This is as if he should say, “These two foolish boys have got nothing from their liege lord, the god of love, but a very narrow escape with their heads. And Emelye herself knew no more of all this hot business than a cuckoo! But I, too, was young once, and in love, and so I won’t be hard upon them!” “I will pardon you,” he added, “for the queen’s sake and Emelye’s, but you must swear to me never to come and make war on me at any time, but be ever my friends in all that you may for the future.” And they were very thankful and promised as he commanded. Then Theseus spoke again, in a kind, half laughing way:-- To speke of real lynage and riches, speak, royal Though that sche were a quene or a prynces, princess Ilk of yow bothe is worthy douteles each To wedden, when time is, but natheles marry, nevertheless I speke as for my suster Emelye, For whom ye have this stryf and jelousye, Ye woot youreself, sche may not wedde two know At oones, though ye faughten ever mo; once, fought That oon of yow, or be him loth or leef, unwilling or willing He mot go pypen in an ivy leef;[97] must This is to say, sche may nought now have bothe, Al be ye never so jelous, ne so wrothe. angry “And as for wealth and rank, and royal birth, Although she were the noblest upon earth, Each of you both deserves to wed your flame Being of equal worth; but all the same It must be said, my sister Emelye (For whom ye have this strife and jealousy), You see yourselves full well that she can never Wed two at once although ye fought for ever! But one of you, whether he likes or no, Must then go whistle, and endure his wo. That is to say, she cannot have you both, Though you be never so jealous or so wroth.” With that he made them this offer--that Palamon and Arcite should each bring in a year’s time (50 weeks) a hundred knights, armed for the lists,[98] and ready to do battle for Emelye; and whichever knight won, Palamon and his host or Arcite and his host, should have her for his wife. Who looks happy now but Palamon? and who springs up with joy but Arcite! Every one was so delighted with the kindness of Theseus that they all went down on their knees to thank him--but of course Palamon and Arcite went on their knees most. Now, would you like to know all the preparations Theseus made for this great tournament?