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FIT Ⅰ

THE siege and the assault being ceased at Troy,

The battlements broken down and burnt to brands and ashes,

The treacherous trickster whose treasons there flourished

Was famed for his falsehood, the foulest on earth.

Aeneas the noble and his knightly kin

Then conquered kingdoms, and kept in their hand

Wellnigh all the wealth of the western lands.

Royal Romulus to Rome first turned,

Set up the city in splendid pomp,

Then named her with his own name, which now she still has:

Ticius founded Tuscany, townships raising,

Longbeard in Lombardy lifted up homes,

And far over the French flood Felix Brutus

On many spacious slopes set Britain with joy And grace;

Where war and feud and wonder

Have ruled the realm a space,

And after, bliss and blunder

By turns have run their race.

AND when this Britain was built by this brave noble,

Here bold men bred, in battle exulting,

Stirrers of trouble in turbulent times.

Here many a marvel, more than in other lands,

Has befallen by fortune since that far time.

But of all who abode here of Britain's kings,

Arthur was highest in honour, as I have heard;

So I intend to tell you of a true wonder,

Which many folk mention as a manifest marvel,

A happening eminent among Arthur's adventures.

Listen to my lay but a little while:

Straightway shall I speak it, in city as I heard it, With tongue;

As scribes have set it duly

In the lore of the land so long,

With letters linking truly

In story bold and strong.

THIS king lay at Camelot one Christmastide

With many mighty lords, manly liegemen,

Members rightly reckoned of the Round Table,

In splendid celebration, seemly and carefree.

There tussling in tournament time and again

Jousted in jollity these gentle knights,

Then in court carnival sang catches and danced;

For fifteen days the feasting there was full in like measure

With all the meat and merry-making men could devise,

Gladly ringing glee, glorious to hear,

A noble din by day, dancing at night!

All was happiness in the height in halls and chambers

For lords and their ladies, delectable joy.

With all delights on earth they housed there together,

Saving Christ's self, the most celebrated knights,

The loveliest ladies to live in all time,

And the comeliest king ever to keep court.

For this fine fellowship was in its fair prime Far famed,

Stood well in heaven's will,

Its high-souled king acclaimed:6

So hardy a host on hill

Could not with ease be named.

THE year being so young that yester-even saw its birth,

That day double on the dais were the diners served.

Mass sung and service ended, straight from the chapel

The King and his company came into hall.

Called on with cries from clergy and laity,

Noel was newly announced, named time and again.

Then lords and ladies leaped forth, largesse distributing,

Offered New Year gifts in high voices, handed them out,

Bustling and bantering about these offerings.

Ladies laughed full loudly, though losing their wealth,

And he that won was not woeful, you may well believe.

All this merriment they made until meal time.

Then in progress to their places they passed after washing,

In authorized order, the high-ranking first;

With glorious Guinevere, gay in the midst,

On the princely platform with its precious hangings

Of splendid silk at the sides, a state over her

Of rich tapestry of Toulouse and Turkestan

Brilliantly embroidered with the best gems

Of warranted worth that wealth at any time Could buy.

Fairest of form was this queen,

Glinting and grey of eye;

No man could say he had seen

A lovelier, but with a lie.

BUT Arthur would not eat until all were served.

He was charming and cheerful, child-like and gay,

And loving active life, little did he favour

Lying down for long or lolling on a seat,

So robust his young blood and his beating brain.

Still, he was stirred now by something else:

His noble announcement that he never would eat

On such a fair feast-day till informed in full

Of some unusual adventrue, as yet untold,

Of some momentous marvel that he might believe,

About ancestors, or arms, or other high theme;

Or till a stranger should seek out a strong knight of his,

To join with him in jousting, in jeopardy to lay

Life against life, each allowing the other

The favour of Fortune, the fairer lot. 10

Such was the King's custom when he kept court,

At every fine feast among his free retinue In hall.

So he throve amid the throng,

A ruler royal and tall,

Still standing staunch and strong,

And young like the year withal.

ERECT stood the strong King, stately of mien,

Trifling time with talk before the topmost table.

Good Gawain was placed at Guinevere's side,

And Agravain of the Hard Hand sat on the other side,

Both the King's sister's sons, staunchest of knights.

Above, Bishop Baldwin began the board,

And Ywain, Urien's son ate next to him.

These were disposed on the dais and with dignity served,

And many mighty men next, marshalled at side tables.

Then the first course came in with such cracking of trumpets,

(Whence bright bedecked blazons in banners hung)

Such din of drumming and a deal of fine piping,

Such wild warbles whelming and echoing

That hearts were uplifted high at the strains.

Then delicacies and dainties were delivered to the guests,

Fresh food in foison, such freight of full dishes

That space was scarce at the social tables

For the several soups set before them in silver On the cloth.

