But Arthur would not eat till all had been served, + 

He was somewhat childgear’d, and gay of his youth, + 

Life sat on him light, and the less he lovèd + 

Either too long to lie or too long to sit; + 

So busied him young blood, and his eager brain. + 

And another mood moved him: for much did he love + 

All noble renown, and ne’er would he eat + 

At such a dear season till someone had told him + 

Some story of chivalry, stirring and strange, + 

Some main marvel, that he might believe in, + 

Of high knightérrantry, or other adventure, + 

Or till someone besought him of a sickar knight + 

To join him in jousting and jeopardy of arms, + 

Stake life for life, and each allow other + 

As fortune should favour advantage to have. + 

So custom’d the King, where court he e’er held, + 

On each festive feast-day, with his free meiny + 

in Hall. + 

Therefore so proud of cheer + 

Stalwart he stands in stall; + 

Gaily at that New Year + 

Much mirth he makes with all. + 