Sir Gawayne.
What is it that all women do most desire? Now by my knighthood it would seem a simple quest, yet it hath set the whole Court by the ears, and put the kingdom in jeopard ... and the Queen! [He sits near the window and polishes his shield.]
[Guinevere enters in sad meditation.]
Guinevere.
What is it all women do most desire? Fair Heaven, here am I a woman, with all I love in hazard for the answer, yet I know it not! [She sees Sir Gawayne in the shadow, and starts, exclaiming, then recognises him, reassured.] Sir Gawayne!
Sir Gawayne.
[Rising.] Madam! Doth aught ail you or the King?
Guinevere.
Finding my Lord restless and almost out of his mind, I gave him a potion of simples by which he fell on sleep! But I ... I cannot rest for sorrow, when, or ever the morrow is overpassed, we may all be chased from our lands and made to yield to a great mighty and outrageous giant!
Sir Gawayne.