these speeches:

[Footnote 1: knew.]

"Although, right mighty prince, this day of my brother's marriage be a
day of mirth, yet time craves another course; and therefore from
dainty cates rise to sharp weapons. And you, the sons of Sir John of
Bordeaux, leave off your amours and fall to arms; change your loves
into lances, and now this day show yourselves as valiant as hitherto
you have been passionate. For know, Gerismond, that hard by at the
edge of this forest the twelve peers of France are up in arms to
recover thy right; and Torismond, trooped with a crew of desperate
runagates,[1] is ready to bid them battle. The armies are ready to
join; therefore show thyself in the field to encourage thy subjects;
and you, Saladyne and Rosader, mount you, and show yourselves as hardy
soldiers as you have been hearty lovers; so shall you, for the benefit
of your country, discover the idea of your father's virtues to be
stamped in your thoughts, and prove children worthy of so honorable a
parent."

[Footnote 1: vagabonds, renegades.]

At this alarm, given him by Fernandyne, Gerismond leaped from the
board, and Saladyne and Rosader betook themselves to their weapons.

"Nay," quoth Gerismond, "go with me; I have horse and armor for us
all, and then, being well mounted, let us show that we carry revenge
and honor at our falchions' points."

Thus they leave the brides full of sorrow, especially Alinda, who
desired Gerismond to be good to her father. He, not returning a word
because his haste was great, hied him home to his lodge, where he
delivered Saladyne and Rosader horse and armor, and himself armed
royally led the way; not having ridden two leagues before they
discovered where in a valley both the battles were joined. Gerismond
seeing the wing wherein the peers fought, thrust in there, and cried
"Saint Denis!" Gerismond laying on such load upon his enemies, that he
showed how highly he did estimate of a crown. When the peers perceived
that their lawful king was there, they grew more eager; and Saladyne
and Rosader so behaved themselves, that none durst stand in their way,
nor abide the fury of their weapons. To be short, the peers were
conquerors, Torismond's army put to flight, and himself slain in
battle. The peers then gathered themselves together, and saluted their
king, conducted him royally into Paris, where he was received with
great joy of all the citizens. As soon as all was quiet and he had
received again the c