and where the lady’s unlikely visit might lead.

Yet he said to himself, ‘Instead of this stealth

I should ask openly what her actions imply.’

So he stirred and stretched, turned on his side, 1200

lifted his eyelids and, looking alarmed,

signed himself hurriedly with his hand, as if saving

his life.

Her chin is pale, her cheeks

are ruddy red with health;

her smile is sweet, she speaks

with lips which love to laugh:

‘Good morning, Sir Gawain,’ said the graceful lady.

‘You sleep so soundly one might sidle in here.

You’re tricked and you’re trapped! But let’s make a truce, 1210

or I’ll besiege you in your bed, and you’d better believe me.’

She giggled girlishly as she teased good Gawain.

The man in the bed said, ‘Good morning, ma’am.

I’ll contentedly attend whatever task you set,

and in serving your desires I shall seek your mercy,

which seems my best plan, in the circumstances!’

And he loaded his light-hearted words with laughter.

‘But my gracious lady, if you grant me leave,

will you pardon this prisoner and prompt him to rise,

then I’ll quit these covers and pull on my clothes, 1220

and our words will flow more freely back and forth.’

‘Not so, beautiful sir,’ the sweet lady said.

‘Bide in your bed – my own plan is better.

I’ll tuck in your covers corner to corner,

then playfully parley with the man I have pinned.

Because I know your name – the knight Sir Gawain,

famed through the realm whichever road he rides,

whose princely honour is highly praised

amongst lords and ladies and everyone alive.

And right here you lie. And we are left all alone, 1230

with my husband and his huntsmen away in the hills

and the servants snoring and my maids asleep

and the door to this bedroom barred with a bolt.

I have in my house an honoured guest

so I’ll take my time; I’ll be talking to him for

a while.

You’re free to have my all,

do with me what you will.

I’ll come just as you call

and swear to serve you well.’ 1240

‘In good faith,’ said Gawain, ‘such gracious flattery,

though in truth I’m not nearly such a noble knight.

I don’t dare to receive the respect you describe

and in no way warrant such worthy words.

But by God, I’d be glad, if you give me the right,

to serve your desires, and with action or speech

bring you perfect pleasure. The honour would be priceless.’

Said the gracious lady, ‘Sir Gawain, in good faith,

how improper on my part if I were to imply

any slur or slight on your status as a knight. 1250

But what lady in this land wouldn’t latch the door,

wouldn’t rather hold you as I do here –

in the company of your clever conversation,

forgetting all grief and engaging in joy –

than hug to her heart a hoard of gold?

I praise the Lord who upholds the high heavens,