Him litle answerd th’angry Elfin knight;

He neuer meant with words, but swords to plead his right.

But threw his gauntlet as a sacred pledge[165], xliii

His cause in combat the next day to try:

So been they parted both, with harts on edge[166],

To be aueng’d each on his enimy.

That night they pas in ioy and iollity,

Feasting and courting both in bowre and hall;

For Steward was excessiue Gluttonie,

That of his plenty poured forth to all;