Page:Tales from Chaucer.djvu/135

 Emily or die. Choose at once, for there is no escape for you.'

When Arcite had recognised him, and listened to his speech, with a lion's rage he drew his sword, and said, 'By the great Jove, who sitteth above us, were it not that you are mad for love, and are weaponless, you should never quit this grove alive. I deny the pledge and bond which you pretend I made with you. Fool!—again I tell you, love is free; and, in your despite, love her I will. But as you are a worthy Knight, and of gentle blood, and desire to win her by battle, I here give you my word of honour, that to-morrow, without disclosing the affair to any other being, I will not fail to be found here equipped as a Knight, and I will bring accoutrements for you, and you shall select according to your pleasure. Moreover, I will now bring you food and covering for the coming night. If, in this wood, you slay me, and win my lady,