Part 9
Madam, I know not what all women do most desire, but I do know what all women should most desire! [_There is an expectant hush, as he pauses impressively._] To be pleasing in the eyes of their lords! [_This provokes laughter, though some gentlemen seem to agree with the speaker._]
DAME LAUREL.
Our thanks to you, Sir Bors!
GUINEVERE.
And what says Sir Bleoberis?
SIR BLEOBERIS.
To be richly beseen, Madam; to be arrayed with the goodliest guise, in silk attire, with precious stones, perfumes of sweet savour, and gold and silver, great plenty, for to spend!
[_This is received with amusement, and protest from the LADIES._]
SIR KAY.
[_Nods assent._] Ye say well! [_To SIR BLEOBERIS._] And add to these things, good cheer; meat, and spiced drinkings, and sweet eatings out of measure!
[_More mirth, and renewed protests. Cries of: “Fie on you, Sir Kay! For shame for an ungentle knight, Sir Kay! Oh, knight of the discourteous tongue, Sir Kay!” etc._]
GUINEVERE.
Meseemeth our faithful Seneschal hath a grutch against all ladies!... How sayeth Sir Meliogrance?
SIR MELIOGRANCE.
Madam, I hold that all women in their hearts crave flattery, fair words and sooth, on the tongue of men! [_This also provokes mirth, and some protest, whereupon the KNIGHT turns on the Ladies._] Aye, and is there one among you will dare gainsay me?
GUINEVERE.
Now we know wherefore the shield of Sir Meliogrance is always kept so bright, sithence he pays for gentle service with fair words and sooth! Has any one withheld counsel? [_Looks about the group._]
SEVERAL LADIES.
Sir Gawayne! Sir Gawayne has not spoken!
SIR GAWAYNE.
Now by the faith of my body should I be acquitted of answer! [_This is greeted with cries of, “And wherefore, Sir Knight?” on which SIR GAWAYNE explains, addressing himself to the QUEEN._] Madam, by your own ordinance was not a quest of these ladies set upon me, for my dolorous mishap whereby I slew a lady, smiting off her head!... And by their judgment am not I upon covenant to be courteous to all ladies and to fight for their quarrels while ever I shall live?
[_This is received with some amusement and with general assent to the justice of the plea._]
GUINEVERE.
So then, my good Lord! [_She takes the parchment from the SCRIBE and hands this to the KING._] Seal with your signet and let send to the churlish knight these true answers to his quest!
ARTHUR.
Alas, good dame! All these answers and more did I make incontinent, out of my own wit and with such simple cunning as it hath pleased Heaven to grant me. But.... [_He sighs._]
GUINEVERE.
[_With anxiety._] But! Aye, my good Lord; but?
ARTHUR.
Labour lost and in vain! [_ALL exclaim, amazed._] For all my pains, the outrageous wight put great rebukes and mockage on me, and made sport at me, and miscalled me fool! [_This produces a profound sensation._] And, an I bring him the true rede or ever I set me down to meat upon All-Hallowmass, my life is forfeit to him, and my lands, and fairest flower of my garland, my Queen!
[_Sighs, and exclamations of sorrow are heard on all sides._]
THE DAMOSEL’S KNIGHT.
[_Weeping._] Alas, alas, that ever such a captive knight as I should have power by misadventure to bring sorrow upon the greatest king and most champion of all the world!
SIR BLEOBERIS.
[_Starting up._] Shall our worshipful fellowship be shamed to the world’s end by a churlish Saracen that is an outrageous giant and no true knight? Let us gather a great host, well furnished and garnished of all manner of things that belong to the war, and let us do battle against him!
[_This suggestion is greeted with general acclaim._]
SIR BORS.
Oh, well said! And as Sir Bleoberis has devised so let it be done!
SIR MELIOGRANCE.
Aye, sir! [_To ARTHUR._] In the name of our goodly fellowship let dress forthwith to the adventure!
THE LITTLE PAGE.
[_Casting himself at ARTHUR’S feet._] Oh, Sir, for the love of Heaven I pray you give me the order of knighthood that I too may joust upon this quest!
ARTHUR.
A beardless boy, thou art full young and tender of age, methinketh, for to take so high an order upon thee!
THE LITTLE PAGE.
Sir, I beseech you! For leaver would I be cut into an hundred pieces than that my Queen should be devoured by an horrible giant!
ARTHUR.
