The day approach'd when Fortune should decide The important enterprise, and give the bride; For now, the rivals round the world had sought, And each his number, well appointed, brought. The nations, far and near, contend in choice, And send the flower of war by public voice; That after, or before, were never known Such chiefs, as each an army seem'd alone: Beside the champions, all of high degree, Who knighthood loved, and deeds of chivalry, 10 Throng'd to the lists, and envied to behold The names of others, not their own, enroll'd. Nor seems it strange; for every noble knight Who loves the fair, and is endued with might, In such a quarrel would be proud to fight. There breathes not scarce a man on British ground (An isle for love and arms of old renown'd) But would have sold his life to purchase fame, To Palamon or Arcite sent his name: And had the land selected of the best, 20 Half had come hence, and let the world provide the rest. A hundred knights with Palamon there came, Approved in fight, and men of mighty name; Their arms were several, as their nations were, But furnish'd all alike with sword and spear. Some wore coat-armour, imitating scale; And next their skins were stubborn shirts of mail. Some wore a breastplate and a light jupon, Their horses clothed with rich caparison: Some for defence would leathern bucklers use, 30 Of folded hides; and others shields of pruce. One hung a pole-axe at his saddle-bow, And one a heavy mace to stun the foe; One for his legs and knees provided well, With jambeaux arm'd, and double plates of steel: This on his helmet wore a lady's glove, And that a sleeve embroider'd by his love.