"Now, fair nephew," said the King unto Sir Gawaine, "assay ye, for my love."
"Sir," said Gawaine, "your commandment will I obey."
And therewith he took the sword up by the handles, but he might not stir it.
"I thank you," said the King to Sir Gawaine.
"My lord, Sir Gawaine," said Sir Launcelot, "now wit ye well this sword shall touch you so sore that ye shall will ye had never set your hand thereto for the best castle of this realm."
"Sir," he said, "I might not withsay mine uncle's will and commandment."
But when the King heard this he repented it much, and said unto Sir
Percivale, that he should assay for his love.
And he said, "Gladly, for to bear Sir Gawaine fellowship."
And therewith he set his hand on the sword and drew it strongly, but he might not move it. Then there were more that durst be so hardy to set their hands thereto.
So the King and all went unto the court, and every knight knew his own place, and set him therein, and young men that were knights served them.