|
And so bifel, that after the thridde cours |
| Whil that this kyng sit thus in his nobleye, |
| Herknynge hise mynstrals hir thynges pleye |
| Biforn hym at the bord deliciously, |
| 80 | In at the halle dore al sodeynly |
| Ther cam a knyght, upon a steede of bras, |
| And in his hand a brood mirour of glas, |
| Upon his thombe he hadde of gold a ryng, |
| And by his syde a naked swerd hangyng. |
| 85 | And up he rideth to the heighe bord. |
| In al the hall ne was ther spoken a word |
| For merveille of this knyght; hym to biholde |
| Ful bisily ther wayten yonge and olde. |
|
| And so it happened that, after the third course, |
| While this great king sat in his state that day, |
| Hearing his minstrels on their instruments play |
| Before him at the board, deliciously, |
| 80 | In at the hall door, and all suddenly, |
| There came a knight upon a steed of brass, |
| Holding in hand a mirror broad of glass. |
| Upon his thumb he had a golden ring, |
| And by his side a naked sword hanging; |
| 85 | And up he rode right to the highest board. |
| In all the hall there was not spoken word |
| For marvel of this knight; him to behold, |
| They stared and stretched and craned, both young and old. |
|
