🧚 Opening, part 2

Then Sir Gawain began to search his wounds, for in those days, so far as God suffered the sun to shine might no man find one so skilled in leech-craft, for that man whom he took in his care, were the life but left in him, would neither lack healing nor die of any wound.1

Then spake the knight who lay there: "Woe is me, for I may neither eat nor drink; my heart beginneth to sink, mine eyes fail me, methinks I am about to die!2 Yet might I live, and would God grant to me that all ye who sit here beside me might hear my words, I had fain spoken with the king, whom I sought as best I might, in that I would not be forsworn; needs must I come hither!"3

Then quoth Sir Gawain the good: "Sir Knight, have ye no dread of death as at this time, for I shall help you to a respite."4 He drew forth from his pouch a root that had this virtue, that it stayed the flow of blood and strengthened the feeble; he placed it in the knight's mouth, and bade him eat a little; therewith was his heart lightened, and he began to eat and to drink, and forgat somewhat of his pain.5

Erst when the service was ended came King Arthur to the knight as he lay, and said: "God give ye good-day, dear Sir Knight; tell me who hath wounded ye so sorely, and how came ye by your hurt?6 Did the knight who wrought such harm depart from ye unscathed?"7

Then spake the knight to the king, who stood before him: "That will I tell ye, for I am sworn and pledged thereto. '8 Tis seven years past that I lost all my goods, and poverty pressed me so sorely that I knew not what I might do.9 Thus would I keep myself by robbery.10 My tithes had I sold, I had spent all my goods, and pledged all my heritage, so that of all that my father left when he departed from this world there remained to me nothing.11 Naught, not a straw, had I left.12 Yet had I given much in largesse, for I had frequented many a tourney and Table Round where I had scattered my goods; whosoever craved aught of me, whether for want or for reward, were he page, were he messenger, never did he depart empty-handed.13 Never did I fail any who besought aid of me.14 Thus I spent all my goods.15 Then must I fare through the land; and did I meet folk (though at first I shamed me) whomsoever I met, whether pilgrim or merchant, did he bear goods or money with him, so did I deal with him that I won it for myself.16 But little might escape me.17 I have done many an evil deed!18 Now is it three days past since, as I fared on my way, a knight met me, and I deemed his steed so good that I coveted it above all things, but when I laid hands upon the bridle and bade the knight dismount then was he ready with his sword and repaid me with such a blow that I forgot who I was and all that had befallen me; so fierce was the stroke he dealt me!19 And though I betook me to arms they profited me not a jot; his blows were so heavy, they weighed even as lead.20 He pierced through my harness, as ye may see in many places, smiting through flesh and bone.21 But from me did he receive no blow that might turn to his loss.22 Therefore must I yield myself to him, and swear by my troth, would I save my life, to come hither to ye as swiftly as I might, and delay no whit, but yield me your prisoner.23 And this have I now done, and I yield myself to your grace, Sir King, avowing my misdeeds that I have wrought in this world, whether in thought or deed."24

Then quoth the king: "Wit ye well who he was, and how he was hight, who sent ye hither?25 Of what fashion was his steed, and what tokens did he bear?"26

And the knight answered: "Of that ye would ask me may I tell ye naught, save only that the knight's steed and armour were red as blood, and he seemed to me of Wales by his speech, and by all I might discern of him.27 Thereto is he of such might that I ween his equal may scarce be found in Christendom; that may I also say in truth, since such ill chance befell me that I met with him when my intent was evil, and not good."28

Then King Arthur cried aloud that all might hear him, that the knight was surely none other than Sir Perceval.29 He tore his hair, and demeaned himself as one sorely vexed, and spake: "Though I be lord of riches yet may I say that I am friendless!30 This may I say forsooth; since I lost Perceval, and the ill chance befell me that he had the will and the desire to seek the Grail and the spear (which he may not find) many a wounded knight hath he sent as captive to my court, whom, for their misdoing, he hath vanquished by his might.31 Ever shall he be thanked therefor.32 Now have I no knight so valiant of mind that for my sake will seek Perceval and bring him to court.33 Yet I and my court and my country alike are shamed and dishonoured in that we have so long lacked his presence, and for this am I above measure sorrowful."34

Then spake Sir Kay the seneschal: "God-wot I shall fetch Perceval, whether he will or no, and bring hither to court him whom ye praise so highly, and believe me well, were he wrought of iron, by the God who made me I will bring him living or dead!35 Does this content ye, my lord king?"36

Then stood Arthur and laughed aloud, and likewise did all the knights who heard Sir Kay speak.37 And the king said: "Sir Kay, let this talk be; ye should of right be shamed when ye hear the Welshman's name!38 Have ye altogether forgot how ye boasted yourself aforetime, even as ye have now done, and then how ye met Perceval, whom ye had scarce sought?39 There were ye ill-counselled; ye thought to bring him without his will, but the knight was not so feeble, he gave ye a blow that brake your collar-bone and thrust ye from your steed, feet upward, with little honour!40 Had he so willed he had slain ye.41 Idle boasting is great shame.42 An I hear ye make further boast of seeking knights I shall owe ye small thanks.43 Little would he heed your compelling!44 In such quest must another ride would I be comforted by the coming of this knight!"45

Quoth Sir Gawain, "Ye mind me of an old saying, Sir Kay, how if some men grow old, and God should spare them even to an hundred years, then would they be but the more foolish--such an one, methinks, are ye!46 Now believe ye my tale; did ye once find Perceval, an ye thought to say to him other than he chose to hear, by the Lord above us ye dare not do it for the king's crown, who is lord of this land, he would put ye to such great shame!47 Of long time, and full well, do I know his ways!48 When he is well entreated, and men do naught to vex him, then is he gentle as a lamb, but an ye rouse him to wrath then is he the fiercest wight of God's making--in such wise is he fashioned.49 Gentle and courteous is he to all the world, rich and poor, so long as men do him no wrong, but let his temper be changed, and nowhere shall ye find his fellow!"50