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This was the forward, pleynly for t'endite, |
| Bitwixen Theseus and hym Arcite, |
| That if so were that Arcite were yfounde |
| Evere in his lif, by day or nyght or stounde, |
| 355 | In any contree of this Theseus, |
| And he were caught, it was acorded thus, |
| That with a swerd he sholde lese his heed; |
| Ther nas noon oother remedie ne reed, |
| But taketh his leve and homward he him spedde; |
| 360 | Lat hym be war! His nekke lith to wedde! |
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The agreement was, to set it plainly down, |
| As made between those two of great renown: |
| That if Arcita, any time, were found, |
| Ever in life, by day or night, on ground |
| 355 | Of any country of this Theseus, |
| And he were caught, it was concerted thus, |
| That by the sword he straight should lose his head. |
| He had no choice, so taking leave he sped |
| Homeward to Thebes, lest by the sword's sharp edge |
| 360 | He forfeit life. His neck was under pledge. |
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