1. Look, see a worldCopy !req
2. that holds more wonders
than any since the
Earth was born.Copy !req
3. And of all who reigned o'er,
none had renown like the boyCopy !req
4. who pulled sword from stone.Copy !req
5. But this is not that king...Copy !req
6. nor is this his song.Copy !req
7. Let me tell you instead
a new tale.Copy !req
8. I'll lay it down
as I've heard it told.Copy !req
9. Its letters sent,
its history pressed,Copy !req
10. of an adventure
brave and bold.Copy !req
11. Forever set,
in heart, in stone,Copy !req
12. like all great myths of old.Copy !req
13. Christ is born.Copy !req
14. Christ is born indeed.Copy !req
15. Where are
you going?Copy !req
16. To church!Copy !req
17. Why?Copy !req
18. My boots.
Hello, Agnes.Copy !req
19. Where are my boots?Copy !req
20. You a knight yet?Copy !req
21. What?Copy !req
22. You a knight yet?Copy !req
23. Not yet. Better hurry up.Copy !req
24. I've got time.Copy !req
25. I've got lots
of time.Copy !req
26. Hey! Essel.Copy !req
27. Hey, slow down. Hurry up!Copy !req
28. Essel.Copy !req
29. Essel.Copy !req
30. Let's just stay here.
Come on. Let's just
stay here.Copy !req
31. Get up.No.Copy !req
32. I'm not ready yet.Copy !req
33. I'm not ready.Copy !req
34. Merry Christmas,
Gryngelot.Copy !req
35. Where have
you been?Copy !req
36. At Mass.Copy !req
37. You, at Mass? Yeah.Copy !req
38. All night?Copy !req
39. Yes.Copy !req
40. Well,
where are your boots?Copy !req
41. What?Copy !req
42. Where are...Copy !req
43. You do smell like
you've been at Mass.Copy !req
44. What, have you
been drinking
the sacrament all night?Copy !req
45. I love you, Mother.Copy !req
46. You are not dressed.Copy !req
47. I've got no guts
for merriment this year.Copy !req
48. But it's Christmas.Copy !req
49. There'll be
more Christmases,Copy !req
50. more feasts,
more glad tidings.Copy !req
51. You go,
make merry.Copy !req
52. And tell me
what you see.Copy !req
53. Bring young
Gawain here.Copy !req
54. The king
would speak with you.Copy !req
55. Where is thy mother?Copy !req
56. She was not
feeling herself,
my lord.Copy !req
57. Then come.
Sit here,
besides us.Copy !req
58. Besides me
and my queen.Copy !req
59. That is not
my place.Copy !req
60. No. Let it
be, today.Copy !req
61. Its owner
is away.Copy !req
62. Who knows when
he will return?Copy !req
63. Please.Copy !req
64. Good to see
you, Gawain.Copy !req
65. Good to have
one's family
by one's side.Copy !req
66. One's blood.Copy !req
67. Surely your
knights haveCopy !req
68. spilled enough blood
in your nameCopy !req
69. to bind them closer
to you than I.Copy !req
70. True.Copy !req
71. But you are
my sister's boy,Copy !req
72. queefed from
her womb.Copy !req
73. They are not.Copy !req
74. I look out upon
my friends here
today and I see...Copy !req
75. songs...Copy !req
76. no muse could
ever sing
or dream of.Copy !req
77. But I turn to thee
and I see what?Copy !req
78. I recognize
but I do not
know thee.Copy !req
79. I say this not
in reproach,
but regretCopy !req
80. that I have never
asked you to sit
at my sideCopy !req
81. before this dayCopy !req
82. or upon my knee
when thy was
newborn.Copy !req
83. But now
it is Christmas,Copy !req
84. and I wish
to build bridges.Copy !req
85. So before
we make merry...Copy !req
86. you make
for me a gift.Copy !req
87. You tell
me a tale
of yourself,Copy !req
88. so that I might
know thee.Copy !req
89. I have none to tell, King.Copy !req
90. Yet.Copy !req
91. You have none
to tell yet.Copy !req
92. Yet.Copy !req
93. Look around you,
young Gawain.Copy !req
94. What do you see?Copy !req
95. I see legends.Copy !req
96. Do not take your place
amongst them idly.Copy !req
97. Hmm.Copy !req
