Weary he closed his eyelids, and he slept in a slumber deep Till the light of the early morning must waken him from his sleep. And many a window saw he within that chamber wall, And clear glass was before each window--Thro' a doorway the light did fall, 'Twas open, without was an orchard, thither gat him the gallant knight 5 For the air, and the song-birds' music, and to see what might meet his sight And but little space had he sat there, when the castle he saw again As at eventide he saw it when he fought on the grassy plain. And he saw from the hall of the palace full many a maiden gaze, And many were fair to look on; and he thought, with a great amaze, 10 That a wondrous watch they must keep there, since they wearied not thro' the night, And little might they have slumbered, for as yet scarce had dawned the light. Then he thought, 'For the sake of these ladies will I lay me to sleep once more.' Then again to his couch he gat him, and for covering he drew him o'er The mantle the maid had lent him--Did no man his slumber break? 15 Nay, sorely the host had vexed him, if one should his guest awake. Then of true heart bethought the maiden, who soft by her mother lay, And she roused her from out her slumber, and she took to the guest her way, And again he slept so sweetly--Then she thought her, that gentle maid, That fain would she do him service, and she sat her beside his bed, 20 Fair was she, and sweet to look on, and but seldom at eventide, Or in hour of the early dawning, such venture has sought my side! Short space ere Gawain awakened and beheld how she watched him there, And he looked and he laughed upon her, 'God reward thee, thou maiden fair, That thou breakest for me thy slumber, on thyself dost thou vengeance take, 25 Since nor service nor joust so knightly have I ridden for thy sweet sake!' And she answered, that gracious maiden, 'On thy service no claim have I, But look thou with favour on me, and thy will do I willingly, And all who are with my father, yea, mother alike and child, Do hail thee their lord and master, for love of thy dealings mild!' 30