And the pages they led him straightway where stood many a gallant knight, 850 And there in the castle courtyard from his steed did they bid him light. Spake the youth, and he showed his folly, 'Tis a King who hath bidden me Be a knight, and whate'er befall me on this charger my seat shall be. My mother she bade me greet ye!' And mother they thanked and son, (Both horse and man were wearied) then, the words of greeting done, 855 Full many a time they urged him, but it cost them many a thought Ere the lad within the castle, and from off his steed they brought. Then they led him to a chamber, and they prayed the stranger guest, 'Let us loose thine harness off thee, that thy wearied limbs find rest.' But scarce had they loosed his armour when lo! there came to view 860 A garment e'en such as Fools wear, and leggings of calf-skin new; Then startled and shamed they turned them, and they whispered each to all, And with bated breath the tidings ran swift through the castle hall, And the host for shame was speechless--But a knight spake in courtesy, 'Let that be as it may, one so noble mine eyes they might never see, 865 And Good Fortune hath looked upon him by his mien so high and fair-- Ah! he whom Love's light hath chosen, who bade him such garb to wear? And it grieveth me sore to find thus on the World's Joy such poor attire. Ah! well for the mother who bare him, she hath won her full heart's desire! And his helmet is decked so costly; ere his harness from him we took 870 It became him well, and knightly and noble I ween his look, And many a bruise and blood-stain the lad on his limbs doth bear.' Quoth the host, ''Tis perchance a woman who bade him such garb to wear!' 'Nay, Sire, for so strange his bearing he would know not a maid to pray To take from him knightly homage,--Tho' his face is so fair alway 875 It had fitted him well for Love's service.' Then the host spake, ''Tis best we see This lad, in whose strange attiring a marvel for sure shall be!'