.

Here is no one to match me, for my might is so weak.

For-þy I craue in þis court a crystmas gomen,

For this reason, I ask in this court for a Christmas gathering,

Here are brave ones many,

Here are many brave ones,

284

For hit is ȝol & nwe ȝer, & here ar ȝep mony;

For it's Christmas and the New Year, and here there are many.

If any so hardy in þis hous holdeȝ hym-seluen,

If anyone is brave enough to stay in this household,

if any be bold enough to 'strike a stroke for another,'

If anyone is daring enough to 'take a stand for someone else,'

Be so bolde in his blod, brayn in hys hede,

Be so bold in his blood, brain in his head,

Þat dar stifly strike a strok for an oþer,

Þat dar stifly strike a stroke for another,

288

I schal gif hym of my gyft þys giserne ryche,

I will give him my gift this season rich,

this axe shall be his;

this axe will be his;

Þis ax, þat is heué in-nogh, to hondele as hym lykes,

Þis ax, þat is heué in-nogh, to handle as him likes,

[Fol. 95.]

& I schal bide þe fyrst bur, as bare as I sitte.

& I will wait for the first sign, as bare as I sit.

If any freke be so felle to fonde þat I telle,

If any fool is so wicked to try what I say,

292

Lepe lyȝtly me to, & lach þis weppen,

Lepe lightly to me, and take this weapon,

I quit clayme hit for euer, kepe hit as his auen,

I quit claiming it for myself, keeping it as his own,

but I shall give him a 'stroke' in return

but I'll give him a 'stroke' back

& I schal stonde hym a strok, stif on þis flet,

& I shall stand him a stroke, stiff on this flat,

Elleȝ þou wyl diȝt me þe dom to dele hym an oþer,

296

barlay;

barley

& ȝet gif hym respite,

& yet if him respite,

within a twelvemonth and a day."

"within a year and a day."

A twelmonyth & a day;—

A year and a day;—

Now hyȝe, & let se tite

Now hurry, and let’s see quickly.

300

Dar any her-inne oȝt say."

Dar any her-inne oȝt say.

¹ MS. fo.

¹ MS. folio.

XIV.

Fear kept all silent.

Fear silenced everyone.

If he hem stowned vpon fyrst, stiller were þanne

If he looked around first, they were quieter than

Alle þe hered-men in halle, þe hyȝ & þe loȝe;

Alle the noblemen in hall, the high and the low;

The knight rolled his red eyes about,

The knight rolled his eyes dramatically,

Þe renk on his rounce hym ruched in his sadel,

304

& runisch-ly his rede yȝen he reled aboute,

& runisch-ly he looked around with his eyes,

and bent his bristly green brows.

and furrowed his rough green eyebrows.

Bende his bresed broȝeȝ, bly-cande grene,

Bende his braided branches, bright green,

Waving his beard awhile, he exclaimed:

He waved his beard for a moment and exclaimed:

Wayued his berde for to wayte quo-so wolde ryse.

Wayued his beard to wait for whoever would rise.

When non wolde kepe hym with carp he coȝed ful hyȝe,

When no one wanted to keep him with carp, he moved on quickly,

308

Ande rimed hym ful richley, & ryȝt hym to speke:

And he rhymed him fully richly, and right him to speak:

"What! is this Arthur's court?

"What! Is this Arthur's court?"

"What, is þis Arþures hous," quod þe haþel þenne,

"What, is this Arthur's house," said the nobleman then,

"Þat al þe rous rennes of, þurȝ ryalmes so mony?

"That all the roses reign, through royal means so many?"

Where is now your sourquydrye & your conquestes,

Where is your sorcery and your conquests,

312

Your gry[n]del-layk, & your greme, & your grete wordes?

Your grendel-like, & your grime, & your great words?

Forsooth the renown of the Round Table is overturned 'with a word of one man's speech.'"

"Indeed, the reputation of the Round Table can be changed with just one man's words."

Now is þe reuel & þe renoun of þe rounde table

Now is the revelation and the renown of the round table

Ouer-walt wyth a worde of on wyȝes speche;

Ouer-walt with a word of one wise speech;

For al dares for drede, with-oute dynt schewed!"

For all challenges without fear, she showed no hesitation!

316

Wyth þis he laȝes so loude, þat þe lorde greued;

Wyth this he laughs so loud, that the lord was upset;

Arthur blushes for shame.

Arthur feels embarrassed.

Þe blod schot for scham in-to his schyre face

The blood shot from shame into his shining face.

& lere;

He waxes as wroth as the wind.

He gets as angry as the wind.

He wex as wroth as wynde,

He was as angry as the wind,

320

So did alle þat þer were

So did all those who were there

Þe kyng as kene bi kynde,

Þe kyng as kene by kynde,

Þen stod þat stif mon nere.

The tough man stood there.

XV.

He assures the knight that no one is afraid of his great words.

He tells the knight that nobody is intimidated by his grand speech.

Ande sayde, "haþel, by heuen þyn askyng is nys,

Ande said, "Noble, by heaven, your asking is not,

324

& as þou foly hatȝ frayst, fynde þe be-houes;

&as þou foly hatȝ frayst, fynde þe be-houes;

I know no gome þat is gast of þy grete wordes.

I know no one who is afraid of your big words.

Gif me now þy geserne, vpon godeȝ halue,

& I schal bayþen þy bone, þat þou boden habbes."

& I shall pay thee the price that you have commanded."

[Fol. 95b.]

328

Lyȝtly lepeȝ he hym to, & laȝt at his honde;

Lyghtly leaps to him, and laughs at his hand;

Þen feersly þat oþer freke vpon fote lyȝtis.

Arthur seizes his axe.

Arthur grabs his axe.

Now hatȝ Arthure his axe, & þe halme grypeȝ,

Now Arthur takes his axe, and grips the handle,

& sturnely stureȝ hit aboute, þat stryke wyth hit þoȝt.

& sturnely stirs it around, that strikes with it thought.

332

Þe stif mon hym bifore stod vpon hyȝt,

Þe stif mon hy bifore stod vpon hyȝt,

Herre þen ani in þe hous by þe hede & more;

Her at the house by the head and more;

The knight, stroking his beard, awaits the blow, and with a "dry countenance" draws down his coat.

The knight, stroking his beard, waits for the strike, and with an "expressionless face," pulls down his coat.

Wyth sturne schere¹ þer he stod, he stroked his berde,

Wyth a stern look¹ where he stood, he stroked his beard,

& wyth a countenaunce dryȝe he droȝ doun his cote,

336

No more mate ne dismayd for hys mayn dinteȝ,

No more friend, don't be upset for his main troubles,

Þen any burne vpon bench hade broȝt hym to drynk

Then any man on the bench had brought him to drink.

of wyne,

of wine,

Sir Gawayne beseeches the king to let him undertake the blow.

Sir Gawayne asks the king for permission to deliver the blow.

Gawan, þat sate bi þe quene,

Gawan, who sat by the queen,

340

To þe kyng he can enclyne,

To the king he can lean,

"I be-seche now with saȝeȝ sene,

"I beseech now with sage senes,"

Þis melly mot be myne."

"This meal must be mine."

¹ chere (?).

¹ dear (?).

XVI.

"Wolde ȝe, worþilych lorde," quod Gawan to þe kyng,

"Would you, worthy lord," said Gawain to the king,

He asks permission to leave the table; he says,

He asks to be excused from the table; he says,

344

"Bid me boȝe fro þis benche, & stonde by yow þere,

"Ask me to get off this bench and stand by you there,"

Þat I wyth-oute vylanye myȝt voyde þis table,

Þat I without delay might void this table,

& þat my legge lady lyked not ille,

& that my leg lady liked not ill,

I wolde com to your counseyl, bifore your cort ryche.

I would like to come to your counsel, before your court.

it is not meet that Arthur should be active in the matter,

It isn't appropriate for Arthur to be involved in this matter.

348

For me þink hit not semly, as hit is soþ knawen,

For me, I don't think it's appropriate, as it is well known,

Þer such an askyng is heuened so hyȝe in your sale,

Þer such an asking is heuened so high in your sale,

Þaȝȝe ȝour-self be talenttyf to take hit to your-seluen,

Þaȝȝe ȝour-self be talented to take it to your-self,

while so many bold ones sit upon bench.

while so many brave individuals sit on the bench.

Whil mony so bolde yow aboute vpon bench sytten,

While many so boldly sit around you on the bench,

352

Þat vnder heuen, I hope, non haȝer er of wylle,

Ne better bodyes on bent, þer baret is rered;

Although the weakest, he is quite ready to meet the Green Knight.

Even though he's the weakest, he's more than willing to face the Green Knight.

I am þe wakkest, I wot, and of wyt feblest,

I am the weakest, I know, and of the least intelligence,

& lest lur of my lyf, quo laytes þe soþe,

356

Bot for as much as ȝe ar myn em, I am only to prayse,

Bot for as much as you are my friend, I am just here to praise,

No bounté bot your blod I in my bodé knowe;

No bounty about your blood I in my body know;

& syþen þis note is so nys, þat noȝt hit yow falles,

& then this note is so nice, that it doesn't apply to you,

& I haue frayned hit at yow fyrst, foldeȝ hit to me,

& I have asked you first, fold it to me,

360

& if I carp not comlyly, let alle þis cort rych,

& if I don't complain nicely, let all this court get rich,

bout blame."

bout blame.

The nobles entreat Arthur to "give Gawayne the game."

The nobles ask Arthur to "give Gawayne the game."

Ryche to-geder con roun,

Ride together on round,

& syþen þay redden alle same,

& then they all prepare together,

364

To ryd þe kyng wyth croun,

To ride the king with crown,

& gif Gawan þe game.

& gif Play the game.

XVII.

[Fol. 96.]

Þen comaunded þe kyng þe knyȝt for to ryse;

Then the king commanded the knight to rise;

& he ful radly vp ros, & ruchched hym fayre,

& he fully rose up, & rushed him fair,

The king gives his nephew his weapon,

The king hands his nephew his weapon,

368

Kneled doun bifore þe kyng, & cacheȝ þat weppen;

Kneeling down before the king, and grabbing that weapon;

& he luflyly hit hym laft, & lyfte vp his honde,

& he lovingly hit him last, & lifted up his hand,

& gef hym goddeȝ blessyng, & gladly hym biddes

and tells him to keep heart and hand steady.

and advises him to stay strong and focused.

Þat his hert & his honde schulde hardi be boþe.

That his heart and his hand should be strong both.

372

"Kepe þe cosyn," quod þe kyng, "þat þou on kyrf sette,

"Keep the cousin," said the king, "that you set on the curb."

& if þou redeȝ hym ryȝt, redly I trowe,

& if you read him right, I believe so.

Þat þou schal byden þe bur þat he schal bede after.

Gawan gotȝ to þe gome, with giserne in honde,

Gawan approached the man, with a sword in hand,

376

& he baldly hym bydeȝ, he bayst neuer þe helder

& he boldly bids him, he never lays the blame

The Green Knight enquires the name of his opponent.

The Green Knight asks for the name of his opponent.

Þen carppeȝ to sir Gawan þe knyȝt in þe grene,

Þen carppeȝ to sir Gawan the knight in the green,

"Refourme we oure for-wardes, er we fyrre passe.

"Reform our ways before we move forward."

Fyrst I eþe þe, haþel, how þat þou hattes,

380

Þat þou me telle truly, as I tryst may?"

Þat þou me telle truly, as I tryst may?

Sir Gawayne tells him his name, and declares that he is willing to give and receive a blow.

Sir Gawayne tells him his name and states that he is ready to give and take a hit.

"In god fayth," quod þe goode knyȝt, "Gawan I hatte,

"In good faith," said the good knight, "I am called Gawain,

Þat bede þe þis buffet, quat-so bi-falleȝ after,

& at þis tyme twelmonyth take at þe anoþer,

& at this time next year take at the other,

384

Wyth what weppen so¹ þou wylt, & wyth no wyȝ elleȝ,

Wyth what weapon so¹ thou wilt, & with no other person,

on lyue."

on lyue.

Þat oþer on-swareȝ agayn,

That other one answers back,

"Sir Gawan, so mot I þryue,

"Sir Gawan, so may I thrive,

The other thereof is glad.

The other is happy.

388

As I am ferly fayn.

As I am really fond.

Þis dint þat þou schal dryue."

Þis dint þat þou schal dryue.

¹ MS. fo.

¹ MS. folio.

XVIII.

"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,

"It makes me happy, Sir Gawayne," says the Green Knight, "that I'll be receiving a blow from your fist; but you must promise that you'll come looking for me,

"Bigog," quod þe grene knyȝt, "sir Gawan, melykes,

"Bigog," said the green knight, "Sir Gawain, milk this,

Þat I schal fange at þy fust þat I haf frayst here;

392

& þou hatȝ redily rehersed, bi resoun ful trwe,

& þou hast readily recounted, by reasoning truly,

Clanly al þe couenaunt þat I þe kynge asked,

Clanly all the covenant that I the king asked,

Saf þat þou schal siker me, segge, bi þi trawþe,

Þat þou schal seche me þi-self, where-so þou hopes

396

I may be funde vpon folde, & foch þe such wages

I may be found on the field, and receive such wages.

to receive the blow in return."

"to get hit back."

As þou deles me to day, bifore þis douþe ryche."

As you share with me today, before this rich crowd.

"Where shall I seek thee?" says Sir Gawayne;

"Where should I look for you?" says Sir Gawayne;

"Where schulde I wale þe," quod Gauan, "where is þy place?

"Where should I choose you," said Gawain, "where is your place?

I wot neuer where þou wonyes, bi hym þat me wroȝt,

I don't know where you live, by him who created me,

400

Ne I know not þe, knyȝt, þy cort, ne þi name.

Ne I know not thee, knight, thy court, nor thy name.

"tell me thy name and abode and I will find thee."

"Tell me your name and where you live, and I will find you."

Bot teche me truly þer-to, & telle me howe þou hattes,

Bot teche me truly there-to, & tell me how you are called,

& I schal ware alle my wyt to wynne me þeder,

& I shall use all my effort to bring me there,

[Fol. 96b.]

& þat I swere þe for soþe, & by my seker traweþ."

& that I swear to you for sure, & by my true faith."

404

"Þat is in-nogh in nwe ȝer, hit nedes no more,"

"That's enough for the new year, no more is needed."

Quod þe gome in þe grene to Gawan þe hende,

Quod the man in the green to Gawan the courteous,

"When thou hast smitten me," says the knight, "then tell I thee of my home and name;

"When you have struck me," says the knight, "then I will tell you about my home and name;

"ȝif I þe telle trwly, quen I þe tape haue,

"if I tell you the truth, when I have the tape,

& þou me smoþely hatȝ smyten, smartly I þe teche

& þou can hit me smoothly, I’ll teach you sharply.

408

Of my hous, & my home, & myn owen nome,

Of my house, & my home, & my own name,

Þen may þou frayst my fare, & forwardeȝ holde,

if I speak not at all, so much the better for thee.

If I don't say anything at all, that's even better for you.

& if I spende no speche, þenne spedeȝ þou þe better,

& if I spend no speech, then you do better,

For þou may leng in þy londe, & layt no fyrre,

For you may live longer in your land, and go no further,

412

bot slokes;

bot slang;

Take now thy grim tool, and let us see how thou knockest."

"Now take your grim tool, and let’s see how you knock."

Ta now þy grymme tole to þe,

& let se how þou cnokeȝ."

& let's see how you smoke.

"Gladly sir, for soþe,"

"Of course, sir."

416

Quod Gawan; his ax he strokes.

Gawan sharpens his axe.

XIX.

The Green Knight

The grene knyȝt vpon grounde grayþely hym dresses,

The green knight on the ground quickly dresses himself,

A littel lut with þe hede, þe lere he discouereȝ,

A little light with the head, the throat it uncovers,

puts his long lovely locks aside and lays bare his neck.

pushes his long beautiful hair aside and exposes his neck.

His longe louelych lokkeȝ he layd ouer his croun.

His long, lovely locks he laid over his crown.

420

Let þe naked nec to þe note schewe.

Let the naked neck show to the note.

Gauan gripped to his ax, & gederes hit on hyȝt,

Gauan gripped his axe tightly and moved forward.

Þe kay fot on þe folde he be-fore sette,

Sir Gawayne lets fall his axe

Sir Gawayne drops his axe.

Let hit doun lyȝtly lyȝt on þe naked,

Let it hit down lightly on the naked,

424

Þat þe scharp of þe schalk schyndered þe bones,

and severs the head from the body.

and cuts off the head from the body.

& schrank þurȝ þe schyire grece, & scade hit in twynne,

& schrank through the shiny grease, & split it in two,

Þat þe bit of þe broun stel bot on þe grounde.

Þat þe bit of þe brown steel but on þe grounde.

The head falls to the earth.

The head drops to the ground.

Þe fayre hede fro þe halce hit [felle] to þe erþe,

Many kick it aside with their feet.

Many push it aside with their feet.

428

Þat fele hit foyned wyth her fete, þere hit forth roled;

That thing strikes with its feet, where it rolls forth;

Þe blod brayd fro þe body, þat blykked on þe grene;

The blood sprayed from the body, that glistened on the green;

The knight never falters;

The knight never wavers;

& nawþer faltered ne fel þe freke neuer þe helder,

& neither faltered nor felt the brave one ever the bolder,

Bot styþly he start forth vpon styf schonkes,

he rushes forth, seizes his head,

he rushes in, grabs his head,

432

& ru[n]yschly he raȝt out, þere as renkkeȝ stoden,

Laȝt to his lufly hed, & lyft hit vp sone;

Laid it to his lovely head, and lifted it up soon;

& syþen boȝeȝ to his blonk, þe brydel he cachcheȝ,

& then he goes to his horse, and catches the bridle,

steps into the saddle,

gets in the saddle,

Steppeȝ in to stel bawe & strydeȝ alofte,

Step into the stable and stride up high,

holding the while the head in his hand by the hair,

holding the head by the hair in his hand,

436

& his hede by þe here in his honde haldeȝ;

& he holds his head by the hair in his hand;

& as sadly þe segge hym in his sadel sette,

&as and sadly the man himself in his saddle sat,

As non vnhap had hym ayled, þaȝ hedleȝ he¹ we[re],

in stedde;

instead;

and turns his horse about.

and turns his horse around.

440

He brayde his bluk² aboute,

He bragged about his looks,

[Fol. 97.]

Þat vgly bodi þat bledde,

That ugly body that bled,

Moni on of hym had doute,

Moni on of him had doubt,

Bi þat his resounȝ were redde.

¹ MS. ho. ² blunk (?).

XX.

444

For þe hede in his honde he haldeȝ vp euen,

For he held his head up high,

The head lifts up its eyelids,

The head lifts its eyelids,

To-ward þe derrest on þe dece he dresseȝ þe face,

To the hardest part on the deck, he arranges the face,

& hit lyfte vp þe yȝe-lyddeȝ, & loked ful brode,

& hit lifted up the eyelids, & looked very wide,

and addresses Sir Gawayne; "Look thou, be ready to go as thou hast promised,

and addresses Sir Gawayne; "Look, be ready to go as you promised,

& meled þus much with his muthe, as ȝe may now here.

& he scolded us a lot with his mouth, as ȝe can hear now.

448

"Loke, Gawan, þou be grayþe to go as þou hetteȝ,

"Loke, Gawan, you are ready to go as you promised,"

& layte as lelly til þou me, lude, fynde,

and seek till thou findest me.

and search until you find me.

As þou hatȝ hette in þis halle, herande þise knyȝtes;

As you are called in this hall, hearing these knights;

Get thee to the Green Chapel,

Head to the Green Chapel,

To þe grene chapel þou chose, I charge þe to fotte,

To the green chapel you chose, I charge you to go on foot,

452

Such a dunt as þou hatȝ dalt disserued þou habbeȝ,

Such a blow as you have dealt, you deserve to have.

there to receive a blow on New Year's morn.

there to get hit on New Year's morning.

To be ȝederly ȝolden on nw ȝeres morn;

To be gathered together on New Year's morning;

Þe knyȝt of þe grene chapel men knowen me mony;

The knight of the green chapel is known to many.

Fail thou never;

Never fail;

For-þi me forto fynde if þou fraysteȝ, fayleȝ þou neuer,

For this reason, I want to know if you’re asking, don’t fail me ever,

come, or recreant be called."

come, or be called a coward."

456

Þer-fore com, oþer recreaunt be calde þe be-houeus."

Þer-fore com, oþer recreation be called þe behouses.

With a runisch rout þe rayneȝ he torneȝ,

With a reckless crowd, he turns the reins,

The Green Knight then rushes out of the hall, his head in his hand.

The Green Knight then storms out of the hall, his head in his hand.

Halled out at þe hal-dor, his hed in his hande,

Halted at the doorway, his head in his hand,

Þat þe fyr of þe flynt flaȝe fro fole houes.

That the fire from the flint blazes from horseback.

460

To quat kyth he be-com, knwe non þere,

To quat kyth he became, knew none there,

Neuermore þen þay wyste fram queþen he watȝ wonnen;

Neuermore than they knew from when he was gone;

what þenne?

what then?

Þe kyng & Gawen þare,

The king & Gawen there,

At that green one Arthur and Gawayne "laugh and grin."

At that green one, Arthur and Gawayne "laugh and smile."

464

At þat grene þay laȝe & grenne,

At that green they lie and green.

ȝet breued watȝ hit ful bare,

A meruayl among þo menne.

A mural among the men.

XXI.

Arthur addresses the queen:

Arthur speaks to the queen:

Þaȝ Arþer þe hende kyng at hert hade wonder,

468

He let no semblaunt be sene, bot sayde ful hyȝe

He didn't let anything show, but spoke very loudly.

To þe comlych quene, wyth cortays speche,

To the lovely queen, with polite speech,

"Dear dame, be not dismayed; such marvels well become the Christmas festival;

"Dear lady, don’t be upset; such wonders are fitting for the Christmas celebration;

"Dere dame, to day demay yow neuer;

"Dare damn, today may you never;"

Wel by-commes such craft vpon cristmasse,

Wel by-comes such craft vpon cristmasse,

472

Laykyng of enterludeȝ, to laȝe & to syng.

Layking of interludes, to laugh & to sing.

Among þise, kynde caroles of knyȝteȝ & ladyeȝ;

Among these, kind songs of knights & ladies;

I may now go to meat.

I can now go to meat.

Neuer-þe-lece to my mete I may me wel dres,

For I haf sen a selly, I may not for-sake."

For I have seen a strange thing, I cannot forsake.

476

He glent vpon sir Gawen, & gaynly he sayde,

He looked at Sir Gawain and boldly said,

Sir Gawayne, hang up thine axe.

Sir Gawayne, put down your axe.

"Now sir, heng vp þyn ax, þat hatȝ in-nogh hewen."

"Now sir, pick up your axe, that it has been enough struck."

[Fol. 97b.]

& hit watȝ don abof þe dece, on doser to henge,

Þer alle men for meruayl myȝt on hit loke,

480

& bi trwe tytel þer-of to telle þe wonder.

The king and his knights sit feasting at the board till day is ended.

The king and his knights enjoy a feast at the table until the day is over.

Þenne þay boȝed to a borde þise burnes to-geder,

Þen they bowed to a table these boys together,

Þe kyng & þe gode knyȝt, & kene men hem serued

The king and the noble knight, and brave men served him.

Of alle dayntyeȝ double, as derrest myȝt falle,

Of all the delicacies, as dear as could ever be,

484

Wyth alle maner of mete & mynstralcie boþe;

With all kinds of food and music both;

Wyth wele walt þay þat day, til worþed an ende,

Wyth wele walt they that day, til worþed an end,

in londe.

in London.

Now beware, Sir Gawayne, lest thou fail to seek the adventure that thou hast taken in hand.

Now be careful, Sir Gawayne, so you don't miss the adventure you've taken on.

Now þenk wel, sir Gawan,

Now think well, Sir Gawan,

488

For woþe þat þou ne wonde,

For what you don't get,

Þis auenture forto frayn,

This adventure to find,

Þat þou hatȝ tan on honde.

[FYTTE THE SECOND.]

I.

This marvel serves to keep up a brisk conversation in Court.

This amazing invention helps to maintain a lively conversation in court.

This hanselle hatȝ Arthur of auenturus on fyrst,

This hanselle has Arthur of adventures on first,

492

In ȝonge ȝer, for he ȝerned ȝelpyng to here,

In young years, for he yearned helping to here,

Thaȝ hym wordeȝ were wane, when þay to sete wenten;

Tha t hey spoke was weak when they sat down;

Now ar þay stoken of sturne werk staf-ful her hond.

Now they are struck by the harsh work, staff in hand.

Gawan watȝ glad to be-gynne þose gomneȝ in halle,

Gawan was glad to begin those games in the hall,

496

Bot þaȝ þe ende be heuy, haf ȝe no wonder;

But though the end is heavy, you have no reason to be surprised;

For þaȝ men ben mery in mynde, quen þay han mayn drynk,

For though men be in a good mood when they have plenty to drink,

The year passes full quickly and never returns.

The year goes by fast and never comes back.

A ȝere ȝernes ful ȝerne, & ȝeldeȝ neuer lyke,

A year yearns very eagerly, & yields never like,

Þe forme to þe fynisment foldeȝ ful selden.

The way to the end rarely happens.

500

For-þi þis ȝol ouer-ȝede, & þe ȝere after,

For this year’s celebration, and the year after,

& vche sesoun serlepes sued after oþer;

After Christmas comes the "crabbed Lenten."

After Christmas comes the "difficult Lenten."

After crysten-masse com þe crabbed lentoun,

After the crystal mass comes the tricky lantern,

Þat fraysteȝ flesch wyth þe fysche & fode more symple

504

Bot þenne þe weder of þe worlde wyth wynter hit þrepeȝ,

Spring sets in and warm showers descend;

Spring arrives, bringing warm showers;

Colde clengeȝ adoun, cloudeȝ vp-lyften,

Cold swings down, clouds uplift,

Schyre schedeȝ þe rayn in schowreȝ ful warme,

Schyre sheds the rain in showers so warm,

Falleȝ vpon fayre flat, flowreȝ þere schewen,

Fallen upon fair fields, flowers there bloom,

the groves become green,

the orchards turn green,

508

Boþe groundeȝ & þe greueȝ grene ar her wedeȝ,

Booth grounds & the groves green are her weeds,

birds build and sing,

birds build nests and sing,

Bryddeȝ busken to bylde, & bremlych syngen,

for joy of the summer that follows;

for the joy of the summer that comes next;

For solace of þe softe somer þat sues þer after,

For the comfort of the gentle summer that follows,

bi bonk;

blossoms begin to bloom,

flowers start to bloom,

512

& blossumeȝ bolne to blowe,

& and blossomĕs bolden to bloom,

Bi raweȝ rych & ronk,

Be awesome, rich & cool,

and noble notes are heard in the woods

Noble sounds can be heard in the woods.

Þen noteȝ noble in-noȝe,

The noble note now.

[Fol. 98]

Ar herde in wod so wlonk.

II.

Then the soft winds of summer,

Then the gentle summer breezes,

516

After þe sesoun of somer wyth þe soft wyndeȝ,

After the season of summer with the gentle winds,

Quen ȝeferus syfleȝ hym-self on sedeȝ & erbeȝ,

beautiful are the flowers wet with dew-drops.

The flowers covered in dew drops are beautiful.

Wela-wynne is þe wort þat woxes þer-oute.

Wela-wynne is the plant that grows there.

When þe donkande dewe dropeȝ of þe leueȝ,

When the dancing dew drops from the leaves,

520

To bide a blysful blusch of þe bryȝt sunne.

To wait for a joyful blush of the bright sun.

But harvest approaches soon,

But harvest is coming soon,

Bot þen hyȝes heruest, & hardenes hym sone.

Bot then hyges heruest, & hardenes him sone.

Warneȝ hym for þe wynter to wax ful rype;

Warne him for the winter to become fully ripe;

and drives the dust about.

and kicks up the dust.

He dryues wyth droȝt þe dust for to ryse.

He drives with drought the dust to rise.

524

Fro þe face of þe folde to flyȝe ful hyȝe;

Fro the face of the ground to fly very high;

Wroþe wynde of þe welkyn wrasteleȝ with þe sunne,

Wroþe wind of the sky wrestles with the sun,

The leaves drop off the trees,

The leaves fall off the trees,

Þe leueȝ lancen fro þe lynde, & lyȝten on þe grounde,

the grass becomes gray, and all ripens and rots.

the grass turns gray, and everything ripens and decays.

& al grayes þe gres, þat grene watȝ ere;

528

Þenne al rypeȝ & roteȝ þat ros vpon fyrst,

Þenne all ripens & roots that rose upon first,

& þus ȝirneȝ þe ȝere in ȝisterdayeȝ mony,

Winter winds round again,

Winter winds are back again,

& wynter wyndeȝ aȝayn, as þe worlde askeȝ

& winter winds again, as the world asks

no sage.

no wisdom.

532

Til meȝel-mas mone,

Til meal-time moon,

Watȝ cumen wyth wynter wage;

What comes with winter wages;

and then Sir Gawayne thinks of his dread journey.

Then Sir Gawayne thinks about his terrifying journey.

Þen þenkkeȝ Gawan ful sone,

Then Gawain thinks right away,

Of his anious uyage.

Of his anxious voyage.

III.

On All-hallows day Arthur makes a feast for his nephew's sake.

On Halloween, Arthur throws a feast for his nephew.

536

Ȝet quyl al-hal-day with Arþer he lenges,

Yet while all day with Arthur he lingers,

& he made a fare on þat fest, for þe frekeȝ sake,

& he made a feast on that occasion, for the hero's sake,

With much reuel & ryche of þe rounde table;

With much revel & rich of the rounde table;

Knyȝteȝ ful cortays & comlych ladies,

540

Al for luf of þat lede in longynge þay were,

Al for love of that lead in longing they were,

Bot neuer-þe-lece ne þe later þay neuened bot merþe,

Mony ioyleȝ for þat ientyle iapeȝ þer maden.

Mony joys for that gentle jests there made.

After meat, Sir Gawayne thus speaks to his uncle:

After the meal, Sir Gawayne spoke to his uncle:

For aftter mete, with mournyng he meleȝ to his eme,

For after the meal, he went to his uncle,

544

& spekeȝ of his passage, & pertly he sayde,

& speaks of his journey, & confidently he said,

"Now, liege lord, I ask leave of you,

"Now, my lord, I seek your permission,"

"Now, lege lorde of my lyf, leue I yow ask;

"Now, dear lord of my life, I leave you with this request;

ȝe knowe þe cost of þis cace, kepe I no more

You know the cost of this case, so I won't say more.

To telle yow teneȝ þer-of neuer bot trifel;

To tell you about the tenets of it never but trivial;

for I am bound on the morn to seek the Green Knight."

"For I must leave in the morning to find the Green Knight."

548

Bot I am boun to þe bur barely to morne,

Bot I am bound to the bur barely tomorrow,

To sech þe gome of þe grene, as god wyl me wysse."

To seek the man of the green, as God will guide me.

Þenne þe best of þe burȝ boȝed to-geder,

Aywan, & Errik, & oþer ful mony,

Aywan, & Errik, & other full many,

[Fol. 98b.]

552

Sir Doddinaual de Sauage, þe duk of Clarence,

Sir Doddinaual de Sauage, the Duke of Clarence,

Launcelot, & Lyonel, & Lucan þe gode,

Launcelot, Lyonel, and the good Lucan,

Sir Boos, & sir Byduer, big men boþe,

Sir Boos, & sir Byduer, both big men

Many nobles, the best of the court, counsel and comfort him.

Many nobles, the finest from the court, advise and support him.

& mony oþer menskful, with Mador de la Port.

& many other respectful, with Mador de la Port.

556

Alle þis compayny of court com þe kyng nerre,

For to counseyl þe knyȝt, with care at her hert;

For to counsel the knight, with care at her heart;

Much sorrow prevails in the hall.

There is a lot of sadness in the hall.

Þere watȝ much derue¹ doel driuen in þe sale,

Þere watȝ much derue doel driuen in þe sale,

Þat so worthe as Wawan schulde wende on þat ernde,

560

To dryȝe a delful dynt, & dele no more

To strike a sorrowful blow and not deal any more.

wyth bronde.

with blonde.

Þe knyȝt mad ay god chere,

The knight always made a good impression,

& sayde, "quat schuld I wonde,

& said, "What should I wonder,

Gawayne declares that he has nothing to fear.

Gawayne states that he has nothing to worry about.

564

Of destines derf & dere,

Of fates fair & fine,

What may mon do bot fonde?"

What can a monk do but pray?

¹ derne (?).

derne (?).

IV.

On the morn he asks for his arms.

In the morning, he asks for his weapons.

He dowelleȝ þer al þat day, and dresseȝ on þe morn,

He stayed there all day and got ready in the morning,

Askeȝ erly hys armeȝ, & alle were þay broȝt

Aske early his arms, and all were they brought

A carpet is spread on the floor,

A rug is laid out on the floor,

568

Fyrst a tule tapit, tyȝt ouer þe flet,

& miche watȝ þe gyld gere þat glent þer alofte;

and he steps thereon.

and he steps on it.

Þe stif mon steppeȝ þeron, & þe stel hondoleȝ,

Þe stiff man steps there, & the still hand holds,

He is dubbed in a doublet of Tarsic silk, and a well-made hood.

He is dressed in a doublet made of Tarsic silk and a nicely made hood.

Dubbed in a dublet of a dere tars,

Dubbed in a doublet of a dear tear,

572

& syþen a crafty capados, closed aloft,

& then a skilled cloak, closed above,

Þat wyth a bryȝt blaunner was bounden with-inne;

They set steel slices on his feet, and lap his legs in steel greaves.

They placed steel plates on his feet and wrapped his legs in steel greaves.

Þenne set þay þe sabatounȝ vpon þe segge foteȝ,

His legeȝ lapped in stel with luflych greueȝ,

His legs wrapped in steel with lovely greaves,

576

With polayneȝ piched þer-to, policed ful clene,

With polished planes picked there, cleaned up completely,

Aboute his kneȝ knaged wyth knoteȝ of golde;

Abou his knee jagged with knots of gold;

Fair cuisses enclose his thighs,

Fair thighs enclose his thighs,

Queme quyssewes þen, þat coyntlych closed

Queme quyssewes then, that cleverly closed

His thik þrawen þyȝeȝ with þwonges to-tachched;

His thick brow furrowed with tension;

and afterwards they put on the steel habergeon,

and afterward they put on the steel hauberk,

580

& syþen þe brawden bryne of bryȝt stel ryngeȝ,

& then the broad fire of bright steel rings,

Vmbe-weued þat wyȝ, vpon wlonk stuffe;

well-burnished braces, elbow pieces, and gloves of plate.

well-polished braces, elbow guards, and plate gloves.

