LXXXII
Then was Gringolet graith, a great horse and noble; He had been lodg’d to his liking, and lustily fed, And him list prick for point, that proud horse then. Gawain to him goes, and gazes on his coat, And says to himself (and swears by his sooth) “There is a meiny in this moat, that of courtesy minds; The man that maintains them, máy he have joy, The lady, long live she, and love her betide! If ever for charity they cherish a guest And offer him hostel, the hígh God reward them That upholds the heaven, and also you all! And if life I may lead so long upon earth, Some guerdon I shall give you, right gladly anon.” Then he steps into stirrup, and strides aloft; They show him his shield, and on shoulder he girds it, Sets goad to Gringolet with his gilded heels, Who starts on the stones, and stands there no longer to prance. The squire on horse was then That bore his spear and lance; The castle he did beken To Christ, and wish’d “Good Chance.”