ch all the knights present, who were desirous
to win praise, might take part; and being divided into two bands, of
equal numbers, might fight it out manfully until the signal was given by
Prince John to cease the combat. The elected Queen of Love and Beauty
was then to crown the knight, whom the Prince should adjudge to have
borne himself best in this second day, with a coronet composed of thin
gold plate, cut into the shape of a laurel crown. On this second day the
knightly games ceased. But on that which was to follow, feats of
archery, of bull-baiting, and other popular amusements were to be
practiced, for the more immediate amusement of the populace. In this
manner did Prince John endeavor to lay the foundation of a popularity
which he was perpetually throwing down by some inconsiderate act of
wanton aggression upon the feelings and prejudices of the people.

The lists now presented a most splendid spectacle. The sloping galleries
were crowded with all that was noble, great, wealthy, and beautiful in
the northern and midland parts of England; and the contrast of the
various dresses of these dignified spectators rendered the view as gay
as it was rich, while the interior and lower space, filled with the
substantial burgesses and yeomen of merry England, formed, in their more
plain attire, a dark fringe, or border, around this circle of brilliant
embroidery, relieving, and at the same time setting off, its splendor.

The heralds finished their proclamation with their usual cry of
"Largesse,[48-4] largesse, gallant knights!" and gold and silver pieces
were showered on them from the galleries, it being a high point of
chivalry to exhibit liberality toward those whom the age accounted at
once the secretaries and historians of honor. The bounty of the
spectators was acknowledged by the customary shouts of "Love of
ladies--Death of champions--Honor to the generous--Glory to the brave!"
To which the more humble spectators added their acclamations, and a
numerous band of trumpeters the flourish of their martial instruments.
When these sounds had ceased, the heralds withdrew from the lists in gay
and glittering procession, and none remained within them save the
marshals of the field, who, armed cap-a-pie, sat on horseback,
motionless as statues, at the opposite ends of the lists. Meantime, the
inclosed space at the northern extremity of the lists, large as it was,
was now completely crowded with knights desirous to prove thei