She proffered him a rich ring of red gold work,
with a sparkling stone glittering aloft,
that blazed brilliant beams like the bright sun;
know you well that it’s worth was full huge.
But the knight refused it and he readily said:
‘I’ll no gifts, before God, my dear, at this time;
I have none to give you, nor naught will I take.’
She offered it him eagerly, yet he her gift spurned,
and swore swiftly his oath that he would not seize it;
and she grieved he refused her, and said thereafter:
‘Since you reject my ring, too rich it may seem,
for you would not be so high beholden to me,
I shall give you my girdle: that profits you less.’
She loosed a belt lightly that lay round her sides,
looped over her kirtle beneath her bright mantle.
Gear it was of green silk and with gold trimmed,
at the edges embroidered, with finger-stitching;
and that she offered the knight, and blithely besought
that he would take it though it were unworthy.
but he said he might have nigh him in no wise
neither gold nor treasure, ere God sent him grace,
to achieve the errand he had chosen there.
‘And therefore, I pray you, be not displeased,
and let your gift go, for I swear it I can never
you grant.
To you I am deeply beholden,
your kindness is so pleasant,
and ever in heat and cold, then
I’ll be your true servant.’