On the morrow, as men remember the tide + 

When God for our destiny to die was born, + 

In ev’ry wone in the world waxes weal for His sake; + 

So the folk at the court had their festive fare, + 

Both at mess and at meal-time men full doughty + 

Daintiest dishes dress’d on the dais. + 

That ancient of eld at the end of the board, + 

With the lord at her side, full seemlily sat; + 

Gawain and the gay burd, together they ate, + 

Highest in honour, e’en as was meet; + 

And the rest by rank, as the rule orders, + 

Were seated on settle and served at table. + 

There was meat, there was mirth, there was measureless joy + 

Whereof for to tell were trouble o’ermuch, + 

Though I pain’d me perchance to point you the tale; + 

Yet I guess that Gawain and the gay lady + 

Of their company caught such comfort together + 

Through the dear dalliance of whisperèd words, + 

In careless converse, courteous and chaste. + 

That their play surpass’d any prince’s game, + 

I trow. + 

Some the loud trumpet wind, + 

Some on the shrill pipe blow; + 

Each man his note did mind + 

And they two theirs also. + 