So standing tall and stiff, the king himself
was talking, before the high table, of trifles of the court.
There, next to Guinevere, good Gawain was seated,
and Agravain of the Hard Hand on the other side sits,
both noble knights and nephews of the king;
Bishop Baldwin above at the head of the table,
and Ywain, son of Urien, ate alongside him.
All these dined on the dais and were duly served,
and next, the many true men at the sidetables.
Then the first course comes with the cracking of trumpets,
blaring with many bright banners that hung from them;
now the din of drums and dignified pipes,
wild warbling and whistling awakened an echoing,
so that many a heart heaved high when it touched them.
Delicacies were driven in with dainty meats,
a profusion of fresh food so full of dishes
they were at pains to find a place before the people
to set the sundry silver serving platters
            on cloth.
            Each lord as he loved himself
            was laughing without loath;
            each two had dishes twelve,
            good beer and bright wine both.