Then was Gringolet graith, a great horse and noble; + 

He had been lodg’d to his liking, and lustily fed, + 

And him list prick for point, that proud horse then. + 

Gawain to him goes, and gazes on his coat, + 

And says to himself (and swears by his sooth) + 

“There is a meiny in this moat, that of courtesy minds; + 

The man that maintains them, máy he have joy, + 

The lady, long live she, and love her betide! + 

If ever for charity they cherish a guest + 

And offer him hostel, the hígh God reward them + 

That upholds the heaven, and also you all! + 

And if life I may lead so long upon earth, + 

Some guerdon I shall give you, right gladly anon.” + 

Then he steps into stirrup, and strides aloft; + 

They show him his shield, and on shoulder he girds it, + 

Sets goad to Gringolet with his gilded heels, + 

Who starts on the stones, and stands there no longer + 

to prance. + 

The squire on horse was then + 

That bore his spear and lance; + 

The castle he did beken + 

To Christ, and wish’d “Good Chance.” + 