Then joyful I ween was the boatman, and with smiling lips he spake, 'Now methinks that a gift so costly it hath ne'er been my lot to take, 700 And I deem myself all unworthy--Yet, Sir Knight, be he mine indeed, Then the guerdon is more than I asked for and o'er my deserts my meed. For his praises they rang so clearly that five hundred steeds all told, Swift-footed and strong for battle, too low for his price I'ld hold! If a rich man thou thus wilt make me, then this thing shalt thou do for me, 705 To my boat shalt thou captive bring him, that I hold him as pledge from thee.' King Lot's son he spake in answer, 'Yea this will I do, and more, To thy boat first, and then from out it will I lead him within thy door, And there will I yield him captive'--'And there will I welcome thee!' Spake the boatman, and low he bowed him, and thanks spake he fair and free. 710 And he quoth, 'Dear my lord and master, if it please thee to be my guest, And abide in my house till the morning, then softly I'll bid thee rest. Nor won boatman e'er higher honour, and blest be the eventide That seeth a knight so gallant 'neath the shade of my roof-tree bide.' Then out quoth Gawain, 'That will I, for in truth I had prayed this grace, 715 For weary am I with battle, and fain would I rest a space. She who to this sorrow led me, her sweetness she maketh sour, And heart's joy shall be dear to purchase, and sorrow doth crown each hour, And the guerdon for this her service unlike to herself shall be-- Alas! I had found a treasure, yet but loss hath it brought to me! 720 And one breast thro' that loss now sinketh that awhile swelled so proud and high, When joy was from God my portion, for a heart did beneath it lie. Now I think me that heart hath vanished, and where shall I comfort seek? Shall I helpless abide that Frau Minne her wrath upon me shall wreak? Yea, had she the heart of a woman she would give me my joy again 725 Who maketh her sweetness bitter, and turneth my bliss to pain!'