When Dinadan spied he might scarce abide
For terror, he cried, "I see
Sir Launcelot's shield! On a silver field
Three lions and lilies three!"

But he said it to shape a jest and jape,
That cowardly King to school;
For lions and lilies emblazoned thrice
He wist full well were the new device
Of Dagonet, Arthur s fool.

Now Mark had turned him about, to slip
Back, like a snake, for fear;
But Dinadan rode to his fellowship,
Who made of him passing cheer.

He told them his craft and all agreed;
So Dagonet, armed to fight,
Adventured his spear and spurred at speed,
Crying, "Ho! ye caitiff of Cornish breed!
Keep ye, ye craven knight!"