Thro' the summer night 'twas measured, the ring, both with thought and care, And from one end unto the other with pomp they the seats prepare. And the cost were too great for a poor king, as they saw it in noontide light, 675 When the trappings, so gay and costly, shone fair in the sun-rays bright. Gramoflanz and Gawain would pay it, the cost, since within their land He was but a guest, King Arthur, tho' he dealt with a generous hand.
And the night, it seldom cometh but, as it is wont, the sun Bringeth back the day and the daylight when the hours of the night are run; 680 And e'en so it befell, and the dawning was clear and calm and bright, And many a flowery chaplet crowned the locks of many a knight; And with cheeks and lips unpainted saw ye many a lovely maid, And, if Kiot the truth hath spoken, knight and lady they were arrayed In diverse garb and fashion, with head-gear both high and low, 685 As each in their native country their faces were wont to show-- 'Twas a folk from far kingdoms gathered and diverse their ways were found-- If to lady a knight were lacking she sat not at the Table Round, But if she for knightly service had promised a guerdon fair, She might ride with her knight, but the others, they must to their tents repair. 690
When Arthur the Mass had hearkened, then Gramoflanz did they see With Gowerzein's Duke and Florant; to the king came the comrades three, And each one a boon would crave here, for each of the three was fain To be one of the good Round Table, nor this grace did they fail to gain. And if lady or knight would ask me who was richest of all that band, 695 Who sat as guests in the circle, and were gathered from every land, Then here will I speak the answer, 'twas Feirefis Angevin, But think not from my lips of his riches a further tale to win.
Thus in festive guise, and gaily, they rode to the circle wide, And often to maid had it chancèd (so closely the guests must ride) 700 Were her steed not well girthed she had fallen--with banners waving high From every side of the meadow to each other the groups drew nigh; And a Buhurd fair was ridden without the Table Round, And in courtly guise and skilful no man rode _within_ its bound; There was space without for the chargers, and they handled their steeds with skill, 705 And rode each one against the other till the ladies had looked their fill.