1 1 SITHEN* the siege and the assault was ceased at Troy, After

2 the burgh* brittened* and burnt to brands and ashes, city / razed
3 the tulk* that the trammes* of treason there wrought man / stratagem
4 was tried for his treachery, the truest on earth.
5 It was Aeneas the athel*, and his high kind, noble
6 that sithen* depressed* provinces, and patrons became afterwards / subjugated
7 well‐nigh of all the weal* in the west isles. wealth
8 Fro* rich Romulus to Rome reaches him swythe*; After / swiftly
9 with great bobaunce* that burgh* he bigges* upon first, boasting / city / builds
10 and nevenes* it his own name, as it now hight*. names / is called
11 Tirius [goes] to Tuscany and teldes* begins; dwellings
12 Langaberde in Lombardy lifts up homes.
13 And far over the French flood* Felix Brutus sea
14 on many banks full broad, Britain he sets [up]
15 with wynne*, joy
16 where war and wrack* and wonder distress
17 by sithes* has wont* therein, turns / dwelled
18 and oft both bliss and blunder
19 full skete* has skyfted* synne*. swiftly / shifted / since then
2 20 And when this Britain was bigged* by this burn* rich, built / knight
21 bold [men] bred therein, that baret* loved, fighting
22 in many turned* time that tene* wrought. past / trouble
23 Mo* ferlyes* on this fold* have fallen here oft More  / wonders / earth
24 than in any other that I wot*, syn* that ilk* time. know / since / same
25 But of all that here built, of Britain['s] kings,
26 ay* was Arthur the hendest*, as I have heard tell. always / noblest
27 Forthi* an adventure in erde* I attle* to show, Therefore / the world / intend
28 that a selly* in sight some men it hold, marvel
29 and an outrageous adventure of Arthur's wonders.
30 If ye will listen [to] this lay* but one little while, poem
31 I shall tell it as‐tit*, as I in town heard, at once
32 with tongue,
33 as it is stayed and stuck [down]
34 in story stiff and strong,
35 with loyal letters locked,
36 in [the] land [that] has been so long.
3 37 This king lay at Camelot upon Christmas
38 with many [a] lovely lord, ledes* of the best, men
39 rekenly* of the Round Table, all tho* rich brethren, worthy / those
40 with rich revel aright and reckless* mirths. carefree
41 There tourneyed tulkes* by times full many; men
42 jousted full jollily these gentle knights,
43 sithen* kayred* to the court carols to make. afterwards / rode
44 For there the feast was ilyche* full fifteen days, constant
45 with all the meat and the mirth that men could avyse*. devise
46 Such glaum* and glee glorious to hear, noise
47 dear din upon day, dancing on nights.
48 All was happy upon high in halls and chambers
49 with lords and ladies, as lievest* thought* him. most delightful / it seemed to
50 With all the weal* of the world they woned* there samen*, joy / remained / together
51 the most kyd* knights under Christ's self, famous
52 and the loveliest ladies that ever life had,
53 and he the comeliest king that the court holds.
54 For all was this fair folk in her* first age, their
55 on sill*, the floor
56 the hapnest* under heaven, luckiest
57 king highest man of will.
58 It were now great nye* to neven* difficulty / name
59 so hardy a here* on hill. host
4 60 While New Year's was so yep* that it was new come, fresh
61 that day double [portions] on the dais was the douth* served. company
62 Fro* the king was come with knights into the hall, After
63 the chauntré* of the chapel cheved* to an end, chant / came
64 loud cry was there cast of clerks and other,
65 "Noel" nayted* anew, nevened* full oft. named / called
66 And sithen* [the] rich forth run to reach* handsel*, afterwards / hand out / gifts

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 67 yeghed* year's gifts on high, yielded them by hand, cried
68 debated busily about tho* gifts. those
69 Ladies laughed full loud, though they had lost,
70 and he that won was not wroth*, that may ye well trow*. angry / believe
71 All this mirth they made to the meat time;
72 when they had washed worthily they went to seat,
73 the best burn* ay* above, as it best seemed. knight / always
74 Queen Guenevere, full gay, graythed* in the midst, set
75 dressed on the dear dais, dubbed* all about, adorned
76 small sendal* beside, a selure* her over silk / canopy
77 of tried Toulouse [fabric] and Tharsian tapites* enough, tapestries
78 that were embroidered and beaten with the best gems
79 that might be proved of price with pennies to buy,
80 in [the] day.
81 The comeliest to descry
82 there glanced with eyes gray.
83 A seemlier [one] that ever he saw,
84 sooth* might no man say. in truth
5 85 But Arthur would not eat till all were served.
86 He was so jolly of his joyfnes*, and somewhat child‐geared*. youth / boyish
87 His life liked him light; he loved the less
88 either to long lie or to long sit,
89 so busied him his young blood and his brain wild.
90 And also an other manner moved him eke*, moreover
91 that he, through nobility had nomen*, he would never eat taken on himself
92 upon such a dear day ere him devised* were told
93 of some adventurous thing, an uncouth* tale strange
94 of some main marvel, that he might trow*, believe in
95 of alderes*, of arms, of other adventures, princes
96 either some segg* him besought of some siker* knight man / sure
97 to join with him in jousting, in jeopardy to lay,
98 lede*, life for life, each one leve* other, man / allowing
99 as fortune would fulsun* him, the fairer to have. help
100 This was the king's countenance*, where[ever] he in court were, custom
101 at each farand* feast among his free meny* splendid / company
102 in hall.
103 Therefore of face so fere*, bold
104 he stightlez* stiff in stalle*; rules / standing
105 full yep* in that New Year's, bold
106 much mirth he mas* with all. makes
6 107 Thus there stands in stall* the stiff king himself, place
108 talking before the high table, of trifles full hende*. courtly
109 There good Gawain was graythed* Guenevere beside, set
110 and Agravain a la Dure Main* on that other side sits, of the Hard Hand
111 both the king's sister‐sons and full siker* knights. sure
112 Bishop Baldwin above begins the table,
113 and Ywain, Urien's son, eats with himself.
114 These were dight* on the dais and derworthly* served, set / sumptuously
115 and sithen* many siker* segge* at the sideboards. afterwards / sure / knights
116 Then the first course came with cracking of trumpets,
117 with many banner full bright that thereby hanged.
118 New nakryn* noise with the noble pipes, kettledrum
119 wild warbles and wight* lote* wakened, strong / noise
120 that many hearts full high heave at her* touches. their
121 Dainties driven therewith of full dear meats,
122 foysoun* of the fresh [meat], and on so fele* dishes abundance / many
123 that [they] pine* to find the place the people before, have trouble
124 for to set the silver that sere* sewes* held various / broths
125 on cloth.
126 Each lede* as he loved himself man
127 there laght* without loath, took
128 ay* two had dishes twelve, each
129 good beer and bright wine both.
7 130 Now will I of hor* service say [to] you no more, their
131 for each wighe* may well wit* no want that there were. person / know
132 An other noise full new neghed* bilive*, neared / quickly

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 133 that the lude* might have leave liflode* to catch. lord / food
134 For unethe* was the noise not a while ceased, scarcely
135 and the first course in the court kindly* served, properly
136 there hales in at the hall door an aghlich* master, terrible
137 one the most on the mold* on measure high. earth
138 Fro* the swire* to the swange* so square and so thick, From / neck / middle
139 and his lindes* and his limbs so long and so great, loins
140 half etayn* in erde* I hope that he were, giant / the world
141 but man most [large] I algate* mynn* him to be, at any rate / declare
142 and that the merriest in his muckel* that might ride. size
143 For of back and of breast all* were his body stern, although
144 both his womb* and his waist were worthily small, paunch
145 and all his features folwande*, in form that he had, in like manner
146 full clean.
147 For wonder of his hue men had,
148 set in his semblance seen;
149 he ferde* as freke* [that] were fade*, went / man / bold
150 and overall enker* green. bright
8 151 And all graythed* in green this gome* and his weeds*: arrayed / man / clothes
152 a strait* coat full straight, that stuck on his sides, tight
153 a merry mantle above, mensked* within adorned
154 with pelure* purified apert*, the pane* full clean fur / plain / edging
155 with blithe blaunner* full bright, and his hood both, ermine
156 that was laght* fro* his locks and laid on his shoulders. caught back / from
157 Heme* well‐haled* hose of that same [color], Neat / tightly drawn
158 that spenet* on his sparlyr*, and clean spurs under clung / calf
159 of bright gold, upon silk boards* barred full rich, bands
160 and shoeless under shanks there the schalk* rides. man
161 And all his vesture verily was clean verdure,
162 both the bars of his belt and other blithe stones,
163 that were richly rayled* in his array clean arranged
164 about himself and his saddle, upon silk works.
165 That were too tor* for to tell of trifles the half hard
166 that were embroidered above, with birds and [butter]flies,
167 with gay gaudy of green, the gold ay* in‐middle. always
168 The pendants of his poitrel*, the proud crupper*, horse's armor / saddle strap
169 his molains*, and all the metal enameled was then, ornamented bit
170 the stirrups that he stood on stained of the same [color],
171 and his arsounz* all after [the same] and his athel* skirts, saddle‐bows / noble
172 that ever glimmered and glinted all of green stones.
173 The foal that he ferkkes* on fine* of that ilk, rides / purely
174 certain,
175 a green horse great and thick,
176 a steed full stiff to strain*, restrain
177 in brawden* bridle quick‐‐ embroidered
178 to the gome* he was full gayn*. man / obedient
9 179 Well gay was this gome* geared in green, man
180 and the hair of his head of suit* his horse. i.e., to match
181 Fair fannand* fax* umbefoldes* his shoulders; waving / hair / enfolds
182 a much* beard as a bush over his breast hangs, great
183 that with his highlich* hair that [out] of his head reaches noble
184 was evesed* all umbetorne* above his elbows, trimmed / round
185 that half his arms thereunder were halched* in the wise enclosed
186 of a king's capados* that [en]closes his swyre*. hood / neck
187 The mane of that main horse much like to it,
188 well cresped* and combed, with knots full many curled
189 folded in with fildore* about the fair green, gold thread
190 ay* a herle* of the hair, an other of gold. aways / strand
191 The tail and his topping* twined of a suit, forelock
192 and bound both with a band of a bright green,
193 dubbed* with full dear stones, as the dok* lasted*, adorned / tail / extended
194 sithen* thrawen* with a thong a thwarle* knot aloft, then / bound / intricate
195 there many bells full bright of burned* gold ring. refined
196 Such a foal upon fold*, ne* freke* that him rides, earth / nor / man
197 was never seen in that sale* with sight ere that time, hall
198 with eye.

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 199 He looked as light[ning] so light,
200 so said all that him see;
201 it seemed as [if] no man might
202 Under his dints dryghe*. survive
10 203 Whether* had he no helmet ne* hauberk neither, Yet / nor
204 ne* no pisan* ne* no plate that pented* to arms, nor (x2) / neck armor / belonged
205 ne* no shaft ne* no shield to shove ne* to smite, nor (x3)
206 but in his one hand he had a holly bob* branch
207 that is greatest in green when groves are bare,
208 and an axe in his other, a huge and unmeet*, monstrous
209 a spetos* sparthe* to expound in spell*, whoso might. cruel / battle‐axe / speech
210 The length of an ell‐yard the large [axe]head had,
211 the grain* all of green steel and of gold hewn, blade
212 the bit* burnished bright, with a broad edge blade
213 as well shaped to shear as sharp razors,
214 the stele* of a stiff staff by [which] the stern [knight] it gripped, haft
215 that was wound with iron to the wand's end,
216 and all begraven* with green in gracious works. engraved
217 A lace lapped about, that locked at the [axe]head,
218 and so after* the halme* halched* full oft, along / handle / looped
219 with tried tassels thereto attached enough
220 on buttons of the bright green brayden* full rich. embroidered
221 This hathel* heldez* him in and the hall enters, knight / comes
222 drivande* to the high dais, dut* he no wothe*, coming / feared / danger
223 hailed he never one, but high he over [them] looked.
224 The first word that he warp*, "Where is," he said, uttered
225 "the governor of this gang? Gladly I would
226 see that segg* in sight, and with himself speak knight
227 reason."
228 To knights he cast his eye,
229 and rolled hym* up and down; them
230 he stemmed*, and con* study stopped / did
231 who walt* there most renown. possessed
11 232 There was looking on length the lude* to behold, man
233 for each man had marvel what it mean might
234 that a hathel* and a horse might such a hue latch*, knight / take
235 as grow green as the grass and greener it seemed,
236 than green aumayl* on gold glowande* brighter. enamel / glowing
237 All studied that there stood, and stalked* him near walked carefully
238 with all the wonder of the world what he should work*. do
239 For fele* sellies* had they seen, but such never ere; many / marvels
240 forthi* for phantom* and fairy* the folk there it deemed. therefore / illusion / magic
241 Therefore to answer was arwe* many [a] athel* freke*, afraid / noble / man
242 and all stouned* at his steven* and stone‐still sat astounded / voice
243 in a swoghe* silence through the sale* rich; swooning / hall
244 as all were slipped* upon sleep so slackened hor* lotez* fallen / their / noise
245 in hie*‐‐ haste
246 I deem it not all for doubt*, fear
247 but some for courtesy‐‐
248 but let him that all should loute* salute
249 cast* unto that wyghe*. speak / knight
12 250 Then Arthr before the high dais that adventure beholds,
251 and rekenly* him reverenced, for rad* was he never, courteously / afraid
252 and said, "Wyghe*, welcome iwys* to this place, Knight / indeed
253 the head of this hostel Arthur I hight*; am called
254 [a]light luflych* down and long*, I thee pray, graciously / stay
255 and what‐so[‐ever] thy will is we shall wit* after[wards]. know
256 "Nay, as help me," quoth the hathel*, "He that on high sits, knight
257 to wone* any while in this won*, it was not mine errand; remain / dwelling
258 but for the los* of thee, lede*, is lifted up so high, renown / prince
259 and thy burgh* and thy burnes* [the] best are held, castle / knights
260 stiffest under steel‐gear on steeds to ride,
261 the wightest* and the worthiest of the world's kind, strongest
262 preue* for to play with in other pure laykez*, valiant / sports
263 and here is kydde* courtesy, as I have heard carp*, shown / say
264 and that has wayned* me hither, iwys*, at this time. brought / indeed

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 265 Ye may be seker* by this branch that I bear here sure
266 that I pass as in peace, and no plight* seek; hostility
267 for had I founded* in fere* in fighting wise, journeyed / company
268 I have a hauberk at home and a helmet both,
269 a shield and a sharp spear, schinande* bright, shining
270 and other weapons to wield, I ween* well, also; know
271 but for I would [wish] no war, my weeds* are softer. clothes
272 But if thou be so bold as all burnes* tell, knights
273 thou will grant me goodly the game that I ask
274 by right."
275 Arthur con* answer, did
276 and said, "Sir courteous knight,
277 if thou crave battle bare*, downright
278 here fails thou not to fight."
13 279 "Nay, frayst* I no fight, in faith I thee tell, seek
280 hit* are about on this bench but beardless children. there
281 If I were hasped* in arms on a high steed, fastened
282 here is no man me to match, for [their] mights [are] so weak.
283 Forthi* I crave in this court a Christmas game, Therefore
284 for it is Yule and New Year's, and here are yep* many. bold
285 If any so hardy in this house holds himself,
286 [and] be so bold in his blood, brain* in his head, mad
287 that dare stiffly strike a stroke for an other,
288 I shall give him of my gift this gisarme* rich, battle‐axe
289 this axe, that is heavy enough, to handle as him likes,
290 and I shall [a]bide the first bur* as bare as I [here] sit. blow
291 If any freke* be so fell to fonde* that I tell, man / try
292 leap lightly me to, and latch [onto] this weapon,
293 I quit‐claim it for ever, [let him] keep it as his own,
294 and I shall stand [from] him a stroke, stiff on this flet*, floor
295 else* thou will dight* me the doom* to deal him an other provided that / appoint / judgment
296 barlay*, in my turn
297 and yet give him respite,
298 a twelvemonth and a day;
299 now hie, and let [me] see tite* quickly
300 dare any herein aught [to] say."
301 If he hem* stowned* upon first, stiller were then them / astounded
302 all the hired‐men in hall, the high and the low.
14 303 The renk* on his rouncé* him[self] ruched* in his saddle, knight / horse / turned
304 and runischly* his red eyes he rolled about, fiercely
305 bent his bresed* [eye]brows, blycande* green, bristling / gleaming
306 waved his beard for to wayte* [at] who‐so would rise. look
307 When none would keep him with carp* he coughed full high, conversation
308 and rimed* him[self] full richly, and right* hym to speak. drew up / proceeded
309 "What, is this Arthur's house," quoth the hathel* then, knight
310 "that all the rous* runs of through realms so many? fame
311 Where is now your sourquydrye* and your conquests, pride
312 your gryndellayk* and your greme*, and your great words? fierceness / wrath
313 Now is the revel and the renown of the Round Table
314 ouerwalt* with a word of one wyghe's* speech, overthrown / man's
315 for all dares* for dread without dint showed*!" cower / offered
316 With this he laughs so loud that the lord grieved;
317 the blood shot for shame into his sheer* face fair
318 and lere*; cheek
319 he waxed as wroth as wind,
320 so did all that there were.
321 The king as keen by kind* nature
322 then [went] [and] stood that stiff man near,
15 323 and said, "Hathel*, by heaven, thine asking is nys*, Knight / foolish
324 and as thou folly has frayst*, [to] find [it] thee behooves. sought
325 I know no gome* that is [a]ghast of thy great words; man
326 give me now thy gisarme*, upon God's [be]half, battle‐axe
327 and I shall baythen* thy boon that thou bidden habbes*." grant / have
328 Lightly leaps he him to, and latched at his hand.
329 Then fiercely that other freke* upon foot [a]lights. man
330 Now has Arthur his axe, and the halme* grips, handle

