Then answered Gawain, 'Without service, who thinketh true love to win? An one did so, then here I tell thee, 'twere counted to him for sin, For true love ever asketh service, yea after as aye before!' 135 Then she quoth, 'Wilt thou do me service? shame waiteth for thee in store, Tho' thy life be a life of conflict--No coward as my knight I'll own; See thou yonder path, 'tis no highway, o'er the bridge doth it wend adown To the garden, take thou the pathway, for there shalt thou find my steed-- Many folk shalt thou see and shalt hearken, but take thou of their words no heed, 140 Nor stay for their dance or singing, for tambour, or harp, or flute, But go thou to my horse, and loose it, that I go not with thee afoot!' Gawain sprang from off his charger--Yet awhile he bethought him well Where his steed might abide his coming: by the waters that rippling fell Was no tree unto which to bind it, and he knew not if he this dame 145 Might pray, would she hold his charger till once more with her own he came. Then she quoth, 'I see well what doth vex thee, thine horse shalt thou leave with me, I will guard it until thy coming tho' small good shall that be to thee!' Then Gawain took his horse's bridle, 'Now hold this for me, I pray;' 'Now indeed art thou dull and foolish,' spake the lady, 'where _thou_ dost lay 150 Thine hand, thinkest thou _I'll_ hold it? such deed would beseem me ill!' Then the love-lorn knight spake gently, for fain would he do her will, 'Further forward I never hold it!' Then she quoth, '_I_ will hold it there, And do thou my bidding swiftly, bring my steed and with thee I'll fare;' Then he thought this a joyful hearing, and straightway he left her side, 155 And over the bridge so narrow to the garden gate he hied; There saw he many a maiden, and knights so brave and young, And within that goodly garden so gaily they danced and sung.