O happen’d this handsel to Arthur at Yule, + 

When for vaunting vows of adventure he yearned; + 

Though brave wórds had been wanting when they went to their meat, + 

Now are they bestead with stern work in plenty. + 

To begin this game was Gawain full glad, + 

But if the end be heavy, have ye no wonder: + 

For though men’s minds are merry, when mead they have ta’en, + 

A year swiftly yerns and yields ne’er the same⁠— + 

End and beginning agree not together. + 

So this Yule over-pass’d and the year after, + 

And each season full soon ensued upon other. + 

After Christmas came the crabbèd Lenten + 

That tries us with fish, and fare more meagre. + 

Then the weather of the world with winter it chides, + 

Cold shrinks adown, clouds rise on high + 

And shed the sheen rain in showers full warm, + 

To fall upon fair field; flowers peep forth, + 

Grassland and grove green is their raiment, + 

Birds busk them to build, and bravely they sing + 

For solace of the summer that sues thereafter, + 

by way, + 

And blossoms swell and blow + 

On hedgerows rich and gay; + 

Then noble notes enow + 

In holt are heard, in May. + 