Then the rascally proven traitor asks him about Lancelot, whether
he had been seen or found, as if he himself did not know the
truth. As a matter of fact, he did not know the truth, although
he thought he knew it well enough. And Gawain told him, as was
true, that he had not been seen, and that he had not come.
"Well, since I don't find him," says Meleagant, "do you come and
keep the promise you made me: I shall not longer wait for you."
Then Gawain makes answer: "I will keep presently my word with
you, if it please God in whom I place my trust. I expect to
discharge my debt to you. But if it comes to throwing dice for
points, and I should throw a higher number than you, so help me
God and the holy faith, I'll not withdraw, but will keep on until
I pocket all the stakes." (28) Then without delay Gawain orders
a rug to be thrown down and spread before him. There was no
snivelling or attempt to run away when the squires heard this
command, but without grumbling or complaint they execute what he
commands. They bring the rug and spread it out in the place
indicated; then he who had sent for it takes his seat upon it and
gives orders to be armed by the young men who were standing
unarmed before him. There were two of them, his cousins or
nephews, I know not which, but they were accomplished and knew
what to do.
Pages:
741
742
743
744
745
746
747
748
749
750
751
752
753
754
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764
765