If at first they were stounded, e’en stiller were then + 

All the athels in hall, both the high and the low. + 

The rider on his rouncy wroth him in saddle, + 

And rudely his red eyes rolling about him + 

Pucker’d his bristled brows, that blinkèd so green, + 

And waving his beard watch’d who would rise. + 

When none him accosted he cough’d very loud, + 

Stretch’d him with an air, and straightway gan speak: + 

“What! is this Arthur’s house?” quoth the athel at last, + 

“That the rumour runs of through realms so many? + 

Where are your pomp and your pride, and the prowess ye vaunt of, + 

Your warplay so grim, and your great talking? + 

Now is the revel and renown of the Round Table + 

By a word o’erwalted of one wight’s speech, + 

For all dote ye for dread ere a dint be offered.” + 

With that he laugh’d so loud that the liege King griev’d, + 

And for shame the blood shot to his face so sheen + 

of cheer. + 

He wax’d as wroth as wind, + 

So did all that were there. + 

The King so bold by kind + 

Then stood that stalwart near, + 