for I have what I hoped for above all else by

his grace.’

That lovely looking maid,

she charmed him and she chased. 1260

But every move she made

he countered, case by case.

‘Madam,’ said our man, ‘may Mary bless you,

in good faith, you are kind and the fairest of the fair.

Some fellows are praised for the feats they perform;

I hardly deserve to receive such respect,

whereas you are genuinely joyful and generous.’

‘By Mary,’ she declared, ‘it’s quite the contrary.

Were I the wealthiest woman in the world

with priceless pearls in the palm of my hand 1270

to bargain with and buy the best of all men,

then for all the signs you have shown me, sir,

of kindness, courtesy and exquisite looks –

a picture of perfection now proved to be true –

no person on this planet would be picked before you.’

‘In fairness,’ said Gawain, ‘you found far better.

But I’m proud of the price you would pay from your purse,

and will swear to serve you as my sovereign for ever.

Let Christ now know that Gawain is your knight.’

Then they muse on many things through morning and midday, 1280

and the lady stares with a loving look,

but Gawain is a gentleman and remains on guard,

and although no woman could be warmer or more winning,

he is cool in his conduct, on account of the scene he

foresees:

the strike he must receive,

as cruel fate decrees.

The lady begs her leave –

at once Gawain agrees.

She glanced at him, laughed and gave her goodbye, 1290

then stood, and stunned him with astounding words:

‘May the Lord repay you for your prize performance.

But I know that Gawain could never be your name.’

‘But why not?’ asked the knight, in need of an answer,

afraid that some fault in his manners had failed him.

The beautiful woman blessed him, then rebuked him:

‘A good man like Gawain, so greatly regarded,

the embodiment of courtliness to the bones of his being,

could never have lingered so long with a lady

without craving a kiss, as politeness requires, 1300

or coaxing a kiss with his closing words.’

‘Very well, ‘said Gawain, ‘let’s do as you wish.

If a kiss is your request I shall keep my promise

faithfully to fulfil you, so ask no further.’

The lady comes close, cradles him in her arms,

leans nearer and nearer, then kisses the knight.

Then they courteously commend one another to Christ,

and without one more word the woman is away.

He leaps from where he lies at a heck of a lick,

calls for his chamberlain, chooses his clothes, 1310

makes himself ready then marches off to Mass.

Then he went to a meal which was made and waiting,

and was merry and amused till the moon had silvered

the view.

No man felt more at home

tucked in between those two,

the cute one and the crone.

Their gladness grew and grew.