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THE KNIGHT'S TALE:

for the purpose; and upon a bier, covered with cloth-of-gold, Arcite was laid, (his face uncovered,) clad in a suit of the same material. His head was crowned with green laurel; his white gloves were upon his hands, and one of them held his own good sword.

Then came the mourner Palamon, with dishevelled hair and beard, in a black suit bedropped with his tears, and, excepting Emily, the ruefullest of the train.

After these came three steeds, caparisoned with glittering steel, adorned with the arms of Arcite. Their riders bore his shield, his spear, and his bow, the case and furniture of which were of burnished gold. They rode forth towards the grove at a solemn pace. The bier was supported upon the shoulders of the noblest Greeks; and the great street of the city through which they passed was hung with black. Theseus, accompanied by old Egeus, followed the train, bearing golden vessels containing honey, milk, blood, and wine. Emily, in accordance with the custom of the time, carried the fire for the funeral service. I need not tell you all that was done at the