After the king of Ireland at the meal his fill had eat,
By riders the grass was trodden; flowers to dust they beat
With rude and heavy trampling, while in uproar riding.
The men best known for bravery, before the fair, in knightly jousts were leading.
[184]
Four and twenty warriors, bearing well the shield,
Over the plain came riding; bold were they in the field,
And now in many a struggle all their strength were spending.
’Twas done in sight of the ladies, and hard it was of their games to make an ending.
[185]