As night drew on the windows were brilliantly illumined, and at each one he beheld the pallid, tear-stained faces of some of the captives, whose years ranged from early childhood to withered old age.
Calling for admittance at this castle, Gawain was allowed to enter, but, to his surprise, found hall and court deserted.

He wandered from room to room, meeting no one; and, weary of his vain search, prepared at last to occupy a comfortable couch in one of the chambers.

To his utter amazement, however, the bed retreated as he advanced, until, impatient at this trickery, he sprang boldly upon it.

A moment later a rain of sharp spears and daggers fell upon his couch, but did him no harm, for he had not removed his heavy armor.

When the rain of weapons was over, a gigantic peasant, armed with a huge club, stalked into the room, closely followed by a fierce lion.