“Would you, worthy lord,” requested Gawain of the king,
“bid me abandon this bench, and stand beside you,
so without any villainy I may vacate this table,
and if my liege lady dislikes it not,
I would come to your counsel before your court of excellence.
For it seems unseemly, and so it is known,
where such an ask is heaved so high in your hall,
that you put it upon yourself, though you yourself be willing—
while all about you on the benches so many bold men sit;
none under heaven, I hope, are harder of will,
nor better bodies on the battlefield where conflict rears.
I am the weakest, I’m aware, and my wit the dimmest,
and my life the least to lose, to be honest—
that you’re my uncle is my only acclaim;
no bounty is in my body but your blood, and I know this.
And since this issue is so insane that it’s none of yours,
and I’ve asked you for it first, let it fall to me;
and if I speak improperly, let all this splendid court
            lay blame.”
            The nobles gathered round,
            then all advised the same:
            to pardon king and crown,
            and give Gawain the game.