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themousefromfantasyland · 11 months

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The Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnelle

This is probably the most wholesome and sweet Arthurian tale, with a very sudden tragic ending.

This poem from 15th century, translated by me into modern English, is a gender swapped a Beauty and the Beast tale, a motif that in folklore is known as the Loathly Lady.

What draws my attention to this tale is that the main moral appear to be that men should treat women well even if they appear ugly and rude, and the spell that disfigures our female protagonist is only broken when Sir Gwain gives her the possibility of choosing, essentially giving her agency of her own. It's strangely progressive for a poem from the 15th century.

Listen and pay attention to the life of a wealthy lord, there was none like him while he lived, neither in bower nor in hall.

This adventure happened during the time of King Arthur, and it was a great adventure that he himself undertook,that courteous and noble King. He surpasses all kings, Arthur being the finest, and he carries away the honor of all knighthood, wherever he went. In his country, there was nothing but chivalry, and knights were beloved by that valiant lord, for cowards were always disgraced.

Now, will you please listen for a while to my tale, I shall tell you about King Arthur,

And an incident that once occurred to him.

He was out hunting in Sherwood Forest, with all his brave and noble knights -

Now, pay attention to my story!

The King was seated at his dining table, with his bow to hunt the wild deer, and his lords were seated beside him. As the King stood, he suddenly noticed a magnificent and beautiful stag, and swiftly he moved forward.

The stag was in a thick bracken fern, and the hounds pursued, staying hidden: All who saw it marveled at the King.

"Remain silent, everyone, I will go alone, if I can, Using the craft of stalking."

The King took a bow in his hand and in a woodman's manner, he stooped low to approach that deer.

As he came near to the deer, the deer suddenly leapt into a thorny bush, and the King continued to draw nearer and nearer.

So King Arthur went for a while after the deer, I believe, about half a mile, and no one went with him. And finally, he let fly at the deer and struck it fiercely and surely - Such grace God granted him.

The deer tumbled down in response, and fell into a dense thicket of ferns; The King pursued quickly.

Suddenly, a strange man approached the King, he was well-armored and confident, a knight strong and mighty. And he spoke grim words to the King:

"Well met, King Arthur! You have wronged me for many years, and now I shall seek revenge upon you; I believe your days are near their end. You have unjustly granted my lands to Sir Gawain, with great injustice. What say you, King, all alone?"

"Sir Knight, what is your honorable name?"

"Sir King," he said, "I am Gromer Somer Joure, I tell you that with certainty."

"Oh, Sir Gromer Somer, think well; You gain no honor by killing me here. Consider that you are a knight: If you kill me now in this situation, all knights will reject you wherever you go; That shame shall never leave you. Abandon your intention and use your wit, if something is wrong, I shall rectify it,if you will it before I depart."

"Nay," said Sir Gromer Somer, "by Heaven's King! You shall not escape so easily, without lying; I have you at my mercy. If I were to let you go with mockery, you would defy me another time; I will not fail in that."

"Now," said the King, "so help me God, save my life, and whatever you most desire,

I shall grant it to you now; It would be shameful to kill me while hunting, you armed and me clad only in green, indeed."

"All this will not help you, surely, for I desire neither land nor gold, truly, unless you grant me on a certain day, as I shall set, and in the same attire."

"Yes," said the King, "Here, take my hand."

"Yes, but listen, King, and hear me for a moment. First, you shall swear upon my brown sword to reveal to me, upon your arrival, what women love best in field and town, and you shall meet me here without sending exactly on this day twelve months hence; And you shall swear upon my good sword that none of your knights shall accompany you, by the Cross, neither stranger nor friend. And if you fail to bring an answer without fail, you shall lose your head for your troubles - This shall now be your oath. What do you say, King? Let's see, have it done!"

"Sir, I agree to this! Now let me go. Though it is very disagreeable to me, I assure you, as I am a true king, I will return at the end of this twelve months and bring you your answer."

