Straightway when the meal was ended Gawain from the feast uprose, Thus Kiot hath told the story--and as blossom from root up-grows, So afresh from a true heart's true faith did sorrow spring forth amain-- 565 Quoth the hero unto the maiden, 'Now, Lady, an God be fain To leave to me life and wisdom, wherever my way I take True service, true knight befitting, will I do for thy gentle sake. The rede did I hear and hearken that spake thee of falsehood free, And thy fame o'er the fame of all maidens shall high as the heavens be. 570 And Heaven Itself shall bless thee, and thy gifts all be gifts of God! Now, Lady, thy leave I crave here, since 'tis time on my way I rode. Give me leave, then, and let me ride hence, for I ween for the future days Shalt thou be thine own best defender, and thy virtue shall crown thy praise!' Then sorrow of heart was her portion that the knight thus her side must leave, 575 Sore she wept, and her gentle maidens awhile with her grief must grieve. And the queen she spake out freely, 'An more I had done for thee, Then my joy had o'ercome my sorrow, yet better it might not be; Little peace for thee here might blossom--but, believe me, be ill thy share, Or should deeds of knighthood lead thee where sorrow thou needs must bear, 580 Then, Sir Gawain, my heart findeth portion in thy lot, be it loss or gain!' On his mouth, with her red lips glowing, the maiden she kissed Gawain. Then joy fled afar from the hero, and sorrow hath pierced his heart, Too early the twain they deemed it, from each other for aye to part.