98. So who else then...Copy !req
99. hmm?Copy !req
100. Friends...Copy !req
101. Brothers...Copy !req
102. Brothers...Copy !req
103. Brothers and...Copy !req
104. sisters all. ... sisters all.Copy !req
105. I thank theeCopy !req
106. for breaking
bread with me
this blessed day.Copy !req
107. And it is blessed...Copy !req
108. for out my windowCopy !req
109. this morn I looked,Copy !req
110. and I saw a landCopy !req
111. shaped...Copy !req
112. by your hands.Copy !req
113. You have lain those
same hands upon
our Saxon brethren,Copy !req
114. who now in your shadow
bow their headsCopy !req
115. like babes.Copy !req
116. Peace, peace
you have brought
to your kingdom,Copy !req
117. so it is in peace
that I...Copy !req
118. I now say to you...Copy !req
119. that I...Copy !req
120. I am the luckiest
here today...Copy !req
121. because I am
amongst thee.Copy !req
122. I am amongst thee.Copy !req
123. So before
we celebrateCopy !req
124. the birth
of our Christ,Copy !req
125. let us honor
one of our ownCopy !req
126. who has done
great things
in His name.Copy !req
127. So a tale, or...Copy !req
128. Or a show perhaps.Copy !req
129. What have thee?Copy !req
130. Who can regale me
and my queenCopy !req
131. with some mythCopy !req
132. or cantoCopy !req
133. of thine
own purport?Copy !req
134. Hold.Copy !req
135. Oh, Greatest Of Kings,Copy !req
136. indulge me in this friendly
Christmas game.Copy !req
137. Let whichever
of your knightsCopy !req
138. is boldest of blood
and wildest of heartCopy !req
139. step forth,
take up arms,Copy !req
140. and try with honor
to land a blow against me.Copy !req
141. Whomsoever nicks meCopy !req
142. shall lay claim
to this, my arm.Copy !req
143. It's glory and riches
shall be thine.Copy !req
144. But...Copy !req
145. thy champ must bind
himself to this:Copy !req
146. Should he land
a blow,Copy !req
147. then one year
and Yuletide hence,Copy !req
148. he must seek me
out yonder,Copy !req
149. to the Green Chapel
six nights to the North.Copy !req
150. He shall find me there
and bend the kneeCopy !req
151. and let me strike him
in return.Copy !req
152. Be it a scratch on the cheek
or a cut on the throat,Copy !req
153. I will return
what was given to me,Copy !req
154. and then in trust
and friendship we shall part.Copy !req
155. Who, then,
who is willing
to engage with me?Copy !req
156. Help. Queen.Copy !req
157. This challenge
is thine own?Copy !req
158. Though my will longsCopy !req
159. to leap across
this table
and meet thee,Copy !req
160. my body will
not follow.Copy !req
161. Surely there is one
amongst us hereCopy !req
162. who will meet
this knight
on his terms.Copy !req
163. I will do it.Copy !req
164. I will meet him.Copy !req
165. I will meet thee.Copy !req
166. You understand
this challenge?Copy !req
167. I do.Copy !req
168. I think I do.Copy !req
169. Remember,
it is only a game.Copy !req
170. I need a sword.Copy !req
171. I need...
I need a sword.Copy !req
172. Gawain.Copy !req
173. Have at me,
Green Knight.Copy !req
174. Make a move
or I shall make mine.Copy !req
175. What is this?Copy !req
176. A trick?Copy !req
177. Stand up
and face me!Copy !req
178. What do you
expect me to do?Copy !req
179. Have courage.Copy !req
180. Very well.Copy !req
181. Very well.Copy !req
182. You laid down
your challenge.Copy !req
183. I accepted it and
I accept it still.Copy !req
184. Never forget
what happened hereCopy !req
185. upon this
Christmas Day!Copy !req
186. One year hence...Copy !req
187. What did it
feel like?Copy !req
188. What did it feel
like when you...Copy !req
189. Like cutting
a melon in two.Copy !req
190. And what does
that feel like?Copy !req
191. Like nothing.Copy !req
