'Thou dost well,' Liddamus made answer, 'yet I think me of treasure fair, All that Arthur might hold, or India, if one such to my feet should bear, And say 'twas mine own, he might have it ere I fought e'en for such a prize. An thou wilt, win thee fame and honour, I, I think me, am all too wise. God knoweth, no Segramor am I, whom men must with fetters bind 405 So keenly for strife he lusted, far other was aye my mind. Yet mine be my monarch's favour, for Sibech ne'er drew a sword, But ever he fled with the flying, yet men hearkened well his word; And many for counsel prayed him, and great gifts and lands enow The hand of Ermenrich gave him, tho' no helmet e'er felt his blow. 410 And Sir Kingrimursel, I rede thee, thou shalt mark me with never a scar!' Then out spake King Vergulacht sternly, as he ended their wordy war: 'Peace, peace, nor so loudly wrangle, Sir Knights, all too bold are ye, For too near is your monarch's presence, and of speech are ye both too free; And that thus ye should strive before me, tho' your strife be of _word_, not _deed_, 415 Ill beseemeth both king and vassal, so hearken my word, and heed.' This befell in the hall of the palace, 'neath the eyes of his sister fair, And Gawain stood beside the maiden, and heroes and knights were there. Quoth the king to his gentle sister, 'Now take thou with thee thy guest And the Landgrave, while I bethink me the word that shall 'seem me best. 420 And all ye who wish well unto me, shall follow and give me rede.' Quoth the maid, 'Of good faith seek counsel, for better 'twill serve thy need!' Gat the king to his council-chamber; the king's daughter had comrades three, Cousin, and guest, and beside them black care bare them company. Gawain, as right well beseemed her, by the hand to her bower she led. 425 And she quoth, 'Now shall all lands rue it if here thou shalt be ill-sped!' And the son of King Lot, Sir Gawain, with the maiden went hand in hand, And none thought them shame, for so gracious was the custom of that fair land.