& wel bornyst brace vpon his boþe armes,

& well born, brace upon his both arms,

With gode cowters & gay, & gloueȝ of plate,

With good counters & bright, & plated gloves,

584

& alle þe godlych gere þat hym gayn schulde

& all the godly gear that they should gain

Þat tyde;

That’s cool;

Over all this is placed the coat armour.

Above all of this is the coat of arms.

Wyth ryche cote armure,

With rich armor,

His spurs are then fixed,

His spurs are now attached,

His gold sporeȝ spend with pryde,

His gold spores spend with pride,

and his sword is attached to his side by a silken girdle.

and his sword is fastened to his side by a silk belt.

588

Gurde wyth a bront ful sure,

Gurde with a strong vibe,

With silk sayn vmbe his syde.

With silk, save him his side.

V.

[Fol. 99a.]
Thus arrayed the knight hears mass,

[Fol. 99a.]
Dressed like this, the knight hears mass,

When he watȝ hasped in armes, his harnays watȝ ryche,

When he was strapped in armor, his gear was rich,

Þe lest lachet ou[þ]er loupe lemed of golde;

Þe lest lachet ouþer loupe lemed of golde;

592

So harnayst as he watȝ he herkneȝ his masse,

So as he was, he listened to his mass,

Offred & honoured at þe heȝe auter;

Offred & honored at the high altar;

and afterwards takes leave of Arthur and his court.

and afterwards says goodbye to Arthur and his court.

Syþen he comeȝ to þe kyng & to his cort fereȝ,

Sythen he comes to the king and to his court gather,

Lacheȝ lufly his leue at lordeȝ & ladyeȝ;

Lache loves his dear ones among lords and ladies;

596

& þay hym kyst & conueyed, bikende hym to kryst.

& they kissed him & conveyed, acknowledging him to Christ.

By that time his horse Gringolet was ready,

By then, his horse Gringolet was ready,

Bi þat watȝ Gryngolet grayth, & gurde with a sadel,

Þat glemed ful gayly with mony golde frenges,

Þat gleamed very brightly with many gold fringes,

Ay quere naylet ful nwe for þat note ryched;

Ay quere naylet ful nwe for that note ryched;

600

Þe brydel barred aboute, with bryȝt golde bounden;

Þe brydel barred about, with bright gold bounden;

the harness of which glittered like the "gleam of the sun."

the harness of which shone like the "glimmer of the sun."

Þe apparayl of þe payttrure, & of þe proude skyrteȝ,

The outfit of the painter, and of the proud skirts,

Þe cropore, & þe couertor, acorded wyth þe arsouneȝ;

Þe cropore, & the couertor, agreed with the arsouneȝ;

& al watȝ rayled on red ryche golde nayleȝ,

& all that was adorned with bright rich golden nails,

604

Þat al glytered & glent as glem of þe sunne.

That all sparkled and shone like the rays of the sun.

Then Sir Gawayne sets his helmet upon his head,

Then Sir Gawain puts his helmet on his head,

Þenne hentes he þe holme, & hastily hit kysses,

Þat watȝ stapled stifly, & stoffed wyth-inne:

Hit watȝ hyȝe on his hede, hasped bihynde,

fastened behind with a "urisoun,"

608

Wyth a lyȝtli vrysoun ouer þe auentayle,

With a light version over the aventail,

richly embroidered with gems.

richly embellished with gems.

Enbrawden & bounden wyth þe best gemmeȝ,

Enbrawden & bound with the best gems,

On brode sylkyn borde, & bryddeȝ on semeȝ,

On a broad silk surface, and birds on the seams,

As papiayeȝ paynted pernyng bitwene,

As papayas painted speckled patterns,

612

Tortors & trulofeȝ entayled so þyk,

As mony burde þer aboute had ben seuen wynter

As many people around there had been seven winters

in toune;

in tune

The circle around the helmet was decked with diamonds.

The ring around the helmet was adorned with diamonds.

Þe cercle watȝ more o prys,

616

Þat vmbe-clypped hys croun,

That woman kissed his crown,

Of diamaunteȝ a deuys,

Of diamonds a device,

Þat boþe were bryȝt & broun.

That both were bright and brown.

VI.

Then they show him his shield with the "pentangle" of pure gold.

Then they show him his shield with the "pentangle" made of pure gold.

Then þay schewed hym þe schelde, þat was of schyr gouleȝ,

Then they showed him the shield, which was of bright gold,

620

Wyth þe pentangel de-paynt of pure golde hweȝ;

Wyth the pentangle painted in pure gold hue;

He braydeȝ hit by þe baude-ryk, aboute þe hals kestes,

He grabs it by the collar, around the neck.

Þat bisemed þe segge semlyly fayre.

That suited the man very well.

The "pentangle" was devised by Solomon as a token of truth.

The "pentangle" was created by Solomon as a symbol of truth.

& quy þe pentangel apendeȝ to þat prynce noble,

& the pentangle belongs to that noble prince,

624

I am in tent yow to telle, þof tary hyt me schulde;

I intend to tell you, even if it takes me some time;

Hit is a syngne þat Salamon set sum-quyle,

Hit is a sign that Solomon established sometime,

In bytoknyng of trawþe, bi tytle þat hit habbeȝ,

I bytoknyg of trawþe, bi tytle þat hit habbeȝ,

[Fol. 99b]

For hit is a figure þat haldeȝ fyue poynteȝ,

For it is a figure that holds five points,

628

& vche lyne vmbe-lappeȝ & loukeȝ in oþer,

It is called the endless knot

It's known as the endless knot.

& ay quere hit is endeleȝ,¹ & Englych hit callen

& ay quere hit is endless,¹ & English it

Ouer-al, as I here, þe endeles knot.

Ouer-al, as I here, þe endles knot.

For-þy hit acordeȝ to þis knyȝt, & to his cler armeȝ,

For this knight, and for his clear arms,

632

For ay faythful in fyue & sere fyue syþeȝ,

For every faithful in five and several five times,

It well becomes the good Sir Gawayne,

It suits the noble Sir Gawayne well,

Gawan watȝ for gode knawen, & as golde pured,

Gawan waits for good to be known, and as pure gold,

Voyded of vche vylany, wyth vertueȝ² ennourned

Voided of that wickedness, with virtues adorned

in mote;

in a bit;

636

For-þy þe pen-tangel nwe

For the new pentangle

He ber in schelde & cote,

He wears a coat and hat,

a knight the truest of speech and the fairest of form.

a knight with the most honest words and the most handsome appearance.

As tulk of tale most trwe,

As talk of story most true,

& gentylest knyȝt of lote.

& gentle knight of lot.

¹ MS emdeleȝ. ² MS verertueȝ

¹ MS emdeleȝ. ² MS virtues

VII.

He was found faultless in his five wits.

He was considered flawless in his five senses.

640

Fyrst he watȝ funden fautleȝ in his fyue wytteȝ,

Fyrst he was found faultless in his five senses,

& efte fayled neuer þe freke in his fyue fyngres,

His trust was in the five wounds.

He placed his trust in the five wounds.

& alle his afyaunce vpon folde watȝ in þe fyue woundeȝ

& all his affiance upon fold was in the five wounds

Þat Cryst kaȝt on þe croys, as þe crede telleȝ;

That Christ hung on the cross, as the creed says;

644

& quere-so-euer þys mon in melly watȝ stad,

His þro þoȝt watȝ in þat, þurȝ alle oþer þyngeȝ,

His thought was in that, through all other things,

Þat alle his forsnes he fong at þe fyue ioyeȝ,

Þat þe hende heuen quene had of hir chylde;

That the gracious queen of heaven had of her child;

648

At þis cause þe knyȝt comlyche hade

At this cause the knight had a handsome appearance

The image of the Virgin was depicted upon his shield.

The image of the Virgin was shown on his shield.

In þe more half of his schelde hir ymage depaynted,

In the upper half of his shield, her image painted,

Þat quen he blusched þerto, his belde neuer payred.

That when he blushed at it, his belt never seemed to be tightened.

Þe fyrst¹ fyue þat I finde þat þe frek vsed,

652

Watȝ fraunchyse, & felaȝschyp for-be² al þyng;

In cleanness and courtesy he was never found wanting,

He was always clean and polite.

His clannes & his cortaysye croked were neuer,

His kindness and his courtesy were never crooked,

& pite, þat passeȝ alle poynteȝ, þyse pure fyue

&p pite, that passes all points, these pure five

Were harder happed on þat haþel þen on any oþer.

Were harder happened on that hero than on any other.

656

Now alle þese fyue syþeȝ, forsoþe, were fetled on þis knyȝt,

Now all these five times, indeed, were marked on this knight,

& vchone halched in oþer, þat non ende hade,

& vchone halched in other, that no end had,

& fyched vpon fyue poynteȝ, þat fayld neuer,

& fyched vpon five points, that never,

Ne samned neuer in no syde, ne sundred nouþ[er],

660

With-outen ende at any noke [a]i quere fynde,

With-outen and at any noke [a]i quere fynde,

Where-euer þe gomen bygan, or glod to an ende.

Wherever the game starts, or comes to an end.

therefore was the endless knot fastened on his shield.

So, the endless knot was secured to his shield.

Þer-fore on his schene schelde schapen watȝ þe knot,

Þer-fore on his beautiful shield was the knot designed,

Þus alle wyth red golde vpon rede gowleȝ,

[Fol. 100]

664

Þat is þe pure pentaungel wyth þe peple called,

That is the pure pentagon with the people called,

with lore.

Now grayþed is Gawan gay,

Now Gawan is feeling great,

Sir Gawayne seizes his lance and bids all "good day."

Sir Gawayne grabs his lance and says everyone "good day."

& laȝt his launce ryȝt þore,

668

& gef hem alle goud day,

& gave him all gold day,

He wende for euer more.

He went forever more.

¹ MS fyft. ² for-bi (?).

¹ MS ff. ² for-by (?).

VIII.

He spurs his horse and goes on his way.

He urges his horse and continues on his journey.

He sperred þe sted with þe spureȝ, & sprong on his way,

He urged the horse with the spurs and jumped on his way,

So stif þat þe ston fyr stroke out þer-after;

So stiff that the stone fire struck out afterward;

All that saw that seemly one mourned in their hearts.

Everyone who saw that beautiful person felt sad in their hearts.

672

Al þat seȝ þat semly syked in hert,

& sayde soþly al same segges til oþer,

& said truly all the same fellows to each other,

Carande for þat comly, "bi Kryst, hit is scaþe,

Carande for that beautiful, "by Christ, it is a shame,

Þat þou, leude, schal be lost, þat art of lyf noble!

That you, people, shall be lost, that art of life noble!

They declared that his equal was not to be found upon earth.

They stated that no one on earth could compare to him.

676

To fynde hys fere vpon folde, in fayth is not eþe;

To find his companion in the world, in faith is not easy;

Warloker to haf wroȝt had more wyt bene,

Warloker to have worked had more wisdom been,

& haf dyȝt ȝonder dere a duk to haue worþed;

& have that under there a duke to have valued;

It would have been better for him to have been a leader of men,

It would have been better for him to be a leader of people,

A lowande leder of ledeȝ in londe hym wel semeȝ,

A lowly leader of leaders in the land seems to suit him well,

680

& so had better haf ben þen britned to noȝt,

than to die by the hands of "an elvish man."

than to die at the hands of "an elvish man."

Hadet wyth an aluisch mon, for angardeȝ pryde.

Had it with an arrogant man, for annoying pride.

Who knew euer any kyng such counsel to take,

Who knew to take such advice from any king,

As knyȝteȝ in cauelounȝ on cryst-masse gomneȝ!"

As knights in carillons on Christmas gather!

Much was the warm water that poured from eyes that day.

There were many tears that flowed that day.

684

Wel much watȝ þe warme water þat waltered of yȝen,

When þat semly syre soȝt fro þo woneȝ

When that noble lord left from the homes

þat¹ daye;

that day;

He made non abode,

He made no home,

688

Bot wyȝtly went hys way,

Bot wisely went his way,

Meanwhile many a weary way goes Sir Gawayne.

Meanwhile, many a tired road is traveled by Sir Gawayne.

Mony wylsum way he rode,

Money will soon be gone,

Þe bok as I herde say.

¹ MS. þad.

¹ MS. that.

IX.

Now rides the knight through the realms of England.

Now rides the knight through the lands of England.

Now rideȝ þis renk þurȝ þe ryalme of Logres,

Now rides this knight through the realm of Logres,

692

Sir Gauan on Godeȝ halue, þaȝ hym no gomen þoȝt;

Oft, leudleȝ alone, he lengeȝ on nyȝteȝ,

Oft, lewdly alone, he lies awake at night,

Þer he fonde noȝt hym byfore þe fare þat he lyked;

Þer he found nothing like him before the journey that he liked;

He has no companion but his horse.

He has no companion except for his horse.

Hade he no fere bot his fole, bi frytheȝ & douneȝ,

Hade he no friend but his horse, by woods & hills,

696

Ne no gome bot God, bi gate wyth to karp,

No men does he see till he approaches North Wales.

He doesn't see any men until he gets close to North Wales.

Til þat he neȝed ful noghe¹ in to þe Norþe Waleȝ;

Til that he neared far enough into the North Welsh;

Alle þe iles of Anglesay on lyft half he haldeȝ,

Alle the isles of Anglesey on the left side he holds,

& fareȝ ouer þe fordeȝ by þe for-londeȝ,

From Holyhead he passes into Wirral.

He travels from Holyhead to Wirral.

700

Ouer at þe Holy-Hede, til he hade eft bonk

In þe wyldrenesse of Wyrale; wonde þer bot lyte

In the wilderness of Wyrale; stayed there but a little

[Fol. 100b]
There he finds but few that loved God or man.

[Fol. 100b]
There he finds very few who loved God or others.

Þat auþer God oþer gome wyth goud hert louied.

& ay he frayned, as he ferde, at frekeȝ þat he met,

He enquires after the Green Knight of the Green Chapel,

He asks about the Green Knight of the Green Chapel,

704

If þay hade herde any karp of a knyȝt grene,

If they had heard any talk of a green knight,

In any grounde þer-aboute, of þe grene chapel;²

In any area around the green chapel;²

& al nykked hym wyth nay, þat neuer in her lyue

but can gain no tidings of him.

but can find out nothing about him.

Þay seȝe neuer no segge þat watȝ of suche hweȝ

708

of grene.

of green.

Þe knyȝt tok gates straunge,

The knight took strange gates,

In mony a bonk vnbene,

In many a bank dividend,

His cheer oft changed before he found the Chapel.

His mood often changed before he found the Chapel.

His cher ful oft con chaunge,

His cheerfulness often changes.

712

Þat chapel er he myȝt sene.

¹ nyghe (?). ² MS. clapel.

¹ nighte (?). ² MS. chapel.

X.

Many a cliff he climbed over;

He climbed over many cliffs;

Mony klyf he ouer-clambe in contrayeȝ straunge,

Mony cliff he over-clamber in country strange,

Fer floten fro his frendeȝ fremedly he rydeȝ;

Fer floten from his friends, he rides away.

many a ford and stream he crossed, and everywhere he found a foe.

He crossed many fords and streams, and everywhere he found an enemy.

At vche warþe oþer water þer þe wyȝe passed,

At the edge of the other water where the man passed,

716

He fonde a foo hym byfore, bot ferly hit were,

He found a foe him before, but it was strange.

& þat so foule & so felle, þat feȝt hym by-hode;

& that so foul & so fierce, that fight him by-head;

It were too tedious to tell the tenth part of his adventures

It would be too boring to share even a tenth of his adventures.

So mony meruayl hi mount þer þe mon fyndeȝ,

So many people find joy in the world,

Hit were to tore for to telle of þe tenþe dole.

with serpents, wolves, and wild men;

with snakes, wolves, and wild men;

720

Sumwhyle wyth wormeȝ he werreȝ, & with wolues als,

Sumwhyle with worms he battled, and with wolves too,

Sumwhyle wyth wodwos, þat woned in þe knarreȝ,

Sumwhyle with woodwos, that lived in the knarreȝ,

with bulls, bears, and boars.

with bulls, bears, and wild boars.

Boþe wyth bulleȝ & bereȝ, & boreȝ oþer-quyle,

Booth with bullets & bears, & boars other-why,

& etayneȝ, þat hym a-nelede, of þe heȝe felle;

Had he not been both brave and good, doubtless he had been dead.

If he hadn't been both brave and kind, he would definitely be dead.

724

Nade he ben duȝty & dryȝe, & dryȝtyn had serued,

Nade he been duty and dry, and dryness had served,

Douteles he hade ben ded, & dreped ful ofte.

Doubtless he had been dead, and killed many times.

The sharp winter was far worse than any war that ever troubled him.

The harsh winter was much worse than any war he had ever faced.

For werre wrathed hym not so much, þat wynter was wors,

For war didn't bother him so much, that winter was worse,

When þe colde cler water fro þe cloudeȝ schadden,

When the cold clear water fell from the clouds,

728

& fres er hit falle myȝt to þe fale erþe;

& fresher it might fall to the pale earth;

Ner slayn wyth þe slete he sleped in his yrnes,

Ner slain with the sleet he slept in his ears,

Mo nyȝteȝ þen in-noghe in naked rokkeȝ,

Þer as claterande fro þe crest þe colde borne renneȝ,

Þer as clattering from the crest the cold air runs,

732

& henged heȝe ouer his hede in hard ÿsse-ikkles.

& he hung over his head in hard yoke-ickles.

Thus in peril he travels till Christmas-eve.

So he travels in danger until Christmas Eve.

Þus in peryl, & payne, & plytes ful harde,

Bi contray caryeȝ þis knyȝt, tyl kryst-masse euen,

al one;

736

Þe knyȝt wel þat tyde,

The knight well that time,

To the Virgin Mary he prays to guide him to some abode.

He prays to the Virgin Mary to lead him to a place to stay.

To Mary made his mone.

To Mary made his money.

Þat ho hym red to ryde,

That woman rode to ride,

[Fol. 101.]

& wysse hym to sum wone.

& and showed him to some one.

XI.

On the morn Sir Gawayne finds himself in a deep forest,

In the morning, Sir Gawayne finds himself in a deep forest,

740

Bi a mounte on þe morne meryly he rydes,

Into a forest ful dep, þat ferly watȝ wylde,

Into a deep forest, that was truly wild,

Hiȝe hilleȝ on vche a halue, & holt wodeȝ vnder,

Hi℗h hills on each side, and thick woods below,

where were old oaks many a hundred.

where there were old oaks for many hundreds of years.

Of hore okeȝ fill hoge a hundreth to-geder;

Of water wells fill high a hundred together;

744

Þe hasel & þe haȝ-þorne were harled al samen,

The hazel and the hawthorn were all gathered together,

With roȝe raged mosse rayled ay-where,

With rose raging, moss spread everywhere,

Many sad birds upon bare twigs piped piteously for the cold.

Many sorrowful birds on bare branches chirped sadly for the cold.

With mony bryddeȝ vnblyþe vpon bare twyges,

With many birds unceremoniously perched on bare twigs,

Þat pitosly þer piped for pyne of þe colde.

Þat pitifully there piped for pain of the cold.

748

Þe gome vpon Gryngolet glydeȝ hem vnder,

Þe gome vpon Gryngolet glides them under,

Through many a mire he goes, that he may celebrate the birth of Christ.

He goes through many challenges to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Þurȝ mony misy & myre, mon al hym one,

Carande for his costes, lest he ne keuer schulde,

Carande for his costs, so that he wouldn’t have to struggle.

To se þe seruy¹ of þat syre, þat on þat self nyȝt

To see the service of that lord, that on that very night

752

Of a burde watȝ borne, oure baret to quelle;

Of a burden we were born, our heads held high;

He beseeches the Virgin Mary to direct him to some lodging where he may hear mass.

He asks the Virgin Mary to lead him to a place where he can attend mass.

& þerfore sykyng he sayde, "I be-seche þe, lorde,

& therefore sighing he said, "I beg you, lord,

& Mary, þat is myldest moder so dere.

& Mary, that is my dearest gentle mother.

Of sum herber, þer heȝly I myȝt here masse.

Of summer, there hardly I might hear mass.

756

Ande þy matyneȝ to-morne, mekely I ask,

And for the food tomorrow morning, I kindly ask,

& þer-to prestly I pray my pater & aue,

& crede."

& believe."

He rode in his prayere,

He rode in his prayer,

760

& cryed for his mysdede,

& cried for his missed,

Blessing himself, he says, "Cross of Christ, speed me!"

He blesses himself and says, "Cross of Christ, guide me!"

He sayned hym in syþes sere,

He signed him in several ways,

& sayde "cros Kryst me spede!"

& said "cross Christ, may it go well!"

¹ seruyce (?).

seruyce (?).

XII.

Scarcely had he blessed himself thrice

He had barely blessed himself three times.

Nade he sayned hym-self, segge, bot þrye,

Nade he signed himself, saying, but three,

764

Er he watȝ war in þe wod of a won in a mote.

when he saw a dwelling in the wood, set on a hill,

When he spotted a house in the woods, situated on a hill,

Abof a launde, on a lawe, loken vnder boȝeȝ,

Abof a laund, on a lawn, looking under bushes,

Of mony borelych bole, aboute bi þe diches;

Of many painful boils, around by the ditches;

the comeliest castle that knight ever owned.

the most beautiful castle that any knight has ever owned.

A castel þe comlokest þat euer knyȝt aȝte,

A castle that the most handsome knight ever had,

768

Pyched on a prayere, a park al aboute,

Pyched on a prayer, a park all around,

With a pyked palays, pyned ful þik,

With a spiked coat, pinned very thick,

Þat vmbe-teȝe mony tre mo þen two myle.

Þat holde on þat on syde þe haþel auysed,

It shone as the sun through the bright oaks.

It glowed like the sun shining through the bright oaks.

772

As hit schemered & schon þurȝ þe schyre okeȝ;

As he plotted and schemed through the shiny oaks;

Þenne hatȝ he hendly of his helme, & heȝly he þonkeȝ

Þenne takes off his helmet politely, & he sincerely thanks.

Iesus & say[nt] Gilyan, þat gentyle ar boþe,

Iesus & Saint Gilyan, that gentle are both,

[Fol. 101b.]

Þat cortaysly hade hym kydde, & his cry herkened.

That courteously had him known, & his cry heard.

776

"Now bone hostel," coþe þe burne, "I be-seche yow ȝette!"

"Now, bone host," said the man, "I beg you still!"

Þenne gedereȝ he to Gryngolet with þe gilt heleȝ,

Þenne gathered he to Gryngolet with the gilt heleȝ,

Sir Gawayne goes to the chief gate,

Sir Gawayne goes to the main gate,

& he ful chauncely hatȝ chosen to þe chef gate,

& he has boldly chosen the main gate,

Þat broȝt bremly þe burne to þe bryge ende,

Þat brought loudly the man to the bridge end,

780

in haste;

in a hurry;

and finds the draw-bridge raised, and the gates shut fast.

and sees the drawbridge raised, with the gates locked tight.

Þe bryge watȝ breme vp-brayde,

The bridge was fiercely raised,

Þe ȝateȝ wer stoken faste,

The gates were shut tight,

Þe walleȝ were wel arayed,

The walls were well decorated,

784

Hit dut no wyndeȝ blaste.

Hit does not blow wind.

XIII.

The knight abides on the bank,

The knight waits on the riverbank,

Þe burne bode on bonk, þat on blonk houed,

Of þe depe double dich þat drof to þe place,

Of the deep double ditch that led to the place,

Þe walle wod in þe water wonderly depe,

Þe walle wood in the water wonderfully deep,

and observes the "huge height,"

and notes the "huge height,"

788

Ande eft a ful huge heȝt hit haled vpon lofte,

And after, a very tall height it held upon the loft,

Of harde hewen ston vp to þe tableȝ,

Of hard-hewn stone up to the tables,

with its battlements and watch towers.

with its battlements and watchtowers.

Enbaned vnder þe abataylment, in þe best lawe;

Enclosed under the abatement, in the best law;

& syþen garyteȝ ful gaye gered bi-twene,

792

Wyth mony luflych loupe, þat louked ful clene;

Wyth many lovely loops, that looked very neat;

A better barbican þat burne blusched vpon neuer;

A better barbican that burned brightly upon never;

& innermore he be-helde þat halle ful hyȝe,

Bright and long were its round towers,

Bright and tall were its round towers,

Towre telded bytwene trochet ful þik,

Towre spoke among thick trouts.

796

Fayre fylyoleȝ þat fyȝed, & ferlyly long,

with their well-made capitals.

with their well-designed capitals.

With coruon coprounes, craftyly sleȝe;

With crowns, cleverly slick;

Chalk whyt chymnees þer ches he in-noȝe,

Chalk white chemneys there choose he in-noge,

Vpon bastel roueȝ, þat blenked ful quyte;

Vpon bastel wheels, that shone very bright;

800

So mony pynakle payntet watȝ poudred ay quere,

So many painted panels were covered in dust,

Among þe castel carneleȝ, clambred so þik,

Among the castle's carnage, climbed so thick,

Þat pared out of papure purely hit semed.

He thinks it fair enough if he might only come within the cloister.

He thinks it's reasonable if he can only enter the cloister.

Þe fre freke on þe fole hit fayr in-n[o]ghe þoȝt,

Þe fre freke on þe fole hit fayr inn-noge þoȝt,

804

If he myȝt keuer to com þe cloyster wyth-inne,

If he might have the opportunity to come to the cloister within,

To herber in þat hostel, whyl halyday lested

To stay in that hostel while the holiday lasted

auinant;

He calls, and soon there comes a porter to know the knight's errand.

He calls, and soon a porter arrives to find out the knight's purpose.

He calde, & sone þer com

He called, and soon there came.

808

A porter pure plesaunt,

A porter pure pleasure,

On þe wal his ernd he nome,

On the wall, he took his errand,

& haylsed þe knyȝt erraunt.

& haylsed the knight errant.

XIV.

"Good sir," says Gawayne, "ask the high lord of this house to grant me a lodging."

"Good sir," Gawayne says, "please ask the high lord of this house to offer me a place to stay."

"Gode sir," quod Gawan, "woldeȝ þou go myn ernde,

"Gentle sir," said Gawain, "would you go my errand,"

812

To þe heȝ lorde of þis hous, herber to craue?"

To the high lord of this house, seeking shelter?

[Fol. 102.]

"ȝe, Peter," quod þe porter, "& purely I trowe,¹

"Yes, Peter," said the porter, "and honestly, I believe,"

"You are welcome to dwell here as long as you like," replied the porter.

"You can stay here as long as you want," replied the porter.

Þat ȝe be, wyȝe, welcum to won quyle yow lykeȝ."

Þat ȝe be, wyȝe, welcum to won quyle yow lykeȝ.

Þen ȝede þat wyȝe aȝayn awyþe,

The woman turned away.

816

& folke frely hym wyth, to fonge þe knyȝt;

& folk freely him with, to receive the knight;

The draw-bridge is let down,

The drawbridge is lowered,

Þay let doun þe grete draȝt, & derely out ȝeden,

Þay let down the great draft, & derely out yeden,

& kneled doun on her knes vpon þe colde erþe,

& knelt down on her knees upon the cold earth,

To welcum þis ilk wyȝ, as worþy hom þoȝt;

To welcome this guy, as worthy as he thought;

and the gate is opened wide to receive him.

and the gate is wide open to welcome him.

820

Þay ȝolden hym þe brode ȝate, ȝarked vp wyde,

& he hem raysed rekenly, & rod ouer þe brygge;

& he brought up the reins, & rode over the bridge;

Sere seggeȝ hym sesed by sadel, quel² he lyȝt,

His horse is well stabled.

His horse is well taken care of.

& syþen stabeled his stede stif men in-noȝe.

& then he secured his horse firmly in place.

Knights and squires bring Gawayne into the hall.

824

Knyȝteȝ & swyereȝ comen doun þenne,

Knights & swears come down then,

For to bryng þis burne³ wyth blys in-to halle;

For bringing this boy with joy into the hall;

Many a one hastens to take his helmet and sword.

Many people rush to grab their helmet and sword.

Quen he hef vp his helme, þer hiȝed in-noghe

Quen he has up his helmet, there he hurried enough

For to hent hit at his honde, þe hende to seruen,

For to take it in his hand, to serve it well,

828

His bronde & his blasoun boþe þay token.

His brown and his blue both they took.

Þen haylsed he ful hendly þo haþeleȝ vch one,

Þen he greeted each one of them very kindly,

& mony proud mon þer presed, þat prynce to honour;

& many proud men pressed, that prince to honor;

Alle hasped in his heȝ wede to halle þay hym wonnen,

Alle hasped in his high garment to hall they him wonnen,

832

Þer fayre fyre vpon flet fersly brenned.

The lord of the country bids him welcome,

The lord of the land welcomes him,

Þenne þe lorde of þe lede louteȝ fro his chambre,

Þen þe lord of þe lede lets out from his chamber,

For to mete wyth menske þe mon on þe flor;

For to measure with kindness the man on the floor;

He sayde, "ȝe ar welcum to welde as yow lykeȝ,

He said, "You are welcome to do as you please,

836

Þat here is, al is yowre awen, to haue at yowre wylle

That here is, all is your own, to have at your will.

& welde."

"Graunt mercy," quod Gawayn,

"Gimme mercy," said Gawayn,

"Þer Kryst hit yow for-ȝelde,"

"Christ repay you for it,"

and they embrace each other.

and they hug each other.

840

As frekeȝ þat semed fayn,

As it seemed joyful,

Ayþer oþer in armeȝ con felde.

Aether other in arms confield.

¹ trowoe, MS. ² quyle (?) or quen (?). ³ buurne, MS.

XV.

Gawayne looks on his host;

Gawayne watches his host;

Gawayn glyȝt on þe gome þat godly hym gret,

Gawain greeted the man who greeted him warmly,

a big bold one he seemed.

He seemed quite big and bold.

& þuȝt hit a bolde burne þat þe burȝ aȝte,

844

A hoge haþel for þe noneȝ, & of hyghe elde;¹

A high noble for the afternoon, and of advanced age;

Beaver-hued was his broad beard,

His broad beard was beaver-colored,

Brode bryȝt watȝ his berde, & al beuer hwed,

Brode bright what his beard, & all beuer head,

Sturne stif on þe stryþþe on stal-worth schonkeȝ,

Sturne stiff on the strength in sturdy benches,

and his face as "fell as the fire."

and his face as "grim as the fire."

Felle face as þe fyre, & fre of hys speche;

Fierce face like the fire, and free in his speech;

848

& wel hym semed for soþe, as þe segge þuȝt,

& well hem seemed for sure, as the man thought,

To lede a lortschyp in lee of leudeȝ ful gode.

To lead a ship in the face of strong winds is quite challenging.

[Fol. 102b.]
The lord leads Gawayne to a chamber, and assigns him a page to wait upon him.

[Fol. 102b.]
The lord takes Gawayne to a room and assigns him a page to serve him.

Þe lorde hym charred to a chambre, & chefly cumaundeȝ²

The lord hurried to a chamber, and especially commanded

To delyuer hym a leude, hym loȝly to serue;

To deliver him a person, him gladly to serve;

852

& þere were boun at his bode burneȝ in-noȝe,

In this bright bower was noble bedding;

In this bright alcove was luxurious bedding;

Þat broȝt hym to a bryȝt boure, þer beddyng watȝ noble,

That brought him to a bright chamber, where the bedding was noble,

Of cortynes of clene sylk, wyth cler golde hemmeȝ,

Of curtains made of clean silk, with clear gold hemming,

the curtains were of pure silk with golden hems;

The curtains were made of pure silk with gold edges;

& couertoreȝ ful curious, with comlych paneȝ,

& couertoreȝ very interesting, with beautiful panels,

856

Of bryȝt blaunnier a-boue enbrawded bisydeȝ,

Of bright banners above embroidered beside,

Rudeleȝ rennande on ropeȝ, red golde ryngeȝ,

Rudelements hanging on ropes, red gold rings,

Tarsic tapestries covered the walls and the floor.

Tarsic tapestries decorated the walls and the floor.

Tapyteȝ tyȝt to þe woȝe, of tuly & tars,

Tightly bound to the woods, of tulle and tars,

& vnder fete, on þe flet, of folȝande sute.

& under feet, on the flat, of following suit.

Here the knight doffed his armour,

Here, the knight took off his armor,

860

Þer he watȝ dispoyled, wyth specheȝ of myerþe,

Þe burn of his bruny, & of his bryȝt wedeȝ;

Þe burn of his armor, & of his bright clothes;

and put on rich robes,

and wear fancy clothes,

Ryche robes ful rad renkkeȝ hem³ broȝten,

Ryche robes all red adorned them³ brought,

For to charge, & to chaunge, & chose of þe best.

For to charge, & to change, & choose the best.

864

Sone as he on hent, & happed þer-inne,

Sone as he caught it, & happened to be in it,

Þat sete on hym⁴ semly, wyth saylande skyrteȝ,

which well became him.

which suited him well.

Þe ver by his uisage verayly hit semed

The way he behaved, it truly seemed so.

Wel neȝ to vche haþel alle on hwes,

868

Lowande & lufly, alle his lymmeȝ vnder,

Lowande & lufly, all his limbs under,

A more comely knight Christ never made.

Christ never made a more handsome knight.

Þat a comloker knyȝt neuer Kryst made,

hem þoȝt;

hem thought;

Wheþen in worlde he were,

Whether in the world he was,

872

Hit semed as he myȝt

Hit seemed as he might

Be prynce with-outen pere,

Be prince without peer,

In felde þer felle men fyȝt.

In battle then fell men fight.

¹ eldee, MS. ² clesly, MS. ³ hym (?). ⁴ MS. hyn.

XVI.

A chair is placed for Sir Gawayne before the fireplace.

A chair is set up for Sir Gawayne in front of the fireplace.

