my
part, I am defeated and overcome; I say it not as a compliment; for
there is no stranger in the world, to whom I would not say as much,
rather than receive any more blows." Thus saying, he got down from his
horse, and they threw their arms about each other's neck, kissing each
other, and each continuing to assert that it is he who has met defeat.
The argument is still in progress when the King and the knights come
running up from every side, at the sight of their reconciliation; and
great is their desire to hear how this can be, and who these men are who
manifest such happiness. The King says: "Gentlemen, tell us now who
it is that has so suddenly brought about this friendship and harmony
between you two, after the hatred and strife there has been this day?"
Then his nephew, my lord Gawain, thus answers him: "My lord, you shall
be informed of the misfortune and mischance which have been the cause of
our strife. Since you have tarried in order to hear and learn the cause
of it, it is right to let you know the truth. I, Gawain, who am your
nephew, did not recognise this companion of mine, my lord Yvain, until
he fortunately, by the will of God, asked me my name. After each had
informed the other of his name, we recognised each other, but not until
we had fought it out. Our struggle already has been long; and if we had
fought yet a little longer, it would have fared ill with me, for, by my
head, he would have killed me, what with his prowess and the evil cause
of her who chose me as her champion. But I would rather be defeated than
killed by a friend in battle." Then my lord Yvain's blood was stirred,
as he said to him in reply: "Fair dear sire, so help me God, you have no
right to say so much. Let my lord, The King, well know in this battle
I am surely the one who has been defeated and overcome!" "I am the one"
"No, I am." Thus each cries out, and both are so honest and courteous
that each allows the victory and crown to be the other's prize, while
neither one of them will accept it. Thus each strives to convince the
King and all the people that he has been defeated and overthrown.
But when he had listened to them for a while, the King terminated the
dispute. He was well pleased with what he heard and with the sight of
them in each other's arms, though they had wounded and injured each
other in several places. "My lords," he says, "there is deep affection
between you two. You give clear evidence of that, when each insist