XCVI
‘He will not come yet,’ said the Justice,
‘I dare well undertake.’
But in sorry timè for them all
The Knight came to the gate.
XCVII
Then bespake that gentle Knight
Until[773] his meinèe:
‘Now put on your simple weeds
That ye brought from the sea.’
XCVIII
They putten on their simple weeds,
They came to the gates anon;
The Porter was ready himself,
And welcomed them every one.
XCIX
‘Welcome, Sir Knight,’ said the Porter,
‘My lord to meat is he,
And so is many a gentle man,
For the love of thee.’
C
The Porter swore a full great oath:
‘By Him that madè me,
Here be the bestè corsèd[774] horse
That ever yet I see.