192. Were you afraid?Copy !req
193. No.Copy !req
194. Are you just
saying that?Copy !req
195. I am here,
and he is not.Copy !req
196. The king lent
me his sword,Copy !req
197. did you know that?Copy !req
198. You held it?Copy !req
199. Well, I did more
than hold it.Copy !req
200. Behold, Brave
Sir Gawain,Copy !req
201. chopper
of heads...Copy !req
202. severer of melons,Copy !req
203. who cannot...Copy !req
204. get it up.Copy !req
205. You're Gawain,
aren't you?Copy !req
206. Nah, you must
be mistaken.Copy !req
207. No, no,
you're him.Copy !req
208. You're always here.
Always about.Copy !req
209. Scarcely leave
upright most nights.Copy !req
210. But not
on Christmas.Copy !req
211. Have you heard?Copy !req
212. This boy slew
the Green Knight.Copy !req
213. With his own axe,Copy !req
214. he lopped off
the giant's head,Copy !req
215. and now he
drinks with us!Copy !req
216. But his
mother's a witch.Copy !req
217. Rise.Copy !req
218. Rise.Copy !req
219. Sit.Copy !req
220. I've been
waiting for you.Copy !req
221. Did you not
hear me calling?Copy !req
222. My tooth hurts.Copy !req
223. Another year
nearly gone already.Copy !req
224. Have you thought
what you will doCopy !req
225. when Christmas comes?Copy !req
226. Was it not just a game?Copy !req
227. Perhaps.Copy !req
228. But it is
not complete.Copy !req
229. You truly believe
he's sitting in a chapel,Copy !req
230. counting the hours,Copy !req
231. whiling away the year
waiting for me to come?Copy !req
232. Well, I do not know.Copy !req
233. You will tell me.Copy !req
234. You must seek him out.Copy !req
235. And if death awaits me?Copy !req
236. Oh, I do not know
of any manCopy !req
237. who has not marched
up to greet death
before his time.Copy !req
238. Why are you holding me
to this light?Copy !req
239. Is it wrong to want
greatness for you?Copy !req
240. I fear I am not meant
for greatness.Copy !req
241. Mm.Copy !req
242. You have mud
on your face.Copy !req
243. May the Blessed VirginCopy !req
244. keep your five
fingers strong,Copy !req
245. your five senses sharp.Copy !req
246. May her five joys
inspire you.Copy !req
247. The five wounds
of her son
give you fervor.Copy !req
248. And the five virtues
of a knight light your way.Copy !req
249. Keep thy covenant,
young Gawain.Copy !req
250. And if God smiles on thee,Copy !req
251. then hurry thee back.Copy !req
252. Thy seat besides us waits.Copy !req
253. Are you really
going to go?Copy !req
254. Should I?Copy !req
255. I like your head better
where it is.Copy !req
256. I gave my word.
I made a covenant.Copy !req
257. This is how
silly men perish.Copy !req
258. Or how
brave men
become great.Copy !req
259. Why greatness?Copy !req
260. Why is goodness
not enough?Copy !req
261. Take this now.Copy !req
262. Wear it about
your waist
as you go.Copy !req
263. And if you
wear it still
when you return...Copy !req
264. Will I return?Copy !req
265. When you return,Copy !req
266. you will come
with your head
held high.Copy !req
267. I promise, you will
not come to harm.Copy !req
268. And, boy...Copy !req
269. My boy...Copy !req
270. do not waste this.Copy !req
271. Gawain!
Gawain!Copy !req
272. I've got a sword!Copy !req
273. Gawain!
Great tide.Copy !req
274. Good luck!Copy !req
275. Good luck,
Gawain!Copy !req
276. Do you
still fancy me?Copy !req
277. Do I make you happy?Copy !req
278. Yes.Copy !req
279. Even though
I'm here
and you're there?Copy !req
280. Yes.Copy !req
281. What will you say
if I asked you to make
me your lady?Copy !req
282. A lady? Your lady.Copy !req
283. I could give you
more gold than
any lady has.Copy !req
284. I already
have your gold.Copy !req
285. What if I wanted
to sit by your
side and...Copy !req
