BOOK XI
ARNIVE
Weary he closed his eyelids, and he slept in a slumber deep
Till the light of the early morning must waken him from his sleep.
And many a window saw he within that chamber wall,
And clear glass was before each window—Thro' a doorway the light did fall,
'Twas open, without was an orchard, thither gat him the gallant knight 5
For the air, and the song-birds' music, and to see what might meet his sight
And but little space had he sat there, when the castle he saw again
As at eventide he saw it when he fought on the grassy plain.
And he saw from the hall of the palace full many a maiden gaze,
And many were fair to look on; and he thought, with a great amaze, 10
That a wondrous watch they must keep there, since they wearied not thro' the night,
And little might they have slumbered, for as yet scarce had dawned the light.
Then he thought, 'For the sake of these ladies will I lay me to sleep once more.'
Then again to his couch he gat him, and for covering he drew him o'er
The mantle the maid had lent him—Did no man his slumber break? 15
Nay, sorely the host had vexed him, if one should his guest awake.
Then of true heart bethought the maiden, who soft by her mother lay,
And she roused her from out her slumber, and she took to the guest her way,
And again he slept so sweetly—Then she thought her, that gentle maid,
That fain would she do him service, and she sat her beside his bed, 20
Fair was she, and sweet to look on, and but seldom at eventide,
Or in hour of the early dawning, such venture has sought my side!
Short space ere Gawain awakened and beheld how she watched him there,
And he looked and he laughed upon her, 'God reward thee, thou maiden fair,
That thou breakest for me thy slumber, on thyself dost thou vengeance take, 25
Since nor service nor joust so knightly have I ridden for thy sweet sake!'
And she answered, that gracious maiden, 'On thy service no claim have I,
But look thou with favour on me, and thy will do I willingly,
And all who are with my father, yea, mother alike and child,
Do hail thee their lord and master, for love of thy dealings mild!' 30
Then he quoth, 'Is it long since thou camest? Had I of thy coming known
Fain would I have asked a question, perchance thou the truth hadst shown:
Yestreen and again this morning fair ladies have looked on me
From a mighty tower, of thy goodness now tell me who may they be?'
But the maiden she shrunk in terror, and she cried, 'Ask me not, Sir Knight, 35
Since ne'er may I give an answer—I prithee to hear aright,
If I knew, yet I might not tell thee, nor do thou my silence chide,
But ask thou what else shall please thee and my lips naught from thee shall hide,
But on this thing alone keep silence, and follow thou what I say!'
But Gawain, he would ever ask her, and ever an answer pray, 40
What ladies were they who sat there, and looked from that stately hall?
And the maiden she wept full sorely, and aloud in her grief did call.
'Twas yet in the early dawning, and her father he sought her side,
Nor I deem me had he been wrathful if here did such chance betide
That Gawain with the maid had striven, and had forced her unto his will, 45
And the maiden, so fair and gentle, in such wise did she hold her still,
For beside the couch was she seated—Then her father he mildly spake,
'Now weep not so sore, my daughter, for if one a jest doth make
Whereof thou at first art wrathful, yet I ween ere the time be long,
Shall thy sorrow be changed to gladness, and thy wailing to joyful song!' 50
Quoth Gawain, 'Nay, mine host, naught hath chanced here save that which thine eye may see;
This maiden I fain would question, but naught would she tell to me,
For she thinketh, 'tis my undoing, and silence hath she implored:
But now if it shall not vex thee let my service here find reward,
And tell me, mine host, if it please thee, how it stands with those ladies there, 55
For I know not the place or the country where I looked on such maidens fair,
So many there are, and their raiment showeth clear to my wondering sight!'
Then the host wrung his hands for sorrow, and he spake, 'Ask me not, Sir Knight,
In the name of God, ask no question—For wherever thy foot shall speed,
Or whatever thine eyes shall light on, no need shall be like their need!' 60
'Then soothly I'll mourn for their sorrow,' quoth Gawain, 'but mine host now say
Why vex thee so sore for my question? Thine answer why thus delay?'
'Sir Knight, for thy manhood mourn I, if thou wilt not thy question spare
Then strife sure shall be thy portion, and sorrow thine heart shall bear.
And thy sorrow of joy shall rob us, myself and my children three, 65
Who were born for thy gallant service true service to yield to thee.'
Quoth Gawain, 'Yet for this thou shalt tell me, or if thou still say me, Nay,
And I learn not from thee the story yet the truth will I know alway!'
Then the host he spake out truly, 'Sir Knight, I must sorely rue,
The question thou here dost ask me—Thou goest to strife anew, 70
Arm thee well, and a shield I'll lend thee—In "Terre Merveil" thou art,
And the "Lit Merveil" shall be here—And ne'er hath a knightly heart
Withstood all the many dangers that in Château Merveil shall be!
Turn aside, ere thy death o'ertake thee, for life should be dear to thee!
For wherever thine hand shall have striven, or what ventures soe'er it found 75
As child's play have been thy perils to those which beset this ground!'