Each feaster made free with the fare,

Took lightly and nothing loth;

Twelve plates were for every pair,

Good beer and bright wine both.

OF their meal I shall mention no more just now,

For it is evident to all that ample was served;

Now another noise, quite new, neared suddenly,

Likely to allow the liege lord to eat;

For barely had the blast of trump abated one minute

And the first course in the court been courteously served,

When there heaved in at the hall door an awesome fellow

Who in height outstripped all earthly men.

From throat to thigh he was so thickset and square,

His loins and limbs were so long and so great,

That he was half a giant on earth, I believe;

Yet mainly and most of all a man he seemed, 14

And the handsomest of horsemen, though huge, at that;

For though at back and at breast his body was broad,

His hips and haunches were elegant and small,

And perfectly proportioned were all parts of the man, As seen.

Men gaped at the hue of him

Ingrained in garb and mien,

A fellow fiercely grim,

And all a glittering green.

AND garments of green girt the fellow about—

A two-third length tunic, tight at the waist,

A comely cloak on top, accomplished with lining

Of the finest fur to be found, made of one piece,

Marvellous fur-trimmed material, with matching hood

Lying back from his locks and laid on his shoulders;

Fitly held-up hose, in hue the same green,

That was caught at the calf, with clinking spurs beneath

Of bright gold on bases of embroidered silk,

But no iron shoe armoured that horseman's feet.

And verily his vesture was all vivid green,

So were the bars on his belt and the brilliants set 16

In ravishing array on the rich accoutrements

About himself and his saddle on silken work.

It would be tedious to tell a tithe of the trifles

Embossed and embroidered, such as birds and flies,

In gay green gauds, with gold everywhere.

The breast-hangings of the horse, its haughty crupper,

The enamelled knobs and nails on its bridle,

And the stirrups that he stood on, were all stained with the same;

So were the splendid saddle-skirts and bows

That ever glimmered and glinted with their green stones.

The steed that he spurred on was similar in hue To the sight,

Green and huge of grain,

Mettlesome in might

And brusque with bit and rein—

A steed to serve that knight!

YES, garbed all in green was the gallant rider,

And the hair of his head was the same hue as his horse,

And floated finely like a fan round his shoulders;

And a great bushy beard on his breast flowing down,

With the heavy hair hanging from his head,

Was shorn below the shoulder, sheared right round,

So that half his arms were under the encircling hair,

Covered as by a king's cape, that closes at the neck.

The mane of that mighty horse, much like the beard,

Well crisped and combed, was copiously plaited

With twists of twining gold, twinkling in the green,

First a green gossamer, a golden one next.

His flowing tail and forelock followed suit,

And both were bound with bands of bright green,

Ornamented to the end with exquisite stones,

While a thong running through them threaded on high

Many bright golden bells, burnished and ringing.

Such a horse, such a horseman, in the whole wide world

Was never seen or observed by those assembled before, Not one.

Lightning-like he seemed

And swift to strike and stun.

His dreadful blows, men deemed,

Once dealt, meant death was done.

YET hauberk and helmet had he none,

Nor plastron nor plate-armour proper to combat, 20

Nor shield for shoving, nor sharp spear for lunging;

But he held a holly cluster in one hand, holly

That is greenest when groves are gaunt and bare,

And an axe in his other hand, huge and monstrous,

A hideous helmet-smasher for anyone to tell of;

The head of that axe was an ell-rod long.

Of green hammered gold and steel was the socket,

And the blade was burnished bright, with a broad edge,

Acutely honed for cutting, as keenest razors are.

The grim man gripped it by its great stong handle,

Which was wound with iron all the way to the end,

And graven in green with graceful designs.

A cord curved round it, was caught at the head,

Then hitched to the haft at intervals in loops,

With costly tassels attached thereto in plenty

On bosses of bright green embroidered richly.

In he rode, and up the hall, this man,

Driving towards the high dais, dreading no danger.

He gave no one a greeting, but glared over all.

His opening utterance was, ‘Who and where

Is the governor of this gathering? Gladly would I

Behold him with my eyes and have speech with him.' He frowned;

Took note of every knight

As he ramped and rode around;

Then stopped to study who might

Be the noble most renowned.

THE assembled folk stared, long scanning the fellow,

For all men marvelled what it might mean

That a horseman and his horse should have such a colour

As to grow green as grass, and greener yet, it seemed,

More gaudily glowing than green enamel on gold.

Those standing studied him and sidled towards him

With all the world's wonder as to what he would do.

For astonishing sights they had seen, but such a one never;

Therefore a phantom from Fairyland the folk there deemed him.

So even the doughty were daunted and dared not reply,

All sitting stock-still, astounded by his voice.

