'Would you, my worthy lord,' said Gawain to the king,
'bid me abandon this bench and stand by you there,
so that I without discourtesy might be excused from the table,
and my liege lady were not loth to permit me,
I would come to your counsel before your courtiers fair.
For I find it unfitting, as in fact it is held,
when a challenge in your chamber makes choice so exalted,
though you yourself be desirous to accept it in person,
while many bold men about you on bench are seated:
on earth there are, I hold, none more honest of purpose,
no figures fairer on field where fighting is waged.
I am the weakest, I am aware, and in wit feeblest,
and the least loss, if l live not, if one would learn the truth.
Only because you are my uncle is honour given me:
save your blood in my body I boast of no virtue ;
and since this affair is so foolish that it nowise befits you,
and I have request dit first, accord it then to me!
If my claim is uncalled-for without cavil shall judge
this court.'