To take our way there as I you advise,
But natheless, while I have the time and space Before I further in the tale do pass,
It seemeth me accordant unto reason,
To tell unto you all the condition
Of each of them, so as it seemed me,
And who they weren, and of what degree;
And eke in what array they all were in,
And at a Knight then will I first begin.
A KNIGHT there was, and that a worthy ma
That from the time that he at first began
To riden out, he loved chivalrie,
Truthe and honour, freedom and courtesie.
Full worthy was he in his lord's war,
And thereto had he ridden, near and farre,
As well in Christendom as in Heatheness,
And ever honoured for his worthiness.
At Alisandr' he was when it was won,
Full oftentime he had the field outdone
Aboven all the nations warring in Prusse.
In Lettone had he travelled, and in Russe
With many a noble army had he been.
Of mortal battles had he seen fifteen,
And evermore he had a sovereign praise,
And though that he was worthy he was wise,
And of his port as meek as is a maid,
He never yet no villany had saide
In all his life, unto no man or wight,
He was a very perfect noble Knight.