Then sad was the king and silent, yet answer at last he gave, 765 'Know, Sir Knight, that Gawain is my nephew, and myself would the conflict brave Ere his bones should lie dishonoured--If Good Fortune by Gawain stand In strife shalt thou well acknowledge, 'neath the might of his strong right hand That his body in faith he keepeth, and falsehood afar doth hold. If another hath done thee evil methinks art thou over-bold, 770 His shame dost thou speak too loudly, who never hath done thee ill-- If he winneth, perchance, thine homage, and thou ownest him guiltless still, Yet hast thou in short space spoken such words of a blameless knight As have shamèd for aye thine honour, if this folk read the thing aright!' Then upsprang the proud Knight Beaucorps, brother to Gawain he, 775 And he spake in his wrath, 'Wouldst thou fight him? Then myself his pledge will be, For thou speakest false of Gawain; and know that thy words of shame Have kindled anew within me fierce wrath's devouring flame. An thou speakest not Gawain guiltless of all dishonour, I Stand here to fight his battle, and to be his surety. 780 Think not by thy words of scorning to lower his lofty fame, Unstainèd is Gawain's honour, and thy words are but words of shame!' Then he turned him to his brother, and he spake of true heart and free, 'Bethink thee now, my brother, of all thou hast done for me, Thou hast helped me unto the winning of fame, for thy toil's reward 785 Bid me here to be hostage for thee, and bid me thine honour guard. If Good Fortune be here my portion, and I win here my meed of fame, Then _thine_ be the crown of honour, and thy foeman hath naught but shame.' By his knighthood and love as a brother he besought him right earnestly; Quoth Gawain, 'Now in sooth, my brother, too wise shall I surely be 790 To hearken to thee, and to grant thee what thou askest of right good-will; What meaneth this strife, I wot not, and of fighting have had my fill, Of good-will would I ne'er deny thee what boon thou from me shouldst crave, Yet shame must I bear for ever if this conflict I fail to brave!'