Christmas In Camelot

British Library, Cotton MS Nero A.x, article 3, ff. 94v95.

Christmas time. The king is home at Camelot

Among his many lords, all splendid men –

All the trusted brothers of the Round Table.

Ready for court revels and carefree pleasures.

Knights in great numbers at the tournament sports

Jousted with much joy, as gentle knights

Will do, then rode to the court for the carol-dances.

The festival lasted fifteen long days

Of great mirth with all the meat that they could manage.

Such clamour and merriment were amazing to hear:

By day a joyful noise, dancing at night –

A happiness that rang through rooms and halls

With lords and ladies pleasing themselves as they pleased.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Lines 37-49.