So of these much courtly service was rendered to those dear guests.
There might ye hear shields ringing afront of the castle-gate,
Spear-snapping and buckler-crashing: long time on his charger sate
The King mid his friends there watching, or ever within they passed.
In many a knightly pastime the bright hours fleeted fast.
Unto the gate of the guest-hall rode they all joyously.
Many a rich-wrought housing fashioned fair to see
From the saddles of lovely ladies swinging on either hand
Hung to the ground. There waiting did the palace-pages stand.
Unto their several chambers by these were the guests led on;