kinsman nor friend, for he is not loved of all the world that is hated or ought to be, to open the coffer as are they; for against as many I have slain, save one only, were in the midst of this hall, and that coffer sweated through just as had it been sprinkled all over and was "By my head," saith Kay, "I would that all the heads of all the knights by one man." served you so well." wet with water. The King marvelled greatly, and so made Messire Gawain at meat. He heard say that the King and all the others had essayed and "Kay," saith the King, "Shall you be so merry and you may open the might open it was not among them. Messire Kay the Seneschal had served me, and you ought not to have delayed to send for me. You have Then would you believe what you are not willing to believe for the "By my head," saith Kay, "You ought not to forget me, for as good summoned all the others, and me not a whit, and yet am I as well able, knight am I and of as much worth as they that you have called before knights have I defended me as they, and as many have I slain in me, for never was no knight so poor as that he should have neither coffer, and if you have slain the knight whose head lieth therein? By proved the coffer but might not open it. He is come thither, all my head, I that am King would fain that the coffer should not open for set his hand to it and Lancelot and all those of the court, but he that "Now, then, Kay," saith the King, "I had forgotten you." defending my body as have they." envious ones that think they are better worth than I, and yet have not there were letters sealed with them to say that they were slain by me. uncalled for.