Déliverance.
Now this gladdeth well my heart, for so have ye delivered me from the bondage of enchantment! Look, Sir Knight! Behold the visage of your bride! [Standing erect, and throwing back her hood she discloses the countenance of a young woman of great beauty.]
Sir Gawayne.
[With a cry of great joy.] Lady! The damosel I saw in my shield ... all passing young and peerless fair!... Sir Knights and Ladies! [He goes toward the banqueting-hall, calling:] Come, and witness a great marvel! [All come in, in great excitement, and from the other direction come the King and Queen, with their attendants, bringing a rich robe and sparkling jewels for the bride. Excitedly Sir Gawayne invites their attention to Déliverance.] Behold my bride ... the damosel I saw anon, all passing young and peerless fair! [But, even as he had turned from her, Déliverance drew her hood over her head, wrapped her mantle, huddling, about her bent shoulders, and relapsed into the form of an aged crone. All look amazed.]
Sir Kay.
[Takes her by the arm and turns her toward the light, then bursts into great laughter.] By my head, he’s clean out of his wits!... Passing fair? The loathly lady! [All echo this, and troop off, mocking Sir Gawayne.]
Guinevere.
[Who with the King remains.] The unlovely lady, the loathly lady passing fair? Poor, poor gentleman! He is under the spell of a dolorous enchantment!
Arthur.
Pray Heaven he may never get well of it!