Twelfth Stanza

At last, Arthur, having watched from the high dais in silence, greeted the adventurer with reverence and said, “Stranger, you are welcome here in this house. I am Arthur, the head of this host – alight and eat with us, and your errand you can lay aside until later.” “No,” said the knight, “as I’ve come for help from he who sits on high, and to idle is not my errand (as you call it); but because your name – Arthur – is held in high esteem; and because the knights who do battle for you are said to be the best – stiff as the steel they wear, steady as the steeds they ride – worthiest in contest, or even pure play, among this world’s kind; and because of the kingly courtesy of your castle, as I have heard tell; because of all that, I have been brought here tonight. Behold this branch I bear: an assurance that I pass in peace, not in plight; for if I had been spoiling for slaughter, I would have brought my hauberk and helm from home, a shield and shining spear, too, and whatever weapons I wished, you can wager; but instead, the sight of me is softer. But if you lot are as bold as all the babble, you’ll grant me the game – a good one, I promise – that is mine by right.” To this Arthur answered: “Sir knight, if what you’ve come for is bare battle, you will not fail to find that fight.”