Page:Tom Beauling (1901).pdf/81

 been reading your favorite books behind your back, so as not to be behindhand. Listen. 'Thou, Sir Lancelot, there thou liest, that thou were never matched of earthly knight's hand.' Go on, Tommie."

Tommie, his voice faltering a little, took up the great threnody.

And thou were the courteoust knight that ever bare shield.

Then the judge:

And thou were the truest friend to thy lover that ever bestrad horse.

And again, Tommie:

And thou were the truest lover of a sinful man that ever loved woman.

And thou were the kindest man that ever struck with sword.

And thou were the goodliest person that ever came among press of knights.

They spoke in hushed voices, as if saying a litany.

And thou was the meekest man and the gentlest that ever ate in hall among ladies.

And thou were the sternest knight to thy mortal foe that ever put spear in the rest