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Ballad of the Greene Knight

from Journey to Utgard by Hymir's Kettle

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lyrics

[Verse I]

In the days of Arthur's hall,
of a doughty knight I now recall
that dwelt in lands to the West;
Sir Bredbedle, in sooth, was he hight:
he was a man of mickle might,
to sight a lord of the best.
A lady took he for his wife,
as dear his love for her as life —
her beauty but few could ween;
yet for Gawaine's power 'pon the field
a secret love for him she did wield,
though him she'd never seen.
Agostes twas who'd been her mother,
in witchcraft worked and none other
with which she chose to deal —
She'd spell a knight's countenance clear
that slain in battle they'd appear,
all body-wounds to the sight.
She taught that knightly man alike
with altered features thus to hike,
'pon fell and frith to alight —
she said, 'Thou shalt to Arthur's hall,
for there will greater adventures befall
than e'er saw king or knight!....'

[Chorus I]
The Knight there said, 'So might I thrive!
To Arthur's court myself will drive,
thy powers to help our plight —
to test Sir Gawaine's virtues three,
if true it be what men say to see,
by Mary most of might….'

[Verse II]
Early — soon as rose the day —
the Knight with haste donned his array,
and to him a strong steed;
to arm his helm and hauberk sought —
with a long broadsword truly wrought,
to wield him at his need.
And twas a wondrous sight to be seen,
with horse and armour decked in green,
th' weapon he bore as well —
when that bairn was fully set to go,
his gear did fit his bearing enow;
I dare in truth to tell.

[Chorus II]
That day our King at Carlisle stayed,
e'en where the Flatting Castle was laid,
in the Forest of Delamore.
He galloped hard, tis sooth to say;
to Carlisle came 'pon Christenmas day,
far through that country fair.

[Verse III]
When thus unto that place he'd come,
the porter thought him a daunting gome —
he saith, 'Sir, whither dost fare?'
Who answered, 'I am come an errant-knight,
to walk within King Arthur's sight,
mongst other lords aware.'
No word to him the porter spake,
but left him standing at the gate,
and went forth, I ween —
kneeled him down before the King,
saith, 'Neither in days of old nor young,
this sight I have not seen! —

[Chorus II]
'As yonder right before thy gates,
an errant-knight thy word awaits,
all in garb of green!'
Then spoke the King, honoured of all,
'Bring him thence into the hall,
his errand let be seen….'

[Verse IV]
When fore the King that Knight had come,
in stirrups standing stretched that gome
as he spoke with a voice most clear,
'Arthur King! May God thee keep!
As thou thy wealth and wisdoms reap,
wield thine honour and cheer!
'As thou wouldst only serve me right,
I am hither come an errant-knight
who hath carried though countries far;
to challenge one in ev'ry grace,
those tests each knight hath been to face,
from mongst thy lordings dear.'

The King had sat him firmly still
until that one had spoke his will;
he resolutely then said:
'As true I am both knight and King,
we here shall thusly grant this thing! —
I will not thee upbraid;
Whether thou wishest 'pon foot to fight,
or jousting 'pon thy steeds alight,
for love of ladies played —
and if thine armour be not fine,
I would to share with thee of mine.'
'Gramercy — Lord!' th' other said;

[Chorus III]
'Here I forthwith set a challenge,
Amongst the lords both old and young
who worthy look, indeed —
which of them, my challenge, will take —
who's battle-hard and sure innate
when comes a time of need;
'My neck I put before him bare,
to strike me, and if his swing is fair
that swing will surely bleed —
yet 'pon this day twelvemonths from now,
who thus will its return allow?
but a knight doughty in deed….

[Verse V]
'E'en in twelvemonths, in sooth to say,
let him to me without delay,
so readied or let him hide!
Whither to wend, I tell thee clean:
but ramble thy way to the Chapel Green —
that place I will abide.'

To work this deed wished ev'ry lord —
then rose Sir Gawaine from the board,
to kneeling there he'd ta'en,
and said, 'I ween twould be a great misdeed
if ye another to this agreed,
my liege, and eke will say:

[Chorus IV]
'Remember! I am you sister's son….'
Where said the King, 'I grant this boon —
but better in feasting is mirth;
so cheer thy guest, and give him mead,
and after dinner take thy lead —
and let be thy buffet of worth!'
(Short music-interlude; i.e., Flute and percussion)

[Verse-a VI]
The Knight in Greene his head had bent,
and Sir Gawaine to th' axe quick went
with eager will to mell;
his swing there cleaved the neck in twain —
blood there burst from ev'ry vein,
and th' head from the body fell.

The Knight in Greene his head retrieved,
into the saddle with vigour heaved,
with booming words as well:
'Gawaine! to hold thine oath depend —
that twelve months from this day thou wend
to the Chapel Green where I dwell!'

[Chorus V]
They were all astounded, e'en to hear
him speak as one with merry cheer
bearing his head in hand.
To the hall-door he was quick to alight,
and witnessed there both King and knight,
midst other lords in the land.

credits

from Journey to Utgard, released December 19, 2016

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