marry but one, and that the other must be doomed to pipe his loss under an ivy leaf, each of you shall abide the fate destined for him, and after the following fashion. You shall go forth freely wherever you list, without ransom or danger from me; and by this day fifty weeks, each shall have collected from far and near a hundred Knights, armed 'all in proof' for the lists, ready to contend in battle for the hand of the lady: and this promise I hold you upon the truth of my knighthood, that whichever shall slay his opponent, or drive his hundred from the lists, on him will I bestow the hand of Emily to wife.'
Who was now light of heart, but Palamon? who bounded for joy but Arcite? and who can describe the rejoicings which were made when Theseus granted this fair favour? All, as well as the two Thebans, went on their knees and thanked him with grateful hearts. And so blithely the Knights took leave, and rode homeward towards old Thebes.
I must not omit to recount the great expense at which Theseus erected the lists. A nobler theatre I may say the world never
