|
The styward bit the spices for to hye, |
| And eek the wyn, in al this melodye; |
| The usshers and the squiers been ygoon, |
| The spices and the wyn is come anoon, |
| 295 | They ete and drynke, and whan this hadde an ende, |
| Unto the temple, as reson was, they wende. |
| The service doon, they soupen al by day; |
| What nedeth me rehercen hir array? |
| Ech man woot wel, that at a kynges feeste |
| 300 | Hath plentee, to the mooste and to the leeste, |
| And deyntees mo than been in my knowyng. |
| At after soper gooth this noble kyng, |
| To seen this hors of bras, with al the route |
| Of lordes, and of ladyes hym aboute. |
|
| The steward bade them serve the spices, aye, |
| And the rich wine through all this melody. |
| The ushers and the squires got them gone; |
| The spices and the wine were come anon. |
| 295 | They ate and drank, and when this had an end, |
| Unto the temple, as was right, did wend. |
| The service done, they supped while yet 'twas day. |
| What needs it that I tell all their array? |
| Each man knows well that at a kingly feast |
| 300 | There's plenty for the greatest and the least, |
| And dainties more than are in my knowing. |
| Then, after supper, went this noble king |
| To see the horse of brass, with all the rout |
| Of lords and ladies thronging him about. |
|
