And thus heard Gawain the story from him who the pledge did hold, 215 For his pledge Plippalinòt took there, when the tale of the joust was told. Did one fall while the other sat still, with goodwill of the heroes twain Did he take that which one must forfeit, and the other methinks should gain, Of the charger I speak, hence he led it, for he deemed they enough had fought. Who was victor, and who the vanquished, from the Burg were the tidings brought, 220 For the women, they looked on the jousting, and many a conflict saw. Then he bade Gawain seat him firmly, and the charger he led to shore, And his shield and his spear he gave him--and the Turkowit swiftly came As one who his joust can measure, nor too high nor too low his aim. And Gawain turned his horse against him--of Monsalväsch, Gringuljet, 225 And it answered unto the bridle, and his spear 'gainst the foe he set. Now forward!--the joust be ridden--Here rideth King Lot's fair son, Undaunted his heart--Now know ye where the helm hath its fastening won? For there did his foeman strike him; but Gawain sought another aim, And swift thro' the helmet's visor with sure hand the spear-point came, 230 And plain to the sight of all men was the fate of the joust that day, On his spear short and strong the helmet from his head Gawain bare away, And onward it rode, the helmet! But the knight on the grass lay low, Who was blossom and flower of all manhood till he met with such mighty foe. But now he in joust was vanquished, and the jewels from his helm were seen 235 To vie with the dew on the herbage and the flowers on the meadow green. And Gawain, he rode back unto him, and his pledge did he take that day, And the boatman he claimed the charger, who was there should say him Nay?