And at four of the gates the Marshal, Kardefablet of Jamore, With his army bravely battled, as men well at the dawning saw. 620 And the rich Duke fought full knightly; he was brother to Lippaut's wife, And stronger in heart than others who yet bear them well in strife, And for men of war are reckoned--In conflict he grief would bear-- With nightfall his host drew nearer, from far land would he hither fare, For but seldom from stress of battle or conflict he turned aside, 625 And four of their gates he guarded right well in his warlike pride. The force from beyond the river passed o'er it ere morning light, And entered the walls of Beaurosch, as Lippaut should deem it right. But they of Jamore had ridden o'er the bridge before the gate, And every door was guarded, and warlike their foes they wait, 630 Ere ever the day had dawnèd--Scherules one door would ward, Which he and the brave Knight Gawain would let not from out their guard. And there had ye heard lamentation from the lips of many a knight, And the best they were who mourned thus, they had failed here to see the fight, For the vesper-play was ended ere yet they a joust might share. 635 Yet needless their lamentation, for countless they proffered there To all who had lust for battle, and to joust in the field would ride. In the streets saw ye many a hoof-track, and there drew in on every side Full many a tossing banner by the light of the moonbeam's ray. And many a costly helmet would they wear in the joust that day, 640 And spears with bright colours blazoned--A Regensburg silk, I ween, Had been held of little value 'fore Beaurosch on the meadow green. For many a coat emblazoned had ye looked upon that day, Whose goal had methinks been higher in the cost that its lord would pay.