Teseida

[2] Running to almost 10,000 lines divided into twelve books, its notional subject is the career and rule of the ancient Greek hero Theseus (Teseo), although the majority of the epic tells the story of the rivalry of Palemone and Arcita for the love of Emilia.

Book II: Returning home to Athens with Ipolita, he encounters on the road a group of women from Thebes.

At their entreaty, Teseo reroutes his army to Thebes (sending Ipolita on to Athens under guard) and there does battle against Creon.

Book III: From out of the window of their shared prison cell, both men spy Ipolita's younger sister, Emilia, and are instantly smitten.

However, at the intercession of Peritoo, a friend of Teseo, Arcita is released from prison under the condition that he will leave Athens and never return.

Learning who the combatants are and the cause of their dispute, he decrees that the two must fight it out formally in the lists, the victor to win the hand of Emilia.

Book VI: A year later the opposing champions arrive and are described in detail, as is the arena specially built for the contest.

Book VII: Just before the morning of battle, the opposing lovers, as well as Emilia (who wants to remain single), pray to their respective deities.