286. take your
hand and...Copy !req
287. have your ear?Copy !req
288. What will you
say to that?Copy !req
289. "Why, yes, Essel.Copy !req
290. "I'd like that
very much.Copy !req
291. "You may have my ear
and my hand and heart.Copy !req
292. "And I will be king
and you my queen.Copy !req
293. "You'll be
my lady...Copy !req
294. "and I'll be
your man."Copy !req
295. Who are you?Copy !req
296. Just a traveler,
friend.Copy !req
297. You look like
a knight.Copy !req
298. Just passing through.Copy !req
299. Ah. I take it you'll
want some of the
shares, so, huh?Copy !req
300. Of what?Copy !req
301. All of this!Copy !req
302. Why weren't
they buried?Copy !req
303. All dead.
All dead.Copy !req
304. No one
to bury "em.Copy !req
305. Though you know,
nature will
do its trick.Copy !req
306. She'll suck "em in
and tuck "em tight.Copy !req
307. Eh, in saying that,Copy !req
308. I do have two
brothers out
here somewhere.Copy !req
309. And they marched off.
They never came home.Copy !req
310. You know,
if it weren't
for my ma,Copy !req
311. I would've been here.
I would've been here!Copy !req
312. I would've been
here too!Copy !req
313. They all came
here!Copy !req
314. Though I'd have
lasted longer.Copy !req
315. The king,
they say...Copy !req
316. They say the king,Copy !req
317. he killed 960
all on his lonesome.Copy !req
318. Nine hundred, eh? Uh-huh.Copy !req
319. Now, if it was me,Copy !req
320. I'da stayed upright
long enough
to take my shot.Copy !req
321. That's a nice
axe you got.Copy !req
322. You do
some fighting
with that axe?Copy !req
323. Here and there.Here?Copy !req
324. Only there.Copy !req
325. Here, I'm just
passing through.Copy !req
326. To where?Copy !req
327. I go North.Copy !req
328. North, oh!Copy !req
329. North is
a direction,
all right.Copy !req
330. Just North?Copy !req
331. To the Green Chapel.Copy !req
332. Oh!Copy !req
333. Do you know of it?Copy !req
334. The Green Chapel, eh?Copy !req
335. There's a stream
yonder.Copy !req
336. It runs Northlike.Copy !req
337. I mean, if I've...
If I've got
my bearing.Copy !req
338. Yeah, yeah,
it runs Northlike.Copy !req
339. But if you follow
that for a day
and a half,Copy !req
340. you'll come
to a chapel.Copy !req
341. At least I think
it's a chapel.Copy !req
342. It's, uh... It's,
uh, yeah, it's...Copy !req
343. It's not green
on the whole,Copy !req
344. but I mean, it's
definitely greenish,Copy !req
345. with the moss
and the, uh...
the rot and ruins,Copy !req
346. but perhaps it's
what you seek.Copy !req
347. The stream
is yonder?Copy !req
348. Mmm-hmm.Copy !req
349. It's this way.Copy !req
350. Past the field,
where the
forest meets.Copy !req
351. I will
seek it out.
My thanks to you.Copy !req
352. My thanks to you.Copy !req
353. Come on.Copy !req
354. Are my
directions not worth
anything to you?Copy !req
355. My thanks.Copy !req
356. I said, are my
directions not worth
anything to you?Copy !req
357. I mean, a knight
like you could spare
a wretch like meCopy !req
358. just a small,
small act of kindness.Copy !req
359. Here. A kindness.Copy !req
360. Oh!Copy !req
361. Wait.Copy !req
362. Northlike. See?Copy !req
363. Thank you.Copy !req
364. Remember the stream.Copy !req
365. I will.Copy !req
366. "Cause it gets tricky.Copy !req
367. Here you go, boy.Copy !req
368. That's a good boy.Copy !req
369. Good boy.Copy !req
370. Come on. Let's go.Copy !req
371. Hello, there.Copy !req
372. Hello.Copy !req
373. Now, now.Copy !req
374. Please. Yeah, please?Copy !req
375. Please. Please.
Please! Please!Copy !req
376. Please. Please!Copy !req
377. Please! Please!
Please! Please!Copy !req
378. Please.Copy !req
379. Oh.Copy !req
380. Oh.Copy !req
381. "Tweren't enough.
