was gentle and modest as a maid, perfect in manners and goodness. His
clothes might have deceived you as to his rank. His habergeoun was
bespattered with the mud of his latest journey, and his gipoun was
but of fustian, yet his horse was a fine one. As you would expect,
his tale was of chivalry and knighthood.



TALES OF THE FIRST DAY



THE KNIGHT'S TALE OF PALAMON AND ARCITE

Long ago, as old stories say, there was a great duke named Theseus,
renowned in fight and perfect in all chivalry. One day, as he was
returning from one of his most glorious battles, a great company of
women met him, weeping and wringing their hands in grief. They
besought Theseus that he would help them. "We are from Thebes," they
said, "and in the days of our prosperity were ladies of rank; but
alas, Creon, our foe, has sacked our city, slain our husbands and
sons, and now denies us even the right to bury our dead."

Theseus was moved to anger at their story, and swore that he would
punish Creon. Without more ado, he turned his horse and led his men
to Thebes. There he killed Creon and his followers, and the mournful
ladies were able to wash the bodies of their lords and give them
honourable burial. Now it chanced that among those whom Theseus
fought were two young knights, Palamon and Arcite. They were sorely
wounded in the fight and had been I left for dead; but after the