9
Forth came dame Gueneuer,
to the mantle shee her bed;
The ladye shee was new-fangle,
but yett shee was affrayd.
10
When shee had taken the mantle,
shee stoode as she had beene madd;
It was from the top to the toe
as sheeres had itt shread.
11
One while was itt gaule,
another while was itt greene;
Another while was itt wadded;
ill itt did her beseeme.
12
Another while was it blacke,
and bore the worst hue;
'By my troth,' quoth King Arthur,
'I thinke thou be not true.'
13
Shee threw downe the mantle,
that bright was of blee,
Fast with a rudd redd
to her chamber can shee flee.
14
Shee curst the weauer and the walker
that clothe that had wrought,
And bade a vengeance on his crowne
that hither hath itt brought.
15
'I had rather be in a wood,
vnder a greene tree,
Then in King Arthurs court
shamed for to bee.'
16
Kay called forth his ladye,
and bade her come neere;
Saies, 'Madam, and thou be guiltye,
I pray thee hold thee there.'
17
Forth came his ladye
shortlye and anon,
Boldlye to the mantle
then is shee gone.
18
When she had tane the mantle,
and cast it her about,
Then was shee bare
all aboue the buttocckes.