Just "tweren't enough.Copy !req
382. Hey, hey, hey!
Where you
off to, huh?Copy !req
383. Where you off to?
A knightly quest?Copy !req
384. I'm not a knight.Copy !req
385. But you said
you were.Copy !req
386. I never said that.
You said that.Copy !req
387. I never said
I was a knight.Copy !req
388. But are you?No! No, I'm not.Copy !req
389. Oh. Hmm.Copy !req
390. Well, you look
like one. Aye.Copy !req
391. Smells like
a knight.Copy !req
392. Oh... Please...Copy !req
393. Yeah.Copy !req
394. Oh. Oh!Copy !req
395. Ah.Copy !req
396. Whoa!Copy !req
397. Whoo!Copy !req
398. Yeah!Copy !req
399. Just tell me, then.
Is there really
a chapel?Copy !req
400. You're in it.Copy !req
401. Whoa! Watch it.Copy !req
402. Let me
hold that.Copy !req
403. It suits me.Copy !req
404. This suits
me, huh?Copy !req
405. You rest your bones,
my brave little knight.Copy !req
406. I'll finish your
quest for you.Copy !req
407. I'll finish it good.Copy !req
408. Hey!
Where are you going?Copy !req
409. Hey! Hyah!Copy !req
410. Gryngelot!Copy !req
411. Hello.Copy !req
412. What are you
doing in my bed?Copy !req
413. What are you doing
in my bed?Copy !req
414. I'm very sorry.
I... I did not see you.Copy !req
415. I thought there
was no one about.Copy !req
416. I did not mean
to offend thee.Copy !req
417. Wait.Copy !req
418. Did my father
send for you?Copy !req
419. No. He did not.Copy !req
420. I do not know
your father.Copy !req
421. I am just a lost traveler,
seeking rest for the night,Copy !req
422. but I will
leave forthwith.Copy !req
423. Where are you going?Copy !req
424. Home.Copy !req
425. I'm headed home.Copy !req
426. And you've lost
your way?Copy !req
427. Yes.Copy !req
428. I've lost something
as well.Copy !req
429. Will you
help me find it?Copy !req
430. What are you doing?Copy !req
431. I was just... Do not touch me.Copy !req
432. A knight should
know better.Copy !req
433. What is your name,
my lady?Copy !req
434. I'm called
Winifred.Copy !req
435. You heard of me?Copy !req
436. No.Copy !req
437. There.Copy !req
438. What is it
I'm looking for?Copy !req
439. My head.Copy !req
440. Your head
is on your neck,
my lady.Copy !req
441. No. It is not.Copy !req
442. It might look
like it is,
but it is not.Copy !req
443. It is in the spring.Copy !req
444. Well, how did it happen
to get there?Copy !req
445. A lord
came seeking shelter,
like thee.Copy !req
446. Perhaps
he was thee.Copy !req
447. Was he? No.Copy !req
448. You certain?Copy !req
449. Yes.Copy !req
450. This lord sought
to lay with me.Copy !req
451. I fought him off,
but he returned
in the nightCopy !req
452. and broke down
my door.Copy !req
453. I tried to flee,
but he cut off my head.Copy !req
454. He threw it in the spring,
and now, try as I might,Copy !req
455. I cannot get at it.Copy !req
456. My lady...Copy !req
457. My lady.Copy !req
458. Are you real,
or are you a spirit?Copy !req
459. What is the difference?Copy !req
460. I just need my head.Copy !req
461. As will I before
the year is out.Copy !req
462. If I go in there
and find it,Copy !req
463. what would
you offer me
in exchange?Copy !req
464. Why would you
ask me that?Copy !req
465. Why would you ever
ask me that?Copy !req
466. Gawain...Copy !req
467. My lady.Copy !req
468. Now I can see thee.Copy !req
469. And I will strike
thee downCopy !req
470. with every care
I have for thee.Copy !req
471. The Green Knight
is someone you know.Copy !req
472. Well, come on in
if you want.Copy !req
473. Hey! Hey!Copy !req
474. Which direction
are you headed?Copy !req
475. Might a weary
traverse the valley
on your shoulder?Copy !req
476. Friend!Copy !req
477. Welcome!Copy !req
478. Easy now, easy.Copy !req
479. Who are you?Have no fear.Copy !req
480. You're among friends. Where are
my clothes?Copy !req
481. Shh. Easy.Copy !req
482. Wha...Copy !req
