And so befell it, that this king Arthoúr Had in his house a lusty bachelér, That on a day came riding from rivér: 2027 And happen’d, that, alone as she was born, He saw a maiden walking him beforn, Of which maiden anon, maugré 2028 her head, By very force he reft her maidenhead: For which oppressión was such clamoúr, And such pursuit unto the king Arthoúr, That damned 2029 was this knight for to be dead By course of law, and should have lost his head; (Paráventure such 2030 was the statute tho), 2031 But that the queen and other ladies mo’ So long they prayed the king of his grace, Till he his life him granted in the place, And gave him to the queen, all at her will