"Now go your way, King Arthur. Your life is in my hands, I am fully certain; You are not aware of your sorrow. Wait, King Arthur, just a little while: Do not deceive me today, and keep everything in secrecy - For if I knew, by the Holy Mary, that you would betray me in the field, you would first lose your life."

"Nay," said King Arthur, "that cannot be. You will never find me an untruthful knight -

I would rather die. Farewell, Sir Knight, and ill fortune. I will come, and if I am alive on the appointed day, even if I never escape."

The King blew his bugle. Every knight heard it and recognized the sound; They went towards him. There they found the King and the deer, with a somber and heavy demeanor, without any desire to play.

"Now let us return home to Carlisle; I do not enjoy this hunting well,"

So said King Arthur. All the lords knew by his expression that the King had encountered some disturbance.

Upon reaching Carlisle, the King arrived, but no one knew of his heaviness; His heart was extremely heavy. In this sadness, he remained and many of his knights wondered that time, until finally, Sir Gawain spoke to the King:

"Sire, I am greatly amazed by the thing that troubles you deeply."

Then the King answered him tightly:

"I shall tell you, noble knight Gawain. In the forest as I was today, there I encountered a knight in his armor, and he spoke certain words to me, and charged me not to reveal him; His counsel I must keep, therefore, or else I am perjured."

"Nay, do not fear, my Lord! By the blessed Virgin Mary, I am not the man who would dishonor you, neither in the evening nor in the morning."

"Indeed, I was hunting in Inglewood; You know well that I slew a deer, by the Cross,

All by myself alone. There I met a knight well-armed; He told me his name was Sir Gromer Somer Joure: Therefore, I lament my situation. That knight fiercely threatened me and intended to slay me with great heat, but I spoke kindly in return. I had no weapons with me there; Alas! My honor is now gone because of it."

"What of it?" said Gawain.

"Why more? I shall not lie: He would have slain me there without mercy - And I was reluctant to do so. He made me swear that at the end of twelve months I should meet him there in the same manner; To that, I pledged my word. And also, I should tell him on the same day what women desire most, in good faith; Otherwise, I would lose my life. I made this oath to that knight, and that I should never reveal it to anyone; I had no choice in this matter. And also, I should come in no other attire but exactly as I was on that same day. And if I fail in my answer, I know I shall be slain right there. Do not blame me though I am a sorrowful man; All this is my dread and fear."

"Yes, Sir, take heart. Let your horse be made ready to ride into a foreign land; and wherever you encounter any man or woman, indeed, ask them what they say about it, and I shall also ride another way and inquire of every man and woman, gathering what I may of their answers; And I shall write them in a book."

"I agree," said the King promptly; "It is well advised, noble Gawain, by the Holy Cross."

Soon, they were both ready, Gawain and the King, truly. The King rode one way, and Gawain another and inquired of every man, woman, and other, what women desire most dearly. Some said they loved to be well-dressed, some said they loved to be admired, some said they loved a passionate man who could embrace them and kiss them. Some said one thing, some said another; and so, Gawain had gathered many answers. By the time Gawain had obtained what he could and returned by a certain day.

Sir Gawain had gathered so many answers that he had made a great book, indeed.

He returned to the court. At that time, the King came with his book, and they both looked at each other's pamphlets.

"This cannot fail," said Gawain.

"By God," said the King, "I greatly fear; I intend to seek a little more in Inglewood Forest. I have only a month until my appointed day; I may happen upon some good tidings - That seems best to me now."

"Do as you wish," then Gawain said, "Whatever you do, I am content; It is good to be proactive. Do not doubt, Lord, you shall succeed well; Some of your answers shall help when needed, else it would be displeasing."

King Arthur rode forth on another day into Inglewood as his path lay, and there he met with a Lady. She was an incredibly unattractive creature, as no man had ever seen, beyond measure. King Arthur marveled, for sure.

