But the cherles chicken   had changed his armes;
He had soothly forsaken   the sauturour engreled,
And laght up three lions   all of white silver,
Passand in purpure   of perry full rich, 226
For the king sholde not know   the cautelous wretch.
Because of his cowardice   he cast off his attire;

Alliterative Morte Arthur