One squire attended in the same disguise, Made conscious of his master's enterprize. Arrived at Athens, soon he came to court, Unknown, unquestioned in that thick resort; Proffering for hire his service at the gate, To drudge, draw water, and to run or wait. So fair befel 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 passed a year at least attending thus On Emily, and called Philostratus. But never was there man of his degree So much esteemed, 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; Among his menial servants first enrolled, And largely entertained with sums of gold; Besides what secretly from Thebes was sent, Of his own income, and his annual rent. This well employed, he purchased friends and fame, But cautiously concealed 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. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 148: The poet here introduces a distinction, well known in heraldry. The banner was a square flag, which only barons of a great lineage and power had a right to display. The pennon was a forked streamer borne by a knight: Theseus carried both to the field, each bearing a separate device. Chaucer says, "And by his banner borne is his pennon." ] [Footnote 149: This play of words, which is truly Ovidian, does not occur in Chaucer, nor is it in conformity with our author's general ideas of translating him. (See Introduction to the "Fables.") The Old Bard says simply: The other where him list may ride and go, But see his lady shall he never mo. ] [Footnote 150: This violent machine seems unnecessary. The change, previously described as having taken place in Arcite's appearance, might have vindicated his return to the court of Theseus. The apparition of Hermes is only intended as an allegory, to signify Arcite's employing stratagem.] PALAMON AND ARCITE, OR, THE KNIGHT'S TALE. BOOK II.