By a mount that morning merrily rode he + 

Into a forest full deep that was fearful wild, + 

High hills on each hand and holtwoods thereunder + 

Of hoar oaks full huge, a hundred together; + 

The hazel and the hawthorn were all in a tangle + 

With rough moss and rank beraggèd all over, + 

And mány a bírd unblíthe on the bare twigs sitting + 

Piteously piped for pain of the cold. + 

This gallant on Gringolet glides them beneath, + 

Through mizzy and mire, a man full lonesome, + 

For ’twas much on his mind lest his mass he should miss + 

Nor see the service of that Sire, who that self-same night + 

Of a burd was born to abye our trouble; + 

And so sighing he said “I beseech thee, Lord, + 

And Mary, that art mildest mother so dear⁠— + 

Some harbour where humbly the mass I may hearken + 

And thy matins tomorrow meekly I ask you, + 

And I presently pray my pater and avè + 

and creed.” + 

He pray’d and still rode on, + 

He cried for his misdeed, + 

Then sain’d himself anon + 

And said “Christ’s cross me speed.” + 