of the fight to the finish as it fled through the forest.

And Gawain is quick to compliment the conquest,

praising it as proof of the lord’s prowess, 1630

for such prime pieces of perfect pork

and such sides of swine were a sight to be seen.

Then admiringly he handles the hog’s great head,

feigning fear to flatter the master’s feelings.

‘Now, Gawain,’ said the lord, ‘I give you this game,

as our wager warranted, as well you remember.’

‘Certainly,’ said Sir Gawain. ‘It shall be so.

And graciously I shall give you my gains in exchange.’

He catches him by the neck and courteously kisses him,

then a second time kisses him in a similar style. 1640

‘Now we’re even,’ said Gawain, ‘at this evening’s end;

the clauses of our contract have been kept and you have what

I owe.’

‘By Saint Giles,’ the just lord says,

‘This knight’s the best I know.

By wagering this way

his gains will grow and grow.’

Then the trestle-tables were swiftly assembled

and cast with fine cloths. A clear, living light

from the waxen torches awakened the walls. 1650

Places were set and supper was served,

and a din arose as they revelled in a ring

around the fire in the fireplace, and the feasting party

sang song after song, at supper and beyond,

both traditional ditties and carols of the day,

with as much amusement as a mouth could mention.

The young woman and Gawain sat together all the while.

And so loving was that lady towards the young lord,

with stolen glances and secret smiles

that it muddled his mind and sent him half mad, 1660

but to snub a noblewoman was not in his nature,

and though tongues might wag he returned her attention

all night.

Before his friends retire

his lordship leads the knight,

heads for his hearth and fire

to linger by its light.

They supped and swapped stories, and spoke again

of the night to come next, which was New Year’s Eve.

Gawain pleaded politely to depart by morning, 1670

so in two days’ time he might honour his treaty.

But the lord was unswerving, insisting that he stayed:

‘As an honest soul I swear on my heart,

you shall find the green chapel to finalise your affairs

long before dawn on New Year’s Day.

So lie in your room and laze at your leisure

while I ride my estate, and, as our terms dictate,

we’ll trade our trophies when the hunt returns.

I have tested you twice and found you truthful.

But think tomorrow third time throw best. 1680

Now, a lord can feel low whenever he likes,

so let’s chase cheerfulness while we have the chance.’

So those gentlemen agreed that Gawain would stay,

and they took more drink, then by torchlight retired to

their beds.

Our man then sleeps, a most

reposed and peaceful rest.

As hunters must, his host

is up at dawn and dressed.

After Mass the master grabs a meal with his men 1690