Thus in stall did he stand, the stalwart Arthur, + 

And lightly of trifles he talk’d at the table. + 

Beside Queen Guenore Sir Gawain was graith’d, + 

And Agravain Hard-hand at her other side sat, + 

That were nephews to the King, and knights full noble; + 

Bishop Baldwin was above, at the end of the board, + 

And Urien’s son, Ewain, ate with his Grace. + 

These were dight on the dais and daintily served, + 

And many a sickar man sat at the sideboards. + 

Then came in the course with a crack of the trumpets, + 

Many banners full bright a-hanging thereby: + 

The kettledrums next and the noble pipes + 

Wild notes and shrill with their warbles awaken’d, + 

So that every heart leapt high at their touches. + 

Came dainties therewith and dishes full pleasant, + 

Fresh meats in plenty, on platters so many + 

That ’twas pain to find place, the people before, + 

To set all the silver with sews thereupon, + 

on cloth. + 

A man might serve himself + 

As list him, nothing loth; + 

Each two had dishes twelve, + 

Good beer and bright wine both + 