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 sharp spear, against his antagonist; that if he choose, he may defend himself on foot; and anyone who by mischance shall be taken alive, and brought to the stake, agreed upon by both sides, shall remain there till the strife be concluded: and lastly, if the chieftain on either side be taken or slain, the tournament shall straightway cease.'

Up went the trumpets, with their rousing tones; and the whole company rode forth to the lists, which were hung all round with cloth of gold. Theseus went first, and on either side the two Thebans: the Queen and Emily followed, and after them the company, according to their rank.

When these were all seated, the populace crowded in, and were ranged in order. Then from the west gate, under Mars, entered Arcite and his hundred partisans, bearing a red banner:—at the same moment, on the east side, under Venus, and bearing a white banner, Palamon entered, with confident and courageous bearing. Never were two companies so matched, both in worthiness of deeds, estate, and age. After they had been