there’ll be no more shilly-shallying, I shall shatter you

right now.’

He stands to strike, a sneer

from bottom lip to brow.

Who’d fault Gawain if fear

took hold? All hope is down.

Hoisted and aimed, the axe hurtled downwards,

the blade bearing down on the knight’s bare neck, 2310

a ferocious blow, but far from being fatal

it skewed to one side, just skimming the skin

and finely snicking the fat of the flesh

so that bright red blood shot from body to earth.

Seeing it shining on the snowy ground

Gawain leapt forward a spear’s length at least,

grabbed hold of his helmet and rammed it on his head,

brought his shield to his side with a shimmy of his shoulder,

then brandished his sword before blurting out brave words,

because never since birth, as his mother’s babe, 2320

was he half as happy as here and now.

‘Enough swiping, sir, you’ve swung your last swing.

I’ve borne one blow without bottling out,

go for me again and you’ll get some by return,

with interest! Hit out, and be hit in an instant,

and hard.

One axe-attack – that’s all.

Now keep the covenant

agreed in Arthur’s hall

and hold the axe in hand.’ 2330

The warrior steps away and leans on his weapon,

props the handle in the earth and slouches on the head

and studies how Gawain is standing his ground,

bold in his bearing, brave in his actions,

armed and ready. In his heart he admires him.

With volume but less violence in his voice, he replied

with reaching words which rippled and rang:

‘Be a mite less feisty, fearless young fellow,

no insulting or heinous incident has happened

beyond the game we agreed on in the court of your king. 2340

One strike was promised – consider it served!

From any lingering loyalties you are hereby released.

Had I mustered all my muscles into one mega-blow

my axe would have dealt you your death, without doubt.

But my first strike fooled you – a feint, no less –

not fracturing your flesh, which was only fair

in keeping with the contract we declared that first night,

for with truthful behaviour you honoured my trust

and gave up your gains as a good man should.

Then I missed you once more, and this for the morning 2350

when you kissed my pretty wife then kindly kissed me.

So twice you were truthful, therefore twice I left

no scar.

The person who repays

will live to feel no fear.

The third time, though, you strayed,

and felt my blade therefore.’

‘Because the belt you are bound with belongs to me;

it was woven by my wife so I know it very well.

And I know of your courtesies, and conduct, and kisses, 2360

and the wooing of my wife – for it was all my work!

I sent her to test you – and in truth it turns out

you’re by the far the most faultless fellow on earth.