A cheyer by-fore þe chemné, þer charcole brenned,

A fire in front of the fireplace, where charcoal burned,

876

Watȝ grayþed for sir Gawan, grayþely with cloþeȝ,

Wat was prepared for Sir Gawain, beautifully adorned with clothes,

Whyssynes vpon queldepoyntes, þa[t] koynt wer boþe;

Whyssynes upon queldepoyntes, that koynt were both;

A mantle of fine linen, richly embroidered, is thrown over him.

A finely embroidered linen cloak is draped over him.

& þenne a mere mantyle watȝ on þat mon cast,

& then a mere mantle was cast on that man,

Of a broun bleeaunt, enbrauded ful ryche,

Of a brown blanket, embroidered very richly,

880

& fayre furred wyth-inne with felleȝ of þe best,

& fair furred with inne with felleȝ of the best,

Alle of ermyn in erde, his hode of þe same;

Alle of ermyn in erde, his hood of the same;

& he sete in þat settel semlych ryche,

& he sat in that seat elegantly and richly,

& achaufed hym chefly,¹ & þenne his cher mended.

A table is soon raised,

A table will be set up,

884

Sone watȝ telded vp a tapit, on tresteȝ ful fayre,

Sones watched as a tapestry was set up on beautiful trestles,

and the knight, having washed, proceeded to meat.

And the knight, after washing up, went on to have a meal.

Clad wyth a clene cloþe, þat cler quyt schewed,

Clad with a clean cloth, that bright white showed,

Sanap, & salure, & syluer-in sponeȝ;

Sanap, & salure, & silver spoons;

[Fol. 103.]

Þe wyȝe wesche at his wylle, & went to his mete

The man washed at his convenience and went to his meal.

888

Seggeȝ hym serued semly in-noȝe,

Served him nicely in no time,

He is served with numerous dishes;

He is served a variety of dishes;

Wyth sere sewes & sete,² sesounde of þe best,

Wyth serious sews & set,² sounded of the best,

Double felde, as hit falleȝ, & fele kyn fischeȝ;

Double fold, as it happens, and many kinds of fish;

with fish baked and broiled,

with fish baked and grilled,

Summe baken in bred, summe brad on þe gledeȝ,

or boiled and seasoned with spices.

or boiled and spiced.

892

Summe soþen, summe in sewe, sauered with spyces,

& ay sawes³ so sleȝeȝ, þat þe segge lyked.

& ay sawes³ so sly, that the guy liked.

Þe freke calde hit a fest ful frely & ofte,

He calls it a full noble feast,

He refers to it as a complete noble feast,

Ful hendely, quen alle þe haþeles re-hayted hym at oneȝ

Ful hendely, when all the nobles hated him at once

896

as hende;

as handy;

"Þis penaunce now ȝe take,

"This penance now you take,"

& eft hit schal amende;"

& eft it shall amend;

and much mirth he makes, for the wine is in his head.

and he laughs a lot, because he’s feeling the effects of the wine.

Þat mon much merþe con make.

That man can achieve much more.

900

For wyn in his hed þat wende.

For win in his head that thought.

¹ MS. cefly. ² swete (?). ³ sewes (?).

¹ MS. cefly. ² sweet (?). ³ sewes (?).

XVII.

Sir Gawayne, in answer to questions put to him,

Sir Gawayne, in response to the questions asked of him,

Þenne watȝ spyed & spured vpon spare wyse.

Þenne was spotted and quickly tracked in a cautious manner.

Bi preue poynteȝ of þat prynce, put to hym-seluen,

Þat he be-knew cortaysly of þe court þat he were,

tells the prince that he is of Arthur's court.

informs the prince that he belongs to Arthur's court.

904

Þat aþel Arthure þe hende haldeȝ hym one,

Þat is þe ryche ryal kyng of þe rounde table;

That is the rich royal kingdom of the round table;

& hit watȝ Wawen hym-self þat in þat won sytteȝ,

& hit watȝ Wawen him-self that in that won sitteth,

Comen to þat krystmasse, as case hym þen lymped.

Comes to that Christmas, as chance would have it.

When this was made known,

When this was revealed,

908

When þe lorde hade lerned þat he þe leude hade,

When the lord had learned that he had the crowd,

Loude laȝed he þerat, so lef hit hym þoȝt,

Loudly he laughed at that, so much that it pleased him.

great was the joy in the hall.

Great was the joy in the hall.

& alle þe men in þat mote maden much joye,

& all the men in that meeting made much joy,

To apere in his presense prestly þat tyme,

To appear in his presence promptly that time,

912

Þat alle prys, & prowes, & pured þewes

Apendes to hys persoun, & praysed is euer,

Apendes to his person, & praised is ever,

By-fore alle men vpon molde, his mensk is þe most.

By far, among all people, his virtue is the greatest.

Each one said softly to his mate,

Each one whispered gently to their partner,

Vch segge ful softly sayde to his fere,

Vch said very softly to his friend,

"Now we shall see courteous manners and hear noble speech,

"Now we'll see polite manners and hear noble speech,

916

"Now schal we semlych se sleȝteȝ of þeweȝ,

"Now we shall nicely see the deeds of the people,"

& þe teccheles termes of talkyng noble,

& the technical terms of talking noble,

Wich spede is in speche, vnspurd may we lerne,

Wich speed is in speech, unspurred may we learn,

for we have amongst us the 'father of nurture.'

for we have among us the 'father of nurture.'

Syn we haf fonged þat fyne fader of nurture;

Syn we have found that fine father of nurture;

920

God hatȝ geuen vus his grace godly for soþe,

God has truly given us his divine grace.

Þat such a gest as Gawan graunteȝ vus to haue,

Þat such a guest as Gawain granted us to have,

When burneȝ blyþe of his burþe schal sitte

When the blissful prince of his birth shall sit

& synge.

& syng.

924

In menyng of manereȝ mere,

In memory of many more,

[Fol. 103b.]

Þis burne now schal vus bryng,

This fire will now bring us,

He that may him hear shall learn of love-talking."

"Whoever listens to him will learn about love talk."

I hope þat may hym here,

I hope that he may be here,

Schal lerne of luf-talkyng."

"Schal learns of love talking."

XVIII.

After dinner the company go to the chapel,

After dinner, the group goes to the chapel,

928

Bi þat þe diner watȝ done, & þe dere vp,

Hit watȝ neȝ at þe niyȝt neȝed þe tyme;

Chaplayneȝ¹ to þe chapeles chosen þe gate,

Chaplains¹ to the churches chose the gate,

Rungen ful rychely, ryȝt as þay schulden,

Rungen fully rich, just as they should,

to hear the evensong of the great season.

to hear the evening song of the great season.

932

To þe hersum euensong of þe hyȝe tyde.

To the evening song of the high tide.

Þe lorde loutes þerto, & þe lady als,

The lord bows to that, and the lady too,

In-to a comly closet coyntly ho entreȝ;

In-to a pretty little room I quietly enter;

Gawan glydeȝ ful gay, & gos þeder sone;

Gawan glides very happily, and goes there soon;

936

Þe lorde laches hym by þe lappe, & ledeȝ hym to sytte,

The lord grabs him by the lapel and leads him to sit down,

& couþly hym knoweȝ, & calleȝ hym his nome,

& sayde he watȝ þe welcomest wyȝe of þe worlde;

& sayde he was the most welcoming man in the world;

The lord of the castle and Sir Gawayne sit together during service.

The lord of the castle and Sir Gawayne sit together during the service.

& he hym þonkked þroly, & ayþer halched oþer.

& he thought deeply, & either hesitated or.

940

& seten soberly samen þe seruise-quyle;

Þenne lyst þe lady to loke on þe knyȝt.

Then the lady desired to look at the knight.

His wife, accompanied by her maids, leaves her seat.

His wife, along with her maids, gets up from her seat.

Þenne com ho of hir closet, with mony cler burdeȝ,

Ho watȝ þe fayrest in felle, of flesche & of lyre,

944

& of compas, & colour, & costes of alle oþer,

& of compas, & color, & costs of all other,

She appeared even fairer than Guenever.

She looked even more beautiful than Guenever.

& wener þen Wenore, as þe wyȝe þoȝt.

& wener then Wenore, as the man thought.

He ches þurȝ þe chaunsel, to cheryche þat hende;

He passed through the entrance, to reach that charming place;

An older lady (an ancient one she seemed) led her by the hand.

An older woman (she looked really old) held her hand.

An oþer lady hir lad bi þe lyft honde,

An other lady took her hand in the air,

948

Þat watȝ alder þen ho, an auncian hit semed,

& heȝly honowred with haþeleȝ aboute.

& he highly honored with hallowed about.

Very unlike were these two.

These two were very different.

Bot yn-lyke on to loke þo ladyes were,

Bot yn-lyke on to loke tho ladies were,

if the young one was fair the other was yellow,

If the young one was light-skinned, the other one was dark-skinned,

For if þe ȝonge watȝ ȝep, ȝolȝe watȝ þat oþer;

For if the young was eager, the old was that other;

952

Riche red on þat on rayled ay quere,

Riche red on that one, stylishly bright.

and had rough and wrinkled cheeks.

and had coarse, wrinkled cheeks.

Rugh ronkled chekeȝ þat oþer on rolled;

Rugh wrinkled cheeks that other on rolled;

Kerchofes of þat on wyth mony cler perleȝ

Kerchofs of that one with many clear pearls

The younger had breast and throat "bare displayed."

The younger one had their chest and throat "completely exposed."

Hir brest & hir bryȝt þrote bare displayed,

Hir breast & her bright throat were on display,

956

Schon schyrer þen snawe, þat scheder² on hilleȝ;

Schon schyrer then snow, that shedders on hills;

Þat oþer wyth a gorger watȝ gered ouer þe swyre,

Þat oþer with a collar was gathered over the neck,

Chymbled ouer hir blake chyn with mylk-quyte vayles,

Chimble out her black chin with milk-white veils,

The ancient one exposed only her "black brows," her two eyes,

The ancient one showed only her "black brows," her two eyes,

Hir frount folden in sylk, enfoubled ay quere,

Hir front folded in silk, encircled as if by a shadow,

960

Toret & treieted with tryfleȝ aboute,

Torets & treated with trifles about,

[Fol. 104.]
nose, and naked lips, all sour and bleared.

[Fol. 104.]
nose and bare lips, all bitter and discolored.

Þat noȝt watȝ bare of þat burde bot þe blake broȝes.

Þe tweyne yȝen, & þe nase, þe naked lyppeȝ,

& þose were soure to se, & sellyly blered;

& those were sour to see, & strangely blurred;

964

A mensk lady on molde mon may hir calle,

A decent woman on the mound may call her.

for gode;

for good;

Her body was short and thick;

Her body was short and stocky;

Hir body watȝ schort & þik.

Her body was short and thick.

her buttocks broad and round.

her hips wide and curvy.

Hir buttokeȝ bay & brode,

Her buttocks are big and broad,

968

More lykker-wys on to lyk,

More happiness vibes on to enjoy,

Watȝ þat scho hade on lode.

Watȝ þat she had on load.

¹ MS. [claplayneȝ.] ² schedes (?).

¹ MS. [claplayneȝ.] ² schedules (?).

XIX.

With permission of the lord,

With the lord's permission,

When Gawayn glyȝt on þat gay, þat graciously loked,

When Gawayn looked at that beautiful one, that graciously looked,

Wyth leue laȝt of þe lorde he went hem aȝaynes;

Wishing the lord's permission, he went against them;

Sir Gawayne salutes the elder,

Sir Gawayne greets the elder,

972

Þe alder he haylses, heldande ful lowe,

Þe loueloker he lappeȝ a lyttel in armeȝ,

but the younger he kisses,

but the younger he dates,

He kysses hir comlyly, & knyȝtly he meleȝ;

He kisses her charmingly, and politely he speaks;

Þay kallen hym of a quoyntaunce, & he hit quyk askeȝ

Þay call him a companion, and he hit quick as a flash.

and begs to be her servant.

and pleads to be her servant.

976

To be her seruaunt sothly, if hem-self lyked.

To be her servant truly, if he himself liked.

Þay tan hym bytwene hem, wyth talkyng hym leden

Þay tan him between them, with talking him leading

To chamber all go,

To the chamber everyone goes,

To chambre, to chemné, & chefly þay asken

To chamber, to accuse, and especially they ask

where spices and wine are served.

where spices and wine are offered.

Spyceȝ, þat vn-sparely men speded hom to bryng,

Spyces, that relentlessly mean sped home to bring,

980

& þe wynne-lych wyne þer-with vche tyme.

& and the wine-like wine there-with each time.

Þe lorde luflych aloft lepeȝ ful ofte,

Mynned merthe to be made vpon mony syþeȝ.

My mind is set on being made rich again.

The lord takes off his hood and places it on a spear.

The lord removes his hood and puts it on a spear.

Hent heȝly of his hode, & on a spere henged,

Hanged high from his head, and on a spear.

984

& wayned hom to wynne þe worchip þer-of,

& wayned home to winne þe worchip þer-of,

He who makes most mirth is to win it.

The person who brings the most joy will win it.

Þat most myrþe myȝt mene¹ þat crystenmas whyle;

"& i schal fonde, bi my fayth, to fylter wyth þe best,

"& I will strive, by my faith, to fill it with the best,"

Er me wont þe wedeȝ, with help of my frendeȝ."

988

Þus wyth laȝande loteȝ þe lorde hit tayt² makeȝ,

Night approaches, and then

Night falls, and then

For to glade sir Gawayn with gomneȝ in halle

For to entertain Sir Gawain with games in the hall

þat nyȝt;

that night;

Til þat hit watȝ tyme,

Until it was time,

992

Þe kyng comaundet lyȝt,

The king commanded light,

Sir Gawayne takes his leave and retires to rest.

Sir Gawayne says goodbye and goes to rest.

Sir Gawen his leue con nyme,

Sir Gawen, take your leave.

& to his bed hym diȝt.

& to his bed hymn.

¹ meue (?). ² layt (?).

¹ meue (?). ² late (?).

XX.

On Christmas morn,

On Christmas morning,

On þe morne, as vch mon myneȝ þat tyme,

On the morning, as each man remembers that time,

joy reigns in every dwelling in the world.

Joy fills every home around the world.

996

[Þ]at dryȝtyn for oure destyné to deȝe watȝ borne,

Wele waxeȝ in vche a won in worlde, for his sake;

We will take it in every way in this world, for his sake;

So did it in the castle where our knight abode.

So did it in the castle where our knight lived.

So did hit þere on þat day, þurȝ dayntes mony;

So did hit there on that day, through countless challenges;

[Fol. 104b.]

Boþe at mes & at mele, messes ful quaynt

Boþe at meal & at eating, masses full quaint

1000

Derf men vpon dece drest of þe best.

Derf men upon deceit dressed of the best.

The lord and "the old ancient wife" sit together.

The lord and "the old ancient wife" are sitting together.

Þe olde auncian wyf heȝest ho sytteȝ;

Þe lorde lufly her by lent, as I trowe;

The lord loves her dearly, I believe;

Gawayne sits by the wife of his host.

Gawayne sits next to his host's wife.

Gawan & þe gay burde to-geder þay seten,

Gawan and the beautiful lady sat together,

1004

Euen in-myddeȝ, as þe messe metely come;

Euen in-midday, as the mass came nicely;

& syþen þurȝ al þe sale, as hem best semed,

& then through all the hall, as it seemed best to them,

It were too tedious to tell of the meat, the mirth, and the joy that abounded everywhere.

It would be too boring to describe the food, the fun, and the happiness that filled the place.

Bi vche grome at his degre grayþely watȝ serued.

Þer watȝ mete, þer watȝ myrþe, þer watȝ much ioye,

There was food, there was fun, there was a lot of joy,

1008

Þat for to telle þerof hit me tene were,

& to poynte hit ȝet I pyned me parauenture;

& to point it yet I punished myself par aventure;

Gawayne and his beautiful companion derive much comfort from each other's conversation.

Gawayne and his beautiful partner find a lot of comfort in each other's conversation.

Bot ȝet I wot þat Wawen & þe wale burde

Such comfort of her compaynye caȝten to-geder,

Such comfort from her company gathered together,

1012

Þurȝ her dere dalyaunce of her derne wordeȝ,

Þurȝ her dear dependence on her secret words,

Wyth clene cortays carp, closed fro fylþe;

Wyth clean courtly talk, kept away from filth;

& hor play watȝ passande vche prynce gomen,

in vayres;

in vain;

Trumpets and nakers give forth their sounds.

Trumpets and nakers produce their sounds.

1016

Trumpeȝ & nakerys,

Trumpees & bakeries,

Much pypyng þer repayres,

Much pinging the repairs,

Vche mon tented hys,

Vche mon tented his,

& þay two tented þayres.

& and they two tented theirs.

XXI.

Great was the joy for three days.

The joy lasted for three days.

1020

Much dut watȝ þer dryuen þat day & þat oþer,

Much of what happened that day and the other day,

& þe þryd as þro þronge in þerafter;

& the third as the throng in thereafter;

St. John's-day was the last of the Christmas festival.

St. John's Day was the final celebration of the Christmas festival.

Þe ioye of sayn Ioneȝ day watȝ gentyle to here,

The joy of St. John's Day was gentle to hear,

& watȝ þe last of þe layk, leudeȝ þer þoȝten.

& what was the end of the game, the people thought.

1024

Þer wer gestes to go vpon þe gray morne,

For-þy wonderly þay woke, & þe wyn dronken,

For they woke in amazement, and the wine drunk,

Daunsed ful dreȝly wyth dere caroleȝ;

Dawned full drearily with dear carols;

On the morrow many of the guests took their departure from the castle.

The next day, many of the guests left the castle.

At þe last, when hit watȝ late, þay lachen her leue,

At last, when it was late, they laughed and said goodbye,

1028

Vchon to wende on his way, þat watȝ wyȝe stronge.

Vchon went on his way, that was wise and strong.

Gawan gef hym god-day, þe god mon hym lachcheȝ,

Gawan gave him good day, the good man laughed at him,

Ledes hym to his awen chambre, þ[e] chymné bysyde,

Ledes him to his own room, the chimney nearby,

Sir Gawayne is thanked by his host for the honour and pleasure of his visit.

Sir Gawayne is thanked by his host for the honor and pleasure of his visit.

& þere he draȝeȝ hym on-dryȝe, & derely hym þonkkeȝ,

& there he draws him on dry, & sincerely thanks him,

1032

Of þe wynne worschip &¹ he hym wayned hade,

Of the wine worship and he himself wanted

As to honour his hous on þat hyȝe tyde,

As to honor his house on that high tide,

& enbelyse his burȝ with his bele chere.

& embellish his borough with his pleasant demeanor.

"I-wysse sir, quyl I leue, me worþeȝ þe better,

"I know, sir, that I believe I am becoming better,"

[Fol. 105.]

1036

Þat Gawayn hatȝ ben my gest, at Goddeȝ awen fest."

Þat Gawayn has been my guest, at God's own feast.

"Grant merci² sir," quod Gawayn, "in god fayth hit is yowreȝ,

Al þe honour is your awen, þe heȝe kyng yow ȝelde;

Al the honor is your own, the high king gives it to you;

& I am wyȝe at your wylle, to worch youre hest,

& I am wise at your will, to work your wishes,

1040

As I am halden þer-to, in hyȝe & in loȝe,

As I am held there, in high and in low,

bi riȝt."

bi riȝt.

He endeavours to keep the knight at his court.

He tries to keep the knight at his court.

Þe lorde fast can hym payne,

The lord can bear pain,

To holde lenger þe knyȝt,

To hold the knight longer,

1044

To hym answreȝ Gawayn,

To him answers Gawayn,

Bi non way þat he myȝt.

¹ þat (?). ² nerci, in MS.

¹ that (?). ² nerci, in MS.

XXII.

He desires to know what had driven Sir Gawayne from Arthur's court before the end of the Christmas holidays.

He wants to find out what made Sir Gawayne leave Arthur's court before the end of the Christmas holidays.

Then frayned þe freke ful fayre at him-seluen,

Then the brave man questioned himself thoroughly,

Quat derne¹ dede had hym dryuen, at þat dere tyme,

Quat derne¹ dede had hym driven, at that dear time,

1048

So kenly fro þe kyngeȝ kourt to kayre al his one,

So he quietly went to the king's court to take care of everything himself,

Er þe halidayeȝ holly were halet out of toun?

Er the holidays holy were haled out of town?

The knight replies that "a high errand and a hasty one" had forced him to leave the court.

The knight replies that "a significant and urgent mission" had compelled him to leave the court.

"For soþe sir," quod þe segge, "ȝe sayn bot þe trawþe

"For sure, sir," said the man, "you only speak the truth."

A heȝe ernde & a hasty me hade fro þo woneȝ,

A high road and a hasty mood had me away from the usual places,

1052

For I am sumned my selfe to sech to a place,

For I have summoned myself to seek a place,

I wot² in worlde wheder warde to wende, hit to fynde;

I know in this world where I should go, to find it;

I nolde, bot if I hit negh myȝt on nwȝeres morne,

I didn't want to, but if I hit nearby, I might at least in the morning,

For alle þe londe in-wyth Logres, so me oure lorde help!

For all the land within Logres, may our Lord help us!

1056

For-þy, sir, þis enquest I require yow here,

For that reason, sir, I require you to be here for this inquiry,

He asks his host whether he has ever heard of the Green Chapel,

He asks his host if he has ever heard of the Green Chapel,

Þat ȝe me telle with trawþe, if euer ȝe tale herde

Of þe grene chapel, quere hit on grounde stondeȝ,

Of the green chapel, where it stands on the ground,

& of þe knyȝt þat hit kepes, of colour of grene?

& of the knight that it keeps, of the color of green?

1060

Þer watȝ stabled bi statut a steuen vus by-twene,

for he has to be there on New Year's-day.

because he has to be there on New Year's Day.

To mete þat mon at þat mere, ȝif I myȝt last;

To give that man at that place, if I might last;

& of þat ilk nwȝere hot neked now wonteȝ,

& of that ilk nwȝere hot neked now wonteȝ,

& I wolde loke on þat lede, if God me let wolde,

& I would like to see that man, if God allows me,

1064

Gladloker, bi Goddeȝ sun, þen any god welde!

Gladloker, by God's son, than any god can!

For-þi, I-wysse, bi ȝowre wylle, wende me bi-houes,

For this reason, I know, by your will, I will turn home,

He wonld as lief die as fail in his errand.

He would rather die than fail in his mission.

Naf I now to busy bot bare þre dayeȝ,

Naf I now to busy but just three days,

& me als fayn to falle feye as fayly of myyn ernde."

& me als fayn to falle feye as fayly of myyn ernde.

The prince tells Sir Gawayne that he will teach him the way.

The prince tells Sir Gawayne that he will show him the way.

1068

Þenne laȝande quod þe lorde, "now leng þe by-houes,

For I schal teche yow to þa[t] terme bi þe tymeȝ ende,

For I will teach you that term by the end of the times,

Þe grene chapayle vpon grounde, greue yow no more;

Bot ȝe schal be in yowre bed, burne, at þyn ese,

Bot ye schal be in your bed, burn, at thine ease,

1072

Quyle forth dayej, & ferk on pe fyrst of pe ȝere,

[Fol. 105b]

& cum to þat merk at mydmorn, to make quat yow likeȝ

& cum to that mark at mid-morning, to make what you like

in spenne;

in spinne;

Dowelleȝ whyle new ȝeres daye,

Dowell's while New Year's Day,

1076

& rys, & raykeȝ þenne,

& rys, & raykeȝ thenne,

The Green chapel is not more than two miles from the castle.

The Green Chapel is no more than two miles from the castle.

Mon schal yow sette in waye,

Moon shall you set in way,

Hit is not two myle henne."

Hit is not two miles then.

¹ derue (?). ² not (?).

XXIII.

Then was Gawayne glad,

Then Gawayne was glad,

Þenne watȝ Gawan ful glad, & gomenly he laȝed,—

Then Gawan was very happy, and he laughed joyfully,—

1080

1080p

"Now I þonk yow þryuandely þurȝ alle oþer þynge,

"Now I thank you sincerely through all other things,

and consents to tarry awhile at the castle.

and agrees to stay for a while at the castle.

Now acheued is my chaunce, I schal at your wylle

Now I've achieved my chance, I shall at your will.

Dowelle, & elleȝ do quat ȝe demen."

Dowelle, & elle's do what you think.

Þenne sesed hym þe syre, & set hym bysyde,

The ladies are brought in to solace him.

The women are brought in to comfort him.

1084

Let þe ladieȝ be fette, to lyke hem þe better;

Let the ladies be fetched, to please him better;

Þer watȝ seme solace by hem-self stille;

Þe lorde let for luf loteȝ so myry,

As wyȝ þat wolde of his wyte, ne wyst quat he myȝt.

As a wise man who wanted to use his understanding, he didn’t know what he could do.

1088

Þenne he carped to þe knyȝt, criande loude,

Þen he yelled at the knight, shouting loudly,

The lord of the castle asks the knight to grant him one request;

The lord of the castle asks the knight to fulfill one request.

"Ȝe han demed to do þe dede þat I bidde;

"You're determined to do the deed that I ask;"

Wyl ȝe halde þis hes here at þys oneȝ?"

Wyl you hold this here at this once?

"Ȝe sir, for-soþe," sayd þe segge trwe,

"Yes, sir, indeed," said the trustworthy man,

1092

"Whyl I byde in yowre borȝe, be bayn to ȝow[r]e hest."

"While I stay in your borough, be ready to obey your command."

"For ȝe haf trauayled," quod þe tulk, "towen fro ferre,

"For you have traveled," said the man, "from far away,

& syþen waked me wyth, ȝe arn not wel waryst,

That he will stay in his chamber during mass time,

He will stay in his room during mass.

Nauþer of sostnaunce ne of slepe, soþly I knowe;

1096

Ȝe schal lenge in your lofte, & lyȝe in your ese,

You shall lie in your loft and rest in your ease,

and then go to meat with his hostess.

and then go meet with his hostess.

To morn quyle þe messe-quyle, & to mete wende,

To mourn during the mass time and to go to the meal,

When ȝe wyl, wyth my wyf, þat wyth yow schal sitte,

When you want, with my wife, who will sit with you,

& comfort yow with compayny, til I to cort torne,

& comfort you with company, until I turn to court,

1100

ȝe lende;

the loan;

& I schal erly ryse,

& I shall rise early,

On huntyng wyl I wende."

On hunting will I go.

Gawayne accedes to his request.

Gawayne agrees to his request.

Gauayn granteȝ alle þyse,

Gauayn guarantees all these,

1104

Hym heldande, as þe hende.

Hym holding, as the hand.

XXIV.

"Whatsoever," says the host, "I win in the wood shall be yours,

"Whatever," says the host, "I win in the woods shall be yours,

"Ȝet firre," quod þe freke, "a forwarde we make;

"Yet further," said the brave one, "let's make a move;

Quat-so-euer I wynne in þe wod, hit worþeȝ to youreȝ,

and what check you achieve shall be mine."

"Whatever check you get will be mine."

& quat chek so ȝe acheue, chaunge me þer-forne;

1108

Swete, swap we so, sware with trawþe,

Swete, let’s trade like this, swear with truth,

Queþer, leude, so lymp lere oþer better."

Queþer, people, so limp learn other better."

"Bi God," quod Gawayn þe gode, "I grant þer-tylle,

"By God," said Gawayn the good, "I grant you that,"

[Fol. 106.]

& þat yow lyst forto layke, lef hit me þynkes.

& that you want to play, I think it’s best to leave it to me.

A bargain is made between them.

They strike a deal.

1112

"Who bringeȝ vus þis beuerage, þis bargayn is maked:"

"Who brings us this drink, this deal is made:"

So sayde þe lorde of þat lede; þay laȝed vchone,

So said the lord of that land; they laughed each one,

Þay dronken, & daylyeden, & dalten vntyȝtel,¹

Þise lordeȝ & ladyeȝ, quyle þat hem lyked;

These lords and ladies, while it pleased them;

1116

& syþen with frenkysch fare & fele fayre loteȝ

& then with French fare & many fair lots

Þay stoden, & stemed, & stylly speken,

Kysten ful comlyly, & kaȝten her leue.

Kysten fully, and caught her leave.

Night approaches and each "to his bed was brought at the last."

Night falls, and everyone was “brought to their bed at last.”

With mony leude ful lyȝt, & lemande torches,

With many people fully lit, & shining torches,

1120

Vche burne to his bed watȝ broȝt at þe laste,

Vche burned to his bed was brought at last,

ful softe;

full soft;

To bed ȝet er þay ȝede,

To bed yet are they gone,

Recorded couenaunteȝ ofte;

Recorded connections often;

1124

Þe olde lorde of þat leude,²

Cowþe wel halde layk a-lofte.

Cowþe well held like a loft.

¹ vntyl nyȝte (?). ² lede (?).

¹ ventilate night (?). ² lead (?).

[FYTTE THE THIRD.]

I.

Before day-break folks uprise,

Before dawn, people get up,

Ful erly bifore þe day þe folk vp-rysen,

Gestes þat go wolde, hor gromeȝ þay calden,

Gestes that want to go, they called them hor gromeȝ,

saddle their horses, and truss their mails.

saddle their horses and pack their bags.

1128

& þay busken vp bilyue, blonkkeȝ to sadel,

& They busked up by live, blankets to saddle,

Tyffen he[r] takles, trussen her males,

Tyffen her tackles, trusses her males,

Richen hem þe rychest, to ryde alle arayde,

Richen them the richest, to ride all dressed up,

Lepen vp lyȝtly, lachen her brydeles,

Each goes where it pleases him best.

Everyone goes wherever they please.

1132

Vche wyȝe on his way, þer hym wel lyked.

Vche was on his way, where he really liked it.

The noble lord of the land arrays himself for riding.

The noble lord of the land prepares himself for a ride.

Þe leue lorde of þe londe watȝ not þe last,

A-rayed for þe rydyng, with renkkeȝ ful mony;

A-rayed for the riding, with ranks full many;

He eats a sop hastily and goes to mass.

He quickly eats a meal and heads to church.

Ete a sop hastyly, when he hade herde masse,

Ete a sop quickly, when he had heard mass,

1136

With bugle to bent felde he buskeȝ by-lyue;

With bugle to bent field he bushes by-live;

Before day-light he and his men are on their horses.

Before dawn, he and his men are on their horses.

By þat þat any day-lyȝt lemed vpon erþe,

By the time any daylight shone upon the earth,

He with his haþeles on hyȝe horsses weren.

He waited with his hapless on high horses.

Then the hounds are called out and coupled.

Then the hounds are called out and paired up.

Þenne þise cacheres þat couþe, cowpled hor houndeȝ,

1140

Vnclosed þe kenel dore, & calde hem þer-oute,

Vnclosed the kennel door, and called them out,

Three short notes are blown by the bugles.

Three short notes sound from the bugles.

Blwe bygly in bugleȝ þre bare mote;

Blow bigly in bugles three bare motives;

Braches bayed þerfore, & breme noyse maked,

Braches barked loudly, and a fierce noise was made,

A hundred hunters join in the chase.

A hundred hunters join the hunt.

& þay chastysed, & charred, on chasyng þat went;

& they chastised, & charred, on chasing that went;

1144

A hundreth of hunteres, as I haf herde telle,

A hundred of hunters, as I have heard tell,

of þe best;

of the best;

To the stations the "fewters" go,

To the stations the "fewters" head,

To trystors vewters ȝod,

To trust voters today,

Couples huntes of kest,

Couples hunting for kestrel,

[Fol. 106b.]

1148

Þer ros for blasteȝ gode,

You rose for blessings,

and the dogs are cast off.

and the dogs are released.

Gret rurd in þat forest.

Great ride in that forest.

II.

Roused by the clamour the deer rush to the heights,

Awakened by the noise, the deer run to the heights,

At þe fyrst quethe of þe quest quaked þe wylde;

At the first moment of the quest, the wild shook;

Der drof in þe dale, doted for drede,

1152

Hiȝed to þe hyȝe, bot heterly þay were

Hiȝed to the high, but totally they were

but are soon driven back.

but are quickly pushed back.

Restayed with þe stablye, þat stoutly ascryed;

Restayed with the stable, that sturdily cried out;

The harts and bucks are allowed to pass,

The female and male deer are allowed to pass,

Þay let þe hertteȝ haf þe gate, with þe hyȝe hedes,

Þe breme bukkeȝ also, with hor brode paumeȝ;

1156

For þe fre lorde hade de-fende in fermysoun tyme,

For the free lord had defended in fervent time,

Þat þer schulde no mon mene¹ to þe male dere.

That there should no man mention to the male deer.

but the hinds and does are driven back to the shades.

but the female deer are pushed back to the shadows.

Þe hindeȝ were halden in, with hay & war,

The hind was held in, with hay & war,

Þe does dryuen with gret dyn to þe depe sladeȝ;

The great noise drives them into the deep slopes;

1160

Þer myȝt mon se, as þay slypte, slentyng of arwes,

Þer myȝt mon se, as þay slypte, slentyng of arrows,

As they fly they are shot by the bowmen.

As they fly, the archers shoot at them.

At vche [þat] wende vnder wande wapped a flone,

At that place, a stone was wrapped under a branch.

Þat bigly bote on þe broun, with ful brode hedeȝ,

The hounds and the hunters, with a loud cry, follow in pursuit.

The hounds and the hunters, with a loud shout, chase after their prey.

What! þay brayen, & bleden, bi bonkkeȝ þay deȝen.

What! They howl, and they bleed, by banks they die.

1164

& ay rachches in a res radly hem folȝes,

Huntereȝ wyth hyȝe horne hasted hem after,

Huntereȝ with high horn urged them after,

Those that escaped the arrows are killed by the hounds.

Those who escaped the arrows are killed by the hounds.

Wyth such a crakkande kry, as klyffes haden brusten;

Wyth such a cracking cry, as cliffs had burst;

What wylde so at-waped wyȝes þat schotten,

What wild creatures at-wrapped in ways that shot,

1168

Watȝ al to-raced & rent, at þe resayt.

Watȝ all to-raced & rent, at þe resayt.

Bi þay were tened at þe hyȝe, & taysed to þe wattreȝ,

Þe ledeȝ were so lerned at þe loȝe trysteres,

Þe ledge were so learned at þe lowe trysteres,

& þe gre-houndeȝ so grete, þat geten hem bylyue,

& the gray hounds so great, that they get them quickly,

1172

& hem to fylched, as fast as frekeȝ myȝt loke,

þer ryȝt.

there right.

