Page:Stories from Old English Poetry-1899.djvu/107

Rh Now the first day of the tourney arrived, and the terms of the combat were declared. It was announced that he who was victorious on the third day, should be allowed to claim the fairest of all the dames as his lady, and that to her should belong the golden girdle which her knight’s valor had won.

Then all the hearts of the ladies fluttered with the hope of possessing so rich a prize, and the good right arm of every knight waxed stronger at the thought of laying the girdle at the feet of the lady whom he most admired.

The first day’s heralds sounded the charge. All day long the air was full of the din and dust of conflict; and when at evening the signal was given to close the fight, the stout Sir Satyrane sat alone in the field as victor over all the others. On the second day also Sir Satyrane fought gallantly, till at length Triamond, the sworn knight of Candace, won fortune to his lance’s side, and remained at last the conqueror of all the field.

The third and last day came. Again victory rested for a while upon Sir Satyrane’s spear, till near the very close, the peerless Britomart, breathless with haste, rode into the lists, and with her enchanted weapon, which none could overcome, bore off the glory of the day, and was declared of all the victor.

Then each knignt led forth his lady, and