At once the crowd arose; confused and high, } Even from the heaven, was heard a shouting cry, } For Mars was early up, and rouzed the sky. } The gods came downward to behold the wars, Sharpening their sights, and leaning from their stars. The neighing of the generous horse was heard, For battle by the busy groom prepared: Rustling of harness, rattling of the shield, Clattering of armour, furbished for the field. Crowds to the castle mounted up the street, Battering the pavement with their coursers' feet: The greedy sight might there devour the gold Of glittering arms, too dazzling to behold; And polished steel, that cast the view aside, And crested morions, with their plumy pride. Knights, with a long retinue of their squires, In gaudy liveries march, and quaint attires. One laced the helm, another held the lance; A third the shining buckler did advance. The courser pawed the ground with restless feet, And snorting foamed, and champed the golden bit. The smiths and armourers on palfreys ride, } Files in their hands, and hammers at their side, } And nails for loosened spears, and thongs for shields provide.[164] } The yeomen guard the streets, in seemly bands; And clowns come crowding on, with cudgels in their hands. The trumpets, next the gate, in order placed, Attend the sign to sound the martial blast: The palace-yard is filled with floating tides, And the last comers bear the former to the sides. The throng is in the midst; the common crew Shut out, the hall admits the better few In knots they stand, or in a rank they walk, Serious in aspect, earnest in their talk: Factious, and favouring this or t'other side. As their strong fancies and weak reason guide. Their wagers back their wishes; numbers hold With the fair freckled king, and beard of gold: So vigorous are his eyes, such rays they cast, So prominent his eagle's beak is placed. But most their looks on the black monarch bend, His rising muscles, and his brawn commend; His double-biting axe, and beamy spear, Each asking a gigantic force to rear. All spoke as partial favour moved the mind; And, safe themselves, at others' cost divined. Waked by the cries, the Athenian chief arose, The knightly forms of combat to dispose; And passing through the obsequious guards, he sate Conspicuous on a throne, sublime in state; There, for the two contending knights he sent; Armed cap-a-pee, with reverence low they bent; He smiled on both, and with superior look Alike their offered adoration took. The people press on every side to see Their awful prince, and hear his high decree. Then signing to the heralds with his hand, They gave his orders from their lofty stand. Silence is thrice enjoined; then thus aloud The king at arms bespeaks the knights and listening crowd:--