This said, the prudent knight on tiptoe stealing 75 Went from his bride as far as he could go, Then laid him down, intent upon the ceiling; Noses, once lost, no second crop will grow-- So watch'd Sir Gawaine, so the lady wept, Perch'd on the lattice-sill the raven slept. Blithe rose the sun, and blither still Gawaine; 76 Steps climb the stair, a hand unbars the door-- "Saints," cries the host, and stares upon the twain, Amazed to see that living guest once more.-- "Did you sleep well?"--"Why, yes," replied the knight, "One gnat, indeed;--but gnats were made to bite. "Man must leave insects to their insect law;-- 77 Now thanks, kind host, for board and bed and all-- Depart I must,"--the raven gave a caw. "And I with thee," chimed in that damsel tall. "Nay," said Gawaine, "I wend on ways of strife." "Sir, hold your tongue--I choose it; I'm your wife." With that the lady took him by the hand, 78 And led him, fall'n of crest, adown the stair; Buckled his mail, and girded on his brand, Brimm'd full the goblet, nor disdain'd to share-- The host saith nothing or to knight or bride; Forth comes the steed--a palfrey by its side. Then Gawaine flung from the untasted board 79 His manchet to a hound with hungry face; Sprung to his selle, and wish'd, too late, that sword Had closed his miseries with a _coup de grace_. They clear the walls, the open road they gain; The bride rode dauntless--daunted much Gawaine. Gaily the fair discoursed on many things, 80 But most on those ten lords--his time before, Unhappy wights, who, as old Homer sings, Had gone, "Proiapsoi," to the Stygian shore; Then, each described and praised,--she smiled and said, "But one live dog is worth ten lions dead." The knight prepared that proverb to refute. 81 When the bird beckon'd down a delving lane, And there the bride provoked a new dispute: That path was frightful--she preferr'd the plain. "Dame," said the knight, "not I your steps compel-- Take thou the plain!--adieu! I take the dell." "Ah, cruel lord," with gentle voice and mien 82 The lady murmur'd, and regain'd his side; "Little thou know'st of woman's faith, I ween, All paths alike save those that would divide; Ungrateful knight--too dearly loved!"--"But then," Falter'd Gawaine, "you said the same to _ten_!" "Ah no; their deaths alone their lives endear'd 83 Slain for my sake, as I could die for thine;" And while she spoke so lovely she appear'd The knight did, blissful, towards her cheek incline-- But, ere a tender kiss his thanks could say, A strong hand jerk'd the palfrey's neck away.