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 331 and sternly stirs* it about, [so] that [to] strike with it [he] thought [to do]. brandishes
332 The stiff man him before stood upon height,
333 higher than any in the house by the head and more.
334 With stern cheer [of face] there he stood he stroked his beard,
335 and with a countenance dryghe* he drew down his coat, unmoved
336 no more mate* ne* dismayed for his main dints daunted / nor
337 than [if] any burne* upon bench had brought him to drink knight
338 of wine.
339 Gawain, that sat by the queen,
340 to the king he can* incline. did
341 "I beseech now with says* seen* words / plain
342 this melee might be mine.
16 343 "Would ye, worthilych* lord," quoth Wawain to the king, honored
344 "bid me bow* from this bench, and stand by you there, leave
345 that I without villainy might void this table,
346 and that [if] my liege lady liked [it] not ill,
347 I would come to your counsel before your court rich.
348 For me thinks it not seemly, as it is sooth* known, in truth
349 there such an asking is heaved so high in your sale*, hall
350 though ye yourself be talenttyf*, to take it to yourself, desirous
351 while many so bold about you upon bench sit,
352 that under heaven I hope none hagerer* of will, readier
353 ne* better bodies on bent* there [be if] baret* is reared. nor / field / fighting
354 I am the weakest, I wot*, and of wit feeblest, know
355 and least lur* of my life, who[ever] laytes* the sooth*‐‐ loss / seeks / truth
356 but for as much as ye are mine em* I am [thus] only to praise, maternal uncle
357 no bounty but your blood [kinship] I in my body know;
358 and sithen* this note* is so nys* that not it [to] you falls, since / business / foolish
359 and I have frayned* it at you first, folds* it to me; asked / befits
360 and if I carp* not comely, let [be] all this court rich speak
361 bout* blame." without
362 Rich [folk] together con* roun*, did / take counsel
363 and sithen* they reded* all [the] same then / advised
364 to rid [of it] the king with crown,
365 and give Gawain the game.
17 366 Then commanded the king the knight for to rise;
367 and he full radly* uprose, and ruchched* him fair, swiftly / proceeded
368 kneeled down before the king, and catches that weapon;
369 and he luflyly* it [to] him left, and lifted up his hand, graciously
370 and gave him God's blessing, and gladly him bids
371 that his heart and his hand should hardy be both.
372 "Keep thee, cousin," quoth the king, "that thou one kerf set,
373 and if thou redes* him right, readily I trow* deals / believe
374 that thou shall a[bide] the bur* that he shall bid after." blow
375 Gawain goes to the gome* with gisarme* in hand, man / battle‐axe
376 and he boldly him [a]bides, he bayst* never the helder*. was dismayed / more [for that]
377 Then carps* to Sir Gawain the knight in the green, speaks
378 "Reform we our forwards*, ere we far[ther] pass. covenants
379 First I oath thee, hathel*, how that thou hights* knight / are called
380 [so] that thou me tell truly, as I trust may."
381 "In good faith," quoth the good knight, "Gawain I hight*, am called
382 that bid thee this buffet, what‐so befalls after,
383 and at this time twelvemonth take at* thee an other from
384 with what weapon so thou will and with no wygh* else man
385 on* live." a‐
386 That other answers again*, in return
387 "Sir Gawain, so might I thrive
388 as I am ferly* fain [for] exceedingly
389 this dint that thou shall drive.
18 390 "By God," quoth the green knight, "Sir Gawain, me likes
391 that I shall fange* at thy fist that [which] I have frayst* here. get / sought
392 And thou has readily rehearsed, by reason* full true, speech
393 cleanly all the covenant that I [of] the king asked,
394 save that thou shall siker* me, segge*, by thy troth, assure / knight
395 that thou shall seek me thyself, where‐so thou hopes
396 I may be found upon fold*, and fetch thee such wages earth

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 397 as thou deals me to‐day before this douthe* rich." company
398 "Where should I wale* thee," quoth Gawain, "where is thy place? find
399 I wot* never where thou wonyes*, by Him that me wrought, know / dwells
400 ne* I know not thee, knight, by court ne* thy name. and / nor
401 But teach me truly thereto, and tell me how thou hights*, are called
402 and I shall ware* all my wit to win me thither, spend
403 and that I swear [to] thee for sooth*, and by my siker* troth." truth / sure
404 "That is enough in New Year's, it needs no more,"
405 quoth the gome* in the green to Gawain the hende*; man / courteous
406 "If I thee tell truly, when I the tap have
407 and thou me smoothly has smitten, smartly I [will] thee teach
408 of my house and my home and mine own name,
409 then may thou frayst* my fare* and [to] forwards* hold; try / practices / covenants
410 and if I spend no speech, then [it] speeds thou the better,
411 for thou may long* in thy land and layt* no farrer*‐‐ stay / seek / further
412 but slokes*! stop
413 Take now thy grim tool to thee,
414 and let [me] see how thou knocks."
415 "Gladly, sir, for sooth*," truth
416 quoth Gawain; his axe he strokes.
19 417 The green knight upon ground graythely* him dresses*, promptly / stands firm
418 a little lut* with the head, the lere* he discovers*, bent / flesh / uncovers
419 his long lovely locks he laid over his [head's] crown,
420 let the naked neck to* the note* show. in / readiness
421 Gawain gripped to his axe, and gederes* it on height, lifts
422 the kay* foot on the fold* he before [him] set, left / ground
423 let him down lightly [to] [a]light on the naked [flesh],
424 [so] that the sharp [blade] of the schalk* sundered the bones, man
425 and shrank through the sheer* grease* and shed* it in twain, white / fat / severed
426 that the bit* of the brown* steel bit on* the ground. blade / bright / in
427 The fair head from the halce* hit to the earth, neck
428 [so] that fele* it foyned* with her* feet, [and] there it forth rolled; many / kicked / their
429 the blood braid* from the body, that blykked* on the green; spurted / gleamed
430 and neither faltered ne* fell the freke* never the helder*, nor / man / less
431 but stythly* he started forth upon stiff shanks, stoutly
432 and runyschly* he reached out, there as renkkez* stood, fiercely / knights
433 latched to his lovely head, and lifted it up soon;
434 and sithen* bows* to his blonk*, the bridle he catches, then / goes / horse
435 steps into steel‐bow* and strides aloft, stirrup
436 and his head by the hair in his hand holds;
437 and as sadly* the segge* him in his saddle sat steadily / man
438 as none unhap* had him ailed, though headless he were mishap
439 in stead.
440 He braided* his bulk about, twisted
441 that ugly body that bled;
442 many [a] one of hym* had doubt*, them / fear
443 by [the time] that his reasons were rede*. declared
20 444 For the head in his hand he holds up even,
445 toward the dearest on the dais he [ad]dresses the face,
446 and it lifted up the eyelids and looked full broad,
447 and meled* thus much with his mouth, as ye may now hear: said
448 "Look, Gawain, [that] thou be graythe* to go as thou hettez*, ready / promises
449 and layte* as loyally till thou me, lude*, find, seek / prince
450 as thou has hette* in this hall, herande* these knights; promised / in hearing of
451 to the green chapel thou choose [the way], I charge thee, to fetch
452 such a dint as thou has dealt‐‐ deserved thou habbez* has
453 to be yederly* yielded [back] on New Year's morn. promptly
454 The knight of the green chapel men know me many;
455 forthi* for me to find if thou fraystez*, fails thou never. therefore / seeks
456 Therefore come, either* recreant [to] be called thee [it] behooves." else
457 With a runisch* rout* the reins he turns, violent / jerk
458 haled out at the hall door, his head in his hand,
459 [so] that the fire of the flint flew from foal hooves.
460 To what kith he became* knew none there, got to
461 never more than they wist* from whethen* he was won*. knew / whence / come.
462 What then?

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 463 The kyng and Gawain there
464 at that green [man] they laugh and grin,
465 yet briefed* was it full bare* declared / completely
466 a marvel among tho* men. those
21 467 Though Arthur the hende* king at heart had wonder, courteous
468 he let no semblance be seen, but said full high
469 to the comely queen with courteous speech,
470 "Dear dame, to‐day dismay you never;
471 well becomes such craft upon Christmas,
472 laykyng* of interludes, to laugh and to sing, playing
473 among these kind* carols of knights and ladies. courtly
474 Never the less to my meat I may me well dress*, proceed
475 for I have seen a selly*, I may not forsake.' marvel
476 He glanced upon Sir Gawain, and gainly* he said, appropriately
477 "Now, sir, hang up thine axe, that has enough hewn";
478 and it was done above the dais on doser* to hang, wall‐tapestry
479 there all men for marvel might on it look,
480 and by  true title* thereof to tell the wonder. evidence
481 Then they bowed* to a board these burnes* together, went / warriors
482 the king and the good knight, and keen men hem* served them
483 of all dainties double, as dearest might fall;
484 with all manner of meat and minstrelsy both,
485 with weal* walt* they that day, till [it] worthed* [to] an end joy / spent / came
486 in [the] land.
487 Now think well, Sir Gawain,
488 for wothe* that thou ne* wonde* danger / not / neglect
489 this adventure for to frayn* make trial of
490 that [which] thou has taken on hand.
22 491 THIS handsel* has Arthur of adventures on* first gift / at
492 in [the] young year, for he yearned yelping* to hear. challenge
493 Though [for] hym* words were wane* when they to seat went, them / lacking
494 now are they stuck [full] of stern work, staff‐full* her* hand. cram‐full / their
495 Gawain was glad to begin those games in hall,
496 but though the end[ing] be heavy have ye no wonder;
497 for though men be merry in mind when they han* main* drink, have / strong
498 a year yernes* full yerne*, and yields never [the] like, runs / swiftly
499 the forme* to the finishment folds* full seldom. beginning / matches
500 Forthi* this Yule overyede*, and the year after, Therefore / passed by
501 and each season serlepes* [pur]sued after [the] other. separately
502 After Christmas came the crabbed Lent,
503 that fraystez* flesh with the fish and food more simple; tries
504 but then the weather of the world with winter it threpez*, contends
505 cold clings down, clouds uplift,
506 sheer* sheds the rain in showers full warm, white
507 falls upon fair flat*, flowers there show, plain
508 both grounds and the groves green are her* weeds*, their / clothes
509 birds busken* to build, and bremlych* sing hasten / gloriously
510 for solace of the soft summer that [pur]sues thereafter
511 by bank;
512 and blossoms bolne* to blowe* swell / bloom
513 by [hedge]rows rich and rank,
514 then notes noble enough
515 are heard in wood[s] so wlonk*. lovely
23 516 After the season of summer with the soft winds
517 when Zephyrus syflez* himself on seeds and herbs, whistles
518 wela* wynne* is the wort* that waxes thereout, very / lovely / plant
519 when the donkande* dew drops off the leaves, moistening
520 to [a]bide a blissful blusch* of the bright sun. gleam
521 But then hies harvest, and hardens him soon,
522 warns him for the winter to wax full ripe;
523 he drives with drought the dust for to rise,
524 fro* the face of the fold* to fly full high; from / earth
525 wroth* wind of the welkin wrestles with the sun, fierce
526 the leaves launch fro* the linden and [a]light on the ground, from
527 and all grays the grass that green was ere;
528 then all ripens and rots that rose upon first,

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 529 and thus yirnez* the year in yesterdays many, runs
530 and winter winds [back] again, as the world asks,
531 no fage*, deceit
532 till Michaelmas moon
533 was come with winter['s] wage;
534 then thinks Gawain full soon
535 of his annoys* voyage. troublesome
24 536 Yet while* All‐Holy‐Day with Arthur he longs*; until / stays
537 and he made a fare on that feast for the frekez* sake, man's
538 with much revel and rich of the Round Table.
539 Knights full courteous and comely ladies
540 all for love of that lede* in longing they were, man
541 but never the less ne* the later they nevened* but mirth. nor / mentioned
542 Many joyless for that gentle [knight] japes there made.
543 For after meat with mourning he melez* to his eme*, speaks / maternal uncle
544 and speaks of his passage, and pertly* he said, plainly
545 "Now, liege lord of my life, leave I you ask;
546 ye know the cost* of this case, keep* I no more terms / care
547 to tell you tenez* thereof never but trifle; troubles
548 but I am bound to the bur* barely* to[morrow] ‐morn blow / unconditionally
549 to seek the gome* of the green, as God will me wysse*." man / guide
550 Then the best of the burgh* bowed together, castle
551 Ywain, and Erik, and other[s] full many,
552 Sir Dodinel de Savage, the duke of Clarence,
553 Lancelot, and Lionel, and Lucan the good,
554 Sir Bors, and Sir Bedivere, big men both,
555 and many other [men] menskful*, with Mador de la Port. noble
556 All this company of court came the king near
557 for to counsel the knight, with care at her* heart. their
558 There was much derve* dole driven* in the sale* grievous / made / hall
559 that so worthy [a one] as Wawain should wend on that errand,
560 to dryghe* a doleful dint, and deal no more [in return] endure
561 with brand*. sword
562 The knight made ay* good cheer, always
563 and said, "What should I wonde*? fear
564 Of destinies derf* and dear grievous
565 what may [a] man do but find?"
25 566 He dwells there all that day, and dresses on the morn,
567 asks early [for] his arms, and all were they brought.
568 First a Toulouse [silk] tapit* tyght* over the flet*, tapestry / spread / floor
569 and much was the gild[ed] gear that glinted there‐aloft;
570 the stiff man steps thereon, and the steel handles,
571 dubbed* in a doublet of a dear Tharsian [silk], arrayed
572 and sythen* a crafty[‐made] capados*, closed aloft*, then / hood / at top
573 that with a bright blaunner* was bound within. ermine
574 Then set they the sabatons upon the segge* foots, knight's
575 his legs lapped in steel with lovely greaves,
576 with poleyns piched* thereto, polished full clean, attached
577 about his knees knaged* with knots of gold; fastened
578 queme* cuisses then, that quaintly [en]closed fine
579 his thick thrawen* thighs, with thongs to [them] attached; muscular
580 and sythen* the brawden* bryné* of bright steel rings then / linked / mail‐shirt
581 umbeweved* that wygh* upon wlonk* stuff, enveloped / man / lovely
582 and [a] well burnished [vam]brace upon his both arms,
583 with good couters* and gay, and gloves of plate, elbow‐pieces
584 and all the goodly gear that him gain* should profit
585 [at] that tide;
586 with rich coat‐armor,
587 his gold spurs spend* with pride, fastened
588 girt with a brand* full sure sword
589 with silk sayn* umbe* his side. girdle / round
26 590 When he was hasped* in arms, his harness* was rich. fastened / armor
591 The least latchet other* loop lemed* of gold. or / shone
592 So harnessed as he was he hearkens [to] his mass,
593 offered and honored at the high altar.
594 Sythen* he comes to the king and to his cort‐ferez*, Then / court‐companions

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 595 latches* lovely* his leave at lords and ladies; takes / graciously
596 and they him kissed and conveyed, bikende* him to Christ. commended
597 By that [time] was Gringolet grayth*, and girt with a saddle ready
598 that gleamed full gaily with many gold fringes,
599 ayquere* nailed full new[ly], for that note* ryched*; everywhere / purpose / intended
600 the bridle barred about, with bright gold bound;
601 the apparel of the poitrel* and of the proud skirts, horse's armor
602 the crupper and the covertor*, accorded with the arsounez*; horse‐cloth / saddle‐bows
603 and all was rayled* on red rich gold nails, arrayed
604 that all glittered and glinted as gleam* of the sun. ray
605 Then hentes* he the helmet, and hastily it kisses, takes
606 that was stapled stiffly, and stuffed within.
607 It was high on his head, hasped* behind, fastened
608 with a light vrysoun* over the aventaile*, silk band / neck guard
609 enbrawden* and bound with the best gems embroidered
610 on broad silken board*, and birds on seams, band
611 as papiayez* painted peruyng* between, parrots / periwinkle
612 tortors* and true‐loves entayled* so thick turtle‐doves / depicted
613 as many [a] bird thereabout had been seven winter
614 in town.
615 The circlet was more of price
616 that umbeclypped* his crown, surrounded
617 of diamonds a devys* perfect
618 that both were bright and brown.
27 619 THEN they showed him the shield, that was of sheer gules
620 with the pentangle de‐painted of pure gold hues.
621 He braydez* it by the baldric, about the hals* casts, swings / neck
622 that beseemed the segge* semlyly* fair. knight / becomingly
623 And why the pentangle appends* to that prince noble belongs
624 I am in[‐] tent you to tell, though tarry it me should.
625 It is a sign that Solomon set somewhile [ago]
626 in betokening of troth, by title that it habbez*, has
627 for it is a figure that holds five points,
628 and each line umbelappez* and locks in [the] other, overlaps
629 and ayquere* it is endless; and [the] English it call everywhere
630 overall, as I hear, the endless knot.
631 Forthy* it accords to this knight and to his clear [heraldic] arms, Therefore
632 for ay* faithful in five and sere* five sythez* always / in each case / times
633 Gawain was for [a] good [knight] known, and as gold purified,
634 voided of each villainy, with virtues adorned
635 in moat*; castle
636 forthy* the pentangle new therefore
637 he bore in shield and coat[‐armor],
638 as tulk* of tale most true man
639 and gentlest knight of lote*. speech
28 640 First he was found faultless in his five wits*, senses
641 and after failed never the freke* in his five fingers, man
642 and all his afyaunce* upon fold* was in the five wounds trust / earth
643 that Christ caught on the cross, as the creed tells;
644 and where‐so‐ever this man in melee was stayed,
645 his thro* thought was in that, through all other things, steadfast
646 that all his forsnes* he feng* at the five joys fortitude / derived
647 that the hende* heaven‐queen had of her child; courteous
648 at this cause the knight comely* had graciously
649 in the inner half of his shield her image de‐painted,
650 that when he blusched* thereto his belde* never [was] [im]paired. looked / courage
651 The fifth [group of] five that I find that the frek* used man
652 was fraunchyse* and fellowship forbe* all thing[s], generosity / beyond
653 his cleanness and his courtesy crooked were never,
654 and pity, that [sur]passes all points, these pure five
655 were harder happed* on that hathel* than on any other. fastened / knight
656 Now all these five sythez*, for sooth, were fetled* on this knight, cases / fixed
657 and each one halched* in [the] other, that none end had, joined
658 and fixed upon five points, that failed never,
659 ne* samned* never in no side, ne* sundered neither, nor (x2) / joined
660 without end at any noke* I oquere* find, point / anywhere

