Great cheerë made our Host us every one, And to the supper set he us anon: And served us with victual of the best. Strong was the wine, and well to drink us lest. 255 A seemly man Our Hostë was withal For to have been a marshal in an hall. A largë man he was with eyen steep, 256 A fairer burgess is there none in Cheap: 257 Bold of his speech, and wise and well y-taught, And of manhoodë lacked him right naught. Eke thereto was he right a merry man, And after supper playen he began, And spake of mirth amongës other things, When that we haddë made our reckonings; And saidë thus; “Now, lordingës, truly Ye be to me welcome right heartily: For by my troth, if that I shall not lie, I saw not this year such a company At once in this herberow, 258 as is now.