The kt spake wth strong cheere,

Said, "yee be welcome, S[] Gawaine heere,

It behooueth thee to lowte;"

He stroke, & litle perced the skin,

Vnneth the flesh wth in,

Then S Gawaine had noe doubt.

He saith, "thou shoutest, why dost thou soe?"

Then Sr Gawaine in hart waxed throe,

Vpon his feete con stand;

& soone he drew out his sword,

& saith, "traitor, if thou speake a word, Thy liffe is in my hand.

465

470

475

*

*

*

*

480

The kt said, "wth outen laine,
I wend I had Sr Gawaine slaine,

The gentlest kt in this land;

Men told me of great renowne,

Of curtesie thou might haue woon the crowne,

Aboue both free & bound.

& alsoe of great gentrye,

& now 3 poynte be put for thee,

Itt is the moe pittye;

Sr Gawaine, thou wast not leele,

When thou didst the lace conceale,

Yt my wiffe gaue to thee.

1 Three more lines are apparently deficient here.

485

490