483. What day is it?Copy !req
484. It is December
the 21st.Copy !req
485. Oh, fear not,
Sir Gawain.Copy !req
486. You've only slept
through the night.Copy !req
487. How do you
know my name?Copy !req
488. I know more
than just your name.Copy !req
489. You must eat.Copy !req
490. See, upon the new year,
I travel to the West.Copy !req
491. Came you one week
hence and an empty
home greet you.Copy !req
492. Till then, though,
I will hunt.Copy !req
493. I will hunt,
you shall restCopy !req
494. and we shall both
be all the better
for it.Copy !req
495. Ah.Copy !req
496. And here is
our friend,
my lady,Copy !req
497. fresh from
his slumbers.Copy !req
498. And here, friend,Copy !req
499. is your
breakfastCopy !req
500. to replenish
your strength.Copy !req
501. Surely, you
will need it.Copy !req
502. Why is that?Copy !req
503. Because you
are brave,
Sir Gawain,Copy !req
504. come to face
the Green Knight.Copy !req
505. I dare say
every table
in this landCopy !req
506. has heard of you
and sung your song.Copy !req
507. Sir Gawain, the finest
and most virtuous knight,Copy !req
508. seeking his destiny
across these lands.Copy !req
509. Perhaps
you think that I am
something I'm not.Copy !req
510. Such as what?Copy !req
511. How long
will you stay
with us?Copy !req
512. I must make
my appointment
by Christmas.Copy !req
513. I will eat and give thanks
and then take my leave.Copy !req
514. Nonsense.
Don't you know?Copy !req
515. The Green Chapel
is not far.Copy !req
516. Do you
know of it?Copy !req
517. You are
very nearly there.Copy !req
518. It's down the river,
not one day's journey.Copy !req
519. Are you certain
it is that close?Copy !req
520. You are at the end
of your quest, Gawain.Copy !req
521. A little sooner than
you expected, perhaps.Copy !req
522. But such
is the case
for us all.Copy !req
523. Here is what
will happen.Copy !req
524. On Christmas morn,
we will send you
on your way.Copy !req
525. And by nightfall,Copy !req
526. you will be at the
doorway of your destiny.Copy !req
527. So stay
a while. Rest.Copy !req
528. And make
yourself content.Copy !req
529. What did
you find?Copy !req
530. I never knew
so many books
even existed.Copy !req
531. Have you...
Have you read
them all?Copy !req
532. Yes.Copy !req
533. All of them
I've read.Copy !req
534. Some I've written,
some I've copied.Copy !req
535. They're tales
I've heard,Copy !req
536. songs that have
been sung to me.Copy !req
537. I write them down
and sometimes...Copy !req
538. Don't tell
anyone this.Copy !req
539. Sometimes when I see
room for improvements...Copy !req
540. I make them.Copy !req
541. Do you like books? Yes.Copy !req
542. Well...Copy !req
543. Why don't you take
one with you?Copy !req
544. I couldn't.Copy !req
545. Oh, but it is
nearly Christmas.Copy !req
546. Here.Copy !req
547. This one's for you.Copy !req
548. I thank you.Copy !req
549. Should not a knight
offer a lady
a kiss in thanks?Copy !req
550. Will you sit for me?Copy !req
551. Sit for you?Copy !req
552. For a portrait.Copy !req
553. Ah. I've had my
portrait made already.Copy !req
554. Not by me.Copy !req
555. "Ant love
is to myn herte gonCopy !req
556. "With one spere so kene..."Copy !req
557. Hold very still.Copy !req
558. "Nyht ant day
my blod hit drynkesCopy !req
559. "Myn herte deth me tene."Copy !req
560. That's a very
queer painting.Copy !req
561. What's that?Copy !req
562. What?Copy !req
563. This.Copy !req
564. It's a token.Copy !req
565. For what?
For good luck?Copy !req
566. For love?Copy !req
567. No.Copy !req
568. Surely a knight
knows something of love.Copy !req
569. I don't.Copy !req
570. Truly?Copy !req
571. Gawain!Copy !req
572. Look what I have
brought you!Copy !req
573. When I dispersed of him,
I thought what a gift!Copy !req
574. What a gift
for my new friend.Copy !req
575. What shall