The lord waxes joyful in the chase,

The lord becomes joyful in the hunt,

Þe lorde for blys abloy

The Lord for bliss deploy

Ful oft con launce & lyȝt,

which lasted till the approach of night.

which continued until night fell.

1176

& drof þat day wyth Ioy

Thus to þe derk nyȝt.

Thus to the dark night.

¹ meue (?).

meue (?).

III.

All this time Gawayne lies a-bed.

Gawayne has been lying in bed this whole time.

Þus laykeȝ þis lorde by lynde wodeȝ eueȝ,

& G. þe god mon, in gay bed lygeȝ,

under "coverture full clear".

under "full clear coverture".

1180

Lurkkeȝ quyl þe day-lyȝt lemed on þe wowes,

Lurking while the daylight shone on the waves,

Vnder couertour ful clere, cortyned aboute;

Under clear covering, curtained around;

& as in slomeryng he slode, sleȝly he herde

He hears a noise at his door.

He hears a sound at his door.

A littel dyn at his dor, & derfly vpon;

A little noise at his door, and definitely upon;

1184

& he heueȝ vp his hed out of þe cloþes,

& he heaves up his head out of the clothes,

[Fol. 107.]

A corner of þe cortyn he caȝt vp a lyttel,

A corner of the curtain he caught up a little,

& wayteȝ warly þider-warde, quat hit be myȝt.

&wayteȝ warly þider-warde, quat hit be myȝt.

A lady, the loveliest to behold, enters softly.

A woman, the most beautiful sight, enters gently.

Hit watȝ þe ladi, loflyest to be-holde,

1188

Þat droȝ þe dor after hir ful dernly¹ & stylle,

She approaches the bed.

She walks over to the bed.

& boȝed to-warde þe bed; & þe burne schamed.

& boȝed toward the bed; & the man felt ashamed.

& layde hym doun lystyly, & let as he slepte.

& laid him down softly, & let him sleep.

Gawayne pretends to be asleep.

Gawayne feigns sleep.

& ho stepped stilly. & stel to his bedde,

&ho stepped quietly. &stel to his bed,

The lady casts up the curtain and sits on the bedside.

The woman pulls back the curtain and sits on the edge of the bed.

1192

Kest vp þe cortyn, & creped with-inne,

Kest vp the curtain, & crept with-inne,

& set hir ful softly on þe bed-syde,

& set her fully softly on the bedside,

& lenged þere selly longe, to loke quen he wakened.

Þe lede lay lurked a ful longe quyle,

Gawayne has much wonder thereat.

Gawayne is very curious about that.

1196

Compast in his concience to quat þat cace myȝt

Compast in his conscience to quit that case might

Mene oþer amount, to meruayle hym þoȝt;

Mene other amount, to meruayle him thought;

Bot ȝet he sayde in hym-self, "more semly hit were

To aspye wyth my spelle [in] space quat ho wolde."

To aim with my spell [in] space whoever would.

He rouses himself up,

He gets himself up,

1200

þen he wakenede, & wroth, & to hir warde torned,

then he woke up, & angry, & turned to her ward,

unlocks his eyes, and looks as if he were astonished.

He opens his eyes and looks as if he's amazed.

& vn-louked his yȝe-lyddeȝ, & let as hym wondered,

& vn-louked his eyelids, & acted as if he were amazed,

& sayned hym, as bi his saȝe þe sauer to worthe,

& sayned him, as by his saying the savor to worth,

with hande;

with handle;

1204

Wyth chynne & cheke ful swete,

Boþe quit & red in-blande,

Ful lufly con ho lete,

Full lovely con hotel,

Wyth lyppeȝ smal laȝande.

With small lips smiling.

¹ deruly (?).

deruly (?).

IV.

"Good morrow", says the lady, "ye are a careless sleeper to let one enter thus.

"Good morning," says the lady, "you are a careless sleeper to let someone enter like this."

1208

"God moroun, sir Gawayn," sayde þat fayr lady,

"Good morning, Sir Gawain," said that fair lady,

"Ȝe ar a sleper vn-slyȝe, þat mon may slyde hider;

"Ye are a sleeper unslyly, that moan may slide hither;

Now ar ȝe tan astyt, bot true vus may schape,

Now you are so tired, but true it may seem,

I shall bind you in your bed, of that be ye sure."

"I will tie you to your bed, you can be sure of that."

I schal bynde yow in your bedde, þat be ȝe trayst:"

I will bind you in your bed, so that you trust:

1212

Al laȝande þe lady lanced þo bourdeȝ.

Al lanced the lady the bourgess.

"Good morrow," says the knight, "I am well pleased to be at your service;

"Good morning," says the knight, "I'm happy to be at your service;

"Goud moroun g[aye],"¹ quod Gawayn þe blyþe,

"Goud moroun g[aye],"¹ said Gawayn the cheerful,

"Me schal worþe at your wille, & þat me wel lykeȝ,

"Me shall be at your will, and I will like that well,"

For I ȝelde me ȝederly, & ȝeȝe after grace,

For I yield myself wholly, and you after grace,

1216

& þat is þe best, be my dome, for me by-houeȝ nede;"

& that is the best, in my opinion, for I really need it;

& þus he bourded a-ȝayn with mony a blyþe laȝter.

&lt þus he bourded a-ȝayn with mony a blyþe laȝter.

but permit me to rise and dress myself."

"but allow me to get up and get dressed."

"Bot wolde ȝe, lady louely, þen leue me grante,

"However, would you, lovely lady, then grant me permission,"

& de-prece your prysoun, & pray hym to ryse,

1220

I wolde boȝe of þis bed, & busk me better,

I would get out of this bed and get myself ready better,

I schulde keuer þe more comfort to karp yow wyth."

I should give you more comfort to talk to you with.

[Fol. 107b]
"Nay, beau sir," said that sweet one,

[Fol. 107b]
"No, handsome sir," said that lovely one,

"Nay, for soþe, beau sir," sayd þat swete,

"Nay, truly, dear sir," said that sweet,

"Ȝe schal not rise of your bedde, I rych yow better,

"You're not getting out of your bed, I tell you better,"

"I shall hold talk with you here.

"I will talk to you here."

1224

I schal happe yow here þat oþer half als,

I will happen upon you here too,

& syþen karp wyth my knyȝt þat I kaȝt haue;

& then I will argue with my knight that I may have;

I know well that you are Gawayne that all the woild worships.

I know that you are Gawayne, whom everyone in the world admires.

For I wene wel, Iwysse, sir Wawen ȝe are,

For I believe, truly, Sir Wawen you are,

Þat alle þe worlde worchipeȝ, quere-so ȝe ride;

That everyone in the world worships, wherever you ride;

1228

Your honour, your hendelayk is hendely praysed

Your honor, your handiwork is highly praised

We are by ourselves;

We're on our own;

With lordeȝ, wyth ladyes, with alle þat lyf bere.

With lords, with ladies, with all that live.

& now ȝe ar here, iwysse, & we bot oure one;

& now you are here, indeed, & we both own one;

My lord and his men are far off.

My lord and his men are far away.

"My lorde & his ledeȝ ar on lenþe faren,

"My lord and his leaders have set out on a long journey,

Other men are in their beds, so are my maidens.

Other men are in their beds, and so are my maidens.

1232

Oþer burneȝ in her bedde, & my burdeȝ als,

Other burns in her bed, & my burden as well,

The door is safely closed.

The door is securely closed.

Þe dor drawen, & dit with a derf haspe;

Since I have him in house that every one likes, I shall use my time well while it lasts.

Since I have him at home and everyone likes him, I’ll make good use of my time while it lasts.

& syþen I haue in þis hous hym þat al lykeȝ,

I schal ware my whyle wel, quyl hit lasteȝ,

I will enjoy myself while I can, as long as it lasts,

1236

with tale;

Ye are welcome to my body.

You are welcome to my body.

Ȝe ar welcum to my cors,

You are welcome to my course,

Yowre awen won to wale,

You're the one to choose,

Me be-houeȝ of fyne force,

I have fine power,

I shall be your servant."

"I will be your servant."

1240

Your seruaunt be & schale."

Your servant be & schale.

¹ This word is illegible in the MS.

¹ This word is unreadable in the manuscript.

V.

"In god fayth," quod Gawayn, "gayn hit me þynkkeȝ,

"In good faith," said Gawain, "it seems to me..."

"I am unworthy," says Sir Gawayne, "to reach to such reverence as ye rehearse.

"I am not worthy," says Sir Gawayne, "to attain the honor you speak of."

Þaȝ I be not now he þat ȝe of speken;

To reche to such reuerence as ȝe reherce here

To reach such reverence as you mention here

1244

I am wyȝe vn-worþy, I wot wel my-seluen;

I am wise but worthless, I know that about myself;

Bi God, I were glad, & yow god þoȝt,

Bi God, I was glad, and you thought so too,

I shall be glad, however, to please you by word, or service."

I would be happy to please you with my words or actions.

At saȝe oþer at seruyce þat I sette myȝt

At the other service that I set might

To þe plesaunce of your prys, hit were a pure ioye."

To the pleasure of your price, it would be a pure joy.

1248

"In god fayth, sir Gawayn," quod þe gay lady,

"In good faith, Sir Gawain," said the beautiful lady,

"Þe prys & þe prowes þat pleseȝ al oþer,

"Take pride in the strengths that please everyone else,"

If I hit lakked, oþer set at lyȝt, hit were littel daynté;

If I got lucky, or sat in light, it wouldn't be much of a feast;

"There are ladies," says his visitor, "who would prefer thy company

"There are women," says his visitor, "who would prefer your company."

Bot hit ar ladyes in-noȝe, þat leuer wer nowþe

1252

Haf þe hende in hor holde, as I þe habbe here,

Haf the hand in her hold, as I have here,

To daly witt derely your daynté wordeȝ,

To daily wit derely your dainty words,

Keuer hem comfort, & colen her careȝ,

Keuer her comfort, & colen her cares,

to much of the gold that they possess."

"too much of the gold that they have."

Þen much of þe garysourn oþer golde þat¹ þay hauen;

Þen a lot of the bitter gold that¹ they have;

1256

Bot I louue² þat ilk lorde þat þe lyfte haldeȝ,

Bot I love that same lord that the sky holds,

I haf hit holly in my honde þat al desyres,

I have completely focused in my heart on all desires,

þurȝe grace."

through grace.

Scho made hym so gret chere,

Scho made him so happy,

[Fol. 108.]

1260

Þat watȝ so fayr of face,

The knight answers the lady's questions.

The knight responds to the lady's questions.

Þe knyȝt with speches skere,

The knight with sharp words,

A[n]swared to vche a cace.

Answered to vouch a case.

¹ MS. þat þat. ² louie or loune (?).

¹ MS. that a. ² Louis or lout?

VI.

Gawayne tells her that he prefers her conversation before that of all others.

Gawayne tells her that he likes her conversation more than anyone else's.

"Madame," quod þe myry mon, "Mary yow ȝelde,

"Madam," said the cheerful man, "May you yield,

1264

For I haf founden, in god fayth, yowre fraunchis nobele,

For I have found, in good faith, your franchise noble,

& oþer ful much of oþer folk fongen hor dedeȝ;

& other ful much of other folk fongen hor dedeȝ;

Bot þe daynté þat þay delen for my disert nysen,

Hit is þe worchyp of your-self, þat noȝt hot wel conneȝ."

Hit is the worship of yourself, that nothing hurts well.

The lady declares by Mary,

The woman declares by Mary,

1268

"Bi Mary," quod þe menskful, "me þynk hit anoþer;

"Be Mary," said the kind-hearted, "it seems to me another;"

For were I worth al þe wone of wymmen alyue,

For if I were worth all the beauty of women alive,

& al þe wele of þe worlde were in my honde,

& all the wealth of the world were in my hand,

that were she about to choose her a lord,

if she were to choose a lord,

& I schulde chepen & chose, to cheue me a lorde,

& I should choose and select, to choose myself a lord,

1272

For þe costes þat I haf knowen vpun þe knyȝt here,

For the costs that I have known about the knight here,

Of bewté, & debonerté, & blyþe semblaunt,

Of beauty, & kindness, & cheerful appearance,

she would select Gawayne before any man on earth.

She would choose Gawayne over any man in the world.

& þat I haf er herkkened, & halde hit here trwee,

& that I have already heard, & hold it here true,

Þer schulde no freke vpon folde bifore yow be chosen."

Þer schulde no freke vpon folde bifore yow be chosen.

1276

"I-wysse, worþy," quod þe wyȝe, "ȝe haf waled wel better,

"I know, worthy," said the man, "you have chosen well better,

Gawayne tells her that he will become her own knight and faithful servant.

Gawayne tells her that he will be her personal knight and loyal servant.

Bot I am proude of þe prys þat ȝe put on me,

Bot I am proud of the value that you place on me,

& soberly your seruaunt my souerayn I holde yow,

& soberly your servant my sovereign I hold you,

& yowre knyȝt I be-com, & Kryst yow for-ȝelde."

& you’re my knight, and Christ reward you.

1280

Þus þay meled of much-quat, til myd-morn paste,

Þus they talked about a lot, until past mid-morning,

& ay þe lady let lyk, a¹ hym loued mych;

& the lady let like, a¹ him loved much;

The remembrance of his adventure prevents him from thinking of love.

Thinking about his adventure keeps him from considering love.

Þe freke ferde with defence, & feted ful fayre.

Þaȝ I were burde bryȝtest, þe burde in mynde hade,

1284

Þe lasse luf in his lode, for lur þat he soȝt,

Þe lasse luf in his lode, for lur that he sought,

boute hone;

bottle hone;

Þe dunte þat schulde² hym deue,

The blow that should him strike,

& nedeȝ hit most be done;

The lady takes leave of Sir Gawayne.

The lady says goodbye to Sir Gawayne.

1288

Þe lady þenn spek of leue.

The lady then spoke of leave.

He granted hir ful sone.

He granted her full support.

¹ and (?) ² sclulde, in MS.

¹ and (?) ² schedule, in MS.

VII.

With a laughing glance, she says,

With a playful look, she says,

Þenne ho gef hym god-day, & wyth a glent laȝed.

& as ho stod, ho stonyed hym wyth ful stor wordeȝ:

& as he stood, he stunned him with full strong words:

"I am doubtful whether ye be Gawayne.

"I'm not sure if you are Gawayne."

1292

"Now he þat spedeȝ vche spech, þis disport ȝelde yow!

"Now he who speeds each speech, this entertainment yields you!"

Bot þat ȝe be Gawan, hit gotȝ in mynde."

"Quer-fore?" quod þe freke, & freschly he askeȝ,

"Quer-fore?" said the man, and he asked eagerly,

Ferde lest he hade fayled in fourme of his castes;

Ferde thought he might have failed in the form of his casts;

1296

Bot þe burde hym blessed, & bi þis skyl sayde,

[Fol. 108b.]

"So god as Gawayn gaynly is halden,

"So good as Gawain is understood,"

& cortaysye is closed so clene in hym-seluen,

& courtesy is closed so clean in him-self,

Were it he, surely, ere this, he would have craved a kiss."

If it were him, he would have definitely asked for a kiss by now.

Couth not lyȝtly haf lenged so long wyth a lady,

Coudn't easily have stayed so long with a lady,

1300

Bot he had craued a cosse, bi his courtaysye,

Bi sum towch of summe tryfle, at sum taleȝ ende."

Bi sum towch of summe tryfle, at sum taleȝ ende.

"I shall kiss," says the knight, "at your commandment."

"I will kiss," says the knight, "at your command."

Þen quod Wowen, "I-wysse, worþe as yow lykeȝ,

Þen quod Wowen, "I know, just as you prefer,

I schal kysse at your comaundement, as a knyȝt falleȝ,

I will kiss at your command, as a knight would.

1304

& fire¹ lest he displese yow, so² plede hit no more."

& fire¹ so that he doesn't upset you, so² let's not discuss it further.

With that the lady catches him in her arms and kisses him.

With that, the lady wraps her arms around him and kisses him.

Ho comes nerre with þat, & cacheȝ hym in armeȝ,

Ho comes near with that, & cacheȝ him in arms,

Louteȝ luflych adoun, & þe leude kysseȝ;

Loutez lovingly adieu, and the people kiss;

Þay comly bykennen to Kryst ayþer oþer;

Þey came back to Christ either one or the other;

1308

Ho dos hir forth at þe dore, with-outen dyn more.

& he ryches hym to ryse, & rapes hym sone,

& he rises rich, & soon takes him away,

Gawayne then rises and goes to mass.

Gawayne then gets up and goes to church for mass.

Clepes to his chamberlayn, choses his wede,

Clepes to his chamberlain, chooses his outfit,

Boȝeȝ forth, quen he watȝ boun, blyþely to masse,

Boȝeȝ forth, when he was ready, happily to mass,

1312

& þenne he meued to his mete, þat menskly hym keped,

& þenne he moved to his meal, þat menishly kept,

He makes mirth all day till the moon rises,

He laughs and has fun all day until the moon comes up,

& made myry al day til þe mone rysed,

& made merry all day till the moon rose,

with game;

With³ neuer freke fayrer fonge,

With 3 newer freaky flavors,

between the "two dames," the older and the younger.

between the "two ladies," the older and the younger.

1316

Bitwene two so dyngne dame,

Between two signing ladies,

Þe alder & þe ȝonge,

The old and the young,

Much solace set þay same.

Much comfort took place then.

¹ fere (?). ² fo, in MS. ³ Was (?) Nas (?).

¹ about (?). ² for, in the manuscript. ³ Was (?) Nas (?)

VIII.

Meanwhile the lord of the land and his men hunt in woods and heaths.

Meanwhile, the lord of the land and his men are hunting in the woods and heathlands.

And ay þe lorde of þe londe is lent on his gamneȝ,

And yes, the lord of the land is engaged in his games,

1320

To hunt in holteȝ & heþe, at hyndeȝ barayne,

To hunt in woods and heath, at hind barrens,

Such a sowme he þer slowe bi þat þe sunne heldet,

Such a sound he heard softly as the sun set,

Of dos & of oþer dere, to deme were wonder.

Of both and of other dear ones, to judge would be surprising.

Þenne fersly þay flokked in folk at þe laste,

Þen they gathered the people together at last,

Quickly of the killed a "quarry" they make.

Quickly, they make a "quarry" of the killed.

1324

& quykly of þe quelled dere a querré þay maked;

& quickly of the quelled deer a query they made;

Þe best boȝed þerto, with burneȝ in-noghe,

Then they set about breaking the deer.

Then they set about hunting the deer.

Gedered þe grattest of gres þat þer were,

Gedered the greatest of grass that there was,

& didden hem derely vndo, as þe dede askeȝ;

& didden hem derely undo, as the dead asks;

They take away the assay or fat,

They remove the assay or fat,

1328

Serched hem at þe asay, summe þat þer were,

Serched them at the trial, some that there were,

Two fyngeres þay fonde of þe fowlest of alle;

Two fingers they found of the foulest of all;

then they slit the slot and remove the erber.

then they cut the slot and take out the erber.

Syþen þay slyt þe slot, sesed þe erber,

Sythen they slid the slot, seized the herb,

They afterwards rip the four limbs and rend off the hide.

They then tear apart the four limbs and strip off the skin.

Schaued wyth a scharp knyf, & þe schyre knitten;

Schaued with a sharp knife, & the sheer knitten;

1332

Syþen rytte þay þe foure lymmes, & rent of þe hyde,

Sythen, after riding, he cut the four limbs and tore off the hide.

They next open the belly

They next open the abdomen

Þen brek þay þe bale, þe baleȝ out token,

Þen break they the bad, the bad one out token,

[Fol. 109.]
and take out the bowels.

[Fol. 109.]
and remove the insides.

Lystily forlancyng, & bere of þe knot;

Lystily forlorn, and free of the knot;

Þay gryped to þe gargulun, & grayþely departed

Þey grabbed onto the gargoyle and quickly left.

They then separate the weasand from the windhole and throw out the guts.

They then separate the weasand from the windhole and remove the organs.

1336

Þe wesaunt fro þe wynt-hole, & walt out þe gutteȝ;

Þe wesaunt from the wind hole, & walked out the gutters;

Þen scher þay out þe schuldereȝ with her scharp knyueȝ,

Þen, sheared they out the shoulders with her sharp knives,

The shoulders are cut out, and the breast divided into halves.

The shoulders are cut out, and the chest is split in two.

Haled hem by a lyttel hole, to haue hole sydes;

Haled him through a little hole, to have whole sides;

Siþen britned þay þe brest, & brayden hit in twynne,

1340

& eft at þe gargulun bigyneȝ on þenne,

& left at the gargoyle begins on the ninth,

The numbles are next removed.

The numbles are removed next.

Ryueȝ hit vp radly, ryȝt to þe byȝt,

Ryueȝ hit up readily, right to the bright,

Voydeȝ out þe a-vanters, & verayly þerafter

Voyde out the barriers, and truly thereafter

Alle þe rymeȝ by þe rybbeȝ radly þay lance;

All the rhymes by the rivers they boldly throw;

1344

So ryde þay of by resoun bi þe rygge boneȝ,

So they rode by reason along the ridge bones,

Euenden to þe haunche, þat henged alle samen,

Euenden to the hip, that hung all together,

& heuen hit vp al hole, & hwen hit of þere,

& he lifted it up completely, & when it was taken away,

& þat þayneme for þe noumbles, bi nome as I trowe,

& that they name for the numbers, by name as I believe,

1348

bi kynde;

be kind;

By the fork of the thighs,

At the joint of the thighs,

Bi þe byȝt al of þe þyȝes,

Þe lappeȝ þay lance bi-hynde,

The leaves they lance behind,

the flaps are hewn in two by the backbone.

The flaps are cut in two by the backbone.

To hewe hit in two þay hyȝes,

To cut it in two ways,

1352

Bi þe bak-bon to vnbynde.

By the backbone to unbind.

IX.

After this the head and neck are cut off, and the sides severed from the chine.

After this, the head and neck are removed, and the sides are detached from the backbone.

Boþe þe hede & þe hals þay hwen of þenne,

Boþe the head & the neck they twist off thenne,

& syþen sunder þay þe sydeȝ swyft fro þe chyne,

& then suddenly the sides swift from the chin,

& þe corbeles fee þay kest in a greue;¹

& they throw the crow's fee in a grave;¹

1356

Þenn þurled þay ayþer þik side þurȝ, bi þe rybbe,

Þenn forced them both to the side through, by the rib,

& henged þenne a[y]þer bi hoȝes of þe fourcheȝ,

Vche freke for his fee, as falleȝ forto haue.

Vpon a felle of þe fayre best, fede þay þayr houndes,

Vpon a fell of the fair beast, they feed their hounds,

With the liver, lights and paunches, they feed the hounds.

They feed the hounds with the liver, lights, and paunches.

1360

Wyth þe lyuer & þe lyȝteȝ, þe leþer of þe pauncheȝ,

& bred baþed in blod, blende þer amongeȝ;

& bred baþed in blod, blende þer among;

Baldely þay blw prys, bayed þayr rachcheȝ,

Baldly they blew pipes, bathed their wretches,

Then they make for home.

Then they head home.

Syþen fonge þay her flesche folden to home,

Sythen took that her flesh folden to home,

1364

Strakande ful stoutly mony stif moteȝ.

Bi þat þe daylyȝt watȝ done, þe douthe watȝ al wonen

In-to þe comly castel, þer þe knyȝt bideȝ

In-to the beautiful castle, where the knight waits

ful stille;

full still;

1368

Wyth blys & bryȝt fyr bette,

Þe lord is comen þer-tylle,

The lord is coming here.

Gawayne goes out to meet his host.

When Gawayn wyth hym mette,

When Gawayn met with him,

Þer watȝ bot wele at wylle.

¹ grene (?).

¹ green (?).

X.

[Fol. 109b.]
The lord commands all his household to assemble,

[Fol. 109b.]
The lord is calling everyone in his household to gather.

1372

Thenne comaunded þe lorde in þat sale to samen alle þe meny,

The nine commanded the Lord in that room to gather all the people,

Boþe þe ladyes on loghe to lyȝt with her burdes,

Boþe þe ladies on loghe to lyȝt with her burdes,

and the venison to be brought before him.

and the venison to be presented to him.

Bi-fore alle þe folk on þe flette, frekeȝ he beddeȝ

Bi-fore all the people on the platform, brave ones he challenges.

Verayly his venysoun to fech hym byforne;

Verily, his vengeance to fetch him before;

He calls Gawayne,

He calls Gawain,

1376

& al godly in gomen Gaway[n] he called,

& all the godly in Gawain he called,

Techeȝ hym to þe tayles of ful tayt bestes,

Teche him to the tails of fully tight beasts,

Scheweȝ hym þe schyree grece schorne vpon rybbes.

Schewe him the shiny green shorn upon ribs.

and asks him whether he does not deserve much praise for his success in the chase.

and asks him if he doesn't deserve a lot of praise for his success in the hunt.

"How payeȝ yow þis play? haf I prys wonnen?

"How do you like this play? Have I won any praise?"

1380

Haue I þryuandely þonk þurȝ my craft serued?"

Haue I thoroughly thanked through my skill served?

"Ȝe I-wysse," quod þat oþer wyȝe, "here is wayth fayrest

"Yeah, I know," said that other guy, "here is the way."

On the knight expressing himself satisfied, he is told to take the whole according to a former agreement between them.

When the knight expresses his satisfaction, he is told to accept everything based on their previous agreement.

Þat I seȝ þis seuen ȝere in sesoun of wynter."

"& al I gif yow, Gawayn," quod þe gome þenne,

"& I give you, Gawain," said the man then,

1384

"For by a-corde of couenaunt ȝe craue hit as your awen."

"For by an agreement you demand it as your own."

"Þis is soth," quod þe segge, "I say yow þatilke,

"That is true," said the man, "I tell you that."

&¹ I haf worthyly þis woneȝ wyth-inne,

&¹ I have rightfully made this place my home,

Gawayne gives the knight a comely kiss in return.

Gawayne gives the knight a charming kiss in return.

I-wysse with as god wylle hit worþeȝ to ȝoureȝ."

I-wysse with as god wylle hit worþeȝ to ȝoureȝ.

1388

He hasppeȝ his fayre hals his armeȝ wyth-inne,

He has wrapped his fair neck with his arms within,

& kysses hym as comlyly as he² couþe awyse:

& kisses him as charmingly as he² could manage:

"Tas yow þere my cheuicaunce, I cheued no more,

"Tas you here my convenience, I chewed no more,"

I wowche hit saf fynly, þaȝ feler hit were."

I watch it safely, though it feels like it would.

1392

"Hit is god," quod þe god mon, "grant mercy þerfore,

"Hit is god," said the god man, "grant mercy therefore,

His host desires to know where he has gotten such weal.

His host wants to know where he got such wealth.

Hit may be such, hit is þe better, &¹ ȝe me breue wolde

Hit may be such, hit is the better, &¹ you me breve would

Where ȝe wan þis ilk wele, biwytte of hor³ seluen?"

Where did you gain this wealth, by the work of your own hands?

As this does not enter into the covenant, he gets no answer to his question.

Since this isn't part of the agreement, he receives no response to his question.

"Þat watȝ not forward," quod he, "frayst me no more,

"That wasn't cool," he said, "don't bother me anymore,"

1396

For ȝe haftan þat yow tydeȝ, traweȝe non oþer

For you have that you trust, believe no other

ȝe mowe."

You can.

Þay laȝed, & made hem blyþe,

They then proceed to supper, where were dainties new and enough.

They then go to dinner, where there are plenty of delicious dishes.

Wyth loteȝ þat were to lowe,

Wyth lots that were too low,

1400

To soper þay ȝede asswyþe,

To super they good as well,

Wyth dayntes nwe in-nowe.

With days new in now.

¹ And = an. ² ho, in MS. ³ your (?).

XI.

By the hearth they sit.

By the fireplace they sit.

And syþen by þe chymné in chamber þay seten.

And then by the chimney in the chamber they sat.

Wine is carried round.

Wine is served around.

Wyȝeȝ þe walle wyn weȝed to hem oft,

Wyze the wall wine we weighed to them often,

1404

& efte in her bourdyng þay bayþen in þe morn,

To fylle þe same forwardeȝ þat þay by-fore maden,

To follow the same steps they made before,

Again Sir Gawayne and his host renew their agreement.

Once again, Sir Gawayne and his group reaffirm their agreement.

Þat chaunce so bytydeȝ hor cheuysaunce to chaunge,

What nweȝ so þay nome, at naȝt quen þay metten

What news do they have, at night when they meet

1408

Þay acorded of þe couenaunteȝ byfore þe court alle;

They agreed on the agreements before the court all;

[Fol. 110.]

Þe beuerage watȝ broȝt forth in bourde at þat tyme;

The beverage was brought forth in the cup at that time;

Then they take leave of each other and hasten to bed.

Then they say goodbye to each other and quickly head to bed.

Þenne þay louelych leȝten leue at þe last,

Þen they lovingly let go at last,

Vche burne to his bedde busked bylyue.

Vche burned to his bed, getting ready quickly.

Scarce had the cock cackled thrice when the lord was up.

The rooster had barely crowed three times when the lord got up.

1412

Bi þat þe coke hade croweȝ¹ & cakled bot þryse,

Bi þat þe coke hade crowed¹ & cackled but thrice,

Þe lorde watȝ lopen of his bedde, [&] þe leudeȝ vch one,

Þe lorde got out of his bed, and each one of the people,

So þat þe mete & þe masse watȝ metely delyuered;

So that the food and the mass were fairly delivered;

Þe douthe dressed to þe wod, er any day sprenged,

Þe douthe dressed to þe wood, before any day broke,

1416

to chace;

to chase;

With his hunters and horns they pursue the chase.

With his hunters and horns, they go after the hunt.

Heȝ with hunte & horneȝ,

He with hunts and horns,

Þurȝ playneȝ þay passe in space,

They simply pass in space,

Vn-coupled among þo þorneȝ,

Vn-coupled among the thorns,

1420

Racheȝ þat ran on race.

Races that ran on track.

¹ crowed (?).

¹ bragged (?).

XII.

The hunters cheer on the hounds,

The hunters cheer for the hounds,

Sone þay calle of a quest in aker syde,

Sone they call it a quest in the fields,

Þe hunt re-hayted þe houndeȝ, þat hit fyrst mynged,

The hunt started to smell like the hounds, making it feel like it wasn't the first time.

which fall to the scent forty at once.

which fall to the scent forty at a time.

Wylde wordeȝ hym warp wyth a wrast noyce;

Wylde words hit him like a crashing noise;

1424

Þe howndeȝ þat hit herde, hastid þider swyþe,

& fellen as fast to þe fuyt, fourty at ones;

& fell as fast to the ground, forty at once;

Þenne such a glauerande glam of gedered rachcheȝ

Ros, þat þe rochereȝ rungen aboute;

Ros, that the rochers are running about;

1428

Huntereȝ hem hardened with horne & wyth muthe.

All come together by the side of a cliff.

Everyone gathers by the edge of a cliff.

Þen al in a semblé sweyed to-geder,

Then all in a seeming swayed together,

Bitwene a flosche in þat fryth, & a foo cragge;

Bitwene a flower in that grove, and a steep cliff;

In a knot, bi a clyffe, at þe kerre syde,

In a knot, by a cliff, at the edge of the road,

1432

Þer as þe rogh rocher vn-rydely watȝ fallen,

[Þay] ferden to þe fyndyng, & frekeȝ hem after;

They look about on all sides,

They look around in all directions,

Þay vmbe-kesten þe knarre & þe knot boþe.

Wyȝeȝ, whyl þay wysten wel wyt inne hem hit were,

Wyȝeȝ, while they knew well within them it were,

1436

Þe best þat þer breued watȝ wyth þe blod houndeȝ.

The best thing that was proven was with the blood hounds.

and beat on the bushes.

and beat the bushes.

Þenne þay beten on þe buskeȝ, & bede hym vp ryse,

Þen they beat on the bushes, and told him to get up.

& he vnsoundyly out soȝt seggeȝ ouer-þwert,

& he vnsoundyly sought villages all around,

Out there rushes a fierce wild boar,

A fierce wild boar rushes out.

On þe sellokest swyn swenged out þere,

On the most peculiar pig swung out there,

1440

Long sythen for¹ þe sounder þat wiȝt for-olde,

Long sythen for¹ the sounder that wiȝt for-olde,

For he watȝ b[este &] bor alþer grattest,

For he was the best and most admired of all.

[And eue]re quen he gronyed, þenne greued mony,

At the first thrust he fells three to the ground.

With the first strike, he knocks three people down.

For [þre a]t þe fyrst þrast he þryȝt to þe erþe,

For at the first thrust he pushed to the earth,

1444

& [sped hym] forth good sped, boute spyt more,

& [sped him] forth good speed, but spite more,

[Ande þay] halowed hyghe ful hyȝe & hay! hay! cryed

[Fol. 110b.]

Haden horneȝ to mouþe heterly rechated;

Haden horns to mouth harshly chattered;

Full quickly the hunters pursue him.

The hunters quickly chase after him.

Mony watȝ þe myry mouthe of men & of houndeȝ,

1448

Þat buskkeȝ after þis bor, with bost & wyth noyse,

Þat busked after this bore, with boast & with noise,

To quelle;

To quote;

Ful oft he bydeȝ þe baye,

& maymeȝ þe mute Inn-melle,

& maymeȝ the mute Inn-melle,

However, he attacks the hounds, causing them to yowl and yell.

However, he attacks the dogs, making them howl and scream.

1452

He hurteȝ of þe houndeȝ, & þay

He heard of the hounds, and they

Ful ȝomerly ȝaule & ȝelle.

Full formerly yowl & yell.

¹ fro (?).

XIII.

The bowmen send their arrows after this wild swine,

The archers shoot their arrows at this wild boar,

Schalkeȝ to schote at hym schowen to þenne,

Schalke's to shoot at him showing to then,

Haled to hym of her areweȝ, hitten hym oft;

Haled to him of her arms, hit him often;

1456

Bot þe poynteȝ payred at þe pyth þat pyȝt in his scheldeȝ,

Bot þe poynteȝ payred at þe pyth þat pyȳt in his scheldeȝ,

& þe barbeȝ of his browe bite non wolde,

& the beard of his brow bit no one would,

but they glide off shivered in pieces.

but they slip away, shivering and fragmented.

