Then Arthur spake fair unto him, 'Thou hast wrought me both joy and pain, Yet ne'er from the hand of a hero such honour I thought to gain As the honour that thou hast brought me! yet no service I did to thee, An I did, then thy fame had repaid it, tho' no other thy deeds should be 520 Than the deed thou hast done in the winning for Jeschuté her husband's grace! Nor Kay's guilt had been unavengèd, if ere this I had seen thy face Myself had, unasked, chastised him.' Then Arthur in this wise spake, 'Since so far they had come, and their journey had they taken but for his sake, They all with one voice did pray him, to swear to them brotherhood, 525 And be one of the gallant Table, a comrade both true and good.' And their prayer it seemed good unto him, and joyful at heart was he, And he sware them the oath that they asked for, and their knight would he gladly be. Now hear ye, and speak the verdict, if on this day the Table Round Its right, and its due observance had here, as aforetime found; 530 Since for many a day King Arthur in this wise had ruled his court, No knight should break bread before him, if there came of fair venture naught. But enough should have chanced this morning, and to Table they well might go, Though from Nantes might they never bear it, yet they here would its semblance show. Wide enow was the flowery meadow, nor hindered them tree or tent, 535 As they did here their monarch's bidding--for this was his heart's intent, Fair honour to give the Red Knight, and his valour, as meet, reward-- Then a silk in Acraton woven, they laid on the grassy sward, 'Twas brought from far lands of paynim, and 'twas shapen both wide and round; For ever this courteous custom mid these gallant knights was found, 540 No high seat had they of honour, but all men were equal there; And thus had King Arthur willed it, both the knights and their ladies fair At the Table Round were welcome, yea, an they might honour claim, Knight, lady, or gentle maiden, at his court all should fare the same!