And so shall praise and honour by the guests be rendered to us.”
Then also hasted the good knights, and bade their squires bring out
Goodly saddles with red gold all richly set about.
Mounting-blocks gold-gleaming upon foot-cloths spread on the earth
They set for the feet of the ladies on that day of gladness and mirth.
There in the court stood waiting the palfreys richly dight,
Prepared, as the old song telleth, for many a lady bright.
On the breast of each horse gleaming was the dainty martingale
Of the richest silk threads woven ever sung in minstrel’s tale.
Fourscore-and-six fair ladies came pacing forth in state