Þaȝ þe schauen schaft schyndered in peceȝ,

Þe hede hypped aȝayn, were-so-euer hit hitte;

Þe hede hopped again, wherever it hit;

Enraged with the blows,

Furious from the blows,

1460

Bot quon þe dynteȝ hym dered of her dryȝe strokeȝ,

Bot quon the dinteȝ him dered of her dryȝe strokes,

Þen, brayn-wod for bate, on burneȝ he raseȝ,

Þen, mad with anger, he rose up against the man,

he attacks the hunters.

Hurteȝ hem ful heterly þer he forth hyȝeȝ,

Hurt them really badly where he went forth.

& mony arȝed þerat, & on-lyte droȝen.

& many argued about it, & only a few withdrew.

1464

Bot þe lorde on a lyȝt horce launces hym after,

Bot the lord on a light horse launches him after,

The lord of the land blows his bugle,

The lord of the land sounds his horn,

As burne bolde vpon bent his bugle he bloweȝ,

As he boldly raised his bow, he blew his horn,

He rechated, & r[ode]¹ þurȝ roneȝ ful þyk,

He rode through dense bushes,

Suande þis wy[ld]e swyn til þe sunne schafted.

Suande this wild swine til the sunne shafted.

and pursues the boar.

and chases the boar.

1468

Þis day wyth þis ilk dede þay dryuen on þis wyse,

This day with this same deed they drive on this way,

Whyle oure luflych lede lys in his bedde,

Whyle our lovely man lies in his bed,

All this time Gawayne lies a-bed.

All this time, Gawayne is lying in bed.

Gawayn grayþely at home, in gereȝ ful ryche

Gawayn was living comfortably at home, in a very rich manner.

of hewe;

of hue;

1472

Þe lady noȝt forȝate,

The lady won't forget,

Com to hym to salue,

Come to him to greet,

Ful erly ho watȝ hym ate,

Ful erly he was home,

His mode forto remwe.

His way to remove.

¹ The MS. is here almost illegible.

¹ The manuscript is nearly unreadable here.

XIV.

The lady of the castle again visits Sir Gawayne.

The lady of the castle visits Sir Gawayne again.

1476

Ho commes to þe cortyn, & at þe knyȝt totes,

Ho commes to the cortyn, & at the knyȝt totes,

Sir Wawen her welcumed worþy on fyrst,

Sir Wawen welcomed him warmly at first,

& ho hym ȝeldeȝ aȝayn, ful ȝerne of hir wordeȝ,

Softly she sits by his side,

Gently, she sits next to him,

Setteȝ hir sof[t]ly by his syde, & swyþely ho laȝeȝ,

Set her softly by his side, and quickly she laughed,

1480

& wyth a luflych loke ho layde¹ hym þyse wordeȝ:

"Sir, ȝif ȝe be Wawen, wonder me þynkkeȝ,

"Sir, if you are Wawen, feel free to think of me in wonder,"

Wyȝe þat is so wel wrast alway to god,

Wyȝe that is so well wrestled always to God,

& conneȝ not of compaynye þe costeȝ vnder-take,

& connect not of company the costs undertaken,

[Fol. 111]

1484

& if mon kennes yow hom to knowe, ȝe kest hom of your mynde;

& if you want to know your home, you cast it off from your mind;

and tells the knight that he has forgotten what she taught him the day before.

and tells the knight that he forgot what she taught him the day before.

Þou hatȝ for-ȝeten ȝederly þat ȝisterday I taȝtte

alder-truest token of talk þat I cowþe."

alder-truest token of talk that I could.

"What is þat?" quod þe wyghe, "I-wysse I wot neuer,

"What is that?" said the woman, "Honestly, I have no idea,

1488

If hit be sothe þat ȝe breue, þe blame is myn awen."

If it's true that you complain, the fault is mine.

"I taught you of kissing," she says, "that becomes every knight."

"I taught you how to kiss," she says, "which is appropriate for every knight."

"Ȝet I kende yow of kyssyng," quod þe clere þenne,

"Yet I know about kissing," said the clear one,

"Quere-so countenaunce is couþe, quikly to clayme,

"Quere-so countenance is couched, quickly to claim,"

Þat bicumes vche a knyȝt, þat cortaysy vses."

That becomes each knight, that shows courtesy.

1492

"Do way," quod þat derf mon, "my dere, þat speche,

"Do that," said that brave man, "my dear, that speech,

Gawayne says that he must not take that which is forbidden.

Gawayne says that he shouldn’t take what is forbidden.

For þat durst I not do, lest I denayed were,

For that, I didn't dare to do, in case I was denied,

If I were werned, I were wrang I-wysse, ȝif I profered."

If I were warned, I would be wrong, I know, if I offered.

"Ma fay," quod þe mere wyf, "ȝe may not be werned,

"Ma fay," said the mermaid, "you can't deny,

He is told that he is strong enough to enforce it.

He is told that he is strong enough to make it happen.

1496

Ȝe ar stif in-noghe to constrayne wyth strenkþe, ȝif yow lykeȝ,

Ȝif any were so vilanous þat yow denaye² wolde."

Ȝif any were so vilanous þat yow denaye² wolde.

"Ȝe, be God," quod Gawayn, "good is your speche,

"Yeah, by God," said Gawain, "your speech is good,

Bot þrete is vn-þryuande in þede þer I lende,

The knight replies that every gift is worthless that is not given willingly.

The knight replies that any gift is worthless if it isn't given freely.

1500

& vche gift þat is geuen not with goud wylle;

I am at your comaundement, to kysse quen yow lykeȝ,

I am at your command, to kiss whichever queen you prefer,

Ȝe may lach quen yow lyst, & leue quen yow þynkkeȝ,

You may laugh when you want, and leave when you think you should,

in space."

in space.

The lady stoops down and kisses him.

The woman bends down and kisses him.

1504

Þe lady louteȝ a-doun,

The lady bows down,

& comlyly kysses his face,

& and sweetly kisses his face,

Much speche þay þer expoun,

Much speech they expound,

Of druryes greme & grace.

Of dreary gloom & grace.

¹ sayde (?). ² de vaye, in MS.

¹ said (?). ² of the way, in MS.

XV.

"I would learn," she says, "why you, who are so young and active,

"I want to know," she says, "why you, who are so young and energetic,

1508

"I woled¹ wyt at yow, wyȝe," þat worþy þer sayde,

"I called out to you, wise one," that worthy there said,

"& yow wrathed not þer-wyth, what were þe skylle,

"& yow wrathed not therwith, what was the cause,

Þat so ȝong & so ȝepe, as ȝe [ar] at þis tyme,

Þat so young & so deep, as you [are] at this time,

So cortayse, so knyȝtyly, as ȝe ar knowen oute,

So courteous, so knightly, as you are known out,

so skilled in the true sport of love,

so talented in the genuine game of love,

1512

& of alle cheualry to chose, þe chef þyng a-losed,

& of all chivalry to choose, the chief thing lost,

Is² þe lel layk of luf, þe lettrure of armes;

Is² the true expression of love, the language of arms;

F[or] to telle of þis tenelyng of þis trwe knyȝteȝ,

F[or] to tell of this training of these true knights,

Hit is þe tytelet, token, & tyxt of her werkkeȝ,

1516

How le[des] for her lele luf hor lyueȝ han auntered,

How leads for her little love her life have wandered,

Endured for her drury dulful stoundeȝ,

Coped with her difficult troubles,

& after wenged with her walour & voyded her care,

and so renowned a knight,

and such a famous knight,

& broȝt blysse in-to boure, with bountees hor awen.

& brought joy in-to the room, with gifts her own.

1520

& ȝe ar knyȝt com-lokest kyd of your elde,

& you are the knight who looks most like your elder,

[Fol. 111b.]

Your worde & your worchip walkeȝ ay quere,

Your words and your worship always seem strange,

& I haf seten by your-self here sere twyes,

& I have sat by your side here, sir, twice,

have never talked to me of love.

has never spoken to me about love.

Ȝet herde I neuer of your hed helde no wordeȝ

Yet I never heard of your head holding any words.

1524

Þat euer longed to luf, lasse ne more;

Þat euer longed to love, less or more;

You ought to show a young thing like me some token of 'true-love's crafts.'

You should show someone young like me a sign of 'true love's crafts.'

& ȝe, þat ar so cortays & coynt of your hetes,

& you, who are so courteous & modest about your feelings,

Oghe to a ȝonke þynk ȝern to schewe,

& teche sum tokeneȝ of trweluf craftes.

& tech suchm tokens of truthful crafts.

1528

Why ar ȝe lewed, þat alle þe los weldeȝ,

Why are you ignorant, who can control all the loss,

Oþer elles ȝe demen me to dille, your dalyaunce to herken?

Other else you judge me to be dull, your indifference to listen?

for schame!

for shame!

I com hider sengel, & sitte,

I come here alone and sit,

1532

To lerne at yow sum game,

To learn at your sum game,

So teach me of your 'wit' while my lord is from home."

"So tell me about your 'wit' while my lord is away."

Dos, techeȝ me of your wytte,

Dos, teach me of your wisdom,

Whil my lorde is fro hame."

Whil my lord is from home.

¹ wolde (?). ² In (?).

¹ wanted (?). ² In (?).

XVI.

"It is a great pleasure to me," says Sir Gawayne, "to hear you talk,

"It gives me great pleasure," says Sir Gawayne, "to hear you speak,

"In goud fayþe," quod Gawayn, "God yow forȝelde,

"In good faith," said Gawain, "God reward you,

1536

Gret is þe gode gle, & gomen to me huge,

Gret is the good joy, and fun to me huge,

Þat so worþy as ȝe wolde wynne hidere,

Þat so worthy as you would want to come here,

& pyne yow with so pouer a mon, as play wyth your knyȝt,

With any skynneȝ countenaunce, hit keuereȝ me ese;

With any sky in my view, it brings me peace;

but I cannot undertake the task to expound true-love and tales of arms.

but I can't take on the task of explaining true love and stories of warfare.

1540

Bot to take þe toruayle¹ to my-self, to trwluf expoun,

Bot to take the turmoil¹ to myself, to truluf expoun,

& towche þe temeȝ of tyxt, & taleȝ of armeȝ,

& touch the themes of text, & tales of arms,

To yow þat, I wot wel, weldeȝ more slyȝt

To you that, I know well, knows more tricks

Of þat art, bi þe half, or a hundreth of seche

Of that art, by the half, or a hundred of such

1544

As I am, oþer euer schal, in erde þer I leue,

As I am, so shall I be, in the world where I live,

Hit were a fole fele-folde, my fre, by my trawþe.

Hit were a fool fell fold, my friend, by my truth.

I will, however, act according to your will,

I will, however, follow your wishes,

I wolde yowre wylnyng worche at my myȝt,

I would work for your desires to the best of my ability,

As I am hyȝly bihalden, & euer-more wylle

As I am eagerly watching, and will always

and ever be your servant."

and always be your servant."

1548

Be seruaunt to your-seluen, so saue me dryȝtyn!"

Be true to yourself, so save me directly!

Þus hym frayned þat fre, & fondet hym ofte,

Forto haf wonnen hym to woȝe, what-so scho þoȝt elleȝ,

Forto have women him to woo, whatever she thought else,

Thus Gawayne defends himself.

So Gawayne defends himself.

Bot he de fended hym so fayr, þat no faut semed,

Bot he defended him so fair, that no fault seemed,

1552

Ne non euel on nawþer halue, nawþer þay wysten,

bot blysse;

bot bliss

Þay laȝed & layked longe,

They laughed and played long,

At þe last scho con hym kysse,

At the end, she could kiss him,

The lady having kissed the knight, takes leave of him.

The lady kisses the knight and says goodbye to him.

1556

Hir leue fayre con scho fonge,

& went hir waye Iwysse.

& went her way, I swear.

¹ tornayle (?).

XVII.

Gawayne rises, hears mass, and then dines.

Gawayne gets up, attends mass, and then has lunch.

Then ruþes hym þe renk, & ryses to þe masse,

Then he rises up and goes to the mass,

[Fol. 112.]

& siþen hor diner watȝ dyȝt & derely serued.

Meanwhile the lord pursues the wild boar,

Meanwhile, the lord chases the wild boar,

1560

Þe lede with þe ladyeȝ layked alle day,

Þe lede with þe ladyeȝ played all day,

Bot þe lorde ouer þe londeȝ launced ful ofte,

Sweȝ his vncely swyn, þat swyngeȝ bi þe bonkkeȝ,

Sweat his ugly swine, that swings by the banks,

that bit the backs of his hounds asunder,

that tore the backs of his hounds apart,

& bote þe best of his bracheȝ þe bakkeȝ in sunder;

& bite the best of his branches the backs in sunder;

1564

Þer he bode in his bay, tel¹ bawe-men hit breken,

Þer he waited in his bay, until the men broke it,

& made² hym, maw-gref his bed, forto mwe vtter;

& made² him, maw-gref his bed, forto mwe vtter;

and caused the stiffest of the hunters to start.

and made even the most serious of the hunters jump.

So felle floneȝ per flete, when þe folk gedered;

So many flowers fell through the sky as the people gathered;

Bot ȝet þe styffest to start bi stoundeȝ he made,

Bot yet the stiffest to start by stounde he made,

1568

Til at þe last he watȝ so mat, he myȝt no more renne,

The boar runs into a hole in a rock by the side of a brook.

The boar darts into a hole in a rock next to a stream.

Bot in þe hast þat he myȝt, he to a hole wynneȝ,

Bot in the haste that he might, he to a hole wynneȝ,

Of a rasse, bi a rokk, þer renneȝ þe boerne,

Of a race, by a rock, there runs the brook,

He gete þe bonk at his bak, bigyneȝ to scrape,

He gets the bone in his back, beginning to scrape,

The froth foams at his mouth.

Foam is forming at his mouth.

1572

Þe froþe femed³ at his mouth vnfayre bi þe wykeȝ,

Whetteȝ his whyte tuscheȝ; with hym þen irked

Whet his white tusks; with him then irked

Alle þe burneȝ so bolde, þat hym by stoden,

Alle the burns so bold, that him by stood,

None durst approach him,

No one dared approach him,

To nye hym on-ferum, bot neȝe hym non durst

To go near him on the journey, but no one dared to get close.

1576

for woþe;

He hade hurt so mony byforne,

He had hurt so many before,

Þat al þuȝt⁴ þenne ful loþe,

That all you thought then full loath,

so many had he torn with his tusks.

so many he had ripped apart with his tusks.

Be more wyth his tuscheȝ torne,

Be more with his touches torn,

1580

Þat breme watȝ [&] brayn-wod bothe.

¹ til (?). ² madee, in MS. ³ fomed (?). ⁴ þoȝt (?).

XVIII.

The knight, seeing the boar at bay,

The knight, noticing the boar cornered,

Til þe knyȝt com hym-self, kachande his blonk,

Til the knight came him-self, catching his horse,

Syȝ hym byde at þe bay, his burneȝ bysyde,

Syȝ hym by the bay, his armor beside,

alights from his horse,

dismounts from his horse,

He lyȝtes luflych¹ adoun, leueȝ his corsour,

He lights up beautifully, leaves his

1584

Braydeȝ out a bryȝt bront, & bigly forth strydeȝ,

Brayde steps out into a bright light and strides confidently forward,

Foundeȝ fast þurȝ þe forth, þer þe felle bydeȝ,

Foundeȝ fast through the forest, where the grass waits,

and seeks to attack him with his sword.

and aims to strike him with his sword.

Þe wylde watȝ war of þe wyȝe with weppen in honde,

Hef hyȝly þe here, so hetterly he fnast,

1588

Þat fele ferde for þe frekeȝ,² lest felle hym þe worre;

Þat fele ferde for þe frekeȝ,² lest felle hym

The "swine sets out" upon the man,

The "swine attacks" the man,

Þe swyn setteȝ hym out on þe segge euen,

Þe swine set him out on the sea even,

Þat þe burne & þe bor were boþe vpon hepeȝ,

In þe wyȝt-est of þe water, þe worre hade þat oþer;

In the weight of the water, the warrior had that other;

who, aiming well,

who's aiming well,

1592

For þe mon merkkeȝ hym wel, as þay mette fyrst,

For the man marked him well, as they met first,

Set sadly þe scharp in þe slot euen,

Set sadly the sharp in the slot even,

wounds him in the pit of the stomach.

wounds him in the stomach.

Hit hym vp to þe hult, þat þe hert schyndered,

& he ȝarrande hym ȝelde, & ȝedoun³ þe water,

& he gathered him yield, & ȝedoun³ the water,

1596

ful tyt;

full tilt;

[Fol. 112b.]

A hundreth houndeȝ hym hent,

A hundred hounds him seized,

The boar is soon bitten to death by a hundred hounds.

The boar is quickly killed by a hundred hounds.

Þat bremely con hym bite,

That can really hurt,

Burneȝ him broȝt to bent,

Burneȝ brought him to bend,

1600

& doggeȝ to dethe endite.

& dogs to death sentence.

¹ MS. luslych. ² freke (?). ³ ȝede doun (?).

¹ Ms. luslych. ² freke (?). ³ ȝede doun (?).

XIX.

Then was there blowing of horns

Then there was the sound of horns blowing.

There watȝ blawyng of prys in mony breme home,

There was blowing of price in many fierce homes,

Heȝe halowing on hiȝe, with haþeleȝ þat myȝt;

Heavenly blessing on high, with holy ones that might;

and baying of hounds.

and barking of dogs.

Brachetes bayed þat best, as bidden þe maystereȝ,

Brachetes barked the loudest, as the master had instructed.

1604

Of þat chargeaunt chace þat were chef huntes.

Of that chargeant chase that were chief hunts.

One wise in woodcraft begins to unlace the boar.

Someone skilled in woodworking starts to loosen the boar.

Þenne a wyȝe þat watȝ wys vpon wod crafteȝ,

To vnlace þis bor lufly bigynneȝ;

To appreciate this beautiful beginning;

First he hews off the head, then rends him by the back.

First, he chops off the head, then tears him apart from the back.

Fyrst he hewes of his hed, & on hiȝe setteȝ,

Fyrst he cuts off his head, and on high sets,

1608

& syþen rendeȝ him al roghe bi þe rygge after,

& then he ran roughe along the back after,

He next removes the bowels, broils them on the ashes, and therewith rewards his hounds.

He then takes out the intestines, cooks them over the ashes, and uses them to reward his hounds.

Braydeȝ out þe boweles, brenneȝ hom on glede,

With bred blent þer-with his braches rewardeȝ;

With mixed breeding therewith his branches rewarded;

Syþen he britneȝ out þe brawen in bryȝt brode [s]cheldeȝ,

Sythen he breaks out the brown in bright broad shields,

Then the hastlets are removed.

1612

& hatȝ out þe hastletteȝ, as hiȝtly bisemeȝ;

The two halves are next bound together and hung upon a pole.

The two halves are then connected and hung on a pole.

& ȝet hem halcheȝ al hole þe halueȝ to-geder,

& yet them halches all whole the halves together,

& syþen on a stif stange stoutly hem henges.

& then on a strong stand firmly they hang.

Now with þis ilk swyn þay swengen to home;

Now with this same pig, they swing back home;

The boar's head is borne before the knight, who hastens home.

The boar's head is carried ahead of the knight, who rushes home.

1616

Þe bores hed watȝ borne bifore þe burnes seluen,

Þe bores had been carried before the boys themselves,

Þat him for-ferde in þe forþe, þurȝ forse of his honde,

so stronge;

so strong;

Til he seȝ sir Gawayne,

'Til he sees Sir Gawain,

1620

In halle hym þoȝt ful longe,

In hall, him thought full long,

Gawayne is called to receive the spoil.

Gawayne is summoned to collect the spoils.

He calde, & he com gayn,

He warmed up, and he came back.

His feeȝ þer for to fonge.

His fee to receive.

XX.

The lord of the land is well pleased when he sees Sir Gawayne,

The lord of the land is very pleased when he sees Sir Gawayne,

Þe lorde ful lowde with lote, & laȝed myry,

The lord spoke very loudly with laughter, and looked joyful,

1624

When he seȝe sir G: with solace he spekeȝ;

Þe goude ladyeȝ were geten, & gedered þe meyny,

He shows him the shields of the wild boar, and tells him of its length and breadth.

He shows him the wild boar's shields and explains its length and width.

He scheweȝ hem þe scheldeȝ, & schapes hem þe tale,

He shows them the shields and creates the story,

Of þe largesse, & þe lenþe, þe liþerneȝ alse,

Of the generosity, and the length, the smoothness as well,

1628

Of þe were of þe wylde swyn, in wod þer he fled.

Of the wild boar, in the woods where he fled.

Þat oþer knyȝt ful comly comended his dedeȝ,

Þat oþer knight fully praised his deeds,

& praysed hit as gret prys, þat he proued hade;

& praysed it as great praise, that he proved he had;

Such a "brawn of a beast," Sir Gawayne says, he never has seen.

Sir Gawayne says he's never seen such a "brawn of a beast."

For suche a brawne of a best, þe bolde burne sayde,

For such a strong animal, the brave man said,

1632

Ne such sydes of a swyn, segh he neuer are.

Þenne hondeled þay þe hoge hed, þe hende mon hit praysed,

[Fol. 113.]

& let lodly þerat þe lorde forte here:

Gawayne takes possession of it according to covenant,

Gawayne takes ownership of it according to the agreement,

"Now Gawayn," quod þe god mon, "þis gomen is your awen,

"Now Gawain," said the good man, "this game is your own,

1636

Bi fyn for-warde & faste, faythely ȝe knowe."

Bi fyn forward & fast, faithfully you know.

"Hit is sothe," quod þe segge, "& as siker trwe;

"That's true," said the man, "and it's definitely certain;

Alle my get I schal yow gif agayn, bi my trawþe."

All my gifts I shall give back to you, by my truth.

and in return kisses his host,

and in return, kisses his host,

He [hent] þe haþel aboute þe halse, & hendely hym kysses,

He wrapped his arms around the nobleman’s neck and sweetly kissed him,

1640

& efter-sones of þe same he serued hym þere.

"Now ar we euen," quod þe haþel, "in þis euen-tide,

"Now we are even," said the hero, "in this evening,"

Of alle þe couenauntes þat we knyt, syþen I com hider,

Of all the agreements that we made since I arrived here,

bi lawe;"

bi lawe;

who declares his guest to be the best he knows.

who claims his guest is the best he knows.

1644

Þe lorde sayde, "bi saynt Gile,

Þe lorde sayde, "by saint Gile,

ȝe ar þe best þat I knowe,

You are the best that I know.

Ȝe ben ryche in a whyle,

You will be rich soon,

Such chaffer & ȝe drowe."

Such chatter & you drove.

XXI.

Tables are raised aloft,

Tables are lifted up,

1648

Þenne þay teldet tableȝ [on] trestes alofte,

cloths cast upon them,

clothes thrown over them,

Kesten cloþeȝ vpon, clere lyȝt þenne

Kesten clothes on, clear light then

and torches are lighted.

and torches are lit.

Wakned bi woȝeȝ, waxen torches

Woken by voices, lit torches

Seggeȝ sette, & serued in sale al aboute;

Segge's set, and served in sale all around;

With much mirth and glee,

With lots of joy and happiness,

1652

Much glam & gle glent vp þer-inne,

Aboute þe fyre vpon flet, & on fele wyse,

Aboute the fire on the floor, and in many ways,

supper is served in the hall,

dinner is served in the hall,

At þe soper & after, mony aþel songeȝ,

At the supper and after, many noble songs,

As coundutes of kryst-masse, & caroleȝ newe,

As intenders of Christmas and new carols,

1656

With alle þe manerly merþe þat mon may of telle.

With all the wonderful stories that one can tell.

and ever our lovely knight by the lady sits,

and always our charming knight sits by the lady,

& euer oure luflych knyȝt þe lady bi-syde;

& euer our lovely knight the lady beside;

Such semblaunt to þat segge semly ho made,

Such a resemblance to that man she created,

who does all she can to please her companion.

who does everything possible to please her partner.

Wyth stille stollen countenaunce, þat stalworth to plese,

Wyth still stolen countenance, that strong to please,

1660

Þat al for-wondered watȝ þe wyȝe, & wroth with hym-seluen,

Bot he nolde not for his nurture nurne hir a-ȝayneȝ,

Bot he would not for his upbringing nurture her again,

Bot dalt with hir al in daynte, how-se-euer þe dede turned

Bot dalt with her all in dainty, however the deed turned

to wrast;

to wrestle;

When they had long played in the hall,

After they had played in the hall for a long time,

1664

Quen þay hade played in halle,

When they had played in hall,

As longe as hor wylle hom last,

As long as their will lasts,

they proceeded "to chamber."

they went "to chamber."

To chambre he¹ con hym calle,

To room he¹ with him on the street,

& to þe chem-ne þay past.

& to the chem-ne they passed.

¹ ho (?).

ho (?).

XXII.

There they drank and discoursed.

There they drank and talked.

1668

Ande þer þay dronken, & dalten, & demed eft nwe,

And they drank, and danced, and judged again anew,

To norne on þe same note, on nweȝereȝ euen;

To celebrate the same occasion, on New Year's Eve;

Gawayne begs leave to depart on the morrow.

Gawayne asks for permission to leave tomorrow.

Bot þe knyȝt craued leue, to kayre on þe morn,

For hit watȝ neȝ at þe terme, þat he to¹ schulde.

For what was near to the term, that he should.

[Fol. 113b.]

1672

Þe lorde hym letted of þat, to lenge hym resteyed,

Þe lorde him let go of that, to make him rest.

His host swears to him,

His host promises him,

& sayde, "as I am trwe segge, I siker my trawþe,

& said, "as I am true, I assure my honesty,

that he shall come to the Green Chapel on New Year's morn long before prime.

that he will arrive at the Green Chapel on New Year's morning well before dawn.

Þou schal cheue to þe grene chapel, þy charres to make,

Leude, on nwȝereȝ lyȝt, longe bifore pryme:

Leude, in the early morning light, long before dawn:

1676

For-þy þow lye in þy loft, & lach þyn ese,

For you lie in your loft, and catch your ease,

& I schal hunt in þis holt, & halde þe towcheȝ,

& I shall hunt in this wood, & hold the touches,

Chaunge wyth þe cheuisaunce, bi þat I charre hider;

Chaunge with the chief concern, by that I carry here;

For I haf fraysted þe twys, & faythful I fynde þe,

For I have tested you twice, and I find you faithful,

1680

Now þrid tyme þrowe best þenk on þe morne,

Now three times throw best think on the morning,

Make we mery quyl we may, & mynne vpon Ioye,

Make we merry while we can, and mine upon joy,

For þe lur may mon lach, when so mon lykeȝ."

For the lure may one catch, when one likes.

Þis watȝ grayþely graunted, & Gawayn is lenged,

Our knight consents to remain for another night.

Our knight agrees to stay for another night.

1684

Bliþe broȝt watȝ hym drynk, & þay to bedde ȝeden,

Blythe brought him drink, and they went to bed,

with liȝt;

with light;

Full still and softly he sleeps all night.

He sleeps soundly and peacefully all night.

Sir G: lis & slepes,

Sir G: lists & sleeps,

Ful stille & softe al niȝt;

Early in the morning the lord is up.

The lord is awake early in the morning.

1688

Þe lorde þat his crafteȝ kepes,

Ful erly he watȝ diȝt.

Ful erly he was ditched.

¹ te (?).

te (?).

XXIII.

After mass, a morsel he take with his men.

After mass, he has a bite to eat with his men.

After messe a morsel¹ he & his men token,

After mess a morsel¹ he & his men took,

Miry watȝ þe mornyng, his mounture he askes;

Miry was the morning, he asks about his demeanor;

Then were all on their horses before the hall-gates.

Then everyone was on their horses in front of the hall gates.

1692

Alle þe haþeles þat on horse schulde helden hym after,

Alle the nobles that on horse should hold him after,

Were boun busked on hor blonkkeȝ, bi-fore² þe halle ȝateȝ;

Were bound busked on her blankets, before the hall gates;

It was a clear frosty morning.

It was a crisp, cold morning.

Ferly fayre watȝ þe folde, for þe forst clenged,

Ferly fair was the field, for the frost cleared,

In rede rudede vpon rak rises þe sunne,

I red light upon the rack rises the sun,

The hunters, dispersed by a wood's side,

The hunters, spread out alongside the woods,

1696

& ful clere costeȝ³ þe clowdes of þe welkyn.

& full clear costs³ the clouds of the sky.

Hunteres vnhardeled bi a holt syde,

Rocheres roungen bi rys, for rurde of her hornes;

Rocheres rounden by rys, for rurde of her horns;

come upon the track of a fox,

come across the trail of a fox,

Summe fel in þe fute, þer þe fox bade,

1700

Trayleȝ ofte a trayteres⁴, bi traunt of her wyles;

Traylēs often a tale of their tricks;

A kenet kryes þerof, þe hunt on hym calles,

A kenet crys thereof, the hunt on him calls,

His felaȝes fallen hym to, þat fnasted ful þike,

His followers have fallen to him, that showed great loyalty,

which is followed up by the hounds.

which is chased by the hounds.

Runnen forth in a rabel, in his ryȝt fare;

Run forth in a ravel, in his right state;

1704

& he fyskeȝ hem by-fore, þay founden hym sone,

& he fished them before, they found him soon,

They soon get sight of the game,

They quickly spot the game,

& quen þay seghe hym with syȝt, þay sued hym fast,

& when they sawe himm withh sight, they followed himm closely,

Wreȝande h[ym] ful [w]eterly with a wroth noyse;

Wreaking him fully with a fierce noise;

and pursue him through many a rough grove.

and chase him through many a tough grove.

& he trantes & tornayeeȝ þurȝ mony tene greue;

& he trants & tornayees through many intense troubles;

1708

Hamlouneȝ, & herkeneȝ, bi heggeȝ ful ofte;

Hamlouneneȝ, & herkenes, by hedges very often;

[Fol. 114.]
The fox at last leaps over a spinny,

The fox finally jumps over a thicket.

At þe last bi a littel dich he lepeȝ ouer a spenné,

At the end, he jumps over a small ditch.

Steleȝ out ful stilly bi a strothe rande,

Stepped out very quietly by a little stream,

and by a rugged path seeks to get clear from the hounds.

And by a rough path tries to escape from the hounds.

Went haf wylt of þe wode, with wyleȝ fro þe houndes,

Went half way out of the wood, with wiles from the hounds,

1712

Þenne watȝ he went, er he wyst, to⁵ a wale tryster,

He comes upon one of the hunting stations, where he is attacked by the dogs.

He arrives at one of the hunting stations, where the dogs attack him.

Þer þre þro at a þrich þrat hym at ones,

al graye;

However, he slips them,

However, he drops them,

He blenched aȝayn bilyue,

He flinched again nearby,

1716

& stifly start onstray,

With alle þe wo on lyue,

With all the pain present,

and makes again for the wood.

and heads back to the woods.

To þe wod he went away.

To the woods he went away.

¹ MS. nnorsel. ² bi-forere, in MS. ³ casteȝ (?). ⁴ trayveres (?). ⁵ to to, in MS.

XXIV.

Then was it fine sport to listen to the hounds,

It was great fun to listen to the hounds,

Thenne watȝ hit lif vpon list to lyþen þe houndeȝ,

The nine watched as it lived upon the list to listen to the hounds,

1720

When alle þe mute hade hym met, menged to-geder,

When all the people had met together, mingled with each other,

Suche a sorȝe at þat syȝt þay sette on his hede,

Suche a sorrow at that sight they placed on his head,

As alle þe clamberande clyffes hade clatered on hepes;

As all the climbing cliffs had clattered on hills;

and the hallooing of the hunters.

and the shouting of the hunters.

Here he watȝ halawed, when haþeleȝ hym metten,

Here he was honored, when heroes met him,

1724

Loude he watȝ ȝayned, with ȝarande speche;

Loud he was called, with shouting speech;

There the fox was threatened and called a thief.

The fox was threatened and labeled a thief.

Þer he watȝ þreted, & ofte þef called,

& ay þe titleres at his tayl, þat tary he ne myȝt;

Ofte he watȝ runnen at, when he out rayked,

Ofte he was running at, when he went out racing,

But Reynard was wily,

But Reynard was clever,

1728

& ofte reled in aȝayn, so reniarde watȝ wylé.

& often led in again, so redone it will be.

and led them astray over mounts.

and misled them over mountains.

& ȝe he lad hem bi lag, mon, þe lorde & his meyny;

& you lead them by law, man, the lord & his company;

On þis maner bi þe mountes, quyle myd, ouer, vnder,

On this manner by the mountains, while in the middle, over, under,

Meanwhile the knight at home soundly sleeps within his comely curtains.

Meanwhile, the knight sleeps soundly at home within his beautiful curtains.

Whyle þe hende knyȝt at home holsumly slepeȝ,

Whyle the nice knight at home peacefully sleeps,

1732

With-inne þe comly cortynes, on þe colde morne.

With-in the lovely curtains, on the cold morning.

Bot þe lady for luf let not to slepe,

Ne þe purpose to payre, þat pyȝt in hir hert,

Bot ros hir vp radly, rayked hir þeder,

Bot ros hir up readily, raked her tether,

The lady of the castle, clothed in a rich mantle,

The lady of the castle, dressed in an elegant cloak,

1736

In a mery mantyle, mete to þe erþe,

In a cheerful mantle, meet to the earth,

Þat watȝ furred ful fyne with felleȝ, wel pured,

No hweȝ goud on hir hede, bot þe haȝer stones

No gold on her head, just the heavier stones

Trased aboute hir tressour, be twenty in clusteres;

Traced about her treasure, by twenty in clusters;

her throat and bosom all bare,

her throat and chest completely exposed,

1740

Hir þryuen face & hir þrote þrowen al naked,

Hir thryuen face & hir þrote þrowen al naked,

Hir brest bare bifore, & bihinde eke.

