The Loathly Lady

• Maddy Mcdonald, Grade 7
• Poetry
• 2011

Into the deep dark woods King Arthur strayed
And by a black armoured knight was waylaid
“Arthur how sublime, I challenge thee to fight,
Now show me all your courage and might”
* * *
To his scabbard Arthur’s hand flew
But it was not Excalibur he withdrew
Instead all withdrawn contained clean air
Poor Arthur clutched his chest in despair
*
The Black Knight cried with mighty glee
I could kill you Arthur but let me see
Yet doing the would be too swift
So to spare you your life I give you this gift
*
Bring me the answer to this riddle noble sire
Arthur, what is every woman’s great desire?
And I want it 3 days time
If not then all your life is mine
*
King Arthur puzzled as homeward he rode
What was the answer, his brow deeply furrowed?
For every lady he asked had an answer if course
But it varied according to each source
*
No decision he reached, and so by day 3
Trudged his way to the Black Knights territory
But as he drew near, there came a loud shout
From a lady who said “I have the answer you’ve sought”
*
She lifted her head and Arthur drew back
For she was such a hideous old hag
“Come hither my lord, do not be dismayed,
For I’ve the answer to the challenge that’s been laid”
*
But you must promise to grant me one wish
“Anything”, cried Arthur, “once this deed I finish”
So she gave him the answer and Arthur turned
“But wait noble lord, I will not be spurned
*
“My wish is for a knight of yours to be my husband”
What a wish! Poor Arthur was stunned
“Hmm”, thought Arthur, “but which good lord?”
“Fine”, said he, I promise to keep my word.
*
King Arthur bowed, “I shall keep my promise”
And proudly he rode back into the forest.
The black Knight waited, smug, silent on his steed.
“Have you the answer by which you’ll be freed?”
*
“I have”, replied Arthur, “my answer is to say”.
“Every woman would like her own way”
“Oh no, what a disaster”, cried the Black Knight
“Just go Arthur, just go, get out of my sight”
*
That night poor Arthur was downcast and distressed.
He could not think he was so very depressed.
Life looked glum from his point of view.
“Why such a wish and why me? But my word is to be true”.
*
“There is something terrible and I cannot think,
For what I must do makes my heart sink”
“I will help you”, cried the gallant Gawaine.
“Thank you but the task is not plain”.
*
“A hideous hag must marry one of my knights,
All would be perfect except for this blight.
And now all this will mess up your life,
It will bring you only grief and strife”.
*
“In exchange for helping me, to a lady I placed my pledge.
A knight from my court whom she could wed.
Be warned my friend, this lady looks foul.
Life with her would be a tough trial”.
*
“Fear not”, spoke Sir Gawaine, “I am not concerned with beauty.
For I am gallant and this is my duty.
Com e now, let us ride to collect my darling wife.
I am not scared for this happens in life”.
*
The party set off, Sir Gawaine in the lead.
Arthur rode with no pride or speed.
“Poor Gawaine, he’ll never be spared.
For this deed he will be ensnared”.
*
Then through the trees a form they spied.
*
A cloak of scarlet hid the hag.
Under a lovely, luscious tree she sat.
She saw them as the party drew near.
Sir Gawaine had not a drop of fear.
*
Until....
*
The lady turned her head
And by golly how hideous and ill-bread
With Gawaine at the front the party assembled
As she came near everyone trembled.
*
One red rimmed eye, rheumy and running
The other, no shape and sunken deep.
Grey lips with tough and twisted flesh.
Revealing yellowing, crooked teeth.
*
Her quivering hand she waved up high
A wiry, wrinkled finger beckoned.
“Sir Gawaine”, she croaked, “come, my loving knight.
Stare long at my gruesome sight”.
*
“My lady”, said Sir Gawaine, and before her he knelt.
Repulsion and fear were what he felt
Then with effort, grand and mighty
He whispered these words, as was his duty.
*
“My lady, I will be thine if you will be mine.
Our two lives shall be entwined”.
“My lord, your wish is my desire.
My heart dances with joy and fire”.
*
They returned to the castle and into the town
And Gawaine's spirit sank deep down.
As the ladies foot touched the ground
Gasps of dismay rose from the crowd.
*

Only grave and gracious Guinevere,
Stepped forward in a way that was sincere.
“Welcome to our palace”, she said.
And placed a kiss on the ladies head.
*
The wedding was a dismal affair.
For though the lady had dazzling clothes to wear,
They could not alter, nor could they hide,
The hideous looks of the newly wedded bride.
*
As midnight struck the hour drew near.
Now the ladies looks would disappear.
Gawaine, a very trustworthy and noble knight,
Sat in grief, his face pale and white.
*
It was the moment as Gawaine shook with fear.
As he climbed the ageing, ancient stairs.
He reached the top and dropped into a chair.
His head rested in his hands in despair.
*
“My lord I beg you, now look around”.
The dejected Gawaine heard rather an attractive sound.
It was the beauty, the richness in her voice.
He turned and leapt, then began to rejoice.
*
A lady of rare beauty he now perceived.
Was this real, could he now believe?
This delightful damsel towards him drew near.
Gawaine was overwhelmed with happiness and good cheer.
*
“I am your wife”, she kissed him sweetly.
And placed a gracious hand on his so lightly.
“You’ve now half released me from the spell.
Now about the curse I will tell.”
*
“You must decide which of these you like best.
To have beauty by day and ugly by night.
Or ugly by day and beauty by night.
Which of these, dear husband, would give most delight?”
*
Sir Gawine stood still and pondered deep.
“Whichever I choose will make me weep”.
At last he spoke in great despair.
And said “lady, you choose what you think best”.
*
“My lord!” She cried and her arms around him flung.
The curse is done we now have won!
You’ve given me what most women desire.
The thing to which we all plot and aspire”.
*
“And that my lord now listen well.
For you, fine knight, have broken the spell.
What every woman wishes everyday,
Is to have her own, her very own, way.