And wel I woot, er she me mercy heete,
I moot with strengthe wynne hire in the place,
And wel I woot, withouten help or grace
Of thee ne may my strengthe noght availle.
Thanne help me, lord, tomorwe in my bataille,
For thilke fyr that whilom brente thee,
As wel as thilke fyr now brenneth me,
And do that I tomorwe have victorie.
Myn be the travaille, and thyn be the glorie!
– Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales, The Knight’s Tale. Arcite pleads with god of war Mars to help him be victorious in his battle with Palamon in the great stadium the following day. He says that he must win Emily for whom he is burning with the fires of love and promises glory to Mars if he is the tournament winner.