To the grim King the knight said: "This is too easy a play for a proven knight. This boy of mine will play for you."
Then one of the giants struck the great heavy ball; and the dwarf struck it back so mightily that it flew clean out of the hall door and out of sight.
"Of a truth, that is a strong boy you have," said the King. "Now let us try at casting the axletree."
So they brought forth a monstrous axletree such as only one of the giants could so much as lift. The
tallest of the giants made a cast from the other end of the hall, so that the tremendous mass crashed down before the feet of the knight and his companion. Gawain made a sign; whereat the dwarf picked up the huge axletree and hurled it so shrewdly that it thrust through one of the giants, and he fell down with grisly groaning.
"Take away the axletree," said the King. "Such a boy saw I never before; yet, as I may thrive, he shall be better assayed ere he go. This third adventure is the last before me at this time."
All turned toward a monstrous brazier which stood in the hall, within whose great iron bars there blazed coals and wood.
"Gawain," said a giant, "do you begin the play. A great giant lifted up this brazier and set it down fairly with one hand. When you have essayed it, one of us shall answer you."
Sir Gawain was never so disturbed since he was a man on middle earth. Then he bethought him and turned to the dwarf.
"Lift this brazier, boy," said he, "that is so worthily wrought."