themfelves, and rode into a fpacious clofe in En* tença, well fanded, where the tilts were to be per-formed. Scaffolds were erefted for the ladies, the king, the duke, and the many englifh lords who had come to witnefs the combat ; for none had (laid at home. The two knights, who were to perform this deed of arms,entered the lifts fo well armed and equipped that nothing was wanting. Their fpears, battle-axes and fwords, were brought them ; and • each, being mounted on the beft of horfes, placed himfelf about a bow-fhot diftant from- the other, «but, at times, they all pranced about on their horfes moil gallantly, for they knew every eye to be upon them. All being now arranged for their combat, which was to include every thing, except pufhing it to ex-tremity, though no one could forefee what mifchief might happen, nor how it would end; for they were to tilt with pointed lances, then with fwords, which were fo fharp that fcarcely a helmet could refill: their ftrokes ; and thefe were to be fucceeded by battle-axes and daggers, each fo well tempered that nothing could withftand them. Now, confider the perils thofe run who engage in fuch combats to exalt their honour, for one unlucky ftroke puts an end to the bufinefs. Having braced their targets and examined each other through the vifors of their helmets, they fpurred on their horfes, fpear in hand. Though they allowed their horfes to gallop as they pleafed, they advanced on as ftraight a lpicas if it had been draw- S03