Thus saying, she offers him a rich ring of red gold "with a shining
stone standing aloft," that shone like the beams of the bright sun. The
knight refused the gift, as he had nothing to give in return. "Since ye
refuse my ring," says the lady, "because it seems too rich, and ye
would not be beholden to me, I shall give you my girdle that is less
valuable" (ll. 1801-1835). But Gawayne replies that he will not accept
gold or reward of any kind, though "ever in hot and in cold" he will be
her true servant.

"Do ye refuse it," asks the lady, "because it seems simple and of
little value? Whoso knew the virtues that are knit therein would
estimate it more highly. For he who is girded with this green lace
cannot be wounded or slain by any man under heaven." The knight thinks
awhile, and it strikes him that this would be a "jewel for the
jeopardy" that he had to undergo at the Green Chapel. So he not only
accepts the lace, but promises to keep the possession of it a secret
(ll. 1836-1865). By that time the lady had kissed him thrice, and she
then takes "her leave and leaves him there."

Gawayne rises, dresses himself in noble array, and conceals the "love
lace" where he might find it again. He then hies to mass, shrives him
of his misdeeds, and obtains absolution. On his return to the hall he
solaces the ladies with comely carols and all kinds of joy (ll.
1866-1892). The dark night came, and then the lord of the castle,
having slain the fox, returns to his "dear home," where he finds a fire
brightly turning and his guest amusing the ladies (ll. 1893-1927).
Gawayne, in fulfilment of his agreement, kisses his host thrice.[1] "By
Christ," quoth the other knight, "ye have caught much bliss. I have
hunted all this day and nought have I got but the skin of this foul fox
(the devil have the goods!), and that is full poor for to pay for such