Her face was red, her nose snotty, her mouth wide, her teeth yellow and protruding, her eyes more bloated than a ball. Her mouth was nothing to admire: Her teeth hung over her lips, her cheeks as wide as women's hips. A lute she carried upon her back;

Her neck long and greatly thick; Her hair clumped in a heap; Her shoulders were a yard broad. Dangling breasts fit for a load, and she was shaped like a barrel. And to describe the foulness of that Lady, no tongue can adequately tell, truly; She had enough ugliness.

She sat on a gorgeously adorned palfrey, with gold and precious stones. It was an unseemly sight: So ugly a creature, beyond measure, to ride so finely, I assure you, It was neither reasonable nor right.

She rode up to Arthur and thus she said:

"God speed, Sir King! I am well pleased that I have met with you; Speak with me, I advise, before you go, for your life is in my hand, I warn you so; You shall find that, and I won't let it go."

"Why, what do you want with me, Lady, now?"

"Sir, I would like to speak with you and share good tidings. For all the answers you can offer, none of them shall help you at all. You shall know that, by the Cross. You think I do not know your secret, but I assure you, I know it entirely. If I do not help you, you are as good as dead. Grant me, Sir King, just one thing, and I guarantee your life's safety, or else you shall lose your head."

"What do you mean, Lady? Tell me straight, for I detest your words greatly; I have no need of you. What is your desire, fair Lady? Let me know quickly - What is your intention? And why is my life in your hand? Tell me, and I shall grant you whatever you ask."

"Indeed," said the Lady, "I am not evil. You must grant me a knight to marry: His name is Sir Gawain. And I shall make such a covenant with you that through my answer, your life shall be saved, otherwise, let my desire be in vain. And if my answer saves your life, grant me to be Gawain's wife. Consider now, Sir King. For it must be so, or you are as good as dead; Choose now, for you may soon lose your head. Tell me now, without delay."

"By Mary!" said the King, "I cannot grant you to guarantee Sir Gawain's marriage to you; It all lies in him alone. But if it is so, I will do my best to save my own life and make it secure; To Gawain, I will express my concern."

"Well," said she, "now go home again and speak fair words to Sir Gawain, for I may save your life. Though I am foul, I am still desirable; Through me, he may save your life, or else your death is certain."

"Alas!" he said, "Now woe is me that I should cause Gawain to marry you; For he will be reluctant to agree. To marry such an ugly Lady as you I have never seen in my life before; I know not what I may do."

"No matter, Sir King, though I am ugly; A mate for an owl is chosen. You shall get nothing more from me. When you return for your answer, right in this place, I shall meet you here, or else I know you are lost."

"Farewell," said the King, "Lady."

"Yes, Sir," she said, "there is a bird called an owl… And yet a Lady I am."

"What is your name, I pray you, tell me?"

"Sir King, I am called Dame Ragnelle, truly, that never yet beguiled a man."

"Dame Ragnelle, now have a good day."

"Sir King, God speed you on your way! Right here I shall meet you."

Thus they departed fair and well. The King soon came to Carlisle, and his heart heavy and great.

The first man he met was Sir Gawain, who said to the King,

"Sir, how have you fared?"

"Forsooth," said the King, "never so ill! Alas, I am on the verge of perishing, for I must be dead."

"Nay," said Gawain, "that cannot be! I would rather be dead myself, so may I thrive. These are ill tidings."

"Gawain, today I met the foulest Lady that I ever saw, certainly. She said she would save my life - But first, she would have you as her husband. Therefore, I am woeful - I lament in my heart."

"Is this all?" then said Gawain; "I shall wed her and wed her again,

Though she were a fiend; Though she were as foul as Beelzebub, I will wed her, by the Rood, or else I would not be your friend. For you are my King with honor and have honored me in many a battle; Therefore, I will not fail you. To save your life, Lord, it is my duty, even if I were false and a great coward; And my honor is the better for it."

