that your fellowship should suffer your king to take such an adventure
upon him to his destruction! [_THE KNIGHTS exclaim, crying, “Gramercy,
Madam! Now by my head, etc.” But much wrought up, the QUEEN continues._]
Ah, now, I see well that all coward knights be not dead, sith you, Sir
Bors, and you, Sir Bleoberis, sit playing at the chess, the while my dear
Lord, your King, may be mishandled and smitten down, horse and man, or
villainously wounded, or, peradventure, slain!
[_THE TWO KNIGHTS thus addressed start up, angrily._]
SIR BLEOBERIS.
Gramercy, Madam! It passeth bounds that you should put the suspection of
cowardice on me, and there is no knight under heaven that dare make it
good on me!
SIR BORS.
Madam, you are a woman, and may not fight, but let now some worshipful
knight of our fellowship take on himself your quarrel, and call me
coward, and here is my glove to prove the contrary with my hands upon his
body! [_Throws down his glove._]
SIR MELIOGRANCE.
Then here am I known to all men as Sir Meliogrance, and I will take on me
my lady the Queen’s quarrel, and I will joust with you, Sir Bleoberis,
and you, Sir Bors, proving you recreant knights with my hands upon your
bodies! [_He throws down his glove._]
THE DAMOSEL.
[_Moans._] Now am I right heavy for the sorrow I have brought upon King
Arthur’s Court!
A LITTLE PAGE.
[_Runs forward, challengingly._] Now though hardly of years to bear a
shield, yet if some worshipful knight of this fellowship will dub me his
knight, then will I too take on me the Queen’s quarrel, jousting with the
knights of these worshipful knights’ following, for leaver would I be
cut into an hundred pieces than that my dear Lady should be gainsayed!
[_The closing words, spoken almost with sobs._]
SOME OF THE LADIES.
Oh, spoken like a sweet and noble child!
[_Many of the KNIGHTS laugh._]
SIR BORS.
[_Affecting to shudder._] Boo-oo! My gentlemen had best look well to
their arms, now that a raging lion is come among us!
[_A FELLOW-PAGE giggles tauntingly at our hero who turns on him._]
THE LITTLE PAGE.
I am of gentle blood, and but for lack of beard, as well entitled to
bear arms as any of this worshipful fellowship, and if anyone is so
venturesome that he would say the contrary I will make it good with my
body upon his body, with these two hands tearing him limb from limb!
[_The GIGGLING PAGE retreats, affrighted._]
SIR BLEOBERIS.
[_With impatience._] Is this a pages’ affair or a quarrel among knights
of worship and renown?
GUINEVERE.
[_With emotion._] Peace, my good Griflet! And you, gentlemen, forbear! I
spake over hastily!
SIR KAY.
Peace, daffish knights! Pick up your gloves! See ye not that the Queen
is distraught and clean out of her wits with anxiousness for the safety
of the King?... Madam, you do ill to begrudge King Arthur his lone
questings, sith all men of high courage find it merry to serve under a
chieftain that will put his person in adventure as other poor knights do!
[_To this there is a general murmur of assent._] And now, as the tables
have been spread this long while, for the third time of asking, will it
pleasure you to sit down to supper?
[_Another general murmur shows that this suggestion meets with favour._]
GUINEVERE.
Let those eat and drink who can! My heart is too heavy, but go you all,
my lords and ladies, gentlemen and gentlewomen! Sit you down to meat and
enjoy the feast! Later will I sup privily with my lord on his return!...
As for you, worshipful knights, let me who provoked the quarrel between
you heal it without the letting of good blood!
[_Before the would-be combatants can prevent her she herself picks up
and restores their thrown-down gloves. All do her fitting obeisance, and
pass into the banqueting-hall with the exception of the DAMOSEL and the
LITTLE PAGE._]
SIR BLEOBERIS.
[_As they go out, to SIR BORS._] Gramercy, but a good game was spoiled! I
had you mated in three moves!
SIR BORS.
Not so! I had your queen in forfeit!
SIR BLEOBERIS.
Ah, the Queen, the Queen! ’Tis ever the Queen that will make or mar the
fortunes of the King!