Hir breast was exposed both in front and behind.

comes to Gawayne's chamber,

comes to Gawayne's room,

Ho comeȝ with-inne þe chambre dore, & closes hit hir after,

Ho comes withi̇ṫḣin the chamber door, & closes it her after,

opens a window, and says,

opens a window and says,

Wayneȝ¹ vp a wyndow, & on þe wyȝe calleȝ,

Wayne's¹ up a window, & on the wide calle's,

1744

& radly þus re-hayted hym, with hir riche wordeȝ,

with² chere;

with 2 chere;

"Ah! man, how canst thou sleep,

"Ah! man, how can you sleep,

"A! mon, how may þou slepe,

A! Come on, how can you sleep,

[Fol. 114b.]
this morning is so clear?"

"[Fol. 114b.] Is this morning so clear?"

Þis morning is so clere?"

This morning is so clear?

1748

He watȝ in drowping depe,

He was in deep trouble,

Bot þenne he con hir here.

¹ wayueȝ(?). ² bi, à sec. manu.

¹ wayueȝ(?). ² by, to sec. manu.

XXV.

The knight was then dreaming of his forthcoming adventure at the Green Chapel.

The knight was dreaming about his upcoming adventure at the Green Chapel.

In dreȝ droupyng of dreme draueled þat noble,

In dreary drooping of dreams that noble,

As mon þat watȝ in mornyng of mony þro þoȝtes,

As one that was in the morning of many thoughts,

1752

How þat destiné schulde þat day [dyȝt] his wyrde,

How that destiny should that day dictate his fate,

At þe grene chapel, when he þe gome metes,

At the green chapel, when he meets the man,

& bi-houes his buffet abide, with-oute debate more;

He awakes and speaks to his fair visitor,

He wakes up and talks to his lovely visitor,

Bot quen þat comly he keuered his wyttes,

Bot quen þat comely he covered his wits,

1756

Swenges out of þe sweuenes, & swareȝ with hast.

Swenges out of the dreams, and swears with haste.

Þe lady luflych com laȝande swete,

The lovely lady came laughing sweetly,

who sweetly kisses him.

Felle ouer his fayre face, & fetly him kyssed;

Felle over his fair face, & quickly kissed him;

He welcumeȝ hir worþily, with a wale chere;

He welcomed her warmly, with a delightful expression;

1760

He seȝ hir so glorious, & gayly atyred,

He saw her so glorious and dressed so elegantly,

So fautles of hir fetures, & of so fyne hewes,

So flawless are her features, and of such fine complexion,

Great joy warms the heart of Sir Gawayne,

Great joy fills the heart of Sir Gawayne,

Wiȝt wallande Ioye warmed his hert;

Wiȝt wallande joy warmed his heart;

With smoþe smylyng & smolt þay smeten in-to merþe,

With smooth smiling & soft they met into merth,

1764

Þat al watȝ blis & bonchef, þat breke hem bi-twene,

That all was bliss and goodness, that broke them in between,

& wynne,

Þay lanced wordes gode,

They spoke good words,

Much wele þen watȝ þer-inne,

Much welcome to the inn,

and "great peril between them stood."

and "great danger stood between them."

1768

Gret perile bi-twene hem stod,

Great peril between them stood,

Nif mare of hir knyȝt mynne.

Nif mare of her knight mine.

XXVI.

The knight is sorely pressed.

The knight is under pressure.

For þat prynce of pris de-presed hym so þikke.

For that prince of price depressed him so deeply.

Nurned hym so neȝe þe þred, þat nede hym bi-houed,

Nurned him so near the thread, that he needed to hang on.

1772

Oþer lach þer hir luf, oþer lodly re-fuse;

Love her or reject her;

He cared for his cortaysye, lest craþayn he were,

He cared about his courtesy, lest he be considered rude,

He fears lest he should become a traitor to his host.

He is afraid he might betray his host.

& more for his meschef, ȝif he schulde make synne,

& more for his mischief, if he should commit sin,

& be traytor to þat tolke, þat þat telde aȝt.

& be traitor to that toll collector, that counted eight.

1776

"God schylde," quod þe schalk, "þat schal not be-falle!"

"God forbid," said the scoundrel, "that should not happen!"

With luf-laȝyng a lyt, he layd hym by-syde

With laughing a little, he lay beside

Alle þe specheȝ of specialté þat sprange of her mouthe.

All the words of special importance that came from her mouth.

Quod þat burde to þe burne, "blame ȝe disserue,

Quod that should belong to the man, "do you deserve blame,

1780

Ȝif ȝe luf not þat lyf þat ȝe lye nexte,

Bifore alle þe wyȝeȝ in þe worlde, wounded in hert,

The lady inquire whether he has a mistress that he loves better than her.

The lady asks if he has a mistress that he loves more than her.

Bot if ȝe haf a lemman, a leuer, þat yow lykeȝ better,

Bot if you have a lover, someone you like better,

& folden fayth to þat fre, festned so harde,

[Fol. 115.]

1784

Þat yow lausen ne lyst, & þat I leue nouþe;

Þat you lose, you don't want, & that I don't believe now;

And þat ȝe telle me þat, now trwly I pray yow,

And that you tell me that, now truly I ask you,

For alle þe lufeȝ vpon lyue, layne not þe soþe,

For all the loves alive, don't hide the truth,

for gile."

for gile.

Sir Gawayne swears by St. John that he neither has nor desires one.

Sir Gawayne swears by St. John that he neither has nor wants one.

1788

Þe knyȝt sayde, "be sayn Ion,"

& smeþely con he smyle,

& and smoothed he smiled,

"In fayth I welde riȝt non,

In faith I wield right none,

Ne non wil welde þe quile."

Ne non wil welde þe quile.

XXVII.

1792

"Þat is a worde," quod þat wyȝt, "þat worst is of alle,

"That is a word," said that person, "that is the worst of all,

Bot I am swared for soþe, þat sore me þinkkeȝ;

But I swear it's true, that it really bothers me;

She then kisses him, sighing for sorrow.

She then kisses him, sighing in sadness.

Kysse me now coraly, & I schal cach heþen,

Kiss me now, sweetheart, and I shall catch heaven.

I may bot mourne vpon molde, as may þat much louyes."

I may not mourn over mold, as may that much loves.

1796

Sykande ho sweȝe doun, & semly hym kyssed,

Sykande was very down, and they kissed him beautifully,

& siþen ho seueres hym fro, & says as ho stondes,

"Now, dere, at þis de-partyng, do me þis ese,

"Now, there, at this departing, do me this favor,

She desires some gift,

She wants a gift,

Gif me sumquat of þy gifte, þi gloue if¹ hit were,

Gif me sumquat of thy gifte, thi glove if¹ it were,

by which to remember him.

to remember him by.

1800

Þat I may mynne on þe mon, my mournyng to lassen."

Þat I may mynne on þe mon, my mournyng to lassen.

"Now Iwysse," quod þat wyȝe, "I wolde I hade here

"Now I know," said that guy, "I wish I had here"

Þe leuest þing for þy luf, þat I in londe welde,

Gawayne tells her that she is worthy of a better gift than he can bestow.

Gawayne tells her that she deserves a better gift than he can give.

For ȝe haf deserued, forsoþe, sellyly ofte

For you have truly deserved, indeed, wonderfully often

1804

More rewarde bi resoun, þen I reche myȝt,

More reward by reason, than I might reach,

Bot to dele yow for drurye, þat dawed bot neked;

Bot to dele you for pleasure, that dawned but naked;

Hit is not your honour to haf at þis tyme

Hit is not your honor to have at this time

A gloue for a garysoun, of Gawayneȝ gifteȝ,

A glove for a garysoun, of Gawayne's gifts,

1808

& I am here [on] an erande in erdeȝ vncouþe,

& I am here on an errand in a strange land,

He has no men with mails containing precious things.

He doesn't have any people with emails that contain valuable items.

& haue no men wyth no maleȝ, with menskful þingeȝ;

& have no men with no males, with thoughtful things;

Þat mislykeȝ me, ladé, for luf at þis tyme,²

That displeases me, lady, for love at this time,

Iche tolke mon do as he is tan, tas to non ille,

1812

ne pine."

ne pine.

Then says that lovesome,

Then says that lovely,

"Nay, hende of hyȝe honours,"

"Not, friend of high honors,"

Quod þat lufsum vnder lyne,

That loves under the line,

"Though I had nought of yours, yet should ye have of mine."

"Even though I had nothing of yours, you should still have something of mine."

"Þaȝ I hade oȝt³ of youreȝ,

"Though I had ought of your eyes,"

1816

Ȝet schulde ȝe haue of myne."

Ȝet schulde ȝe haue of myne.

¹ of, in MS. ² tyne, in MS. ³ noȝt (?).

XXVIII.

She offers him a gold ring,

She gives him a gold ring,

Ho raȝt hym a riche rynk¹ of red golde werkeȝ,

Wyth a starande ston, stondande alofte,

Þat bere blusschande bemeȝ as þe bryȝt sunne;

Þat bere blushing beam as the bright sunne;

1820

Wyt ȝe wel, hit watȝ worth wele ful hoge.

but he refuses to accept it,

but he won't accept it,

Bot þe renk hit renayed, & redyly he sayde,

[Fol. 115b.]

"I wil no gifteȝ for gode, my gay, at þis tyme;

I won’t give gifts for good, my friend, at this time;

as he has none to give in return.

as he has nothing to offer in return.

I haf none yow to norne, ne noȝt wyl I take."

I have nothing for you, nor will I take anything.

1824

Ho bede hit hym ful bysily, & he hir bode wernes,

& swere swyftel[y] his sothe, þat he hit sese nolde;

& he swore so swiftly his truth, that he wouldn’t let it go;

Very sorrowful was that fair one on account of his refusal.

The beautiful one was very sad because of his refusal.

& ho sore þat he forsoke, & sayde þer-after,

& he was so angry that he gave up, & said afterwards,

"If ȝe renay my rynk, to ryche for hit semeȝ,

"If you abandon my court, it seems too rich for it,"

1828

Ȝe wolde not so hyȝly halden be to me,

I schal gif yow my girdel, þat gaynes yow lasse."

I will give you my belt, which will benefit you less."

Ho laȝt a lace lyȝtly, þat² leke vmbe hir sydeȝ,

She takes off her "girdle,"

She takes off her "corset,"

Knit vpon hir kyrtel, vnder þe clere mantyle,

Knit on her shift, under the clear mantle,

1832

Gered hit watȝ with grene sylke, & with golde schaped,

Gered hit was with green silk, and with gold shaped,

Noȝt bot arounde brayden, beten with fyngreȝ;

No, just run around, beaten with fingers;

& þat ho bede to þe burne, & blyþely bi-soȝt

& that she asked the man, & gladly beseeched

and beseeches him to take it.

and implores him to accept it.

Þaȝ hit vn-worþi were, þat he hit take wolde.

Þat it would be unworthy for him to take it.

1836

& he nay þat he nolde neghe in no wyse,

& he said that he would not approach in any way,

Gawayne again refuses to accept anything,

Gawayne once again refuses to accept anything,

Nauþer golde ne garysoun, er God hym grace sende,

Naught can be achieved by gold unless God sends grace.

To acheue to þe chaunce þat he hade chosen þere.

To achieve the chance he had chosen there.

"& þerfore, I pray yow, displese yow noȝt,

"& therefore, I ask you, don't be displeased,

1840

& letteȝ be your bisinesse, for I bayþe hit yow neuer

to graunte;

to grant;

I am derely to yow biholde,

I am dearly to you behold,

Bi-cause of your sembelaunt,

Because of your resemblance,

but promises, "ever in hot and in cold, to be her true servant."

but promises, "always in good times and bad, to be her true servant."

1844

& euer in hot & colde

& and either in hot & cold

To be your trwe seruaunt.

To be your true servant.

¹ ryng (?). ² þat þat, in MS.

¹ ryng (?). ² that that, in MS.

XXIX.

"Do you refuse it," says the lady, because it is simple?

"Do you refuse it," the lady says, "because it's simple?"

"Now forsake ȝe þis silke." sayde þe burde þenne,

"Now give up this silk," said the woman then,

"For hit is symple in hit-self. & so hit wel semeȝ?

"For it is simple in itself. And does it seem so?"

1848

Lo! so hit is littel, & lasse hit is worþy;

Lo! So little it is, and less it is worthy;

Whoso knew the virtues that it possesses, would highly prize it.

Whoever knows the benefits it has would value it greatly.

Bot who-so knew þe costes þat knit ar þer-inne,

Bot who-so knew the costs that are involved there,

He wolde hit prayse at more prys, parauenture;

He would praise it at a higher price, perhaps;

For he who is girded with this green lace,

For the one who is tied with this green lace,

For quat gome so is gorde with þis grene lace,

For what good is it with this green lace,

1852

While he hit hade hemely halched aboute,

While he was browsing,

Þer is no haþel vnder heuen to-hewe hym þat myȝt;

Þere is no person under heaven who could harm him;

cannot be wounded or slain."

"can't be hurt or killed."

For he myȝt not he slayn, for slyȝt vpon erþe."

For he might not be slain, for it was cunning upon earth.

Þen kest þe knyȝt, & hit come to his hert,

Þen the kest the knight, & it came to his heart,

The knight thinks of his adventure at the Green Chapel.

The knight reflects on his adventure at the Green Chapel.

1856

Hit were a Iuel for þe Iopardé, þat hym iugged were,

Hit were a jewel for the bravery, that him judged were,

When he acheued to þe chapel, his chek forto fech;

When he reached the chapel, his cheeks turned red;

The lady presses him to accept the lace.

The woman urges him to take the lace.

Myȝ¹ he haf slypped to þe vn-slayn, þe sleȝt were noble.

Myȝ¹ he has slipped to the unslain, the action was noble.

[Fol. 116.]

Þenne ho þulged with hir þrepe, & þoled hir to speke,

Þenne she talked with her friend, & allowed her to speak,

1860

& ho bere on hym þe belt, & bede hit hym swyþe,

& he took off the belt, & told him strongly,

He consents not only to take the girdle, but to keep the possession of it a secret.

He agrees not only to take the girdle but also to keep it a secret.

& he granted, & [ho] hym gafe with a goud wylle,

& he granted, & [ho] him gave with a good will,

& bisoȝt hym, for hir sake, disceuer hit neuer,

& kissed him, for her sake, never reveal it,

Bot to lelly layne for² hir lorde; þe leude hym acordeȝ.

Bot to lelly layne for² her lord; the people them accord.

1864

Þat neuer wyȝe schulde hit wyt, Iwysse, bot þay twayne,

for noȝte;

for nothing;

He þonkked hir oft ful swyþe,

He thanked her often very much,

Ful þro with hert & þoȝt.

Full of heart & thought.

By that time the lady has kissed him thrice.

By then, the lady has kissed him three times.

1868

Bi þat on þrynne syþe,

By that on three times,

He hatȝ kyst þe knyȝt so toȝt.

He kissed the knight so gently.

¹ myȝt (?). ² fro (?).

¹ might (?). ² from (?).

XXX.

Then she takes her leave.

Then she says goodbye.

Thenne lachcheȝ ho hir leue, & leueȝ hym þere,

The nine lakes and their leaves, and he leaves them there,

For more myrþe of þat mon moȝt ho not gete;

For more joy of that man she could not get;

Gawayne then dresses himself,

Gawayne then gets dressed,

1872

When ho¹ watȝ gon, sir G. gereȝ hym sone,

When the water was gone, Sir G. gathered himself quickly,

Rises, & riches hym in araye noble,

Rises, and riches hymn array noble,

and conceals the love-lace about his person.

and hides the lace around his body.

Lays vp þe luf-lace, þe lady hym raȝt,

Lays up the love lace, the lady him raised,

Hid hit ful holdely, þer he hit eft fonde;

Hid it fully, there he found it again;

1876

Syþen cheuely to þe chapel choses he þe waye,

Syþen he chose the way to the chapel,

He then hies to mass,

He then goes to mass,

Preuely aproched to a prest, & prayed hym þere

Preuely approached a priest, and prayed him there.

Þat he wolde lyfte² his lyf, & lern hym better,

How his sawle schulde be saued, when he schuld seye heþen.

How his soul should be saved when he said he was heathen.

and shrives him of his misdeeds.

and absolves him of his wrongdoings.

1880

Þere he schrof hym schyrly, & schewed his mysdedeȝ,

Of þe more & þe mynne, & merci besecheȝ,

Of the more and the mine, and mercy beseeches,

and prays for absolution.

and prays for forgiveness.

& of absolucioun he on þe segge calles;

& of absolucioun he on the segge calles;

& he asoyled hym surely, & sette hym so clene,

& he absolved him surely, & set him so clean,

He returns to the hall, and makes himself so merry among the ladies,

He returns to the hall and has a great time with the ladies,

1884

As domeȝ-day schulde haf ben diȝt on þe morn.

As doomsday should have been set on the morning.

& syþen he mace hym as mery among þe fre ladyes,

& then he made them as merry among the fair ladies,

with comely carols,

with beautiful carols,

With comlych caroles, & alle kynnes ioye,

With lovely carols, & all kinds of joy,

As neuer he did bot þat daye, to þe derk nyȝt,

As he did that day, into the dark night,

1888

with blys;

with joys;

Vche mon hade daynte þare,

Vche month had daytime there,

that they said,

Of hym, & sayde Iwysse,

Of him, and said indeed,

"Thus merry was he never before since hither he came."

"Therefore, he had never been so happy since he arrived here."

Þus myry he watȝ neuer are,

Thus my friend he was never are,

1892

Syn he com hider, er þis.

¹ he, in MS. ² lyste (?).

¹ he, in MS. ² list (?).

XXXI.

Gawayne's host is still in the field.

Gawayne's army is still in the field.

Now hym lenge in þat lee, þer luf hym bi-tyde;

Now him long in that lea, there love him.

Ȝet is þe lorde on þe launde, ledande his gomnes,

He has destroyed the fox.

He has killed the fox.

He hatȝ forfaren þis fox, þat he folȝed longe;

He has lost this fox that he followed for a long time;

1896

As he sprent ouer a spenné, to spye þe schrewe,

As he stretched out over a spoon, to spy the shrew,

[Fol. 116b.]

Þer as he herd þe howndes, þat hasted hym swyþe,

Þer as he heard the hounds, that hurried him very quickly,

He spied Reynard coming through a "rough grove,"

He saw Reynard coming through a "rough grove,"

Renaud com richchande þurȝ a roȝe greue,

Renaud came rich through a rough path,

& alle þe rabel in a res, ryȝt at his heleȝ.

& all the noise in a rush, right at his heels.

and tried to hit him with his sword.

and attempted to strike him with his sword.

1900

Þe wyȝe watȝ war of þe wylde, & warly abides,

The wise man is cautious of the wild and carefully remains.

& braydeȝ out þe bryȝt bronde, & at þe best casteȝ;

& draws out the bright sword, & at the best throws;

& he schunt for þe scharp, & schulde haf arered,

& he schunt for the sharp, & should have aroused,

The fox "shunts," and is seized by one of the dogs.

The fox "shunts," and gets caught by one of the dogs.

A rach rapes hym to, ryȝt er he myȝt,

A rach rapes him to, right as he might,

1904

& ryȝt bifore þe hors fete þay fel on hym alle,

& right before the horse's feet they fell on him all,

& woried me þis wyly wyth a wroth noyse.

& worried me this will with a fierce noise.

The lord takes him out of the hound's mouth.

The lord rescues him from the dog's jaws.

Þe lorde lyȝteȝ bilyue, & cacheȝ by¹ sone,

Þe lorde lights quickly, & catches by¹ sone,

Rased hym ful radly out of þe rach mouþes,

Rased him full radly out of the wretched mouths,

1908

Haldeȝ heȝe ouer his hede, haloweȝ faste,

Holds his head high, prays hard,

& þer bayen hym mony bray² houndeȝ;

Hunters hasten thither with horns full many.

Hunters rush there with plenty of horns.

Huntes hyȝed hem þeder, with horneȝ ful mony,

Huntes hurried there, with horns full many,

Ay re-chatande aryȝt til þay þe renk seȝen;

1912

Bi þat watȝ comen his compeyny noble,

Bi þat watȝ comen his compe'ny noble,

Alle þat euer ber bugle blowed at ones,

It was the merriest meet that ever was heard.

It was the happiest gathering ever.

& alle þise oþer halowed, þat hade no hornes,

& all these other holy ones, that had no horns,

Hit watȝ þe myriest mute þat euer men herde,

Hit was the happiest sound that anyone ever heard,

1916

Þe rich rurd þat þer watȝ raysed for renaude saule,

with lote;

The hounds are rewarded,

The dogs are rewarded,

Hor houndeȝ þay þer rewarde,

They receive their reward,

Her³ hedeȝ þay fawne & frote,

Her³ heads they fawn & flirt,

and then they take Reynard and "turn off his coat."

and then they take Reynard and "remove his coat."

1920

1920s

& syþen þay tan reynarde,

& then they took the fox,

& tyrnen of his cote.

& coat turn.

¹ hym (?). ² braþ (?). ³ Her her, in MS.

¹ hymn (?). ² broth (?). ³ Here her, in MS.

XXXII.

The hunters then hasten home.

The hunters hurry home.

& þenne þay helden to home, for hit watȝ nieȝ nyȝt,

& then they headed home, for it was nearly night,

Strakande ful stoutly in hor store horneȝ;

Striking beautiful stoutly in her big horns;

The lord at last alights at his dear home,

The lord finally arrives at his beloved home,

1924

Þe lorde is lyȝt at þe laste at hys lef home,

Þe lorde is light at the last at his left home,

Fyndeȝ fire vpon flet, þe freke þer by-side,

Fyndeź fire upon the flat, the strong man beside,

Sir Gawayn þe gode, þat glad watȝ with alle,

Sir Gawayn the good, who was joyful with everyone,

where he finds Gawayne amusing the ladies.

where he finds Gawayne entertaining the ladies.

Among þe ladies for luf he ladde much ioye,

Among the ladies for love he brought much joy,

1928

He were a bleaunt of blwe, þat bradde to þe erþe,

He was a bright blue that spread to the earth,

His surkot semed hym wel, þat softe watȝ forred,

His surcoat seemed to him well, that soft was worn,

& his hode of þat ilke henged on his schulder,

& his hood of that same hung on his shoulder,

The knight comes forward and welcomes his host,

The knight steps up and greets his host,

Blande al of blaunner were boþe al aboute.

Blande all of bluenner were both all around.

1932

He meteȝ me þis god mon in myddeȝ þe flore,

He met me this good man in the middle of the floor,

& al with gomen he hym gret, & goudly he sayde,

"I schal fylle vpon fyrst oure forwardeȝ nouþe,

I will focus on our first commitments now,

[Fol. 117.]

Þat we spedly han spoken, þer spared watȝ no drynk;"

That we quickly spoke, there was no drink spared;

and according to covenant kisses him thrice.

and according to the agreement, kisses him three times.

1936

Þen acoles he [þe] knyȝt, & kysses hym þryes,

Then he [the] knight, and kisses him three times,

(See l. 1868.)

As sauerly & sadly as he hem sette couþe.

As sourly and sadly as he had set himself.

"By Christ," says the other, "ye have had much bliss!"

"By Christ," says the other, "you have had a lot of joy!"

"Bi Kryst," quod þat oþer knyȝt, "ȝe cach much sele,

"By Christ," said the other knight, "you catch much luck,

In cheuisaunce of þis chaffer, ȝif ȝe hade goud chepeȝ."

In consideration of this deal, if you had good prices.

1940

"Ȝe of þe chepe no charg," quod chefly þat oþer,

"Get the cheap no charge," said the chief to the other,

"As is pertly payed þe chepeȝ þat I aȝte."

"As has been rather well paid the cost that I owe."

"Mary," quod þat oþer mon, "myn is bi-hynde,

"Mary," said the other man, "mine is behind,"

I have hunted all day and have gotten nothing,

I've been hunting all day and haven't caught anything,

For I haf hunted al þis day, & noȝt haf I geten,

For I have hunted all this day, & have not gotten anything,

but the skin of this foul fox,

but the hide of this ugly fox,

1944

Bot þis foule fox felle, þe fende haf þe godeȝ,

a poor reward for three such kisses."

"That's a pretty disappointing reward for three kisses."

& þat is ful pore, for to pay for suche prys þinges,

& that is very poor, for to pay for such prizes,

As ȝe haf þryȝt me here, þro suche þre cosses,

As you have thrice kissed me here, through such three kisses,

so gode."

so good.

1948

"I-noȝ," quod sir Gawayn,

"I know," said Sir Gawayn,

"I þonk yow, bi þe rode;"

"I thank you, by the cross;"

He then tells him how the fox was slain.

He then tells him how the fox was killed.

& how þe fox watȝ slayn,

& how the fox was slain,

He tolde hym, as þay stode.

He told him, as they stood.

XXXIII.

With much mirth and minstrelsy they made merry,

With a lot of joy and music, they celebrated,

1952

With merþe & mynstralsye, wyth meteȝ at hor wylle,

With merriment and music, with food at their will,

Þay maden as mery as any men moȝten,

They made as merry as any men could,

With laȝyng of ladies, with loteȝ of bordes;

With laying of ladies, with lots of boards;

Gawayn & þe gode mon so glad were þay boþe,

Gawayn & the good man both were so happy,

1956

Bot if þe douthe had doted, oþer dronken ben oþer,

Bot if the doubt had gone crazy, either drunk or otherwise,

Boþe þe mon & þe meyny maden mony iapeȝ,

until the time came for them to part.

until it was time for them to say goodbye.

Til þe sesoun watȝ seȝen, þat þay seuer moste;

Til the season was seen, that they were severed;

Burneȝ to hor bedde be-houed at þe laste.

Burneȝ had to go to his bed at last.

Gawayne takes leave of his host.

Gawayne says goodbye to his host.

1960

1960s

Þenne loȝly his leue at þe lorde fyrst

Þenne lovely his leave at the lord first

Fochcheȝ þis fre mon, & fayre he hym þonkkeȝ;

Fochcheȝ this free man, & he thanks him nicely;

and thanks him for his happy "sojourn."

and thanks him for his enjoyable stay.

"Of such a sellyly¹ soiorne, as I haf hade here,

"Of such a strange experience, as I have had here,"

Your honour, at þis hyȝe fest, þe hyȝe kyng yow ȝelde!

Your honor, at this grand feast, the high king greets you!

1964

I ȝef yow me for on of youreȝ, if yowre-self lykeȝ,

I give you me for one of yours, if you like.

For I mot nedes, as ȝe wot, meue to morne;

For I must need, as you know, move to morn;

He asks for a man to teach him the way to the Green Chapel.

He asks a man to show him the way to the Green Chapel.

& ȝe me take sum tolke, to teche, as ȝe hyȝt,

& you take some tool, to teach, as you promise,

Þe gate to þe grene chapel, as god wyl me suffer

The gate to the green chapel, as God will allow me.

1968

To dele, on nwȝereȝ day, þe dome of my wyrdes."

To delete, on a new day, the judgment of my words.

"In god fayþe," quod þe god mon. "wyth a goud wylle;

"In good faith," said the good man. "With a good will;

Al þat euer I yow hyȝt, halde schal I rede."

Al that ever I promise you, I shall hold true.

A servant is assigned to him,

Þer asyngnes he a seruaunt, to sett hym in þe waye,

[Fol. 117b.]

1972

& coundue hym by þe downeȝ, þat he no drechch had,

& coundue him by the downs, that he had no dread,

For to f[e]rk þurȝ þe fryth, & fare at þe gaynest,

For to fork through the forest, & go at the fastest,

bi greue.

big gray.

Þe lorde Gawayn con þonk,

Lord Gawain thanked,

1976

Such worchip he wolde hym weue;

Such worship he would have;

and then he takes leave of the ladies,

and then he says goodbye to the ladies,

Þen at þo ladyeȝ wlonk.

Then at the lady's beauty.

Þe knyȝt hatȝ tan his leue.

The knight has taken his leave.

¹ selly (?).

selly (?).

XXXIV.

kissing them sorrowfully.

kissing them sadly.

With care & wyth kyssyng he carppeȝ hem tille,

With care and kissing, he talked to them until,

1980

1980s

& fele þryuande þonkkeȝ he þrat hom to haue,

& feel grateful for what he has,

& þay ȝelden hym aȝay[n] ȝeply þat ilk;

& and they gave him again just like that;

They commend him to Christ.

They commend him to God.

Þay bikende hym to Kryst, with ful colde sykyngeȝ.

They were called to Christ, with full cold sighs.

He then departs, thanking each one he meets "for his service and solace."

He then leaves, thanking everyone he encounters "for their service and comfort."

Syþen fro þe meyny he menskly de-partes;

Sythen from the group he politely departs;

1984

Vche mon þat he mette, he made hem a þonke,

Vche man that he met, he made them a thank you,

For his seruyse, & his solace, & his sere pyne,

For his service, and his comfort, and his various pain,

Þat þay wyth busynes had ben, aboute hym to serue;

Þat þey with busyness had been, about him to serve;

& vche segge as sore, to seuer with hym þere,

1988

As þay hade wonde worþyly with þat wlonk euer.

As they had greatly marveled at that splendid beauty.

He retires to rest but sleeps but little,

He goes to bed to rest but doesn't sleep much.

Þen with ledes & lyȝt he watȝ ladde to his chambre,

Then with people and light he was led to his chamber,

& blybely broȝt to his bedde, to be at his rest;

&b blybely brought to his bed, to be at his rest;

ȝif he ne slepe soundyly, say ne dar I,

for much has he to think of on the morrow.

For he has a lot to think about tomorrow.

1992

For he hade muche on þe morn to mynne, ȝif he wolde,

For he had a lot to do in the morning, if he wanted to,

in þoȝt;

in thought;

Let him there lie still.

Let him lie still there.

Let hym lyȝe þere stille,

Let him lie there still,

He hatȝ¹ nere þat he soȝt,

He hates that he sought,

Be still awhile, and I shall tell how they wrought.

Hold on a moment, and I will explain how they did it.

1996

& ȝe wyl a whyle be stylle,

& you will for a while be still,

I schal telle yow how þay wroȝt.

I will tell you how they worked.

¹ watȝ (?).

[FYTTE THE FOURTH.]

I.

New Year's Day approaches.

New Year's Day is coming.

Now neȝeȝ þe nwȝere, & þe nyȝt passeȝ,

Now the new hour approaches, and the night passes,

Þe day dryueȝ to þe derk, as dryȝtyn biddeȝ;

The day drives into the dark, as Dryhtin commands;

The weather is stormy.

2000

Bot wylde wedereȝ of þe worlde wakned þeroute,

Bot wylde weathers of the world woke up there,

Clowdes kesten kenly þe colde to þe erþe,

Clowds gather thickly, the cold to the ground,

Wyth nyȝe¹ in-noghe of þe norþe, þe naked to tene;

Snow falls.

Snow is falling.

Þe snawe snitered ful snart, þat snayped þe wylde;

The snow fell sharply, which startled the wild animals;

2004

Þe werbelande wynde wapped fro þe hyȝe,

The dales are full of drift.

The valleys are full of debris.

& drof vche dale ful of dryftes ful grete.

& drof vche dale full of drifts full great.

Þe leude lystened ful wel, þat leȝ in his bedde,

Gawayne in his bed hears each cock that crows.

Gawayne, in his bed, hears every rooster that crows.

Þaȝ he lowkeȝ his liddeȝ, ful lyttel he slepes;

2008

Bi vch kok þat crue, he knwe wel þe steuen.

[Fol. 118.]

De-liuerly he dressed vp, er þe day sprenged,

De-liuerly, he got dressed before the day broke,

For þere watȝ lyȝt of a lau[m]pe, þat lemed in his chambre;

For there was light from a lamp, that shone in his room;

He calls for his chamberlain, and bids him bring him his armour.

He calls for his chamberlain and orders him to bring his armor.

He called to his chamberlayn, þat cofly hym swared,

He called to his chamberlain, who graciously replied,

2012

& bede hym bryng hym his bruny, & his blonk sadel;

Þat oþer ferkeȝ hym vp, & fecheȝ hym his wedeȝ,

Þat oþer ferkeþ him vp, & fecheþ him his wedeȝ,

& grayþeȝ me sir Gawayn vpon a grett wyse.

& grayþeȝ me sir Gawayn in a big way.

Fyrst he clad hym in his cloþeȝ, þe colde for to were;

Fyrst he dressed him in his clothes, to keep warm;

2016

& syþen his oþer harnays, þat holdely watȝ keped,

Boþe his paunce, & his plateȝ, piked ful clene,

Both his pants and his plates, picked very clean,

Men knock off the rust from his rich habergeon.

Men remove the rust from his valuable armor.

Þe ryngeȝ² rokked of þe roust, of his riche bruny;

& al watȝ fresch as vpon fyrst, & he watȝ fayn þenne

& what was fresh as upon first, & he was glad then

2020

to þonk;

to think;

He hade vpon vche pece,

He had upon each piece,

Wypped ful wel & wlonk;

Wypped full well & wlonk;

The knight then calls for his steed.

The knight then calls for his horse.

Þe gayest in to Grece,

The happiest in Greece,

2024

Þe burne bede bryng his blonk.

The guy rode his horse.

¹ nywe (?). ² rynkeȝ (?).

II.

While he clothed himself in his rich weeds,

As he dressed in his fine clothes,

Whyle þe wlonkest wedes he warp on hym-seluen;

Whyle the most beautiful garments he wore on himself;

His cote, wyth be conysaunce of þe clere werkeȝ,

His coat, with the elegance of the fine craftsmanship,

Ennurned vpon veluet vertuuus¹ stoneȝ,

Ennurned on velvet virtuous stones,

2028

Aboute beten, & bounden, enbrauded semeȝ,

Aboute beaten, & bounden, embroidered seams,

& fayre furred with-inne wyth fayre pelures.

& amp; fair furred with-inne with fair pelures.

he forgot not the "lace," the lady's gift,

he didn't forget the "lace," the gift from the lady,

Ȝet laft he not þe lace, þe ladieȝ gifte,

Þat for-gat not Gawayn, for gode of hym-seluen;

Þat for-got not Gawain, for good of him-self;

2032

Bi he hade belted þe bronde vpon his balȝe hauncheȝ,

Bi he had belted the sword upon his bare waist,

but with it doubly girded his loins.

but with it he doubled his efforts.

Þenn dressed he his drurye double hym aboute;

Swyþe sweþled vmbe his swange swetely, þat knyȝt,

Þe gordel of þe grene silke, þat gay wel bisemed,

The belt of the green silk, that looked really nice,

2036

Vpon þat ryol red cloþe, þat ryche watȝ to schewe.

