I shall force you to confess · that what I say is true.”
Thus was ended the parley · and challenge betwixt these two.[21]
The opening of the lists for the six combatants, in the presence of the king, is another passage of much spirit and effect.
The heralds and the king · are foremost in the place.
They clear away the people · from the middle space;
They measure out the lists, · the barriers they fix,
They point them out in order · and explain to all the six:
“If you are forced beyond the line · where they are fixed and traced,
You shall be held as conquered · and beaten and disgraced.”
Six lances’ length on either side · an open space is laid;