XXIII.
After mass, a morsel he take with his men.
After messe a morsel1 he & his men token,
Miry watȝ þe mornyng, his mounture he askes;
Alle þe haþeles þat on horse schulde helden hym after,
Were boun busked on hor blonkkeȝ, bi-fore2 þe halle ȝateȝ;
Ferly fayre watȝ þe folde, for þe forst clenged,
In rede rudede vpon rak rises þe sunne,
& ful clere costeȝ3 þe clowdes of þe welkyn.
Hunteres vnhardeled bi a holt syde,