Throughout the high hall was a hush like death;

Suddenly as if all had slipped into sleep, their voices were At rest;

Hushed not wholly for fear,

But some at honour's behest;

But let him whom all revere

Greet that gruesome guest.

FOR Arthur sendsed an exploit before the high dais,

And accorded him courteous greeting, no craven he,

Saying to him, “Sir knight, you are certainly welcome.

I am head of this house: Arthur is my name.

Please deign to dismount and dwell with us

Till you impart your purpose, at a proper time.”

“May he that sits in heaven help me,” said the knight,

“But my intention was not to tarry in this turreted hall.

But as your reputation, royal sir, is raised up so high,

And your castle and cavaliers are accounted the best,

The mightiest of mail-clad men in mounted fighting,

The most warlike, the worthiest the world has bred,

Most valiant to vie with in virile contests,

And as chivalry is shown here, so I am assured,

At this time, I tell you, that has attracted me here.

By this branch that I bear, you may be certain

That I proceed in peace, no peril seeking;

For had I fared forth in fighting gear,

My hauberk and helmet, both at home now,

My shield and sharp spear, all shining bright,

And other weapons to wield, I would have brought;26

However, as I wish for no war here, I wear soft clothes.

But if you are as bold as brave men affirm,

You will gladly grant me the good sport I demand By right.”

Then Arthur answer gave:

“If you, most noble knight,

Unarmoured combat crave,

We'll fail you not in fight.”

“NO, it is not combat I crave, for come to that,

On this bench only beardless boys are sitting.

If I were hasped in armour on a high steed,

No man among you could match me, your might being meagre.

So I crave in this court a Christmas game,

For it is Yuletide and New Year, and young men abound here.

If any in this household is so hardy in spirit,

Of such mettlesome mind and so madly rash

As to strike a strong blow in return for another,

I shall offer to him this fine axe freely;

This axe, which is heavy enough, to handle as he please.

And I shall bide the first blow, as bare as I sit here.

If some intrepid man is tempted to try what I suggest, 28

Let him leap towards me and lay hold of this weapon,

Acquiring clear possession of it, no claim from me ensuing.

Then shall I stand up to his stroke, quite still on this floor—

So long as I shall have leave to launch a return blow Unchecked.

Yet he shall have a year

And a day's reprieve, I direct.

Now hasten and let me hear

Who answers, to what effect.”

IF he had astonished them at the start, yet stiller now

Were the henchmen in hall, both high and low.

The rider wrenched himself round in his saddle

And rolled his red eyes about roughly and strangely,

Bending his brows, bristling and bright, on all,

His beard swaying as he strained to see who would rise.

When none came to accord with him, he coughed aloud,

Then pulled himself up proudly, and spoke as follows:

“What, is this Arthur's house, the honour of which

Is bruited abroad so abundantly?

Has your pride disappeared? Your prowess gone?

Your victories, your valour, your vaunts, where are they? 30

The revel and renown of the Round Table

Is now overwhelmed by a word from one man's voice,

For all flinch for fear from a fight not begun!”

Upon this, he laughed so loudly that the lord grieved.

His fair features filled with blood For shame.

He raged as roaring gale;

His followers felt the same.

The King, not one to quail,

To that cavalier then came.

“BY heaven,” then said Arthur, “What you ask is foolish,

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

No good man here is aghast at your great words.

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

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

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

And fiercely the other fellow footed the floor.

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

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

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

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

Stern of face he stood there, stroking his beard,

Turning down his tunic in a tranquil manner,

Less umnmanned and dismayed by the mighty strokes

Than if a banqueter at the bench had brought him a drink Of wine.

Then Gawain at Guinevere's side

Bowed and spoke his design:

“Before all, King, confide

This fight to me. May it be mine.”

“IF you would, worthy lord,” said Gawain to the King,

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

Allowing me without lese-majesty to leave the table,

And if my liege lady were not displeased thereby,

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

For it appears unmeet to me, as manners go,

When your hall hears uttered such a haughty request,

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

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

Under heaven, I hold, the highest-mettled,

There being no braver knights when battle is joined.

I am the weakest, the most wanting in wisdom, I know, 34

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

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

No bounty but your blood in my body do I know.

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

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

And if I fail to speak fittingly, let this full court judge Without blame.”

Then wisely they whispered of it,

And after, all said the same:

That the crowned King should be quit,

And Gawain given the game.

THEN the King commanded the courtly knight to rise.

He directly uprose, approached courteously,

Knelt low to his liege lord, laid hold of the weapon;

And he graciously let him have it, lifted up his hand

And gave him God's blessing, gladly urging him

To be strong in spirit and stout of sinew.

“Cousin, take care,” said the King, “To chop once,

And if you strike with success, certainly I think

You will take the return blow without trouble in time.’

