So we arrive at this remarkable moment where Gawain arrives at this wonderful castle after all this time in the wilderness.

And, you know, again, to the poet's testament, he paints such a vivid and wonderful picture

of it.

It's a description that after all this time through what Gwyn has been through, you immediately

know from the way it's being described that this is genuine sanctuary for him.

And so it says,

Then he stayed his steed that on the steep bank halted,

Above the deep double ditch that was drawn round the place,

the wall waded in the waters wondrously deep,

and up again to a huge height in the air it mounted,

all of hard-hewned stone to the high cornice, fortified under the battlement in the best fashion,

and topped with fair turrets set by turns about, that had many graceful loopholes with a good outlook. That night a better

barbican had never seen built, and inward he beheld the hall uprising, tall towers set in turns,

and as times clustered and fair finials joined featly, So fine and so long, their capstones all carven

with cunning and skill. Many chalk white chimneys he chanced to espy, upon the rooms of towers

all radiant white. So many a painted pinnacle was peppered about, among the crannials of the castle clustered so thickly,

that all parred out of paper it appeared to have been, the gallant knight on his great horse good enough thought it,

if he could come by any course at enclosure to enter, to harbour in that hostel, while the holy day lasted

with delight.

He called, and there came with speed, a porter blithe and bright.

On the wall he learned his need, and hailed the errant knight.

"'Good sir,' quoth Gawain.

...