Reconsidering the pale lady, part II

And riding home came Barbarossa
With his hawk and dancing hounds
A white stag slung across his shoulders
With seven points its head was crowned

See, young guest, I've had good hunting
Red Beard shouted, full of cheer
I've brought you meat, I've brought you leather
For what do I trade this deer?

And Gawaine said: You are no richer
For I cannot give you what I've won
A good deep sleep, a good day's company
And the strength to carry on

Perhaps tomorrow you'll do better
Said Barbarossa, with a smile
And with meat and cheerful talking
The evening passed by in a whirl

In morning Gawaine was pacing
The long sleep out of every limb
Suddenly he heard a rustle
The lady came to walk with him

She moved like the moon in ice-clouds
She moved like the dawn through frost
She looked so lovely and so lonely
Gawaine felt his heart was lost

Gawaine, will you take me with you?
The lady asked, as stiff as stone
If you love me, but a little
You will not leave me here alone

How can you ask me if I love you
Gawaine said, his face aflame
When you shine like stars in water
And are as gentle as the rain

But in this world, I cannot love you
There's a promise I must keep
Tomorrow I must make my journey
Under the earth I soon will sleep.

And riding home came Barbarossa
with his great spear bright with gore
His big roan stallion came home prancing
Behind his horse, he dragged a boar

See, Gawaine, what I have brought you
How I fought while you were asleep
And what did you win today to trade me?
What have you found here in my keep?

And Gawaine said: I have won nothing --
Or nothing I can give away
My feet are steady, my arm is limbered
I've found the heart to find my way

Perhaps tomorrow, said Lord Red Beard
But let us pass this night in mirth
For tomorrow evening you must leave us
Tomorrow's your last day on earth

In the morning as Gawaine was sitting
with his sword across his knee
into his chamber came the lady
and she was weeping grievously

Gawaine put down his sword and whetstone
and knelt there at the lady's side
And said, Lady, queen of snow banks
tell me, please -- why do you cry?

I know today you plan to leave me
the lady said, and dried her tears
I know that you will go and leave me
Here alone, through lonely years

Lady, I must, the young man answered
My life is promised to the Knight
Perhaps my ghost can come and stay here
And offer you a little light

You need not die, whispered the lady
With her cold hand, she clasped his arm
You see this belt that I am wearing --
It would save you from all harm

This belt, said Gawaine, and he touched it
A white silk sash embroidered over
With beasts and birds, with runes and signs
It did not seem a thing of power

This sash could save me? said Sir Gawaine
His heart was fluttering in his chest
How can such a small thing save me --
I beg you, Lady, do not jest.

I do not jest with you, Sir Gawaine,
This belt is woven with a spell
No axe or sword or knife will cut you
If you wear it knotted well

This sash was woven by my mother
And she was a mighty witch
It has been my family keepsake
But I would trade it for a kiss

Equinox, I do not love you
Gawaine said, and tucked his chin
But if you ask it, I will kiss you
For you have given me hope again

The lady took the belt and tied it
Round his waist with murmured wish
So from her hands, he had his hope, then
And from
her lips he had his kiss

And riding home came Barbarosa
His stallion shaking harness bells
He waved to Gawaine through the window
A fox across his saddle prow

See Gawaine, I've had good hunting
While you played checkers with my wife
What windfall did you earn to give me
In your day of toil and strife?

So Gawaine got up and went to greet him
His surcoat covering up the belt
And said, My lord, I've won a treasure,
A fine trade for that fox's pelt

For your lady grants me riches
greater than a fleet of ships
And with those words Gawaine stood tiptoe
And kissed the lord square on the lips

Red Beard laughed, and Red Beard sputtered
And he clasped Gawaine by the hand
You are a knight as fine and honest
As I have met in any land

The knotted sash around him twisted
As Gawaine heard these words of praise
For he had lied to keep that sash
His first hope in a year of days

While death seemed certain, he was certain
Sad, but steeled to play his part
The sash had sent his courage reeling
It was hope that broke his heart