Gramercy, it were pity to deny thee, for thou wilt be a passing good man and fearless knight when thou comest to age! [_He draws his sword, and touches the lad’s shoulders with the flat of it, saying_] In the name of high errantry, receive now the knighthood accolade! [_Then he raises the new KNIGHT to his feet, and kisses him on both cheeks, saying_] Rise up, Sir Griflet! See to it that ye wear your new honours ever as beseems a chivalrous knight and honest gentleman! And God’s blessing be on ye! [_SIR GRIFLET bows low, and returns to his place with becoming dignity, drawing himself up with great hauteur as he passes his fellow PAGE who before had mocked at him. ARTHUR now looks about the group._] Gramercy, there never was no king that had so noble knights and valiant as have I? But this is no matter for deeds of arms! For did I not carry my sword Excalibur, the which is the sharpest and marvelest that was ever in any knight’s hand! It is only by miracle that we can be delivered from the subtle crafts of enchantment, and discover the true rede to the outrageous monster’s quest: What is it that all women most desire?
[_A great sigh goes up as all realise the truth of this._]
GUINEVERE.
[_Takes a decision._] Now for the night let this quest overpass! Aye, my Lords.... [_Addressing the KNIGHTS who seem to demur._] For this night let us leave of this dolorous matter! This night we will take our rest, and to-morrow betimes we will send messengers north and south and east and west, seeking good counsel! Come, avoid! Avoid! To your chambers, all! And who knows but in a marvelous dream shall be expounded to us, What is it that all women most desire?
[_Taking ARTHUR by the hand she leads him out. ALL follow, repeating in some sort the question, “What is it ... Gramercy, now what is it that all women do most desire?” SIR KAY and the SERVANTS remain, the former giving directions for barring doors, extinguishing torches, and the like._]
SIR KAY.
Bar well the door! [_To one SERVANT._] For, sooth, this is the eve of All-Hallowmass, when all manner of strange visitants may be abroad!... How now, ye lazy lusks! [_To other SERVANTS who are stealthily gobbling up the leavings of the KING’S repast._] Back to your kitching, ye turners of broaches and washers of dishes! In the divil’s name shall ye wax fat as a porke hog on good browesse, purveyance for a king! Back to your kitching, knaves! [_In consternation the SERVANTS make their escape, by way of the banqueting-hall. Alone, SIR KAY looks about to see that all is in order, kicks a forward log into place upon the hearth, then stands beside the chimney, lost in thought. Speaks as if thinking aloud._] What is it that all women do most desire? By my head I know not, and so to bed. [_He is about to go, when there is a knock at the door, at first timid and hesitating, then gaining strength. The KNIGHT starts._] Now who may that be? [_A SHADOW now crosses the moonlight that streams in through the window, and a voice is heard._]
THE VOICE.
Unshut the door! For the love of Heaven, good Seneschal, unshut the door!
SIR KAY.
By the faith of my body, ’tis a woman!
THE VOICE.
Gentle Knight Seneschal, of your charity, unshut the door!
SIR KAY.
Not I! For it was a gentlewoman and no knight that led Adam into deadly sin, and well I wot it is the foul fiend himself hath sent ye hither for to shame me in my stewardship! Aroint thee! Aroint thee! [_He makes the sign of a cross in the air._]
THE VOICE.
Alas! [_THE SHADOW disappears._]
SIR KAY.
Ha! No fiend in the guise of a gentlewoman shall so mischieve me! [_He lays himself down on a bench and sleeps._]
[_Enter SIR GAWAYNE, musing, shield in one hand, in the other a cloth._]
SIR GAWAYNE.
What is it that all women do most desire? Now by my knighthood it would seem a simple quest, yet it hath set the whole Court by the ears, and put the kingdom in jeopard ... and the Queen! [_He sits near the window and polishes his shield._]
[_GUINEVERE enters in sad meditation._]
GUINEVERE.
What is it all women do most desire? Fair Heaven, here am I a woman, with all I love in hazard for the answer, yet I know it not! [_She sees SIR GAWAYNE in the shadow, and starts, exclaiming, then recognises him, reassured._] Sir Gawayne!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Rising._] Madam! Doth aught ail you or the King?
GUINEVERE.
Finding my Lord restless and almost out of his mind, I gave him a potion of simples by which he fell on sleep! But I ... I cannot rest for sorrow, when, or ever the morrow is overpassed, we may all be chased from our lands and made to yield to a great mighty and outrageous giant!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Polishing vigourously._] It shall go hard with the knavish churl or ever he carries out his foul intent, I warrant you, Madam!
GUINEVERE.
Ah, dear nephew, if it were a matter of prowess, then should we be making great joy and feasting! But how can fair chivalry prevail against the wicked crafts of sorcery?
