‘D ear sister!’ she said. ‘Why are you in such a state? So upset? Tell me!’

‘oh, lady! I've just seen a boy come clattering through the doors on an iron-grey horse, and before he'd even dismounted the king collapsed in a swoon among his men! Then I saw countless lords do likewise – they couldn't bear to see his grief!’

When the queen heard that the king had fainted she passed out as well – and she can hardly be blamed for that. Then ladies and damsels came thronging and started wailing like you've never heard!

meanwhile, back in the hall, the boy they'd seen charge in jumped down and handed his horse to a dwarf. I'll spare you the details of the wailing commotion and tell you about Sir Gawain's boy: he grabbed his mantle and thrust it at the dwarf behind him and then came coatless to the king and, seeing his woebegone expression, hailed him thus:

‘may God who dwells in heaven on high, His power and glory all-pervading and ruling all, protect and keep the good King Arthur! So says the finest knight who ever rode horse or bore lance and shield: he's lived – by God's grace – long enough to win the whole wide world's esteem; I do believe the knight I serve has proved himself quite peerless!’

‘God bless you and him,’ the king replied, ‘whoever he may be. But we'd better know his name and more about him if he's so famous! Tell me, dear friend.’

‘The one who sent me here, my lord, is King Lot's son, Gawain. He's well deserving of all praise: there's not a trace of weakness in him!’

The king leapt up and embraced and kissed the boy, overjoyed by every word he'd said – as were they all. The whole court thronged around him: no one wanted to be left out – all degrees of rank and wit came flocking to his side.