[_From the banqueting-hall one hears the sounds of merry-making
subdued, and the strains of minstrelsy, as an heroic lay is sung to the
accompaniment of the harp._]
GUINEVERE.
Now let saddle horses, and guided by you, good damosel, I will follow
after my lord!... Hark! I hear an horn!... Arthur!
[_The winding notes of the horn are heard._]
THE LITTLE PAGE.
[_At the window._] Nay, Madam! It is but Sir Gawayne who returns from
hunting!
GUINEVERE.
Sir Gawayne! Let send for him! [_THE PAGE hastens out._] It may be he
brings tidings of my Lord!
[_THE PAGE returns, attending on SIR GAWAYNE._]
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Kneeling to kiss the hand of the QUEEN._] Fair Queen and dear Aunt
Guinevere! But wherefore do I find you in such heavy cheer with the tears
upon your cheeks?
GUINEVERE.
Ah, Gawayne! Your dear Uncle, my good Lord, the King.... But sit we down
and ye shall hear! [_They sit._] It was yestreen at the undern hour that
we sat here, listening to minstrelsy! All of a sudden the King cried out,
“Now by the Holy Rood the third day hence will be All-Hallowmass! Now by
the faith of my body and on my head as anointed king will I not set me
down to meat on All-Hallowmass until I shall have taken on me and brought
to a good end some high quest that shall bring to me and my goodly
fellowship great worship and renown!” Hardly had he so spoken when riding
into the hall came this damosel who thereon alighted from her palfrey and
threw herself flatling at my good lord’s feet and lay there grovelling
and praying him for succour for her knight!
DAMOSEL.
[_Weeping._] Alas that ever I came!
GUINEVERE.
Fie upon you for weeping when tears are all no boot! Relate your errand
to Sir Gawayne!
THE DAMOSEL.
It fortuned in this wise: my troth was plighted that I should be wedded
to a passing fair gentleman and knight of haut renown, a true lover and
deserving of a good end! As together we rode forth, planning for our
marriage, we passed through a dark forest till we happed upon a grimly
castle! As we gazed upon its towers wondering who might dwell therein
out rushed a churlish knight, Oh, a mighty giant, one of the world’s
perilous fighters, seven times the height of mortal man, and with the
strength of seven men! [_In spite of his bravado the LITTLE PAGE shivers
audibly._] Nathless all undaunted my knight dressed his shield and set
his spear, crying, “How now, rude Saracen! An ye be a true fighter come
and prove it, spear to spear, and sword to sword, and body to body!” But
the miscreant laughed in mockage, and set on my poor love, belabouring
him with a huge club, and dragged him down from his saddle, shivering his
spear, and shattering his sword, and splitting his helm clear through to
the brain-pan! [_At this the LITTLE PAGE shudders in delighted horror._]
Ah, little page, I see well now that ye like this tale, but I do assure
you it is no matter for enjoyment!... And all this while I shrieked
shrilly and kneeled in the mire before the churlish wight, with my two
hands lifted, praying him for the love of Heaven to have mercy on my
knight! But the murtherous monster only laughed the louder, with a great
noise like thunder, spitting flames from his enormous mouth, and bound my
knight hand and feet and threw him into the dungeon keep, the while I,
leaping on my palfrey, made my escape, riding hither, like the wind, to
merry Carlisle, to King Arthur’s court, clear into this very hall, and
threw myself at the King’s feet, praying succour for my love! [_Weeps._]
GUINEVERE.
And did my Lord stay his hand? “Gramercy,” cried he, “but this is
the quest that even now I prayed for! Nor by the faith of my body as
anointed king will I set me down to meat on All-Hallowmass or ever I
shall have brought it to a good end!” And then he made no more words,
but took his shield and buckled it about his neck, and girt on his good
sword Excalibur, and lightly he took his horse and leaped upon him, and
departed on his way! And, though it is but a little faring hence, last
night went by, and to-day the hour of evensong is overpassed, and he
comes not back! [_Weeps._]
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Walks, perturbed._] Now meseemeth for to tempt God it is no wisdom, and
the King hath put this realm into the greatest domage that ever realm was
in by jeoparding his life in hazard with a giant!