Upon that royal red cloth, that rich display was to show.

He wore it not for its rich ornaments,

He wore it not for its elaborate decorations,

Bot wered not þis ilk wyȝe for wele þis gordel,

For pryde of þe pendaunteȝ, þaȝ polyst þay were,

For the pride of the pendants, though they were polished,

& þaȝ þe glyterande golde glent vpon endeȝ,

& though the shimmering gold glints at the ends,

"but to save himself when it behoved him to suffer."

"but to save himself when he needed to endure."

2040

Bot forto sauen hym-self, when suffer hym by-houed,

To byde bale with-oute dabate, of bronde hym to were,

To wait without debate, whether to burn him to

oþer knyffe;

other knife;

Bi þat þe bolde mon boun,

2044

Wynneȝ þeroute bilyue,

Wyne there out believe,

All the renowned assembly he thanks full oft.

He often thanks all the well-known assembly.

Alle þe meyny of renoun,

All the famous people,

He þonkkeȝ ofte ful ryue.

He often thinks very deeply.

¹ vertuous (?).

¹ virtuous (?).

III.

[Fol. 118b.]
Then was Gringolet arrayed,

Then Gringolet was dressed,

Thenne watȝ Gryngolet grayþe, þat gret watȝ & huge,

The nine watȝ Gryngolet grayþe, þat gret watȝ & huge,

2048

& hade ben soiourned sauerly, & in a siker wyse,

& had been so[i]urned sau[i]erly, & i[n] a siker wyse,

full ready to prick on.

fully ready to start.

Hym lyst prik for poynt, þat proude hors þenne;

Þe wyȝe wynneȝ hym to, & wyteȝ on his lyre,

& sayde soberly hym-self, & by his soth swereȝ,

& said calmly to himself, & swore by his truth,

2052

"Here is a meyny in þis mote, þat on menske þenkkeȝ,

Here is a meaning in this discussion, that on humanity thinks,

Gawayne returns thanks for the honour and kindness shown to him by all.

Gawayne expresses his gratitude for the honor and kindness shown to him by everyone.

Þe mon hem maynteines, ioy mot þay haue;

The man they maintain, let them have joy;

Þe leue lady, on lyue luf hir bityde;

Ȝif þay for charyté cherysen a gest,

2056

& halden honour in her honde, þe haþel hem ȝelde,

Þat haldeȝ þe heuen vpon hyȝe, & also yow alle!

That holds the heaven up high, and also you all!

& ȝif I myȝt lyf vpon londe lede any quyle,

& if I might live on land for a while,

I schuld rech yow sum rewarde redyly, if I myȝt."

I should really give you some reward if I could.

He then steps into his saddle,

He then gets into his saddle,

2060

Þenn steppeȝ he in-to stirop, & strydeȝ alofte;

Þen he steps into the stirrup and strides up high;

His schalk schewed hym his schelde, on schulder he hit laȝt,

His trickster avoided him, his shield he laid on his shoulder.

Gordeȝ to Gryngolet, with his gilt heleȝ,

and "starts on the stone" without more delay.

and "begins on the stone" without further delay.

& he starteȝ on þe ston, stod he no lenger,

& he started on the stone, he stood no longer,

2064

to praunce;

to pronounce;

His haþel on hors watȝ þenne,

His haþel on horse was thenne,

Þat bere his spere & launce.

"This castle to Christ I commend; may he give it ever good chance!"

"I entrust this castle to Christ; may He always provide it with good fortune!"

"Þis kastel to Kryst I kenne,

2068

He gef hit ay god chaunce!"

He got it at a good chance!

IV.

The gates are soon opened.

The gates will open soon.

The brygge watȝ brayde doun, & þe brode ȝateȝ

The bridge was broken down, and the wide gates

Vnbarred, & born open, vpon boþe halue;

Vnbarred, & born open, upon both sides;

The knight passes thereout,

The knight passes through there.

Þe burne blessed hym bilyue, & þe bredeȝ passed;

Þe burne blessed him quickly, & the bread passed;

2072

Prayses þe porter, bifore þe prynce kneled,

Prayses the porter, before the prince knelt,

Gef hym God & goud day, þat Gawayn he saue;

Gef hym God & good day, that Gawain he save;

and goes on his way accompanied by his guide.

and continues on his journey with his guide.

& went on his way, with his wyȝe one,

& went on his way, with his wife one,

Þat schulde teche hym to tourne to þat tene place,

That should teach him to turn to that place,

2076

Þer þe ruful race he schulde re-sayue.

Þer þe ruful race he schulde re-sayve.

Þay boȝen bi bonkkeȝ, þer boȝeȝ ar bare,

They climb by cliffs,

They climb cliffs,

Þay clomben bi clyffeȝ, þer clengeȝ þe colde;

Þey climbed by cliffs, where the cold clings;

Þe heuen watȝ vp halt, bot vgly þer vnder,

Þe heauen was up high, but ugly underneath,

2080

Mist muged on þe mor, malt on þe mounteȝ,

Mist hovered in the morning, malt on the mountains,

where each "hill had a hat and a mist-cloak,"

Vch hille hade a hatte, a myst-hakel huge;

Vch hille had a hat, a big myst-hakel;

Brokeȝ byled, & breke, bi bonkkeȝ aboute,

Broke's bile, and break, by bonks around,

Schyre schaterande on schoreȝ, þer þay doun schowued.

Schyra shattering on shores, where they down showed.

[Fol. 119.]

2084

Welawylle watȝ þe way, þer þay bi wod schulden,

Welawylle watz the way, there they by wood should,

until daylight.

until morning.

Til hit watȝ sone sesoun, þat þe sunne ryses,

þat tyde;

that time;

They were then on a "hill full high."

They were then on a "very high hill."

Þay were on a hille ful hyȝe,

2088

Þe quyte snaw lay bisyde;

The white snow lay beside;

The servant bade his master abide, saying,

The servant asked his master to wait, saying,

Þe burne þat rod hym by

The stream that flows by

Bede his mayster abide.

Bede his master wait.

V.

"I have brought you hither,

"I have brought you here,"

"For I haf wonnen yow hider, wyȝe, at þis tyme,

"For I have won you here, man, at this time,

2092

& now nar ȝe not fer fro þat note place,

& now you are not far from that noted place,

ye are not now far from the noted place.

You are now not far from the well-known location.

Þat ȝe han spied & spuryed so specially after;

Þat ȝe have seen and inquired about so particularly afterwards;

Bot I schal say yow for soþe, syþen I yow knowe,

Bot I shall tell you the truth, since I know you,

& ȝe ar a lede vpon lyue, þat I wel louy,

& you are a person alive, whom I well love,

2096

Wolde ȝe worch bi my wytte, ȝe worþed þe better.

Willing to work with my wisdom, you’ll be better off.

Full perilous is it esteemed.

It's considered fully perilous.

Þe place þat ȝe prece to, ful perelous is halden;

The place you are approaching is very dangerous;

The lord of that 'waste' is stiff and stern.

The lord of that 'waste' is strict and serious.

Þer woneȝ a wyȝe in þat waste, þe worst vpon erþe;

Þer woneȝ a man in that wasteland, the worst on earth;

For he is stiffe, & sturne, & to strike louies,

For he is stubborn, tough, and ready to fight.

2100

& more he is þen any mon vpon myddelerde,

& more he is than any man upon middle-earth,

His body is bigger 'than the best four in Arthur's house.'

His body is larger than the best four in Arthur's house.

& his body bigger þen þe best fowre.

& his body bigger than the best four.

Þat ar in Arþureȝ hous, Hestor¹ oþer oþer.

That is in Arthur's house, Hestor or another.

He cheueȝ þat chaunce at þe chapel grene;

He chooses that chance at the chapel green;

None passes by the Green Chapel, 'that he does not ding to death with dint of his hand.'

No one goes past the Green Chapel without striking it to death with their hand.

2104

Þer passes non bi þat place, so proude in his armes,

Þer passes none by that place, so proud in his arms,

Þat he ne dynneȝ hym to deþe, with dynt of his honde;

Þat he ne dyneþ him to deþe, wið dynt of his honde;

For he is a mon methles, & mercy non vses,

For he is a monster, and shows no mercy.

For be it churl or chaplain, monk, mass-priest, 'or any man else,' he kills them all.

Whether it's a peasant or a priest, a monk, or a mass priest, 'or anyone else,' he takes them all out.

For he hit chorle, oþer chaplayn, þat bi þe chapel rydes,

For he hit a guy, or chaplain, who rides by the chapel,

2108

Monk, oþer masse-prest, oþer any mon elles,

Monk, or other priest, or any man else,

Hym þynk as queme hym to quelle, as quyk go hym seluen.

Him think as pleasing him to kill, as quick go him self.

For-þy I say þe as soþe as ȝe in sadel sitte,

For this reason, I say to you as surely as you sit in the saddle,

Com ȝe þere, ȝe be kylled, [I] may þe knyȝt rede,

2112

Trawe ȝe me þat trwely, þaȝ ȝe had twenty lyues

Trawe you me that truly, though you had twenty lives

to spende;

to spend;

He has lived there full long.

He has lived there for a long time.

He hatȝ wonyd here ful ȝore,

He has lived here for a long time,

On bent much baret bende,

On a bent much bare bend,

Against his dints sore ye may not defend you.

You can't defend yourself against his hard hits.

2116

Aȝayn his dynteȝ sore,

Against his injuries sore,

Ȝe may not yow defende."

You may not defend you.

¹ Hector (?).

Hector (?).

VI.

Wherefore, good Sir Gawayne, let this man alone.

So, good Sir Gawayne, just leave this man alone.

"For-þy, goude sir Gawayn, let þe gome one,

"For this reason, good sir Gawain, let the man one,

& gotȝ a-way sum oþer gate; vpon Goddeȝ halue;

Go by some other region,

Go to another area,

2120

Cayreȝ bi sum oþer kyth, þer Kryst mot yow spede;

Cayreȝ bi sum oþer kyth, may Christ speed you;

& I schal hyȝ me hom aȝayn, & hete yow fyrre,

& I shall hurry home again, & tell you more later,

[Fol. 119b.]
I swear by God and all His saints, that I will never say that ever ye attempted to flee from any man."

[Fol. 119b.]
I swear to God and all His saints that I will never say that you ever tried to run away from anyone.

Þat I schal swere bi God, & alle his gode halȝeȝ,

Þat I shall swear by God, and all his good saints,

As help me God & þe halydam, & oþeȝ in-noghe,

As God help me and the holy lady, and maybe I will.

2124

Þat I schal lelly yow layne, & lance neuer tale,

That I shall honestly tell you, and never lie.

Þat euer ȝe fondet to fle, for freke þat I wyst."

Þat euer ȝe fondet to fle, for freke þat I wyst.

"Grant merci;" quod Gawayn, & gruchyng he sayde,

"Grant merci;" said Gawayn, grumbling as he spoke,

"Wel worth þe wyȝe, þat woldeȝ my gode,

"Well worth the wise one, that would my good,"

2128

& þat lelly me layne, I leue wel þou woldeȝ!

& that really makes me laugh, I know you would!

Gawayne replies that to shun this danger would mark him as a "coward knight."

Gawayne responds that avoiding this danger would label him a "coward knight."

Bot helde þou hit neuer so holde, & I here passed,

Founded for ferde for to fle, in fourme þat þou telleȝ,

Founded for fear to flee, in fourme þat þou tele

I were a knyȝt kowarde, I myȝt not¹ be excused.

I were a cowardly knight, I might not¹ be excused.

To the Chapel, therefore, he will go,

He will therefore go to the Chapel,

2132

Bot I wy1 to þe chape1, for chaunce þat may falle,

Bot I will to the chapel, for chance that may happen,

& talk wyth þat ilk tulk þe tale þat me lyste,

& talk with that same person the story that I want,

Worþe hit wele, oþer wo, as þe wyrde lykeȝ

Worthy it is well, or else woe, as fate seems.

hit hafe;

hit half;

though the owner thereof were a stern knave.

even if the owner was a harsh scoundrel.

2136

Þaȝe he be a sturn knape,

To stiȝtel, &² stad with staue,

To settle, &² stand with staff,

"Full well can God devise his servants for to save."

"God can definitely find ways for His servants to save."

Ful wel con dryȝtyn schape,

Well can dry shape,

His seruaunteȝ forto saue."

His servants to save.

¹ mot, in MS. ² & &, in MS.

VII.

"Mary!" quoth the other, "since it pleases thee to lose thy life,

"Mary!" said the other, "since you choose to throw away your life,

2140

"Mary!" quod þat oþer mon, "now þou so much spelleȝ,

"Mary!" said the other man, "now you speak so much

Þat þou wylt þyn awen nye nyme to þy-seluen,

& þe lyst lese þy lyf, þe lette I ne kepe;

& and if you want to enjoy your life, I don’t care what holds you back;

take thy helmet on thy head, and thy spear in thy hand, and ride down this path by yon rock-side,

Put your helmet on your head, grab your spear in your hand, and ride down this path by that cliff.

Haf here þi helme on þy hede, þi spere in þi honde,

Haf your helmet on your head, your spear in your hand,

2144

& ryde me doun þis ilk rake, bi ȝon rokke syde,

till thou come to the bottom of the valley;

until you reach the bottom of the valley;

Til þou be broȝt to þe boþem of þe brem valay;

Til you are brought to the bottom of the deep valley;

look a little to the left,

look slightly to the left,

Þenne loke a littel on þe launde, on þi lyfte honde,

Þenne look a little on the launde, on thi lyfte honde,

and thou shalt see the Chapel itself and the man that guards it."

"and you will see the Chapel itself and the man who guards it."

& þou schal se in þat slade þe self chapel,

& þou shall see in that slide the same chapel,

2148

& þe borelych burne on bent, þat hit kepeȝ.

& the burly man on the field, that it keeps.

Now fareȝ wel on Godeȝ half, Gawayn þe noble,

Now farewell on God's behalf, Gawain the noble,

For alle þe golde vpon grounde I nolde go with þe,

For all the gold on the ground, I wouldn’t go with you,

Ne bere þe felaȝschip þurȝ þis fryth on fote fyrre."

Ne bere þe felaȝschip þurȝ þis fryth on fote fyrre.

Having thus spoken the guide takes leave of the knight.

Having said this, the guide takes his leave of the knight.

2152

Bi þat þe wyȝe in þe wod wendeȝ his brydel,

Hit þe hors with þe heleȝ, as harde as he myȝt,

Hit the horse with the heel, as hard as he could,

Lepeȝ hym ouer þe launde, & leueȝ þe knyȝt þere,

Leaps him over the lawn, and leaves the knight there,

al one.

"By God's self," says Sir Gawayne, "I will neither weep nor groan.

"By God's own self," says Sir Gawayne, "I won't cry or complain."

2156

"Bi Goddeȝ self," quod Gawayn,

"By God herself," said Gawain,

"I wyl nauþer grete ne grone,

"I will never weep nor groan,"

To God's will I am full ready."

"I am completely ready for God's will."

To Goddeȝ wylle I am ful bayn,

To God's will, I am fully willing,

& to hym I haf me tone."

VIII.

[Fol. 120.]
Then he pursues his journey,

[Fol. 120.]
Then he continues his journey,

2160

Thenne gyrdeȝ he to Gryngolet, & gedereȝ þe rake,

The nine bit he to Gryngolet, and gathers the rake,

Schowueȝ in bi a schore, at a schaȝe syde,

rides through the dale, and looks about.

rides through the valley and looks around.

Rideȝ þurȝ þe roȝe bonk, ryȝt to þe dale;

Ride through the rough bank, right to the valley;

& þenne he wayted hym aboute, & wylde hit hym þoȝt,

& then he waited for him around, & wild it him thought,

He sees no sign of a resting-place, but only high and steep banks.

He sees no sign of a place to rest, just high and steep banks.

2164

& seȝe no syngne of resette, bisydeȝ nowhere,

Bot hyȝe bonkkeȝ & brent, vpon boþe halue,

& ruȝe knokled knarreȝ, with knorned stoneȝ;

Þe skweȝ of þe scowtes skayued¹ hym þoȝt.

2168

Þenne he houed, & wyth-hylde his hors at þat tyde,

Þen he stopped and held back his horse at that time,

& ofte chaunged his cher, þe chapel to seche;

& often changed his face, seeking the chapel;

No chapel could he discern.

He couldn't see any chapel.

He seȝ non suche in no syde, & selly hym þoȝt,

He saw no such thing on either side, and thought it was strange,

Sone a lyttel on a launde, a lawe as hit we[re];

Sone a little on a lawn, a low as it were;

At last he sees a hill by the side of a stream;

Finally, he spots a hill next to a stream;

2172

A balȝ berȝ, bi a bonke, þe brymme by-syde,

A bald hill, by a bank, the brim beside,

Bi a forȝ of a flode, þat ferked þare;

Þe borne blubred þer-inne, as hit boyled hade.

Þe borne blubbed therein, as it boiled had.

thither he goes,

there he goes,

Þe knyȝt kacheȝ his caple, & com to þe lawe,

alights and fastens his horse to a branch of a tree.

gets off and ties his horse to a tree branch.

2176

Liȝteȝ doun luflyly, & at a lynde tacheȝ

Liȝteȝ down lovely, & at a gentle touch

Þe rayne, & his riche, with a roȝe braunche;

Þe rayne, & his riche, with a rough brown branch;

He walks around the hill, debating with himself what it might be,

He strolls around the hill, wondering to himself what it could be,

Þen[n]e he boȝeȝ to þe berȝe, aboute hit he walke,

Þen[n]e he walks to the hill and walks around it.

D[e]batande with hym-self, quat hit be myȝt.

D[e]bating with him-self, what it be might.

2180

Hit hade a hole on þe ende, & on ayþer syde,

Hit hade a hole on the end, & on either side,

& ouer-growen with gresse in glodes ay where,

& ouer-grown with gresse in glodes ay where,

& al watȝ holȝ in-with, nobot an olde caue,

and at last finds an old cave in the crag.

and finally discovers an old cave in the cliff.

Or a creuisse of an olde cragge, he couþe hit noȝt deme

Or a crevice of an old crag, he couldn't judge it.

2184

with spelle,

with spells,

"We,² lorde," quod þe gentyle knyȝt,

"We, Lord," said the noble knight,

"Wheþer þis be þe grene chapelle;

"Whether this is the green chapel;

He prays that about midnight he may tell his matins.

He hopes to say his morning prayers around midnight.

He myȝt aboute myd-nyȝt,

He might around midnight,

2188

[Þ]e dele his matynnes telle!"

The deal his mornings tell!

¹ skayned (?). ² wel (?).

¹ skinned (?). ² well (?).

IX.

"Truly," says Sir Gawayne, "a desert is here,

"Honestly," says Sir Gawayne, "there is a desert here,

"Now i-wysse," quod Wowayn, "wysty is here;

"Now I know," said Wowayn, "Wysty is here;

Þis oritore is vgly, with erbeȝ ouer-growen;

a fitting place for the man in green to 'deal here his devotions in devil fashion.'

a suitable spot for the man in green to 'perform his rituals in a devilish way.'

Wel bisemeȝ þe wyȝe wruxled in grene

2192

Dele here his deuocioun, on þe deueleȝ wyse;

Dele here his devotion, in the devil's way;

Now I fele hit is þe fende, in my fyue wytteȝ,

Now I feel it is the devil, in my five senses,

Þat hatȝ stoken me þis steuen, to strye me here;

It is most cursed kirk that ever I entered."

"It's the most cursed church I've ever been to."

Þis is a chapel of meschaunce, þat chekke hit by-tyde,

Þis is a chapel of mischief, that check it by-tide,

2196

Hit is þe corsedest kyrk, þat euer i com inne!"

Hit is the cursed church, that ever I come in!

[Fol. 120b.]

With heȝe helme on his hede, his launce in his honde,

With a high helmet on his head, his lance in his hand,

Roaming about he hears a loud noise,

Wandering around, he hears a loud noise,

He romeȝ vp to þe rokke of þo roȝ woneȝ;

He rode up to the rock of the rough homes;

Þene herde he of þat hyȝe hil, in a harde roche,

from beyond the brook.

from across the stream.

2200

Biȝonde þe broke, in a bonk, a wonder breme noyse,

It clattered like the grinding of a scythe on a grindstone.

It made a noise like a scythe being sharpened on a grindstone.

Quat! hit clatered in þe clyff, as hit cleue schulde,

Quat! hit clattered in the cliff, as it should cleave,

As one vpon a gryndelston hade grounden a syþe;

As someone had grounded a pestle on a grinding stone;

It whirred like a mill-stream.

It whirred like a machine.

What! hit wharred, & whette, as water at a mulne,

What! hit whirred, & whetted, as water at a mill,

2204

What! hit rusched, & ronge, rawþe to here.

Þenne "bi Godde," quod Gawayn, "þat gere as¹ I trowe,

Þenne "by God," said Gawain, "that gear as¹ I believe,

Is ryched at þe reuerence, me renk to mete,

Is reached at the reverence, I rank to meet,

bi rote;

by rote;

2208

Let God worche we loo,

Let God work, we look.

"Though my life I forgo," says the knight, "no noise shall terrify me."

"Even if I give up my life," says the knight, "no sound will scare me."

Hit helppeȝ me not a mote,

My lif þaȝ I for-goo,

My life that I forgo,

Drede dotȝ me no lote."

Drede don't bother me no more.

¹ at, in MS.

at, in MS.

X.

Then cried he aloud,

Then he cried out,

2212

Thenne þe knyȝt con calle ful hyȝe,

The knight called out very loudly,

"Who dwells here discourse with me to hold?"

"Who lives here, come talk to me?"

"Who stiȝtleȝ in þis sted, me steuen to holde?

"Who stays in this place, I ask to hold my voice?"

Now is the good Gawayne going aright

Now is the good Gawayne going the right way.

For now is gode Gawayn goande ryȝt here,

For now, good Gawain is going right here,

If any wyȝe oȝt wyl wynne hider fast,

If anyone wants to come here quickly,

2216

Oþer now, oþer neuer, his nedeȝ to spede."

Oþer now, oþer never, he needs to hurry.

He hears a voice commanding him to abide where he is.

He hears a voice instructing him to stay where he is.

"Abyde," quod on on þe bonke, abouen ouer his hede,

"Abyde," said one on the bank, above his head,

"& þou schal haf al in hast, þat I þe hyȝt ones."

"& you shall have it all in haste, that I promise you once."

Ȝet he rusched on þat rurde, rapely a þrowe,

2220

& wyth quettyng a-wharf, er he wolde lyȝt;

& with questioning a-wharf, or he would light;

Soon there comes out of a hole, with a fell weapon,

Soon, someone emerges from a hole, armed with a deadly weapon,

& syþen he keuereȝ bi a cragge, & comeȝ of a hole,

Whyrlande out of a wro, wyth a felle weppen,

Whyrlande out of a rage, with a fierce weapon,

a Danish axe, quite new,

a brand new Danish axe,

A deneȝ ax nwe dyȝt, þe dynt with [t]o ȝelde

A dene ax new diet, the din with to yield

2224

With a borelych bytte, bende by þe halme,

Fyled in a fylor, fowre fote large,

Fyled in a floor, four feet large,

Hit watȝ no lasse, bi þat lace þat lemed ful bryȝt.

the "knight in green," clothed as before.

the "knight in green," dressed as he was before.

& þe gome in þe erene gered as fyrst,

& the man in the arena prepared as before,

2228

Boþe þe lyre & þe leggeȝ, lokkeȝ, & berde,

Booth the lier & the legs, locks, & beard,

Saue þat fayre on his fote he foundeȝ on þe erþe,

Saue that fair one on his foot he found on the earth,

Sette þe stele to þe stone, & stalked bysyde.

Set the stone to the side and walked nearby.

When he reaches the stream, he hops over and strides about.

When he gets to the stream, he jumps over it and walks around.

When he wan to þe watter, þer he wade nolde,

When he went to the water, there he refused to wade,

2232

He hypped ouer on hys ax, & orpedly strydeȝ,

He hopped over on his axe, and proudly strides,

Bremly broþe on a bent, þat brode watȝ a-boute,

Bremly brother on a field, that broad was around,

on snawe.

on snow.

[Fol. 121.]
He meets Sir Gawayne without obeisance.

[Fol. 121.]
He encounters Sir Gawayne without any bow or greeting.

Sir Gawayn þe knyȝt con mete.

Sir Gawain the knight can meet.

2236

He ne lutte hym no þyng lowe,

He doesn't struggle with anything low.

The other tells him that he is now ready for conversation

The other person tells him that he is now ready to talk.

Þat oþer sayde, "now, sir swete,

That other said, "now, sir sweet,

Of steuen mon may þe trowe."

Of steuen mon may þe trowe.

XI.

"God preserve thee!" says the Green Knight,

"God keep you safe!" says the Green Knight,

"Gawayn," quod þat grene gome, "God þe mot loke!

"Gawain," said that green man, "God looks upon you!"

2240

I-wysse þou art welcom,¹ wyȝe, to my place,

I really want to welcome you, friend, to my place,

"as a true knight 'thou hast timed thy travel'

"As a true knight, you have timed your journey well."

& þou hatȝ tymed þi trauayl as true² mon schulde;

Thou knowest the covenant between us,

You know the agreement between us,

& þou knoweȝ þe couenaunteȝ kest vus by-twene,

& þou knoweȝ þe couenaunteȝ kest vus

At þis tyme twelmonyth þou toke þat þe falled,

At this time last year, you took that which had fallen,

that on New Year's day I should return thy blow

that on New Year’s Day I should get back at you

2244

& I schulde at þis nwe ȝere ȝeply þe quyte.

& I should at this new year properly the quiet.

Here we are alone,

Here we are by ourselves,

& we ar in þis valay, verayly oure one,

& we are in this valley, truly our own,

Here ar no renkes vs to rydde, rele as vus likeȝ;

Here are no ranks to ride, really as you like;

Have off thy helmet and take thy pay at once."

"Take off your helmet and get your payment right away."

Haf þy³ helme of þy hede, & haf here þy pay;

Haf thy helmet on thy head, and have here thy pay;

2248

Busk no more debate þen I þe bede þenne,

Busk no more debate than I beg you then,

"When þou wypped of my hede at a wap one."

"When you took my head off in one swing."

"By God," quoth Sir Gawayne, "I shall not begrudge thee thy will."

"By God," said Sir Gawayne, "I won't hold it against you if that's what you want."

"Nay, bi God," quod Gawayn, "þat me gost lante,

"Nah, by God," said Gawain, "that my spirit be kind."

I schal gruch þe no grwe, for grem þat falleȝ;

I won't hold a grudge against you for the anger that arises;

2252

Botstyȝtel þe vpon on strok, & I schal stonde stylle,

Botstyȝtel the upon one stroke, & I shall stand still,

& warp þe no wernyng, to worch as þe lykeȝ,

& warp the no warningng, to work as the likes,

no whare."

no house.

Then he shows his bare neck,

Then he reveals his bare neck,

He lened with þe nek, & lutte,

He leaned with the neck, & lutte,

2256

& schewed þat schyre al bare,

& showed that she was all bare,

& lette as he noȝt dutte,

and appears undaunted.

and seems unfazed.

For drede he wolde not dare.

For fear he would not dare.

¹ welcon, in MS. ² truee in MS. ³ MS. þy þy.

XII.

Then the man in green seizes his grim tool.

Then the man in green grabs his serious tool.

Then þe gome in þe grene grayþed hym swyþe,

The man in the green prepared himself well,

2260

Gedereȝ yp hys grymme tole, Gawayn to smyte;

With all his force he raises it aloft.

With all his strength, he lifts it high.

With alle þe bur in his body he ber hit on lofte,

With all the burden in his body, he carried it aloft,

Munt as maȝtyly, as marre hym he wolde;

Hade hit dryuen adoun, as dreȝ as he atled,

2264

Þer hade ben ded of his dynt, þat doȝty watȝ euer.

Bot Gawayn on þat giserne glyfte hym bysyde,

Bot Gawayn on that icy slope beside him,

As it came gliding down,

As it glided down,

As hit com glydande adoun, on glode hym to schende,

As he drove the sound onward, he glided to shine,

Sir Gawayne shrank a little with his shoulders.

Sir Gawayne shrugged slightly.

& schranke a lytel with þe schulderes, for þe scharp yrne.

2268

Þat oþer schalk wyth a schunt þe schene wythhaldeȝ,

The other reproved him, saying,

The others scolded him, saying,

& þenne repreued he þe prynce with mony prowde wordeȝ:

& then he reproached the prince with many proud words:

"Thou art not Gawayne that is so good esteemed,

"You are not Gawayne, who is so highly regarded,"

"Þou art not Gawayn," quod þe gome, "þat is so goud halden,

"You're not Gawain," said the man, "that is so well regarded,

Þat neuer arȝed for no here, by hylle ne be vale,

[Fol. 121b.]
for thou fleest for fear before thou feelest harm.

[Fol. 121b.]
for you run away in fear before you even sense any danger.

2272

& now þou fles for ferde, er þou fele harmeȝ;

& now thou flee for fear, or thou feel harm;

Such cowardise of þat knyȝt cowþe I neuer here.

Such cowardice from that knight I have never heard.

I never flinched when thou struckest.

I never flinched when you struck.

Nawþer fyked I, ne flaȝe, freke, quen þou myntest,

Ne kest no kauelacion, in kyngeȝ hous Arthor,

My head flew to my foot, yet I never fled,

My head raced with thoughts, but I never ran away,

2276

My hede flaȝ to my fote, & ȝet flaȝ I neuer;

My head flew to my foot, and yet I never flew;

& þou, er any harme hent, arȝeȝ in hert,

& þou, if any harm happens, arise in heart,

wherefore I ought to be called the better man."

"That's why I should be considered the better man."

Wherfore þe better burne me burde be called

Wherfore the better burn me should be called

þer-fore."

therefore.

"I shunted once," says Gawayne, "but will no more.

"I pushed someone aside once," says Gawayne, "but I won't do it again."

2280

Quod G:, "I schunt oneȝ,

I skipped once,

& so wyl I no more,

& so I will no more,

Bot paȝ my hede falle on þe stoneȝ,

I con not hit restore.

I can't hit restore.

XIII.

Bring me to the point; deal me my destiny at once."

"Get straight to the point; give me my fate right now."

2284

Bot busk, burne, bi þi fayth, & bryng me to þe poynt,

Bot busk, burne, by your faith, & bring me to the point,

Dele to me my destiné, & do hit out of honde,

Dele to me my destiny, and do it without hesitation,

For I schal stonde þe a strok, & start no more,

For I will stand still, and not start anymore,

Til þyn ax haue me hitte, haf here my trawþe."

Til þyn ax have me hit, have here my truth.

"Have at thee, then," says the other.

"Bring it on, then," says the other.

2288

"Haf at þe þenne," quod þat oþer, & heueȝ hit alofte,

"Haf at the thenne," said that other, and heave it aloft,

& wayteȝ as wroþely, as he wode were;

& wayte’s as angrily, as he was mad;

With that he aims at him a blow.

With that, he strikes him.

He mynteȝ at hym maȝtyly, bot not þe mon ryueȝ,¹

He meant it strongly, but not the man mentioned,

With-helde heterly h[i]s honde, er hit hurt myȝt.

Withheld his hand entirely so it wouldn't hurt me.

Gawayne never flinches, but stands as still as a stone.

Gawayne never flinches; he stands as still as a rock.

2292

Gawayn grayþely hit bydeȝ, & glent with no membre,

Gawayn bravely waits for it, and glances with no hesitation,

Bot stode stylle as þe ston, oþer a stubbe auþer,

Bot stood still as the stone, either a stump or

Þat raþeled is in roche grounde, with roteȝ a hundreth.

That is rooted in rocky ground, with roots a hundred.

Þen muryly efte con he mele, þe mon in þe grene,

Þen he merrily began to speak, the man in the green,

"Now," says the Green Knight, "I must hit thee, since thy heart is whole."

"Now," says the Green Knight, "I have to strike you, since your heart is unbroken."

2296

"So now þou hatȝ þi hert holle, hitte me bihou[e]s;

"So now you have your heart whole, it concerns me;"

Halde þe now þe hyȝe hode, þat Arþur þe raȝt,

Halt now the high head, that Arthur the right,

& kepe þy kanel at þis kest, ȝif hit keuer may."

& keep the cinnamon at this test, if it can be stirred up.

G: ful gryndelly with greme þenne sayde,

G: full grinded with grim then said,

"Thrash on," says the other.

"Keep going," says the other.

2300

"Wy þresch on, þou þro mon, þou þreteȝ to longe,

"Why do you thresh on, you rough man, you threaten too long,

I hope þat þi hert arȝe wyth þyn awen seluen."

I hope that your heart beats with your own self."

"For soþe," quod þat oþer freke, "so felly þou spekeȝ,

"For sure," said that other guy, "you speak so fiercely,

I wyl no lenger on lyte lette þin ernde,

I won’t keep you waiting any longer on your errand,

2304

riȝt nowe."

right now.

Then the Green Knight makes ready to strike.

Then the Green Knight prepares to strike.

Þenne tas he² hym stryþe to stryke,

Then he has strength to strike,

& frounses boþe lyppe & browe,

& frounses both lip and brow,

No meruayle þaȝ hym myslyke,

No more than that, please.

2308

Þat hoped of no rescowe.

That hoped for no rescue.

¹ ? ryneȝ = touches. ² he he, in MS.

¹ ? ryneȝ = touches. ² haha, in MS.

XIV.

He let fall his loom on the bare

He dropped his loom on the bare

He lyftes lyȝtly his lome, & let hit doun fayre,

He lifts it lightly and sets it down gently,

[Fol. 122.]
neck of Sir Gawayne.

neck of Sir Gawain.

With þe barbe of þe bitte bi þe bare nek

Wit the barb of the bite by the bare neck

Þaȝ he homered heterly, hurt hym no more,

Þough he was hammered harshly, it didn’t hurt him anymore,

2312

Bot snyrt hym on þat on syde, þat seuered þe hyde;

Bot snyrt him on that on side, that severed the hide;

The sharp weapon pierced the flesh so that the blood flowed.

The sharp weapon cut through the flesh, causing blood to flow.

Þe scharp schrank to þe flesche þurȝ þe schyre grece,

The sharp knife cut into the flesh through the clear grease,

Þat þe schene blod over his schulderes schot to þe erþe.

