And they spake before King Arthur that the marshal of Gawain came, And his lord the same day would follow, and encamp him upon the plain. 'Twas the talk of all the vassals--Then Gawain, from falsehood free, Rode forth from his home and there followed a goodly company. And their train was so richly ordered that marvels I here might tell! 665 With church gear and chamber hangings the pack-steeds were burdened well; And some were with harness laden, and above the harness bare Full many a crested helmet, and shield that was blazoned fair. And many a gallant war-horse was led by the bridle rein, And behind them both knight and lady rode close in the glittering train. 670 Would ye measure the length? a mile long, methinks, had it stretched, and more, And Sir Gawain, I ween, forgat not that a gallant knight should draw His rein by the side of each lady, and ever of love they spake, Or one scant of wit had deemed them! And in this wise the road they take, The Turkowit, brave Florand, for companion upon his way 675 Had the daughter of Queen Arnivé, Sangivé of Norroway, And Lischois, who was ne'er unready, he rode at sweet Kondrie's side, And by Gawain the maid Itonjé, his sister, perforce must ride. At the same time the Queen Arnivé and the Duchess of fair Logrois Rode gaily the one by the other, for in such wise they made their choice. 680 Beyond the camp of King Arthur the tents of Gawain they lay, And they who were fain to reach them thro' the army must take their way. 'Twas a sight for all men to gaze at! Ere the folk to their journey's end Might come, of a courteous custom, to do honour unto his friend, Gawain by the tent of Arthur bade the first maiden take her stand, 685 Then the marshal so did his office that the second, to her right hand, And the third beside the second, should unto each other ride, And none of them all delayed them--So made they a circle wide, Here the matrons, and there the maidens, and by each of them rode a knight Who would fain do the lady service, and would for her favours fight. 690 And thus round the tent of the monarch stood the ladies, a goodly ring, And to Gawain, the rich in gladness, fair welcome would Arthur bring.