So came he unto Sir Gawain, (and his coming it pleased him ill,) Yet he thought, 'He doth bear no harness, mine arms shall withstand him still,' Upright on the couch he sat him, as nor terror nor pain he knew, And the peasant, as he would flee him, a space from the bed withdrew, And he cried in a voice so wrathful, 'From _me_ hast thou naught to fear, 285 Yet such peril I'll loose upon thee that thy life must thou buy full dear; The devil himself doth aid thee, else wert thou not still in life, Bethink thee, for death cometh swiftly, and the ending of all thy strife, No more can the devil shield thee, that I tell thee ere hence I pass!' Then he gat him once more thro' the doorway, and Gawain gripped his sword-hilt fast, 290 And the shafts did he smite asunder of the arrows that thro' his shield Had passed, and had pierced his armour, nor yet to his hand would yield. Then a roar, as of mighty thunder, on the ear of Gawain did fall, As when twenty drums were sounding to dance in the castle hall. Then the hero, so firm and dauntless, whose courage ne'er felt the smart 295 Of the wounds that cowardice pierceth, thought thus in his steadfast heart: 'What evil shall now befall me? Must I yet more sorrow know? For sorrow enow have I seen here, yet here will I face my foe!' He looked toward the peasant's doorway, and a mighty lion sprang thro', And its size was e'en that of a warhorse, and straight on Gawain it flew. 300 But Gawain he was loth to fly here, and his shield he held fast before, As best for defence should serve him, and he sprang down upon the floor. And the lion was hunger-ravening, yet little should find for food, Tho' raging it sprang on the hero, who bravely its rush withstood.