), and that is full poor for to pay for such
precious things" (ll.
precious things" (ll.
Gawaine and the Green Knight
Whoso knew the virtues that are knit therein would
estimate it more highly. For he who is girded with this green lace
cannot be wounded or slain by any man under heaven. " The knight thinks
awhile, and it strikes him that this would be a "jewel for the
jeopardy" that he had to undergo at the Green Chapel. So he not only
accepts the lace, but promises to keep the possession of it a secret
(ll. 1836-1865). By that time the lady had kissed him thrice, and she
then takes "her leave and leaves him there. "
Gawayne rises, dresses himself in noble array, and conceals the "love
lace" where he might find it again. He then hies to mass, shrives him
of his misdeeds, and obtains absolution. On his return to the hall he
solaces the ladies with comely carols and all kinds of joy (ll.
1866-1892). The dark night came, and then the lord of the castle,
having slain the fox, returns to his "dear home," where he finds a fire
brightly turning and his guest amusing the ladies (ll. 1893-1927).
Gawayne, in fulfilment of his agreement, kisses his host thrice. [1] "By
Christ," quoth the other knight, "ye have caught much bliss. I have
hunted all this day and nought have I got but the skin of this foul fox
(the devil have the goods!
), and that is full poor for to pay for such
precious things" (ll. 1928-1951).
After the usual evening's entertainment, Gawayne retires to rest. The
next morning, being New Year's day, is cold and stormy. Snow falls, and
the dales are full of drift. Our knight in his bed locks his eyelids,
but full little he sleeps. By each cock that crows he knows the hour,
and before day-break he calls for his chamberlain, who quickly brings
him his armour (ll. 1952-2014). While Gawayne clothed himself in his
rich weeds he forgot not the "lace, the lady's gift," but with it
doubly girded his loins. He wore it not for its rich ornaments, "but to
save himself when it behoved him to suffer," and as a safeguard against
sword or knife (ll. 2015-2046).
Having thanked his host and all the renowned assembly for the great
kindness he had experienced at their hands, "he steps into stirrups and
strides aloft" (ll. 2047-2068).
The drawbridge is let down, and the broad gates unbarred and borne open
upon both sides, and the knight, after commending the castle to Christ,
passes thereout and goes on his way accompanied by his guide, that
should teach him to turn to that place where he should receive the
much-dreaded blow. They climb over cliffs, where each hill had a hat
and a mist-cloak, until the next morn, when they find themselves on a
full high hill covered with snow. The servant bids his master remain
awhile, saying, "I have brought you hither at this time, and now ye are
not far from that noted place that ye have so often enquired after.
estimate it more highly. For he who is girded with this green lace
cannot be wounded or slain by any man under heaven. " The knight thinks
awhile, and it strikes him that this would be a "jewel for the
jeopardy" that he had to undergo at the Green Chapel. So he not only
accepts the lace, but promises to keep the possession of it a secret
(ll. 1836-1865). By that time the lady had kissed him thrice, and she
then takes "her leave and leaves him there. "
Gawayne rises, dresses himself in noble array, and conceals the "love
lace" where he might find it again. He then hies to mass, shrives him
of his misdeeds, and obtains absolution. On his return to the hall he
solaces the ladies with comely carols and all kinds of joy (ll.
1866-1892). The dark night came, and then the lord of the castle,
having slain the fox, returns to his "dear home," where he finds a fire
brightly turning and his guest amusing the ladies (ll. 1893-1927).
Gawayne, in fulfilment of his agreement, kisses his host thrice. [1] "By
Christ," quoth the other knight, "ye have caught much bliss. I have
hunted all this day and nought have I got but the skin of this foul fox
(the devil have the goods!
), and that is full poor for to pay for such
precious things" (ll. 1928-1951).
After the usual evening's entertainment, Gawayne retires to rest. The
next morning, being New Year's day, is cold and stormy. Snow falls, and
the dales are full of drift. Our knight in his bed locks his eyelids,
but full little he sleeps. By each cock that crows he knows the hour,
and before day-break he calls for his chamberlain, who quickly brings
him his armour (ll. 1952-2014). While Gawayne clothed himself in his
rich weeds he forgot not the "lace, the lady's gift," but with it
doubly girded his loins. He wore it not for its rich ornaments, "but to
save himself when it behoved him to suffer," and as a safeguard against
sword or knife (ll. 2015-2046).
Having thanked his host and all the renowned assembly for the great
kindness he had experienced at their hands, "he steps into stirrups and
strides aloft" (ll. 2047-2068).
The drawbridge is let down, and the broad gates unbarred and borne open
upon both sides, and the knight, after commending the castle to Christ,
passes thereout and goes on his way accompanied by his guide, that
should teach him to turn to that place where he should receive the
much-dreaded blow. They climb over cliffs, where each hill had a hat
and a mist-cloak, until the next morn, when they find themselves on a
full high hill covered with snow. The servant bids his master remain
awhile, saying, "I have brought you hither at this time, and now ye are
not far from that noted place that ye have so often enquired after.
