l in
the martial array had disappeared, and what was now visible was only
calculated to awake terror or compassion.

Yet such is the force of habit, that not only the vulgar spectators, who
are naturally attracted by sights of horror, but even the ladies of
distinction, who crowded the galleries, saw the conflict with a
thrilling interest certainly, but without a wish to withdraw their eyes,
from a sight so terrible. Here and there, indeed, a fair cheek might
turn pale, or a faint scream might be heard, as a lover, a brother, or a
husband was struck from his horse. But, in general, the ladies around
encouraged the combatants, not only by clapping their hands and waving
their veils and kerchiefs, but even by exclaiming, "Brave lance! Good
sword!" when any successful thrust or blow took place under their
observation.

Such being the interest taken by the fair sex in this bloody game, that
of men is the more easily understood. It showed itself in loud
acclamations upon every change of fortune, while all eyes were so
riveted on the lists that the spectators seemed as if they themselves
had dealt and received the blows which were there so freely bestowed.
And between every pause was heard the voice of the heralds, exclaiming,
"Fight on, brave knights! Man dies, but glory lives! Fight on; death is
better than defeat! Fight on, brave knights! for bright eyes behold your
deeds!"

Amid the varied fortunes of the combat, the eyes of all endeavored to
discover the leaders of each band, who, mingling in the thick of the
fight, encouraged their companions both by voice and example. Both
displayed great feats of gallantry nor did either Bois-Guilbert or the
Disinherited Knight find in the ranks opposed to them a champion who
could be termed their unquestioned match. They repeatedly endeavored to
single out each other, spurred by mutual animosity, and aware that the
fall of either leader might be considered as decisive of victory. Such,
however, was the crowd and confusion that, during the earlier part of
the conflict, their efforts to meet were unavailing, and they were
repeatedly separated by the eagerness of their followers, each of whom
was anxious to win honor by measuring his strength against the leader of
the opposite party.

But when the field became thin by the numbers on either side who had
yielded themselves vanquished, had been compelled to the extremity of
the lists, or been otherwise rendered incapable of continuing