So rode the gallant hero, in stately guise and meet; Ten pack-horses heavy-laden they led first adown the street, 280 And twenty squires behind them; and his people they went before, And lackeys, cooks, and cook-boys, at the head of the train they saw. And stately I ween his household, twelve pages of lineage high Rode next to the squires, well-mannered, and trained in all courtesy, And Saracens were among them; and behind them in order fair 285 Came chargers eight, and a covering of sendal did each one bear. But the ninth it bore a saddle, and the shield ye have known ere now Was borne by a squire beside it, and joyful his mien, I trow. And trumpeters rode behind it, for in sooth they must needs be there, And a drummer he smote his tambour, and swung it aloft in air. 290 And as naught had the hero deemed it, this pomp, if there failed to ride Men who on the flute were skilful, and three fiddlers were at their side, And they hasted not nor hurried; and behind them the hero came, And his shipman he rode beside him, a wise man of goodly fame. And much folk was within the city, and Moors were both man and maid. 295 Then the hero he looked around him, and, lo! many a shield displayed, Battle-hewn and with spear-thrust piercèd they hung on each wall and door. And wailing and woe was their portion; for the knight at each window saw Many men lie sorely wounded, who to breathe the air were fain, And e'en tho' a leech might tend them no help might they think to gain 300 Who were hurt too sore for healing--In the field had they faced the foe, And such shall be their rewarding who in conflict no flight will know-- Many horses were led towards him, sword-hewn and with lance thrust through; And on each side stood dusky maidens, and black as the night their hue. Then his host gave him kindly greeting--and of joy did he reap his meed-- 305 A rich man was he and mighty, and many a knightly deed With thrust and blow had his hand wrought when his post at the gate he found; And many a knight was with him, and bandaged their heads and bound, And their hands in slings were holden; yet tho' sorely wounded still They did many deeds of knighthood, nor were lacking in strength and skill. 310