I do with it?Copy !req
576. Well, take it with you
for your journey.Copy !req
577. I thought you said
it was not far.Copy !req
578. I mean your journey
home, after.Copy !req
579. Let us make a promise
to each other.Copy !req
580. I hunt tomorrow
and the day after.Copy !req
581. Whatever the forest
offers me,Copy !req
582. I will bring you
home the best.Copy !req
583. And you
give me in turnCopy !req
584. whatever you might
receive here.Copy !req
585. What might I receive
here that is not
already yours?Copy !req
586. Who knows?Copy !req
587. This house is full
of strange things.Copy !req
588. But then again,Copy !req
589. I see things everywhere
that bear no logic.Copy !req
590. Have you ever seen
a hawk kill a horse?Copy !req
591. Just swoop
down and...Copy !req
592. Phew. It's terrible.Copy !req
593. Every man
should see it
at least once.Copy !req
594. But that is the world.Copy !req
595. And the world is fit
for all manner of mysteries.Copy !req
596. A man's home, though,
should be safe
from all that.Copy !req
597. One wall joined
with another,Copy !req
598. line and plumb.Copy !req
599. Good, strong walls,Copy !req
600. and a fire within.Copy !req
601. Why is he green,
do you think?Copy !req
602. The knight?Copy !req
603. Yes.Copy !req
604. Was he born
that way?Copy !req
605. Perhaps it is the color
of his blood
when he blushes.Copy !req
606. But why green?Copy !req
607. Why not blueCopy !req
608. or red?Copy !req
609. Because he is not
of this earth.Copy !req
610. But green
is the color of earth,Copy !req
611. of living things,
of life.Copy !req
612. And of rot. Yes.Copy !req
613. Yes.Copy !req
614. We deck our halls
with it and dye
our linens.Copy !req
615. But should it come
creeping up
the cobbles,Copy !req
616. we scrub it out,
fast as we can.Copy !req
617. When it blooms
beneath our skin,
we bleed it out.Copy !req
618. And when we,
together all,Copy !req
619. find that our
reach has exceeded
our grasp,Copy !req
620. we cut it down,Copy !req
621. we stamp it out,
we spread
ourselves atop itCopy !req
622. and smother it
beneath our bellies,Copy !req
623. but it comes back.Copy !req
624. It does not dally,Copy !req
625. nor does it wait
to plot
or conspire.Copy !req
626. Pull it out by
the roots one dayCopy !req
627. and then next,
there it is,Copy !req
628. creeping in around
the edges.Copy !req
629. Whilst we're off
looking for red,Copy !req
630. in comes green.Copy !req
631. Red is the color
of lust,Copy !req
632. but green is what
lust leaves behind,Copy !req
633. in heart,Copy !req
634. in womb.Copy !req
635. Green is what is left
when ardor fades,Copy !req
636. when passion dies,
when we die, too.Copy !req
637. When you go,
your footprints
will fill with grass.Copy !req
638. Moss shall cover
your tombstone,Copy !req
639. and as
the sun rises,Copy !req
640. green shall
spread over all,Copy !req
641. in all its shades
and hues.Copy !req
642. This verdigris
will overtake
your swordsCopy !req
643. and your coins
and your battlementsCopy !req
644. and, try as
you might,Copy !req
645. all you hold dear
will succumb to it.Copy !req
646. Your skin,
your bones.Copy !req
647. Your virtue.Copy !req
648. And what do you
hope to gainCopy !req
649. from facing
all of this...Copy !req
650. this hue?Copy !req
651. Honor?Copy !req
652. Are you asking me?Copy !req
653. No. Hmm.Copy !req
654. Honor.Copy !req
655. That is why a knight
does what he does.Copy !req
656. And this is what
you want most in life?Copy !req
657. To be a knight.Copy !req
658. No, honor.Copy !req
659. You are not
very good with questions.Copy !req
660. It is part of
the life I want.Copy !req
661. And this is all it takes
for that part to be had?Copy !req
662. You'll do this one thing,Copy !req
663. you return home
a changed man,Copy !req
664. an honorable man?
