ARGUMENT In Book XII. the poet recounts the valiant deeds done by Gawain's kinsmen for love's sake, and how they were as naught to the perils dared by Gawain. Of the watch-tower in the castle, and the magic pillar, and how Gawain beheld the coming of Orgelusé and her knight. How Gawain fought with and overcame the Turkowit, and how he was urged by Orgelusé's mockery to the venture of the Perilous Ford. How he plucked a bough from a tree guarded by King Gramoflanz, and was challenged by that monarch to single combat. Of the repentance of Orgelusé, and her reconciliation with Gawain, and how both were welcomed by the dwellers in Château Merveil. How Gawain secretly sent a squire to the court of King Arthur bidding him, his knights and ladies, to Ioflanz to witness the combat between Gawain and Gramoflanz. BOOK XII EIDEGAST Now he who his rest had broken, if rest he perchance might win, Methinks they who hear the story had counted it him for sin. For, e'en as the venture telleth, sore toil had the hero known, And in sooth did he face such peril that his fame thro' all lands hath flown. Lancelot on the sword-bridge battled, and Meljakanz must sue for grace, 5 Yet as naught was I ween his danger to the woe that Gawain must face. And that which is told of Garel, the valiant and knightly king, Who o'erthrew the lion 'fore the palace and made Nantes with his daring ring-- And he sought the knife too, Garel, but he paid for his deed full dear In the pillar of marble--greater was the venture ye read of here! 10 For the darts that were shot against Gawain, as his manly courage bade, For a mule were too great a burden if they all on its back were laid! The Perilous Ford hath its dangers; and Erec must sorrow know, When for Schoie-de-la-kurt he battled, and Mabonagrein would fain lay low, Yet ne'er had he faced such peril as fell here to knight Gawain. 15 Nor Iwein, the gallant hero, who water would pour amain, Nor feared of the stone the venture--Were these perils all knit in one, He who knoweth to measure danger saith Gawain greater deeds had done!