The sports were then bespoken: he bade his men to send

The sports were then bespoken: he bade his men to send, In eighteen days or sooner, to liegeman and to friend, To say to all in Ireland, who would in his games be riding, That, after summer was ended, they should spend the winter, with him abiding.

He bade his men make benches, so our tale doth run, And for these, from out the wilderness, timber must be drawn; For sixty thousand warriors seats must they make ready. His henchmen and deft stewards, to do this work for the king, were skilled and speedy.

Thither men then hastened on many a winding way; All were kindly cared for throughout their lengthened stay. Now from Ireland’s kingdom, as the king had bidden, Full six and eighty thousand of warriors strong there to his court had ridden.

From the store-rooms of the castle clothing now was borne,— All the gear they wished for, and all that could be worn. Shields were also given, and steeds of Irish breeding; The proud and queenly lady bedecked her guests with all they could be needing.