Just like that?Copy !req
665. Yes.Copy !req
666. Hmm.Copy !req
667. Oh, I wish
I could see the new you.Copy !req
668. But perhaps we will
miss our old friendCopy !req
669. and our fun
and our games.Copy !req
670. My lady... Shh.Copy !req
671. Why did you not come
to my chambers yesterday?Copy !req
672. I couldn't.Copy !req
673. You couldn't?Copy !req
674. No, but...Copy !req
675. But you wanted to.Copy !req
676. Yes.Copy !req
677. And now?Copy !req
678. I would that
I could, but...Copy !req
679. But... It isn't right.Copy !req
680. Hmm.Copy !req
681. Isn't right.Copy !req
682. No.Copy !req
683. Do you believe
in magic?Copy !req
684. What?Copy !req
685. In witchcraft.
Do you believe in it?Copy !req
686. Yes. I do.Copy !req
687. It is all around us.Copy !req
688. I have a gift
for you.Copy !req
689. Where did you
get that?Copy !req
690. I made it.Copy !req
691. There's an enchantment
sewn into its threads.Copy !req
692. Wear it and you
will never
be struck down.Copy !req
693. By what?Copy !req
694. By man, or spirit,
or any other implements.Copy !req
695. I promise,Copy !req
696. you will not
come to harm...Copy !req
697. as long as it is
about your waist.Copy !req
698. Do you mean it?Copy !req
699. Yes.Copy !req
700. You want it? Huh.Copy !req
701. Do you want it?Copy !req
702. Yes.Copy !req
703. Then tell me.Copy !req
704. It's okay, tell me.Copy !req
705. I want it.Copy !req
706. I want it.Copy !req
707. I want it.Copy !req
708. Good.Copy !req
709. Then take it.Copy !req
710. Go on, take it.
Take it.Copy !req
711. You are no knight.Copy !req
712. Gawain!Copy !req
713. Where are you going?Copy !req
714. I must make
my appointment.Copy !req
715. Oh,
on your own,
after all?Copy !req
716. What of our game?Copy !req
717. I don't want your games,
or your gifts,
or your kindness.Copy !req
718. Are you certain
there is nothing
you wish to give me?Copy !req
719. There is something.Copy !req
720. There is something.Copy !req
721. And I think I can
take it from you.Copy !req
722. Unhand meCopy !req
723. and let us
go our ways.Copy !req
724. Very well.Copy !req
725. Very well.Copy !req
726. Gawain!Copy !req
727. I...Copy !req
728. I caught this poor fellow
in a trap this morning.Copy !req
729. I was going
to give him to you,Copy !req
730. but I suppose
we should leave
him to nature.Copy !req
731. Farewell,
Sir Gawain.Copy !req
732. And happy Christmas!Copy !req
733. If you come back
by this way again,
we shall be gone!Copy !req
734. Why do you stop me?Copy !req
735. I cannot tarry.Copy !req
736. Go that way and
your doom is at hand.Copy !req
737. You will find no mercy.
No happy end.Copy !req
738. What witchcraft
is this?Copy !req
739. No witchcraft.Copy !req
740. He you seek
is as wild as I,Copy !req
741. but knows no measure.Copy !req
742. I know what I face.Copy !req
743. If any man truly knew,Copy !req
744. he would bear his shame
happily and turn away,Copy !req
745. head held high,
to end his song
as he saw fit.Copy !req
746. His secret would
be safe with me.Copy !req
747. Are you this man?Copy !req
748. No.Copy !req
749. The spell about your
waist says otherwise.Copy !req
750. This is just
a dirty rag.Copy !req
751. Leave it
here, then.Copy !req
752. It was a gift.Copy !req
753. No need for gifts
where you are headed.Copy !req
754. Come, come home.Copy !req
755. Come home with me.Copy !req
756. I never asked for
your company anyway!Copy !req
757. You came.Copy !req
758. Good sir,
is it Christmas?Copy !req
759. Yes.Copy !req
760. Do you recall
where you cut me?Copy !req
761. I do.Copy !req
762. And have you come to see
that blow returned?Copy !req
763. I have.Copy !req
764. Then kneel,Copy !req
765. and we shall complete
our game.Copy !req
766. Now?Copy !req
767. Aye.Copy !req
768. Now, one strike
as good as you gave.Copy !req
769. Sir, you flinch.Copy !req
770. I know.Copy !req
771. I know.Copy !req
772. Did I show
signs of fearCopy !req
773. when our positions
were reversed?Copy !req
774. I'm not so confident
as thee.Copy !req
775. You have had a year
to find courage.Copy !req
776. One year or a hundred,
it wouldn't make
a difference.Copy !req
777. Give me a moment.Copy !req
778. Are you ready?Copy !req
779. Are you ready?Copy !req
780. Yes.Copy !req
781. Then I shall
get to hacking.Copy !req
782. Wait! Wait.Copy !req
783. Is this...Copy !req
784. really all
there is?Copy !req
785. Is that...
Is this...Copy !req
786. What else ought there be?Copy !req
787. No! No.
I'm sorry.Copy !req
788. I cannot.
I'm sorry.Copy !req
789. Shh.Copy !req
790. Wait.Copy !req
791. Wait.Copy !req
792. There. Now I'm ready.Copy !req
793. I'm ready now.Copy !req
794. Well done,Copy !req
795. my brave knight.Copy !req
796. Now...Copy !req
797. Off with your head.Copy !req