d party of knights took the field; and
although they had various success, yet, upon the whole,
the advantage decidedly remained with the challengers, 10
not one of whom lost his seat or swerved from his charge--misfortunes
which befell one or two of their antagonists
in each encounter. The spirits, therefore, of those opposed
to them seemed to be considerably dampened by their continued
success. Three knights only appeared on the fourth 15
entry, who, avoiding the shields of Bois-Guilbert and
Front-de-B[oe]uf, contented themselves with touching those
of the three other knights, who had not altogether manifested
the same strength and dexterity. This politic selection
did not alter the fortune of the field: the challengers 20
were still successful. One of their antagonists was overthrown
and both the others failed in the attaint, that is,
in striking the helmet and shield of their antagonist firmly
and strongly with the lance held in a direct line, so that the
weapon might break unless the champion was overthrown. 25

After this fourth encounter, there was a considerable
pause; nor did it appear that anyone was very desirous
of renewing the contest. The spectators murmured among
themselves; for, among the challengers, Malvoisin and
Front-de-B[oe]uf were unpopular from their characters, and 30
the others, except Grantmesnil, were disliked as strangers
and foreigners.

But none shared the general feeling of dissatisfaction
so keenly as Cedric the Saxon, who saw, in each advantage
gained by the Norman challengers, a repeated triumph
over the honor of England. His own education had taught
him no skill in the games of chivalry, although, with the 5
arms of his Saxon ancestors, he had manifested himself on
many occasions a brave and determined soldier.

He looked anxiously to Athelstane, who had learned the
accomplishments of the age, as if desiring that he should
make some personal effort to recover the victory which was 10
passing into the hands of the Templar and his associates.
But, though both stout of heart and strong of person,
Athelstane had a disposition too inert and unambitious to
make the exertions which Cedric seemed to expect from
him. 15

"The day is against England, my lord," said C