XXVI
When he was haspèd in arms, his harness was splendid, The least latchet or loop was of learning gold; So arm’d as he was he hearken’d his mass, Solemnly offer’d at the high altar. Then he comes to the King and his court-brethren, Takes kindly his leave of lords and of ladies, Who kiss and escort him, and to Christ him commend. By thén was Gríngolet gráith and girt with a saddle That gleam’d full gaily with fringes of gold, And with nails anew for the nonce was studded; The bridle with bars of bright gold was striped, The apparail of the poitrel and its proud trappings, The crupper and the coverture, accorded with the arsons — Rich studs all over, arrangèd on red, That all glitter’d and gleam’d like the glent of the sun. Then has he his helmet and eagerly it kisses; It was stapled for strength, and stuffèd within, And sat high on his head, well haspèd behind; A kerchief bright o’er the beaver was bound, Embroider’d and set with the bravest jewels On the broad silk band, and birds on the seams, Painted popinjays preening themselves, Turtles and trueloves entailèd so thick Mány a búrd had been búsy seven winters about them in town. I ween, of greater price Was the circlet round his crown, Of diamonds a device That were both bright and brown.