didst see, 475 And the bough thou hast brought unto me from the tree of his ward shall be.' 'Sir Knight, did I ill-entreat thee, I did it for this alone, I would prove if thine heart were steadfast, and my love might to thee atone. I know well my words did wound thee, yet they were but to prove thee meant, And I pray thee, of this thy goodness, be thine anger with pity blent, 480 And forgive me the ill I did thee. I have found thee both brave and true, As gold that is tried in the furnace shineth forth from the flame anew, So, methinks, doth it shine, thy courage. He, for whose harm I brought thee here, As I thought me afore, and I think still, his valour hath cost me dear.' Quoth Gawain, 'If awhile death spare me, such lesson I'll read the king 485 As shall put to his pride an ending, and his life in sore peril bring. My faith as a knight have I pledged him, hereafter, a little space, To meet him in knightly combat, nor our manhood shall we disgrace. And here I forgive thee, Lady, and if thou wilt not disdain My counsel so rough, I'll tell thee wherewith thou mayst honour gain, 490 What shall 'seem thee well as a woman, nor in aught shall unfitting be, Here we twain are alone, I pray thee show favour and grace to me!' But she quoth, 'In an arm thus mail-clad but seldom I warmly lay; Yet would I not strive against thee, thou shalt on a fitting day Win rewarding for this thy service--Thy sorrow will I bemoan, 495 Till thou of thy wounds art healèd and all thought of thine ill be flown; To Château Merveil I'll ride with thee.' 'Now waxeth my joy indeed!' Quoth the hero, of love desirous, and he lifted her on her steed, And close clung his arm around her: 'twas more than she deemed him worth When first by the spring she saw him, and mocked him with bitter mirth. 500