ng
Rosader, who in all his thoughts reached at honor, and gazed no lower
than virtue commanded him, and began to tell him of this tournament
and wrastling, how the king should be there, and all the chief peers
of France, with all the beautiful damosels of the country.

"Now, brother," quoth he, "for the honor of Sir John of Bordeaux, our
renowmed father, to famous that house that never hath been found
without men approved in chivalry, show thy resolution to be
peremptory.[1] For myself thou knowest, though I am eldest by birth,
yet never having attempted any deeds of arms, I am youngest to perform
any martial exploits, knowing better how to survey my lands than to
charge my lance: my brother Fernandyne he is at Paris poring on a few
papers, having more insight into sophistry and principles of
philosophy, than any warlike endeavors; but thou, Rosader, the
youngest in years but the eldest in valor, art a man of strength, and
darest do what honor allows thee. Take thou my father's lance, his
sword, and his horse, and hie thee to the tournament, and either there
valiantly crack a spear, or try with the Norman for the palm of
activity."

[Footnote 1: stedfast.]

The words of Saladyne were but spurs to a free horse, for he had
scarce uttered them, ere Rosader took him in his arms, taking his
proffer so kindly, that he promised in what he might to requite his
courtesy. The next morrow was the day of the tournament, and Rosader
was so desirous to show his heroical thoughts that he passed the night
with little sleep; but as soon as Phoebus had vailed the curtain of
the night, and made Aurora blush with giving her the _bezo les
labres_[1] in her silver couch, he gat him up, and taking his leave of
his brother, mounted himself towards the place appointed, thinking
every mile ten leagues till he came there.

[Footnote 1: kiss.]

But leaving him so desirous of the journey, to Torismond, the king of
France, who having by force banished Gerismond, their lawful king,
that lived as an outlaw in the forest of Arden, sought now by all
means to keep the French busied with all sports that might breed their
content. Amongst the rest he had appointed this solemn tournament,
whereunto he in most solemn manner resorted, accompanied with the
twelve peers of France, who, rather for fear than love, graced him
with the show of their dutiful favors. To feed their eyes, and to make
the beholders pleased with the sight of most rare and glisteri