the cheeks of the crone were wattled and slack.

One was clothed in a kerchief clustered with pearls

which shone like snow – snow on the slopes

of her upper breast and bright bare throat.

The other was noosed and knotted at the neck,

her chin enveloped in chalk-white veils,

her forehead fully enfolded in silk

with detailed designs at the edges and hems; 960

nothing bare, except for the black of her brows

and the eyes and nose and naked lips

which were chapped and bleared and a sorrowful sight.

A grand old mother, a matriarch she might

be hailed.

Her trunk was square and squat,

her buttocks bulged and swelled.

Most men would sooner squint

at her whose hand she held.

Then Gawain glanced at the gracious-looking woman, 970

and by leave of the lord he approached those ladies

saluting the elder with a long, low bow,

holding the other for a moment in his arms,

kissing her respectfully and speaking with courtesy.

They request his acquaintance, and quickly he offers

to serve them unswervingly should they say the word.

They take him between them and talk as they walk

to a hearth full of heat, and hurriedly ask

for specially spiced cakes, which were speedily fetched,

and wine filled each goblet again and again. 980

Frequently the lord would leap to his feet

insisting that mirth and merriment be made:

hauling off his hood he hoisted it on a spear –

a prize, he promised, to the person providing

most comfort and cheer at Christmas time.

‘And my fellows and friends shall help in my fight

to see that it hangs from no head but my own.’

So the laughter of that lord lights up the room,

and Gawain and the gathering are gladdened by games

till late. 990

So late, his lordship said,

that lamps should burn with light.

Then, blissful, bound for bed,

Sir Gawain waved goodnight.

So the morning dawns when man remembers

the day our redeemer was born to die,

and every house on earth is joyful for Lord Jesus.

Their day was no different, being a diary of delights:

banquets and buffets were beautifully cooked

and dutifully served to diners at the dais.1000

The ancient elder sat highest at the table

with the lord, I believe, in the chair to her left;

the sweeter one and Gawain took seats in the centre

and were first at the feast to dine, then food

was carried around as custom decrees

and served to each man as his status deserved.

There was feasting, there was fun, and such feelings of joy

as could not be conveyed by quick description,

yet to tell it in detail would take too much time.

But I’m aware that Gawain and the beautiful woman 1010

found such comfort and closeness in each other’s company

through warm exchanges of whispered words

and refined conversation free from foulness

that their pleasure surpassed all princely sports

by far.

Beneath the din of drums