antled, they came before the King, while all the
nobles present held their peace, greatly pleased at the sight of these
handsome and well-behaved young men. They suppose that of course they
are all sons of counts or kings; and, to be sure, so they were, and of a
very charming age, with graceful and shapely forms. And the clothes
they wore were all of the same stuff and cut of the same appearance and
colour. There were twelve of them beside their lord, of whom I need tell
you no more than that there was none better than he. With modesty and
orderly mien, he was handsome and shapely as he stood uncovered before
the King. Then he kneeled before him, and all the others, for honour's
sake, did the same beside their lord.

(Vv. 339-384.) Alexander, with his tongue well skilled in speaking fair
and wisely, salutes the King. "King," he says, "unless the report is
false that spreads abroad your fame, since God created the first man
there was never born a God-fearing man of such puissance as yours. King,
your widespread renown has drawn me to serve and honour you in your
court, and if you will accept my service, I would fain remain here
until I be dubbed a knight by your hand and by no one else. For unless
I receive this honour from your hand, I shall renounce all intention of
being knighted. If you will accept my service until you are willing
to dub me a knight, retain me now, oh gentle King, and my companions
gathered here." To which at once the King replies: "Friend, I refuse
neither you nor your companions. Be welcome all. For surely you seem,
and I doubt it not, to be sons of high-born men. Whence do you come?"
"From Greece." "From Greece?" "Yes." "Who is thy father?" "Upon my word,
sire, the emperor." "And what is thy name, fair friend?" "Alexander is
the name that was given me when I received the salt and holy oil, and
Christianity and baptism." "Alexander, my dear, fair friend. I will keep
you with me very gladly, with great pleasure and delight. For you have
done me signal honour in thus coming to my court. I wish you to be
honoured here, as free vassals who are wise and gentle. You have been
too long upon your knees; now, at my command, and henceforth make your
home with man and in my court; it is well that you have come to us."

(Vv. 385-440.) Then the Greeks rise up, joyful that the King has so
kindly invited them to stay. Alexander did well to come; for he lacks
nothing that he desires, and there is no noble at the c