Then he quoth, 'Is it long since thou camest? Had I of thy coming known Fain would I have asked a question, perchance thou the truth hadst shown: Yestreen and again this morning fair ladies have looked on me From a mighty tower, of thy goodness now tell me who may they be?' But the maiden she shrunk in terror, and she cried, 'Ask me not, Sir Knight, 35 Since ne'er may I give an answer--I prithee to hear aright, If I knew, yet I might not tell thee, nor do thou my silence chide, But ask thou what else shall please thee and my lips naught from thee shall hide, But on this thing alone keep silence, and follow thou what I say!' But Gawain, he would ever ask her, and ever an answer pray, 40 What ladies were they who sat there, and looked from that stately hall? And the maiden she wept full sorely, and aloud in her grief did call. 'Twas yet in the early dawning, and her father he sought her side, Nor I deem me had he been wrathful if here did such chance betide That Gawain with the maid had striven, and had forced her unto his will, 45 And the maiden, so fair and gentle, in such wise did she hold her still, For beside the couch was she seated--Then her father he mildly spake, 'Now weep not so sore, my daughter, for if one a jest doth make Whereof thou at first art wrathful, yet I ween ere the time be long, Shall thy sorrow be changed to gladness, and thy wailing to joyful song!' 50 Quoth Gawain, 'Nay, mine host, naught hath chanced here save that which thine eye may see; This maiden I fain would question, but naught would she tell to me, For she thinketh, 'tis my undoing, and silence hath she implored: But now if it shall not vex thee let my service here find reward, And tell me, mine host, if it please thee, how it stands with those ladies there, 55 For I know not the place or the country where I looked on such maidens fair, So many there are, and their raiment showeth clear to my wondering sight!' Then the host wrung his hands for sorrow, and he spake, 'Ask me not, Sir Knight, In the name of God, ask no question--For wherever thy foot shall speed, Or whatever thine eyes shall light on, no need shall be like their need!' 60