evermore I will serve thee." At this the rings of the temple doors
clanged, the very walls rang, while the fire on the altar blazed
bright in the gloom. From the earth rose a sweet savour. The statue
of Mars itself shook, and murmured "Victory." The walls and armour
re-echoed, "Victory."

Arcite rose up from his prayer glad and confident, and went to
prepare for the fight.

Never was such excitement before. On every hand was noise of bolting
of armour, buckling of helms, bridling of horses, sounding of
trumpets, pawing of steeds; rushing here to see a fine prince and his
retinue, rushing there to see a fine new banner and shield; and over
all the bright sun of a fresh May morning. Some were sure Arcite
would win, some favoured Palamon, but whatever the event of the day,
all knew that ere the sun set many a deed of valour would be done,
and many a gallant knight show his prowess.

At an early hour Theseus himself in all his royal robes appeared at
his palace window, and all the folk hastened thither to see him and
hear his will. The royal herald mounted a high scaffold. "Ho! Ho!" he
cried. "Hear the will of Theseus the great duke! For inasmuch as it
were destructive to gentle blood to fight a mortal battle this day,
he that shall be overcome shall not be slain, but shall be brought to
the stakes which are at either end of the lists. There, brought by
force, shall he abide, nor take any further part in fighting. If and
when the chieftain on either side be taken, then shall we declare the
tourney over and award the prize. Go forth, good people, go forth!
This is my lord's will!" Loud were the people's cheers, and at once
the processions began. Theseus with his queen and Emily and all his