[_Again the knock at the door is heard. BOTH start and exclaim. THE SHADOW appears again at the window._]
THE VOICE.
Who dwell herein, I pray you of your charity unshut the door!
GUINEVERE.
A woman! Seeking shelter!
SIR KAY.
[_Waking, and realising the state of affairs._] Madam, I pray you, withhold, for well am I sure it is no woman!
THE VOICE.
For the love of Heaven I pray you give me entertainment here!
GUINEVERE.
A very gentlewoman! A well-languaged lady!
SIR KAY.
An enchanter and multiplier of subtile words!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Looking at the reflection in his shield._] Oh, but young and passing fair!
SIR KAY.
[_In desperation._] A serpent! The divil in woman’s semblance!
GUINEVERE.
Now in truth, Sir Kay, you are the shamefulest knight of your tongue that now is living in the world, and an ye do not yourself unshut the door to this poor wight then will I myself!
SIR KAY.
On your own head be it, then!... [_Strides to the door and throws it wide._] Who stands without, enter, by ordinance of the Queen! And under protest from the Seneschal! [_ALL watch with interest, SIR KAY crossing himself, as the STRANGER enters, showing herself to be a woman, bent and hobbling, close-muffled in scarlet cloak and hood. SIR GAWAYNE starts, realising that appearances have deceived him. SIR KAY mutters, mimicking the other._] O passing young and peerless fair! [_ALL hang back, slightly fearful, scrutinising the STRANGER._]
GUINEVERE.
[_To SIR KAY._] This is no beggar asking alms! I charge you, Sir Kay, speak fair to her, and ask her who she may be, whence come, and on what errand?
SIR KAY.
Pray, fair damosel, of what kin come ye, and by what name may we know ye, and wherefore do you honour our poor Court with your gracious presence?
THE STRANGER.
Sir Kay, ye shall hold me excused, for not to you will I discover my blood, my name, and wherefore I am come!
GUINEVERE.
Gawayne, do you greet her and question her in seemly sort!
SIR GAWAYNE.
Lady, I pray you tell us, who may ye be, and whence, and on what cause hither come?
THE STRANGER.
Full fain will I answer you, Sir Gawayne! I come of a strange country, and I am hight Déliverance La Belle Pilgrim, and I bring you a great reward because you knew me to be young and passing fair!
SIR KAY.
[_Laughs, scoffing._] Déliverance La Belle Pilgrim! Now on my head....
GUINEVERE.
Peace, Sir Kay! A truce to your mockage and scornings!... ’Tis but a poor daffish witless wight! [_She advances hospitably._] Whoever ye be, ye are right heartily welcome! Give place, Gawayne, the hearth hereby! And you, gentle Knight Seneschal, let bring refreshing of good meats and drinks!
SIR KAY.
Now on my head, let beggars find sustenance in the kitching, nor seek to fare with great pride and bobbance among their betters!... Or let Sir Gawayne serve his lovely damosel!
SIR GAWAYNE.
Beware what thou sayest in disworship of me, or....
SIR KAY.
What, are ye not upon covenant sworn never to refuse courtesy to lady or gentlewoman?
SIR GAWAYNE.
Now sith ye have such despite of me I require ye to joust with me!
SIR KAY.
Oh, an ye seek an adventure you will find me soonly ready!
GUINEVERE.
Fie upon you both! Sir Kay, for the love of Heaven and the high order of knighthood forbear! Gawayne, hold thee still and say nothing!
SIR GAWAYNE.
But, Madam, an I revenge my fellow he will say dishonour of me!
SIR KAY.
I never was proved coward of none earthly knight in all my life!
GUINEVERE.
I beseech of you both, in the peril in which we now stand, to be friends!
SIR KAY.
[_Reluctantly yielding._] I will hold you excused! [_To the other KNIGHT._]
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Equally reluctant._] All is pardoned on my part!
SIR KAY.
[_With gruff friendliness, laughs._] The lion is of a more gentler nature than his roaring would beseem!
SIR GAWAYNE.
In my heart I thought not amiss against ye!
THE STRANGER.
[_To the QUEEN._] Madam, I thank you of your great goodness to me! In recompensation I may do you some service! I need not meat nor drink. My errand is with the King! I crave speech with the King!
GUINEVERE.
[_Surprised._] With the King?
SIR KAY.
[_Whispers, to the QUEEN._] ’Ware, now! ’Tis the eve of All-Hallowmass!
GUINEVERE.
Speech with the King! Good dame, this would be a simple asking, but my Lord is now on sleep! Because he was restless and full of heaviness I gave him a potion, so that he will not awake till dawning! Not within three hours!
