LXXIX
With kissings full sad he said his farewells, And a húndred heártfelt thánks he had for them too; And those lovesome ladies the like return’d him And with careful sighings beken’d him to Christ. He takes courteous leave of that kindly meiny; Each man that he met, he made him a thank For his seemly solace, and the boon service They had been busy about him at his bidding to do: And each servitour there was as sorry to sever As they had wonèd for ay with the worshipful Gawain. Then those lieges with light him led to his chamber And brought to his bed, to be at his rest. If he slept there soundly, say it I dare not, For he had much on the morrow to mind, if he would, in thought. Let him lie there at will, He is near the goal he sought; If ye’ll a while be still I shall tell you how he wrought.