“Would ye now! worthy lord,” said that wight to the King, + 

“Bid me stir from this stall and stand by you there, + 

That so without villainy I void from this table? + 

If my liege lady liked it not ill + 

Before this high court I would come to your counsel. + 

For methinks it not seemly (’tis sooth that I say) + 

That the King’s own person to combat be call’d, + 

Though yourself be desirous to take up the suit, + 

While so bold men on bench about you are sitting⁠— + 

And no wights in the world of will are so keen + 

Or have better bodies on bent, where battle is rear’d. + 

I am weakest, I wot, and the feeblest of wit, + 

And least loss were my life, would ye learn but the truth⁠— + 

That my uncle ye are, is all I can plead, + 

And no bounty but your blood in my body I know. + 

This antick adventure behoves not your Highness; + 

To me let it fall, since first I besought it, + 

And if I counsel not comely, the Court shall decide, + 

nor blame.” + 

The courtiers, whispering, + 

Debate the double claim, + 

Relieve the crownèd King + 

And give Gawain the game. + 