Note: According to editors Laskaya and Salisbury, Syre Clegys/Sir Cleges exists in two early-15th-century manuscripts (both from the East Midlands) which differ from one another; they agree with the idea that the two derive from a common original via oral tradition.

Synopsis: Sir Cleges and his wife are very generous to everyone who visits their manor, giving hospitality and gifts to those of every rank and station. This eventually uses up all their money and leaves them in great poverty. One winter day, Sir Cleges laments to God about the need for the poor to have succour, and thereupon finds cherries growing out of season in his garden. His wife advises him to take them to King Uther for a reward. At the king's castle, the porter, the usher, and the steward each in turn refuse to let him enter unless he promises them a third of the reward. When Cleges gives the cherries to the king and is asked what reward he wants, he asks for twelve blows—and then explains the reason for this unusual reward. The avaricious servants are duly punished, then the King grants Clegys lands and wealth.