man as you seem to be that he were better horsed." "Ha, sir," saith the burgess, "You are running too sore a peril. A King hath it that believeth not in God, and is sore fell and cruel. He is sitting on a great destrier that was right rich and fair. The burgess "Sir," saith Messire Gawain, "I may not now amend it, whereof am I "Fair sir," saith the burgess, "Whither are you bound to go?" named Gurgalain, and many knights have passed hereby that went thither looketh in front of him before a chapel and seeth a tall burgess "Will you?" saith Messire Gawain, "Then are you right courteous, for the name of the King that hath it. But he will know tidings thereof you know me not." to the side of a little hill, and the day was right fair and clear. He give you this destrier, which is right rich, for your own." The history telleth us and witnesseth that he rode so far that he came "Sir," saith Messire Gawain, "God give you joy." when God pleaseth. "Sir," saith the goodman, "Right sorrowful am I of this that you have a "I go seek the sword wherewith the head of S. John Baptist was cut off." for the sword, but never thence have they returned. But, and you are espieth Messire Gawain and cometh over against him, and saluteth him horse so lean and spare of flesh. Better would it become so worshipful sorry; another shall I have when it shall please God." "Certes, sir," saith he, "So worshipful man seem you to be, that you willing to pledge me your word that so God grant you to conquer the right courteously and Messire Gawain him. sword, you will return hither and show it me on your return, I will VI.