XXXVII
A chair by the chimney, where charcoal burn’d bright, Was array’d all ready to rest the good Gawain, With cushions full costly on coverings of quilt. Then a merry mantle on the man was cast, A bléaunt of brown, richly embroider’d And lined full fair with furs of the finest, And all edg’d with ermine; and the hood with the same. He sat in that settle in his splendid array, And warm’d himself well; then the wight’s cheer mended. Soon was set up on trestles a table well tight And a clean cloth on it that clear white shone, A sanap and a saler, and silveren spoons. Then he wash’d at his will and went to his meat; Supper forthwith they seemlily served— Sews of the daintiest, season’d with skill, (Double fare as is fitting) and fishes full many, Some baken in bread, some grill’d on the gledes, Or seeth’d, or in stew well savour’d with spice; And ay sauces they served as that sire might like. A feast he call’d it full freely and oft In his courtly way, when the courtiers cheer’d him as friend: “This penance now, Sir, take And soon it shall amend.” Much mirth did Gawain make For wine to his head did wend.