A chair by the chimney, where charcoal burn’d bright, + 

Was array’d all ready to rest the good Gawain, + 

With cushions full costly on coverings of quilt. + 

Then a merry mantle on the man was cast, + 

A bléaunt of brown, richly embroider’d + 

And lined full fair with furs of the finest, + 

And all edg’d with ermine; and the hood with the same. + 

He sat in that settle in his splendid array, + 

And warm’d himself well; then the wight’s cheer mended. + 

Soon was set up on trestles a table well tight + 

And a clean cloth on it that clear white shone, + 

A sanap and a saler, and silveren spoons. + 

Then he wash’d at his will and went to his meat; + 

Supper forthwith they seemlily served⁠— + 

Sews of the daintiest, season’d with skill, + 

(Double fare as is fitting) and fishes full many, + 

Some baken in bread, some grill’d on the gledes, + 

Or seeth’d, or in stew well savour’d with spice; + 

And ay sauces they served as that sire might like. + 

A feast he call’d it full freely and oft + 

In his courtly way, when the courtiers cheer’d him + 

as friend: + 

“This penance now, Sir, take + 

And soon it shall amend.” + 

Much mirth did Gawain make + 

For wine to his head did wend. + 