It was large and level, having been used as a drilling ground for generations.

Perhaps it measured four hundred yards square, and almost in the centre of it rose a stand of painted timber roofed with canvas, and ornamented with gilded flagstaffs, from which hung banners.

On this stand, David said, the Doge and nobles would take their seats to see the fray, for in front of it the charging knights must meet.
They walked up and down the course taking note of everything, and especially of how the sun would shine upon them and the foothold of the soil, which appeared to be formed of fine, trodden sand.
"I ask no better ground to fight on," said Hugh at length, "though it is strange to think," he added with a sigh, "that here within a dozen hours or so two men must bid the world farewell." "Ay," answered Dick, who alone seemed untouched by the melancholy of that night.

"Here will die the knave with three names and the big fool of a half-bred Swiss, and descend to greet their ancestors in a place that is even hotter than this Venice, with but a sorry tale to tell them.

By St.George! I wish it were nine of the clock to-morrow." "Brag not, Dick," said Hugh with a sad smile, "for war is an uncertain game, and who knows which of us will be talking with his ancestors and praying the mercy of his Maker by this time to-morrow night ?" Then, having learned all they could, they walked across the ground to the quay that bordered it on the seaward side.