morning light!' 360 And now, lo the twain rode hither--They had foughten a combat fair, As helmet and shield sore dinted with sword-stroke might witness bear. And well skilled were the hands that had painted these badges of strife, I trow, (For 'tis meet in the lust of combat that a knight's hand such skill should show,) Then they rode by the camp of King Arthur--As the heathen knight rode past 365 Full many a glance of wonder at his costly gear was cast. And with tents the plain was covered--Then rode they to Gawain's ring, And before his tent they halted--Did men a fair welcome bring, And lead them within, and gladly behold them? Yea, even so, And Gawain, he rode swiftly after when he did of their coming know; 370 For e'en as he sat by King Arthur he saw that his tent they sought, And, as fitted a courteous hero, joyful greeting to them he brought. And as yet they bare their armour--Then Gawain, the courteous knight, He bade his squires disarm them--In the stress of the deadly fight Ecidemon, the beast, was cloven; the robe that the heathen ware 375 In many a place bare token of the blows that had been its share, 'Twas a silk of Saranthasmé, decked with many a precious stone, And beneath, rich, snow-white, blazoned with his bearings his vesture shone. And one over against the other stood the gems in a double row; By the wondrous Salamanders was it woven in fierce flame's glow! 380 All this glory a woman gave him, who would stake on his skill in strife Her crown alike and her kingdom, as she gave him her love and life. 'Twas the fair Queen Sekundillé (and gladly he did her will, And were it for joy or for sorrow he hearkened her bidding still) And, e'en as her true heart willed it, of her riches was he the lord, 385 For her love, as his rightful guerdon, had he won him with shield and sword.