GUINEVERE.
Ye say truth!—Gawayne—[_She advances toward the knight, and speaks
impressively._] All other knights of the good fellowship say that it
would put rebukes on Arthur, shaming him through England, Ireland, Wales
and Scotland, for to seek to rescue him in an adventure he has made oath
to enterprise alone! But I say, not so, sithen it is no mortal man he has
to do with, but a churlish wight, an outrageous giant, armed with the
craft of sorcery!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Struck by this argument._] By my head that sounds like a good counsel!
GUINEVERE.
[_Following up her advantage._] Then by your knighthood and fealty do I
charge ye, take upon yourself this matter!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_With due solemnity._] That will I do, and that will I swear to do, by
my blood; as a Knight of the Round Table, and on the Four Evangelists!
[_He kisses the hand of the QUEEN and is about to go, but pauses, as the
winding notes of a horn are heard. All exclaim._]
ALL.
[_Excited._] Hark! An horn!
THE LITTLE PAGE.
[_Excited, at the window._] Madam, it is the King who rides hither
attended by a knight, their horses all-to-beswet!
GUINEVERE.
Arthur ... God be praised!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_At the same time._] Thanks be to Heaven, the King!
THE DAMOSEL.
My knight, thank Heaven!
[_All hasten to meet the arrivals, meanwhile the harping in the banquet
hall is stilled, and the banqueters crowd in, exclaiming joyfully, for
the KING’S safe return._]
SIR KAY.
[_Announcing it to the others._] It is Arthur who comes back from his
quest ... and the Knight to his damosel! Ah, now there will be clippings
and kissings and calling of sweet names, I warrant!
[_ARTHUR and GUINEVERE enter, attended by SIR GAWAYNE and the LITTLE
PAGE, and followed by the DAMOSEL and her KNIGHT. Now ensues a moment of
excited welcome, and general greeting. Attendants bring torches._]
ARTHUR.
[_To GUINEVERE, as they enter._] Ah, my dear love, it was indeed an
adventure of great marvel ... greater hath no knight never happed upon, I
dare be sworn!
GUINEVERE.
And, thanks be to God, you came through it unscathed! [_She places him
tenderly in his chair of state, and looks at him with scrutiny._] Not so!
For here is blood upon your hand!... Haste, now! Let bring water and a
healing salve! [_Giving orders._]
ARTHUR.
It is not needed! It is but a little scratch of which I shall be hastily
whole, by the will of God!
GUINEVERE.
Come, then, relate your adventure! But you must be a-hungered and
athirst!... Let make a banquet of royalness as great as may be, in honour
of my Lord’s return! [_Going toward the banquet-hall._]
ARTHUR.
[_Detaining her._] Stay! This is no time for feastings! [_This
announcement causes a sensation._] Bring me a little deal of water, for
my tongue is parched! [_He drains the cup which is brought to him, while
all look on, struck from his far from joyous tone._]
SIR BLEOBERIS.
[_To SIR BORS._] What ails the King? Think you he has been mischieved in
some sort?
SIR BORS.
Truly his countenance is heavy as did he see himself like to be soonly in
checkmate!
ARTHUR.
[_Refreshed by the draught._] Ah! Later will I have meat and wine. But
first must I lay bare my breast, making clean avowals! My lords and
ladies, gentlemen and gentlewomen, you see here before you Arthur, King
of Britain, having under my obeisance Wales, Ireland and Scotland, by
the grace of God, and many other realms, also head of the worshipful
fellowship of the Knights of the Round Table. And ... [_He pauses,
impressively_] by the sinful crafts of the devil, a prisoner on parole;
under pain of forfeiture of my lands, my life, my queen!
[_This, as well may be imagined, causes a profound sensation._]
SEVERAL KNIGHTS AND LADIES.
My lord, what say you!
OTHER KNIGHTS AND LADIES.
Sir! What words be these!
GUINEVERE.
My lord ... Arthur!
SEVERAL VOICES.
The Queen! Look to the Queen!... Oh, almost she fell down in a swound!
GUINEVERE.