"Indeed, Gawain, I met her in Inglewood. She told me her name, by the Rood: That it was Dame Ragnelle. She told me that unless I had an answer from her, all my efforts would be in vain - That is what she told me. And unless her answer helps me well, then let her have her desire in no measure - That was her covenant. But if her answer helps me, and no other, then she would have you: here is all together that she made a warrant."

"As for this," said Gawain, "it shall not hinder: I will wed her whenever you set it. I pray you, do not worry. For even if she were the most foul creature that men could ever see, for your love, I will not hesitate."

"Gramercy, Gawain," then said King Arthur; "Of all knights, you bear the flower that I have ever found. You have saved my honor and my life forever; Therefore, my love shall not be severed from you, as long as I am King in this land."

Then within five or six days the King must needs go on his way to deliver his answer.

The King and Sir Gawain rode out of town - No one with them, but they alone, neither far nor near.

When the King was within the forest:

"Sir Gawain, farewell, I must go west; You shall go no further."

"My Lord, God speed you on your journey. I wish I could now ride your way, for I am right woeful to part."

The King had ridden but a while, little more than the space of a mile bfore he met Dame Ragnelle.

"Ah, Sir King! You are now welcome here. I know you ride to deliver your answer; But it will avail you naught."

"Now," said the King, "since it will be no other way, tell me your answer now, and save my life; Gawain shall wed you. He has promised me to save my life, and you shall have your desire, both in chamber and in bed. Therefore, tell me now quickly - What will help me now at last? Enough, I cannot tarry."

"Sir," said Dame Ragnelle, "now you shall know what women desire most, high and low; I will not vary from this:

"Some men say we desire to be fair;

Also, we desire to have the attention

Of various strange men;

Also, we love to have pleasure in bed;

And often we desire to wed.

Thus, men do not understand

Yet, we desire another kind of thing:

To be regarded not as old, but fresh and young,

With flattery and sweet words and cunning -

So men can always win us women

By whatever they may crave.

You go about it nicely, I will not lie;

But there is one thing that is our utmost fantasy,

And now you shall know it.

We desire above all things from men

To have sovereignty, without lying,

Over all, both high and low.

For when we have sovereignty, all is ours,

Though a knight be ever so fierce,

And we always win the mastery.

Of the most manly is our desire:

To have the sovereignty of such a lord,

That is our craft and plan.

"Therefore, go, Sir King, on your way, and tell that knight, as I say, that it is as we desire most. He will be angry and unsought and curse her fast who taught it to you, for his labor is lost. Go forth, Sir King, and keep your promise, for your life is surely secured now, that I undertake with confidence."

The King rode forth in great haste, as fast as he could go through mire, moor, and fen, where the place was designated and set then.

There he met Sir Gromer, and stern words he spoke to the King:

"Come off, Sir King, now let's see your answer, what it shall be, for I am ready and prepared."

The King pulled out two books:

"Sir, here is my answer, I dare say; Some will help in need."

Sir Gromer looked at them all:

"Nay, nay, Sir King, you are as good as dead; Therefore, now you shall bleed."

"Wait, Sir Gromer," said King Arthur, "I have one answer that will make all sure."

"Let me see," then said Sir Gromer, "Or else, so help me God, as I say, you shall have your death with great pain, I assure you now."

"Now," said the King, "I see, as I guess, in you, there is but little gentleness, by God who always aids. Here is our answer, and that is all that women desire most specifically, both free and bound:

"I say no more, but above all things

Women desire sovereignty, for that is their pleasure.

And that is their utmost desire,

To have control over the manliest men,

And then they are satisfied. They informed me

To rule you, Sir Gromer."