Page 10
 661 wherever the gomen* began, or glod* to an end. process / came
662 Therefore on his shiny shield shaped was the knot
663 royally with red gold upon red gules,
664 that is the pure pentagle with the people called
665 with lore.
666 Now graythed* is Gawain [the] gay, prepared
667 and laght* his lance right there, caught
668 and gave hem* all good day, them
669 he weened* for evermore. thought
29 670 He sperred* the steed with the spurs and sprang on his way, struck
671 so stiff that the stone‐fire struck out thereafter.
672 All that saw that seemly [knight] syked* in heart, sighed
673 and said soothly all same* segges* til* [an]other, together / men / to
674 carande* for that comely [one]: "By Christ, it is scathe* grieving / disastrous
675 that thou, leude*, shall be lost, that are of life noble! prince
676 To find his fere* upon fold*, in faith, is not ethe*. peer / earth / easy
677 Warloker* to have wrought had more wit been, More carefully
678 and have dight* yonder dear a duke to have worthed*; appointed / become
679 a lowande* leader of ledez* in land him well [be]seems, shining / men
680 and so had better have been than britned* to naught, destroyed
681 [be]headed with an elvish man, for angardez* pride. arrogant
682 Who knew ever any king such counsel to take
683 as knights in cauelaciounz* on Christmas games!" cavilings
684 Well much was the warm water that weltered of eyes,
685 when that seemly sire sought [a trail] fro* tho* wonez* from / those / dwellings
686 that day.
687 He made no abode,
688 but wyghtly* went his way; swiftly
689 many [a] wylsum* way he rode, bewildering
690 the book as I heard say.
30 691 Now rides this renk* through the realm of Logres, man
692 Sir Gawain, on God's [be]half, though him no game thought.
693 Oft leudlez* alone he longs* on nights companionless / stays
694 there he found not him before the fare that he liked.
695 Had he no fere* but his foal by frythez* and downs, companion / woods
696 ne* no gome* but God by [the] gate* with to carp*, nor / man     /     way / converse
697 till that he neghed* full nigh into the North Wales. neared
698 All the isles of Anglesey on [the] left half he holds,
699 and fares over the fords by the forelands,
700 over at the Holy Head, till he had eft* bank again
701 in the wilderness of Wirral; wonde* there but little dwelled
702 that either God other* gome* with [a] good heart loved. or man
703 And ay* he frayned*, as he fared, at frekez* that he met, always / asked / men
704 if they had heard any carp* of a knight green, talk
705 in any ground thereabout, of the green chapel;
706 and all nykked* him with nay, that never in her* life answered / their
707 they saw never no segge* that was of such hues man
708 of green.
709 The knight took gates* strange roads
710 in many a bank unbene*, dreary
711 his cheer full oft con* change did
712 that chapel ere he might see.
31 713 Many [a] cliff he overclimbed in countries strange,
714 far fleeted* fro* his friends fremedly* he rides. wandered / from / as stranger
715 At each warthe* other* water there the wyghe* passed ford / or / man
716 he found a foe him before, but ferly* it were, unusual
717 and [at] that so foul and so fell that fight him behooved.
718 So many [a] marvel by mount[s] there the man finds,
719 it were too tore* for to tell, of the tenth dole*. difficult / part
720 Somewhile with worms* he wars, and with wolves also, dragons
721 somewhile with wodwos*, that woned* in the knarrez*, forest trolls / dwelled / crags
722 both with bulls and bears, and boars otherwhile,
723 and etaynez*, that him anelede* off the high fell; giants / pursued
724 nade* he been doughty and dryghe*, and Dryghtyn* had served, had not / enduring / God
725 doubtless he had been dead and dreped* full oft. killed
726 For war wrathed* him not so much that winter nas* worse, afflicted / was not

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 727 when the cold clear water fro* the clouds [was] shed, from
728 and froze ere it fall might to the fale* earth; pale
729 near[ly] slain with the sleet he slept in his irons
730 mo* nights than enough in naked rocks, more
731 there as claterande* fro* the crest the cold borne* runs, clattering / from / stream
732 and hanged high over his head in hard icicles.
733 Thus in peril and pain and plights full hard
734 by country cayrez* this knight, till Christmas eve, rides
735 all [al]one;
736 the knight well [at] that tide
737 to Mary made his moan,
738 that ho* him rede to ride she
739 and wysse* him to some wone*. guide / dwelling
32 740 By a mount on the morn merrily he rides
741 into a forest full deep, that ferly* was wild, exceedingly
742 high hills on each a half, and holtwoods* under[foot] woods
743 of hoar oaks full huge a hundred together;
744 the hazel and the hawthorn were harled* all samen*, tangled / together
745 with rough ragged moss rayled* aywhere*, arranged / everywhere
746 with many birds unblithe upon bare twigs,
747 that piteously there piped for pine of the cold.
748 The gome* upon Gringolet glides hem* under, man / them
749 through many mossy* and mire, man all him [al]one, swamp
750 carande* for his costs, lest he ne* kever* should caring / not / manage
751 to see the service of that sire*, that on that self [‐same] night Lord
752 of a bird was born our baret* to quell; sorrow
753 and therefore sykyng* he said, "I beseech thee, Lord, sighing
754 and Mary, that is mildest mother so dear,
755 of some harbor there highly* I might hear mass, devoutly
756 and thy matins to[morrow] ‐morn, meekly I ask,
757 and thereto prestly* I pray my pater [noster] and ave [Maria] promptly
758 and creed."
759 He rode in his prayer,
760 and cried for his misdeed[s],
761 he signed him[self] in sythes* sere*, times / several
762 and said "Cross [of] Christ me speed!"
33 763 NADE* he signed himself, segge*, but thrice, HAD NOT / man
764 ere he was [a]ware in the wood of a won* [with]in a moat, dwelling
765 above a lawn, on a lawe*, locked under boughs mound
766 of many [a] borelych* bole about by the ditches. strong
767 A castle the comliest that ever knight aghte*, owned
768 pitched on a prairie, a park all about,
769 with a piked [fence] [of] pales pinned full thick,
770 that umbeteghe* many [a] tree mo* than two mile. surrounded / more
771 That [strong]hold on that one side, the hathel* avysed*, knight / contemplated
772 as it shimmered and shone through the sheer oaks;
773 then has he hendly* off his helmet, and highly* he thanks courteously / devoutly
774 Jesus and Saint Julian, that gentle are both,
775 that courtesy had him kydde*, and [to] his cry hearkened. shown
776 "Now bon* hostel," quoth the burne*, "I beseech you yette*!" good / man / grant
777 Then girds* he [in]to Gringolet with the gilt heels, spurs
778 and he full chancely* has chosen to the chief gate*, by chance / road
779 that brought bremly* the burne* to the [draw]bridge end quickly / knight
780 in haste.
781 The [draw]bridge was breme* upbrayde*, stoutly / pulled up
782 the gates were stuck fast,
783 the walls were well arrayed,
784 it dut* no wind's blast. feared
34 785 The burne* [a]bode on blonk*, that on bank hoved* knight / horse / halted
786 off the deep double ditch that drove* to the place; enclosed
787 the wall wod* in the water wonderly* deep, stood / marvelously
788 and aft[er] a full huge height it haled* upon* loft rose / a‐
789 of hard hewn stone up to the tables*, cornices
790 enbaned* under the battlement in the best law; horizontal courses
791 and sythen* garytez* full gay geared between, then / turrets
792 with many [a] lovely loop[‐hole] that looked full clean.

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 793 A better barbican that burne* blushed* upon never. knight / looked
794 And innermore* he beheld that hall full high, furthermore
795 towers telded* between, trochet* full thick, erected / pinnacles
796 fair fylyolez* that fyghed*, and ferlyly* long, pinnacles / fitted / exceedingly
797 with carven coprounes* craftily sleye* [made]. ornamental tops / skilfully 
798 Chalk‐white chimneys there chose* he enough perceived
799 upon bastille roofs, that blenked* full white; gleamed
800 so many [a] pinnacle painted was powdered* ayquere*, scattered / everywhere
801 among the castle carnelez* clambred* so thick, embrasures / clustered
802 that [were] pared out of paper purely it seemed.
803 The free freke* on the foal it fair enough thought, man
804 if he might kever* to come [to] the cloister within, manage
805 to harbor in that hostel while holiday lasted,
806 avinant*. pleasant
807 He called, and soon there came
808 a porter pure pleasant,
809 on the wall his errand he nome*, took
810 and hailed the knight errant.
35 811 "Good sir," quoth Gawain, "would thou go [as] mine errand* messenger
812 to the high lord of this house, harbor to crave?"
813 "Yea, [Saint] Peter," quoth the porter, "and purely I trow* believe
814 that ye be, wyghe*, welcome to won* while you likes." knight / remain
815 Then yede* the wyghe* yerne* and came again swythe*, went / man     /     eagerly/ quickly
816 and folk freely him with, to fonge* the knight. welcome
817 They let down the great drawt* and dearly out yeden*, drawbridge / went
818 and kneeled down on her* knees upon the cold earth their
819 to welcome this ilk* wygh* as worthy hom* thought; same / man / them
820 they yield him the broad gate, yarked* up wide, set
821 and he hem* [bid] raised rekenly*, and rode over the [draw]bridge. them / courteously
822 Sere* seggez* him seized by saddle, while he [a]lighted, Several / men
823 and sythen* stabled his steed stiff men enough. then
824 Knights and squires come down then
825 for to bring this buurne* with bliss into hall; warrior
826 when he heaved up his helmet, there hied enough
827 for to hent* it at his hand, the hende* [one] to serve; take / courteous
828 his brand* and his blazon* both they took. sword / shield
829 Then hailed he full hendly* tho* hathelez* each one, courteously / those / knights
830 and many [a] proud man there pressed that prince to honor.
831 All hasped* in his high weed* to hall they him won*, fastened / armor / brought
832 there fair fire upon flet* fiercely burned. floor
833 Then the lord of the lede* loutez* fro* his chamber people / turns / from
834 for to meet with menske* the man on the floor; honor
835 He said, "Ye are welcome to wield as you likes
836 that here is; all is your own, to have at your will
837 and wield."
838 "Gra‐ mercy," quoth Gawain,
839 "there Christ it you foryield.*" repay
840 As frekez* that seemed fain men
841 either [the] other in arms con* fold. did
36 842 Gawain glyght* on the gome* that goodly him greeted, glanced / man
843 and thought it a bold burne*, that the burgh* aghte*, man / castle / owned
844 a huge hathel* for the nonce, and of high eldee*; knight / time
845 broad, bright, was his beard, and all beaver‐hued,
846 stern, stiff on the stryththe* on stalwart shanks, stance
847 fell face as the fire, and free of his speech;
848 and well him [be]seemed, for sooth, as the segge* thought, man
849 to lead a lordship in lee* of leudez* full good. castle / men
850 The lorde him charred* to a chamber, and chiefly* commands took / quickly
851 to deliver him a leude*, him lowly to serve; man
852 and there were boun* at his bode* burnez* enough, ready / command / knights
853 that brought him to a bright bower, there bedding was noble,
854 of curtains of clean silk with clear gold hems,
855 and covertorez* full curious* with comely panes* coverlets / elaborate / edgings
856 of bright blaunner* above, embroidered besides, ermine
857 rudelez* rennande* on ropes, red gold rings, curtains / running
858 tapitez* tyght* [on]to the wall of tuly* and Tharsian [silk], tapestries / hung / Toulouse

Page 13
 859 and under feet, on the flet*, of folwande* suit. floor / following
860 There he was despoiled, with speeches of mirth,
861 the burn* of his bruny* and of his bright weeds*. knight / mail‐shirt / armor
862 Rich robes full rad* renkkez* him brought, promptly / men
863 for to charge*, and to change, and choose of the best. put on
864 [As] soon as he one hent*, and happed* therein, took / fastened
865 that sat on him seemly with saylande* skirts, sailing
866 the ver* by his visage verily it seemed spring
867 well‐nigh to each hathel*, all on hues knight
868 lowande* and lovely all his limbs under, shining
869 [so] that a comelier knight never Christ made
870 hem* thought. them
871 Whethen* in [the] world he were, From whence
872 it seemed as he might
873 be prince without peer
874 in field there fell men fought.
37 875 A chair before the chimney, there charcoal burned,
876 was graythed* for Sir Gawain graythely* with cloths, prepared / pleasantly
877 cushions upon queldepoyntes* that quaint were both; quilted covers
878 and then a merry mantle was on that man cast
879 of a brown bleeaunt*, embroidered full rich rich stuff
880 and fair furred within with fells of the best,
881 all of ermine in [the] erde*, his hood of the same; world
882 and he sat in that settel* seemly rich, seat
883 and achaufed* him[self] chiefly*, and then his cheer [a]mended. warmed / quickly
884 Soon was telded* up a table on trestles full fair, erected
885 clad with a clean [table]cloth that clear white showed,
886 sanap*, and [salt]cellar, and silver spoons. overcloth
887 The wyghe* washed at his will, and went to his meat. man
888 Seggez* him served seemly enough Men
889 with sere* sewes* and sete*, seasoned of the best, various / stews / excellent
890 double‐filled, as it falls, and fele* kind[s] [of] fishes, many
891 some baked in bread, some brad* on the gledez*, grilled / red‐hot coals
892 some sothen*, some in sewe* savored with spices, boiled / broth
893 and ay* sauces so sleye* [made] that the segge* liked. always / skilfully / man
894 The freke* called it a feast full freely and oft man
895 full hendely*, when all the hatheles* rehayted* him at once, courteously / knights / exhorted
896 "As hende*, kindly
897 this penance now ye take,
898 and aft[erwards] it shall amend."
899 That man much mirth con* make, did
900 for wine in his head that went.
38 901 Then was spied* and spured* upon spar[ing] wise inquired / asked
902 by privy points* of that prince, put to himself, questions
903 that he beknew* courteously of the court that he were confessed
904 that athel* Arthur the hende* holds him [al]one, noble / courteous
905 that is the rich royal king of the Round Table,
906 and it was Wawain himself that in that won* sits, dwelling
907 come to that Christmas [festivity], as [the] case him then lymped*. befell
908 When the lord had learned that he the leude* had, man
909 loud laughed he thereat, so lef* it him thought, dear
910 and all the men in that moat* made much joy castle
911 to appear in his presence prestly* that time, promptly
912 that all price and prowess and purified thewes* manners
913 appends* to his person, and praised is ever; belongs
914 before all men upon mold* his mensk* is the most. earth / honor
915 Each segge* full softly said to his fere*: man / companion
916 "Now shall we seemly see sleights of thewez* manners
917 and the teccheles* terms of talking noble, spotless
918 which speed is in speech unspurred may we learn,
919 syn* we have fonged* that fine father of nurture. since / entertained
920 God has given us his grace goodly for sooth,
921 that such a guest as Gawain grants us to have,
922 when burnez* blithe of his birth shall sit men
923 and sing.
924 In[to] meaning of manners mere* noble

Page 14
 925 this burne* now shall us bring, man
926 I hope that [he who] may him hear
927 shall learn of love‐talking."
39 928 By [the time] that the dinner was done and the dear [got] up
929 it was nigh at the night neghed* the time. neared
930 Chaplains to the chapels choose the gate*, road
931 rang full richly, right as they should,
932 to the hersum* evensong of the high tide*. devout / festival
933 The lord loutes* thereto, and the lady also, turns
934 into a comely closet quaintly ho* enters. she
935 Gawain glides full gay and goes thither soon;
936 the lord latches him by the lap [of his] [garment] and leads him to sit,
937 and couthly* him knows and calls him his name, familiarly
938 and said he was the welcomest wyghe* of the world; man
939 and he him thanked throly*, and either halched* [the] other, heartily / embraced
940 and sat soberly samen* the service while. together
941 Then list* the lady to look on the knight, pleased
942 then came ho* [out] of her closet with many clear birds. she
943 Ho* was the fairest in fell, of flesh and of lyre*, She / face
944 and of compass* and color and costs*, of all other, proportion / qualities
945 and wener* than Wuenevere, as the wyghe* thought. more lovely / man
946 Ho* chose* through the chancel to cherish that hende*  [one]. She / went / courteous
947 An other lady her led by the left hand,
948 that was older than ho*, an ancient it seemed, she
949 and highly honored with hathelez* about. knights
950 But unlike on to look tho* ladies were, those
951 for if the young [one] was yep*, yellow was that other; fresh
952 rich red on that one rayled* ayquere*, arrayed / everywhere
953 rough wrinkled cheeks that other [up]on rolled [in folds];
954 kerchiefs of that one, with many clear pearls,
955 her breast and her bright throat bare displayed,
956 shone sheerer* than snow that sheds on hills; whiter
957 that other with a gorget was geared over the swyre*, neck
958 chymbled* over her black chin with chalk‐white veils, bound
959 her front* [en]folded in silk, enfoubled* ayquere*, forehead / muffled / everywhere
960 toreted* and treleted* with trifles about, embroidered / latticed
961 that naught was bare of that bird but the black brows,
962 the twain eyes and the nose, the naked lips,
963 and those were sour to see and sellyly* bleared; very
964 a mensk* lady on mold* man may her call, honored / earth
965 for God!
966 Her body was short and thick,
967 her buttocks balg* and broad, round
968 more lecherous* on to lick sweet
969 was that she had on lead.
40 970 When Gawain glyght* on that gay [lady], that graciously looked, glanced
971 with leave laght* of the lord he lent* hem* against; caught / went / them
972 the elder he hails, heldande* full low, bowing
973 the lovelier he laps a little in arms,
974 he kisses her comely and knightly he melez*. speaks
975 They call* him of acquaintance, and he it quick[ly] asks beg
976 to be her* servant soothly, if hemself* liked. their / themselves
977 They tan* him between hem*, with talking him lead take / them
978 to chamber, to chimney, and chiefly they ask
979 spices*, that unspar[ing]ly men sped home to bring, spiced cakes
980 and the wynnelych* wine therewith each time. pleasant
981 The lord lovely* aloft leaps full oft, graciously
982 mynned* mirth to be made upon many sythez*, exhorted / times
983 hent* highly* off his hood, and on a spear hanged, took / gaily
984 and wayned* hom* to win the worship* thereof, urged / them / honor
985 that most mirth might move that Christmas while‐‐
986 "And I shall find, by my faith, to fylter* with the best contend
987 ere me want the weed*, with help of my friends." garment
988 Thus with laghande* lotez* the lord it tayt* makes, laughing / speeches / merry
989 for to gladden Sir Gawain with games in hall
990 that night,

