Of all would she naught, but with hatred her heart 'gainst my pleading steeled. And a whole year long I held her, and a whole year long I prayed, Yet never she hearkened to me, and ever my love gainsaid. And thus from my heart I bemoan me, since I know that her love to thee She hath promised, since here I meet thee, and death wouldst thou bring to me. 360 If with _her_ thou hadst hither ridden, perchance had I here been slain, Or perchance ye had died together--such guerdon thy love might gain!' 'And my heart other service seeketh, and mine aid lieth in thine hand, Since here thou hast been the victor thou art lord o'er this wonder-land; And if thou wilt show me kindness help me now a fair maid to win 365 For whose sake my heart knoweth sorrow, to King Lot is she near of kin, And no maiden of all earth's maidens hath wrought me such grief and pain! Her token I bear--I prithee, if thou seest that maid again Swear thou to her faithful service--I think me she means me fair, And for her sake I fight, for her favour I many a peril dare; 370 For since with true words Orgelusé her love hath denied to me, Wherever for fame I battled, whate'er might my portion be, Of joy or of grief, _she_ hath caused it, Itonjé, for whom I fight, Yet alas! I have ne'er beheld her! Now do me this grace, Sir Knight, If aid thou art fain to give me, then take thou this golden ring, 375 And unto my lovely lady, I prithee, the token bring. Thou art free from strife, I fight not till thou bring with thee two or more. What honour were mine if I slew thee? I ever such strife forbore!' 'Yet in sooth I can well defend me, as a man should,' quoth knight Gawain, 'Thou thinkest small fame will it bring thee if I here at thine hand be slain, 380 But what honour shall _I_ have won me by breaking this bough, I pray? For none will account it glory if I slay thee unarmed to-day! But yet will I do thy message--Give me here the finger-ring, And thy sorrow of heart, and thy service, I will to thy lady bring.' Then the king he thanked him freely--But Gawain he quoth in this wise, 385 'Now tell me, Sir Knight, who may he be who doth conflict with me despise?'