ed
honour and integrity.

It was customary for princes, on some public festivity or rejoicing,
to appoint a day for these entertainments, and give public notice to
the knights in their own territories, as well as in the neighbouring
states.

The knights generally made their appearance four days before the
combat. They endeavoured to excel each other in the splendour of their
equipage and dress, and in the excellence and beauty of their horses,
which were adorned with the most costly caparisons. Their armorial
ensigns were displayed with great pomp during three days, that all who
viewed them might judge if they were worthy of entering the lists. The
field where the tournament was to be held was railed in with pales.
This place was called the lists. A king was appointed to preside over
the sports, as were also judges to examine the knights' armour and
arms, and to see that no unfair advantage was taken. A number of other
officers were appointed, which our space will not allow us to mention.

A short distance from the lists were the galleries and pavilions for
the spectators; the most splendid was that fitted up for the lady who
presided as queen of the tournament and her attendants, all splendidly
attired. The most noble and most beautiful ladies of the court crowded
to these martial entertainments to inspire the combatants with ardour,
by giving them some token or favour, such as a scarf, veil, or
bracelet, with which the knight adorned his helmet or spear.

Their arms were lances of light wood, without iron at the top; swords
without edge or point; in some instances wooden swords were used.
The knights were formed into two parties, and entered the lists by
different barriers, riding round the lists several times to pay their
respects to their sovereign and the ladies. At length the heralds
sounded to arms; the quadrils, or troop, took their stations; when the
charge was sounded, the knights rushed against each other with the
utmost impetuosity. The clashing of swords, the sounding shields, the
war-cry of the knights, who shouted the name of their ladye-love in
the midst of the mimic strife, greatly excited the spectators, who, in
return, cheered and encouraged the combatants. When the knights were
brave and determined, the contest lasted some hours; the vanquished,
that is, those who were thrown from their horses, withdrew from the
lists as quietly as possible, leaving the field to their successful
opponents. The v