Page 15
 991 till that it was time
992 the lord commanded light;
993 Sir Gawain his leave con* nyme* did / take
994 and to his bed him dight*. went
41 995 On the morn, as each man mynez* that time remembers
996 that Dryghtyn* for our destiny to die was born, God
997 weal* waxes in each a won* in [the] world for his sake; joy / dwelling
998 so did it there on that day through dainties many.
999 Both at mess and at meal[time] messes* full quaint dishes
1000 derf* men upon dais dressed of the best. doughty
1001 The old ancient wife highest ho* sits, she
1002 the lord lovely* her by lent*, as I trow*; graciously / went / believe
1003 Gawain and the gay bird together they sat,
1004 even in‐middle, as the mess meetly came,
1005 and sythen* through all the sale* as [to] hem* best seemed. then / hall / them
1006 By [the time] each groom* at his degree graythely* was served man / promptly
1007 there was meat, there was mirth, there was much joy,
1008 that for to tell thereof it [to] me tene* were, trouble
1009 and [if] to point* it yet I pained me paraventure*. describe / perhaps
1010 But yet I wot* that Wawain and the wale* bird know / fair
1011 such comfort of her* company caught together their
1012 through her* dear dalliance of her* derne* words, their (x2) / private
1013 with clean courteous carp* closed* fro* filth, talk / free / from
1014 that hor* play was passande* [in] each prince[ly] game, their / surpassed
1015 in vayres*. truth
1016 Trumps and nakerys*, kettledrums
1017 much piping there repairs;
1018 each man [at]tended his [own],
1019 and they two [at]tended theirs.
42 1020 Much dut* was there driven* that day and that other, joy / made
1021 and the third as thro* throng* in thereafter; earnestly / pressed
1022 the joy of Saint John's day was gentle to hear, [and also] [Childermas,]
1023 and was the last of the layk*, leudez* there thought. sport / men
1024 There were guests to go upon the gray morn,
1025 forthy* wonderly* they woke*, and the wine drank, therefore / marvelously / reveled
1026 danced full dreghly* with dear carols. unceasingly
1027 At the last, when it was late, they lachen* her* leave, took / their
1028 each one to wend on his way that was wyghe* strange[r]. man
1029 Gawain gave him good day, the goodman him latches,
1030 leads him to his own chamber, the chimney beside,
1031 and there he draws him on dryghe*, and dearly him thanks back
1032 of the wynne* worship that he him waved* had, lovely / offered
1033 as to honor his house on that high tide*, festival
1034 and embellish his burgh* with his bele* cheer. castle / gracious
1035 "Iwysse* sir, while I live, me worthez* the better Indeed / becomes
1036 that Gawain has been my guest at God's own feast."
1037 "Gra‐ mercy, sir," quoth Gawain, "in good faith it is yours,
1038 all the honor is your own‐‐ the High King you yield*! repay
1039 And I am wyghe* at your will to work your [be]hest, knight
1040 as I am held thereto, in high and in low,
1041 by right."
1042 The lord fast can* him [take] pain[s] did
1043 to hold longer the knight;
1044 to him answers Gawain
1045 by no way that he might.
43 1046 Then frayned* the freke* full fair at himself asked / man
1047 what derve* deed had him driven at that dear time grievous
1048 so keenly fro* the king's court to kayre* all his [al]one, from / ride
1049 ere the holidays wholly were haled* out of town. passed
1050 "For sooth, sir," quoth the segge*, "ye say but the truth, man
1051 a high errand and a hasty [one] me had fro* tho* wonez*, from / those / dwellings
1052 for I am summoned myself to seek to a place,
1053 I ne* wot* in [the] world whitherward to wend it to find. not / know
1054 I nolde* but [that] if I it negh* might on New Year's morn would not / reach
1055 for all the land within Logres, so me our Lord help!
1056 Forthy*, sir, this inquest* I require [of] you here, Therefore / inquiry

Page 16
 1057 that ye me tell with truth if ever ye tale heard
1058 of the green chapel, where it on ground stands,
1059 and of the knight that it keeps, of color of green.
1060 There was stabled* by statute a steven* us between established / tryst
1061 to meet that man at that mere*, if I might last; place
1062 and of that ilk* New Year but neked* now wants, same / little
1063 and I would look on that lede*, if God me let would, man
1064 gladlier, by God's son, than any good[s] wield!
1065 Forthi*, iwysse*, by your will, [to] wend [it] me behooves, Therefore / indeed
1066 naf* I now to [be] busy but bare[ly] three days, have not
1067 and me also [am] fain to fall feye* as [to] fail of mine errand." stricken
1068 Then laghande* quoth the lord, "Now long* thee [it] behooves, laughing / stay
1069 for I shall teach you to that terme* by the time's end, appointment
1070 the green chapel upon ground grieve you no more;
1071 but ye shall be in your bed, burne*, at thine ease, knight
1072 while forth [the] days, and ferk* on the first of the year, ride
1073 and come to that merk* at mid‐morn, to make what you likes place
1074 in spenne*. there
1075 Dwells while* New Year's day, until
1076 and rise, and raykez* then, departs
1077 [a] man shall you set in [the right] way,
1078 it is not two mile hence."
44 1079 Then was Gawain full glad, and gomenly* he laughed. merrily
1080 "Now I thank your thryvandely* through all other thing[s], heartily
1081 now achieved is my chance*, I shall at your will adventure
1082 dwell, and else do what ye deem."
1083 Then seized him the sire and set him beside,
1084 let the ladies be fetched to like hem* the better. them
1085 There was seem[ly] solace by hemself* still; themselves
1086 the lord let [out] for love lotez* so merry, speeches
1087 as wygh* that would [go] [out] of his wit, ne* wist* what he might [do]. person / nor / knew
1088 Then he carped* to the knight, criande* loud[ly], spoke / crying
1089 "Ye han* deemed to do the deed that I bid; have
1090 will ye hold this [be]hest here at this once*?" moment
1091 "Yea, sir, for sooth," said the segge* true, man
1092 "while I [a]bide in your borghe*, be bayn* to your [be]hest." castle / obedient
1093 "For ye have travailed," quoth the tulk*, "towen* fro* far, man / journeyed / from
1094 and sythen* waked* me with, ye are not well waryst* since / reveled / recovered
1095 neither of sustenance ne* of sleep, soothly I know; nor
1096 ye shall long* in your loft, and lie in your ease stay
1097 to[morrow]  ‐morn while* the messequyle*, and to meet wend until / mass‐time
1098 when ye will, with my wife, that with you shall sit
1099 and comfort you with company, till I to [my] court [re]turn;
1100 ye lende*, stay
1101 and I shall early rise,
1102 on* hunting will I wend." a‐
1103 Gawain grants all these [things],
1104 him[self] heldande*, as the hende* [one]. bowing / courteous
45 1105 "Yet farrer*," quoth the freke*, "a forwarde* we make. further / man / covenant
1106 What‐so‐ever I win in the wood it worthez* to yours, becomes
1107 and what check* so ye achieve [ex]change me there‐for. gain
1108 Sweet [sir], swap we so, [an]swer with truth,
1109 whether, leude*, so [it] lymp*, lere* other* better." prince     /     befalls / worthless / or
1110 "By God," quoth Gawain the good, "I grant theretill,
1111 and that you list* for to layke*, lef* it me thinks." please / play / dear
1112 "Who brings us this beverage, this bargain is made."
1113 So said the lord of that lede*; they laughed each one, people
1114 they drank and dallied and dealt untyghtel*, lightheartedness
1115 these lords and ladies, while that hem* liked; them
1116 and sythen* with French fare* and fele* fair lotez* then     /     behavior / many / speeches
1117 they stood and stemed* and stilly* spoke, hesitated / softly
1118 kissed full comely and caught her* leave. their
1119 With many [a] leude* full light* and lemande* torches man / gay / shining
1120 each burne* to his bed was brought at the last, man
1121 full soft.
1122 To bed yet ere they yede*, went

Page 17
 1123 recorded* covenants oft; recalled
1124 the old lord of that leude* people
1125 could well hold layk* aloft. sport
46 1126 Full early before the day the folk uprose,
1127 guests that go would hor* grooms* they called, their / servants
1128 and they busken* up bilive* blonkkez* to saddle, hasten / quickly / horses
1129 tyffen* her* takles*, trussen* her* males*, prepare     /      their / gear     /     pack / their / bags
1130 richen* hem* the richest, to ride all arrayed, dress / them
1131 leap up lightly, lachen* her* bridles, take / their
1132 each wyghe* on his way there him well liked. man
1133 The leve* lord of the land was not the last dear
1134 arrayed for the riding, with renkkez* full many; knights
1135 ate a sop hastily, when he had heard mass,
1136 with bugle to bent‐field* he buskez* bilive*. hunting field / hastens / quickly
1137 By [the time] that any daylight lemed* upon earth shone
1138 he with his hatheles* on high horses were. knights
1139 Then these catchers that could [do so] coupled hor* hounds, their
1140 unclosed the kennel door and called hem* thereout, them
1141 blew bigly* in bugles three bare moot*; mightily / notes
1142 brachets* bayed therefore and breme* noise maked; hounds / fierce
1143 and they chastised and charred* [those] on* chasing that went, turned back / a‐
1144 a hundred of [the] hunters, as I have heard tell,
1145 of the best.
1146 To trystors* vewters* yod*, hunting stations / hound keepers / went
1147 couples* hunts[man] off cast; leashes
1148 there rose for blasts good
1149 great rurd* in that forest. noise
47 1150 At the first quethe* of the quest quaked the wild [beasts]; utterance
1151 deer drove in the dale, doted* for dread, dazed
1152 hied to the high [ground], but heterly* they were fiercely
1153 restayed* with the stablye*, that stoutly ascryed*. stopped / ring of beaters / shouted
1154 They let the harts have the gate*, with the high [antler] heads, way
1155 the breme* bucks also with hor* broad palms [of] [deerhorn]; brave / their
1156 for the free lord had defende* in fermysoun* time forbidden / close‐season
1157 that there should no man move to the male deer.
1158 The hinds were held in with hey! and ware!
1159 The does driven with great din to the deep sladez*; valleys
1160 there might [a] man see, as they slipped, slanting of arrows‐‐
1161 at each wend under wand* wapped* a flone*‐‐ woods / rushed / arrow
1162 that bigly* bit on the brown [hide] with full broad [arrow]heads. mightily
1163 What! they bray, and bleed, by banks they die,
1164 And aye rachches* in a rush radly* hem* follows, hounds / swiftly / them
1165 hunters with high* horn hastened hem* after loud / them
1166 with such a crakkande* cry as [if] cliffs had burst. cracking
1167 What wild [beast] so atwaped* wyghes* that shot escaped / men
1168 was all to‐razed and rent at the receipt [stations],
1169 by [the time] they were tened* at the high [ground] and taysed* to the waters; tormented / driven
1170 the ledez* were so learned at the low trysteres*, men / hunting stations
1171 and the greyhounds so great, that got hem* bilive* them / quickly
1172 and hem* tofylched*, as fast as frekez* might look, them / tore down / men
1173 right there.
1174 The lord for bliss abloy* carried away
1175 full oft con* launch and [a]light, did
1176 and drove* that day with joy passed
1177 thus to the dark night.
48 1178 Thus laykez* this lord by linden‐woods' eaves, plays
1179 and Gawain the good man in gay bed lies,
1180 lurks while the daylight lemed* on the walls, shone
1181 under covertour* full clear, curtained about; coverlet
1182 and as in slumbering he slid, slyly he heard
1183 a little din at his door, and dernly* upon; stealthily
1184 and he heaves up his head out of the [bed]clothes,
1185 a corner of the curtain he caught up a little,
1186 and waytez* warily thitherward what it be might. looks
1187 It was the lady, loveliest to behold,
1188 that drew the door after her full dernly* and still, stealthily

Page 18
 1189 and bowed* toward the bed; and the burne* [was] shamed, went / knight
1190 and laid him down lystyly*, and let [it appear] as [if] he slept; craftily
1191 and ho* stepped stilly* and stole to his bed, she / softly
1192 cast up the curtain and crept within,
1193 and set her[self] full softly on the bedside,
1194 and longed* there selly* long to look when he wakened. stayed / very
1195 The lede* lay lurking a full long while, man
1196 compassed* in his conscience [as] to what that case might pondered
1197 move other* amount [to]‐‐ to marvel him thought, or
1198 but yet he said [with]in himself, "More seemly it were
1199 to espy with my spell* in [short] space what ho* would [have]." speech / she
1200 Then he wakened, and writhed, and her to‐ ward turned,
1201 and unlocked his eyelids, and let [it appear] as [if] him wondered,
1202 and signed him, as [though] by his say[ing] the safer to worthe*, become
1203 with hand.
1204 With chin and cheek full sweet,
1205 both white and red in blend,
1206 full lovely con* ho* let [on] did / she
1207 with lips small laghande*. laughing
49 1208 "Good morn, Sir Gawain," said that gay lady,
1209 "ye are a sleeper unsly, that man* may slide hither; one
1210 now are ye taken as‐tyt*! But truce us may shape, at once
1211 I shall bind you in your bed, [of] that be ye trayst*." sure
1212 All laghande* the lady launched tho* bourdez*. laughing / those / jests
1213 "Good morn, gay [lady]," quoth Gawain the blithe,
1214 "Me shall worthe* at your will, and that me well likes, be made
1215 for I yield me yederly*, and yeghe* after grace, promptly / cry
1216 and that is the best, by my doom, for [it] me behooves [by] need."
1217 And thus he bourded* again with many a blithe laughter. jested
1218 "But would ye, lady lovely, then leave me grant,
1219 and deprece* your prison[er], and pray him to rise, release
1220 I would bow* of this bed, and busk* me better; leave / dress
1221 I should kever* the more comfort to carp* you with." obtain / speak
1222 "Nay for sooth, beau* sir," said that sweet [lady], fair
1223 "ye shall not rise of your bed, I rych* you better, direct
1224 I shall happe* you here that other half also, fasten
1225 and sythen* carp* with my knight that I caught have; then / converse
1226 for I ween* well, iwysse*, Sir Wawain ye are, know / indeed
1227 that all the world worships where‐so[‐ever] ye ride;
1228 your honor, your hendelayk* is hendely* praised courtliness / graciously
1229 with lords, with ladies, with all that life bear.
1230 And now ye are here, iwysse*, and we but our[selves] [al]one; indeed
1231 my lord and his ledez* are on length fared, men
1232 other burnez* in her* bed, and my birds also, knights / their
1233 the door drawn and dit* with a derf* hasp; locked / stout
1234 and sythen* I have in this house him that all likes, since
1235 I shall ware* my while well, while it lasts, spend
1236 with tale.
1237 Ye are welcome to my cors*, body (i.e., me)
1238 your own won* to wale*, course / take
1239 [it] me behooves of fine force* necessity
1240 your servant [to] be, and [I] shall."
50 1241 "In good faith," quoth Gawain, "gayn* it me thinks, a good thing
1242 though I be not now he that ye of speak;
1243 to reach to such reverence as ye rehearse here
1244 I am wyghe* unworthy, I wot* well myself. man / know
1245 By God, I were glad, and [if] you good thought,
1246 at say other* at service that I set might or
1247 to the plesaunce* of your price‐‐ it were a pure joy." pleasure
1248 "In good faith, Sir Gawain," quoth the gay lady,
1249 "the price and the prowess that pleases all other[s],
1250 if I [thought] it lacked other* set [it] at light, it were little daynté*; or / courtesy
1251 but it* are ladies enough that lever* were nowthe* there / delighted / now
1252 [to] have thee, hende* [one], in hor* hold, as I thee habbe* here, courteous / their / have
1253 to dally with dearly your dainty words,
1254 kever* hem* comfort and cool her* cares, obtain / them / their

Page 19
 1255 [rather] than much of the garysoun* other* gold that they have. treasure / or
1256 But I louue* that ilk* Lord that the lyfte* holds, praise / same / heavens
1257 I have it whole in my hand that all desires,
1258 through grace."
1259 She made him so great cheer,
1260 that was so fair of face,
1261 the knight with speeches skere* pure
1262 answered to each a case.
51 1263 "Madam," quoth the merry man, "Mary you yield*, repay
1264 for I have found, in good faith, your fraunchis* noble, generosity
1265 and other[s] full much of other folk fongen* by hor* deeds, get / their
1266 but the daynté* that they deal, for my desert nys* even, honor / is not
1267 it is the worship of yourself, that not but well can [be]."
1268 "By Mary," quoth the menskful* [lady], "me think it an other [way]; noble
1269 for were I worth all the wone* of women alive, multitude
1270 and all the weal* of the world were in my hand, wealth
1271 and [if] I should cheapen* and choose to [a]chieve me a lord, bargain
1272 for the costs* that I have known upon thee, knight, here, qualities
1273 of beauty and debonairty* and blithe semblance, courtesy
1274 and [to] that I have ere hearkened and hold it here true,
1275 there should no freke* upon fold* before you be chosen." man / earth
1276 "Iwysse*, worthy [lady]," quoth the wyghe*, ye have waled* well better, Indeed / man / chosen
1277 but I am proud of the price that ye put on me,
1278 and, soberly your servant, my sovereign I hold you,
1279 and your knight I become, and Christ you foryield*." repay
1280 Thus they meled* of much‐what till mid‐morn passed, spoke
1281 and ay* the lady let [on] like as [though] him loved much; always
1282 the freke* fared with defense, and feted* full fair‐‐ man / behaved
1283 "Though I were bird brightest," the bird in mind had.
1284 The less love in his lode* for lur* that he sought journey / loss
1285 boute* hone*, without / delay
1286 the dint that should him deve*, stun
1287 and needs it must be done.
1288 The lady then spoke of leave[‐taking],
1289 he granted her full soon.
52 1290 Then ho* gave him good day, and with a glance laughed, she
1291 and as ho* stood, ho* stonyed* him with full stor* words. she (x2) / astounded / severe
1292 "Now He that speeds each speech this disport yield* you! repay
1293 But that ye be Gawain, it goes [doubtful] in [my] mind."
1294 "Wherefore?" quoth the freke*, and freshly* he asks, man / quickly
1295 [a]fraid lest he had failed in [the] form of his castes*; utterances
1296 but the bird him blessed, and "By this skill*" said: reason
1297 "So good as Gawain gainly* is held, rightly
1298 and courtesy is [en]closed so clean in himself,
1299 could not lightly have longed* so long with a lady, stayed
1300 but [that] he had craved a kiss, by his courtesy,
1301 by some touch of some trifle at some tale's end."
1302 Then quoth Wawain: "Iwysse*, [let it] worthe* as you likes; Indeed / be done
1303 I shall kiss at your commandment, as [to] a knight [it] falls,
1304 and fire*, lest he displease you, so plead it no more." further
1305 Ho* comes nearer with that, and catches him in arms, She
1306 loutez* lovely down and the leude* kisses. bends / man
1307 They comely* bykennen* to Christ either [the] other; graciously / commend
1308 ho* does* her forth at the door without din more; she / goes
1309 and he ryches* him to rise and rapes* him soon, prepares / hastens
1310 clepes* to his chamberlain, chooses his weed*, calls / raiment
1311 bows* forth, when he was boun*, blithely to mass; goes / ready
1312 and then he moved to his meat that menskly* [for] him [was] kept, worthily
1313 and made merry all day, till the moon rised,
1314 with game.
1315 Was never freke* fairer fonge* man / entertained
1316 between two so dyngne* dame[s], worthy
1317 the elder and the young[er];
1318 much solace set they same*. together
53 1319 And ay* the lord of the land is lent* on his games, always / occupied
1320 To hunt in holts* and heath at hinds barren; woods

