Sir+Gawain+and+the+Green+Knight


 * Sir Gawain and the Green Knight **

//The Gawain-Poet // (c. 1390)


 * //Fit I //**

**19**

On the ground, the Green Knight graciously stood,

With head slightly slanting to expose the flesh.

His long and lovely locks he laid over his crown,

Baring the naked neck for the business now due.

Gawain gripped his axe and gathered it on high,

Advanced the left foot before him on the ground,

And slashed swiftly down on the exposed part,

So that the sharp blade sheared through, shattering the bones,

Sank deep in the sleek flesh, split it in two,

And the scintillating steel struck the ground.

The fair head fell from the neck, struck the floor,

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">And people spurned it as it rolled around,

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Blood spurted from the body, bright against the green.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Yet the fellow did not fall, nor falter one whit,

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">But stuotly sprang forward on legs still sturdy,

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Roughly reached out among the ranks of nobles,

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Seized his splendid head and straightway lifted it.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Then he strode to his steed, snatched the bridle,

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Stepped into the stirrup and swung aloft,

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Holding his head in his hand by the hair.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">He settled himslef on the saddle as steadily,

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">As if nothing had happened to him, though he had

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">No head.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">He twisted his trunk about,

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">That gruesome body that bled;

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">He caused much dread and doubt

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">By the time his say was said.