🧚 Opening, part 6 · page 2

This did he tell to his folk, and it pleased them well, and they spake with one mouth that he had found the best counsel.55 They made no further questioning, but armed themselves, and rode forth, as they who would waylay Sir Gawain, when his host had sent him on his way.56 Thus they went forth from thence a great company, and well armed.57 Very wrathful were they, and they went right willingly.58 The host who would follow them called to him his seneschal, who was cruel and cunning, and bade him carry his armour to their guest straightway, and deliver it to him as if he should ride thence as soon as he had arisen, and delay no whit.59

Straightway the seneschal betook him to a fair chamber (hearken ye to an evil tale!) where he found Sir Gawain's weapons and his good armour.60 He stole from Sir Gawain his good sword, that which he placed in its sheath was not worth twopence; he cut the straps of the harness well nigh in twain in the midst, and made a great score in the stirrup leathers so cunningly that no man might see or know aught thereof beneath the covering of the harness.61 And the saddle-girths did the traitor so handle that Sir Gawain was sore grieved there-for ere he had ridden a mile; he would not that it had so chanced for all King Arthur's kingdom--that shall ye hear anon.62

When the seneschal who had wrought this treason had brought Sir Gawain's weapons and his horse that had been well cared for that night--they deemed it should be theirs ere long, 'twas a strong steed and well standing, and since they thought to have their pleasure of it they gave it provender enow--the host bade them undo the door and hold Sir Gawain's steed there without.63 The harness was in place, whereof I have told ye that it was so traitorously handled; then came forth the knight, who had arisen, and clad himself in fair robes, and descended the stairway.64 Little thought had he of the treason which in short while befell him.65 The seneschal held in his hand the false sword, well hidden in its sheath, and the while Sir Gawain made him ready did he gird it at his side--for that was the knight thereafter unblithe.66

The while they thus made ready came the lord of the castle to Sir Gawain, and said: "Ye are early astir Sir Knight; how comes it that ye be thus hurried at this time?67 Scarce have ye slept, and arisen, ere ye would ride hence.68 Have ye heard Mass, and broken your fast ere ye depart?"69

Quoth Sir Gawain: "Dear mine host, I grieve that ye yet sorrow; so may God guard me and bring me to His grace when I die as I truly mourn for your mischance.70 I will it were yet to do!"71 Quoth Sir Gawain the bold: "Though 'twere hard and painful to me yet would I for seven years long wear haircloth next my body, wherever I fared, for this that ye have received me so well.72 Nevertheless be ye sure of a truth--I may not deny it this day for any man, how strong soever he might be, nor through fear of any that may hear me, foe or friend--but I must needs say in sooth your son had merited his death many a time and oft ere the day came that he died!73 Now may God have mercy upon him!74 And God reward ye for the great good, and the honour, that ye do to me, all ye here, in that I have been at your charges."75

Then was the host sore vexed, and he said: "I will do ye no harm for aught that hath chanced by ye; nevertheless, there be here many a man who had fain fallen upon ye, but I tell ye I will not that aught befall ye here; nor that my peace be broken, nor vengeance taken upon ye.76 I shall go with ye as ye ride hence, and ride with ye so far that ye be not led astray by any who remain behind.77 I were loth that harm befell ye."78

Sir Gawain spake: "For that may God, who ruleth over all, reward ye."79 He took the bridle in his hand and rode forth, the host nigh to him; and at his side went he who had betrayed him aforehand.80 Now cometh great sorrow upon Sir Gawain.81 He deemed that he had safe conduct, but he had lost from its sheath his sword, which had been stolen from him; and that which the seneschal had put in its place when he drew forth the good brand was more brittle than glass.82 Thereto had he cunningly handled the harness, girths and stirrup-leather, whereof Sir Gawain knew naught, and the lord of the castle had sent afore the strongest and most valiant of his folk, to waylay Sir Gawain, and to take his life, A man's heart might well fail him for doubt, and great fear, did he come in such a pass, and know no wile whereby he might escape.83

Sir Gawain, who knew naught of these tricks and snares rode on his way, discoursing of many things with his host, until they drew nigh to the place where his foes lay, ambushed in the thicket, who would fain slay him.84 When he came nigh to the place the host took leave of the knight, and turned him again towards the castle.85 Sir Gawain sat upon his steed and deemed that he should ride thence without strife or combat.86 As he laid his hand on the saddle-bow, and thrust his feet into the stirrups and thought to rise in the saddle, the girths brake asunder, the saddle turned over the left stirrup beneath the horse, and left him standing.87 Then Sir Gawain saw a great company of folk spring forth and come towards him with all their might.88 Some came from the ditches where they had lain hidden, some out of bushes, some out of thickets, and some came forth from the hollow ways.89 God confound traitors, since He may not mend them!90

Sir Gawain abode not still; he saw well that he was betrayed, and over-matched.91 He drew forth from its sheath the sword, which was little worth to him, and deemed he would defend himself, as he oft had done aforetime, against those who would harm him.92 But ere he might smite three blows that sword brake, as it were tin--this was an ill beginning would a man defend his life.93 This Sir Gawain saw, and was dismayed, he wist well that he was betrayed.94 They who would harm him came upon him from every side, a great company and fierce, all thirsting for his life; there was a great clash of swords; they thrust at him with their spears.95 His sword protected him not a whit--he who gave it to him God give him woe!96 It brake in twain at the hilt, and fell into the sand.97 Sir Gawain stood empty-handed, small chance had he of escape, and they who beset him were chosen men, over-strong and over-fierce, as was there well proven.98 Like as a wild boar defends himself against the hounds that pursue him, even so did Sir Gawain defend himself, but it helped him naught.99 They harmed him most who stood afar, and thrust at him with spears to sate their rage.100 There was among them no sword so good but had Sir Gawain held it, and smote with it three such blows as he was oft wont to deal with his own, it had broken, or bent, and profited them no whit.101 But of those things which had stood him in good stead many a time before, when he was hard beset, his good steed, and his sword, the which was a very haven, of these was he now robbed.102