"What manner of beast may Knight be," quoth Tyolet; "where doth it dwell and whence doth it come?"
"Of a faith that will I tell thee, truly and with no lie. 'Tis a beast that is greatly feared for it taketh and eateth other beasts. Oft-times doth it abide in the wood and oft-times in the open lands."
"Of a faith," said Tyolet, "'tis a marvel—for never since I might wander in the wilderness have I seen such a beast; yet know I bears and lions, and every sort of venison. Nor is there a beast in all the forest that I know not, but I take them all without pain or trouble; thou alone I may not know. Yet thou seemest a brave beast. Tell me, thou Knight-Beast, what dost thou bear on thy head? And what is it that hangeth at thy neck, and is red and shining?"
"Of a truth I will tell thee, and lie not. That which I bear on my head is a coif, which men call helmet, with steel all around; and this is a mantle in which I am wrapped, and this at my neck a shield, banded with gold."
"And with what hast thou clad thyself, it seemeth me pierced through with little holes?"
"'Tis a coat of wrought mail, men call it a hauberk."
"And with what art thou shod? Tell me of thy friendship."
"Shoes and greaves of iron have I, right well wrought."
"And what hast thou girt at thy side? Tell me an thou wilt."
"Men call it a sword, 'tis fair to look upon, and the blade is hard and keen."