Þat the beautiful blood over his shoulders shot to the ground.

When the knight saw the blood on the snow,

& quen þe burne seȝ þe blode blenk on þe snawe,

& quen the brook sees the blood shine on the snow,

2316

He sprit forth spenne fote more þen a spere lenþe,

He shot forth his spear more than a spear's length,

Hent heterly his helme, & on his hed cast,

Hent it quickly, put his helmet on his head,

Schot with his schuldereȝ his fayre schelde vnder,

Schot with his shield held high beneath,

he unsheathed his sword, and thus spake:

He drew his sword and said:

Braydeȝ out a bryȝt sworde, & bremely he spekeȝ;

Brayde pulls out a bright sword and speaks boldly;

2320

Neuer syn þat he watȝ burne borne of his moder,

Watȝ he neuer in þis worlde, wyȝe half so blyþe:—

"Cease, man, of thy blow.

"Stop, man, with your hit."

"Blynne, burne, of þy bur, bede me no mo;

"Blyth, burn, of thy bower, bid me no more;"

I haf a stroke in þis sted with-oute stryf hent,

I have a stroke in this place without strife taken,

If thou givest me any more, readily shall I requite thee.

If you give me any more, I will gladly return the favor.

2324

& if þow recheȝ me any mo, I redyly schal quyte,

& if you reach me any more, I will gladly repay you,

& ȝelde ȝederly aȝayn, & þer to ȝe tryst,

& yield each other again, & there to the tryst,

& foo;

Our agreement stipulates only one stroke."

Our agreement states only one stroke.

Bot on stroke here me falleȝ,

2328

Þe couenaunt schop ryȝt so,

The covenant shaped right so,

[Sikered]¹ in Arþureȝ halleȝ,

[Sikered]¹ in Arthur's halls,

& þer-fore, hende, now hoo!"

& and therefore, handy, now who!

¹ Illegible.

Illegible.

XV.

The Green Knight rested on his axe,

The Green Knight leaned on his axe,

The haþel heldet hym fro, & on his ax rested,

The hero held him back, and rested on his axe,

2332

Sette þe schaft vpon schore, & to be scharp lened,

Set the shaft on the shore, and sharpen it to be keen,

looked on Sir Gawayne, who appeared bold and fearless,

looked at Sir Gawayne, who seemed confident and unafraid,

& loked to þe leude, þat on þe launde ȝede,

& looked to the people, that on the lawn went,

How þat doȝty dredles deruely þer stondeȝ,

How those fateful fears stand there,

Armed ful aȝleȝ; in hert hit hym lykeȝ.

Armed with a heart full of anger; it strikes him like that.

2336

þenn he meleȝ muryly, wyth a much steuen,

þenn he sang cheerfully, with a loud voice,

and addressed him as follows: "Bold knight, be not so wroth,

and spoke to him like this: "Brave knight, don't be so angry,

& wyth a r[a]ykande rurde he to þe renk sayde,

& with a raging roar he said to the man,

"Bolde burne, on þis bent be not so gryndel;

"Bold burn, don’t be so grumpy on this hill;"

No mon here vn-manerly þe mys-boden habbe,

No man here behaves improperly; the misunderstandings have occurred.

2340

Ne kyd, bot as couenaunde, at kyngeȝ kort schaped;

I promised thee a stroke and thou hast it, be satisfied.

I promised you a hit, and you have it, so be satisfied.

I hyȝt þe a strok, & þou hit hatȝ, halde þe wel payed,

I hit you with a strike, and if you accept it, be well pleased.

I relece þe of þe remnaunt, of ryȝtes alle oþer;

I release you from the remnants of all other rights;

Ȝif¹ I deliuer had bene, a boffet, paraunter,

Ȝif¹ I deliver had been, a buffet, paraventure,

I could have dealt worse with thee.

I could have handled you worse.

2344

I couþe wroþeloker haf waret, [&] to þe haf wroȝt anger.²

I could have acted more harshly, and I have done anger.

Fyrst I mansed þe muryly, with a mynt one,

Fyrst I mentioned the merrily, with a hint of one,

I menaced thee with one blow for the covenant

I threatened you with one blow for the agreement.

& roue þe wyth no rof, sore with ryȝt I þe profered,

& wheel the with no roof, sore with right I the proffered,

[Fol. 122b.]
between us on the first night.

For þe forwarde that we fest in þe fyrst nyȝt,

For the feast that we celebrate on the first night,

2348

& þou trystyly þe trawþe & trwly me haldeȝ,

& þou truly the truth & truly me holds,

Al þe gayne þow me gef, as god mon shulde;

Al the gain you give me, as a good man should;

Another I aimed at thee because thou kissedst my wife.

I shot at you because you kissed my wife.

Þat oþer munt for þe morne, mon, I þe profered,

Þat oþer munt for the morning, man, I the profered,

Þou kyssedes my clere wyf, þe cosseȝ me raȝteȝ,

2352

For boþe two here I þe bede bot two bare myntes,

For both of you, I’ll give you only two plain coins,

boute scaþe;

bottle scare;

A true man should restore truly, and then he need fear no harm.

A true man should act honestly, and then he has nothing to fear.

Trwe mon trwe restore,

True men, true restore,

Þenne þar mon drede no waþe;

The men there dread no wrath;

Thou failedst at the third time, and therefore take thee that tap. (See l. 1861.)

You failed the third time, so take that tap. (See l. 1861.)

2356

At þe þrid þou fayled þore,

At the third thou failed there,

& þer-for þat tappe ta þe.

¹ uf, in MS. ² This word is doubtful.

¹ uf, in MS. ² This word is uncertain.

XVI.

For my weed (woven by my wife) thou wearest.

For my weed (made by my wife) you wear.

For hit is my wede þat þou wereȝ, þat ilke wouen girdel,

For it is my weed that you wore, that same woven girdle,

Myn owen wyf hit þe weued, I wot wel forsoþe;

I know thy kisses and my wife's wooing.

I know your kisses and my wife's flirting.

2360

Now know I wel þy cosses, & þy costes als,

Now I know your kisses, and your costs too,

& þe wowyng of my wyf, I wroȝt hit myseluen;

& the whining of my wife, I wrote it myself;

I sent her to try thee, and faultless I found thee.

I sent her to test you, and I found you to be perfect.

I sende hir to asay þe, & sothly me þynkkeȝ,

I sent her to tell you, and honestly, it seems to me,

On þe fautlest freke, þat euer on fote ȝede;

On the flawless man, who ever walked on foot;

2364

As perle bi þe quite pese is of prys more,

As a pearl is worth more than a quiet piece,

So is Gawayn, in god fayth, bi oþer gay knyȝteȝ.

So is Gawain, in good faith, by other gay knights.

But yet thou sinnedst a little,

But still, you sinned a bit,

Bot here you lakked a lyttel, sir, & lewte yow wonted,

Bot here you lacked a little, sir, & left you wanting,

Bot þat watȝ for no wylyde werke, ne wowyng nauþer,

for love of thy life."

for the love of your life.

2368

Bot for ȝe lufed your lyf, þe lasse I yow blame."

Bot for you loved your life, the less I blame you.

Þat oþer stif mon in study stod a gret whyle;

That other stiff man stood in thought for a long while;

So agreued for greme he gryed with-inne,

So agreed for shame he cried within.

Gawayne stands confounded.

Gawayne stands confused.

Alle þe blode of his brest blende in his face,

2372

Þat al he schrank for schome, þat þe schalk talked.

That all shrank for shame, that the man talked.

Þe forme worde vpon folde, þat þe freke meled,—

"Cursed," he says, "be cowardice and covetousness both!"

“Curse cowardice and greed,” he says.

"Corsed worth cowarddyse & couetyse boþe!

Corsed worth cowardice & covetousness both!

In yow is vylany & vyse, þat vertue disstryeȝ."

In you is villainy & vice, that virtue destroys."

Then he takes off the girdle and throws it to the knight.

Then he removes the girdle and tosses it to the knight.

2376

Þenne he kaȝt to þe knot, & þe kest lawseȝ,

Þen he caught to the knot, and the cast loosens,

Brayde broþely þe belt to þe burne seluen:

Brayde brotherly the belt to the lake itself:

"Lo! þer þe falssyng, foule mot hit falle!

"Look! May the falsehood fall down, let it happen!"

He curses his cowardice,

He curses his fear,

For care of þy knokke cowardyse me taȝt

For the care of my cowardice, it taught me.

2380

To a-corde me with couetyse, my kynde to for-sake,

To agree with courtesy, my nature to forsake,

Þat is larges & lewte, þat longeȝ to knyȝteȝ.

That is generosity and nobility, which belong to knights.

and confesses himself to have been guilty of untruth.

and admits that he has been untruthful.

Now am I fawty, & falce, & ferde haf ben euer;

Now I am faulty, and false, and have always been afraid;

Of trecherye & vn-trawþe boþe bityde sorȝe

Of treachery and untruth both bring sorrow

2384

& care!

[Fol. 123.]

I bi-knowe yow, knyȝt, here stylle,

I know you, knight, here quietly,

Al fawty is my fare,

Al fawty is my ride,

Leteȝ me ouer-take your wylle,

Let me overtake your will,

2388

& efle I schal be ware."

& efle I schal be ware.

XVII.

Then the other, laughing, thus spoke:

Then the other one laughed and said this:

Thenne loȝe þat oþer leude, & luflyly sayde,

The nine loves that other people had, and said lovingly,

"I halde hit hardily¹ hole, þe harme þat I hade;

"I held it tightly, the pain that I had;

"Thou art confessed so clean,

"You are confessed so clean,"

Þou art confessed so clene, be-knowen of þy mysses,

2392

& hatȝ þe penaunce apert, of þe poynt of myn egge,

that I hold thee as pure as if thou hadst never been guilty.

that I see you as pure as if you had never been guilty.

I halde þe polysed of þat plyȝt, & pured as clene,

I held the position of that spot, and purified as clean,

As þou hadeȝ neuer forfeted, syþen þou watȝ fyrst borne.

As you have never forfeited since you were first born.

I give thee, sir, the gold-hemmed girdle,

I give you, sir, the gold-hemmed belt,

& I gif þe, sir, þe gurdel þat is golde hemmed;

& I give you, sir, the golden-girt belt;

2396

For hit is grene as my goune, sir G:, ȝe maye

For it is green like my gown, sir G:, you may

Þenk vpon þis ilke þrepe, þer þou forth þryngeȝ

Among prynces of prys, & þis a pure token

Among princes of price, & this a pure token

as a token of thy adventure at the Green Chapel.

as a reminder of your journey at the Green Chapel.

Of þe chaunce of þe grene chapel, at cheualrous knyȝteȝ;

Of the chance of the green chapel, at chivalrous knights;

Come again to my abode, and abide there for the remainder of the festival."

"Come back to my place and stay there for the rest of the festival."

2400

& ȝe schal in þis nwe ȝer aȝayn to my woneȝ,

& you shall in this new year return to my home,

& we schyn reuel þe remnaunt of þis ryche fest,

& we shine reveal the remnant of this rich feast,

ful bene."

ful bene.

Þer laþed hym fast þe lorde,

They quickly tired of the lord,

2404

& sayde, "with my wyf, I wene,

& said, "with my wife, I think,

We schal yow wel acorde,

We'll take good care of you,

Þat watȝ your enmy kene."

That was your enemy keen.

¹ hardilyly, in MS.

¹ energetically, in MS.

XVIII.

"Nay, forsooth," says Gawayne,

"No, truly," says Gawayne,

"Nay, for soþe," quod þe segge, & sesed hys helme,

"Nay, for truth," said the man, and he set down his helmet,

2408

& hatȝ hit of hendely, & þe haþel þonkkeȝ,

"I have sojourned sadly, but bliss betide thee!

"I have stayed here sadly, but may happiness be with you!"

"I haf soiorned sadly, sele yow bytyde,

I have sorrowed sadly, sir, goodbye,

& he ȝelde hit yow ȝare, þat ȝarkkeȝ al menskes!

& he gives it to you immediately, that shakes all men!

Commend me to your comely wife and that other lady who have beguiled me.

Please give my regards to your lovely wife and that other lady who have captivated me.

& comaundeȝ me to þat cortays, your comlych fere,

& comaund me to that court, your lovely companion,

2412

Boþe þat on & þat oþer, myn honoured ladyeȝ.

Boþe that one & that other, my honored ladies.

Þat þus hor knyȝt wyth hor kest han koyntly bigyled.

But it is no marvel for a man to be brought to grief through a woman's wiles.

It's not surprising for a man to be led to sorrow by a woman's tricks.

Bot hit is no ferly, þaȝ a fole madde,

& þurȝ wyles of wymmen be wonen to sorȝe;

& through the ways of women they are accustomed to sorrow;

Adam, Solomon, Samson, and David were beguiled by women.

Adam, Solomon, Samson, and David were enchanted by women.

2416

For so watȝ Adam in erde with one bygyled,

For so long, Adam in the world was deceived,

& Salamon with fele sere, & Samson eft soneȝ,

& Salamon with fele sere, & Samson eft sones,

Dalyda dalt hym hys wyrde, & Dauyth þer-after

Dalyda dealt with her fate, and David afterward.

Watȝ blended with Barsabe, þat much bale þoled.

Wat blended with Barsabe, who suffered a lot.

How could a man love them and believe them not?

How could a man love them and not believe them?

2420

Now þese were wrathed wyth her wyles, hit were a wynne huge,

Now these were angered by her tricks, yet it was a huge win.

To luf hom wel, & leue hem not, a leude þat couþe,

To love them well, and not abandon them, a person that could,

[Fol. 123b.]

For þes wer forne¹ þe freest þat folȝed alle þe sele,

For this man who was the freest that followed all the fate,

Ex-ellently of alle þyse oþer, vnder heuen-ryche,

Excellently above all these others, under heavenly glory,

2424

þat mused;

that pondered;

& alle þay were bi-wyled,

& all they were deceived,

With² wymmen þat þay vsed,

With women they used,

Though I be now beguiled, methinks I should be excused.

Although I've been deceived, I think I should be excused.

Þaȝ I be now bigyled,

I am now deceived,

2428

Me þink me burde be excused."

Me think I should be excused.

¹ forme (?) ² with wyth, in MS.

forme (?) with wyth, in MS.

XIX.

But God reward you for your girdle.

But may God reward you for your belt.

"Bot your gordel," quod G: "God yow for-ȝelde!

"Button your belt," said G: "God reward you!"

Þat wyl I welde wyth good wylle, not for þe wynne golde,

That I will control with good will, not for the shiny gold,

Ne þe saynt, ne þe sylk, ne þe syde pendaundes,

2432

For wele, ne for worchyp, ne for þe wlonk werkkeȝ,

For well-being, not for glory, nor for the beautiful works,

I will wear it in remembrance of my fault.

I will wear it to remember my mistake.

Bot in syngne of my surfet I schal se hit ofte;

Bot I in signe of my surfeit I shall see it often;

When I ride in renoun, remorde to myseluen

When I ride in renown, I remember to myself

Þe faut & þe fayntyse of þe flesche crabbed,

2436

How tender hit is to entyse teches of fylþe;

How tender it is to tempt the tricks of filth;

And when pride shall prick me,

And when pride nudges me,

& þus, quen pryde schal me pryk, for prowes of armes,

&am

a look to this lace shall abate it.

A glance at this lace will lessen it.

Þe loke to þis luf lace schal leþe my hert.

The look at this love bond will guide my heart.

Bot on I wolde yow pray, displeses yow neuer;

Bot on I would like to ask you not to be displeased.

2440

Syn ȝe be lorde of þe ȝonde[r] londe, þer I haf lent inne,

Syn you are lord of the yonder land, there I have lent

Wyth yow wyth worschyp,—þe wyȝe hit yow ȝelde

Wishing you well with respect, —may the man return it to you.

Þat vp-haldeȝ þe heuen, & on hyȝ sitteȝ,—

But tell me your right name and I shall have done."

"But tell me your real name, and I'll be done."

How norne ȝe yowre ryȝt nome, & þenne no more?"

How do you name yourselves, and no more?

2444

"Þat schal I telle þe trwly," quod þat oþer þenne,

"That I will tell you truly," said that other then,

The Green Knight replies, "I am called Bernlak de Hautdesert, through might of Morgain la Fey, the pupil of Merlin.

The Green Knight responds, "I am known as Bernlak de Hautdesert, thanks to the power of Morgain la Fey, the student of Merlin."

"Bernlak de Hautdesert I hat in þis londe,

"Bernlak de Hautdesert I has been in this land,

Þurȝ myȝt of Morgne la Faye, þat in my hous lenges,

Þurȝ might of Morgan le Fay, that in my house

&¹ koyntyse of clergye, bi craftes wel lerned,

&¹ county of clergy, by trades well learned,

2448

Þe maystres of Merlyn, mony ho² taken;

For ho hatȝ dalt drwry ful dere sum tyme,

For he had dealt with love very dearly for some time,

With þat conable klerk, þat knowes alle your knyȝteȝ

With that capable clerk, who knows all your knights

at hame;

at home;

2452

Morgne þe goddes,

Mourn the gods,

Þer-fore hit is hir name;

Therefore, it is her name;

She can tame even the haughtiest.

She can tame even the most arrogant.

Weldeȝ non so hyȝe hawtesse,

Wildez don't so high haughtiness,

Þat ho ne con make ful tame.

¹ in (?). ² ho hatȝ (?).

XX.

It was she who caused me to test the renown of the Round Table,

It was her who made me try out the fame of the Round Table,

2456

Ho wayned me vpon þis wyse to your wynne halle,

Ho wayned me upon this wise to your winne halle,

For to assay þe surquidre, ȝif hit soth were,

For to test the arrogance, if it were true,

Þat rennes of þe grete renoun of þe Rounde Table;

That recalls the great fame of the Round Table;

Ho wayned me þis wonder, your wytteȝ to reue,

[Fol. 124.]
hoping to grieve Guenever and cause her death through fear.

[Fol. 124.]
hoping to upset Guenever and scare her to death.

2460

For to haf greued Gaynour, & gart hir to dyȝe.

For having grieved Guinevere, and caused her to die.

With gopnyng¹ of þat ilke gomen, þat gostlych speked,

With gopnyng¹ of that same game, that ghostly spoke,

With his hede in his honde, bifore þe hyȝe table.

With his head in his hand, before the high table.

Þat is ho þat is at home, þe auncian lady;

Þat is who that is at home, the ancient lady;

She is even thine aunt.

She is also your aunt.

2464

Ho is euen þyn aunt, Arþureȝ half suster,

Ho is even your own aunt, Arthur's half-sister,

Þe duches doȝter of Tyntagelle, þat dere Vter after

Therefore come to her and make merry in my house."

"Come to her and have a good time in my house."

Hade Arþur vpon, þat aþel is nowþe.

Hade Arthur upon, that noble is now.

Þerfore I eþe þe, haþel, to com to þy naunt,

2468

Make myry in my hous, my meny þe louies,

Make merry in my house, my many the loves,

& I wol þe as wel, wyȝe, bi my faythe,

& I will you as well, man, by my faith,

As any gome vnder God, for þy grete trauþe."

As anyone under God, for your great trust.

Gawayne refuses to return with the Green Knight.

Gawayne refuses to go back with the Green Knight.

& he nikked hym naye, he nolde bi no wayes;

& he nicked him but he wouldn't by any means;

2472

Þay acolen & kyssen, [bikennen] ayþer oþer

To þe prynce of paradise, & parten ryȝt þere,

To the prince of paradise, and part right there,

on coolde;

On horse full fair he bends to Arthur's hall.

He rides beautifully toward Arthur's hall.

Gawayn on blonk ful bene,

Gawayn on blog full of good,

2476

To þe kyngeȝ burȝ buskeȝ bolde,

To the king's castle, bushes are bold,

& þe knyȝt in þe enker grene,

& the knight in the green armor,

Whider-warde so euer he wolde.

Wherever he wanted.

¹ glopnyng (?).

XXI.

Wild ways now Gawayne rides.

Wild ways Gawayne rides now.

Wylde wayeȝ in þe worlde Wowen now rydeȝ,

Wylde ways in the world are now ridden,

2480

On Gryngolet, þat þe grace hade geten of his lyue;

On Gryngolet, that the grace had gotten of his life;

Oft he harboured in house and oft thereout.

He often stayed at home and often went out.

Ofte he herbered in house, & ofte al þeroute,

Ofte he stayed in the house, and often all around.

& mony a-venture in vale, & venquyst ofte,

& many an adventure in vale, & conquered often,

Þat I ne tyȝt, at þis tyme, in tale to remene.

The wound in his neck became whole.

The wound in his neck healed.

2484

Þe hurt watȝ hole, þat he hade hent in his nek,

Þe hurt was whole, that he had caught in his neck,

He still carried about him the belt,

He still had the belt with him,

& þe blykkande belt he bere þeraboute,

& the shining belt he wore around there,

A belef as a bauderyk, bounden bi his syde,

A belief as a boundary, bound by his side,

Loken vnder his lyfte arme, þe lace, with a knot,

Loken under his lifted arm, the lace, with a knot,

in token of his fault.

as a sign of his fault.

2488

In tokenyng he watȝ tane in tech of a faute;

I tokening he was taken i tech of a fault;

Thus he comes to the Court of King Arthur.

So, he arrives at King Arthur's Court.

& þus he commes to þe court, knyȝt al in sounde.

&t þus he commes to þe court, knyȝt al in sounde.

Great then was the joy of all.

Everyone was filled with great joy.

Þer wakned wele in þat wone, when wyst þe grete,

Þer wakned wele in that place, when the great was known,

Þat gode G: watȝ commen, gayn hit hym þoȝt;

The king and his knights ask him concerning his journey.

The king and his knights ask him about his journey.

2492

Þe kyng kysseȝ þe knyȝt, & þe whene alce,

Þe kyng kisses the knight, and the queen also,

& syþen mony syker knyȝt, þat soȝt hym to haylce,

& then many skilled knights, who sought him for healing,

Gawayne tells them of his adventures,

Gawayne shares stories about his adventures,

Of his fare þat hym frayned, & ferlyly he telles;

Of his journey that he shared, and surprisingly he tells;

Biknowoȝ alle þe costes of care þat he hade,—

2496

Þe chaunce of þe chapel, þe chere of þe knyȝt,

[Fol. 124b.]
the love of the lady, and lastly of the lace.

[Fol. 124b.]
the lady's love, and finally the lace.

Þe luf of þe ladi, þe lace at þe last.

Þe nirt in þe nek he naked hem schewed,

Þe nirt in the neck he showed them naked,

He showed them the cut in his neck.

He showed them the gash on his neck.

Þat he laȝt for his vnleute at þe leudes hondes,

Þat he laid for his unlieutenants at the people's hands,

2500

for blame;

He tened quen he schulde telle,

He tended when he should tell,

He groaned for grief and shame, and the blood rushed into his face.

He groaned in grief and shame, and blood rushed to his face.

He groned for gref & grame;

He groaned in grief and sorrow;

Þe blod in his face con melle,

2504

When he hit schulde schewe, for schame.

When he hit the school, out of shame.

XXII.

"Lo!" says he, handling the lace, "this is the band of blame,

"Look!" he says, holding the lace, "this is the band of blame,

"Lo! lorde," quod þe leude, & þe lace hondeled,

"Look, my lord," said the people, and the lace handled,

"Þis is þe bende of þis blame I bere [in] my nek,

"Here is the burden of this blame I carry around my neck,

Þis is þe laþe & þe losse, þat I laȝt haue,

Þis is the sorrow and the loss, that I still have,

a token of my cowardice and covetousness,

a sign of my weakness and greed,

2508

Of couardise & couetyse, þat I haf caȝt þare,

Of cowardice and greed, that I have caught there,

Þis is þe token of vn-trawþe, þat I am tan inne,

I must needs wear it as long as I live."

"I have to wear it for as long as I live."

& I mot nedeȝ hit were, wyle I may last;

& I might need it later, while I can hold on;

For non may hyden his harme, bot vnhap ne may hit,

For no one can hide his pain, but he cannot escape it,

2512

For þer hit oneȝ is tachched, twynne wil hit neuer."

For whenever it’s taught once, it will never be taught twice.

The king comforts the knight, and all the court too.

The king reassures the knight, along with the entire court.

Þe kyng comforteȝ þe knyȝt, & alle þe court als,

The king comforts the knight, and all the court too,

Laȝen loude þer-at, & luflyly acorden,

Praise loudly and agree wholeheartedly,

Þat lordes & ladis, þat longed to þe Table,

Þat lords & ladies, that longed to the Table,

Each knight of the brotherhood agrees to wear a bright green belt,

Every knight in the brotherhood agrees to wear a bright green belt,

2516

Vche burne of þe broþer-hede a bauderyk schulde haue,

Vche burne of the brotherhood should have a badge,

A bende, a belef hym aboute, of a bryȝt grene,

A band, a belled him around, or a bright green,

for Gawayne's sake,

for Gawayne's benefit,

& þat, for sake of þat segge, in swete to were.

& that, for the sake of that guy, it’s sweet to be.

For þat watȝ acorded þe renoun of þe Rounde Table,

For that was agreed the renown of the Round Table,

who ever more honoured it.

whoever honored it more.

2520

& he honoured þat hit hade, euer-more after,

& he honored that it had, evermore after,

As hit is breued in þe best boke of romaunce.

As it is written in the best book of romance.

Thus in Arthur's day this adventure befell.

So, during Arthur's time, this adventure happened.

Þus in Arthurus day þis aunter bitidde,

Thus in Arthur's day this autumn

Þe Brutus bokees þer-of beres wyttenesse;

The Brut book of bears' witness;

2524

Syþen Brutus, þe bolde burne, boȝed hider fyrst,

Sythen Brutus, the bold man, bowed here first,

After þe segge & þe asaute watȝ sesed at Troye,

After the siege & the assault was settled at Troy,

I-wysse;

I guess;

Mony auntereȝ here bi-forne,

Money amounts here before,

2528

Haf fallen suche er þis:

Haf fallen suche er this:

He that bore the crown of thorns bring us to His bliss!

May the one who wore the crown of thorns lead us to His bliss!

Now þat bere þe croun of þorne,

Now that bears the crown of thorn,

He bryng vus to his blysse! AMEN.

He brings us to his joy! AMEN.

NOTES.

Line 8	Ricchis turns, goes, The king ... Ricchis his reynys and the Renke metys: Girden to gedur with þere grete speires.—T.B. l. 1232.
37	Þis kyng lay at Camylot vpon kryst-masse. Camalot, in Malory's "Morte Arthure," is said to be the same as Winchester. Ritson supposes it to be Caer-went, in Monmouthshire, and afterwards confounded with Caer-wynt, or Winchester. But popular tradition here seems the best guide, which assigned the site of Camalot to the ruins of a castle on a hill, near the church of South Cadbury, in Somersetshire (Sir F. Madden).
65	Nowel nayted o-newe, neuened ful ofte. Christmas celebrated anew, mentioned full often. Sir F. Madden leaves the word nayted unexplained in his Glossary to "Syr Gawayne."
124	syluener = sylueren, i.e. silver dishes.
139	lyndes = lendes, loins.
142	in his muckel, in his greatness.
184	Watȝ euesed al umbe-torne—? was trimmed, all cut evenly around; umbe-torne may be an error for vmbe-corue = cut round.
216	in gracios werkes. Sir F. Madden reads gracons for gracios, and suggests Greek as the meaning of it.
244-5	As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor loteȝ in hyȝe. As all were fallen asleep so ceased their words in haste (suddenly). Sir F. Madden reads slaked horloteȝ, instead of slaked hor loteȝ, which, according to his glossary, signifies drunken vagabonds. He evidently takes horloteȝ to be another (and a very uncommon) form of harloteȝ = harlots. But harlot, or vagabond, would be a very inappropriate term to apply to the noble Knights of the Round Table. Moreover, slaked never, I think, means drunken. The general sense of the verb slake is to let loose, lessen, cease. Cf. lines 411-2, where sloke, another form of slake, occurs with a similar meaning: — layt no fyrre; bot slokes. — seek no further, but stop (cease). Sir F. Madden suggests blows as the explanation of slokes. It is, however, a verb in the imperative mood.
286	Brayn. Mätzner suggests brayn-wod.
296	barlay = par loi. This word is exceedingly common in the T. Book (see l. 3391). I bid you now, barlay, with besines at all Þat ye set you most soverainly my suster to gete.—T.B. l. 2780.
394	siker. Sir F. Madden reads swer.
440	bluk. Sir F. Madden suggests blunk (horse). I am inclined to keep to the reading of the MS., and explain bluk as = bulk = trunk. Cf. the use of the word Blok in "Early English Alliterative Poems," p. 100, l. 272.
558	derue doel, etc. = great grief. Sir F. Madden reads derne, i.e. secret, instead of derue (= derf). Cf. line 564.
577	knaged, fastened. The braunches were borly, sum of bright gold, With leuys full luffly, light of the same; With burions aboue bright to beholde; And fruit on yt fourmyt of fairest of shap, Of mony kynd that was knyt, knagged aboue.—T.B. l. 4973.
629	& ay quere hit is endeleȝ, etc. And everywhere it is endless, etc. Sir F. Madden reads emdeleȝ, i.e. with equal sides.
652	for-be = for-bi = surpassing, beyond.
681	for Hadet read Halet = haled = exiled (?). See line 1049.
806	auinant = auenaunt, pleasantly. Sir F. Madden reads amnant.
954	of. Should we not read on (?).
957	Þat oþer wyth a gorger watȝ gered ouer þe swyre. The gorger or wimple is stated first to have appeared in Edward the First's reign, and an example is found on the monument of Aveline, Countess of Lancaster, who died in 1269. From the poem, however, it would seem that the gorger was confined to elderly ladies (Sir F. Madden)
968	More lykker-wys on to lyk, Watȝ þat scho had on lode. A more pleasant one to like, Was that (one) she had under her control.
988	tayt = lively, and hence pleasant, agreeable.
1015	in vayres, in purity.
1020	dut = dunt (?) = dint (?), referring to sword-sports.
1022	sayn[t] Ioneȝ day. This is the 27th of December, and the last of the feast. Sometimes the Christmas festivities were prolonged to New Year's Day (Sir F. Madden).
1047	derne dede = secret deed. I would prefer to read derue dede = great deed. Cf. lines 558, 564.
1053	I wot in worlde, etc. = I not (I know not) in worlde, etc.
1054	I nolde, bot if I hit negh myȝt on nwȝeres morne, For alle þe londe in-wyth Logres, etc. I would not [delay to set out], unless I might approach it on New Year's morn, for all the lands within England, etc.
1074	in spenne = in space = in the interval = meanwhile. See line 1503.
1160	slentyng of arwes. Sir F. Madden reads sleutyng. "Of drawyn swordis sclentyng to and fra, The brycht mettale, and othir armouris seir, Quharon the sonnys blenkis betis cleir, Glitteris and schane, and vnder bemys brycht, Castis ane new twynklyng or a lemand lycht." (G. Douglas' Æneid, Vol. i, p. 421.)
1281	let lyk = appeared pleased.
1283	Þaȝ I were burde bryȝtest, þe burde in mynde hade, etc. The sense requires us to read: Þaȝ ho were burde bryȝtest, þe burne in mynde hade, etc. i.e., Though she were lady fairest, the knight in mind had, etc.
1440	Long sythen [seuered] for þe sounder þat wiȝt for-olde Long since separated from the sounder or herd that fierce (one) for-aged (grew very old). "Now to speke of the boore, the fyrste year he is A pygge of the sounder callyd, as haue I blys; The secounde yere an hogge, and soo shall he be, And an hoggestere, whan he is of yeres thre; And when he is foure yere, a boor shall he be, From the sounder of the swyne thenne departyth he; A synguler is he soo, for alone he woll go." (Book of St. Alban's, ed. 1496, sig. d., i.)
1476	totes = looks, toots. Sho went up wightly by a walle syde. To the toppe of a toure and tot ouer the water.—T.B. l. 862.
1623	A verb [? lalede = cried] seems wanting after lorde.
1702	fnasted, breathed. These balfull bestes were, as the boke tellus, Full flaumond of fyre with fnastyng of logh.—T.B. l. 168.
1710	a strothe rande = a rugged path. Cf. the phrases tene greue, l. 1707; roȝe greue, l. 1898.
1729	bi lag = be-lagh(?) = below (?).
1719	Thenne watȝ hit lif vpon list, etc. Should we not read: Thenne watȝ hit list vpon lif, etc. i.e., Then was there joy in life, etc.
1780	lyf = lef(?), beloved (one).
1869	Ho hatȝ kyst þe knyȝt so toȝt. She has kissed the knight so courteous. Sir F. Madden explains toȝt, promptly. Toȝt seems to be the same as the Northumbrian taght in the following extract from the "Morte Arthure": "There come in at the fyrste course, before the kyng seluene, Bare hevedys that ware bryghte, burnyste with sylver, Alle with taghte mene and towne in togers fulle ryche."—(p. 15.) The word towne (well-behaved) still exists in wan-ton, the original meaning of which was ill-mannered, ill-bred.
1909	bray houndeȝ = braþ houndeȝ, i.e. fierce hounds.
1995	He hatȝ nere þat he soȝt = He watȝ nere þat he soȝt = He was near to that which he sought.
2160	gedereȝ þe rake = takes the path or way.
2167	Þe skweȝ of þe scowtes skayued hym þoȝt. The shadows of the hills appeared wild (desolate) to him. Sir F. Madden reads skayned, of which he gives no explanation. Skayued = skayfed, seems to be the N. Prov. English scafe, wild. Scotch schaivie, wild, mad. O.N. skeifr. Sw. skef, awry, distorted.
2204	ronge = clattered.
2211	Drede dotȝ me no lote = No noise shall cause me to dread (fear).
2357	& þer-for þat tappe ta þe. And therefore take thee that tap. ta þe = take thee. Sir F. Madden reads taþe = taketh. See l. 413, where to þe rhymes with sothe. We have no imperatives in th in this poem.
2401	We schyn reuel, etc. Sir F. Madden reads wasch yn reuel. But schyn = shall. See Glossary to "Alliterative Poems."
2474	on-coolde = on-colde = coldly = sorrowfully.
2489	in-sounde = soundly, well. Cf. in-blande = together; in-lyche, alike; inmyddeȝ, amidst.

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