Though Arthur the high King at heart had wonder, + 

No sign he let see, but said as beseem’d + 

To the comely queen, with courteous speech: + 

“Dear dame, this day be ye daunted no whit! + 

Well becomes such craft at Christmastide, + 

Laiking of interlude, laughter and song, + 

Among courtly carols of knights and ladies. + 

Ne’ertheless to my meat I máy me address, + 

For a marvel have I met, I must not gainsay it.” + 

He glanced on Sir Gawain, and graciously said he: + 

“Now, Sir, hang up thine axe, that has hewen enough.” + 

Then over the dais ’twas dight on a dorser, + 

Where all might behold it on high and marvel, + 

And by title thereof tell the tale of wonder. + 

Then they moved to their meal full meetly together, + 

The King and the knight, and keen men them served + 

Of all dainties double, as dearest them seem’d. + 

With all manner of meat, and minstrelsy too, + 

They spent the glad day, till speeded an end + 

in land. + 

Now, Gawain, make thou sure + 

Faint-heart that thou withstand, + 

To seek the adventure + 

That thou hast ta’en in hand. + 