“And all this do I give ye, Gawain,” quoth the host, “for by accord of
covenant ye may claim it as your own.”
“That is sooth,” quoth the other, “I grant you that same; and I have
fairly won this within walls, and with as good will do I yield it to
ye.” With that he clasped his hands round the lord’s neck and kissed him
as courteously as he might. “Take ye here my spoils, no more have I won;
ye should have it freely, though it were greater than this.”
“’Tis good,” said the host, “gramercy thereof. Yet were I fain to know
where ye won this same favour, and if it were by your own wit?”
“Nay,” answered Gawain, “that was not in the bond. Ask me no more: ye
have taken what was yours by right, be content with that.”
They laughed and jested together, and sat them down to supper, where
they were served with many dainties; and after supper they sat by the
hearth, and wine was served out to them; and oft in their jesting they
promised to observe on the morrow the same covenant that they had made
before, and whatever chance might betide to exchange their spoil, be it
much or little, when they met at night. Thus they renewed their bargain
before the whole court, and then the night-drink was served, and each
courteously took leave of the other and gat him to bed.