Chapter 22 - Page 2

birds was far sweeter than any strain they had
ever heard before. Then they beheld a knight, on a coal-black horse,
clothed in black satin, coming rapidly towards them. And Kay met him
and encountered him, and it was not long before Kay was overthrown.
And the knight withdrew. And Arthur and his host encamped for the
night.
And when they arose in the morning, they perceived the signal of
combat upon the lance of the knight. Then, one by one, all the
household of Arthur went forth to combat the knight, until there was
not one that was not overthrown by him, except Arthur and Gawain.
And Arthur armed himself to encounter the knight. "O my lord," said
Gawain, "permit me to fight with him first." And Arthur permitted him.
And he went forth to meet the knight, having over himself and his
horse a satin robe of honor, which had been sent him by the daughter
of the Earl of Rhangyr, and in this dress he was not known by any of
the host. And they charged each other, and fought all that day until
the evening. And neither of them was able to unhorse the other. And so
it was the next day; they broke their lances in the shock, but neither
of them could obtain the mastery.
And the third day they fought with exceeding strong lances. And they
were incensed with rage, and fought furiously, even until noon. And
they gave each other such a shock, that the girths of their horses
were broken, so that they fell over their horses' cruppers to the
ground. And they rose up speedily and drew their swords, and resumed
the combat. And all they that witnessed their encounter felt assured
that they had never before seen two men so valiant or so powerful. And
had it been midnight, it would have been light, from the fire that
flashed from their weapons. And the knight gave Gawain a blow that
turned his helmet from off his face, so that the knight saw that it
was Gawain. Then Owain said, "My lord Gawain, I did not know thee
for my cousin, owing to the robe of honor that enveloped thee; take my
sword and my arms." Said Gawain, "Thou, Owain, art the victor; take
thou my sword." And with that Arthur saw that they were conversing,
and advanced toward them. "My lord Arthur," said Gawain, "here is
Owain who has vanquished me, and will not take my arms." "My lord,"
said Owain, "it is he that has vanquished me, and he will not take
my sword." "Give me your swords," said Arthur, "and then neither of
you has vanquished the other." Then Owain put his arms around Arthur's
neck, and they embraced. And all the host hurried forward, to see
Owain, and to embrace him. And there was nigh being a loss of life, so
great was the press.
And they retired that night, and the next day Arthur prepared to
depart. "My lord," said Owain, "this is not well of