Alacke, it was the more pittìe.

5

Ere the first crowinge of the cocke,

When as the kinge in his bed laye,

He thoughte [ Sir Gawaine] to him came,

And there to him these wordes did saye.

"Nowe, as you are mine unkle deare,

And as you prize your life, this daye

O meet not with your foe in fighte;

Putt off the battayle, if yee maye.