THE STRANGER.
Arthur wakens ... anon he comes this way!
SIR KAY.
Mark well my words, a sorcerous witch!
[_At this moment ARTHUR enters slowly, as if in a trance. ALL exclaim._]
GUINEVERE.
[_Goes to the KING._] Dear love, I left ye soundly sleeping!
ARTHUR.
[_Waking fully, with a start._] Guinevere! I had a marvellous vision, but it lacks interpretation! I dreamed one came knocking on this door ... a damosel passing young and of peerless loveliness who called herself Déliverance La Belle Pilgrim.... [_He breaks off with a start and an exclamation, seeing the STRANGER, saying_,] By the faith of my body, ’tis the loathly lady!
THE STRANGER.
God keep ye, Arthur!
ARTHUR.
God keep ye, dame! [_To the OTHERS he explains in an undertone._] ’Tis a witless wight that I encountered in the forest, saying her prayers between an oak and an holly tree!
THE STRANGER.
Because of your bounty ye gave me alms and proffered me aid when I called after ye as I sat between oak and holly tree I am come to do ye a service, so that ye shall be glad that ye ever showed me goodness!... I would have speech with ye in privity!
[_The OTHERS seem about to protest against this._]
ARTHUR.
Whatsomever ye would say, may not this be said in open audience?
THE STRANGER.
[_Shakes her head._] So would it lose its helping virtue!
ARTHUR.
[_To the OTHERS._] Then, avoid, a little while! I pray you all, avoid! [_To the QUEEN._] Fear naught, dear love! An aged woman of an hundred winters, who knows but she may expound my vision, and discover to me what all women do most desire!
[_SIR GAWAYNE gives his hand to GUINEVERE and leads her away._]
SIR KAY.
[_Following, grumbling._] The original serpent! The divil himself!
THE STRANGER.
Sir, the signification of your dream is this: the dragon betokeneth the giant, being right horrible and abominable, whose peer for outrageousness ye never saw in all your days, and before the dawning will he come knocking on your doors to claim his forfeit, and unless ye make conditions with me for the true answer to his rede....
[_At this juncture a terrible roaring is heard without, also resounding blows on the door. The QUEEN and the TWO KNIGHTS come in running, crying, “The giant! The giant!”_]
GUINEVERE.
[_At the window._] Oh, an outrageous churl seven times the height of mortal man, and spitting flames of fire from his monstrous mouth!
SIR KAY.
[_Running about, shouting._] Awake! Awake! Ho, there, and here, awake! Lazy lusks, ye ought to be ashamed so to sleep when knights have ado in the field!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Also calling._] Awake, all men of arms! Ho, to the defence!
[_Great confusion prevails. People come running from all sides, meanwhile the loud knocking and shouting is heard at intervals._]
THE STRANGER.
In vain! Arms profit ye naught! He has ye at a vantage!
THE GIANT.
[_Outside._] How now, King Arthur! What is it that all women do most desire?
ARTHUR.
O help me, Heaven! What is it that all women do most desire?
STRANGER.
That well can I tell to ye!
ARTHUR.
[_Turning to her._] How now, dame? Beware what thou sayest, for thou speakest a great word!
THE STRANGER.
Sir, if God give me grace that I may speed you well, delivering you from this peril, in recompensation will ye give me a reward that I will ask of ye?
ARTHUR.
Certainly, so that it be not unreasonably asked, and may be honourably granted....
THE STRANGER.
That is well said!
ARTHUR.
Speak, then. Name your petition!
THE STRANGER.
I will ask my gift when I see my time!
ARTHUR.
Now, by my faith, but this is emprising an adventure in the dark!
THE GIANT.
[_Without._] Arthur, for the second time of asking, what is it that all women do most desire?
[_This produces great general consternation._]
THE STRANGER.
Arthur, for the second time of asking will ye entreat with me?
GUINEVERE.
Oh, my dear Lord, for the love of Heaven, whatsomever boon the dame seeketh, that grant to her, for there is none other remedy in the peril we are in!
[_THE GIANT knocks louder than ever._]
SIR GRIFLET.
[_Runs forward with sword and shield._] How, now, varlet! [_To his former fellow-PAGE._] Attend me! Ho, now! On to the assay! [_The doughty child is restrained by a fat GENTLEWOMAN._]
THE STRANGER.
Fools, fools! Your pains and preparations are vain, for the deed shall never be achieved but by me!
GUINEVERE.
[_Again beseeching the KING who still demurs._] Dear love, bethink you of all that is in jeopard: your kingdom, your life, and me, your queen!