[_Recovering herself._] It is naught.... My Lord, I pray you that you
will expound your fearsome rede!
ARTHUR.
That will I do!... Let all be seated. [_ALL obey the KING, whereupon
ARTHUR explains._] How I took oath on my head as anointed king not to set
me down to meat on All-Hallowmass or I had undertaken some haut quest
already do ye know. [_ALL assent._] Also know ye how this damosel came
riding hither into this hall, seeking succour for her knight! [_Again ALL
assent._] And none is there that knows not how forthwith I enterprised
the matter! [_Again ALL assent._] Now hear ye how I fared with it! [_ALL
settle themselves like children to whom a thrilling tale is to be told._]
Arrived afore the grimly tower I blew my horn and cried, “How now, Sir
Knight, an ye be a fair fighter come, prove it, spear to spear and sword
to sword, and body to body!” Whereon rushed forth the most outrageous
churl and greatest murtherer was ever seen, with a huge laughter like
thunder, and spitting flames of fire from his monstrous mouth! And by
sorcery he cast an evil spell on me, so that its scabbard would not loose
my sword Excalibur, and my arm fell helpless to my side like as it had
been the arm of a dead corp! [_The LADIES and the younger PAGES shudder
audibly._] “How, now, King Arthur,” cried the rude churl, “I have you
at a vantage, so best yield yourself without ado!” “Now not ever, nor
never on my head,” I answered him, “for I had leaver to be hacked to
bits than cry mercy of such a fiendly knight that it is no true knight
at all!” [_General exclamations of approval greet this, many crying, “Oh
well said!” ... “Spoken in kingly-wise!” etc._] “Then,” said he, “you
leese, not alone your life the which you seem to hold so light, but also
your realms, and your queen!” [_Again there is a shuddering sensation._]
Well, for to curtail a long tale short, “Come,” said he, “I will release
the knight the which to deliver you came, and suffer you to depart as
you came upon certain conditions!” “Name them,” said I. “That you shall
promise by the Holy Rood that you will not set you down to meat on
All-Hallowmass until you shall have brought me the answer to a rede that
I shall now propound to you!” “I assent to these,” I said!
[_ALL breathe a long sigh of relief, with exclamations of thankfulness
that all has turned out so well._]
GUINEVERE.
Now, scarce can I wait to go to the Minster to do my thankings to God for
such deliverance!... But the rede, my Lord! The rede!
ALL.
Aye, Sir, the rede!
ARTHUR.
Well may you ask! “What is it that all women most desire?”
ALL.
[_Repeat, as it were a lesson._] “What is it that all women most desire?”
GUINEVERE.
“What is it that all women most desire?” Oh, my dear love, as if there
could be but one answer to that! All women most desire what I, most
fortunate of women, have: A loving husband which is also a true and
faithful knight of worship and renown!
[_Many of those present concur in this, saying, “In sooth the Queen
speaks for all!” and, “Now, could there be two minds about that!” and,
“Gramercy, so also say I!” Others, however, differ, murmuring, “I doubt
that is right!” and, “What is truth for one may not be truth for other!”
and the like. GUINEVERE notices this and exclaims, saying_] How now! It
seems we are not all of one opinion!
DAME LAUREL.
Madam, is it permitted that we may speak freely, each the thought in mind?
GUINEVERE.
In sooth, Dame Laurel, I ordain and command that ye do so, for so only
shall we arrive at true conclusions!
DAME LAUREL.
Then, above the desire of a woman for a loving husband and worshipful
knight do I set the desire of all women to be beautiful! [_There is a
murmur of assent from many. The DAME continues._] For in the end beauty
wins the husband, and so, possessing one, shall the woman be ensured of
both! [_This provokes a general laugh._]
GUINEVERE.
Many minds, many counsels, it would seem! Let now a clerkly scribe set
down in writing these divers answers to our quest, to the end that
my Lord may take his choice of them! [_A SCRIBE prepares to write.
Meanwhile, at a sign from SIR KAY a SERVANT brings food and wine to the
KING who sits and partakes of this. GUINEVERE continues her quest._]
Our knights have not spoken! Sir Bors, what, say you, do all women most
desire?
