chman, and they did their duty very well. So did others in turn, so
that it was seven o'clock before it was all finished and, for a small
tournament, the lookers-on never saw better jousting in their lives.

When all was over, each man went to his lodging to disarm and change; then
they all came to Bayard's lodging, where the banquet was ready, and there
were also the two judges, the lords of Ars and of St. Quentin, and all the
ladies. After supper it had to be decided and declared by the judges who
should have the prizes. Some of the gentlemen most experienced in arms were
asked to give their opinion "on their faith," and afterwards the ladies on
their conscience, without favouring one more than another. At last it was
agreed that, although each one had done his duty well, yet in their
judgment during the two days Messire de Bayard had done best of all;
wherefore they left it to him, as the knight who had gained the prizes, to
give his presents where it seemed good to him. There was a discussion
between the judges as to who should pronounce sentence, but the Captain
Louis d'Ars persuaded the lord of St. Quentin to do so.

The trumpet was sounded to command silence, and St. Quentin said: "My lords
who are here assembled, and especially those who have been in the Tourney
of which Messire Pierre Bayard has given the prizes for two days ... we
would have you know that after due inquiry of the virtuous and brave
gentlemen who were present and saw the contests, and of the noble ladies
here present ... we have found that although each one has very well and
honestly done his duty, yet the common voice is that the lord of Bayard has
done best in these two days; wherefore the lords and ladies leave to him
the honour of giving the prizes where it seems good to him." Then he added:
"My lord of Bayard, decide where you will give them." The young knight
blushed modestly and was quite troubled. Then he said:

"My lord, I do not know why this honour should come to me, for I think that
others have deserved it more than I. But as it pleases the lords and ladies
that I should be judge, I hope that the gentlemen, my companions, will not
be displeased if I give the prize for the first day to my lord of Bellabre,
and for the second day to the Captain David of Scotland." He therefore gave
the gold bracelet to his friend Bellabre, and the diamond to the Scotch
Captain David, and his decision was greatly applauded. There was again
feasting and