And what was his shield's adorning? of gold of Araby fair, 195 And the boss it was rich and costly, and heavy the weight he bare. And the red gold shone so brightly that mirrored the face therein, And an anchor beneath of sable--I were fain to myself to win That wherewith the knight was girded, full many a mark its worth. And wide was the coat emblazoned, and it reached e'en unto the earth, 200 And I ween that few in battle such raiment shall think to wear. And if I have skill to praise it, or its value aright declare, It shone e'en as when there burneth thro' the night-time a living flame, And never a tint was faded, and its shimmer as lightning came, A feeble eye had feared it! And with gold was it all inwrought, 205 That in Kaukasus' distant mountains from out of the rock was brought By gryphon claws, for they guarded, and shall guard it unto this day. And from Araby came the people who stole it by craft away,-- Elsewhere shall be none so precious,--and they bare it to Araby Where they weave Achmardi and Pfellel, and no vesture like _that_ shall be! 210 His shield, round his neck he hung it--There stood a charger proud, Well-nigh to the hoof was it armed--and the squires cried the war-cry loud, And he sprang on his steed as he found it; and many a spear of might Did he break with strong hand in the Tourney, and where men did the closest fight There he brake a way thro' the mêlée, and came forth on the further side, 215 And ever behind the Ostrich the Anchor did close abide. Gamuret smote from off his charger Poytewin of Prienlaskors And many another hero, their pledge must they yield perforce. But what knight bare the cross he rejoiced him in the hero's valiant deeds, And much did he win by his valour, since he gave him the captured steeds. 220