SIR BORS.
Madam, I know not what all women do most desire, but I do know what all
women should most desire! [_There is an expectant hush, as he pauses
impressively._] To be pleasing in the eyes of their lords! [_This
provokes laughter, though some gentlemen seem to agree with the speaker._]
DAME LAUREL.
Our thanks to you, Sir Bors!
GUINEVERE.
And what says Sir Bleoberis?
SIR BLEOBERIS.
To be richly beseen, Madam; to be arrayed with the goodliest guise, in
silk attire, with precious stones, perfumes of sweet savour, and gold and
silver, great plenty, for to spend!
[_This is received with amusement, and protest from the LADIES._]
SIR KAY.
[_Nods assent._] Ye say well! [_To SIR BLEOBERIS._] And add to these
things, good cheer; meat, and spiced drinkings, and sweet eatings out of
measure!
[_More mirth, and renewed protests. Cries of: “Fie on you, Sir Kay! For
shame for an ungentle knight, Sir Kay! Oh, knight of the discourteous
tongue, Sir Kay!” etc._]
GUINEVERE.
Meseemeth our faithful Seneschal hath a grutch against all ladies!... How
sayeth Sir Meliogrance?
SIR MELIOGRANCE.
Madam, I hold that all women in their hearts crave flattery, fair words
and sooth, on the tongue of men! [_This also provokes mirth, and some
protest, whereupon the KNIGHT turns on the Ladies._] Aye, and is there
one among you will dare gainsay me?
GUINEVERE.
Now we know wherefore the shield of Sir Meliogrance is always kept so
bright, sithence he pays for gentle service with fair words and sooth!
Has any one withheld counsel? [_Looks about the group._]
SEVERAL LADIES.
Sir Gawayne! Sir Gawayne has not spoken!
SIR GAWAYNE.
Now by the faith of my body should I be acquitted of answer! [_This is
greeted with cries of, “And wherefore, Sir Knight?” on which SIR GAWAYNE
explains, addressing himself to the QUEEN._] Madam, by your own ordinance
was not a quest of these ladies set upon me, for my dolorous mishap
whereby I slew a lady, smiting off her head!... And by their judgment am
not I upon covenant to be courteous to all ladies and to fight for their
quarrels while ever I shall live?
[_This is received with some amusement and with general assent to the
justice of the plea._]
GUINEVERE.
So then, my good Lord! [_She takes the parchment from the SCRIBE and
hands this to the KING._] Seal with your signet and let send to the
churlish knight these true answers to his quest!
ARTHUR.
Alas, good dame! All these answers and more did I make incontinent, out
of my own wit and with such simple cunning as it hath pleased Heaven to
grant me. But.... [_He sighs._]
GUINEVERE.
[_With anxiety._] But! Aye, my good Lord; but?
ARTHUR.
Labour lost and in vain! [_ALL exclaim, amazed._] For all my pains, the
outrageous wight put great rebukes and mockage on me, and made sport
at me, and miscalled me fool! [_This produces a profound sensation._]
And, an I bring him the true rede or ever I set me down to meat upon
All-Hallowmass, my life is forfeit to him, and my lands, and fairest
flower of my garland, my Queen!
[_Sighs, and exclamations of sorrow are heard on all sides._]
THE DAMOSEL’S KNIGHT.
[_Weeping._] Alas, alas, that ever such a captive knight as I should have
power by misadventure to bring sorrow upon the greatest king and most
champion of all the world!
SIR BLEOBERIS.
[_Starting up._] Shall our worshipful fellowship be shamed to the world’s
end by a churlish Saracen that is an outrageous giant and no true knight?
Let us gather a great host, well furnished and garnished of all manner
of things that belong to the war, and let us do battle against him!
[_This suggestion is greeted with general acclaim._]
SIR BORS.
Oh, well said! And as Sir Bleoberis has devised so let it be done!
SIR MELIOGRANCE.
Aye, sir! [_To ARTHUR._] In the name of our goodly fellowship let dress
forthwith to the adventure!
THE LITTLE PAGE.