Gripping the great axe, Gawain goes to the man

Who awaits him unwavering, not quailing at all.

Then said to Sir Gawain the stout knight in green,

“Let us affirm our pact freshly, before going farther.

I beg you, bold sir, to be so good

As to tell me your true name, as I trust you to.”

“In good faith,” said the good knight, “Gawain is my name,

And whatever happens after, I offer you this blow,

And in twelve months'time I shall take the return blow

With whatever weapon you wish, and with no one else Shall I strive.”

The other with pledge replied,

“I'm the merriest man alive

It's a blow from you I must bide,

Sir Gawain, so may I thrive.”

“BY God,” said the Green knight, “Sir Gawain, I rejoice

That I shall have from your hand what I have asked for here.

And you have gladly gone over, in good discourse,

The covenant I requested of the King in full,

Except that you shall assent, swearing in truth,

To seek me yourself, in such place as you think

To find me under the firmament, and fetch your payment 38

For what you deal me today before this dignified gathering.”

“How shall I hunt for you? How find your home?”

Said Gawain, “By God that made me, I go in ignorance;

Nor, knight, do I konw your name or your court.

But instruct me truly thereof, and tell me your name,

And I shall wear out my wits to find my way there;

Here is my oath on it, in absolute honour!”

“That is enough this New Year, no more is needed,”

Said the gallant in green to Gawain the courteous,

“To tell you the truth, when I have taken the blow

After you have duly dealt it, I shall directly inform you

About my house and my home and my own name.

Then you may keep your covenant, and call on me,

And if I waft you no words, then well may you prosper,

Stay long in your own land and look for no further Trial.

Now grip your weapon grim;

Let us see your fighting style.”

“Gladly,” said Gawain to him,

Stroking the steel the while.

ON the ground the Green Knight graciously stood, 40

With head slightly slanting to expose the flesh.

His long and lovely locks he laid over his crown,

Baring the naked neck for the business now due.

Gawain gripped his axe and gathered it on high,

Adavnced the left foot before him on the ground,

And slashed swiftly down on the exposed part,

So that the sharp blade sheared through, shattering the bones,

Sank deep in the sleek flesh, split it in two,

And the scintillating steel struck the ground.

The fair head fell from the neck, struck the floor,

And people spurned it as it rolled around.

Blood spurted from the body, bright against the green.

Yet the fellow did not fall, nor falter one whit,

But stoutly sprang forward on legs still sturdy,

Roughly reached out among the ranks of nobles,

Seized his splendid head and straightway lifted it.

Then he strode to his steed, snatched the bridle,

Stepped into the stirrup and swung aloft,

Holding his head in his hand by the hair.

He settled himself in the saddle as steadily

As if nothing had happened to him, though he had No head.

He twisted his trunk about,

That gruesome body that bled;

He caused much dread and doubt

By the time his say was said.

FOR he held the head in his hand upright,

Pointed the face at the fairest in fame on the dais;

And it lifted its eyelids and looked glaringly,

And menacingly said with its mouth as you may now hear:

“Be prepared to perform what you promised, Gawain;

Seek faithfully till you find me, my fine fellow,

According to your oath in this hall in these knights'hearing.

Go to the Green Chapel without gainsaying to get

Such a stroke as you have struck. Strictly you deserve

That due redemption on the day of New Year.

As the Knight of the Green Chapel I am known to many;

Therefore if you ask for me, I shall be found.

So come, or else be called coward accordingly!”

Then he savagely swerved, sawing at the reins,

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

And the flint-struck fire flew up from the hooves.

What place he departed to no person there knew,

Nor could any account be given of the country he had come from. What then?

At the Green Knight Gawain and King 44

Grinned and laughed again;

But plainly approved the thing

As a marvel in the world of men.

THOUGH honoured King Arthur was at heart astounded,

He let no sign of it be seen, but said clearly

To the comely queen in courtly speech,

“Do not be dismayed, dear lay, today:

Such cleverness comes well at Christmastide,

Like the playing of interludes, laughter and song,

As lords and ladies delight in courtly carols.

However, I am now able to eat the repast,

Having seen, I must say, a sight to wonder at.”

He glanced at Sir Gawain, and gracefully said,

“Now sir, hang up your axe: you have hewn enough.”

And on the backcloth above the dais it was boldly hung

Where all men might mark it and marvel at it

And with truthful testimony tell the wonder of it.

Then to the table the two went together,

The King and the constant knight, and keen men served them

Double portions of each dainty with all due dignity,

All manner of meat, and minstrelsy too. 46

Daylong they delighted till darkness came To their shores.

Now Gawain give a thought,

Lest peril make you pause

In seeking out the sport

That you have claimed as yours.