'Gainst the portal the foe pressed onward, Gawain stood within the door, 175 And held off the angry rabble; an iron bolt he tore From its fastenings wherewith to arm him, and before his strong right hand Full oft fled his evil neighbours, they durst not his blows withstand. While the queen, with flying footsteps, hither and thither sought To find, perchance, some weapon 'gainst the foe that so fiercely fought. 180 At length did she chance on some chess-men, and a chess-board, wide and fair, That hung by a ring of iron; to Gawain she brought it there, As a shield four-square it served him; yea, many a game was played On that board ere 'twas hewn in battle--Now hear of the royal maid; Were it king, or queen, or castle, she hurled them against the foe, 185 Heavy and large the chess-men, and in sooth I would have ye know They who by her shaft were stricken must ever a fall abide. Right bravely the queen so gracious now fought by her hero's side, And she bare herself so knightly, that never the Burger maids Of Tollenstein at Shrove-tide such dauntless skill displayed. 190 And yet they but fight for folly, and weary themselves for naught-- An a woman bear trace of battle, on her womanhood shame is brought, (For I know what befits a woman,) unless love shall have bid her fight To prove her faith--Now faithful and true was that lady bright, As Schamfanzon might bear witness--Yet, tho' high of heart was she, 195 Many tears that conflict cost her; for in sooth shall it ever be That Love is brave as steadfast, yet tender and true of heart-- Would ye know how in such fierce conflict Sir Gawain would bear his part?