[_Casting himself at ARTHUR’S feet._] Oh, Sir, for the love of Heaven I
pray you give me the order of knighthood that I too may joust upon this
quest!
ARTHUR.
A beardless boy, thou art full young and tender of age, methinketh, for
to take so high an order upon thee!
THE LITTLE PAGE.
Sir, I beseech you! For leaver would I be cut into an hundred pieces than
that my Queen should be devoured by an horrible giant!
ARTHUR.
Gramercy, it were pity to deny thee, for thou wilt be a passing good man
and fearless knight when thou comest to age! [_He draws his sword, and
touches the lad’s shoulders with the flat of it, saying_] In the name
of high errantry, receive now the knighthood accolade! [_Then he raises
the new KNIGHT to his feet, and kisses him on both cheeks, saying_]
Rise up, Sir Griflet! See to it that ye wear your new honours ever as
beseems a chivalrous knight and honest gentleman! And God’s blessing be
on ye! [_SIR GRIFLET bows low, and returns to his place with becoming
dignity, drawing himself up with great hauteur as he passes his fellow
PAGE who before had mocked at him. ARTHUR now looks about the group._]
Gramercy, there never was no king that had so noble knights and valiant
as have I? But this is no matter for deeds of arms! For did I not carry
my sword Excalibur, the which is the sharpest and marvelest that was ever
in any knight’s hand! It is only by miracle that we can be delivered
from the subtle crafts of enchantment, and discover the true rede to the
outrageous monster’s quest: What is it that all women most desire?
[_A great sigh goes up as all realise the truth of this._]
GUINEVERE.
[_Takes a decision._] Now for the night let this quest overpass! Aye, my
Lords.... [_Addressing the KNIGHTS who seem to demur._] For this night
let us leave of this dolorous matter! This night we will take our rest,
and to-morrow betimes we will send messengers north and south and east
and west, seeking good counsel! Come, avoid! Avoid! To your chambers,
all! And who knows but in a marvelous dream shall be expounded to us,
What is it that all women most desire?
[_Taking ARTHUR by the hand she leads him out. ALL follow, repeating in
some sort the question, “What is it ... Gramercy, now what is it that all
women do most desire?” SIR KAY and the SERVANTS remain, the former giving
directions for barring doors, extinguishing torches, and the like._]
SIR KAY.
Bar well the door! [_To one SERVANT._] For, sooth, this is the eve of
All-Hallowmass, when all manner of strange visitants may be abroad!...
How now, ye lazy lusks! [_To other SERVANTS who are stealthily gobbling
up the leavings of the KING’S repast._] Back to your kitching, ye turners
of broaches and washers of dishes! In the divil’s name shall ye wax fat
as a porke hog on good browesse, purveyance for a king! Back to your
kitching, knaves! [_In consternation the SERVANTS make their escape, by
way of the banqueting-hall. Alone, SIR KAY looks about to see that all
is in order, kicks a forward log into place upon the hearth, then stands
beside the chimney, lost in thought. Speaks as if thinking aloud._] What
is it that all women do most desire? By my head I know not, and so to
bed. [_He is about to go, when there is a knock at the door, at first
timid and hesitating, then gaining strength. The KNIGHT starts._] Now who
may that be? [_A SHADOW now crosses the moonlight that streams in through
the window, and a voice is heard._]
THE VOICE.
Unshut the door! For the love of Heaven, good Seneschal, unshut the door!
SIR KAY.
By the faith of my body, ’tis a woman!
THE VOICE.
Gentle Knight Seneschal, of your charity, unshut the door!
SIR KAY.
Not I! For it was a gentlewoman and no knight that led Adam into deadly
sin, and well I wot it is the foul fiend himself hath sent ye hither for
to shame me in my stewardship! Aroint thee! Aroint thee! [_He makes the
sign of a cross in the air._]
THE VOICE.
Alas! [_THE SHADOW disappears._]
SIR KAY.
Ha! No fiend in the guise of a gentlewoman shall so mischieve me! [_He
lays himself down on a bench and sleeps._]
[_Enter SIR GAWAYNE, musing, shield in one hand, in the other a cloth._]
SIR GAWAYNE.