[Weeping.] Alas that ever I came!
Guinevere.
Fie upon you for weeping when tears are all no boot! Relate your errand to Sir Gawayne!
The Damosel.
It fortuned in this wise: my troth was plighted that I should be wedded to a passing fair gentleman and knight of haut renown, a true lover and deserving of a good end! As together we rode forth, planning for our marriage, we passed through a dark forest till we happed upon a grimly castle! As we gazed upon its towers wondering who might dwell therein out rushed a churlish knight, Oh, a mighty giant, one of the world’s perilous fighters, seven times the height of mortal man, and with the strength of seven men! [In spite of his bravado the Little Page shivers audibly.] Nathless all undaunted my knight dressed his shield and set his spear, crying, “How now, rude Saracen! An ye be a true fighter come and prove it, spear to spear, and sword to sword, and body to body!” But the miscreant laughed in mockage, and set on my poor love, belabouring him with a huge club, and dragged him down from his saddle, shivering his spear, and shattering his sword, and splitting his helm clear through to the brain-pan! [At this the Little Page shudders in delighted horror.] Ah, little page, I see well now that ye like this tale, but I do assure you it is no matter for enjoyment!... And all this while I shrieked shrilly and kneeled in the mire before the churlish wight, with my two hands lifted, praying him for the love of Heaven to have mercy on my knight! But the murtherous monster only laughed the louder, with a great noise like thunder, spitting flames from his enormous mouth, and bound my knight hand and feet and threw him into the dungeon keep, the while I, leaping on my palfrey, made my escape, riding hither, like the wind, to merry Carlisle, to King Arthur’s court, clear into this very hall, and threw myself at the King’s feet, praying succour for my love! [Weeps.]
Guinevere.
And did my Lord stay his hand? “Gramercy,” cried he, “but this is the quest that even now I prayed for! Nor by the faith of my body as anointed king will I set me down to meat on All-Hallowmass or ever I shall have brought it to a good end!” And then he made no more words, but took his shield and buckled it about his neck, and girt on his good sword Excalibur, and lightly he took his horse and leaped upon him, and departed on his way! And, though it is but a little faring hence, last night went by, and to-day the hour of evensong is overpassed, and he comes not back! [Weeps.]
Sir Gawayne.
[Walks, perturbed.] Now meseemeth for to tempt God it is no wisdom, and the King hath put this realm into the greatest domage that ever realm was in by jeoparding his life in hazard with a giant!