Page 20
 1321 such a sowme* he there slew by [the] [time] that the sun heldet*, number / sank west
1322 of does and of other deer, to deem [it] were [a] wonder.
1323 Then fiercely they flocked in folk* at the last, throng
1324 and quickly of the quelled deer a quarry they maked.
1325 The best bowed thereto with burnez* enough, men
1326 gathered the greatest of grease* that there were, fat
1327 and did hem* dearly undo* as the deed asks; them / cut up
1328 searched hem* at the assay some that there were, them
1329 two fingers they found of the foulest of all.
1330 Sythen* they slit the slot [of throat], seized the erber*, Then / gullet
1331 shaved with a sharp knife, and the sheer* [flesh] knitted; white
1332 sythen* rytte* they the four limbs, and rent off the hide, then / cut
1333 then broke they the belly, the bowels out took
1334 lystily* for* loosening the lere* of the knot; deftly / to prevent / ligature
1335 they gripped to the gargulun*, and graythely* de‐parted deer throat / promptly
1336 the wesaunt* fro* the wind‐hole, and walt* out the guts; esophagus / from / tossed
1337 then shear they out the shoulders with her* sharp knives, their
1338 haled* hem* by a little hole to have whole sides. drew / them
1339 Sithen* britned* they the breast and brayden* it in twain, Then / cut / pulled
1340 and eft* at the gargulun*, begins one then, again / deer throat
1341 rives it up radly* right to the bight*, swiftly / fork of legs
1342 voids out the avanters*, and verily thereafter part of numbles
1343 all the rymez* by the ribs radly* they lance; membranes / swiftly
1344 so rid* they off by reason by the rygge* bones, clear / back
1345 evened to the haunch, that hanged all samen*, together
1346 and heaved it up all whole, and hewed it off there,
1347 and that they name for the numbles* by name, as I trow*, deer offal / believe
1348 by [proper] kind;
1349 by the bight* all of the thighs fork of legs
1350 the laps [of skin] they lance behind;
1351 to hew it in two they hie,
1352 by the backbone to unbind.
54 1353 Both the head and the hals* they hewed off then, neck
1354 and sythen* sunder they the sides swift[ly] fro* the chine, then / from
1355 and the corbeles* fee they cast in a grove; raven's
1356 then thurled* they either thick side through by the rib, pierced
1357 and hanged then either by hocks of the forks [of] [the legs],
1358 each freke* for his fee, as falls for [him] to have. man
1359 Upon a fell of the fair beast feed they their hounds
1360 with the liver and the lights*, the leather of the paunches, lungs
1361 and bread bathed in blood blended there‐ amongst.
1362 Boldly they blew [the] prize [blast], bayed their rachchez*, hounds
1363 sythen* fonge* they her* [venison] flesh, fold* to home, then / take / their   /   turn
1364 strakande* full stoutly many stiff moots*. sounding call / notes
1365 By [the time] that the daylight was done the douthe* was all won* company / come
1366 into the comely castle, there the knight [a]bides
1367 full still,
1368 with bliss and bright fire bette*. kindled
1369 The lord is come theretill;
1370 when Gawain with him met
1371 there was but weal* at will. joy
55 1372 Then commanded the lord in that sale* to samen* all the meny*, hall / gather / company
1373 both the ladies on low [to the hall] to [a]light with her* birds their
1374 before all the folk on the flette*, frekez* he bids floor / men
1375 verily his venison to fetch him before,
1376 and all goodly in [good] game Gawain he called,
1377 teaches* him to the tails of full tayt* beasts, directs / vigorous
1378 shows him the sheer* grease* shorn upon ribs. white / fat
1379 "How pays* you this play? Have I praise won? pleases
1380 Have I thryvandely* thank[s] through my craft [de]served?" heartily
1381 "Yea iwysse*," quoth that other wyghe*, "here is wayth* fairest indeed / man / hunt meat
1382 that I saw this seven year in season of winter."
1383 "And all I give you, Gawain," quoth the gome* then, man
1384 "for by accord of covenant ye crave it as your own."
1385 "This is sooth," quoth the segge*, "I say [to] you that ilk*: man / same
1386 that [which] I have worthily won this wonez* within, dwellings

Page 21
 1387 iwysse* with as good will it worthez* to yours." indeed / becomes
1388 He hasps* his fair hals* his arms within, fastens / neck
1389 and kisses him as comely as he could avyse*. devise
1390 "Takes you there my chevicaunce*, I [a]chieved no more; gain
1391 I vouch it safe finely, though feler* it were." more
1392 "It is good," quoth the goodman, "gra‐ mercy therefore.
1393 It may be such [that] it is the better, and [if] ye me brief* declare
1394 where ye won this ilk* weal* by wit of yourself." same / wealth
1395 "That was not [in our] forward*," quoth he, "frayst* me no more. agreement / ask
1396 For ye have taken that [which] you [be]tides, trawe* none other expect
1397 ye may."
1398 They laughed, and made hem* blithe them
1399 with lotez* that were to lowe*; words / praise
1400 to supper they yede* as‐swythe*, went / at once
1401 with dainties new enough.
56 1402 And sythen* by the chimney in chamber they sat, then
1403 wyghez* the walle* wine weghed* to hem* oft, men / choice / brought / them
1404 and afte[rwards] [again] in her* bourdyng* they baythen* in the morn their / jesting / agree
1405 to [ful]fill the same forwardez* that they before made: agreements
1406 what chance so betides hor* chevysaunce* to [ex]change, their / gain
1407 what new [thing] so they nome*, at night when they met. obtained
1408 They accorded of the covenants before the court all;
1409 the beverage was brought forth in bourde* at that time, jest
1410 then they lovely leghten* leave at the last, caught
1411 each burne* to his bed busked* bilive*. man / hastened / quickly
1412 By [the time] that the cock had crowed and cackled but thrice,
1413 the lord was leapt [out] of his bed, the leudez* each one; men
1414 so that the meat and the mass was meetly delivered,
1415 the douthe* dressed* to the wood, ere any day sprang, company / went
1416 to chase;
1417 high* with hunt[ing array] and horns loud
1418 through plains they pass in [short] space,
1419 uncoupled among tho* thorns those
1420 rachez* that ran on [a] race. hounds
57 1421 SOON they call of a quest in a ker* side, marsh
1422 the hunt[sman] rehayted* the hounds that [to] it first mynged*, encouraged / drew attention
1423 wild words hym* warp* with a wrast* noise; them / uttered / loud
1424 the hounds that it heard hastened thither swythe*, quickly
1425 and fell as fast to the fuyt*, forty at once; trail
1426 then such a glaver* and glam* of gathered rachchez* babel / din / hounds
1427 rose, that the rocherez* rang about; rocky hillsides
1428 hunters hem* hardened with horn and with mouth. them
1429 Then all in a[n] [as]sembly swayed together,
1430 between a flosche* in that fryth* and a foo* crag; pool / woodland / forbidding
1431 in a knot* by a cliff, at the kerre* side, knoll / marsh
1432 there as the rough rocher* unrydely* was fallen, rocky hillside / in confusion
1433 they fared to the finding, and frekez* hem* after; men / them
1434 they umbekesten* the knarre* and the knot* both, searched around / crag / knoll
1435 wyghez*, while they wysten* well within hem* it were, men / knew / them
1436 the beast that there briefed* was with the bloodhounds. announced
1437 Then they beat on the bushes, and bade him uprise,
1438 and he unsoundly [a way] out sought overthwert* seggez*; through a line of / men
1439 one the sellokest* swine swinged out there, most marvelous
1440 long sythen* fro* the sounder [of] [wild boar] that siyed* for old [age], since / from / had gone
1441 for he was breme*, boar elder‐greatest, fierce
1442 full grim when he groaned; then grieved many,
1443 for three [men] at the first thrust he thryght* to the earth, trampled
1444 and spurred forth [at] good speed boute* spite* more. without / harm
1445 These other[s] hollered hi! full high, and hey! hey! cried,
1446 had horns to mouth, heterly* rechated*; fiercely / blew recall
1447 many was the merry mouth of men and of hounds
1448 that buskkez* after this boar with bost* and with noise hastens / outcry
1449 to quell.
1450 Full oft he bides* [at] the bay, stands
1451 and maims the mute* in [the] melle*; hunting‐pack / midst
1452 he hurts of the hounds, and they

Page 22
 1453 full yomerly* yowl and yell. piteously
58 1454 Schalkez* to shoot at him shove to then, Men
1455 haled* to* him of her* arrows, hit him oft; loosed / at / their
1456 but the points [im]paired at the pith that [was] pitched in his cheldez*, shoulders
1457 and the barbs of his brow bite none would‐‐
1458 though the shaven shaft sundered in pieces,
1459 the [arrow]head hopped* again where‐so‐ever it hit. rebounded
1460 But when the dints him dered* of her* dryghe* strokes, hurt / their / incessant
1461 then, braynwod* for bate*, on burnez* he rushes, frenzied / fighting / men
1462 hurts hem* full heterly* there he forth hies, them / fiercely
1463 and many arwed* thereat, and on lyte* [with]drew. quailed / back
1464 But the lord on a light horse launches him after,
1465 as burne* bold upon bent* his bugle he blows, man / field
1466 he rechated*, and rode through ronez* full thick, blew recall / bushes
1467 suande* this wild swine till the sun shafted*. pursuing / set
1468 This day with this ilk* deed* they drove* on this wise, same / occupation / passed
1469 while our lovely lede* lies in his bed, prince
1470 Gawain graythely* at home, in gears full rich pleasantly
1471 of hue.
1472 The lady not forgot,
1473 came to him to salute;
1474 full early ho* was him at she
1475 his mood for to remwe*. change
59 1476 Ho* comes to the curtain, and at the knight totes*. She / peeps
1477 Sir Wawain her welcomed worthy* on first, courteously
1478 and ho* him yields again full yerne* of her words, she / eagerly
1479 sets her[self] softly by his side, and swythely* ho* laughs, quickly / she
1480 and with a lovely look ho* laid him these words: she
1481 "Sir, if ye be Wawain, [a] wonder me thinks,
1482 wyghe* that is so well wrast* always to good[ness], man / disposed
1483 and can not of [polite] company the costez* undertake*, manners / perceive
1484 and if man* kennes* you hom* to know, ye cast hom* off your mind; one / teaches / them (x2)
1485 thou has forgotten yederly* that [which] yesterday I taught promptly
1486 by elder‐truest token of talk that I could."
1487 "What is that?" quoth þe wyghe*, "Iwysse* I wot* never; man / Indeed / know
1488 if it be sooth that ye brief*, the blame is mine own." declare
1489 "Yet I kende* you of kissing," quoth the clear [lady] then, taught
1490 "Where‐so [‐ever] countenance* is couthe* quickly to claim; favor / evident
1491 that becomes each a knight that courtesy uses."
1492 "Do* [a]way*," quoth that derf* man, "my dear, that speech, Cease / from / doughty
1493 for that dared I not do, lest I devayed* were; denied
1494 if I were werned*, I were [in the] wrong, iwysse*, if I proffered." refused / indeed
1495 "My faith," quoth the merry wife, "ye may not be werned*, refused
1496 ye are stiff enough to constrain with strength, if you likes,
1497 if any were so villainous that you devaye* would." deny
1498 "Yea, by God," quoth Gawain, "good is your speech,
1499 but threat [of] [force] is unthryvande* in thede* there I lende*, unworthy / country / dwell
1500 and each gift that is given not with good will.
1501 I am at your commandment, to kiss when you likes,
1502 ye may lach* when you list*, and leave [off] when you thinks [best], take / please
1503 in [short] space."
1504 The lady loutez* down, bends
1505 and comely kisses his face,
1506 much speech they there expound
1507 of druryes* greme* and grace. love's / grief
60 1508 "I would wit* at* you, wyghe*," that worthy [lady] there said, learn / from / knight
1509 "and [if] you wrathed* not therewith, what were the skill* were angry / reason
1510 that [one] so young and so yepe* as ye at this time, bold
1511 so courteous, so knightly, as ye are known out [and] [about]‐‐
1512 and of all chivalry to choose, the chief thing alosed* praised
1513 is the loyal layk* of love, the letter[s] of arms; sport
1514 for to tell of these teuelyng* of these true knights, deeds
1515 it is the titled token and text of her* works, their
1516 how ledes* for her* loyal love hor* lives han* ventured, men / their (x2) / have
1517 endured for her* drury* doleful stoundez*, their / love / times
1518 and after[wards] [a]venged with her* valor and voided her* care, their (x2)

Page 23
 1519 and brought bliss into bower with bountees* hor* own‐‐ virtues / their
1520 and ye are knight comeliest kyd* of your elde*, reputed / age
1521 your word* and your worship walks ayquere*, fame / everywhere
1522 and I have sat by yourself here [on] sere* [occasions] twice, separate
1523 yet heard I never of your head helde* no words come
1524 that ever [be]longed to love, less ne* more; nor
1525 and ye, that are so courteous and quaint of your hetes*, vows
1526 owe to a young thing yearn* to show eagerly
1527 and teach some tokens of true‐love crafts.
1528 Why! are ye lewed*, that all the los* wields? ignorant / renown
1529 Other* else ye deem me too dille* your dalliance to hearken? Or / foolish
1530 For shame!
1531 I come hither single, and sit
1532 to learn at* you some game; from
1533 does*, teaches me of your wit, come
1534 while my lord is [away] fro* home." from
61 1535 "In good faith," quoth Gawain, "God you foryield*! repay
1536 Great is the good glee, and game to me huge,
1537 that [one] so worthy as ye would win hither,
1538 and pain you with so poor a man, as play with your knight
1539 with any‐kind's countenance*, it keverez* me ease; favor / gives
1540 but to take the travail to myself to true‐love expound,
1541 and touch [of] the themes of text* and tales of arms romance
1542 to you that, I wot* well, wields more sleight know
1543 of that art, by the half, or* a hundred of such than
1544 as I am, other* ever shall, in [the] erde* there I live, or / world
1545 it were a folly felefolde*, my free [lady], by my troth. manifold
1546 I would your wylnyng* work at my might, desire
1547 as I am highly beholden, and evermore will
1548 be servant to yourself, so save me Dryghtyn*!" God
1549 Thus him frayned* that free [lady], and fondet* him oft, tried / tempted
1550 for to have won him [over] to woo, what‐so[‐ever] she thought else;
1551 but he defended him[self] so fair that no fault seemed [there],
1552 ne* none evil on neither half, neither they wysten* nor / knew
1553 but bliss.
1554 They laughed and layked* long; played
1555 at the last she con* him kiss, did
1556 her leave fair con* she fonge* did / take
1557 and went her way, iwysse*. indeed
62 1558 Then ruthes* him the renk* and rises to the mass, bestirs / knight
1559 and sithen* hor* dinner was dight* and dearly served. then / their / prepared
1560 The lede* with the ladies layked* all day, prince / played
1561 but the lord over the lands launched full oft,
1562 [pur]sues his uncely* swine, that swings by the banks ill‐fated
1563 and bit the best of his brachets* the backs in sunder hounds
1564 there he bode* in his bay, till bowmen it broke [down], stood
1565 and made him mawgref* his head for to move out [in the] [open], despite
1566 so felle* flonez* there fleeted when the folk gathered. many / arrows
1567 But yet the stiffest to start [aside] by stoundez* he made, times
1568 till at the last he was so mat* he might no more run, exhausted
1569 but in the haste that he might he to a hole wins
1570 of a rasse* by a rock there runs the boerne*. ledge / stream
1571 He got the bank at his back, begins to scrape [the] [ground],
1572 the froth foamed at his mouth unfair* by the wykez*, hideous / corners
1573 whets his white tusks; with him then irked* tired
1574 all the burnez* so bold that him by stood men
1575 to [an]noy him on‐far, but neghe* him none dared near
1576 for wothe*; danger
1577 he had hurt so many before
1578 that all thought then full loath [to]
1579 be more with his tusks torn,
1580 that breme* was and braynwod* both, fierce / frenzied
63 1581 till the knight came himself, kachande* his blonk*, urging / horse
1582 saw him bide* at the bay, his burnez* beside; stand / men
1583 he [a]lights lovely down, leaves his courser,
1584 braydez* out a bright brand* and bigly* forth strides, draws / sword / mightily

