Proffering for hire his service at the gate, To drudge, draw water, and to run or wait. 580 So fair befell him, that for little gain He served at first Emilia's chamberlain; And, watchful all advantages to spy, Was still at hand, and in his master's eye; And as his bones were big, and sinews strong, Refused no toil that could to slaves belong; But from deep wells with engines water drew, And used his noble hands the wood to hew. He pass'd a year at least attending thus On Emily, and call'd Philostratus. 590 But never was there man of his degree So much esteem'd, so well beloved as he. So gentle of condition was he known, That through the court his courtesy was blown: All think him worthy of a greater place, And recommend him to the royal grace; That, exercised within a higher sphere, His virtues more conspicuous might appear. Thus by the general voice was Arcite praised, And by great Theseus to high favour raised; 600 Among his menial servants first enroll'd, And largely entertain'd with sums of gold: Besides what secretly from Thebes was sent, Of his own income, and his annual rent: This well employ'd, he purchased friends and fame, But cautiously conceal'd from whence it came. Thus for three years he lived with large increase, In arms of honour, and esteem in peace; To Theseus' person he was ever near; And Theseus for his virtues held him dear. 610 BOOK II. While Arcite lives in bliss, the story turns Where hopeless Palamon in prison mourns. For six long years immured, the captive knight Had dragg'd his chains, and scarcely seen the light: Lost liberty and love at once he bore: His prison pain'd him much, his passion more: Nor dares he hope his fetters to remove, Nor ever wishes to be free from love.