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by the duke, and presented to the lady; to whom Valentine spoke in the following manner. Fair creature, king Pepin hath sent me hither with the bravest knight in the realm, to encounter the green knight, who, though he be dumb and naked, is endued with such puissance and valour, that no Knight under the sun is able to wield a sword against him. During which speech, the lady viewed Orson narrowly, and he her; but supper comeing in, interrupted them, and they all sat down to eat.
Whilst they were in the midst of their feasting, the green knight entered to see the lady Fezon, aecording to his custom, saying, Valiaut duke of Aquitian, have you any more knights to cope with me for your fair daughter? To whom the duke answered, Yes: I have now seventeen: and then carried him into the hall, and shewed him all the knights; among whom sat Valentine and Orson. And when he had seen them, he said to them, Lords, eat and be merry, for to-morrow will be your last; which Orson understanding he was greatly ineensed at him, and suddenly rising from the table, he caught him in his arms, and swinging him round, threw him with great force against the adjacent wall; which made the green knight lie a considerable time, as though he were dead, which very much surprised and diverted the whole eompany.
Next day several knights were to eneounter the green knight, but he overthrew and slew them all; till at length Orson, being armed in Valentiue's armour, he went to the green knight’s pavilion, and having desired him, they began the most desperate combat that ever was heard of. The green knight struek such a great stroke at him, that cut off the
