Thereupon Messire Gawain leapeth on his horse and taketh a spear that
was leaning against the tent and followeth the knight in such sort that
he smiteth him to the ground. Afterward he saith to him: "No further
may you go!"
"That grieveth me," saith the knight, "For before night should I have
been avenged of you and of the damsels."
And Messire Gawain draweth his sword and thrusteth it into the sole of
his foot a full palm's breadth, and the knight stretcheth himself forth
and dieth. And Messire Gawain returneth back, and the damsels make
great joy of him and tell him that never otherwise could the evil
custom have been done away. For, and he had gone his way, all would
have been to begin over again, for he is of such kind seeing that he
was of the kindred of Achilles, and that all his ancestors might never
otherwise die. And Messire Gawain alighteth, and the damsels would
have searched the wound in his side, and he telleth them that he taketh
no heed thereof.
"Sir," say they, "Again do we proffer you our service, for well we know
that you are a good knight. Take for your lady-love which of us you
will."
"Gramercy, damsel," saith Messire Gawain, "Your love do I refuse not
and to God do I commend you."
"How?" say the damsels, "Will you go your way thus? Certes, meeter
were it to-day for you to sojourn in this tent and be at ease."
"It may not be," saith he, "for leisure have I none to abide here."
"Let him go!" saith the younger, "for the falsest knight is he of the
world."
"By my head," saith the elder, "it grieveth me that he goeth, for stay
would have pleased me well."
Therewithal Messire Gawain departeth and is remounted on his horse.
Then he entereth into the forest.