Page 24
 1585 foundez* fast through the ford there the fell [beast] [a]bides. hastens
1586 The wild [beast] was [a]ware of the wyghe* with weapon in hand, man
1587 heaved* highly the hair, so hetterly* he fnast* bristled / fiercely / snorted
1588 that fele* feared for the freke*, lest [be]fell him the worse. many / man
1589 The swine sets him out on the segge* even, man
1590 that the burne* and the boar were both upon heaps knight
1591 in the wyghtest* of the water; the worse had that other, fiercest
1592 for the man marks him well, as they met first,
1593 set sadly* the sharp [blade] in the slot [of] [the throat] even, steadily
1594 hit him up to the hilt, that the heart sundered,
1595 and he yarrande* him yield, and yedoun* [in] the water snarling / went down
1596 full tyt*. quickly
1597 A hundred hounds him hent*, took
1598 that bremely* con* him bite, fiercely / did
1599 burnez* him brought to bent*, men / bank
1600 and dogs to death endite* [him]. do
64 1601 There was blowing of [the] prize [blast] in many [a] breme* horn, loud
1602 high hollering on high with hathelez* that might; knights
1603 brachets* bayed [at] that beast, as bid the masters hounds
1604 of that chargeaunt* chase that were chief hunts[men]. onerous
1605 Then a wyghe* that was wise upon woodcrafts man
1606 to unlace this boar lufly* begins. gladly
1607 First he hews off his head and on high sets [it],
1608 and sythen* rends him all rough by the rygge* after*, then / back / along
1609 braydez* out the bowels, burns hom* on glede*, draws / them / red‐hot coal
1610 with bread blended therewith his brachets* rewards. hounds
1611 Sythen* he britnez* out the [boar] brawn in bright broad shields*, Then / cuts / slabs
1612 and has out the hastlettez*, as hightly* beseems; entrails / fitly
1613 and yet hem* halchez* all whole the [boar] halves together, them / fastens
1614 and sythen* on a stiff stange* stoutly hem* hangs. then / pole / them
1615 Now with this ilk* swine they swing to home; same
1616 the boar's head was borne before the burnes* self man's
1617 that him forferde* in the ford through force of his hand killed
1618 so strong.
1619 Till he saw Sir Gawain
1620 in hall him thought full [too] long;
1621 he called, and he came gayn* promptly
1622 his fees there for to fonge*. take
65 1623 The lord full loud with lote* and laughter merry, speech
1624 when he saw Sir Gawain, with solace he speaks;
1625 the good ladies were gotten, and gathered the meyny*, company
1626 he shows hem* the [boar] shields*, and shapes hem* the tale them (x2) / slabs
1627 of the largeness and the length, the lithernez* also ferocity
1628 of the war of the wild swine in wood[s] there he fled.
1629 That other knight full comely* commended his deeds, graciously
1630 and praised it as great price that he proved had,
1631 for such a brawn of a beast, the bold burne* said, man
1632 ne* such sides of a swine saw he never ere. nor
1633 Then handled they the huge head, the hende* man it praised, courteous
1634 and let [on] loudly* thereat the lord for to here*. in horror / praise
1635 "Now, Gawain," quoth the goodman, "this game is your own
1636 by fine forwarde* and fast, faith[fu]lly ye know." covenant
1637 "It is sooth," quoth the segge*, "and as siker* true knight / surely
1638 all my get[tings] I shall you give again*, by my troth." in return
1639 He hent* the hathel* about the halse*, and hendely* him kisses, took     /     knight / neck / courteously
1640 and eftersones* of the same he served him there. again
1641 "Now are we even," quoth the hathel*, "in this eventide knight
1642 of all the covenants that we knit, sythen* I came hither, since
1643 by law."
1644 The lord said, "By Saint Giles,
1645 ye are the best that I know!
1646 Ye be rich in a while,
1647 such chaffer* and [if] ye draw*." trade / carry on
66 1648 Then they teldet* tables trestles aloft*, erected / on
1649 cast [table]cloths upon [them]; clear light then
1650 wakened* by walls, waxen torches; kindled

Page 25
 1651 seggez* set [table] and served in sale* all about; men / hall
1652 much glam* and glee glent* up therein noise / sprang
1653 about the fire upon flet*, and on fele* ways floor / many
1654 at the supper and after, many athel* songs, glorious
1655 as coundutes* of Christmas and carols new carols
1656 with all the mannerly mirth that man may of tell,
1657 and ever our lovely knight the lady beside.
1658 Such [kindly] semblance to that segge* seemly ho* made knight / she
1659 with still stollen* countenance*, that stalwart to please, stealthy / favor
1660 that all forwondered* was the wyghe*, and wroth with[in] himself astonished / man
1661 but he nolde* not for his nurture nurne* her against, would / refuse
1662 but dealt with her all in daynté*, how‐so‐ever the deed turned courtesy
1663 towrast*. awry
1664 When they had played in hall
1665 as long as hor* will hom* lasted, their / them
1666 to chamber he con* him call, did
1667 and to the chimney they passed.
67 1668 And there they drank, and dalten*, and deemed eft* [a]new conversed / again
1669 to norne* on the same note on New Year's eve; propose
1670 but the knight craved leave to kayre* on the morn, ride
1671 for it was nigh at the term* that he to should [go]. appointment
1672 The lord him letted* of that, to long* him restayed*, dissuaded / stay / bade
1673 and said, "As I am true segge*, I siker* my troth knight / assure
1674 thou shall cheve* to the green chapel thy charres* to make, make way / affairs
1675 leude*, on New Year's light, long before prime. prince
1676 Forthy* thou lie in thy loft and lach* thine ease, Therefore / take
1677 and I shall hunt in this holt*, and hold the [terms of] towchez*, wood / agreements
1678 [ex]change with the chevisaunce*, by [the time] that I charre* hither; gain / return
1679 for I have fraysted* thee twice, and faithful I find thee. tried
1680 Now third time throw best [we] think on [in] the morn,
1681 make we merry while we may and mynne* upon joy, think
1682 for the lur* may [a] man lach* when‐so [‐ever] [a] man likes." loss / catch
1683 This was graythely* granted, and Gawain is longed*, promptly / kept
1684 blithe[ly] brought was hym* drink, and they to bed yeden* them / went
1685 with light.
1686 Sir Gawain lies and sleeps
1687 full still and soft all night;
1688 the lord that his crafts keeps,
1689 full early he was dight*. dressed
68 1690 After mass a morsel he and his men took;
1691 merry was the morning, his mounture* he asks [for]. horse
1692 All the hatheles* that on horse[back] should helden* him after knights / come
1693 were boun* busked* on hor* blonkkez* before the hall gates. ready     /     arrayed / their / horses
1694 Ferly* fair was the fold*, for the frost clinged; Exceedingly / earth
1695 in red reddened upon rack rises the sun,
1696 and full clear coasts [by] the clouds of the welkin.
1697 Hunters unhardeled* by a holt* side, unleashed hounds / wood
1698 rocheres* rang by rys* for rurde* of her* horns; rocky hillsides / woods  /  noise / their
1699 some fell in[to] the fute* there the fox [a]bode, trail
1700 trails oft a[‐] traveres* by traunt* of her* wiles; cross / practice / their
1701 a kenet* cries thereof, the hunt[sman] on* him calls; small dog / to
1702 his fellows fall him to, that fnasted* full thick, snorted
1703 run forth in a rabble in his right fare*, track
1704 and he fyskez* hem* before; they found him soon, scampers / them
1705 and when they saw him with sight they [pur]sued him fast,
1706 wreghande* him full weterly* with a wroth* noise; denouncing / clearly / fierce
1707 and he trantes* and tornayeez* through many [a] tene* grove, dodges / doubles back / rough
1708 havilounez*, and hearkens by hedges full oft. doubles back
1709 At the last by a little ditch he leaps over a spenne*, hedge
1710 steals out full stilly* by a strothe* rande*, softly / small wood / border
1711 weened* [to] have wylt* of the wood with wiles fro* the hounds; hoped / escaped / from
1712 then was he went, ere he wist*, to a wale* tryster*, knew / fair / hunt station
1713 there three thro* [ones] at a thrich* thrat* him at once, fierce / rush / attacked
1714 all gray.
1715 He blenched* again bilive* swerved / quickly
1716 and stiffly started on‐* stray, a‐

Page 26
 1717 with all the woe on* live a‐
1718 to the wood he went away.
69 1719 Then was it list* upon life to lythen* the hounds, joy / hear
1720 when all the mute* had him met, mingled together. hunting‐pack
1721 Such a sorrow at that sight they set on his head
1722 as all the clamberande* cliffs had clattered on heaps; clustering
1723 here he was hollered, when hathelez* him met, knights
1724 loud[ly] he was yayned* with yarande* speech; greeted / chiding
1725 there he was threatened and oft thief called,
1726 and ay* the titleres* at his tail, that tarry he ne* might; always / relay hounds / not
1727 oft he was run at, when he out [in open] rayked*, wandered
1728 and oft rolled in again, so Reynard was wily.
1729 And yea he led hem* by [the] lagmon*, the lord and his meyny*, them / last man / company
1730 on this manner by the mounts while* mid‐ over‐under*, until / afternoon
1731 while the hende* knight at home wholesomely sleeps courteous
1732 within the comely curtains, on the cold morn.
1733 But the lady for love let [herself] not to sleep,
1734 ne* the purpose to [im]pair that [was] pyght* in her heart, nor / fixed
1735 but rose her up radly*, rayked* her thither swiftly / went
1736 in a merry mantle, meet[ing] to the earth,
1737 that was furred full fine with fells well purified,
1738 no hue good on her head, but the hagher* [gem]stones skilful
1739 trased* about her tressour* by twenty in clusters; set / hair fret
1740 her thriven* face and her throat thrown all naked, fair
1741 her breast bare before, and behind eke*. also
1742 Ho* comes within the chamber door, and closes it her after, She
1743 waves* up a window, and on* the wyghe* calls, swings / to / man
1744 and radly* thus rehayted* him with her rich words, swiftly / rebuked
1745 with cheer:
1746 "Ah! man, how may thou sleep,
1747 this morning is so clear?"
1748 He was in drowping* deep, troubled sleep
1749 but then he con* her hear. did
70 1750 In dregh* droupyng* of dream[ing] driveled that noble [one], heavy / troubled sleep
1751 as man that was in mourning of many thro* thoughts, oppressive
1752 how that destiny should that day deal him his wyrde* fate
1753 at the green chapel, when he the gome* meets, man
1754 and [it] behooves his buffet [to] abide without debate more;
1755 but when that comely [lady] came he [re]covered his wits,
1756 swings out of the swevenes*, and [an]swers with haste. dreaming
1757 The lady lovely came laghande* sweet[ly], laughing
1758 fell over his fair face, and fetly* him kissed; daintily
1759 he welcomes her worthily with a wale* cheer. fair
1760 He saw her so glorious and gaily attired,
1761 so faultless of her features and of so fine hues,
1762 wight* wallande* joy warmed his heart. ardently / welling
1763 With smooth smiling and smolt* they smote* into mirth, gentle / fell
1764 that all was bliss and bonchef* that broke [forth] hem* between, happiness / them
1765 and wynne*. joy
1766 They launched words good,
1767 much weal* then was therein; joy
1768 great peril between hem* stood, them
1769 nif* Mary of her knight mynne*. unless / thought
71 1770 For that princess of price depressed* him so thick, importuned
1771 nurned* him so nigh the thread, that [by] need him [it] behooved urged
1772 either lach* there her love, other* lodly* refuse. accept / or / offensively
1773 He cared for his courtesy, lest crathayn* he were, churl
1774 and more for his mischief if he should make sin,
1775 and be traitor to that tolke* that that telde* aght*. man / dwelling / owned
1776 "God shield," quoth the schalk*, "that shall not befall!" man
1777 With love‐laughing a little he laid him beside
1778 all the speeches of specialté* that sprang [out] of her mouth. fondness
1779 Quoth that bird to the burne*, "Blame ye deserve, man
1780 if ye love not that life that ye lie next,
1781 before all the wyghez* in the world wounded in heart, persons
1782 but if ye have a lemman*, a lever* [one], that you likes better, mistress / dearer

Page 27
 1783 and folden* faith to that free [lady], fastened so hard plighted
1784 that you loosen [troth] ne* list*‐‐ and that I [be]lieve nouthe*; do not / desire / now
1785 and that ye tell me that now truly I pray you,
1786 for all the loves upon life layne* not the sooth conceal
1787 for guile."
1788 The knight said, "By Saint John,"
1789 and smethely* con* he smile, gently / did
1790 "In faith I wield right none,
1791 ne* none will wield the while." nor
72 1792 "That is a word," quoth that wight*, "that worst is of all, creature
1793 but I am [an]swered for sooth, that sore me thinks.
1794 Kiss me now comely*, and I shall catch* hethen*, graciously / go / away
1795 I may but mourn upon mold*, as may* that much loves." earth / woman
1796 Sykande* ho* swayed down and seemly him kissed, Sighing / she
1797 and sithen* ho* severs him fro*, and says as ho* stands, then / she (x2) / from
1798 "Now, dear, at this departing do me this ease,
1799 give me somewhat of thy gift, thy glove if it were,
1800 that I may [be] mynne* on thee, man, my mourning to lessen." reminded
1801 "Now iwysse*," quoth that wyghe*, "I would I had here indeed / man
1802 the levest* thing for thy love that I in land wield, dearest
1803 for ye have deserved, for sooth, sellyly* oft very
1804 more reward by reason than I reach* might; offer
1805 but to deal you for drurye* that dawed* but neked*, love / would be worth / little
1806 it is not [to] your honor to have at this time
1807 a glove for a garysoun* of Gawain's gifts, keepsake
1808 and I am here [on] an errand in erdez* uncouth*, lands / strange
1809 and have no men with no malez* with menskful* things; bags / worthy
1810 that mislikes me, lady, for love at this time,
1811 each tolke* mon* do as he is [by] [circumstance] taken, [you] takes [it] to* no ill man / must / as
1812 ne* pain." nor
1813 "Nay, hende* [one] of high honors," courteous
1814 quoth that lovesome [one] under linen,
1815 "Though I had naught of yours,
1816 yet should ye have of mine."
73 1817 Ho* raght* him a rich ring of red gold works, She / offered
1818 with a starande* [gem]stone stondande* aloft staring / standing
1819 that bore blusschande* beams as the bright sun; gleaming
1820 wit* ye well, it was worth weal* full huge. know / wealth
1821 But the renk* it renayed*, and readily he said, man / refused
1822 "I will [have] no gifts, for God, my gay [one], at this time;
1823 I have none you to norne*, ne* naught will I take." offer / nor
1824 Ho* bid it him full busily, and he her bode* wernes*, She / offer / refuses
1825 and swore swift[ly] by his sooth that he it seize nolde*, would not
1826 and ho* [was] sorry that he forsook, and said thereafter, she
1827 "If ye renay* my ring, too rich for it seems, refuse
1828 ye would not so highly [be]holden be to me,
1829 I shall give you my girdle, that gaynes* you less." profits
1830 Ho* laght* a lace lightly that locked umbe* her sides, She / took / round
1831 knit upon her kirtle under the clear mantle,
1832 geared it was with green silk and with gold schaped*, trimmed
1833 not but around brayden*, beaten with fingers; set
1834 and that ho* bid to the burne*, and blithely besought, she / knight
1835 though it unworthy were, that he it take would.
1836 And he nay* that he nolde* neghe* [it] in no wise denied / would not / near
1837 neither gold ne* garysoun*, ere God him grace send nor / treasure
1838 to achieve* to the chance* that he had chosen there. reach / adventure
1839 "And therefore, I pray you, [let it] displease you not,
1840 and let be your busyness*, for I baythe* it you never importunity / consent
1841 to grant;
1842 I am dearly to you beholden
1843 because of your [kindly] semblance,
1844 and ever in hot and cold
1845 to be your  true servant."
74 1846 "Now forsake ye this silk," said the bird then,
1847 "for it is simple in itself? And so it well seems.
1848 Lo! so it is little, and less it is worthy;

Page 28
 1849 but who‐so[‐ever] knew the costs* that knit are therein, qualities
1850 he would it praise at more price, paradventure*; perhaps
1851 for what gome* so is girt with this green lace, man
1852 while he it had hemely* halched* about, neatly / looped
1853 there is no hathel* under heaven to‐hew him that might, knight
1854 for he might not be slain for sleight upon earth."
1855 Then cast* the knight, and it came to his heart pondered
1856 it were a jewel for the jeopardy that him [ad]judged were.
1857 When he achieved* to the chapel his check* for to fetch, reached / fortune
1858 might he have slipped to be unslain, the sleight* were noble. device
1859 Then he thulged* with her threpe* and tholed* her to speak, was patient / importunity / suffered
1860 and ho* bore on him the belt and bid it him swythe*‐‐ she / earnestly
1861 and he granted and him gave [up] with a good will‐‐
1862 and [she] besought him, for her sake, discover* it never, reveal
1863 but to loyally layne* fro* her lord; the leude* him accords conceal / from / man
1864 that never wyghe* should it wit*, iwysse*, but they twain man / know / indeed
1865 for naught;
1866 he thanked her oft full swythe*, greatly
1867 full thro* with heart and thought. earnestly
1868 By that [time] on thrynne* sythe* three / occasions
1869 ho* has kissed the knight so taut. she
75 1870 Then lachchez* ho* her leave, and leaves him there, takes / she
1871 for more mirth of that man might ho* not get. she
1872 When ho* was gone, Sir Gawain gears him[self] soon, she
1873 rises and riches* him in array noble, dresses
1874 lays up the love‐lace the lady him raght*, gave
1875 hid it full holdely*, there he it eft* found. carefully / again
1876 Sythen* chiefly* to the chapel chooses he the way, Then / quickly
1877 privily approached to a priest, and prayed him there
1878 that he would listen [to] his life [confession] and learn him better
1879 how his soul should be saved when he should seye* hethen*. go / away
1880 There he shrove him sheerly* and showed his misdeeds, clean
1881 of the more and the mini*, and mercy beseeches, less
1882 and of absolution he on the segge* calls*; priest / begs
1883 and he absolved him surely and set him so clean
1884 as [if] doomsday should have been dight* on the morn. appointed
1885 And sythen* he makes him[self] as merry among the free ladies, then
1886 with comely carols and all kinds [of] joy,
1887 as never he did but that day, to the dark night,
1888 with bliss.
1889 Each man had daynté* there regard
1890 of him, and said, "Iwysse*, Indeed
1891 thus merry he was never ere,
1892 syn* he came hither, ere this." since
76 1893 Now [let] him, long* in that lee*, there love him betide! stay / shelter
1894 Yet is the lord on the lawn ledande* his games. leading
1895 He has forfaren* this fox that he followed long; headed off
1896 as he sprent* over a spenne* to spy the shrew*, leapt / hedge / villain
1897 there as he heard the hounds that hastened hym* swythe*, them / hard
1898 Reynard came richchande* through a rough grove, proceeding
1899 and all the rabble in a rush right at his heels.
1900 The wyghe* was [a]ware of the wild [beast], and warily abides, man
1901 and braydez* out the bright brand*, and at the beast casts [it]. draws / sword
1902 And he schunt* for the sharp [blade], and should have arreared*; swerved / retreated
1903 a rach* rapes* him to, right ere he might, hound / hastens
1904 and right before the horse['s] feet they fell on him all,
1905 and worried me this wily [one] with a wroth* noise. fierce
1906 The lord [a]lights bilive*, and latches him soon, quickly
1907 rased* him, full radly* out of the rach* mouths, snatched / swiftly / hounds'
1908 holds high over his head, hollers fast*, loudly
1909 and there bay [at] him many brath* hounds. grim
1910 Hunts[men] hied hem* thither with horns full many, them
1911 ay* rechatande* aright till they the renk* saw. always / blowing recall / man
1912 By [the time] that was come his company noble,
1913 all that ever bore bugle blowed at once,
1914 and all these other[s] hollered that had no horns;

