The Rime of Sir Thopas. Fytte the First. [30] Fytte the First 1. Listen, lordlings, in good intent, And I will tell you verament Of mirth and chivalry, About a knight on glory bent, In battle and in tournament; Sir Thopas named was he. Listen 2. And he was born in a far countréy, In Flanders, all beyond the sea, At Popering in the place; His father was a man full free, And of that country lord was he, Enjoyed by holy grace. 3. Sir Thopas was a doughty swain, Fair was his face as pain de Maine, His lips were red as rose; His ruddy cheeks like scarlet grain; And I tell you in good certaine, He had a seemly nose. 4. His hair and beard like saffron shone, And to his girdle fell adown; His shoes of leather bright; Of Bruges were his hose so brown, His robe it was of ciclatoun— He was a costly wight: 5. Well could he hunt the strong wild deer, And ride a hawking for his cheer With grey goshawk on hand; His archery filled the woods with fear, In wrestling eke he had no peer,— No man ’gainst him could stand. 6. Full many a maiden bright in bower Was sighing for him par amour Between her prayers and sleep, But he was chaste, beyond their power, And sweet as is the bramble flower That beareth the red hip. 7. And so it fell upon a day, Forsooth, as I now sing and say, Sir Thopas went to ride; He rode upon his courser grey, And in his hand a lance so gay, A long sword by his side. 8. He rode along a forest fair, Many a wild beast dwelling there; (Mercy in heaven defend!) And there was also buck and hare; And
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