Purslain and lettuce brought they, in vinegar steeped, I ween 785
Had he sought here his strength to nourish little good might such food have been;
And if one should o'er-long feed on it then the colour it waxeth pale,
Such pallor as truth betrayeth, if the mouth to its speaking fail.
And if with false red it be hidden, it fadeth, and bringeth shame,
But she who is true and steadfast she winneth the higher fame. 790
If one by goodwill were nourished, then Gawain, he right well had fed,
To her child naught the mother grudgeth, and as free gave the host his bread.
Then they bare away the tables, and the hostess she bade him rest,
And bedding I ween in plenty they brought for the gallant guest.
And one was of down, and the covering above it of velvet green, 795
Yet the velvet was none of the richest tho' fair had its fashion been.
And a cushion must serve for cover, beneath it should Gawain lie;
Nor the silk had with gold been purchased, 'twas won in far Araby.
Of silk, too, the cunning stitching, and the linen was fair, and white
As snow that they laid above it, and a pillow they brought the knight. 800
And a cloak of her own she lent him, for wrapping, that maiden fair,
'Twas new, and of ermine fashioned, and such as a prince might wear.
Then leave the host courteous prayed him ere he laid himself down to sleep,
And men say that alone with Sir Gawain the maiden her watch did keep,
And I think if he more had prayed her she never had said him Nay— 805
Then he slept, for he well might slumber, God keep him till dawn of day!
BOOK XI
ARNIVE
ARGUMENT
Book XI. tells how Gawain would brave the venture of the Château Marveil, and how the boatman and his daughter strove to withhold him. How Gawain came to the Castle, and of the Lit Merveil and its perils. How Gawain slew the lion, and ended the enchantments of the castle, and how he was healed of his wounds by the Queen Arnivé.