no further, since not for the kingdom of Logres would I be found unarmed in such place as he may be. Fair Sire, I pray ye hasten, otherwise, an there be long abiding, I may chance to pay over dear for my meat."
Quoth the king, "Fair nephew, sit ye down again, nor have fear of any foe. He cometh not."
But Sir Gawain answered, "Sire, for naught that ye may say will I eat in this hostel!"
"So be it," quoth the king, "an ye will do naught for my prayer." With that all the others betook them to meat in good fellowship.
After no long time they beheld a little brachet, which ran out from a side chamber and came into the hall. A long leash trailed behind it, and round its neck was a collar of gold, wherein were many precious stones, red, and green as ivy leaves. The brachet was white as snow, and smoother than any ermine. I tell ye of a truth 'twas not ugly, but very fair and well shapen, and the king gazed long at it. It barked loudly at the knights on the daïs, and made small joy of them, I tell ye. Then Kay the seneschal coveted it, and
