[Illustration: Illustrated drop-cap]
Now the New Year drew nigh, and the night passed, and the day chased the
darkness, as is God’s will; but wild weather wakened therewith. The
clouds cast the cold to the earth, with enough of the north to slay them
that lacked clothing. The snow drave smartly, and the whistling wind
blew from the heights, and made great drifts in the valleys. The knight,
lying in his bed, listened, for though his eyes were shut he might sleep
but little, and hearkened every cock that crew.
He arose ere the day broke, by the light of a lamp that burned in his
chamber, and called to his chamberlain, bidding him bring his armour and
saddle his steed. The other gat him up, and fetched his garments, and
robed Sir Gawain.