and said, “Horseman, by heaven, what you ask is madness,
and if you seek insanity, you’ll certainly find it;
I know no fool who’s afraid of your fanciful words.
Give it to me—give me the axe, for God’s sake,
and I’ll grant you the game you’ve requested of us.”
Quickly he comes to him, and acquires it from his hand.
The other man dismounts like mad to his feet.
Now Arthur has his axe, and he holds the handle,
and swiftly swings it about, setting up to strike with it.
Unwavering, the warrior stood well above him,
higher than any in the house by a head and then some.
With a stern expression, he stood there and stroked his beard,
and with a grim countenance he discarded his coat,
no more moved or dismayed by the mighty blows
than if somebody on the bench had brought him some wine
            to drink.
            Gawain, who sat by the queen,
            stood up and bowed to the king:
            “I beg you, with words seen,
            to let me do this thing.