drawing off darkness as our Deity decrees.

But wild-looking weather was about in the world: 2000

clouds decanted their cold rain earthwards;

the nithering north needled man’s very nature;

creatures were scattered by the stinging sleet.

Then a whip-cracking wind comes whistling between hills

driving snow into deepening drifts in the dales.

Alert and listening, Gawain lies in his bed;

his lids are lowered but he sleeps very little

as each crow of the cock brings his destiny closer.

Before day had dawned he was up and dressed

for the room was livened by the light of a lamp. 2010

To suit him in his metal and to saddle his mount

he called for a servant, who came quickly,

bounded from his bedsheets bringing his garments.

He swathes Sir Gawain in glorious style,

first fastening clothes to fend off the frost,

then his armour, looked after all the while by the household:

the buffed and burnished stomach and breastplates,

and the rings of chain-mail, raked free of rust,

all gleaming good as new, for which he is grateful

indeed. 2020

With every polished piece

no man shone more, it seemed

from here to ancient Greece.

He sent then for his steed.

He clothes himself in the costliest costume:

his coat with the brightly emblazoned badge

mounted on velvet; magical minerals

inside and set about it; embroidered seams;

a lining finished with fabulous furs …

And he did not leave off the lady’s lace girdle; 2030

for his own good, Gawain won’t forget that gift.

Then with his sword sheathed at his shapely hips

he bound himself twice about with the belt,

touchingly wrapped it around his waist.

That green silk girdle truly suited Sir Gawain

and went well with the rich red weaves that he wore.

But our man bore the belt not merely for its beauty,

or the appeal of its pennants, polished though they were,

or the gleam of its edges which glimmered with gold,

but to save his skin when presenting himself, 2040

without shield or sword, to the axe. To its swing

and thwack!

Now he is geared and gowned

he steps outside and thinks

those nobles of renown

are due his thorough thanks.

Then his great horse Gringolet was got up ready.

The steed had been stabled in comfort and safety

and snorted and stamped in readiness for the ride.

Gawain comes closer to examine his coat, 2050

saying soberly to himself, swearing on his word:

There are folk in this castle who keep courtesy to the forefront;

let the man who hosts them find endless happiness.

And let his lady be loved for the rest of her life.

That he chose, out of charity, to cherish a guest,

showing kindness and care, then may heaven’s King

reward him handsomely, and his household also.

For as long as I live in the lands of this world

I shall practise every means in my power to repay him.’

Then he steps in the stirrup and vaults to the saddle 2060