"And she who told you, Sir Arthur, I pray to God, I may see her burn in a fire; For she was my sister, Dame Ragnelle, that old scot, God give her shame. Otherwise, I would have made you completely obedient; Now I have lost much effort. Go where you will, King Arthur, for you can be assured of me. Alas, that I ever see this day! Now I know well, you will be my enemy. And at such a distance I will never get you; My song may be 'Alas!'"

"No," said the King, "I make a vow: I will have some armor to defend myself,

That I swear to God! You will never find me in such a plight; And if you do, let me be beaten and bound, as is the best proof for you."

"Now, have a good day," said Sir Gromer.

"Farewell," said Sir Arthur, "so may I be helped, I am glad I have succeeded."

King Arthur turned his horse into the plain, and soon he met Dame Ragnelle again, in the same place and spot.

"Sir King, I am glad you have succeeded well. I told you how it would be, every bit;

Now hold what you have promised: Since I have saved your life, and no one else, Gawain must wed me, Sir Arthur, he is a very noble knight."

"No, Lady, I will not fail you what I promised. If you will be guided by my counsel, you shall have your desire."

"No, Sir King, now I will not do so; Openly I will be wedded, or I will part from you, or else, you will be shamed. Consider how I have saved your life. Therefore, do not argue with me now, for if you do, you are to blame."

The King felt great shame because of her, but she rode forth, although he was displeased; Until they arrived at Carlisle, they continued on.

She rode past him into the court; She spared no man, boldly - It greatly displeased the King.

The entire country was greatly astonished from where she came, that foul and unsweet creature;

They had never seen anything so foul.

She entered the hall, indeed.

"Arthur, King, fetch me Sir Gawain, before the knights, quickly - So that I may now be made secure. In good times and bad, bind us together, before all your chivalry. This is your promise; let's see it, be done. Send for Sir Gawain, my love, immediately, for I won't wait any longer."

Then Sir Gawain, the knight, came forward:

"Sir, I am ready for what I have promised you, to fulfill all agreements."

"God have mercy!" said Dame Ragnelle then; "I wish I were a beautiful woman for your sake, for you have such goodwill."

Then Sir Gawain pledged his loyalty to her in good times and bad, as a true knight; Then Dame Ragnelle was joyful.

"Alas!" then said Dame Gaynor; So said all the ladies in her chamber, and wept for Sir Gawain.

"Alas!" said both the King and knight, that he should wed such a creature, she was so foul and horrible. She had two tusks on each side like boar's tusks, I won't hide, of considerable length. One tusk went up and the other down. A mouth wide and terribly grown, with gray hairs in abundance. Her lips lay wrinkled on her chin; Her neck, truly, could not be seen - She was hideous! She would not be wed in any other way but with a proclamation throughout the shire, in town and borough.

All the ladies of the land she commanded to come at hand to uphold that bridal ceremony. So it happened one day that the foul maiden was to be married to Sir Gawain.

The day had come, the day it was to be; The ladies pitied her greatly.

"Alas!" they all exclaimed.

The Queen pleaded with Dame Ragnelle, indeed -

"To be married in the early morning, as privately as you can."

"No!" she said; "By Heaven's King, I will never do that, no matter what, no matter what you say. I will be wed openly, for with the King I made such a covenant. I leave no doubt for you, I will not go to church until High Mass time and I will dine in the open hall, in the midst of the crowd."

"I agree," said Dame Gaynor; "But it would seem more honorable to me and most befitting your worship."

"Yes, as for that, Lady, God save you. Today I will have my honor, I tell you without boasting."

She prepared to go to church and all the nobles who were there, Sir, without lying.

She was adorned in the richest manner, more splendid than Dame Gaynor; her attire was worth three thousand marks of fine red gold coins, stiff and strong, so richly she was adorned.

Despite her clothing, she stood out as the foulest creature that anyone had seen - No one had ever seen such a hideous sow. To make a long story short, when she was married, they went home quickly;

They all went to the feast. This foul Lady took the high seat; She was very ugly and not courteous, so they all said. When the food was served before her, she ate as much as six people combined; Many a man marveled at that. Her nails were three inches long, with them she broke her food rudely; That's why she ate alone.

