Page:The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart.pdf/209

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THE LABYRINTH OF THE WORLD
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with trade or book came forward, and unable to show wounds and goods taken from the enemy, as the others did, they drew out and presented their own purses, or writings which had been up into books. And to them also such things were given as to the others—indeed, frequently more gorgeous ones; and then they were admitted into a higher hall.

(The Splendour of Knights.)

3. Entering behind them, I see bands of them who were walking together; they had feathers on their heads, spurs on their heels, and steel around their hips. I did not approach them closely, and I did well so. For I soon saw that others who meddled with them fared not well; for those who approached them too closely, who did not sufficiently make room for them, who did not bend their knees to them sufficiently, who knew not how to pronounce their titles sufficiently correctly, these they struck with their fists. Fearing that this would befall me also, I begged that we might go thence. But Searchall said; "First look better at them, but be careful."

(Knightly Deeds.)

4. So I look from a distance and behold their deeds. Then I see that their work (as they said because of the privileges of their estate) consisted in treading the pavement, sitting astride on the