Page 29
 1915 it was the merriest mute* that ever men heard, hunting‐pack
1916 the rich rurd* that there was raised for Reynard's soul noise
1917 with lote*. sound
1918 Hor* hounds they there reward, Their
1919 her* heads they fawn and frote*, their / stroke
1920 and sythen* they tan* Reynard, then / take
1921 and tyrven* off his coat. strip
77 1922 And then they helden* to home, for it was nigh night, come
1923 strakande* full stoutly in hor* store* horns. sounding call / their / mighty
1924 The lord is [a]light[ed] at the last at his lef* home, dear
1925 finds fire upon flet*, the freke* there‐ beside, floor / man
1926 Sir Gawain the good, that glad was with all,
1927 among the ladies for love he led much joy;
1928 He wore a bleaunt* of blue [stuff] that bradde* to the earth, mantle / reached
1929 his surcoat [be]seemed him well that soft[ly] was furred,
1930 and his hood of that ilk* hanged on his shoulder, same
1931 blande* all of blaunner* were both all about. adorned / ermine
1932 He meets me this goodman in‐midst [of] the floor,
1933 and all with [good] game he him greeted, and goodly he said,
1934 "I shall [ful]fill upon first our forwardez* nouthe*, agreements / now
1935 that we speedily han* spoken, there spared was no drink." have
1936 Then acoles* he the knight and kisses him thrice, embraces
1937 as saverly* and sadly* as he hem* set could. relishingly / vigorously / them
1938 "By Christ," quoth that other knight, "Ye catch much sele* happiness
1939 in chevisaunce* of this chaffer*, if ye had good cheaps*." obtaining / merchandise / bargains
1940 "Yea, of the cheap* no charge*," quoth chiefly* that other, trade / importance / quickly
1941 "as is pertly* payed [up] the cheaps* that I owed." plainly / goods
1942 "Mary," quoth that other man, "mine is behind*, inferior
1943 for I have hunted all this day, and naught have I gotten
1944 but this foul fox fell‐‐ the Fiend have the goods!‐‐
1945 And that is full poor for to pay for such price[less] things
1946 as ye have thryght* me here thro*, such three kisses pressed on / earnestly
1947 so good."
1948 "Enough," quoth Sir Gawain,
1949 "I thank you, by the Rood*," Cross
1950 and how the fox was slain
1951 he told him as they stood.
78 1952 With mirth and minstrelsy, with meats at hor* will, their
1953 they made as merry as any men might‐‐
1954 with laughing of ladies, with lotez* of bordes* words / jests
1955 Gawain and the goodman so glad were they both‐‐
1956 but [as] if the douthe* had [been] doted*, other* drunk been either. company / dazed / or
1957 Both the man and the meyny* made many japes, company
1958 till the season was seyen* that they sever must; come
1959 burnez* to [go to] hor* bed [it] behooved at the last. men / their
1960 Then lowly his leave at the lord first
1961 fetches this free man, and fair he him thanks:
1962 "Of such a selly* sojourn as I have had here, marvelous
1963 your honor at this high feast, the High King you yield*! repay
1964 I give you me for one of yours, if yourself likes,
1965 for I mot* needs, as ye wot*, move [on] to[morrow]‐ morn, must / know
1966 and [if] ye me take some tolke* to teach, as ye hyght*, man / promised
1967 the gate* to the green chapel, as God will me suffer road
1968 to deal [with] on New Year's day the doom of my wyrdes*." fates
1969 "In good faith," quoth the goodman, "with a good will
1970 all that ever I you hyght* hold shall I ready." promised
1971 There assigns he a servant to set him in the [right] way,
1972 and coundue* him by the downs, that he no drechch* had, conduct / delay
1973 for to ferk* through the fryth* and fare at the gaynest* [route] ride / woodland / most direct
1974 by grove.
1975 The lord Gawain con* thank, did
1976 such worship he would him wave*. offer
1977 Then at tho* ladies wlonk* those / noble
1978 the knight has taken his leave.
79 1979 With care and with kissing he carppez* hem* tille*, speaks / them / to
1980 and fele* thryvande* thanks he thrat* hom* to have, many     /     hearty / urged / them

Page 30
 1981 and they yield him again yeply* that ilk*; promptly / same
1982 they bikende* him to Christ with full cold sykyngez*. commended / sighs
1983 Sythen* fro* the meyny* he menskly* departs; Then     /     from / company / courteously
1984 each man that he met, he made hem* a thank[s] them
1985 for his service and his solace and his sere* pain, individual
1986 that they with busyness* had been about him to serve; solicitude
1987 and each segge* as sorry to sever with him there man
1988 as [if] they had wonde* worthily with that wlonk* [one] [for]ever. dwelled / noble
1989 Then with ledes* and light he was led to his chamber men
1990 and blithely brought to his bed to be at his rest.
1991 If he ne* slept soundly say ne* dare I, not (x2)
1992 for he had much on the morn to mynne*, if he would, give mind to
1993 in thought.
1994 Let him lie there still,
1995 he has near that [which] he sought;
1996 and [if] ye will a while be still
1997 I shall tell you how they wrought.
80 1998 NOW neghez* the New Year, and the night passes, nears
1999 the day[light] drives to the dark[ness], as Dryghtyn* bids; God
2000 but wild weathers of the world wakened thereout,
2001 clouds cast keenly the cold to the earth,
2002 with nyghe* enough of the north, the naked to tene*; bitterness / torment
2003 the snow snitered* [down] full snart*, that snayped* the wild [beasts]; shivered / bitterly / nipped
2004 the warbling wind wapped* fro* the high [ground], rushed / from
2005 and drove each dale full of [snow] drifts full great.
2006 The leude* listened full well that lay in his bed, man
2007 though he locks his [eye]lids, full little he sleeps;
2008 by each cock that crowed he knew well the steven*. appointed day
2009 Deliverly* he dressed* up, ere the day sprang, Quickly / got
2010 for there was light of a lamp that lemed* in his chamber; shone
2011 he called to his chamberlain, that cofly* him [an]swered, promptly
2012 and bade him bring him his bruny* and his blonk* [to] saddle; mail‐shirt / horse
2013 that other ferkez* him up and fetches him his weeds*, gets / clothes
2014 and graythez* me Sir Gawain upon a great wise. dresses
2015 First he clad him in his clothes the cold for to were*, ward off
2016 and sythen* his other harness*, that holdely* was kept, then / armor / carefully
2017 both his pauncer* and his plates, picked* full clean, abdomen armor / polished
2018 the rings rokked* of the rust of his rich bruny*; burnished / mail‐shirt
2019 and all was fresh as upon first, and he was fain then
2020 to thank;
2021 he had upon [him] each piece [of armor],
2022 wiped full well and wlonk*; lovely
2023 the gayest in [here] to Greece,
2024 the burne* bade bring his blonk*. knight / horse
81 2025 While the wlonkest* weeds* he warp* on himself‐‐ loveliest / clothes / put
2026 his coat[‐armor] with the cognisance of the clear works
2027 adorned upon velvet, virtuous [gem]stones
2028 about beaten and bound, embroidered seams,
2029 and fair furred within with fair pelures*‐‐ furs
2030 yet left he not the lace, the lady's gift,
2031 that forgot not Gawain for good of himself.
2032 By [the time] he had belted the brand* upon his balge* haunches, sword / round
2033 then dressed he his drurye* double him about, love‐token
2034 swythe* swaddled umbe* his swange* sweetly that knight quickly / round / waist
2035 the girdle of the green silk, that gay [knight] well beseemed,
2036 upon that royal red cloth that rich was to show.
2037 But wore not this ilk* wyghe* for weal* this girdle, same / man / costliness
2038 for pride of the pendants, though polished they were,
2039 and though the glyterande* gold glinted upon ends, glittering
2040 but for to save himself, when [to] suffer him [it] behooved,
2041 to [a]bide bale* without debate of brand* him to were* death / sword / defend
2042 other* knife. or
2043 By [the time] that the bold man boun* ready
2044 wins thereout bilive*, quickly
2045 all the meyny* of renown company
2046 he thanks oft full rife.

Page 31
82 2047 Then was Gringolet graythe*, that great was and huge, ready
2048 and had been sojourned saverly* and in a secure wise, to his liking
2049 him list* prick* for [his] point*, that proud horse then. desired / to gallop / condition
2050 The wyghe* wins him to and wytez* on his lyre*, man / looks / coat
2051 and said soberly himself and by his sooth swears:
2052 "Here is a meyny* in this moat* that on menske* thinks, company / castle / honor
2053 the man hem* maintains, joy mot* they have; them / may
2054 the leve* lady on* live love her betide; dear / a‐
2055 if they for charity cherish a guest,
2056 and hold honor in her* hand, the hathel* hem* yield* their     /     Lord / them / repay
2057 that holds the heaven[s] upon high, and also you all!
2058 And if I might life upon land lead any while,
2059 I should reach* you some reward readily, if I might." offer
2060 Then steps he into stirrup and strides aloft;
2061 his schalk* showed him his shield, on shoulder he it latched, man
2062 girds* [in]to Gringolet with his gilt heels, spurs
2063 and he starts [up] on the [paving] stone, stood he no longer
2064 to prance.
2065 His hathel* on horse was then, knight
2066 that bore his spear and lance.
2067 "This castle to Christ I kenne*." commend
2068 He gave it ay* good chance. always
83 2069 The [draw]bridge was brayde* down, and the broad gates pulled
2070 unbarred and borne open upon both halve[s].
2071 The burne* blessed him[self] bilive*, and the bredez* passed‐‐ knight / quickly / planks
2072 praises the porter [who] before the prince kneeled,
2073 gave him God[speed] and [a] good day, that Gawain he save‐‐
2074 and went on his way with his wyghe* [al]one, man
2075 that should teach him to turn to that tene* place perilous
2076 there the rueful race* he should receive. stroke
2077 They bowed* by banks there boughs are bare, went
2078 they climbed by cliffs there clings the cold.
2079 The heaven* was uphalt*, but ugly there‐under; sky / high
2080 mist muged* on the moor, melted on the mounts, drizzled
2081 each hill had a hat, a myst‐hakel* huge. mist‐cloak
2082 Brooks boiled and [bubbles] broke by banks about,
2083 sheer schaterande* on shores, there they down shoved. shattering
2084 Wela* wylle* was the way there they by wood[s] should [go], Very / wandering
2085 till it was soon season that the sun rises
2086 [at] that tide.
2087 They were on a hill full high,
2088 the white snow lay beside;
2089 the burne* that rode him by man
2090 bade his master abide.
84 2091 "For I have won you hither, wyghe*, at this time, knight
2092 and now nar* ye not far fro* that note[d] place are not / from
2093 that ye han* spied and spuryed* so [e]specially after; have / asked
2094 but I shall say [to] you for sooth, sythen* I you know, now that
2095 and ye are a lede* upon life that I well love, man
2096 would ye work by my wit, ye worthed* the better. fared
2097 The place that ye press to full perilous is held;
2098 there wonez* a wyghe* in that waste, the worst upon earth, dwells / man
2099 for he is stiff and stern, and to strike loves,
2100 and more [powerful] he is than any man upon middle‐earth,
2101 and his body bigger than the best four
2102 that are in Arthur's house, Hector, other* [any] [one] other*. or / else
2103 He [a]chieves* that chance* at the chapel green, brings / to pass
2104 there passes none by that place so proud in his arms
2105 that he ne* dings him to death with dint of his hand; not
2106 for he is a man methles*, and mercy none uses, ruthless
2107 for be it churl other* chaplain that by the chapel rides, or
2108 monk other* mass‐priest, other* any man else, or (x2)
2109 him think as queme* [for] him to quell as quick* [to] go himself. pleasant / alive
2110 Forthy* I say [to] thee, as sooth as ye in saddle sit, Therefore
2111 [if] come ye there, ye be killed, may [I] thee[,] knight[,] rede*, advise
2112 trawe* ye me that truly, though ye had twenty lives believe

Page 32
 2113 to spend.
2114 He has wonyd* here [since] full yore, dwelled
2115 on bent* much baret* bent*. field / fighting / directed
2116 Again[st] his dints sore
2117 ye may not you defend.
85 2118 "Forthy*, good Sir Gawain, let the gome* [al]one, Therefore / man
2119 and goes away [by] some other gate*, upon God's [be]half! road
2120 Cayrez* by some other kith, there Christ mot* you speed, Rides / may
2121 and I shall hie me home again, and hete* you farrer* promise / further
2122 that I shall swear by God and all his good holies,
2123 as help me God and the halidom*, and oaths enough, holy relic
2124 that I shall loyally you layne*, and launch* never tale conceal / utter
2125 that ever ye fondet* to flee for freke* that I wist*." hastened / man / knew
2126 "Gra‐ mercy," quoth Gawain, and grudging he said:
2127 "Well worth* thee, wyghe*, that would [act for] my good, be / man
2128 and that loyally me layne* I [be]lieve well thou would. conceal
2129 But held thou it never so holde*, and [if] I here passed, loyally
2130 founded* for fear for to flee, in [the] form that thou tells, hastened
2131 I were a knight coward[ly], I might not be excused.
2132 But I will [go] to the chapel, for [what] chance that may fall,
2133 and talk with that ilk* tulk* the tale that me lyste*, same / man / please
2134 worthe* it weal other* woe, as the wyrde* likes be / or / fate
2135 it [to] have.
2136 Though he be a stern knape* fellow
2137 to stightel*, and stand[ing] with stave, deal with
2138 full well can Dryghtyn* shape God
2139 his servants for to save."
86 2140 "Mary!" quoth that other man, "now [goes] thou so much [as] spellez*, to say
2141 that thou will thine own nye* nyme* to thyself, harm / bring
2142 and [if] thee list* [to] lose thy life, thee lette* I ne* keep. please / hinder / nor
2143 Have here thy helmet on thy head, thy spear in thy hand,
2144 and ride me down this ilk* rake* by yon[der] rock side, same / path
2145 till thou be brought to the bottom of the brem* valley; wild
2146 then look a little [away] on the lawn, on thy left hand,
2147 and thou shall see in that slade* the self[‐same] chapel, valley
2148 and the borelych* burne* on bent* that it keeps. strong / man / ground
2149 Now fare well, on God's [be]half, Gawain the noble!
2150 For all the gold upon ground I nolde* go with thee, would not
2151 ne* bear thee fellowship through this fryth* one foot farrer*." nor / woodland / further
2152 By that the wyghe* in the wood wends* his bridle, man / turns
2153 hit the horse with the heels as hard as he might,
2154 leaps him over the lawn, and leaves the knight there
2155 all [al]one.
2156 "By God's self," quoth Gawain,
2157 "I will neither grete* ne* groan; weep / nor
2158 to God's will I am full bayn*, obedient
2159 and to Him I have me tone*." taken
87 2160 Then girds* he [in]to Gringolet, and gathers the rake*, spurs / path
2161 shoves in by a shore at a shaw side,
2162 rides through the rough bank right to the dale;
2163 and then he wayted* him about, and wild it him thought, looked
2164 and saw no sign of resette* besides nowhere, refuge
2165 but high banks and brent* upon both halve[s], steep
2166 and rough knuckled knarrez* with knurled stones; crags
2167 the skwez* of the scowtes* skayned* him thought. clouds / jutting rocks / grazed
2168 Then he hoved*, and withheld his horse at that tide, halted
2169 and oft changed his cheer [to] the chapel to seek.
2170 He saw none such in no side, and selly* him thought, strange
2171 save, a little [away] on a lawn, a lawe* as it were; mound
2172 a balg* berg* by a bank the brim beside, round / mound
2173 by a forgh* of a flood that ferked* there; bed / flowed
2174 the borne* burbled therein as [if] it boiled had. stream
2175 The knight kachez* his caple*, and comes to the lawe*, urges / horse / mound
2176 [a]lights down lovely*, and at a linden attaches graciously
2177 the rein and his rich [steed] with a rough branch.
2178 Then he bows* to the berg*, about it he walks, goes / mound

Page 33
 2179 debatande* with himself what it be might. debating
2180 It had a hole on the end and on either side,
2181 and overgrown with grass in glades aywhere*, everywhere
2182 and all was hollow within, not but an old cave,
2183 or a crevise of an old crag, he could it not deem
2184 with spell*. speech
2185 "We*! Lord," quoth the gentle knight, Ah
2186 "whether this [might] be the green chapel?
2187 Here might about midnight
2188 the Devil his matins tell*! recite
88 2189 "Now iwysse*," quoth Wawain, "wysty* is [it] here; indeed / desolate
2190 this oratory is ugly, with herbs overgrown;
2191 well beseems the wyghe* wruxled* in green man / clad
2192 [to] deal here his devotion on the Devil's wise.
2193 Now I feel it is the Fiend, in my five wits*, senses
2194 that has stuck [to] me this steven* to [de]stroy me here. tryst
2195 This is a chapel of mischance, that check[mate] it betide!
2196 It is the cursedest kyrk* that ever I come in!" church
2197 With high helmet on his head, his lance in his hand,
2198 he roams up to the roof of the rough wonez*. dwellings
2199 Then heard he of that high hill, in a hard rock
2200 beyond the brook, in a bank, a wonder[fully] breme* noise, loud
2201 What! it clattered in the cliff, as it cleve should,
2202 as one upon a grindstone had ground a scythe.
2203 What! it whirred and whetted, as water at a mill;
2204 What! it rushed and rang, ruth* to hear. grievous
2205 Then "By God," quoth Gawain, "that gear, as I trowe*, believe
2206 is ryched* at the reverence [of] me, renk*, to meet intended / knight
2207 by rote*. custom
2208 Let God work! We loo*‐‐ Ah well
2209 It helps me not a mote.
2210 My life though I forego,
2211 dread does me no lote*." noise
89 2212 Then the knight con* call full high: did
2213 "Who stightlez* in this stead me steven* to hold? rules / tryst
2214 For now is good Gawain goande* right here. going
2215 If any wyghe* aught will [have], win hither fast, man
2216 either now other* never, his needs to speed." or
2217 "Abide", quoth one on the bank above over his head,
2218 "and thou shall have all in haste that I thee hyght* once." promised
2219 Yet he rushed on [with] that rurde* rapely* [for] a throwe*. noise / hastily / time
2220 And with whetting awharf*, ere he would [a]light; turned aside
2221 and sythen* he keverez* by a crag, and comes [out] of a hole, then / makes way
2222 whyrlande* out of a wro* with a fell weapon, whirling / nook
2223 a Danish axe new[ly] dight*, the dint [where]with to yield, made
2224 with a borelych* bit* bent by the halme*, strong / blade / handle
2225 filed in a [whetstone] filer, four foot large‐‐
2226 it was no less by that lace that lemed* full bright‐‐ shone
2227 and the gome* in the green geared as [at] first, man
2228 both the lyre* and the legs, locks and beard, face
2229 save that fair on his foot he foundez* on the earth, hastens
2230 set the stele* to the stone [ground], and stalked beside. haft
2231 When he won to the water, there he wade nolde*, would not
2232 he hopped over on his axe, and orpedly* strides, boldly
2233 bremly* brothe* on a bent* that broad was about, fiercely / grim / field
2234 on snow.
2235 Sir Gawain the knight con* meet, did
2236 he ne* lutte* [to] him nothing low; not / bowed
2237 that other said, "Now, sir sweet,
2238 of steven* [a] man may thee trowe*." tryst / believe
90 2239 "Gawain," quoth that green gome*, "God thee mot* look [after]! man / may
2240 Iwysse* thou are welcome, wyghe*, to my place, Indeed / knight
2241 and thou has timed thy travail as [a] true man should,
2242 and thou knows the covenants cast us between.
2243 At this time twelvemonth thou took that [which] [to] thee fell,
2244 and I should at this New Year yeply* thee [re]quite. promptly