She ate three capons and also three curlews, and she devoured large baked dishes, indeed. Everyone marveled at it. No food came before her that she didn't eat, more or less, that pretty, foul damsel.

All the men who saw her said the devil should gnaw her bones, both knight and squire.

So she ate until the food was finished, until they removed the tablecloths and washed, as is the custom and manner.

Many men spoke of various dishes; I believe you can guess there were plenty, both tame and wild. In King Arthur's court, there was no shortage of delicacies that could be obtained by man's hand, neither in forest nor in field. There were minstrels from different countries.

[The manuscript is missing one leaf at this point, containing about seventy lines; the narrative continues at the moment of Ragnelle's and Gawain's wedding night.]

"Ah, Sir Gawain, since I have wed you, show me your courtesy in bed; It cannot be denied rightfully. In truth, Sir Gawain," the Lady said, and if I were fair, you would show more affection, but you pay no heed to marriage. Yet, for Arthur's sake, kiss me at least; I beg you to grant me this request. Let's see how you can perform."

Sir Gawain said, "I will do more than just a kiss, and with God as witness!"

He turned to her. He saw her as the most beautiful creature he had ever seen, without measure. She said, "What is your desire?

"Ah, Jesus!" he said; "Who are you?"

"Sir, I am your wife, certainly. Why are you so unkind?"

"Ah, Lady, I am to blame. I beg your pardon, my fair madam - It was not my intention.

You are a fair lady in my eyes, and today you were the foulest creature I have ever seen with my eyes. Well, I am glad, my Lady, to have you thus" - And he embraced her in his arms and kissed her and rejoiced greatly, securely.

"Sir," she said, "this is how you shall have me: Choose one of the two, as God is my witness, my beauty will not last - Whether you want me fair at night and as ugly in daylight to everyone's sight, or else have me fair during the day and the ugliest wife at night - You must choose one. Choose one, Sir Knight, whichever you prefer, yo save your honor."

"Alas!" said Gawain; "The choice is difficult. To choose the best, it is challenging,

No matter which choice I make: To have you fair at night and nothing more, that would grieve my heart greatly, and I would lose my honor. And if I desire to have you fair during the day, then at night I would have a simple companion. Now I would gladly choose the best: I don't know what to say in this world, but do as you wish now, my gay Lady. I put the choice in your hand: Whatever you will, I leave it in your hands. Release me when you wish, for I am bound; I entrust the choice to you. Both body and possessions, heart and every part, Are all yours to buy and sell - That I vow to God!"

"Thank you, courteous Knight," said the Lady; "May you be blessed among all earthly knights, for now I am honored. You shall have me fair both day and night and for as long as I live, fair and bright; Therefore, do not be troubled. For I was shaped by necromancy, by my stepmother, may God have mercy on her, and by enchantment; And I was supposed to be different, you see, until the best knight in England truly wedded me, and he should have given me sovereignty over his entire body and possessions, indeed. Thus, I was deformed; But you, Sir Knight, courteous Gawain, have given me sovereignty, indeed, that will never anger you, early or late. Kiss me, Sir Knight, right here and now; I pray thee, be glad and make good cheer, for I am well begun."

There they rejoiced with all their might, for it was right and natural,just the two of them alone. She thanked God and the merciful Mary for being restored from her defilement; So did Sir Gawain. He made merry in her chamber and thanked Our Savior, I tell you, for certain.

With joy and mirth they stayed till day, and then they wished to rise, that fair maiden.

"You shall not," Sir Gawain said; "We will lie and sleep till prime and then let the King call us to dine."

"I am agreed," then said the maid.

Thus it passed on till midday.

"Sirs," said the King, "let us go and see if Sir Gawain is alive. I am very afraid for Sir Gawain, now lest the devil has slain him; Now I would like to know."

