But for as muche thou art a worthy knyght
And wilnest to darreyne hire by bataille,
Have heer my trouthe; tomorwe I wol nat faille,
Withoute wityng of any oother wight,
That heere I wol be founden as a knyght,
And bryngen harneys right ynough for thee;
And ches the beste, and leef the worste for me.
And mete and drynke this nyght wol I brynge
Ynough for thee, and clothes for thy beddynge.
And if so be that thou my lady wynne,
And sle me in this wode ther I am inne,
Thow mayst wel have thy lady as for me.
– Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales, The Knight’s Tale. Arcite challenges old friend and love rival Palamon to a duel to the death the next day, the survivor and winner getting Emily as the prize. In keeping with the code of chivalry, Arcite offers to bring armor, and Palamon can choose the best, and also bring food, drink and bedding so that his rival can have sound night’s sleep before the battle.