Page 34
 2245 And we are in this valley verily our[selves] [al]one;
2246 here are no renkes* us to rid*, roll as us likes. knights / separate
2247 Have thy helmet off thy head, and have here thy pay.
2248 Busk* no more debate than I thee bid then Make
2249 when thou whipped off my head at a wap* one." blow
2250 "Nay, by God," quoth Gawain, "that me [the] ghost lante*, gave
2251 I shall grudge thee no grwe* for grem* that falls. grain / hurt
2252 But styghtel* thee upon one stroke, and I shall stand still limit
2253 and warp* thee no wernyng* to work as thee likes, utter / resistance
2254 nowhere*." not at all
2255 He leaned with the neck, and lutte*, bent
2256 and showed that sheer* [flesh] all bare, white
2257 and let [on] as [if] he not dutte*; feared
2258 for dread he would not dare*. cower
91 2259 THEN the gome* in the green graythed* him swythe*, man / readied / quickly
2260 gathers up his grim tool Gawain to smite;
2261 with all the bur* in his body he bears it on* loft, strength / a‐
2262 munt* as mightily as mar him he would; swung
2263 had it driven down as dregh* as he atled*, forcibly / intended
2264 there had been dead of his dint [one] that doughty was ever.
2265 But Gawain on that gisarme* glyfte* him beside*, battle‐axe / glanced / sideways
2266 as it came glydande* down on glade him to schende*, gliding / destroy
2267 and shrank a little with the shoulders for the sharp iron.
2268 That other schalk* with a shunt* the shiny [blade] withholds, man / jerk
2269 and then reproved he the prince with many proud words:
2270 "Thou are not Gawain," quoth the gome*, "that is so good held, man
2271 that never arwed* for no here* by hill ne* by vale, quailed / host / nor
2272 and now thou flees* for fear ere thou feel harms! flinches
2273 Such cowardice of that knight could I never hear.
2274 Neither fyked* I ne* fled, freke*, when thou myntest*, flinched     /     nor / man / swung
2275 ne* cast no kavelacion* in [the] king's house [of] Arthur. nor / caviling
2276 My head flew to my foot, and yet fled I never;
2277 and thou, ere any harm hent*, arwez* in heart; receive / quails
2278 wherefore the better burne* me burde* be called man / ought to
2279 therefore."
2280 Quoth Gawain, "I shunt* once, flinched
2281 and so will I no more;
2282 but though my head fall on the stones,
2283 I can not it restore.
92 2284 "But busk*, burne*, by thy faith, and bring me to the point. hasten / knight
2285 Deal to me my destiny, and do it [quickly] out of hand,
2286 for I shall stand [from] thee a stroke, and start no more
2287 till thine axe have me hit: have here my troth."
2288 "[Let's] have at thee then!" quoth that other, and heaves it aloft,
2289 and waytez* as wrothely* as he wode* were. looks / fiercely / mad
2290 He myntez* at him mightily, but not the man rynez*, aims / touches
2291 withheld heterly* his hand, ere it hurt might. suddenly
2292 Gawain graythely* it [a]bides, and glent* with no member, duly / flinched
2293 but stood [as] still as the stone, other* a stub either* or / else
2294 that raveled is in rocky ground with roots a hundred.
2295 Then merrily efte* con* he mele*, the man in the green: again / did / speak
2296 "So, now [that] thou has thy heart whole, [to] hit [it] me behooves.
2297 Hold thee now the high [knight]hood that Arthur thee raght*, gave
2298 and keep thy canal* at this kest*, if [you] it kever* may." neck / stroke / manage
2299 Gawain full gryndelly* with greme* then said: fiercely / wrath
2300 "Why! thrash on, thou thro* man, thou threatens too long; fierce
2301 I hope* that thy heart arwe* with[in] thine own self." think / quail
2302 "For sooth," quoth that other freke*, "so felly* thou speaks, man / fiercely
2303 I will no longer on lyte* lette* thine errand delay / hinder
2304 right now."
2305 Then takes he him[self] strythe* to strike, stance
2306 and frounsez* both lip and brow; puckers
2307 no marvel though him mislike
2308 that hoped of no rescue.
93 2309 He lifts lightly his lome*, and let it down fair tool
2310 with the barb* of the bit* by the bare neck; edge / blade

Page 35
 2311 though he hammered heterly*, hurt him no more fiercely
2312 but snyrt* him on that one side, that severed the hide. snicked
2313 The sharp [blade] shrank to the flesh through the sheer grease*, fat
2314 that the shiny blood over his shoulders shot to the earth;
2315 and when the burne* saw the blood blenk* on the snow, knight / gleam
2316 he sprit* forth spenne‐fote* more than a spear length, sprang / feet together
2317 hent* heterly* his helmet, and on his head cast, took / fiercely
2318 shot* with his shoulders his fair shield under, jerked
2319 braydez* out a bright sword, and bremely* he speaks‐‐ draws / fiercely
2320 never syn* that he was burne* born of his mother since / man
2321 was he never in this world wyghe* half so blithe‐‐ man
2322 "Blynne*, burne*, of thy bur*, bid me no mo*! Cease     /     knight / violence / more
2323 I have a stroke in this stead without strife hent*, taken
2324 and if thou reaches* me any mo*, I readily shall [re]quite, offers / more
2325 and yield yederly* again‐‐ and thereto ye [may] trust‐‐ promptly
2326 and foo*. fiercely
2327 But one stroke here me falls‐‐
2328 the covenant shaped right so,
2329 [con]firmed in Arthur's halls‐‐
2330 and therefore, hende* [one], now ho*!" courteous / stop
94 2331 The hathel* heldet* him fro*, and on his axe rested, knight / turned / from
2332 set the shaft upon shore, and to* the sharp [blade] leaned, on
2333 and looked to the leude* that on the lawn yede*, man / was
2334 how that doughty [one], dreadless, dervely* there stands boldly
2335 armed, full aweless*: in heart it him likes. fearless
2336 Then he melez* merrily with a much* steven*, speaks / great / voice
2337 and with a rynkande* rurde* he to the renk* said: ringing / voice / man
2338 "Bold burne*, on this bent* be not so gryndel*. knight / field / fierce
2339 No man here unmannerly thee mysboden* habbez*, ill‐used / has
2340 ne* kyd* but as [by] covenant at king's court shaped. nor / behaved
2341 I hyght* thee a stroke and thou it has, hold thee well payed; promised
2342 I release thee of the remnant of rights all other.
2343 If I deliver* had been, a buffet paradventure* nimble / perhaps
2344 I could wrotheloker* have wared*, to thee have wrought anger*. more harshly / dealt / harm
2345 First I mansed* thee merrily with a mynt* one, threatened / feinted
2346 and rove* thee with no rof‐sore*, with right I thee proffered ripped / wound
2347 for the forwarde* that we [made] fast in the first night, covenant
2348 and thou trustily [kept] the troth and truly me holds,
2349 all the gain thou me gave, as good man should.
2350 That other munt* for the morn, man, I thee proffered, feint
2351 thou kissed my clear wife‐‐ the kisses [you] me raghtez*. offered
2352 For both two [times] here I thee bid but two bare myntes* feints
2353 boute* scathe. without
2354  True mon*  true restore, must
2355 then thar* [a] man dread no wathe*. need / danger
2356 At the third thou failed there,
2357 and therefore that tap take thee.
95 2358 "For it is my weed* that thou wears, that ilk* woven girdle, garment / same
2359 mine own wife it thee waved*, I wot* well for sooth. gave / know
2360 Now know I well thy kisses, and thy costes* also, qualities
2361 and the wooing of my wife: I wrought it myself.
2362 I sent her to assay thee, and soothly me thinks
2363 one the [most] faultless freke* that ever on foot yede*; man / went
2364 as [a] pearl by the white peas is of price more,
2365 so is Gawain, in good faith, by other gay knights.
2366 But here you lacked a little, sir, and loyalty you wanted;
2367 but that was for no wylyde* work, ne* wooing neither, skillful / nor
2368 but for ye loved your life; the less I you blame."
2369 That other stiff man in study stood a great while,
2370 so aggrieved for greme* he gryed* within; mortification / shuddered
2371 all the blood of his breast blended* in his face, streamed
2372 that all he shrank for shame that the schalk* talked. man
2373 The forme* word upon fold* that the freke* meled*: first     /     earth / man / spoke
2374 "Cursed worth* cowardice and covetous[ness] both! be
2375 In you is villainy and vice that virtue destroys."
2376 Then he caught to the knot, and the kest* looses, fastening

Page 36
 2377 brayde* brothely* the belt to the burne* [him]self: flung / grimly / knight
2378 "Lo! There [is] the falssyng*, foul [luck] mot* it [be]fall! breaking of faith / may
2379 For care of thy knock cowardice me taught
2380 to accord me with covetous[ness] my kind* to forsake, nature
2381 that is largesse and loyalty that [be]longs to knights.
2382 Now am I faulty and false, and afraid have been ever
2383 of treachery and untruth: both betide sorrow
2384 and care!
2385 I biknowe* [to] you, knight, here still, confess
2386 all faulty is my fare*; behavior
2387 let me overtake* your [good] will regain
2388 and afte[rwards] I shall be wary."
96 2389 Then laughed that other leude* and luflyly* said: man / graciously
2390 "I hold it hardily* whole, the harm that I had. certainly
2391 Thou are confessed so clean, beknowen* of thy misses*, cleared / faults
2392 and has the penance apert* of the point of mine edge, plain
2393 I hold thee polished* of that plight*, and purified as clean cleansed / offense
2394 as [if] thou had never forfeited* sythen* thou was first born; transgressed / since
2395 and I give thee, sir, the girdle that is gold‐hemmed,
2396 for it is green as my gown. Sir Gawain, ye may
2397 think upon this ilk* threpe*, there thou forth thryngez* same / contest / presses
2398 among princes of price, and this a pure token
2399 of the chance* of the green chapel at* chivalrous knights. adventure / with
2400 And ye shall [come] in this New Year again to my wonez*, dwellings
2401 and we schyn* revel the remnant of this rich feast shall
2402 full bene*." pleasantly
2403 There lathed* him fast the lord invited
2404 and said: "With my wife, I ween*, think
2405 we shall you well accord,
2406 that was your enemy keen."
97 2407 "Nay, for sooth," quoth the segge*, and seized his helmet, knight
2408 and has it off hendely*, and the hathel* thanks, courteously / knight
2409 "I have sojourned sadly*; sele* you betide, sufficiently / good fortune
2410 and He yield* it you yare* that yarkkez* all menskes*! repay     /     fully / ordains / honors
2411 And commends me to that courteous [lady], your comely fere*, wife
2412 both that one and that other, mine honored ladies,
2413 that thus hor* knight with hor* kest* han* quaintly beguiled. their (x2) / trick / have
2414 But it is no ferly* though a fool [acts] mad, wonder
2415 and through wiles of women be won* to sorrow, brought
2416 for so was Adam in [the] erde* with one beguiled, world
2417 and Solomon with fele* sere* [women], and Samson eftsonez*‐‐ many / various / again
2418 Delilah dealt him his wyrde*‐‐ and David thereafter fate
2419 was blinded with Bathsheba, that much bale* tholed*. misery / endured
2420 Now [as] these were wrathed* with her* wiles, it were a win huge afflicted / their
2421 to love hom* well, and [be]lieve hem* not, [for] a leude* that could. them (x2) / man
2422 For these were forne* the freest, that followed all the sele* of old / happiness
2423 excellently of all these other[s], under hevenryche* heaven
2424 that mused*; lived
2425 and all they were bewiled
2426 with women that they used.
2427 Though I be now beguiled,
2428 me think me burde* be excused. ought to
98 2429 "But your girdle," quoth Gawain, "God you foryield*! repay
2430 That will I wield with good will, not for the wynne* gold, lovely
2431 ne* the saynt*, ne* the silk, ne* the syde* pendants, nor (x3) / girdle / long
2432 for weal* ne* for worship, ne* for the wlonk* works, wealth / nor (x2) / lovely
2433 but in sign of my surfet* I shall see it oft, transgression
2434 when I ride in renown, remorse to myself
2435 the fault and the fayntyse* of the flesh crabbed, frailty
2436 how tender* it is to entice* teches* of filth; liable / catch / stains
2437 and thus, when pride shall me prick for prowess of arms,
2438 the look to this love‐lace shall lethe* my heart. humble
2439 But one [thing] I would you pray, [if it] displeases you never:
2440 syn* ye be lord of the yonder land there I have lent* in since / stayed
2441 with you with worship*‐‐ the wyghe* it you yield* honor / Lord / repay
2442 that upholds the heaven[s] and on high sits‐‐

Page 37
 2443 how norne* ye your right name, and then no more?" call
2444 "That shall I tell thee truly," quoth that other then,
2445 "Bertilak de Hautdesert I hat* in this land. [Enchanted] [I] [am] am called
2446 through might of Morgan le Fay, that in my house longs*, stays
2447 and koyntyse* of clergy*, by crafts well learned, skill / magical lore
2448 [as] the mistress of Merlin many [spells] has [she] taken‐‐
2449 for ho* has dealt drwry* full dear sometime [ago] she / love
2450 with that conable* clerk*, that knows all your knights excellent / sage
2451 at home;
2452 Morgan the goddess
2453 therefore it is her name:
2454 wields none so high haughtiness
2455 that ho* ne* can make full tame‐‐ she / not
99 2456 "Ho* wayned* me upon this wise to your wynne* hall She / sent / lovely
2457 for to assay the surquidré*, if it sooth were pride
2458 that runs of the great renown of the Round Table;
2459 ho* wayned* me [as] this wonder your wits to reave, she / sent
2460 for to have grieved Guenevere and gart* her to die caused
2461 with glopnyng* of that ilk* gome* that ghostly spoke dismay / same / man
2462 with his head in his hand before the high table.
2463 That is ho* that is at home, the ancient lady; she
2464 ho* is even thine aunt, Arthur's half‐sister, she
2465 the duchess' daughter of Tintagel, that dear Uther after
2466 had Arthur upon, that athel* is nowthe*. noble / now
2467 Therefore I oath thee, hathel*, to come to thine aunt, knight
2468 make merry in my house; my meny* thee loves, court
2469 and I will* thee as well, wyghe*, by my faith, desire / knight
2470 as any gome* under God for thy great troth." man
2471 And he nikked* him nay, he nolde* by no ways. answered / would not
2472 They acolen* and kissed and kennen* either [the] other embraced / commend
2473 to the Prince of Paradise, and part right there
2474 on cold [ground];
2475 Gawain on blonk* full bene* horse / fair
2476 to the king's burgh* buskez* bold[ly], castle / hastens
2477 and the knight in the enker* green bright
2478 whitherward so ever he would.
100 2479 Wild ways in the world Wawain now rides
2480 on Gringolet, that the grace had gotten of his life;
2481 oft he harbored in [a] house and oft all thereout*, without shelter
2482 and [had] many [an] adventure in vale, and vanquished oft,
2483 that I ne* tyght* at this time in tale to remene*. not / intend / recount
2484 The hurt was whole that he had hent* in his neck, received
2485 and the blykkande* belt he bore thereabout gleaming
2486 abelef* as a baldric bound by his side, obliquely
2487 locked under his left arm, the lace, with a knot,
2488 in tokening he was tane* in tech* of a fault. taken / guilt
2489 And thus he comes to the court, knight all in sound*. safety
2490 There wakened weal* in that wone* when wist* the great [one] joy / dwelling / knew
2491 that good Gawain was come; gayn* it him thought. a good thing
2492 The king kisses the knight, and the queen also,
2493 and sythen* many [a] syker* knight that sought him to hail, then / sure
2494 of his far[ing] that him frayned*; and ferlyly* he tells, asked / of marvels
2495 biknowez* [to] all the costs of care that he had, confesses
2496 the chance* of the chapel, the cheer of the knight, adventure
2497 the love of the lady, the lace at the last.
2498 The nirt* in the neck he naked hem* showed slight cut / them
2499 that he laght* for his unloyalty at the leudes* hands received / man's
2500 for blame.
2501 He tened* when he should tell, suffered torment
2502 he groaned for grief and grame*; wrath
2503 the blood in his face con* melle*, did / stream
2504 when he it should show, for shame.
101 2505 "Lo! Lord," quoth the leude*, and the lace handled, prince
2506 "This is the band of this blame [that] I bear in my neck,
2507 this is the lathe* and the loss that I laght* have injury / caught
2508 of cowardice and covetous[ness] that I have caught there;

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2509 this is the token of untruth that I am taken in,
2510 and I mot* needs it wear while I may last; must
2511 for [a] man may hide his harm, but unhap* ne* may it, unfasten / not
2512 for there it once is attached twain* will it never." depart
2513 The king comforts the knight, and all the court also
2514 laugh loud thereat, and luflyly* accord graciously
2515 that lords and ladies that [be]longed to the Table,
2516 each burne* of the brotherhood, a baldric should have, knight
2517 a band abelef* him about of a bright green, obliquely
2518 and that, for sake of that segge*, in suit to wear. man
2519 For that was accorded the renown of the Round Table,
2520 and he honored that it had evermore after,
2521 as it is briefed* in the best book of romance. written
2522 Thus in Arthur's day this adventure betided,
2523 the Brutus books thereof bears witness;
2524 sythen* Brutus, the bold burne*, bowed* hither first, since / man / went
2525 after the siege and the assault was ceased at Troy,
2526 iwysse*, indeed
2527 many adventures here‐before
2528 have [be]fallen such ere this.
2529 Now [He] that bore the crown of thorn,
2530 [may] He bring us to His bliss! AMEN.
2531 HONI SOIT QUI MAL [Y] PENSE.

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