She raught him a ring of rich red gold, + 

With a blazing stone that stóod high in bezel, + 

And blink’d as bright as the beams of the sun; + 

Weet ye well, it was worth wealth unmeasured. + 

But the knight refused it and said to that fair: + 

“I wish no gifts for good, my gay, at this time, + 

I have none to offer, and nought will I take.” + 

Then pray’d she the prince and press’d him again, + 

But he swore by his sooth, and still her denied, + 

And she was sorry he forsook and said at the last: + 

“If the ring ye refuse, for its semblance too rich, + 

And ye would not so highly be holden to me, + 

I shall give you my girdle; your gain is the less.” + 

She took lightly a lace that loop’d round her body, + 

Knit on her kirtle, under mantle so clear, + 

A green silk girdle with pendants of gold, + 

Fair gauds and golden gear’d at the edges. + 

Then gaily again the girdle she offer’d, + 

A trifle unworthy, woúld he but take it. + 

But he would not (quoth he) anywise in the world + 

Either gold or gersom, ere God him vouchsafe + 

The chance to achieve that he had thére chòsen. + 

“And therefore, I pray, may it not displease you, + 

Let bé your business, to your boon shall I never + 

agree. + 

Full well my debt I know + 

For your blithe courtesy, + 

And whatever wind may blow + 

Your servant shall I be.” + 