Then a root 'twixt his lips she laid there, and straightway he fell asleep, And throughout the day he slumbered, and in coverings they happed him deep. Rich in honour and poor in shaming, soft and warm, there in peace he lay, Yet he sneezed, and at whiles he shivered, for the salve wrought on him alway. And a company of fair women passed within and without the door, 445 And fair was the light of their faces, and stately the mien they bore. And she bade them, the Queen Arnivé, that silence they all should keep, None should call, and no maiden answer, so long as the knight should sleep. And she bade them fast close the palace, nor burger, nor squire, nor knight, Should hear what had there befallen till the dawn of the morning light. 450 But new sorrow drew nigh to the women--The knight slept till even grey, Then Arnivé the queen in her wisdom drew the root from his lips away. And straightway he woke, and he thirsted, and they brought him of drink and meat, And he raised himself and, rejoicing, as they brought him so would he eat: And many a maid stood before him, such fair service he ne'er had known, 455 So courteous their mien and bearing--then he looked at them one by one And he gazed at each and the other, yet still his desire was set On the lady Orgelusé, for ne'er saw he woman yet, In all the days of his lifetime, who so near to his heart did lie; Tho' many his prayer had hearkened, and _some_ did their love deny! 460 Then out spake the gallant hero to Arnivé, his leech so wise, 'Lady, 'twill ill beseem me, nor deal I in courteous guise, If these ladies stand here before me, I would they might seated be, Or if such be thy will it were better shouldst thou bid them to eat with me!' 'Nay, Sir Knight, none I ween may sit here save I, the queen, alone, 465 And shamed would they surely hold them were such service not gladly done, For our joy shalt thou be; yet I think me that if this be thy will indeed, Whate'er shall be thy commandment, we will give to thy words good heed.' But nobly born were those ladies, and their courtesy did they show, For all with one voice they prayed him he would e'en let the thing be so, 470 And while he should eat they would stand there; so waited they on the guest And passed hence when the meal was ended and Gawain was laid to rest. BOOK XII EIDEGAST