793 They dranken, for they would their livës have. For which this noble Duke, as he well can, Comfórteth and honoúreth every man, And madë revel all the longë night, Unto the strangë lordës, as was right. Nor there was holden no discomforting, But as at jousts or at a tourneying; For soothly there was no discomfiture, For falling is not but an áventure. 794 Nor to be led by force unto a stake Unyielding, and with twenty knights y-take One person all alone, withouten mo’, And harried 795 forth by armës, foot, and toe, And eke his steedë driven forth with staves, With footmen, bothë yeomen and eke knaves, 796 It was aretted 797 him no villainy: There may no man clepen it cowardy.