 promiscuous multitude
arranged themselves upon large banks of turf prepared for the purpose, which,
aided by the natural elevation of the ground, enabled them to overlook the
galleries, and obtain a fair view into the lists. Besides the accommodation
which these stations afforded, many hundreds had perched themselves on the
branches of the trees which surrounded the meadow; and even the steeple of a
country church, at some distance, was crowded with spectators.
    It only remains to notice respecting the general arrangement, that one
gallery in the very centre of the eastern side of the lists, and consequently
exactly opposite to the spot where the shock of the combat was to take place,
was raised higher than the others, more richly decorated, and graced by a sort
of throne and canopy, on which the royal arms were emblazoned. Squires, pages,
and yeomen in rich liveries, waited around this place of honour, which was
designed for Prince John and his attendants. Opposite to this royal gallery was
another, elevated to the same height, on the western side of the lists; and more
gaily, if less sumptuously decorated than that destined for the Prince himself.
A train of pages and of young maidens, the most beautiful who could be selected,
gaily dressed in fancy habits of green and pink, surrounded a throne decorated
in the same colours. Among pennons and flags bearing wounded hearts, burning
hearts, bleeding hearts, bows and quivers, and all the commonplace emblems of
the triumphs of Cupid, a blazoned inscription informed the spectators, that this
seat of honour was designed for La Royne de la Beaulté et des Amours. But who
was to represent the Queen of Beauty and of Love on the present occasion no one
was prepared to guess.
    Meanwhile, spectators of every description thronged forward to occupy their
respective stations, and not without many quarrels concerning those which they
were entitled to hold. Some of these were settled by the men-at-arms with brief
ceremony; the shafts of their battle-axes, and pummels of their swords, being
readily employed as arguments to convince the more refractory. Others, which
involved the rival claims of more elevated persons, were determined by the
heralds, or by the two marshals of the field, William de Wyvil and Stephen de
Martival, who, armed at all points, rode up and down the lists to enforce and
preserve good order among the spectators.
    Gradually the galleries became filled with knights and nobles, in their
robes of peace, whose long and rich-tinted mantles were contrasted with the
gayer and more splendid habits of the ladies, who, in a greater
