SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT

Written down at least once in 1400 but probably composed earlier (and orally), this Middle English tale is rendered line-by-line, with the original en face, by the indefatigable Merwin. This approach allows the full flavor of the poem to come through as one goes back and forth between them: "Dele to me my destiné, and do hit out of honde" becomes "Deal me my destiny, and do it out of hand." (Dec.)