ARTHUR.
[_Considering the STRANGER._] Now, my heart giveth me to thee greatly that thou art come on a good errand, and greatly my conceit faileth me but thou shalt prove our true deliverance! Therefore....
THE STRANGER.
Ye will grant my boon? Upon covenant.... Sworn upon a book?
ARTHUR.
By the faith of my body and the Holy Rood!
THE STRANGER.
Then.... [_Going to ARTHUR she whispers in his ear._]
THE GIANT.
[_Without._] Arthur, for the third time of asking....
ARTHUR.
[_Breaking into immoderate mirth, on hearing the STRANGER’S whispered communication._] Oh, ho, ho! Let blow! Let blow! [_While speaking he hastens to the window, the while horns are blown and great excitement prevails._] Hark, ye, varlet! Learn now from Arthur the true answer to your rede: What is it that all women do most desire? [_There is an expectant hush, as the KING pauses before announcing._] Their own sweet will, that they may do in all things as they list!
[_Immoderate laughter seizes the assemblage, and all repeat._]
ALL.
[_Stamping about and slapping knees, etc._] Oh, aye! All women do most desire their own sweet will, that they may do in all things as they list!
THE GIANT.
[_Without, unable to believe his ears._] Eh? Eh? What word do I hear?
ALL.
[_Shouting in concert and carefully syllabling._] All women most desire their own sweet will that they may do in all things as they list!
[_At this THE GIANT utters a mighty roar of wrath and frustration, and falls to the ground with a tremendous thud; lies there groaning, and obviously writhing, a short space, then with one final yell gives up the ghost, ALL, meantime, mocking and with ejaculations recording the phases of his passing: “Aha, now! How like you that!... Mark how he flames and smokes with wrath!... Oh, what a fall! Almost he brings down the castle!... Hear him groan!... Ah, fellow; that wraths you finely!... Now he dies! He dies! He gives up the ghost!” They all dance about, exulting._]
GUINEVERE.
[_Falling on ARTHUR’S neck._] Saved! Now am I more gladder than I ever was! Oh, my dear love! Mercifully saved!
ARTHUR.
[_Embracing her._] Aye, saved indeed, give laudings and praisings unto God, and His messenger, La Belle Pilgrim Déliverance!
GUINEVERE.
Aye, soothly! And now let us put aside all sorrowful thoughts and speak of rejoicing!... Sir Kay, good Knight Seneschal, let make a great feast! Let there be harping and minstrelsy!... Let ceremony be overpassed, and all make good cheer!
ALL.
[_Excited._] Aye; a feast! A feast!
[_Harpings and song are heard in the banqueting-hall, and in joyous confusion the LORDS and LADIES repair thither._]
ARTHUR.
[_Offering his hand to the STRANGER._] Lady!
THE STRANGER.
First, Sir King, as I have done well by ye and holpen ye out of the peril in which ye stood, I require of ye my reward!
ARTHUR.
Require or desire of me anything, dame! I wot not what your will is, but howbeit I promised ye largely, whatsomever ye demand ye shall have it without any fail!
THE STRANGER.
Then do I ask a noble knight, and full of prowess to take and wed me unto his wife!
ARTHUR AND GUINEVERE.
[_Start, amazed._] Good dame! What words are these?
ARTHUR.
Ye ask a Knight for husband! Now, on my head—!
GUINEVERE.
A damosel of an hundred years of age, would ye not do better to let make yourself a nun, and wear white clothes and black, and end your days in alms’ deeds and prayers and fastings in an abbey?
THE STRANGER.
I require upon covenant that ye grant my will!
ARTHUR.
Aye, dame; what the King hath promised on his avows shall not be gainsayed!... Ho, Sir Knights: Sir Kay, Sir Bors and Sir Bleoberis, Sir Gawayne and Sir Meliogrance, and all the worshipful company! [_The KNIGHTS come hastening from the banqueting-hall, the LADIES also._] Which of ye will emprise an adventure of passing peril? [_The KNIGHTS press forward eagerly, saying: “I, Sir King!... Sir, I am your fellow!... Oh, my liege, choose me!... Nay, then; me!” The KING, however, finds it hard to break the news._] It is required of us upon covenant, in recompensation for our deliverance that one of ye.... Oh, how can I say the word! ... that one of ye shall take and wed this dame unto his wife!
[_A horrified exclamation goes up from the KNIGHTS on this, while the LADIES seem inclined to laugh._]
SIR BORS.
Is not this questing in the dark? Will not the lady show us her visage?
ARTHUR.
Unwimple your visage, dame!