Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

But no marvel it is if mad be a fool,

and by the wiles of woman to woe be brought.

For even so Adam by one on earth was beguiled,

and Solomon by several, and to Samson moreover

his doom by Delilah was dealt; and David was after

blinded by Bathsheba, and he bitterly suffered.

Now if these came to grief through their guile, a gain ’twould be vast

to love them well and believe them not, if it lay in man’s power!

As a pearl than white pease is prized more highly,

so is Gawain, in good faith, than other gallant knights.

But in this you lacked, sir, a little, and of loyalty came short.

But that was for no artful wickedness, nor for wooing either,

but because you loved your own life: the less do I blame you.’

‘I will have no gifts, fore God, of your grace at this time.

I have none to return you, and naught will I take.’

But the lady in love-making had no liking to sleep

The lord said: ‘By Saint Gile,

your match I never knew!

You’ll be wealthy in a while,

such trade if you pursue.’

He had hurt so many before,

that none had now desire

to be torn with the tusks once more

of a beast both mad and dire.