Ere that my words Be scattered in this tempest, hear me out. Think of her dead. Think of that royal beauty in its grave! Did Guenevere, your Queen, lie here before you With the eyes that see not, with the ears that hear not, Ignorant of a pardon come too late, Past beyond all repentance, cold to all Tears of your supplication, locked away In silence answerless, would that content you? Oh, take her sorrow to your grace, my King, Take that most noble lady to your grace, And be it peace between us. ARTHUR Peace? Alas! The dear cords that have bound us are all frayed And ragged on the sore. GAWAINE Insolent thief! The King shall have his Queen, despite of you. LAUNCELOT Put me to proof, Gawaine, put me to proof! Hazard your force upon me, and I swear It shall be easier for your single hand To storm a barricaded city, than By force or threat to take the Queen from me, Except I have the King’s oath. GAWAINE (_drawing his sword_) Now and here! Now and here! Put it to the proof. ARTHUR Gawaine, Put up your sword! (_Lightning._) GAWAINE The heavens strike at him. ARTHUR Launcelot! LAUNCELOT Arthur! GAWAINE I have stemmed my wrath Too long! I have my quarrel in this cause And no fond word shall end it. Murderer! My blood is on you, you are spotted with it, The blood of my young brothers whom you slew. (_Thunder._) Cover your eyes! You cannot shield your soul From my full vengeance. LAUNCELOT All my soul is grief For what I did that day, and did not know it. Sooner than Gareth I’d have slain myself. I loved him. GAWAINE And you butchered both defenceless! Red in their blood I see you, hair to heel. LAUNCELOT If the King will, I shall do penance for it. I will build chantries over all the land From Cabelot to Dover, and will go A barefoot pilgrim, praying for the souls Of Gareth and of Gaheris whom I loved. GAWAINE You lie; you did it of your evil will And devilish delight. LAVAINE You shall not say it. Sir Gawaine, I loved Gareth and I know Sir Launcelot killed him in pure ignorance. ARTHUR Cease, Gawaine, cease! (_Lightning._) GAWAINE I will not cease, until That innocent dear blood be wiped away. BORS Shall we endure this more? LAVAINE Speak, Launcelot! (_Thunder._) GAWAINE Liar and traitor! (_He throws his glove in_ LAUNCELOT’S _face. Trumpets from_ LAUNCELOT’S _side_.) BORS Out swords! LAVAINE