"Go we now," said Arthur the King. "We will go see their awakening, and how well he has fared."

They came to the chamber, all uncertain.

"Arise," said the King to Sir Gawain; "Why do you sleep so long in bed?"

"Mary," said Gawain, "Sir King, surely, I would be glad if you would let me be,

For I am well at ease. Wait, you shall see the door undone! I think that you will say I am well gone; I am loath to rise."

Sir Gawain rose, and in his hand he took his fair Lady, and to the door he shook, and opened the door very fairly. She stood in her chemise by that fire; Her hair fell to her knees like red gold wire.

"Lo, this is my wife, as you can see! Look!" said Gawain to Arthur till - "Sir, this is my wife, Dame Ragnelle, who once saved your life."

He told the King and the Queen before them how suddenly she had transformed from her shape -

"My Lord, now with your leave" -

And what was the cause she was deformed Sir Gawain told the King all the details.

"I thank God," said the Queen; "I thought, Sir Gawain, she would have harmed you;

Therefore, in my heart I was sorely aggrieved. But the opposite is now seen!"

There was game, revelry, and play, and every man said to another, "She is a fair creature."

Then the King told them all how Dame Ragnelle had helped him in need, "Or my death would have been ordained."

Then Gawain told the King all together how she was transformed by her stepmother until a knight had helped her regain her form.

There she told the King fair and well how Gawain granted her sovereignty in every aspect, and what choice she gave to him.

"God bless him for his courtesy; He saved me from misfortune and dishonor that was full foul and grim. Therefore, courteous Knight and noble Gawain, I shall never anger you, that I promise now here. While I live, I shall be obedient; To God above, I shall bear witness, and never engage in strife with you."

"Gramercy, Lady," then said Gawain; "With you, I am fully content and I trust to find."

He said, "My love she shall have. Thereafter, she shall never need to ask for more, For she has been so kind to me."

The Queen said, and all the ladies, "She is the fairest now in this hall, I swear by Saint John! My love, Lady, you shall have forever for saving my Lord Arthur, as I am a gentlewoman."

Sir Gawain beget his Gingalyn who was a good knight of strength and kin and of the Round Table.

At every great feast that Lady should be. Of fairness, she carried away the beauty,

Wherever she walked on the ground. Gawain loved that Lady, Dame Ragnelle; In all his life, he loved none so well, I tell you without lying. As a coward, he lay beside her day and night. Never would he engage in jousting rightly; At that, Arthur the King marveled.

She prayed the King for his gentleness, "To be a good lord to Sir Gromer, indeed, for what he has done to you."

"Yes, Lady, I will do that now for your sake, for I know well he cannot make amends; He acted rudely towards me."

Now to bring this to a short conclusion, I intend to end it very soon, this tale of the gentle Lady. She lived with Sir Gawain but five years; That grieved Gawain all his life, I tell you assuredly.

In her life, she never grieved him; Therefore, no woman was dearer to him.

Thus ends my tale. She was the fairest Lady of all England, when she was alive, I understand; So said Arthur the King. Thus ends the adventure of King Arthur, who often in his days was greatly troubled, and the wedding of Gawain. Gawain was wedded often in his days; But he never loved a woman so constantly, as I have heard men say.

This adventure happened in Inglewood, as good King Arthur went hunting; Thus have I heard men tell. Now, God, as you were born in Bethlehem, never let their souls be lost in the burning fire of hell!

And, Jesus, as you were born of a virgin, help him out of the sorrow that devised this tale, and do it quickly, for he is surrounded by many jailers who keep him securely, with wrongs and cunning. Now, God, as you are the true Royal King, help him out of the danger who created this tale, for he has been in it for a long time. And in great pity, help your servant, For body and soul I yield into your hands, for he suffers greatly.

Here ends the wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnelle for the help of King Arthur.