Thereupon, behold you, saluteth a dwarf that entereth the tent and
saluteth Messire Gawain. Then he kneeleth before him and would fain
disarm him. Then Messire Gawain remembereth him of the dwarf through
whom the lady was slain.
"Fair sweet friend, withdraw yourself further from me, for as at this
time I have no mind to disarm."
"Sir," saith the dwarf, "Without misgiving may you do so, for until
to-morrow have you no occasion to be on your guard, and never were you
more richly lodged than to-night you shall be, nor more honourably."
With that Messire Gawain began to disarm him, and the dwarf helpeth
him. And when he was disarmed, he setteth his arms nigh the couch and
his spear and sword and shield lying within the tent, and the dwarf
taketh a basin of silver and a white napkin, and maketh Messire Gawain
wash his hands and his face. Afterward, he unfasteneth a right fair
coffer, and draweth forth a robe of cloth of gold furred of ermine and
maketh Messire Gawain be clad therewithal.
"Sir," saith the dwarf, "Be not troubled as touching your destrier, for
you will have him again when you rise in the morning. I will lead him
close hereby to be better at ease, and then will I return to you."
And Messire Gawain giveth him leave. Thereupon, behold you, two
squires that bear in the wine and set the meats upon the table and make
Messire Gawain sit to eat, and they have great torches lighted on a
tall cresset of gold and depart swiftly. Whilst Messire Gawain was
eating, behold you, thereupon, two damsels that come into the tent and
salute him right courteously. And he maketh answer, the fairest he may.
"Sir," say the damsels, "God grant you force and power tomorrow to
destroy the evil custom of this tent."
"Is there then any evil custom herein, damsel?" saith he.
"Yea, sir, a right foul custom, whereof much it grieveth me, but well
meseemeth that you are the knight to amend it by the help of God."